30Jul

A Visit to the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

hudson valley with kids

On a recent visit to Hyde Park in the Hudson Valley, we took our son for a tour of Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. It’s a remarkable property was built over a hundred years ago in 1898 by Frederick Vanderbilt, grandson of railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt. The tour took us to see about 15-20 rooms of the 50-room Classical style mansion. One of eight heirs to his family’s fortune, Frederick purchased the property in 1895 and hired architect Charles McKim to decorate a “country house” in which the family could entertain guests during the Read More

25Dec

Snowshoeing for the First Time in Beaver Creek

Snowshoeing

Last week, while vacationing in Beaver Creek, Colorado, I went snowshoeing for the first time.  It was a sport I'd never thought about before, and I was eager to try it.  It's also a sport that has a big following all over the world. You can either snowshoe for pleasure, or you can race competitively (believe me, I know what I'm talking about, I met several people who do it).  According to the Snow Sports Industries America, snowshoe sales are up 21% in units and up 20% in dollars sold through February this season.  If you like sports, particularly Read More

23Dec

Eating Out in Beaver Creek Resort (With and Without the Kids)

Coyote Cafe

Beaver Creek Village has all kinds of choices for families of all shapes and sizes when it comes to finding something to please everyone after a day on the snow.  Whether you're eating out with the family, or manage to slip away on your own on a date, there are wonderful options all over the resort.  You can go low key, or slightly fancy, and it's always possible to find solid options. Here are some of our favorite culinary spots to check out while you're visiting, both with and without the kids: Starting with the kids: Toscanini is located in Read More

20Dec

Home Away from Home at the Elkhorn Lodge in Beaver Creek, Colorado

elkhorn lodge

I recently discovered a true gem for families in Beaver Creek, Colorado.  It's the Elkhorn Lodge, a ski-in/ski-out lodge situated just minutes from the village.  It's clean, spacious and comfortable and ideal for a family staying for more than a few days.  It has everything to suit a family's needs: location, free shuttle service to the resort, fully equipped kitchens, jetted bath tubs and more.  The lodge is actually a condominium with wholly owned condos, but you can pay per night while the owners are away. They are immaculate and the lodge truly Read More

19Dec

Family Travel: 10 Reasons Why to Visit Beaver Creek Resort

If you're looking into planning a ski trip this winter with the family, you should definitely consider Beaver Creek Resort in Beaver Creek Mountain, Colorado, as a top option on your list.   Known as a village in the mountains that offers the promise of "not exactly roughing it," it is a place that offers the perfect amount of rustic luxury for any family to travel comfortably and affordably. From the moment you step into the crisp air with mountains gazing at you from every direction, you will be transported. The views are stunning and the resort is Read More

26Jan

Where to Take Your Kids Skiing in NY and Connecticut

There are so many reasons people are fortunate to live in Westchester.  First and foremost, there is the proximity to New York City.  One can jump on the Metro North train and whiz into the city to work, play or eat.  Space is another issue – one can buy a house with a yard in Westchester.  But what some people don’t realize is one valuable reason: SKIING.  There are ski slopes that are less than one hour from our doorstep.  As a result, my kids are growing up to be born skiers.  There are ski slopes in Northern Westchester and Southern Connecticut that Read More

30Jan

Skiing with the Kids

I was 25 when I went on my first ski trip. I was living in NYC and joined a group of singles on a trip to Killington in Vermont. I liked it but was such a novice, however I felt exhilarated flying down the slopes.   I also loved the whole concept of sitting by a fire and drinking hot chocolate between trips up and down the mountain.  I also quite liked the whole ski culture, which is very international and has its own flavor. Since I met dear hubby who has a passion for skiing, I've gotten more into the spirit of the sport and look forward to Read More