Best of...Christmas Destinations
This holiday season, for a little change of pace, take a trip to a new winter destination. Every city and town in the United States has lovely Christmas lights and unique Christmas traditions. Some places celebrate Christmas year round and go all out during the holiday season. Here are a few exciting and unique destinations have holiday traditions and celebrations that are well worth a visit during Christmastime.
Hershey, PA
Hershey, PA, called "The Sweetest Place on Earth," is where Milton Hershey started his chocolate factory, now known to people around the world. The town that bears his name is also home to Hersheypark, which puts on a spectacular Christmas program. The Hersheypark Christmas Candyland includes a light show, caroling and, of course, Santa. Hersheypark also has a variety of rides and other fun activities year round. Visitors to Hershey can also enjoy the famous drive-thru light display Sweet Lights.
Paradise, PA
Paradise, which is around 28 miles from Hershey, is home to The National Christmas Center, the only museum dedicated to Christmas in the world. At this Christmas wonderland museum, open all year, visitors will find a huge variety of Christmas displays. The displays include Santa images, a "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa" display, nativity exhibits and war years Christmas displays. Children are sure to enjoy Santa's workshop with the animatronic reindeer. The museum also has a Woolworth's exhibit with many of the classic five and dime toys.
Santa Claus, IN
In the town of Santa Claus, Indiana, everything is Santa Claus themed. Visitors will find streets named Blitzen Lane and Prancer Drive. Throughout the Spring and Summer visitors can enjoy the thrilling rides, including the world's best wooden rollercoaster, at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari. Unfortunately for holiday visitors, the Holiday World Park is closed until May 2010. However, the town of Santa Claus has lots of holiday fun other than the adventure park. Check out Santa's Candy Castle, reopened in 2006, where the whole family can join in the excitement of the Christmas spirit and sip on the famous frozen hot chocolate. Visitors will also enjoy the Santa Claus Museum, the headquarters for Santa's Elves, who answer all of the lost letters to Santa that arrive at the Santa Claus Post Office every year. No visit to Santa Claus is complete without a visit to the famous Post Office. While you're there, make sure to get a piece of mail postmarked with this year's unique postmark.
New York, NY
New York City is a great place to spend the holidays. The city is an amazing destination throughout the year, but the holiday lights and decorations are a wonderful bonus for holiday guests. First, visitors should stop and see the tree at Rockefeller Center. For the children, FAO Schwartz is a must-see destination. The store is a giant wonderland for children with heaps of toys to look at. The New York FAO Schwartz is the biggest and oldest toy store in the city, and its morning opening ceremony is a sight worth waiting for. Every morning three toy soldiers play a fanfare to open the store and welcome shoppers, then the store rolls out a red carpet for the shoppers. Another added bonus during the holiday season in New York are all of the fantastic window displays throughout the city's stores. If you don't want to shop, you can take a walking tour to see the delightful window displays.
North Pole, NY
The family will love a visit to the North Pole and Santa's Workshop. North Pole, New York, is close to Lake Placid, a much easier distance than a trip to the North Pole! Santa's Workshop opens at the end of June and remains open until a few days before Christmas. At the workshop, children can meet Santa and the whole family will love the festive atmosphere of the village. Visitors can feed the reindeer, ride the carousel, talk to an elf, and speak with Tannenbaum the talking Christmas tree. The village also has theaters, a blacksmiths shop, a candy shop, a glassblowers shop and, of course, a toymakers shop. This theme park is one place visitors can revel in all of the festivities of the Christmas season. In addition, since the town is close to Lake Placid, visitors can enjoy all of the outdoor winter activities to be found in the area.
Leavenworth, WA
The holiday season in Leavenworth is especially beautiful. Visitors will find concerts and plays, nativity scenes and even hand bell concerts. All of the little shops and inns are lit up with their holiday decorations, and seeing the town covered in pristine white snow is a delight. The town has the yearly German Christmas Market, Kristkendlmarkt, and the Christmas Lighting Festival. Visitors can also take sleigh rides through the snow. After a day of fun in the snow, visitors can return to the beautiful little town and have some fun with a Bavarian holiday experience. Leavenworth is a great destination for a quiet and traditional Christmas holiday, filled with carols, snow and sweet treats.
Las Vegas, NV
During the holiday season, the lights of Las Vegas are even more spectacular than usual. Although the city doesn't give visitors a traditional holiday experience, there are many great holiday activities and sights to take in. All of the hotels and casinos are transformed with their holiday decorations. The Bellagio has particularly spectacular decorations and the fountains perform to Christmas carols. Visitors to Las Vegas also have some fantastic shopping options, including an FAO Schwartz toy store. In the city you can enjoy a wide variety of music and entertainment throughout the holidays, as well as enjoying the terrific food.
Grand Canyon, AZ
The Grand Canyon is a great destination year round. In the winter, the canyon is coated in snow and the North Rim is closed, but the South rim is open year round, as are all accommodations and restaurants. Visiting the Grand Canyon during the holidays is a magical experience. The Grand Canyon is fairly close to Flagstaff, where you can enjoy a wide range of winter recreation. Another fabulous holiday tradition is The Polar Express, a special train ride run by the Grand Canyon Railway. Families can experience the tradition of the Polar Express ride from the children’s book of the same name. On this evening ride, children wear their pajamas and have the chance to meet Santa, enjoy delicious treats and visit the "north pole."
Best of...Cross-Country Skiing
Jackson Ski Touring - Jackson, New Hampshire
Jackson Ski Touring is a great cross-country ski location. The ski area is near to the town of Jackson, which has played a significant role in the sport of cross-country skiing. The ski area has a large touring center for skiers to rest, rent, and eat. There are trails ranging from beginning to advanced experience levels. This location also has lots of backcountry skiing and even wilderness trips into the White Mountain National Forest.
Craftbury Outdoor Center - Connecticut
This location is known for its great snow, which arrives earlier and lasts longer than other places in the area. This good ski weather is due to its topography. The trails have a nice mix of challenge and pleasant terrain. You will be able to travel on forested trails and trails through meadows. The Craftbury Outdoor Center also offers is trailside lodging, so you can camp overnight along the trail.
Gunflint Trail - Minnesota
Gunflint Trail is a grouping of four different trail associations. Together these associations maintain over 60 miles of trails. These trails span from Grand Marais to the Sawtooth Mountains. You will also find numerous lodges along the 60 miles of trail. This area has so many trails that you could ski for days and never cross your tracks.
Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort - Colorado
This ski area provides a unique experience for cross-country skiers, since it is located at an elevation of 8,500 feet. You will feel a little short of breath, but in exchange for more difficult conditions you get amazing scenery. Many of the trails here are open, so you get a lot of sun, although you will come across some wooded trails. Located deep in the Rocky Mountains, this resort is known for its deep powder and sunny skies.
Sun Mountain Lodge - Winthrop, Washington
Sun Mountain Lodge is on Sun Mountain, which is conveniently located above the Methow Valley. The Methow Valley is known for some of the best cross-country skiing in the US. It is also one of the largest Nordic centers in the US. Here you will find over 120 miles of trails. There are trails for beginners and professional racers; everyone will enjoy the trails they find within Sun Mountain and the Methow Valley.
Soldier Hollow - Midway, Utah
Soldier Hollow was the location for the cross-country events for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Here you will find world-class cross-country skiing. The trails are well groomed and you may even see some famous cross-country skiers. Park City, the famous downhill ski area, is nearby if you are looking for a change in pace. Park City is a popular destination for skiers throughout the world.
Royal Gorge - Soda Springs, California
Royal Gorge is located right in the Sierra Nevadas. This ski area encompasses over 9,000 acres, making it the largest Nordic ski area in the US. There are over 190 miles of trails for cross-country skiers of all experience levels. The center has a great cross-country school for beginners. You will also find some very nice amenities, including trailside warming huts and cafes.
Trapp Family Lodge - Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is a fabulous skiing destination. The Trapp Family Lodge was the first Nordic ski resort in the United States. It has an Austrian style lodge, highlighting the European origins of cross-country skiing. There are over 28 miles of groomed trails. For those seeking a more challenging adventure there are also 62 miles of backcountry trails.
Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort - Oregon
Mt. Bachelor has one of the longest cross-country seasons, from November to April. This ski resort combines great cross-country skiing and fabulous downhill skiing. Groups with varying interests will enjoy Mt. Bachelor since it provides many different skiing options. One of the cross-country trails, Oli's Alley, has a 600-foot elevation change over 12 kilometers.
Sun Valley - Idaho
Sun Valley, located within the Rocky Mountains, boasts of some of the Northwest's best skiing. There is a fantastic Nordic Center with heated outdoor pools and ice-skating. For cross-country skiers there are about 25 miles of groomed trails. There are also a large variety of cross-country options including classical, ski touring, and skate skiing. For beginners there is also a large ski school.
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Top 10 Family Attractions
Looking for a great place for your next family vacation? The United States is full of amazing places that will wow the entire family. From theme parks to national parks, these best family attractions have something to interest every member of the family, adults and children alike.
Orlando, Florida
Best known for Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida has lots to offer the family vacationer. For a sea theme adventure, visit SeaWorld Orlando. Or visit Universal Studios Orlando and experience your favorite movies on the thrilling rides. If you're looking for a little bit of culture during your stay, you could view a performance by the Orlando ballet.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon provides an awe-inspiring experience. Visit the South Rim year round or, for a more secluded experience, visit the North Rim from May to October. The Grand Canyon offers mule trips, amazing hiking and river trips, and for the kids the Grand Canyon offers Junior Ranger programs. Be sure to make your camp or lodge reservations well in advance since this is a popular destination for vacationers worldwide.
San Diego, California
Visit the San Diego Zoo and see wild animals from across the globe, or see the rhinos on a safari trip at the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park. Experience sea life at SeaWorld. For a little relaxation, swimming, surfing or snorkeling, visit San Diego's beautiful beaches.
New York City, New York
The Big Apple offers a wide variety of attractions like no other city in the United States. Visit the Statue of Liberty, view New York City from the Empire State Building Observatory on the 86th floor, experience the hustle and bustle of Times Square, or see The Lion King on Broadway. These are just a few of rich and diverse experiences to be found in New York City.
Yellowstone National Park, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming
Visit America's first national park to experience some of the natural splendors of America. Stop in at one of the visitor centers to learn about the abundant wildlife living in Yellowstone. Spot Elk and Bison while backcountry or day hiking. Bring or rent a bicycle and ride past Old Faithful. Experience the many thermal areas of Yellowstone including Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser Basin and the mud pots at Artist Paint Pots. This is a great road-trip destination for the family.
Washington, DC
The capital of our country offers the ultimate historical and cultural family vacation. Washington, DC offers a wide range of museums to interest everyone. Make sure to stop at the Smithsonian during your stay. Take your children to some of this nation’s treasures, such as the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the National Mall. You can even visit the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Check out Cape Cod for a fun filled family vacation. Visit some of the historic lighthouses and museums to learn about the rich history of this area. Try a sightseeing, fishing or whale watching tour. Relax on one of the fabulous beaches, catch one of the Cape Cod Baseball League games or ride your bike on one of the many bike trails.
Big Island, Hawaii
Explore the Big Island of Hawaii from the beautiful beaches to the snowy mountaintop. Swim, snorkel, scuba dive and surf off Hawaii's beautiful coast. Experience the different beaches, hike out to Papakolea, the green sand beach, see green sea turtles at the black sand beach of Punaluu Beach Park or go for a swim at Hapuna Beach State Park, the biggest white sand beach on the island. Experience the volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or view the movement of lava at the Kalapana viewing site.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is a great spot to experience the splendor of the Pacific Northwest. Visit the touch pools at the Seattle Aquarium to learn about the sea-life of the Puget Sound or visit the Woodland Park Zoo and see the newly renovated penguin exhibit. Ride the monorail to the Pacific Science Center and have a meal at the top of the Space Needle. Explore the Pike Place Market and walk along the waterfront before taking a scenic ferry ride.
Nashville, Tennessee
For a family vacation steeped in music, visit Nashville, Music City. Take an amphibious tour of the city on the Music City Duck Tours. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Grand Ole Opry and -- for lovers of the King -- get tickets to the musical biography at the Texas Troubadour Theatre. For even more family fun check out the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, the Adventure Science Center, and play in the water-slides at Nashville Shores or Wave country.
Best of...Fireworks
From bursting pom poms to soaring rockets, there's something magical about Fourth of July fireworks. This year, why not take a camping trip to see some of the best shows the nation has to offer? These incredible displays are truly some of the finest, but if you can't reach one of these destinations, enjoy the show you do catch and have a fabulous Fourth.
Nashville, Tennessee
This city of music really rocks during a fireworks show that's choreographed to live music by the symphony. Nashville's display includes country and rock headliners performing before the pyrotechnic show.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
America was born in Philly, so it only makes sense that they're fireworks show should be out of this world. The Sunoco Welcome America celebration lasts a full week. The city is full of activities for families, including special shows and plays, a city-wide party, and the annual concert before the fireworks show.
New York, New York
With usual New York gusto, this fireworks show puts on one heck of an act. The Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks launches over 35,000 shells from three locations for a full 30 minutes of boom and pyrotechnics. The New York Pops plays patriotic music in sync to this amazing barrage from the East River.
Idaho Falls, Idaho
This incredible event starts with a buffet dinner and is followed by a performance by the Idaho Falls Symphony Orchestra. The fireworks display is known as the largest display west of the Mississippi River.
Boston, Massachusetts
The fireworks display in Boston has been a popular event for over 30 years. More than 200,000 people line the banks of the Charles River for the Boston Pops concert and pyrotechnic display.
Washington, D.C.
Thomas Jefferson hosted the first official 4th of July Celebration on the lawn of his mansion over 200 years ago. Today you can see the fireworks display over the stunning D.C. skyline, which includes historic buildings like the Washington Monument and Capitol building. The National Symphony Orchestra plays.
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Known as some of the best fireworks west of the Mississippi - and in a gorgeous setting.
New Orleans, Louisiana
With its musical roots, it's not wonder New Orleans can put on quite a July 4th show. Don't miss the great food!
Chicago, Illinois
The city of Chicago cosponsors the annual Fourth of July celebration with Navy Pier, and each year they bring something new. Sit on the shore of the lake and watch this incredible show.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Take a chair and blanket down to the shore or the boardwalk and watch a beautiful pyrotechnic display.
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Things to Do
