5 Great Family Getaways
School holidays mean getting just a few days to take the family somewhere new. They also mean that every other family is doing the same thing at the same time and, often, in the same places. The shorter lines for a Saturday morning latte at the neighborhood coffee shop and no wait at favorite nearby eateries are blissful enough reasons to just choose a staycation. But whether it's a last-minute change of heart for Easter or planning ahead for Memorial Day and beyond, we came up with five family-friendly destinations that won't break the bank, shouldn't be too crowded, and are mouthwatering food havens that even picky eaters can navigate.
Asheville, N.C.
No matter where you're coming from, Asheville makes for a charming, relaxing getaway. Get the family outsidefor days spent whitewater rafting, hiking, zip lining, or horseback riding with the Blue Ridge Mountains as your backdrop. Or for something more low-key, hit one of Asheville's many outdoor food markets like the Biltmore Park Town Square or the Western North Carolina Farmers Market. Then, indulge in the town's fantastic food scene at places like Corner Kitchen, Fig, and Table. Also, keep in mind that no visit to Asheville would be complete without a stop at the grand and iconic Biltmore Estate and Gardens.
Where to stay? Book a room at the stunning Biltmore Estate or stay at the historical Reynolds Mansion bed-and-breakfast.
Breaux Bridge, La.
The world's crawfish capital is Breaux Bridge, La., where any time not spent eating, cooking, or talking about crawfish is spent listening to music. There is plenty to do with kids here over the course of a long weekend, from swamp tours searching for alligators and all kinds of birds, to stepping back in time at Vermillionville, a town that recreates the lives of 18th-century settlers,
Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, held the first full weekend in May, to see the town at full tilt. Of course, there's plenty of crawfish and Cajun food to be had outside the festival, at Café des Amis (try the crawfish étouffée), Poches Market, and Glenda's Creole Kitchen. (Photo courtesy of Flickr/petname)
Where to stay? Check into the renovated 1860s French and Creole-inspired house Maison des Amis, or try the smaller, but no less charming Country Charm Bed and Breakfast.
Monterey Bay, Calif.
Home to the enormously popular Monterey Bay Aquarium, this seaside California town is a fabulous and relaxed family getaway. Take the kids for a stroll through Fisherman's Wharf, let their imaginations run wild at Dennis the Menace Playground, or spend a day just playing in the waves at one of the area's many beaches or shoreline parks. Of course, fresh seafood is of great importance in Monterey, where restaurants serve the day's freshest catch. Crystal Fish is kid-friendly sushi with
Stokes Restaurant has a long and rich history with a rustic Californian menu, and Jose's Mexican Bar & Grill serves fresh Mexican dishes like fish tacos, fresh guacamole, crab enchiladas, and strong margaritas. (Photo courtesy of Flickr/ccho)
Where to stay? The Portola Hotel & Spa has a great kids program, called the Pirate Kids Program, while the InterContinental Clement Monterey is next to the aquarium and offers expansive views of the water.
Rockland, Maine
Hit the seaside town of Rockland, Maine, for a long weekend spent playing in the ocean, breathing in the salty fresh air, and eating freshly caught lobster. Birch Point State Park is a great place to start off with toes in the sand followed by a visit to the Maine Lighthouse Museum and the Project Puffin Visitor Center. Or take the kids out on the water with Captain Jack Lobster Boat Adventures. Then, put the area's lobster rolls to the test by sampling some of the best and choosing your favorites — Linda Bean's, Waterman's Beach, and Miller's Lobster Co. (try the pies, too) are great jumping off points.
Where to stay? Spring for a room at Camden Harbour Inn or rest your head at the stunning Samoset Resort, which sits on a seaside golf course.
Pueblo, Colo.
Colorado really offers something for everyone —there are stunning landscapes and great outdoor adventures, just as there are fantastic foods to be found throughout. Each year at the end of September, the town of Pueblo welcomes more than 10,000 visitors for the Pueblo Chile and Frijoles Festival, but there is plenty to see, do, and eat all year-round. Places like Bingo Burger, Solar Roast Coffee, and Magpies all showcase the locally focused cuisine. Spend a few days checking out the Pueblo Zoo, biking or hiking, and museum-hopping (aircraft museum, for example). Grab an afternoon snack at Hopscotch Bakery.
Where to stay? Hotels in Pueblo are largely limited to the big national chains, but the top reviewed among them are the Wingate by Wyndham Pueblo and the Pueblo Marriott.