Have a Memorable Summer

As published in The Florida Villager

Summer is officially here! The other day I was in the checkout line at Publix and the woman in front of me was bemoaning on the phone to a friend about planning “the” summer vacation. She was stymied as to what to do with her family. It seemed she couldn’t get past the same old, same old type of vacations. Disney, cruises, cabin stays and visiting family. So, I got to thinking on the way home this would be a great article. I came up with some outside of the box family and couple vacations for the summer. I wanted them to not only be getaways but true memorable experiences.

For the family:

– Slide Rock in Arizona is one of America’s top 10 swimming holes.

– A houseboat on Lake Powell where you can explore canyons and zip down your own slide into the water.

– Riding the Durango-Silverton Railroad in Colorado and then stay in Durango’s haunted hotel, The Strater Hotel.

– White water rafting down the Colorado River

– Wisconsin Dells, known as the Water Park Capital of the world it has every type of water park you can think of along with go-karts, zip lines and rollercoasters.

– Tanque Verde Ranch in Arizona. A dude ranch with every activity you can think of to keep the family engaged.

– Dinosaur Valley State Park in Texas. Kids will see footprints of dinosaurs and swim in the Blue Hole.

– Round Hill in Montego Bay. There is more than enough to keep kids of all ages excited about being there. Adults, you will love it, too.

For couples, here are a few places that offer romance, magical moments and bonding:

– Blackberry Farm in TN is the perfect place to unplug. An intimate, luxury hotel on 4,200 acres. A definite bucket list item.

– A stay at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. A prerequisite to your stay is to watch Somewhere in Time.

– Experience staying in the Heceta Head Lighthouse in Cape Cove, Oregon.

– Attend the Burning Man for a life changing experience. Located in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada this event takes place once a year and is quite the happening.

– Shotgun Camp at Sea Island Shooting School in Georgia where you will learn clay shooting and hunting.

– Hike the John Muir Way through Scotland.

– Spend a week at The Point in the Adirondacks. This “camp” built by the magnets of the Gilded Age will blow you away.

– Stay in a tree house and feel like a kid again at TreeHouse Point in Washington.

This summer, create a magical memory. Do something completely different. We are all guilty of planning the same thing year after year because it is easy and familiar. Our “go to” places could be the beach, the mountains, the same resort or a family home out of state. Commit to making this year’s vacation unusual and novel in some way. Have fun and travel safe!

 

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