This week's content is not what I originally planned. But the only consistency in 2020 is a lack of consistency - so I'm going with it. For my family, the most difficult thing to grapple with this year was the loss of my father-in-law in September. I've spent lots of time reflecting and re-evaluating - and I'm not done. But what I have come to is this - take the time to make the memories. There are details of day-to-day life that get in the way - and so many of those details are valid. HOWEVER. Sometimes things can be moved around and changed to make it work.
When my in-laws were at my house for my daughter's birthday dinner in March of 2020 I couldn't have imagined it would be the last meal we would share with my father-in-law. He was seemingly healthy and more active at the age of 74 than I've ever been. Yet, he was gone in September. And along with him the plans my husband, kids, and I had for memories we wanted to make with him.
In my family it has been difficult to plan travel together. My children are substantially younger than all of the other first cousins - on both sides. My oldest nephew has a child of his own - and my younger daughter is seven; it's a wide age gap. Sometimes money is the issue or work schedules that don't align. But here's what I have to say - if you have memories you want to make - be loud with your family. Tell them what you'd like to do, and why. Explain clearly what your schedule limitations are. Your family might tell you they can't make it work. Or, they might go out of their way to make it happen. Looking back - there's a chance I wasn't clear, and that I didn't reach out enough. Learn from my mistakes.
The possibilities of family travel are nearly endless. There are the go-to's - Disney of course, all-inclusive resorts with kids' clubs and nightlife for everyone. There are also ski vacations, ranches, smaller amusement type places like Gatlinburg Tennessee, and Santa's Village and Storyland in New Hampshire. There are so many I'd like to share with you. Here are just a few options to get you thinking.
Upstate NY - Dude Ranch
A quick google search for Dude Ranches in New York will get you lots of options. I love this idea for families, and Ridin Hy Ranch in Warrensburgh, NY tops my list. The ranch was opened in 1940 by Ed Carstens, and continues to be run by the family. They suffered a fire in 2018 in which they lost their main lodge and restaurant, but they came together to rebuild over a span of 18 months, and are offering the same family-friendly atmosphere, but with a brand new lodge.
There are plenty of accommodation options including chalet cabins, multi-unit log buildings, and one story motel units. All are within a short distance to the beach & pool.
Cold Weather activities include skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, hockey & ice skating, sleigh rides and snowmobiling while summer has Horse Back Riding Lessons and Guided Trail Riding, pontoon, pedal, and row boat rides. Kayaking, fly-fishing, and water-skiing - just to name a few.
This is the kind of family resort that prides itself on having repeat families year after year, and they embody a lost kind of family vacation reminiscent of the Catskills heyday. There's nightly entertainment, bingo, arts and crafts, archery, tennis, and the list goes on. If you're looking to be outdoors, get away and relax, but also have plenty to do - this is a place worth checking out!
Estes Park, Colorado
If you're looking for a Western vacation, you might consider Estes Park, Colorado. As the headquarters for Rocky Mountain National park it's an ideal outdoor mountain destination that offers year-round activities for a wide age range. You'll be surrounded by the Rocky Mountains on all sides with opportunities for a multitude of summer and winter activities.
Summer in the area is filled with guided activities such as fly fishing, horseback riding, and white water rafting. There's also plenty to explore on your own by driving along the Continental Divide on Trail Ridge Road to Grand Lake or down the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. In the winter you can fill your days with snowshoeing, ice climbing and cross-country skiing. No matter what the season you can take in the beauty and look for the animals in Rocky Mountain National Park. In the village there are shops, restaurants, and museums. All in all - if you're looking to take in the beauty of nature - Colorado is one of the places to do it.
There are many accommodation options - one being Estes Park Resort. It's the only lodging on Estes Lake itself, and is a good location to experience Estes Park as well as the Rocky Mountains.
If Colorado sounds good, but you'd like a traditional winter ski vacation check out an Aspen itinerary I put together for a client HERE. It's a terrific family vacation option!
Myrtle Beach
If you're looking for an East Coast vacation - you might consider the casual family-focused resort town of Myrtle Beach. It has a little something for everyone mixed in to its 60 miles of beaches. You'll find the Family Kingdom Amusement Park, Splashes Oceanfront Water Park, the Broadway Grand Prix Family Race Park, river tours, the Santee Coastal Reserve, and dolphin cruises - just to name just a few of the options.
There's a newer promenade area along the Oceanfront Boardwalk. You'll find restaurants, shops, special events and festivals, along with a wide variety of year round activities from thrill rides like the Sling Shot and the Skyscraper to the huge Myrtle Beach Skywheel (It has 42 climate-controlled gondolas that fit 6 people!).
Myrtle Beach hosts a variety of hotels and resorts - with the newer more updated area being in the North. You may consider The Marina Inn at Grande Dunes which offers a little bit of a quieter area while still being within 5 minutes from the action. It's not right on the water, but there is a shuttle to take you back and forth to the beach.
Another option is the Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes. This one is just steps from the beach and located in the middle of the action.
There are many places you can vacation across the US and abroad - big and small, luxury and budget - to make time away with extended family a reality. Tell me what you're looking for, and I'll do my best to help you find it. If you have schedule and monetary limitations - let me know. Be honest about your budget, and I'll be honest with you about what we can make work. I may tell you that you need to change your dates, or the number of nights, or maybe stay at a less fancy resort or hotel. But I'll do everything in my power to help you make memories with your family.
Sending love, peace, and good wishes out to all of you for the year to come.
If you want to check out options for Wyoming and Montana check out our post HERE.
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