A Logbook Simply for Flying

How cute is this logbook? Found on one of my big faves Paul & Paula this fun interactive travel journal  makes for a great way for kids to keep notes on their travels and look back on them later on. I think E may still be a bit young for it, but it may be right on point after she starts school in the fall. You can buy the book directly here.

Palm Springs Eternal

Sometimes, it's important to stop and smell the flowers and enjoy the nature around us. It's important for  the little ones too. It's important for them to take a break from the over-stimulation-non-stop-commercial-media world for EVERYONE to refuel. You'll appreciate it and yes, your kids will enjoy it too. It doesn't have to be Disney Princesses/Batman/Spongebob/Barbie all day, all the time. The Palm Springs/Desert area is the perfect place to do just that.

Only about 2 hours away from San Diego and Los Angeles, the Palm Springs area offers you an opportunity to relax and take a breather, all the while keeping the family entertained thanks to the beautiful desert environment.

I've already written about the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs, but it truly is an amazing place to unwind.

The rooms are beautiful, the bed ultra comfy. Hip but still very family friendly. We got a room with a king bed and there was enough room for E to sleep in her trusty camping bed. The prices are generally very reasonable and if you visit this site you can usually find some amazing deals. We stayed for under 100$/night. The King's Highway restaurant in the hotel is also a great option. We had both breakfast and dinner there and both were great. Although there isn't a kids menu per say, they were also very accommodating in making special meals for kids. In the evening the restaurant also has Free theme nights. We all enjoyed Sissy Bingo with Linda Gerard, E thought it was great fun! I really can't say enough about this place, what I can say, is that you won't want to leave!

About an hour away from Palm Springs is Joshua Tree National Park. It's an amazing day to spend the day taking in the desert landscape. The parks service also has great recommendations for kids. We went on a few hikes and took in some great views. The Keys View will give you an opportunity to see a panoramic view of the Coachella Valley where you can see all the way to the Salton Sea.

Discovering the Salton Sea is also incredible and if you are interested in nature preservation, I would highly recommend doing it while you still can. Isreali born documentary film-maker Alma Har'el  made an amazing film about the Bombay Beach area. 

While you're near Niland, why not check out the zaniness of Salvation Mountain. Created by Leonard Knight, this incredible piece of outsider art is a 50 ft high and 150 ft wide tribute to his love for god.

Another place to see some amazing views is at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway where you will travel through 4 climate zones as you travel up the Chino Canyon of San Jacinto mountain. Sign up your little ones (ages 3 - 12) for the Tramsters Club for some discounts!

After seeing the great heights on the aerial tram head off to The Living Desert Zoo to take in animals from the North American and African continents. The kids will love grooming the dwarf African goat in the Petting Kraal of the African Village WaTuTu. There's a great Discovery Centre which offers some great interactive indoor activities if you need to get out of the sun for a little bit and a really awesome G scale model train which is sure to fascinate if not mesmerize the little ones! There's also a carrousel for all to ride. Note that summer hours are reduced as it gets too hot for the animals (and people), so if your visit is during the summer (June 1 - Sept 30) make sure that you plan your visit for the morning.

Lastly, the canyons were unfortunately closed when we were there, but next time we are in the area we will definitely be checking out the ranger-led hike of Palm Canyon.

A weekend in Burlington, Vermont

Take a long weekend in Burlington, Vermont to just unwind and relax. We recently made the trip. Refreshed, we are sure to do it again before the end of the summer.

The Gray Room at Shelburne Farms 

The Pottery Cottage at Shelburne Farms

The Vineyard Cottage at Shelburne Farms

Stay at the beautiful Inn at Shelburne Farms. Room rates start at $155/night, they also have private cottages with kitchenettes on the farm grounds which offer families a little more privacy, which start at $260/night. Clients of the Inn and/or restaurant supports the farm's sustainable farming, conservation and their educational programs. On the shores of Lake Champlain, the inn was originally the 19th-century country home of Dr. William Seward and Lila Vanderbilt Webb. Restored in 1987, the inn today retains its historic character and continues the tradition of warmth, informal elegance and hospitality. 

Petting the Animals at the Children's Farmyard

While your there, visit the grounds of the beautiful farm with your own guided tour, or or take a wagon ride (offered every half an hour) form the visitor's centre to the Children's Farmyard where the kids will be able to get close to Brown Swiss Milk cows, Brown Swiss calves, goats and kids, sheep and lambs, pigs and piglets, several breeds of rabbits, polish Crested hens and bantams, laying hens and roosters, meat birds, turkeys, miniature Sicilian Donkeys and a Belgian draft horse. Kids can also milk a cow, collect eggs, pet and brush a rabbit, brush the horses and the donkey and all kinds of other farm activities. You can also go visit their cheesemaking facilities or if it's a nice day wander around the grounds on their walking trails.

On Saturday, make your way to City Hall Park in downtown Burlington for the weekly Farmer's market where local farmers sell some of the best local, organic produce and meat. Stock up on delicious food from farms such as the Boucher Family Farm  and Willow Hill Farm (who also offers blueberry picking if you go visit their farm site) only to name a few of the many, many vendors, and pack your picnic basket before you head down to North Beach for the rest of the day.

North Beach, Burlington Vermons

This beautiful clean, family friendly beach has a space for all and is great for little kids as it doesn't get too deep. Older children will still enjoy enough depth to swim and jump around in the water. There is a beautiful park area with lots of shady trees with picnic tables so you can have your family lunch feast and a bbq grill for each picnic table in the park. There is also a large gazebo with long tables for large groups which you can reserve for special events. There's also a great playground where E made lots of new friends. Camping is also possible on the park's grounds. After a full day outside, watch the sunset on the waterfront while having dinner at Splash, where there is a kids menu and something for the whole family.

Playground at North Beach

On Sunday, head out to Waterbury (about 30 minutes) to go visit the Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory and take in a tour and some ice cream samples! Throughout the summer they also have a Free Outdoor Movie Festival where you can take in a flick for the whole family.

Sunday afternoon, head back to Church Street Market place and stroll around the pedestrian streets and take in some shopping and street performers of all kinds. Events of all kinds are planned throughout the summer and year-round. End your day by having dinner on one of Church Street's many restaurants, sit outside and enjoy the people watching and the scenery!