New York: Greene County, Catskills Family Vacation Ideas, Butterflies and Bears, Splash Parties, and a Farm Adventure.
Posted July 15, 2009 , add a comment
Imagine a family vacation spot with golf, tennis, bowling, hay rides, fishing, stargazing, horseback riding, hiking, drive-in movies, bowling, mountain biking, mountaintop picnics, farm adventures and a waterpark. Add to that farm fresh produce markets, awesome ice cream, delicious German pastries and tasty Black Horse Farm pies. You are imagining Greene County in the family friendly Catskills.
Located between the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains two hours north of New York City, Greene County has embraced family vacationers for more than a century. It is a family vacation destination with resort options geared to families. Choices span the gamut of vacation styles filled with traditions – something old, something new. Like an heirloom cake recipe meant to be shared with those who appreciate quality, a family vacation in the Catskills offers a rich mix of traditions and a funky American style uncommon at mainstream destinations. What exactly does Greene County have to offer vacationing families? We have assembled a family vacation list making it easy to take action on your own.
Seek bears and butterflies in Cairo. Okay so everyone knows about the clever cat sculptures adorning walkways and parks in Greene County but new this year visitors will also find hand-painted statues of bears positioned to celebrate Henry Hudson. The bears have been individually painted by local artists to depict scenes relevant to Henry Hudson’s life and legacy. The bears may be found along Main Street in Cairo and in surrounding hamlets. Bonus points: The bears are part of a summer-long interactive quest complete with clues and an “Explore with Henry Hudson” treasure map. The fun and educational quest was created for families to share while learning fun facts about Henry Hudson and his journey. Using the quest map participants find each bear and look for the hidden butterflies somewhere within each bear’s design. Inside one of the butterflies on each bear there is a clue that corresponds to one of the “Quadricentennial ‘Quest”ions” about Henry Hudson. Finalists are eligible for a prize drawing, and coupons from local businesses.
Go Cat’n around Catskill. For the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Celebration Main Street in Catskill becomes the Hudson River as the Catskill Cats help visitors celebrate Explore NY 400. The 2009 artful felines celebrate the uniqueness of the Hudson River Valley adorned to reflect the culture, art, history, agriculture, industry and landscapes of vicinity. Need to know: Wherever a cat appears you will be in the middle of the fun and if you want to take a cat home, there will be an auction in September.
Pay one price and get it all. The Hudson Valley area offers Brigadoon style resorts where the fun just happens without the support of the outside world. Many have all-inclusive vacation packages offering three meals a day, nightly entertainment, daytime activities and counselors for the kids. From country western dancing, Karaoke and campfire songs to Bocci, horse-drawn wagon rides and ping-pong, vacationing is easy. Some resorts welcome dogs and even have created dog parks onsite while other spots produce Las Vegas nights, fireworks and talent shows. Some all-inclusive resorts add a cultural twist. Think about a getaway with an Irish twist, maybe a resort with a German atmosphere or place with Italian flare - just step inside the Greene box.
Go golfing with family. If golfing is a family tradition then sharing the tradition with your youngsters is a vacation benefit. In Greene County courses offer – no they welcome - junior golfers. There are several courses within the area that have family friendly policies which allow youngsters ages 12 or older to share green space and fairways with parents or grandparents.
Splash down with your kids. Water always makes a summer vacation more fun and Greene County is the home of New York’s top ranked waterpark. The Zoom Flume makes any summer day a little crazier, more fun and definitely exciting. It is the place to zoom down giant winding water slides and careen 300 feet to a splash down pool. Travel the 10,000 gallon-a-minute “rapids” rafting a 600-foot chute and slide, twist, turn and splash in the darkness of the Thrilling Black Vortex. Splash and play in the giant sized lagoon activity pool or relax and float slowly down the Lazy River. For little tykes they have created Pelican Pond - a miniature version of the waterslide fun. Need to know: Mother Nature’s swimming spots include Dolan Lake and North and South Lakes where you will find fishing and rowboat rentals.
Remember the good old days? Not everyone remembers when drive-in movie theaters, roller rinks, and bowling nights were common place but Greene County has two drive-in movie locations and a 1950s era roller rink. So it is still possible to share a vintage night in the car at the movies or skate to the music at Purling Roller Rink and bowl a few games at Hoe Bowl Lanes. Bonus points: It’s also possible to pick your own berries, peaches or apples and ride in a horse drawn carriage at Boehn Farm. At Hull O Farms guests are encouraged to feed calves, milk cows, and collect eggs.
Go for the ice cream. Every family vacation should include at least one, if not two stops for ice cream and the town of Catskill has two promising spots. Cone E Island by Catskill Creek has more than a dozen tempting soft-serve ice cream cone choices, plus soda floats, banana splits, egg creams and simple fast food in a Coney Island atmosphere. The funkiest ice cream flavor is Blue Goo soft-serve which tastes like cotton candy. About a dozen coin-operated mechanical animal rides add to the retro atmosphere. Also in Catskill on route 32 is Kaatskill Cider Mill with a 1950s-style ice cream counter serving burgers and dogs and featuring more than 20 flavors of hard packed ice cream. Try dark chocolate cappuccino crunch or maybe a scoop of cotton candy.
Remember Rip Van Winkle? This is the region that inspired the legends about Rip. The tales of Washington Irving reflect the mid-Hudson Valley, the sleepy home of Rip Van Winkle. Irving’s tales include localized German and Dutch lore and uniquely American tales and legends. His timeless stories create a sense of place. Stories like ‘‘Rip Van Winkle’’ and ‘‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’’ remain timeless signatures of the area which is definitely not a sleepy place. 
Ride up and hike down. Not just for snow skiing anymore Hunter Mountain operates its SkyRide - four-passenger chairlift during the summer months. It is the longest and highest in the Catskill region moving riders to an altitude of 3,200 feet above sea level. Imagine gliding effortlessly to the top – seeing plenty of green, feet kicking in the wind. From the drop-off point there are miles of state-maintained hiking trails criss-crossing the area, offering terrain for short scenic hikes of varying difficulty. While it is always an option to ride back down from the crest, there are several trails leading back to the mountain’s base or for the energetic on Hunter’s 4,040-foot summit and the fire tower. Bonus points: During weekends in the warm weather months the spirit of Rip Van Winkle pervades. In homage to the tale of the man who fell asleep in Greene County a giant sculpture of Rip and his faithful dog is being carved on the mountain. Just take the chairlift to the top and watch the sculptor at work.
Bike in the mountains. Any family with young teens knows that energetic days sustain family vacation harmony and that mountain biking is loads of fun and takes oodles of energy. The best bet in the area is Hunter Mountain with miles of mountain bike trails and to make it easy to enjoy a mountain bike adventure they rent IronHorse mountain bikes at the Sports and Expeditions Center. Hunter Mountain’s lift-serviced mountain biking program is flexible providing easy scenic routes for beginners and for expert riders challenging downhill trails and single tracks spread throughout 200 plus acres. Bonus points: For skills practice and mastery Hunter One Skills Center features a learning park with scaled down features and guided tours with staff in a safe and controlled environment. Families with hard-to-please teenagers should make a beeline to the Adventure Park at Windham Mountain to see why paintball is one of America’s fastest growing sports or to try the bungee trampoline, rock climbing wall and skateboard park.
Time travel in Cairo. Each August the annual Catskill Mountains Renaissance Faire in Cairo makes it easy to escape to another century. Visit the make believe land of Cantonshire and spend a day with knights, maidens, beggars and fools. Listen to a psaltery played by a lady in waiting and watch a festive joust. Hear stories and listen to court music. Shop for a costume or acquire the perfect accessory. Need to know: Those who approach the gate wearing Renaissance garb will receive $2 off per ticket.
Arrange family spa time. Sharing spa time with a teen has its rewards and spa staff can often provide information without it sounding like a lecture. The Spa at Kaatskill Mountain Club in Hunter offers several appropriate spa experiences including an essential facial geared to teen skin. At Friar Tuck Resort & Spa in Catskill a skin care professional will consult and educate your teen on skin care. During this visit the aesthetician will do a deep cleanse, extract if necessary, and treat teen skin to a therapeutic masque. Bonus points: For expectant moms Friar Tuck offers a special massage to ease back tension, relive water retention and basically calm the body, mind and spirit.
Make it happen. Take a summer vacation in the Northern Catskills of Greene County and make memories with your children. All inclusive seven-day family vacation packages range from $1500 to $3700 for a family of four or for shorter stays, rates start at $150 per person for weekend two-night stay including meals. No two resorts are alike but all offer family fun made easy. Knowing the cost of your family vacation makes it much easier to unwind, relax and enjoy yourself and your kids – no surprises. Greene County Tourism Catskill, NY. Toll-free 1-800-355-CATS (2287), (518)943-3223 or log on to Greene Tourism and make your family vacation happen.
England: London, Carbon Voyage Offers Environmentally Friendly Door-to-Door Express Service.
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It is not often that London and the phrase earth friendly travel options appear in the same sentence but as I am planning my next trip to London I have discovered several examples – not only earth friendly but family friendly. You are probably thinking earth friendly and family friendly go hand-in-hand, right? Yup, that’s right.
Here’s the deal. My first green discovery is also economical. I have plugged Heathrow and Gatwick Express for several years because the service makes sense. After all, if you can travel lightly in a city why not do it? I am now happy to report that the good idea is even better. Heathrow and Gatwick Express have launched the first ever environmentally friendly door-to-door service to and from the airport with Carbon Voyage. Now travellers may book a pickup with Carbon Voyage and travel by car to Paddington or Victoria Stations to board the express train service to Heathrow or Gatwick Airports.
This new integrated service, which may be booked online, means customers will only need to make one booking, to arrange a Carbon Voyage vehicle and train ticket. Train tickets will be sent electronically to the customers, saving postage and paper.
According to George Fripp, Account Manager for Heathrow and Gatwick Express, the intent is to provide a best-in-class service and assistance to travelers who care about the environment. This idea works for anyone wishing to travel “green” in London. To make this concept come together Carbon Voyage patterned with Green Tomato Cars (www.greentomatocars.com), London’s largest exclusively green taxi company. The result is that travellers can easily “go green” without settling for a lower quality of service or paying premiums often assessed to earth friendly service. Travellers will enjoy a smooth journey, excellent customer service, reduce their environmental impact and pay less for the trip all at the same time.
Check the numbers. James Swanston of Carbon Voyage said, “From an environmental perspective, this new service will assist in taking cars off the road, reducing congestion and more importantly the pollution caused from the five million people per year that use taxis and minicabs to travel to and from Heathrow and Gatwick Airports. The average taxi trip from Paddington to Heathrow is approximately 6.2 kg of CO2 emissions as opposed to 1.4 kg using a train (Source: www.transportdirect.info).”
Make it happen. Heathrow and Gatwick Express Carbon Voyage prices start from ?32 and may be booked online at www.carbonvoyage.com
About Heathrow Express. Launched in June 1998 and operated by BAA, Heathrow Express carries an average of 16,000 passengers each day with over 50 million people having travelled on Heathrow Express since launch. Heathrow Express leaves every 15 minutes from London’s Paddington station to London’s Heathrow Airport. Customers can get to Heathrow Central (Terminals 1, 2 & 3) in 15 minutes and Terminal 5 six minutes later. For more information about Heathrow Express visit www.heathrowexpress.com
About Gatwick Express. Gatwick Express, the non-stop rail-air service between Victoria Station and Gatwick Airport departs every 15 minutes with a journey time of 30 minutes. For more information visit www.gatwickexpress.com
Editor’s note: My other family friendly “green” discoveries remain on my note pad fo rnow but will be featured once I have seen the green for myself.
Vermont: Smugglers’ Notch Resort, New Summertime Family Fun Day Tripping.
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For kids (parents too) seeking fun and adventure on their summer vacation, Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Vermont has expanded its programming to include new day trips for ages 9-15. These day trips will offer kids the camaraderie of a group experience, while showcasing what Vermont is famous for including outdoor adventure, pristine fresh lake and river waters, and nature discovery.
Families visiting the Resort on the popular FamilyFest package will receive a 25 percent discount on the outings. The new day trip adventures include some high energy fun.
Canoe & Kayak River Day Trip: 
Counselors provide canoeing and kayaking instruction and lead day trips down the Lamoille River with a stop for a swim along the way. Participants will enjoy lunch with an ice cream treat at the end of the trip. The cost for this day trip is $ 75 per person, which includes guides, transportation, boat rental and lunch.
Echo Center Day Trip: A visit to the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center in nearby Burlington. Kids will discover 70 live species and over 100 interactive experiences with seasonally changing exhibits and events exploring the Ecology, Culture, and History of Lake Champlain. The cost for this day trip is $50 per person, which includes guides, aquarium entrance fee, transportation and lunch.
Saturday Swim and Sand Spectacular Tour: A guided daylong tour to some of the local Vermont swimming holes, with a picnic lunch, and a visit to the beach for a swim in Lake Champlain at Sand Bar State Park. The cost for the Sand Spectacular Tour is $50 per person, which includes accompanying guides, park entrance fee, transportation and lunch.
Here’s the deal. In addition to the 25 percent discount on these day trips, the Resort’s popular FamilyFest Summer vacation package offers a tremendous value for the entire family: vacation rates have been rolled back five years while inclusions for the package have grown. The cost of a vacation for a family of four at the Resort could be as low as $628 for three days and three nights in a one bedroom mountainside condominium, as compared to $1065 at summer 2008 rates.
FamilyFest package inclusions feature mountainside Resort lodging, daily award-winning all day children’s programs, unlimited use of eight heated pools and four waterslides, daily guided walks and hikes, two teen centers, disc golf and mini golf, and use of the skate park, in addition to unlimited use of the indoor FunZone Family Entertainment Center. Family programs and entertainment also included in the package are bingo, dance parties, a family magic show, karaoke, and family movie nights. Adults will enjoy nightly entertainment as part of the package.
About Smuggler’s Notch Resort. Smuggs is a top-rated year-round family resort near Burlington Vermont, with many special features and facilities. There’s a $1,000,000 state-of-the-art child-care center called “Treasures” and “Teen Alley” for children ages 13-15 while “Outer Limits” is for 16 and older. All year long they offer family vacation packages. In the summer months the packages include: lodging; unlimited Grand Rapid River riding; unlimited water sliding; pools, hot tubs; evening entertainment; FamilyFest full-day kids’ programs.
Make it happen. Smugglers’ Notch Resort 4323 Vermont Route 108 South, Smugglers’ Notch, 05464. Toll-free 1-800-451-8752 in USA/Canada, and in UK 0 800-169-8219 or www.smuggs.com
Washington DC: Spy in the City - A New Interactive Game Ideal for Families.
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This summer, visitors to the nation’s capital can now engage in an entertaining game of Spy vs. Spy. The International Spy Museum in Washington D.C. has launched Spy in the City, the first-of-its-kind GPS-enabled multimedia interactive game that enables participants to see the nation’s capital through the eyes of a spy.
The International Spy Museum is one of my favorite spots in one of my favorite cities. It is one terrific (interesting and rewarding) museum to share with kids, teens, parents, and grandparents. That said, if you have never been to the International Spy Museum then make it your first stop in the city and if you’ve “been there and done that” then standby for a new twist.
Imagine sharing a spy adventure with your kids; embarking on a high-stakes mission around the Capitol grounds, Ford’s Theatre, the National Archives and other points of interest in the national capital to uncover a double agent threatening to divulge security secrets to the enemy. As special agents with unique identities, each player must find out who this double agent is and foil his or her attempts at sabotage. By finding evidence along the way, following video clues, cracking codes, answering trivia questions and solving flash-based games and puzzles to earn points, users work their way towards unraveling the mystery. 
Create your own urban adventure. The new GPS-based interactive experience Spy in the City™, at the International Spy Museum in Washington D.C. was created by BarZ Adventures and is designed for individuals, small groups and ideal for families. Spy in the City transforms the nation’s capital city into a virtual game board, with the players themselves as game pieces. Participants embark on a series of exciting self-guided outdoor missions using espionage tradecraft and intelligence collection activities.
Here’s how it works. Equipped with a GPS Ranger® handheld device loaded with the new Ranger Quest™ game technology, participants follow video clues from SSD headquarters solving Flash-based games to earn points as they work their way towards mission completion. As players approach pre-determined GPS waypoints around the Capitol and other points of interest such as Ford’s Theatre, The Newseum and the National Archives, the GPS Ranger will automatically download clues, information, (and possibly misinformation!) delivered by a wide range of media. This includes messages from filmed characters—from agents to sources to moles—and documents, codes, audio intercepts, and photos for analysis. This adventure style mission offers participants the opportunity to test their spy skills as they explore DC’s neighborhoods. The International Spy Museum is committed to engaging guests and enhancing their experience, particularly through interactive activities that push the boundaries of available technology. The Museum’s permanent exhibit offers state-of-the-art audiovisual effects, film, and hands-on components, making the tradecraft of espionage real while showcasing the ingenuity and imagination of real-life spies and spymasters. With Spy in the City, the Museum takes this dedication to immersive experience outside the Museum’s walls into the streets of our nation’s magnificent capital city.
Spy in the City was crafted in collaboration with former intelligence officers. It delivers unique missions based on real espionage cases. The adventure options range from one to three hours in length and are recommended for ages 12+. Spy in the City is available only at the International Spy Museum.
About the Museum. I won’t drag on about the exhibits all of which are fascinating however to take advantage of a visit (definitely for first timers) it is essential to try one of the three clever scavenger hunts available at the museum. Not only will it give you something to share long after the museum visit and hunt are through, it is likely to provide incite about family members. The unique competition includes answering questions, solving problems, and decoding messages with the help of top secret bag of tricks. For sometimes apathetic teens I suggest “Operation Spy”, an active experience for ages 12 and older that allows participants to get in the spy game facing plenty of challenges including low light levels, confining spaces, sound effects, and physical and mental challenges in a race against the clock. Bonus points: There is also a cool way to stay connected with the International Spy Museum. Each month they produce a SpyCast featuring interviews and programs with ex-spies, intelligence experts, and espionage scholars. The SpyCast is hosted by Peter Earnest, Executive Director of the International Spy Museum and former CIA operations officer.
Location on the planet. The International Spy Museum in Washington, DC’s historic Penn Quarter, is within four blocks of the National Mall, directly across the street from the National Portrait Gallery, and within one block of FBI headquarters and Ford’s Theatre. The Museum is conveniently located near the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metrorail station serviced by the red, yellow and green lines. International Spy Museum 800 F Street, NW (202) EYE SPY U ((202)393-7798) or www.spymuseum.org
About BarZ Adventures. The GPS Ranger® and Ranger Quest™ interactive game software are innovations of BarZ Adventures. Founded in 2005 and combining experts in the fields of computer delivery systems and content development, the Austin, Texas-based company has designed the patented GPS Ranger® and Zoo Ranger® systems, as well as the new Ranger Quest™ gaming software with large venues and their visitors in mind. The mission of the company is to enhance the visitor experience at high visitation tourist locations using modern technology. For more information visit www.barzadventures.com or
www.gpsranger.com or call (512)732-0135.
Mexico: Baja California, Loreto - Two Great Adventure Trips for Families.
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Consider a whale watching family adventure in Baja’s Magdalena Bay with guaranteed whale sightings, chance to touch a whale. Or plan a spring break to Loreto on the Baja’s Sea of Cortez with whales, dolphins, and sea lions.
I have read with pleasure the descriptions of two exceptional trips available from Sea kayak Adventures. Kayaking (second only to river rafting) is the ideal way to share an adventure with a child or bond with your whole family without effort. One–on-one kayak time cannot be beat for making small talk easy and laughing seems to come naturally.
Our family has shared Baja moments and I can say firsthand it is an awesome part of the world not yet altered by electronic support systems and man’s commercial imprint. The water clear and cool is framed by rugged rocky terrain making for dramatic photos even if your child is making a funny face. The sea life is abundant and will cause daily squeals but our favorite activity enjoying the night sky with star blankets so thick no words can describe the beauty and the sound of whales breathing just off shore.
With my opinion out of the way I am sharing the trip descriptions provided to us by Sea Kayak Adventures. Beginning in January and concluding mid March they are conducting a 5-day whale watching trip from Puerto Lopez Mateos, Baja California which provides parents with a means to share an exciting whale watching experience with their children as young as eight.
The actual location on the planet is Sea Kayak Adventures’ Isla Santo Domingo base camp located right in the heart of the largest gray whale calving area. However, this family adventure offers much more than simply seeing whales. On Sea Kayak Adventures’ five-day whale watching base camp excursion in Baja California’s Magdalena Bay, adults and children can often actually touch one of the 20,000 gray whales that calve in the waters each winter.
“It’s the moment of a lifetime,” says SKA president Terry Prichard, “and whale sightings are guaranteed.” Each day motorized skiffs take participants out to the deeper waters of Boca de Soledad, where ‘friendlies’ swim up to the boat. In our exclusive safari-style beach camp in the heart of gray whale activity, as whales breach and spy-hop just offshore, guests can explore whalebone-littered beaches and look for herons, egrets, dolphins, and spouting grays. That hollow sound after nightfall? It’s whales breathing! Guides versed in whale natural history lead fun activities for kids, point out wildlife, and prepare all meals. Whales enjoy full protection of the Mexican federal government and one must be with a licensed guide to go whale watching here which means no crowds and responsible people in the area.
Cost: $895 for adults and 10% off for children age 8 through 17; and includes first and last nights’ accommodation in Loreto. Airfare is not included. Alaska/Horizon Air provides the best fares directly from Los Angeles (LAX) to Loreto (LTO) in southern Baja California, Mexico. Departures begin in January and run through March from Loreto, Mexico. Dates include arrival and departure days, with three-days at the base camp.
Here’s the spring break deal. Book a spring break 2010 adventure by August 1, 2009 and one child goes free! In March & April 2010 Sea Kayak Adventures is offering a selection of 6 and 8-day (includes air travel days) sea kayaking trips for families with kids ages 11 and older. This awesome water adventure is ideally suited for families with teens. The trip’s starting and ending point is Loreto and parents have the chance to paddle a sea kayak and bond with a teenager (hopefully your own) as endangered blue whales - more than four times as long as your kayak - plumb the depths for tasty crustaceans in Baja’s Sea of Cortez. Participants paddle six miles per day ( 3 to 4 hours) looking for the world’s largest animals and explore desert islands in Mexico’s newest national marine park – Loreto Bay National Marine Park.
Along the way you’ll also spot dolphins and sea lions, snorkel with angelfish in 72-degree water, and search for rare blue-footed boobies. Spend nights camping on white sand beaches in sheltered coves and dining on Dutch oven brownies under starry skies framed by volcanic rock cliffs.
No previous kayaking or camping experience is necessary. Stable two-person kayaks, paddling gear and instruction, snorkeling gear, meals and all camping supplies (including sleeping bags) are provided. Our naturalist guides are enthusiastic experts at activities helping families have fun together!
Price starts at $995 US per adult (and 10% off for teens) including two nights’ lodging in Loreto and three to five nights’ camping. Airfare is not included. Alaska/Horizon Airlines offer direct service into Loreto (LTO) from Los Angeles (LAX).
Make it happen. Sea Kayak Adventures toll-free 1-800-616-1943 or www.seakayakadventures.com