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L'Auberge de Sedona
This is beautiful high end property located in downtown Sedona. I found the location although very pretty a bit annoying as it was like being a billy goat attemptimg to climb down to the hotel if you wanted to walk. Once you arrive though the views are beautiful as its set right on a pretty river where you can enjoy top notch French cuisine and view local wildlife. The spa was generic and the amenities lacking and truthful I do not care for the idea of staying in a French property while out West. The property is also a bit too stuffy for children so it wasn’t my favorite spot all in all but it certainly had many lovely attributes.
L'Auberge de Sedona
301 L'Auberge Lane
Sedona, AZ 86336
800-272-6777
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Tanque Verde Ranch
Tanque Verde was truly one of my favorite travels over the past few years. The location is fabulous and the array of activities for the entire family makes this a setting for a relaxed trip for all. Parents will be in heaven knowing their kids are in fun, well staffed activities all day and mom and dad can have some downtime.
The property is vast and the amenities well planned. The rooms are perhaps not as upscale as some may want in this higher end price bracket being a bit sparse with simple Western design and few creature comforts in the rooms however the simplicity of the rooms is far made up by the incredible charm of this place.
Riding is the main activity and is geared towards all skill levels. It was simply terrific riding up in those dessert hills and we all adored the campfire cookouts and breakfast rides offered.
A fun small nature center is also on the property for the kids ( athough I enjoyed learning about rattlensnakes a lot myself! ) and the pool is quiet and peaceful overlooking the mountains. The meals are family style and HUGE so be sure to take lots of hikes throughout the stunning property to keep the pounds off!
The bar is also lots of fun with its gun slinging cute bartender and old fashioned pool table.In the evening their are other activities offered as well such as photo expos and lectures from local folks.
The spa was small and disappointing but we were so busy with other programs it worked out fine. All in all a terrific time for the entire family, truly a wonderful adventure!
Tanqe Verde Ranch
14301 East Speedway Boulevard
Tucson, AZ 85749
520-296-6275
www.tanqueverderanch.com
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The Wort Hotel
Downtown Jackson Hole is one fun place! The police still ride around on horses and wear authentic cowboy garb, one can sit on a saddle in the local bar and hotels like the Wort make you feel as if you are back in John Wayne’s True Grit...The hotel is simple in many ways but somehow this adds to its charm, the food is authentic Western and yummy and the rates are fair. The bar was a blast and I loved it proximity to the shops and other cafes. All in all I would recommend this fun spot perhaps not for a long term stay but definately for a few days.
The Wort Hotel
PO Bx 69
Jackson, WY 83001
307-733-2190
www.worthotel.com
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Camel's Garden Hotel
Telluride is a charming old fashioned Western town and this hotel is right in the heart of its ski section making it a great place for those who love the sport. The town offers great shops and wonderful food and this hotel was simple but well run. The early morning breakfast was poorly organized but it was off season so perhaps that explains it. The rooms although not plush were fairly priced and nicely located as we could walk around town. I liked the fact that they had a spa next door as well which was small but offered many services. All in all not a bad little spot in a charming little town.
Camels Garden Hotel
PO Bx 4145
Telluride, CO 81435
888-772-2635
www.camelsgarden.com
Beaver Creek Lodge
Beaver Creek is a stunning town and going off season enables one a terrific price at a great location! This hotel is well appointed, luxurious and has some fun added items not often seen such as beautiful art gallery! There was not a full service spa on location which was surprising in this type of property but being right at the mountain’s village allowed other rest and relaxation options and its really nice that kids can take ski lessons right there while the parents indulge in other programs. The pool was really attractive and in a fun spot right in the center of the village. The area is perfect for the ski family but as I do not ski these days I was a bit bored after a couple of nights however I would say the charm and the quality of this property certainly made it well worth the trip.
26 Avondale Lane
Beaver Creek, CO 81620
970-845-9800
www.beavercreeklodge.net
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The Lodge at Moosehead Lake
The Moosehead region is lots of fun for the entire family and this lodge has been known as one of the more luxurious facilities in the area for quite some time. The property boosts unique Northwoods elements throughout the interior making it feel cozy with a unique outdoorsman flair. Many appreciate the details involved such as the hand carved beds and wood burning fireplaces. The food is wonderful although pricey for this area and the setting is lovely. The bar area is attractive as well and the pool was fun but the hours are very limited and it feels a bit too much like being inside one’s home rather than a professional bar setting. I would not describe this property as kid friendly but the area itself with its vast lakes and snowmobile trails make it a year round joy for all.
The Lodge at Moosehead Lake
368 Lily Bay Road, P.O. Box 1167
Greenville, Maine, 04441
207-695-4400
www.lodgeatmooseheadlake.com
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Loon Lodge
Rangeley is a lovely area....true Northwoods joy with the elegance and amenities many have craved since the early 1900’s. The Loon Lodge has a terrific lakeside setting and a fun cozy restaurant as well. The accomodations however are very simple. The beds were old and uncomfortable and a shared bath is a turn off to most however in this area there aren’t any high end properties so we were pleased this one had a terrific bar, an excellent restaurant and wonderful views all within close proximity to the areas many attractions.
Loon Lodge
16 Pickford Rd.
Rangeley, ME 04970
(207) 864-5666
www.loonlodgeme.com
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Balsam Cove Campground
This family friendly facility has had a recent overall by its hardworking new owners. The property is clean, has terrific lake views as well as direct access and the programs such as arts and crafts, bingo and weekly campfires make it a joy for all. The setting is serene and the lake is wonderfully clean and extremely inviting. I highly recommend booking early to obtain a lakeside spot as the interior spots can be somewhat tight and lack the exquisite lake views we were spoiled with.
Balsam Cove Campground
286 Back Ridge Rd
East Orland, ME 04431
(207) 469-7771
www.balsamcove.com
Food Quality NA
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Parks Pond Campground
A nicely run property with great family values and a pretty setting. The owners try hard to please everyone and succeed in doing so with their terrific hayrides, cookie breaks and waterfront activities. Many however find this property noisy being right off busy Route 9 and with its many late night gatherings going so its a facility best geared for those enjoying social interaction and family fun as opposed to a quiet tranquil nature seeking.
Parks Pond Campground
827 Airline Road (Route 9)
Clifton, Maine 04428
207-843-7267
www.parkspondcampground.com
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Food Quality NA
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The Lucerne Inn
This is a wonderful spot with its souring lake views and expansive grounds however it did feel a bit too geared towards weddings and banquets to please the true outdoor lover. The food was fair but the scenery makes up for it and I adored its cozy bar with its beautiful wood burning fireplace. Perfect for a snowy day! This is not a property geared towards young children however older kids enjoyed the golf across the street as by its appearance so did the many dads who were congreating there when I went. The rooms were simple but tasteful.
The Lucerne Inn
2517 Main Road
Dedham, ME 04429
(800) 325-5123
(207) 843-5123
fax: (207) 843-6138
www.lucerneinn.com
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The Birches
This property is geared towards the outdoor lover in all seasons. The facility boasts 15 rustic waterfront cabins with simple but comfortable amenities. The restaurant and main lodge are attractive, tasteful and offer more options than most for these types of properties. The only issues however were the late night snowmobilers in front of the cabins on the lake making relaxation and rest difficult as did the fireplace going out in the middle of the night as it was the primary heat source. Summer activities to be rated this season.
The Birches
Po Box 81
Rockwood, Maine 04478
207-534-2242
www.birches.com
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Crocker House
This lovely little inn is housed in a property that was bulit in 1884 in the elegant Hancock Point area of Maine which is in close proximity to both areas of Acadia. The property has been reported to be haunted and quite frankly this adds to its unique ambiance for most. There are 11 simple but tasteful guest rooms and the food is fabulous. Although the property does not have a bar the wine list is extensive and elegant and the sitting area is a terrific place to enjoy a libation prior to sitting down to their famous 4 course meals.
The Crocker House
967 Point Road
Hancock, Maine 04640
(207)422-6806
www.crockerhouse.com
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Johnny Seesaw's
This property has been a family stop for us since I started skiing in high school. I love that it always puts me in the real Vermont mode with its quaint appeal and pine scented surroundings. The location is convenient as it sits at the foot of Bromley mountain although the views are limited. The restaurant and small bar area are wonderful and give one a real lodge feel with board games, crackling fires and lively groups about. The guest rooms however are mediocre and far too simple for our family however the food is fantastic and we always stop for a delicious bite each season when we visit.
Johnny Seesaw's
3574 Route 11
Peru, VT 05152
(802) 824-5533
www.jseesaw.com
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The Equinox Resort and Spa
This property is special indeed although I wouldn’t classify it as family casual as many of the other properties we rate are. This facility however is a terrific family treat as it offers a fabulous swimming pool, spa for mom, golf for dad, fly fishing, archery, shooting school, cross country skiing, outlet shops and even a falconry program! There is also terrific food and a cozy bar as well as lodging at reasonable prices for the quality of this hotel. The rooms could use an updating although the other special aspects and cozy New England charm of this wonderful place usually make us overlook this.
The Equinox Resort and Spa
3567 Main Street Route 7A
Manchester Village, VT 05254
(800) 362-4747
www.equinoxresort.com
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Grant's Kennebago Camps
Grant’s Kennebago Camps are a wonderful detour from the world...Set on beautiful Kennebago Lake in the Rangeley area of Maine, the scenery is indeed impressive and the topography truly unique. Each family has their own cabin, many directly on the lake. The cabins are simple and could use a few more creature comforts but the view and the food make up for this. Meals are included in the price and are wholesome family style fun. Daytime activities include an incredible journey down the river which ends up in the Kennebago Lake and a hike in the woods surrounding the property. A nice playground is also available for the children. Wildlife include herons, loons, deer and moose although my overly excited kids prevented most from coming out for a viewing! At night we heard beautiful loons and at this time of day, the lake looks almost mystical...it was magical sitting by this beautiful body of water at dusk. The only drawback was we found the evening difficult to fill with no nighttime programs and no nearby towns. This nature’s lovers delight is terrific for a family getaway and a dream for the fisherman with trout and salmon teaming in this lake ( we even saw them jumping at night! ). The staff was friendly and we got a real kick out of the owners lovely grandchildren, Madison and Courtney who were a huge help to all of the guests. All in all a terrific spot and lots of fun for the entire family as well as the avid outdoorsmen.
Grant's Kennebago Camps
PO Box 786
Rangeley, ME 04970
1-800-633-4815
www.grantscamps.com
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Castle Island Camps
Castle Island Camps is a small waterfront property located just over a bridge in the scenic Belgrade Lakes area of Maine. The camp is on Long Pond which is lovely, clean and a nice size. Boating is a terrific option while visiting as kayaks, canoes, motorboats and paddle boats are available right at the shore. Guests enjoy terrific fishing ( a man caught a 2ft Pike while I was there! ) and the owner is very attentive and willing to aid the novice fisherman as well. Meals are included and are home style and tasty. The owners adorable daughter and niece help serve and the dining room boasts a fireplace and fishing plaques. Belgrade is a pretty area with rolling hills and stunning lakes. The town has a few charming shops and hiking is available. Castle Island does need to be freshened up a bit in certain areas ie the buildings need paint, cabin decor could be improved and less buckets and maintenance items displayed would be a terrific improvement. In addition, traditional evening activities I think are important at a camp such as campfires are not available here however the properties stunning views, great boating and fishing as well as the owners friendly ways certainly make this a pleasurable stay for the entire family.
Castle Island Camps
441 Castle Island Rd
Belgrade, ME 04917
(207) 495-3312
www.castleislandcamps.com
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Hob Knob Inn
Marthas Vineyard is lovely location although many parts are more built up than its sister island of Nantucket which I prefer. The Hob Knob Inn was a lovely spot however and the managers were very accomodating providing early morning spa treatments, picnic baskets for our afternoon beach visits and a terrific babysitter for our young children. The property is charming and well appointed as well and the breakfast was abundant and delicious. I had hoped the property would be a bit larger for outdoor relaxation but the charming spa in the lower level certainly made up for this.
The property location is also central in the best part of the island in lovely Edgartown surrounded by terrific old colonial homes and quaint streets. This is a fun spot and we thoroughly enjoyed exploring the other parts of the island as well with its lighthouses and sprawling beaches. I would recommed this is a fun weekend trip for the family.
Hob Knob
128 Main Street
Edgartown, MA 02539
(800) 696-2723
www.hobknob.com
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Stonover Farm
This property is nicely located near Tanglewoods in the Berkshires. I enjoyed the look of the location however found the owners to be a bit cold and a tad unproffessional. For example, the owner greeted us in his bathrobe at 7:30 at night which was uncomfortable and we felt as if we were intruding in his private residence as opposed to relaxing in the inn we had paid for.
The rooms were attractive and nicely appointed with quality bath products and a charming gas fireplace and the breakfast was tasty and fulfilling as well. We have always enjoyed the area with its restaurants and artistic offerings however for our next visit I will select a property where we will feel less of a visitor and more as a pampered guest.
Stonover Farm
169 Under Mountain Road
Lenox, MA 01240
(413) 637-9100
www.stonoverfarm.com
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Penobscot River Cabins
This property sits right along the Penobscot River on hundreds of acres. The accomodations are simple and need updating yet several are nicely located right along the river bank. The owners could not be more charming and although there are less “creature comforts” than other spots, the kind couple who runs the property go above and beyond to make their guests happy which is refreshing and often rare these days. A perfect example was how quickly the owner Jeff came out to assist my son when he saw he didn’t understand casting and sat with him anxiously awaiting his first catch! When a nice sized Small Mouth Bass was caught by the little boy, we all cheered. You can tell the owners really care about this place.
As the management are so terrific with fishing instruction this would be an ideal spot for a family wanting to learn to fish but this river is also filled with many species so this property is also clearly suitable for the seasoned fisherman as well. Many come for the bear hunts and there were at least 12 men anxiously awaiting this event the next morning. I would prefer they did not do baited hunts as in my opinion this gives the animal an unfair disadvantage. The owner agreed but only leases that portion of the business so it was not her decision. Hopefully they will find an outfit who uses non baiting methods soon.
The shoreline is lovely for a relaxing book, nap or swim. The meals are wholesome and served family style at the owner’s large kitchen table making this pleasant for guests like myself who like to socialize but perhaps might be a bit too intimate for others seeking space and privacy. If that is the case there are well equipped kitchens in each cabin.
All and all I had a peaceful feeling at this spot-we fished, read, swam a bit and enjoyed a lovely homemade meal. A nice spot for the entire family.
Penobscot River Cabins
737 Mattamiscontis Road
Howland, ME 04448
(800) 670-7351
www.penobscotrivercabins.com
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Portland Harbor Hotel
For families and adults Portland is a lot of fun and this fairly new hotel not only accomodates your family nicely but you can even bring your pets! I recommend staying in the Garden View rooms as they tend to be the most quiet. The restaurant is small but attractive and they also offer a nice cocktail setting for unwinding at the end of the day. The property is located in the Old Port which is terrific as there are tons of shops and restaurants as well other fun things to do including a museum and theatre all within walking distance for the entire family. For the nature lover, a visit to nearby Mackworth Island is a great way to spend some time as is of course visiting the LL Bean headquarters store a few towns over filled with trout tanks, flyfishing exhibits, nature talks and lots of outdoor equipment to buy! One can find so much to do in Portland for the entire family and this lovely hotel makes for a relaxing retreat at the end of the day.
Portland Harbor Hotel
468 Fore Street
Portland, Maine 04101
(800) 670-7351
www.portlandharborhotel.com
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Rhett House Inn
Beaufort is a charming area and has been the scene for many famous films including the Prince of Tides and Forest Gump. We had a lovely time at this charming property and although the humidity was so high I felt like a lizard we did plenty of walking around the shops and restaurants in the area.
This town in my opinion is a one day stay as although its pretty its small and limited in things to do. Its best to do this on the way to another one of the terrific locations which are in within easy access such as Savannah or Hilton Head as we did.
The hotel however was well run, had a terrific staff and a yummy Southern Style breakfast. The bathrooms in the rooms need a few more creature comforts and an upgrading but the rooms themselves were pretty and well appointed and overall we had a lovely visit.
1009 Craven St.
Beufort, SC 29902
843-524-9030
www.rhetthouseinn.com
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Enchantment Resort
This hotel is perfect for the spa lover and anyone interested in health and wellness it is however not a good choice for a family as the activities for children are limited and the camp is really nothing more than a day care center-a very expensive day care center.
I did love my stay here though as the treatments are incredible and varities very unique from Native American healing to Ayurvedic counseling, Shamanic Journeying, Herb Walks and even Soul Seeking. The views at Enchantment are wonderful as well as the property sits sunken deep in the Red Rock Canyons. Not having cell phone access made me edgy and the lack of air conditioning in the bar was annoying but I left feeling balanced and relaxed and it truly made me address a change in my overly stressful lifestyle.The staff was also very professional and aimed to please.Bring your American Express Black Card though-you will need it, good health doesn’t come cheap.
Enchantment Resort
525 Boynton Canyon Road
Sedona, AZ 86336
800-826-4180
www.enchantmentresort.com
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N Spa at the Marriott Delray Beach
Delray is a terrific area-very tropical and yet lots to do at the same time.
I was extremely excited to visit this Marriot and I particularly couldn’t wait to enjoy their spa on site, N Spa.
Chawnacee is their manager and is a true professional. As a matter of fact, the entire spa staff bends over backwards to provide a terrific experience. After a long late night flight when I arrived at the spa I was in heaven being greeted wtih an elegant grilled fish luncheon on their patio and handed a soothing cool cucumber cloth, instantly I felt my stresses melt away... I then headed in for my first treatment of a spa manicure and pedicure which was professional and soothing. After this I went up for my massage ( stopping at their chocolate dipped strawberry bar first! ) and this treatment was simply to die for! I had no idea how much tension I was holding in my back area and Mary was able to completely re build my system, it was heavenly.
The property has a terrific beach across the street and I really enjoyed the town with its funky shops and neat artisan studios as well. This destination would be perfect for a family get away, girls or guys weekend and just about anyone who wants a break from life’s daily grind ( or huge amounts of snow! )...
Delray Beach Marriott
10 North Ocean Boulevard
Delray Beach, FL 33483
561-274-3200
www.nspas.com
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