Romantic Road Trips

Romantic Road Trips : Romance and Honeymoons : 

When my now-husband and I were 16, our favorite date was to hop in his GTO and hit the road, setting out to see what there was to see. While listening to Bowie on the 8-track, we explored our hometown's back roads. One night, we happened upon a quirky diner that served up sundaes-for-two in giant fishbowls. When my spoon trespassed onto the ice cream's north face - the driver's side - he simply smiled. Our fate was sealed: Ever since, we've been a car-traveling couple - a pair with a penchant for road trips.

Going out for drives sparked our romance and now, decades later, road trips help revive it when kids, finances and work detour us. In the event of boredom, we might head clear across the county; for angry impasses, perhaps halfway across the country.

Mind you: Not all road trips are catalysts and/or cure-alls for romance, but here is a handful that are.

California Route 1
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as California State Route 1, is a drive through jaw-dropping drama; that holds doubly true during the 123-mile stretch from Monterey to Morro Bay. If you drive from north to south, your views of the coast - characterized by jagged mountains plunging into a wild surf as well as wind-sculpted trees on rocky outcrops washed by jade-colored waves - will be unobstructed. Plus, just south of Monterey, you can set a dreamy California tone right from the get-go with a meal at Casanova, known as Carmel's "most romantic restaurant.

Point Lobos State Reserve is a perfect place to wander hand in hand, especially during the months of December through April, when gray whales migrate past.

The orange-red-purple-pink-ness of a Big Sur sunset will take your breath away as surely as any first kiss. But do make an effort to breathe here as deeply and often as possible, as a heady sage-redwood-salt air-scent perfumes the canyons of this jewel in the crown that is the central California coast.

For an overnight stay, the FogCatcher Inn is an aptly named romantic getaway located just steps from the town of Cambria's Moonstone Beach.

Morro Bay is at the terminus of this journey, and it is here that serendipity strikes, California-style: Just when your road-refreshed relationship has attained peak strength - I mean, at the very moment when the passenger-driver connection goes positively granite - you'll encounter Morro Rock, also known as the "Gibraltar of the Pacific." 

Vermont Route 100
Here, under the cover of yellow leaves and red bridges, are picture-perfect trysting places. Vermont's Route 100 skirts quintessential Yankee towns whose claims to fame involve copious covered bridges: the handsome Big Eddy Bridge in Waitsfield and the Lincoln Gap Bridge over the Mad River in Warren, to name a couple. In Moretown, after driving through the Upper Coxbrook Bridge, you'll reach the only spot in Vermont where you can still see one covered bridge from another: the view through the Newell Bridge to the Station Bridge.

The journey along Route 100 runs for 200 miles from tip to tail through the state. Roughly midway down this bumpy backbone, Romance Mountain rises from ancient groves of northern hardwoods along a remote section of the Long Trail that winds its way along the ridgeline of the Green Mountains. Here, you'll want to park the car and stretch your legs a bit to bag the peak of Romance in time to watch the stars come out.

Love never tasted so good as it does along Vermont's Route 100; don't miss a lick of the erotically charged Karamel Sutra ice cream, at the Ben and Jerry's factory, of course.

Georgia's Golden Isles
Although an amphibious vehicle might come in handy here, it's not necessary for negotiating the barrier islands or marshes, rivers and estuaries that define the Low Country coastal region of Georgia between Jekyll Island and Savannah. The intoxicatingly slow and scenic routes 520, 99 and 17 drape around the Golden Isles like Spanish moss on an old oak: St. Simons and Jekyll islands are bridged to the mainland at Brunswick, and Sea Island is bridged to St. Simons Island. The only thing that flows more abundantly than water in this region is romance. The Sea Island's Cloister Hotel alone has hosted nearly 37,000 newlywed couples since 1940. (Each couple receives a card indicating what number they are: for instance, honeymoon couple No. 1,768 was George and Barbara Bush, who visited in January 1945 and again in 1995 to celebrate their 50th anniversary.) The Cloister is, hands down, the most highfalutin place around, but it's hardly the only high point of this Low Country tour.

In the quiet village of Shellman Bluff, all the dirt roads lead to an overlook of the Broro and Julienton rivers; winding along the edge of the bluff is a sandy road that offers an unsurpassed sunrise view of the marsh from behind Harris Neck. Speed's Kitchen aptly describes the locale for out-of-towners on its menu: "SHELLMAN BLUFF. Not a place for Fast Lane folks. Ain't got no red lights. No 4-lanes. We move slow here. Try it - good for your health."

Beartooth Highway, Wyoming/Montana
US Highway 212
Love is not for the fainthearted. Neither are the zigzagging switchbacks of the Beartooth Highway. Since 1882, the courageous, the adventurous and the strong have recorded travel across the Beartooth Pass. One of the most rugged and pristine terrains in the lower 48, the Beartooth area is punctuated by 20 glaciated peaks reaching over 12,000 feet in elevation.

Here, it blizzards in the winter. And spring. And fall.

Despite - or perhaps, because of - its white-knuckled rigors, this 64-mile road trip from Red Lodge to Cooke City, Mont., is all the sweeter as it winds through lush forests and alpine tundras. Traffic on and around the Beartooth comes (when and if it comes) in the form of mountain goats, moose, elk, marmots, mule deer, black bears, grizzly bears and wolves.

The historic Pollard Hotel in Red Lodge offers two intriguing packages to intrepid couples: one, aptly called Adventure, Danger, Romance features a trail ride, a whitewater float trip and a candlelit dinner for two; another, named The Big Hook-Up, has something to do with trout, I'm guessing.

Heart Mountain is an 8,123-foot peak just north of Cody, WY; composed of limestone and dolomite that dates back 500 million years, this ancient Heart holds mysteries of the geologic variety.

The Beartooth Highway ends at the eastern gateway of Yellowstone National Park, site of one of the most romantic of natural wonders in all the world: Old Faithful.

North Shore Drive
Minnesota Route 61
It bodes well for a road trip when even the map puts you in a romantic mood, if only poetically speaking. This drive, which hugs the north shore of the world's largest freshwater lake, skirts places whose names tease the tongue: Tettegouche.Gitchigume. Nanijoubou.

Gitchigume is Lake Superior in local American Indian dialect. Route 61 is an as-the-crow-flies byway from Duluth to the Canadian border that allows road-tripping landlubbers to stay safe and dry on terra firma (surely you recall the sinking of the "Big Fitz"?) while getting up close and personal with this greatest of all the Great Lakes. (Split Rock Lighthouse annually marks the anniversary of the loss of the "Edmund Fitzgerald" with a reading of the names of the 29 men who lost their lives on Nov. 10, 1975, and a lighting of the beacon at dusk.)

Not that you want to stay stowed away in your car for the whole trip: the Superior Hiking Trail is a spectacular, well-marked 205-mile-long footpath that follows the rocky ridgeline above Lake Superior from Two Harbors to the Canadian border. There are trailheads with parking lots every 5 to 10 miles, making it ideal for both day hikes and backpacking.

While boating causes some to lose their appetites (for food, for love, etc.), walking, as well as driving, for any distance usually has the opposite effect. That's why Betty's Pies in Two Harbors sells countless world-famous handmade pies, and also (get this!) something called a pie shake. No wordplay involved here; a pie shake is exactly what it says: Betty slices a hunk of your favorite pie and drops it into a blender full of ice cream and milk.

You know you're in love if you can bear to share (no matter how grudgingly) a sip of your cherry pie shake, or a bite of Betty's signature 5-layer pie: a flaky crust is layered with dark chocolate, cinnamon meringue, whipped cream and chocolate whipped cream..

Romantic Bed and Breakfasts

Romantic Bed and Breakfasts : Romance and Honeymoons - 

Inn BoonsBoro 
Boonsboro, Maryland
With best-selling romance author Nora Roberts at the helm, it's no surprise that Inn BooonsBoro is a bed and breakfast straight from the pages of a romance novel. Roberts and her husband own the romantic inn that is inspired by some of literature's great love stories. Rooms are named for Elizabeth and Darcy from "Pride and Prejudice," and Titania and Oberon from "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Star-crossed lovers Westley and Buttercup of "The Princess Bride" fame would approve of their room with a grand king-sized bed, an elegant parlor and an oversized copper-and-mosaic soaking tub that is truly fit for a princess.

L'Auberge Provencale 
White Post, Virginia
You don't need to take your love all the way to France for a little romance. L'Auberge Provencale brings French country charm to the Shenandoah Valley just a short drive from Washington, DC. Rooms are a sea of calm with pale yellows, dusty roses and vibrant blues. La Suite Romantique has gleaming hardwood floors, a sumptuous king bed, an oversized Jacuzzi tub and a view of the gardens. Vineyards, orchards, horseback-riding and even hot air balloon rides are all nearby day-trip options. Breakfast is a feast of croissants, crepes and inspired entrees. Two examples: local shitakes over thinly sliced duck and poached egg in a potato nest basket. The inn's restaurant is a destination in itself with heaps of accolades for the farm-fresh cuisine and inspired wine list.

Inn at the Highland Haven 
Evergreen, Colorado
Finding a romantic B and B without all of the frill and flounce of more traditional inns can be a challenge. Less than an hour from Denver, Highland Haven delivers rustic-chic romance with spacious rooms decked out with warm wood and comfy leather furniture. Each room has a private entrance and bathroom so there are no intrusions on your romantic getaway. This sense of privacy spills over to the scrumptious breakfast buffet: You can enjoy chocolate bread pudding, egg strata and baked oatmeal at a table for 2 on the porch, the private champagne room or even in your own quarters with breakfast in bed.

The Reluctant Panther 
Manchester, Vermont
Escape to Vermont to the Reluctant Panther, an anniversary and honeymoon favorite in the mountains. Outdoor lovers can hike mountain trails at Equinox, Stratton or Green Mountain National Forest or challenge their sweetheart to a round of golf at historic Gleneagles Golf Course, just a short walk from the hotel. All rooms have fireplaces, downy featherbeds and elegant bathrooms, while pricier suites have a private entrance, sitting room and double fireplaces. Complimentary breakfast in the main dining room is so scrumptious that you may have to return for dinner, a feast of local favorites like Hudson Valley foie gras, Vermont Bayley Hazen Blue Cheese Tart and Maple Rubbed Vermont Rack of Lamb and Slow Cooked Shoulder all served with perfect wine pairings.

Seven Gables Inn 
Pacific Grove, California
Boasting a prime location just outside of Monterey Bay, the Seven Gables Inn is a Pacific Coast gem perfect for rekindling romance. Spread out over 7 buildings, each of the 25 rooms has a view of the sea at the Pacific Ocean or Monterey Bay while expansive corner rooms have 180-degree coastline views. Guests are pampered with a full breakfast spread, afternoon wine and cheese and cookies and milk before bed. Profess your love to your mate at Lover's Point Beach, just a few minutes from the inn, and then continue on a romantic waterfront stroll. In the winter you may encounter migrating gray whales or Monarch butterflies, but you can enjoy the silly sea otters any time of year.

The Fairthorne Cottage Bed and Breakfast 
Cape May, New Jersey
Built by a whaling captain in the late 19th century, the Fairthorne is the perfect setting for summer romance, a spring fling or a holiday getaway in the year-round Jersey Shore beach town of Cape May. Each of the 10 rooms has a private bathroom, luxurious linens and central air. Bring along complimentary beach chairs and towels to the beach or borrow a bike for a ride out to the lighthouse. After the beach, relax in a rocking chair and nibble on snacks during tea time on the wraparound veranda. Take along a bottle of wine to the many BYOB restaurants within walking distance and explore Cape May by moonlight during a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. In the morning, it's back to the veranda for a breakfast feast of sweet and savory favorites like French Toast Strata with lemon and raspberries.

Five Gables Inn 
St. Michaels, Maryland
The Five Gables Inn caters to couples looking for an Eastern Shore escape on the Chesapeake Bay. Cozy rooms and snazzy suites are spread out across 4 historic 19th-century homes with modern amenities and plush decor. The main building has an indoor swimming pool, sauna and an Aveda spa, which offers a luxurious couple's massage. Adding to the romance is St. Michael's enchanting small-town friendliness with antique shops and waterfront crab shacks just beyond the front door.

Two Meeting Street Inn 
Charleston, South Carolina
The love story at Two Meeting Street begins 2 centuries ago when a wealthy Charleston businessman presented his daughter and her new husband with an extravagant wedding gift of $75,000 to buy the mansion on the corner of Meeting Street and the Battery. Love is still in the air in this romantic bed and breakfast in the tony South of Broad neighborhood. Each room exudes Southern charm and style with high ceilings, tall 4-poster beds and porches made for sipping sweet tea and watching the activity along the Battery.

The Cottages at Cabot Cove 
Kennebunkport, Maine
Celebrate your love at the playful and whimsical enclave of cottages at Kennebunkport's Cottages at Cabot Cove. Each of these 16 restored cottages is a romantic respite from daily life with a quirky and modern cottage style featuring whitewashed furniture and bright splashes of color. Your day begins with a breakfast delivery of fresh pastries and orange juice that you can enjoy on your porch. During the day, meander around the expansive property, challenge your partner to a game of croquet or paddle around the Cove in a canoe or kayak.

Swann House 
Washington, DC
Celebrate love in the city at this romantic urban getaway in an 1883 mansion in DC's Dupont Circle. This grand Washington beauty has 12 rooms, each displaying its unique personality. The hip Milano suite has a queen canopy bed, refreshing rain shower and deep soaking tub for 2, while blue toile wallpaper and a cozy nook in the window dormer add to the French country charm in the Blue Sky Suite. The staff guarantees that you won't go hungry by offering breakfast in the formal dining room or on the covered porch, plus decadent afternoon treats and a glass of sherry nightcap.

Valentine's Day Vacations

Valentine's Day Vacations : Romance and Honeymoons -
Upgrade from the standard box of chocolates or long-stem roses with a romantic getaway to sweep your Valentine off his or her feet. From romantic city escapades to relaxing beach vacations, here are our picks for the sweetest and sexiest Valentine's Day adventures.
New York, New York
Love is all around in the Big Apple, from horse-drawn carriage rides through Central Park to Eskimo kisses on the ice rink at Rockefeller Center. This Valentine’s Day, add some edge to your romance with a downtown Manhattan adventure. Spice up window-shopping with a trip to SoHo’s sophisticated and saucy Agent Provocateur for some sexy skivvies. Next head to the Meatpacking District for a romantic stroll along the neighborhood’s unique elevated park, the High Line. The Valentine’s Day package at the Hotel Gansevoort is equal parts sweet and sexy featuring roses, chocolate-covered strawberries, champagne and the classic game of Twister. Take advantage of the late check-out time and sleep in or spend the morning lounging at the heated outdoor rooftop pool.
San Francisco, CaliforniaWoo your Valentine with chocolate, champagne and some canoodling penguins in flirty San Francisco. Gourmet Walks celebrates the holiday with a sweet stroll around town. The Champagne and Chocolate tour kicks off with a bit of bubbly at a wine bar followed by 7 stops for gourmet chocolate tastings. Next get some sex tips from the birds and the bees at the San Francisco Zoo’s “Woo at the Zoo.” This quirky, adults-only event spills the beans on secret sex lives and mating rituals of some of the zoo’s favorite residents. When it’s time to turn in, the “Lose Your Heart” package at Campton Place Hotel in Union Square promises more romance with dinner and a wine-tasting at the restaurant.
San Juan, Puerto RicoA trip to the beach in the middle of winter might kick-start your romance, and Puerto Rico is a great choice with no passport requirements and quick direct flights from many US airports. Let your love glow in San Juan, a historic city perfect for strolling, lounging and club-hopping at night. The Luminescent Love Package at the San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino includes an oceanfront room, champagne, a massage and a trip to the Bioluminescent Bay in Fajardo. This ethereal “biobay” is filled with microscopic plankton that glitter and glow in the water. Keep the romance going with an aphrodisiac in the ornate red and gold dining room at Dragonfly. Latin American and Japanese cuisines are fused to create the most scrumptious and sexy sushi rolls.
Savannah, GeorgiaSavannah’s cobblestone streets, moody Spanish moss and Southern charm are known to inspire hand-holding and stolen kisses for new lovers and seasoned partners. Get physical and paddle a canoe for 2 on a Wilderness Southeast tour. The area’s coastal creeks are framed by stately tupelo and cypress trees and filled with cool wildlife including herons, turtles and alligators. Looking for more sedate waterfront fun? Travel down the Savannah River on a brunch or dinner riverboat cruise. Once back on dry land, indulge in a sundae at Leopold’s Ice Cream, which has been scooping up tasty treats since 1919. Rose Petal Cream and Chocolate Cherry Cordial are only available in February. The city is filled with romantic inns and cozy bed and breakfasts. Check into the Ballastone Inn or the ultra-luxe Mansion on Forsyth Park.
Denver, ColoradoThe Brown Palace Hotel and Spa celebrates love, and even love’s loss, all month long. The Love Stinks package pampers the broken-hearted with cocktails, stress-relief massage and a copy of the book “He’s Just Not That Into You.” History buffs can take a hotel tour and learn about romantic rendezvous of celebrities and even past presidents that have happened at the hotel since it opened in 1892. Those feeling a bit more amorous will enjoy the decadent chocolate brunch or the spa’s cherry chocolate scrub. Love reaches new heights -- 12,050 feet to be exact -- at The Loveland ski slope, located just an hour from Denver. Couples tie the knot or renew their vows during the annual Mountaintop Matrimony Ceremony and then ski down the hill to their reception.

Best Places to Visit in February

Top Picks Valentine’s Day
Why not woo your Valentine with a romantic getaway? We’ve rounded up the most romantic bed and breakfasts and we’ve got Valentine's Day vacation ideas that are equal parts sweet and sexy.
Snowboarding
Take advantage of the powder with a trip to the best snowboarding spots in the US. There are challenges and lessons at these top snowboarding trails, parks and pipes.
Costa Rica
February is prime time to visit Costa Rica when you can take advantage of the dry season with warm weather and little rain. Plan a classic Costa Rica adventure or check out the best eco-tourism on a road trip around Costa Rica.
Caribbean
Beat the winter blues on a tropical getaway to the Caribbean where the temperatures are balmy and the sunshine bright. Take your pick from the Top 10 Caribbean beaches.
New Zealand
If you have time for an extra-long vacation, catch the tail end of summer in New Zealand. Set off on a classic outdoor adventure Down Under and soak up the country’s natural beauty.
Europe
While you won’t be escaping the cold weather in Europe, you might avoid some of the crowds by visiting the Continent’s coolest cities in the off-season. Visit Paris or London for big-city fun with fewer tourists and even a few bargains.
Heli-skiing in Alaska
There are plenty of great skiing options around the world, but if you’re looking for an unusual extreme ski getaway, try heli-skiing in Alaska. The heli-skiing season only lasts for 12 weeks—from February through April—so take advantage of the adrenaline rush when you can.
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Best Romantic Beaches

Rev up the romance in your relationship with a weekend at the beach where you can blissfully spend the days lazing in the surf, sand and sun -- the nights holed up in high style with your honey. Romance abounds at these 5 destinations, where luxury, amenities and the backdrop of the beach set the stage for fine-tuning your flirting skills.
Cannery Pier Hotel
Astoria, OregonAt the mouth of the Columbia River, the slow-paced fishing town of Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies. Watch the waves lick the rocks, try your hand at crabbing, or gape at the charming Victorian homes that grace the cliffside community. When the tide is just right, shipwrecks can be spotted right off the coast. All beaches are public, though a bit windy, and free from the throngs of usual coastal tourists. Couples reconnect at Cannery Pier Hotel, where rooms are elegantly appointed with mood-making fireplaces and claw-foot tubs with waterfront views. Service reigns supreme and thoughtful amenities include bikes you can borrow to cruise the boardwalk, free limousine service and nightly happy hours with wine and hors d'oeuvres.
Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa
Shell Beach, CaliforniaTucked away between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Shell Beach boasts a small-town vibe, but packs plenty of appeal to keep even the savviest of travelers entertained for a long weekend. The addition of beachfront beauty Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa has only increased the romance factor in this quintessential beach town. Spacious rooms with panoramic views and bedding to die for, an intimate spa, an oceanfront infinity pool and plenty of privacy have made Dolphin Bay a romantic refuge for discriminating weekend warriors. Looks, comfort and amenities aside, the resort's restaurant, Lido, is serving some of the most innovative cuisine to be found anywhere along the California coast.
The Wauwinet Inn
Nantucket, MassachusettsHeavy hitters like John Kerry and Teresa Heinz and Chanel vice chairman Arie Kopelman summer at this swank island destination, but for a price, everyday folks can partake in the serenity of this coastal haven, too. For scenic dunes and views, head to Ladies Beach. For a more intimate beach experience, scout out Coatue Beach for gray and harbor seals, salt marshes, and rolling dunes. Stay at The Wauwinet Inn, an exclusive Relais and Ch??teaux property where guests are made to feel as though they are staying at their (very wealthy) best friend's beach house. Snuggle together under a blanket on a lawn chair, make it movie night with free popcorn and DVDs, or curl up between the luxurious Pratesi sheets -- the vibe is chic, yet always comfortable.
Casa Morada
Islamorada, FloridaSure, South Beach is a top contender for a Florida weekend getaway, but for a more subdued escape, stray 90 miles from Miami to the 6 islands that make up Islamorada. Although fishing is the preferred outdoor activity of choice on the islands, couples can opt for a weekend of exclusive pampering at the 16-suite Casa Morada. Rooms come equipped with all the necessary elements for romance: private outdoor spaces and al fresco Jacuzzis; panoramic sunset views; and massages en suite. Want to get out and explore? Try snorkeling the Keys reef, taking a yoga class or renting a boat.
The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
Maui, HawaiiBoasting year-round bathing-suit-friendly temperatures, Maui seems especially tailored for couples. Warm tropical weather, swaths of sandy beaches and exclusivity make this slice of paradise a popular romantic rendezvous for well-heeled sun-worshippers. For those who want stellar island hospitality coupled with space and privacy, a stay at the newly renovated Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is a must. Relax on your room's private lanai, get a spa service in one of the couples' cabanas with outdoor shower gardens or make use of direct access to D.T. Fleming Beach, which was recently named the Number 1 Beach in the World by Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, aka Dr. Beach.

Romantic Spas

Romantic Spas : Romance and Honeymoons : Luxury Vacations -

Over and above the usual pampering proffered by spas, these retreats -  as much as they each differ - all specialize in "rejuvenating 2-body energy systems."

Miraval, Life in Balance
Catalina, Arizona
When romance seems nothing more than a mirage, consider hunkering down with your partner in the middle of the Sonoran desert at Miraval, Life in Balance. Not only does this destination spa in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains set the scene for romance by serving up gourmet-quality cuisine (with wines) and offering its signature hot stone massage, among a vast menu of treatments, it also comes to the aid of fatigued couples trudging through monotonous Click Here!">marriages and barren relationships.

Here, a husband-wife team of nationally acclaimed sexuality physicians conduct regular workshops based on their best-selling book, 'Your Long Erotic Weekend.' Drs. Lana Holstein and David Taylor help to re-energize couples who, in their words, "are having sex instead of making love," as well as reconnect those who've given up completely on a physical relationship.

"People get the idea that our program has a lot to do with the details of having sex, or what is sexy," Taylor says. "Really, it's much more about being intimate."

Even workshop-averse types can find plenty of romantic inspiration here: Miraval's rosemary-scented pathways are made for meandering, holding hands and remembering.

Mirbeau Inn and Spa
Skaneateles, New York
Here's a challenge: First, loll about with your partner in a milk bath scented with orange blossoms. Next, let the Mirbeau Inn and Spa's resident sommelier decide which wine to pair with your foie gras with caramelized pears, and which with your partner's sweet potato and vanilla soup with jumbo prawns. All the while, drink in the heady scents and sights of impressionist-inspired gardens surrounding a pond, complete with a replica of the Monet bridge. Finally, unwind from all this bathing, sipping and dining at a heated foot-massage pool before retiring to your chateau-style room.

I dare you, at this point, to not feel the amour.

There's not just something romantic about this country estate that is French in every way (except that it's conveniently located in the wine-producing Finger Lakes region of upstate New York); there's everything romantic.  Gardens and ponds area designed to look like Claude Monet's home in Giverny and signature spa treatments are offered in the Water Lily room. After the signature 100-minute massage, couples soak in a tub for two that's aptly named "The Art of Living."

Red Mountain Spa
Ivins, Utah
If it's adrenaline that whets a couple's romantic appetite, they're no doubt as happy sharing a lukewarm Gatorade and handfuls of g.o.r.p. as chilled champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries. As comfy in climbing harnesses as white terry robes, he thinks she looks hot in a helmet and she doesn't snicker (not openly, anyway) at his bike shorts.

The Red Mountain Spa caters to them: thrill-seekers whose idea of intimacy involves hugging canyons, whether during bike rides, hikes or rock climbs, on the red cliffs and black lava beds of southwestern Utah.

This spa is a haven for couples who know that high adventure does not necessarily entail roughing it: Why settle for ramen noodles and a pup tent when healthy gourmet meals and luxuriously appointed villa suites are available? Whether the trails they traverse are tranquil or treacherous, guests at the Red Mountain Spa can decompress with 70 treatments that range from deeply soothing to rejuvenating; the signature "Four Directions" combines an indigenous scrub with tobacco and cornmeal, a cedarwood oil massage and a sweetgrass herbal wrap.

The Spa at the Hotel Hershey
Hershey, Pennsylvania
The street lamps are kisses: oversized replicas of the foil-covered variety. Oh, and - breathe deep - the whole town smells like ... mmm ... chocolate. With its manicured gardens, fountains and reflecting pools, the Hotel Hershey is the delicious center of a romantic resort. Its European-style spa is ground zero for indulgence.

The signature treatment - it's patented, no less - says it all: a whipped cocoa bath. Or say, for instance, that you or your partner has been less than delectable lately; you can book a chocolate fondue wrap for two. It consists of body-brushing, applications of warmed moor mud with cocoa essence, and Vichy shower rinses. Voilà - sweeties again!

To commemorate 2007 - the 100th anniversary of the Kiss - the spa introduced a new Cocoa Facial during which you're actually encouraged to eat dark chocolate:  mercifully busting the myth that chocolate is bad for the skin.   

The spa's locale is provincial, but the ambiance and treatments are disarmingly exotic. A Moroccan-inspired lounge evokes the interior of a harem tent. The Noche Azul soak (a calming bath containing Cuba's national flower, "la mariposa blanca," or white butterfly jasmine) and the mojito sugar scrub (an exfoliating tropical body experience), transport couples, if only in spirit, to the forbidden paradise of Cuba.

Sundara
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
This secluded retreat lures not only honeymooners and anniversary-ites, but also baby-mooners: first-time moms- and dads-to-be as well as veteran parents who are savvy enough to sneak away for one last tryst before their newborn makes 3, 4 ... or more.

Towering pines envelop Sundara; its name derives from the Sanskrit word for "beautiful." As captivating as the outdoor scenery is - imagine basking in the heated infinity-edge pool and watching a bald eagle soar overhead - the interior environments here are similarly appealing.

Sundara's Spa Together treatments take place in unique rooms architecturally designed for 2. The Asara Spa Together room has shimmering gold walls, quarter-moon windows and a body spa large enough for two, with 10 powerful water jets and a cascading waterfall. Among the most spectacular of the Spa Together treatments is Shakti Radiance, an almost three-hour-long (170 minutes) ayurvedic experience, during which couples occupy twin overflowing soak baths and have a view of the woods.

Romancing the Train

Romancing the Train : Weekend Getaways : Romance and Honeymoons

As the growing number of vintage train fans know, there is nothing more romantic than partaking in a gourmet meal on a steam train, or an afternoon spent lounging in the lush compartment of an Art Deco-era bar car.The gentle rocking of the rails lulls you into a state of relaxation almost unheard of in this era of crowded flights and congested highways.

But for some travelers the idea of being "stuck on a train" for a long journey is daunting. Luckily, many of the world's most romantic vintage train trips can be done in a weekend. Here are some of the best:

The Venice, Italy, to Oxford, England, leg of the Orient Express features one of the most famous and beautiful trains you will ever lay your eyes on. Everything on the Orient Express is restored vintage, not reproduction. Board at the train station in Venice and spend the afternoon and evening traveling through Switzerland and France. In the evening, your cabin is made up by your private cabin attendant, who lays out your own keepsake Orient Express bathrobe and slippers for you. You end up de-boarding, traveling through the Chunnel, and arriving at Dover for the leg to Oxford on the British Pullman where more champagne and plush vintage upholstery is awaiting. Orient Express also operates the reproduction-vintage Northern Belle on day trips throughout Britain.

Also in Britain, which pioneered the steam engine at the dawn of the Industrial Age, the Isle of Man Steam Railway is a 3-foot-gauge, intact vintage rail system. The railway runs from Douglas through Port Soderick, Santon, Ballasalla, Castletown and Port St. Mary to the southern resort of Port Erin. It's a popular way to explore some of the quaintest towns and villages on the island - home of the famous cat without a tail. At 15-plus miles it is the longest narrow gauge steam line in Britain.

The Napa Valley Wine Train offers wine-tasting trips and gourmet dining experiences on retrofitted style trains. It's a great alternative to renting a car and driving for afternoon tastings in the region. Afterward, you can relax in a vinotherapy tub at one of the valley's sumptuous spas.

The Niagara Weekender takes travelers roundtrip from New York City to Niagara Falls on a three-day trip with off-train accommodations along the way. The journey includes meals, accommodations and entry to the falls themselves, one of the most romantic destinations since honeymoons began.

Top 10 New England Bed and Breakfasts

Top 10 New England Bed and Breakfasts : Romance and Honeymoons -
Experience New England's charm at the region's top 10 bed and breakfasts. These inns are noted for their classic New England hospitality, unique history, architecture, cozy rooms and great food.
Buttonwood Inn 
North Conway, New HampshireOutdoor adventures abound at New Hampshire's Buttonwood Inn, a homey inn on 5 acres of land on Mt. Surprise, a short distance from North Conway in the White Mountains. In the warmer months, you can hike over covered bridges and past waterfalls, or strap on your skis or snowshoes for a winter adventure. Adrenaline junkies can careen down the mountains on narrow mountain-biking trails or fly through the air in a zip-line tour. Then head back to the inn where you relax with a cup of tea in front of the family room's fireplace or watch a movie on the 50-inch TV with a cocktail in the Mt. Surprise Room. The inn's 10 rooms are comfy with unique touches, like hand-painted murals or 2-person soaking tubs, and the hearty breakfast feast of savory and sweet entrees will give you plenty of energy for another day exploring New Hampshire.
Rabbit Hill Inn
Lower Waterford, VermontThe Rabbit Hill Inn in Vermont is one of New England's most luxurious bed and breakfasts with 19 lavish rooms and suites in a 1795 country house and carriage house. Guests are pampered with deluxe amenities, including extra-large soaking tubs, plush bedding and romantic 4-poster beds. And then there's the food, starting with a classy breakfast of homemade granola, yogurt and hot dishes like apple cheddar crepes served by candlelight and a host of complimentary snacks for afternoon tea. Foodies will fall for the farm-to-table cuisine for dinner at the on-site restaurant, which puts a drool-worthy spin on seasonal delicacies. Once you tear yourself away from the table, peruse the libraries, challenge your partner to a board game at the Snooty Fox Pub, take a stroll through the gardens or nearby country lanes, indulge in an in-room massage or just sit in the parlor and appreciate the gracious treatment.
Hydrangea House
Newport, Rhode IslandNewport is a New England favorite with beaches, a festive downtown waterfront and legendary grand mansions sitting atop the coastline cliffs along the city's famed Cliff Walk. You don't need to be a Rockefeller to appreciate the city's charm when staying at the Hydrangea House. Its 10 rooms and suites are elegant with themes like the sweet blue and yellow of the French Country Room or the opulent Carrie in Paris suite complete with a fireplace and the option for en-suite massages. Breakfast is a formal affair served in the fancy dining room with homemade bread and granola and sweet and savory entrees like raspberry pancakes or scrambled eggs in puff pastry.
The Pineapple Inn
Nantucket, MassachusettsEach room is named for a captain at Nantucket's Pineapple Inn, an homage to the whaling captain who built the home in the mid-19th century. Guests can choose from 12 rooms, most with 4-poster beds, handmade carpets and interesting antiques. The inn is a short walk from Main and Centre Streets with their restaurants and shops, and guests get priority seating at the town's best restaurants including Figs at 29 Fair by Todd English and the Summer House Restaurant. Like most other businesses in Nantucket, the inn is open seasonally from April to December, and rates are considerably higher during the warm summer months when everyone heads to the classic New England seashore at Siasconset.
Inn at Harbor Hill 
Niantic, ConnecticutThe Inn at Harbor Hill sits above Niantic's marina with Adirondack chairs on the wraparound porch and gardens overlooking Connecticut's shoreline. Each of the 9 rooms has a view of the water and many have private balconies or patios where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or play a board game borrowed from the hosts. In warm weather, there are passes to the local beach, which is a short walk away and kayaks to head out to sea. In cooler weather, take a stroll along the 1-mile Niantic Bay Boardwalk. After checking out the quaint small town, drive 20 minutes to nearby Mystic Seaport and visit with the Beluga whales and other sea life at the Mystic Aquarium.
Atlantean Inn
Bar Harbor, MaineBar Harbor, ME, is a favorite New England destination, beloved for its proximity to Acadia National Park, bustling seaside towns and lobster shacks. Tucked away on a quiet side street, the Atlantean Inn is the perfect home base for exploring Maine's coastal wonders. This 1903 Tudor-style cottage welcomes guests to 8 rooms, including two 2-bedroom suites. The inn's owners go out of their way to keep things green, serving vegetarian breakfast and providing each guest with a reusable water bottle on top of practicing eco-friendly cleaning methods. The inn closes from November until May when activity picks up in the town again with kayak trips, whale-watching adventures and outdoor concerts and festivals all a short walk from the front door.
Mansion House
Martha's Vineyard, MassachusettsTake the ferry to Martha's Vineyard and enjoy the Mansion House, a large bed and breakfast just a short walk from the dock. The inn maintains a cozy charm, even with 40 rooms, and boasts modern amenities like soaking tubs, flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy the comforts of a large hotel, including a swanky gym, spa and mineral pool, and dine on a home-cooked breakfast in the Zephrus Restaurant. Rates plummet in the off-season from late-October through April when rooms are less than $100 a night.
Bear Mountain Lodge
Bethlehem, New HampshireExperience rustic New England beauty at the Bear Mountain Lodge, a log cabin near New Hampshire's White Mountains. The inn, handcrafted with logs from enormous Eastern White Pine trees, has 9 guest rooms and enviable common areas with endless mountain views. Rooms have plenty of rustic charm, many with exposed log walls, but also amenities like gas fireplaces and slate steam showers. Snuggle up in a chair on the expansive deck or just peer out the window and enjoy the view. It's not uncommon to see the area's resident wildlife, including black bears, moose, deer and wild turkey, wandering around the lodge's 26 acres of unspoiled nature.
Round Barn
Waitsfield, VermontThe Round Barn Farm, in Vermont's Mad River Valley, is ideal for a romantic escape regardless of the season. In the winter, guests snuggle into fluffy down comforters after a day on the slopes at nearby Sugarbush or Stowe, while in the fall, autumn's glory unfolds across the inn's 245 acres filled with ponds, meadows and an organic garden. The restored 19th-century farmhouse has 12 bright and airy guest rooms with unique characters, like the hand-hewn beams in the 2-room Abbott Suite and the cheery English-garden-inspired wallpaper in the English Room. An added bonus is the rare Vermont round barn, a former dairy barn from the 1900s that is now used to host weddings, concerts and even swimmers in the lap pool.
Bluffhead Cove Inn
Kennebunkport, MaineEscape to Bluffhead Cove Inn on the banks of the Kennebunk River for a quiet New England getaway. There are just 6 rooms at this quaint Victorian bed and breakfast, many with private entrances, patios or balconies and cozy sitting areas. The River Cottage is a popular spot for lovebirds looking for a little more privacy and extra-spacious digs. The rooms include small kitchens, full living rooms and bright bedrooms with 2-person soaking tubs. The inn closes for the chilly winter months, but is ideal for exploring the fishing village of Kennebunkport during the summer or fall.

Top 10 Cities for Singles

If the dating pool in your own city seems to be getting smaller and smaller, shake up your love life with a trip out of town. Bring your best wingman and visit one of these top cities for singles. Each of these unique spots is an ideal backdrop for a great date filled with culture, tasty food and a few good cocktails. Perfect your pick-up line, and join us for a tour of the best cities for singles based on AskMen.com’s 2010 Top 29 Cities to Live In.

New York, New York
Singles in the Big Apple have endless options when looking for romance. Bring an extra-large blanket, a thermos of coffee and extra mugs to the Great Lawn at Central Park. With a bit of luck, you just might find a partner to help you complete the Sunday Times crossword puzzle. If sparks fly, plan a casual first date at the gourmet and cheap (at least by NY standards) Pulino Bar and Pizzeria or the Shake Shack. You’ll likely spend that saved cash for a night on the town at Ballroom at the Jane Hotel or the Kenmare at 98 Kenmare Street where hipsters mingle with A-listers.

Melbourne, Australia
Artsy singles can study the artwork and maybe even find a muse at Melbourne’s National Gallery of Victoria. If you don’t find love at the NGV Art After Dark program, don’t lose heart. Wander the bohemian St. Kilda neighborhood, or pick up the tab at Lentil as Anything, the vegetarian restaurant where you set the price for your meal. Then settle into one of the cozy couches, with plenty of room for 2, at the Melbourne Supper Club at Level 1/161 Spring Street.

Tokyo, Japan
With its frantic pace and ultra-modern vibe, tapping into Tokyo’s singles scene may seem overwhelming. Ease into the city with a visit to a favorite hideout for locals and visitors alike -- the gardens at the Imperial Palace. After a stroll through the peaceful surroundings or a bike ride on the peaceful paths, you’re ready for a night on the town. Try dinner at Ginza Kyubey where you may bump into visiting A-listers and celebrities. Still haven’t found that special someone? Show some stage presence singing with a well-chosen tune (probably not “I Will Survive” or “Just a Gigolo”) at Smash Hits, a favorite local karaoke bar.

Madrid, Spain
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet your match in Madrid because things never slow down in this energetic city. Fashionistas can search for a gentleman to help carry an armload of bags while checking out the designer goods along Grand Via. Then take a siesta because you’ll need the energy for the late-night revelry. Start with tapas at Estado Puro at the Hotel NH Paseo del Prado. The nightlife scene picks up after 11 and rocks on until the sun rises at clubs like Moma56 at c/ José Abascal, 56 and Painting the Monkey at Paseo de los Olmos 13.

London, England
Ladies swoon for men with an accent. If you don’t have that going for you, you can still dress the part of the suave suitor after a shopping trip on London’s tony Oxford Street. Take your new style to one of the city’s hip galleries like Serpentine Gallery or Saatchi Gallery where you can talk contemporary art and schmooze with the local artistes. Come nightfall, it’s all happening in North East London with cool jazz at the Vortex or indie flicks at Rio Click Here!">Cinema.

Best Beach in Florida

It may have more than 47 miles of pristine beaches, but the crown jewel of Palm Beach County, FL, is, without a doubt, exclusive Palm Beach -- a 14-mile-long, half-mile-wide island of wealth and extravagance. Winter home to the Vanderbilts, the Kennedys, the Rockefellers and a slew of newly minted millionaires, Palm Beach features some of Florida's finest hotels, restaurants and shops, as well as some truly beautiful beaches. Perched next to the Gulf Stream, Palm Beach enjoys the benefit of warm blue water and gentle breezes. The John D. MacArthur State Park has a beautiful beach perfect for families as well as abundant marine life and rare plants to explore on a nature walk.

Top 10 Treasure-Hunting Hot Spots

Top 10 Treasure-Hunting Hot Spots : Great American Vacations

Thunder Eggs/Geodes
Deming, New Mexico
Scanning New Mexico’s soil is a profitable pastime. Rockhound State Park is a prime spot for hunting thunder eggs aka geodes. Thunder eggs look like muddy rocks and can be popped open to reveal valuable crystals such as amethyst, rose quartz and hematite. To distinguish a geode from a regular rock, look for a spherical external shape, often cauliflower-like in texture. You may need a hammer or chisel to break open the rock. Visitors are allowed to leave the park with 15 lbs. of rock to add to their personal collection.

Opals
Denio, Nevada and Lakeview, Oregon
Plan your hunt for fire opals at the Bonanza Opal Mine in Denio, NV. This mine has been in operation since the early 1900s. The mining season runs from May to September, and the weather can get warm and very arid. Water bottles, sun block, a hat and gloves are suggested items to bring with you. Rock hounds should also bring a small rake and buckets for collecting their finds. Many opal mines are located in remote areas, so be prepared to camp and bring all necessary food. Visitors can camp near the mine and hotels are less than 30 miles from Virgin Valley. Also be sure to check out Juniper Ridge Opal Mine in Lakeview, OR, if you’re looking hunting for opals in the Pacific Northwest.

Meteorites
Glorietta Mountain in New Mexico and Brenham Township, Kansas
Glorietta Mountain in New Mexico and Brenham, KS, are prime spots if you’re hunting for treasure falling from the sky. Deserts and dry lake beds are key places to hunt for meteorites. A metal detector or similar tool will help you discern a meteorite’s location because it is partially composed of iron-nickel. Use a rock hammer or shovel to unearth your finds. A magnet duct-taped to the bottom of a walking stick will attract the hidden space rocks so you don’t have to bend over to during your search. For more information on meteorite-hunting expeditions, visit Meteorite Adventures.

Jade
Big Sur, California
Enjoy the beauty of Big Sur while hunting for jade. Dive in the ocean or comb the beach at Jade Cove to seek one of the most precious gems in the world. Underwater, jade is fairly easy to distinguish from other rocks by its almost luminescent color. The best time to find jade is while diving in the ocean during the calm period after a winter storm. A rough undercurrent usually exposes many hidden gems. You don’t have to be a diver to be a jade hunter. You can find many small jade pebbles at low tide between the boulders and in piles of gravel along the shore. Search under large rocks and overhangs. Typical tools for serious jade hunters include scuba gear, a flashlight and a sack to hold your finds.

Emeralds
Hiddenite, North Carolina
Try your luck at Emerald Hollow Mine, located less than an hour from the Blue Ridge Parkway in Hiddenite, NC. This is the only emerald mine in the US open to the public for prospecting. Amateur rock hounds can take educational field trips to learn more about emeralds and other gems found on-site, including sapphires, garnet and tourmaline. Prepaid permits are available for creeking, sluicing and digging. Emerald Hollow is only closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. Hotels, restaurants and other accommodations are available in nearby towns of Statesville and Taylorsville.

Dinosaur Fossils
Devil Hills, South Dakota
Relic hunters frequently head to the Badlands region in South Dakota to hunt for dinosaur fossils. The Devil Hills area has been a prime spot where rock enthusiasts have uncovered huge pieces of bone dating back to the Jurassic period, 145 million years ago. Common tools to take include a digging knife, X-acto knife, brush and a small pick. After finding a fossil, you must carefully free it without damaging it, using trowels, hammers, whisks and dental tools. A quick-setting glue can be applied to it before removing a crumbling or fragile fossil. Then the fossil can be removed from the surrounding rock. Visit the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research, Inc. for more information about dino fossils.

Diamonds
Murfreesboro, Arkansas
Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only diamond-producing site in the world where the public can search for diamonds. What you find is yours to keep. It’s the perfect place for a family vacation and features an on-site water park and camping facilities. A gravel walkway through secluded woodland allows visitors to view and photograph deer, turkey, squirrels, birds and other wildlife. Tools aren’t necessary for diamond hunting. It’s possible to walk around and look for diamonds lying on top of the soil. Items for rent on site include a wooden box screen, shovel, bucket and knee pads. The professional treasure hunters at the park’s visitors’ center offer a free service to help determine if your find is a diamond or a dud.

Gold
Pine Grove, California
Roaring Camp is an old gold-mining camp on the Mokulmne River. It was a camp for gold prospectors (49ers) during the California Gold Rush from 1848-1855. Visitors can visit the operating gold mine and mine their own gold by panning, sluicing, dredging and dry-washing. Roaring Camp provides fun family activities, including rafting, camping, swimming, fishing and hiking on trails used by the original 49ers. A Saturday cookout, museum tour and lessons on how to pan for gold are also offered. Gold pans, gravel bags, rocker boxes and more are available if you need tools to search for you golden nuggets.

Aquamarine
Spruce Pine, North Carolina
Travel to the gemstone-rich Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to dig for aquamarine. Spruce Pine is a prime spot for aquamarine mines and gemologists. Gem Mountain Gemstone Mine provides a covered flume line for treasure hunters to sift through sediment and find all kinds of precious stones. This mine is a one-stop shop for not just aquamarine, but garnet, moonstones, rubies and more. Stones are inspected free of charge. Experienced gem-cutters are also on-site and available to transform your stones into jewelry. Jerry Call, a Spruce Pine gemologist, can help you out if you’re looking for a more exotic location to go gem hunting; Jerry owns a home in Brazil and organizes trips to Rio Doce Mine.

Turquoise
Tonopah, Nevada
Go hunting for the blue-green gem at the Royston Mine in Tonopah, NV. The Otteson family, who owns the mine, is one of the few remaining mining families in Nevada. In addition to the mine, they also own a jewelry store that will transform your turquoise into jewelry. Treasure hunters will need to bring sunscreen, gloves, a good pair of shoes, water, food and digging tools. Visitors are not allowed to go down into the mines, but they are allowed to observe. Rock hounds can also pay to go through tailing piles, which have close to 1,000 lbs. of material. Digging is limited to 3 hours and only one bucketful is allowed per person to ensure there is enough turquoise to go around.

Top 10 Free US Museums

Top 10 Free US Museums :

Whether you're looking for ancient artifacts or colorful paintings, the best things in life certainly are free at the country's best no-fee museums.

Smithsonian Museums
Washington, DC
The Smithsonian has the distinction of being the world's largest museum complex with 13 free museums in Washington, DC, alone. Many of the museums are located around the National Mall including the Air and Space Museum, the American History Museum and the Natural History Museum. The National Museum of the American Indian has a companion museum in New York City that is also free of charge. The collections in each of the Smithsonian's museums are so vast that it's impossible to narrow down the greatest hits or appreciate the full array of artistic wonders in just 1 trip. But with no charge, you can head back as many times as you would like without putting a dent in your bank account.

Getty Center 
Los Angeles, California
The Getty Center may be one of LA's best, and cheapest, date spots because just about everything is free. In addition to free admission, visitors can check out special exhibits, gallery talks and even curator-led tours for no additional fee. The museum stays open until 9 on Saturday nights and parking is free after 5 p.m. The cool modern architecture, expansive city views and labyrinthine gardens are just as impressive as the inside exhibits of Western art including paintings, sculpture, drawings, photos, illuminated manuscripts and decorative arts by European and American artists.

Walters Art Museum
Baltimore, Maryland
Uncover a treasure trove of art from around the globe including ancient Greek sculptures and Roman sarcophagi, paintings by the Old Masters and fabulous Art Deco jewelry. Located in historic Mt. Vernon in Baltimore, the Walters is just the right size for a day trip. Bring the kids along, too, as this family-friendly museum has free loaner strollers to explore the museum in comfort as well as a family activity center where young guests can read some art books, stage a medieval puppet show or create a masterpiece at weekend drop-in art sessions.

National Museum of Mexican Art
Chicago, Illinois
The National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago is the country's largest Latino cultural organization with a range of exhibits depicting rich Mexican culture, both in the States and south of the border. Visitors can enjoy over 6,000 pieces in the permanent exhibits depicting life on both sides of the border with folk art including Day of the Dead masks, woven and embroidered indigenous clothing, photographs, prints, drawings and paintings. Traveling exhibits on subjects including Mexican muralists, female artists and silkscreen monoprints often make a first stop here before hitting the road to spread an understanding of Mexican culture across more borders.

Museum of Contemporary Photography
Chicago, Illinois
The Museum of Contemporary Photography is a free museum located on the campus of Columbia College Chicago. Since 1984, this museum has been the leading photography museum in the Midwest with a strong focus on offering students, educators and researchers a space to explore contemporary photography. Thought-provoking exhibits expose visitors to cutting-edge photos and explore how technology is changing the field.

Alamo
San Antonio, Texas
You may only remember the Alamo from elementary school social studies lessons, but it's easy to refresh your memory on a free visit to this San Antonio icon. Join the 2.5 million other visitors who head to this complex each year to celebrate this slice of history. There are 3 buildings on the premises with a Shrine, Long Barrack Museum and Gift Museum that feature exhibits on the history of Texas and this spot's role in the Texas Revolution.

Frye Art Museum
Seattle, Washington
The Frye Art Museum has been carrying on the legacy of its founders and bringing free art to the larger Seattle community since 1952. In addition to the free exhibits at the museum, visitors can participate in Art Talks with curators and educators, 1-hour interactive Guided Tours and the Magic Lantern series with screenings and talks on the art of film. For a real splurge, pay $5 for Tuesday's Tea and Tour event which includes a guided stroll through the galleries followed by some discussion over tea and snacks.

Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, Ohio
The founders of the Cleveland Museum of Art set the standard high when they established the mission in 1913 to make the museum 'for the benefit of all people forever.' You'll find rooms devoted to contemporary art, American and European painters, African art, ancient works and medieval treasures. Free daily tours help focus your attention on specific galleries and offer in-depth insight into the museum's artistic riches. The annual Parade the Circle event held each June is another of the museum's free community art ventures. It's a kaleidoscope of color and energy including spectacular costumes, skilled stilt walkers, giant puppets and artistic floats that promenade around University Circle.

Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology
New York, New York
Fashionistas can study the culture of fashion and maybe even pick up some tips from our fashionable predecessors at the free museum at FIT, Manhattan's Fashion Institute of Technology. There are 3 exhibition galleries, which feature visiting exhibitions and a rotating selection of the museum's permanent collection. The Fashion and Textile History Gallery changes every 6 months to offer a retrospective on the history of fashion. In addition to the exhibits, there are often free lectures, panel discussions and tours focusing on fashion and style.

Baltimore Museum of Art
Baltimore, Maryland
The Baltimore Museum of Art has come a long way since it was founded in 1914 with just 1 painting. Today there are more than 90,000 works of art in the collection, and the museum invites visitors to check them out for free. Art fanatics are thrilled by the museum's collection of Matisse works, the largest in the world, as well as masterpieces from beloved artists including Picasso, Cézanne, van Gogh and Warhol. After exploring the galleries, take a stroll through the outdoor sculpture garden tucked into a park in the city's Charles Village neighborhood adjacent to Johns Hopkins University.

Top 10 Most Haunted Places

Top 10 Most Haunted Places : Haunted Travels -

Whether you're a believer or not, America's towns are filled with true ghost stories passed down through time. From haunted fortresses and historic military spots to grisly tales of suffering and death, we've collected the country's most chilling real ghost stories.

Moundsville Penitentiary
Moundsville, West Virginia
During its more than 100 years in operation, the Moundsville Penitentiary in West Virginia was one of America's most violent correctional facilities and the final stop for almost 1,000 criminals. The prisoners lived in cramped quarters, which led to riots. Many men were hung or killed in the electric chair, while others were murdered by other prisoners. The prison closed in 1995, but according to some, the tortured spirits are still behind bars and in the bowels of the prison and may be seen or heard on a tour.

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
Weston, West Virginia
Once known as the Weston State Hospital, this asylum was home to thousands of people with mental illness, starting in 1864. Hundreds of people died here before the facility closed in 1994. Spirits are said to haunt the building and grounds today, dating back to the Civil War era when the asylum's grounds served as a military post. Paranormal tours of the facility feature 2-hour visits to the asylum's 4 main hot spots. The more intense Ghost Hunt is an 8-hour overnight paranormal adventure with experienced ghost-hunting guides.

Villisca Axe Murder House
Villisca, Iowa
On June 10, 1912, the old white frame house at 508 E. 2nd Street became a grisly crime scene. The heinous murder of Josiah B. Moore, his wife, their 4 children and 2 young girls who were overnight guests rocked the small town of Villisca, IA, and the murderer was never identified. Over the years, residents of the home reported visions of a man with an ax, children crying and unexplained paranormal activity. In 1994, the home was restored to its original condition with no indoor plumbing or electricity. These touches add to the chilling ambience during a lamplight tour from April through November or an overnight experience available by reservation for groups.

Sammie Dean
Jerome, Arizona
Jerome, AZ, is a former copper-mining town with a paranormal reputation that dates back to the Wild West. The town is now home to just 400 residents (down from 15,000 in its heyday), but legend has it there are plenty more ghostly residents from the days of mining accidents and shoot-out gunfights. One well-known spirit is the working girl Sammie Dean, a prostitute who was strangled by a customer in the old Crib District. Her beautiful spirit roams the alleys looking for her killer who was never found.

Cuban Club
Tampa, Florida
Cuban Club, also known as Circulo Cubano de Tampa, can be found in Tampa's Ybor City neighborhood. In 1917 this spot was a popular hangout for Cuban immigrants who enjoyed the ballroom, outdoor band shell and cantina with a stage and dance floor. Today the compound, protected by the National Historic Register, hosts concerts and special events and is the setting for many ghost stories about spirits playing the Click Here!">piano and riding the elevators.

Fort Mifflin
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Built in 1771, Fort Mifflin is the country's only Revolutionary War battlefield that is still intact. There are 14 restored buildings on the grounds on the Delaware River and reportedly plenty of spirits from the past. Amongst the ghosts said to haunt the fort are a screaming woman whose cries are so loud that the Philadelphia police have been called to investigate, only to find no one there. Other characters in the local ghost stories include a faceless man wandering around the fort, a tour guide dressed in revolutionary garb and numerous children and dogs.

Manhattan Bistro
New York, New York
SoHo is one of Manhattan's hipster havens with trendy shops and gourmet restaurants. But you may get more than you planned for at dinner at the Manhattan Bistro (129 Spring Street), a French restaurant with a notable ghost. Juliana Elmore Sands was killed in this building in 1799 when she was thrown into a well in the basement. According to some ghost stories, her spirit, often called the Ghost of Spring Street, manifests itself as vapor rising from the kitchen floor and causes front-of-house mischief with flying ashtrays and shattered dishes.

Moon River Brewery
Savannah, Georgia
The Moon River Brewery brought its beloved beers to Savannah in 1999, but the building is one of the oldest in town, dating back to 1821. In its original incarnation, it was the City Hotel, a high-end hotel with a history of violence during the Civil War. Men were killed in the hotel during heated skirmishes, including a Yankee who was beaten to death by locals in 1860. Some bar patrons today say they've seen bottles mysteriously fly through the air and have witnessed guests being pushed, touched and even slapped by unseen forces. One resident apparition, Toby, is said to skulk around the billiard room looking for the next great bar brawl.

The Sultan's Palace
New Orleans, Louisiana
The house at 716 Dauphine Street is a classic French Quarter beauty with classic wrought-iron balconies and a large courtyard. But in the 1800s, this residence was a house of horrors for the Sultan, a wealthy man with a depraved lifestyle, multiple wives and children and a harem of women and young boys held against their will. Neighbors complained about the mysterious habits of this man who had a predilection for partying, opium and torture. But the greatest mystery in the house was the Sultan's demise when he was buried alive in the courtyard after his family and harem were hacked to pieces in a bloodbath by an unknown perpetrator. Today, his angry spirit is thought to be responsible for the unusual noises, loud music and strong incense smells that waft from the home, as well as unwelcomed advances on past female residents who swear the Sultan is still up to his old tricks of groping female visitors.

Calcasieu Courthouse
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Toni Jo Henry has been the talk of the small town of Lake Charles since the 1940s when she killed a man in cold blood. Just as notorious were her stunning good looks. The former prostitute charmed a gentleman in a pickup truck to give her a ride while she was walking the highway with a friend en route to spring her true love from a Texas prison. It took 3 trials for a jury to convict the wily Toni Jo, who had charmed the courtroom and jail staff and divided the town over her presumed guilt. In 1942, this murderous beauty known as Tiger Girl was the first female to die in the electric chair in the state. Her spirit lingers in the courthouse today, and workers there swear they feel her presence, hear her screams and even smell her burning hair. Many believe that she tinkers with office equipment, locks doors and meddles with everyday office life at the courthouse.

Top 10 Family Vacation Spots

Top 10 Family Vacation Spots : Theme Parks, Resorts and Beyond

It used to be difficult to find a vacation destination that would please the entire family. These days, family-friendly resorts provide a multitude of options, so that folks can entertain their tots, relax with their spouses, and enjoy the fabulous North American outdoors -- all from the creative comforts of man-made African safaris, lost continents and even a Wild West dude ranch. Competing for your attention, modern family resorts have upped the ante in entertainment: swimming with dolphins, circus clown training and even sleeping in trees are real-life resort activities.

We've left no stone unturned as we unearthed these amazing resorts filled with off-the-chart family fun. Let the games begin!

Atlantis Resort and Casino
Paradise Island, Bahamas
Discover a lost civilization this vacation, and let your family act as the explorers! The $850-million Atlantis Resort recreates the infamous lost continent, filled with adventure and intrigue. This mecca of family fun features over 20,000 guest rooms, 38 restaurants and countless activities, including 11 exhibit lagoons and over 50,000 animals such as sharks, lionfish and stingrays.

Water enthusiasts can visit miles of beaches, take a dip in one of 11 pool areas, or play on 7 different water slides. Leave your fears at home, though & the Mayan Temple's Leap of Faith slide features a 60-foot drop into an acrylic tunnel submerged in a shark-infested lagoon.

Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort
Snowbird, Utah
If the sight of snow gets your family excited, grab a pair of skis and head to Snowbird for a wonderful, wintry vacation. The resort rests in Little Cottonwood Canyon, which offers 3,240 feet and 5,000 acres of mountain to explore, and whose proximity to the Great Salt Lake ensures over 500 inches of snow falls annually.

Thirty years after being founded, the resort now features 10 lifts, 85 runs and an uphill capacity of 16,000 people. Beginner skiers, from ages 3 to adult, can learn skiing and snowboarding at the Snowbird Mountain School. Love the outdoors but not a fan of the slopes? The resort offers ice skating, snow tubing, snowshoe tours and luge sleds. Parents can unwind with a stone massage or herbal wrap at the luxurious Cliff Spa, or hit Snowbird's shops, selling everything from ski clothes and boots to Chinese silk rugs.

Tanque Verde Ranch
Tuscon, Arizona
City slickers and country folk alike will enjoy their stay at the Tanque Verde Ranch, a family resort aiming to lasso the cowboy outta everyone. Literally meaning "Green Pool," the 640-acre Tanque Verde Ranch is a serene oasis nestled into the Sonoran Desert and adjacent to Saguaro National Park. With over 120 horses, it's no surprise that this dude ranch offers ample riding opportunities. Specialty rides such as the Breakfast Ride (to a meal at the Old Homestead), 6-hour-long Day Rides and Picnic Rides with lunch in Cottonwood Grove are all available. Newcomers can take riding lessons at a variety of levels.

Naturalist guides offer hikes through the desert wilds, exploring canyons, cacti and even secret waterfalls. The popular Kids Program offers little cowpokes (ages 4 - 11) the chance to "ride 'em cowboy!" Children are divided into 2 age groups -- the Buckaroos and Wrangler Kids -- and treated to riding lessons, tennis, swimming and arts and crafts.

Hilton Waikoloa Village
Waikoloa, Hawaii
If your family is looking for an island excursion to get away from it all, the Hilton Waikoloa Village promises endless activity and unprecedented luxury. Parents hoping to find a child-friendly haven can sign their tykes up for Camp Menehune. This day and night camp allows kids to feed koi and swans, hunt for treasure, and explore tidepools Tropical gardens, saltwater lagoons and 2 golf courses are tempting, but the resort's most popular retreat is Dolphin Quest, providing guests with a variety of interactive dolphin programs.

The many activities include Dolphin Training Adventures, a Dolphin Family Program and a Dolphin Twilight Camp for kids. At Waikoloa's 4-acre lagoon, water lovers can schedule kayak trips, snorkel sails and seasonal whale-watch sails. After dark, attend the Legends of the Pacific Luau to experience traditional island dancing and music, as well as a buffet dinner.

Kingsmill Resort
Williamsburg, Virginia
Stretching over 3,000 acres of Virginia wilderness, Kingsmill Resort boasts its own long list of recreational activities as well as close proximity to the fun found in nearby Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens. Active families can enjoy the resort's 3 18-hole golf courses, 15 tennis courts and Sports Club featuring indoor and outdoor pools, exercise classes, personal trainers and a billiards and game room.

Stop by the concierge desk for special Junior Guest Registration: children receive a Kids Fun Pack introducing them to the resort. Kids Camp is the perfect opportunity for 5-12 year olds to play tennis and golf, swim, fish, have theme days and make arts and crafts. Don't forget to sign little ones up for Kids Night Out, a pizza and game party that allows for a parents' romantic date night at 1 of the resort's 6 signature restaurants.

Circus Circus
Las Vegas, Nevada
The biggest permanent big top in the world can be found rising in all its colorful glory here in Las Vegas. At Circus Circus, over 3.5 million people per year stop by to experience the live entertainment and whimsy the Circus has to offer. The resort lies on 70 acres of land, and with 3,800 rooms, it's the fifth largest resort-casino in Vegas.

"Ooh's" and "ahh's" fill the air every half hour at Circus Circus, as performers engage in airborne stunts on the resort's center stage. Surrounding the stage is Midway, an enormous carnival filled with over 200 arcade games, carnival games and wandering clowns. Possibly the world's biggest funhouse, the excitement continues at the indoor theme park Adventuredome, home to over 20 rides, miniature golf and laser tag.

Out 'n' About Treesort
Takilma, Oregon
Something extraordinary is afoot in the woods of Oregon. Strung high above the earth, nestled into treetops and branches, is 1 of the world's most unique resorts: Treesort. This high-in-the-sky treehouse-resort proves that trees aren't just for the birds. Fourteen treehouses comprise Treesort, and sleep 2 - 8 people.
Getting to your room is half the adventure -- guests climb stairs, ladders, even a 90-foot-long suspension bridge. Once there, the wonder begins. At the Swiss Family Complex, a swinging bridge separates child and adult units, and a fire pole and rope swings provide kids with ground access. Luxury lovers will enjoy the Tree Room Schoolhouse Suite, which sleeps 4 and has a bathroom, kitchenette, master bedroom, sitting area and loft.

Guests allow fantasy to become reality at the Treehouse Institute, which teaches techniques in treehouse building. A self-described summer camp for families, Treesort also features horseback riding, rafting, ropes courses, pools and arts and crafts classes. Tree climbers face the challenge of scaling Treesort's 51-foot rope-climbing tree and discovering a treetop pool made of river rocks.

Club Med Ixtapa
Ixtapa, Mexico
Take your family South of the Border for some Club Med-style family fun. The charming Club Med Ixtapa Village quickly woos kids and parents with its seemingly endless roster of activities for all ages. Situated on 37 acres along Mexico's western coast, Ixtapa plays host to over 20,000 visitors a year, 60% of whom are under age 11!

A variety of clubs are designed to entertain children throughout the day. Divided by age groups, Baby Club, Petit Club and Mini Club keep kids ages 4 months - 13 years busy with outdoor activities, shows and crafts. Even mealtime is a child's fantasy - Ixtapa features a kids-only dining area. While the kids are away, the parents will play! Ixtapa offers adult activities including tennis, scuba, archery, kayaking, water polo, volleyball and picnics. Families venturing off the resort property can visit Ixtapa Island or take sunset cruises, fishing trips and even excursions into the Mexican fishing village of Zihuatenejo.

La Costa Resort and Spa
Carlsbad, California
Most commonly associated with its 2 PGA Championship golf courses and a world-class spa, La Costa Resort now earns itself a new reputation: Family Resort.

Tucked among the resort's rolling greens, Jim McLean Golf School, and 21 tennis courts is a world of activities designed for little ones on retreat. At Camp La Costa, children experience the resort's magnificent facilities in a kid-friendly environment while parents pursue their own activities without worry. Kids ages 5 - 12 spend the day at the camp, where they engage in tennis, croquet, hiking, swimming, nature walks, crafts and ping-pong. While the kids are making friends and having fun, parents indulge in the body- and soul-soothing luxury that defines La Costa. Whether taking yoga at health guru Deepak Chopra's Chopra Center or soaking away worries in Spa La Costa's Roman pools, adults relish the relaxing treatments. As darkness falls, parents can opt to spend a romantic evening together while sending their children off to Night Camp, which includes dinner, story hour and a scavenger hunt.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Orlando, Florida
At Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, families experience the thrills of an African safari without ever leaving their lodging. If a trip to the Serengeti is out of your price range, a visit to this wild lodge will more than suffice.

Guests initially greet the 33-acre property through the lobby's awe-inspiring 65-foot window. Strolling throughout the property's savannahs are over 200 animals representing more than 100 different species, including antelopes and gazelles. Many suites and rooms overlook the resort's savannahs, and balconies afford families an opportunity to come face to face with a giraffe. Rooms are decorated with a traditional African ambience: earth-tone walls, handcrafted furniture, tapestries and mosquito nets abound, but true historical value can be found in the 4,000 native handcrafts placed throughout the lodge. Featured within the lodge are 380 museum-quality works of art including authentic Kinta cloths, woodcarvings and a 16-foot, 240-lb. Nigerian ceremonial mask. When it's time to dine, experience the tastes of Africa at one of the resort's 2 inspired restaurants, Jiko or Boma, which feature wood-burning ovens and thatched roofs.

Top 10 Places of Mystery

Top 10 Places of Mystery : Haunted Travels -

Open your mind to new travel experiences by trading your usual fun-in-the sun vacation for 1 of these strange phenomena, unexplainable events or mysterious murder locations.

Crystal Skulls
Southern Mexico and Central America
Search ancient Mayan ruins throughout the jungles of southern Mexico and Central America for magical skulls. The legend claims that 13 crystal skulls, thought to be containers of great wisdom and mankind's destiny, were left behind by Mayan elders to be discovered by future generations. Five of the skulls have already been found -- 1 in Belize's Lost City of Lubaantun.

Nazca Lines
Nazca, Peru
Fly over enormous land figures -- including a dog, a monkey and a 900-foot bird -- along the southern coast of Peru. Although the lines are believed to have been created by the Nazca Indians some 2,000 years ago, no one is certain why or how they managed to produce such massive, complex forms. Some believe aliens created them as landing strips for their spacecraft.

Bermuda Triangle
Atlantic Ocean
Visit the 3 apexes -- Miami, San Juan and Bermuda -- of the infamous Bermuda Triangle. The triangle earned its deadly reputation due to the unexplained disappearances of 80 aircraft and 60 boats since 1975. Intense electrical forces and a tunnel-like cloud have been reported, but other theories include rapidly changing weather patterns and alien abduction.

Ark of the Covenant
Ethiopia
Join the greatest religious quest of our time. The search for the Ark of the Covenant, the golden container thought to hold the Ten Commandments, dates back to 586 B.C., when it vanished from King Solomon's temple. Some scholars have speculated that the ark was brought to Ethiopia, while others believe the ark could be located in the Judean desert.

Oregon Vortex
Gold Hill, Oregon
Experience an unexplainable force field just off Interstate 5 in southern Oregon. Native Americans called it the The Forbidden Ground, and in the early 1900s, scientists speculated that the land contained crossed magnetic lines that produced a strange force field. It's been reported that the vortex can make things spin, create the illusion of a dramatic change in height, and other optical illusions.

The Boston Strangler
Boston, Massachusetts
Investigate and catch the real Boston Strangler. Between 1962 and 1964, 11 women were found strangled to death in their Boston homes. Albert DeSalvo confessed to the killings, but discrepancies in his story and advances in DNA testing led authorities to re-open the case in 2001.

The Loch Ness Monster
Inverness, Scotland
Spot Nessie in the Highlands of Scotland. After thousands of reported sightings and investigations, the Loch Ness Monster has been described as 15 - 40 feet long with 1 or several humps. Scientists speculate that it (if it truly exists) could be a prehistoric marine reptile with a long neck and flippers, while others believe it could be part of the eel family.

Crop Circles
Avebury, England
Decipher gigantic, intricate patterns found in the wheat fields of a small farming community. Crop circles have appeared around the world, but over 100 have been reported in Avebury within the last 12 years. Explanations for these frequent formations include hoaxes, the wind, the military, lasers and the ever popular extraterrestrial messages.

Easter Island Statues
Easter Island
Witness Polynesian giants 2,300 miles west of Chile and 2,500 miles southeast of Tahiti. When discovered in 1722, this 15-mile island was completely isolated and uninhabited except for 800 enormous statues. Their huge size and weight -- some standing 30 feet tall and weighing over 75 tons -- would have made them almost impossible to build and move.

Jack the Ripper
London, England
Retrace the steps of the world's most notorious serial killer. More than a century after the butchering of 5 prostitutes, the identity of Jack the Ripper remains a mystery. Visitors to London's East End can still experience that autumn of terror on the original Jack the Ripper Walk.

Top 10 National Park Activities

Top 10 National Park Activities : American National Parks

Our national park system invites visitors to choose their own adventures in the most beautiful spots in the US. Here's our selection for the most exciting and unusual national park activities including sandboarding, spelunking and more.

Rock-Climbing
Yosemite, California
Yosemite is a climber's paradise with craggy outposts, sustained crack climbs and multiday dome excursions. Since 1969, the Yosemite Mountaineering School and Guide Service has been training newbies and accompanying seasoned climbers on trips in the park's many climbing areas. Full-day classes are available from April through October in Curry Village or Tuolumne Meadows, while specialized programs like Girls on Granite cater to women looking to scramble and scale up the rocks.

Snorkeling
Virgin Islands National Park, St. John, USVI
You'll want flippers, a mask and snorkel to explore the best trail in St. John because it's actually underwater. The snorkeling trail at Trunk Bay is a 225-yard swim lined with signs describing the fish, coral and plants that live in the warm turquoise waters. After exploring the sea, relax on the crescent-shaped beach and appreciate the scenery at one of the country's most idyllic national parks.

Orienteering
Prince William Forest Park, Virginia
Set off on a modern-day treasure hunt at Prince William Forest Park. Leave the GPS system at home for an orienteering adventure using just a map and compass to follow clues around one of the park's 30 courses. You can choose to set your own pace, whether it's a slowpoke family stroll while the kids master the compass or a competitive jaunt to race to the final clue.

Hiking
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
Hikers can set off on a great adventure on foot any time of year in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With more than 800 miles of trails, there are plenty of options including scenic strolls through fields of wildflowers and strenuous climbs to the top of the park's glorious waterfalls. A popular day-hike is a strenuous 8-mile trip to Charles Bunion along the Appalachian Trail. The 3-mile trip to Baskins Creek Falls follows an accessible trail with footbridge crossings to a 25-foot waterfall while the 8-mile roundtrip to Ramsay Cascades is a moderately strenuous trek through old-growth forest.

Horseback-Riding
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Experience the wild badlands on a horseback ride through Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The former president galloped through these vast prairies himself in the late 19th century. The park's trail system is open to horses, and some visitors choose to ride in on their own steed. For the rest of us, Peaceful Valley Ranch organizes day-trips all summer long for riders over 7 years old.

Rafting
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
While more than 5 million visitors head to the Grand Canyon every year, many make the mistake of simply peering out over the Rim before climbing back in the car. To truly experience the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, set off on a white-water-rafting adventure on the Colorado River. Float down smooth water on half- or full-day trips, or check out a longer excursion and spend 3 to 18 days riding the rapids in the shadows of the canyon's towering red walls.

Spelunking
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Mammoth Cave National Park is the world's longest known cave system with spacious chambers and twisted labyrinths beneath Kentucky's Green River Valley. Serious spelunkers can descend 300 feet down 670 stairs and narrow passageways and tunnels to explore the underground rooms and hills on the Grand Avenue Tour. It takes over 4 hours to traverse this 4-mile-long stretch of the cave system. Lantern tours of the caves' passageways at Violet City give guests an idea of what it was like for the early cave explorers in the 1800s. And children over 10 can join in the fun on the Introduction to Caving experience, which teaches participants how to crawl, shimmy and slither through narrow passageways.

Paddling
Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Many visitors take in Glacier Bay's snow-capped mountains and towering glaciers from the deck of a cruise ship. For a more intimate tour of the park, glide through the waters in a low-lying kayak. Kayak trips set off from Bartlett Cove with Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks, the park's tour outfitter. Experienced paddlers may rent a kayak and set out to sea for solo trip while the company's 1-day adventures are perfect for beginners. Paddle alongside seals, porpoises or sea otters, and look toward the shore to search for black bear and moose.

Sandboarding
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado
Who says you can't ski in the summer? Rocket down rolling sand dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado. You'll need good equipment, such as downhill skis, a snowboard or a flat-bottomed plastic sled, to set off on a wild ride through the sand. The conditions aren't good after rain or when the weather is too dry as the sand may be too soft to pick up some speed. Sandboarding is permitted on any of the unvegetated dunes and is particularly good at the 300-foot slope near the Castle Creek Picnic Area.

Wildlife Viewing
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho
Enjoy a wild safari a bit closer to home at Yellowstone National Park, home to more than 60 types of mammals and 318 species of birds. Black bears and grizzlies make their home in forests while coyotes, gray wolves and bobcats frolic in the meadows. Bison, elk and moose roam the grasslands while bighorn sheep meander along the mountainside. Bald eagles soar overhead and trumpeter swans make their nests alongside the park's rivers. Bring a pair of binoculars and a camera, and join a ranger tour to learn more about these fascinating residents.

Top 10 Vancouver Attractions

Top 10 Vancouver Attractions : Vancouver 2011 -

It’s no coincidence that many of Vancouver’s most popular attractions are outside. This chic coastal city is the perfect mix of urban sophistication and breathtaking outdoor scenery. It’s easy to take in the city’s wonders on foot or take advantage of the public transportation including the SeaBus and SkyTrain. Navigate the sprawling city parks, head to the mountains and explore the quirky neighborhoods to celebrate the city’s unforgettable energy.

Stanley Park
With 1,000 acres of outdoor fun, Stanley Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America. The park appeals to visitors of all ages. There are flowering gardens and wooded areas with cedar, hemlock and fir trees that are home to varied wildlife. Kids love the water park, miniature train, farmyard and aquarium. But the most popular spot in the park is the Seawall, a scenic 5.5-mile path that visitors can explore on foot, bikes or roller blades.

Granville Island Public Market
Bakers, fishmongers, gardeners, butchers, importers and chefs of all kind peddle their goods at Vancouver’s largest public market on Granville Island. This foodie epicenter welcomes over 12 million hungry visitors each year looking for rare mushrooms, artisanal cheeses, homemade charcuterie from Oyama Sausage Company and ultra-fresh fish. Make reservations in advance for a 2-hour guided tour with Edible BC to learn about the market’s best-kept secrets with local chefs.

Grouse Mountain
Winter on Grouse Mountain means there’s skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice-skating and sleigh rides just 15 minutes from downtown. But the fun doesn’t end come summer. In the warm weather, locals head to the mountain for hiking and paragliding. Ziplines also zoom through the air and traverse the canyon year-round. If outdoor adventure isn’t your speed, climb aboard the largest aerial tramway for a 1-mile ride to the top of the peaks and the swanky Observatory restaurant.

Capilano Suspension Bridge
A treetop adventure awaits visitors at the Capilano Suspension Bridge and park. The first footbridge was built in 1889 using hemp rope and cedar planks to stretch across 450 feet. While today’s bridge is made of reinforced steel, much of the 27-acre park’s historic charm remains. Totem Park displays colorful story poles telling the stories of local First Nations ancestors. The park’s newest addition is Treetops Adventure, a series of 7 suspension bridges that sway 100 feet above the sweeping evergreen forest.

Whistler Blackcomb
Less than 2 hours from Vancouver, Whistler Blackcomb beckons snow bunnies and outdoor enthusiasts with over 8,000 acres of fun. These 2 mountains have distinct personalities that adventurers can discover only through experience. Ride the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola to explore them both. The mountains are hopping in the winter with skiing and snowboarding and equally fun in warm weather with great mountain-biking trails and outdoor adventures like ziptrekking. And when you’re ready to head inside, Whistler village has 134 restaurants and bars and over 200 shops for indoor fun.

Chinatown
Millennium Gate’s bright colors welcome visitors to Chinatown. No visit is complete without eating. Grab one of the 1,000 seats and try some authentic Cantonese Dim Sum at Floata Seafood Restaurant. Then walk off those pork buns and chicken feet on a stroll through the tranquil rock-lined paths at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.

Gastown
Gastown is lovingly referred to as the place where Vancouver began when local hero “Gassy Jack” Deighton enlisted the local millworkers to help build his saloon in a single day. The neighborhood has maintained its distinctive charm, earning it a spot on the National Historic Site of Canada. Today the cobblestone streets are still lined with watering holes that draw locals and tourists in for a snack and a pint.

Sea Safari
Seals, whales, bald eagles and blue herons all make their homes in the waters off the coast of Vancouver. You can experience this wildlife on a tranquil kayak trip or don some special waterproof gear and set off on a sea safari. Sewell’s Marina in West Vancouver offers 2-hour trips from Howe Sound in high-speed Zodiac-style boats.

Museum of Anthropology
The Museum of Anthropology was recently renovated to add more space for the world-recognized exhibits. The museum celebrates those artifacts and objects that express human creativity from a variety of world cultures. It recognizes the rich history of the First Nations people in Vancouver with striking sculptures and artwork.

Yaletown
Yaletown has been on the rise since the 1990s when the old redbrick warehouses were converted into condos and high-end retail and dining. Sometimes referred to as “little SoHo,” this downtown neighborhood is young and hip with swanky hotels, cool boutiques and acclaimed restaurants. It’s also a good spot for star-gazing of the Hollywood kind as celebrities can often be found mingling in trendy spots like the Opus Bar and restaurants like the Bluewater Café.

Top 10 Family Spring Break Vacations

Top 10 Family Spring Break Vacations : Spring Break Getaways - Travel Channel Catch It The Travel Channel Home

Atlantis Resort
Paradise Island, Bahamas
The legendary underwater world bearing the same name has nothing on this Bahamian resort that beckons children and their parents with luxurious resort surroundings and outrageous kids' activities. Kids can choose their own adventures at the stellar AKA (Atlantis Kids Adventure) program. Aspiring chefs can twist pretzels or make pizza in culinary classes and budding architects can don their hard hats and get building in the Lego Construction room. Wizards? Check. There's a cozy tree with perfect nooks for reading the latest magical tale. Extravagant tea party? Atlantis has this one covered, too, in the life-sized Victorian dollhouse equipped with the highest quality in pretend kitchens. There's gaming systems galore, a performance gallery complete with costumes and equipment to make movies, and arts and crafts to rival the best art institute. If the kids ever choose to leave the club, parents might squeeze in a fast family meal before the wee ones are off to the water slides, river rides, rock climbing or marine habitat.

Smugglers Notch 
Smugglers Notch, Vermont
Sure, school is out, but the kids won't mind being students enrolled in the ski programs at Smugglers Notch. Aspiring snowboarders can learn the ropes on Burton snowboards equipped with a softer flex and beveled bottom that help with the learning curve. Cross-country skiers can hone their skills on the bumps and play area at the mini terrain park. The staff is so confident in their students at Snow Sport University that there's a refund if participants don't learn or improve. When class is out, kids can tackle a new hill -- the 22-foot giant double lane slide and the rest of the inflatable fun at FunZone. Indoor pools, dog-sledding, ice-skating and art classes are available to keep the entire family busy.

Rancho de los Caballeros 
Wickenburg, Arizona
Saddle up for a unique spring break at an old-school dude ranch in Arizona. It's like sleep-away camp for the entire family, but with better food and cozier accommodations. Rancho de los Caballeros has been giving families an insider's look at cowboy life since 1947, so it's no surprise they've mastered the art of the family vacation. The children's club starts at 8:00 a.m. with breakfast before a ride on the trails or around the corral for the mini cowboys and girls. The kids are busy with swimming, crafts, hiking, sports and scavenger hunts while parents can spend some time relaxing or playing golf. After lunch, the family is reunited for some together time and more horseback riding or just horsing around in the pool. Then come dinner time, the kids are back to the club and a campfire while mom and dad enjoy dinner in the dining room. It's the best of both worlds and, best of all, most activities in the children's program are free of charge.

Sandy Lane 
St. James, Barbados
Sandy Lane Resort is a spring break destination to aspire toward with chauffeured luxury cars, palatial suites and chilled, scented towels on arrival. This exclusive resort is pricy, but a worthy investment if you're looking for a refined resort atmosphere with plenty of engaging activities to keep the little ones happy. Parents can enjoy a few rounds of golf on impeccably manicured fairways or slip into the spa for a massage or the moisturizing Rose Hydrating Cocoon. Kids will dig the Treehouse Club with themed events and activities like nature walks, sports, crafts and carnival days, complete with stilt-walking. Teens chill in the Den with pool, air hockey, video games and organized pool parties and water sports. The whole family will love swimming with the rare Hawksbill turtles in the reefs located just off the shore.

Steamboat Springs 
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Steamboat Springs is a dreamboat for families with great children's ski instructions and a bundle of après-ski activities. The Kid's Vacation Center is the starting point for families with a streamlined check-in process and a spacious facility to prepare your young ones for the cold. Lessons are available for kids starting at 2.5-years-old, and there are 5 kids-only slopes where little ones can master the art of the wedge before moving on to the kiddies terrain park. The Rough Rider Basin is a nod to the Old West with teepees, a log-cabin playhouse and snack areas. The whole family will enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the Great Rockies followed with a soak in the area's natural hot springs. Kids Fly Free domestic packages coupled with Kids Rent Free and Kids Ski Free all reduce the price of one cool family vacation.

Loews Coronado Bay 
San Diego, California
San Diego is an ideal pick for families looking for spring break fun with loads of diversity. There's the beach, of course, but there are also great parks, cool museums and 2 fantastic zoos. The San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park is a sprawling and hilly enclave made up of 9 unique zones spread out over 100 acres. Plan on spending a few hours checking out the polar bears, elephants and gorillas, and hop on the guided bus to learn about the animals and give your legs a rest. The Wild Animal Park, 35 miles outside of the city, provides a safari experience as you traverse the 1,800-acre park in an open bus perfect for viewing the herds of wild animals like rhinos and giraffes in a more natural setting. The Loews Coronado Bay resort makes kids and teens feel right at home with club activities, water sports, surfing classes and gondola rides through the Coronado Cays canals.

Kauai Surf School 
Poipu Beach, Hawaii
If you can swim, then you can surf. At least that's what the folks at Kauai Surf School believe. Families can arrange for group sessions so the whole crew can wipe out and encourage each other to hop back up again. Group lessons maintain a ratio of 4 students for every instructor, ensuring that everyone has ample time to catch some waves. Parents must accompany children under 12 in group lessons. The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort is a family-favorite with an outrageous pool complex including saltwater lagoons and freshwater pools with waterfalls, grottos and a 150-foot slide. Parents don't need to feel guilty about dropping off the keiki, or kids, at Camp Hyatt where kids ages 3-12 can learn the hula, meet the resident parrots or make cool cultural crafts.

Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells 
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Wisconsin is king of water parks, and these monstrous slides aren't limited to the great outdoors. Families can save on the sunscreen and splurge on the fun at this indoor water wonderland made up of 125,000 square feet of slides, lazy rivers, wave pools and whirlpools. The Master Blaster uphill water rollercoaster and family raft river rapids are not to be missed. If you can get the kids out of the pool, there's an indoor theme park with a Ferris wheel, indoor go-carts, bowling and arcade games. Admission to the water park is included in the price for on-site accommodations, which include standard hotel rooms and roomier family suites.

South Seas Island Resort 
Captiva Island, Florida
In the midst of hectic resorts and crowded beaches, Captiva Island feels like a secret spot where families can turn it down and enjoy a retreat from the everyday. Located on Florida's Gulf Coast, the area has unspoiled beaches and unique wildlife that can be encountered while kayaking through the quiet estuaries or touring the freshwater ponds. It's also a great spot for collecting seashells, so bring along a bucket. But don't confuse a bit of peace and quiet with boring -- there's plenty to do at South Seas Island Resort from sailing in the harbor to playing in the lagoon pool complex or sliding down the waterslides at H2Whoa!

Club Med Dominican Republic
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
The beauty of an all-inclusive vacation is that you can put your wallet away and relax once you reach your destination. The Club Med Punta Cana caters to families with oceanfront family suites and even simplifies your packing by making baby essentials, like bathtubs, strollers and even baby food, available for your use. There are activities galore for parents and kids to enjoy together including infant classes at the Baby Gym and catamaran adventures. Supervised camps are included in your package price for kids over 4 and are available at an extra cost for babies through preschoolers up to 4.