| Atlantic City, NJ |
| Without the kids… |
Atlantic City may not sound like your picture-perfect weekend away, but it's come a long way in the last few years. No longer just the land of pawn shops and smoky casinos, AC has revamped its rep. With the opening of the trendy Borgata Hotel and Casino and The Pier at Caesars, it feels more Vegas than South Jersey (www.theborgata.com, www.thepieratcaesars.com). Popular Philadelphia and Boston restaurants Buddakhan, The Continental and Sosie have all opened locations at the Pier, and Bobby Flay Steak and The Old Homestead compete for the title of Atlantic City’s best steak at the Borgata.
If you're lucky at the tables, bring your winnings to Gucci, Scoop NYC, Tourneau or Louis Vuitton, all of which are at The Pier. If the slots took most of your money but you still need to get your shop on, The Walk in Atlantic City has all the outlet shopping your wallet can handle. |
| ...or with |
| If you choose to make your Atlantic City Trip a family affair, there’s tons of boardwalk shopping, arcades and cheap eats—not to mention the beach—to keep kids busy all day long. Don't forget to bring home some Steels Fudge, it's the original Atlantic City treat. |
| Scottsdale, AZ |
| Without the kids… |
| Don’t let Arizona’s sky-high summer temperatures discourage you from considering Arizona as a vacation destination. The prices are right, and there are plenty of enjoyable, relaxing indoor activities, especially at the Phoenecian Hotel (www.thephoenician.com). The Center for Well-Being at the Phoenician Hotel offers a range of spa treatments such as hot stone massage and energy therapy. The hotel’s Meditation Atrium offers one-on-one personalized meditation guidance, Duet Mediation for you and a loved one and even a Golf Meditation. Though you may find the idea of meditation a tad new-agey, why not take advantage of your child-free vacation to relax to the max, reconnect with your center and rekindle the relationship that started it all? |
| …or with |
Before choosing to plan a last-minute family vacation to Scottsdale, look out for weather reports indicating potential excessive heat warnings. If the weather is suitable for the little ones, they'll be thrilled to splash in the Phoenician’s many pools and play on the water slide. If you can't keep them busy on your own, the hotel’s Funician Kids Club offers a fun-filled, daily supervised program for kids ages five to 12, and for teens ages 13 to 17, there are special activities planned during the summer vacation weeks.
The Phoenician is also minutes away from Scottsdale's premier shopping mall, which features nearly every store you can imagine. If you need to get out of the sun and seek refuge, this is the place to cool off. |
| Stowe, VT |
| During the summer months, you may not immediately think of ski resorts, but even during off-season periods you can still have a full experience in Stowe, one of the East Coast’s top ski destinations. The weather is picturesque, with warm days and cool nights that provide much-needed relief from sweltering city climates across the country. An off-season visit also means you won't be fighting lines, crowds and runny noses. |
| Without the kids… |
| With its quaint small-town charm and lush green mountains, Stowe will redefine your idea of a romantic getaway. For the quintessential New England experience, stay in one of Stowe’s quaint Bed and Breakfast hotels. Check out the Ten Acres Lodge or the Hob Knob Inn (www.tenacreslodge.com and www.hobknobinn.com). If you’re golfers, you’ll love this destination. Many travel to Stowe for the sole purpose of becoming a better golfer by taking lessons at the Vermont Golf Academy (http://summer.stowe.com/golf/school.php). |
| ...or with |
| When the snow melts in Stowe, there are still plenty of fun things to do as a family. Take the kids on the famous 2,300 foot Alpine Slide right down Spruce Peak, take a Gondola ride up to the peak of Vermont's highest mountain for a family hike, or just walk around the town. For additional activity ideas, visit www.gostowe.com for listings of all the activities available during the summer months. |
| Key Biscayne, FL |
| Key Biscayne, a Floridian vacation jewel located right over the causeway and just east of Miami, is a fantastic adults-only destination for a long weekend. Stay in Miami to enjoy its nightlife and restaurants and then spend your days in Key Biscayne, its small village atmosphere will make you feel like you are truly on vacation. |
| Without the kids… |
| If you’re looking for luxe, check out The Four Seasons Miami, which features a gorgeous pool located on the hotel’s 7th floor, away from busy streets and noise (www.fourseasons.com). The poolside services and drinks are first- rate as well. Don't worry about all those caloric Mojitos, you can work them off at the hotel’s The Sports Club/LA, free to guests of the hotel. The state-of-the-art fitness facility includes fitness classes, fully equipped weight training gym and a cardiovascular center and cable TVs at each cardio machine. |
| …or with |
If your kids are up to the task, follow the same plan and book a suite at the Four Seasons Miami. In addition to the main pool, its Palm Grove Pool is a shallow alternative for the whole family to enjoy.
The hotel offers many dining options, with plenty of choices for the kids. If you decide to venture the 15 minutes into downtown South Beach, you'll find an array of restaurants nearly every ethnic cuisine. Cafeteria, Johnny Rockets and Pacific Time, all restaurants on Lincoln Road, feature outdoor dining and the nearby shopping is open late for after-dinner browsing. |
