Conference moira::parenting

                 <<< Note 354.0 by TNPUBS::STEINHART "Laura" >>>
                          -< Family vacation resorts >-

The place in Vermont is Smuggler's Notch.  We spent a week there this summer.
It has a camp for the kids which includes skiing and winter stuff in the 
winter and swimming and other stuff in the summer.  You are right in the
Mountains with plenty to do to keep everyone busy.  It is cold there though.
We were there in late August and temps were in the 40's at night and the
60's during the day.  

It is a little hard to get to in the winter because the pass through the 
mountains from Stowe, VT is closed.

Have fun!     

    We just stayed at the Sea Crest Resort in N. Falmouth, MA.  It has 
    the amenities you described (nearby golf and onsite daycamp), but I
    think it's a regular hotel, not a timeshare.
    
    I'm not sure what it would be like there in season; we had a wonderful
    off-season visit there this past weekend.  It's on a private beach;
    plenty of chairs to sit, watch the waves, and read.  And the
    description of the daycamp sounded great.  They also will arrange
    evening babysitting for you.   

    In Vermont, the place refered in Family Circle Magazine is the Tyler
    Place, Highgate Springs.  North of Burlington, on Lake Champlain.  In
    the words of some books on the subject they are considered "state of
    the art".  I call it camp for families.   It is family owned and run
    and has been in business for about 45 years.
    
    We have been there for the 2 years.  First year, our kids were 2.5
    years and 6 months.  A few comments:
    
    1. HIGH quality "day care" is provided from babies to teenagers. Very
    structured activities to keep the kids busy.  For young ones, 2 to 4
    years old, they go to the "Midget House" from 8:30 to 1:30, and then
    from 5:00 to 8:00.  Food is provided.  
    
    2. All food is provided for, serve yourself.  Food is simple but
    very well made, much better than many restaurants I've been to. 
    Seating can by by yourself or with other couples.
    
    3. Most everyone stays Saturday to Saturday.  It is a real sense of
    community by the end of the week.  Friends are made.
    
    4. Lodging is cabins, or multi-room with kitchens.  
    
    5. All fun toys provided, ie Mountain bikes, canoes, row boats, sail
    boats etc.  Also tennis courts, baseball games, and evening
    entertainment.
    
    We go the first week in Sept, as the rates are lower.  Already signed
    up for next year.
    
    
                         

    This is a good note for me, because we stayed one year at the
    Village at Loon Mountain and found that there really wasn't
    anything for really little kids (James was 2 and Holly wasn't
    even a gleam in her father's eye yet).  Next time we do a time-share,
    I will definitely investigate amenities more thoroughly.
    
    Related, but different topic:  How do people feel about leaving
    their kids when they are on vacation?  In a day care center/day
    camp at the resort, I mean.  Aren't you nervous about leaving the
    kids with people you/they don't know?  Do you feel guilty at all?
    Some year I would like to do something like this, and I am interested
    in others' experiences.

                       <<< Note 354.4 by ICS::NELSONK >>>

>    Related, but different topic:  How do people feel about leaving
>    their kids when they are on vacation?  In a day care center/day
>    camp at the resort, I mean.  Aren't you nervous about leaving the
>    kids with people you/they don't know?  Do you feel guilty at all?
>    Some year I would like to do something like this, and I am interested
>    in others' experiences.

I was not nervous about leaving them at all.  This is a  business and the
folks they hire work there as employees.  However, I made sure that my kids
wanted to participate.  I didn't make them go when they didn't want to.

Since we both work, vacations are really family times for us.  The kids
ended up going 2 days out the 7 that we were there.  They had a good time
but not great.  They preferred to be with us at the pool or in our unit
doing puzzles, etc.

    re .3
    
    What are the rates and is it opened year round?
    
    Thanks,
    Roberta

    Tyler Place is open from the end of May to the third week in September.
    It is really a summer resort setting.  In June and Sept, naturally
    those families that go, primarily have pre-school age children.  
    
    Rates vary tremendously, depending upon lodging.  In the off season,
    you can anticipate paying $1,500 to 2,000 for a family of 4.  This
    includes taxes, tips, daycare, and all meals...basically "club med" 
    style of paying.  Certainly not cheap, but imagine...21 meals by
    yourself, no kids to clean up.    
    
    In terms of leaving the kids someone you don't know, you just have
    to experience the place.  The quality of the child staff is
    outstanding.  In the infant center, it is one adult to 2 infants. 
    Midget house (2 - 4 year olds) it runs 1 to 3 or 4.  
    
    For more info on family resort in general, including Tyler Place, 
    I suggest reading "Family Resorts of the Northeast by Nancy Pappas
    Metcalf.
    
    steve  

    re .3
    
    My husband, 7 month old daughter and I spent at week at Tyler Place
    this past July.  It was WONDERFUL!  We are planning on going again next
    year and we can't wait.  See notes 321.0 and 321.3 in PARENTING_V3 for
    a great description of the place.  We found the author was very
    accurate in her description.
    
    Since we had a child under 2 we were assigned a mother's helper for the
    week.  She was a local women who had just graduated from junior college
    and hadn't been able to find a job in her subject.  She was very
    responsible and we didn't have any problems leaving our daughter with
    her (I was very worried about that).  Our daughter loved her.  In fact,
    we're still in touch with her and she is planning on coming to visit
    us sometime soon.  She minded our daughter during the normal hours of
    8:30-1:30 and 5:30-8:30 as well as several evenings and one afternoon.
    
    
    Carol

Just a quick note, November's issue of Working Mother
magazine outlines one particular "dude" ranch in
Wyoming and lists a number of others that provide
meals, daycare, cabins, activities, the works.  I don't
tend to go for anything that is all inclusive but the 
description in the article made me want to go.

If anyone desires, I will enter in the list and some
excerpts.

    
    Laura,
    	My parents belong to RCI also. They have offered us a weeks stay
    wherever we want, if we chose to accept the offer. One of my concerns
    was finding a place that has babysitting and kids activities as we have
    and 18month old. In the October issue of the RCI Travel magazine (can't
    remember the name of it) someone had written in a letter asking about
    this and you can get a complete list of places that offer these
    amenities for $3.00, or something like that. Check the magazine and if
    you don't get it I'll try to remember to enter it, though don't count
    on it, I'm notorious for forgetting things like this.
    
    Patty

    Pre-child, my husband and I would go away every winter on a x-country
    ski vacation.  We usually went to Jackson New Hampshire but we went out
    West a few times.  Now that Emily is 13 months, we'd like to try to get
    away for a 4-5 day vacation, somewhere in New England.  The hard part
    is finding a place with a good nursery for Emily and decent x-country
    skiing for us.  The nurseries are typically at the base of the mountain at
    downhill ski resorts and most of the resorts don't have terrific x-country 
    skiing.  Does anyone have any reccomendations on where we might go/stay?
    
    Carol

    I have no idea how common they are, but in Merrimack and Nashua (NH) 
    there is (or at least used to be) a day care that took kids on a 
    more-or-less walk in basis.  The one in Nashua was right across from a
    shopping mall, and I inquired once thinking that I might use them when
    I was Christmas shopping.  As I recall, they would take the kids the
    first day, but any further days would require form to be filled out by
    the child's physician.  I ruled them out at that point thinking that
    would be too much of a nuisance just for shopping.  But the place
    looked clean, spacious, well equipped, and the woman I talked to was
    pleasant.

    We took a trip to Jackson, NH last winter for X-C skiing
    and stayed at the Christmas Farm Inn.  It worked out great!
    We had stayed there before and knew what to expect.  We
    arranged for a sitter to come (the sister of the one of 
    the girls at the front desk).  My son, 2 at the time had
    a blast.
    
    The Inn is very friendly and makes children feel very
    welcomed. 
    
    	Linda

The Balsams in Dixville Notch, NH. is an excellent resort.  It's a four star resort and 
restaurant.  They have their own mountain and ski lodge.  Lift tickets are included in their 
price.  There is a nursery at the ski lodge plus you may make arrangement for a babysitter at 
night.  Breakfast and dinner are included in the price too.  You are treated like royality 
the whole time you are there. There is skating and snowmobiling to name a few other things.  
There are two lounges one with a band and the other is a pub with a singer.  One night
there is a show, usually a comic or magician.

The ski lodge is across the street from the hotel. A bus runs constantly back and forth. You 
can rent lockers at the lodge and leave your ski equipment there.  Since it so far north, 
usually the only folks skiing are the guests, so there are never any lines to speak of.

We usually go for a long weekend.  We drive up on Thursday night as far as Bretton Woods 
area and stay at local highway motel, then it's only over an hour on Friday to the Balsams. 
This lets us ski for three full days.

We had planned on going this year for a week, Sunday through Friday but we are expecting in
May so no skiing for me.

You may call and have them send you a video. We have had lots of folks go with us over the 
years. Now they wouldn't miss going for anything.

It's about 5 hours from Marlboro, Ma.

Hope you find a place,

Pat K.

    Have you looked into Waterville Valley.  We were there in the 
    Summer and though we didn't use it, noticed that they had a
    Day Care facility.  The place was pretty neat, and if I remember,
    we got a Digital discount.
    
    They also have large suites with kitchens and living rooms with
    plenty of space.
    
    Diana

The family vacation style resorts sound wonderful!  Having a 1 year old
now, I can appreciate the idea of a 'family vaccation with help'!

Does anyone know of any resorts in either Western Mass or Upstate NY or 
Pocono area, which would have
	- xctry or downhill skiing
	- condo, suite or cabin rentals
	- other fun winter activities
	- possibly daycare

Any ideas or other resources (books, articles) would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Rachel

    An interesting book which I found at Barnes & Noble in the travel
    section is called:
    
    	Mom & Dad & The Kids Came Too
        by ... and ... Habgood
    
    It covers all kinds of accomodations in New England from B&Bs, to inns,
    to luxury resorts.  Each listing has a summary and then a detailed
    description.  The listing includes things like price, age restrictions,
    if any, and availability of cribs and babysitters.  The descriptions
    include activites to do in the area in both the summer and the winter. 
    The appendix lists all the ski areas in New England with a brief
    summary of their children's programs, including day care.

Hi,

My wife, 6 month old baby daughter and I are going to the Green Golf Apartments,
Maspalomas, Gran Canaria on the 24th May for week and I would appreciate some
advice.

Has anybody been anywhere close to this area, and if so can you give me some
advice on what to expect ?  Is the area baby friendly ?  Can you easily buy
Pampers ( or other good nappies ) there ?  Can you buy other baby orientated
things there or should we stock up on items such as baby food, wipes, etc.

Are the bars and restaurants baby friendly ?  What are the creche / baby sitting
/ listening services like ?  Can they be trusted ?  Will it be VERY hot ?


Thanks in advance

Steven


P.S.   Cross-posted in the Holiday notesfile but don't let that stop you
       entering somthing here :-)
P.S.S. Mr/Mrs Moderator, if this should have been entered elsewhere I apologise.
       Please move if need be.
P.S.S.S. and last but not least are there any scuba diving outfits in the area ?

    I went to Lanzarote about 3 years ago, Gran Canaria will be on a Par
    with this and also I would presume Tenerife. Gran Canaria is a little
    more expensive so it may even be a better standard of living.
    
    I wasn't a Father then but remember that most of the resorts had small
    supermarkets/Pharmacies etc that would sell things like nappies/baby
    food to the same standard as Portugal and Spain. I would make sure you
    are meticulous about hygiene and suggest you use bottled mineral water
    for everything.
    
    Temperature in the Canaries varies little,  and would range from about
    80 - 90 F all year, However the Volcanoes are still active and provide
    hot and dusty environments in certain locations.
    
    Don't know about Scuba diving, but probably governed by Spanish Laws
    
    Have a nice Holiday, Lanzarote was one of the best myself and the Wife
    have ever had. Suggest you hire a car to get full benefits of scenery
    etc.. From a good name of course.
    
    Ian
    
     

Ian,

Thanks for the fast response.

Anymore comments out there ?


Cheers,

Steven

    I've not been there but we did go to Greece with a baby.  I would also
    suggest taking your very favorite brand of baby food along in the case
    that you don't find one your child likes.  This was frequently a life
    saver for us.
    
    We also took Pampers but this was in the dark ages when one could not
    easily find good nappies in other countries.
    
    Cheryl

    I was in Gran Caneria for my honeymoon.   I remember there were 
    plenty of pharmacies.    Under no circumstances give your baby or
    any of yourselves even boiled water from the tap.   I remember
    ignoring this advice and I was violently sick.     You should 
    check with your doctor about giving your baby bottled water, I know
    you are not supposed to give bottled water to a baby.    He should
    be able to give some advice.   
    
    I am sure you will be able to get Pampers, but I would advise you
    to bring your own food for the baby, just in case it might not be
    available.
    
    Have a very enjoyable holiday.   
    
    
    
    Bernie

    We've got a canal boat booked for a week in September in Ireland. As
    the baby is due end June, I'm a bit in the dark about what to take /
    what it will be like. Has anybody else had canal boat experience with a
    2 / 3 month old (are we mad, should we cancel!)?
    
    Andy
    

    Andy,
    
    I don't have any experience about canal boats.    Regarding the
    Baby, you will have no trouble getting him/her nappies, food, etc.
    
    What part of Ireland are you coming to.   For the past two years,
    the weather has been beautiful in September.   So here's hoping,
    this year will be the same.   
    
    
    Bernie 

    >>What part of Ireland are you coming to.   For the past two years,
    >>the weather has been beautiful in September.   So here's hoping,
    >>this year will be the same.   
    
    We're setting out from Tullamore (not far from Dublin?), after that
    possibly a weeks bed-and-breakfasting in either Ireland or back across
    to Wales. Does anyone know of a "And Baby Comes Too" for Eire? I've
    seen the one for England/Wales/Scotland & it looks pretty useful.

Hi,

We're thinking about taking Jonathan (1 year) to the Caribbean 
for a week of family vacation. I'm looking for a place with soft 
sand and small friendly waves for baby and good snorkeling for 
dad. We're thinking about going Aug-Sep timeframe. We went to
Turks&Caicos Islands a few years ago and would like to see a
different island. I've been browsing the travel brochures, but 
have found little information about the various places and 
traveling with kids.

If you've been to a place/hotel you liked, what did you like about
it? How did you handle meals? Did you stay in a hotel (i.e. eat at 
restaurants for all meals) or did you get a kitchen/kitchenette 
and cook some yourselves? I'm sort of leaning towards trying to 
get a place with a kitchen so we at least can make our own breakfast. 
We have a portacrib and a small light weight stroller that we plan 
to bring along.

Any recommendations or ideas for traveling to the Caribbean with a 
little one is most welcome.

Thanks a lot

/Malin Goodwin

DKAS::GOODWIN

    
    re .-1
    
    
    take me take me take me! I fit inside all standard suitcases!
    
    take me take me take me!
    
    Sorry I can't be of more help, desperation takes over once in a while
    
    8-) Simon

    Although I have not been with children, I would suggest you check out
    Bolongo Bay Beach & Tennis Resort, on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
    We went twice - 1983 and 1985 - and found it to be a very nice small
    resort. All rooms are on the beach, all have small efficiency kitchens.
    The restaurant is open air. 
    
    Bolongo Bay is located outside of Charlotte Amalie, the major port town
    of St. Thomas, about halfway to the Red Hook ferry which goes to St.
    John Island.
    
    September is definitely off season, though we went at the end of
    September and had fine weather - warm days, temperate evenings. Rates
    should be more reasonable.
    
    Regards,
    Lynn
    
    
    

    Have you checked in nacad::holiday_travel?  You might find the
    information you are looking for there.
    

    Look into the various Club Meds.  Some of them have mini-clubs for
    babies and for children.  Supposedly the Orlando-area club is great for
    kids.  I can't recommend this first-hand.  Wish I could afford it!
    
    Laura

   BOSCOBEL BEACH - Jamaica

   We went last year with our 3   ages 10 weeks, 2 years and 7 years.
   Babysitting and activities for all.

   I haven't really rested since.

   Rochelle

    RE: .35
    
    We took Katina to Freeport, Bahamas when she was 11 months old.
    (August 1991)  We stayed at the Atlantik Beach Hotel in a suite.
    The kitchenette was great for breakfast.  The pool and beach were
    gorgeous and my husband was able to leave right from there on
    snorkeling excursions.  Even my 65 year old mother was able to
    do it!
    
    I much prefer lounging on the beach (umbrellas provided) and
    Katina just loved it too.  Next door was the Lucayan Beach
    Casino, where we went for dinner shows.  Katina loved all the
    colorful characters and children were welcome (not in the casino
    though.)
    
    Across the street, there were wonderful shops and restaurants,
    we made great use of our umbrella stroller.
    
    Have fun!
    
    As someone else said, I haven't relaxed so much since!
    Tara

    Malin,
    
    I've been on the vacation you described:
    		Soft sand
    		Small waves friendly for baby
    		Snorkeling (I thought it was great - a pro may disagree)
    		Family-centered
    
    We went to Club Med Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.  It was the
    best vacation of my life.  
    
    My kids are 5 and 7, so it was a different experience than it would be
    with a 1 year old.  They LOVED it.  
    
    I think I wrote it up in the Holiday Travel notesfile (dir/title=Club Med).  
    
    The whole place is set up for families.  It is the most beautiful place
    I've ever been.  All activities are included in the price (which is
    high, compared to cooking your own food and running your own
    activities).
    
    Club Med has 5 family villages.  The only one in the U.S. is Sandpiper
    in Florida, but that isn't on the beach.   
    
    I learned from the Holiday Travel notesfile to book Club Med through Le
    Beach Club, for a number of reasons.  Their number is 1-800-872-8404.

    
    
    
    Grand Cayman
    

    
    
    oh shut up!
    
    8-)
    
    Simon

    Not sure where to post this; please move if there is a better place.
    
    My daughter, Sarah, 7, would like to visit the sets of one of the
    Nickolodean shows when we visit Universal Studios at the end of this
    month.
    
    I realize that this is asking the impossible, but you never know
    til you ask.  
    
    Does anyone know if this is possible to arrange on this short notice.
    And if so, how is it arranged?
    
    Diana Campbell
    (leaving for Orlando on Feb 20, like everyone else)
    

re: .45

I haven't been to Universal, but I would be very, very, suprised if the tour 
of Universal Studios doesn't include at least viewing a set from one of the 
Nickeoldeon shows.  If you haven't gotten a guide at a local bookstore, I'd 
suggest you do so.  Just in general, whether it's Disney or the other Florida 
attractions, getting a guide and planning ahead of time greatly increases 
what you can see on your stay.  (Besides, you get to start your vacation 
weeks earlier  :^)  )

Clay 

    When we went to Universal studios last year, we went to the taping of
    G.U.T.S. (American Gladiators for younger kids).  As long as they are
    taping something that day, just go wait in line to get into the studio.
    When you're done, they'll let you know which date(s) the show will air.
    
    Tracy
    

    yes, don't go on Sunday.  You won't see too many people in lines - nor
    will you see any stars hanging around.  We went into Nickelodeon on a
    Sunday and they showed us around the sets and then did what they called
    a test gameshow to see what the audiences reaction to the games etc
    would be.  They picked kids from the audience to get slimed and that's
    what they loved the most.
    
    There will be tours for Nik - and if you get there early, there will be
    a wait in line (which is not such a bad thing).
    
    -sandy
    (can't wait for April)
    

    Thanks for the tips.  Sarah really wants to see somebody slide
    into the pie!
    
    We'll try to get there early.
    
    Diana

I would like to start a note with hotels/B&B/cottages that are great to
bring babies to.

The ideal place of course would be some place that has separate cottages
so if the little ones cry at night, you don't bother the neighbors.
Other ideal things would be kitchenettes to store bottles, a fireplace
for the romance you miss now that you have the little one and an indoor 
pool for some extra relaxation.

I personally am looking at the New England area close to the mountains for 
day hikes.  

Any ideas?


cj

    CJ,
    
    We found that condos were the best option.  We took Steven
    with us to Nordic Village Jackson, NH when he was 3 months old.  
    
    They had all of the amnenties that you mentioned, kitchen,
    fireplace, pool etc...and we rarely hear our 'next door' 
    neighbors.  So, I doubt they'd hear a baby's cries.
    
    There are quite a few places in the mountains with condo
    accomodations.  Loon Mountain is another that comes to mind.
    
    		good luck! 
    		Linda

    Carla,
    
    Loon Moutian has some really nice condo's and so do most of the ski
    resort area's up in NH, so I am sure you can find what you are looking
    for.  I know they all come equiped with either kitchenets or full
    kitchens, fire places, etc.
    
    
    Hope you find what your looking for.  By the way some of the resorts
    even have porta cribs that they will let you use if you don't have one
    of your own.
    
    By the way, what did you have and when did you have your new baby?
    
    Liz

    cj,
    
    The Beacon in Lincoln NH is great too!  We spent some time there this
    summer with a 3 month old and a 2.5 year old....We got a suite that
    came with a jaccuzzi, fireplaced (gas) master bedroom, complete
    kitchen, dining area, two color tvs in the room, 2 pools and a 
    restaurant that caters to families...breakfast, lunch and dinner.  
    It would have been a great get-away for all except the baby had other 
    plans...Won't go into detail, but it was not my husband and I who shared 
    the fireplaced bedroom ;^)
    
    -beth

    re. 50
    
    Tyler Place in Highgate Springs Vermont has all the properties you
    mentioned plus they set you up with a parents' helper for the baby. 
    It isn't inexpensive but it's a great place.  There are previous notes in
    this conference and earlier confernces about the place.  They are
    only open in the summer.  In May/June and early September you can go
    for a few days but in July/August you have to go for a week, Saturday
    to Saturday.  If you're interested now is the time to book since they
    have a large percentage of returning guests who rebook for the next
    year before they leave.
    
    We went when my daughter was 7 months and 19 months.  We have
    reservations for this summer too but we are having second thoughts
    about going this year because we'll have a 10 week old and an addition
    in progress on our house that we'll want to keep an eye on.
    
    Carol

    I'm looking for ideas of where to vacation with my 5 and 3 year olds
    this summer.  I will be the only adult so I want to find someplace
    where I won't have to split myself down the center to keep them both
    happy.  

    We spent the day Saturday in Maine, and had a ball!  What I am driving
    at here is that we spent part of the afternoon walking on Old Orchard
    Beach.  What an interesting conflict of nature, walking the sandy
    beach, (No we didn't kick our shoes off!) and throwing snowballs at
    the waves.
    
    To the point of this note, we were amazed at the number of places
    on the beach that stay open year round.  A quick observation seems
    that most of the places open were the high-rise condo type places,
    and we did notice that the motel next to the one we usually use 
    was open too.  We saw prices ranging from $25 for a two bedroom
    with jacuzzi and up.  Actually as we drove the coast road, there
    were quite a few motels open, with extremely low winter rates.
    
    We had gone to the factory outlet area with LLBean in it, and 
    later in the day down to the other outlet area in Kittery. It 
    would have to be the ultimate bargain hunter's weekend.  Although
    we didn't spend the night, due to the fact we had to be back
    for a family bridal shower yesterday.  But we've decided to do
    another one of these spontaneous weekends before all the snow
    disapears!
    
    As a response to the previous note, I did notice several places
    that had detached cottages for rent, most would seem appropriate
    any of the 4 seasons, offering privacy and atmosphere.
    
    

    
    	I am looking for vacation ideas for a family of 5 small
    	children ranging in age from 4 to 1.5 years.  We took
    	the 5 to Santa's Village and Storyland last summer and
    	want to try something different this summer.  I've been
    	reading pamphlets about Sesame Place in Pennsylvania.
    
    	Any input on Sesame Place or other ideas would be greatly
    	appreciated.
    
    Thanks,
    
    
    Dawn

>        Any input on Sesame Place or other ideas would be greatly
>        appreciated.

See topic 618 or Parenting_V3, topic 179.

Clay

Re .-1, .-3: I've just (re-)found 424.14, Dawn, where you mention your 
triplets.  Anyway, compliments.

Gabriel (father of three, including twins 
         -- which is far different from five including triplets!).

    Wonder if any noters have spent time at any of the following
    vacation spots:
    
    	o Inn at East Hill Farm, Troy, NH
    	o Purity Spring Resort, East Madison, NH
    	o Twin Lake Village, New London, NH
    
    We're considering going to one of these for a summer vacation with our
    4 yr old daughter.  
    
    We'd love to hear first-hand experience with any of these places.
    All three of them sound pretty good according to a book we found at Barnes
    & Noble:  Family Resorts of the Northeast by Nancy Metcalf, The Cuontryman
    Press, Woodstock, VT.

    Does anyone have any suggestions for things to do with children (ages 2     
    and 5) in the Washington, DC area?  We will probably be visiting my
    sister there for about 1 week in June.  We're also interested in
    knowing if there are any fun places to stop along the way (going from
    Worcester area to DC) - we're open to staying overnight somewhere to
    cut the long ride in half.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Sheryl

    Washington Zoo and the Baltimore Aquarium (about a 45 minute drive from
    DC. or better yet take the train)  The 5 year old will like the Air 
    and Space Museum.  Kings Dominion amusement park is about 1 hour south
    of DC.  Good kids section.
    
    LG                        

Remember, most of the 'attractions' in DC are free!  The zoo is a good bet, 
but they might even get a kick out of walking on the Mall.  

Dave

I just got a brochure from Sesame Place. It is a short ride from Route 95.
It stated that it was about 2 hours from Baltimore, MD.

I don't have the info with me, but there is a note in this conference that gives
you the 800 number to call to get info sent to you. It took about a week to get 
mine.

Prices are $20.95 per person, but they send you a coupon for $3.00 off per person 
up to 6 people. Late after noon admission is only $14.95, if my memory serves
me right.

Have fun!
Norma

    Any ideas for nice place to stay on Nantucket in October with a one
    year old?
    
    Thanks,
    cj

    We took our 1 year old to Nantucket for our 10th anniversary.  We made
    reservations at the Nantucket Inn because there was a resturant, indoor
    pool which translates to activities without leaving the hotel or
    worrying about weather.
    
    Unfortunately, they did not honor our reservations once we got there,
    but it was during their busy season....you may be luckier in October.
    
    -beth

    traveling to Las Vegas to 29 Palms (Palm Springs area of So California)
    first week in October, with a 2 and 4.5 year old...any ideas?  Wil be
    spending a day or so with great grandma, but she may not want to run
    wild with us...
    
    Also I am having minor but growing heebie jeebies about snakes and
    scorpions...what preparations should I make, and how might I train (HA)
    the kids?
    
    Thanks,
    Adrienne

    In Las Vegas, a definite place to go with the kids is "circus circus". 
    It's actually a hotel, but they have circus acts there as well.  LOTS
    of fun.
    
    Holly
    

Also, down the strip from Circus Circus is The Mirage Hotel - definitely lots
to see (for kids of all ages ;-), including:

	Huge indoor Atrium with tropical trees/flowers/birds - heavenly aroma!
	Dolphin pool (in back) - tours given frequently (small-scale, but fun)
	Several large aquariums built into the walls near the reservation area
	Other exhibits - there were White Bengel Tigers last summer
	Great ice-cream shoppe near the back pool entrance!

This is all just free walk-thru type browsing. Be prepared for CROWDS everywhere
in that city though. We stayed 1-night at the Mirage last summer and loved it-
the pools were fabulous! One whole big kids pool, with 2 water-slides was very
convenient for my son (2 yrs. at the time). Of course, he was most impressed
with the view of a crane on top of another hotel being constructed nearby ;-).

Which reminds me, the new Treasure Island Hotel was just being build right
nextdoor to the Mirage - anyone been there recently to report back? It was
supposed to be the first true family-oriented hotel on the strip.

Have fun (in southern Cal. also!) - sorry I don't have any advice re: spiders
& snakes!

-Cori

    Cori - I had to laugh at your note that said your son was most
    impressed with the crane!   These boys are so much alike!  I took 
    my son (then 3 1/2) to the circus.  I was pointing out the animals 
    to him and he said "Wow - look at all the big trucks!!"  I told my 
    husband I could have saved alot of money by just taking him to lunch 
    at a truck stop!  He'd have been thrilled, I'm sure!   Lila
    

    What do parents think of Storyland and Santa's Village in the White
    Mountains?  Where is Jefferson relative to Glenn (Santa in Jefferson). 
    Both close Columbus day weekend.  Can we get to both in a weekend?
    Where can we stay?  I am hoping to rent a Nordic Village Condo if 
    its close to Jefferson, because I know its close to Glenn and
    Storyland.   My in-laws recommended Santa's Village because Paul is
    only a year old and they have a petting zoo and smaller crowds.
    Thanks,
    cj

    If you're going just for Paul's sake, I'd say skip them both .... he's
    too young to understand, and it's (IMO) expensive to get in.
    
    When I took my kids a few years ago to Storyland, I found that I was
    more interested in it than they were - I guess I don't read enough
    Mother Goose to them (-:
    
    

    cj,
    
    I think Steven was about 20 months when we took him to
    Storyland for the first time.  There are rides that he
    can go on (you'll have to go on with him though).  We
    had a good time.
    
    We've been going annually in the fall and it's not very
    crowded at all.  Since both are only open on weekends
    after Labor day, we try to hit both and it is do-able.
    
    Santa's Village and Nordic are not close to each other.
    There doesn't seem to be much around for lodging in Jefferson,
    but the ride from Jackson (Nordic Village) to Jefferson
    will be pretty that time of year.
    
    		Linda

    Re: .72
    
    be sure to check out note 38, especially replies .112 and higher, for
    ideas/tips about Storyland and related attractions/accomodations.
    
    Also, I agree with Patty in .73 If your oldest is less than 3, I'd say
    skip it, and if they were only 3 yrs old, I'd definitely give it some
    long thought. Granted, there is some fun stuff for a younger child, but 
    not much more than a well-equipped playground, and definitely not enough, 
    in my opinion, to fill a day. Of course, YMMV. We went to Storyland in 
    early/mid August and had a blast. Our almost-5yr old loved it, and although
    our almost-2yr old had a good time, I think at that age, he was much too 
    young to really appreciate all of the other attractions, especially the
    rides. Most of the fun he had was in chasing his older brother
    around...:^)
    
    Also, as mentioned in an earlier reply, Storyland isn't exactly 'near'
    Santa's Village and/or Six-Gun City, but it is a nice ride, especially
    in the fall. Nordic Village would be a good place to stay, as it's very
    close to Storyland, but you still have a good ride to get to Jefferson.
    
    Good Luck    

    
    We never did make it to Storyland or Santa's Village.  I am surprized
    that Santa's Village closes Columbus Day weekend.  What sense does that
    make?
    
    Does anyone have any ideas of neat places to bring a child that is
    12-14 months old?  Paul adores Sesame Street but what activities would
    be enjoy if any, at his age.
    
    thanks...cj

    Hmmmmmmm .... I just saw an ad in the NH Weekly section of the globe
    that there was a big Sesame St to-do coming to Portland??
    
    I'll take a look again tonight.

Could anybody recommend a resort, preferably in a mountainous region,
anywhere in New England which has all day creche-type facilities for a 
baby (almost 1 yr) and a 2 year old?

We plan to visit New England (from the UK) in August for 3 weeks, and would 
like to take some time off to go walking/hiking in the middle week, without 
the kids.  

(I know you can take them in back-packs, and we often do, but it is still
restricting!)

I noticed Tyler Place has creche for young kids, but it looks as if it is 
mornings and evenings only.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Carol Gilroy.

	Last summer, my sister vacationed at a place in Vermont
	that has all day child care.  You don't have to use
	it for the full day, or every day.

	I believe that the resort charges one price for the whole
	week and includes meals, lodging, and child care.

	I'll get you the name if you are interested.

	Karen

  

  Smugglers' Notch resort in Vermont has a daycare center and a children's
camp.  phone - 802 644 8851

   My only experience is with their ski programs.  My whole family loved it.
I met several people during our week there who also raved about their
summer program.

   I believe all (most) accomodations are in condos with full kitchen
facilities. 

    I'm not sure what town the resort is in but it is in the Green Mountains. 

RE -.1
>	Last summer, my sister vacationed at a place in Vermont
>	that has all day child care.  You don't have to use
>	it for the full day, or every day.
>
>	I believe that the resort charges one price for the whole
>	week and includes meals, lodging, and child care.
>
>	I'll get you the name if you are interested.
>
>	Karen

Yes please

Carol.

Well, it was Tyler Place that my sister went to (in Highgate Springs, VT.)

She said they had sitting all day - maybe it has changed since last year ?

The number is 802-868-3301 if you don't already have it.

	Karen

    We've gone to Tyler Place twice and have our reservations again for
    this summer.  The standard hours for child care (either a camp for 2's
    and up or an individual parent's help for infants) are 8:30 to 1:30 and
    then 5:30 to 8:30.  Sitters are available in the afternoon and evenings
    as well.  Most parents prefer to do the family activities with their
    kids in the afternoon and get a sitter at night.  In our case, since
    we've always gone with a child under 2 we have a parent's helper and
    she stays on in the evening until whatever time we tell her we want her
    to stay - generally 10ish.
    
    Even though we love Tyler Place, it is expensive, so it wouldn't be
    a good place to go if you didn't plan to take advantage of all of their
    activities and facilities.  During the peak season you have to book for
    a week, Saturday to Saturday.
    
    Reservations for July and August are tough to get if you didn't go the
    prior year.
    
    Carol

    We're looking for a family-type resort in New England for a family
    reunion of sorts next summer --we've got several events ending in "0"
    next year.
    
    There will be 8 adults and 6 kids ranging from 6.5 to 14.5.  What we're
    looking for is some place where the kids have their own activities
    while the adults... are adults! for most of the day.  Someplace where 
    meals are included, preferably.  You know, a New England version of Club 
    Med, that type of place.  Swimming, golf, tennis, horses...just so we
    can all do something other than sit and stare at each other.
    
    And of course, it must not be too outrageously priced.
    
    Does such a place exist in New England?
    
    thanks.
    
    Sandy

    Well, it does depend on your definition of expensive, but I have heard
    good things about the Tyler Place in Vermont....
    
    Roberta

    Tyler Place, I believe, advertises in PARENTING magazine. I know
    someone who went this summer for a week, at $2500 for family of 4. Kids
    had activities in the morning and then again from 5:00-8:00, so that
    adults could eat as couples and have their own activities.
    

	I'd suggest the Balsams Grand Resort Hotel in Dixville Notch, N.H. 
	Its pretty far up there in nh, but a WONDERFUL place.  Everything 	
	(except liquor) is included in the cost (food, activities, etc,etc).   	
	When you look at the price at first it seems pricy, but considering 
	everything is included (and the meals are out of this world!) its
	really worth it..

	reservations: 800-255-0600  (in nh 800-255-0800)
	general business line 800-255-3400

    re -1 -- the general business no. as given connects you to Paine Webber
    stockbrokers -- don't call it!  
    
    thanks, everyone, for your input so far.  I've called both Tyler Place and
    Balsam's for information.
    
    any other suggestions are more than welcome.
    
    sandy

    I'd also reccomend Tyler Place.  We've been 3 times and already have
    reservations for next summer.  There are usually one or more family
    reunions going on every time we are there.  Depending on numbers you
    could get a couple of large cottages or I think they have one apartment
    in the old farmhouse with 4 or 5 bedrooms, living room, kitchen, etc.
    
    8:30-1:30 the kids go to "camp" (those under 2 have a parents helper)
    and the adults go off and do activities, the afternoon is family time
    with family activites scheduled, and from 5:30-8:30 the kids go to camp
    again and the adults go to dinner.  It's very easy to get sitters for
    after 8:30 as well. Since we have 2 little kids we love the fact that
    we get 21 meals without kids but we get to spend time with the kids
    every day.
    
    There are lots of interesting places within an hour or 2 of Tyler Place
    but we rarely leave the property.
    
    Yes, it's very expensive but we've always felt that it was worth it
    since we really got a vacation and got to relax a little bit.
    
    Another place to check out would be Smuggler's Notch.  Over the years
    we've met several families who spend a week at Tyler Place and a week
    at Smuggler's Notch.
    	
    Carol

I am looking for a family or single parent resort or getaway anywhere 
in the east for August for me an my 3 yrd old son.

Don't know what I am looking at for funds, but definately want to keep 
it as much below $1K for a week to 10 days as possible.
 
Have seen places that entertain the kids for the day while parents 
play. Just can't remember where I saw the ads for - NH, I think.
I was even thinking of driving up to upper state NY or to Virginia.
Also saw an ad once for a summer camp type place for family. Bunks, 
chared bath houses, dinner, skits, sing-a

PS - don't want to tent camp or anything like that, but would
appreciate a cabin and wldn't mind cooking sometimes. Also, no Cape 
Cod - grew up there, thanks. Would like something different.

Thanks for any suggestion -

- Sarah

    A DIR/TITLE=RESORT points to the following:
    
    354  TNPUBS::STEINHART    12-OCT-1992    89  Family vacation resorts,hotels
    
    Also, there are a few other notes dealing with vacation spots/ideas.
    
    Happy hunting!

    I hear Smugglers Notch in Vermont has a nice family atmosphere.  From
    what I understand, they have babysitting available.  I know its
    somewhere I have always wanted to go.
    
    JM

    In version 2 of this notefile, someone recommended Tyler Place on
    Lake Champlain in Vermont.  (Their phone # is 802.868.3301)
    They have day activities for children, seperate activities for adults, 
    mother's helpers on a full or part time basis.
    They are on a lake, however there are indoor and outdoor pools, play
    areas etc.
    I ended up booking a vacation with them this coming summer because it
    sounded so good.  Rates are $120 - $170 per day per adult and kids
    rates are much less.  
    
    Nancy

    While Tyler Place is a wonderful place (been there 3 times going back
    this year) I'm not sure I'd reccomend it for a single parent, and it
    definately wouldn't fit in the under $1000 for a week category.  Kids
    eat all their meals in camp and adults eat seperately which I wouldn't
    be too crazy about if I were alone.
    
    Another place we've been several times that I think would fit the bill
    is The Wildflower Inn in Lyndonville Vermont (near Burke Mountain in
    the Norhteast Kingdom) which bills itself as a family inn.  The owners
    have 6 or 7 kids young kids.  The rooms start at about $100 including
    breakfast - the kids love the Teddy Bear pancakes.  The grounds are
    gorgeous, the view very nice, and the pool while not large is a very
    nice place to spend time.  There is a low-key children's program in the
    morning which runs for about 2 hours.  There is tea/lemonade and
    cookies every afternoon in the sitting room.  There is a children's
    playroom in the inn so the kids can get up from dinner early and go
    play.  The staff and guest are very friendly so it's a nice place to
    go for 3-4 days and hang out.  They will also arrange babysitters
    which we did once - the girl was the daughter of the office manager -
    she was younger than we'd usually use but she did fine.  They also have
    a barn full of animals which the little kids like - and there is often
    pony riding or hayrides.  They have a kids dinner hour from 5-6 where
    they let you preorder for fast in-out if that's what you want.  They
    allow kids later as well.
    
    We usually go for one of the slightly more expensive rooms/suites which
    has a full kitchen/dining room in addition to a bedroom.  I think there
    is a 10% discount for more than 3 days.
    
    The only negative on the place is that food at dinner isn't great.  The
    menu is fine but the implementation isn't that good.  My two kids won't
    sit still that long anyway so we either go into town for pizza or I'll
    cook really simple stuff in our room.  Last year I asked if I could
    preorder dinner and then bring it over to our room so we could have a
    peaceful dinner after the kids went to bed and they were happy to
    accomodate us.
    
    
    Carol

    We are thinking of going to St Louis in April to visit relative.
    Natasha will be 14 months then. We have never been to St. Louis. Can
    anyone recommend places to take a young child. I hear they have a good
    zoo.
    
    
                                           Alice

    OK -- I know there's a note in here somewhere -- I've asked for info
    before -- but I just can't seem to find it OR any reference to me...so:
    
    Has anyone recently been to the Concord Hotel or the Neville Hotel in
    the Catskills lately?  We're looking for a place to celebrate my
    in-law's 50th anniversary.  There are 12 of us, 4 kids who will be ages 
    8.5, 10.5, 12.5 and 13.5 .
    We've gotten prices on both places, they're sort of comparable [read:
    not cheap, but then again, they have Kosher food and everything is
    included].
    
    I haven't been to the Concord in --yikes!-- 30 years, I've never been to
    the Neville.  What I guess I want to know is, are these places really
    "kid friendly"?  Will our kids be able to be entertained?  I'm not too
    worried about the evenings, the older two can watch the younger two. 
    It's daytimes that i'm more concerned about.
    
    Thanks.  I'll put this into the BAGELS file as well.
    
    Sandy

    We'd like to rent a place on Cape Cod this summer for a week in August. 
    We have a four year old and a one year old.  Ideally I'd like some
    place within a short walk to a good beach for children. I don't know
    the Cape well, so I don't really know what a good location would be.
    I think I'd prefer to rent a cottage or house, but a hotel or resort 
    might be ok too.  Any suggestions on good towns to look at?  Any good 
    realtors who handle rentals? Places to stay away from?  Any suggestions
    will be most welcome!
    
    Thanks,
    Kathryn

    I just rented a week on the Cape through Classified Ads, note #9
    Vacations.  
    
    Two weeks ago I spent a Sunday going to realtors in
    Harwich and Chatham.  The pickings for my wants were fairly slim and
    many agencies weren't open. Those brokers I talked to said it is
    already late in the season for cottage rentals.  If you don't see
    something in Classified Ads, check the Sunday Globe if you are in
    Massachusetts. If I still have the business cards the brokers gave me I'll 
    send you mail with their names. There are vacation rentals and realtors 
    numbers galore. For a week on the Cape, I prefer a cottage/house over 
    hotel. I think it should be no problem to rent for a week at almost any 
    hotel.
    
    My preferences for the Cape are from Harwich on down because I prefer
    less crowds. Overall, I also prefer the beaches on Rt. 28 side over 
    Rt. 6A while I like the charm of the 6A side.  If you go beyond Chatham
    the bay beaches are calmer for children.  I am renting in Eastham and
    will take my then 3 year old to the bay beaches as the ocean in that
    area is too rough and cold.
    
    Kathy                                       

    I need a break!!!  I am looking for recommendations for a place on the
    Cape that has childrens activities and a children's indoor pool.  I
    want to go now!!!  Well, maybe take a long weekend next month....any
    recommendations?
    
    Nancy

    I keep forgetting to put in the Inn that we stayed in last year in June
    at the White Mountains.
    
    Just to summarize, its in North Conway, about 1 mile from the hussle
    and has beautiful grounds.  They have an outdoor pool with attached
    jacuzzi, a nice pond that has plenty of ducks and frogs, a barn down a
    short path that has a cow, sheeps, chickens and rooster and a
    basketball hoop set up behind the tennis courts.
    
    The main building is set up as a normal B&B with a dining area, living
    room with tv and nightly movies and piano in another small room which
    the inn keeper plays on weekends night and then they have a separate
    barn that has one townhouse for a bunch of people (and beautiful deck
    overlooking the Cranmore mountain and the pond) and then another barn
    that has several more modern rooms that are perfect for people who want
    the pleasure and quiet of a B&B but have children and don't want to
    disturb the other quests.  This was the first room that I have ever
    stayed in and felt as though it was part of a house.  The wallpaper,
    furnite and bathroom just reminded me of a good friends home.  All
    rooms in the barn have A/C and color cable TV.  
    
    They do not offer dinner but do offer breakfast in their price for
    overnight accommodations.  The breakfasts are wonderful!  
    
    I highly recommend this place if you want to get away from it all with
    your children but don't want to stay in a hotel type place.  Prices
    last year for a double room were $85.00 a night including breakfast. 
    Storyland was 5 minutes away, although we never got there!
    
    This year for sure.  
    
    cj

    
    Can anyone recommend a decent place for an weekend stay (this
    weekend, actually) with two small children in or around Laconia, 
    New Hampshire?   Ideal would be something with an indoor pool 
    and a small kitchenette.  Nice but not necessarily posh.  Clean.  
    Not on a highway.
    
    Thanks in advance,
    Carol

    Nordic Village is a condo complex with activities, indoor pool, outdoor
    pool and is jsut up the road from  story land.  They have 1, 2 and 3
    bedroom condo's that they rent.  We have been several times and were
    pleased.
    

    I have heard really good things about the Steele Hill Resort by the
    Lake region.  Great pools, good size rooms and townhouses, huge
    breakfast buffet etc.  I believe their number is 800-284-6985
    
    cj