Conference moira::parenting_v3

    We just had a great vacation, too.
    
    We spent $300 to rent a cabin for a week in New Hampshire in the
    gap between the Lake Country and the White Mountains -- we were in
    Tamworth, but there's a lot of nice stuff in Ossippee and Albany
    and some of those other little towns.  LOTS of campgrounds. 
    Almost all of them are on small lakes or rivers. 
    
    We didn't get a mother's helper, but we did have a kitchen, so we
    got to spend lots of time with the kids, instead of having
    everybody always running off to one activity or another.  We spent
    time just vegging out in the beach (David loves sand but wasn't
    too keen on the waves, even though he loves his bathtub) and drove
    up into the White Mountains several times to hike -- there are
    lots of waterfalls within about half a mile of the road, an easy
    walk for the six-year-old and not too far to carry the baby on our
    backs.  
    
    We splurged twice -- one on tickets for the Loon Mountain gondola
    and once for StoryLand.  On top of Loon Mountain there's a fun
    trail through several glacial "caves" formed by rocks piled on top
    of each other (be prepared to get dirty scrambling through the
    narrow places) and a rather nice though small nature trail with
    signs describing the natural history of several native NH plants. 
    Also a nice view of Loon Lake, which is now classified as a "dead"
    lake because of the acid rain.  StoryLand was pricey -- $12 per
    person over 2, unlimited rides -- but fun.  It isn't trying to be
    an imitation DisneyWorld, it's just a small playground with rides. 
    Many rides are designed so that children over 4 can go on them
    alone, and on the ones who require an "adult" with the child,
    "adult" is defined as "over 13".  
    
    Counting rent, food, and excursions, we probably spent about $700
    for the whole week and could have done it cheaper by eating out
    less.
    
    --bonnie

    Can you give us more info on Tyler Place - like how to get in touch
    with them and what the cost of a week there is? Sounds great!

    
    You can get in touch with them by writing or calling The Tyler Place,
    Highgate Springs, Vermont.  I have their brochure--which is very
    extensive--but I lent it to a friend who has yet to give it back.  Just
    call or write them--they are very responsive and you should have a
    brochure in a matter of days...
    
    The week, including all recreation, meals, lodging, etc. cost us $2,000
    total.  I think the actual bill was around $1600 or so--but the Vermont
    taxes really do add up.  As I mentioned before, there is a 10% lodging
    tax, a 7% meal tax, and Tyler Place adds a 10% gratuity tax on top of
    that.  So it's not exactly cheap--but we think it's well worth it
    considering they take the kids for 8 hours a day, entertain them
    grandly, feed them well, and give Mom and Dad a much needed break (and
    time alone together).
    
    I didn't mention the fact in my base note that while the kids are in
    camp, Tyler Place runs activities for adults.  You don't have to
    participate--you can do as much or as little as you want.  One morning
    we took a 2-hour guided canoe ride into Canada--it was wonderful. 
    There were about 15-20 other canoes on the trip.  Another morning we
    took a guided mountain bike ride to some of the Champlain islands. 
    While my husband wind-surfed on a couple of mornings, I went bike
    riding by myself, or hung out on the beach with a good book.  You can
    really do a lot of activities--or none at all.  I did take the water
    aerobics class every day before lunch--it was a great class!
    
    The dining room is set up with tables for 2--or with larger tables
    (that seat anywhere from 6-12).  Quite frankly, the tables for 2
    usually go empty--everyone sits at the bigger tables.  By the end of
    the week, we knew everyone there and vice versa.  It's the kind of
    place that promotes friendship.  They publish a list of everyone there
    (name, address, and phone #) during your week--so it's easy to keep in
    touch afterword.  Like I said, for some strange reason, Tyler Place
    attracts a really nice, neat group of people.  Honestly, we didn't meet
    one person we didn't like.  
    
    In addition to the activites I mentioned in my base note, they also
    have fishing (with fly-fishing clinics), golf (an extra charge--there's
    a golf course nearby), and evening pontoon boat "cruises" for couples
    on Lake Champlain.  All lessons are free--although advance lessons may
    not be available...ie: my husband wanted an intermediate windsurfing
    lesson--and as it turned out, the waterstaff were at about the same
    level of expertise as he--so they sort of hung out together and figured
    some new stuff out.  
    
    We had 1 rainy day the whole week.  They kept the kids entertained at
    camp and had adult activities in the rec. hall--for those interested.
    I hung out on our porch and read.  In the afternoon, they ran movies
    for the kids, complete with a popcorn machine, etc.--so the kids ended
    up having a good time even though it was raining.
    
    Again, it was well worth the money.
    
    The cost goes way down if you go in May/June or Sept./October.  They
    close for the season in October.
    
    Bonnie
    
    
    
    

I've been reading PARENTING for a while now, have been helped on many
occasions as a new father, and even found a day care through a referral 
from here.  

Good luck so far.

My next question is,  does anyone have suggestions for places to go for 3
to 4 days on a mini vacation.  What I'm looking for is:

	-  Within 2 hours of Boston
	-  Reasonably priced
	-  Accepts a 2 year old (preferably with a separate room for us & her)
	-  Something to see that would amuse the young one (parks, stores, etc)

We looked into Tyler Place and would love to go there some day but right now
it's beyond our means and distance.

Thanks

    We took our 2 year old up to the Sheraton Tara in Portland Maine
    Hubby works there and got a free weekend, so up we went.  There
    are all kinds of activities (you must drive to) in that area.  Parks,
    beaches, aquariums, etc.....
    
    We did the aquarium and a minizoo up there, but when Alex started
    getting 'squirmy' we went to the beach and let him run like the wind,
    make sand castles, etc......
    
    Also we ate at the pancake house next door and they really accomodated
    Alex - make a big pancake for him with butter for the eyes, whipped
    cream for the face and cherries for the eyes.  
    
    It worked out better than I expected, but we all shared one room, so
    there was no privacy for mom and dad, but it was fun............

    .5
    
    {Hubby works there} should have been 'hubby works for Sheraton Tara in
    NH'
    
    must be Friday.......

    Has anyone done either of the following with their young children
    (under 4)?
    
    o  Ski vacation (e.g. Waterville Valley)
    o  Club Med  (e.g. Bahamas?)
    
    My husband and I would *love* to get away, but do not have anyone to
    care for the children (3 and 14 mos) for more than a couple of days.
    
    Any feedback on the above examples, or other suggestions??
    
    -Laurel
    

    
    We went to Club Med when I was pregnant with Hannah.  We went to a
    "family" club--meaning one that had a "Mini Club" for kids and teens. 
    I don't remember if it had a "Baby Club" or not.  The one we went to
    was Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
    
    Let me tell you, we were one of the few people there who didn't have
    kids.  It was a true family vacation--something for everyone.  The
    parents were RAVING about the Mini Club--and the kids seemed to be
    having an absolute ball.  There was a REAL circus in residence there (I
    think most of the mini clubs have them) and the kids were learning
    age-appropriate circus stunts--juggling, clowning, etc.  The older kids
    were on trampolines and high wires (with nets).  All the kids put on a
    show the last day--and it was great.  
    
    Also, there was a kiddie pool, kiddie boats, etc.  Lots of things for
    kids to do.
    
    I doubt your 4-year old would get bored, believe me.  You'll probably
    be wrestling with him/her to get them to leave and join you for awhile. 
    As I recall, the Mini Club goes from early morning until 8 at night. 
    You can leave your child in for as little/long as you like.
    
    We're thinking of taking a warm-weather vacation this winter--and Club
    Med is very high on our list--.  Get their booklet--you can get it from
    your travel agent.  There are Mini Clubs all over the world.
    
    I'd highly recommend the Punta Cana club.  It's one of the more popular
    family Club Med's.  You fly into Miami and the Club Med plane meets you
    there and takes you to Punta Cana--about a 2 hr. flight.  The club is
    only 20 minutes or so from the airport (if you want to call it an
    airport. It's more like a runway and a grass shack!).
    
    The people we met as Club Med were real nice.
    
    Bonnie
    
    

    This is one of those "you either love it or you hate it ideas"
    
    Normandy Farms Campground in Foxboro (rte 1 fairly close to the
    football stadium) will accomodate your camper or trailer, or they also
    have 3 units for rent.  We have been there visting and staying in
    friends' trailer and are now in the process of purchasing a small
    trailer.  They are good in the sense of offering babysitting, open year
    round, have both indoor and outdoor pools and indoor jacuzzi, adult
    only swimtimes, gamerooms for older kids, nightly activities for adults
    and children, summer offers "aquacises" and the tennis courts are
    always there they have a set of rules that
    mean you won't be disturbed by other families, or disruptive children,
    definite "quiet times" from 10 or so at night til 7 or 8am.
    Not sure of the "off season" rates (this time of year) but our friends
    have two children and paid about 28/day for the site, water and
    electric and daily trash pick up. (cable tV and telephone are
    available).
    
    There's also a tree farm ajacent to the ground to cut your own
    Christmas Tree, (or tag it now and cut it later).
    
    We've also "excaped" to the Regency Hotel in Hyannis, they offer Loft
    type rooms with a king size bed downstairs and a couch that pulls out
    to a bed (cribs available too) in the upstairs loft, price is around
    $85./night and the hotel can offer a list of sitters.  Rooms have 2
    baths, and a combination stove,sink, refrig unit plus balconies and
    indoor pool.  Surprisingly they cater to business meetings so weekends
    are easier to book than weekdays.
    
    Boy do I know what you're feeling, sure wish the holidays would pass so
    WE can escape!! 
    ENJOY!!
    Lyn
    

RE: .9

>    We've also "excaped" to the Regency Hotel in Hyannis, they offer Loft
>    type rooms with a king size bed downstairs and a couch that pulls out
>    to a bed (cribs available too) in the upstairs loft, price is around
>    $85./night and the hotel can offer a list of sitters.  Rooms have 2
>    baths, and a combination stove,sink, refrig unit plus balconies and
>    indoor pool.  Surprisingly they cater to business meetings so weekends
>    are easier to book than weekdays.
 
Last weekend my wife, 2-year old daughter Deirdre and I had a wonderful 'long' 
weekend at the Regency Hotel in Hyannis.  On the recommendation, we got a loft
room with a kitchenette which turned out great.  We could have breakfast in the
room (which is almost a must with our 2 year old) without room service prices,
and it was great to put the kid to sleep and have another area to unwind
ourselves.  The price was about $174 for the weekend and they did provide a 
crib, although we ended up using the mattress as a floor mat for the 2 year old
to sleep on.  And having two full baths was really a luxury for a motel room.  
The pool was a new experience for Deirdre who had a ball (although there is
no wading area and she had to be held all the time).

The location was good.  We were close enough for short drives to anywhere on
the Cape and since the weather was fantastic, we went to the National Seashore
and several local beaches.  If the weather had been bad, there are so many 
malls and shopping centers within shouting distance, we would have had plenty
of distractions.  Deirdre also loved the airport about a mile away and we had 
to stop and watch planes take off and land.

We did not eat at any place great since quick service is a must but there were
a lot of fast food places nearby as well as family style resturants like
International House of Pancakes.

Overall, it was as relaxing a time we could expect and I would also add my
recommendation to the Regency.

Jim

    
    For what its worth, we tried the Hyannis Regency Hotel's loft rooms
    based on the previous recommendations.   We were rather disappointed
    (maybe we set our hopes too high) and checked out after just one 
    day.  The weather this weekend was poor which may have affected our
    attitude :-).   
    
    IMO, $85 off-season was no bargain for a room that was 11 feet wide, a 
    porta-crib that was taped together on three sides, a kitchenette with 
    one bowl and two spoons, water seeping down the walls (from the rain), 
    the smoke detector dangling from its wires (not working), and kids 
    running up and down the hall until 1:00 in the morning.  Maybe we just
    picked the wrong weekend...   The pool, sauna, and exercise rooms were
    very nice, however!  
    
    In nice weather, it probably isn't too important what the accomodations 
    are like, but in nasty weather, it became very important to us!   Just 
    wanted to add our experience to contrast the previous replies for anyone 
    else interested in staying at the Hyannis Regency.
    
    Carol

    (crossposted from NACAD::HOLIDAY_TRAVEL)
    
    Hi,
    
    we're heading to Virginia in late July/early August for a week-long
    vacation. We've set aside a day for Busch Garden, and a day or two for
    King's Dominion, but still need to map out the rest of our itinerary.
    Can anyone give me answers to the following:
    
    	- How much time should we expect to spend at Colonial Williamsburg?
    
    	- Are there any options for swimming in the ocean other than
    	Virginia Beach? (We've heard it's too commercial, and are looking
    	for someplace a little more low-key...)
    
    	- What other points of interest can you recommend for a group made
    	up of 4 adults, an 11-year-old girl, an 8-year-old boy, and a 22-mo
    	toddler...:^}
    
    I've already ordered packets of information from AAA, Virginia Tourism
    Board, and Colonial Williamsburg, but I'm interested in hearing
    first-hand advice.
    
    Thanks in advance...
    
    Freddie

    Hi Freddie --
    
    We loved Virginia.  Especially the food. 
    
    The main part of Virginia Beach is commercial, but when we were
    there a few years back, the southern end was a park and it wasn't
    developed at all.  We actually found the commercialism of VB to be
    rather attractive -- a cute streetcar to carry you around to the
    major points, for instance -- but then we were there in September
    after the tourist season and it was all but deserted.  It would
    not have been nearly so much fun in the heat and the crowds.  
    
    If any of you are into ships of any kind, Norfolk is a Navy town
    and has several ships etc. open for tours.  I don't remember any
    of the names but you can find them in the AAA books.  That's where
    we found out abou them!
    
    Williamsburg -- a full day.  We stayed for a real colonial dinner
    at one of the taverns, and that was one of the high points of the
    whole trip.  It was not so late that driving back to Virginia
    Beach was a problem.  Call ahead for a reservation, though.  Even
    in September we almost didn't get in.  The kids will probably
    enjoy watching the soldiers drill on the common and the other
    artisans at work.  We almost didn't get Kat, who was 10 at the
    time, out of the instrument-makers.  Thought we were going to have
    to apprentice her as a violin-maker :)
    
    Another place I highly recommend is Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's
    house. 
    
    --bonnie

    My husband and I and our 20-month-old son would like to spend a weekend
    in either the Providence or Newport area, and we're looking for some
    pointers on places to stay.  
    
    In general, how do people deal with travelling with toddlers?  I'd 
    love to take advantage of all the "kids stay free" offers, but Marc 
    goes to sleep at 8:30.  How can he stay in our room?  Do people 
    usually get adjoining rooms?  It seems kind of extravagant to pay an 
    extra $50 or whatever/nite for him.  How about suites?  How do I 
    find out what hotels have suites?
    
    Does anyone have any specific recommendations for that part of R.I.?

    Deb,
    
    We have the same problem, Steven (19 mos) goes to bed at 8pm.
    We've gone away twice with him and have rented 1 BR condos.
    He sleeps in our room, but we have the luxury of staying 
    in the living room until we are ready for bed.  Another
    added advantage is the kitchens in these units.
    
    We've found that condos are in the $100+ range, but since
    we get away infrequently, we feel the advantages are worth
    the extra money.
    
    You may want to contact the chamber of commerce for Newport,
    they should be able to help you locate a "timeshare" type resort,
    or even hotel rooms with suites.
    
    Linda

    Try Embassy Suites, Radisson Suites, Residence Inns, or the Days'
    Inn family units (I forget the exact name but it's got something
    like "suites" or "units" in it). 
    
    Another possibility is a motel/hotel with kitchen units.  AAA
    guides usually list lots of these.  
    
    More and more hotels and motels do offer suites, so check with
    your favorite chain, too.
    
    --bonnie

    We have a 1-week timeshare available for rent to a reliable family or
    couple.
    
    It runs from July 28-August 3 and is in Williamsburg, Virginia.
    
    It is a 1 bedroom unit with a fold-out couch in the living room.  It
    has a kitchenette including a microwave oven.  On the grounds there is
    a swimming pool and a restaurant.
    
    We are asking $630.  I will post more details when I bring them into
    the office.  Contact me as follows:  WORDY::STEINHART.  My DTN is
    656-7239.
    
    Laura

    re .12
    
    If you're headed to Virginia, definately go visit Jamestown.  It sounds
    like your family is the perfect age for this.  It's a re-creation of
    the Jamestown village that was the first settlement in Virginia.  They
    have a couple of ships, a village, an Indian village, a small museum, a
    crafts shop.  We found it very pleasant, and quite interesting.  Not
    too expensive either.
    
    You might try visiting Anapolis also.  Beautiful little town on the
    Chesapeake.  We visited Virginia last October for about 4 days.   We
    also stopped in Baltimore at their Aquarium area.  There is a submarine
    docked their you can tour, too.
    
    Pleasant journey!
    

    We just came back from Sesame Place in Langahorne, PA. - All I can
    say about it is it was EXCELLENT.  If any one is planning to go
    this year we do have an extra ticket (kids under 2 don't need a
    a ticket to get in). The price for kids is $18.something with the
    10% discount available through DEC would be $16.something. 
    The ticket is good for the 1991 season. Call either Dan, DTN 226-5021
    or Lois, DTN 234-4038. Price $15.

    Does anybody have suggestions for a good place within a couple of hours
    of Boston for a family reunion?  My cousin is getting married here
    next August, and it looks like almost everybody in our extended family 
    will make the trip out here.  

    We need to accommodate approximately 30 adults and 12 children (mostly 
    age 4 and under) for a modest price.  Years ago we spent our family 
    get-togethers camping someplace fun like Shenandoah Valley, or Arcadia 
    National Park.  But these days many of us don't have the appropriate 
    camping equipment any more.  Someplace rustic with several cabins, or 
    a big old farmhouse where half of us could camp out back would be ideal.

    Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

    - Carol

    Can anyone comment on places like Hershey Park, Sesame Park, Busch
    Gardens (in VA), and some other "theme" type parks that are within a
    reasonable drive from Boston? We're thinking of *maybe* taking the
    kids, age 3 1/2 and 18 mo, on a short trip to one of those places, but,
    before we commit to such an adventure, we'd like to hear from anyone
    else who's been to any of those places (especially with small kids) and
    can tell us what to expect.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Ed
    

Ed, note 179 talks about Sesame Place.  You might want to look there, too.

         Carol 

    You might also want to look into the Rollercoaster notes conference.
    
    BTW, the drive to Busch Gardens, VA may be more than you bargained for.
    We looked into it this past summer, and got estimates ranging from
    10-14 hrs driving time each way from Boston. Wound up flying instead...
    
    Good luck

    
    Hersheypark is geared towards kids, much more so than adults. They
    don't do tours of the factory anymore, they have a simulated factory
    that a 'train' takes you through. I can't help you with the amusement
    park, it wasn't open when we were there. At best, it's a day trip, not
    in the same league as Busch Gardens.
    
    However, if you're a shopaholic, there are TONS of outlet stores in the
    Lancaster County area, as well as the Amish farms.
    
    CdH