Philadelphia's In Lights for the Holiday Season

We love tradition when it comes to the holidays, so we were pleased to see two big traditions returning to Philadelphia this winter -- the Comcast Holiday spectacular and the revamped Lights of Liberty show.

The Comcast Holiday Spectacular
The Comcast Holiday Spectacular is back for its 3rd year at the Comcast Center, and we love this unique, no-cost, family-friendly tradition because it runs every hour on the hour to mark the holidays. This huge lightshow takes only 15 minutes, and packs lots of original holiday imagery, music and more onto a huge video wall that is said to be the world’s largest  4mm LED video display.

The wild and engaging show -- great for all ages -- includes everything from scenes from "The Nutcracker" to a magical sleigh ride through the snow-covered Pennsylvania countryside and into Center City Philadelphia, from the holiday sounds of a 64-piece orchestra, to the harmony of the Commonwealth Youth Choir’s Keystone State Boychoir and Pennsylvania Girlchoir. The Comcast Center is located at 1701 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Philadelphia and the lightshow will run hourly between 10am and 8pm between November 25, 2010 and January 2, 2011. 

Lights of Liberty
In another bit of tradition news, the 11-year-old "Lights of Liberty" attraction (pictured above) has been completely re-imagined, creating two separate shows: a year-round indoor and a summer-season nighttime outdoor attraction. The show, Liberty 360, takes the viewer on a journey past America’s most beloved symbols led by Philadelphia native Benjamin Franklin. Visual effects and stirring original music combine for a 15-minute, 3-D film adventure that surrounds the audience in the new customized state-of-the-art PECO Theater, inside the new Historic Philadelphia Center.

The theater has a fantastic 360-degree screen that is 50 feet in diameter and 8 feet tall, displaying 3-D pictures with an image resolution of 9.5 million pixels. For more seasonal fun outdoors, the exterior of the round PECO Theater is covered in Nilestrip LED that can be seen from the street, displaying ever-changing animations.  The Historic Philadelphia Center, a fun family attraction in itself, is located at 6th and Chestnut Streets in Philadelphia’s historic district, across the street from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. It's open daily from 9am – 7pm with some extended hours on weekends.

For 2011, running April through October, a new digital outdoor show called "The New Lights of Liberty Show" will take visitors on a starlit journey through Independence National Historical Park. Like a high-tech son et lumiere, the show is set on July 7, 1776, three days after Congress has approved the Declaration of Independence. Surround sound and high-tech imagery is sure to dazzle all ages.

For more information on Philadelphia and the region, contact the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (215/636-3300).

Photo Illustration by Rusty Kennedy for Historic Philadelphia, Inc.

Haunted World Rises from Dead to Pick Top 13 Scary Sites

Hauntworld, the leading trade publication for Halloween and the haunted house industry, has released its list of the top 13 scariest cities in the U.S. If you, like others, have had fun playing at Family Travel Forum's photo contest on facebook, you may enjoy getting deeper into the spirit(s) of this annual holiday.

Here are Hauntworld's 13 picks, as if stopping at 10 would not be good enough?

1. Philadelphia – The City of Brotherly Love is also the City of Fear. The Bates Motel with Haunted Hayride (TheBatesMotel.com) and new Pennhurst Asylum (PennhurstAsylum.com).

2. Detroit – The once-roaring Motor City is now a ghost city. It includes the four-floor Erbus (HauntedPontiac.com).

3. New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. – The historic hotbed for voodoo is home to The 13th Gate (MidnightProduction.com).

4. St. Louis, Missouri. – With its foreboding Lemp Mansion, St. Louis is known for its leading haunted house attraction, The Darkness (Scarefest.com)

5. Kansas City, Missouri. – The onetime “haunted house capital of the world” claims two of the best: The Beast (FullMoonProd.com) and Edge of Hell (EdgeOfHell.com).

6. Poughkeepsie, New York. – The Headless Horseman (HeadlessHorseman.com) is considered the biggest haunted hayride in America by Hauntworld.

7. Atlanta – The biggest haunted house and monster fest in the Peach State is without a doubt Netherworld (Fearworld.com).

8. Dallas/Ft. Worth – Check out Cutting Edge Haunted House (CuttingEdgeHauntedHouse.com) the Guinness Word Record-holder as the longest running haunted house in the world.

9. Greensboro/Raleigh, N.C. – Kersey Valley Spookywoods (Spookywoods.com) is family fun by day, full-on horror-themed amusement park by night.

10. Denver – The Mile High City can boast three of the best in The Asylum Haunted House, 13th Floor Haunted House and Blood Shed. Visit GetScared.com.

11. Cincinnati – The Dent Schoolhouse (Frightsite.com) is a bona fide haunted site with its own grisly back-story about a janitor who was a homicidal lunatic.

12. Austin, Texas – House of Torment (TheHouseOfTorment.com) is a three-course horror fest.

13. Houston, Texas – Built next to a graveyard, Nightmare on the Bayou (NightmareOnTheBayou.com) can claim a REAL ghost haunting.

Our thanks to Hauntworld for sharing their picks for places to avoid with our toddlers during the month of October. For more information, visit www.hauntworld.com to learn about the top haunts around the country and internationally, Halloween vendors, manufacturers, events, tips and forums.

Gulf Coast Red Snapper Season Is Open & We've Gone Fishin'

In a happy turn-about for fishermen and women who enjoy the Gulf Coasts of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi, the red snapper season has reopened. An extended round of recreational fishing will be allowed on Fridays through Sundays for eight weeks, from October 1 through November 21, 2010.

Just as President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and their daughter Sasha did in August, families are free to swim, build sandcastles, go fishing, and enjoy the local seafood.

 
Here, the Obamas dine at Lime's Bayside Bar and Grill in Panama City Beach, Florida (AP Photo/Susan Walsh from Naples News.com)

As we all remember, when a portion of the Gulf of Mexico was closed last spring due to the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill, in addition to the financial damage that the commercial fishing industry suffered, millions of tourists were denied an opportunity to cast their nets for sport.

Recreational fishing is big business in federal waters off Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle -- especially near popular tourist destinations. The federal government has been working with the tourism industry to promote travel to the Gulf areas, and since July 22, NOAA has reopened more than 52,000 square-miles of Gulf federal waters closed due to the oil spill.

The local Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council asked NOAA's Fisheries Service to reopen the recreational red snapper season after listening to extensive public testimony from fishermen.  According to NOAA, local and visiting anglers should be able to catch the remainder of their annual quota --  3.4 million pounds of snapper -- before Thanksgiving. While that certainly doesn't sound possible given the limited fishing skills in our household, we are very happy to report that the fish are jumping!

Your Park City Class Act is Cheaper Thanks to Stein Eriksen Lodge Deals

Have you thought about travelling with kids to Park City this year? It's a great town for families, with a walkable Main Street and easy access to several fantastic mountain resorts. Plus there's lots of recreation in them there hills -- just check out FTF's Guide to the Olympic Attractions in Utah's favorite town and you can see what we mean.

Snowsports lovers and those interested in a class act all the way should check out -- and check into -- the Stein Eriksen Lodge.

It is Utah's only Forbes 5-star, AAA Five Diamond property, and this year guests can enjoy big savings with the hotel's Bronze Ski & Stay package, valid between January 2 – 19, 2011, in addition to the early and late season dates offered in the past.

Stein Eriksen Lodge provides convenient ski-in, ski-out access to Deer Valley Resort, one of our favorite-for-families mountains. Favorite, true. Good for snowboarders? No.  They're not allowed on these finely honed slopes, but for the rest of you it's a super place.

So, for that class act before or after Sundance, the town's busiest winter season, you can count on the:

** Bronze Ski & Stay Package:  $279/N per person based on double occupancy: Package includes Deluxe Room accommodations, daily buffet breakfast, taxes and one adult lift ticket per person to Deer Valley; 2N minimum stay. Valid December 4 - 17, 2010, January 2 – 19, 2011 and March 27 – April 10, 2011.

** Silver Ski & Stay Package:  $385/N per person based on double occupancy: Package includes Deluxe Room accommodations, daily buffet breakfast, taxes and one adult lift ticket per person to Deer Valley Resort; 2N minimum stay. Valid January 24 - February 16, 2011, and February 27 - March 17, 2011. 
 
** Ski & Stay 3 Nights and Enjoy the 4th Free: Looking for families with a bit more time to have fun!  Guests who book 3 nights lodging and lift tickets during early and late season get the 4th night and lift ticket for free. Package includes nightly accommodations in a deluxe bedroom, daily buffet breakfast, and a four-day multi-day adult lift ticket per person to Deer Valley. Valid December 4 – 17, 2010 and March 27 – April 10, 2011.
 
At the Stein Eriksen, kids are prized guests and are given discounted rates depending on age. Contact your  travel agent, check this out online at www.steinlodge.com or call them at 800.453.1302.

Halloween Safety Tips: Good Reminders on Kid Safety

Many thanks to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons for sharing these Halloween safety tips, as our kids and their escorts gear up for the big day. Speaking of gearing up, we hope you've have had a chance to post your favorite Halloween costume photo on Facebook to win one of the spookiest prizes ever -- tickets to Ripley's Believe It or Not!

Once that's done, it's time to start decorating the house! We did not realize that fun family time like pumpkin carving could be dangerous, but according to a study of Emergency Room visits**:

• Finger/hand injuries accounted for the greatest proportion of injuries on Halloween (17.6%).  
• Of the finger/hand injuries sustained on Halloween, 33.3% were lacerations and 20.1% were fractures.
  
• Children ages 10-14 sustained the greatest proportion of injuries (30.3%).

Here are some pre-Halloween safety tips to ensure a more fun holiday for all.

• Never let children carve pumpkins.  Adults carving pumpkins should remember to use specifically designed carving knives, rather than kitchen knives, as they are less likely to get stuck in the thick pumpkin skin.  Carve the pumpkin in small, controlled strokes, away from oneself on a strong, sturdy surface.
  
  
• Carving knives should be kept in a clean, dry, well-lit area.  Any moisture on the tools, hands, or table can cause the knife to slip, leading to injuries. 
  
  
• Should a pumpkin carver cut a finger or hand, make sure the hand is elevated higher than the heart and apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding.  If continuous pressure does not slow or stop the bleeding after 15 minutes, an emergency room visit may be necessary.  Additionally, it may be wise to follow-up with a hand surgeon to make sure everything is okay and nothing needs repair.
  
  
• Be considerate of fire hazards when lighting jack-o-lantern candles or use non-flammable light sources, like glow sticks or artificial pumpkin lights. Alternatively, try painting pumpkins for a fun, creative option and removes the risks of carving.

Halloween Trick or Treat Safety

• Halloween costumes should be light and bright, so children are clearly visible to motorists and other pedestrians.  Trim costumes and bags with reflective tape that glows in the dark. 
  
  
• Costumes should be flame-resistant and fit properly. Be sure the child’s vision is unobstructed from masks, face paint or hats.  Costumes that are too long may cause kids to trip and fall -- trim or hem their costumes as necessary. 
  
  
• Children should wear sturdy, comfortable, slip-resistant shoes to avoid falls.
  
  
• It is important that children walk on sidewalks and never cut across yards or driveways.  They should also obey all traffic signals and remain in designated crosswalks when crossing the street. 
  
  
• Trick-or-treaters should only approach houses that are well lit.  Both children and parents should carry flashlights to see and be seen.
  
  
• Be aware of neighborhood dogs when trick-or-treating and remember that these pets can impose a threat when you approach their home. 
  
  
• It’s also a good idea to carry a cell phone while trick-or-treating in case of an emergency.  

** Source:  D'Ippolito A, Collins CL, Comstock RD. Epidemiology of pediatric holiday-related injuries presenting to US emergency departments. Pediatrics. 2010 May;125(5):931-7.

Ohio Indoor Waterpark Offers Tropical Family Together Break

This winter, the fun CoCo Key Water Resort is running a fun, and not spooky, “Shiver Me Timbers” family getaway package. If you're tired of Halloween and ready for pirates, this is a good deal.

The waterpark is found at the family-welcoming Cherry Valley Lodge in Newark, which is close to other central Ohio attractions. Because the 50,000-square-foot waterplay in indoors and heated year-round, you can all feel like you've hit the Caribbean sands once you unpack your bathing suits.

Valid till the end of 2010, the “Shiver Me Timbers” family of 4 package starts at $399 (midweek) or $499/N (for either Friday or Saturday arrival) and includes:

·     Deluxe overnight accommodations for a family of four for two nights

·     Four passes to CoCo Key Water Resort indoor water park, valid for the entire length of stay

·     Four passes to “The Works” family museum (museum closed on Sundays and Mondays)

·     Four passes to your choice of bowling or miniature golf

·     Four movie theatre tickets to the film of your choice

·     Pizza Hut Express family dinner which includes Pizza, Pop AND Ice Cream

·     Two child size t-shirts and a Frisbee from CoCo Key’s Treasure Trove Gift Shop

·     Four $5 game cards for Key Quest Arcade

For us, the clincher is that $5 in game tokens, as after spending money on a family weekend getaway, it drives us nuts to be asked for video game spare change.

           

You can read more about the CoCo Key Water Resort in Family Travel Forum's Cherry Valley & Coco Key Review, but we can say that it has a fun tropical theme, snack bars, tons of water play features and a parrot mascot that poses for Christmas card type pictures.

The lodge itself is on 18 acres of beautiful country where leaves are quickly turning and, interestingly, it's the nation’s only hotel that’s also an officially sanctioned arboretum and botanical garden.

For more information visit Coco Key Water Resort.

     

Follow in the Footsteps of Steig Larssen in Stockholm

www.FamilyTravelForum.com loves to travel to the source of favorite books, whether they are popular kids books or novels that have captivated all ages. (Just check out our "Angels & Demons Family Tour of Rome" and you'll see what we mean.) That is what makes the Millennium Tour of Stockholm, Sweden -- based on a set of thrillers -- so much fun.

Anyone who likes mysteries has probably heard of "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo."  Over 27 million fans have read it along with author Stieg Larsson's Millennium trilogy about journalist Mikael Blomkvist and computer hacker Lisbeth Salander. Said to be the second most widely read author in the world for 2009, Larssen is the inspiration behind a new walking tour of his native Stockholm, Sweden.

The Millennium Tour guided by the Stockholm City Museum shows the blocks where the Millennium books and films were made.  The tour includes Steig Larsson`s favorite places, the Old Town and the central island of Södermalm, Stockholm.  Here's a short video they did  with film star Michael Nyquist that will give you a flavor of the tour.

The books' rights have been sold in more than 40 countries, attracting tourists to Sweden from all over the world. The original European film versions of the novels are being remade in America, and will surely add many more tourists to the mix. If you're heading to one of our favorite family destinations, then join the Stockholm City Museum's tour. It will help fans and visitors learn more about the books' milieu and is a great overall intro to the city. Visit www.tourstockholm.se to get more information.

6 Flags Fright Fest is All That & So Much More!

Halloween is almost here, and for those of us living in the Northeast, this is a great time of year to visit Six Flags Great Adventure, located in Jackson, NJ, about an hour from New York City and Philadelphia. Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Halloween Night, the park’s annual Fright Fest will be providing visitors with thrills by day and fright by night. Come spend an October day exploring the scores of rides in eleven themed areas, including four that cater to small children. 

When the clock strikes 5:30 p.m., the park transforms into a festive and creepy wonderland. Park employees dress up as ghosts, ghouls and goblins, emerging from shadows and lurking in spider-webbed covered corners, trying to scare the living daylights out of you. These creatures can be truly frightening, so young guests are given “ghoul repellant”, a festive whistle that they can blow to stop scary beasts in their tracks.

Expect long lines and crowds. Fright Fest has an almost cult-like following, so your patience will be tested as you wait for up to an hour for many of the rides and attractions.

Families applaud this theme park’s customary pay-one-price admission. But be prepared to pay an additional $5 per person for the most popular Fright Fest activities, the chill-inducing Escape from the Asylum Terror Trail and the Demented Forest Terror Trail.

Other Halloween festivities are included in your admission price, including the crowd pleasing Dead Man’s Party, which features 10 dancing zombies, and the equally entertaining The Ghoulmaster’s Ghosts, a haunted dance party Michael Jackson tribute.

With something for the entire family, even hard-to-please teens, a bone-chilling time should put you all in the spooky spirit of the season.

Contributed by Allison Tibaldi who visited Six Flags Great Adventure with her teens on Media Preview Day.

Rainforest Alliance Launches SustainableTrip.org

Savvy travelers looking for sustainable vacation options in Latin America and the Caribbean can now find them by visiting SustainableTrip.org, an online search tool launched today by the Rainforest Alliance.

SustainableTrip.org is a database of hotels, tour operators, and other businesses (such as restaurants) in Latin America and the Caribbean that have been certified by a third-party sustainable tourism certification program, verified by the Rainforest Alliance, or recommended as being sustainable by a reputable organization.

“SustainableTrip.org provides travelers, tour operators and travel agents with a credible, comprehensive listing of sustainable tourism options from a trusted conservation organization,” said Ronald Sanabria, vice president of tourism for the Rainforest Alliance.

SustainableTrip.org supports business owners’ efforts to become sustainable by promoting them to key tourism markets in the United States, Canada, Europe and Latin America. The site is available in three languages – in English, as SustainableTrip.org; in Spanish, as ViajeSostenible.org; and in French, as VoyageResponsable.org.

“The sustainability claim of each business is verified by our staff before it is listed on SustainableTrip.org, so travelers can feel secure knowing that all of the businesses listed on the site are taking concrete actions to conserve natural resources and improve livelihoods in their local communities,” explained Melissa Normann, manager of the Rainforest Alliance’s online communities initiative.

Initially launched in 2005 as the Eco-Index of Sustainable Tourism, SustainableTrip.org features a robust search engine and an in-depth profile for each business that includes information about amenities and rates, a description of the area and activities, a Google map of the business’ location, photos and videos, and actions that the business is taking to demonstrate sustainability. Interested parties can subscribe to a monthly email newsletter that will include links to new or updated hotel profiles, and other features. The site also features “News for the Savvy Traveler” and detailed information about sustainable tourism.

The SustainableTrip.org launch coincides with the 10-year anniversary of the Rainforest Alliance’s sustainable tourism program, which helps tourism professionals improve the sustainability of their businesses based on the principles of the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria. Initiatives include adopting ecosystem and water conservation measures, reducing energy use, supporting local economies, hiring from within the community and reducing costs.

To read more about green vacations, check out the eco-friendly side of Family Travel Forum.

Believe It or Not! A Halloween Costume Contest

Whether it’s an adorable toddler Halloween costume, a funny group costume or a fantastic get-up for your young boy or girl, Family Travel Forum wants to know what you and yours are wearing for Halloween.

If you have or have had a unique Halloween costume idea for this year or in the past, tell us about it.

All you have to do is share a picture on the FTF Facebook Wall or log in and write a short blog on the FTF site telling them why this is your favorite Halloween Costume.

All entries received during the month of October (when you should be auditioning the outfits) and up till the 4th of November will be considered.

On November 5th we will randomly select one winner to receive four tickets to the any of the 31 Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museums around the world.

Happy Halloween and good luck!

Ghost Hunters Coming to Universal Studios on Horror Night

Why any ghost would be dumb enough to stick around when Steve Gonsalves and Dave Tango, of SyFy channel's popular "Ghost Hunters" show up is beyond me. But the dashing and very brave duo will be coming to Orlando this weekend to meet and greet guests at Halloween Horror Nights.

On Thursday, October 7, Halloween Horror Nights guests will have the opportunity to meet them and get autographs, while the duo personally experiences the intense horror and entertainment of the themepark's Halloween Horror Nights XX.

The “Ghost Hunters” autograph session is included in admission to Halloween Horror Nights and will take place in Battery Park, located right across from Mel’s Drive-In, at 7:00pm and 9:30pm.

As many of you know, “Ghost Hunters” has become one of the highest rated "reality" shows on SyFy Channel because people love watching Gonsalves, Tango and a group of real-life paranormal researchers as they investigate haunted places across the nation. 

If you can't make it this week, the wild Halloween Horror Nights XX is open through October 31st.  This extremely themed treat -- the 20th in Universal's long history of Halloween fun -- features eight all-new haunted houses, six scarezones and two live shows.  Guests will experience a new level of extreme and intense Halloween entertainment as they face Fear – the master behind everything Halloween Horror Nights has ever been and will become.   

For more information, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

Arkansas Ozarks Are A Great Place For Family Foliage Road Trips

The fall foliage season in the Arkansas Ozarks attracts families from all over the state and beyond to its vibrantly colored forests.

Imagine thousands of leaves tumbling off of large, old trees and you can visualize the town of Harrison, where Maplewood Cemetery (pictured here) hosts over 733 mature maple trees. Traditionally they show their fall colors during the later part of October.

We can't guarantee when the colors will peak, but we can share 3 fun driving tours that guarantee scenic views.  Each is less than a half day, so be sure to pack a picnic lunch and take the time to pause, eat, admire and collect some colorful leaves. And if you have more time, be sure to visit Hope and The Clinton Trail to learn more about our former president and his roots in the state.

Here are three scenic drives that originate in Harrison, Arkansas:

1. Leave the Harrison Square heading south on Highway 7. Turn right on Arkansas Highway 43 towards Compton and Ponca. Five miles out of Harrison you’ll climb Gaither Mountain. Be sure and stop at the overlook (on the left) when you reach the summit. This is one of the best views that you will see of  the Harrison area. You’ll then pass through Compton and on to Ponca. The three mile descent into Ponca offers spectacular views off the right side of your car. As you pass through Ponca be sure to look for elk in the field just before you turn left on Arkansas Highway 74 and cross the Buffalo National River. Once you have negotiated the several switch backs up the mountain, consider the short jaunt (left turn) down to Steel Creek on the Buffalo. If the timing is right, the bluffs across the river should be ablaze with fall color. Head back up the hill and turn left back on Highway 74 towards Jasper. About half way you’ll pass through Low Gap, and a side trip down into this remote Arkansas hamlet should be worth the time. Jasper is the county seat of Newton County, one of Arkansas’ least populated (less than 8,000 residents). Circle the tiny square and head north to Harrison via Scenic Highway 7. You’ll cross the Buffalo again at Pruitt, and the bluff on the left side of the road might just surprise you. Harrison is a short drive from Pruitt. Total miles roundtrip; 62 miles.

2. Take the same route out of Harrison. Five miles passed Compton, turn right on Arkansas 103 towards Osage. When you arrive in Osage, be sure and stop at the Stamps store. It’s listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. You’ll find it a pleasant stop. After you leave the store, turn right on U.S. 412 and head back to Harrison through Alpena. At the stop sign there, turn right. After three miles turn right on Highway 392 back to Harrison. Just after you pass through Batavia, Pilot’s Knob will be on your right. You’ll come back into Harrison at the square. Total miles roundtrip; 51 miles.

3. Take Highway 7 north from Harrison to Bergman. Just passed Bergman, turn left on Highway 281. After seven miles, turn right on Highway 14 back towards Lead Hill. A left turn in Lead Hill back on Highway 7 will take you to Diamond City on Bull Shoals Lake. Retreat back to Harrison via Highway 7. Total miles roundtrip; 53 miles.

Remember, the right combination of precipitation and temperatures are key to making the leaves change. Before you plan a trip to the Ozarks, call ahead for a report at 870-741-1789.  You can also go to the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism website at www.arkansas.com and go to the “Things To Do” link for a status report.

There are numerous hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts for overnight accommodations in Harrison, along with many places to eat and shop. Contact the Harrison Convention and Visitors Bureau at 780-741-1789 or visit their website at www.HarrisonArkansas.org for additional information.

French Lick Resort’s Autumn Magic Festival Returns

Fall is officially underway and what better way to experience the season than at French Lick Resort! From hiking and biking to horseback riding and boating, this Midwest premiere resort destination will have ample choices for viewing the beautiful hues of red, orange and yellow. The dense tree lines surrounding the French Lick Resort make it an ideal place to experience the fall foliage.

Scenic Patoka Lake, located just 12 miles from French Lick Resort, is offering two-hour sightseeing excursions on the 8,800 acre lake. The guided tours offer a glimpse into the area’s wildlife and amazing fall colors. The tours are available October 3, 10 and 17 at noon. Tickets for the relaxing boat ride are $45 per person and include hors d’ oeuvres and refreshing beverages.

Train enthusiasts will enjoy taking in the vibrant autumn scenery by way of a vintage train. The Indiana Railway Museum is offering guests a 20-mile round trip view of the area at its best. The train departs Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets for adults are $14, children 3-11 are $7 and children two and under are free. For more information, call the Indiana Railway Museum at 1-800-74-TRAIN.

Those who prefer to travel on their own can take a scenic drive through the Hoosier National Forest for 13, 25 or 35-mile routes of red, gold and orange foliage. Each route offers stunning views of the resort’s golf courses as well as historic sites. Guests can also enjoy 13 miles of hiking and biking trails on resort grounds. Touring bikes are available at the Valley Links Learning Center daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with rentals starting at $5 for the first hour. Maps for all routes are available at the hotel concierge desks, Spring House Gifts and online.

Riding of a different kind is also available at The Stables at French Lick. Guests can saddle up on one of the resort’s 36 horses for a trail ride offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, with rates starting at $38. Those looking for more a leisurely view of the leaves can take advantage of the resort’s horse-drawn carriage. Alternating between the West Baden Springs Hotel and the French Lick Springs Hotel, the carriage is available daily from 5-9 p.m. The price is $20 for adults, $10 for children 6-12 years old and $45 for families.

A variety of Fall activities will also be available through October such as The Legend of the Lost Train, which is offered every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Guests can board the train if they dare, for a ghostly ride along the forest filled with goblins and through the haunted Burton Tunnel. Special kid friendly rides will also be available on October 22 and 29 at 5:30 p.m.

The resort’s KidsFest program will be offering several fall activities as well. Every weekend, children can take part in a fall hike, pumpkin painting fall crafts and more.

The casino is also getting in on the fun by offering $20,000 October Casinofest Cash on Oct. 9, 16 and 23 from 3 – 11 p.m. Randomly selected guests will have the chance to choose a stein and keep what’s inside. Patrons are even guaranteed to receive a $75 French Lick Resort gift card for just being selected!

For more information on the Autumn Magic Festival or other Fall activtities, please visit www.frenchlick.com or call (888) 936-9360.

Ski Utah Comes to New York City

It was lots of fun to catch up with Craig McCarthy from Park City, Utah last night at New York's Hudson Hotel.

A bunch of travel and ski writers heard about more snowmaking at Park City Resort; a new Snowmamas advice blog for parents of little shredders; new snowmaking and lodge upgrades at Deer Valley; new chairlifts and a gondola to town from The Canyons.

He got me so excited about the upcoming ski season that I almost wished snow would fall on this ski association's gorgeous penthouse with its magnificent views.

Instead I got the peaks and valleys of midtown, a treat in its own right.

Learn more about Utah's upcoming ski season at www.parkcityinfo.com

#ClubMed - Today's Flash Sale Means Great Bargains

As moms, it's just so hard to make up your mind and get a consensus on anything in just one day... so we are not really fans of the 1-day "flash sale".

Having said that, when it comes to one of our favorite family getaways, Club Med, it's really hard to ignore a great offer. Especially when it could mean a hugely discounted winter break vacation.  So here's the deal:

Today -- October 1, 2010 --  is Club Med’s 1-Day flash sale.  Special rates are valid for travel any time between December 17th and January 2nd of this year (and into next year!)  The greatest deals are at Club Med Turks & Caicos where family rooms cost $179/N per person, or at the newly renovated (supposed to be gorgeous) Sandpiper in Florida (see below), where rooms cost $259/N per person all-inclusive.

And at either resort, you can take advantage of a $350 airfare credit per person to offset the plane tickets.

Follow this link for a hell of a deal!.