Breckenridge Rushes The Slopes with Thanksgiving Cheer

Beating out some of its neighbors, the Breckenridge Ski Resort has opened 270 total acres of skiing and riding terrain in time for Thanksgiving. Since its the resort's 50th anniversary this season, just maybe they're trying to keep AARP away with some youthful energy!

The early opening also celebrates the new DoubleTree by Hilton Breckenridge (970/547-5550) resort slopeside, as well as the mountains' new Maggie Deck for hanging out in the Village base area.

According to the PR folks at Breck, a huge effort by the Breckenridge snowmaking team allowed them to open Peak 9 trails including Silverthorne, Crosscut and lower Sawmill. Guests staying on Peak 9 will have access to Peak 8 terrain via Quicksilver SuperChair and the Peak 8 SuperConnect. Skiers and riders will be able to ski back to Peak 9 via the Crosscut and Sawmill trails.

Located just steps away from the ski lifts on Peak 9, the brand new hotel emerged gloriously from the former the Great Divide Lodge. A full service ski resort, it has a large pool indoors and hot tub, with an outdoor pool for summer visits. There's convenient quick dining as well as more formal lunch options and the elegant 9600 Grill open to all mountain goers. It's also a pet friendly hotel that gives its loyalty program members free WiFi in all rooms.

Super deal for ski families:  To celebrate the opening of this full-service ski resort hotel (located at 550 Village Road, Breckenridge, CO 80424) and Breck's 50th Anni, Hilton Honorsmembers will earn 5,000 bonus points when staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Breckenridge for 3 nights or longer from November 1, 2011 through April 30, 2012. When we priced an early season visit, we found a really big room with two queens and breakfast for a family of four from only $173 per night. Great deal!

Best yet, if this sounds like your kind of family vacation, visit our partners at Family Travel Forum where you could win an all-expense paid learn-toski-or-ride vacation to Aspen/Snowmass for your whole family courtesy of Ski.com. Check it out!

Dorothy's Ruby Slippers Come Home to New York

Have you ever dreamed of walking in someone else's shoes, perhaps Dorothy's slippers from "The Wizard of Oz?" This post is about a once in a lifetime opportunity for that certain mother or daughter... could that be you?

On December 5th in the Tea Room of New York's swanky Hotel Plaza Athénée (yes, a very long way from Kansas, Dorothy), you'll be able to dine on petit fours while ogling the actual Ruby Slippers worn by Judy Garland in the original "The Wizard of Oz." This unusual High Tea will take place from 4pm-6pm and costs $75 per person.

The private viewing of the red-sequined pumps (in the book they were silver but in those early Technicolor days the director declared they had to be red) marks their brief visit to New York City prior to being auctioned in California by Profiles in History. According to their owner, this pair was used when Dorothy clicks her heels three times to return to Kansas, stating “There’s no place like home.” The slippers are currently appraised in excess of $3 million and if you really really want them, auction information can be found on the website www.profilesinhistory.com.

"We are extremely proud to organize this magical afternoon which is a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season," said Bernard Lackner, General Manager of the Plaza Athénée. "Our hotel has had a long history of welcoming some of the greatest movie stars from Hollywood. Hosting the Ruby Slippers is nothing short of hosting a moment of American movie history."

According to Mr. Lackner, all attendees will have a "unique opportunity to have an up close and personal look at the iconic pair of shoes." Alas, you will not be able to walk in them but the encounter is sure to be... magical.

To reserve your table at the Hotel Plaza Athénée, please visit the site or book with Cheryl Plonski at 212/606-4635.

Give Thanks for the Vacation from Turkey

Family Getaways over the upcoming holidays mean you can really get away from some of those time-consuming, pesky chores. Imagine a Thanksgiving spent all together around a table where no one has to jump up to clear the soup bowls or refill the stuffing platter. Heaven?

If so, some of these get away deals may appeal for this season. Each has an element of pampering as well as a bit of homeyness too.

Florida:  Bask in the Sunshine at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point

East coasters can consider southwest Florida's Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Stillwater Beach as an ideal Black Friday retreat because it's so near great shopping.  They also have a fourth night free offer in place, which makes this luxury spot a good deal prior to the Christmas holidays. So come now, and take advantage of knowing you can shop ‘til you drop with your comfortable resort close by. 

Reporter Erin Boyle was recently at the resort, and loved it (read her review here), and this new Hyatt was also named one of the world’s top 100 hotels by Travel + Leisure.  On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24 from noon to 8pm, they will put out a bountiful holiday buffet with all the trimmings, plus seasonal local fare; this feast is priced at $59 per adult and $27 per child aged five to 12, plus tax and service charge.  (Kids under 5 eat free.) The meal is followed up by live jazz and dancing for all ages. The next day, it's out the door to the 1.2-million-square-foot Coconut Mall. This pretty mall offers 113 stores, 25 restaurants and a boardwalk that is perfect for strolling.  Guests can also hunt for bargains at the nearby Miromar Outlets which features an assortment of luxury brands.

After a full day at the malls, weary shoppers can retreat to the resort’s Stillwater Spa, the beach or pools. To reserve your holiday getaway visit the site at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point or call 800/233-1234. Remember, guests who book four nights receive the 4th night free now through December 31, 2011.   Reference offer code SALE11. 

Mexico: The Pacific Coast at Punta Mita Gives Back for the Holidays

West coasters can give back over the Thanksgiving holiday (Nov. 22-23, 2011) at the very luxurious St. Regis Punta Mita Resort (about an hour north of the Puerto Vallarta airport) is offering families a chance to participate in the two-hour ArteMita Workshop [artemita.com] for a Good Cause. These workshops are led by famed Mexican contemporary artist Lizette Aguilar, who studied in Europe and, as an enthusiast of urban art and murals, is known for “El Atardecer,” an urban sculpture on display in a Jalisco housing development and “Rompiendo Estructuras,” a collection of bronze and concrete sculptures created exclusively for the Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita. 

The hands-on workshops are free for children and afterwards, the resort will host an exhibit of the students’ works for parents and resort guests. (Who wouldn't want a souvenir of this?)  Proceeds from any student work purchased will go to the Costa Verde International School in nearby Sayulita, a privately-funded school and the first in the area to go “green.” 

Of course, this luxury resort provides everything a family would need for a fun Thanksgiving vacation. Situated along the wild coastal stretch known as the Riviera Nayarit, the recently built St. Regis Punta Mita Resort is known for its worldly dining and fine amenities. Non-stop butlers service 89 spacious guest rooms and 31 suites tucked into classic, tile-roofed Mexican style casitas. A stunning golf course wraps around part of the property.   The region is packed with activities for adventure travelers and teens eager to get out into the pristine environment.

Families will enjoy the resort’s La Tortuga Children’s Club, group Spanish lessons, water activities, and whale watching, plus a host of amenities for mom and dad, including Remede Spa and two Jack Nicklaus golf courses.

Rates at The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort begin at $395 for a Deluxe Room Garden View over the Thanksgiving holiday.  Reservations can be made online at the St. Regis site or by calling 877/250-8871.

Let us know if choose to eat turkey when you're not at your in-laws!

Spring Training Over Spring Break: Play Ball in Florida

Is your family devastated that the World Series has ended and the boys of October will hang up their jerseys till next season?  If so, consider a vacation at the Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa, northern Palm Beach County’s only oceanfront AAA Four-Diamond resort.

For spring 2012, the Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa is welcoming guests to play ball and enjoy Florida’s only stadium that hosts two Spring Training teams – the Florida Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals.

For families and fans of the 20111 World Series winners, the resort has created a Diamond Spring Training package offering MLB fans an MVP experience with $350 in added value.Priced for a family of four, it starts at $539* per night and features an exclusive “Day at the Stadium” MVP experience that includes: 

•         A personal greeter meets you at curbside at Roger Dean Stadium (Visit their site for the 2012 Spring Training Game Schedule.)
•         Escorted behind-the-scenes tour of the Clubhouse and 10-acre Sports Complex
•         On-the-field batting practice experience for an up-close-and-personal look at players as they prepare for the game
•         Opportunity to throw the first pitch and enjoy being on the field during the pre-game festivities and National Anthem
•         Little leaguers (two children must be 13 and under) can sit in the dugout pre-game for photo and autograph opportunities

You'll need a place to stay, and this package also includes:
•         Overnight accommodations in a luxury ocean view two-bath Superior Suite
•         Breakfast each morning for up to four persons
•         Four Field Box Tickets
•         Welcome gift with a baseball, Sharpie, and Cracker Jacks

Alternatively, the Play Ball Spring Training package includes a room rate discount, daily breakfast, welcome gift and vouchers for Roger Dean Stadium:
•         10 percent discount on Best Available Rates (all room types)
•         $10 credit at Roger Dean Stadium with your spring training ticket (good for hot dogs and beverages)
•         Breakfast for two each morning
•         Welcome gift with a baseball, Sharpie, and Cracker Jacks

The 168-room resort has a classic Caribbean style and barefoot elegance that comes from mahogany furnishings, marble bathrooms, and private balconies to showcase stunning ocean views.  Resort amenities include a heated oceanfront swimming pool and whirlpool spa, an outdoor lounge area complete with cabana-style chairs, fire pit and dive-in movies, a fitness center offering private instruction, lighted tennis courts, game room, full-service 7,500-square-foot Spa, and three award-winning restaurants and dining options. The beach is rocky and wild, typical of this coastline, but worth mentioning for beach lovers.

There are other value Jupiter Beach & Spa Resort packages available beginning November 1, 2011, but keep in mind that Spring Training tickets won't go on sale until January 21, 2012.  Maybe this is one of those vacations to tuck under the Christmas tree?

For more information, please visit the Jupiter Beach Resort site.  For reservations, call 800/228-8810 and mention promo codes: BALL for the Play Ball and DIAMOND for the Diamond Spring Training Packages.  Guests also receive complimentary valet parking, high-speed Internet in all guest rooms, and no resort fee with both packages.   

*Package is based on single/double occupancy and has limited availability during Spring Training Home Games only.

Penguins on My Brain, Penguins on Parade in Australia

Ok, we know, we know.... "Little Feet 2" will be in theatres before Christmas. But we are not the only ones with penguins on the brain.

A friend just told me about a new TV series called "Penguin Island," airing on Nat Geo WILD on November 12 and 13 as part of the network's all-day, all-weekend "Penguin Palooza."

This story makes sense, however, when you realize that this National Geographic show is all about the little penguins of Phillip Island (located just 90 minutes outside of Melbourne, Australia).

For families who want to go behind the scenes to get up-close-and-personal with the little penguins, Phillip Island Nature Park is running a day-long “Penguin Island Tour.” Phillip Island is endowed with all sorts of wonderful wildlife, and in fact, a family can spend the whole day and take in three different animal preserves. Their 3 Parks Pass provides discounted entry to the main event, the Penguin Parade; as well as the (adorable) Koala Conservation Centre; and the Churchill Island Heritage Farm, a working Australian farm.

The “Penguin Island Tour” highlights what most families come for, and it is priced at $90 AUD/person. This tour includes:

•    Ranger Guided Tour – highlighting the “love nests” featured in the documentary

•    Behind-the-scenes of research efforts on the island

•    Penguin Plus (reserved seating on an exclusive viewing platform for the Penguin Parade)

•    Hot drink and MP4 player

•    Penguin Island DVD

•    Penguin green screen photo experience

•    Tour limited to 10 people

Are you heading Down Under over the holidays? During December, January, Easter and long-weekends it is essential to pre-book tickets for the program. The penguins are estimated to return to their "home" at sunset (about 8pm at this time of year), so visitors are asked to come one hour beforehand. That will allow you time to show the kids the interactive displays in the Visitor Center, grab a snack, and saunter over to seats at the beach.

If you want to watch the action without the guided tour, Phillip Island Nature Park also offers great value family tickets (a package for 2 adults and 2 children ages 4-15) and private family tours. Children under 4 enter free, and the park is both stroller and wheelchair accessible.

Getting there is just part of the adventure.  Phillip Island is easily accessible by car or public bus from Melbourne, though many visitors choose to spend the night camping, or in one of the 100 accommodations (beachfront apartments, B & Bs, hotels, motels) at all price levels. For more information, check the site of the Phillip Island Information Centre or drop by their offices at 895 Phillip Island Tourist Rd, Newhaven, Victoria 3925 (Tel: 03 5956 7447 or 1300 366 422).


Of course, you'll also want to spend time in the wonderful city of Melbourne, so check out Family Travel Forum's Melbourne with Kids guide before planning your visit.