Are you hot-blooded or cold-blooded? No matter what temperature you prefer, we’ve got a trip for you. If winter weather’s got you down, plan a getaway to America’s first city: St. Augustine, Florida. Love being a snow bunny? Trek up to Lake Placid, New York. Here are itineraries for both:
Sunny
Find Family Fun on Florida’s First Coast
By Carla Criqui
Tired of winter already? Want to take the kids someplace sunny for a few days? The oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine is full of interesting and fun things to do for the whole family – and it’s seasonable year round. Your kids will learn about history and hardly even realize it. Here are some spots that are definitely worth checking out:
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
This massive fortress will delight children of all ages as they roam through the grounds and imagine battles fought. National Park Service personnel in period garb add to the atmosphere and are happy to answer questions about the fort and its history. Beautiful views of the city and harbor can be seen from the bastions of the fort.
The Fountain of Youth Archeological Park
Just a few blocks away from Castillo is the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park where visitors can learn about Ponce de Leon and the discovery of the fabled Fountain of Youth. During the guided tour, everyone has a chance to sip from the springs. In addition to the tour, families can explore the planetarium and other fun exhibits.
Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum
At this living museum, costumed interpreters talk about their lives in 1740s-era St. Augustine. Kids who visit have the opportunity to see the blacksmiths, cooks and carpenters at work.
St. Augustine’s Alligator Farm and Zoological Park
True to its name, this place has alligators and crocodiles galore, but there are other zoo animals, too. Hourly interactive shows and presentations teach children about animals and the environment. Schedule your visit so you don’t miss the twice-daily alligator feedings.
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum
Children must be at least 44” tall to climb the 219 steps to the top of the lighthouse. This is historical landmark includes a self-guided audio tour, historical artifacts, hands-on exhibits and a short nature trail.
In addition to all of the historical sites, museums and tours available, there lots of spots to just kick back and relax. The area includes plenty of miniature golf courses, an IMAX theater, shopping, parks and beaches. Walk along the Matanzas River and spot dolphins. Take an eco-tour, go kayaking, take a helicopter tour or charter a fishing vessel. You are limited only by your imagination.
Carla Criqui is a freelance writer who lives in Jacksonville, Florida.
Snowy
Lake Placid, New York, isn’t just for the Olympics
By Stacey Morris
Say the words “Lake Placid,” and an image of winter athletes going for the gold probably springs to mind. That’s for good reason: the Adirondack Mountain village hosted winter Olympic games in 1932 and 1980. The city has become a renowned training center for future Olympic contenders from around the world. But, Lake Placid has also long been a draw for mere mortals with a passion food, fun and shopping. So, there’s no need to make a choice between skiing or curling up next to a fireplace with a good mystery novel. Here, you can do both.
First, head into town to soak in the Olympic history. Downtown Lake Placid is a compact strip of quaint shops, outlet stores, coffee houses, antique shops, art galleries and museums.
At the Olympic Center, you can relive the glory of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey team’s unexpected victory over the Russians. Looking for a little more hands-on Olympic experience? Ride a gondola to the top of the MacKenzie-Intervale Ski Jumping Complex or take a heart-pounding bobsled slide down Mount Van Hoevenberg at the Verizon Sports Complex.
It may be a little-known fact, but Lake Placid has in common two All-American singing stars, both known for belting out patriotic songs at the top of their lungs. Kate “God Bless America” Smith fell in love with the Lake Placid region after vacationing there and spent 40 summers at her beloved Camp Sunshine. Fans and tourists still visit Smith’s mausoleum – with the words “God Bless America” enscripted on the top – at St. Agnes Cemetery. More recently, Bruce “Born in the U.S.A.” Springsteen became smitten with the city’s tranquility and spends summers there. According to locals, he can sometimes be spotted lunching at the Lake Placid Lodge, a short boat ride from his island retreat.
There are plenty of hotel options in and surrounding the village. If you prefer being in the middle of the action, one of the most longstanding and family-friendly is the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort on Main Street. Operated by the Holdereid Family since 1974, the four-story, 150-room hotel sits only a few feet from Mirror Lake and offers more than 30 different varieties of rooms.The resort is also pet-friendly (even cockatiels and rabbits are welcome) and operates as one of the greenest hotels in the state, with gift baskets presented to guests who arrive via foot, cross-country skis, bicycle or hybrid car.
If you’re a family looking for a a weekend full of winter fun, now is the perfect time to visit Lake Placid.
Stacey Morris is an award-winning freelance writer who lives in the Adirondacks in New York.