Skytop Lodge, a Refined Family Getaway in the Poconos

Allison Tibaldi's picture Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on

Skytop Lodge is a timeless, genteel hotel nestled in the rolling hills of the Pocono Mountains. Just two hours from New York City or Philadelphia, it feels a million miles away.  The pristine natural environment is the perfect backdrop for having fun in the great outdoors.  Many guests that we met are repeat visitors, some who have been coming since childhood and now return with their own children.

Products to make Tailgating and Outdoor Barbecues Better as Seen on Fox Connecticut

Mary Beth Lawlor's picture Submitted by Mary Beth Lawlor on

It's that time of year! Football games and tailgating as well as Fall barbecues. I did a segment on Fox Connecticut today about products to make tailgating easier and more fun. There was a griddle for your barbecue, a mosquito repellant lantern, some grill cleaning products as well as a nifty gadget that allows you to hold your plate of food and drink in one hand. You can watch the video clip here. Listed below you will find each item's description along with their link.

Claws "N" Paws Animal Park, Poconos: Photo Gallery and Review

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I think all kids probably love any activity that involves animals, and many adults do too. Claws "N" Paws Animal Park, near Lake Ariel in the Poconos, is a zoo with over 100 species of animals, large and small. While it's not the Bronx Zoo, there are a few things that make Claws "N" Paw a must-do on your Poconos family vacation.

Lark Cafe: A New Brooklyn Eatery with Kids' Classes and a Playroom

Petek's picture Submitted by Petek on

We're always on the lookout for restaurants where kids can play—and we don't mean with their food. That's why my daughter and I were really excited to come across Lark Cafe, a new eatery in Prospect Park South that serves up cool kids' classes and a play space as well as delicious snacks and beverages.

Lark would be a wonderful addition to any neighborhood, but it's a particular treat for families living south of Prospect Park, who used to have to trek to Park Slope to find anything like it. The space is airy and open, the staff is friendly and the casual atmosphere pleases kids and adults: Parents can relax and enjoy free Wi-Fi while their children romp in the adjacent playroom. My daughter and I enjoyed our visit to Lark so much, we've already been back a few times since it opened in July!

Farmers Markets in NJ: Where to Find the Fall Harvest

Submitted by Sasha Muzzarelli on

My family and I moved to NJ last summer from sweltering Florida, where it’s tough to grow anything that isn’t a palm tree or an orange. One of our first experiences was visiting the farmers market at the local park and strolling among rows of golden apples, juicy pears and late summer strawberries & tomatoes made me realize why Jersey is called the “Garden State.” As we get ready to welcome the cozy sweaters and cool evenings that autumn brings, a tasty new season of fruits and vegetables awaits. Check out some of our state’s awesome farmers markets where New Jersey kids and their families (and maybe even the dog too!) can sample the fall harvest:

25 Things to Do During an Old Orchard Beach, Maine Summer Family Vacation

Stephanie Ogozalek's picture Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on

Old Orchard Beach in Southern Maine is a family friendly beach town perfect for a summertime vacation.  The 7 mile long crescent shaped beach, considered the state’s best, is of course the number one attraction here, but there is plenty more to do when the sun goes down or if the gang tires of the beach.

The casual ocean front town offers a Coney Island-esque strip loaded with touristy shops hawking everything you could ever need for a beach vacation, snack shops offering up regional clam cakes and hand cut fries by the box, an over the top mini-golf course, a seaside amusement park and 500 foot pier that has been an Old Orchard Beach destination for over 100 years.

The surrounding areas of Biddeford, Saco, Scarborough and Portland are close enough to Old Orchard Beach that families don’t have to drive far to enjoy the cycling, fishing, boat trips and historic sites they have to offer.

Here are 25 of the best things to do in Old Orchard Beach and the surrounding areas during a summer time family vacation.  

Long Island Kids' Activities September 1–3: The Shinnecock Powwow and the Hamptons Classic

Submitted by Dara Stewart on

It’s the official unofficial end of summer…. Where did the time go?! While we’re mourning the end of our leisurely days enjoying the warm weather, we’re also looking forward to the start of the school year (perhaps me more than the kids…) and some early-fall fun. We’ve got a beautiful weekend on tap for this Labor Day weekend—perfect weather for the beach or a barbecue or both. If you’re looking for something else to do with the family, there’s a whole lot going on out east this weekend. Pack up the kids and a lunch and head on out. One of my favorite Labor Day events is the Shinnecock Powwow: great fun for the whole family and a great way to teach the kids about Long Island’s heritage. Go. And while out there, check out the Hamptons Classic, The events at the South Fork Natural History Museum, and the fireworks in East Hampton Saturday night. Happy Labor Day weekend!

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