Farm-to-table family fun on Martha’s Vineyard

Farm-to-table family fun on Martha’s Vineyard

At the nonprofit Farm Institute on Martha’s Vineyard off the coast of Massachusetts, the local and vacationing kids who attend summer day camp here tend the expansive vegetable garden, gather eggs and care for the animals. Older kids may learn the art of composting and carpentry.

Visiting the theme parks with the youngest members of the family

Visiting the theme parks with the youngest members of the family

Wherever you and your toddlers and preschoolers find yourselves this summer, you’ll find plenty to amuse and entertain, even when they’re not walking yet. Go after the older kids go back to school and you can avoid the crowds. According to Visit Orlando, September is the cheapest month of the year to visit there.

Fish right out of the water, strawberries, goat cheese and more

Fish right out of the water, strawberries, goat cheese and more

At Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay near, where we were staying at the Beach House, locals either have downloaded the free FishLine App or call 650-726-8724 to see what fresh-caught fish commercial fishermen are selling “off the boat.”

Half Moon Bay, CA — no crowds or rush yet near San Francisco

Half Moon Bay, CA — no crowds or rush yet near San Francisco

My daughter is planning her wedding near Half Moon Bay. I can see why she loves this area — between the mountains to the East and the Pacific to the west. The best part—it’s not busy or crowded, though we’re less than hour’s drive from San Francisco.

Sonoma County: the right locale for a trip with a grown-up kid

Sonoma County: the right locale for a trip with a grown-up kid

Who says grown kids don’t want to travel with their parents? I don’t get to see my daughter that often and was determined to make our few days together as fun and as stress-free as possible for both of us. The key, I discovered, is choosing the right locale.