4 Surprising Spring Getaways
Enjoy the freshening season with your grandchildren
by Lambeth Hochwald
There's something special about spring break. The lengthening days and greening landscape energize everyone. We scouted four locations that are just right for grandparents to enjoy a weekend with grandchildren of all ages.
Destination: Rhinebeck, New York
Rhinebeck, New York |
What To Do: In this quaint pastoral town, located in the Hudson Valley, just 90 minutes north of New York City you’ll find plenty to do. Welcome spring in Ferncliff Forest, amid nearly 200 acres of old-growth hemlocks that Brooke Astor donated in 1963; this is the perfect site for hiking, biking, and bird-watching. Take your time climbing the 80-foot tower on Mount Rutsen for spectacular views over the Catskills and the Hudson River. At Springwood, the home of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, your grandkids can participate in the Junior Secret Service program. Just stop at the front desk at the Wallace Visitor Center and ask for handbooks and badges, free for kids ages 7 to 12.
Where To Stay: To really feel like you’re in the country, stay at the Apple Blossom Cottage, a sweet house that was built around 1840 and sits on a three-acre apple orchard. Grandchildren who are 8 or older are welcome at the Olde Rhinebeck Inn, built in 1745. Ask about the First 100 Days special, a package that includes admission for two to the FDR Presidential Library and Museum.
Where To Eat: You’ll swear your prayers were answered when you eat at Terrapin, housed in a renovated church. It's so loud in the bistro section that even boisterous grandchildren won’t bother a soul. The Apple Pie Bakery Café within the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park offers more mouthwatering treats. And your older grandchildren will think you’re the hippest grandparent in town if you stop for a chai latte at Taste Budd's Cafe, a chocolate and coffee café in nearby Red Hook where the Bard College kids hang out.
Destination: Montgomery, Texas
Lighthouse on Lake Conroe |
What To Do: In this town, one of the oldest in Texas and the home of the Texas flag, you’ll find a bustling — and preserved — 19th century historic district filled with antique shops and restaurants. Located just 50 miles northwest of Houston, spring events abound. One highlight: the 52nd annual Montgomery County Fair & Rodeo, from March 27 to April 5, replete with a livestock show and barbecue cook-off.
Where To Stay: The luxurious, European-style La Torretta Del Lago Resort & Spa, located just five miles from Montgomery, recently underwent a $140 million renovation. There's plenty to keep your grandkids busy — mini golf, six activity pools, water skiing, jet skiing, and kayaking on Lake Conroe. Be sure to ask about the property’s Spring Break specials.
Where To Eat: Phil’s Roadhouse & Grill in Montgomery serves hearty steak and ribs. For a complete change of pace, enjoy afternoon tea in the 50-year-old garden at The Vintage Garden Tea House, a cozy tea shop in town. While at La Torretta, the CoCoCove Grill is your go-to spot to build-your-own burger, or order from the ample kids' menu.
Destination: Chicago
Millennium Park |
What To Do: The Windy City is a perfect place to enjoy spring break, and this spring, there are many new and renovated sights to visit. Buckingham Fountain is scheduled to resume spouting in Grant Park on April 1. In May, the new modern wing of The Art Institute of Chicago opens, as does the overhauled Oceanarium at the Shedd Aquarium. Couple these attractions with the fact that Mary Poppins is in town starring Ashley Brown and Gavin Lee, the original Broadway stars, and you’ll never be at a loss for things to do downtown.
Where To Stay: Book a Spring Break package at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, from March 20 through April 12, and you'll receive complimentary meals for kids 12 and younger, continental breakfast for adults, and free use of the indoor skylit pool. You’ll also enjoy cookie-making sessions for kids with the chefs in the hotel kitchen, a game room featuring Wii, board games, and arts and crafts, as well as movie-and-popcorn nights. Rates start at $395 a room with the second room offered at half off.
Where To Eat: When in Chicago, be sure to eat deep-dish pizza at Gino’s East. Another don't miss: Ann Sather. With four locations around the city, this restaurant serves some of the most delicious cinnamon rolls and Swedish food you’ll ever taste.
Destination: Pasadena, California
Descanso Gardens |
What To Do: Enjoying the sunshine is easy in this laid-back city, located just ten miles from Los Angeles. Your younger grandkids will love taking a ride on the Enchanted Railroad at the Descanso Gardens. Older grandchildren, and you, may enjoy exhibits on Abraham Lincoln, Chinese painting, and Beautiful Science at the The Huntington. For 40 years, shoppers have flocked to The Rose Bowl Flea Market, featuring 2,500 vendors. Soak up the atmosphere on the sidewalks of Old Pasadena, a historic 22-block area filled with specialty shops and restaurants. Make time for your grandkids to sample the interactive exhibits and water-play areas at Kidspace Museum in Brookside Park near the Rose Bowl.
Where To Stay: Book a room at the The Langham Huntington April 11 or 12 and enjoy the Egg-Stravagant Easter Package. Rates start at $499 and include overnight accommodations, brunch for four, an egg hunt in the Horseshoe Garden, and Easter baskets filled with goodies. To fully experience old Pasadena's charm, book a room at The Courtyard Marriott Pasadena, located in the heart of the historic district. Rates start at $149.
Where To Eat: At Pie 'n Burger, your grandkids can sit at the Formica counter and slurp an ice-cold chocolate milk shake. Another family-friendly spot is Café Santorini, located in a historic brick building in Old Town Pasadena. It has a beautiful rooftop deck that kids love and serves approachable Mediterranean cuisine.
Related information
Rates may change, so be sure to find out before booking.
Dr. Charles Stewart of Montgomery, Tex., first sketched the design of the Lone Star flag for the Republic of Texas. His tricolor design became the state flag when Texas joined the union in 1845.
The home of Franklin D. Roosevelt is open every day in spring. A guided tour of the buildings costs $14, free for children 15 and younger. There's no charge to walk the grounds.
Click on our Chicago city guide to find out what's going on in the Windy City. In Pasadena, you might want to visit the Bunny Museum and sample the Japanese food at Afloat Sushi.
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