Elevate your summer vacation with outdoor activities in a mountain town
Fresh air, cool temperatures and outdoor adventure combine to lure families to mountain towns. Here are three to consider:
Stowe, Vermont: Learn how cider is made in this Northern Vermont gem. Hop aboard a dogcart, (a sled on wheels), and take part in sled dog training. Consider bungee jumping, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding or the alpine slide and carriage rides. You’ll also find mountain biking, mini-golf, zip lines and swimming available for family fun in the 200-yearold village that is also home to Mount Mansfield, the state’s highest peak. Lodging options, from quaint bed and breakfasts to more modern hotels, abound.
Flagstaff, Arizona: Just 80 miles from the Grand Canyon and close to seven other parks and monuments, this town offers a long list of options for family travelers. At 7,000 feet, you’ll enjoy hiking and biking amidst the cool Ponderosa pines, or try your hand at one of four disc golf courses. Tap into the history that combines the nostalgia of Route 66, the historic “Mother Road” that bisects the town, as well as the rich legacy of the old west and the Native American culture.
Brevard, North Carolina:
Visit this Blue Ridge Mountain wonderland for lively music festivals, art walks, kayaking, biking, tubing, fly fishing and the chance to check out more than 250 waterfalls in the region. Review the Brevard Music Center’s summer schedule for performances that historically include mountain songs, classical and opera. Many are held outside and are free. The region served as backdrop for “Last of the Mohicans” and “The Hunger Games.”