By Lynn O’Rourke Hayes
From FamilyTravel.com
Fresh air, cool temperatures and outdoor adventure combine to lure families to mountain towns.
Here are five to consider:
Big Sky, Montana
Sample life under big Western skies in this scenic town where hiking, biking and fly-fishing provide an active cornerstone for a family’s mountain vacation. Kids can up their adrenaline levels ziplining across the mountain or opt for the Lone Peak Expedition. It’s a half-day adventure during which the whole family can learn about the flora, fauna, wildlife and history of the area. On a clear day, the view from Lone Peak spans three states and two national parks. Pair your time in Big Sky with a visit to nearby Yellowstone National Park. Recent additions (including Southwest Airlines) to nearby Bozeman’s air service means there are now direct flights to 30 cities during the summer months.
Big Sky Montana, United States. Zorro Stock Images/Shutterstock
Contact: https://bigskyresort.com; www.thewilsonhotel.com
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 during a warm weather visit to this storied New England playground. You’ll also find mountain biking, mini-golf, zip lines and swimming available for family fun in the 200-year-old 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.
Stowe, Vermont John Couture/Shutterstock
Contact: www.GoStowe.com.
Flagstaff, Arizona
Just 80 miles from the Grand Canyon and close to seven other parks and monuments, this college 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. Get inspired at the Lowell Observatory, the astronomy research center where Pluto was discovered. Then, take your newfound knowledge outside to enjoy the starry skies overhead.
Oak Creek Canyon on the West Fork trail in Arizona, between Flagstaff and Sedona. Sam Spicer/Shutterstock
Contact: www.Lowell.edu; www.FlagstaffArizona.org.
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 more recently, The Hunger Games showcased the beautiful landscape and waterfalls in the nearby DuPont State Forest.
High Falls of Dupont Forest in Brevard, Western North Carolina. This park is called the land of waterfalls. CeGe/Shutterstock
Contact: www.visitwaterfalls.com.
Durango, Colorado
Visit this picturesque town in southwestern Colorado for an enjoyable blend of outdoor fun, historical sites, scenic beauty and the chance to ride a 19th-century steam train through Cascade Canyon. Hike to a waterfall, cycle along the river, soak in a hot spring or pedal on a mountain trail. Be on the lookout for wildlife, tackle some whitewater or go rock climbing. At the end of the day sample craft beverages, farm to table offerings, or the local farmer’s market.
Historic steam engine train travels from Durango to Silverton through the San Juan Mountains in Colorado, USA. Nick Fox/Shutterstock
Contact: www.Durango.org.
(Lynn O’Rourke Hayes (LOHayes.com) is an author, family travel expert and enthusiastic explorer. Gather more travel intel on Twitter @lohayes, Facebook, or via FamilyTravel.com)
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