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      Budget Travel › Explore ›

      50 All-Star Family Camps

      By David LaHuta
      February 8, 2006
      Remember summer camp? The fun doesn't have to stop just because you've grown up. You and your kids can make s'mores and go fishing, all without spending heaps of money--for a family of four, some camps cost less than $1,000 for an entire week

      What you'll find in this article: family camp listings, family camp activities, family vacation ideas, and outdoor activities for families

      ARIZONA

      YMCA Camp Sky-Y, Prescott

      In Prescott National Forest, surrounded by ponderosa pines. Sixty-five-foot climbing tower, mountainboarding, paintball, teen excursions to a rodeo and on an overnight backpacking trip. Kayaking on Watson Lake, full day care for kids 8 and under. ACA accredited. Lodging: Eighteen wood cabins with electricity sleep 12 on built-in bunks; shared bathhouse. Food: Three family-style meals daily in dining hall; kids' buffet; evening snacks. Dates: Feb. 17-19; July 2-8; Oct. 20-22; Nov. 23-25. Price: $1,920. 800/660-1385, azycamps.org.

      CALIFORNIA

      Berkeley Tuolumne Camp, Groveland

      Near Yosemite, in Stanislaus National Forest. Yoga, woodworking, stained-glass making. Artist-in-residence program for adults. Magic lessons for kids. Camper-versus-staff volleyball, skit night, hiking along the Tuolumne River. Lodging: Tent cabins, some with electricity and decks, sleep four on "army-style" cots; shared bathhouse. Food: Three family-style meals daily; 24-hour coffee bar. Adults' social on Sunday. Dates: June 24-Aug. 27. Price: $1,415 ($1,385 for Berkeley residents). 510/981-5140, berkeleycamps.com.

      Camp Concord, South Lake Tahoe

      Between Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe in the Eldorado National Forest. Crawdad fishing, beach luau, happy hour, bingo games, canoeing, rafting, and archery. ACA accredited. Lodging: Wooden cabins with electricity sleep six to eight on full and bunk beds. Food: Three buffets daily; lakeside champagne breakfast and barbecue lunch. Dates: June 18-Aug. 5; Sept. 1-4. Price: $1,547 ($1,400 for all Concord residents). 925/671-3273, cityofconcord.org.

      Cazadero Performing Arts Camp, Cazadero

      In the Russian River Valley, in a redwood forest. Focus is on music and the arts: jazz, rock and roll, steel drums, yoga, salsa dancing, capoeira, mixed chorus, stone carving. Beginners welcome. Lodging: Canvas tent cabins with electricity sleep six on cots, with shared bathhouse; dorm rooms sleep three on cots; tent sites. Food: Three buffets daily in dining hall. Dates: Aug. 7-13; Aug. 14-20. Price: $2,500. 510/527-7500, cazadero.org.

      Emandal--A Farm On A River, Willits

      A working farm since 1908, on 1,000 acres in Mendocino County. Three and a half miles of riverfront. Nonstructured activities (lie in a hammock) and optional farm chores (milk a cow, harvest veggies, collect eggs). Lodging: Nineteen cabins (sleeping up to 10) with queen beds, single beds, and bunks, with electricity, cold water, and shared bathhouse; two farmhouse rooms with private bath. Food: Three family-style meals daily with food from the garden; most lunches picnic-style. Dates: June 21-25; July 19-Sept. 4. Price: $2,650. 707/459-5439, emandal.com.

      Family Camp On The Bar 717 Ranch, Hayfork

      In the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Overnights on horseback to the ranch's original homestead. Swimming in Hayfork Creek. Feed rabbits and pigs in the barn, or milk a cow. Square dancing, silk-screening, wine tastings. "Untalent" show, arts and crafts, pottery. ACA accredited. Lodging: Wooden cabins, without electricity and open on one side, have sink, toilet, and shared bathhouse, and sleep 10; hotel-style rooms sleep two to six; tent sites. Food: Three family-style meals daily in indoor/outdoor dining area; farm-raised meat, most vegetables come from garden. Dates: Aug. 13-19; Aug. 20- 26. Price: $2,200. 530/628-5992, bar717.com.

      Idyllwild Arts Summer Program, Idyllwild

      At 5,000 feet in the San Jacinto Mountains, on 205 acres. Focus is on creativity: ceramics, painting, photography, writing, choir, batik. Make your own teddy bear. Music class including banjo, mandolin, and bass. Staff performance, folk music and dance, luaus, improv night, family talent show. Lodging: Dorm rooms sleep four on two sets of bunks with private bathroom and shower. Food: Buffet breakfast and lunch in dining hall; buffet dinner outside. Dates: July 1-7. Price: $2,775. 951/659-2171 ext. 2365, idyllwildarts.org.

      Lair Of The Golden Bear, Pinecrest

      Three camps in Stanislaus National Forest in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Affiliated with University of California at Berkeley. Three pools, 18-hole golf course nearby, outdoor theater by the lake, fishing, speakers weekly, hikes for all abilities. Lodging: Wooden cabins with canvas roofs and electricity sleep two to eight; shared bathhouse. Food: Three family-style meals daily in dining hall; burger shack open nightly. Dates: June 2-Oct. 1. Price: $2,100. 510/642-0221, alumni.berkeley.edu/lair.

      Lark Camp, Mendocino

      In Mendocino Woodlands State Park, in the middle of a redwood forest. Focus is on world music and dance: Learn Spanish bagpipes, Japanese flute, Celtic drumming, English country dancing, square dancing, and tango. Lodging: Redwood cabins without electricity sleep four, with decks and shared bathhouse; RV and tent sites. Food: Three cafeteria-style meals daily (costs extra); 24-hour coffeehouse. Dates: July 28-Aug. 5. Price: $1,820. 707/964-4826, larkcamp.com.

      Montecito Sequoia Family Vacation Camp, Giant Sequoia National Forest

      At 7,500 feet between Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. Equestrian center. Guided hike to waterfalls. Canoeing, sailing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and paddleboating on Homavalo Lake. Rock-climbing wall, gymnastics, biking; casino and open-mike nights. ACA accredited. Lodging: Thirty-six lodge rooms with private bath sleep eight; 13 wooden cabins (with electricity and shared bathhouse) sleep eight on king- and queen-size beds and bunks. Food: Three buffets daily in dining hall, including prime rib and king crab; full bar; kitchen open 24 hours. Dates: June 19-Sept. 4. Price: $3,450. 800/227-9900, mslodge.com.

      Shady Creek Family Camp, Nevada City

      In the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range on 130 acres. High and low ropes courses. Outdoor movie night. Wine tastings. Luau night with limbo contest. Gourd painting, watercolor class, talent show, archery, and tie-dyeing. Sunset cruise, tubing, and wakeboarding on nearby Bullard's Bar Reservoir. Lodging: Wooden cabins with private deck and domed adobe cabins (each sleeps five) with electricity and shared bathhouse; lodge rooms (sleep four) and suite rooms (sleep eight) with shared bath in main lodge. Food: Three buffets daily in dining hall; snacks available in the camp store. Dates: June 18-Aug. 26. Price: $2,332. 800/826-7310, shadycreekcamp.com.

      Wonder Valley Family Camp, Sanger

      On a private lake in the foothills of Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. Minibike and go-kart tracks, skateboard park. Waterslides, high and low ropes courses, canoeing on the lower Kings River. Waterskiing, personal watercraft. Thursday is parents' night, with child care 5 p.m.-11:30 p.m., prime rib dinner, casino tables, and live entertainment. Full day-care center. ACA accredited. Lodging: Fifty-three motel-style rooms; most sleep seven on doubles, kings, and bunks. Food: Three buffets daily in lakeside dining hall. Dates: Aug. 6-12; Aug. 13-19. Price: $3,956. 800/821-2801, wondervalleyfamilycamp.com.

      COLORADO

      Cheley Colorado Camps, Estes Park

      On 1,600 acres in the Rocky Mountains. Since 1921. Daily hikes and horseback rides through Rocky Mountain National Park and Roosevelt National Forest. Movie making, campfire nights. Technical climbing, fishing. ACA accredited. Lodging: Covered wagons with shared bathhouse sleep four. Food: Three family-style meals daily in dining hall; snacks throughout the day; trail lunch provided. Dates: Aug. 8-13. Price: $2,400. 800/226-7386, cheley.com.

      Colorado Heritage Camps, Denver

      Ten camps: nine in the Rockies and one in Denver. For families with multicultural and internationally adopted children. Each camp focuses on a specific culture Counselors and teachers share the same heritage as the kids. Chinese, Cambodian, Indian, Nepalese, Filipino, Korean, Latin American, Russian, African-American, and Vietnamese programs. Lodging: Lodge rooms with private bath sleep six in bunk beds; wooden cabins (with full kitchen and shared bath) sleep 10 on twins and bunks; tent and RV sites. Food: Buffet breakfast and dinner; culture-specific cafeteria-style lunch. Dates: June 22-Sept. 4. Price: $480. 303/320-4234, heritagecamps.org.

      MAINE

      Camp Sunshine At Sebago Lake, Casco

      For kids with serious illnesses. On Sebago Lake, 27 miles northwest of Portland. Bass fishing, indoor swimming pool with wheelchair lift, miniature golf, family workshops with counselor, 24-hour doctor, and social worker. ACA accredited. Lodging: Forty family housing suites with private bath sleep six on twin beds, pull-out futon, and built-in bunks. Food: Three buffets daily; once per session there's an adults-only gourmet meal (prime rib, stuffed fish, karaoke). Dates: Feb. 17-Nov. 12. Price: Free (made possible by grants from foundations and private donations). Summer sessions fill quickly. 207/655-3800, campsunshine.org.

      Ferry Beach Camp And Conference Center, Saco

      Affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Association. Daily worship in outdoor chapel, "friendship circle" on beach for prayer and meditation, folk singing and dancing. Learn to play an instrument; photography, weaving, and quilting. Lodging: Dorm-style rooms sleep two to four on doubles, twin beds, and bunks. Food: Buffet breakfast and lunch; family-style dinners; lobster bake cookout. Dates: June 23-Sept. 4. Price: $2,335. 207/282-4489, ferrybeach.org.

      Medomak Camp For Families, Washington

      On three-mile-long Washington Pond, surrounded by pine forests and blueberry fields. Activities include tennis, sailing, photography, archery, yoga, swimming, gymnastics, nature hikes, boating, arts and crafts. Lodging: Wooden cabins sleep six on queen and single beds; electricity and private bathrooms. Food: Three family-style meals daily with coffee, tea, and fruit throughout the day; afternoon snack daily; lobster bake once a week. Dates: June 25-Aug. 19. Price: $3,300. 866/633-6625, medomakcamp.com.

      Wyonegonic Camps, Denmark

      Celebrating 105 years. Lots of water sports on nine-mile-long lake: sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, waterskiing, bass fishing. Six tennis courts, archery, high and low ropes courses, pottery, arts and crafts. ACA accredited. Lodging: Wooden cabins sleep up to 14 on cots; platform tents sleep four on cots; none have electricity, and all share bathhouses. Food: Family-style breakfast and dinner, buffet lunch, served in lodge; lobster cookout once per session (costs extra). Dates: Aug. 18-21; Aug. 21-25; Aug. 25-27. Price: $490. 207/452-2051, wyonegonic.com.

      MASSACHUSETTS

      YMCA Camp Hi-Rock, Mount Washington

      On 1,000 acres of protected woodland in the southern Berkshires. Waterskiing (costs extra), sailing, boat races, fishing tournament on 90-acre private lake. Hiking, camper-versus-counselor volleyball, soccer, square dancing, bingo, archery, talent show. ACA accredited. Lodging: Wooden cabins (some with porches) with electricity and shared bathhouses sleep up to 12 on bunks; carpeted lodge rooms, some with private baths, sleep 8 on bunks. Food: Three buffets daily in the dining hall; beach barbecue every Saturday. Dates: Aug. 20-27. Price: $1,300. 413/528-1227, camphirock.com.

      MICHIGAN

      Rainbow Families Great Lakes Family Week, Saugatuck

      For lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender parents and their families, on the western shore of Lake Michigan. Picnics, sunset social hour, family dance celebration with bubble machines and music, kite making, teen bowling night, personal story sharing, workshops for kids and adults on coping with homophobia. Lodging: Accommodations aren't included (for information on where to stay, visit the Saugatuck/Douglas Visitors Bureau at saugatuck.com). Food: Continental breakfast daily; some lunches and dinners. Dates: July 8-13. Price: About $125 per family. 616/218-9679, rfgl.org.

      YMCA Camp Pendalouan, Montague

      Ten miles from Lake Michigan on the edge of Manistee National Forest. Sailing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming on 200-acre lake. Camouflage hike--kids paint themselves and play hide-and-seek in the woods. Fifty-foot climbing tower, horseback riding, fishing, riflery, capture the flag. ACA accredited. Lodging: Wooden cabins with electricity sleep 14 on bunks; shared bathhouse. Food: Three family-style meals daily with snacks throughout the day; weekly cookouts at Lake Michigan. Dates: July 1-4. Price: $625, kids under 5 free. 231/894-4538, pendalouan.org.

      YMCA Storer Camps, Jackson

      On 1,200 acres with a 300-acre lake. Themed activities--last year, kids built rafts on Tom Sawyer Day and dressed up like magicians on Harry Potter Day. Sailing, climbing tower, ropes course, nature hikes, game nights. ACA accredited. Lodging: Wooden cabins with bathhouse and electricity (some have porches) sleep 12 on bunks. Food: Three family-style meals or buffets daily; outdoor barbecue. Dates: June 25-July 1; July 2-8. Price: $1,091. 800/536-8607, ymcastorercamps.org.

      MINNESOTA

      Concordia Language Villages, Bemidji

      Four lakefront villages in the Northwoods. Programs feature cultural and language immersion including Chinese, Finnish, Swedish, German. Activities reflect each culture. ACA accredited. Lodging: Wooden cabins with electricity sleep 20 in bunks; most have bathrooms. Food: Three family-style meals daily prepared in the regional tradition. Dates: June 12-17; Aug. 14-19; Aug. 21-26. Price: $1,800. 800/222-4750, concordialanguagevillages.com.

      Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, Finland

      An accredited environmental school overlooking Lake Superior on 2,000 acres. Learn about bird migration, Ojibwa tribal heritage, wetlands, and fisheries. Voyageur history classes in which kids learn how to build a fire and make tea. Lodging: Dorm rooms with private bathroom sleep eight on bunks. Food: Three cafeteria-style meals daily in dining hall. Dates: July 31-Aug. 5. Price: $930. 218/353-7414, wolf-ridge.org.

      YMCA Camp Du Nord, Ely

      On Burntside Lake in the Northwoods. Canoeing, sailing, swimming, hiking, crafts, and overnight camping trips. Nature and wilderness programs. Lodging: Modern wood-framed cabins sleep 2-20, some with private bath and kitchen; platform tents with shared bathhouse sleep eight on doubles and bunks; tent sites. Food: Buffet breakfast, family-style lunch and dinner in dining hall. Dates: June 17-Sept. 4. Price: $1,100. 651/645-6605, dunord.org.

      MISSOURI

      YMCA Trout Lodge, Potosi

      On 5,200 acres, with a private lake, by Mark Twain National Forest. Golf, climbing facilities, ranch with 80 horses. Ropes course, astronomy program, fireworks. On Swashbuckler Saturdays, kids make their own eye patch, sword, and hook. ACA accredited. Lodging: Lake-view lodge rooms sleep four on queen beds, with private bathroom; lake-view loft suites sleep six, with common room and fridge; two-bedroom, two-bath cabins sleep 10. Food: Three buffets daily in dining hall. Dates: Year-round. Price: $1,480. 888/386-9622, ymcaoftheozarks.org.

      NEW HAMPSHIRE

      World Fellowship Center, Albany

      In the White Mountains on 455 wooded acres. Focus is on multicultural and educational programs. Current events discussion groups, writing workshops, fitness instruction. Friday is open-mike night. Lodging: Lodge-style singles, doubles, triples, and quads, all with shared bath. Food: Three family-style meals daily in dining hall (organic produce from garden). Dates: June 23-Sept. 5. Price: From $955. 603/447-2280, worldfellowship.org.

      YMCA Camp Takodah, Richmond

      On Cass Pond since 1921. Golf tournament, camper-versus-staff softball game, pottery, ropes course, music room with instruments. "Takodah Follies" talent show, dress-up time, tubing, kayaking. ACA accredited. Lodging: Wood cabins, with shared bathhouse and electricity, sleep 10 on built-in bunks. Food: Three meals daily, served family-style, in dining hall. Dates: Aug. 27-Sept. 2; camp fills quickly. Price: $1,840. 603/239-4781 (summer), 603/352-0447 (winter), camptakodah.org.

      YMCA Sandy Island Family Camp, Sandy Island

      A 66-acre island in Lake Winnepesaukee. Sailing, kayaking, tubing, waterskiing. Tennis instruction, shopping cruise to antique stores, talent show, karaoke, bingo, family dances. Lodging: Cabins with electricity sleep 10 on twin beds and bunks; some have private baths. Food: Three family-style meals daily; vegetarian options. Dates: July 1-Sept. 4. Price: $2,155. 603/253-4217 (summer), 603/569-2725 (winter), si.bostonycamps.org.

      NEW JERSEY

      Mohican Outdoor Center, Blairstown

      Owned and operated by the Appalachian Mountain Club, on 2,000 acres in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Swimming, boating, and canoeing on 60-acre lake. Astronomy, birding, tree identification, guided hikes, horseback riding. Day trips to the Lakota Wolf Preserve. Lodging: Lodge-style bunk rooms sleep 18, with shared bathroom and kitchen; tent sites. Food: Three buffet meals daily in dining hall. Dates: July 23-Aug. 25. Price: $1,201; AMC family membership costs $75, but it gets you a 10 percent discount on the camp. 908/362-5670, outdoors.org/adventure_camps.

      NEW MEXICO

      Santa Fe Mountain Adventures, Santa Fe

      Specializes in guided adventure activities in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Whitewater rafting, llama trekking, GPS treasure hunt, horseback riding, pottery, fly-fishing. Lodging: Choose from four Santa Fe hotels; rooms sleep four, with private bath. Shuttles to and from activities provided. Food: Not included. Dates: July 1-Aug. 26. Price: $3,573. 800/965-4010, santafemountainadventures.com.

      Western Unitarian Universalist Life Festival, Ghost Ranch

      In high desert, with red rock cliffs and cacti. This year's theme is "The Sacred Epic of Evolution." Paleontologist leads tour of dinosaur dig. Native American flute lessons, kiva tour, pottery. Lodging: Dorm rooms in hacienda-style building sleep seven; tent and RV sites. Food: Three cafetria-style meals daily, with vegetarian options. Dates: June 5-11. Price: $1,925. 303/832-1106, wuulf.org.

      NEW YORK

      Frost Valley Ymca Camp, Claryville

      On 6,000 acres in the Catskills. Carnival with dunking booth, apple bobbing, and petting zoo. Evening rodeo, classes on maple sugaring, Japanese culture sharing, family talent show. ACA accredited. Lodging: B&B-style castle (a former private estate); hotel-style rooms sleep two; platform tents sleep eight, with shared bathhouse; cabins sleep 10, with private bath; dorm rooms sleep 6-12; lodge rooms sleep 10 on bunks, with private bath. Food: Three buffets daily with three themed dinners. Dates: Aug. 19-25. Price: $1,267. 845/985-2291, frostvalley.org.

      YMCA Camp Gorham, Eagle Bay

      In the Adirondacks, on 1,500 acres. Kayaking, waterskiing, and sailing on 400-acre lake. Climbing wall, tennis, basketball, archery, Olympics, and square dancing. ACA accredited. Lodging: Lean-to with electricity sleeps four on bunks, with shared bathhouse; bunkhouse sleeps 48, with kitchen and bath; Adirondack-style cottages sleep 20 on doubles and bunks, with electricity and private bath. Food: Three family-style meals daily in dining hall. Dates: Aug. 20-27. Price: Cottage $1,765 (YMCA members $1,665). 888/518-5671, campgorham.org.

      NORTH CAROLINA

      Blue Star Camps, Hendersonville

      In the Blue Ridge Mountains. Geology program, rock climbing, rafting, yoga, pony rides, mountain biking, nature hikes. Day trip to DuPont State Forest with swimming in Hooker Falls. Super-Sloppy Double Dare. Most campers are Jewish, but everyone's welcome. ACA accredited. Lodging: Wooden cabins with electricity and private bath sleep 14 on twin, full, and bunk beds. Food: Three buffets daily in dining hall; snacks throughout the day. Dates: Aug. 10-13. Price: $1,180 (nannies stay free). 828/692-3591, bluestarcamps.com.

      Camp Seafarer, Arapahoe

      On the Neuse River at the mouth of Pamlico Sound. Sailing, knot-tying, open-water kayaking, motorboating. Hunting for fossilized shark teeth, pitch 'n' putt golf course, adventure program with ropes course and climbing wall. ACA accredited. Lodging: Cabins with porches, ceiling fans, and private bathrooms sleep 14 on bunks. Food: Three family-style meals daily in dining hall. Dates: May 26-28; Aug. 13-18; Sept. 1-4; Sept. 22-24. Price: $1,830. 252/249-1212, seagull-seafarer.org.

      Green River Preserve, Cedar Mountain

      A private wildlife preserve on 3,400 Blue Ridge acres. Focus on nature immersion. Naturalists lead walks through preserve, track wildlife, hike to petroglyphs. Native American flute lessons. Fly-fishing, pottery, crafts. ACA accredited. Lodging: Cabins with electricity, toilet, sink, and shared bathhouse sleep 16 on bunks; lodge rooms with private bathrooms sleep two to four . Food: Three family-style meals daily in dining hall. Most vegetables locally grown. Dates: Sept. 1-4. Price: $1,230. 828/698-8828, greenriverpreserve.org.

      OHIO

      Camp Luther, Conneaut

      Lutheran camp on Lake Erie. Adult Bible study, group singing, outdoor evening worship, staff members perform dressed as religious figures. Non-Lutherans welcome. Hiking along the bluffs, swimming lessons, basketball. ACA accredited. Lodging: Thirty-six cabins with electricity, sink, toilet, and shared bathhouse sleep 16 on bunks and doubles; tent and RV sites. Food: Three family-style meals daily; one picnic breakfast, two picnic dinners. Dates: June 18-Aug. 12. Price: $1,135; no one turned away because of inability to pay. 800/431-5666, lomocamps.org.

      PENNSYLVANIA

      Deer Valley YMCA Camp, Fort Hill

      On Mount Davis. Sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, pontoon boat rides, Blob Tower, and swimming. Staff variety show and international night (foreign-born counselors share their cultures). ACA accredited. Lodging: Thirty-six cabins with electricity, cold water, toilets, and shared bathhouse sleep seven on bunks; seven cabins with hot water, private bath, and living area sleep eight on bunks; lodge bunk rooms with shared bath. Food: Three family-style meals daily; chuckwagon barbecue. Dates: June 10-Aug. 26. Price: $1,542. 800/962-2386, deervalleyymca.org.

      New Jersey YMHA Camps, Milford

      Weekend camp on 1,200 acres. Two lakes, with inflatable "icebergs," water trampoline, canoeing, sailing, personal watercraft. Athletic fields, two pools. Build a model rocket and launch it. Cooking classes, Color War, yoga, aerobics, poker tournament, mah-jongg. Most campers are Jewish, though the camp welcomes all. ACA accredited. Lodging: Wooden cabins sleep 20 on single beds and bunks; private bath, electricity, and decks. Food: Three cafeteria-style meals daily; snacks throughout the day. All food is kosher. Dates: June 16-18; Aug. 25-27; Sept. 1-4 (single-parent and grandparent weekends also available). Price: $600. 973/575-3333, njycamps.org.

      SOUTH CAROLINA

      Asbury Hills Camp And Retreat Center, Cleveland

      Owned and operated by the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, on 1,800 acres in the southern Appalachians. Worship Monday, Thursday, Sunday. Triple-A trout stream, belayed tree climb, swimming hole, ropes course, camp naturalist. ACA accredited. Lodging: Concrete cabins sleep eight on bunks, with shared bathhouse; lodge rooms sleep six on bunks, with common area and shared bath. Food: Three family-style meals daily in dining hall. Dates: June 25-30; there are also specialty weekends, such as ones for grandparents or kids with special needs. Price: $980. 864/836-3711, asburyhills.org.

      TEXAS

      Pine Cove Christian Camps, Tyler And Columbus

      Three nondenominational Christian camps: Bluffs, at 17-mile-long Lake Palestine; Woods, on 200 acres (both near Tyler); and Crier Creek (near Columbus), a former deer preserve on 700 acres. Paintball, equestrian activities. Bible study, Christian speakers. ACA accredited. Lodging: Cabins and lodge-style rooms sleep four to eight on queen beds, twin beds, and bunks; private bath and A/C. Food: Three family-style meals daily in dining hall; adult breakfast trail ride and dinner banquet. Dates: May 28-Aug. 12. Price: $2,000. 877/474-6326, pinecove.com.

      VERMONT

      Camp Common Ground, Starksboro

      On 700 acres in the Hogback Mountains. Encourages income diversity, nontraditional families. Photography and chamber music instruction, glass bead workshops, and healing arts. Swimming holes. Lodging: Wooden cabins with no electricity and shared bathhouse sleep six on twin beds and bunks; tent sites with platforms. Food: Three buffets daily in dining hall; most food is organic and locally grown. Snacks throughout the day. Dates: July 29-Aug. 18. Price: $1,825. 800/430-2667, cgcvt.org.

      Farm & Wilderness, Plymouth

      In the Quaker tradition on the Woodward Reservoir, with an affiliated organic farm. Milk a cow, feed goats, collect eggs, harvest vegetables, bake bread. Pick apples from the orchard, then bake pies and press cider. ACA accredited. Lodging: Three-sided cabins (no electricity, shared bathhouse) sleep 12 on bunks. Food: Three family-style meals daily in dining hall. Most of the food served comes directly from the farm. Dates: Aug. 22-27. Price: $850. 802/422-3761, fandw.org.

      WASHINGTON

      Camp Burton, Vashon Island

      Twelve-mile-long island accessible by ferry. Non-denominational Christian camp with Bible study, crafts, kickball, campfire singing, storytelling, boating. ACA accredited. Lodging: Carpeted wooden cabins sleep 10 on twin and bunk beds, with private bathroom. Food: Three family-style meals daily in dining hall. Dates: July 2-7. Price: $600. 206/463-2512, campburton.com.

      WEST VIRGINIA

      Camp Alleghany, Lewisburg

      On 180 acres in the Allegheny Mountains. Reachable by boat. Arts and crafts, archery, riflery, tennis courts, low ropes course, canoeing. ACA accredited. Lodging: Platform tents sleep five on cots; shared bathhouse. Food: Three buffets daily in dining hall; two cookouts under the apple tree. Dates: Aug. 5-13. Price: $1,225. 540/898-4782, campalleghany.com.

      WISCONSIN

      Camp Brosius, Elkhart Lake

      Mainly for Indiana University alumni, staff, and families. Pontoon rides, paddleboats, sailing, fishing. Water carnival, scavenger hunt, golf nearby, day trips to outlet malls for adults, day care. Lodging: Cottages sleep eight, with private bath and screened porch; hotel-style rooms sleep four, with sink and shared bath; cabins sleep four on bunks, with electricity and shared bathhouse. Food: Three buffets served daily in dining hall. Dates: June 18-Aug. 5. Price: Cabins $1,600. 317/278-2015, campbrosius.com.

      Camp Nebagamon, Lake Nebagamon

      Southeast of Duluth. Windsurfing, sailing, tennis, softball, archery, and riflery. ACA accredited. Lodging: Twenty-eight cabins with electricity and shared bathhouse sleep 12 on bunks; 12 lodge rooms. Food: Buffet breakfast and lunch; family-style dinner; one waterfront barbecue. Dates: Aug. 15-21, fills quickly. Price: $1,400. 763/476-7676, campnebagamon.com.

      North Star Camp, Hayward

      On a peninsula with over two miles of shoreline. Waterskiing, sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, tubing. Archery, zipline. ACA accredited. Lodging: Cabins sleep 12 on singles, doubles, and bunks; shared bathhouse. Food: Three family-style meals in dining hall; coffee and fruit throughout the day. Dates: July 12-18, fills quickly. Price: $1,700. 715/462-3254 (summer), 520/577-7925 (winter), northstarcamp.com.

      YMCA Camp Nawakwa, Lac Du Flambeau

      On a Chippewa reservation. Fishing, talent show, water carnival, triathlon, ice cream social. Weekly potluck dinner. Lodging: Modern cabins sleep eight, with kitchens; some with bathrooms. Food: No food service. Dates: June 3-Sept. 4. Price: $525. 715/588-7422, nawakwa.com.

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      Trip Coach: Feb. 7, 2006

      Budget Travel Editors: Thanks for joining us. Let's get to your questions! _______________________ Birmingham, Alabama: My husband and I will be celebrating our 20th anniversary in October. We would like to go to Ireland for a week, but don't know where to begin. This will be a very big trip for us--my husband was laid off just before our 10th anniversary, so we didn't celebrate that milestone, and we'd like to make this one perfect! We'd like to travel around by car and love the idea of staying in bed and breakfasts. What cities should we plan to visit? What will the weather be like? How much should we plan to spend? When should we begin making reservations or plans? Thanks so much for helping us plan a dream! Budget Travel Editors: Ireland in October can be lovely...All the summer crowds are gone and prices have gone down. It sounds like you and your husband are the perfect candidates for an Ireland B&B package, which generally combines airfare, a car rental, and vouchers good at more than 1,000 B&Bs across the country. You can plan ahead and choose exactly where you want to go each night, or wing it as you drive along, stopping wherever takes your fancy. Since this is a special occasion -- a big trip, as you say -- I'd suggest splurging on at least one night at a castle. (To avoid any disappointment, I would book that night well in advance.) We published a terrific article about Ireland B&B packages in our December/January issue. It explains exactly how these packages work, gives advice on how to book, and lists the names and websites of companies that offer them. You'll find it here. _______________________ Celina, Texas: I am traveling to Whistler, BC for work in late May. My husband, 3 year old daughter, and 64 year old mother will join me at the end of the conference. I anticipate that we will stay May 27-June 2. We are considering spending a few days in Whistler then the remaining in Vancouver. What activities can you recommend for a three year old? She has recently expressed interest in taking a train ride. Are there any scenic trains in the area? Any other kid friendly recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your assistance! Budget Travel Editors: Vancouver has many kid-friendly activities. Stanley Park, located in the heart of downtown, has over 1,000 acres of native trees, plants, and wildlife. It contains the Vancouver Aquarium (vanaqua.org), a fun place to spend an afternoon. There's also a children's water park, children's farmyard, miniature train, and more. More park information is at city.vancouver.bc.ca. Vancouver is also home to the second-largest Chinatown in North American, and it's a convenient 10-minute walk from downtown. Sun Sui Wah (3888 Main St., 872-8822, sunsuiwah.com) has great Hong Kong-style dim sum. More information: vancouverchinatown.ca Because a number of Alaskan cruises depart from Vancouver, there are many train routes designed for tourists interested in a short pre- or post-cruise trip. Check out the scenic train trip packages at whistlermountaineer.com, vacationsbyrail.com, or Canada's national rail service, viarail.ca. _______________________ Fairfax, VA: I am leaving out of San Diego on April 22nd for a 7 day cruise. I have never been to San Diego and wondering if it is worth it to spend several days there before the ship pulls out of port? Any info on things to see,hotels near the port, good places to eat, will a rental car be necessary,advice on ship to shore transfers ect.? Thanks Budget Travel Editors: A major naval base with seventy miles of beachfront and a rich Spanish-Mexican heritage, San Diego is booming and definitely worth a few days. Head straight to the revitalized Gaslamp Quarter for boutiques, restored Victorian buildings, and many of the best and trendiest restaurants. You'll find sophisticated Mexican dishes at Candelas, Moroccan lamb skewers and Mediterranean/fusion at the Solamar Hotel's Jsix, and splurge-worthy seafood at the legendary Star of the Sea right on the water (its adjacent restaurant makes a cheaper alternative). Explore Little Italy and Balboa Park, home of the world-class San Diego Zoo, a cluster of museums, lily pond, and the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, where you can catch a free concert on Sunday afternoons. The sprawling red-roofed Hotel del Coronado, made famous in Gene Wilder's Some Like It Hot, is just a short ride across the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge. A trolley tour can take you there, too. The city's downtown is walkable and cabs, including popular pedi-cabs, are common; a car rental isn't necessary unless you want to venture off to places such as La Jolla. _______________________ Kaneohe, HI: What time of year is it BEST to visit South Africa for animal viewing?? Mahalo Budget Travel Editors: The best time of the year to see animals in South Africa is May-Aug, when the leaves are (mostly) off the trees. Scenery is not as lush, but since things are drier, the risk for malaria goes down during this time too. _______________________ Modesto, CA: What is the best time of year to fly to Barbados, as far as air and hotel prices go? There two of us traveling and we are flexible. We have the option of flying out of San francisco, Oakland, San Jose or Sacramento. Thanks. Budget Travel Editors: The best time of the year to fly to Barbados for reduced rates on air and hotel is Aug.-Oct., which is generally considered hurricane season in the Caribbean. Since Barbados lies outside of the hurricane belt, it's rarely affected by the region's seasonal bad weather. In fact, it hasn't had a hurricane hit its shores in over 50 years. However, Barbados does suffer by association, and therefore discounts airfares and hotel rates to lure skittish travelers, who, in reality, have nothing to worry about. Barbados is a smart choice. One warning: it's very hot that time of year. _______________________ Tiburon, Ca: I am trying to plan a trip for my 15 1/2 year old son and me to study Spanish for about 2 weeks during August. I would like it to be reasonable and safe. It would be fine if we boarded in with families seperately in order to get more experience with Spanish. We don't eat meat, poultry nor shellfish so our hosts would need to understand that before we arrived. It would be great if we could do some volunteer work while we are in the school.Could you advise me as to the most reasonable school, flights and side trips? I have an MSW and would like to improve my Spanish for work. I understand that some schools give discounts to social workers. Budget Travel Editors: I would recommend looking into schools in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. You can take one class, or spend your entire day learning Spanish. Here's a link to school listings. The Spanish colonial town is accustom to foreigners, and has a nice blend of local Mexicans, expats, students and travelers. It's quite safe, plus it's small enough so that you can pretty much walk almost anywhere. I know that the school does place students, if they want, with families. One of the great things about Mexico is that there are plenty of non-meat dishes available for vegetarians, and you'll love the fruit and vegetable markets. If you're interested a school and want to go, I'd suggest looking into flights to Leon first (American and Continental fly there), and second to Queretaro, which is closer, but since the airport is newer, it doesn't have as many flights, and the ones they do have tend to be more expensive. As for sidetrips, check out: the colonial city of Guanajuato, one hour away, Pozos, a revitalized mining (ghost) town, and the hot springs on the outskirts of town. In terms of volunteering, you can donate your time at the library, Biblioteca. Last I knew English speaking volunteers teach English informally in the central courtyard. And, there's a bulletin board there with all kinds of postings, including volunteer opps. _______________________ Concord, CA: I have two travel books on Miami/Florida as we are leaving on a cruise in June from Miami. We are traveling with our two girls, 12 and 15. I still can't figure out where to stay that's budget friendly, yet fun for kids their age or even what to do in Miami besides hit the beach. Got any ideas? How about the Keys? Best ones to spend a night at and where? Thanks. Budget Travel Editors: At risk of over-tooting our own horn, I'd suggest checking out our Miami Snap Guide. We list nine great budget properties, plus there are listing of fun places to eat and play, like Parrot Jungle Island, the Venetian Pool, or crafts market on Espanola Way. _______________________ Newark, NJ: I'm planning to go to Prague for the first time by myself. When is the best time to go to avoid the crowd? I'm also looking for the either the package or separate air and hostel. Any suggestions? Thx Budget Travel Editors: Much like the rest of Europe, Prague is busiest during the summer months of June, July, and August. If you're looking to save some cash--and enjoy the city virtually tourist-free--visit in springtime when the tourist crowds have yet to pack the city's charming cobblestone streets. In April, Gate 1 Travel has a six-day Prague vacation from $869 including roundtrip flights from New York (800/682-3333, gate1travel.com). Explore the Prague Castle and stroll across the Charles Bridge all for under $150 a day (with airfare!). If a hostel sounds more up your alley, be sure to visit hostelworld.com, a listing of low-cost accommodations around the world. _______________________ Noank, CT: My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon on the French Riviera during the week of May 1-8. It looks as though renting an apartment would give us more room for less money; but we can't find the kinds of traveler reviews for apartments that are common for hotels. Do you know of a site that has reviews, or can you recommend a reputable broker--or better yet, can you recommend apartments in the area from Nice to Cannes? We want a terrace with a great view, walking distance to some restaurants, shops, etc., and a total cost under $1,000 for the week. Possible? Budget Travel Editors: One of the best places to look for inexpensive apartment rentals is Vacation Rentals By Owner (vrbo.com). The site lists over 48,000 rental homes across the globe--from ski condos in Vail to one-bedroom flats in London--all offered directly by the people who own them. Not only can you read the comments of people who've stayed at each property, but you'll avoid costly broker fees along the way. Check in daily because prices and properties change often--as of today, there were eleven apartments listed in the French Riviera. If you strike out there try greatrentals.com, another website that rents apartments by owner. _______________________ Trumbull, CT: Two of my girlfriends and I (mid-late 30s Moms, also known as M&Ms) are planning a trip to NYC on 4/6/06 - 4/9/06. We are looking for the best places to shop for high quality, extremely discounted clothing and shoes as well as a great jazz destination with national acts. Also would like a few "can't miss" ideas for restaurants and other things off of the beaten path. Thanks so much for your help!! Budget Travel Editors: Sounds like a fun, well-deserved M&Ms getaway! And once again our ever-expanding Snap Guide collection will come in handy. The New York City guide is packed with insider tips (look for the section on tackling sample sales). Heavily discounted designer clothes and shoes can be found at mammoth stores such as Century 21, Designer Shoe Warehouse, and LoftWorks. SSS Sample Sale (261 W. 36th St., 2nd Fl.) hosts sample sales for Ben Sherman, Theory and other hip designers frequently; check New York magazine's sale list before you travel for up-to-date listings. If you're willing to sacrifice some quality, you can snag knockoff goods for next to nothing in Chinatown (Mott St. is the main drag) or ceramic dishes, slippers, and all sorts of Chinese knick-knacks at the multi-level Pearl River Mart. The buzzy cobblestone Meatpacking District is crowded with trendy restaurants and nightclubs; try Spice Market for a high-end twist on Southeast Asian street food, Highline for Thai, or Florent for French bistro fare. As for jazz, there are a wealth of options--Arthur's Tavern, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Blue Note, Jazz Standard, Village Vanguard. If you're interested in other genres, we recommend the Amato Opera as an intimate, mom-and-pop affordable alternative to the Met and Café Sabarsky for cabaret. A few more suggestions: a lesson at the Trapeze School, a treatment at Koreatown's fabulous Juvenex Spa, a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge followed by a treat from Jacques Torres Chocolate. On a final note...you seem like perfect voters for our current Girlfriend Getaways poll: what famous woman would make an ideal travel mate? Make your choice and check back this spring for a special Budget Travel issue devoted to planning a Girlfriend Getaway. _______________________ Newnan, Georgia: What is the best way to find an apartment to rent in London, June 23 - July 3, 2006 for four adults and two children. Budget Travel Editors: There are a few good resources for finding condo rentals abroad, and getting started early is a good idea--especially since London is pricey! In a quick search on Vacation Rentals by Owner (vrbo.com) I turned up a Central London apartment with two bedrooms, a bunk area (perfect for the kids!) and two bathrooms, beginning at £650 per week ($1,150). cyberrentals.com is another good site that lets you deal directly with property owners. A two-bedroom apartment that sleeps up to six people costs £450 per week ($795) for rentals from March through July. Both sites are pretty consistently updated, and since you're dealing directly with the property owners, there is often some room for negotiation. _______________________ Budget Travel Editors: Thanks for all your great questions. _______________________

      Inspiration

      Exploring Virginia's Chesapeake Bay

      What you'll find in this article: trip planning advice, restaurant recommendations, hotels, driving directions, and other activities near Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Day 1: Richmond to Reedville My friend Sam and I land in Richmond just after noon and head northeast. The Northern Neck was named after its shape: It's a long, narrow peninsula that looks somewhat like a chicken's wobbly throat. Bordered by the Potomac River to the north, the Rappahannock River to the south, and Chesapeake Bay to the east, the Northern Neck has been well preserved, thanks to dedicated conservation. We cross over the Rappahannock on a simple two-lane bridge, leaving behind strip malls and tract houses for wide expanses of farmland. It feels as though we've traveled much farther than 50 miles from Richmond. Virginia is proud of its history, and vocal about it, too. Markers along the side of Route 3 declare it historyland highway. The Historic Christ Church, a 1735 Georgian church outside of Irvington, has a particularly interesting story. The man responsible for building it, Robert "King" Carter, was a busy guy, as we learn in a museum next door. Carter was a member of the House of Burgesses (Virginia's colonial assembly); acting Governor of Virginia; and ancestor of "three signers of the Declaration of Independence, two presidents, eight Virginia governors, a Supreme Court chief justice, and Robert E. Lee." The list grows every day; in fact, a guestbook asks if visitors are Carter descendants. An increasing number of people from Richmond and D.C. are buying second homes in the Northern Neck. To furnish them, they go to the antiques stores in the town of Kilmarnock. We arrive just before 5 p.m. and race to the Kilmarnock Antique Gallery before it shuts for the day. Gallery is an understatement. The large warehouse has dozens of stalls selling everything from costume jewelry to antique oyster plates. I pick up a set of 1950s anodized aluminum ice-cream cups for my mom. GrandView, our B&B for the night, is about 20 miles up the road. The large house sits on the Great Wicomico River, and water laps against sand in the backyard. Inside, an earnest but precariously cute aesthetic prevails. My bedside lamp is in the shape of a lighthouse, and a plaque on the wall reads a boat is a wood-lined hole in the water in which you pour money. The owners, Chris and Sandye Mills, bought the property in 1984 and spent weekends sleeping in an old Richmond city bus that came with the land. "Eventually we decided it was too cold in the winters and too hot in the summers," says Chris. So they ditched the bus and built a B&B in its place. After checking in, Sam and I play fetch on the beach with the Mills's enthusiastic mutt, Survivor. We go to dinner in Reedville. The town was founded in 1874, and it did well for itself thanks to a small, oily, bony fish called menhaden. (It's used in the manufacturing of everything from animal feed to lipstick to bread.) The catch made sea captains so wealthy that they built Edwardian-style mansions, many of which still line Main Street. At the Crazy Crab on Reedville's marina, I introduce Sam, a Connecticut Yankee, to the Southern goodness of hush puppies (deep-fried balls of seasoned cornmeal) while we sit on the deck and watch the sun set over the water. Our night ends at another marina, Great Wicomico, where we toast locals with $2 Buds at the Boathouse Lounge. Lodging GrandView B&B114 Riverside Ln., Reedville, 804/453-3890, from $80 Food Crazy CrabReedville Marina, Reedville, 804/453-6789, crab cake dinner $16 Boathouse LoungeGreat Wicomico Marina, Burgess, 804/453-3351 Activities Historic Christ Church420 Christ Church Rd., outside Irvington, 804/438-6855 Kilmarnock Antique Gallery144 School St., Kilmarnock, 800/497-0083 Resources Northern Neck Tourism Council800/393-6180, northernneck.org Day 2: Reedville to Kinsale After the B&B's breakfast of homemade coffee cake and scrambled eggs, we drive back into town to go to the Fishermen's Museum. Before this trip I'd never heard of the menhaden, and now I can't stop hearing about the bony little fish. We learn that they're still very much alive and swimming. "This is a success story!" crows the narrator of a video presentation about the menhaden fishing industry. A house at the museum was restored to reflect the daily life of an average 1900s local fisherman. Our docent, Bob Matthews, says he and his wife, Natalie, are originally from the Boston area. "We're come-heres," he says. It's clear from the looks on our faces that Sam and I don't understand, so Bob explains. "There are born-heres, come-heres, brought-heres (such as kids or spouses), and come-back-heres. Reedville, itself, is named after a come-here, Elijah Reed, a sea captain from Maine." After the tour, we don't have much time to linger--we've got a ferry to Tangier Island to catch. Two things make Tangier Island tick: soft-shell crabs and tourists. Three ferry services bring about 20,000 visitors each year to the self-proclaimed soft-shell capital of the world (quite a title for what's all of three square miles). A display between souvenir shops shows live crabs in tubs with placards explaining the industry. Fishermen set traps, keep an eye out for crabs about to molt--the edges of the paddle fins turn dark red--and place them in holding pens until they shed their shells. Once they're soft-shell crabs, they have to be removed immediately or their hard-shelled neighbors will eat them right up. The island has a days-gone-by charm: Clapboard houses with white-picket-fenced yards line the shore. Golf carts are the main vehicles used to get around, though locals drive them like they're sports cars. We hop on a cart waiting by the dock for a tour by Tangier Island native Sylvia Parks of Parks Tours, a guide for 31 years. "There aren't many secrets here," Sylvia says, lead-footing it around the narrow dirt roads. "Everyone knows everyone and everything." Locals don't even pretend they're not watching your every move. Later, as Sam pets a dog, two men on a golf cart pass by and, without stopping, shout, "The dog's name is Milli--as in Milli Vanilli." We have lunch at the Fisherman's Corner restaurant, run by three fishermen's wives. "They can be sure their catch is fresh," says the hostess. "It comes directly from their husbands, after all." I have my first-ever soft-shell crab sandwich. The two deep-fried crabs, wedged between slices of Wonder bread, look and taste as though they crawled straight from the bay into the fryer. Sam and I walk past crab traps on the piers and stop at a bulletin board. A handwritten sign reads $1 for 10 tangier island recipes, and there's a bucket for money tacked to the frame. (Aunt Nellie's Crabmeat Casserole and Mom's Coleslaw both require generous amounts of mayo.) The Reedville ferry, which usually makes only one trip a day to Tangier, departs soon. It's a 90-minute ride to the mainland, and we get back around 7 p.m. Since things close early on the Neck, we have to make good time to get to Kinsale, 45 minutes away, in time for dinner. Transportation Tangier Island FerryBuzzard's Point Marina, Reedville, 804/453-2628, tangiercruise.com, round trip $25 Food Fisherman's Corner4419 Long Bridge Rd., Tangier Island, 757/891-2900, soft-shell crab sandwich $9 Activities Parks ToursTangier Island, 757/891-2261, $5 Reedville Fishermen's Museum504 Main St., Reedville, 804/453-6529, $5 Day 3: Kinsale to Westmoreland Park Sam and I have signed up in advance for the 10 a.m. departure of a kayaking tour on the Potomac, at Westmoreland State Park. Our destination is Horsehead Cliffs, a section of the coast that used to be under a prehistoric sea. The area was popular with sharks, and the predators' fossilized teeth can be found in the sand. When we arrive at Fossil Beach, visitors are sifting the sand through screens and pocketing their discoveries. Park policy, surprisingly, is that you can keep whatever teeth you find--which would've been cool, if we'd found anything. Westmoreland Berry Farm, about 15 minutes away, has a similar keep-what-you-find policy. In addition to u-pick strawberry and blueberry patches, there's a petting zoo and barn with fruit preserves and berries for sale. Instead of picking, Sam and I opt for a tour around the property on the kiddie train, which is pulled by a tractor. Sam tries to bail mid-route, claiming his spine is going to snap from all the bumps, but by the time he's about to jump off the train, the eight-minute ride is already over. A slice of fresh-baked berry pie à la mode helps speed his recovery. On the other side of Westmoreland Park, Stratford Hall Plantation was home to several generations of Lees, the most famous being Robert E. At the visitors center, photographs and excerpts of the family's personal correspondence highlight the accomplishments of a litany of Lees, but the plantation history itself also grabs me. Stratford Hall was built after another house burned down, killing a servant. (The fire is believed to have been set by indentured servants.) We're staying the night on the property: Our simple guesthouse has Northern Neck ginger ale in the vending machine and a back patio overlooking the woods. Before the trip, I'd heard good things about the Driftwood, a restaurant in Coles Point, 25 miles away. I order the fried oysters and a chardonnay from a local vineyard, Ingleside. I'm rewarded on both counts. The wine is sharp and satisfying, and the lightly breaded oysters from the Chesapeake are salty and slick. After coffee, Sam and I retire to the back patio of the Stratford Hall guesthouse to stargaze. Good Eats Café is a gourmet restaurant in a former gas station outside Kinsale, and it's more great than good. Star lanterns hang in the windows, and bright ceramic suns are mounted on the yellow walls. Most of the decorations are souvenirs from regulars' travels. I understand why the place inspires such affection when I taste my dinner: pan-seared scallops and potatoes baked with rosemary and Parmesan. Sam has pork loin in Thai basil sauce with broccoli, pecans, and cranberries. We're so full that dessert is doomed. Lodging Stratford Hall Plantation483 Great House Rd., Stratford, 804/493-8038, stratfordhall.org, from $115, house tour $10 Food Driftwood StateRte. 612, Coles Point, 804/472-3892, oysters $19 Good Eats Cafe , 12720 Cople Hwy, 804/472-4385, goodeatscafe.net Activities Westmoreland State Park1650 State Park Rd., near Montross, 804/493-8821, car fee $4, two-hour tandem kayak tour $22 Westmoreland Berry Farm1235 Berry Farm Lane, Oak Grove, 804/224-9171, pie à la mode $2.50, train $1 Day 4: Westmoreland Park to Richmond We're the only ones at breakfast in the plantation's dining hall. It looks like a mess hall from summer camp, but the buttery biscuits, moist corn bread, and strawberry preserves, all made on the premises, are anything but camp quality. Maybe 11 a.m. is a little early for a wine tasting, but when we pass a turnoff for Ingleside Vineyards, in Oak Grove, I remember last night's chardonnay and decide to go for it. During a tasting of eight varietals, our guide explains that Virginia's conditions are ideal for grape cultivation. The Petit Verdot grapes thrive more on the Northern Neck than in either California or France. Even the vineyards in Virginia can claim historical significance. During the Civil War, Union soldiers used Ingleside's property as a fort. At the winery museum, displays show how the local roadways follow routes of old Native American trails. My wine buzz wears off around the same time I read about how Pocahontas was supposedly kidnapped from this very area. On our way to Richmond, we stop at Goolrick's Pharmacy in Fredericksburg. The decor hasn't changed much since the '40s. Aluminum stools are lined up along a Formica counter, and vintage Coca-Cola signs hang on the walls. The menu hasn't changed either: The soda fountain has always served rich milk shakes in only one size (large). Sam orders a large coffee shake. I ask for a small nonfat vanilla. Sam sighs, and the waitress looks at me blankly. I quickly amend my order to a large chocolate. In these parts, tradition is to be respected. Food Goolrick's Pharmacy901 Caroline St., Fredericksburg, 540/373-9878, milk shake $3.50 Activities Ingleside Vineyards5872 Leedstown Rd., Oak Grove, 804/224-8687, wine tasting $2.50 Finding your way The Northern Neck is a seasonal destination: Many restaurants and services have reduced hours or close completely October through April, so call ahead before visiting. The ferry from Reedville to Tangier Island begins its summer service May 15. As for the driving, the main roads around the Northern Neck are Routes 3, 200, and 360. The best scenery, however, is on the side roads, such as Routes 649, 644, and 657--all in the tip of the Neck around Reedville. You can pick up free detailed maps of the area at the Crazy Crab in Reedville and many other local businesses.

      Northern Lights

      Solar flares and explosions hurl particles that collide with the Earth's atmosphere, producing energy emitted as photons, or light particles. It takes 100 million photons to make the aurora borealis, or northern lights, visible to the naked eye. Getting there As with rainbow spotting, there are no guarantees. The key ingredients are a cloudless sky, little or no moon, and luck. For the best odds, head near or above the Arctic Circle from October through March. At 78 degrees north, between mainland Norway and the North Pole, Spitsbergen on the Svalbard archipelago is the world's northernmost place reached by regularly scheduled flights (about $200 round trip from Olso). If that's too hardcore, go as far north as you can manage. The Norwegian town of Hammerfest was popularized as a viewing place by Bill Bryson's Neither Here Nor There; Tromsø is a decent-size city with charm 250 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Both cities are stops on the slow-moving Norwegian Coastal Voyage cruise (800/323-7436, coastalvoyage.com, six-night packages from $1,067). Though 110 miles south of the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks, Alaska, has reliable enough viewing to attract scientists annually; flights from Seattle cost around $500 in winter. You made it It helps if your destination offers more than the lights, because sitting around in the freezing dark can try the most patient of souls (and in winter, the farther north you go, the less daylight you get). Svalbard is ideal for snowmobiling, dogsledding, and polar-bear viewing. Basecamp Spitsbergen arranges tours, as well as accommodations aboard an old ship embedded in ice or in a trappers' lodge (011-47/7902-4600, basecampexplorer.com, doubles from $165). Many decent Fairbanks motels charge under $100 a night; drive a few miles away from the city in any direction for a chance at clear viewings. Or stay outside town at Northern Sky Lodge, a log B&B with dogsledding tours (907/388-9954, northernskylodge.com, doubles from $75), or Mt. Aurora Fairbanks Creek Lodge, with 270 degrees of sky visible from its deck (907/389-2000, mt-aurora.com, $289 for two with meals). Whichever destination you choose, ask around about when to head out for a look; locals keep tabs on the best viewing times, which can change seasonally. Who knew? Every 11 or so years, the northern lights are known to appear way below the Arctic Circle. In 2000 they were visible in El Paso, Tex. Wherever you are during the winters of 2011 and 2012, be sure to look up at night.

      The Blue Hole, Belize

      Once a dry cave system, the Blue Hole was formed after the last ice age, when the Caribbean Sea engulfed the entire area and the cave's roof collapsed. The resulting sinkhole is more than 400 feet deep, 1,000 feet in diameter--and a mainstay on divers' wish lists. Getting there Fly 20 minutes from Belize City to San Pedro, the only real town on the resort island of Ambergris Cay, for about $110 round trip via Tropic Air (800/422-3435, tropicair.com) or Maya Island Air (800/225-6732, mayaairways.com). Or hop a ferry: Caye Caulker Water Taxis charge $16 each way for the 75-minute trip from Belize City (cayecaulkerwatertaxi.com, 011-501/226-2194). Most places to stay are huddled around San Pedro; scout options at ambergriscaye.com. For something more removed, try the Salamander Hideaway (011-501/209-5005, salamanderbelize.com, cabanas from $130), a quiet, solar-powered resort north of town reached by a half-hour boat ride ($25 round trip). Many agencies, including regional specialist Capricorn Leisure Corp., sell air-hotel packages to Ambergris Cay (800/426-6544, capricorn.net). Ambergris Divers (011-501/226-2634, ambergrisdivers.com) and Amigos del Mar (011-501/226-2706) offer Blue Hole day trips, departing at 5:30 a.m., returning at 5 p.m., with two hours' travel each way, for $185 plus $40 for park fees. If that's not enough time in the water, consider a live-aboard boat such as Peter Hughes Diving's Sun Dancer II: A seven-night package with meals, space for 20 passengers, and up to five dives per day starts at $1,895, plus fees of about $200 (305/669-9391, peterhughes.com). You made it Due to limited sunlight and water circulation in the Hole, its limestone walls don't support all that much marine life and are rather sterile and rocky. Still, while descending, look toward the walls rather than into the hypnotizing, deep blue of the Hole's center, as the low light and lack of visual cues can be disorienting. In a cavern about 100 feet down, huge stalactites hang from the ceiling. Some are 40 feet long and more than 10 feet wide; feel free to slalom through. Most groups don't go lower than 130 feet, the maximum depth for recreational dives. Several kinds of sharks (reef, blacktip, bull, hammerhead) may appear, adding to the excitement. Attacks are extremely rare. Who knew? For generations, people believed the Blue Hole was bottomless. But in 1970 that notion was put to rest by Jacques Cousteau. Using a minisub, the famous explorer reached the bottom, at a depth of around 415 feet.

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