Travel

More than likely, a typical vacation in Branson calls to mind visions of an Osmond Brothers’ performance or a roller coaster ride at Silver Dollar City. And, crowds and traffic are factors that simply come with the territory.

Do you realize, though, that there’s a section of Branson that is tucked away from the hullabaloo where Mother Nature sets the stage and live shows are conducted by you?

When vacationing with the whole family, do you sometimes find your hotel room quarters are so cramped that you are stumbling over luggage? Or, despite the fine dining options and local restaurant choices, you are suddenly regretting the high costs associated with buying meals and snacks for the kids?

On a recent trip to Sanibel Island off the Gulf Coast of Southern Florida, the reality exceeded my wildest expectations.

We asked our readers to share their best or worst car stories for a chance to win an iPod shuffle. After deliberating over the great entries we received, here are the winners.

Beware the AAA Monster

You never know if your kids will love conies like their father or be able to pick up things with their feet like their mother. And so, I never knew if my children would devour novels like my spouse or be natural equine-lovers like me. As it turns out, our second daughter gravitated to both.

Last month, while visiting the San Diego area, my family discovered two distinctly different worlds of fun —-one based on the colorful construction of imaginary worlds and one based on the natural environment in which wild animals roam free.

The first, Legoland California, comes to life through the calculated application of millions of little plastic, primary-colored bricks. And the second, The San Diego Wild Animal Park, emulates the wilds of the animal kingdom, protecting endangered species native to the far corners of the world.

Legoland
1 Legoland Drive

Fill up the mini van and take off for a day or two of fun with your children at one of these drive-able destinations.

1. Arbuckles, Davis
Turner Falls Park in Davis, Oklahoma is a terrific Arbuckle Mountains family destination. From Dr. Collings’ Rock Castle to the 77ft waterfall, Turner Falls Park offers unforgettable fun for the whole family. Turner Falls Park features a 77ft waterfall; Rock Castle; picnic sites; cabins; R.V. hookups; hiking trails; natural swimming areas; wading areas; sandy beaches; 3 natural caves; geological formations. www.arbuckles.com.

Rhode Island, the smallest U.S. state, offers some big-time attractions in the coastal city of Newport.

To learn what makes Newport stand out, my family paid her a visit. And, with only three days to spare, we concentrated on the ultimate “wow factor” there —- the palatial estates and the harbor side attractions.

A Whole Lot of History

Charleston, South Carolina Exudes History and Charm

Cast aside typical family vacation choices like Florida and California and instead consider a unique spot that will take you back in time. You’ll discover an unrivaled fusion of our nation’s history, southern charm and coastal beauty in the heart of low country’s Charleston, South Carolina.

Rejuvenate, Regroup and Renew at the Canebrake Resort
by Diane Tritt Eaton