Now that we’ve got our essentials down, we’re letting the summer family road trip shift into drive. Here are our top one-, two- and three-hour destinations from the city.
One-Hour Drive: St. Sauveur, Quebec
Eat: Pack up the picnic basket at Chez Bernard with Sheppard’s Pie ($7), boccocini and tomato lasagna ($6) or grilled chicken brochettes ($8). Save room for Pagé Bakery’s delectable oatmeal raisin sour cream cookies ($5/pack).
Sleep: A loft at Manoir St Sauveur ($309/night) comes complete with cathedral roof, fireplace, kitchen, terrace and more. Plus the resort boasts an indoor saltwater pool, outdoor heated pool and tennis courts.
Play: Fly high on zip lines and a ropes course at nearby Morin Heights Acro-Nature’s junior forest adventure ($112/family).
Two-Hour Drive: Stowe, Vermont
Eat: Enjoy amazing tacos (US $4) on homemade corn tortillas at Frida’s. The kids will love the Chihuahua cheese quesadilla (US $4).
Sleep: Located on Main Street, a suite (US $239-$349) or apartment (US $299) at The Green Mountain Inn is just steps to shopping, the bike path and the kid-friendly library.
Play: If the weather isn’t accommodating, head over to the Swimming Hole where they can splash in the heated pool (US $13/ages 6-17, US $6/5&under) with waterslide and fountain toys.
Three Hour: Mt. Washington, New Hampshire
Eat: All aboard for a fun-filled meal at Fabyan’s Station. On the menu: New England Clam Chowder (US $4/cup) and a blackened chicken breast Mexican Salad (US $12) for us; a choice of yummy mains with a drink and ice cream (US $8) for them.
Sleep: The minute we drive up to the picturesque, historical Mount Washington Hotel, we know we’re in for a treat in our family parlour/suite (starting at US$429/night).
Play: While they’re having a blast at the Kids’ Club (US$25/day), we’re driving to the North Conway outlets: Gap. J. Crew. Coach, LL Bean, Gymboree, Children’s Place and more await!
Thought that was sweet? You’ll enjoy: