Retire in Paradise

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Bed and Breakfasts often are thought of as a spot for romance, but don’t let that dissaude you from bringing the whole family along for the trip. Many inns offer kid-friendly accomodations and the unique setting will enchant youngsters more than any cookie-cutter motel. Here are some choices for your next family vacation.

Billed as “New England’s Best Family Resort” by Yankee magazine, The Wildflower Inn in Lyndonville, VT combines a wonderful country B&B setting with all kinds of kids activities. The Wildflower Inn offers supervised activities for kids, allowing parents to truly take a break while their children are entertained. For instance, “Butterflies, Tots and Forget-Me-Nots is perfect for the parent traveling alone with young children,” says the Wildflower Inn’s website. “Our program combines time together with the kids with opportunities for relaxing while the children are enjoying their activities.” There’s even Daisy’s Diner, which prepares special themed meals for kids.

Treat your family to a little history by the sea at Villa Park House, located just blocks from the beach in Spring Lake, New Jersey. This charming bed and breakfast is located in a beautifully restored Victorian and rooms reflect the period dcor without being too fancy for families. You can even pack light, knowing that the innkeepers provide guests with beach tags, beach chairs, towels and even beach umbrellas. Hearty breakfasts are served either in the inn’s grand dining room or on little tables on the veranda. In addition to the fun of the beach and boardwalk, Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari amusement park is a short drive away.

For an authentic western experience that the kids will love, check into the Vee Bar Guest Ranch in Laramie, WY. This unique B&B sits on 800 acres and offers horseback riding, hayrides with fiddle and guitar accompaniment, hiking, cattle herding and river tubing. Accommodations include six riverside suites and three cabins decorated in a rustic fashion. Throw in campfires, campouts, and lots of fresh air, and the Vee Bar Guest Ranch will satisfy the most demanding of children!

For the cowboys and cowgirls in your crew, chose the western-themed the Las Palomas B&B in Santa Fe, NM. It is made of authentic adobe bricks to provide a true cowboy feel and to fit in with the nearby Historic District of the city. But don’t let Las Palomas’ charm fool you: This is a modern B&B complete with a bistro and fitness center. Kids are welcome at Las Palomas, and the innkeepers have a few special things waiting for them. There is an outdoor play area with swings and slides for small children. The innkeepers “Kids Box” includes items such as outlet safety plugs, high chairs, kids chairs and tables, games, books, videos, toys, safety gates, cribs, and night lights.”

Once a cotton plantation, the Sunrise Farm Bed and Breakfast in Salem, South Carolina, now serves as a family-friendly country vacation experience in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are ten acres to enjoy, and the kids will love meeting the many friendly farm animals such as Muffin, a pot-bellied pig, or perhaps Elvis, a pygmy goat. The rooms are done in a comfortable, country style with antiques and quilt-topped beds. After a homemade breakfast and visit to the animals, head out and enjoy all the area has to offer, from whitewater rafting to hiking and fishing or even visiting local museums.

Surrounded by mountains and rolling hills, the Capay Valley Bed and Breakfast is an ideal spot to get away from it all and enjoy a nature-filled family getaway. The B&B is located a short drive from Sacramento in its namesake town of Capay. The grounds include a real zoo, with a variety of beautiful creatures, such as zebras, a tortoise, ostrich and plenty of farm animals. The grounds include a swimming pool and walking and hiking trails, and there is badminton and croquet available. In addition to rooms in the main house, there are two 880-square foot cottages with private porches and kitchenettes. Within a half-hour or less of the inn, you’ll find whitewater rafting, a nature preserve and plenty of parks.

Tags: Travel & Leisure