Entries by Candyce H. Stapen

Good Eats in the Off-Season at Rehoboth Beach

A bounty of good food awaits at the Delaware shore, a popular year-round escape for Washingtonians and other Mid-Atlantic residents, and the off-season proved to be one of the best times for a seaside culinary journey to the Rehoboth Beach region. The lack of crowds made getting table reservations easy, and the reduced price of… Read More

Shenandoah County: Virginia’s Lesser-Known Gem for Families

Shenandoah Caverns’ aptly named Diamond Cascade entranced 7-year-old James and 5-year-old Charlotte. They gazed wide-eyed at the tall configuration of white calcite crystals that fell in folds, sparkling like a jewel-encrusted frozen waterfall. Exploring the caverns, along with hiking and horseback-riding, rounded out our family getaway. We wanted two leisurely days in the country with… Read More

Magical St. Croix Makes for a Memorable Multigenerational Vacation

Sharing favorite pursuits with the family’s youngsters is one of the many pleasures of a multigenerational vacation. Snorkeling with them above blue tang and purple and pink dappled parrotfish at Buck Island Reef National Monument off St. Croix proved a highlight, even if everything didn’t go as planned. We chose St. Croix for its balance… Read More

For a Lively Vacation, Try Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

Sometimes, we like our lake vacations mild—boats, books, and hiking boots. Other times, we crave a lively lake getaway with good restaurants, music, street festivals, and bars. Either way, Elkhart Lake in eastern Wisconsin, about two and a half hours from Chicago, delivers a next-level lake vacation full of surprises. The village, with a population… Read More

Discover Magical Family Fun in Branson, Missouri

Sometime between the world’s tallest looping coaster and The Haygoods’ laser, fire and musical extravaganza, we realized that Branson, Missouri, wasn’t just for retirees. It’s a top place for fun and affordable family entertainment. And who isn’t looking for affordability these days? Most shows and museums cost less than comparable East or West Coast experiences…. Read More

Miami is Fine for a Family Getaway

What’s the key to a Miami Beach area family vacation? Pair shore time with off-the-beach fun. Try a zip line adventure, explore museums, learn about the city’s iconic architecture and allow plenty of time to romp through parks and along the sands. It’s easy to engage toddlers, teens and multigenerational families. A bonus: Most outdoor… Read More

Our Family Alaska Cruise

On our family Alaska cruise, we stood on the deck staring in amazement at the sheer size of Hubbard Glacier — a cool icy blue in the sunlight — which stretched for miles and was backed by gloriously snowcapped mountain peaks. After dreaming of this moment for months, cruising past this dazzling sight on our… Read More

Miami’s Wynwood Sizzles With Street Art

Miami’s Wynwood Arts District, a 50-block world of intriguing, fantastical, humorous and puzzling pieces by established artists and newbies to spray paint, shouldn’t be missed. More than 330 murals emblazon storefronts, fences, doors and walls, transforming the neighborhood into one of the largest open-air art museums in the United States. We strolled by a nipple-headed… Read More

A Luxurious Tea Awaits at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel

Sometimes it’s nice to make an entrance. Charlotte, wearing a floor-length dress, sashayed into Peacock Alley, positioning herself under the row of Beaux-Arts chandeliers, stepping past the potted palms and gilded pilasters. She found her place on the gold settee flanked by glittering sconces and felt like royalty. The harpist, having noticed her blue Mirabel… Read More

The Quieter Side of Miami’s South Beach

Although South Beach thrums with lively bars and trendy restaurants, especially along Ocean Drive, the iconic Miami Beach hotspot harbors a quieter — but far from boring — side. On a recent visit to family, we explored South Beach’s northern section, which blooms with stunning water views, al fresco dining, Art Deco buildings and street… Read More

One Day in Key West

Over the course of one day in Key West, you can experience the joie de vie of the southernmost city in the continental United States. At only four miles long and about two miles wide, the city packs  a lot into a small space—beaches, historic homes, an iconic lighthouse, fabulous food, lively bars, interesting shops,… Read More