Page 18 - AAA Northwest Ohio - AAA Now! January/February 2013

18 january/february 2013
The New Family
Spring Break
Family spring break vacations once began by
packing the car with kids, suitcases and a
cooler filled with sandwiches for that long drive to
grandma’s house in West Palm Beach, Florida. This
combination of a mini-Great American Road Trip
and quality time with the family usually included
a few sparring matches between siblings, one
parents-only evening without the kids, a lot of
laughter and almost too much spoiling of the kids
by grandma.
Though this tradition has not ended, the
dynamic of the family spring break vacation has
evolved. Individual family members
now coordinate their schedules
between children’s extracurricular
activities, social calendars of retired
grandparents and days filled with
back-to-back board meetings. Today’s
family vacation might include a
meeting place, upon which relatives
converge, allowing everyone who
lives in different locations throughout
the country, or the globe, to begin
a holiday from one common point.
Families also want to maximize
quality time with each other, while reducing the
amount of time spent traveling separately to a
destination, which increases the appeal of exciting
cities, cruises and all-inclusive resorts.
European river cruising has been popular for many
years, yet many travelers have not recognized the
exciting opportunities for river cruising within the
United States. This trend has changed, as American
river cruise companies improved their offerings by
reviving the traditional charm of Americana. The
Great American Steamboat Company’s American
Queen, the largest steamboat ever built, offers
Victorian-style staterooms and sails along the
Mississippi River to towns that capture the essence
of Southern hospitality. Voyages on the American
Queen include ports of call in popular cities and
smaller, hidden American towns. In larger cities,
such as Memphis, St. Louis and Baton Rouge,
guests can venture out to experience the values
and pride that allowed these cities to develop the
strong roots of American heritage. Lesser-known
destinations such as Natchez and Oak Alley reveal
life in the antebellum South.
Another exciting,
domestic option in the
southern United States
lies in Texas. The state’s
most progressive city,
Austin, offers an array of
fun family activity options.
This city is known for its
music scene and exciting
festivals such as SXSW and
Austin City Limits. Though
these festivals cater to
an adult audience, the
Austin Family Music Festival is perfect for young
children and takes place each spring. The city is
also home to many attractions that are popular
with outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Located in Austin’s west side above Town Lake,
Mount Bonnell provides exceptional views of the
city. Measuring 350-acres, Zilker Park is Austin’s
popular site to take part in outdoor activities.
Visitors can bike and hike through the park’s many
trails. Bring a bathing suit to soak in Barton Springs
Pool, which is fed via underground springs that
allow it to maintain an average temperature of 68
degrees Fahrenheit. Known as “Austin’s most-loved
park,” Zilker Park is home to The Austin Nature &
Science Center, which is dedicated to educating the
community about the natural world around them
and how to preserve the natural environment. The
center features animal exhibits that include rescued
and rehabilitated creatures.
Located close enough to Ohio for a comfortable
drive, though far enough to feel like a vacation,
Gatlinburg, Tennessee offers activities for outdoor
enthusiasts and travelers who love escaping to
cozy, American towns. Filled with
friendly locals, Gatlinburg is a
popular destination known for a
variety of affordable family fun.
Located within the famous Smoky
Mountains, the town affords easy
access to Smoky Mountains National
Park, which includes more than 800
miles of hiking trails. Enjoy a scenic
drive, hike, historic tour or picnic.
Gatlinburg is also home to artisans
and craftspeople who create unique
pieces that are available only in the
local area. The town’s eight-mile Arts and Crafts
Loop is the place to find quality items that have
been whittled, carved, sewn and woven. Following
a busy day of shopping or outdoor activities, enjoy
local Appalachian-style home cooking.
While the ways in which families approach spring
break travel might have changed throughout the
years, there are consistencies that stand the test of
time. Family travel during spring break still brings
everyone together to embark upon a great holiday
adventure.
Though this
tradition has
not ended, the
dynamic of the
family spring
break vacation
has evolved.