Winter escape: 3 day weekend: where to?

[XOXO]

So, because Iowa's winter has been AWFUL and the kids have missed a lot of school the only break we can use to take a quick getaway is a 3 day weekend.

Where would you go? Specifically please--if you say Florida I will spend days trying to figure out what area. Actually, Florida isn't too toasty these days--so it is off my radar.

Texas?

Maybe nix going somewhere warm and head to Colorado for skiing?

Gina

What would you do (for Lex)

[Marcia (Mrs. Pete)]

Gina, when were you thinking of going? If it's in the next couple of weeks, you could think of going north, skiing. (Upper MN,WI,MI). We're doing that next weekend. Easy to get to, from the Midwest, and more time to "play" versus travel.

South, I'd still opt for FL. Again, easy to get to from the Midwest. I'd look at Anna Maria, Longboat Key, Siesta Key. Condos and resorts abound. Happy to help if you want specifics. The weather there is finally getting a bit better this week.

What do the kids want to do?

[Coden]

Have you thought about going to a nice spa resort with an indoor pool, restaurants, etc? I think there is a big one up around Sandusky, Oh...saw it on tv once.

We recently spent time at the French Lick Inn in French Lick, In and had a wonderful relaxing time...here is the link: http://www.frenchlick.com/hotels/frenchLick/index.jsp

Just a couple of thoughts...I'm sure there are some really nice resorts around your area that you can drive to.

[XOXO]

Marcia: You got me thinking about skiing so I have done a little bit of searching. In Iowa there is one in Dubuque that is just over 4 hours from here. We haven't been there. I don't know anyone who has been but--it is there so it might be something for us to look into.

Then I went to the Omaha airport online to see what direct flights there are. There are good fares to Chicago and Denver. Right now I am looking into Denver and it looks good. The flights are cheap--and I think the lessons and resorts in Denver would be a lot better than the one in Iowa. So, I am leaning that way. Has anyone been to Keystone? The resort looks nice--it might be a bit of a drive from Denver.

My kids haven't been to natural hot springs and I think the would enjoy that.

Coden, there is a new place in Kansas City (indoor water park). I will present this to the family and see what they want to do.

Thanks for the help. Keep it coming if you have other ideas.

Oh---and I looked at todays temps in Florida and the high is 68 degrees. I really think our time in FL would be more enjoyable if we wait a bit for the temps to normalize.

Gina

[waterguy]

Marcia

Where are you headed next weekend I'll be at Brule for the 10th anunal couples weekend. If you are there look for the big group of 40 something couples say Hi and I'll buy you a drink we are there Thursday to sunday. I'll have some sort of Virgin island T shirt on.
Tom

[iowaguy]

Hi Gina--We enjoy skiing and make it out to Colorado once each winter. Keystone is a nice spot. However, I prefer Breckenridge just a few miles down the road---more of a town in Breck. Both are an easy drive (90 minutes) from Denver airport.

From the Omaha airport you can also get a nonstop flight to Phoenix. A few days at a nice hotel in Scottsdale with a beautiful pool might offer some good
relief from the Iowa winter. The Arizona trip is actually easier than the ski trip---less to pack.

Florida is tough for us Iowans for a 3-day weekend as there are not many nonstop flights (except to Orlando, and I always prefer one of the beach cities).

[XOXO]

Thanks Jim! Where do you think we would find the best ski school?

I don't know if a town is important to us--we really just want to ski, tube, etc.

Knowing that, is breck still what you recommend?

About Arizona--there are affordable flights. A lot of our friends love it--but we went to Scottsdale over Thanksgiving and we were bored still. Maybe we were missing something (went with the in-laws who have a condo). My family groans when I say Arizona.

Gina

[Terry]

Being from CO and raising kids here...I agree that Breck is much more fun. It has more of an old mining village feeling in a new way...if that makes any sense. Our kids loved it there. Breck's ski school is where they first learned to ski at age 4 and 6. They're still skiing and boarding today so it must of been a good experience. (one for Lex).

There is a hot springs on the way up I-70 in Idaho Springs.

We're getting dumped on with the white stuff as I write this. Snow would not be a problem.

Rent a 4 wheel drive if you can. You'll be glad you did.

Hey, when the sun is out, which is usually is here, you can tan in Breck on a picnic table at the ski lodge. I've gotten burnt more than once skiing there. Bikini skiing is popular in the spring.

[chicagoans]

Personally I'd go skiing! We went to Wausau WI last weekend (6th year in a row) - and it's such a great family get-away. It's a better hill IMHO than those in southern WI, but maybe too far a drive from you so my vote would be CO!

[Marcia (Mrs. Pete)]

Marcia

Where are you headed next weekend I'll be at Brule for the 10th anunal couples weekend. If you are there look for the big group of 40 something couples say Hi and I'll buy you a drink we are there Thursday to sunday. I'll have some sort of Virgin island T shirt on.
Tom

We'll be up by Red Wing, MN. It's just a small ski area (Welch Village). Have fun on your ski weekend!

[Marcia (Mrs. Pete)]

Marcia: You got me thinking about skiing so I have done a little bit of searching. In Iowa there is one in Dubuque that is just over 4 hours from here. We haven't been there. I don't know anyone who has been but--it is there so it might be something for us to look into. Gina

There is a ski resort in Galena, IL ~ Chestnut Mountain. Galena is fun little town just outside of Dubuque.

But, if you can swing a quick trip out to Colorado, I'd do that instead!!