Now is the perfect time to get out and about with the family.  And when I say “out,” I mean “out!”  Why not explore the great outdoors (while sacking out at night someplace roomy and comfy)?  Even the littlest member of your crew will get a kick out of climbing a tiny hill or canoeing down a river.

Rattlesnake Mountain. Photo by Eric Weaver/Flickr

So now the only question is where to head first.  Start with Portland, Maine, the cutest town you’ve ever seen and home to tons of blueberries and lobsters, two of my favorite late summer treats.  Head up Rattlesnake Mountain for a short, easy climb with a big reward – your kids can say they’ve summited a mountain!  If it’s water you’re after, load up the car and navigate to the Kennebec River (a few hours north) for a day trip with Pro River Rafters.  Then bunk down at the Homewood Suites in Scarborough for popcorn, a pay-per-view movie, and some well-earned sleep.

Heading west?  Make a stop in Boulder, Colorado, another super-cute town with a main street (actually called Pearl Street) that’s among my favorites in America.  You’ll love the street performers, the independent bookstore and boutiques, and the fabulous ice cream.  Even better, there are countless day hikes in the pretty mountains on Boulder’s borders, plus a centrally-located Homewood Suites.  For rafting, you’ll again have to drive a few hours, but you can barrel down the Colorado River with any of a number of excellent guides.

On the left coast, another Portland – this one in Oregon – calls your name.  Try a hike around the Oak Island Peninsula – about 30 minutes outside of the city proper – and check out the nature and wildlife with the little ones.  Sturgeon Lake is a great place to canoe and kayak before you head home to Homewood Suites for a night of sweet dreams about mountains and lakes.