Photo by Flickr/s_mestdagh

There are several reasons why this launch is particularly exciting for Trekaroo.  First, Utah is truly a beautiful state boasting some of our nation’s most beautiful National Parks including Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Arches.  With a varied terrain of stunning mountains, stately plateaus, and unique geological formations, Utah is the outdoor family’s playground.  Utah’s other iconic attractions for families also include Temple Square, Thanksgiving Point, and Dinosaur National Monument.  Oh, and have I not mentioned that winter time brings some of the best powdery snow to Utah? Park City, Canyons, Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude are all ski resorts where the best kind of family memories are made.  The list of kid friendly adventures seem quite endless, but a good place to start your bucket list is right here: Utah’s Top 10 Things to Do for Families.

Second, what’s got me really excited about this launch are the families who represent Utah on Trekaroo.  This launch was a 100% grassroots effort of families who love to explore and share all the wonderful kid-friendly things to do in Utah.  Who benefits from the inside scoop on of the best activities, hotels and restaurants this state has to offer?  All of us travel happy families looking for new destinations to discover with our kids!

Leading the charge is Ann Anderson (akeisel), Utah’s Destination Guroo extraordinaire.  Born and raised in Utah and a mom to 3 kids, she is a wealth of knowledge with great advice on everything kid friendly in Utah.  However, since Trekaroo isn’t about one person’s advice, I’d like to acknowledge the 160 founding families who have contributed through their reviews to making Utah launch ready.

Top Utah Founding Families:

tvaughn | byudawn | twood | ash24u | jolynnforman | dtflake | clarkjulis | atwater31 | j-js-mom | brittnikat | crystalperry | kitebright | cuteirishdancer | stbw2009 | honeygraham | camillegrimshaw | edmundsa | glickfamily | twinsrus | kjandajsmom | crazycool | caitlinpcarroll | em-il-ie | tansween | reneeb5 | debrajoy87 | belem | tianan | jesseng | sassygirls22 | schacher801 | mamateresa2007 | rosevan33 | jrice | utahdealdiva | bryangrimshaw | autumnchristiansen | millie | nena

Here’s what Trekaroo families have amassed so far on Utah:

• 307 Activities or Kids in Wasatch Front- Salt Lake City Area alone!

• 95 Activities for Kids in Southern Utah

• Reviews and Recommendations on Kid-friendly Hotels, Activities and Restaurants across the 3 main regions of Utah:

• Wasatch Front  – Salt Lake City,

• Southern Utah – home to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park

• Northeastern Utah – better known as Dinoland

• A list of Kid-friendly hotels in Salt Lake City waiting to be rated by parents like you

Lots of fun lists like:

• Sledding and Tubing in Utah

• Utah’s Amazing National Parks with Kids

• Family Friendly Hiking in Utah’s Wasatch Front

• Top 5 SLC Area Outdoor Venues for Kids

• Utah’s Wasatch Front: Stroller Friendly Hikes & Walks

• Top 5 FREE {or dang close to it!} SLC Area Activities

• Arches National Park Best Family Hikes

• Bryce Canyon National Park with Kids

Limited Time Utah Rewards! Earn a Gift Card to Amazon.com

Have you experienced Utah with your kids? Tell us all about your experiences – good and bad.

Write reviews on activities, hotels, and restaurants in Utah and earn a gift card to Amazon. 

10 reviews for $10, 20 reviews for $20

Limited to one gift card per user, until we hit our $500 limit

To qualify reviews must be:

- about places in Utah
- written between Feb 28, 2012 and March 15, 2012
- original, based on your real experience
- helpful to parents
- well written

Step 1: Join and Start Writing Reviews.

Step 2: Claim your reward

We love reading your reviews….so yes, we will check them out when you submit your claim.

Did you miss our  Monday Madness Giveaway?

Click here and learn how to win a Salt Lake City Family Getaway 

Check back everyday this week so you don’t miss any of our fun Utah festivities and giveaways.  Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and we’ll be sure to let you know what’s going on.

_______________________________________________________________________________

LiLing Pang is Trekaroo’s Founder, a wife, & a mom to two active boys and a 6 month old baby girl.

Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC| FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR| PA| TN | TX | UT |VA | WA

Trekaroo loves Utah! It is a state filled with immense  natural beauty, world class skiing, and plenty of great family fun. We love the Beehive State so much that we have decided to dedicate an entire week to it. Tomorrow we will officially launch the Utah portion of our site but today we decided to do what do best on Mondays, host a great giveaway centered around Utah’s capital, Salt Lake City.

If your family is planning a trip to Salt Lake City, consider purchasing a “Visit Salt Lake Connect Pass” which gives access to 13 of Salt Lake’s best attractions.  Passes are available for purchase at the Visit Salt Lake website or directly at the Salt Lake Visitors Information Center.

Check out what Trekaroo families are saying about some of the venues included in the Connect Pass:

• Clark Planetarium:  “Star shows deluxe”
• Discovery Gateway:  “A great place for parents and kids”
• Natural History Museum of Utah: “Hands on natural history”
• Red Butte Garden:  “Beautiful!, Beautiful!, Beautiful!”
• Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort:  “A refreshing change from the amusement park scene”
• Thanksgiving Point:  “So much to do, so little time”
• This is the Place Heritage Park:  “Stroll back in time”
• Tracy Aviary: “Surprisingly fun”
• Utah’s Hogle Zoo:  “Great time all year round”

One lucky reader will win 2-Day Connect Passes for 2 adults and 2 children.  The only bad thing about this awesome prize is trying to decide where to visit first!

If you need a family friendly place to stay, Hilton Garden Inn is a trusted brand and Salt Lake City’s downtown location has won Hilton’s “Hotel of the Year-Connie Award” for the past three years in a row, so you know you will be in good hands. The cooked to order breakfast and complimentary wifi are wonderful perks and families with young children will definitely appreciate the children’s menu, complimentary cribs, and high chairs. If your kids are anything like mine they will happy to hear that this highly rated hotel has a pool for them to splash about in. Psst…. that same lucky reader will win three nights at this, the queen of all Hilton Garden Inns.

The Steal: Win a Salt Lake City Family Getaway!

Details: One lucky winner will receive a 3 night stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Salt Lake City Downtown for up to 5 people and Salt Lake City 2-Day Connect Passes for 2 adults and 2 children. An approximately $450 value.

HOW TO ENTER TO WIN:

In an effort to make easier to enter, we are now using Rafflecopter. Simply click on the box below and follow the directions. The more you do, the more entries you will receive!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rules and guidelines:

• 18 years of age or older
• US Residents only

Deadline to enter: Sunday, March, 11 2012 at 11:59PM PST

What is Monday Madness?

Every Monday, Trekaroo announces on our blog, either a fantastic giveaway or an incredible deal.  It could be a green water bottle, a hotel stay on Maui or theme park tickets. Return every Monday to the Talking Trekaroo Blog for the details. Want a reminder? Become a Trekaroo member or follow us on facebook or twitter.

Thanks to  Online Sweepstakes and CashNet Sweepstakes,.

Sharlene Earnshaw is Trekaroo’s Blog Editor in Chief.

Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA

ROOM and LOBBY

Photo courtesy The Ritz-Carlton Lodge

The porter unloaded our car and escorted us to our room.  He told us about the resort and made us feel right at home.  Our cozy fourth floor room had a small balcony with tables and chairs overlooking Lake Oconee.  Wrapped in comfy bathrobes (even one just the right size for our six year old) we enjoyed breakfast as the sun came up and evening coffee under the stars.

The lodge lobby was like a warm, welcoming handshake from a dear friend.  We kicked back in comfy seating areas set up alongside tables with board games.  Each evening we played checkers and shared our favorite memories of the day while we listened to local musicians play and enjoyed a variety of yummy menu treats served by the sweetest hosts.  The guys played pool and watched sports on TV in the lobby bar while the ladies relaxed by the large fireplace and the kiddos went on a Treasure Hunt with maps in hand.  Internet access and those comfy lobby couches were not enticing enough to keep us indoors- we ventured outside to make s’mores every night!  The staff had everything ready for us to create our fireside treats including hot cocoa or cider.

DINING

For dinner, our six year old rolled down the hill towards Gaby’s by the Lake where the motto is “No shoes, no shirt, our pleasure.”  Since it was chilly, we decided to keep our shoes on.  The chef has crafted an impressive collection of regional dishes mixed with his unique experiences from Kansas City and New Orleans.  He uses fresh, local ingredients including his award winning Coca-Cola Ribs entree.  The shrimp and grits were melt in my mouth delicious and the ribs…ah…I’m still dreaming about the combination of Thai flavors!  Everything looked just as amazing as it tasted which pleased my six year old to pieces.  I’d plan another stay at this resort just to try everything on this chef’s menu which happens to change with the seasons.

SPA and POOLS

I leisurely strolled along a covered paved pathway to The Reynolds Plantation Spa next to the main lodge.  The sunshine and beautiful landscaping made an ideal transition into the two-story stone front spa.   The staff delightfully spoiled me from the moment I was greeted at the welcome desk.  Spa slippers and robe, citrus infused water, tasty snacks and lots of magazines and books about the area kept me comfy during my spa visit.  In addition to the sauna, steam room, and hot tub, I got to experience one of the spa’s most popular and unique services, the Oconee Rain Treatment.  Incorporating local Creek medicine of the Four Elements of healing: fire, water, air, and earth, my combination lavender dry brush, massage with hot and cold stones and luxurious Vichy rain shower was by far one of the best spa services I’ve ever had!  I felt energized and relaxed, ready to hike in the woods or kick back by the indoor pool.   Since the spa’s indoor pool was only steps away from the locker rooms, the pool won.  Every afternoon, the indoor pool is open for family swim and has plenty of towels, pool noodles and kick boards readily available.  The pool area’s large windows, hot tub, comfy lounge chairs and high ceilings made me feel like I was in my own personal sanctuary.  I felt completely relaxed and daydreamed about how I could make this visit to The Ritz-Carlton Lodge last longer.

RITZ KIDS and GROUNDS

Our six year old had the chance to participate in the half-day Ritz Kids program while I retreated to the spa.  She loved everything about her Ritz Kids adventure, especially the Mad Hatters Tea Party.  They made party hats, decorated cupcakes, crafted jewelry boxes and bracelets.  They went on outdoor adventures where they learned about the natural habitat, met Jerry the bullfrog and giggled on tree swings.  They even made up their own play in the outdoor Pollywog Theater!  The ladies working with the kids were amazing.  They worked so well to make the experience fabulous for each child and really enjoyed their role as party hosts.  Our daughter wanted to visit the staff at the Ritz Kids throughout our stay and planned to invite them to her birthday party as well as play dates back home.

Even though it was a bit chilly outside, we found the outdoors irresistible!  We wandered along hiking trails, played in the sand at the lake front beach, shot horseshoes and basketballs, splashed in the heated outdoor infinity pool then hopped in the hot tub to unwind.  The kids made friends quickly and played on the playground while the grownups relaxed in full view of their games.  They resort has canoes and bikes for rent but we opted to enjoy the ice skating rink which is complimentary for resort guests.  After strapping on our skates, our six year old gleefully taught herself to skate while holding onto one of the helpful sleds.  It was absolutely wonderful!

We also had the privilege of riding the Linger Longer Express, a tiny 26 passenger train, that toured the beautiful grounds. Our six year old was thrilled with the attention she received as she waved to guests passing by so we rode the train more than a few times.  We spotted eagles, deer and even a fox strolling in the forest surrounding the beautiful resort and took in the amazing mixture of natural beauty, great service and incredible luxury that The Ritz-Carlton Lodge provides.

Read my full review of The Ritz Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation.  Been there? Share your scoop!

Disclosure: Special thanks to The Ritz-Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation for hosting me on this adventure. As always, the opinions expressed in this article are my own.

Lisa-Marie Leihy is Trekaroo’s Florida Destination Guroo.  She loves to travel and blog about her Sunshine State adventures at Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.

Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA

10. Walk amongst the dinosaurs at Dinosaur State Park

Photo by: Trekaroo/familiarycerz

Okay so there are not really dinosaurs here, but there are 200 million year old tracks which were discovered in 1966. At Dinosaur State Park, kids (and dino enthusiasts in particular) can imagine the dinosaurs tromping around these parts so many years ago. There are trails here to search for tracks as well as fabulous specimens in an indoor interactive exhibit. In season you can even cast you own tracks!!

Explore the city of Rocky Hill for all it has to offer.

 9. Pick a bushel of apples

Photo by: Flickr/bradnoble

Lyman Orchards in Middlefield is a classic Connecticut orchard. Since 1741 and for eight generations this family farm has been giving us their best–my how they have grown.  All the bells and whistles are available here. There are apples to pick, pumpkins to choose, corn mazes to puzzle and festivals to be had during harvest season in the fall. Take your kids and spend a half day frolicking in the orchards and wandering your way through the maze. In the winter they host a Winterfest with dog sled pulling, ice carving competitions, and horse drawn sleigh or wagon rides depending on snow cover and food!!!  Baked goods such as Apple pie are always a tasty treat.

Share your favorite Orchard or Farm with other Trekaroo users, write a review.

8. Duck your head into a submarine

Photo by: uss.nautilus.org

Connecticut is home to the first (and still active) Naval Submarine Base, New London. Take inspiration and visit The Submarine Force Library and Museum operated by the US Navy.  The museum is home to the Nautilus, the first nuclear powered vessel and the first to go 20,000 leagues under the sea.  Parking and admission are FREE. Tours of the Nautilus are self-guided, but you are provided an audio wand to help understand the exhibit. From here you can continue your armed forces history tour into Fort Trumbull. Built between 1839 and 1852, this elaborate stone fort on the shores of New London was erected to protect US shores. It’s construction and use is fabulously outlined in the Visitors Center which features cannons, artillery and restored living quarters and laboratories.

Book a hotel in Groton to get ready for your adventure.

7. ’It’s Elementary’ at Gillette Castle

Photo by: Trekaroo/familiarycerz

Perched high atop the Connecticut River sits the elaborately designed Gillette Castle. Designed by William Gillette, the actor who coined the term ‘ it’s elementary’ in his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, you can tour this castle now operated by the Connecticut State Park system. Built from 1914-1919 on 184 acres the castle grounds are now home to picnic sites and trails overlooking the river. This odd, intricately modeled castle has secret mirrors, glass mosaic walls and crazy locks for the doors. You can drive to this destination or for an extra adventure take the Chester-Hadlyme ferry  across the Connecticut River which operates seasonall ( April 1st-November 30th)y. To extend your visit in the Connecticut River Valley check out the Essex Steam Train and River boat ride. These two attractions are run by the same company and give family’s the ability to tour the scenic Connecticut River valley by boat and/or by train.

As part of the fantastic Connecticut State Park system, buy the heritage pass and get access to Fort Trumbull, Dinosaur and Gillette Castle state parks for $67/family of 6.

6. Get a thrill at Lake Compounce Amusement Park

Photo by: Flickr/jstudts

America’s oldest operating amusement park, Lake Compounce is named after Chief John Compound a Mattatuck/Tunxis Native, referencing the states native heritage. Since 1864 when it was first opened as a lake park, families from all over New England and the tri-state area come to the park for chills and thrills.  The lake hosts the largest outdoor water park in the state with attractions for kids of all ages. The shipwreck at Clipper Cove has water slides and cannons to cool you off. In the park are the Zoomerang for big kids providing up ended thrills and a large Kiddie land with rides modeled after the big-kid rides to while away the whole day. Although there are thoroughly modern and thrilling rides at the park, there are also nods to the park’s history with a trolley car ride and an exciting wooden roller coaster named Boulderdash which is built into the side of Southington Mountain. For a more relaxed visit, your family can also spend the day at the lake swimming and sunning.

Been to Lake Compounce?  Share your scoop.

5. Play Lacrosse like a Native American

The Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center is located in eastern Connecticut on the Pequot reservation. The museum is native owned and operated and is considered world class in exhibits and education and tells the story of the Peqout people who established a reservation in 1666 making it one of the oldest in the states. From dioramas of ancient times and walking tours where you become part of the exhibit, your family learns of the both the ancient life and trials and how they live and function in today’s modern world. During certain times of the year they offer programming included with admission that allows kids to play a native game like lacrosse, which was initially a war game, or they can create a native instrument.  Plan on spending the whole day and still not seeing everything, especially if there are storytelling, dancing or other events happening. Save the vivid depiction of the Native American extermination for the older kids, but soak in the rest of the exhibits with kids of all ages. You can also sample some Native American fare along with typical American dishes at the Museum Restaurant.

Find lodging near Mashantucket to extend your museum visit.

4.  Broaden minds by enjoying literary history

Photo by: Trekaroo/Lyndie

Samuel Clemons (aka “Mark Twain”), the author of American classics like The Adventures of  Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, lived right here in Connecticut. Visit Mark Twain’s home to learn about his life, work, antics and influence on American Literature. Most kids have or will read these classics. Designed and built in 1873 -1874, the house is a masterpiece and constantly undergoing historically appropriate renovations. An onsite museum houses artifacts relevant to Twain’s work as well as rotating exhibits such as puppets modeled after characters in Twains own ‘A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court’. You may also wish to continue this literary journey in Hartford by visiting the home of Harriet Beecher Stowe at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center. Famous for her book about slavery, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, children will learn that she was a role model capable of invoking change at a time when women had difficulty being heard. A visit to these two sites will broaden your child’s mind and be an enjoyable lesson in history.

Hartford is full of family activities, hotels and restaurants.

3. Be a Leaf Peeper during foliage season

Photo by: Flickr/j neuberger

the mountains of Connecticut would be considered hills by many standards but the scenery here is fabulous and Mount Frissel at Mount Riga State Park, our highest peak at 2300ft, is attainable even by kids, albeit by a tough hike. Mount Frissel is at the northwest corner of the state and borders New York and Massachusetts which means you can be in all three sates in one hike!!! The wildlife spotting is great and this area of Connecticut is unspoiled and unpopulated. The area is especially beautiful during foliage season. Leaf peepers, tourists heading to New England just for the leaves, are out in full force during autumn. Drives in these parts can bring you to some iconic covered bridges, historic homes and tasty roadside restaurants. On the way north check out the West Cornwall Covered Bridge that passes over the Housatonic River. If you are up for an adventure, camp at the rustic Housatonic Meadows State Park late spring through the beginning of October.

Plan ahead with Trekaroo’s list on the best Fall foliage spots in New England.

2. Ask for cheese on your pizza

Photo by: Flickr/joebeone

If plain cheese pizza is what your kids like make sure you ask for cheese at the landmark New Haven pizza joint Frank Pepe’s Pizzaria Napolatana.  In 1925 Frank Pepe invented the now famous New Haven style pizza and Pepe’s considers cheese a topping. This is an experience in itself. If you want to sample the pies get there early. There is always a line at the door of people waiting for tables. Sally’s Apizza established in 1935 is a true competitor, and you will find lines as well. While you are in New Haven, walk the grounds of Yale University and check out the Peabody Natural History museum. Paleontologists of all ages will enjoy the T-Rex skeleton on display in the grand hall along with other artifacts. Kids will delight in hands on area with the ever busy leaf cutter ants building their nest. At times professors from the prestigious university are on site to answer questions. Our budding entomologist has met with scientists here and enjoyed talking bugs.

Explore activites and lodging in New Haven.

1. Feed the Belugas in Mystic

Mystic Aquarium is located in the quaint seaside town of Mystic, full of charming shop lined streets and several restaurants including the famed Mystic Pizza from the movie of the same title starring Julia Roberts. Mystic Aquarium provides a glimpse into the undersea world with tanks containing sharks, eels and other marine life. You can also take in a sea lion show and meet Surfer, their youngest and boldest. Programs involving feeding the belugas, caring for the penguins and for the less brave, touch pools of sea life and cow nose ray feeding.  Additionally in town is home to Mystic Seaport Museum, the largest museum of its type in the USA, where the sea-life history of Connecticut is brought to life. Whaling exhibits, ship-building displays, boats to board and stories of the slave trade are just a few of the exhibits you can check out here. For an even more fantastic ship experience check out Project Oceanology offered at the nearby UCONN campus at Groton on Longpoint. A charismatic and educated marine biologist will be your guide as you cast nets and check out your catch. You will also complete experiments on board, a great combination of a fun and educational adventure. Remember the sunscreen!!!

Check out this trip planner for the fabulous small town, Mystic!

Want more 50 states fun? See more posts in our series:

Top Ten Things for Families to do in Alaska

Top Ten Things for Families to do in California

Top Ten Things for Families to do in Nevada

Top Ten Things for Families to do in South Dakota

Top Ten Things for Families to do in Utah

Top Ten Things for Families to do in New Mexico

Michelle Brennan is Trekaroo’s New England Destination Guroo

Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA

She also shared her love of the Omni Berkshire Place which is centrally located in Midtown Manhattan and  it’s special  touches just for kids which include “a backpack full of goodies given at check in, cookies and milk delivered to rooms at turn down, and a kids club where children can “decompress” by making crafts and snacking on gummy bears”. Parents, not to be forgotten, will love the friendly staff and luxurious attention to detail found throughout the property.

With all these rave reviews about these two New York City businesses we figured, why not do a giveaway? Luckily, both the Omni and New York  Pass company agreed and, well, here we are! While we hope that our winner will want to head to the Omni Berkshire Place for they free stay, Omni was gracious enough to offer a free night at ANY of their properties to one lucky winner.

The Steal: Win a night at any Omni Hotel and 4 New York Passes!

Details: One lucky winner will receive one (1) night stay at any Omni property across the brand good through the end of the 2012. The winner will also receive four (4) New York Passes, 2 adult and 2 child two day passes (child is age 4-12). Normal restrictions such as availability and blackout dates will apply. Prize value approximately $800.

HOW TO ENTER TO WIN:

In an effort to make easier to enter, we are now using Rafflecopter. Simply click on the box below and follow the directions. The more you do, the more entries you will receive!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rules and guidelines:

• 18 years of age or older
• US Residents only

Deadline to enter: Sunday, March, 4 2012 at 11:59PM PST

What is Monday Madness?

Every Monday, Trekaroo announces on our blog, either a fantastic giveaway or an incredible deal.  It could be a green water bottle, a hotel stay on Maui or theme park tickets. Return every Monday to the Talking Trekaroo Blog for the details. Want a reminder? Become a Trekaroo member or follow us on facebook or twitter.

Thanks to  Online Sweepstakes and CashNet Sweepstakes,.

Sharlene Earnshaw is Trekaroo’s Blog Editor in Chief.

Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA