Find Vacation Rentals: February 2012

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Posted: 28 Feb 2012 05:59 AM PST

Nate and Heather Wells began married life by spending a year honeymooning throughout Europe and the States. They feared opening the chapter on kids meant closing the one on travel. Now with three sons, they have found this doesn't have to be so. They write about their ongoing adventures at TheFamilySuitcase.com.

It is tempting to get distracted by Savannah's distinct references in popular culture. Bonaventure Cemetery in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Paula Deen’s cooking, and Forrest Gump's park bench may all be perfectly worth your while; however, our family's recent visit revealed an even richer experience than we anticipated. As my brother-in-law-cum-Savannah local puts it: "Savannah still represents the elegance and sophistication that the old south was all about. It is pure southern charm." A walking tour is a great way to experience the truth behind this description.

Savannah is a great city for walking. The historic district has an inviting coziness to it that just begs to be explored. Our family started one day at Forsyth Park and slowly zigzagged through many of the gorgeous squares that grid this part of the city. The public squares each have their own fascinating histories with the first dating back to the 1700s. Many of the charming original cobblestone streets remain intact below ubiquitous Spanish moss-covered trees. It is easy to see why General Sherman preserved Savannah and presented its safekeeping as a Christmas gift to President Lincoln upon ending his scorched-earth march from Atlanta.

Savannah is fraught with inspiring and difficult moments in US history. A beautiful remnant of this history is found at the still-in-use First African Baptist Church, which was organized by its black Baptist congregants in 1788. As one of the main stops on the Underground Railroad, it has a vibrant history that can be experienced by taking one of the heartfelt tours offered by members of the church. The moving legacy can be appreciated by kids and adults alike.

From the First African Baptist Church and historic squares, we eventually arrived at the waterfront pedestrian walkway along River Street. This is an especially rewarding spot for the kids to enjoy as they watch boats in the harbor beneath the landmark Talmadge Memorial Bridge.

This city has a fantastic tradition for food. We like to do a little extra homework beforehand to plan for the more noteworthy dining spots. This time, we were able to tap into invaluable local advice on where to eat. River Street puts you in close walking distance to some longtime favorites, particularly southern bistro B. Matthews and the comfortable, yet elegant Olde Pink House in an 18^th century mansion. A few blocks away is Leopold's, where, for good reason, everyone raves about their legendary homemade ice cream.

One distinction Savannah claims is that of the most haunted city in the US. All in good fun, there are several tour companies that offer their own unique ghost stories and excursions into the haunted sites of the historic district. We regret never finding the right moment to take part (small children with erratic napping habits will do that to you), but many recommend that this is an entertaining way to learn some of the folklore and stories of the old town.

Savannah is also at the heart of a wonderful region for many fantastic day trips. A few of our much-loved destinations are into the Out Islands off the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina. Tybee Island is one of the more popular, boasting a lighthouse-bejeweled northern tip with white sand beaches stretching wide across the coastline.

The Lowcountry of South Carolina sits just across the Savannah River, and Beaufort, another definitive southern city that has its own lovely waterfront, is only a short drive away. Continue oceanward past Gullah country and you reach Hunting Island State Park, with its captivating nature park and seashell covered beaches. Another remarkable lighthouse with endless views is open to the public. Sadly, because of its location, it is only a matter of time before the beach here is eroded completely by the Atlantic confluence.

Our family has unexpectedly fallen in love with Savannah and the nearby region. We discovered a nuanced warmth and hospitality to the city that was instantly endearing and left us wanting more of what makes it special. Savannah is one of those places that rewards nearly any traveler seeking a new experience – an experience that is much more than just park benches and celebrity chefs.

Deals of the Week: Georgia on My Mind

Posted: 27 Feb 2012 07:44 AM PST

Why, why Georgia, why? Peaches, history, sunshine…what else do you need?! Georgia’s warmth with lull you into a state of relaxation you have never known. These deals will take you to the most southeast point in the state for a historical trip to Savannah or simply a nice beach vacation on Tybee Island. Pack up your bags and get ready for a trip down south.

Up to 15% off total stay!

The Barnard Apple Suite is a historic vacation rental renovated with eco-friendly and sustainable practices. Wake up to sunny Savannah to enjoy a cup of coffee in your private courtyard before walking the historic downtown area with your pup.

Up to 15% off off total stay!

This organic vacation rental has an old charm of its own. An ideal location for exploring Savannah, this quaint apartment is located on a peaceful street two blocks from Forsyth Park where you can spend the afternoon by the fountain.

15% off total stay!

Located on Georgia’s Tybee Island, this beach view home is perfect for your next family vacation. Sleeping up to 13, this rental has incredible balcony views of North Beach and historic Tybee Lighthouse.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Let’s Taste Stars

Posted: 24 Feb 2012 08:03 AM PST

by Barrie Cleveland
California Winery Advisor

The French have been arguing for decades to persuade Americans to stop calling our sparkling wine “Champagne.” They postulate, rightly, that Champagne comes from that sacred region innorthern France where the bubbly was first created, and should not be confused with the various sparkling wines made from Temecula to Topeka.

According to legend, a blind French monk named Dom Pierre Perignon had the first taste of Champagne, around 1700, when he tasted wine that had mistakenly gone through a secondary fermentation.

The secondary fermentation took place when the wine, that had finished its normal fermentation, still had some residual sugar left in the juice. Within the closed bottle or cask, the fermentation started again, and with no place for the resulting carbon dioxide togo, it was absorbed into the wine, creating those tiny bubbles.

Dom Perignon supposedly came up from the cellarand exclaimed, “I have been drinking stars!”

A great story, but probably not true. Dom Perignonwas a real person and was involved in the early development of this bubbly delight, but probably not such a dramatic character. He will be long remembered due to this story, and that his name isused for some of the most expensive Champagne produced: French VS California.

Recently I had the opportunity to organize a tasting of California and French sparklers. This was a formal tasting with winemakers, wine retailers, plenty of oenophiles, cork dorks, winos and the stray wine groupie. A great cast of characters.

I assembled two flights of sparkling wines plus a mini demi-sec (sweet) flight. I prepared them to drink blind (tin foiled wrapped bottles to cover the labels) and included some soft cheeses, crackers, a dollop of caviar and crème fresh. This was going to be good!

Lots of opinions were expounded, postulated, augured and tossed about by the assembled group of tasters. As the tasting progressed the flinty minerality, ripe apples and pear aromas complimented the yeasty, baked bread and toast flavors of the wines. All were enjoyed but some stood out.

The California versions were clean, and with one exception, free of flaws and well balanced. Most had plenty of fruit and acidity and all displayed plenty of tiny bubbles to marvel at.

The French though took top honors with the mix of rich, creamy, rounded and more interesting wines to enjoy and contemplate. We could find rose pedals, vanilla, flint and hints of nuts and cherries in our glasses. The Champagnes were a mix of non-vintage favorites and some older vintage offerings, one with a $125 price tag.

To host your own sparkling wine tasting the best bet is to have a mix of price ranges and regions. If you have enough tasters (up to a maximum of 14 maybe 16) try tasting two flights of four wines each is a reasonable way to go. With less people you may end up with extra wine or overnight guests!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Reuse, Recycle, or Make Your Own Mardi Gras Beads

Posted: 23 Feb 2012 02:00 AM PST

by Joanna Eng

If you headed to the Gulf Coast or had your own Carnival celebration this year, the whole shebang probably involved lots of colorful plastic beads. Mardi Gras beads are tons of fun, but they can also create a lot of waste. Rather than throwing them away or letting them collect dust on your dresser, never to be used again, try some of these methods of reusing, “upcycling,” or even crafting your own beads.

Where to donate beads

If you’re in New Orleans, you can head to local nonprofit Arc of Greater New Orleans after the party’s over. They’ll take your used beads and re-sell them at next year’s festivities to raise money for their mission to serve people with intellectual disabilities and delays. There are four different bead drop-off locations.

Elsewhere, consider giving your beads to children’s after school programs or senior centers or recycled art supply centers, or anywhere else where colorful crafts are likely to bring people joy.

Get crafty

Want to do the crafting yourself or with your kids? Those shiny beads can star in all sorts of DIY projects. Use them to decorate masks, sunglasses, or costumes for next year’s Mardi Gras. Around the holidays, they can turn into wreaths and ornaments.

Once you start to think about it, you’ll realize there’s almost nothing that couldn’t be spiced up with a few strands of Carnival beads. Planetpals highlights homemade chandeliers, lamps, mosaics, jewelry, and even a bead-covered piano.

Make your own beads

Avoid the plastic beads in the first place by creating beads from scratch. It’s especially fun to do with the kids or at the beginning of a party. Alphamom suggests making them out of strips of magazine paper, glue, and paint.

Or if you want to get really advanced, take a class in glass bead making and fashion your own line of colorful beads. After the initial investment of time and materials, you’ll end up with beads that will last longer, draw more compliments, and use less plastic than the ubiquitous, cheaply made kind.

Here’s to a greener, more creative and generous Carnival season!

Joanna Eng is a New York-based writer and editor who covers travel, green living, food, careers, entrepreneurship, and more. Her travel experiences have ranged from hostel hopping in Mexico to staying with distant relatives in China to renting a beach apartment in New Jersey.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Miami on a Budget: Best Food Trucks in Miami

Posted: 22 Feb 2012 06:58 AM PST

Today we are featuring, Megan Kaseburg, a travel blog writer who promotes Miami tours and attractions for the Gray Line Miami Blog.

Miami is home to the rich and famous who love to enjoy the good life. It's not surprising then that Miami can be a somewhat difficult place for travelers on a modest budget. The best way to save some dough but not skimp on your vacation experience is to stop at one (or let´s be honest, several) of Miami's best food trucks. Food truck fever has spread all across the US but no where else is this food trend as hot and spicy as it is in Miami. Offering a wide variety gourmet flavors at incredibly reasonable prices, food trucks are perfect for hanging out with the locals as you savor a sampling of small plates of delicious eats. Here are some of the best food trucks in Miami:

Jefe´s Original Fish Tacos

Bringing West Coast fish tacos to Miami, Jefe´s fish tacos are petite but overflowing with oh-so-good flavor. These tacos will beg you to squeeze all the limes that you can get your hands on over the delicately fried fish. At less than $2.50 per mini taco, you will have to exercise extreme self-control to prevent yourself from ordering more than three. Emanating good vibes and sunshine, it´s like you can almost hear the waves of Baja California.

Latin Burger and Taco

Taking the burger to a whole new level, this fusion of the classic American cheeseburger with a generous helping of Latin spice is absolutely divine in a macho sort of way. A Sirloin steak burger smothered in caramelized onions and peppered with jalapeños will be your taste bud's idea of heaven but your breath's idea of hell. It´s more than worth it, especially when you include fries for a $10 combo meal.

Gastropod

This food truck is a gastronome's dream. One of the original Miami food trucks, Gastropod's Chef Jeremiah joyfully serves his tasty dishes out of his trademark 1960s Airstream motor home. While this is not the cheapest food truck in town, you can expect to pay around $10 per plate, but it is by far the most 'gourmet' option. Cultivating a reputation for exciting and unique Caribbean fusions, Gastropod reigns supreme with customer favorites like Banh Mi Pork Tacos, Red Curry Duck Tacos and the famous Old Dirt Dog Short Ribs with Stupid Slaw.

Che Grill

It is time to go south to the land of savory empanadas and steak: Argentina. If you don't feel like traveling all the way to the Southern Hemisphere for authentic empanadas, then check out the Che Grill. Grab beef or chicken empanadas for an easy-to-eat treat, ideal for a relaxing beach picnic. Meat aficionados know that Argentine carne is all about the cut and you should try the entraña, skirt steak. Don´t be shy with the chimichurri sauce, your culinary palette will thank you later.

Sugar Rush

Don't be surprised if you hear dramatic exclamations such as "Take that away from me before I eat it all!" around Sugar Rush, a food truck dedicated to desserts. Eating a deep friend Oreo is not the model diet for prancing around in your swimsuit on South Beach, but you won't be able to resist yourself. Cake milkshakes are extremely popular and the Red Velvet Cake Milkshake blended with ice cream is by far the biggest crowd pleaser on a hot Miami day. Other scrumptious options include Passion Fruit Cremé Brulee and Churro con Chocolate cupcakes.

Now that you are ready to hit the food truck scene, your next step is to figure out where they are and how to get to these trucks during your Miami city tour. You can visit each truck's website to get the most up to date schedule as they change weekly or check out Miamifoodtrucks.com. Most food trucks do not accept debit/credit cards and you will need to bring some old fashion greenbacks.

Deals of the Week: Welcome to Miami Beach

Posted: 21 Feb 2012 07:47 AM PST

Join Will Smith and “party in the city where the heat is on.” Typically a Resort City, Miami Beach can be more affordable and comfortable when you take advantage of these great deals on your next vacation. You’ll be within walking distance of the nightlife but still have enough privacy to enjoy your family vacation. So put your shades on and head on down to the beach…Welcome to Miami.

20% off total stay!

This 5 star beach front property has everything you could ask for. Residing in a 1930s Art Deco building, you will have the best sea view around, be within walking distance of Miami’s nightlife, and have your own private whirlpool. What else do you need?

Get 1 Night Free!

A modern studio, this apartment is in the perfect quiet location 3 blocks from the beach and only 1 block from Flamingo Park & the public pool. Enjoy the best of both worlds with nightlife excitement and peaceful sleep, you won’t regret it.

20% off total stay!

Part of Mondrian South Beach Residence, this luxurious suite offers high class living you will never want to leave. Enjoy the ocean view from your balcony, the loft like spaces designed by Marcel Wanders, and top it off with the Bay Front Pool.

50% off total stay!

This unbelievable studio is located in Trump International Hotel and offers beach access from the building. Eat a sunset dinner on the balcony and then cozy up in your own private jacuzzi to absorb the beautiful Miami Beach with a loved one.

Friday, February 17, 2012

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Three Family Friendly Ski Hills in New Hampshire

Posted: 17 Feb 2012 07:51 AM PST

by Jenn & Hannah

It is a great time to take the family skiing! If you’re headed to the East Coast, New Hampshire is a natural choice for enjoying winter fun in the White Mountains. Everyone is familiar with the well publicized (read that very expensive) big hills with lodges and hot tubs, but there are other budget stretching options! With little kids, you probably don’t need six world class black diamond runs and an enclosed heated lift as much as you need affordable child care and lift tickets that are budget friendly! Here are three options that fit the bill:

Pat’s Peak

Located in Henniker, NH, Pat’s Peak is a family run outfit with a variety of winter fun on tap, from tubing to skiing, snowboarding and snow biking too! Their nursery is small, with an excellent child-care giver ratio. Reservations are recommended. With long, slow, sloping green hills that run from the top of the mountain down, this is a great place to teach kids to ski. They’ll be able to get off of the “bunny hill” quickly and experience success. With full day lift tickets for adults under $60, and discounts for ticket bundle deals, everybody wins. This is where we taught our four kids to ski, and it’s my first pick for value and a family friendly atmosphere. That they are adherents to the Sustainable Slopes Charter is just a bonus!

Mount Sunapee

Located in Newbury, NH, Mount Sunapee is a wonderful place to take kids! They have a full service childcare program for children up to five years old and an array of lessons for all ages. Reservations are recommended. Kids five and under ski free with a ticketed adult, and with eight lifts there are plenty of choices for skiers of all levels. Unlike Pat’s Peak, they have “ski and stay” packages arranged with local inns that include a lift ticket and breakfast, which is very convenient for families traveling to ski.

Ragged Mountain

Ragged Mountain, in Danbury, NH, is where we took our kids when they’d mastered the basics and were ready for the next skiing challenge. Unlike some other hills, which begin childcare with one year olds, Ragged Mountain has a daycare program for babies as young as six weeks old, which is extremely convenient for nursing mothers! With a range of discounted lift ticket deals adults can ski for as little as $31 per day, mid week. Ragged Mountain also boasts an array of slope side lodging, from fully equipped, self catering apartments, to bunk rooms where you can stay for as little as $20 per person per night. Think of it as a skiing hostel!

Don’t miss the opportunity to ski with your family this winter. Snow is more than a chore to be shoveled, it’s winter’s greatest play thing! Pack your kids, pack your sense of adventure and hit the slopes!

A dynamic mother-daughter duo of travel writers, Jenn & Hannah are in their fourth year of an open ended world tour. Their partners in crime are Dad & 3 brothers and together they are http://www.edventureproject.com

Thursday, February 16, 2012

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Get Your Winter Creativity Going in Mont Tremblant, Canada

Posted: 16 Feb 2012 07:38 AM PST

by Isabel Eva Bohrer

It's no secret that Canada has a successful formula to superb skiing during the winter. Mont Tremblant has been a sensation in Canada's Eastern region for years. In fact, the area has been honored with Ski Magazine's title “Best snow skiing in Eastern North America” for 12 consecutive years.

To reach the stunning alpines of Mont Tremblant from Montreal, head north on the main thoroughfare of Autoroute Laurentienne (Hwy 15 North) – it's about a two hour drive (80 miles/130 km). You'll arrive at a winter wonderland, where you can exercise up and down on more than 94 runs, and some 600 skiable acres. To be exact, one of the longest ski trails in the country at nearly 4 miles long is located at Mont Tremblant.

After years of the same old hat of just conventional skiing, take a leap this year and try something new. Here's a few adrenaline-spiking activities for you to indulge in this season at Mont Tremblant:

Snowshoeing

When you're wearing snowshoes, bitter cold temperatures are never an obstacle. Bundle up your feet and put them to good use in Mont Tremblant; snowshoeing is easy. Take short steps while digging in with the balls of your feet, and when you're going downhill, rely on fast baby steps downhill. That's really all there is to it.

Snowshoeing is ideal for families and groups. You can take a guided nature tour or venture out at your own pace on the pristine snowshoe trails.

Ice Climbing

With the enthusiasm for rock climbing growing, an interest in ice climbing naturally follows. With the use of specialized ropes, clamps, spikes, and a steely set of nerves, beginners, too, can start ice climbing at Mont Tremblant. At training sessions, novices gain the required skills while the qualified instructors will assure that you're safe and sound. Master a challenge as you're accompanied by professionals.

Dog sledding

Although it's not a new sport, dog sledding is finding its niche as a form of fun recreation. At Mont Tremblant, you can drive a dog sled with your entire family, accompanied by a skilled Musher guide, of course. Valleys, forests, mountains and miles of trails; you'll see it all at Mont Tremblant. It's bound to be a memorable experience to talk about and remember for years to come.

Tubing

Tubing can be a workout and bonding experience for the entire family. It's basically the same as tobogganing, but using inner tubes instead. At Mont Tremblant, Aventures Neige offers tubing, including private parties with catering if you wish. Give your own meaning to the adage, "The family that plays together stays together."

Ice-Fishing

The ice-fishing season is in full swing during the winter in Mont Tremblant. Ice fishing may not seem like much of a sport to those who don't enjoy fishing, but in fact there is nothing like catching a pike or perch and sharing it with the rest of the family. This pastime in Mont Tremblant begins as soon as the ice is thick enough; between 16 and 24 inches thick is seen as safe.

Snowboarding

Snowboarding originated from skateboarding and ocean surfing. Today, it consists of one single board gliding down the same ski slopes as conventional skiers. The Snow-School at Mont Tremblant is open to all ages, so there is no longer an excuse not to try the fast pace action of snowboarding. Group and private lessons are available.

Snowmobiling

Skiing is not mandatory at Mont Tremblant. As an alternative, try snowmobiling. Organized Tours are available for you to experience the panorama in a way that only the high elevations can provide. Those who have never ridden a snowmobile before will have their adrenaline hitting new heights after setting off on Mont Tremblant's ascending peaks, snow-covered forests and vast trails.

Overall, hot new winter sports will continue to pop up as long as there is snow to challenge the minds of the winter sports enthusiasts. It is places like Mont Tremblant that will make sure to make the long, cold winter a paradise of adventure and fun for all.

Isabel Eva Bohrer is a freelance writer and photographer who has dispatched pieces from over twenty countries across five different continents. She is currently based in Madrid and in homage to the Spanish capital, she publishes MADbudget: Isabel Eva’s guide to Madrid. Learn more about her work at www.isabelevabohrer.com.

Mont Tremblant and Poutine

Posted: 15 Feb 2012 07:21 AM PST

by Emily Monaco

When I tell people that I went to Canada for college, most people seem surprised, especially when they learn that I have no family connection to the Great White North. I’m not entirely sure what drew me to Canada, but as soon as I arrived in Toronto, I found that a perfect mix of the familiar and the foreign was awaiting me. Toronto was just similar enough to American cities to be easy to navigate and get used to; it was just different enough to always give me new things to explore.

My favorite, however, was getting out of my comfort zone, like we did when ten of us decided to pack up for a week of skiing in Québec. Up until that point, skiing had always been a family affair for me: our trips to Vermont were spent cocooned in our rented condominium; meals were homemade by my mother and delivered directly to cold laps. Our ski vacation in Québec was a combination of skiing and tourism, of getting to bed long after nightfall and getting up shortly after daybreak to hit the slopes. I don’t think I’ve ever been more tired, but I never had more fun either.

The Québecois are quite adamant about their status as neither Canadian nor French. People from Québec have their own culture, their own traditions and — as this standard French-speaker learned — their own language. Wandering through the town during what the Québecois quite perfectly call après-ski – after-ski — I felt as though I had been catapulted back in time: the quaint buildings dusted with snow, the cobbled streets, the mountains rising high and proud in the background. But what struck me the most, without question, was the language.

I had been confident, when I arrived in Quebec, that I would be able to translate for my non-Francophone friends. As soon as we got in the taxi to our hotel, however, I was shocked at how little we understood each other; the French I spoke and the garbled series of sounds that was coming quickly at me like buckshot from the front seat of the cab were nowhere near similar. I resorted, first to slow, textbook French, and finally, much to my dismay, to English.

As with many trips, it was over a beer (all right, several), that I finally lost the self-consciousness that had been hindering my ability to create a pidgin tongue, almost certainly acquired in France, where the pride of their language often outweighs their desire to help a foreigner be understood. In Quebec, though, the perfect combination of French pride and Canadian friendliness united us over chopes of beer, jokes that were impossible to translate for everyone, and piping hot plates of poutine, French fries with gravy and melted cheese. I don’t know if it’s what the French would have intended, but there’s nothing better after a long day of skiing, and who better than the Québecois, who spend at least 6 months a year under the snow, to come up with the perfect remedy.

Poutine

2 lb. potatoes
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cup beef gravy (use your favorite, or mine — recipe follows)
1 cup cheese curds (if you don’t have cheese curds near you, use cubes of cheddar cheese)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Slice the potatoes into fries. Toss in a baking dish with olive oil and salt. Roast 1 hour total, tossing once or twice to ensure even browning.

Meanwhile, heat the gravy in a saucepan until warm. When the fries are cooked, place them in your serving dish of choice and pour gravy over them. Sprinkle with the cheese curds and cover with another plate or pot lid, about 5 minutes or until the cheese melts.

Beef Gravy (and Beef Stew)

2 onions, thinly sliced
1 Tbsp. butter
2-3 tsp. vegetable oil, if needed
2 pounds beef stew meat, cut in chunks
salt, to taste
3 cups hot water, plus more, as needed
1 Tbsp. flour

Heat the butter and onions together in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over low heat. Cover and allow to caramelize over about 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions are dark brown and sweet.

Remove the onions to a bowl. Add vegetable oil if needed and turn the heat up to high. Salt the beef generously and add in one layer to the pot. Sear the beef chunks on all sides, cooking in two batches, if needed. When the beef is browned, add it all to the pot along with the onions and the hot water. Reduce heat to low and cover. Cook 3-4 hours, until the beef is fall-apart tender. Add more water over the course of cooking as needed.

Reserve 1 cup of gravy; the rest goes with the stew. Enjoy it another day. Combine a Tbsp. of gravy with the flour in a small saucepan, whisking to make a roux. Add the rest of the gravy slowly, whisking continuously, until you have a thickened gravy.

Emily Monaco is native New Yorker, living and writing in Paris since 2007. She loves discovering new places and, of course, their local cuisines! Read about her adventures in food and travel at tomatokumato.com or follow her on Twitter at @emiglia

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Mont Tremblant: More than a Ski Town

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 07:48 AM PST

Today we are featuring Deana Prud’Homme who has been living in Tremblant for 13 years. Her love for snowboarding, music industry, and her work in the tourism industry has given her the chance to experience everything Tremblant has to offer year round. You can follow Deana on her blog www.blogtremblant.com/ to read more about events and activities happening in Mont Tremblant.

Mont Tremblant is considered an international renowned ski destination but it’s so much more than that, in recent years Mont-Tremblant has become a popular getaway for tourist and locals alike for both winter and summer activities. The great mountain, lake, restaurants, shops, spas, and hospitable people are just a few reasons why you should visit Mont Tremblant.

Aside from skiing, there are plenty of other great things to do. I always mention to guests to make sure that if they come during the winter to try out dogsledding, it’s a fantastic experience. There is nothing like rounding up your own dogs and tying them up to your sled yourself to really get the adventure started. Expedition Wolf is my favorite dogsledding place, they have been around for quite some time and the fact that you can participate in the dog handling really makes the experience hands on.

Ice skating at night is another fantastic thing to do, I like to go in the Old Village of Tremblant on Lac Moore. It is only a 4 minute car ride off resort but it’s not a manmade rink, it is located on a lake that is lit up at night and just looks magical. I’m also a fan of the guided snowshoeing tour at night. You have to request it at the Activity Center on the resort, it’s called the Fireman tour and it’s a different experience than a normal tour. The guide who does this is incredible, he knows the mountain like the back of his hand.

If you are visiting in the summer there is no shortage of golf courses in the Laurentians. Six of them are located very close to the resort. Mont Tremblant has become an excellent getaway for golfers over the years with its famous championship courses.

My number one favorite thing to do in the summer is rent a pontoon on Lake Tremblant. Pack a lunch with somebeveragesand head out with a couple friends or family on to the lake for a few hours. Swim and soak up some rays, this is as good as it gets. You are your own boat driver and you can head out to the end of the lake and feel complete privacy, accompanied by the perfect backdrop. The more people you are the less expensive it becomes and you can be away from it all for the day and experience why people fall in love with Tremblant. Here are some tips to help you plan a menu for the day!

Speaking of food, if you are visiting during the summer, please take advantage of the Old Village Market that is open every Saturday morning in the old town of Tremblant village. It is an organic market where you can sample the best cheeses, wines, breads and fish to name a few goodies. It’s all local produce and fresh pastries.

There is no shortage of spas for relaxation, a must any time of year would be The Spa Scandinav. Going during the week is always best to avoid the crowds and at night is always a bit more romantic of you are having a couples getaway. Multiple baths, hot and cold surround the Diable river and a dunk in the ice cold water is going to rejuvenate anyone.

The resort does a great job putting on free concerts on the resort throughout the year. The most popular ones being the Blues Festival, the 24h and Symphony under the Stars, but almost every week there are out of town and local shows. One of my favorite recent shows was Boogiewonderband. They put on a great dance party for us all.

Let’s not forget the wonderful Fall season, my personal favorite. The time between mid-September til the end of October is where Tremblant is most breath taking. The trees are beaming with great colors and the air smells great.

There are plenty of great places to stay when traveling here. Most of the hotels are located directly on the resort but there are around 285 fabulous FlipKey Rentals in Mont Tremblant located near or in the resort as well. Here are some of the great high end properties that FlipKey offers in Mont Tremblant.