There's something about blue skies over your head, green leaves all around you and the smell of the great outdoors that reminds you of that pleasant daydream/hallucination you've been having since mid-January as you've been cooped up inside.
Yes, this winter has been by no means the kind of winter we saw last year, it's still, well, winter. You go outside because you have to, not because you want to.
Well, let's change that. Let's get the whole family out of the house and go free-range. Let's discover some great outdoor destinations for family and stamp out that case of cabin fever.
Out'n'About Tree House Resort
We know what you're thinking, and yes: just like the Ewok Village in Return of the Jedi.
Set in the woods of Oregon's Siskiyou Mountain range is a remarkable resort set high in the trees, with rope bridges connecting some and 15 different styles to choose from. As you'd imagine from a uniquely designed resort in Oregon, it's a little on the quirky side. They consider themselves a "treesort" and they are proud to offer several "activitrees."
The fact that said activitrees include Ziplines, rope swings, stables, a swimming hole and the nearby Siskiyou National Forest only add to the lofty appeal of this quirky outdoor destination.
Dunton Hot Springs
Set in a former ghost town in Dunton Colorado, this family-friendly adventure lodge offers everything from glamping to hand-hewn log cabins for accommodations. Cap off a day along the challenging trails nearby (you're just around the mountain from Telluride) with a visit to the saloon or a soak in the natural hot springs.
Think the kids are going to bury their faces in their phones? Think again! Cell signal is unheard of here at Dunton Hot Springs, although there is high-speed Wi-Fi in every cabin (just keep the password to yourself).
Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina
Get elevated and give the family a little bit of everything in towns and villages scattered around this mountain.
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy breathtaking scenery stretching away to the horizon. Visit the campus of App State and enjoy the freewheeling funky vibe of a great college town. Treat the kids to a day at Tweetsie Railroad, with its own working steam engine, plus rides and a live action cowboy show.
PHOTO: The live action show at Tweetsie is both rootin' and tootin'. (Photo by Barry Kaufman)
Then take them up the mountain for a tour through the nature preserve, encountering bears, cougars and river otters before braving the 228-foot suspension bridge spanning two peaks 80 feet apart. It's a great way to let the kids know how brave you are (or how well you hide your crippling fear of heights).
Winter is slowly starting to recede to spring. Get a jump start on your next outdoor adventure. Are you headed somewhere fun with the family? Let us know in the comments.
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