Travel Out Loud

Five ferries and a few highways from Martha's Vineyard, we find Fire Island. New Yorkers walk barefoot. Children run free. Cars are not invited.

Favorite dining spot on Martha's Vineyard: Menemsha beach at sunset with Larsen's lobsters.

Our lovely home served us well for two weeks. Thank you Nicolas and Catherine!

Visiting vineyards in France is SO different than a Napa Valley experience. We rolled up to this winemakes - 5th generation - with all 4 kids in the car. She had toys in the tasting room and sat down with us and gave us the whole, interesting history of their wine. Only 3 in the AOC, still clairette white and a few reds. Very distinctive taste like nothing we have had.

Avignon The audio tour was worth it. Children listened to papal history and enjoyed our day in Avignon topped off with a walk on the bridge. Couldn't get anyone to dance sur le pont, though.

Cascade de la Druise, Omblèze, France What a reward for a long walk down a steep rocky path. The water falls were powerful and spectacular. The water was ice cold. All six family members were smiling on this walk, not easy to do. The drive through the Parc Naturel de Vercours was equally beautiful with the dramatic cliffs. We even stumbled on the hidden brasserie/hotel, Le Moulin de la Pipe, hipster music Mecca scene serving local organic artisan sorbet in a lovely garden that included a kids climbing wall.

Lunch in Saou, France Kids meal fit for a prince.

What a great way to spend the morning of the Feast of the Assumption. All of France is on vacation and we are climbing in the trees.

Traveling back through the Alps to France.

Torino Finally, city life after the alpine road trip

Italy shoe stop shop op What's a trip to Italy without a quick shop op? Ok, we were way too close to the lusciously soft sheep of Biella and the fine wool clothes that made the town famous. Discovered the Italian outlet culture. Then off to Turin to sneak in shoe shopping during the last days of the saldi.

This was a find. Recently renovated hotel at the base of an enormous fort rich with history of invaders and conquerors passing through. Napolean’s 40,000 troops were not as lucky as we were in this Italian alpine hamlet. Perfectly appointed rooms with indisputable Italian style and rustic detail. Rocks from the side of the mountain doubling as hotel walls. A restaurant that not only served fresh local fare but had many vegan options, even almond milk for my son’s morning cereal.