Summer vacation: Four must-do multigenerational trips

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Summer vacation: Four must-do multigenerational trips

summer vacation ideas

Now that we're well into March, planning summer trips tops the to-do list of many a mama, grand or otherwise.

For your consideration, here are four of my favorite trips of the past couple years — all ideal for enjoying with multiple generations. Meaning, they're perfect places to gather together loved ones young and not-so-young plus everyone in between for an unforgettable summertime celebration.

The following trips cover far-reaching regions of the country — California, Colorado, Michigan, Florida — so there's surely one...

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Water log: Morro Bay and beyond

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morro bay

I live in Colorado, where majestic mountains are many — and significant bodies of water few and far between. Nearly non-existant, to be honest.

The scarcity of impressive lakes and such in our home state is a big reason why my daughter and I were so enchanted by the sights along California's central coast when we visited together in May. From Cayucos and San Simeon to Cambria...

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Savor local flavor: 8 great eateries on California's central coast

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The activities and events travelers list on their must-do, must-see lists vary widely depending on interests and intentions. Some folks want to relax and take it easy while away from home, others seek adventure and heart-pounding experiences, others lie somewhere in between balancing a bit of both. 

All travelers, though, like to eat. Must eat. Which puts dining at the top of the must-do list for all who travel. The true treat for tourists is discovering establishments rich in regional dishes complemented by dashes of local lore.

My daughter and I enjoyed eight such eateries on our recent visit to California's central coast, courtesy Morro Bay Tourism and California Highway 1 Discovery Route. Following are our recommendations for savoring local flavor when visiting the charming towns along Highway 1.

BLUE SKY BISTRO ON THE BAY
699 Embarcadero, Morro Bay CA 93442
www.bistroonthebay.com

blue sky bistro on the bay

Blue Sky Bistro offers bayside dining that's about as bayside as you can be, with a fabulous view of Morro Bay and Morro Rock. The superb service perfectly complements...

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CA Highway 1 Discovery Route destination: Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery

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As grandmother to three rambunctious grandsons and another equally active stepgrandson, I've seen my share of children engaging in play battles with one another. From wrestling on the trampoline to Wii wars to Nerf gun wars, I'm no stranger to the competitive, creative capers of kids.

Which is why I never imagined one of the highlights of the mother/daughter trip my oldest and I were treated to along the California Highway 1 Discovery Route (compliments Highway 1 Discovery Route) would be watching little ones battle it out with one another. Yet when the little ones were not so little at all — hundreds and hundreds of pounds, in fact — and elephant seal babes instead of human babes, my daughter and I were enchanted by the action (and inaction) taking place at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery just north of San Simeon along California's Central Coast.

elephant seal rookery 

My daughter and I were instantly intrigued the moment we got out of our car and leaned over the railing separating the massive marine animals from the curious animal lovers enjoying...

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Brief look: Where we stayed, what we saw

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My daughter Brianna and I set out on our California Highway 1 Discovery Route and Morro Bay adventure yesterday. We are enjoying it immensely, and I'll have loads to share in my recap of the fun upon my return. For now, though, I wanted to quickly share with you a brief look of where we're staying the first two nights and what we first saw when we crossed the street from our hotel.

sand pebbles inn cambria

Breathtaking! The Sand Pebbles Inn in Cambria is...

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Wonder-filled week! Plus, GRAND Social No. 206 link party for grandparents

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Wonder-filled week!

Welcome back! I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day. Mine was lovely, with sweet connections with each of my girls, each in a different way.

I have a wonder-filled week ahead, with further connecting with my oldest daughter, Brianna, as we set out early Wednesday morning on a picture-perfect multigenerational trip along the California Highway 1 Discovery Route and Morro Bay, California.

sailing around morro bay rock
Sailing around Morro Bay Rock, courtesy Morro Bay Tourism Bureau

The itinerary includes multiple wonders, from wine tastings to a Hearst Castle tour, an Elephant Seal "stewardship travel experience" and a walk along...

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