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Got a case of wanderlust that won’t quit? Your next family holiday out West is a click away. Our moms have bounced around the globe testing out family vacation spots from campgrounds to African safaris and they’re dishing the dirt on what works, what doesn’t and what you need to know before you go. Get all the family travel information essentials you need (from a traveling mom's perspective, natch!) to dive into your next family vacation adventure out West.
Here you'll find family holiday ideas for Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, California, Oregon, Washington, Nebraska, Kansas, Hawaii, South Dakota, North Dakota and Alaska.
In the heart of the Feather River Canyon of Plumas County, California we recently stumbled upon a little, lesser known historic resort. It was a holiday three-day weekend and we were pretty resigned to the fact that finding a last minute campground or resort to hook up our RV after 5 p.m. on a Friday was not a likely success story in the making.
Looking for some gaming off the beaten path? An excellent hotel and fantastic dining? Tired of huge glitzy casinos and crowds? Then check out the California Gold Rush Country's Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort just outside Jackson, California. The moment we checked in we were impressed by the excellent service and warm hospitality. The lobby is adorned with beautiful historic photos of various inns from yesteryear.
This fall the family and I headed up to Breckenridge for a friend’s wedding and little leaf peeping! 
Two of the most exciting Wild West towns of Nevada have paired to bring families an exciting, historical and adventurous excursion aboard the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. We stayed in Carson City, right in the heart of town at the Best Western Carson City. The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful, the room was immaculate and great dinner and drink specials kept everyone's tummy's happy. Right in the heart of downtown, within blocks of eateries, museums and malls, this was the perfect hub for our weekend stay.
Here are resorts and lodges west of the Mississippi that are good bets for families this winter:
We relish any chance to visit Big Bear Lake. Usually it's our family ski destination or a wonderful summer vacation respite when something else in the Southern California area beckons us below. When my teen daughter, girlfriend and I were on a Southern California girlfriend getaway last week and I heard the colors were popping in Big Bear, we jumped at the chance, even if only overnight, to savor the exquisite beauty of Big Bear, in yet a different season.
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