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My summer break started just before the 4th of July. I left Manhattan with the boys and we headed out West. After spending most of my life in hot, humid Arkansas celebrating the 4th, I decided I’d like to celebrate my countries birthday in a cooler place. I am not a fan of intense heat, so Vail, Colorado was the perfect escape. This was actually our second trip to Vail for the 4th of July. And I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a summer get-a-way.

A summertime mountain tip is great for many reasons. There aren’t any big crowds like you find at the beach. More than likely, you won’t bump into anyone from your neighborhood. The room rates are reasonable. You can enjoy the mountains without all of the expensive winter clothing. The food is delicious and the weather is shear perfection. The temps are in the mid 70s and the humidity is – well, missing!! That’s right, no humidity. For me, that’s a vacation in itself because I’m not having to deal with my long, mop of hair everyday! The ski slopes turn into hiking and biking trails in the summer. The gondola at Lions Head is running so you can ride up and bike or hike down. Whatever suits your fancy!

If you are so inclined as Corbin and Mark were, you can hike up the mountain. The boys made it all the way up last year. This year, they only went half way as it looked like they were about to get caught in a thunder storm. At the top of the mountain, there are lots of fun things to do for the kids. Corbin jumped a gazillion times on the bungee trampoline. He even made it to the very top of the rock climbing wall – twice.

And when there is water nearby, I like to get in it. With the Colorado River nearby, we booked a float trip. I had a blast. So did Corbin and Mark. The water is really high on the river now because of the late snow and melting that is still happening. That’s why we skipped out on fly fishing this time. We floated through some bumpy spots along the way, everyone got splashed and had a smile on their face.

When we made it back to Jonesboro, it took about 10 seconds for me to start swatting mosquitoes and wiping sweat off of my face. Why did we leave Vail? I’m off to Door County, Wisconsin soon to catch up with a childhood friend. Again, it’s another cool destination right along Lake Michigan. I can’t get there soon enough! Your Southerner in the City is looking forward to returning to the city as my creative juices seemed to have melted in the intense Arkansas heat.

Photos – 1. Corbin and Mark walking on a snow bank at the top of the mountain. 2. Snow under the lift at the top of the mountain

Check out more of DJ’s adventures on her blog at djduckworthyoga.com/blog.