Mommy Gearest

Jan 16, 2025 | mommygearest.com | Mommy Gearest

There’s nothing quite like a Vermont winter getaway. Driving its windy roads lined with snow-dusted trees, there are mountain tops in every direction and — in equal measure — charming towns with quaint bookstores and artisanal cafés. In fact, you can’t drive more than half an hour or so without passing through a cluster of small businesses that will make you want to park and explore. And then there’s the iconic New England architecture.

Jan 14, 2025 | mommygearest.com | Mommy Gearest

It had been six years since we drove mere minutes across the Canadian border to Jay Peak VT. And, this time, we brought the snow. It snowed day and night during our entire five-day stay, in fact, which meant we finally got to experience the “Jay Cloud.” Plus the Jay wind (but we’ll get to that). What’s the skiing like at Jay Peak Resort? I am beyond delighted that I can finally answer this question! I’ve been asked so many times over the years.

Dec 19, 2024 | mommygearest.com | Mommy Gearest

Is there a more magical place during the holiday season than Manhattan? Maybe, but I haven’t found it yet. This Christmas in NYC itinerary has been a long time coming; I’ve been to New York during all four seasons, but never in the lead-up to Christmas. And I’m here to tell you that it can be done in just three days, as long as you’re prepared to hustle. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, stay an extra day or two and allow for some more downtime or a spare night for a Broadway show.

Dec 12, 2024 | mommygearest.com | Mommy Gearest

You might expect that a four-day visit to New Jersey’s American Dream mall would’ve meant we came home well over our shopping declaration limit, especially since the state doesn’t charge tax on clothes and shoes. But, no. We might have squeezed in a mere two hours of shopping despite spending a total of eight to 10 hours there each day. And that’s because American Dream isn’t a mall. It’s an entertainment paradise with more family-fun attractions than you can get to in a single long weekend.

Nov 12, 2024 | mommygearest.com | Mommy Gearest

The first time I ever went horseback trail riding, I was hooked — the horses, the adventure, feeling the wind in my hair and hearing fallen leaves crunching beneath hooves. I was 11 or 12 years old and it was just an hour-long walk on an old mare, the standard trail ride you can find just about anywhere with a quick Google search these days, but it sparked a lifelong joy that still helps me reconnect to my best self.