Last-minute summer getaways for the family

Busch Gardens: Situated on 100 action-packed acres, Busch Gardens Europe boasts more than 50 rides and attractions, ten main stage shows, a wide variety of cuisine and shops. 

Water Country USA: The mid-Atlantic’s largest water play park features a 1950s and ‘60s
surf-theme. Water Country USA offers more than 30 slides and water rides. Visit, watercountryusa.com

3. Québec City
Québec City and area is taste of Old Europe. Founded in the 17th century, it still resembles a French provincial town; its family-oriented residents have strong ties to their past. Ninety-five percent of the population speaks French. In 2008, Québec City will be celebrating the 400th anniversary of its founding.

PACKAGE: Anchors Aweigh!
RESORT: Hilton Vieux Québec, Quebec City
PRICE: $ 715.00
WHO: Family of four, (kids up to 17 years old)
HOW: Flying from Chicago to Montreal is 2 hours, flying Montreal to Quebec City 45 minutes. Non-stop flights from Boston and Newark in under an hour and a half to Quebec City.

INCLUDES:

• 4 days/3nights
• Buffet breakfast
• Access to "Village Vacances Valcartier" (water park)
• Boat cruise Croisière Les Découvreurs AML (90 min.)
• 1 hour bike rental

BOOKING: 1-877-BONJOUR, quebecregion.com

Things to do:
For a slice of French culture without crossing the pond, head for Quebec City, Canada.  For starters, concentrate on the old city or “Vieux-Quebec.” Perched on a promontory overlooking the St. Lawrence River, old Quebec City is characterized by slant-roofed granite houses, cobblestone lanes, and cafes spilling onto the streets. This is North America’s only “walled city” (it was once a military fortress) outside of Mexico.

The Old City is divided into “Upper Town” (“Haute-Ville’)”  and “Lower Town,  (“Basse-Ville”). They are so named because one is high on the cliffs, the other down by the water and port. Connecting them is the “funicular” a vertical glass cable car that offers a panoramic view of
the Saint-Lawrence river. Or, for the adventurous there are the famous “Escalier Casse-Cou” (“Breakneck Stairs”) which have been in place since the 17th century. The moniker is well earned. They are treacherous in the snow.

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