Smuggler's Notch resort in Vermont looks great, but does not seem to be open in the spring. Do you know of any great family resorts that my husband, my children (2 and 4 years old) and I can go to in mid- to late-May, preferably on the East Coast?

Smuggler's Notch resort is always open for lodgings, but their family programs operate from June through mid-October, then again from December into April. Visit in spring, and you're on your own, but there's plenty to do--lots of mountain walks, swimming (the pools are open) and tennis. Memorial Day weekend is typically the time when New England resorts spring into action. You might consider heading farther south. The weather will be peachy, and you may even luck into early-season discounts on lodgings.

Bald Head Island, off the southeastern coast of North Carolina, is so lovely, you won't even miss the lack of organized activities. It's easy enough to plan perfect days yourself: visit Old Baldy (North Carolina's oldest lighthouse), see gnarly old trees at a maritime forest, play in the shallow water (not super-warm in May, but the kids won't mind) and go on a guided turtle walk (loggerheads nest here). A two-bedroom villa at Bald Head Island Villas ranges from $125 to $400 per night in mid- to late-May. No cars needed; you get everywhere via golf cart! Call (800) 234-1666 for general information or click here.

Another special place on the East Coast is Jekyll Island Club Hotel, a four-star, four-diamond Victorian-style resort once frequented by the super-rich. Jekyll Island, one of Georgia's Sea Islands, is reachable by causeway. Alas, kid's programs don't start until late May, but you'll have a dandy time here, playing croquet, hanging at the pool or beach, taking an old-fashioned horse and carriage ride and biking. Plus, they'll cheerfully arrange a babysitter--an ex-school teacher or hotel employee--to come to your room. Room rates range from $159/night for a double to $349/night for the presidential suite. Call 912-635-2600.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses and prices are subject to change. Originally published in November 2000. Updated February 2003.

Diane Bair and Pamela Wright have worked as a travel-writing team since 1988, when their first book, FUN PLACES TO GO WITH CHILDREN IN NEW ENGLAND was published. The Bair-Wright team has gone on to write more than a dozen more books, including ADVENTURE NEW ENGLAND: AN OUTDOOR VACATION GUIDE and WILD ENCOUNTERS: THE BEST ANIMAL-WATCHING ADVENTURES IN THE U.S. They are frequent contributors to several national magazines, including FAMILYFUN, BETTER HOMES & GARDENS, BACKPACKER, TRAVELAMERICA, PARENTING and NEW ENGLAND TRAVEL & LIVING. Bair and Wright are based in a 200-year-old brownstone in the seaport town of Newburyport, Massachusetts.