At the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort’s spa, we experienced something rare: a session with a Native American healer. After the treatment, a combination of light touch, Native American ritual and centering techniques, we felt so good that next year, we returned to the spa with our adult children.

We came to Richmond, VA, to learn more about the Civil War. In addition to battle strategies, we wanted details about the lives of those engulfed by the conflict. Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy from 1861 to 1865, didn’t disappoint us.

Over the years, I thought I’d discovered just about everything to see and do in Boston. But recently, I encountered a new Boston – one that triumphantly emerged after a dilapidated elevated highway has been razed and a new roadway positioned underground. Boston has new parks and attractions.

Discovering lesser-known New York City gems and also revisiting favorite treasures describe our best New York City weekends. On a recent Manhattan adventure, we explored Carl Schurz Park, dined at Toloache, stayed at Affinia 50 and returned to the amazing Museum of Modern Art.

Washington, D.C., is a city of flowers. The most famous blooms, the cherry blossoms, are expected to peak at the end of March, lacing the Tidal Basin surrounding the Jefferson Memorial with a ribbon of pink. Enjoy the sight; but as locals know, take advantage of the city’s less crowded gardens.

Enhance your Capitol Hill visit with a treat from The Sweet Lobby, a new boutique bakery that opened in June 2011. The shop justifiably gains fame for winning its own hard-won race: a February 2012 contest on the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars.

Pamplin Historical Park & National Museum of the Civil War Soldier surprised us. The privately owned facility, located on 422 acres in Petersburg, about 30 miles south of Richmond, proved to be one of the most engaging Civil War sites we’ve ever experienced.

New Zealand proved a great choice for a vacation to celebrate our daughter Alissa’s college graduation. We wanted a trip that provided great scenery, a mix of city life and adventures plus affordable, but comfortable lodging for a family.

The Caribbean is one of my family’s favorite destinations. Not just for the region’s spectacular palm-tree lined sands, conducive to lounging in the sun and lapping up the latest mystery novels, but for all the adventures and experiences we’ve shared on these islands.

Cruises offer families a great vacation. But you must choose the right sailing. Years ago, before our first voyage, we worried that we’d come home fat, bored and broke. Instead, we had one of our best family vacations. Here are some tips to find the ship of your family’s dreams.