Packed in a county the size of Maine, Scotland runs from the Lowlands to the Highlands with non-stop stunning scenery of enchanting lochs, rolling moors, and ancient towns. From golfing in St. Andrews to shopping in Glasgow and exploring the stone-age homes on the Orkney Islands, Scotland is full of activities that the whole family will enjoy. This European gem offers historic cities brimming with Scottish spirit and quiet towns in a sparsely populated countryside, where visitors can get away from it all.

Indeed, this land of clans and castles is steeped in tradition with a robust history that runs through the veins of its fiercely independent and happy denizens. The Scots are a festive bunch, and with over 200 celebrations each year, you'd be hard-pressed to visit when there isn't a party. The Edinburgh International Festival and the Festival Fringe is hands-down Europe's biggest festival, so if you plan to visit in August be sure to book early. Any time is a good time for a wee dram of Scotland, but springtime travel promises to be nothing short of spectacular. So grab the li'l lads and lasses, and prepare for a trip of a lifetime.

Urban Exploration
Edinburgh is the regal capital of Scotland, where history oozes from the edifices. From the 12th century Edinburgh Castle down the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the city reveals times past. But history is taken to the umpteenth at the Dynamic Earth exhibit, which tells the story of earth's creation using state-of-the-art technology to illustrate earthquakes, tidal waves, and lightening. The past also lurks on Edinburgh's medieval roads where ghostly guides take you to haunted houses and scary back streets. Meanwhile, a multitude of museums cater to families, including the Museum of Scotland with its interactive displays, and the Museum of Childhood, which has a fascinating collection of antique toys and games.

Just west of Edinburgh is the city of Glasgow, where a decade-long revitalization transformed this industrial town into a world-class city with all the trimmings. After exploring the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the city's impressive Victorian architecture, the Tall Ship at Glasgow Harbor with its restored 19th century sailing vessel awaits. At the Museum of Transport, ship models and a full-size locomotive exhibit illustrates the history of motion, while the remarkably preserved Tenement House is a turn of the century apartment chock full of age-old artifacts.

History aside, it's all about tee time in the charming university town of St. Andrews. If you are a golf fan you probably already know that Scotland is a golf mecca that draws players from around the globe, many of them heading for the Old Course in St. Andrews. With more golf courses here per capita than any other country, this is a golf-lover's paradise. Family activities abound here with St. Andrews Castle, the Sea Life Aquarium, and the popular Fife Animal Park.

Legends and Lochs
Scotland is a magical place where you will never be far from a legend or a loch. While this is true throughout the country, in the Highlands, your odds of finding one or the other are a bit higher. At Loch Ness, you get a little of both. Loch Ness has been the subject of documentaries, films, books, and scientific studies that all seek to discover the mystery of the shrouded monster lurking in the mystical waters. There is a visitor center in Drumnadrochit that explores the theme of the monster and on the edge of the loch is the 16th century Urquhart Castle. Visitors can take a lake cruise, go for a walk in the nearby forests, or visit the spectacular waterfall at nearby Foyers.

Loch opportunities abound in Scotland but another must-see is Loch Lomond, a Scottish favorite where you can take in the beautiful scenery and choose from a variety of water sports and lake cruising, or walk along the long-distance footpath that runs along the loch's east bank. Further north, the distinct barrier between highland and lowland is made by the Great Glen. Running from Fort William to Inverness, this is the legendary Scottish Highland made famous by folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor. Visitors can best discover the dramatic scenery of the Great Glen by traveling the Caledonian Canal by boat. For those who want to linger longer, the converted barge Fingal of Caledonian is a great way to explore the area.

A visit to the Scottish countryside would not be complete without seeing Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain. It overlooks the quaint waterfront town of Fort William and offers fabulous views of the surrounding hills from the gondola system, which operates throughout the year.

Island Style
While the Scottish isles may not have the sultry sun of the Caribbean, the islands here have their own dramatic beauty. Of Scotland's 790 islands, only 130 are inhabited, leaving quite a few for you to discover. Take your pick from the Inner and Outer Hebrides and the Orkney and Shetland Islands.

The Isle of Skye attracts lots of visitors and it is best known for the dramatic scenery of the Cuillin Hills, a walker's favorite, and the marvelous Dunvegan Castle. You can also visit a whiskey distillery at Talisker Distillery and Visitor Center at Carbost, because leaving Scotland without a tour of a whiskey distillery just wouldn't be right. Not far is the Isle of Bute, where little traffic and zero gradient makes this ideal for a family bicycle excursion. The Isle of Mull has breathtaking mountain scenery and the ancient Duart Castle, which was immortalized by sexy Scot Sean Connery in the 1999 film Entrapment.

A historical legacy awaits on the Orkney Islands, six miles off the northern coast of mainland Scotland. Its most famous prehistoric site is the stone-age village of Skara Brea. The Orkney Museum of Tankerness House tells the story of 6,000 years of island life and the Maes Howe, built in Neolithic times, covers a stone-built passage and burial chamber.

Meanwhile, 112 miles north of the Scottish mainland are the Shetland Islands where a distinctly Scandinavian feel permeates in both culture and language. Take a harbor trip in a replica Viking longship or hop on a boat trip to see the seals, dolphins, and whales in the lovely cool waters. Discover the world's best-preserved Iron Age Village at Old Scatness Broch and visit the Scalloway Castle, which was built by the Earl of Orkney in 1600.