Our Travels Archives - Page 17 of 23

Guide to the Ultimate Family Road Trip

June 30, 2017 by Melissa

There is nothing quite like the open road. You can see the country in a whole new way, experience excitement, and stumble upon some of the most unexpected fun you could imagine. The trouble is, there are so many choices, it can be hard to choose the right trip for you and your family. And then there’s the planning.

Let’s take a look at how to plan the trip and where to go.

Planning

The planning stage is critical. Before we get into destinations, consider what you should do to plan the trip right.

Map it Out: Sure, you have a GPS mapping app like Route4Me on your smartphone to guide you along the way, and it may be updated with real-time traffic and construction delays. But what will you do if you run into too much traffic? Map out your route and bring maps along in case you need to find a detour around problems.

Hang Loose: When you are planning, don’t get set into stone. The best part of taking a road trip is enjoying the open road and whatever adventures you stumble across. Give your route flexibility to enjoy the ride as much as the destination.

Budget, Budget, Budget!: Did we mention budget? While taking to the road can be cheaper, remember the hidden expense. There are gas and food and lodging. Set a realistic budget.

Choose Your Ride: While it may be tempting to drive your car, it isn’t your only option. Have you considered buying an RV? It’s a hotel on wheels, and you can stock your own fridge, make your own meals, and enjoy entertainment. It doesn’t have to cost a lot either. You can get an RV loan with great rates.

Destinations

It’s about where you’re going just as much as how you get there. Find out what five destinations you should take your kids, or consider one of these options.

Route 66, Illinois to California: By far the most famous and iconic driver in America. Because of interstate construction, the route isn’t quite the same as it used to be, but you can still find some of the classic stops along the way.

Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana: Did you know that most of the rivers running through the center of the US lead back to the Mississippi River? But it isn’t just the waters that are amazing. From eagles to the bayou, there is so much to see and love about this natural raging wonder. There are also a number of great cities to stop in along the route. It’s recommended to start in the north and work your way south for the best effect.

Pacific Coast Highway, San Luis Obispo to Monterey, Calif.: Route 1 runs all along the California coast, but experts on the route claim the center of the state is where the best scenery is. You can visit art stands and wineries, and so much more. If the driver wants a good view of the route, it’s best to drive south to north. Along the way, make sure you visit Hearst Castle.

Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina: Running along the length of the Appalachian Mountains, this scenic drive offers beautiful natural foliage and unique southern style. The speed limits are slower and strictly enforced, but you won’t want to drive any faster for fear of missing something.

If you’re looking for more ideas, take a long at this extensive bucket list of road trips in the US. And as always, enjoy the drive.

Cat in the Hat for President on Board the Carnival Pride

September 11, 2016 by Melissa

About a month after returning from a cruise on the Carnival Sunshine (more on that later) our family was invited to visit the Carnival Pride in Baltimore, MD for a day of fun, food, friends and fanfare.

We were invited to help Cat in the Hat win the Presidential Race along with Thing 1 and Thing 2 as his running mates. In case you haven’t noticed it’s an election year. You and your family may have noticed some commercials on television.

Along with his recent presidential announcement, The Cat in the Hat released a new book, One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote. Perfect timing don’t you think? This book is meant to teach children why we vote, how we vote and who can vote. Of course this is done with the whimsy and fun that other Dr. Seuss books brings to childhood literature. Carnival Cruise Lines wants kids to know they have a voice and it should be heard loud and clear. Maybe this is why Carnival is called the Fun Ship. The kids get exactly what they want and end up having an amazing vacation.

Kid Friendly Cruising with Carnival is easy with all the amenities on board to keep kids occupied for days.

Camp Carnival, Circle C & Club O2
Seuss at Sea
Sweet Spot
Waterworks
Hasbro the Game Show
SportsSquare
Dive in Movies
Mini Golf
and so much more on and off the boat

After a loud parade led by Schwartz, an amazing brunch of Green Eggs and Ham, Froot Loop French Toast, some photo ops and chatting with old and new friends we were given the freedom to roam the boat and see how it measures up to the other ships we’ve already seen.

The Carnival Pride has recently gone through a renovation to include fan favorite dining/drinking options such as Guy Burger Joint, Red Frog Pub, Alchemy Bar, BlueIguana Cantina and more.

What I found was a very romantic feel as soon we got above the belly of the boat. I’m not sure what was new but I fell in love with the lighting, the bold furnishings and all the hallways. Those gave a secret, tucked away feeling.

Overall we’ve decided that the Carnival Pride is the next ship we’re boarding for a cruise. We already love cruising and with the amenities added in recent years we know we’ll have a wonderful time.

Follow us on Instagram to see more of this day and our recent cruise through the Caribbean, Melinda on Instagram and Rob on Instagram.

Morey’s Pier & Beachfront Water Parks open Easter Weekend

February 29, 2016 by Melissa

It’s no surprise The Wildwoods, NJ was Named the best seaside amusement park in the world by Amusement Today. For as long as I can remember The Wildwoods have been a summer destination for our family and so many of my friends. A visit last year after a many year hiatus reinvigorated the love we had for the amusements up and down the boardwalk. The name synonymous with the Wildwoods is Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks. They’ve been a staple to the shore since 1969 and still going strong.

The 2016 season starts with the grand opening of Mariner’s Pier on Saturday, March 26 and annual Easter celebration on Sunday, March 27.
Families are invited to hop over to the pier starting at noon on Easter Sunday for special activities including pictures with the Easter Bunny from 12:00pm to 3:00pm at the Parents Pavilion located behind the Carousel. Children 12 years of age and younger can pick an Easter egg for a chance to win an assortment of fun prizes, ranging from stuffed animals and Curley’s Fries buckets, to one-day pier passes and water park passes. Two lucky participants will win the grand prize of a Morey’s Piers 2016 Wild Pass.

Morey Hotels & Resorts’ “Bunny Hop Doo-Wop” package available on March 26, 2016 offers travelers an Easter weekend at the shore that includes:

One night accommodations at The Starlux or Blue Palms Resort
15 percent off at the following food outlets: Jumbo’s, Taco Joint, La Bakerie, Mama’s Kitchen, Waffle and Ice Cream and Fritz’s
One game voucher valid for three free games at any game kiosk on Mariner’s Pier

A standard king room starts at $95 per night at Blue Palms Resort; double rooms at the Boardwalk Bungalow at the Blue Palms Resort start at $109 per night. A standard room at The Starlux starts at $118 per night. Rooms are subject to availability; price does not include hotel tax. To book the “Bunny Hop Doo-Wop” package, visit http://www.moreyspiers.com/easter and use the code EASTER.

Guests can take advantage of savings by visiting http://www.moreyspiers.com/springsale and get more information on the Wild Pass member program visit http://www.moreyspiers.com/wpm.

Apple Picking and Fall Festivals in Delaware Valley

September 10, 2015 by Melissa

It’s a special time of year for my family. Yes it’s back to school. Yes it’s almost fall. But most of all it’s APPLE PICKING and Fall Festival season.

Each year, as a family, we pick apples. We pick very specific apples too, Honey Crisp. If you haven’t had a Honey Crisp apple you are missing the most delicious apple in the world. Their window of opportunity for picking is short and some people like to blame us for their short supply.

There have been years when we’ve brought home 40lbs of apples. It sounds like a lot but with 5 people picking at the same time the bags fill up very quickly.

So each year as Labor Day approaches I scour the local orchards to see when the picking begins and make sure we’re there on opening day.

This year, just like the last 4-5 years we were at Milburn Orchards at 10am. We hoped on the tractor and got a ride right into the apple orchard to have our way with their dwarf trees. It’s one of our favorite things to do.

There are so many great orchards in the area. These orchards are the the epitome of pure family fun. There are baked goods to eat, fresh cider to drink, hay bales to climb and animals to feed. Each location has different amenities and features but you’ll never be disappointed. Whether you’re looking for Pick Your Own fruit and pumpkins or build your own scarecrows or hayrides through haunted woods you’ll find so much in the area.

Milburn Orchards
1495 Appleton Rd
Elkton, MD 21921
Family owned and operated for over 100 years this farm practices modern but environmentally friendly farming. With dozens of varieties of pick your own fruits available there is something tasty to choose from Spring to Fall.

Filasky’s Produce
1343 Bunker Hill Rd,
Middletown, DE 19709
Not just any produce stand. If they can’t grow it they’ll share the local love by providing other local farms goods including ice cream from Woodside Creamery in Hockessin, Delaware.

Berry Good Farm
7637 Lancaster Pike
Hockessin, DE 19707
This place does one thing but they do it very very right. Being very young doesn’t stop Berry Good Farm from producing some of the juiciest and sweetest blackberries in the area that started by just an idea and has blossomed into a thriving and sustainable passion.

Fifer Orchards
1919 Allabands Mill Rd
Camden Wyoming, DE 19934
4th generation Fifer’s continue to grow a very diverse mix of high quality fresh fruits and vegetables including: asparagus, strawberries, tomatoes, blueberries, apples, peaches, nectarines, plums, heirloom varieties, apples, pumpkins and more.

Highland Orchards
1000 Marshallton-Thorndale Road
West Chester, PA 19380
With over 200 acres of growing crops, there’s always something going on the farm. Highland Orchards offer all of their crops already picked for you in their Farm Market or you can Pick Your Own out in the field.

Arasapha Farms
1835 Middletown Road
Glen Mills, PA
Family friendly from a true family farm. Arasapha Farms is home the the Ultimate Harvest Festival with pedal car racing, pumpkin golf, petting zoo and of course a maze for the the adventure types.

Linvilla Orchards
137 W. Knowlton Road
Media, PA 19063
This is where our family had their first orchard experience. With so much to do almost anytime of year Linvilla Orchards is definnitely a staple for the Delaware County area with experiences that include fishing, swimming, Christmas tree cutting, corn mazes and the wonderful Pumpkinland.

Fruitwood Orchards Honey Farm
419 Elk Rd.
Monroeville, NJ 08343
Not just a fruit farm of nectarines, pears, apples and cherries this family owned business raises pollinating bees to help other farmers across the country. Oh they sell their honey too, fresh straight from the bees.

Pick one or two, visit and let me know how much fun you have.

Wildwood and Morey’s Piers #GoWild this Summer

July 22, 2015 by Melissa

Our kind of vacation is a beach vacation. I like the lounging on the sand, watching the waves crash just inches from my toes, immersing myself in a good book and soaking up the sun. My kids also love the beach but there comes a point where they want adventure.

Rides, cotton candy,pizza and water parks is exactly what they crave. The Jersey Shore gives our family everything we want. For Father’s Day weekend we were able to do everything we wanted, no rules, no barriers.

Wildwood, NJ has always held a special place in my heart. It’s the only memory I have a family vacation as a child. The look and feel of the boardwalk is the same, the salty smell driving down Rio Grande Avenue is always familiar.

To be honest I’ve been creating memories with my own family at a different beach. Wildwood wasn’t the same place as it was when I was young. The level of visitors changes, the atmosphere wasn’t as family friendly as it used to be. This beach resort town changed. We visited time to time over the years and the kids LOVED the water parks.

This past Father’s Day Weekend I was able to give my family the mini vacation they needed to see out of Wildwood, NJ. Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks were everything they promised to be.

Wildwood #MoreysPiers & BeachFront Water Parks #GoWild #FamilyTravel #JerseyShore #SummerVacation

Morey’s Piers offers 3 different locations packed full of fun for every member of your family.

Surfside Pier on a Sunday morning was the best part of the weekend. It was literally a ghost town. The skies were cloudy and the winds were blowing so I’m sure that kept everyone tucked in their beds. We didn’t let that stop us. We packed up and headed out to get there early; so early that we were the only patrons for about an hour. It never filled up so the kids had run of the entire water park for HOURS.

Our nights we full of funnel cake, seafood dinners and some of the best pizza in the world. Maybe it’s the salt air or the fact that there isn’t a worry in the world but everything taste better down the shore.

I’ll admit, we may have had a little too much fun.

Special thanks to the Morey’s family for the invitation and allowing me to show the kids that Wildwood is BACK!

Stay tuned to hear more about our great weekend away.

A Visit to NFL Offices with Verizon Wireless #VZWBuzz

March 30, 2015 by Melissa

Who would’ve thought that I would one day be a guest in the NFL Headquarters and also enjoy myself.

Even though I’ve watched football most of my life I’ve only been a fan for the last 12 years.You can thank my son for that one. His name comes from hearing a players name while reading a baby name book and instantly turning to Rob saying “That’s it”. My son is named after former Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander. I’ve been a Seattle fan ever since.

Back in November after being invited to be a part of the #VZWBuzz team I was also invited to hang out in NYC with some of the other team members. I’m always excited to meet other bloggers, influencers and of course great thinkers like Monica Vila, co-founder of Online Mom Media. Monica is recognized as an expert in marketing to women — the most powerful demographic in consumer spending in the US.

Working with this team has opened my eyes to so much. I’ve learned that little device in my hand can do much more than I ever imagined. Back to NFL Headquarters. I always wondered what my husband was looking at on his phone during football games. I knew he was checking scores but I didn’t know he was getting instant replays, following trades and watching live video feeds from other games.

We also learned of other initiatives from the NFL that bring together the fans and community.

#PassitForward is a way players can directly interact with fans by completing random acts of kindness. See here how the New Orleans Saints take simple gestures to change someone’s day and motivate them to pay it forward again

On the heels of some devastating footage of domestic violence within the NFL community, Commissioner Roger Goodell has worked hard to learn as much as they can about these issues and how best to address them. With it came a moving and strategic platform called #NoMore as a push to end and bring awareness to Domestic and Sexual Assault. With the start of public address announcements condemning the use of violence came new policy and regulations about such misconduct within the NFL.

MADD and the National Football League joined forces in 2010 to collaborate on player and employee programs, game day initiatives, community relations and awareness programs to promote MADD’s efforts to prevent drunk driving. As a first step in this partnership, MADD representatives presented to incoming NFL players at the 2010 NFL Rookie Symposium.

NFL PLAY 60 is the National Football League’s campaign to encourage kids to be active for 60 minutes a day in order to help reverse the trend of childhood obesity. It’s time to put the electronics down, put the snacks away and get outside.

Verizon is more than just a communications company. The NFL is more than just football. Together they bring people together, create awareness for causes all over the world and show you new ways to play smart in this thing we call life.

Family Friendly Washington DC with Embassy Suites

December 2, 2014 by Melissa

Being parents of 3 kids makes it hard to squeeze in a getaway. Rob and I are lucky enough to get some date nights here and there but when it comes to spending a romantic weekend those plans are far and few between. So when the Embassy Suites reached out and invited us for a 2-night stay we jumped at the chance to get away without going far. Washington, DC is less than 2 hours away so it was a great choice.

Arriving in DC isn’t always the most pleasant event. The traffic even on a Saturday morning can be a nightmare. Luckily DC is a place where you can park your car for days at a time and never have a need for it. This is what we did.

Rob and I walked all weekend with just a couple Metro rides to get back and forth to Arlington National Cemetery. The rest of the weekend we walked to the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Ford’s Theater and through Federal Triangle.

I took about 400 photos in just the 2 days we were there. I loved all the architecture and grand statues, the manicured lawns and historic buildings.

Washington DC is not your typical getaway. It’s not a relaxing oasis were you sit back and sip drinks on the deck and watch the children play. DC is a tourists destination. If you want to research history, enjoy food of every ethnic flavor, explore museums and marvel at remarkable landmarks and monuments then this is where to go. With over 20 Smithsonian museums, all free, this is definitely an add to the family vacation list. Nestled on the beautiful Potomac River this federal district of land was created to house our federal government. This gives the entire area rich history that dates back over 200 years.

Washington DC welcomes families with open arms and the Embassy Suites is exactly where you should lay your head to rest.

Embassy Suites offers spacious 2 room suites that easily sleep up to 6 people making it truly family friendly. With a mini fridge, microwave, sink and updated television channels down time is comfortable for everyone.

With the included FREE full breakfast with choices like waffles, made to order omelets, pastries, juice, fruit and cereal eating breakfast out each day is an expense families won’t have to worry about that added expense. A family friendly happy hour is available each night that includes snacks and complimentary drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

With over 200 locations available in the US, Canada and Latin America making a reservation is easy. Find out for yourself how Embassy Suites is making families happy each night by putting them first, finally.

Macy’s Holiday Window Display Unveil Philadelphia

November 18, 2014 by Melissa

It’s time for our family to get into the Christmas Holiday spirit. We’re planning to spend our Saturday with Macy’s in Center City Philadelphia as they debut their holiday window display. We’ll head in-store for a variety of family friendly activities, events, celebrity spottings and of course a visit from Santa himself.

Since the early 1870s, Macy’s has been stunning visitors with its festive holiday window displays and exciting family friendly events. Center City Philadelphia was the first store to ever feature holiday windows created for the pure fun and joy of the season and the tradition that still lives on today.

Available at every Macy’s store is the Believe, Write a Letter to Santa campaign. Have your child their letter to Santa and help make wishes come true. Macy’s will count all the letters received and donate $1 for each to Make-A-Wish(R), up to a total of $1,000,000.

Find out other ways your local stores are celebrating the season and don’t miss the fun. Be sure to make new memories with your family and hopefully start new traditions.

Celebrating a 7th Birthday At Six Flags Great Adventure

August 25, 2014 by Melissa

We are lucky to have 2 different Six Flags Amusement Parks within driving distance to our home. Last year for Shae’s 6th birthday we visited Six Flags America in the DC area. This year we hit up Six Flags Great Adventure for a day of rides, Safari and Hurricane Harbor water fun and birthday smiles.

I never like to go to amusement parks on Saturday but with our schedule it’s the only day that works so us along with 80million other people waiting in the hot sun for the gates to open and get inside to start our day. It may have been Shae’s birthday but we headed right for the Superman Ride and Green Lantern. I’m not a ride person. I’m happy with taking my kids and watching them have a blast but I do not get on any rides. Cut me a little slack, I do suffer from vertigo occasionally so I’d rather avoid the headaches and dizziness completely.

Since we got to the park as soon as it opened the lines for the first 2 roller coasters were relatively short. I tried to talk them into Kingda Ka and Zumanjaro but no one was remotely interested. Just looking up at the angles and drops instantly made me uncomfortable. I think if I pushed a little harder the kids would’ve gotten on.

Kingda Ka is the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the North America. The accelerated launch, 0 to 128 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds, pushes you straight up and over the Zumanjaro Drop of Doom and plunges you back to earth. The ride is so fast you might not even have time to scream.

We decided to check out the newly designed Safari. Many years ago I remember driving our own car through the safari while watching monkeys rip apart the moldings and wiper blades of the car in front of us. Today the Safari is a much more organized family and animal friendly experience that keeps the animals in an environment safely tucked away from vehicles while still visible to park goers.

The Safari Off-Road Adventure boasts 350 acres of animal preserve with over 1,200 animals from six continents including elephants, rhinos, tigers, giraffes and lions. Guests climb in a rugged all terrain vehicle and travel the through a variety of environments where the animals are able to securely roam in a comfortable habitat. Guests are able to get within close proximity of the creatures to truly appreciate their beauty and size.

Hurricane Harbor has so many water slides, rides and even a wave pool that is great for the whole family. Admission for Hurricane Harbor is separate from Great Adventure but can be enjoyed on it’s own without stepping foot in the amusement park. We were only able to enjoy the wave pool and the lazy river due to a shortage of available tubes. For an additional cost you can rent tubes to be used during your entire visit. This lets you hop onto a ride without waiting for someone to let go of tubed for rides and slides.

Admission to Great Adventure and Hurricane Harbor is not a drop in the bucket. After admission and parking you’ll also want to see if the Flash Pass is something your family wants to invest in. The Flash Pass is an additional cost perk that get’s you on your ride faster with no waiting in line. Again, this is not a small fee. Our family of 5 would’ve had to pay over $500 (on top of admission costs) to get 90% faster ride times than everyone else.

On our visit we were able to enjoy about 6 rides in Great Adventure, Safari (with 1 1/2 hour wait & 1 hour ride time) and 3 hours at Hurricane Harbor with no rides. The Flash Pass would’ve given us more opportunity to ride the attractions that brought us there in the first place.

If you live close enough to visit more than once or twice in a season I would suggest a season pass and visits during the week when lines are shorter and crowds are , well less crowded.

Kid Friendly Cruising on Carnival #cruisingcarnival

August 21, 2014 by Melissa

Being miles and miles off shore on a cruise ship is one of the most exciting things to happen for my kids. They absolutely love cruising and have been lucky enough to have experienced it twice now. I get asked a lot if cruising is truly a kid friendly vacation. My answer is an emphatic YES when it comes to Carnival Cruise Lines. Your kids will never be bored when it comes to #CruisingCarnival.

Camp Carnival

We were able to register them online so their information was on hand and name tags were ready. When we first boarded we had to hunt done the locations of camp so that when they were ready to go they knew where to go. Shaun was able to come and go as he pleased due to his age. That isn’t the rule but something we allowed him to do. Shae had to be checked in and out by an adult or Sabreena. This is a level of security that I appreciated. Even on the last day the camp counselors were checking out Sign and Sail cards as ID. You can never be too sure!

Camp Carnival is specially designed with crafts, activities and games for different age groups: 2 to 5 years, 6 to 8 years, and 9 to 11 years. The daily schedules are available each night before we were able to check off all the things the kids wanted to participate in the next day. This let the whole family plan their day around lounging, activities, spa treatments or even exploring the ports. Shae spent lots of her time working on crafts, playing board games and and painting. Shaun of course spent lots of time playing video game and EPIC rounds of dodge ball. I was never worried about them having a good time while at camp. Carnival also offers a Night Owls segment. From 10-12pm they had special activities and movies for the kids so the adults could plan time at the casino, clubs or just alone on the Serenity Lounge.

Games and Chess

This was one of the first things we noticed when coming aboard. Rob and Shaun like to play chess and little did we know Shae knew how to play too. The spent lots of time challenging each other and other kids with a game or two. Regular chess in the Library was a great way for Rob and Shae to spend a little quality time together too.

Video Arcade

We tried to stay as unplugged as possible while cruising but the flashing lights and high tech graphics drew the kids in for one night only.

Mini Golf

With 360 degree views of gorgeous blue ocean there was no wonder mini golf is a popular activity for the kids. The wind can make it a little tricky sometimes but it also made it super fun when trying to race against it.

Circle C and Club O2

Hangout spots for the older kids too are needed when they need some downtime away from the family. Carnival organizes movies, club nights and activities for the big kids too.

Punchliner Comedy Club

The comedy club makes cruising truly family friendly by offering swear word free sets. Shae joined us for one show before heading off to her nightly activities.

Waterworks

This waterpark overlooking the ocean is a site to be seen. Kids can splash and slide while parents lounge on the sidelines.
Pool & Deck Parties

The Lido Deck is the party hub especially when there are Hairy Chest contests to watch and pools to jump in. The cruise director and their staff along with a DJ keep the people moving, laughing and entertained with goofy games and lively music.

Stage Shows

Shae was called up on stage during the magic show but was so shy she couldn’t participate. During the next show and Hasbro, The Game Show she insisted on sitting farther away from the stage just so she could watch.

The list goes on and on with activities the kids and families can participate in each day. Don’t forget about the excursions available when you arrive at each Port of Call too. Those adventure are once in a lifetime. Know one thing, your kids will never be bored on a Carnival Cruise.

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