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Great Wolf Lodge Shadow Quest Adventures

November 12, 2013 by Melissa

Great Wolf Lodge is one of my family’s favorite “kinda” local places to visit. Great Wolf Lodge in a family friendly indoor water park but then again it’s so much more.

Visiting the Poconos location of Great Wolf Lodge I expect the first things to see is the GRAND entrance built to look like a lodge and the gorgeous scenery. Set on top of a mountain with trees as far as the eye can see makes for relaxing on the balcony a hidden treat they don’t talk about in the brochures.

For family entertainment you get your choice of the 79,000 square foot waterpark, the Northern Lights arcade, Scoops Kids Spa or Ten Paw Alley.

Our most recent visit introduced up to Shadow Quest, the newest installment of games from Creative Kingdoms, LLC. For the last couple of years my kids have enjoyed playing MagiQuest, a live-action game of enchantment and adventure played with wand that uses almost the entire resort.

Shadow Quest while similar in play style has a totally new storyline and journey for the kids.

ShadowQuest features ten quests, a “Vanishing Light” adventure and for those who successfully accomplish each step, a final battle against the evil yeti Malaki. The game, with its fantastical theme and rich, digital environments will blend into the Great Wolf Lodge resorts alongside the MagiQuest stations. Players can start and stop the game at any time; each wand stores every feat and battle played for easy pick up on a future visit. The same wand also stores players’ MagiQuest games and accomplishments.

We headed to Great Wolf Lodge to try out the new game. Shae along with my best friend’s kids Dulce and Marco were creators of their own fun as they tried to follow along the Guide to find clues and crystals to complete each quest. I’ll admit I don’t fully understand the game, neither did the kids but that didn’t stop them. They enjoyed the interactive fun more than the water park but vowed next time we would get in more water play and slides.Another new feature is Howl at the Moon Glow Golf. This new mini course set in a glow in the dark forest is fun for any age. It’s called Howl at the Moon Glow Gold because at the end of the course players get the chance to hit their ball into a hole that will howl if they make it. Shae made it. The rooms are built for families. We arrived as a group of five, there were no special requests we needed to make for sleeping arrangements. Each family suite is built to sleep 6 comfortably. Vacationing as a family of five can get sticky sometimes. Resorts, hotels and cabins aren’t built for more than four. Great Wolf Resorts puts family first.
While the kids tore apart the beds to create a fort my friend Stacy and I were still cozy & comfortable in the living room area away from their chaos. I recommend Great Wolf to everyone I know. In fact my parents are thinking of taking a trip this winter. I wonder if I can convince them of a BIG Family trip during Snowland.

Our Fun with #VisitLancaster

May 30, 2013 by Melissa

Thank you to Girl’s Lunch Out and Lancaster Tourism for providing the weekend away and experiences.

Finding family friendly adventures that everyone can enjoy are sometimes hard to come by. Recently we took a trip to Lancaster County, PA to Amish Country and were pleased at the things available to us. Even though the trip was just me and the girls I know Rob and Shaun would’ve love the weekend too.

In Lancaster County, PA you’ll find outlet shopping, scenic rolling hills, quality furniture makers and of course markets that sell the best products from the local Amish families. What you may be surprised about are the quaint attractions that are geared towards all members of your family.

Strasburg Railroad is home to museum quality, turn of the century steam locomotives, freight cars, dining cars and private cars. The railroad offers 45-minute rides several times a day overlooking the lush farmland of surrounding community. Choose to attend a special event like Day Out with Thomas or Traditional Dinner and Murder Mystery to enhance the excursion.

We were lucky to catch Vintage Baseball during our ride. We hopped off the train to watch a mini tournament of Vintage Baseball teams playing the way they would have played in the 19th century. The teams and crowds were welcoming and many were even in character from that era.

The Choo Choo Barn sounds like something perfect for the smaller kids in your family. but you’d be surprised to find 1700 square feet of animations and creativity with model trains. The detail put into this amazing display can only be truly appreciated in person.

Some of the best portions of the display are
• Amish barn-raising
• Three-ring circus and parade
• Display transformation into nighttime (every 10 minutes)
• Dutch Wonderland, enhanced with new lighting this year
• A house fire and the fire crew that puts it out

This is truly a must see for all ages, not just the train enthusiast either.

image provided courtesy of ChooChooBarn

If you are interested in knowing more about the history and tradition of Amish Country then The Amish Village is something you should experience. With an authentic farmhouse, one-room school house, blacksmith shop and barn you’ll be able to see and learn how the Amish lived and still live to this day.

We were able to see a calf, Freddy and pet his soft hair. This was Sabreena’s highlight, she has a thing for cows.
The entire grounds were open for exploration and education.

Our #VisitLancaster trip was short but packed in so much that I know we’ll be visiting again.

Our #VisitLancaster Stay at Bird-in-Hand Family Inn

May 16, 2013 by Melissa

Amish Country, Lancaster County is a pretty popular tourist destination here in the US. In fact it looks like 10 million people knew better than me because I had never been to Lancaster, PA before. Even sadder to learn is that it is only an hour from me.

Luckily we were invited to visit Lancaster a couple weekends ago. I used it a chance for a girls weekend, just me, Shae and Sabreena.

The day started early but it quickly turned very enjoyable. The ride into the different world was an experience all on its own. The scenery, farms, rolling hills, cows, cows and more cows, the buggys and the quaint homes and shops were hard to miss.

The Bird-in-Hand Family Inn was situated right on the main road but was tucked away enough to be peaceful and relaxing. We were greeted with smiles and treats for the animals in the petting zoo.

I didn’t do much research on the hotel before arriving so when I found out they had an outdoor fire pit, pond with gazebo, miniature golf, basketball courts, large playground and a complimentary 2-hour Amish Farmland tour I was shocked.

Settling into our room was easy. It was spacious and clean and best of all had plenty of towels. We relaxed a little before heading out to the petting zoo and playground. The other parents and I chatted while the kids burned off energy before dinner. The playground nicer than most I’ve seen in communities at home and was large enough to accommodate lots of kids but it lacked a smaller structure to keep the toddlers safe from the older kids.

Dinner at the Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant was decent buffet food. I discovered corn nuggets, YUM. The girls didn’t agree but whatever. The service was lack-luster to say the least. Servers were hard to find, cashiers were heavy on eye rolling at patrons and quick to judge mediocre tips in front of others. For such a large restaurant I thought there would’ve been more variety, Sabreena ended up ordering off the menu. She enjoyed her burger but was hoping for more than just the burger. It was a warm day and our water glasses stayed empty for a long time. In fact Sabreena spilled her ice and instead of someone coming to help clean up she was handed a stack of napkins and cold shoulder. I wish the smorgasbord had the same level of welcome and acceptance that the hotel did. These were two very different experiences at the same establishment.

The swimming pool was amazingly gorgeous. The boast of an “indoor pool” is usually a construction of a second thought cinderblock room with a pool not big enough to hold 2 families comfortably. These indoor pools, yes POOLS, we’re definitely spa worthy. There was ample room for lounging, jumping, splashing and flipping.

photo courtesy of Bird-in-Hand Family Inn

I think we may have had either too much food, swimming, sun or a combination of everything because around bedtime Shae got sick. She threw up the Jell-O she was so excited to eat at after dinner. Unfortunately she didn’t make it to the bathroom in time. We called the front desk and they immediately came up to help with the clean up. And my help I mean clean it up all by themselves. The gentleman was polite, incredibly quiet since it was after 10:30pm and gracious even though his task utterly sucked.

It took a long time to get to sleep because I was then panicked Shae would be sick again but by the time I relaxed and Shae crawled in bed with me we slept like babies. I found the beds to be comfortable and we even slept with the windows open. I would never do that in another hotel anywhere. It was a serene environment that just begged for sound sleep. I was wondering why I was hearing the clip-clop of horses around 2am though. Do the Amish work through the night?

There will be another visit to Lancaster, PA. I’m sad it’s taken me 38 years to visit but I’m hoping to get Rob and Shaun there in the next few month. I’m thinking Fall would be spectacular. If you followed along our trip on Instagram and Facebook you’ll see many more pictures from the weekend. Just look for #VisitLancaster for mine and the rest of the families experiences.

Thanks to Girl’s Lunch Out, Bird-In-Hand Family Inn and Lancaster Tourism for welcoming us “city folk” to your gorgeous worlds away from home.

A Weekend in Amish Country #VisitLancaster

May 3, 2013 by Melissa

Accommodations are being provided for the #VisitLancaster trip but all opinions are my own.

This weekend is a Girls Weekend but probably not the kind you are thinking. I’m headed to Amish Country to #VisitLancaster with Shae and Sabreena for a mini retreat with some of my favorite bloggers.

We’ve been invited for an overnight at Bird in Hand Family Inn and Restaurant. This family friendly resort is surrounded by Amish farmland and boasts 3 indoor/outdoor pools, a petting zoo, tennis courts and more.

Bird In Hand Family Inn, Lancaster County, PA

During our stay we’ll be taking a ride on the Strasburg Railroad and touring The Amish Village and Choo Choo Barn.

Strasburg Rail Road, Lancaster County, PA

The Amish Village, Lancaster County, PA

Choo Choo Barn Lancaster County, PA

This is expected to be a relaxing but fun family friendly weekend that will produce memories for a lifetime.

Kipling Luggage for a Mom on the Move

December 12, 2012 by Melissa

Last week many of you might be aware that I went on a trip to Disney by myself.

It was a press/media trip, a short one so I knew it would be best to pack light and efficiently. Most of our bags are quite large, meant for families so I was happier than a bird with a french fry when I got a Kiping Yubin 55 to review.

First. Kipling has an incredible repuation for having high quality luggage, totes, backpacks and more. Classic pieces with twist is how I describe them. 35 million people can’t be wrong.

My Yubin 55 is considered Carry-On Acceptable with a size of 13.75 X 21.5 X 9.5. When it first arrived I was nervous that it was NOT going to be big enough for 3 full days away. I pulled out another bag just to be on the safe side. I also worried that the lightweight nylon wasn’t going to hold up to wear and tear through the airports and even storage.

never mind the shoe, it’s just to show you the size

It was time to get ready and I overpacked a little like usual, depending on staples like jeans that could be worn again and lightweight tops. Can you imagine my surprise when I fit EVERYTHING in it the first time. This included my toiletry bag. I took an inventory of what was in the bag:

3 pairs of shoes
2 pairs of pants
2 capris
2 tee shirts
3 tops
variety of undergarments
pair of pajamas
2 hairbrushes
large flat iron with carry case
empty purse
FULL large toiletry bag

There was quite a fiasco when it came to my bag at the resort, Disney lost it. In fact it was missing for about 26 hours. What I loved doing though everything someone new asked for a description was to say it was bright red and had a monkey hanging from it. Eventually the bag was found, in good condition as a totally different park.

I was a good airline customer and gate checked my bag due to full plane and crowded overhead storage. When I went to grab it from baggage claim I realized that red was NOT the way to go. Red and Blank are the main colors for luggage today, I should’ve went with blue. I also wish I had the Yubin 55 Spinner. Pulling my bag behind me put a toll on my shoulder as I was also carrying an oversized business bag with all of my tech, magazines and camera. A bag that could’ve been rolled along side of me would’ve been the best way to go. Also shoving my toiletry bag in the outside pocket wasn’t smart. It made the bag heavy where it would occasionally fall over . This wasn’t fun in security lines.

The dangling monkey is Kipling’s mascot, a shout out to Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. He made my luggage instantly noticeable since I hadn’t had the chance to personalize it with fabric or luggage tags.

I’m definitely going to keep my eye out for more Kipling accessories and luggage as I would love to add to the collection. A large suitcase or tote would be great to add, they would give versatility and variety especially when traveling with the rest of the family.

Visit Kipling and see for yourself why they are leaders in the luggage and travel accessories industry.

The Parking Spot Recap

October 23, 2012 by Melissa

This past weekend I took an awesome trip to Chicago for the Kenmore 2012 Fall Blogger Summit and I had the opportunity to leave my car at The Parking Spot while I was on my trip.

Typically when I fly I tend to use the same parking lot and have done so for the last few years so I will admit that I was a little skeptical trying somewhere new. Now I know you might say it’s only a parking lot but I like knowing that my car is safe and will be in the same condition that I left it when I return back from my trip. Parking in the same lot for the last few years has given me a certain comfort level because I know how their overall process works but I stepped outside of my comfort zone and gave The Parking Spot a try and I am glad I did.

One day early last week I went to their web site to make a reservation which took only a few minutes because I wanted to make sure that the lot wouldn’t be full the day I arrived. The Parking Spot offers self-parking and valet parking at very reasonable prices and thankfully I decided on valet parking because when I arrived to the lot in Philadelphia on Friday it was pouring rain so needless to say it was nice to have a nice dry garage to pull into and unload all of my luggage. After I unloaded my luggage the attendant took my car and I waited for the shuttle to pick me up and take me to the airport. One of the things that I really liked besides the garage since it was pouring was that they offered free bottles of water as well as free copies of the USA Today (which I read on the way to Chicago). Most of the time it’s the little things that make an experience that much more enjoyable.

I was gone for two days and when I arrived back to Philly the process was super simple. I needed to wait in a certain zone at the airport and the shuttle just showed up. I called and was told a shuttle comes by approximately every seven minutes which means you won’t have to wait very long to be picked up. When I arrived back to the lot I was dropped off inside the valet garage and the attendant got my car for me and I was off. It was really that simple. After I settled up with the person and was about to pull away she handed me a bottle of water and told me to have a nice day. Again it’s the little things and I was so happy because after getting to the airport for a 6am flight and not having time to eat that bottle of water was refreshing and made my experience at The Parking Spot that much more enjoyable.

The Parking Spot, the nation’s largest near-airport parking operator, is now offering travelers up to 25 percent off parking as part of its “More Spots, More Savings” national promotion. With more than 35 locations at 22 U.S. airports, it’s now easier than ever to take advantage of low airfares and plan a getaway.

For this trip I stepped outside of my comfort zone and I am glad I did because The Parking Spot is now my new place to park when traveling from the Philadelphia airport.

Will you be traveling soon? If so today is your lucky day because one Look What Mom Found… and Dad too! reader will have the chance to win a voucher good for one week of free parking (valid for either self-park or valet) at any of the locations at the following U.S. airports : Atlanta Hartsfield, Austin Bergstrom, Buffalo – Niagara, Dallas Fort Worth, Dallas Love Field, Denver International, Houston Hobby, Houston George Bush Intercontinental, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Memphis, Nashville, Newark, New York JFK, Oklahoma City Will Rogers, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix Sky Harbor, Pittsburgh, Port Columbus, and Lambert -St. Louis. All you have to do is tell me where you are planning on going for your next trip.

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Diary of a Wimpy Kid in NYC

August 3, 2012 by Melissa

This weekend Shaun and I were in NYC to catch a special screening of Diary of a Wimoy Kid: Dog Days. This trip was more than just a chance to watch a movie before it was released in theaters we also were able to participate in a Q&A session with author Jeff Kinney and the main actors Zachary Gordon and Robert Cabron. Create your own Wimpy Kid character from the movie Diary of a Wimpy Kid at Wimp Yourself!

The movie itself was great. I’m sad to say that Ihadn’t watched the first film but I’m definitely going to now. This film of the Wimpy Kid, Greg Heffley, is about how his WANTS to spend his summer. Ideally it would be video games but of course plans go awry. The family in the series of Diary of a Wimpy Kid feels very familiar to me. There is a point in the story where the father takes drastic measures to ensure his children get OUTSIDE during the summer; it’s something that could have happened in our own home.

After the move we headed to the Q & A session . I personnaly didn’t ask any questions because I was impressed that mostly children were raising their hands to speak with the actors and author. They asked very good, well thought out questions about their personal lives and making of the film.

After a very successful Q&A the children were able to get books signed . Here is Shaun along with his new friends showing off their newly signed books.

Next was a Parent Round Table Discussion with author Jeff Kinney. This is where the parents got a chance to talk with Jeff Kinney and ask pretty much anything we wanted. The questions ranged from personal to the future of Diary of a Wimpy Kid to what projects are on the horizon.

Here is my own question to Jeff Kinney and his response

Melinda I want to express the same thing others have said, I have a son who was a very reluctant reader and last summer he found one of your books and we since then have bought them all.
Mr. Jeff Kinney: Oh, really? Wow. Thank you.
Melinda: When did you realize “I made something good?”
Mr. Jeff Kinney: What’s funny was that I didn’t think that the books would get published. I eventually decided that I would put them online first. I wrote about 1,300 pages and I figured that it didn’t have a chance –because I had experienced three years of being rejected by cartoon syndicates.
I thought that the book was too strange.
As far as when I thought it might catch on was pretty early on. I think it was about two or three weeks after it came out it became a New York Times bestseller. It started at the number seven position. And then, it went eight, nine, and then I thought for sure that it would drop off. And then, it recovered and it’s stayed on continuously for five years. Amazing.
Mr. Jeff Kinney: The run has been shocking to me. Everything in my life is really strange. In a good way.
Mr. Jeff Kinney: By strange I mean because it’s been all in one chunk. From that moment that the book got published until now, it’s gets crazier and crazier.
One day I’ll be able to look back and say, “Wow, that was a neat time in my life.”
The round table brought out lots of laughs and personal stories from Jeff Kinney and his family. I look forward to what happens next with the Heffley family.

The general sentiment from many of the bloggers was this series has made a postive impact on their children. It has been able to give many children who haven’t yet developed a love of reading a glimmer of something good to come.

Planning a Family Vacation on a Budget

August 2, 2012 by Melissa

Over the last few years we’ve been taking more vacations, getaways and adventures. Doing this as a family of 5 becomes very stressful with packing, traveling and of course the high expense. I’ve been doing some independent research for some low cost, low stress, low maintenance trips. Whether it’s finding ways to stretch the dollar or find destinations that don’t require many extras or “outside the box” ideas.

Use Alternate Transit
Traveling by air is definitely the fastest way to get from point A to point b but lately with all the extra fees and high costs airfare can take a huge bite out of your travel budget. Look into traveling by train or bus. Depending on how far your destination is and the final cost of airfare, fees, luggage and parking you can hop on a train for less money. The travel time is definitely longer but train rides tend to be more quiet and comfortable, have less waiting around time(terminals) and offer many amenities like dining cars, amazing scenery, plenty of restrooms, ample leg room and space to walk around.

image provided courtesy Gene Bowker via Flickr

Kids Eat Free
When you’re choosing you final vacation location use the internet to your advantage to find hotels where kids eat free. This can drastically reduce your overall budget especially if you have multiple children. Complimentary breakfasts are a bonus too for the entire family.

Kids Stay Free
If you are going for all-inclusive resort vacationing take it a step further and look for Kids Stay Free programs. Since activities, beverages and food are already included in your package imagine the money you can save when you find one that offers kids under 12 stay free.

Skip the Hotel
Hotels are plentiful and are usually the first thought when planning a vacation. Did you know that there are plenty of homes, condos and cabins for rent that not only get you in the same area but also offer comforts you won’t get in hotels or motels. Patios, comfy furnishings and having a full kitchen are great homelike accommodations. Some are also great ways to cut costs on meals and snacks. Making a quick run to a grocery store and having the ingredients for a simple breakfast is a great way to save money for something more fun like attractions.

Ask for Extras
Call ahead to the hotel or rental property you are visiting and ask about what extras they do and can provide. If you are headed to a beach location ask about sand toys, chairs and umbrellas. Strollers, bicycles and wagons are some things that are supplied upon request only and often at no extra charge.

image provided courtesy of Megan Meza via Flickr

Who needs a souvenir?
Do your kids really need another stuffed animal, inflatable character on a stick or bag of beach glass? Snap pictures of the family in front of a famous tourist attraction, add a magnet and you have an instant souvenir for the fridge that can last a lifetime.

Have a Staycation Instead
Staycations are a great way to become a tourist in your own backyard. Visit the local historic cities , museums and zoos that you may not have visited in recent years. Don’t forget to check out the deal sites for reduced admissions, parking and even meals.

No matter if you decide to stay close to home or venture across country there are steps you can take to save some money or spend that money on the fun things when you reach your destination.

Experience with Radisson Warwick Philadelphia

June 27, 2012 by Melissa

I’ve been debating whether write this review or not. I don’t’ typically like to write bad reviews but this experience really left a bad taste in my mouth.

A couple weeks back I attended Bloggy Boot Camp in Philadelphia and to truly take advantage of the full experience I wanted to spend the night at the conference hotel. I got a room at the Radisson Warwick Hotel for one night and shared it with a fellow blogger.

I called the night before arrival to add my roommate’s name so she could check into the room since she was getting into the city before me. The person that was supposed to be assisting me on the phone was giving me a hard time because my name was spelled wrong in their system. I finally got to the point of giving her the name of my roommate, asked for her to be added to the room and was told it would be fine. I also asked about the parking fees and she was clueless, telling me to ask the front desk. I was transferred and was finally given the answer I was looking for.

The next day as I was riding the train into the city I got a text from my roommate saying they wouldn’t allow her to check in; her name couldn’t be found on the room. Luckily she was able to hang out at the Bloggy Boot Camp cocktail hour till I got there.

I checked in, headed up to the room and was looking forward to a little quiet time before the nighttime festivities. I plopped down on the bed and instantly regretted my decision to stay overnight. The bed was miserably hard and uncomfortable. I remembered later that night that I should’ve asked for a Sleep Number room, by that time it was late and we needed to get some sleep.

The bathroom had a strange set up. The window sill was dirty and had an old rusty looking window but they kept extra toiletries there. I know they were going for a boutique look with a beautiful bathroom vanity but the counter tops were so high I couldn’t reach my face into the sink to wash up. I’m short but by no means a little person. The hot water for the shower took almost 10 minutes to reach temperature and there were piles of dust/hair in the corners and under the vanity.

The room itself was dimly light and lacked outlets to charge our phones. The hotel did bring up a microwave at my roommate’s request and that took up the outlet that I needed to use.

I really expected more from a Radisson at a discounted rate of $217/night. The exterior and lobby was beautiful, the in-house staff were friendly but the room accommodations left a lot to be desired for such a swanky area of Philadelphia.

History and Charm in a Small Package-Galveston Island

November 23, 2011 by Melissa

My first thoughts of a vacation are laid back, no hassle, exotic trips to the beach. My mind has been changed. Last week’s visit to Galveston Island, Texas has made me a convert to sticking to what is right here in the states. Yes Galveston Island has beaches but there is so much more. A city rich in culture, history and pride, Galveston Island offers a little bit of everything for whatever vacation you’re planning; a romantic getaway, a family retreat or a lesson on times past on a small footprint.

Moody Gardens Hotel and Spa Resort- It all started with a decadent suite just for me and Rob. Way too much room for the two of us but it was so nice to have space to spread out and relax in-between activities. Moody Gardens is more than a hotel too; it’s a non-profit foundation for the conservation and education of nature and wildlife. A member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, Moody Gardens works with captive and injured animals and their rehabilitation.

Aquarium Pyramid-More than 10,000 marine animals and 1 million gallons of water is the showcase at Aquarium Pyramid. Coming over the the Galveston Causeway this 10-story blue-glass aquarium stands out against the palm trees and blue skies. The Aquarium Pyramid is separated into 4 regions of the world; Carribean, South Atlantic, North Pacific and South Pacific. Each exhibit is centered around the species from that region and gives an educational overview of their natural habitat, predators and lifespan.

lionfish

Rainforest Pyramid-Glass and steel make up this see through pyramid filled with free roaming exotic animals and birds. A recent $25 million upgrade has revolutionized the way we learn about the rainforest by bringing guests up to the canopy, up close and personal to what lives within. Carnivorous plants, lizards, butterflies, macaws and even a white faced saki monkey can all be seen right before your eyes. Once on the floor you’ll visit the replica home of a giant green anaconda, piranhas and vampire bats.

Schlitterbahn Waterpark was a family owned and operated hidden gem located right next to Moody Gardens. From the hotel room you could see the rides and slides and it instantly drew us in. Even though the outside park is open seasonally the indoor park is enough for a family to enjoy a relaxing and exciting day together. We are looking into heading back to enjoy the full park next summer.

Schlitterbahn Cliffhanger ride

learn to body surf at BoogieBahn

Historic Galveston is full of stories, memories and reminders of surviving. Walking and driving past buildings you’ll see markers stating the flood lines from 1900 Hurricane, Hurricane Ike 2008, and others in between. Sea water damaged trees are transformed into pieces of art. Buildings are being brought back to their original state reminiscent of from Being one of the oldest seaports in the States and considered the “Ellis Island of the South” Galveston Island has a deep rooted foundation in maritime operations and immigration. Lots of it’s architecture has stood the test of time and is now protected by the Historical Foundation. Bishops Palace was a place that had to be seen. Built in 1892, this now museum stands as a regal Victorian presence in the midst of smaller less conspicuous homes. It survived the 1900 hurricane virtually unharmed and now attracts visitors who admire works from Nicholas Clayton and home rich in character, charm and eccentric design.

Birds of Galveston Tree Carving

Bishops Palace Architecture

bishops palace galveston tx historic mansion

Bishops Palace Details

The Galveston Seawall was built shortly after the 1900 hurricane to protect the island from disastrous storms and surges. The seawall is exactly that, a wall built into the island at the waterline about 17 feet above sea level. Spanning 10 miles long of the 32 mile long island it’s the perfect spot to watch surfers, sunbathers and the tranquil water crashing on the shore. Memorial Day 2012 expect to see a newly constructed Pleasure Pier; an amusement park built right out on the water.

The Hotel Galvez and Spa might be one of the most beautiful architecturally designed hotels I’ve ever seen. It’s multi-leveled roofs, tall windows and grand entrance make it a sight from its historic beachfront. They are celebrating 100 years with a history rich in the military, community and rebuilding of the city. Our next visit to Galveston will hopefully be on one of their rooms overlooking the water; where state of the art meets old world charm.

Hotel Galvez

I was surprised with the beauty and culture found all over Galveston Island. The people were friendly, the sites were plentiful and the heritage was rich. Since it was just Rob and I that got to enjoy the tours and fun we really want to head back so the kids can experience the fun too.

A special thanks to the Galveston Island Convention and Visitors Bureau and the participants of the Galveston Island Familiarization tour for hosting us during our Carnival Magic experience. We hope to see you all again soon.

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