When visiting Alton, Illinois — or even if you’re just traveling through between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. — do yourself a BIG FAVOR and get lunch at My Just Desserts! Just remember, order dessert first, because once the Mrs. Ledbetter’s Chocolate Pie is gone for the day — it’s gone! Ann Badasch, the owner […]
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
I absolutely love zoos! In fact, I think the zoos in Ohio are some of the best in the country. We’re so lucky to have three major zoos (and some pretty awesome regional zoos too). The Cleveland Zoo is my personal favorite, but I also love the Akron Zoo and the Columbus Zoo. I just […]
Great Lakes Science Center
Planning a Cleveland family vacation? It can sometimes be difficult to find kid-friendly attractions that are also good for the rest of the family. Might I recommend a trip to the Great Lakes Science Center? This interactive museum and learning facility is the Cleveland attraction for families, full of hands-on learning experiences that appeal to […]
Float the James River
Imagine a relaxing day on the lazy river… Floating in your tube as you watch puffy white clouds pass by overhead. When we go to waterparks or hotels at Myrtle Beach, I always look forward to the lazy river. Except, they’re usually overcrowded, filled with kids playing tag or splashing everyone in the vicinity. Now […]
5 must-see history museums
George Santayana said, “Those who do not remember the past are doomed to repeat it.” It doesn’t have to be hard to remember. Visit these 5 museums and be inspired! Valley Forge National Historic Park Valley Forge in King of Prussia, PA, brings history to life. Costumed re-enactors tell stories of revolutionary patriots stationed here and […]
Some things I learned about Frank Lloyd Wright
On the Great Illinois Road Trip last year, Ben and I got the opportunity to visit TWO Frank Lloyd Wright usonian homes, a dream come true for me. Among all the other careers I never had but wanted, architect ranks high. Muirhead Farmhouse Our first stop was at Muirhead Farmhouse, located near Elgin, Illinois. About […]
Small zoos, Big fun
I hesitate to use the word zoo in this post, actually. Maybe I should say petting farms, though that makes me think of preschoolers, so zoo it is. Small zoos are nothing like the major zoos across the country. At large zoos — like my personal favorite, the Columbus Zoo — elaborate exhibits feature exotic animals […]
Escape Rooms… GO!
Imagine getting yourself locked in a room on purpose… and the only way out is to solve puzzles that lead to the key. Sound claustrophobic? Impossible? Exciting? Researching another article on Raleigh, I stumbled across Tic Toc Escapes, an entertainment venue that locks people in a room on purpose. To get out you have to […]
Insider’s guide to Biltmore with kids
Soon after we moved to North Carolina, we visited the Biltmore Estate in Asheville — one of the most popular attractions in the United States. We’ve gone back many times since and have discovered something new every time. Construction on the estate, America’s largest home, took 7 years to complete. In all, the French Chateau […]
10 family fun Raleigh activities
Those of us who live in the Raleigh area know there’s lots of great stuff to do with kids. The secret’s getting out and more families vacation here every year. Whether you live here or are visiting for the first time, here’s our list of the 10 best family fun Raleigh activities! 1. North Carolina […]
