Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we may receive a commission if you click a link that we have recommended. They help us keep this site up and running! Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support! I was talking with a friend recently and shared a […]
5 ways to save money at Universal Orlando
We just got back from our first trip to Universal Orlando Resort. We enjoyed the restaurants at CityWalk, and “survived” three days at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, the two theme parks. Though, we didn’t go to Volcano Falls, Universal’s new waterpark. Maybe next trip. Since theme park tickets to Universal Orlando are pretty […]
Lancaster’s Longhouse: Discovering Native American culture
When visiting the Hans Herr House, admission also includes a tour of a Native American Longhouse. The longhouse was the heart of Native American culture for hundreds of years. Longhouses were common to the Eastern Woodland Indians between 1570 and 1770. The Lancaster Longhouse, as it’s known, is based on a Susquehannock longhouse that was […]
German architecture: Touring Lancaster’s Hans Herr House
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is well known for its connection to the Amish community. People come by the bus load to see the large, plain homes on massive farms with plain blue and gray clothes hanging on clotheslines and buggies pulled by horses. Others come for the down-home Amish cooking (me, too!) If you go back […]
Leave Only Footprints: It’s not a motto, it’s a mission.
When Gulf Shores and Orange Beach invited me to learn about their Leave Only Footprints initiative, my first thought was sure. I mean, who says no to the beach? And, I figured it would be easy to write about their clean up efforts. I like eco-tourism. So I went to the beach — fully intending […]
Feel like a kid again at the Foley train museum
The City of Foley, Alabama was founded in 1905 by Chicago pharmacist, John Foley, planned from the get-go. The rich farmland drew and pleasant weather drew midwesterners to the area. The Bay Minette-Fort Morgan Railway was added in 1905 to make travel to Foley easier. Of course, Mr. Foley was the financial backer for that […]
Best kept secrets: Roadside attractions in the Carolinas
With all the road trips we take, especially here in the Carolinas, we’ve found some pretty unusual places. These best kept secrets are quirky — intriguing to kids and tweens. Breaking up a long drive with a quick stop to check out strange attractions seems to help the mood all around. I asked my official […]
10 reasons to vacation at Gulf State Park (+ a bonus!)
Between the popular vacation towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in Alabama, sits the region’s shining jewel, Gulf State Park. This 6,200+ acre park is home to three fresh water lakes, a golf course, campground, cabins, a fishing pier and 2 1/2 miles of incredible beach. It’s a dog friendly park, and pets are […]
Take a trip back in time with Strasburg Railroad
In the heart of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Strasburg Railroad takes families back in time on rides through the rolling countryside. Enjoy the serene farmland on this 9-mile roundtrip journey to Paradise (yes, that’s a real place). Riders can choose from a number of experiences. The cheapest fare is standard “coach,” where guests ride in a […]
Hiking the Tuscarora Trail to Eagle Rock Overlook
In Western Virginia, a short drive from Winchester or Woodstock, the Tuscarora Trail offers a number of hiking trails for the avid adventurer or casual day hiker. The trail includes the Eagle Rock overlook which provides some of the best views of the Great North Mountain Range. The longer hike is a 7.2 out and […]