If you've ever traveled I-95 through North Carolina, you've experienced the traffic jams as you pass mile after tedious mile of loblolly pines. You've seen the New Jersey snowbirds travel south in winter. And you've followed the Floridian headed north for summer. There has got to be a better … [Read more...]
12 Days of Christmas Magic in Lancaster County, PA
When my husband's mom moved to Lancaster County, PA I was thrilled. I've always been intrigued by the historic charm of Amish country and looked forward to doing all the touristy things one does in Lancaster County. What I didn't anticipate was all the other wonderful things there are to do in … [Read more...]
Riverboat cruises: See Pittsburgh from a new perspective
On a trip to Pittsburgh last month, I took my first riverboat cruise in the Steel City! Our group was hosted by the Gateway Clipper located in Pittsburgh's historic Station Square. Riverboat cruises are the perfect way to see this beautiful city by water. We took our trip, a historical … [Read more...]
Conquering fears: Take two!
A couple months ago, we went to a high ropes course close to home. Rob and Ellie attacked it with gusto. I looked at the first obstacle and froze. Totally. Chickened. Out! That kind of thing used to stop me in my tracks. Fear would keep me from trying new things. But, I'm a new me. A … [Read more...]
Visiting the whimsical gardens of Phipps Conservatory
This post contains links to products for which I might receive a small commission. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at Schenley Park in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood (near the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon), has been entertaining visitors with world-class gardens since … [Read more...]
High flying fun on the Xtreme Park ropes course
This post contains affiliate links for which I may earn a small commision. Every time I try a new adventure course, whether it’s a zip line or a ropes course, it seems that each one gets more challenging. That’s certainly the case with the ropes course at Xtreme Park Adventures, an adventure park … [Read more...]
History preserved: Birmingham’s Sloss Furnaces
Many years ago, I drove by Sloss Furnaces in Birmingham for the first time. I thought it strange that this obviously abandoned factory would be left there for all to see -- an eyesore to passersby and a strange way to make a first impression on people coming to this modern city now known as a hub of … [Read more...]
Fun things for teens to do in Sandusky, Ohio… besides Cedar Point
We grew up in Ohio and made regular trips to Cedar Point in Sandusky. We never did anything else in Sandusky back then. But, living in North Carolina, I'm not driving all the way to Lake Erie without taking time to explore the area, not even for the "Roller Coaster Capital of the World!" We … [Read more...]
Family Travel Guide: Washington, DC with kids
I've always considered big city vacations to be pricey. Hotel space is in high demand, so room rates tend to be high. Restaurants, attractions, parking -- they all add up. But, I have found that visiting Washington, DC on a budget is easier than you might think. In fact, it's downright easy to take … [Read more...]
Best things to do in Put-In-Bay with teens
Travel with teens is not at all like family vacation with little kids. Teenagers have opinions and interests of their own. And that changes things! A successful trip with teens starts with involving them in the vacation planning from the beginning. Do stuff they like -- and they'll be happy to do … [Read more...]
