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...]
Forget pumpkin! Make mine maple! (cookie recipe)
Pumpkin spice latte might be the social media darling of October and November. But, it's spot at the top of the fall flavor world may be coming to an end. And maple is to blame! Personally, I'm not a big pumpkin spice latte fan. I like pumpkin pie, pumpkin rolls, and even pumpkin cheesecake. But, … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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, … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
5 reasons to vacation in Gettysburg
When I think of Gettysburg, three things come to mind: The Gettysburg Address, President Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. This vague image comes to mind of a vast battlefield. But this place is so much more than a monument to history — it’s a vibrant town as relevant in the 21st century as it is … [Read more...]
Historic Pine Creek Gorge
Northeastern Pennsylvania is home to quaint towns like Wellsboro and expansive farmland. But, it is also an outdoor paradise, with expansive state parks, rivers and the famous Pine Creek Gorge. Dubbed the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, the gorge runs an impressive 47 miles through the Allegheny … [Read more...]
From STEM to STEAM: Arts inspired vacations
Regular visitors to my blog know that my kids are artsy! Our oldest is a professional pianist married to a professional violist. Our second son is studying fine art at UNC-Greensboro. And our daughter, well, she made her trumpet debut last night! Kinda funny, too, since my husband and I pursued more … [Read more...]
