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Family Travels on a Budget

Travel with kids: theme park family deals, cruise ships for kids and best cruise lines for teens and other cool places to visit, including adult getaways

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Home » Destinations » USA » Virginia

Historic Occoquan: Great Washington, DC Day Trip!

October 14, 2020 by Karen Dawkins 5 Comments

Whether you’re planning day trips from DC, passing through the area on I-95 or planning a visit to a quaint, historic town, the Town of Occoquan, Virginia should make the list! Updated October 2020 Vacationing in Washington, D.C. is amazing. There’s so much to do. But, the hustle and bustle of the big city can […]

Filed Under: Destinations, USA, Virginia, Washington, DC

Exploring the Shenandoah mountains

May 1, 2020 by Karen Dawkins 4 Comments

Before the world turned upside down, I was looking forward to a quaint trip to the Shenandoah mountains to explore some of the small towns in the Shenandoah Valley. While my trip to the Shenandoah Valley had to be canceled (let’s say paused), that doesn’t mean we can’t take a virtual tour together, right? And, […]

Filed Under: USA, Virginia

10 best things to do in Old Town Alexandria

February 14, 2020 by Karen Dawkins 1 Comment

Historic Old Town in Alexandria VA

One of the oldest cities in the United States, Old Town Alexandria, VA sits on the shores of the Potomac River, offering views of Washington, D.C. and the National Harbor. This historic city, with well-preserved 18th century architecture and cobblestone streets is one of the most romantic places in America! But, this romantic city — […]

Filed Under: Destinations, USA, Virginia

Visiting the National Museum of the Marine Corps: A DC Must See!

December 2, 2019 by Karen Dawkins 2 Comments

Exterior architecture of the Marine Museum in Quantico

Y’all, I finally got to visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps — something I have long wanted to do. The Marine Corps Museum, Quantico, Virginia sits right next to I-95, just south of Washington, D.C. If you’ve ever driven I-95 through the area, you’ve seen the building with its steel beam jutting out […]

Filed Under: History, Virginia, Washington, DC

Busch Gardens Meal Deal: Is it worth it?

August 11, 2019 by Karen Dawkins 14 Comments

The German Sampler at Busch Gardens Virginia

We are avid fans of Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, VA. The park is consistently rated the most beautiful theme park in the country. Their food, especially the ribs at Trappers Smokehouse, is really good. And, the portions are huge!   Post Updated June, 2018 In years past, Busch Gardens offered a meal deal: A full meal, […]

Filed Under: Destinations, Food, Interests, Other Theme Parks, theme parks, Theme Parks and Zoos, USA, Virginia

Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center at Darden Towe Park

February 28, 2018 by Karen Dawkins 2 Comments

Among the best indoor activities for families in Charlottesville, Virginia is visiting the Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center at Darden Towe Park. Though, there are some awesome outdoor activities here too! At this Lewis and Clark museum, families can explore and discover our early American explorers. Family activities throughout the center lead museum visitors to […]

Filed Under: History, Interests, Virginia

Mount Vernon: A complete guide for visitors

January 15, 2018 by Karen Dawkins Leave a Comment

A trip to George Washington’s Mount Vernon near Alexandria, Virginia, should be on every family’s “must see” list when visiting the nation’s capital. This family estate is located on the banks of the Potomac River, just 15 minutes south of Washington, DC. Washington considered the plantation to be among the most perfectly situated, and when […]

Filed Under: History, Uncategorized, Virginia, Washington, DC

Hiking the Tuscarora Trail to Eagle Rock Overlook

September 16, 2017 by Karen Dawkins 7 Comments

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 […]

Filed Under: Adventure, Interests, Virginia

Whimsical Boxerwood Gardens: Play, Explore, Connect

June 8, 2017 by Karen Dawkins Leave a Comment

When traveling with three tween girls, some things just draw them in — like mention of fairies! So, on our trip to Lexington, VA last year, even after spending much of the day touring this historic town, everyone piled into the car excited to go fairy hunting. We drove through picturesque Lexington neighborhoods until eventually arriving […]

Filed Under: Kid Fun, Virginia

Boar’s Head Inn: Putting the quality back in family time

May 23, 2017 by Karen Dawkins Leave a Comment

Only 38% of American families take weeklong vacations — 38%. That means that 62% of families take less than a week away together. As long as that trend persists, it’s more important than ever that we make the most of vacation time! That’s where the Boar’s Head Inn comes in. This stunning resort, located in the […]

Filed Under: hotels, Reviews, Virginia

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Meet Karen Dawkins

An avid traveler, I enjoy discovering new places: history, culture, and adventure. I love it all! Well, not bugs. I don’t like bugs very much, so I probably won’t visit a bug museum.

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