While 2020 has not shaped up to be a great one for traveling, it’s given us a chance to discover the fun and excitement of local travel. Maybe the Christkindl Markets in Germany are out of reach this year, but there’s great joy to discover closer to home. Here in the Triangle — an area […]
Enjoy the great outdoors at the best family campgrounds in the US
This summer, family vacation might look a little different than we might have expected. People are looking for ways to enjoy fresh air and wide open spaces. Of course, camping fits the bill. So, I asked bloggers from around the country to share the best family campgrounds in the US. Take a look at these […]
20 fun things to do when stuck at a hotel
Post includes ways to do these things at home, too! For months, I looked forward to a December trip to Dallas, Texas and the warm, sunny temperatures sure to greet me. As luck (bad luck is luck too) would have it, the Dallas area got walloped by a fierce ice storm that shut down the […]
Cheap family vacations insider tip: Visit public parks!
When planning a vacation to major cities like New York or San Francisco, famous public parks fall naturally into the vacation plan. Can you imagine visiting Manhattan without seeing Central Park? Or my favorite, Bryant Park! In San Francisco, The Presidio and the Yoda Statue rank up there with Golden Gate Park and its famous […]
Complete Outer Banks Vacation Planner: Sun, sand, and sea (and more to explore!)
The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a popular vacation destination for families who want to enjoy sun, sand and sea. A successful vacation takes just a bit planning, though. This guide walks you through everything you need to plan a wonderful Outer Banks vacation. We’ll cover: Outer Banks accommodations, OBX attractions in each region […]
5 reasons to visit Niagara Falls, NY
Ellie and I were hosted by the Niagara Falls CVB to learn about the area for purposes of writing these articles. All opinions are our own. Read my full disclosure policy here. To prepare Ellie for our trip to Niagara Falls, I showed her pictures of the falls. She thought they looked neat, but […]
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 1893. It has expanded through the years, most recently adding the LEED certified […]
Celebrating Culture: NC’s Chinese Lantern Festival
Our daughter is Chinese by birth. Until recently she has not wanted to explore the heritage of her homeland. While we incorporate some Chinese culture into our lives, we never pushed her to go further than she wants. This year, she has been asking more about China and Chinese culture. When I was provided the […]
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 […]
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 […]