For years, I have recommended state capitals like Columbia* for family vacation. Because of their role in the state, they’ve got museums to highlight state history and local arts. Beyond that, most state capitals are home to convention centers, which means they have lots of hotel rooms, parks, recreation, good food and (usually) public transportation […]
5 time-tested pro tips to save money at Disney World
Planning a Disney vacation is so exciting! With more than 20 visits to WDW under our belts, we’ve found ways to save money at Disney World without sacrificing any of the fun. These practical tips to save at Disney are super easy to do, too! 5 tips to save money at Disney World 1. Don’t buy […]
Small zoos, Big fun
I hesitate to use the word zoo in this post, actually. Maybe I should say petting farms, though that makes me think of preschoolers, so zoo it is. Small zoos are nothing like the major zoos across the country. At large zoos — like my personal favorite, the Columbus Zoo — elaborate exhibits feature exotic animals […]
5 ways to save like Scrooge McDuck on your Disney vacation
1. Don’t be afraid to start small. In 2013, Forbes Magazine estimated Scrooge McDuck’s wealth to be around $65.4 billion – up from a modest $28.8 billion in 2007. But even Scrooge, with his vast fortune, had to start small. Scrooge started with a single dime and within a year had saved $1,000,000. You might […]
The Little Zoo that Could
On our spring break vacation to Alabama’s Gulf Shore, we spent a morning at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, affectionately called the Little Zoo that Could (more on that later). We enjoyed a complimentary visit for purposes of this review, though all opinions are mine. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo opened in June 1989 as […]
Spring Shines at Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
We took our first trip to Walt Disney World in the spring of 2000, during the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. At the time, my boys were 5 and 2. That trip, especially our day at Epcot, was perfect, just what you’d expect from the TV commercials. We loved the vibrant gardens, topiaries and […]
Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC
I was provided free admission to Riverbanks Zoo for purposes of this review. All opinions are my own. For more information see my disclosures page. Tucked along the banks of the Lower Saluda River near Columbia, South Carolina, Riverbanks Zoo offers guests two distinct parks spread across 170 acres. On one side is the zoo, […]
Ardastra Gardens in Nassau: A tropical treat
Special thanks to Ardastra Gardens for providing free admission to my family for purposes of this review. All opinions are my own. See my disclosure page for more details on this policy. Step through the gate at Ardastra Gardens in Nassau, The Bahamas, and enjoy bright tropical flowers, up close encounters with tropical birds and […]
Zoombezi Bay: The wildest waterpark ever
Zoombezi Bay, at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, is Ohio’s premier waterpark. The park boasts 17 waterslides, the brand new Baboon Lagoon, a lazy river, a wave pool and a kiddie waterpark for the little ones. The park offers nine food kiosks that serve a variety of food and snacks, and guests are allowed to […]
Escape to Orlando, FL: Universal Orlando
Have an Adventure at Universal Orlando, Islands of Adventure My mom and I are huge fans of Harry Potter and we have been dying to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Islands of Adventure for years. We finally got the chance to go this year during our trip to Florida and we […]