I absolutely love zoos! In fact, I think the zoos in Ohio are some of the best in the country. We’re so lucky to have three major zoos (and some pretty awesome regional zoos too). The Cleveland Zoo is my personal favorite, but I also love the Akron Zoo and the Columbus Zoo. I just […]
An insider’s guide to the Cleveland Zoo
One day I would love to travel the world. I would love to see all the different countries and explore the different cultures. However, until I fall into a large amount of money (or find a very generous benefactor!), I content myself by exploring various aspects of the world through exhibits close to home. One […]
Baltimore’s National Aquarium
You know how a fast food burger can never compare to a gourmet burger? Well, the National Aquarium is kind of like that gourmet burger. I’ve visited lots of aquariums throughout my life, and I thought, “See one fish tank, see them all.” YES — National Aquarium fans, I hear your collective gasp at my […]
Virginia Safari Park: 5 star fun!
When we travel, we like to mix things up! A little history and culture mixed with fun and adventure. On our trip to historic Lexington, Virginia we certainly found both! Of the many adventures in the area, our absolute favorite was a trip to the Virginia Safari Park. Virginia Safari Park Drive through tour Virginia […]
5 reasons to vacation in Columbia
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]