John Hayden, Author at On the Road with Family

The Ultimate Tennessee Bucket List

Tennessee is a great state that has so much to offer, from the mountains in the east down to the Mississippi River Delta there is something for everybody. Here are 25 things in Tennessee that you just have to experience!

1) Museum Of Appalachia– Just south of the Kentucky border in Clinton, Tennessee is the Museum of Appalachia. You will need at least a couple hours to make the trip worthwhile because there is so much to take in. The museum was founded by one man who was dedicated to preserving the history of the Appalachian region. Many of the people that you learn about in the museum won’t be found in any history book rather most are regular people who embodied life in the region. This is truly a unique museum, unlike anything I’ve seen anywhere else.

2) Jack Daniel’s Distillery – Everyone has seen the famous black label of Jack Daniel’s Old Number 7 but in Lynchburg, Tennessee you can see how it is made! The tour starts in a small museum where you can learn a little bit about the man and the history of his concoction. Then it is off on a bus to see the distilling process in action. As the tour winds down, you get led through the barrel houses where the whiskey ages in custom barrels until they reach just the right age. At the end, you’ll be treated to samples to a few of the whiskey varieties that Jack Daniel’s has to offer.

3) Dollywood – Dolly Parton has become an icon the world over but her heart has always remained in the mountains of Tennessee. This love is on full display at her theme park in Pigeon Forge. This is a great park to spend the day in with the whole family (and if you have time, you can make it a weekend in by spending a day in the nearby waterpark). The park offers eight roller coasters and about twenty other rides. It’s not just an amusement park though, Dollywood pays tribute to the region with concerts, crafts and it’s even the location of the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame.

4) Spend the Weekend in the Smokies – Sometimes you need a break from all the hassle of city life and nothing is better than time spent in a cabin in the mountains. There are plenty of trails to hike and the views can’t be beaten.

5) Graceland – You don’t have to be an Elvis fan to enjoy the King’s castle. Graceland is one of the most visited homes in the United States and well worth a stop when you are in Memphis. The Graceland experience begins with a tour of the mansion where you can see Elvis’ living room, kitchen, the famous “jungle room” and more.

After leaving the house, you will tour a museum housed with Elvis’ many awards, hundreds of gold records and many of his signature suits. The mansion tour is supplemented with an iPad which allows you to see videos and hear stories about Elvis told by himself and his family.

Elvis’ love for cars is on full display with a car museum on site featuring many of Elvis’ cars and motorcycles including his famous pink Cadillac. In addition to a couple of smaller museums, you can also board two of Elvis’ private planes. Allow yourself about three hours to see everything at a leisurely pace.

6) Go Shopping in the Pyramid – Memphis is home to the tenth largest pyramid in the world. It once housed an arena used for basketball and concerts but has since been converted into a gigantic Bass Pro Shop. Even if you aren’t in the market for hunting and fishing gear, this is a fun stop for the whole family. We spent over an hour just looking around the building. They have a stream of fish, an aquarium, a bowling alley, a restaurant and even a hotel. For about $10 you can take a ride to the top for an awesome view of Memphis and the Mississippi River.

7) National Civil Rights Museum – This Memphis museum is located at the site of the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in 1968. The museum recently underwent a lengthy renovation, so if you have been previously, it is worth another visit. The museum tells the story of the American Civil Rights movement in a powerful way. Dr. King’s room has been preserved since the day of the death and you can view it on the tour. Additionally, there are replicas of the bus where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat and the Supreme Court room where Brown v. Board of Education was heard. There is so much information and history at this site, allow yourself about three hours to visit.

8) Sun Studios – Sun Records is best known as the record company where Elvis Presley first recorded but there is much more to it. Sun Studio owner Sam Phillips was interested in African-American musicians and began recording them in his Memphis studio, first as a studio for other labels and then on his own label, Sun. Phillips recorded what many consider to be the first rock and roll record, Rocket ’88. Later he would record Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lewis and a host of other singers. The tour includes an upstairs museum as well as a chance to stand in the studio with an “x” marking the spot where Elvis stood to record his first song. As a bonus, the tour guides are always a lot of fun and make the experience even more enjoyable.

9) Root for the Memphis Grizzlies – At the end of Beale Street is the FedEx Forum home to the Memphis Grizzlies. Seeing an NBA game is always a good time but it’s even better when the arena is located on a great street like Beale which is perfect for all of you pre or post-game celebrations.

10) Honky Tonkin on Broadway – If you like to listen to country music and have a few drinks, there is no better place than Broadway in Nashville. The street is lined with bars on clubs on either side all of which have great singers belting it out until the early morning. Many of the singers you will hear on Broadway today will be on the radio soon so you never know when you will catch the next superstar!

11) Catch a Game in Nashville – Nashville is home to two major league franchises, the NFL’s Titans and NHL’s Predators. The Predators arena is located on Broadway and the Titan’s home is just a short walk from there.

12) Watch The Grand Ole Opry At The Ryman – The Grand Ole Opry has shows every weekend playing primarily at the Opry House off Briley Parkway but the best way to catch the show is one of the few dates a year they play at the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville. The Ryman is the legendary home of the Opry where greats like Hank Williams and Patsy Cline performed regularly (before sneaking off to have a few drinks on Broadway after their set).

13) Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame – Nashville has a host of country music hot spots but the Hall of Fame downtown tells the whole story from roots of country music up to today’s stars. The exhibits are stunning and told in chronological order with great artifacts like Elvis’ gold Cadillac and Webb Pierce’s silver dollar car. Woven throughout the exhibits are many videos and listening stations where you can hear the evolution of country music through the years. This museum is worth a stop if you love music, even if country isn’t your particular cup of tea.

14) The Parthenon – You don’t have to travel all the way to Greece to see one of the most famous works of architecture in the world. The full-scale replica was originally built in Nashville in the late 1800’s. Inside you will find something that the Greek version doesn’t, the statute of Athena that once stood in Athens but has since been lost to history. Adults will love the history and appreciate the art and the kids will love the giant park where the structure is located. This is a great spot to spend a couple hours and maybe have a picnic.

15) Check Out Minor League Baseball – Every summer night, all across the country, young men are playing their hearts out hoping for a shot at the big leagues. You can watch it in person and you won’t regret it. Tennessee hosts several minor league teams: The Nashville Sounds, the Sevierville Smokies, and the Jackson Generals. Minor league baseball is an inexpensive night out and is typically very kid friendly

16) Eat at the Loveless Cafe – The Loveless Café is just south of Nashville and is home to some of the best country cooking that you’ll ever have. The dining area is small so wait times can be long but it’s well worth the time. The biscuits and country ham are some of the best the south has to offer. There are small shops in the complex to spend some time while you wait for your table. If you are in a hurry and the weather is nice, get your order to go and enjoy your meal on one of the several picnic tables outside.

17) Lunch at Jack’s BBQ – Jack’s has three locations in Nashville and if you like barbecue you have to make this stop a priority. I recommend the sampler platter so you can try three different varieties of smoked meat. The downtown location can get really crowded around lunch or dinner time so if you can’t wait around, I’ve never had an issue getting in and out of the Trinity Lane location, located conveniently right off I-65.

18) The Hermitage – Andrew Jackson was one of the most controversial presidents in US history. A visit to his home and surrounding grounds are a great opportunity to get to know about Jackson the person and his role in American history. His house has been beautifully preserved and the tour guides are very knowledgeable. The grounds and museum are self-guided with an audio tour. They also offer an audio version for kids which our kids really enjoyed.

19) Shiloh National Military Park – One of the biggest battles of the Civil War occurred in South Tennessee and nearly 4,000 acres have been preserved. You won’t want to miss the breathtaking Iowa Monument and the National Cemetery on your trip. Also, stop and see the Shiloh Indian Mounds which date back to approximately 1,000 B.C.

20) World’s Fair Park – Knoxville was the site of the 1982 World’s Fair and the park hosts a large playground and water fountains that kids love to run through. Our kids could have stayed there for hours. Nearby is the famous Sunsphere that was built specifically for the World’s Fair (if you’re a Simpsons fan, you’ll remember the family visited the Sphere which a fictional hat shop). When we stopped the elevator ride to the top was free and offered great views of the area

21) Rock City/Ruby Falls – If you are an adult of a certain age, you no doubt remember the signs that used to litter the highway for these attractions. We spent an entire morning just doing Rock City so if you want to hit Ruby Falls as well, plan your day accordingly. The kids loved walking through Rock City and taking in all of the views including the spot where it is said that you can see seven states. Rock City involves a lot of walking and is not for anyone who is scared of heights (especially the famous lover’s leap). Ruby Falls is nearby and gives you the chance to take a cave tour to see an amazing underground waterfall.

22) Blood Stained Crypt of Nina Cragmiles – Located just a few minutes off of 75 in Cleveland, Tennessee lies a unique mausoleum located in the middle of town. This is the final resting spot of Nina Cragmiles who died as a young girl in a carriage ride. The legend is that blood covers the tomb in various places despite attempts to clean it. Indeed, if you walk around it, you will see several areas that look like blood streaks. If your kids are into ghost stories, they will love this stop. It’s free to see and only takes a few minutes to walk around.

23) Loretta Lynn’s Dude Ranch – A little over an hour south of Nashville down I-40 is Loretta Lynn’s Dude Ranch. Loretta Lynn’s music spoke to a generation of women in the 60’s and 70’s with bold songs that defied the norms of a male-dominated country music industry. Her home (which is said to be haunted by Confederate soldiers), as well as a museum and the replica of her childhood home (used in the movie “Coal Miner’s Daughter), are part of the tour. Also on the site is a campground where you can kayak or canoe.

24) Cummins Falls – Located in Cookeville is Cummins Falls which has been ranked among the top swimming holes in the US. The park is over 200 acres and is a great place to spend the day, especially if you enjoy hiking. Be warned, however, that the trails can be rugged and aren’t recommended for small kids.

25) Cumberland Caverns – There are over thirty-two miles of caves so there are plenty of adventures to be had for the whole family. They offer a variety of tours including an overnight in the caves. Also, the Caverns are home to the Bluegrass Underground which is a concert series that can be seen on PBS.

HONORABLE MENTION: Rock and Soul Museum in Memphis, Opryland Hotel in Nashville, seeing a Volunteers football game at Neyland Stadium, Buford Pusser Home and Museum in Adamsville, Ober Gatlinburg and the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge.

Real Bodies at Bally’s in Las Vegas

by John Hayden Leave a Comment

Thanks so much to Real Bodies at Bally’s Las Vegas for providing us with complimentary tickets. All opinions are 100 percent ours!

WHAT IS IT?

Real Bodies is a unique experience designed to allow you to learn about how the bodies work but seeing real, preserved bodies. The exhibit contains over 20 actual human bodies and significantly more displays involving real body parts.

THAT SOUNDS WEIRD, WILL I BE CREEPED OUT? IS IT FOR KIDS?

The Real Bodies exhibit is designed for all ages and is entirely kid appropriate. There is a section dealing with human development that involves fetuses, that may make some people uncomfortable but there is a warning in advance and a path for you to easily skip it if you prefer.

The presentation of the bodies is done in a scientific manner so it should not be disturbing to most people.

WHAT WILL I SEE?

The exhibit is designed to teach how the body works and brings that into reality in a way that you never saw in Science class. The exhibit is broken down into 10 galleries dealing with various aspects of the human body ranging from movement, to thought, to love and more. Each gallery contains human specimens placed in positions to illustrate the concepts. For example, see how the muscles stretch and various parts of the body act when throwing a baseball or serving in tennis.

WHERE IS IT LOCATED? WHAT IS THE COST?

Real Bodies is located in the Bally’s Hotel/Casino conveniently located on the Las Vegas strip. The cost of admission is $29.95 per person.

IS IT WORTH IT?

If you are interested in learning more about the human body then this is a great stop. It is also much different than the other types of entertainment in Las Vegas so it can provide a refreshing change of pace. If you are looking for a freak show then this exhibit isn’t for you. We spent about an hour in the exhibit but times could vary based on how much time you spend reading all of the placards. I felt that it was worth my time and the price is very fair based on entertainment costs in Vegas.

Fiddlers Inn Nashville

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Nashville is one of my favorite cities to spend a weekend. Whether it’s just a couple’s getaway or a family adventure, there are always plenty of things to do. I’m obviously not the only one that loves spending time there because the hotel prices have gone up over the last several years and if you are traveling on a budget those high prices could keep you away. If you want to have a good time and still have some money to spend on your trip, I recommend the Fiddlers Inn.

1) THE LOCATION: Fiddlers Inn is in the Opryland area of Nashville, right across the street from the famous Opryland Hotel. There are a variety of food choices including Cracker Barrel, McDonald’s, and Shoney’s within a very short walk.

For kids, there is a putt-putt golf course and Go Kart track very close by. There are a couple older strip malls near the hotel complex that offer antique shops, boots and a Dukes of Hazzard museum and gift shop.

If you are traveling without the kids, the Scoreboard is a great place to enjoy live music at night with reasonable drink prices. They also offer a full menu with local favorites like hot chicken.

If you enjoy shopping, the Opry Mills Mall is a just a couple minute drive from the hotel. While you are at the mall, you can walk to the Opryland Hotel and enjoy all of their beautiful gardens. (Tip: it costs money to park in the Opryland Hotel lot but there is a walkway to the hotel from the mall lot, park here and save a few dollars).

2) AMENITIES: The Fiddlers Inn is a no frills type of hotel. There is an outdoor pool if you visit in the summer. Also, they offer a small breakfast in the morning consisting mainly of muffins and pastries.

3) THE ROOMS: Our room was standard for what you would find at most hotels. No refrigerator or extras that you sometimes find. While the hotel is showing it’s age, the rooms were clean and very adequate for a short trip.

All of the doors lead directly outside, which I don’t typically like in a hotel but the area is safe and in all of my stays here through the years I’ve never had any cause for alarm.

They offer smoking and non-smoking rooms and be warned if you don’t like the smell of smoke, don’t get a smoking a room. This might seem like common sense but at this hotel, the smoking rooms are especially strong (I was even warned by the desk clerk.)

CONCLUSION: Fiddler’s Inn is a nice place to rest on your trip to Nashville, it’s not going to be the fanciest place you’ve ever seen but it is a great value for the money.

Why Your Family will Love the Henry Ford Museum

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If you are interested in cars or the history of the United States, then the Henry Ford Museum is a must visit attraction. Located in Dearborn, Michigan, just a short drive from Detroit sits the museum, which is part of a larger complex of Ford related attractions.

When we visited, we only had time for the museum. If you want to check out the Ford plant and Greenfield Village (which I would really like to come back and see) then you should plan a couple days in the area. The museum itself will take up several hours of your day and there is so much to see that you won’t want to be rushed.

The Louisville Slugger Museum is a Hit!

The museum is extremely kid friendly (I took my nephew and my son and they enjoyed every minute…not one time was I asked when we were going to leave…a major testament to the museum if you ask me) but the exhibits are extremely well done and appeal to all ages so this could definitely be a part of your couples getaway weekend. There is so much to see at the museum that a short review cannot do it justice but I will list out a few of the most memorable stops in the exhibit.

1) The Presidential Vehicles – Laid out in the middle of a large corridor are four limousines used by every president from Franklin Roosevelt to George H.W. Bush. There is also a carriage used by President Theodore Roosevelt. Of particular interest is the vehicle that President was riding in when he was assassinated. To my surprise, the vehicle was painted a different color after the assassination and underwent other substantial changes and it was used until 1977.

Still, this vehicle was part of one of the most significant events in twentieth century America and getting a chance to walk around it is worth the price of admission. Sitting in front of the Kennedy limousine is the Lincoln Continental that President Reagan rode to the hospital immediately after the attempt on his life in 1981.

2) With Liberty and Justice for All – This exhibit focuses on the struggle for freedom in America starting with freedom from Great Britain and the modern fight for civil rights. As you walk through this exhibit you will see the chair that President Lincoln sat in in Ford’s Theatre when he was assassinated. Further on is the bus where Rosa Parks made history by refusing to give up her seat to a white person. The bus has been restored to the way it looked when Ms. Parks made her stand. The museum is very interactive and the Parks’ bus is no exception, you are free to board the bus and look around.

3) Driving America – When you think of Ford, you think of cars so it’s only natural that at the heart of the museum is an impressive collection of vehicles encompassing a variety of makes and models. The exhibit not covers the history and innovations of cars but also of the open American road. They have several restored neon signs and commentary about how the car changed travel in America like fast food restaurants and hotel chains. We probably spent more time in this exhibit than any other in the museum.

4) Railroads – The history of the railroad in the US is fascinating and it is brought up close and personal in this exhibit. There is a very well done model train setup but it pales in comparison to the massive locomotives that you will see, one of which is over 700,000 pounds! I spent much of the exhibit wondering how they got these giant trains inside the museum. The kids also enjoyed seeing the snow plow on display from the 1920s.

5) Dymaxion House – This house was built out of aluminum in 1945 and designed to be the “house of the future.” This is the only remaining prototype in existence. The house resembles a spaceship, circular with small windows and silver in color. The house was created for easy assembly and shipment, though none were ever actually lived in.

Again, this list is an extremely brief overview of the many things the Henry Ford Museum has to offer. Tickets to the museum are $21 for adults but you get a discount by purchasing your ticket on their website in advance.

The San Francisco CityPass

by John Hayden Leave a Comment

This is a sponsored post. We were given a CityPass for this review. All opinions are 100 percent our own!

Whenever I travel I’m always looking for ways to stretch my dollar. Recently in San Francisco, our friends at CityPass gave us two complimentary passes to try out the pass.

What is it?

The San Francisco City Pass gives you access to several area attractions as well as three days worth of free travel on the buses, cable cars, and street cars. The pass costs $89 for adults and $66 for kids.

WHAT DO YOU GET?

1) Admission to the California Academy of Sciences. Retail price $35.95 for adults and $30.95 for kids.

2) Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruise. Retail price $31.00 for adults and $21.00 for kids.

3) Aquarium of the Bay. Retail price $24.95 for adults and $14.95 for kids.

4) Exploratorium. Retail price $29.95 for adults and $19.95 to $24.95 for kids. OR De Young Museum. $15.00 for adults and free for kids.

5) Street car, cable car, and buses for three days. Retail. $2.00 to $7.00.

Three Days in San Fransisco

IS IT WORTH IT?

Clearly, you save money if you buy the pass and go to all of these attractions but the big questions are, would you (or should you) visit them all?

If you are traveling with your kids, this is a no-brainer. We have four kids in the house ranging from 4 to 14 and everything on the list is something they would love.

If you didn’t bring the kids along on the trip (and we didn’t for this one) I still think the price of the CityPass is a bargain.

WHAT WE LOVED ABOUT IT:

1) Transportation – If you’ve never been to San Francisco, the cable car is an absolute must stop. One ride on the cable car costs $7 dollars and odds are you are going to want to a ride back on it, so on a typical trip in San Francisco if you road the cable for one two-way trip, you’ve already spent $14.

We didn’t have a car during the trip (and with the parking costs, I wouldn’t recommend it) and we used the Muni buses and streetcars. They cost about $2 a ride and we rode them at least six times in the four days we were there. So in transportation costs alone, we would have spent $26. That is nearly 1/3 of the cost of the CityPass and we haven’t even talked about the attractions yet. I will also add that the pass is extremely easy to use for transportation, you just have to flash the pass as you enter the ride.

2) The Exploratorium – Like I said, we didn’t bring the kids but we loved this place and could have stayed hours there. If we had the kids, we could have probably been there all day. The Exploratorium has tons of interactive exhibits based on science. If you kids are old enough to read, they can do a bunch of the exhibits on their own but you are going to want to participate too.

I recommend making it your first stop of the day, after breakfast, because it can get crowded. We went on a Wednesday in summer and it quickly filled up with school groups. The pass gives you the option of doing this or the De Young museum which is an art museum. You can do both if you visit on the same day. We didn’t make it over to the De Young but you can certainly do both if you get the Exploratorium early and take a cab over to the De Young.

WHAT WE LIKED:

1) The Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruise – This would have easily been in the love category if the weather had cooperated. The tour was an hour long and takes you past Alcatraz, Angel Island and under the Golden Gate Bridge. The day that we went, the water was very choppy and made it difficult to get great pictures. We also found it to be extremely windy so the jacket or sweater you packed will come in handy.

The crew was great and drinks and snacks on the boats were reasonably priced. The great thing was that once the weather became a little too much there is an indoor cabin with plenty of large windows for enjoying the scenery.

We didn’t have to make reservations and were able to walk right into a line for a ride. I recommend you check in advance just to make sure because this may differ if they are busy.

2) California Academy of Sciences – The Academy is a unique science museum that has a little bit of everything. You need to budget plenty of time to enjoy everything that it has to offer. Unique to the museum is a rain forest dome where you can enjoy plants and wildlife from the rainforest. Once you leave there, you will find a small aquarium.

The museum also includes a live penguin display and various dinosaur models. I found the exhibit on earthquakes particular interesting.

WHAT WAS OK:

1) The Aquarium of the Bay – We are spoiled because we have a great aquarium in our hometown so maybe if I weren’t used to visiting it, I would have rated this a little higher. Also, this aquarium focuses primarily on wildlife from the Bay Area which naturally limits the exhibits.

It is a small aquarium and it won’t take you very long to get through it. We enjoyed the otters and the exhibit that lets you touch a starfish. One benefit to the aquarium is that you can re-enter as many times as you like during the same day which is a good reason to do it first thing during the day. If you have kids and downtime, it makes sense to go through again later. They also offer various presentations throughout the day so there is a reason to want to return.

In conclusion, I found the CityPass to be well worth the cost. Even factoring in that you of the attractions might not be your thing, the overall value and quality of the attractions makes this a good investment for your trip to San Francisco.

A Weekend in Niagara Falls

by John Hayden Leave a Comment

If you love nature and beautiful scenery, Niagara Falls is for you. Recently we took the kids there and since leaving they have been eager to go back. There’s plenty to do to keep you busy but most of the highlights can be done in ample time that you can make this trip a long week. You can also spend a weekend in Niagara Falls and still get a wonderful family trip out of it!

Here are some of my recommendations:

1 – Get a Passport – You can no longer enter Canada from the United States without a passport. We didn’t have one so we missed out on all the adventures that Canada had to offer. If you are planning a trip several months out, you should have time to get a passport. If you don’t plan to do any travel outside Canada or Mexico then you can save some money and get a passport card.

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A Weekend in St. Augustine

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2 – Buy the Discovery Pass – The Discovery Pass gets you into all the main attractions at Niagara Falls. It is $45 for adults, $34 for children and kids 5 and under are free. It is well worth the price of the ticket, with a discovery pass you will get admission to:

Cave of the Winds – This was the kids’ favorite stop by far. On the Cave of the Winds tour, you can walk under and behind the falls. Be prepared to get wet (the tour gives you a poncho) and cold. Our kids would have stayed there getting wet all day, they didn’t seem to mind that was water was freezing!
Maid of the Mist – The famous Maid of the Mist boat takes you right up to the falls and is a great for taking pictures. Again, you are going to get very wet! After the boat trip, you can climb a short trail for more awesome views of the falls.
Aquarium of the Niagara – It’s a fair walk to get to the aquarium but it is worth a visit. It’s not nearly as large as some of the aquariums that we have been to but the brief show with the train seals was enjoyable and seeing penguins is always fun.
Niagara Gorge Discovery Center – This museum is somewhat dated and didn’t have much appeal to the younger kids. They try hard with an elevator ride to teach you about geology but the technology was well past its prime and the kids weren’t very into it. The discovery center does serve as the trailhead for four different hiking adventures so if love to hike, you have some great options here.
Niagara Adventure Theatre – Any indoor (air conditioned) video is a happy stop for parents who have been trying to keep up with kids in the summer heat but this video is an interesting look at the history of Niagara Falls – It kept the attention of all the kids, they loved talking about the people who ventured over the falls throughout the years.

3 – Enjoy the Falls at Night – Every evening the falls are illuminated in different colors and make for a spectacular sight. Select nights during the year also feature fireworks over the falls.

4 – Take a long walk and enjoy the beauty of the falls – As they say, the best things in life are free and it doesn’t cost anything to just walk around and enjoy the majesty of the Niagara. If you don’t have time to take the tours but you are traveling through the area, it is well worth a short detour to walk around and take some photos.

5 – Explore the Town – Niagara Falls, NY has a variety of shops, restaurants, and unique oddities. Our kids took a quick walk through a haunted house (yes, in the middle of summer) and we enjoyed a street festival that was going on. For adults, there is a casino within walking distance of the falls.

The falls are stunning and we know your family will love them as much as we do!

5 Must Do Romantic Things In Vegas

by John Hayden Leave a Comment

Las Vegas has so much to offer! You can tailor a weekend there in so many ways. It’s a natural pick for a bachelor or bachelorette party, there are tons of things to do with kids and it’s a perfect place to spend a weekend with your significant other. In an earlier post, we talked about doing the city up on a budget, for this adventure I’d recommend saving up or winning big at the tables.

How to do Las Vegas Cheap

The Heart Attack Grill in Las Vegas

1) Pick the perfect hotel – There are tons of great places to stay while you are in Vegas so it’s hard to narrow it down to just one, however, if I had to narrow it down, I would pick the Bellagio. The resort was built in 1998 which makes it almost ancient by Vegas strip standards but it is still as classy and awe inspiring. A tip to the front desk clerk should score you a nice room with a view of the fountains and the Vegas strip. A bottle wine while watching the choreographed fountain show from your room is a perfect ending to your night on the town. Honorable mention: The Aria, which is a swanky hotel with awesome restaurants and a great location.

2) Limo rides down the strip – If you are looking to impress, it’s hard to beat a limousine ride through the city at night. Many limos will offer you a bottle of champagne for the ride. If you want to get a little more adventurous you can take the strip tour via helicopter as well.

3) Dinner at the Top of the World – I have eaten at a lot of great restaurants around the country but nothing tops the experience of the Top of the World restaurant at the Stratosphere. Be sure to make reservations in advance and I would recommend that you get a table a little before sundown. The restaurant sits at the top of the Stratosphere Tower and revolves. You will take in breathtaking panoramic views of the strip as well as the mountains. If you are seated shortly before sundown you’ll be able to watch as all the lights come on throughout Las Vegas. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it.

4) Take a stroll through Paris – Paris may be the most romantic stop in the world but the Paris Hotel and Casino is a nice substitute when in Vegas. Enjoy brunch at Mon Ami Gabi and take a ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower for a scenic view of the city. Honorable mention: If France isn’t your thing, the Venetian, further down the strip, can give you a taste of another classic European city. There’s plenty of shopping and you can even take a gondola ride while being serenaded.

5) Spend an afternoon at the Valley of Fire – The Valley of Fire State Park is about 50 miles from Vegas close to Lake Meade. You can take a few hours away from the hustle and bustle and spend some quality time walking where the dinosaurs once roamed. The surroundings are breathtaking so it’s a great place for taking photos of nature or provide the perfect backdrop for that romantic selfie.

Most of all enjoy Vegas together and have a wonderful time!

Three Days in San Francisco

by John Hayden Leave a Comment

San Francisco is a city rich in history and diversity. It makes a great place to spend a long weekend.

I’ve laid out a three-day itinerary but we tend to cram a lot of travel into a short amount time so if you’ve got extra time to spend and like to pace yourself, you might want to stretch it into four days.

BEFORE YOU GO:

If you are hoping to catch a game, San Francisco has professional football, baseball and basketball, you should check the schedules and ticket availability. If your dates are flexible you might be able to schedule your trip around your favorite teams in San Francisco. Big ticket games can sell out so if you absolutely don’t want to miss the game, buy your tickets early.

If you want to visit Alcatraz (and you should) get your tickets as soon as you know the dates of your trip. Don’t even think about trying to buy tickets once you arrive in town because you will miss out. I wanted to take a night tour and couldn’t get a ticket a month in advance.

If you are flying into town, decide if you need to rent a car. San Francisco has great public transit including a subway station that you can catch at the airport. The city is walkable to a degree but some areas are extremely hilly and difficult to walk. If you are going to rent a car and are traveling on a budget, check with your hotel about parking costs. At the hotel we stayed at, parking a car overnight was $80!

Look into whether or not you want to invest in a City Pass. In full disclosure, our friends at City Pass gave us two complimentary passes to try it out. If you are interested in the destinations provided and plan on using public transportation it’s worth the $89 investment ($66 for kids). Note, the pass includes buses and cable cars but not the subway.

Bring a sweater or jacket! Regardless of the time of year you visit, San Francisco can get cold and be very windy. We went in June and found that it could be extremely warm and chilly in the same afternoon.

Now, with the preliminaries out of the way, let’s talk about your trip.

DAY ONE:

1) Aquarium of the Bay – The aquarium is included in your City Pass. The Aquarium primarily features creatures native to the Bay Area. It is a small aquarium and it won’t take you very long to get through it. We enjoyed the otters and the exhibit that lets you touch a starfish. One benefit to the aquarium is that you can re-enter as many times as you like during the same day which is a good reason to do it first. If you have kids and downtime, it makes sense to go through again later.

2) Alcatraz – You pick up the cruise ship to Alcatraz very close to the aquarium. Obviously, the timing is all going to depend on the time of the ticket you purchased. In our trip, they wouldn’t let us board the ship earlier than our ticketed time.

Once you get in line you will board a boat for a brief cruise to Alcatraz Island. Once you arrive on “The Rock” you can move about at your own pace and the entire tour is self-guided. We’ll talk about the cell house tour momentarily but don’t neglect walking around the island and checking out the beautiful flowers and birds that make the island their home. There are a lot of good photo opportunities and it is a very nice place to enjoy nature.

The cell house tour was simply amazing. You are given a headset and as you walk through the building your tour is narrated by guards and inmates who spent time at Alcatraz. This method brings the old building to life in a unique way. You will see the cells of the prisoners who made the famous escape as well as the warden’s office, recreation yard and more. You’ll even get a chance to step into the cells for a unique photo op.

Depending on the day, you might get to see a unique presentation. The day that we were there a lady who grew up as a child on Alcatraz was giving a talk. I was surprised to learn that Alcatraz housed dozens of children in private homes away from the prison area.

Getting to hear stories from someone who lived the history is an experience you won’t want to miss.

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3) Explore Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf – This part of town is touristy but it’s still worth checking out. There are a bunch of places to eat in the area. I really enjoyed Boudin’s which is famous for its sourdough bread. The location in this area offers a tour of the bakery and in addition to lunch and dinner, you can buy special breads and pastries to take back with you. We also had a great dinner at Nick’s Lighthouse. Nick’s has been around since the 1930’s and the restaurant is small with an old school feel. Prices were very reasonable. I had a delicious steak sandwich on sourdough, my wife loved the pasta and clam chowder.

Optional stops. This area has a Madame Tussaud’s as well as a Ripley’s Believe it or Not. Don’t get me wrong, these are fun places to go and if you’ve never been to a Madame Tussaud’s wax museum you need to check it out but if you’ve been to one somewhere else, I would pass.

4) Have a drink at Pier 23 – If you didn’t bring the kids on the trip and you would like to have a night cap before heading to the room, Pier 23 is a great place to stop. It’s an older bar with reasonable drink prices. When we stopped in they had a guy playing old music on the piano. It closes early so you can’t pull an all-nighter here but a bus stop is directly across the street so it’s convenient to move on to the hotel or your next place after you leave.

DAY TWO:

1) The Exploratorium – If you brought your kids with you, this is a must do and it’s included on the City Pass. If you didn’t bring the kids, no reason why you can’t still enjoy it but the City Pass gives you the option to use the ticket for admission to the DeYoung Museum (you can do both if you go on the same day if you are very adventurous).

The Exploratorium has tons of interactive exhibits based on science. You could spend hours here and your kids could probably make a day of it. If you kids are old enough to read, they can do a bunch of the exhibits on their own but you are going to want to participate too. I recommend making it your first stop of the day, after breakfast, because it can get crowded. We went on a Wednesday in summer and it quickly filled up with school groups.

2) Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruise – If you bought the City Pass, a cruise on the Blue and Gold fleet is included. The tour was an hour long and takes you past Alcatraz, Angel Island and under the Golden Gate Bridge. The day that we went, the water was very choppy and made it difficult to get great pictures. We also found it to be extremely windy so the jacket or sweater you packed will come in handy. If you didn’t buy the City Pass, you can still get a ticket on the Blue and Gold but there are other companies that offer similar cruises. We didn’t have to make reservations and were able to walk right into a line for a ride. I recommend you check in advance just to make sure because this may differ if they are busy.

3) Musee Mecanique – .On Fisherman’s Wharf is the Musee Mecanique which is a museum fit for all ages. It is a large collection of mechanical games from the 1900’s to the present day. It is free to walk in the museum but most of the games cost between a quarter to fifty cents. We probably spent an hour checking out the different games, especially the ones from a bygone era most of which I had never seen before. I had a ball playing a baseball game from the 1930’s. Be sure to check out the huge replica of a carnival that comes to life for a few coins, I guarantee you will be blown away.

4) Ghiradelli Square. A short walk from the Wharf is Ghirardelli Square where you can watch how they make their famous chocolate inside the ice cream and while you are there, treat yourself to one of their delicious ice cream sundaes.

5) Ride the cable car. If you think of San Francisco the cable cars are probably one of the first things that come to mind. You will already be in the area to board and your trip isn’t complete until you’ve been on one. The cost of $7 one way but it’s included in your CityPass. You can also take the bus or street cards with the Pass.

6) Check out the Giants. AT&T Park is consistently rated one of the top parks in MajorLeague Baseball for its aesthetic beauty. At the end of a full day, a night game is a great way to unwind. If you aren’t a big baseball fan, I recommend checking Stubhub.com to see if you can grab a cheap ticket (the day I went, tickets were as low as $7) and spend a few innings checking out the park. You’ll notice McCovey Cove outside of right field where people are sitting in boats and kayaks in the Bay waiting for a home run. There are a bunch of unique food choices but I recommend you try the garlic fries which they conveniently serve with a couple of mints.

DAY THREE:

1) Haight-Ashbury. If you were in town in the mid to late 1960’s if you were at the intersection of Haight and Ashbury you would be in the epicenter of the hippie movement. Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, the Grateful Dead and more roamed this area and people were all over in search of peace and love. Today, some of that feeling still lives on.

There are some great vintage clothing stores and Amoeba Music boasts one of the most extensive music collections anywhere. You could easily spend a couple hours browsing the shops and taking in the vibe of the area.

2) Golden Gate Park – Haight Street runs into Golden Gate Park which is a great place to unwind. You’ll see people napping in the park or playing music. Venture further in and kids are playing ball or enjoying a large playground. Also on site is the California Academy of Sciences (Admission is included with a City Pass). The Academy has an awesome rain forest dome as well as a small aquarium, penguin exhibit as well as several other displays.

3) Walk the Golden Gate Bridge – Don’t be fooled by the name of the park, it is a good distance from the bridge so I would recommend public transit or taking an uber. While you are walking the bridge spend some time at Presidio National Park. There are so many things to do in the park you could easily spend an entire day there. Your kids certainly won’t get bored and will wear off any extra energy before heading back to the hotel.

4) If you are kid-free for the weekend, head up to the SOMA district to the Marriott Marquis which is the home of The View. This bar boasts panoramic views of the entire city.

The drinks are priced reasonably for a big city bar (beers are about $7 which is about the average in town) and it makes for a very romantic evening. If you want to get your pick of the tables, get there when it opens at 4 although seeing the city after dark is breathtaking.

If you have extra time:

There are so many great places to eat, drink and see that it is impossible to do in one trip, especially if you only have a long weekend. If you have a little extra time you certainly want to check out the hairpin turns walking Lombard Street.

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I 75 Side Trips through Kentucky and Tennessee

by John Hayden 6 Comments

When you are traveling kids, life is so much easier if you make a few side trips. Let’s face it, your kids are going to be pumped about the trip and they’ve got energy to burn. When live near Cincinnati, so almost every Florida trip requires a drive down I-75. I’m going to do a run down of some of our favorite stops. Obviously, we can’t stop at all of these every trip but there are plenty of places to choose from when trying to kill a little time. Stops are listed in the order in which you would encounter heading south on 75.

1) Kentucky Horse Park– This is no quick stop, so if you don’t have at least three hours you want to kill, you will want to save this for another day. Tickets during the summer are $20 for adults and $9 for kids. This gains you admission to two museums and the grounds of the horse park where you can visit the graves of famous horses such as Man-O-War and War Admiral.

2) Renfro Valley– We rarely take a road trip down 75 that doesn’t include a stop in Renfro Valley. It is located right off of the highway and is a great place for kids to run around for a few minutes. There is a small town complete with old school house, a church, shops and restaurants. Most of the town is closed on weekdays but you can still look around and stretch your legs. If you go on the weekends, the little town is packed with people getting ready to attend one of the live concerts they put on. Right next door to Renfro Valley is the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame which is worth a visit if you have a little time.

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3) The First KFC– When people think of Kentucky one of the first things they think of is Colonel Sanders and Kentucky Fried Chicken. In Corbin, Kentucky just off I-75 sits the location of the Colonel Sanders first restaurant. Today part of it is a modern KFC and the other part is a museum to the Colonel himself, giving you a glance of what the restaurant would have been like if you would have visited it in the 1940s. Well worth a pit stop, especially if you’re ready to eat.

4) Cumberland Falls– Also in Corbin, although a bit of a drive from the highway, is the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Often referred to as the Niagara Falls of the south, Cumberland Falls is extremely beautiful and it’s free to visit. You can spend a lot of time here if you enjoy hiking but its also good for quick stroll and photo op. If you happen to be traveling nearby during a full moon, you can see a moon bow (a rainbow caused by moonlight). This is the one of only two places in the world where this phenomenon occurs.

5) Museum of Appalachia– Just south of the Kentucky border in Clinton, Tennessee is the Museum of Appalachia. For years I would see there signs on billboards but never stopped in. Once I did, I thoroughly enjoyed it. You will need at least a couple hours to make the trip worthwhile because there is so much to take in. The museum was founded by one man who was dedicated to preserving the history of the Appalachian region.

Many of the people that you learn about in the museum won’t be found in any history book rather most are regular people who embodied life in the region.

6) World’s Fair Park– The park is a slight detour on your route to Florida but if its summer time and you have kids, you should stop. The site of the 1982 World’s Fair hosts a large playground and water fountains that kids love to run through. Our kids could have stayed their for hours. Nearby is the famous Sunsphere that was built specifically for the World’s Fair (if you’re a Simpsons fan, you’ll remember the family visited the Sphere which a fictional hat shop). When we stopped the elevator ride to the top was free and offered great views of the area.

7) Blood Stained Crypt of Nina Cragmiles- Located just a few minutes off of 75 in Cleveland, Tennessee lies a unique mausoleum located in the middle of town. This is the final resting spot of Nina Cragmiles who died as a young girl in a carriage ride. The legend is that blood covers the tomb in various places despite attempts to clean it. Indeed, if you walk around it, you will see several areas that look like blood streaks. If your kids are into ghost stories, they will love this stop. It’s free to see and only takes a few minutes to walk around.

8) Rock City/Ruby Falls– If you are adult of a certain age, you no doubt remember the signs that used to litter the highway for these attractions. We spent an entire morning just doing Rock City so if you want to hit Ruby Falls as well, plan your day accordingly. The kids loved walking through Rock City and taking in all of the views including the spot where it is said that you can see seven states. Rock City involves a lot of walking and is not for anyone who is scared of heights (especially the famous lover’s leap). Ruby Falls is nearby and gives you the chance to take a cave tour to see an amazing underground waterfall.

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Best Western Bradbury Inn & Suites

by John Hayden Leave a Comment

If you are ever making the trek down I-75 for a quick Florida trip with your kids, you’ve probably stopped for the night in the Atlanta area. There are tons of hotels all over the area but if you’re like me, you want to find something that’s relaxing for the adults but fun for the kids and since you are only there for an evening, you don’t want to break the bank. We had this same situation just a few weeks ago and we found a great stop in Perry, Georgia (not too far south of Atlanta) at the Best Western Bradbury Inn & Suites.

We were traveling on a Saturday night and the rates were still very reasonable (right around $100).

This is an older hotel but its obviously been renovated fairly recently. We had three kids with us so we opted for the suite and for the money it was well worth it. Mom and Dad had a private room to relax while the kids enjoyed a room with a sofa bed and a television. The kids were extremely impressed by the size of the room but more than anything they really loved the indoor pool.

After an evening of enjoying the pool and watching some tv in their room, they were ready for a good nights sleep. In the morning, the hotel had a very nice breakfast where we enjoyed omelets, waffles and standard continental fare. For the cost, if you are looking for a relaxing stop on I-75, I highly recommend the Best Western Bradbury.