Family Travel Archives - On the Road with Family

Why Kings Island WinterFest is the Perfect Holiday Outing

After 12 years Winterfest is back at the Kings Island Amusement Park. We grew up here in the Cincinnati area so we have wonderful memories of WinterFest and all it had to offer. We were so excited to get to experience it once again and I have to say it is even better!

We were just amazed walking in, it was absolutely stunning! There are over 5 million lights and it is so beautiful. I love that it is a big wide open space and even if it is crowded you feel like there is plenty of room for everyone. You hear different Christmas music throughout the park and can see mini shows and entertainment all over the place.

WinterFest at Kings Island will be on select nights through December 30. There are nine enchanting winter wonderlands featuring ice skating on the Royal Fountain and the Eiffel Tower turns into a magical Christmas tree. There are 9 Winterlands to visit and Christmas characters are constantly walking around the park. We spotted Scrooge and the characters from Frozen.

Although the weather is cool there are 17 rides open during WinterFest. Everything from the roller coaster Mystic Timbers to the Scrambler and many more! You can even take a Christmas train ride!

There are a ton of shops open that are fully decorated and throughout the park and an artisan village underneath the Eiffel Tower. There are many photo opportunities throughout, look out for the snowglobe-it makes a great pic!

There are several shows throughout so check out the showtimes and where they are offered throughout the park before you start to walk around. The talent is amazing! No WinterFest would be complete without Santa and there are times your younger children can meet him!

You can get a WinterFest Souvenir Mug for $10.99! If you get this you can get free hot chocolate or coffee in a souvenir mug on your first visit and $1 refills when you visit again this season. The hot chocolate is to die for. It tastes rich and chocolatey and is just so so good. If you are going more than once this year the mug is well worth it!

WinterFest will take place select nights November 24th-December 30th. If you buy your tickets online you will save 10.00 per ticket! You can find additional information and prices on the Kings Island website.

Family Adventure at Ripleys in Gatlinburg

by Angela Richter Leave a Comment

The Smokey Mountains are the perfect place to go with a family! There is SO much to do and you can spend all week or just a long weekend and still have so much fun together!

The combo passes are a perfect way to go to several attractions for a reduced price!

Each combo pass comes with one Aquarium Pass and two or more passes to the other Gatlinburg Parkway Attractions at a reduced cost.

The other Gatlinburg attractions include:

Guinness World Ripley’s Believe It or Not

Odditorium

Haunted Adventure

Moving Theater

Mirror Maze

Davy Crockett Mini Records Golf

You can reserve your tickets at Ripley’s website!

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Touch sharks & stingrays! Experience the world of jellyfish, eels, colorful fish, and poisonous predators.

This aquarium is awesome! I mean, really awesome!! If we saw nothing else, this would be worth the trip! It is 85,000 sq ft this aquarium has incredible fish, an outstanding shark area, and many other species!

There are parts where you can pet horseshoe crabs, stick your hand in water with little cleaning fish, and a huge tunnel that you can ride through to get a feel for what it is like to be surrounded by sea life. There are little tunnels that children enjoy using to pop up mid exhibit. There are beautiful exhibits and amazing exotic things to see such as leafy sea dragons and scorpion fish.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium

Visit the strangest place in Gatlinburg! Ripley’s Believe It or Not! has been proudly freaking out families for over 90 years. Come and see the museum that inspired the hit TV series.

My kids had a blast here! There are so many weird things and my kids got a kick out of all of it! Where else can you make shadows stay on a wall and rub a Buddha with shredded money in his belly? I think my kids were really amazed how other people have lived and some of the amazing things they have done. This museum highlights that in the craziest way!

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium

Visit the strangest place in Gatlinburg! Ripley’s Believe It or Not! has been proudly freaking out families for over 90 years. Come and see the museum that inspired the hit TV series.

Ripley’s Guinness World of Records

Guinness World Records Attraction will bring the amazing book to life through incredible displays, games, trivia, themed galleries, and more! You can even try to break a record while you’re there!

This one was my kid’s favorite! They LOVED this museum. You get to see the world’s largest and shortest man, see amazing records that have been broken and even get to do hands-on experiments to see how good you would be at things!

There is something for everyone here! There was even the largest crochet blanket and book collection and that was right up my alley so I took a lot of pictures of those! Your family will love talking about the interesting things they see here, it is an educational trip all the way around!

Ripley’s Haunted Adventure

Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is a world-class Haunted Attraction & Gatlinburg’s #1 Haunted House! Frights, Fun, and Screams for everyone. That high pitched scream you hear… yea that’s you! Come visit, if you dare.

You need to be 6 years of age to enter, there are actors whose mission it is to scare you so if that is not your thing keep that in mind! It is very well done and really does scare you! The place is very creepy and real looking!

Ripley’s 5D Moving Theater

It’s going to be a bumpy ride. Better strap on your seat belt for this film. A State-of-the-Art Motion Simulator! Ride the move, feel the rush. Experience the thrill of a movie you ride, powered by REAL D!

This is right next door to the Haunted Mansion and my family enjoyed this one. I get motion sick so easy and recently have struggled with bouts of vertigo so I sat this one out. My husband and my boys loved it! It is so fun feeling like you are really there and experiencing the different places and they loved that about it!

Ripley’s Mirror Maze

Come visit Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze and Candy Factory and see if you can find your way out through mirrored corners, dead ends, and infinite reflections filled with LED lights. Don’t worry we send search parties every half hour!

This was really fun! You have no idea which direction to head and which door will lead to what. It is all a guessing game although my kids swear there is skill in it! You get to see incredible mirrors and lights and the place keeps you guessing at every turn. I loved it because we started cracking up and I love it when we have a good laugh as a family!

Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini Golf

With the Great Smoky Mountains as the backdrop, two beautifully landscaped, 18-hole courses will amaze and delight you with animated displays throughout! They are just outside Gatlinburg, in Sevierville.

The golf course had some beautiful water areas, I love when a course has pretty things to look at; it makes the playing even better seeing all the beautiful areas! We did this right before going home and it was a perfect way to end our trip!

I cannot tell you how much fun we had at Ripley’s in Gatlinburg! My kids said it was one of the best trips we ever took, we had so much fun! If you bought the combo ticket you could have a full weekend and that is a win-win for your whole family!

I was given tickets to Ripley’s Attractions in Gatlinburg for a review! All opinions are 100 percent mine!

5 Ways to Prepare for Summer Vacation

by Angela Richter Leave a Comment

One of the best things about summer is a family vacation! Vacation can create some of the best memories with your family and can be the most fun! As much fun as a vacation can be you need to be prepared for anything!

There are several things I do to prepare for vacation, there is always so much to do!

Here are my favorite 5 Ways to Prepare for Summer Vacation!

1. Write an extensive packing list – This really helps me not to forget anything important. You want to include your clothes of course but also remember chargers, first aid kit, small toys, maps and directions, and snacks for the road! Make sure to include things to entertain the kids in the car also! Be prepared for a lot of “Are we there yet?”

2. Prepare Transportation – If you are flying make sure you have your tickets ahead and your flight plan planned out. If you are renting a car you need to make sure you have everything you need including pick up and drop off locations and times, and if you are driving your own car make sure you have it checked out and maintained before starting your road trip!

3. Take care of the household – Arrange for a pet sitter or boarding house, call the post office and stop mail from coming, and make sure all appliances and fans are off!

4. Make sure you have insurance – No one wants to think about getting hurt on vacation but accidents do happen and sometimes things don’t go as planned!

5. Unplug and have fun – Try real hard to unplug for vacation. This is the time to make memories and connect with your family! You don’t want your kids to remember you on your laptop/phone the whole time! Enjoy the beautiful sites and the fun activities you have planned as a family! You want to create great memories! Remember though it doesn’t always go as planned, be flexible and take what comes with a good heart! If it rains the whole time, or the schedule doesn’t go the way you planned to make the most of what you have at the time! The important thing is you are together!

How do you prepare for vacation?

Why Your Family will Love the Henry Ford Museum

by John Hayden Leave a Comment

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.

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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.

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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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!

10 Things to Take on a Camping Trip

by Angela Richter Leave a Comment

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.

It is hard to believe but in just a blink of an eye, it will be spring/summer again! This is the perfect time to take a camping trip as a family! Camping is fun but it is lots of work and you want to take just the right supplies to make it a happy trip! Here are 10 things to take on a camping trip!

Hammock – A hammock is a wonderful way for you to relax with a good book or nap while camping. You get to sleep in the great outdoors and/or stargaze. Even if you don’t want to sleep in it during the night it is a great way to rest during the day!

Outdoor Activity Bag – We always have a big duffel bag filled with balls, frisbees, and gloves. You can also pack a bag with bubbles, sidewalk chalk (check with campground before using) and other small toys!

Grill Set – Campgrounds supply the grill but you want to bring your favorite grill set to cook with that includes your cooking utensils and marinades! You also want to bring paper plates, napkins, utensils, and cups!

Swim-gear – It wouldn’t be camping without swimming! The kids will love the campground pool and it helps to cool off on those hot days!

Bikes & Bike Carrier – You don’t need bike carriers without bikes! Most campgrounds have special bike trails and if not, it’s always fun to ride the bikes around the park! There are several bike carriers out there and they are wonderful to attach to your car, truck, or camper and it makes transporting the bikes easy and secure!

S’mores – Campfires at night are so much fun! You can sit around and share ghost stories, or just chat! You have to have supplies for s’mores because they are SO good and make the campfire experience even better!

Bug Repellent & Sunscreen – Bugs can be really bad in the great outdoors so make sure you have some sprays/lotions that help keep the bugs away. And don’t forget the sunscreen to protect your skin!

Colorful Camping Lights – I just love all those pretty lights you see on everyone’s campers, I know some think they are cheesy but have a little fun and spruce on your space with some pretty lights! They are not only pretty but help in seeing in the dark.

Flashlight – There is nothing worse than having to walk to the restroom at a campground without a light! You will need a flashlight to get around at night and to see around the tent!

Tent or Camper – Camping would not be fun without shelter so don’t forget that!! It may be a pop-up camper, an RV, or just an awesome tent!

Camping is so much fun! It is a great way to create intentional time with your family and have memories you will remember forever!

What do you take camping? I would love to add to the list!

10 Must See Family Vacations

by Angela Richter 1 Comment

There are so many great places to see in our beautiful country but there are some that are extra family friendly and fun! I have put together a list of 10 must see family vacations.

1. Washington DC – There are so many national monuments and museums in DC, and who can forget the White House? Most people do use the Metro (like a subway system) for getting around but I have found that it is quite easy once you get used to it. I have been there a few times and I have always enjoyed the visit!

2. The Great Smokey Mountains in TN – I love the Great Smokey Mountains, we are actually headed that way in a few weeks! Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are only a couple of miles from each other and there is so much to do as a family! There are waterparks, nature hikes (you may even spot a real bears ), beautiful cabins, and Dollywood. There are a TON of things to do there!

3. Cincinnati, OH – I live in Northern Ky, very close to Cincinnati, OH and it is such a big part of who I am so I couldn’t leave it off the list. There is an awarding winning zoo, an incredible museum center which includes a kid, science, and history museum in one building, a huge amusement park (Kings Island) or a smaller one (Coney Island) and more! There is so much to this great city and if you stop by make sure to have some Cincinnati chili together, it is to die for!

5. Orlando, FL – Well, this one speaks for itself. The home of Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios and more! There are so many family attractions and the ocean is not too far away. You can have an action packed vacation here!

6. Kentucky – I know, this is a whole state. Well, what can I say, I’m biased. This is where I’m from. If you are looking to explore caves, see a beautiful aquarium or waterfalls, or see incredible historic sites Kentucky is the place. This state is truly beautiful, just driving through it you will see rolling hills and beautiful scenery.

7. Williamsburg, VA – There is so much history in Williamsburg, VA. I have not been there for years but I would love to go back. It is like stepping back into the colonial days where you will see workers dressed in old time clothes and beautiful, old, historic homes!

8. Myrtle Beach, SC -Myrtle Beach has all of this:

60 miles of wide, soft sandy beaches
Savory restaurants and family-friendly dining
- Amusement and water parks
- Live entertainment theaters and exciting nightlife
- Thrilling water sports
- The best golf courses in the south
- Cultural activities and historic sites
- Outlet malls, specialty boutiques, flea markets, and specialty stores
- Freshwater, ocean and deep sea saltwater fishing and much more

9. Chicago, IL – has a skyline bristling with skyscrapers such as the iconic John Hancock Center, sleek, 1,451-ft. Willis Tower and neo-Gothic Tribune Tower. The city is also renowned for its museums, including the Art Institute and its expansive collections, including noted Impressionist works. The “Windy City” has so many things to do as a family, you can plan a whole week or just a weekend there!

10. Hershey, PA – We have been to Hershey a few times. You can go through the factory tour for free to see the history of Hershey and how the candy is made. You even get a sample to taste as you leave. They have an amazing souvenir shop and extra events always going on! There is even an amusement park! When you go to Hershey, you are not too far from Gettysburg or Lancaster PA so this is the perfect place to see many places in one trip! I love that! Pennsylvania is a beautiful state. There are many cities that are worth seeing there!

What places would you add?

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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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A Weekend in St. Augustine, Florida

by John Hayden Leave a Comment

St. Augustine, Florida is the oldest European settlement in the United States and it is a fantastic place to spend a weekend. There are so many things to do that’s it hard to pick a favorite but I’ll run through some of the best ways to spend your weekend…in no particular order.

1) Take a drive down the A-1A – Depending on where you are coming from to get to St. Augustine, this may not be a feasible option but if an entry to the A-1A is not too far of a detour, it’s a nice drive. The A-1A is a state route that follows the eastern coastline.

There are many excellent ocean views and beautiful homes to see as you drive along it. Since it’s a state route, its going to slow you down a little but if you have time to kill, it’s a nice distraction.

2) Walk around St. George Street and the surrounding shops – You can easily spend an afternoon strolling downtown St. Augustine and taking in the many different eclectic shops. There are a lot of nice restaurants and bars along the way, many have live music to enjoy while you relax. My favorite restaurant in the area is Scarlett O’Hara’s on Hypolita Street. They have a large menu of many southern favorite dishes at reasonable prices.

3) The Old Jail – I’ve been to Old Jail many times and it has always been worth the stop. The jail was in operation from the late 1800’s until the early 1950’s. The tour guide (typically playing the role of a deputy or an inmate) will take through the sheriff’s living quarters, the kitchen, the cells and the gallows where your guide will tell you about the hangings that once took place here. The tour is family friendly and our kids enjoyed the chance to get a photo op inside the cells or in the giant birdcage out back.

4) St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum – If you have never been inside a lighthouse, this is a fun stop. Be warned there are 219 narrow steps to the top so if you don’t think you can make the walk, you should pass and enjoy the beautiful flowers and visit the museum on the grounds. The walk to the top can be tiring but you be rewarded with a beautiful ocean view and a newfound sense of a appreciation for the men and women who would have to make the climb to the top carrying supplies for the lighthouse. The museum tour gives you a glimpse of what life was like living and working at the lighthouse as well as a general history of the area.

5) Ripley’s Believe It or Not – I enjoy really enjoy these museums, if you’ve never been to a Ripley’s then you should stop in (you should easily be able to find discount coupons either online or in various tourist magazines). If you’ve been to one in a different area there’s probably no compelling reason to spend your money. Inside you will find exhibits about the world’s tallest man, a mummified cat, writings on a piece of rice and other oddities. This is a very kid friendly tour and our kids want to visit a Ripley’s every time they see one in the area.

6) St. Augustine Alligator Farm – Across from the lighthouse is the Alligator Farm. This is a good stop if you are traveling with kids. You will see every crocodile species in the world (something you won’t find anywhere else) as well as a wide range of birds, lemurs, and alligators (even an albino alligator). If you are feeling particularly adventurous you can zip line across the park.

7) Castillo de San Marcos – This fort was originally built by the Spanish in 1672 and it changed hands many times over the years through treaties but it was never captured. Now part of the National Park system, its an educational stop for kids and interesting way to spend a couple hours for all ages. Inside you will learn about the history of the park through a self-guided tour. There are also demonstrations of the canons by actors dressed in period clothing throughout the day.

8) The beach – Florida is known for its beautiful beaches and St. Augustine is no exception. I would recommend Anatasia State Park which is a short drive from downtown St. Augustine. The park offers beautiful beaches, hiking, trails, and a campground.

9) Trolley Tour – There are a couple different trolley tours available in St. Augustine. I took the Old Town Trolley tour and really enjoyed it. If you have never been to St. Augustine, a trolley ride is a good idea because they will show you all of the highlights of the city and give you some history. I had been to St. Augustine many times and still learned about new sights by taking the tour. You can also get on and off the stops all day so it’s a great way to get around town. They also offer discounts to attractions if you buy them with your trolley ticket so do your homework on what you would like to see before you spend your money.

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The Must See Baseball Travel Bucket List

by John Hayden Leave a Comment

Baseball has long been the national pastime and if you love the game as much as I do, here’s the top ten baseball travel list that you need to do at least once.

1) VISIT FENWAY PARK – Fenway Park is the oldest baseball stadium in the majors and it has seen some of the greatest of all time take the field. Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle and the list goes on and on of the greats who have played in this Boston landmark. The “Green Monster” in left field has stopped countless home runs and has set the scene for game changing homers like Bucky Dent in ’77 and Carlton Fisk in the ’75 World Series.

A visit to Fenway is so much fun and you will meet all sorts of passion Sox fans. Get there early and take the ballpark tour. Bonus points if you go there during a Yankees game. I went with a non-baseball fan and she was intrigued with the drama both on the field and in the stands for a Red Sox-Yankees matchup.

2) ALL STAR WEEK – The Mid-Summer Classic showcases the biggest names in the game every July but what you might not no is that there are plenty of festivities going on the weekend leading up to the game. The host city will hold a baseball fan fest that feature various legends of the game telling stories, taking photographs and signing autographs.

You will also see exhibits from the Baseball Hall of Fame, a memorabilia show and various events for fans of all ages. If you can’t afford a ticket to the big game, fan fest is a cheap way to spend a few hours enjoying your favorite sport. Another cheap ticket during All Star Week is the Futures Game (featuring prospects from every team) and the celebrity softball game where baseball legends team up with celebrities for an exhibition game.

The night before the big event is the Home Run Derby. The new timed format makes the event more fun than ever. Who can forget the actual game itself? Home field advantage for the World Series is on the line as the best for each league face off for an epic exhibition.

3) SPRING TRAINING – Nothing can beat a week in Florida except a week in Florida filled with your favorite teams in the fantastic spring weather. Spring training games are cheap and a great place to get up close and personal with the players. Autographs are usually easy to come by and if you time the day out right you can check out a couple different games in the same day. Spring training is a great vacation spot for kids as the games are very fan friendly. Some of my best memories growing up involved spring baseball.

4) A VISIT TO THE BASEBALL HALL OF FAME – Cooperstown, New York is a quaint little town reminiscent of Mayberry. Hidden in this sleepy town is the National Baseball Hall of Fame and it is an absolute must do for the baseball fan in your family. The exhibits are extremely well done and there is something for the fan of every team. Their collection of artifacts from both past and present is unmatched. I particularly enjoyed the exhibit on the old time ball parks and the display of every World Series ring in history. Bonus points if you go during induction weekend where nearly every living hall of famer will be in town.

5) MEET PETE ROSE – Love him or hate him, few people have had the type of impact on the game as Rose. If you are familiar with the game, you know Pete’s story but for about $50 you can hear the stories direct from the man himself. Pete spends at least 100 days a year in Las Vegas signing autographs for hours on end. Unlike a traditional autograph signing, Pete spends time with the fans in Vegas. His knowledge of the game, including today’s players, is strong as ever. It’s not unusual for Pete to spend 10 or more minutes with a fan chatting (and checking the horse races on his phone). Pete isn’t get any younger and with the salaries of today’s players, it’s unlikely that you’ll ever get this close to a baseball legend again.

6) SPEND THE NIGHT AT THE ROGERS CENTRE – You can see a game at any park but only one offers you the option to sleep there. The Rogers Centre (formerly SkyDome) in Toronto has a hotel built into the stadium. You can book a room with a view of the field and actually watch the game from your room. It’s an experience like no other.

7) WATCH A GAME IN WRIGLEYVILLE – It’s the second oldest park in baseball and is one of the most unique parks in the game. This is the field where Babe Ruth called his shot and where Harry Caray sung “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” on a daily basis. Plan your trip to Wrigley by getting there early and staying late. With all of bars and restaurants surrounding the park you won’t be in any hurry to get home. Bonus points if you attend a second game on one of the famous rooftops.

8) OPENING DAY IN CINCINNATI – Opening Day is a fun day anywhere but no one does it like Cincinnati. Home of the oldest baseball franchise, the City of Cincinnati treats opening day like a holiday, complete with a parade before the game. Numerous major leaguers have commented about how different opening day is than the other cities. You will want to start early because any good Reds fan will have called in sick for work and will be out in the crowd watching the parade and enjoying a few brews before the game starts.

9) SEE THE WORLD SERIES IN PERSON – Some fans wait a lifetime to see their team make it to the World Series. Every year is new chance for great memories to be made or hearts to be broken. We all remember the big moments: Kirk Gibson’s homer, Bill Buckner’s error, Randy Johnson pitching in relief, etc, etc. Unlike the Super Bowl, both competing teams will get at least two home games which gives you a few chances at an affordable ticket and a lifetime of memories.

10) CHECK OUT A MINOR LEAGUE GAME – 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. I recommend going to a game AA or lower. The tickets are dirt cheap and there will be plenty of fun going on between innings. Plus AAA tends to have more career minor leaguers shuffling back and forth between the bigs. I once went to a minor league game in Arkansas and paid about $2 for a great seat and got a team signed baseball in the gift shop for $10, where else can you find those deals?

HONORABLE MENTION: Watching the Yankees play the Mets at Yankee Stadium, Seeing the set of Field of Dreams in Iowa and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City are all worth a mention and worth seeing!

How to Do San Diego in a Weekend

by John Hayden Leave a Comment

If you are looking for a great weekend trip, it’s hard to beat San Diego, California. The weather is a perfect 70 degrees, almost all year long. If you have a hard time finding things to do, here are a few of my favorites. You can do all of these things in San Diego in a weekend!

1) USS MIDWAY – The Midway was an aircraft carrier in use for the United States military from 1945 until after the first Gulf War. It now serves as a museum on the San Diego Bay. Admission is a very reasonable at $20 and you could spend hours walking around and taking in all of the exhibits. I spent three hours aboard and could easily have spent another two. The tour is self-guided but you are given headphones to listen at each exhibit. The headphone tour makes it very special because you hear about the different aspects of life on the ship from the people who lived there. While touring the Midway you will see what life was like for the sailors who lived there. At times housing approximately 4,500 soldiers, the carrier was like a city at sea. You will see the barber shop, multiple dining areas, the chapel, various sitting areas, a dentist office, the sick bay, the brig and even an operating room. The stories from the soldiers really bring the museum to life.

On the other decks, you can see many of the aircraft that were in use on the Midway and some you can even board. There are flight simulators and a movie you can also watch. I also enjoyed that they had some World War II veterans at various areas on the ship to greet visitors, answer questions and tell stories.

2) VISIT OLD TOWN – Old Town San Diego State Park gives you a taste of what San Diego was like in 1850. There are several museums, like the First San Diego Courthouse and the School House, to see as well a wide range of shops. Old Town is also a great place for authentic Mexican food. After you eat there is live entertainment including a fantastic mariachi band. You could easily spend several hours exploring Old Town.

3) ENJOY THE GAS LAMP DISTRICT – The Gas Lamp district is approximately 16 blocks in San Diego known for the great food and entertainment. If you have your kids with you then you’ll want to stop at the New Children’s Museum or catch a baseball game at Petco Park, home of the Padres. If it’s a couple trip enjoy an evening of live music and drinks in one of the areas many pubs. If you’re hungry, you’ll want to enjoy the weather by dining on the sidewalk in one of the great restaurants. We enjoyed great food at Gaslamp BBQ.

4) TAKE A STROLL THROUGH CORONADO – You can take a ferry to Coronado from Harbor Drive in San Diego or drive across the bridge. If you want to spend time at the beach during your weekend, Cornodao has been acclaimed for having one of the best beaches in the nation. After you take a walk on a beach, walk through town which homes to many theaters and great shopping. Don’t forget to stop at the Hotel del Coronado which has had an impressive guest list over the year ranging from US Presidents to superstar athletes and actors. The movie Some Like it Hot with Marilyn Monroe was filmed there as well.

5) GO TO THE ZOO – San Diego Zoo frequently rates at the top of any list of best zoos in the country. You could spend all day enjoy the wide variety of species on display and with the great weather in the city you will love seeing everything the zoo has to offer.

There is a sky ride and a bus tour that are included as part of your admission. If you want to get an up close and personal experience at the zoo, plan in advance through their website where they offer a variety of options.

6) HAVE A DRINK AT THE BAR FROM TOP GUN – If you ever saw the movie, then you’ll remember Tom Cruise singing “You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling.” That scene was filmed in Kansas City Barbecue. Although a fire badly damaged the restaurant after the movie was filmed, it still makes for a fun time to grab some food or a drink.

8 Smart Ways to Save Money at Disney

by John Hayden Leave a Comment

So you are ready to take the kids to Disney World but aren’t ready to take out a second mortgage on your house to do it? With a little research and careful planning, you can save a lot of money on your Disney vacation. If you follow these tips, you’ll have a great vacation and it won’t cost you a fortune.

1) GET THE MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK. – You aren’t likely to save much (if any money) on the cost of your Disney ticket but if you visit when it’s not very crowded you won’t be spending all of your times in line. We visited in mid-September and the crowds were so sparse we rode Space Mountain in the morning twice in a row with no lines. If you are flexible on when you can travel, I recommend checking out the crowd calendar to get an idea of when to go.

2) USE THE FAST PASS – Going along with number 1, you’re going to pay a lot of money to go inside the park and you want to spend that time making memories not waiting in the sun, Fast Pass is a big help. Fast pass is essentially a ride reservation system where you can plan which ride you want to go on at a certain time. If you haven’t been to Disney in awhile, they have changed the way the process works. You can no longer obtain a fast pass at the ride, you need to either make a reservation on the app or at one of the mobile kiosks in the park. Ride reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance.

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3) TAKE A TIME SHARE PRESENTATION – When in Orlando, you are going to see plenty ads letting you know that you can see Disney free. Almost all of these mean that if you are willing to sit through a 90 minute presentation about how purchasing a time share will be the greatest investment you ever make at the end they will give you two tickets to a Disney park. These presentations aren’t for the faint of heart so if you have a hard time saying no, then you should stay away. We went on one of these presentations a couple years ago and they do a very good job of making it seem like a time share is a great deal. We declined and our salesman wasn’t very happy but we did get our two tickets. If you are interested in purchasing a time share at the end of the presentation my advice is to take a few days to think about it and do your research. There is no reason to make a significant financial decision while you are being pressured by a salesman. If you go home and decide it’s still a good idea, they’ll still be happy to sell you next week. The $40,000 time share they were trying to sell us was on eBay for $1. So while it might not make sense to buy in, $200 worth of Disney tickets for 90 minutes is still a good deal.

4) VISIT DISNEY SPRINGS – Our kids love to walk around Disney Springs. There are tons of shops and restaurants along with street performers and various entertainment acts. You can spend a couple of hours here free of charge. Even if your trip to Orlando doesn’t involve Disney, Disney Springs is a great way to get some of that Disney experience. There is also a Planet Hollywood onsite which makes for a great place to walk around and look at all of the television and movie memorabilia.

5) EAT A BIG BREAKFAST AND BRING SNACKS – Eating at Disney isn’t cheap and the lines for food can be outrageous. I recommend eating a big breakfast before coming to the park and bring snacks and drinks with you. You’ll want to be at the park all day so its inevitable that you’ll have to buy food there sometime but minimizing the food costs will stretch your dollar out a little further.

6) GIVE YOUR KIDS A BUDGET – Everything imaginable is for sale at Disney World and your kids are going to want two of everything. In our last trip, we gave each of our kids a Disney gift card before entering the park. They each had $50 to spend with the only restriction being that once they money was spent, they weren’t getting any more. I can’t tell you enough how well that worked out. Not only did the kids like the independence of having their own money, they tended to be frugal with the gift card than they would have without. I think it also helped teach them a lesson about the value of money.

7) HOTEL CHOICE – There are so many hotels in the Orlando area, use that to your benefit and save some money. Disney resorts are obviously fantastic but can be extremely expensive. I always search Travelocity.com to compare deals. If you can find a hotel with a shuttle to Disney, you can save the $20 parking fee.

8) MAKE YOUR PURCHASES AT NON-DISNEY STORES – If there are things that you really want to buy for your kids above and beyond their budget, find some shops out of the Disney area. In Kissimmee there are several stores that sell Disney and Florida souvenirs much cheaper that you will find at the parks and Disney Springs. Your kids will still love it and you’ll be happy to have the savings.

Disney can be a blast and don’t have to cost a ton of money!

The Louisville Slugger Museum is a Hit!

by Angela Richter Leave a Comment

We love to go places as a family and we love to go places where we can learn. Recently we headed south for a trip to the Louisville Slugger Museum! I have heard wonderful things about their factory tour and they say it is a big family hit! I couldn’t agree more! We had such a nice time!

FamilyFun magazine has tabbed Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory as one of the Best Factory Tours for Kids in the November 2014 issue!

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, one of the city’s most popular attractions, is also housed at the corporate headquarters. The first thing you see is the building and it is just beautiful! The location is well-marked by the World’s Biggest Baseball Bat that casually leans against the side of the building. Guests are invited to learn about the Official Bat of Major League Baseball–Louisville Slugger. Today, over 4-million people have enjoyed the museum and factory tour experience at this location.

Can you believe the size of this bat? It is 6 stories tall! It is just amazing to see up close and you can’t miss the museum as you are driving down the road, that is for sure!

When you enter you get a factory tour where you get to see first hand how the bats are made! We learned so much about exactly how the bats are made and how important they are to the players, many Major Leaguers even have their bats customized. You can’t take pictures in the working area but they allow many opportunities when you come out of the factory part. All guests receive a free souvenir mini-bat at the end of each tour.

You can also see their original and inspiring 13-minute film, “The Heart of the Game.” Enjoy insights and anecdotes on hitting that you’ll only learn here from some of the great players of all-time, including Tony Gwynn, Jim Thome, and Derek Jeter.

My kids enjoying a rest with their new bats, they really enjoyed the tour! Smaller children may have a harder time, especially during the tour time which can seem long to a child dying to run free!

Baseball bats even on the ceiling!! This was so awesome to see!

On our visit, the special feature was from Topps! Baseball meets Batman in the latest special exhibition at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. The attraction has teamed up with Topps, the legendary card maker, to create the first-ever retrospective of Topps trading cards. This show runs through October 4th. Topps changed the face of trading cards forever in 1952 with the release of their now iconic baseball card set that year. The most coveted card from that set features Mickey Mantle, and one of those Mantle cards is on display with the exhibit. The exhibit joins an already impressive line-up at Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory.

My husband and I really loved going back to retro times! We saw so many things that reminded us of our childhood!

Along with iconic baseball cards, Topps has also produced collectible cards for other sports and pop culture giants such as Star Wars, the Beatles, and Pokémon.

Props, costumes, and artifacts from movies, television, music, comics, and cartoons are displayed alongside their Topps cards, including these pieces:

– Luke Skywalker’s Light Saber

– Indiana Jones’ Whip

– Adam West’s Batman Costume

– Christopher Reeve’s Superman Costume

– Nichelle Nichols’ Lt. Uhura Costume

– Elvis Presley’s Scarf

– Ringo Starr’s 1964 Drumsticks

– Jobu Statue from Major League

If you are in the Kentucky area soon, this is a must-see for your family!

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is located at 800 West Main Street in Louisville and is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors (60+), $7 children (6-12), and free for children 5 and under.

For more information, log on to sluggermuseum.com or call 502-588-7228.

I was given tickets for my family to attend the museum, all opinions are 100 percent mine!

How to do New York City in a Weekend

by John Hayden 2 Comments

You could probably spend a month sightseeing in New York City and still not be able to see everything the city offers and most of us are lucky if we have even had a full week to go on vacation. So if you want to go to NYC but don’t have much time, here are a few highlights that you won’t want to miss. This trip would be great for a couple or with kids, especially tweens and teens! There are so many educational things to see in the city! Here is how to do New York City in a weekend.

1) National September 11th Memorial & Museum – If you’re an American old enough to remember 9/11, you probably know exactly where you the minute you heard the news.

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That moment and the following days are etched in the minds of everyone in the US. The museum is intense and extremely moving as it tells the story of how the day unfolded and how it transformed the city and the nation. The museum tells the story of the victims (sometimes in their own words through frantic voicemails) and the courageous first responders, many of whom lost their lives as well. The artifacts are extremely moving and sometimes hard to look at. This is no ordinary museum and its impact will stay with you for a long. If you could only do one thing in New York City, this should be it. Allow yourself at least three hours in the museum.il

2) Take a Water Taxi to see the Statue of Liberty – We took an evening cruise past the Statue of Liberty and it was a great way to spend an hour. The views of the skyline are breathtaking at night and while the water taxis won’t take you to the statue, you will get close enough for some fantastic pictures. We found a tour on Groupon at a very reasonable price and it included a drink. The tour guide on the boat was very helpful. Be careful before booking though, my wife and I had a great time when we went but she returned to NYC and took a cruise through a different company she said it was not nearly as well done. I recommend reading reviews before making your final choice.

3) Eat Some Pizza –Everyone has an opinion on whether New York or Chicago has the best pizza. There’s only one way to find out and you should grab a slice while you’re in the Big Apple. There are so many different pizza places to choose from and there are plenty of debates on the best but I would recommend trying Totonno’s for a slice of
authentic New York pizza.

4) Times Square –Times Square is iconic and you should check out all the lights. It is a great place to people watch and there are all types of characters there (both literally and figuratively). While you are walking around, stop in the giant Toys ‘R Us.

5) Central Park –Take a little break from the hustle and bustle of the city with a stroll through Central Park. There is a zoo on site, concert performances and great views everywhere. I especially enjoyed Strawberry Fields with the tribute to John Lennon.

6) Coney Island –The amusement park rides at Coney Island are a throwback to simpler times. The rides are independently operated so you only have to pay for the ones that you want to ride but its free to walk around and take everything in. During the summer months, the rides are open every day and there are fireworks on Friday nights. Nathan’s hot dogs are a New York staple and there’s no better place to enjoy one than its Coney Island location. While you are at Coney Island, take a walk on the beach and enjoy the Ocean views.

7) Fraunces Tavern –This is the oldest structure in Manhattan and was where George Washington gave his farewell address to his officers. There is an onsite museum but it is still an operating restaurant and bar. The food was very good and the prices were reasonable.

8) See a Broadway Show –Nothing compares to seeing a Broadway Show in New York, I highly recommend that you check one out while you are in town. I’m not a huge fan of plays but went to see Jersey Boys and was blown away. The atmosphere is fantastic and is a much different experience from seeing a Broadway show in your hometown.

Travel with Kids and Keep Your Sanity

by John Hayden 1 Comment

Our family likes to travel and we try to get on the road as much as possible. We’ve taken four kids all across the United States and lived to tell about it. There’s no reason to be intimidated about taking that road trip with the kids.

Here are some tips on how to get through long car rides with kids.

1) TRAVEL AT NIGHT – One of the hardest parts of traveling with young children is they get bored and they want to stop and stop often. If your travel time is limited and if you are traveling with another driver try to make as much of the drive as possible at night. When the kids are sleeping you can make much better time on the road and cut out many of the unnecessary stops.

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2) PLAN OUT SOME SIDE TRIPS – If you are traveling during the day, plan out some side trips. It gives the kids a chance to stretch their legs and helps relieve some boredom plus you may find some really cool you never knew existed. I like to use the website Roadside America.com to find some destinations on my route. Many of the places are just quick stops and most of them cost little to nothing. We’ve stopped at a gas station that was shaped like an airplane, roadside monuments and even a crypt that is mysteriously covered in blood. The kids always seem to enjoy it and it helps create fun memories you wouldn’t have otherwise had.

3) ROADSIDE SCAVENGER HUNTS – There used to be an iPhone app that we used for this but it no longer exists. In our last trip, each of us took a turn coming up with an object to find somewhere on the road. Things like a school bus, a flag, hospital, etc. keep kids interested and the game can be fun for parents too.

4) PACK A SEPARATE BACKPACK FOR EACH KID – Fill a backpack up with things your child can do during a long drive that won’t take up much space. Coloring books, pens, pencils, small toys, headphones and chargers for the electronics are a great start. No matter how much your child likes playing on their iPad, they’re going to get bored with it and you’ll be glad you have some backups.

5) TRUCK STOPS ARE A GREAT RESOURCE – My go to stop on any long road trip are truck stops, particular Pilot, TA or Love’s. They are always well lit and generally crowded so I always feel safe if I need to stop during the night. They all have gas, a restaurant, clean rooms and everything you need for the drive (snacks, drinks and that phone charger you forgot). These stops are usually right off the highway so if you are in a hurry, you can knock out several things at once.

6) PICNIC AT REST AREAS – Rest areas are a great place to stop during the day. Our kids love to pick up brochures inside and there’s usually plenty of space to run around and burn some energy. Another benefit is they make great picnic areas. traveling with kids can be costly and even meals at McDonald’s can take a toll on your wallet. Our kids are just as happy to eat sandwiches and snacks picnic style at the rest area. It’s fun and it will save you a few dollars.