I love Maine. I can’t tell you exactly why, but it’s one of my favorite states (after my home state of Massachusetts of course). I head up to Maine every chance I get and Portland, Maine is one of my favorite destinations when I head up. I’ve gone to Portland both with the kids and without and if you are planning on bringing the kids with you, here are some family friendly things to do while you’re there.
If you follow me on social media, you know that my family recently spent some time in New York City. A good bloggy friend, Melissa from The Staten Island Family, invited my family to her son’s Bar Mitzvah. When she first told me that an invitation was heading my way, I was really excited and when it dawned on me that it fell during my kids April school vacation I got wicked excited. None of us have ever attended a Bar Mitzvah before and I thought it would be a wonderful thing for my family to experience. And it was even more wonderful than I could have imagined. Her son impressed the hell out of us with all the Hebrew passages he read (there were a lot) and a speech he gave, which was far beyond his years.
Since it was school vacation week, I wanted to extend our trip by a few days and make the most of our visit. My husband and I go down to NYC a few times a year, but don’t usually take the kids with us. Since they came with us this time, we wanted to make sure they had an amazing time. I decided to go to my trusted resource, TripAdvisor, to see what we should do while we we there.
Did you know that you can book activities and experiences directly through TripAdvisor? It’s super convenient to be able to look through all the things they offer to do in the city you’re traveling to, read reviews while you’re there AND book whatever catches your eye – all in one spot. I mean, you are going to TripAdvisor to look at the reviews anyways, so why not take it one step further and book your experiences right on their site. It’s easy peasy and that way your itinerary will be set before you even leave for your trip (or staycation). Continue reading »
I’m not going to lie, when you plan a trip to Walt Disney World you should plan on A LOT of walking. While walking is basically the only way to get around while you are inside the parks, there are many other modes of transportation outside of them. Here’s a guide to all the different modes of transportation at Disney World and where you can use them.
Monorail: The Monorail runs through the Magic Kingdom and connects some resorts (The Contemporary, The Polynesian and The Grand Floridian) with the park and the ticket and transportation center. It connects the Magic Kingdom theme park, with the contemporary resort, the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and the Polynesian Resort. Switch at the Transportation Center to get to Epcot.
The Magic Kingdom and Epcot are the only two Disney World park that can be reached by monorail. Continue reading »
Yesterday I met up with my good friend, Leah from City Living Boston and Kim from Kimworld (who was behind the scenes) to do a Facebook Live about what to do with the kids over the April school vacation. Well, we had some technical difficulties and the live stream didn’t work out, so we decided to just record a video and talk about all the stuff we had planned on telling you about – and if anyone has any questions feel free to comment here or email one of us. If you missed the video, here it is so you can watch it:
Many people forget that New York is a town full of families and plan their vacations without providing much thought to the entertainment possibilities that abound for children in New York City. It only makes sense that with so many families living in this city that there would be very many family oriented things to do and sights to see.
For instance, there are 5 zoos in New York City; some of them better known than others. The five zoos are Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Bronx Zoo, and Staten Island Zoo. Each zoo has something slightly different to offer than the others and if you have a true animal lover in your family there really is no harm in stopping by all of them.
Did you catch the Facebook live I did this morning with Leah from City Living Boston live from The Royal Sonesta Boston. Actually, Kim from Kimworld was there, too, but she did all the behind the scenes stuff for us (THANK YOU for that by the way, Kim)! During the live stream we covered local things to do over the Winter break/February school vacation.
What, you missed it? No worries – grab a snack, sit back and have a look:
Little Scientists Package: https://www.sonesta.com/…/royal-sonesta-boston/offers
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston February Vacation Offerings http://www.mfa.org/…/special-event/february-vacation-
Mirror Maze Exhibit at Museum of Science, Boston https://www.mos.org/exhibits/mirror-maze
Love Royally at the Royal Sonesta Boston https://www.sonesta.com/loveroyally
As promised here is some information on the locations I discussed in the video (plus a few that I didn’t have time to mention): Continue reading »
Traveling with kids is such a rewarding experience. Places like Washington DC are fantastic family travel locations. There is so much rich history and fun activities all over the city that you can really show your kids a great time and feel good about them learning something at the same time! The next time you are in Washington DC check out these 5 unforgettable places to take your kids. They will be sure to have a great time and be talking about their trip for a long time afterwards. In the end, planning a trip that sticks with them is the best reward. You want them to have an experience that means something to them so that they can get the most out of traveling!
1. The Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is an epic tribute to one of our nation’s great leaders. Your kids will be blown away by the sheer magnitude of the memorial itself. Nothing makes you feel small like standing next to a humongous statue. They’ll learn so much without even knowing it and having their photo taken next to a giant Abe Lincoln will surely be an unforgettable part of their Washington DC adventure!
I don’t know about you, but my husband I are always looking for fun date night ideas. We are both foodies, so going out to eat makes us both very happy, but every now and then it’s fun to change things up. Last weekend we definitely leveled up our date night! We spent a super fun night at the Chef’s Demonstration Table at the Dan’l Webster Inn in Sandwich.
The evening was quite entertaining as about 23 of us watched Chef Steve Chausse and Pastry Chef Lydia Broderick prepare a 3 course meal from scratch. The menu included roasted Stuffed Artichoke Tartlet, Winter Flounder Francaise with a beurre blanc sauce and a Ricotta Cheesecake with an almond crust for dessert. The two chefs made all three dishes from scratch all while providing tips on which tools and materials are best to use and lots of other practical tips that we will be able to use at home. Continue reading »
Here in Massachusetts a sandwich isn’t just a delicious combination of lunch meat, condiments and bread – it’s a town on Cape Cod, too. Yes, the actual name of the town is Sandwich and what a lovely town it is. I actually spent many childhood summers in Sandwich and I have so many fond memories of all my time there. My Great Aunt Millie and Uncle Jack used to rent a beach cottage on N Shore Blvd every summer and as kids we loved visiting them and playing on the beach. Sure there are beaches in Maryland (where they were from), but there is something really special about Cape Cod and it kept them coming back year after year.
Aside from the amazing beaches, there is charm everywhere you look. Cape Cod is filled with antique shops, boutiques, museums, cafes and so much more. It really is a wonderful getaway destination and I have just the place for you to stay when you start planning your trip to “The Cape”: The Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa!
The Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa in Sandwich, Cape Cod’s oldest town, has been in business for over 300 years. When you book a stay in one of the 48 guest rooms/suites at the Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa, you will be pleasantly surprised when enter your guest room. Each room has it’s own lovely decor and is full of amenities that you will help you to have a comfortable stay, including WiFi, a coffee maker, hair-dryer and more. If you are looking for a little more than just a room, there are suites available which feature canopy and/or four-poster beds, fireplaces and over-sized whirlpool tubs. Continue reading »
Like me, I know most of you are busy moms and being as busy as we are, sometimes we just need to get away. Sadly, a trip to warm tropical destinations is not always in the cards, but a staycation can be just what we need. Recently my husband and I had a chance to do just that – take a little staycation – at Extended Stay America in East Providence, Rhode Island. Yes, I live in Massachusetts, but this hotel is only about 30 minutes from me. This hotel is in a great location and there’s a ton of things to do in that area, so I was thrilled about the weekend away.
When you choose to stay at Extended Stay America you will not only find friendly staff, but the practical touches that make being away from home easier. Each of their spacious suites offers a fully equipped kitchen, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV with premium channels, free grab-and-go breakfast and on-site laundry facilities. While Christian and I chose a kid-free stay, Extended Stay America is family-friendly and kids stay free! If your babies aren’t the human kind, they have pet-friendly hotel suites in over 600 locations throughout the US. Continue reading »
If you follow me over on Instagram, you probably already know that I spent a long weekend in New York City last weekend. We spent three jam-packed days in the city, but managed to find some time to stop into La Pulperia, a restaurant featuring rustic Latin cuisine on the Upper East Side for lunch. Chris and I spent that morning at the Museum of Natural History and really worked up an appetite by the time lunch-time rolled around.
We were both immediately impressed by the atmosphere of La Pulperia when we walked in. It has a really cool vibe, but at the same time we felt like we had just walked into a really upscale restaurant. The decor in La Pulperia was spot on with handcrafted floor tiles from Mexico, reclaimed wood from Brazil on the ceiling and walls and gorgeous bar with shelves and shelves filled with bottles of liquor. Not to mention the great Latin music that was playing in the background. Continue reading »
Located in the heart of Cape Cod, The Cape Codder Resort and Spa makes a wonderful spot for a family getaway. The Cape Codder has an indoor water park, a wide variety of room options, several restaurants, a full service spa and more. Everything you need to enjoy your getaway is located all under one roof!
The Cape Codder Resort and Spa boasts the only one of its kind indoor/outdoor Water Park on Cape Cod. Here are some of the highlights:
My family loves our trips to Disney World and we really enjoy experiencing all of the resorts on Walt Disney World property. One of the things that Disney does really well are the pool areas at the resorts. We’ve stayed at several and have never been disappointed with the pool areas. While the pool at Caribbean Beach was our favorite for quite a while, we recently stayed at the Yacht Club and had a chance to experience Stormalong Bay – and now we have a new favorite. We were beyond impressed by the Stormalong Bay pool “complex” and it’s without a doubt the best pool at any of the resorts on the Disney property.
But what’s all the fuss about? Continue reading »
Walt Disney World has been using the Fastpass+ system for a while now. It has made things a lot easier because it allows you to book in advance and save time. Below I will share what exactly the Fastpass+ is and some tips to using the Fastpass+ for you and your family!
Below you will find learn about Fastpass+ and the perks, and find ways to make sure you make the most out of the system! The tips below can help you with your schedule, so you can make sure to utilize each pass the best way possible.
What is Disney’s Fastpass+
Fastpass+ is a system that Disney uses that allows you to reserve rides and attractions to reduce the time you spend waiting in lines both for rides and experiences such as character meet & greets or shows. They allow up to three Fastpasses per day to make the system fair, but there are a few restrictions. You can only make Fastpass+ choices for one park per day, so if you are visiting multiple parks, make sure to choose which park you want to use the Fastpasses on. Also, you can only book a Fastpass for each ride once per day, so if you love Space Mountain and want to book all three of your Fastpasses for three separate rides on the day you are at the Magic Kingdom – you are out of luck. The system won’t let you “repeat” rides on the same day. As of now you can book Fastpass+ for your whole trip 60 days in advance if you stay on property, or 30 days if you are not staying on property. Continue reading »
Long before recorded history, massive glaciers shaped the land in North America. The powerful forces of water, wind, and time created the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves in Kinsman Notch (Woodstock, NH) about 300 million years ago. The Ice Age brought glaciers that lifted and moved enormous rocks, which formed notches and mountains. When the ice eventually melted, the water eroded the rocks and the Lost River Gorge was formed. If you happen to visit the Woodstock, NH area, be sure to check out the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves.
We have a place in Woodstock, so my family visits the area regularly. Since that’s the case, we actually purchased season passes so that we could go all the time. My kids love climbing through the caves and I love that it’s a great workout with amazing views. Continue reading »
For the 22nd year, the 2017 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is back at Epcot. The festival is being held from August 31 – November 13, 2017 and all you need to enjoy this popular fall event is Epcot admission. Set up around the World Showcase, individual kiosks will offer guests the chance to try recipes from locations around the world! It’s a foodie paradise complete with delicious foods, wines, and craft beers from over 35 individual marketplaces.
In addition to the eleven countries represented in the World Showcase, you can try foods from places like Scotland, New Zealand, Greece, Africa, Belgium, Hawaii, India, and Patagonia. This year there is a wonderful Farm Fresh stand which features dishes like Crispy Chicken with Griddled Cornbread and Red Eye Gravy and Roasted Beet Salad with Green Beans, Feta Cheese, Minus 8 Vinaigrette, and Toasted Walnuts (vegetarian and gluten friendly). Continue reading »
I love summer, I really do. I love the warm weather, the beach, the relaxed schedule – all of it. But do you know what I love more than summer? FALL. How can you beat pumpkin flavored everything, chunky sweaters, hayrides and corn mazes? And speaking of corn mazes, did you know that the very first corn maze is now open in Methuen?
Mann Orchard’s Riverside Farm is home to an 7-acre corn maze, which is the main attraction of their Riverside Farm location. Once this South Shore girl figured out where Methuen was, we headed up there for a day of fun this past weekend. You see, there is much, much more than just a corn maze at Mann Orchard’s Riverside Farm and you definitely need to plan to stay for a while once you’re there. Continue reading »
Tucked into the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Whale’s Tale Waterpark has been thrilling families for over 30 years. As a matter of fact, Whale’s Tale Waterpark was recently voted one of TripAdvisor’s Top 25 waterparks in America! It’s a great place to cool off, relax and spend some time with friends or family. A visit to Whale’s Tale is a definite wet and wild experience for the whole family.
Don’t worry if you’re not a thrill seeker – I’m not either. Whale’s Tale has something for everyone. My family recently spent the day at Whale’s Tale and we had a blast. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure you have the best possible time at Whale’s Tale.
Poseidon’s Voyage
Their most thrilling ride yet. Riders of Poseidon’s Voyage begin in the SkyBox; a nearly vertical launch capsule, which is the steepest drop in the industry, with a trap door on the bottom. Tension builds as you hear your heart pounding. Then adrenaline kicks in as the floor suddenly drops out and you accelerate to the top speed of 38 feet per second. Powerful G-Forces glue you to the wall the entire way around the tight 360° SuperLOOP. Continue reading »
If you are looking for some fun this summer, Water Country is the place to go! They have more slides, pools and attractions than any other water park in the area. There is definitely something for everyone when visiting Water Country. A day at the water park is just that – a full day. I always do my prep work before heading out for the day because I like to be prepared. In addition to packing up all the items I will need for the day, I take a few minutes to look over the website to make sure there are no surprises when I get there.
In a city nearly four hundred years old – troubled with war, murderers, strife and the occasional bout of stray molasses, it is hardly any wonder that Boston remains one of the most haunted cities in America and stories of the glory days of Colonial Boston only scratch the surface of Boston’s darker side. Boston has found itself plagued with some of history’s most nefarious figures – The Boston Strangler, Jolly Jane, Dr. John Webster, Cotton Mather, amongst a slew of other assorted characters. If you want to hear all about Boston’s dark history, the Ghost & Gravestones Tour is the place to hear about all of it.
I took this fun trolley tour in Boston a few years ago with my husband, but I recently had a chance to take it again with him, my sister and brother in law. Our tour guide was Ashton Burns and we really enjoyed the stories that he told us. Ashton was not only just great a storyteller, but he was also well-informed and ready to answer any questions asked of him. There were a few tours out that night and all of the guides are dressed up AND in character! As I mentioned, Ashton was our guide and sadly, all of the pictures I took of him came out blurry, but he was great and really authentic. The other guide out that night was Betty and our group met up with their group in one of the cemeteries we visited. Continue reading »