by Micaela and Jay WilliamsonSkyland Resort Skyline Drive Luray, VA 22835 http://www.goshenandoah.com/ I want a show. Can I have the iPad, please? I want to see another video clip. You’re unlikely to hear this at the Skyland Resort at mile 42.5 in Shenandoah National Park. Okay, so wireless service is delightfully spotty, but we recently stayed in one of their newly renovated rooms featuring large screen TVs, new bedding, and updated bathrooms and are happy to report our kids were too tired from adventuring to even try to wear us down with their badgering. Skyland Resort started out as a summer retreat in 1888 and continues to offer visitors respite from the heat, congestion, and noise. The resort is situated within Shenandoah National Park on Skyline Drive and offers amazing views toward the West. The Resort opens in March and has a variety of accommodations ranging from small, rustic cabins to more traditional rooms. We stayed in a traditional room and enjoyed our mountain views and quick walk to the Pollock Dining Room. Skyland has three dining options, the Pollack Dining Room, the Mountain Taproom, and a Grab and Go option. The menus are available on-line but the biggest highlights are the incredible view from the Pollack Dining Room and the mountain-sized “Mile High Blackberry Ice Cream Pie.” Finishing it may have been the hardest climb of the day! During the summer there is also live entertainment in the Taproom, usually starting at 9:00 PM.
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Luray Caverns in Luray, VA has been a popular tourist destination for decades and decades. Besides visiting the breathtaking caverns, your ticket includes admission to the Car & Carriage Museum, Toy Town Juction and Luray Valley Museum, also right on site. Plus, for additional fees, families can participate in the Garden Maze and Rope Adventure Park. Touring the CavernsAccess to the caverns is only available via guided tour. Tours depart approximately every 20 minutes. The tour includes the history of the caverns, how the formations develop, learning about the difference between stalactites and stalagmites, and many entertaining facts and trivia along the way. Plus, there are amazing natural sights along the way such as Pluto's Ghost, Giants' Hall, "fried eggs," indoor bodies of water, the famous "Great Stalacpipe Organ" and much more.
Tours are on a paved walkway and cover about 1.25 miles of walking. With many stops along the way, the pace is easy enough for a preschooler to keep up. Strollers are also permitted, but it is recommended to bring a small stroller due to the large amount of steps at the entrance/exit to the caverns. The caverns are open year-round, rain or shine. The temperature inside the caverns is a constant 54 degrees, but due to its high humidity, it feels more like 65 degrees. by Jay WilliamsonIf you have a toddler, you understand the reference. They may sit through their daily commute in a gray minivan affectionately renamed Gordon, and visit their grandparents on a plane, but no mode of transportation captures children’s attention the way trains can. Maybe it is the scale and power, or astute marketing, however if you have a young child you’ll eventually:
This post compiles a list of train museums and train-related events within driving distance of the DC metro area. I admit that I haven’t been to all of them, and the list is not comprehensive, so feel free to include tips and suggestions in the comments below. Main Stations: The Train Museums B&O Railroad Museum 901 West Pratt Street Baltimore, MD http://www.borail.org/default.aspx Just a short drive away, the B&O Railroad Museum features an impressive collection of locomotives and rolling stock. The museum bills itself as “the oldest, most comprehensive American railroad collection in the world” and it delivers on that promise. Its collection includes a number of cars – including a caboose – which you can go inside of. It also features many locomotives from earlier eras that enable children to encounter history and see how trains have changed over time. Many of the trains are housed in a roundhouse that fascinates kids with its gigantic scale and a turntable that is just like (!!!) the one they play with. Train rides are also available (extra charge), however the view is, on occasion, closer to The Wire than to the Island of Sodor. Regardless, the museum a great day trip and easily combined with an early dinner at the Inner Harbor. Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
300 Gap Road Ronks, PA 17572 http://www.rrmuseumpa.org/index.shtml Strasburg Rail Road 301 Gap Road Ronks, PA 17572 http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/ While the Railroad Museum and Strasburg Rail Road are separate institutions, they are directly across the street from one another, and offer a train-filled day in an idyllic countryside setting. Imagine Sodor without the accidents. Or, more specifically, train accidents. The Strasburg Rail Road offers multiple trains throughout the day that bring visitors on a 45 minute journey through Lancaster PA farmland. The engine and car types vary and enable you to tailor your experience to your family’s budget and interest level. The Rail Road also offers a variety of special events, such as an Easter Train, Days out with Thomas, Wine & Cheese Trains, and Christmas themed trains that are sure to be a hit. The Railroad Museum displays a diverse collection of over 100 locomotives and rail cars in its exhibit hall and restoration yard. The locomotives and rail cars are well displayed and visitors are permitted inside several of them, including a beautifully restored caboose. Ronks is approximately 3 hours from Washington D.C. While the trip can be done in a day, consider staying overnight at the Fulton Steamboat Inn, a wonderfully fun hotel that looks like a steamboat inside and out and lets you borrow a pet goldfish for the night. Equally important, the hotel has a great playground and pool. If you’re interesting in sticking with the train theme, consider The Red Caboose Motel. When people think of Busch Gardens Williamsburg, they often think of the rides, but at this beautiful theme park, animals also rule. Families can enhance their experience and have fun learning through a variety of unique animal tours. Animal Tours offered at Busch Gardens Williamsburg: (Please visit this link for a more in-depth descriptions)
For my children (ages 4 and 7,) we found it was best to do the "Animals Up-Close Tour." This tour is just 30 minutes and perfect for younger kids or those looking for a short tour. We were excited to meet and interact with a sloth, opossum, armadillo, and some tropical birds. Plus, the Animal Ambassadors kept us entertained with funny stories about the animals as well as facts about each animal's diet, environment, preferences, and more. Check out some of our highlights: Besides the animals, the Busch Gardens Animal Ambassadors are just fantastic. I have seen a few of the Ambassadors before in various shows and programs, but the tour gave me a chance to have great conversations with them. They are enthusiastic about their jobs and love the animals like they are their own children! I was impressed with their knowledge and commitment to the animals in the park. Plus, money from every Animal Tour booked is given back to conservation efforts. Learn more at the official Busch Gardens Williamsburg Animal Webpage. I was selected this year to be a Busch Gardens Williamsburg official Ambassador Blogger. My family and I receive free admission and special media perks for sharing articles and information. All opinions are my own. by Jay WilliamsonChesapeake Bay Maritime Museum http://www.cbmm.org St. Michaels, Maryland $15.00 Adults (ages 17-61) $12.00 Seniors over 62 & Students age 17+ with college ID $6.00 Kids (ages 6-17) Under 6 is free! Open year round, check website for times. Winter is over, warmer weather is here, and the water beckons. Did the cold winter make you a pale version of your parenting self? Do you need to get outside? Do you need to get away? We understand. Unfortunately you might not have the time or money to schedule a lengthy trip, which is why the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is so ideal. In the spring or fall, the museum is a manageable two hour drive from Northern Virginia, but be mindful of bridge traffic in the summer. The waterside museum offers wonderful scenery, plenty of space to run, and boats to climb on and in. While there are a wide variety of exhibits, our boys especially enjoy climbing to the top of the Hooper Strait Lighthouse to see views of St. Michael’s harbor and the boatyard, climbing into the oyster harvesting skipjack the E.C. Collier, and learning about the bay. The museum offers boat rides (additional charges) that, circumstances permitting, may include chances to steer. In addition, they offer a variety of educational programs and special events – such as Tall Ships in May, the Antique and Classic Boat Festival in June and an Oyster Fest in October. There is a gazebo in the middle of the boat yard and several other places to enjoy a low-key picnic lunch. Alternatively, the shops, restaurants, and ice-cream stores of St. Michaels are just a short, dock-walk from the museum (http://www.stmichaelsmd.org/). If you need a chance to get away, rediscover the sun, and family members’ sunny dispositions then consider the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum as a perfect day trip. by Micaela Williamson Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, approximately 12 miles south of the town of Cambridge. Boasting over 27,000 acres rich with marsh land, ponds, and forests, the refuge is a great place to check out wildlife and enjoy serene natural scenery. Blackwater is also host to one of the largest breeding populations of American bald eagles on the east coast, and contains the largest remaining natural population of the endangered Delmarva fox squirrel. During certain times of the year, it is a haven for migration of geese, ducks, and the peregrine falcon. We started our visit at the beautiful Visitor Center, where we were able to get maps and information from Blackwater staff. Then we continued down to the Wildlife Drive, which is about a 7-mile loop and takes visitors in cars, on bicycles, or on foot past some of the most scenic marshes, forests, and fields at Blackwater. During the drive, we stopped our car many times to take short hikes on trails and view wildlife. On our journey, we were able to spot a some American bald eagles, the Delmarva fox squirrel, an osprey nest, turkey vultures, and common ducks, frogs, and geese. Check out our gallery below, and click on the images to enlarge: Besides the Wildlife Drive and hiking, visitors can also find three paddling trails, miles of cycling roads, hunting/fishing/crabbing opportunities, and adventures and programs in environmental education. For more specific details, visit the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge FAQ page. Information about boating trails & rentals can be found here. Where to eat? While the refuge hosts a few picnic areas, we opted to try the local gem Old Salty's, located about 20 minutes from the refuge on the traditional Chesapeake waterman community of Hooper's Island. Old Salty's This is a no-frills, old school seafood restaurant with beautiful views and honestly some of the most delicious seafood and crab dishes we have ever tasted. More info at: www.oldsaltys.com. Where to stay? The most beautiful, luxurious Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay is a short distance away. The hotel is in the historic town of Cambridge, MD and boasts many amenities and attractions. Check out my review of the resort in this blog post here. More information: Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge 2145 Key Wallace Drive Cambridge, Maryland 21613 http://www.fws.gov/blackwater/ I received a free stay at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay for my family in return for writing articles that highlight the beautiful Eastern Shore Region. No additional compensation was received. All opinions are my own.
The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa, and Marina is the perfect weekend getaway from the DC Metro/Northern Virginia area. The resort features:
We loved the clean spacious rooms and stayed in a family suite with a king sized bed and bunk beds for the kids. For dinner, we enjoyed an incredible meal at Blue Point Provision, just a 5-10 minute walk down a shelled path from the hotel. The atmosphere was fun, and the menu was filled with delicious, local food. We sampled the Choptank Oysters on the half-shell, which were sweet and fresh, loved the cocktail menu, and took advantage of being in Maryland with crab and fresh fish specialities. For breakfast, we at inside the main hotel at the Water's Edge Grill, which has a great breakfast buffet and specialities such as a crab omelet. Since the weather was still too cool for the outdoor pool and beach, we took advantage of the beautiful and large indoor pool, played some mini-golf, and when the sun went down, we enjoyed roasting some s'mores by the outdoor fire. While at the Hyatt, here are some great things to do around Cambridge: Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge: This refuge boasts 27,000 acres of woodland, rich tidal marsh, freshwater ponds and managed cropland. It's a great for viewing wildlife, cycling, hiking, and paddling. Read our blog post for more information about visiting the refuge. Choptank River Lighthouse: The Choptank River Lighthouse is open for free, self-guided tours by appointment from November through April. To make an appointment, call 410.228.4031. From May through October, the lighthouse is open regular hours for touring. Admission is free, but donations are welcome! Harriet Tubman Museum: Underground Railroad 'conductor' Harriet Tubman was born in Dorchester County probably in the 1820s. The museum is part of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, a self-guided, scenic driving tour with more than 30 sites related to freedom seekers. For more information and an audio guide, stop by the Dorchester Visitor Center, 2 Rose HIll Place; Cambridge, MD. Richardson Maritime Museum: A unique collection of vessels and a museum dedicated to the region's maritime history. I received a complimentary stay, breakfast, and snacks at the hotel for my honest review. I also met with a regional tourism specialist to hear more about the great features the region has to offer for families. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.
Now that Spring is FINALLY HERE, it's time to take advantage of one of my favorite places for a weekend trip…Busch Gardens Williamsburg, VA. I love the easy drive to Williamsburg and highly suggest leaving Northern VA very early, spending the day at this beautiful theme park and spending the night at one of the great nearby hotels. But, this little getaway doesn't need to break the bank. Take advantage of some of these great deals to save on the fun: * Spring Bounce Ticket – Valid for unlimited visits to Busch Gardens® and Colonial Williamsburg for up to 7 consecutive days from date of first use, thru April 27, 2014. This online only offer must be purchased by April 24. Visit the buschgardens.com/va ticket page for details. * Spring Tour Special – Book now and save 25% on select tours experienced between April 4 and May 26. Tours included in this promotion are the Family Fun, Landscape Life, Ultimate Busch Gardens Insider, Roller Coaster Insider, Ultimate Animal Insider, Animals Up Close, Clydesdales & Collies Up Close, Wolf Training and Birds of Prey tours * Meal Deal – Make mealtime a breeze and get your lunch and dinner all in one delicious package for only $24. Add a souvenir cup for only $5 extra and get $.99 refills for the entire year. * Free 2-Park Preschool Pass – Visit www.buschgardens.com/bgwpreschoolpass before May 31 to register for a free 2-Park Preschool Pass for children ages 3-5. Proof of the child’s age is required at the time the passes are redeemed and the passes must be redeemed at either park by May 31, 2014. Children ages 2 and younger receive complimentary admission and do not need to register. See http://www.buschgardens.com/bgwpreschoolpass for complete details. * Wendy’s Single-Day Ticket deal – Visit participating Wendy’s restaurants in Virginia and North Carolina for $5 off a single-day ticket to Busch Gardens. Triple the discount to $15 by entering the promo code found on the Wendy’s in-store coupon online at www.buschgardens.com/va. * Pampers Kids Free Promotion – Back again for 2014, get one free child’s single-day admission to Busch Gardens through the Pampers Gifts to Grow rewards program at www.pampers.com. Enter the Busch Gardens promotional code provided by the rewards program and receive one free child’s admission with the purchase of one regularly priced adult single-day ticket. The child’s ticket is valid for children up to age 9, and the purchase must be made online using the promotional code provided at www.pampers.com. * Spring Vacation Packages- Whether you’re coming for a weekend or during spring break week, a vacation in Williamsburg will put some spring in your step. Click here to review Busch Gardens’ best Springtacular vacation package that includes a Busch Gardens Fun Card, your choice of hotel accommodations, a free dining voucher and a Quick Queue pass. * Buy an Annual Pass- Purchase a 1-Park Annual Pass for just $10 per month on EZpay (or a one-time $120 payment) and watch the savings add up. Annual Pass members receive free parking, in-park discounts on food and merchandise and reduced pricing on single-day tickets for friends and family. In-park discounts and other perks of being a member, including invitations to exclusive events like ride nights and appreciation weekends, discounts on single-day Christmas Town™ tickets and unlimited admission to Howl-O-Scream®, makes owning an Annual Pass a no brainer for people who enjoy the park. Pass members who sign up for email through buschgardens.com/emailva will receive updates on the latest park news, exclusive email-only offers, invitations to exclusive events and other information that will help you make the most of your membership. I am an official blogger with Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA. My family receives free passes, tickets, perks, and invites to media events in exchange for sharing this information and posting reviews and articles of the parks.
StayAtHand, a free iOS mobile application for travelers that redefines online hotel search, was released in December 2013 that offers innovative travel search, with low cost mobile convenience, high-touch service, unsurpassed privacy standards, and intuitive design. Read more to learn some quick facts about the new Stay at Hand App, and earn an Amazon gift card on your first booking with our special code. Amy's Interview With Dr. Klemm, The Numbers LadyWe've done a lot of sight-seeing around the area, but we've never looked at Washington D.C. through the eyes the Numbers Lady before. In her creative new book, NumbersAlive! Books for Young Travelers Washington D.C., Dr. Rebecca Klemm (a.k.a. The Numbers Lady) takes children on a journey through our capital city with an adorable cast of of numbers known as "Team Ten". From page to page, each cuddly number shares a favorite local spot such as the Washington Monument, Air & Space Museum, the National Mall and beyond.
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