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Welcome to IOWA!

March 19, 2017 by Admin 1 Comment

Ever consider visiting Iowa? If not, maybe you should. There are some great family stops and a lot to do. These are a few of our favorite stops on our recent visit.

Amana Colonies

Located 20 miles from Cider Rapids are the Amana Colonies, 7 villages that were originally German settlements in Iowa. Settled in 1855 the colonies remained self-sufficient until the 1930’s. The Amanians operated independently as a community by farming and handcrafting to maintain their own local economy. Today you can visit the villages and shop at their craft stores, eat local fair, or drink a glass of wine or beer. Antiques, furniture, home decor, clothing, and gifts you will find nowhere else create a unique shopping adventure.

The Colonies tradition of great food is available for visitors to explore in the restaurants or specialty shops. The Amana Meat Shop and Smokehouse has over 160 years of experience offering ham, bacon, sausages, beef, and pork to visitors and online. The Ox Yoke Inn is a fantastic place to stop for lunch, and has amazing German style food. The staff is gracious and the food is affordable and filling. The Broom and Basket Shop is exactly what you might expect, a store dedicated to selling locally handmade brooms and baskets. Another interesting stop is Iowa’s Largest Walnut Rocker, at over 650 lbs. and 11 ft. tall. Great for a family picture. These are just examples of some of the interesting sites you can wander through on a visit to the Amanas.

Adventureland Park

A land of adventure awaits visitors outside Des Moines for thrill seekers and amusement park goers. Water rides and roller coasters are just a start to the fun. Magic shows, circus acts, live music, and over 100 rides all make up Iowa’s largest tourist attraction, Adventureland Park.

On a hot day nothing like a trip down the lazy river to cool off. Adventure Bay is a full waterpark experience. Water slides, wave pools, and Shipwreck Shores for the kids.

Science Center of Iowa

“Science rules” and no place is better proof of that than the Science Center of Iowa (SCI) Classes, hands on exhibits, and shows to engage visitors of all ages. Pint Sized Science offers programs for kids 3-5 like Superhero Science, Digging Dinos, and Sounds Like Science. These are amongst the classes that might interest the tiny learner in your family and there are option for older kids as well. Café Scientifique is a free program for adults and young adults.

Take a break and sit down in the SCI Blank IMAX Dome Theater to view a documentary film or even a Hollywood release. The dome is six-stories high, wrapping around viewers so the images fill your vision in every direction. Feel like you are inside the film while you get off your feet for a while.

Want to keep learning? Why not stay late? Overnight Adventures and Almost Overnights at the Science Center of Iowa are a whole new way to view SCI. Make the experience more than a museum visit by staying after dark.

There is so much to see and do- so if Iowa wasn’t on your list of places to visit, jot it down. See you there!

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: family travel, iowa, midwest, travel

Winter Fun at Okemo

March 17, 2017 by Samantha 5 Comments

Is your family’s idea of the perfect holiday gift several feet of fresh powder beneath their feet? At a time of year when cabin fever attacks, the freedom and exhilaration in skiing is the perfect antidote. When you drive up with your folks or the kids, you want the rest of your vacation to be spent having fun – not more driving around. A resort with all the amenities to please everyone fits the bill: Okemo Mountain Resort in Vermont. We had a great time checking out all that the resort had to offer- and there was quite a bit to do.

Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, they offer 8 different styles of accommodations – many with ski in-out availability. Choices range from classic mountain lodge rooms to multiple options for larger families – perfect for those family reunions.

At Jackson Gore Inn, thoughtful amenities like deep soaking tubs to loosen up sore muscles after a run down the slopes. An indoor pool and game arcade keep the kids occupied during inclement weather or after skiing.

All that fresh air exercise is sure to work up your appetite. Okemo has well over a dozen options sure to please everyone in your group. Start your day with a hearty breakfast to give you the energy you need at Base68 or, if a skinny latte’s all you need, they’ve got Starbucks. All your favorite BBQ meats are on the menu at Squeels on Wheels – don’t you just love the name? Sen Den Sushi and Siena boast international flair. E

But, what about the snow? Wintertime is special at Okemo, with Alpine and Nordic skiing for all levels –featuring Vermont’s highest drop — snow tubing, fat bike rentals, a hockey rink, snow shoeing, and, when your legs have given out, special SnowCat excursions. These require prior reservations and are weather dependent, so plan ahead.

Mom and Dad: when you’re ready for your own Date Night, the Kids Night Out Program (ages 6 months to 6 years) and Kids’ Night Out X (ages 7-12 years) is a fully state licensed child care facility with movies, pizza and even skating for the older kids. Non-refundable reservations are required.

At this time, you can get quite the deal- only $129 for unlimited skiing for the rest of the season with the “real easy” card. Call Okemo for details, this is a pretty cool deal. 802-228-5222

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: family travel, skiing, travel, Vermont, winter

Heroes and Legends of Kennedy Space Center

December 30, 2016 by Samantha 4 Comments

“To sit back and let fate play its hand out and never influence it is not the way man was meant to operate.”

~John Glenn

The passing of the iconic John Glenn – astronaut, Senator, and American hero – served as a reminder to us all of who and what’s truly admirable in life. Mind numbing apps, mediocre professional athletes who make headlines for all the wrong reasons, C-list television personalities famous for reasons no one really knows . . . these are the kinds of people who have been influencing our children (and let’s face it- many adults as well). But we’re in a position to change all that, to instill the values we hold dear.

Inspiration can be thrilling! There’s no better place to experience that than a visit to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida with the new Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame® presented by Boeing. This multimedia collection of interactive exhibits includes the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Apollo/Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, Space Shuttle Atlantis®, Shuttle Launch Experience®, IMAX® A Beautiful Planet 3D and Journey To Space 3D films, Astronaut Encounter, Journey To Mars: Explorers Wanted, Science on a Sphere®, Rocket Garden, Cosmic Quest, and much more. These exciting parts of the complex lead to the stunning rotunda celebrating our country’s fearless space explorers.

Located next to the Rocket Garden, the new exhibit begins with a 360 degree movie featuring clips of NASA, the lives of astronauts, and some memorabilia. Listening to the journeys that were made, watching the work that was done, hearing how humble these brave men and women are about the entire thing was both moving and humbling. As you move through the Heroes and Legends, you head into large area that hangs a rocket overhead, and houses space shuttles as well as personal items of the astronauts . Characteristics that one would require to journey into space title each display, such as “Selfless”, “Inspired”, “Courageous”, with items that an astronaut felt inspirational to the person they became or an important representation of how they became the man or woman that they did. Many chose to include toys, comic books, and scouting or sports memorabilia in their representative items, reminding us that what we do as children (and what we expose our children to) really does mold who they become.

You can also find the original setup and belongings of the Mercury Mission Control room, and watch a 4-D movie titled “Through the Eyes of a Hero”, which depicts the lives, excitement, setbacks and wins of the space program as well as the 93 astronauts who have so far been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

When you finish viewing, head through the doors to the Astronaut Hall of Fame and be greeted by Alan Shepherd (in statue form) to meet the inductees. Created by the Mercury Seven Astronauts (the same who adorn the outside wall of the building) as a place to honor American Astronauts, you can learn about their lives with displays and interactive touch screens.

With all the ugliness that has surrounded recent months, spending time at the Kennedy Space Center’s Heroes and Legends was almost healing, a balm to the soul. Looking to the stars brought me back to Earth. It was a gentle reminder of a proud history, of great minds and brave souls working together to achieve tremendous things. While no one would call me an overly emotional person for the most part, I have to admit that I found myself misty-eyed more then once. What’s next for NASA? Well, as they will tell you- they will keep exploring.

As inspiring as the site is – and make no mistake, this is a powerfully enriching destination to visit – its behind the scenes projects are impressive, too. The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) helps university students pursue careers in math, science, and technology. The U.S. Space Camp incorporates the Hall of Fame in its program. You and your family can have lunch with an astronaut should you so choose, and ask questions about life in space or NASA. It’s not only fun, but a wonderful experience for anyone, no matter how old or young. Photos are available with the astronaut afterward, as well. In case you were wondering- of course they have Tang.

Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season. Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers annual passes starting at $75 + tax for adults and $60 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: FL, florida, travel

Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts in Punta Cana

December 28, 2016 by Samantha 6 Comments

When it comes to family vacations, the bar is always being raised. Let’s face it: families want something that’s quite a step above camping in the backyard for their getaways. This time of year, most of us are craving warm temps, sunny skies, and lots of opportunities for a swim. Exotic and different are icing on the cake. That’s why Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts in Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) is sure to inspire memories that last forever. I was happy to be hosted to experience it.

The resort’s luxurious accommodation includes the Swank Swim-Up Suite. Imagine a private, VIP-style wrap-around terrace that’s adjacent to the pool, along with sunbathing beds. You’ll feel like the resort’s all your own. There are other configurations and sizes of swim-up rooms as well, to suit different needs and family sizes.

You’ll find the décor bright and cheery, but with simple, modern lines to feel more relaxed – rather than formal and uptight. Kid friendly, but still chic.

The ultimate in luxe accommodations, and still able to fit a larger family is The Pineapple, inspired by SpongeBob Square Pants’ home under the sea. Two bedrooms and three bedrooms in a loft configuration are looked after by your own personal butler. Special activities can be booked for guests staying here, such as a moonlight beach dinner prepared by a world-class chef, wine tasting, an in-suite afternoon tea party, pizza party, or pajama party.

So, if you crave more water than swimming in the pool, they have the beautiful Uvero Alto Beach available and just steps away. There are plenty of lounge chairs and even beach beds available for guests to use, you won’t need to scramble for them or search around in vain. The beach is lovely, quiet, and very clean. You will want to spend quite a lot of time there, if you are like me. You can order drinks while on the beach as well, which makes staying longer even more appealing. Other outdoor games and activities, such as tennis, are found at the resort, along with playrooms for the kids and the opportunity to run into – and take photos with – your favorite Nickelodeon characters, including the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Indoor activities include the fitness and dance studio.

Their spa can be a welcome respite from the kiddies – with experienced resort staff taking care of them should you so desire– or have them join in the fun with mani-pedis designed for them or a massage with marshmallow butter. There are several outdoor cabanas where you can get your treatments, as well. My son and I enjoyed a morning at the spa (dad was not into it) where we enjoyed a mother/son massage treatment (in the same outdoor cabana at the same time). He was thrilled he was able to be a “big guy” and indulge with mom in some special time. I also got my hair done, which was fun for me. I very rarely get any alone time. The staff was very nice and made it easy to relax.

For something a little dirtier, there’s always the famous Nickelodeon slime! This happens several times a day at the waterpark area, and you can also reserve your very own family slime-ing at the front desk. Not to be missed while at Nickelodeon, of course.

The Nickelodeon Place waterpark area is a child’s paradise, with quite a few slides, a giant water bucket that dumps frequently, a “lazy river”, and more. We spent quite a lot of time there, and with a restaurant (Aqua Bite) at the location, it made it easy not to leave. If mom and dad need a minute, there are plenty of lounge chairs to relax on.

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana – Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana is Nickelodeon’s first-ever international property, providing both nonstop family entertainment and Karisma’s renowned Gourmet Inclusive® Experience. Located on the golden sands of Uvero Alto beach in the Dominican Republic, the upscale property has re-imagined the art of hospitality to deliver delightful twists including surprise slimes and unexpected visits from your favorite Nickelodeon characters. Combined with world-class dining and drinking indulgences, sleek modern design and innovative amenities, Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana offers an unforgettable getaway for Nickelodeon fans and luxe resort lovers alike.

Disclosure- We stayed at the resort in order to share our experiences with you. All opinions are my own and honest.

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: family travel, islands, travel

New York’s Lake Placid Holiday Stroll

December 13, 2016 by Samantha 8 Comments

If you are seeking a great place to get into the holiday spirit, you need look no further then Lake Placid, in upstate New York. During one magical weekend a year, the area holds a “Holiday Stroll” where the entire town celebrates Christmas with a wide array of activities and festivals, many of which are free, and almost all are family friendly.

The Lake Placid Holiday Village Stroll is amazing for the holiday season- you will find yourself in an Adirondack Winter Wonderland. The volunteer run committee plans a wonderful weekend of art, music, gourmet foods, and boutique shopping. It’s a fun and festive alternative to big box store options, and the intimate setting makes the Village Stroll appealing to couples and families (not to mention you gift the local flavor as well- take home a bit of the Adirondacks and give a taste to your friends and family).

There is much to see and to in the area, well known for winter activities and sports, as well as formerly hosting the Olympics. Families will love the ice skating party and Holiday Story Time at the Mirror Lake Inn. Couples will enjoy the wine tastings and art displays. Children will delight in the matinee showing of the Polar Express, the craft workshops and breakfast with Santa at participating hotels on Sunday morning.
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Filed Under: travel Tagged With: family travel, NY, NY State, travel

Sweet Welcome: Dining and History in Hershey #HersheyPA

December 7, 2016 by Pam 5 Comments

Just when you think Hershey couldn’t get any better, think again. You’ll want to eat while at Hershey. In fact, you’ll want to eat a lot when you’re in Hershey. If you want a holiday themed dinner and a show you could try Holiday with Dickens at The Hotel Hershey Sunday, December 4 at 3:00 PM Holiday Tea ($40) and 6:30 PM. Holiday Dinner ($99).

This heartwarming show-of-the-season is performed by Gerald Charles Dickens, the great, great grandson of literary master, Charles Dickens. During his energetic one-man show, Dickens brings A Christmas Carol to life. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 717-534-8800.

If it’s just you and your significant other, put on your best outfit and eat at The Circular, at The Hotel Hershey. I love The Circular breakfast because of the omelet station and the fresh squeezed orange juice. The decor is so breathtaking, restored to look as glamorous and beautiful as it did in the 1920s. Also? Chef Cher Harris was crowned Pastry Queen in the World Pastry Championship in Italy. She’s the chef for The Hotel Hershey so no matter what restaurant you eat at The Hotel Hershey, it’s sure to be delicious. While at the spa we noshed on an array of desserts that were awesome.

There are four other restaurants at The Hotel Hershey: Trevi 5 featuring Italian, Harvest, featuring American, the Cooca Beanery for your breakfast needs and the Iberian Lounge, which is a dark after hours bar, that looks like someplace Hemingway might enjoy.

hotel-hershey-views

Everywhere you turn there is something spectacular to look at.

If super fancy meals aren’t your style then you’ll still find something to suit at The Hershey Lodge. There’s Hershey Grill, The Bear’s Den, Coca Beanery Debbie Lebkicher’s, and The Forbear. While we didn’t eat at The Forebay, we heard that if you’d like to try wild game (boar, rabbit, venison) that The Forebay is the place for you.

As much as I enjoyed the chocolate, my favorite meal was Devon’s Seafood + Steak, located in The Hershey Press Building. Chef Hellberg greeted us and he couldn’t have been cuter or nicer. I really valued that given my non dairy limitations they provided a meal that was as fulfilling and as beautifully plated as everyone else’s.

No matter where you dine, you should totally try the chocolate martinis.

chocolatini

After a great meal, I think the next thing you should do is take the Chocolate & History Trolley. This trolly is THE best sightseeing tour you’ll ever go on! Seriously, the staff dresses up in period costumes and “cover the inspiring story of Milton Hershey and the main sites of the town of Hershey (the original chocolate factory, Mr. Hershey’s birthplace, his home Highpoint Mansion, Chocolate Avenue, the Hershey Kiss Streetlights, HersheyPark, and Milton Hershey School).” They are entertaining AND they hand out chocolate every few minutes, what’s not to love? It’s incredibly charming and informational. It’s the best 75 minutes you’ll ever spend.

Whatever you decide to do, let Hershey give you a sweet welcome.

Want to hear more? Click Here. Interested in dining and lights? Check this out as well 🙂

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: chocolate, Chocolate Avenue, Hershey candy, Hershey Park, hotel, martini, Mitlon Hershey, PA, The Hotel Hershey, travel

A Sweet and Spooky Halloween in Hershey, PA

October 15, 2016 by Samantha 1 Comment

Halloween isn’t quite the way it was years ago, but in some ways — in some places — it’s better! Today, when it comes to the little ones, parents are hesitant to let them wander throughout the neighborhood at night. City dwellers and those who live in remote areas can’t trick or treat. As for older kids – and these days, they’re growing up faster and faster – the holiday should be celebrated on a larger, more exciting and engaging level. What more memorable way for the whole family to get into the spirit (!) than a stay in Hershey, PA. Hersheypark After Dark is the epicenter of all the festivities.

Accommodations: There are two different excellent choices to stay, adding to your immersion in the Hershey experience. For that super comfy, homey feeling, there’s Hershey Lodge. High wood beams, warm candy ambient fragrance as you enter, a crackling fire to welcome you and relaxing environment adds to home away from home feeling. The brand new indoor pool complex has two interactive indoor pools, Twizzlers Twists Slides, Reese’s Water Walk, water play structures and the Cocoa Cabana dining location with a full bar. To that end, complimentary shuttle service to all Hershey attractions, the spa and dining spots takes away the stress of driving.

For an elegant and sophisticated experience, The Hotel Hershey is considered a world-class resort. The tints and hues of the hotel’s “soft goods” harken back to the colors of fine chocolates and caramels. Inside the main building is a shopping arcade that has everything from candies, souvenirs, as well as chic clothing and luxury items. Different themes can be seen in the interior, reflecting upon different aspects of Milton Hershey’s life. An indoor courtyard with recessed bar, lounging areas, Moorish architecture, warm lighting and plants hint at old Spain and the Havana, Cuba to which the Hersheys traveled and conducted business. The hotel has daily activities for both children and adults, incorporating chocolate tastings, making things and other fun past times. Complimentary transportation to all Hershey attractions and local destinations is easy to arrange.

What to do: There’s a delicious, cinematic-like thrill in getting to experience an amusement park “after hours”. HersheyPark After Dark really pulls out all the stops for the spookiest of holidays! You’ll find lots of rides – including 13 roller coasters. The three classic wooden roller coasters, complete with naturally rickety sound, even run without lights during the last hour the park is open. And, of course, what’s Halloween without candy! Throughout the park, you’ll find cute shops selling unusual sizes and collections of your favorite Hershey candies, along with chocolate-themed gifts.

If Hershey is the “Sweetest Place on Earth”, then Hershey’s Chocolate World must be its capital! Learn how West African cocoa and the rich milk of Central Pennsylvania come together to make one of the world’s favorite treats. Design your own fancy chocolate bar to take home. The gigantic candy store-emporium will create sensory overload, for sure!

The Hershey Story – The Museum on Chocolate Avenue is educational on many levels. You’ll learn the inspiring story of Milton Hershey’s life along with the business and philanthropic perseverance he had. Foodies will appreciate fine chocolate tastings and making treats in the Chocolate Lab.

Hershey Gardens was created in honor of Mrs. Hershey’s love of botanicals. They get all into Halloween, with over 150 awesome and cool carved and lit pumpkins. You can pick up candy treats – just like at home – at stops along the way. This part of the celebration is geared towards kids 12 and younger, who are encouraged to wear costumes. It might be October, but the garden is still in bloom, and the roses are both lovely and fragrant. The butterflies are ready to see and be seen as well- even if they aren’t all decked out for Halloween.

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: family travel, hershey, PA, travel

Save On Your New York Vacation With The New York Pass

October 5, 2016 by Have Sippy Will Travel 8 Comments

New York is definitely a spot that should be on your vacation bucket list – and great things are coming to New York! With a newly updated New York Pass, the City’s largest attraction pass card – the first of which is the inclusion of a free double-decker bus tour with every New York Pass purchased (thanks to a new partnership with the Big Bus New York) – now is the time to start planning that New York vacation you have always talked about. With the New York pass it will make your Big Apple visit fast and easy as your ride along on the double-decker bus and enjoy the sights and sounds.

Not only will you get to ride the double decker bus and tour the Big Apple, but you also get admission and discounts to over 90 must-see New York attractions. You can hop-on or hop-off at any attraction or sight that catches your eye, and then be back on your way in a matter of minutes to a new and wonderful destination of your choosing. With the New York pass, you will get more bang for your buck by saving up to 70% all while skipping the lines at several of the busiest attractions in the Big Apple area.

American Museum of Natural History

“The New York Pass is quickly becoming a mobile metro card for tourists,” said Ken Barrows, Vice President of Leisure Pass North America LLC, the parent company of New York Pass. “Our exciting new venture with Big Bus New York will allow our customers to maximize their use of each pass by giving tourists and locals the option of using Big Bus to have a seat with a view, or to simply travel between attractions.”

Madame Tussauds – New York Celebrity Wax Attraction

Whether you are planning on staying in the Big Apple one day or 10 days, there are New York passes for both and everything in between. In 2015, New York Pass launched a new “10-Day Pass” to cater to tourists staying in the Big Apple for lengthier periods of time and added new attractions such as the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and Fashion Windows Walking Tour. Every New York Pass includes a free 200-page guidebook with detailed maps, hours of operation, tips and directions to every New York Pass attraction featured.