Have a Howling Good Time at @GreatWolfLodge in PA

December 7, 2015 by 16 Comments
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Great Wolf Lodge is a terrific place to take your kids to year round, not in the least because your hotel was also your waterpark, restaurant, activity center, and more. All I had to do was park the car and bring in the luggage and we were good to go.
The  huge indoor waterpark is reserved for guests only, guaranteeing that you will never have to wait on a long line.

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Making it “snow” from the decorated ceilings at Great Wolf Lodge

Once you arrive, you are greeted and checked in by friendly staff, and you make your way to your room.  It is decorated for the season right now, and so pretty.  From the minute you walk in, the ceiling to the floors are decked out for the season. Even the characters are wearing their holiday best as they meet the kids and walk around the resort.

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Great Wolf hosts its annual Snowland celebration for guests from November 28th to January 3rd, where they turn the resort into a winter wonderland complete with indoor snow showers, spectacular decorations, visits from Santa Clause, “Polar Wolf” Walks, North Pole Letter Depot, a Great Clock Tower Howl-iday Show, and more.

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New this year, Great Wolf Lodge will introduce special Snowland Suites complete with twinkling garland, decorated tree, oversized snowflakes hanging from the ceiling, and a plush blanket and Great Wold Lodge book to take home with you. To up the holiday ante, Wiley and Violet the Wolf will also be hand delivering cookies to each suite booked.  My boy got a milk and cookie delivery from Oliver, and he was so excited.  We’ve never met Oliver before, and my son couldn’t have been happier to see him. He stayed for some hugs, too, and let mom take a few photos- what a nice holiday critter.

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Families are also invited to celebrate the magic of the season by dining inside the world’s only life-size, dine-in gingerbread house. Featuring more than 5,000 candies, 600 pounds of gingerbread dough and 1,320 pounds of sugar, each house will be baked, iced and candied to perfection, providing the setting for a memorable holiday feast. The appetizing walls of the lodge-baked abode have as much heart as taste as the proceeds for each meal go to charity.  I’m not sure how much this costs, but give them a call and see- you for sure need an RSVP to do this one.

In addition, your family can try the all-new interactive game, Clubhouse Crew, partake in various Snowland-themed activities, and enjoy a $50 credit to explore the lodge at your leisure.

Holiday Trips

Mailing his letter to Santa

There are fun activities that take place daily as well- make sure you get a schedule (and take a good look, you don’t want to miss out on any of the fun!)  We were able to watch a holiday parade that included Santa arriving on a firetruck, visiting Santa and taking photos, a holiday meet and greet with many of the Great Wolf Characters, storytime, a Howl-iday show, and more.  We had a fantastic time- and that’s all without the water park being added in!  You can also participate in a “Peeps” treasure hunt- find all the Peeps, and you can enter to win a prize every evening.

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My son really enjoys the whole “Lodge” look and feel of the hotel- like a fun place in the woods, but modern with technology, conveniences, and comforts. There were multiple restaurants, a dessert shop, where you can grab ice cream, fudge, pastries- you know, all the “good” vacation foods, and a Starbucks, of course.  What would life be without one? Ha.

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The dinner and breakfast buffets were both good, and easy.  Just head over, sit down, and eat.  It’s what you really want after a fun and busy day- just easy and good food.

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Now- onto Great Wolf Lodge’s main attraction- the heated indoor waterpark!
At 84 degrees year round, the temperature was perfect. The water was both warm and refreshing, and the room was not so cold that you felt chilly out of the water, yet not warm enough that you felt sticky-muggy-hot. With over 200,000 gallons of water rushing around you, there is sure to be some family fun taking place! Can’t swim, or not a strong swimmer? Great Wolf Lodge provides life vests at various sizes for all children. This not only gives parents peace of mind, but lets your whole family have fun, and stay safe.

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What do you dislike most about taking your kids to a water park? Long lines? Paying for parking? How expensive the tickets are? (Times how many people there are in your family….) Paying for parking, besides paying for all your tickets? (Which is SUCH a scam, and honestly is the thing I hate most.) Oh yeah, and having to rent a locker for 10-15$ to store your sunblock, towels, etc in? Getting burned from being out in the sun all day? Long lines? Wait, I said that already…..Can you tell that I “love” long lines? With a whiny kid, to boot, since kids also can’t stand waiting, LOL. Plus, if you are also staying in a hotel, that is an ADDITIONAL expense, right.  At Great Wolf Lodge, it’s all in one price- you know what you are paying, and it’s all up front.  (And no parking fees or long lines, ha.)

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Here is a little hint- staying at the Great Wolf Lodge will seriously decrease both your spending and your time spent in lines, while increasing the amount of time you have to spend actually enjoying yourself.  More rides, since there are very short lines, no driving to the waterpark and back again.  Just walk down the hall, take the elevator down, and BAM! There you go. No need to pay for parking, because, oh yeah, you are there already….You are inside, so no sunburn- and if you go to the outdoor water park, you can always go back inside if you are feeling over-exposed and take a break. You can’t do that at most places.  No to mention, it’s really fun to be at a waterpark in your swimsuit in the middle of winter.  A fun break in the weather while not traveling off the East Coast.

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Storytime with Santa’s elf and Great Wolf Characters

The slides, multiple pools, lazy river, water basketball, lilypad hop-across pond, and so much more-  you will never, ever be bored.

There is more to see and do at Great Wolf Lodge- storytime, build a stuffed animal, put on a puppet show- don’t you want to go see for yourself? Check out their website and book your next stay. You can also follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

Disclosure- I received a stay at Great Wolf Lodge in order to facilitate this review. All reviews are mine.

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Six Melbourne Road Trips

November 30, 2015 by Leave a Comment

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A driving vacation is the perfect option for anyone that wants the freedom to create their own agenda rather than being tied to a specific routine. All you need is your belongings and a hire car and you’re be ready to go, and you’ll be in control of the sites you see. In this article, you’ll find six road trips in Melbourne that will offer you an unbelievable experience.

1. Sydney-Melbourne Coastal Drive

The Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive will take you through Batesmen Bay, Phillip Island, and a number of other seaside towns. As well as the spectacular views, there are plenty of visitor attractions and landmarks along the way. Highlights include the Croajingolong National Park, Jervis Bay, the local beaches, and the birds and wildlife. It is also a great region for seafood.

2. The Great Ocean Road Route

The route measures 243 km and is an excellent opportunity to experience the south eastern coast of Australia; it will take you through several major cities and settlements such as Apollo Bay, Anglesey and Rye River.

It is considered one of the Australia’s most picturesque drives and it highlights include The Otways and its rainforests, Bell’s Beach, the 12 Apostles and the waterfalls. You will also have plenty of opportunity to experience the wildlife, and if you love surfing and water-based activities, you’ll find plenty of beaches to explore.

3. The Great Alpine Road

The road measures approximately 211 miles. It has a varied terrain and it will take you through some of the most stunning views in Victoria. As well as the local vineyards, you’ll have the chance to experience the Gippsland Lakes, striking valleys and the forest views.

The Great Alpine Road runs between Wangaratta and Metung and provides plenty of opportunity to explore the beaches, mountains and lakes along the way. Highlights of this route include the Alpine National Park and the Rutherglen Wine Region.

4. Yarra Valley

This is one of Victoria’s most spectacular regions. It is known for its gardens and villages, and numerous vineyards. It is also famed for its restaurants, which makes Yarra Valley an ideal location for food and drink lovers; there’s plenty of green scenery to enjoy along the way as well. With so much to do and see you might not get to experience it all in one day, so consider making your trip a little longer if you want to make the best of it.

A hire car will be essential to take you between each tourist attraction and destination; it’s a good idea to research car rentals in Australia before you go, Budget Rent a Car is a good place to start.

5. The South Gippsland Circuit

This circuit is famed for its striking beauty and for its many tourism spots. It is a great area for people who enjoy the outdoors lifestyle, while also taking in some of the world’s most magnificent views. If you are driving this route, you’ll find plenty of reasons to take a detour along the way. First, you’ll want to visit the local beaches and the Gippsland Lakes, and the Wilsons Promontory National Park is another attraction that isn’t to be missed.

6. Sydney-Melbourne Heritage Drive

You’ll need to be prepared to travel, but with so much to enjoy this drive is worth the effort.

The Sydney-Melbourne Heritage Drive is steeped in history and there are plenty of modern day attractions, too. Highlights of this route include The Murray River with its beaches and forests; it’s rich in local vineyards and produce as well.

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The Ram’s Head Inn on Shelter Island

November 23, 2015 by Leave a Comment

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The Ram’s Head Inn on Shelter Island is picturesque during the holidays, as the inn is fully decked out with a tree and all the classic trimmings, amid several wood burning fireplaces.  The Ram’s Head Inn is high on a hill overlooking a harbor–optimal for sledding! Shelter Island has several ice skating spots, and the surrounding North Fork and Hamptons are filled with Christmas tree farms and festive vineyards. Please visit www.theramsheadinn.com or call 631-749-0811 for rates and details.

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Why You Might Want to Consider a Winter Vacation

November 5, 2015 by 1 Comment

What’s so special about summer vacations? Why should summer get all the fun? If you really want to know the answer, it comes down to school scheduling. But schools have not always taken a break in the summer. Before the Civil War, school, such as it was, took place year round. Rural schools took to breaks in the spring and fall while city schools took breaks in the spring.

Now that the U.S. school system has largely agreed to take time off in the summer, it makes sense that family vacations would be scheduled during that time. The only vacation time we get in the winter is roughly the first two weeks of it, otherwise known as the holiday season. Even so, that time off is often spent preparing an elaborate staycation, or going off to see nearby relatives that are just over the river and through the woods.

There is something to be said for ditching the traditional vacation during the summer, and putting all your eggs in the winter vacation basket. Here are some reasons you might want to do that, and some places you might want to do it:

Not Everyone Has Kids

Summer vacation is all about the kids. But what if you don’t have any kids? Why should your vacation schedule be dominated by school scheduling? Even if you have kids, depending on age, going on vacation with the kids might feel a lot more like work than vacation.

By taking a winter vacation without the kids, you can go on a more adult-themed vacation. Leave the cartoon characters and talking animals behind, and enjoy something with a bit more sophistication. Cruises are considered to be one of the highest sophisticated forms of adult vacations. As for the best winter cruise? The Caribbean is always a great option. But really, almost anywhere makes for a great winter cruise vacation.

Because It’s Warmer Some Place Else

Why do birds fly south for the winter? The same reason you should. As a rule, it’s warmer in the south. Southern California is a popular destination for those who want to get out of the cold because it is 75 and sunny all year round.

Because of its popularity as a winter destination, make sure to do your hotel booking online and early. When taking your vacation at a popular destination, getting the best price for a room is not the primary concern. Getting a room at any price is the first order of business. Securing that room where you want, for as long as you want, at a price you are willing to pay is the reward for planning ahead.

Because You’ve Seen All the Summer Places

Do you feel like you are going to the same places year after year? Maybe that’s because you are going at the same time every year. It might even be worth going back to one of your favorite places at a different time of the year. Alaska is a good example.

There are some Alaskan sights and adventures that you can take in the summer that may not be available during the winter. But the reverse is also true. Because of the seasonal ice roads, there are some places in Alaska you can’t get to If you are not there in the Winter.

Whether it be the Caribbean, Southern California, or Alaska, there are good reasons and places to go in the winter. So the next time you here the now famous words, “Winter is coming,” think vacation.

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FlightHub’s Travel Tips to Marrakech

November 5, 2015 by Leave a Comment

There had been debates regarding the etymology of the city name Marrakech. One side states that it was derived from the Berber word mur akush meaning “Land of God.” Historian Susan Searight claims the word was first documented in the Qarawiyyin manuscript meaning “country of the sons of kush.”

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Anyway, enough about that, the city of Marrakech in Morocco is a hot tourist destination for many reasons. The Moroccan lifestyle, handicrafts galore, amazing cuisine and story-telling museums.

The climate of Marrakech can be pretty brutal, the average temperature during summer is 32-45°C (90-100°F). Travelers are encouraged to visit the city from March to May or October to November to experience the spring and fall seasons.

Our expert team at Flighthub provides the cheapest deals possible for trips to many popular destinations, including Marrakech. We also have connections to several hotels in Marrakech like the Kenzi Farah and Dar Kantzaro at discounted rates to once again ensure that you spend less on travel accommodations and more on exploring and experiencing this magnificent city.

Now, going back to Marrakech, here are the features to look forward to upon your visit.

Jemma El Fna

The main square of the city and the most visited area by tourists is the Jemma El Fna. It has food stalls, handicraft stores, juice vendors and even snake charmers. This place has a combination of food, entertainment and commercial business.

Majorelle Garden

Majorelle Garden was established and designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle from 1886 – 1962, it’s situated in the heart of Ochre city. The variety of floral species covers the entire area and produces fresh air along the green paradise.The garden shelters water lilies, lotus flowers, palm trees and other exotic plant species. The environmental facility also takes care of different birds like house sparrows, robins, blue tits (get your mind out of the gutter), warblers and turtledoves.

Inside the garden is the Galerie Love, filled with love posters designed by Yves Saint Laurent. The garden has its own cafe, the Café Bousafsaf that serves cool and hot beverages. A perfect place for a break.

Koutoubia Mosque

The largest mosque in Marrakech with its decorative arches and unique architectural design attracts travelers daily. The mosque is fortified with sandstone, bricks and red stone. The Minaret tower made of sandstone stands at 253 ft and overlooks the city. The locals refuse to build buildings taller than the Minaret because it’s their most preserved and cherished landmark.

Art Appreciation
Marrakech is rich when it comes to arts and crafts. There are several museums scattered around the city, some of them big, some of them small. One in particular is the Maison Tiskiwin which exhibits the works of Dutch anthropologist Bert Flint, the collection depicts the connection between Morocco and the sub-Saharan Africa.

Dar Si Said Museum

The Dar Si Said Museum in Riad Zitoun El-Jedid has the oldest set of weapons, ceramics and carvings crafted during the early days of the city

Maison de la Photographie and Marrakech Museum of Photography and Visual Arts showcase the best images captured by world-renowned photographers. Maison presents over 8,000 photographs that portray the developing city from 1870 – 1950. The Marrakech museum of photography and visual arts on the other hand, exhibits temporary and permanent galleries from time to time.

The Ensemble Artisanal

Located at the Avenue Mohammed V, the Ensemble Artisanal is the department store version of Marrakech. Everything is original and hand crafted. If you’re hoping to buy some souvenirs for your family back home, then this is the place to be. They sell leather belts, carpets, bags, babouches, jewelry and more items, you name it. You can also put your bargaining skills to the test and try to convince vendors to lower the price for each product. The locals perfected different kinds of handicrafts to distribute great quality items.

Diversity of Food

Marrakech offers one of the most amazing sets of food and beverages in all of Morocco. Even the foods being sold along the streets are mouthwatering. The city aroma is blended with different kinds of ingredients and spices. Intoxicating. Make sure to taste their signature dish, Tagines. A combination of vegetable and meat cooked carefully and slowly in a tagine or a pot.

They also have delicious kebabs cooked over an open grill and scrumptious Couscous cooked with fresh ingredients.

After your gastronomical experience, cleanse your tummy by drinking some of their sweet orange juice or refreshing mint tea.

Gastro MK Restaurant
Also, be sure to make a reservation at the Gastro MK restaurant within the Maison MK hotel in your itinerary. The fine dining restaurant serves French, Moroccan, Mediterranean and European cuisine. Guests can enjoy their meal on a patio with the open sky and a wide view of the city. Travelers highly recommend drinking cold cocktails while overlooking the view from the terrace.

Affordable Luxury

If you’re worried about the expenditures for hotels then put your mind at ease. Rest assured that Marrakech is filled with great hotels that provide great quality service in exchange for reasonable prices.

The Medina Gardens
Located in the center of the city, this hotel is a great spot for couples. The hotel provides efficient service, cleanliness is maintained and most of all, the hotel is approximately close to various tourist attractions like the Koutoubia mosque and Majorelle gardens.

Respect their Culture

The primary religion in Marrakech is Islam, so make sure to put on decent clothes and avoid showing too much skin, it’s called manners. Be interactive with the locals because it’s rude to be distant since they’re trying their best to keep you accommodated.

Hope you guys had a sudden urge to visit the Marrakech and experience the city. Friendly people, kind vendors, tangled streets and red walls, you can find all of them in Marrakech.

Once again, booking your reservations through Flighthub.com will help you save on your pre-trip expenses, let us help you make your trip to Marrakech affordable and memorable!

This post has been sponsored by FlightHub, Canada’s leading online travel agency. All opinions are their own.

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The Top Eight Things to Do in NYC This Fall

November 1, 2015 by 1 Comment

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NY Fall Foliage Tour

Cross the George Washington Bridge and soak up the vibrant autumn colors of the Hudson Valley with this 4.5-hour fall foliage tour. Scenic stops include the 18th-century Fort Montgomery, Lookout Inn—the highest point of Palisades Cliffs—and West Point Academy.

Pumpkin Picking

Looking to get out of the city for some family friendly fun? New Yorkers can take the ferry to Staten Island, where the Historic Richmond Town Pumpkin Patch welcomes kids with a cornstalk maze, hay rides and a farmhouse tour. Other farms that offer pumpkin picking include Stuart’s Farm in Westchester County, Secor Farms in New Jersey or Elwood Pumpkin Farm in Long Island.

Central Park Sightseeing Bike Tour

When the summer heat finally subsides and the leaves begin to change color, there’s no better time to cruise around Central Park. This two-hour bike tour includes all the park highlights, from Belvedere Castle to Bethesda Terrace to Shakespeare Garden.

New York Ghost Walk

From the paranormal to the eerie, the New York Ghost Walk will reveal the spooky underbelly of the West Village—right in time for All Hallows’ Eve. Discover a grave site buried beneath one of New York’s most popular parks and the hangouts of the ghosts of Mark Twain and Edgar Allan Poe on this 2- hour walking tour.

Village Halloween Parade

One of the most beloved Halloween traditions in New York City is the Village Halloween Parade that marches up 6th Avenue on October 31. Don your most elaborate costume to fit in with this artistic extravaganza, complete with music, puppets, dancers and live bands.

Blood Manor

Embrace the spookiness of the season by wandering through a haunted house like no other. Blood Manor is made up of 5,000 square feet of fear-inducing fun, from themed rooms to long dark corridors.

World Yacht Thanksgiving Cruises

For all the joys of Thanksgiving without any of the clean-up, leave the cooking to someone else this year and make a reservation for a World Yacht Thanksgiving Cruise. The cruise sails along the Hudson River, offering views of the Statue of Liberty and a holiday feast with all the traditional fixings.

This is a guest post from NewYork.com. NewYork.com is a leading and trusted expert on New York City and the only existing website to plan and book a complete New York City itinerary, ranging from hotels, Broadway shows, dining, attractions and tours.

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Wordless Wednesday – Vermont Visit

October 21, 2015 by 1 Comment

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Saybrook Point Celebrates Autumn On The Water

October 20, 2015 by Leave a Comment

Guests will marvel at the beautiful colors of fall along the shores of southern New England at Connecticut’s premier resort destination in historic Old Saybrook.
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Known for its charming New England character and feel, Saybrook Point is the perfect getaway for celebrating Autumn’s vibrant colors and refreshing seasonal delights. Nestled between Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River, the Saybrook Point Inn & Spa gives guests the opportunity to experience breathtaking views and elegant dining surrounded by the finest accommodations and luxurious amenities. During the season, this award-winning resort offers a unique array of packages for guests to enjoy the perks of being on vacation without ever having to leave the joys and comforts of this well-appointed property on the shores of southern Connecticut.

To celebrate Halloween, Saybrook Point is hosting its second annual “Pumpkins on the Point” extravaganza featuring a spectacular pumpkin display on the terrace of the award-winning Fresh Salt restaurant and Saybrook Point Marina, where hundreds of locally-grown, hand-carved jack-o-lanterns will illuminate the day and night. Guests will also enjoy a Trick or Treat Trail, hayrides, carving demonstrations, music and seasonal delicacies prepared by Fresh Salt’s award-winning culinary team. For guests, 21 years-of-age or older, Saybrook Point is also hosting a lively after party at the gorgeous Waterfront Ballroom starting at 7:00 p.m. This festive “Halloween Masquerade” features live music, hors d’oeuvres, and a variety of food stations.

Starting at $407, the “Pumpkins on the Point” package allows guests to enjoy the amenities of an overnight stay coupled with the delights of a special brunch the next morning. Families with small children will be able to extend their stay by choosing the “Pumpkins on the Point” family package. Starting at $319, this Halloween fun day will include overnight accommodations, as well as a delicious pumpkin-themed breakfast for the whole family.

The Saybrook Point Inn & Spa is also offering an additional autumn package for couples looking to spice up their romance. The “Fall in Love with Autumn” package features a luxurious and intimate escape complete with a complimentary bottle of wine to enjoy from a private balcony overlooking a picturesque Long Island Sound. Starting at $369, couples will rekindle the romance over dinner for two in the alluring waterfront restaurant, Fresh Salt, before embarking on a crisp fall hike after breakfast the next day using the property’s complimentary bikes.

For the nature-loving visitors, Saybrook Point is offering an exclusive “Autumn by Rail” package, which whisks away guests on an unforgettable 2.5 hour journey aboard the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat. Here, guests will revel at the stunning views of the countryside and soak up the colors of the season, while meandering along the beautiful southern Connecticut hills. The next morning, guests will relish in a seasonal breakfast creatively prepared by Fresh Salt’s talented culinary artisans. Starting at $339, this unique package also includes overnight accommodations and a bottle of wine to share upon arrival.

Saybrook Point Inn & Spa’s spectacular Autumn packages are available now through October 30 and may be booked by calling 860.395.2000.

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