A Visit to @GoApeUSA #BloggersGoApe

September 2, 2015 by 3 Comments

A Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course is an outdoor experience that provides participants 2-3 hours of outdoor fun and exercise. The course allows participants to explore the park from an otherwise unobtainable vantage point while navigating through the treetops using zip lines, obstacles and tarzan swings.

20150809_110616Disclosure: We received complimentary tickets to facilitate this review. All opinions and experiences are my own.

We visited the Go Ape location in Williamsburg, VA (Freedom Park) and its Treetop Junior course. Once we got harnessed up, we walked along wooden boards and metal wires 20 feet above the ground before zipping back down to the ground.

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Go Ape Treetop Adventure opened in Williamsburg’s Freedom Park in April 2012. Treetop Junior is the first Go Ape course in the United States designed and built for those young adventurers in your tribe to enjoy.
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The course utilizes an easy to use safety system that will keep your youngster safe no matter the obstacles or challenge they come across.  Made up of 20 obstacles and 2 zip lines, Treetop Junior will provide a 1 to 1.5 hr experience that no chimp, baboon, or gorilla will soon forget!

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Go Ape features two Treetop Junior courses: moderate and extreme. My five year old daughter and I enjoyed Course 1 (moderate), which featured about a dozen lines of varying level of challenge and configuration. My 12 year old son took Course 2 (extreme), which was a little more challenging, as it didn’t have a cable line that you could constantly hold on to. On both courses the safety systems are designed so that participants stay attached the whole time they are in the trees.

We were there on a hot Sunday morning, but the course is within the forest, so there was plenty of shade. Go Ape even has a water cooler by the start of the course so that you can easily re-hydrate yourself.

Overall, we had a great time. It took me out of my comfort zone, but was right up my 12 year old son’s alley, and gave my 5 year old daughter and I some much needed bonding time. The instructors were awesome and made us feel very confident and secure every step of the way.
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Go Ape Prices:

Treetop Adventure:

Gorillas (Age 18+) $57
Orangutans (Age 16-17) $57
Baboon (Age 10-15) $37

Treetop Junior:
All Ages $27

Book Online: https://goape.com/booking

Park Facilities:

  • Food & Drink
  • Dogs Welcome
  • Cycle Trails
  • Walking Routes

Follow Go Ape on social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GoApeUSA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoApeUSA

Instagram: http://instagram.com/GoApeUSA

Filed Under: family, review Tagged With:

Travel Well, Travel Light on Your Next Flight

September 1, 2015 by 2 Comments

With airports gouging you for every little thing, you want to keep your bags as small and light as possible, packing no more then you have to for any trip. When you can, keep it to a carry on  and avoid those nasty baggage fees.  You are allowed one small bag, like a briefcase or purse, as well as your carry on bag, and you can make every inch count!

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The first thing you are going to want to pack- and it doesn’t even count toward your “luggage allotment”! is a head and neck pillow for the flight.  Those seats are awful, and there is no comfortable way to sit that doesn’t cramp up your neck (not to mention sleep even halfway decently).  The new Comfy Commuter Travel Pillow allows you to get some rest, and be as comfortable as possible in those seats.  The plush material cradles your neck to help the head stay upright  and in a position that won’t lead to cramping.  It is one of the more comfortable pillows I have used, and we travel often. It has a chin strap to keep it in place as well, so you won’t be picking it up off the floor.  You can pick one up in several colors at http://www.comfycommuter.com/ for $40.

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Going to be doing a lot of walking?  Check out Waldläufer.  Shoes for every journey- no matter where life takes you.  A new take on the “comfort shoe”, they are orthotic friendly and offer great support. These shoes are also designed specifically for a single width, making them shoes that won’t hurt your feet after long days.  They are stylish as well- no giant, clunky soles or orthodic-looking designs.  The Toni in black and grey suede is both classic and retro- it adds some “kick” to any outfit, and they really are comfortable.  Functional, too- the first day I wore them, I had to jump a fence due to my son being good at being 8.  Not your normal day at the office, but they performed well.  No matter what your day throws your way, Waldläufer will keep your feet comfortable and you looking good. Check out what they have for fall at http://waldlaufer.com

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Travel can be hard on your gear, so you want to make sure to grab items that can stand up to its rigors.  Check out the Eagle Creek Market Handbag.  We all need a good bag (when is the last time you saw a woman sans purse?) and for those on the go, you need one that is durable, lightweight, and has places to put all your important stuff.  The market handbag has tons of pockets and lanyards for your keys, cell phone, pens, business cards (whatever you need to have at hand) and even holders for bottles of water or sippy cups.  It’s outside is water resistant, which is always a good thing. You can wear it cross body or over the shoulder, whatever works for you. It even has a lifetime warranty.  It’s comfortable to wear, which is also key.  You can get one at http://shop.eaglecreek.com/market-handbag/d/1486_c_411 for $80

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While you are at Eagle Creek, check out the Specter 7 Day Pill Organizer.  Many of us have prescriptions and/or vitamins that we take daily, and this is perfect for taking them along.  It is lightweight and easy to clean, with seven clear, zippered pockets that show what is in each compartment. Each pouch can be numbered for the day of the week, or with daytime and nighttime medications.You can lock the zipper on the main compartment if you choose to, and has a zipper pocked that can keep any prescription information that is needed, as well as a pen slot.  It comes in three colors at http://shop.eaglecreek.com/specter-7-day-pill-organizer-/d/1471 for $25.

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Gift Ideas for Kids Who Love to Travel

August 18, 2015 by 2 Comments

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There are some children that love everything about traveling. You can tell that as they grow up they’ll want to visit everything this world has to offer. They’re constantly asking when the next vacation trip is. They want to know everything about different countries. They’re the kind of kids who take a Gap Year and ending up backpacking for the foreseeable future. These children are so incredibly inquisitive and want to see as much of the world as possible. So, what do you buy for them when it comes to birthdays and Christmas? If you can’t afford to take them abroad every special occasion, here are some great gift ideas.

A Globe

Of course, your child has to have a globe in their room! It will fuel their desire to learn more about the world we live in. You can buy ones that open up and can be used as storage, for their bucket list. You can buy antique looking ones, glow in the dark ones. There are so many different types out there, find the one your kid will like the most. If you’re struggling to find the perfect one, take a look on Pinterest. You can see a whole range of styles and even learn how to make one yourself.

A Wall Map Mural

Instead of the globe, why not go one step further? Turn an entire wall in their bedroom into a map! First, create a base using corkboard or something similar. Then, you want to ask a printer if they can create the entire world on one large piece of paper. Make sure you’ve got the exact dimensions of the wall. Now, you can attach your map wallpaper to the corkboard. Finally, give your child a pot of different colored tacks. They can have one color for the places they’ve visited and one for the places they want to go. It’s the perfect gift!

Boats and Planes

Unless you’re made of money, you’re not going to be able to buy your child their very own private jet. Or, a yacht! However, you can buy them mini versions. A model aircraft is an incredible idea for any little one that likes to travel. You can also buy remote controlled boats that can be taken down to the local pond. If your child is creative, then buy them a model they can build and paint themselves.

Traveling Journal

One of the best things about going on all these adventures is that you will remember them for years to come. Help keep those memories clearer with a traveling diary or journal. Places like Paperchase do products specifically for those who travel around a lot. Alternatively, you can buy a plain one and cover it in photos and maps. Your child will love the fact that they can keep all those memories alive. And, when they’re adults, they’ll look back at their journal with pride.
Hopefully, this has given you a bit of inspiration! Obviously, the perfect gift for any travel-loving child would be a vacation. However, if you’re strapped for cash, then these will come a close second.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: ,

Jewel Runaway Bay Resort in Jamaica

August 12, 2015 by 9 Comments

Jewel Runaway Bay is an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica that will give you everything that you need for a personal getaway. It doesn’t matter if you just want to lounge about or play some golf, there is something for you.  It’s also a great place for couples to say “I Do” on the beaches in Jamaica- quite lovely.

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There is always something for you to do at Jewel Runaway Bay, because this Jamaican resort has it all. They are a beachfront resort that has three different pool areas and an-on site spa. There are also Jewel exclusives that you will not be able to experience anywhere else.

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If food ranks highly on your list when you are visiting somewhere new, there are five restaurants where you can discover delicious food. There is a style of restaurant for everyone from a laid back atmosphere serving jerk chicken beachside to more gourmet dining experiences- try them all, and eat often at your favorites.

Check out their activitites schedule – there is sure to be something that you will enjoy on your stay.  It’s a great place to bring the whole family, there is quite a lot to do.

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The full-service spa has four treatment rooms; one for wet treatments, and services that range from facials to full body massages. Relaxation is top priority- you are on vacation after all.  If you love golf, Jewel Resorts has everything that a golfer will need for the Jamaican Golf Vacation of their dreams. Runaway Bay Golf Club is next door and has 18-holes on a PGA-quality course. Even if you aren’t Tiger Woods, you will still feel at home on this golf course. Guests who stay at Jewel Resorts will enjoy complimentary green fees.

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There are all sorts of areas to relax including the garden, the beaches, or go inland to see the attractions that include Dunn’s River Falls, Dolphin Cove, Mystic Mountain, Nine Mile, and Appleton Rum Estate. After you have tons of fun in the Jamaican sun, head back to your room that is full of all the comforts and amenities that you could imagine. The beds are plush and will make it so that you get a great nights sleep so that you can get up and enjoy everything that much more the next day.

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And there is now NEW WATER PARK FUN! Families and kids can enjoy a whole day of fun at Jewel Lagoon Water Park that is now open. This park is a day long adventure with over 10 attractions that will satisfy toddlers to teens. There is even a family raft ride.

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You can rent a private cabana or there is a 5,000 square foot oceanfront deck. Also enjoy the two splash-down pools, kids gang slide, the lazy river, speed slide and the family raft ride. There are multiple levels of the kid slides and of course a splash zone. After you have enjoyed the sun and water fun make sure to check out the dining area and the stage that has daily live music. It is a fun time for the whole family and definitely needs to be scheduled for your trip to Jewel Runaway Bay.

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A Visit to Dutch Wonderland @FunatDW

August 11, 2015 by 5 Comments

This time of year, one of the best ways to escape the summer heat and long, boring summer days is a day at a theme park. One of our semi-local favorites is Dutch Wonderland, home to Duke the Dragon (whom my son loves). Located in Amish County, Lancaster PA,  it’s a great place to spend a vacation, too.

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Dutch Wonderland has tons of rides and games, as well as many food and drink stands. Some favorites are the “Panda Party”, which is an adorable ride in which the kids ride in Panda Bears and go around the beehive in circles, the Leapin’ Frogs, which bounce around causing the kids to erupt in giggles until the ride hops to a stop, and the Double Splash Flume, a classic ride with two drops (but not too scary or steep that would frighten the kids).

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We were there on a very wet and stormy day, where much of the park was closed due to severe thunderstorms in the area.  It did eventually clear up and we were able to get on rides again- it just took about 2 hours.  The good news is 2 rides were open, as were most of the games and some of the food stands as well.   When they opened back up, the lines were almost non-existent, which was great.

Last year they opened Exploration Island, where you can walk among more then 20 dinosaurs the roar and move as you view them.  We had hoped to visit again this year, but they remained closed.  We did get to see the dinosaurs last year, and it was a lot of fun- my son really enjoyed it.

“Exploration Island is a rediscovered island of adventure and fun where guests will have the opportunity to walk with over 20 lifelike dinosaurs, dig for fossil remains, take a spin on the newly relocated and lengthened Turnpike ride and travel the Island canals on the classic Gondola Cruise.
This once under-utilized area of the Park has been re-purposed to house not only our dinosaur families, but our Turnpike ride as well. The Turnpike was one of the four original rides at Dutch Wonderland when it opened in 1963. We have moved this classic ride to Exploration Island and more then doubled the ride length in the process giving guests more spectacular views of dinos and the surrounding farm landscape.
We’ve also discovered dinosaur fossil remains and set up a permanent archeological dig at Dino Dig, where young explorers can unearth the fossil remains of dinosaurs. Brushes, buckets and diggers are available for use.”

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Floating thought Duke’s Lagoon

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8 Kid Friendly Summer Tours in New York City

August 10, 2015 by 1 Comment

School is out for the summer and that means three full months of entertaining the kids. Need some ideas to help you fill those long summer days? Think New York City. Since the city can be overwhelming for kids and adults alike, we have mapped out 8 family tours that will keep the kids entertained. Read about them here and then find them and book them on NewYork.com.

The Beast

If your kids (40 inches or taller) are into thrillers, make sure to check out this 30 minute jet powered boat ride down the Hudson River. The crew is energetic and the captain is known to swerve around the river while passing by the Statue of Liberty and One World Trade Center. DETAILS:  Daily during the season  (get tickets!) ; departs from Pier 83, W. 42nd Street and 12th Avenue

Superhero Tour of New York

Are you kids obsessed with superhero movies? This 90 minute tour will take you to some of the most famous locations seen on screen such as Spider-Man’s Daily Bugle office located inside the flatiron building, and the United Nations where Batman and Robin saved the Security Council. DETAILS:  Fri.-Sun. 2pm; from $37 pp; 32 E. 32nd St; thecelebrityplanet.com

High Line Tour

A mile long park built on an elevated platform that used to be a rail line makes for the perfect kid-friendly tour. There are observation decks allowing you to peer down onto the street and ice pop vendors along the way. Twice a week there are tours led by volunteers who explain the process of redeveloping the High Line and the history behind the platform. DETAILS:  Tue. 6:30pm, Sat. 10am (arrive 15 minutes early, tours are capped at 20 people per docent); meet on the west side of the 14th Street Passage, on the High Line, just south of the elevator door; thehighline.org

The Ride

Hop on this one-of-a-kind mega-bus that has three rows of stadium seating that face the New York City streets. While cruising around the city you’ll not only see historical landmarks, but also street performers queued up to perform as you pass by. The comedic tour guides are the icing on the cake. DETAILS:  Daily except Tues. (daily June through August); from $61 (get tickets!) ; 42nd Street at 8th Avenue, in front of Chevys Mexican Restaurant

A Slice of Pizza Brooklyn Tour

We all know kids love pizza and this four and a half hour tour will take you to the best pizza spots that Brooklyn has to offer. Tour guide Tony Muia, a true pizza connoisseur and Brooklyn-bred fanatic, will fill you in on historical tidbits about the borough as well as play famous Brooklyn-centric movie clips on the bus, such as Saturday Night Fever and Goodfellas. DETAILS: Fri.-Sun. 11am; from $80  (get tickets!) ; E. 13th Street and Fourth Avenue, Manhattan. NOTE: This is a long excursion so may not be the best for young children

Bronx Zoo Guided Tours

The day will fly away with a visit to the nation’s largest metropolitan zoo! With almost 6,000 animals on 265 acres, the Bronx Zoo can be overwhelming! We suggest taking one of the 90-minute tours of popular exhibits such as the Congo Gorilla Forest Tour, Endangered Species Tour or the Aquatic Bird House Tour. General admission is included in your ticket price. DETAILS:  Daily 10:30am-12pm, 1:30-3pm; (get tickets!)

Scavenger Hunts

Stray Boots New York, a scavenger hunt company, provides hunts based off of your interests and location in the city. The best part is the tour is organized through your cell phone! After choosing what scavenger hunt you’re interested in, your phone will prompt you to head to the tours starting point where you will begin receiving clues on your phone. Tours last two to three hours and you can take as many breaks as needed. DETAILS: Daily; from $12 pp; each tour has a specific starting location; strayboots.com

Wildman Tour

Join Steve Brill for a foraging tour where you’ll learn about edible wild plants and medicinal plants found in the local parks of New York City. This is a four hour tour where you should be prepared to get your hands dirty and take home some greens. DETAILS: Weekends; $20 suggested donation/$10 for kids 12 and under; times and locations vary; call 914-835-2153 24 hours in advance for reservations; wildmanstevebrill.com

Originally reported by Garth Wingfield for NewYork.com

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: ,

New NeckNapperz for Travel

August 8, 2015 by 5 Comments
Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own and honest.
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For those of you who love to travel, this is a product for you.  New NeckNapperz are great for roadtrips, planes, trains- or even for your child’s own bed.  These neck pillows transform from plush toy into a plush neck pillow and back again, which makes them great for dual uses.  Kids are easily bored, as we all know, and being able to entertain themselves while you wait to board the plane or snuggle up with in the car, then use it when they are ready to nap is doubly-useful.  Because it’s fun, it even helps those “I’m not tired!” moments- remind them that their snuggle buddy is ready for a nap too, and they are usually at the very least amused enough to try for sleep (and when they try, they normally go right out!)
The pillow offers support and cradles your child’s head, so none of those stiff shoulders and necks when they wake up from sleeping “funny”.  Goodness knows planes and cars are not the most comfortable sleeping spots.  The neck pillow has a snap on the end, so they can snap it shut and secure if they would like to. It is easy to attach it to luggage or a carry on while you are moving about, so it doesn’t get lost.   It has a nice snap- nothing that will break and fall off, or that will fall apart easily.
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My son really enjoys his new NeckNapperz- he has a basketball, which I have not seen on the website.  It would be nice to see sports ones for older kids or sports enthusiasts. The pillows come in quite a few varieties, including a monkey and a unicorn.  They come in many options, and are fun for boys or girls.  Honestly, they are so adorable I sort of want one (mine is the ugly blue kind that blows up, so not cute).  They are priced at only $19.99, so you can pick up more then one (no fighting to “share” with the kiddos that way).  Get yours now, and have fun traveling!
Follow NeckNapperz on social media
Like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NeckNappers
Pin with them on Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/necknapperz/
And don’t forget to follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoVfwhmI4rFLy5o9RxWz01w
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It’s Sweeter With Honey #StoryofHoney

July 31, 2015 by 8 Comments

The National Honey Board sponsored this post and provided the opportunity to visit an apiary and bottling factory to learn more about the #StoryOfHoney. All thoughts and opinions are mine.

What are your thoughts about honey? Delicious, right? Did you ever wonder how your favorite flavor, gets to the grocery store? Sure you know it comes from bees, but you can’t quite figure the rest of it out, can you?

Voted 2015 Flavor of the Year by Firmenich, honey is a versatile culinary ingredient that contains one ingredient: honey. Honey is made from nectar, gathered by honey bees from flowering plants. How, you might ask? On a recent trip to the Midwest, I discovered the secret behind honey’s goodness.

The honey process begins on a bee farm run by apiarists. Apiarists are bee farmers.

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Bee farms are busy places and an excellent source of education. At a buzzing farm near Sioux Falls, South Dakota bees feed on certain flowers to produce certain flavors, called, varietals. To find a varietal in your area, visit www.honeylocator.com. You’re probably most familiar with clover or orange blossom honey, as those varietals are popular. There are more than 300 varietals in the United States; enough flavor to enhance every recipe.

Whatever flower the bees feed on turns into the flavor of the honey. Some honey contains one flavor only, and some honeys contain a myriad of flavors. It’s best to have your own taste test to determine which flavors you like best. The colors may range from nearly colorless to dark brown, the flavor may vary from delectably mild to distinctively bold, and even the odor of the honey may be mildly reminiscent of a flower.

The honey bees live in hives on the farms.

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They deposit the nectar from the flowers into honeycombs. These honeycombs are removed and the extraction process begins. Byproducts from these honeycombs include honey and wax, which is used for candles. The honeycomb frames from the hives are placed in a giant machine called an extractor that spins, forces the honey out, and is collected.

Honeycomb

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This honey is then poured into giant tanks and shipped to a bottling facility.

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At the facility the honey is cleaned. It is strained many times to remove impurities.

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Once the honey is free from impurities, it is poured into different size containers depending on where it’s going.

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If the honey is going to a be mixed into cereal or cake mixes, for example, then it is poured into giant plastic boxes or metal drums. If the honey is going to your local grocery store, then it is poured into smaller receptacles, like the ubiquitous honey bear on your local supermarket shelf. For more background about the source and to hear from beekeepers and other experts, visit: www.storyofhoney.com.

Not surprisingly, honey is one of the most versatile flavors to cook with. Did you know that honey is naturally anti-microbial, which helps to resist spoilage and extend shelf life? Dig that old honey bear from the back of your spice cabinet and reuse it: if your honey begins to crystallize, gently warm it and stir periodically until crystals dissolve. Boom! Ready for cooking. Once you’ve located your favorite honey, visit www.honey.com for recipe ideas, videos, and tips to incorporate honey into your meals. Honey can substitute for other sweeteners, added to sauces, and masks the bitterness of gluten free flours.

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And let’s not forget drinks! Honey is great is hot drinks like tea (I like mine in coffee) but it can also be used in lemonades, fruit punches, iced teas, and cocktails. You’ll have to heat the honey a little bit in order to get it to mix with the other liquids first (Remember back to 9th grade science or refer to a cookbook on why honey doesn’t work well when it’s cold.). There’s nothing that honey can’t improve the taste of.

So the next time you’re at the supermarket or shopping your local farmer’s market, look for a new flavor of honey to try; you might discover your new favorite flavor. Remember; do not give honey to children until they are older than one year. Don’t forget, honey is a natural cough suppressant.

Filed Under: food, travel Tagged With: , ,