Tucked deep in the woods of the Trexler Nature Preserve in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, Lehigh Valley Zoo is home to more than 325 animals representing over 125 species. This zoo has the best of everything: interactive animal experiences, wildlife conservation education, seasonal programs, and fun to be had for all ages. We decided to visit during their “Ottertoberfest” weekend which is an annual event that includes live German music throughout the day. There was also a selection of gourmet food, craft, and gift vendors stationed throughout the zoo, DIY crafts and activities for children, and the Ottertoberfest Beer Tent with seasonal hard beverages and craft beers. We talked about making this an annual trip after our visit because the boys absolutely loved the live band and all of the additional festivities. The fall foliage on the drive through the preserve also makes this season a great time to visit. ARRIVAL & TICKETING We arrived right at opening at 10 a.m. and had no issues with crowds the entire day. We spent 4.5 hours in the park and could have stayed longer but both boys were spent by then. Zoo hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and I would ...
Destinations
How to plan a solo trip to Zimbabwe
“Travel far enough to meet yourself.” Flying solo. That is how I spent much of my twenties as I traveled the globe for work and pleasure. Traveling alone can be scary, but also liberating. It takes you out of your comfort zone and forces you to meet new people and try new things. It helps build self-esteem and confidence when you realize what you’re capable of all on your own. My husband was spending two weeks studying in South Africa, in both Cape Town and Johannesburg. I hopped the 16-hour flight with him to Cape Town (that post coming soon!) and spent five days solo traveling around the gorgeous city while he did his studies. When he moved on to Johannesburg, I had my eyes set on another adventure. Zimbabwe is a small locked country in southern Africa known for its diverse wildlife and dramatic landscape, most especially Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the world. Here’s how I spent three unforgettable days in this African gem. DAY 1 // ARRIVAL AND CHECK-IN AT VICTORIA FALLS SAFARI LODGE I arrived at the Victoria Falls airport early afternoon. It’s about a 1.5-hour flight from Johannesburg. Victoria Falls Airport is a small port of entry serving the ...
How to Plan a Trip for Three Days in Amsterdam
Goedemorgen, adventurer! Our next stop – Amsterdam! The city where anything goes. The Dutch capital is known for its elaborate canal system, beautiful tulip blooms, prominent cycling culture, scandalous red-light district, and cannabis cafes. Amsterdam has it all. Check out our three days in Amsterdam… DAY 1 // EXPLORING AMSTERDAM We arrived at Schiphol Airport and boarded a train to Amsterdam Central Station, about a 15-20 minute ride. We then took a taxi from the station to our Air BnB in West Amsterdam in the Jordaan neighborhood. The home was the perfect weekend retreat – well-equipped kitchen, enormous bathtub, impeccable décor design and an outdoor garden with a patio. We headed out for a stroll and stopped at Café Josélito for lunch. We loved sitting outdoors with a beer and some tapas watching the city go by. We had planned to do a walking tour but were running later than planned and instead decided to roam the city on our own. We walked on to Dam Square, one of the key landmarks of the city featuring the Royal Palace, Gothic Nieuwe Kerk Church and Amsterdam's National Monument honoring World War II casualties. It’s a great spot to catch some unique street ...
What to See and Do in Ocean City, Maryland
Hi there adventurer! Thanks for checking out my first ever blog post. It’s going to be beachin'! After a long, cold winter, we could not be more ready for summer and wanted to kick off the season with some much-needed vacation time. We needed a place that was manageable with our two boys (Gavin, 2 and Trevor, 4 months) and didn’t require a long flight or drive. Ocean City, MD was a perfect choice. Less than five hours from our home in NJ, the city boasts clean sandy beaches and lots of fun to be had on the world-famous boardwalk. Check out our four days of fun… DAY 1 // BEACH DAY We arrived late Wednesday night and checked into the Grand Hotel and Spa. I’ll start by saying that June is a great month to visit Ocean City. The weather was unbelievable, and the crowds have not yet overrun the beach. However, it is still peak season so accommodations are already super pricey. We chose the Grand Hotel and Spa because it was one of the more affordable options available on the boardwalk. We loved the location because it’s accessible to many great restaurants and attractions, but is far enough away from the busy boardwalk scene. My husband surprised me and upgraded our room ...