Two years ago, we were days away from boarding a plane to Charleston when the world shut down. I’ve always dreamed of family vacations and showing my children different cultures, cities, languages and environments from an early age. Needless to say, it was so incredibly refreshing to be back on the road and to experience a new city for all five of us. I’ve always been drawn to the city of Charleston for its picturesque waterfront parks, charming architecture, award-winning restaurants and U.S. historical significance. We thought it would be a great city to explore with our kids – ages 4, 3 and 10 months – that would give them a taste of southern living and hospitality. I’m so thrilled to share our adventures of 3 Days Exploring Charleston with Kids… WHERE TO STAY Hyatt Place Charleston / Historic District – 560 King Street The location of this hotel was perfect for our family. It sits right in the heart of Charleston, steps away from blocks and blocks of shopping and restaurants. It’s also walkable to Waterfront Park and Charleston City Market, although with kids in tow we chose to drive and had no issue finding free parking. The rooms were clean and spacious, with ...
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10 Amazing Farm Vacations in New York State Your Kids Will Never Forget
It has been a year spent in lockdown with the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, and it feels so amazing to finally book our first family vacation: an amazing farm vacation in New York's Catskill Mountains. As a kid, my parents would take us to a small farm in Pennsylvania where we could help with barnyard chores like milking the cows and feeding the chickens. My siblings and I still talk about our childhood memories visiting that farm and the unforgettable adventures we had exploring the farm property. I’ve been dreaming of finding a similar place for our two boys (age 3 ½ and 2) to help them develop a love for the mountains and outdoors. And I finally found the perfect place: Mountain View Dairy in Bloomville, NY. We rented a three-bedroom home on the 260-acre property for a long weekend. This home was a complete escape and a true taste of farm country, with tractors rolling by and clear night skies for stargazing. The house was very clean and well-kept with a fully equipped kitchen where we cooked all of our own meals. Here’s how we enjoyed our stay at this amazing farm property: Day 1: Arrival / Exploring the Farm Grounds We scheduled our getaway for April ...
Things to Do & See in Shenandoah National Park
I believe there is nothing more relaxing and restorative than spending time in nature. This was never more true than our road trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and I'm so excited to share my list of things to do and see in Shenandoah National Park. My husband and I love hiking in our beautiful wooded area of New Jersey. We were excited to plan our first ever family vacation as a family of three with our son, Gavin, when he was 10-months old. We want to share our love for the outdoors with him at an early age, and we quickly decided that the Blue Ridge Parkway would be a perfect destination for our first family adventure. We spent the first two days of vacation visiting my cousin in Washington, DC. This is another great East Coast destination for families, and we enjoyed a slow-paced visit walking the National Mall and viewing the monuments. Washington DC is a short 2 ½ hour drive from the North entrance of Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive, so it’s a great stopping point or add-on. Here’s the deal: I did mention we’re traveling with a 10-month-old, right? Well, our darling baby foiled our vacation plans two days in when he woke up with a 104 fever. We ended ...
How to Party in New Orleans for Mardi Gras
America’s biggest, loudest showstopping party goes down in New Orleans, Louisiana every year between January and March (depending on the calendar year). This unruly scene is best known for its elaborate floats, colorful beads, live music, and French and Spanish food influences. Mardi Gras, which means “Fat Tuesday,” is the day before Ash Wednesday. However, the celebration starts 12-days prior with three-story floats parading around the city. I’ve been in New Orleans for Mardi Gras two times. Once in my last 20’s with my husband (awesome) and once for work while six months pregnant (less awesome). Mardi Gras is a truly unique experience and a trip that requires some strategic planning if you want to experience all the event has to offer. So I’m here to give you all the details on how to party in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Here's how we spent four days we will never forget… DAY ONE – BOURBON STREET & LIVE MUSIC SCENE We had a late flight that landed in New Orleans at 9:30 p.m. We checked in at the Sheraton Hotel on Canal Street. We were happy with the hotel’s location, a short walk to Bourbon Street and the heart of the Mardi Gras activity. It was too cold ...
Discover the Best Street Art in the U.S. at Wynwood Walls in Miami
Miami is a city that does not lack character. This vibrant mecca of coastal culture is known internationally as one of the most sensational places for unique experiences. Other than the beautiful beaches, Miami is most known for its Art Deco architecture and lively arts scene. Wynwood Walls is a “must-see” for art enthusiasts and anyone looking to experience the best street art in the U.S. Wynwood Walls is a collection of murals and paintings displayed outdoors in an open courtyard. Located north of Downtown Miami, it almost feels like it was accidentally dropped in place where it currently rests among abandoned warehouses and concrete structures. The area is free to the public and I would recommend spending a minimum of two hours in the area. Read on for tips for your visit… EVERCHANGING ART It is almost always a new experience at Wynwood. The art is changed out every couple of months, so every time you visit there is something different to see. WYNWOOD TOURS There are several guided tours available that can provide more information on the murals and their artists. There is even a Wynwood Art Walk Block Party that is a big party of people wandering the ...
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 ...