Traveling this upcoming Holiday season? Catching fall leaves? Heading south for winter?
We’ve driven the miles, checked for updates and organized great side trips, just off the highway.
Unique museums, good spots to picnic and walk about, or plan day trips minutes from a popular interstate.
Come explore the Philadelphia of the people caught up in the world changing events of 1776. Wander through Old City Philadelphia, including: Independence Mall, home of the Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall to learn about the people shaping our early republic. We will then continue to Benjamin Franklin’s grave to learn about the famous Philadelphian, Arch Street Meeting House to explore the role of the Quakers, Betsy Ross’ House where we get insight into the role of women, Elfreth’s Alley to meet the everyday people of revolutionary Philadelphia and Christ Church, the place of worship for many prominent Philadelphians. We’ll grab lunch at an original cheesesteak place, Campos.
Independence Hall requires timed tickets reserved well in advance. Betsy Ross House is $10.00. Others free or donation. This walking tour is within 6 blocks of the hotel. We’ll stop back at the Hotel to freshen.
Campo’s Steak & Hoagies Campo’s is a family run sandwich shop that has been making Philly’s best cheesesteaks, hoagies, and specialty sandwiches since 1947. Those in the know order their cheesesteak with two words only: cheese selection (provolone, American or Whiz) and “wit” or “without” onions. Campo’s is proudly served at Citizens Bank Park and is the official cheesesteak of the Philadelphia Flyers. 214 Market Street (2nd & Market)
LOVE Park is most famously the home of Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE statue, which has resided in the space almost continuously since 1976. The park is located near City Hall, offering views of the architectural treasure, including William Penn’s statue. Since Rocky’s first triumphant onscreen run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 1976, the 72 steps have become an international destination. Those interested can trek up the stairs, pumping their fists in the air as they cherish the spectacular view of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the city skyline. Cheesey? Definitely. Fun? Absolutely!
On the way to/from the Rocky photo ops, we’ll grab an iced coffee and a treat from Federal Donuts. We’ll end our Highlights tour with a cold one at Independence Beer Garden and a view of where we started, Independence Park. The afternoon tour is a lot of city and parkway walking. If it’s too hot or stormy, we’ll take a PHLASH bus or modify the plan.
Federal Donuts – People come here for one thing: deep-fried joy! It’s delivered in the form of Korean-style chicken, with a variety of rubs and glazes, and hot fresh or fancy doughnuts in constantly changing flavors like cinnamon brown sugar, blueberry pancake, strawberry lavender and chocolate éclair — and coffee, of course. 1776 Benjamin Franklin Parkway or 1632 Sansom Street, https://federaldonuts.com/
Independence Beer Garden, is an expansive, all-American beer garden overlooking Independence National Historic Park. The Beer Garden is a lovely spot to sit back and enjoy a cold beer on a warm summer day. They also offer a great Happy Hour with items like tasty Sliders and fresh chips and guacamole. HAPPY HOUR | WEDNESDAY – SUNDAY | 3PM – 7PM (everything $5-$7.00). https://www.phlbeergarden.com/
Lunch/Shopping/Snacking suggestion (7 blocks from hotel): Reading Terminal Market – Set below a former railroad terminal, Center City’s 127-year-old Reading Terminal Market serves as both a tourist destination and a trusted source for fresh food for locals. The public space provides open seating where customers can enjoy a world of cuisines from dozens of restaurants, including Pennsylvania Dutch and sandwich slingers like DiNic’s, serving up hot roast pork sandwiches that rival the city’s much-lauded cheesesteaks. Retail merchants sell housewares, jewelry, linens and more. There’s a gift shop selling Philly LOVE souvenirs and a Philly Pretzel shop, too. 51 N. 12th Street https://readingterminalmarket.org/
Happy Hour or Dinner suggestion (Uber, near walkable Rittenhouse Square): Harp & Crown – Its glass-façade, 24-foot ceilings, and chandeliers are glamorous pieces balanced with funky vintage wallpaper and leather club chairs, millwork and natural tones throughout the space. Guests enjoy new-American dishes amongst the space including a 32-seat bar. Featured here: pizzas, small plates and seasonal fare — and a two-lane bowling alley tucked in the basement called Elbow Lane (reservations required for groups of nine or more; based on availability, smaller parties can walk in). Happy Hour | Walk-In @ Bar + Lounge: 4:00pm – 7:00pm. 1525 Sansom Street, http://harpcrown.com
Base Hotel: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/phlpr-renaissance-philadelphia-downtown-hotel/overview/. Wonderful hotel to choose if you want to walk the sites (next to Independence National Park).
PHLASH Purple tourism buses: https://ridephillyphlash.com/ $5.00 for all day pass (exact cash or online)
Maps and Directions: https://www.visitphilly.com/maps-directions/#downloadable-maps
Suggested blog: https://parentslovetravel.com/blog/a-fresh-look-at-revolution
KIDS LOVE FLORIDA lists and reviews hundreds of kid-tested attractions and events throughout the state. Besides all of the details (where, when), the book is best known for its easy-to-read reviews of what is most engaging about each site. And, you’ll discover most of the book explores places besides theme parks. You won’t find this information together in any other resource or on the internet. Great idea for unique, easy day trips or vacations.
Explore hidden islands, humbling habitats, and historic gold mines. See dancing dolphins and comical kangaroos. Watch out for cowboys, Indians and swamp creatures. Well-known attractions plus hundreds of places you’ve probably never thought of! Make short vacation plans or get to know your favorite area better. Each chapter is a day trip zone including points of interest, events and suggested lodging and dining. New features include hand-picked HIGHLIGHTS, itineraries and web resources to quickly help you make the most of a short trip in each chapter. Searching countless hours on the internet? We give you fast travel facts, prices, and our kid-tested reviews for every listing (expanded in this edition). We did the work so you don’t have to. Great tool for moms, dads, grandparents, teachers & visitors.
** The print books are available at Bookstores and Online Retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. NOTE: Amazon often runs sales on our best selling titles each season. Our travel guides are best suited to print books so you can easily mark and highlight places you want to visit next!
From picnics in open spaces to stepping back in time with visits to historical sites, nature excursions to walking and driving tours, small towns offer options for off-the-beaten path getaways. All provide plenty of relaxation and outdoor adventures, with fewer crowds and room to wander.
But, planning trips can be so frustrating … especially when your kids are bored and begging for ideas on something fun to do … away from the backyard! “Traveling with kids shouldn’t be so hard. We wanted to make family trips easy so, we researched and wrote books about years of experiences,” says Family Travel Mom, Michele Z. KIDS LOVE TRAVEL GUIDES include great hints on what kids like best.
The books provide all the details a family needs to know (i.e. maps, directions, websites, prices, reviews) to save lots of time. PLUS:
The series offers 16 regional travel guides: Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, The Carolinas, Virginia, Wisconsin, I-75 & I-95
Grab your KIDS LOVE TRAVEL GUIDE and Create your own old-fashioned Road Trips! Books can be purchased at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Updates are on https://kidslovetravel.com/travel-books/
KIDS LOVE I-95 – Your Family Travel Guide to I-95. 500 Kid-Tested Fun Stops & Unique Spots from the Mid-Atlantic to Miami
Welcome to Side-Tripping with Kids – a New Way to Travel Quick Stops along I-95.
SideTrips!: travel just minutes off the interstate to learn of hidden messages and historic secrets. Fly in Space and see priceless national treasures. Escape rooms full of bugs, enchanted gardens, explosive museums, pirate ships, and haunted lighthouses & forts. See George Washington’s teeth, experience a Civil War battle, and find the elusive Fountain of Youth.
We’ll tell you exactly how to find unique landmarks and favorite pit stops, too. Make spontaneous or planned sidetrips and get to know your favorite destinations better! All on a budget of time and money.
Just in time for spring and summer travels…
KIDS LOVE PENNSYLVANIA
An Organized Family Travel Guide to Exploring “Kid-Friendly” Pennsylvania – 600 Fun Stops & Unique Spots
Your kids will love finding where to discover Oil and take a tram ride deep into Coal Mines…hike along tall trees, great lakes, waterfalls and grand canyons…tour fun Snack Food Factories…twist your own Pretzel…take a peak at Polar Bears and Groundhogs…travel around Train Curves and Inclines…or, “meet” Ben Franklin, Abraham Lincoln and even see some real Christopher Columbus stuff!
Each chapter is a day trip zone including points of interest, events and suggested lodging and dining options.
Save Time. New features include QUICK TOURS and web resources to quickly help you make the most of a short trip in each chapter. Searching countless hours on the internet? We give you fast travel facts, prices, and our kid-tested reviews for every listing. We did the work so you don’t have to.
Save Money. Once you purchase the book you’ll have access to a special page of online updates that keeps your book FRESH for years. Plus, we’ve found many places to visit for little or no charge.
The books are available at Bookstores and Online Retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Hilton Head Island Beach Fun
On a recent trip we found a wonderful base hotel, The Beach House, from which we could play. Comfortable rooms, right on the beach, good food and drink served at the Porch and Tiki Hut, a spacious pool area with loads of lounge chairs, and the best part, easy access to all this island offers!
We puttered around the island, too, and can offer some insider tips:
Coastal Discovery Museum: A great spot for learning about the history and the Lowcountry’s natural surroundings. The kids can romp and play around history and unique natural environs. The grounds are free to access, and they hold regular hands-on learning events:
Sea Pines Resort: Hilton Head Island’s original resort, and home of the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage. Explore the natural history or ancient Native American shell rings at the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, shop at Harbour Town, visit the animals at Lawton Stables or the Salty Dog at South Beach Marina.
Sandbox Children’s Museum: An interactive and sensory experience for kids. This brand-new building opened just two years ago.
While you are there, check out the Lowcountry Celebration park, Hilton Head Island’s newest and award-winning park, complete with a playground modeled on a replicate of the Adventure – the ship in which Capt. William Hilton discovered the island. It’s located in the popular Coligny district – where the Beach House is located.
Harbour Town Lighthouse: A climb to the top is a history lesson of Hilton Head Island, and the views of the Calibogue Sound offer a beautiful view – especially during sunset.
https://harbourtownlighthouse.com/
Mermaid of Hilton Head: https://www.mermaidofhiltonhead.com/
Pirates of Hilton Head: An interactive treasure hunt. www.piratesofhiltonhead.com
Bluffton parks: Just over the bridge of Hilton Head is Bluffton, which has been growing with young families. Their parks are state-of-the-art: Oscar Frazier, Wright Family, Martin Family, and DuBois. Bluffton is also home to a thriving arts and culinary scene, as well as the beloved Thursday Farmers Market. https://www.visitbluffton.org/
Get on the water: Family-friendly adventure on the water. They offer dolphin tours, kayak and boating excursions, and so much more.
Biking is one of the best ways to see the island! Hilton Head Island is a Gold-Level Biking Community and with over 50 miles of back paths, it’s easy to get around on two wheels.
Beach: Make sure you catch the sunrise! There’s also no better way to spend your day than on the beach.
Places to eat: there are a dozen ice cream shops and candy shops. Best kids meals are found at the Salty Dog and the Crazy Crab. Order a seafood boil and share it as a family.
For events in the community, please visit: https://www.hiltonheadisland.org/events
Virginia is for love and February 14th is the perfect time to introduce a new edition of KIDS LOVE VIRGINIA, An Organized Family Travel Guide to Kid-Friendly Virginia! All the listings have been UPDATED, about a dozen places closed (mostly little museums that didn’t survive the pandemic shutdown), yet a handful of new places opened or added significant new attractions.
The print books are available at Bookstores and Online Retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. NOTE: Amazon often runs sales on our best selling titles each season. Our travel guides are best suited to print books so you can easily mark and highlight places you want to visit next!
But are these resorts too elegant? At a maximum, we look for relaxed elegance. Here’s a rundown of all the family-friendly amenities we explored during a recent visit: (we never needed to leave the property for three days):
· Kids Nite Out (weekend evenings for ages 4-14 with extra hourly fee) offering a variety of supervised activities…play areas, group games, computers, arts and crafts, movies, board games, treasure hunts.
· Guest Rooms – include high-speed internet connection, modern flat screen TVs, mini-frig and spacious, high fluff beds.
· Full service Spa
· 18-hole golf course (golf camps for kids)
· Fishing dock and lake
· Many pools, including a lap pool, family pool, adult quiet pool and kiddie wading pool plus jacuzzis
· Hiking trails with interpretive signs
· Two lighted tennis courts
· Sand volleyball, bocce ball
· Video game room
· Horseshoes, ping pong
· Complimentary equipment available for some sports, by reservation thru the fitness spa area.
· Complimentary bus shuttle to major theme parks in the area
· Loads of restaurants on premises. The Cafés are our favorite because most are open 24 hours (late night or early morning eaters) and serve absolutely wonderful, freshly made in front of you, salads and sandwiches.
Our KIDS LOVE books for Tennessee, Virginia, Michigan and Florida all list recommended resorts like these. Family packages usually start at $200.00 per night and that cost may be taken care of by the business.
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