HIDDEN MAGIC IN FLORIDA

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Michele Zavatsky

The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World Planner: A Complete Organizer, Journal, and Keepsake for Your Unforgettable Vacation (April 2012) By Susan Veness and Simon Veness (ORLANDO). This guide is more than just a place to keep your important phone numbers and schedules. This all-the-fun-in-one journal is a celebration of the happiest place on earth—and a peek inside its magic!

Once you have a copy in your hands, it’s hard not to open it and explore its sections. I like to be organized when I travel so the pocketed folder pages placed strategically throughout the book caught my eye. Large text and spiral notebook style publishing were next. What mom doesn’t need to work on last minute plans while driving down to Disney? Readable text and a “workbook” that can grow in size work nicely on the road.

More about the book:

With the help of this planner, you’ll make exciting discoveries like where in Epcot to find Mickey-shaped tomatoes and the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it eerie surprise on the Tower of Terror. In addition to these never-before-revealed secrets, you’ll also discover:

The best places to stay and eat for every budget
Scheduling strategies to cut your waiting time in long lines
Prime viewing spots for parades
And hundreds more money- and time-saving (and fun-maximizing) tips!

Complete with journal pages to record your memories, fold-out maps to help you find your way, and pockets to hold your keepsakes, The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World Planner helps you step into your own “Once Upon a Time” and make your Disney dreams come true!

BUT, we all know there’s more magic to Florida than just Disney. Want to read reviews about the family-friendliness (on a budget) of the other 599 things to do in Florida?

Check this out (NEW! EDITION): KIDS LOVE FLORIDA

15 More Places Every Kid Should See Before 15

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Michele Zavatsky

Wondering where to take the kids this summer? Budget Travel has some great ideas and is pleased to unveil 15 More Places Every Kid Should See Before 15. (2 of them are favs from the KIDS LOVE ILLINOIS book)

Last year, Budget Travel chose 15 places they thought every kid should see before they turned 15. This year, they took it one step further and invited readers to weigh in on their favorite kid-friendly destinations. The editors then used the reader-generated nominations (562 to be exact) to create the 2012 list.

What made a destination worthy of inclusion? It needed to be fun, educational, and especially magical through the eyes of a child. It needed to inspire adults to tap back into that childlike sense of wonder. And it needed to have universal appeal.

In case you were wondering…my fav pick of the 15 is from our KIDS LOVE ILLINOIS book…Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield…Disney does Lincoln…overloaded!

KIDS LOVE ILLINOIS UPDATES – Open Books in Chicago

Posted on April 2, 2012 by Michele Zavatsky

-from a friend in the Chicago area

I’m sure you are aware of all the well-known cultural destinations in the Windy City – the museums, Wrigley Field, Millennium Park, Sears Tower, but there is one little-known gem that I want to put on your radar. In the heart of Chicago’s River North area, Open Books is a cultural experience that has been described as a Wonka Wonderland of Books.

The award-winning bookstore provides a vibrant, fun, creative place for guests of all ages to read and play. Adult visitors can browse through a selection of 50,000 books and relax on the oversized couches, while kids can enjoy flipping through the 10,000 children’s books and playing in the children’s corner.
Travelers can even feel good about spending their money (books average between $3 to $5), which we know can get tight during vacations, because book sales support the Open Books literacy program. The store funds 50% of Open Book’s literacy programs which pairs volunteers with Chicago Public School students to help them with reading and writing – thousands of volunteers- 4,000 students. There is so much more to say about the store, but I don’t want to bombard you with information. Feel free to check out the website whenever you have a free moment: http://www.open-books.org/.

WORLD OF COCA-COLA (Atlanta, Georgia) UPDATE

Posted on September 6, 2011 by Michele Zavatsky

WORLD OF COCA-COLA (found on page 109 of KIDS LOVE GEORGIA)

Atlanta – 121 Baker Street (adjacent to Georgia Aquarium at Centennial Olympic Park Drive, I-75 exit 249C) 30313. Phone: (800) 676-COKE. www.worldofcoca-cola.com Hours: Daily 10:00am-5:00pm. Longer open/close hours during peak season and most weekends. Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas. Online discounts. Timed entry tickets. Miscellaneous: Movies to view on each floor. Photo ops on every floor, too. Giant Coke gift shop. Cafe. Educators: click on the Teacher’s Toolkit for worksheets and activities.

Atlanta is the birthplace of Coca-Cola. The story is told through a bright collection of memorabilia, classic radio and television ads, a fantasy representation of the bottling process and a futuristic soda fountain. It started with a syrup created by a pharmacist. Accidentally, a soda jerk added carbonated water and the customers loved it – Coke was born!

Guests are greeted by a enthusiastic guides who direct you to start by viewing the 4-minute audio visual history of the product (later you’ll get a chance to watch the Secret Formula 3D movie with moving seats!).

After that, you are turned loose to explore the many sections of the museum. At Bottle Works you’ll view a slow-motion production line so you can see robots in action filling bottles.

Really interesting history is found at Milestones of Refreshment. On display- a can that flew on the space shuttle and the original prototype bottle.

The highlight of your visit is the last station – taste testing! Try flavors, old and new, plus many found in foreign countries. Some are quite unusual, some very sweet. If you try them all, like we did, you’re bound to have a belly-ache – so, be wise, and choose carefully. Don’t forget your free Coke as you leave.

Did you know the secret formula is still a secret? Where is it kept?

Disclosure: While the review of this attraction is completely my own (with no bias), the attraction did provide me with complimentary admission.

FACTORY TOUR UPDATE: PHOENIX BATS

Posted on August 30, 2011 by Michele Zavatsky

The Phoenix Bat Company is a specialized wooden-bat creator and manufacturer located just outside of Columbus, Ohio, in Plain City. The company produces premium rock maple and northern white ash baseball and softball bats. Combining premium grade woods with the most advanced, state of the art lathe in the bat manufacturing industry, Phoenix Bats delivers high quality wooden bats consistently to major league players and little leaguers alike. Ohio made and Pro approved!

And the best part, they offer tours! Open tours are available on Tuesdays at 6pm and Thursdays and Fridays at 1:30pm. No reservation required – just show up.

Tours are $10.00 per person and include a custom engraved mini bat to commemorate your visit.

During the one hour tour you’ll learn about how the business got started with vintage baseball players and a man who liked to make wood spindles. Next, they highlight which MLB pros use the bats and show samples of their specially ordered bats. Names like Ordonez, Carerra and Ramirez perked the boys’ ears.

We next moved into the computer corner to see how the bat is generated on a graphics program first, then sent into the factory to be produced. Good job if you love to take measurements again, and again.

The computer generated model is now fed into the humongous Italian lathe that takes a large dowel of wood and in one slow back and forth motion forms and sands the baseball bat into shape!

The finishing process is messy. Lots of dipping (and dripping stations) abound in a separate temperature controlled room. Finally, you watch the engraver embed a special logo or message into each bat. That same engraver is used to specialize your personal mini-bat tour souvenir.

They have birthday packages, too, combining the wood bat tour with time in the batting cages.

We took the tour offered on Tuesday night. We also allowed for time in the batting cages as a few from our group of baseball players were interested in trying out wood bats to purchase as their practice bats. Watching them smile when they hit the ball on that special “sweet spot” exclusive to each wood bat was a thrill (and seeing them whimper when it stung on the “not so sweet spot” – not so sweet).

Admittedly, I am a factory touraholic. This tour was especially exciting because it combined my family (and friends) love of baseball while supporting an American-made product (made close to home).

Phoenix Bat Company 7801 Corporate Blvd Suite E Plain City OH 43064	By phone: Local: 614.873.7776 Toll free: 877.598.BATS (2287) Fax: 614.873.7796
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 9:00am-5:30pm

For other ideas for Columbus, Ohio (Central Ohio) area KIDS LOVE TRAVEL tested attractions, lodging and dining visit: http://www.kidslovetravel.com/kids_love_ohio.htm.

GEORGIA’S PINE MOUNTAIN GETAWAY WITH KIDS @ CALLAWAY GARDENS RESORT

Posted on August 9, 2011 by Michele Zavatsky

While few may think of a vacation destination in the mountains of Georgia, regional resorts are often hidden gems. Probably the most famous attraction in the Middle West area, Callaway Gardens, reminds me of the resort properties of the 50s – hundreds of cottages and a massive central inn complete with daily activities for each family member.

The Summer Family Adventure family camps offer signups for hiking, biking, fishing, boating, water skiing, archery, aerobatics, tennis, golf, arts and crafts and more during the day. When nightfalls the fun continues with the circus, campfires, movies, games and more.

Every overnight stay includes family admission into the Gardens and Beach area. This admission includes biking the ten miles of trails (many folks brought their own bikes but you can rent them, too or use your Fun Pass), hiking the wooded trails together (separate trails for bikes vs. on foot so no collisions), just beaching (apply that sunscreen), fishing by the gardens docks, miniature golf, zipline adventure courses, or sightseeing the Discovery Center, Pioneer Cabin or the delightful Butterfly Garden.

They have Birds of Prey programs scheduled throughout the day at the Discovery Center – with live animals. The Butterfly Garden is so colorful and we promise you’ll find a different species of butterfly every time you visit.

The Beach area is super clean and they have reasonable chair/umbrella rentals for half day or full day rates.

Dining

With all of the activities and fascinating distractions at Callaway Gardens, making time to eat may be a challenge – but not for lack of dining options.

Callaway Gardens is dedicated to serving sustainably grown and regionally produced food whenever possible. Menus showcase products from local farmers, fishermen and food artisans throughout the South. Here are a few of our favorites:

Country Kitchen: the charming and rustic restaurant offers down-home Southern cooking enjoyed by the Georgia locals for generations. Try their biscuits and muscadine preserves each morning or sides of fried green tomatoes, sweet potato fries, glazed apples, black eyed peas, okra, and greens. Entrees like fried chicken, country fried steak, meatloaf, catfish, pot roast, and stew are offered. Avg. full entrees $8 – $11.

Rockin’ Robin’s Malt Shop & Pizzeria: an old-fashioned, fun 1950s themed diner with pizza and great shakes plus bubbly root beer floats. Play games or bop to tunes on the jukebox.

Robin Lake Beach Pavilion: for a quick bite to eat or a snack during a fun day at the beach that’s convenient and good tasting. Their menu includes sandwiches, snacks and beverages.

(ref: www.callawaygardens.com) or KIDS LOVE GEORGIA (https://kidslovetravel.com/travel-books/

KIDS LOVE TRAVEL TIPS: Healthy Road Trips

Posted on August 2, 2011 by Michele Zavatsky

Healthy Road Trip Tips

Family road trips are a tradition. But they can also be tiring, frustrating, and result in way too many backseat meltdowns. How to keep everyone comfortable, healthy and well-fed on the road?

Water, Water Everywhere

Recently, I was camping with a friend, and I noticed that she had no trouble getting her kids to stay hydrated. How? Each had his or her own super-cute decorated metal water bottle, which they carried everywhere; they could even clip them to their belt loops on walks! So off we went to the store, and I let each of my kids pick out their own water bottle. Hearts, peace signs, turtles; there were all sorts of cute designs and they had a blast lining them up and choosing. Sure enough, the water bottles go everywhere with them now, and I no longer have to nag them to drink. The act of taking “ownership” really works!

Plan for Healthy Eating

Frequent reliance on fast food is not an option. So when we travel, we pack healthy snacks and a cooler full of water bottles before we leave. While we may go through a drive-thru for a quick lunch, we have options when we want to stop and stretch a while. When it’s time for a rest stop (we suggest at least every two hours), we’re well-prepared and can take advantage of any beaches, parks or picnic grounds we pass along the way. And if the kids are wiggly and restless, unabandoned free play is a great way to tire them out!

Stop at Farm Stands

There’s no better way to experience the country you’re driving through than to stop by a roadside stand – and you can pick up some fresh fruit to eat along the way, too. Many popular farm stands also offer seasonal tours or play barns for a couple hours of fun.

Be Prepared

You never know what’s going to happen on the road, right? That’s why I keep “Mommy’s Backpack” nearby with everything we might need in outdoor situations. Here’s what’s in it:

Mosquito repellent
Swiss army knife
Mini-flashlight
Sunscreen
Moist towelettes
Water bottle
Roll of paper towels. (for ALL of life’s messes)
Band-aids
Outdoor Toys – frisbee, blow-up ball to toss

Travel Product Reviews: PORTAPOCKETS

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Michele Zavatsky

On my travels in the south this past two weeks, I was often in a situation where i didn’t want to lug my big purse around (especially at a booksigning or playing with kids on vacation in unfamiliar surroundings). It’s hard for me TO NOT CARRY A PURSE everywhere i go so I still kept my purse hidden nearby but found these new handy PORTAPOCKETS helped prevent me from clinging to that purse for survival.

PortaPocket® carrying cases give you peace of mind & confidence as you go about your day. https://www.portapocket.com/

PortaPocket® cases are ideal for carrying IDs, cash, cards, keys, cell phones, iPods®, lipstick, jewelry, & just about anything else you can think of that’s small.

I used the larger PortaPocket® Accessory Pockets to carry my camera and my son’s inhaler.
While many of the suggested places the company’s video suggests didn’t work for me, I found the calf and ankle were the least inhibiting. At a public event when I was wearing a pocketless sun dress, I was able to keep my cell phone just a “tickle-point” away on the silent vibrate mode attached to my calf. At the resort property, having velcro access to an extra pocket on my swim bag at the beach made it easy to find items I needed (like room key) quickly without dredging thru wet suits and assorted toys. For safety you can keep the pockets optionally discreet as you can use them under or over your clothing.
-Michele

PortaPocket's owner and creator sent me a couple varieties of their pockets to try in exchange for my candid, personal review of the product. I received the samples free of charge however no payment was made to conduct the review.

HOW TO TAKE FAMILY FIELD TRIPS ON A BUDGET – KIDS LOVE THE CAROLINAS

Posted on May 21, 2011 by Michele Zavatsky

Who says you have to head to exotic resorts for vacation fun? There are hundreds of activities going on right in your own backyard for kids of all ages. Whether you’re planning a day trip, seasonal festival, weekend get-away or full-week excursion, look to NORTH & SOUTH CAROLINA attractions for great family field trips.

HOW TO PLAN FAMILY FIELD TRIPS

1. Determine which part of a region you want to visit. Pick a DAY TRIP ZONE – one two-hour radius.

2. Find points of interest, events and suggested lodging & dining options.

FOR EXAMPLE (in The Carolinas):

Your kids will love finding where to seek out pirates and real treasure…

Hear shots fired at forts & battlefields…

Fly like a bird on the Outer Banks or skip along the World’s largest natural waterpark…

Hike along boardwalks deep into swamps…

Tour castles & plantations…

Be a gem miner or a gold panner…

Climb aboard the ship Adventure…

Learn of the Lost Colony, Mayberry & Gullah cultures…

See “lights, camera, Action” at Hollywood East!

Say “Hello!” (Shiyo!) in Cherokee…

Eat on top of a Rock or have tea with the Queen…

Go behind the scenes of a NASCAR pit crew or travel on an art expedition…

Pack your knapsack as you hike to find amazing sand dunes, waterfalls, giant Rocks, a Cradle of Forestry, and maybe a Venus fly trap or two…

Or, ride the rails past old bridges and country sides (look out for train robbers!). Even round the turn at 80mph on a famous Speedway!

3. If you’re going to spend the night, find a hotel/campground/resort that is in the center of it all.

4. Now, HUB & SPOKE. Plan each day as if it was a separate DAY TRIP, basing from one hub and spoking out in a new direction each day. TIP: staying at one hotel for 2+ days gives you lots of leverage asking for discounts.

5. Short on time? In the workshop Michele shares how to plan a day trip in 20 minutes. Hint: Look for valuable QUICK TOURS and pre-packaged itineraries.

6. Where are the FREEBIES?

7. Finally, look for INSIDER TIPS and DOWNLOADABLE WORKSHEETS to make the trip fun and educational. Learn why countless hours on Internet searches prove fruitless and why you need to secure only a few trusted resources for help.

Kids grow up so fast!

Enjoy time with them while they’re young…

KIDS LOVE THE CAROLINAS Your Family Travel Guide to Exploring “Kid-Friendly” North & South Carolina – 800 Fun Stops & Unique Spots & 15 other titles can be purchased for eaches & combo discounts at the KIDS LOVE TRAVEL BOOTH #148 (upper vendor hall) www.kidslovetravel.com

Let the Adventures Begin!

Gettysburg to kick off 150th anniversary – April 2011

Posted on April 5, 2011 by Michele Zavatsky

Gettysburg – the only major battle fought on Union soil – is most remembered as being the turning point of the American Civil War. Two years into the war, thousands of soldiers lost their lives in Gettysburg, which ultimately led President Abraham Lincoln to stand on its hallowed ground and deliver what would later be known as the Gettysburg Address, one of the most remembered speeches in world history.

“The 150th anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on this nation’s past – particularly this seminal event that shaped who America is today,” said J. David Petruzzi, a renowned historian and author of the Civil War. “We have the opportunity to look back to learn from the past, celebrate the dedication of all those who served, and be thankful that America is a united country.”

Gettysburg’s April kick-off is part of a four-week series of events held in Pennsylvania that outline Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s invasion of northern territory.

The event in Gettysburg will include a march by Union and Confederate troops into Gettysburg, living history encampments at historic locations throughout the town of Gettysburg, re-enacted skirmishes, and capped off with 150 cannon shots along with the playing of “Taps.”

“This kick-off is just the beginning,” said Flowers. “Over the next five years, we expect many more events, special observances, expanded programs and tours, and large battle re-enactments – a commemoration few will forget.”

For a list of events planned for Gettysburg’s 150th anniversary commemoration, call (800) 337-5015 or visit www.gettysburgcivilwar150.com.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is located on the East Coast of the United States, about two hours from both Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, and four hours from New York City.

As always, we think strong historical towns are best to visit during events like this.

And, if your kids might be overwhelmed by too much history, try an apple farm, a mini-horse farm or a snack food factory tour or two nearby. Need details?

KIDS LOVE TRAVEL

FAMILY TRAVEL UPDATES

Author Archives: Michele Zavatsky