Author Archives: Michele Zavatsky

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

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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.

Cottages
Cottages pool

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.

Loads of easy biking paths

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

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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

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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

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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

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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?

(this post was taken from excerpts of KIDS LOVE PENNSYLVANIA available in retail and online stores NOW!)

Family Travel Tips for Christmas

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Think the family budget has no room for a family weekend trip right now?

Read our budget travel tips for making a quick Seasonal Getaway more affordable.

Besides using one of our guidebooks to get unique ideas for places to go, here are some other suggestions we offer.

1. PLAN  2 – 4 ACTIVITIES within a one hour drive time of each other. Base you choices on the season of year.  Holiday Trolley Tours are so fun – singing carols and sipping hot cocoa…invite cousins, grandparents, etc. along.

2.  For the road, PACK small wrapped gifts of  TRAVEL GAMES & TOYS the kids get to open every couple of hours.  Why wait for all the gift giving on one day? Spread stocking stuffer giving out there & back.  

3.  If your budget allows, have the VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A TV/DVD unit. Play Christmas dvds all the way…

4.  Choose FAMILY FRIENDLY LODGING. Our family “vacations for a living” so we found budget hotels the norm. We joined hotel memberships and charge cards. We will not stay in places that are dirty. We look for hotels with indoor pools and free breakfast. For some reason, if they offer both, they are more likely to be clean and family-friendly environments. 

In suburbs, I spend no more than $70 per night. Beach properties, no more than $100. Those rates are with the extras I look for.  For some other family lodging tips read: Three Tips On Choosing Budget Family Accommodation http://bit.ly/1qANyJ.

 5.  HISTORY is easy, if you SNEAK IT IN! Engage your kids by learning with Santa and his elves. Historical homes are basically boring to tour in the summer, but near the holidays, what stuffy old house doesn’t smell sweet with the scent of cinnamon and gingerbread cookies?

Each Week in December we’ll choose more Holiday Travel Tips and share some examples.

What about you?

Do you have some tricks you’ve learned that make traveling to visit relatives at Christmas less stressful but still inexpensive and fun?

Please comment and let us know…

To Grandma’s House We Go…Travel at Thanksgiving 2010

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The month of November has been flurried with links from favorite travel sites broadcasting bright diversions and great planning tools for Thanksgiving.

10 tips for hosting the perfect Thanksgiving dinner

Hosting a Thanksgiving dinner that will be remembered fondly for years to come (and definitely beat out the one held at your sister’s house last year) is a daunting challenge, fraught with the potential for pitfalls, major stress and the usual familial showdown over who gets to carve the turkey…

lighting displays, sales and bargains to launch the gift shopping season, and a month-long series of festive events in big cities and picturesque small towns across the state.

Thanksgiving getaways: your four-day weekend vacation from family vacation critic: http://www.familyvacationcritic.com/thanksgiving-getaways-your-four-day-weekend-vacation/art/. this one is full of so many great package deals – all in one article.

Turkey Time Travel Tips: http://www.ciaobambino.com/ciaobambinoblog/index.php/2010/10/thanksgiving-travel-tips/

AND, BE SURE TO GIVE THANKS

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, [and] into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, [and] bless his name.- Psalm 100:4 (KJV)
Kids Love Travel Family Travel Mom – Michele Z

KIDS LOVE PENNSYLVANIA – GETTYSBURG from a Civilian’s Experience (part 2)

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For those who lived in Gettysburg in July 1863, the battle was a frightening experience. Take a downtown tour and learn the stories of the families who lived through one of the most horrific times in American history. Visit the Shriver House, the Train Depot, the David Wills House and dine in the Dobbin House for lunch.

Stops to Tour:

SHRIVER HOUSE:

A story of one family whose plans for a saloon and ten-pin bowling alley along Baltimore Street were dashed by the fierce three-day battle. This may well be the tour with the most wonderful storytelling, suspenseful guides in town! Your daughters will wonder what happens to the two girls and your sons will love sneaking up into the attic noticing the debris left behind by Confederate soldiers who overtook the home’s top floor as a sharpshooters’ nest. CSI fans will want to hear every detail of the blood stains and the numerous artifacts discovered behind old walls removed during the restoration of the Shriver’s home (including Civil War medical supplies, LIVE bullets). Admission. 309 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325. www.shriverhouse.org

Schriver House Museum: This museum is ranked as the #2 attraction in Gettysburg and I know why. This was my personal favorite and I know my kids would love to see how a family lived in 1863! Every room is decorated down to the last detail. The kids room depicted NECCO WAFER candies on the desk that were made in 1863 and still around today (connection of past and present). You can even buy the candy and other memorabilia in the gift shop on site. -Lisa W

In between, take a break for lunch at the DOBBIN HOUSE TAVERN.

The Springhouse Tavern (downstairs) offers Lite Cuisine for Casual Dining. A most unique eating tavern amidst three natural springs and two glowing fireplaces. This cozy space features homemade food and refreshing spirits served by wait staff in colonial attire. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Children’s Menu and more moderate pricing at lunchtime. Sampling of Menu: Porridge of the Day, Springhouse Salad, Club and Foccacia sandwiches and some hot meat, fish and chicken specialties. Ask for Adams County Apple Pie or Warm Colonial Gingerbread for dessert. Once you place your order, take a mini-tour of the dining rooms on the first two floors. Can you determine which dining room is the Library, Parlour, Study, Spinning Room or even Bedroom (wherein one can actually dine in a Bed!)? www.dobbinhouse.com.

YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED ON THE BATTLEFIELD…DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THE FAMILIES LIVING IN TOWN? Go and find out. (Disclosure: my recent press tour of Gettysburg and Adams County was arranged by: www.gettysburg.travel, however no promises were made as to content of post and book writings)

Do you like exploring countryside hidden gems near large cities?

Well, that’s what KIDS LOVE TRAVEL is all about – hundreds of fun stops and unique spots around your favorite state.

Meandering some to Explore more…

(this post was taken from excerpts of KIDS LOVE PENNSYLVANIA available in retail and online stores NOW!)

KIDS LOVE PENNSYLVANIA – GETTYSBURG from the Civilian Experience (part 1)

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For those who lived in Gettysburg in July 1863, the battle was a frightening experience. Take a downtown tour and learn the stories of the families who lived through one of the most horrific times in American history. Visit the Shriver House, the Train Depot, the David Wills House and dine in the Dobbin House for lunch.

The Battle of Gettysburg wasn’t all about blackpowder and wool uniforms. The human face of this trying time is told through a guided or self-guided (recommended for families) civilian story tour. Learn about the town’s anxiety, struggle and heroism as the mere 2,400 residents were suddenly confronted with 170,000 soldiers…often sneaking in through back alleys and hiding in attics! Hear stories of homes confiscated, families hiding in their basements and the massive cleanup effort that followed this famous battle. At the beginning of the confrontation, kids often thought it fun to watch until a bullet whissed by their window or a headless soldier on horseback flew by.

Stops to Tour:

Begin your tour at the GETTYSBURG LINCOLN RAILROAD STATION (Carlisle Street) where President Lincoln arrived on November 18, 1863 for the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetary. From here, Lincoln walked up the street a little ways to the Town Square (now called Lincoln Square). At the time of his arrival, the station was still being cleaned up after doubling as a makeshift hospital after the battle. As Lincoln arrived, coffin boxes were still being prepared to transport bodies to their loved ones miles away. The Station is run by the NPS and carries no admission. Donations appreciated.

Next, tour the new DAVID WILLS HOUSE (pg 148, KLP), where the president put the finishing touches on the Gettysburg Address. At the invitation of David Wills, President Abraham Lincoln comes to Gettysburg to “deliver a few appropriate remards” for the dedication of the new cemetary. The museum tour is self-guided and takes approximately one hour. The museum includes five galleries, 2 recreated rooms (Mr. Wills law office and the bedroom Lincoln used overnight) and two films. Admission. www.davidwillshouse.org. It is especially touching to see some of the original artifacts in that guest bedroom overlooking the town square.  Once you leave this building, pop a picture with the Lincoln statue as he points the way to the cemetery. You can follow in Lincoln’s footsteps as he paraded from the town square to the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, where he so eloquently delivered his immortal speech.  (walking distance is 3/4 miles) This address, while only two minutes in length, is a legacy speech about renewed hope for the townspeople suffering great inconvenience and still people today. 

YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED ON THE BATTLEFIELD…DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THE FAMILIES LIVING IN TOWN? Go and find out. (Disclosure: my recent press tour of Gettysburg and Adams County was arranged by: www.gettysburg.travel, however no promises were made as to content of post and book writings)

Do you like exploring countryside hidden gems near large cities? Well, that’s what KIDS LOVE TRAVEL is all about – hundreds of fun stops and unique spots around your favorite state.

Meandering some to Explore more…

(this post was taken from excerpts of KIDS LOVE PENNSYLVANIA available in retail and online stores NOW!)

KIDS LOVE PENNSYLVANIA – Nemacolin Woodland Resort Animal Interaction

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Do your kids like animals? Are they fond of zoos but don’t like it when the animals are tired or hidden? We’ve found a great solution for positive animal interaction!

A research assistant/reporter for Kids Love Travel, Lisa W and I spent a few days trying new things at Nemacolin Woodland Resort in southern Pennsylvania late summer (beautiful Laurel Highlands off Rte 40). We noticed some families were just “day-tripping” it there vs. the expenditure of a luxury resort overnight stay.

The wildlife habitats are great for viewing (free to roam the paved, drive-able grounds on own), but for a truly unique and educational experience, you can take the Safari Tour where you and your family can interact with the wildlife and take a tour of the petting zoo and baby animal nursery. The best part of the Safari Tour – you get to feed large live animals! Up Close.

Lisa and I giggled much and were tickled by LIVE animals and funny statues during our visit.

Here’s a picture commentary:

The kids will love the ticklish feeling you get as the animals eat from your hand.
The Safari Tour at Nemacolin is a must for kids and adults. It is intimidating & exhillarating at the same time.
The Tavern Aquarium: This is one of the largest circular aquariums in the US. Your kids will love eating right beside it and watching the rare fish swim around. The Heritage Shops & Dining are on the property (near the main Chateau) and great for a fun lunch on your day trip.
Mr. Statue: Your kids will love seeing all the fun statues around Nemacolin this one reminds us of Mr. Monopoly.

BTW, did you know you can bring your family pet to Nemacolin to stay in their own kennels? Nemacolin has long been recognized for offering its guests the ultimate in luxury and service and now guests of the resort can treat their four-legged family members to the ultimate in luxury at Nemacolin Wooflands, a pet resort and spa! In addition to 30 standard kennel rooms Nemacolin Wooflands features six themed “Luxury Suites” complete with flat screen televisions and comfortable beds. Pet guests of the suites also receive turn down service and a treat at bedtime. Crazy – huh?

Do you like exploring countryside hidden gems near large cities? Well, that’s what KIDS LOVE TRAVEL is all about – hundreds of fun stops and unique spots around your favorite state.

Meandering some to Explore more…

(this post was taken from excerpts of KIDS LOVE PENNSYLVANIA available in retail and online stores NOW!)