Longhorns Head to Tail Tours of Dickinson Cattle Co, Barnesville, Ohio (PG 45). Those stampeding through the ranch will….
~~ Visit the newly expanded Longhorn Store, Gallery and Theater. ~~ You will hand feed the largest horned Texas Longhorn cattle in the world — that includes other parts of the world (Texas) we will not mention by name. ~~ You will travel the historic areas made famous by Hanging Judge Isaac Parker, Johnny Appleseed, Hopalong Cassidy, Mexican General Santa Anta and most recently, Sarah Palin. For more info on doing the ranch check the tour site at…………
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.
CottagesCottages 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.
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!)
Parenting can be so frustrating – especially in the fall when your kids are back to school. On weekends, they need a break and beg for creative ideas on something fun to do.
Here are ten ideas specifically targeted to the crisp air and crackling leaves of fall weather:
Attend a college football game or have an at-home mini tailgating party
Sneak in some history lessons at a local HARVEST FESTIVAL. Many historic farms host events where they demonstrate horses plowing fields, antique tractors, tractor pulls, hayrides, craft demonstrations, authentic open-fire cooked foods and folk entertainment. Children are often bored on tours of historic homes – but not during festivals
Go apple picking and then bake a homemade apple pie.
Go to an APPLE FESTIVAL. Not only apples and cider, but also pie eating contests, apple peeling contests, apple butter making, tons of apple flavored foods, parades and wagon rides out through the orchards. Many historic farms hold this event yearly.
Visit a bakery and try fresh baked pumpkin bread.
Eat your way through a PUMPKIN FESTIVAL or PUMPKIN PATCH. These events feature pumpkin contests (like the largest, rolling pumpkins, pumpkin pie eating contests). Take a hayride out to the fields and pick out your favorite pumpkin – right off the vine.Rides and entertainment are often intertwined with vendors selling the unusual pumpkin flavored cotton candy, burgers, chips and ice cream!
Make a scarecrow for your yard.
Plan a day of fun at a CORN MAZE and STRAW PLAYLAND. Many public farms host these from September through October. The cornfields and barns are converted into mazes and playlands with chutes and slides that add that Fall touch to normal play. Some mazes are tricky and other paths are stroller accessible (or, at least kid-sized). Parents, be sure to remember your cameras for the numerous photo ops!
Make a list of all the things you’re thankful for.
Still craving more adventure? Most kids absolutely love participating in annual BATTLE RE-ENACTMENTS.
Re-enactments
Learn about the early 1800s frontier life. Period, costumed townsfolk and soldiers “set up shop” amongst Native American Indian camps. See fur trading posts, kids’ infantry, barbershop medicine, and old-fashioned games. Areas of woodcarving, blacksmiths and spinning and weaving surround demonstrations of muzzle loading, shooting and tomahawk throwing. Open hearth cooking with period foods are for sale (ex. Kettle popcorn and chips, cider, stew, barbecue, buffalo burgers, dumplings, ham & beans, birch tea and Indian fry bread.
Whatever you do, the countryside is full of hundreds of family events and attractions – you’ll never run out of ideas this fall! >click here< for KIDS LOVE TRAVEL guide examples – by clicking on the Look Inside the Books)!
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