Category Archives: Places along Interstates

PHILLY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR by Michele

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PART ONE – Experience Old City Philadelphia!

(Morning tour starts at hotel lobby at 10am and ends at 12:30pm for lunch)

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)

PART TWO – Experience Center City Philly LOVE! (Tour starts at hotel lobby at 1:15pm and ends about 3:15pm)

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

ATTN PARENTS: NEED SOME IDEAS TO TRAVEL WITH KIDS?

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Now is the time to plan a daycation.

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.

  • Kids can discover places to race and fly over giant sand dunes or just dip your toes in the water.  Watch a butterfly form before your eyes or learn the secrets of a perfect children’s garden.
  • Another weekend you’ll discover where ponies swim and dolphins dance, or dig into archaeology and living history. Search for real treasure, pirates, castles and lost civilizations. Cross prairies, romp around forts, or venture on journeys of Indians and explorers.
  • And what about the wonders of nature – the roar of the falls, fossils, fish ladders or pine forests.  Rent a boat to traverse a new river or smile at the antics of baby animals in zoos.

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 ACTIVITY INDEX is helpful. Choose to explore Animals & Farms, Outdoor Exploring, or Historical sites that often have walking trails and gardens.
  • Limited budget, don’t worry – each book finds lots of places to visit for little or no charge!
  • Packed full of over 500 places designed for children between the ages of 2-15. Updated regularly.
  • Quick look Favorites in each region.
  • Tried & true Suggested Lodging & Dining that appeal to kids. Often we mention candy shops & Mom & Pop ice cream shops around the corner from major attractions.

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/

NEW Edition – Kids Love I-95!

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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.

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!

PLAYTIME @ MAUMEE BAY / TOLEDO (Day Two)

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DAY TWO

Moms everywhere are planning their family vacations for the year.  Destination Toledo and Ohio State Parks are here to help mom out by providing a slew of great ideas for a family getaway to Northwest Ohio!

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Start your journey at the Toledo Zoo (KIDS LOVE OHIO), one of the nation’s top-ranked zoos and the number one attraction in Toledo!  Immerse yourself in the heart of Africa on the Safari Railway through a 5-acre African habitat teeming with giraffes, zebra and all the wilds of Africa.  Grab lunch at the Carnivore Café before enjoying your whirlwind trip through the Arctic Encounter, Hippoquarium, Nature’s Neighborhood, Museum of Science and Aquarium…your journey is endless! The new aquarium was funded by locals, so it’s their pride and joy. I particularly loved that the zoo keeps many old structures and recycles them. For instance, the old lion and tiger cages are now the Carnivore Café – indoor seating in actual barred cages!

Take a break and relax with a view of the beautiful downtown Toledo skyline at one of several restaurants located at the Docks (22 Main Street, www.realseafoodcorestaurant.com). Enjoy the picturesque riverfront on the outdoor patio of Real Seafood for an afternoon nibble and a cold drink. They bring in fresh seafood from the Atlantic, Pacific and Great Lakes. Many rave about their crab cakes. I liked their selection of locally caught Perch or Walleye. Lunch runs $10-$13. Dinner runs about double. Entrees include two sides. I recommend you try their blue cheese vinaigrette coleslaw with any fish entrée. All kids meals include a beverage and the entrees (shrimp, burger, tenders, spaghetti, etc) run $5.95. On a nice day, try to get a patio seat. Really good view.

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The fishing pier is tiered steps leading right into the water. Once you’re down in there, you escape the resort view and feel like you’re at a favorite fishing hole!

Get ready for some fun in the sun!  Head out to the 1,850-acre Maumee Bay State Park (KIDS LOVE OHIO pg 220) and play on the beach on the shores of Lake Erie. Rent a jet ski, kayak or a banana boat and venture out on the water.  Take a nature walk on the marshland boardwalk teeming with wildlife, or bike along one of the winding trails with stunning views. Options include the Nature Center, geocaching, court sports, horseshoes, children’s activities, swimming (inside or out), hot tubs, children’s soft play area, fitness room, game room, corn-hole, shuffleboard, fishing, canoeing and paddle boating. And dad will love the 18-hole Scottish Links golf course!

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Nature Center is very hands-on.
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Indoor splash pad area.
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A nice beach for swim and play.

After an afternoon of sun and fun, it’s time to check in at the Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center. Whether you opt for one of the fully-furnished cozy cottages, or select a loft-style room at the lodge, your stay is sure to be a delight. Simple furnishings for old-fashioned fun.

No need to leave the park for dinner!  Water’s Edge Restaurant encompasses a breathtaking glass wrap-around view of Lake Erie with a variety of choices to suit every appetite. This is not your typical state park dining. The chef uses mostly local ingredients and prepares gourmet entrees that have appealing subtle look and flavor. If you’re there for brunch, it’s so diverse. Come hungry. After dinner, hang out at either the outdoor or indoor pool, or soak in the warmth of the relaxing whirlpool or sauna. Then, watch a feature movie inside or a bonfire and roast s’mores outside.

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The ice cream shop was hopping! Veryyyy large portions!
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A bonfire and smores – at dusk. Perfect ending to the day!

Well mom, what did you think?  We hope you enjoy your family getaway to Toledo and Northwest Ohio!  For more ideas for your next adventure, visit www.VisitToledo.org or www.maumeebaystateparklodge.com

A Natural History Museum that’s called the Creation Museum?

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NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUMS – Flashback to an earlier time:

As we waited in some lines opening day of the new Creation Museum, we were greeted by friendly faces and warm smiles from the docents and the guests alike. Many had been waiting for this museum to open for years, so what was another few minutes. “Much of the experience features displays that would be similar to what you would find in a natural history museum, so you will see exhibits on par with some of the fine science museums around the world,” said director, Mark Looy. “Because we’re taking our visitors on a walk through history from Genesis to Revelation, it is a biblical museum combining Scripture with the best of what science can present.”

Interesting twist on most “Dinosaur” museums. Yes, there were tons of dinos, many animated –even dragons! Really, right up there with “Dinolands” in VA, OH & FL but also including some items like simulated walk-thru gardens, caves and even an ark!

Elements we like best in Natural History Museums are simulations: walk thru limestone caves (OH), Ice Age (OH), Indian mound sites (TN, IL, OH), copper mines (MI, TN), or coal mines (TN). Some of our favs have giant prehistoric creatures hanging overhead (OH, NC). Many have wonderful paleontology labs (OH, PA, VA, MD) where real scientists are actively working on specimens. All that wonderful science to absorb – but one difference…the timeline. Same science, different starting points. Curious? Check out the Creation Museum for details…

WORLD OF COCA-COLA (Atlanta, Georgia) UPDATE

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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.

8 More Reasons to Side Trip along I-95

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1. Penny-pinchers and spendthrifts alike cash in on the fun at the hands-on Money in Motion exhibition at the Federal Reserve Bank, featuring a giant tube stuffed with $100 million in shredded cash, the “Match Wits with Ben” game and a some impressive high-denomination bills. 6th & Arch Streets

2. A day at Franklin Square could include a ride on an old-fashioned carousel, a game of mini-golf, a romp on a modern playground and a family picnic. 6th & Race Streets, (215) 629-4026

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3. Wannabe sailors can spend the night in the nation’s most decorated battleship, the Battleship New Jersey, and take tours of the officers’ and crew’s mess halls, communications center and high-tech command center. 62 Battleship Place, Camden, (856) 877-6262.

4. Home to more than 8,400 aquatic animals of some 500 species, including sharks, penguins, stingrays and hippos, the Adventure Aquarium also features a 4D theater, dive shows, live animal talks, performances and a giant 760,000-gallon tank. 1 Aquarium Drive, Camden, (856) 365-3300.

4. In addition to the Butterfly, Railroad, Dinosaur and Storybook gardens, the four-acre Camden Children’s Garden horticultural wonderland has added a new Fitness Garden where kids can crawl, climb and learn about healthy living. 3 Riverside Drive, Camden, (856) 365-TREE

5. At Linvilla Orchards, the oldest working farm in Delaware Valley, families can pick their own seasonal fruit, hop on a hay ride and buy fresh-baked pies. 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media, (610) 876-7116.

6. ·Guests who want to stay in the middle of the action check in to the Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia, located on the Avenue of the Arts near performing arts meccas, great restaurants and fashionable shops. Families can spend some time at the rooftop pool, sundeck and racquetball courts, and kids get a free cookie at check-in. 237 S. Broad Street, (215) 893-1600

7. Those who have a taste for sweets and history stop by The Franklin Fountain, an old-fashioned ice cream saloon serving up handmade ice cream, banana splits, thick shakes, sundaes and flavored soda water. 116 Market Street, (215) 627-1899

8. Fresh produce and prepared foods ranging from cheesesteaks to cannolis are the offered throughout the historic Reading Terminal Market. 12th & Arch Streets, (215) 922-2317

Did you guess that KIDS LOVE TRAVEL and the Family Travel Mom is wandering along Interstate 95 this week?

Goodbye Summer but Hello Fall!

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As I was catching up on messages, I noted how many blogger friends and tourism folks were writing about summer’s end and fall coming.

I love autumn – esp. apples (made my first homemade apple pie of the season this weekend), pumpkin patches, football, apple cider, popcorn, my anniversary and hubby & I’s bdays. My son plays fall travel baseball and my teen daughter preps for choir and drama productions in late October.

My blogger friend, Lacie @ Life Down Our Lane posted something that really struck a cord: Wrapping up our summer!~~pictures from our weekend camping trip. It’s mostly little side trips.

I noticed it was mostly pics of getting there and just hanging out? That’s why our family DOESN’T LIKE TO FLY – we miss all the good stuff along the way.

Our KIDS LOVE I-75 book is the best example of this. Unlike our other books that discover every nook and crannie of the state, the I-75 book reviews places we’ve been to maybe a dozen times! Every, I mean every, time we travel south, we have to stop at Buddy’s BBQ for pulled pork, Lane Peaches to watch the peaches march along the conveyors, stop for a snack of Peach ice cream cones and chocolate covered pecans at WE’re Nuts!, and every time we enter Florida – a glass of juice at the Welcome Center.

Of course, there’s about 400 attractions we give you the skinny on, too – like watching freighters, inventors workshops, sharks, horses and manatees.

And you know what, we wouldn’t have those priceless moments and favorites if we flew south vs. road trips and side-tripping.

Just a thought as you plan those spontaneous weekend road trips to local pumpkin patches or regional festivals – remember the journey is just as important as the destination…

Question: What do you do to say good-bye to summer and welcome autumn and back-to-school?

Kids Love I-75 Reviews

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I-75 FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDE

Last week my family drove to Tennessee for vacation so we grabbed our Kids Love Travel I-75 book and hit the road!

We have a toddler so our main concern with a long drive is for him to get out and stretch his legs and play for a bit. We used the book to find a  fast food place that had a play land. The book was great because we could look at our drive in 20 mile increments and decide where we wanted to stop and plan ahead! It worked great and I highly recommend using this book for your travels with kids of any age! -Kristen Artrip, Ohio

Kids Love Travel on the Road Again

 Want a Dad’s perspective? Go to our friend, the FamilyMan, for his take:

http://www.familymanweb.com/rvblog/kids-love-i-75-by-george-michele-zavatsky

Working on KIDS LOVE I-95 in South Carolina

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Meet Pedro – South of the Border

This week I’m ping-ponging along I-95 in SC. So far, we’ve been South of the Border, on a NASCAR track, trying pecans from a massive sampling counter, running around with kids chasing giant swans and noisy ducks, climbing an ancient mound, and walking through a black swamp. Yesterday, I ate lunch at a place that specializes in casseroles – when was the last time you ordered a sampler plate of JUST casseroles and, Tomato Pie. Today, we sampled a bunch of low country foods – shrimp and cheese grits, quail, pecan pie. . . i’m having a piece right now…

I tell you all this to remind you there are so many adventures just minutes off the highway on your roadtrips to anywhere USA.