PHILLY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR by Michele

Posted on July 30, 2024 by Michele Zavatsky

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 (2^nd & 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

SPRING BREAK AT THE BEACH

Posted on March 25, 2023 by Michele Zavatsky

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/

Kids can easily climb this lighthouse and the reward is the walk around the top!

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

Family Business Travel

Posted on January 29, 2023 by Michele Zavatsky

ALL INCLUSIVE RESORTS – Mom or Dad at a conference in a tourist town? Why not stay, work and play together and maybe never have to leave the property. Consider Resort Conference complexes.

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.

PLANNING A SPORTS FAN VACATION

Posted on August 27, 2022 by Michele Zavatsky

I live in the Midwest so we’re used to seasons. And…any sports fan knows the change of sesaons means the change in sports played too.

We decided to explore a City of Champions – Pittsburgh, PA – just for its sports.

Take a Guided Tour

After a short (1 to 2 hour) tour you have the lay of the land.

Use Shuttles

Many big sports cities offer shuttle service to/from nearby hotels or major attractions right to the front door (or dock) of the sports arena/field.

Gateway Clipper tours and shuttles on the river

Go to Games

Pro Baseball/Hockey/Soccer games often have tickets available for a fair price.

Go Behind the Scenes

Take a stadium tour or attend a training camp.

Try to Find Sports History

Usually it isn’t hard to find a local museum with plenty of local sports history memorabilia.

Pick Lodging and Dining

With a local flare or within a short walk/shuttle to games.

Some of our favs:

Marriott Pittsburgh City Center – The official hotel of the Pittsburgh Penguins is right next to the Consol Center (home of Penguins NHL Hockey). Uptown flair. Take their shuttle to the games or the Strip. Within 6-8 blocks of most downtown shopping/dining.

Cambria Suites Pittsburgh at Consol Energy Center. Friendliest shuttle drivers ever. Lots of sports fans stay here.

THE STRIP! Blocks of pure Pittsburgh. Along the Allegheny River just northeast of Downtown is the mile-long stretch known as The Strip District. Here, industrial and warehouse spaces have been reclaimed to support a bustling marketplace. During the day, this area serves as Pittsburgh’s most popular market district, offering the freshest foodstuffs, including enticing polish, irish, italian, and greek smells wafting from the door fronts and dozens of street and store vendors selling much “BLACK AND GOLD”. (the Strip: pg 305 of KIDS LOVE PENNSYLVANIA)

For those of you following along by means of KIDS LOVE PENNSYLVANIA, pages 291 thru 313 . We promise, with our books as your base we give you all the help you need to plan any daytrips – even the Sports fanatic kind!

WHY USE KIDS LOVE TRAVEL FAMILY GUIDEBOOKS?

Posted on June 21, 2021 by Michele Zavatsky

FEATURES only found in KIDS LOVE GUIDEBOOKS:

A little Frazzled? Busy? Have a Free Weekend coming up but no time to plan it? Kids Love Travel Family Guides to the rescue! We’ve already surveyed all the kid-friendly attractions and organized them for you to plan day trips and getaways…on a budget.

How does it work?

1. QUICK TOURS of Hand-Picked Favorites – to help you choose, if you have a limited time frame.

2. DAY TRIP ZONE CATEGORIES – makes it easy to locate multiple activities in the same area.

3. EDUCATIONAL OR FREE DOWNLOADS – coloring sheets, scavenger hunts, puzzles and lesson plans.

4. QUICK VIEW CHARTS – organized by city.

5. DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS – including pricing, hours, overview and insider tips.

6. ACTIVITY INDEX – to locate attractions by theme (ex. Tours, Science, Seasonal Events).

A great resource for busy moms everywhere, Kids Love Travel Family Guides will guarantee your family vacation is worth all the time, money, and emotion you put into it.

PLAYTIME @ MAUMEE BAY / TOLEDO (Day Two)

Posted on June 12, 2021 by Michele Zavatsky

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!

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.

OSPL_MB Kids fishing on lakewall 1 — 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!

OSPL_MB Kids at nature center 6 — Nature Center is very hands-on.

OSPL_MB Kids in indoor splash area 3 — Indoor splash pad area.

OSPL_MB Kids playing in sand 1 — 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.

OSPL_MB Kids at ice cream shop 1 — The ice cream shop was hopping! Veryyyy large portions!

OSPL_MB Group making smores — 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

FAMILIES LOVE TRAVEL – ON THE CHEAP

Posted on May 18, 2020 by Michele Zavatsky

Take a Vacation without Breaking the Bank

-notes from Michele Z, the Family Travel Mom

Here are some tips to help you put together a trip that they will all enjoy…on a tight budget:

Simplify your lodgings. Either join a rewards club or, if you can, plan to visit areas of the country where you can stay with friends or relatives. Another option- vacation homes and campgrounds – using a grill or fully equipped kitchen and washer/dryer facility yourself saves money. Of course, the best way to save on hotels is to not use them. Plan day trips to sights and attractions within driving distance instead.
Attractions. Buying tickets in advance online can save not only money, but time as well. Go in a group for shows and fee-paid attractions at a group discount. Get more value from historical places by: re-enactments, history mysteries, state history workbooks.
Babysitting. When planning a road trip with young children, ask grandparents or another close relative to come along to watch the kids. This allows you and your spouse some time alone without paying for resort babysitting services.
Discount or Membership Card. Buy a discount attractions pass for large cities like Chicago, Orlando, New York – especially if you know you’re going to visit four or more sites around town. You can also save up to $500.00 with free discount cards provided by local CVBs. Some supermarket chains offer great discount tickets to major attractions in the area by just signing up for their Customer Card. If you already have family memberships to your local Children’s Museum, Science Center, Zoo or Aquarium, find out which places offer Free or Discounted Reciprocal Admission.
Economize on meals. Plan to splurge on one meal, but make the other meals less expensive. Staying at a hotel with a complimentary continental breakfast is our favorite option. Pay attention to three magic words, “Kids Eat Free,” especially at hotel and chain restaurants. Look for Extra Value Meals or Early Bird specials, too. Often, historic taverns offer better value deals for lunch vs. dinner menus so maybe consider making lunch your main meal of the day.
Freebies. (Yes, they still exist!) Keep the little ones entertained without opening the wallet at upscale mall stores like a Lego Store or Discovery Stores. Many upscale hotels now have live, caged animals in their lobby such as exotic birds. Once or twice a day the management offers public programs with a naturalist or you can chance upon a feeding time. Another freebie – free admission special events or festivals. Best of all, though, are the attractions that are still FREE admission. One-quarter to one-third of all Kids Love Travel series guidebooks offer reviews on attractions that never, or hardly ever, charge to get in!
Getting Around. Dad did all that driving to get there, now he just wants to get out of the van and take a nap, but the family is ready to see the sites. Most every tourist town has a trolley service and most every trolley has on/off privileges. To save even more money, opt out of actually visiting the historic museums (probably boring for kids anyway) and just absorb the views and snipits from the trolley guide. Walking is free, too. Some historic towns are very walkable (ex. Alexandria, St. Augustine, Fredericksburg, DC, Lexington, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, etc.)
Giving In. Moms say “yes” to kids more often and to more requests on vacation. So, give in moms, but cheaply. The number one request of kids on vacation: Staying up late and Sleeping in – so let them, no cost here. Next on kids’ list was treats. Most “treats” like ice cream cones are little cost compared to sit-down meals so splurge on that cone or candy but save on dinner because the kids won’t be that hungry!
Go off season. Not only will the crowds be reduced, but hotels offer deep discounts and gift shops run clearance sales during off-peak times of year.
Pack to Save. A last minute purchase or rental of certain items out of necessity can add up quickly. If you have the room, bring your own stroller or bicycles. If you like to theme park or bike/hike, we have suggestions at our workshops and in the KIDS LOVE FLORIDA BOOK about what to pack in your backpack.

Kids grow up fast. Enjoy time with them (inexpensively) while they’re young. Remember, this year may offer the best travel deals ever! 2020 – Michele Zavatsky

Want more ideas about how to plan your next family trip – and, maybe learn some tricks on how to get the most value? Michele Z, the Family Travel Mom, has been to 5,000 places and shares her journals in her KIDS LOVE TRAVEL GUIDEBOOKS – Family Travel Guides.

Visit www.KidsLoveTravel.com and let YOUR next family adventure begin!

KIDS LOVE SOUTH CAROLINA – MYRTLE BEACH LODGING & DINING

Posted on August 24, 2010 by Michele Zavatsky

With so many amusements, entertainment and water activities to choose from, you may forget the essentials: picking the right lodging and dining for your visit. Here’s some helpful insights from our recent trip to Myrtle Beach:

KINGSTON PLANTATION RESORT

This oceanfront hotel complex is located on 145 beautifully landscaped acres on approximately a mile of pristine beach, just 12 miles from Myrtle Beach International Airport and minutes from restaurant row.

Kingston Plantation Condos: individually owned and decorated casual upscale multi-bedroom condos are in towers on either side of the Embassy or Hilton Hotel Resort.

Embassy Suites Oceanfront: All of the luxurious two-room suites feature a spacious bedroom with one king bed or two double beds, plus a separate living area with mini refrigerator and microwave, and a private balcony with ocean views. Suites are fully equipped with two 32″ LCD televisions, a sleeper sofa, and a well lit dining/work table.

Resort Dining

Complimentary Breakfast – All registered guests of the Embassy Suites will enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet daily. Other resort guests can pay for the buffet. The restaurant offers great views of the ocean and pool complex. Before you leave home, go to www.embassykids.com for online games and offline printable activity sheets. Fish Eye Grill features daily fresh fish specials, along with regional Calabash style cuisine.

Recreation

Splash! Water Park is open seasonally. This 50,000 pool area is the main feature for fun in the water. It offers water jets, water pumps, water slides and the “bucket”. The bucket is a 500 gallon bucket which fills with water and dumps every two minutes on participants below. Or, Enjoy one of 9 swimming pools at the resort. Relax in the Lazy River. Fun for kids and adults alike.

The large complex also offers a golf course, tennis and a huge Sport and Health Club. And, of course, the Beach – soft sand, great body board surfing, and the Apache Pier with fishing and nightly entertainment during summer. Easy place to make friends around the pool, set up a family tent on the beach or prepare light meals back at the room. This resort is perfect for safe family fun with plenty of leisure activities available. We highly recommend it! www.kingstonplantation.com

Live Entertainment each peak season evening at Apache Pier

CAMPING: Sleep Under the Stars

The Myrtle Beach area offers campers and outdoor enthusiasts a choice of nearly a dozen campgrounds, two state parks and more than 7,000 camping sites, all located in close proximity to the beach and other attractions and amenities along the Grand Strand. Some locations include:

Myrtle Beach State Park: Located in the heart of Myrtle Beach and boasts an impressive beach, fishing pier, 350 campsites, cabins, picnic shelters, activity center, nature center, hiking trails and free nature programs with admission to the park. For more information, call (843) 238-5325 or visit SouthCarolinaParks.com.
Huntington Beach State Park: The diverse natural environment of the South Carolina coast consists of freshwater lagoons, salt marshes, nature trails along the fabulous stretch of beach. The park has 133 campsites, picnic areas with shelters, nature programs and the historic castle Atalaya, once the winter home of sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington and her husband, Archer. For more information, call (843) 237-4440 or visit SouthCarolinaParks.com.
Ocean Lakes Family Campground: Visitors will enjoy beachfront camping on the eight fresh water lakes. On-site amenities include the Four Seasons Center with heated pool, and a 17,000-square-foot recreation center – plus nearly 900 campsites, 250 rentals units and over 2,000 annual lease sites. For more information, call (877) 510-1413 or visit OceanLakes.com.
Lakewood Camping Resort: Offers visitors the choice of oceanfront or lakefront campsites or villa accommodations; with available amenities including golf cart rentals, on-site telephones, heated swimming pool, three-acre recreation complex, and oceanfront amphitheater and meeting rooms for clubs and rallies. For more information, call (877) LAKEWOOD or visit LakewoodCampground.com.
Pirateland Family Camping Resort: For nearly 40 years, PirateLand campground has been accommodating family travelers with more than 700 campsites, a heated indoor swimming pool, two- and three-bedroom vacation rentals, golf packages and a beautiful, wide span of beach. For more information, call (800) 443-CAMP or visit Pirateland.com.

DINING

RIVERSIDE CAFÉ: With 5 locations around Myrtle Beach, this is an inexpensive dining hangout where you eat peanuts and throw the shells on the floor. They have a few specialties but probably the best bets are their sandwiches – specifically their many burger varieties. And, if your kids dare, people can write on the walls, tables, chairs here – go ahead! Lunch and dinner served. www.rivercitycafe.com

JIMMY BUFFETT’S MARGARITAVILLE RESTAURANT – MYRTLE BEACH: After a fun-filled day with the kids on the beach and later at Ripley’s Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach, you may not want to loose that tropical feeling. After checking out some spectacular sea creatures, have a late lunch/ early dinner next door at Margaritaville to stay in that island state of mind. Kids have their own menu at this tropical-themed eatery including standards like chicken fingers, a “cheeseburger in paradise” or spaghetti but also grilled tilapia and fried shrimp plus 4 other selections. Margaritaville’s specialties include chicken, shrimp and fish entrees often served with Island rice and your choice of mango salsa, Jerk BBQ or Island butter. Key lime pie or their Chocolate Hurricane make a great dessert. Although their food is fun, folks really come for the atmosphere. While you wait for your meal to be served, a pirate on stilts makes balloon hats (we got fun palm trees and a shark fin). Once an hour, a tropical storm brews and there’s a hurricane indoors! It’s a party over there! Lunch and Dinner served daily. www.margaritavillemyrtlebeach.com

Want more INSIDER SCOOPS on how to take budget-friendly day trips and turn them into vacations?

Pick up a copy of one of these family travel guides and let the exploring begin!

It really is like pressing the EASY BUTTON for family travel…

KIDS LOVE MISSOURI Family Travel Updates – St. Charles

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Michele Zavatsky

MISSOURI

NEW INFORMATION:

As we revisit areas listed in our books, we find new places to shout about – especially new lodging and dining. In a recent visit, we landed in historic downtown St. Charles, MO, just northwest of St. Louis. We spent almost all our time on Main Street. There are so many little shops to browse through and cafes to eat at. Park once, walk for hours. Here’s some of the things we explored:

NE – Embassy Suites Hotel St.Louis-St.Charles – Two Convention Center Plaza, Saint Charles, MO 63303
Reservations: http://embassysuites.hilton.com or 1-800-EMBASSY. Rates: $141.00 plus. Each suite is beautifully decorated with a private bedroom and spacious living room. All suites are fully equipped with two televisions, a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, two telephones with data ports, high-speed Internet access and a well-lit dining/work table. Price also includes cooked-to-order breakfast and nightly manager’s reception.

NE – Llywelyn’s – 100 North Main Street. www.llywelynspub.com. Historic area. Kids Menu includes: Grilled Cheese, Mac & Cheese, Mini Corndogs, Two Mini Burgers, Chicken Tenders, Pizza, or Kids Fish. All are served with a kids drink (excluding Fitz’s) Fries, chips, fruit cup, or veggie sticks and Oreos for $5.49. Parents, you must try Welsh Potato Chips or Welsh Rarebit to start, flatbreads w/Guinness for lunch or traditional Irish fare of Bangers & Mashed, Shepherds Pie or Irish Stew for a filling dinner.

NE – Little Hills Restaurant – 501 South Main Street. www.littlehillswinery.com. Wait until you see their Children’s Menu: typical chicken tenders, grilled cheese, mac and cheese, burgers but also pot roast or a chicken tender bowl with mashed potatoes and corn. Avg. $5.00-$6.00. Special items for adults are highlighted on the main menu – including specialty steak and chicken dishes plus dinner “bowls.”

Page 69 – 200 south block – First Capitol. You can just go in a look around the interpretive center floors for free or pay a small fee and tour the whole complex with detailed stories.

Page 71 – 900 south block – Lewis and Clark Boat House & Nature Center State Park (Riverside Drive on the water). When you pay the $2.00-$4.00 admission be sure to get the kids activity sheet to complete for a prize. Inside the museum kids will snoop out the dress up clothes, the bullboat? (a small round boat covered with the skin of one buffalo bull), and the Missouri River water table. Have them look for a journal and an old-fashioned laptop – a lap desk.

Campers?

Sundermeier RV Park (www.sundermeierrvpark.com) may be the haven near the big city you were looking for. A wonderful low cost base to day trip from, Sundermeier park has the typical amenities for rv campers but also an on-site restaurant, wi-fi, cable, cottages to rent, a lovely city park with a playground and basketball court across the street, and the Katy Trail State Park is adjacent. The deluxe cottages have a fireplace, full kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedroom and porch. there are also sleeping cottages with just a bathroom and shower. All cottages are air conditioned and heated. Open year round.

Want 500 more ideas for discovering the adventuresome state of MISSOURI? Take a look at KIDS LOVE MISSOURI.

NEW FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDE: KIDS LOVE I-95

Posted on February 16, 2010 by Michele Zavatsky

We’ve been working on this project for 12 years,

who knows how many miles,

1000s of hours…

and, it’s our biggest Family Travel Guide yet!

Introducing:

KIDS LOVE I-95

Your Family Travel Guide to I-95

500 Kid-Tested Fun Stops & Unique Spots from the Mid-Atlantic to Miami

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, hidden freebies and favorite pit stops, too. Make spontaneous or planned sidetrips or get to know your favorite destinations better!

Would you like a preview of my new book “KIDS LOVE I-95?” Kids Love Travel.

Some of my favorite cities like Philadelphia, Wilmington, Baltimore, metro Washington, D.C., and southern states like Virginia, the Carolinas (North and South – for the first time!), and the coastline of Georgia and Florida are featured. Really interesting places to quick stop for some tasty morsels, too.

Do you have a memory of family travels along I-95?

Share them with us…