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10 Awesome Things to do in New …

March 15, 2019 By admin

If you follow me on Instagram, you saw a peek into our whirlwind NOLA trip. I was pleasantly surprised at how much my daughter enjoyed The Big Easy so today I’m sharing some of the best things to do in New Orleans with kids.

With old-school southern charm, a melting pot of people and cultures, history galore, an amazing food scene and attractions for every traveler, New Orleans is a great pick for a family-friendly getaway.

10 Awesome Things to do in New Orleans With Kids

Mardi Gras World is one of the top things to do in New Orleans with kids.

1) Check Out Mardi Gras World

The next best thing to watching a Mardi Gras parade in person (yes, there are child-friendly versions) is checking out the floats up-close and seeing how they’re made. A visit to Mardi Gras World starts out with an informational video (and King Cake tasting) and ends with an elaborate behind-the-scenes tour where you’ll see artists painting and designing their creations.

There are plenty of photo-ops and costumes to try on so make sure you’ve got a full battery. The complimentary shuttle makes this a super easy option for families visiting New Orleans with kids.

The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is the perfect option for a rainy or super hot day in New Orleans with kids.

2) Go Under the Sea at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.

Aquariums are always an awesome option for family trips and New Orleans’ Audubon Aquarium of the Americas will not disappoint. Kids will love seeing penguins, sea otters, sharks, rays, turtles, birds and more in larger than life exhibits with touch tanks and hands-on displays. Note: The nearby Audubon Zoo is one of the best zoos in America.

Shoppers and foodies will find plenty to love in New Orlean’s French Market.

3) Shop Till You Drop at the French Market

From custom art and jewelry to foodie faves and snacks galore, the French Market has something for visitors of all ages.

This is the perfect spot to pick up souvenirs, watch a cooking demo and have a quick bite before exploring the French Quarter.

4) Make Time for Beignets

NOLA is known for their powered sugar covered French donuts and you can’t visit New Orleans with kids without stopping at one of their two famed eateries: Cafe du Monde (my husband’s pick) and Cafe Beignet (my daughter and I loved these). Pair them with chicory coffee or chocolate milk and you’ll be energized all day. Go early in the morning to avoid long waits or later in the day for an afternoon snack.

5) Play at the Louisiana Children’s Museum

Located in the heart of the warehouse district, the interactive Louisiana Children’s Museum is a must if you’re traveling with the elementary and younger set. The museum features several hands-on exhibits, reading nooks and art areas. Don’t miss the imaginative play spaces like the bubble area, eye doctor space, grocery store and play cafe.

6) Ride the Streetcar

New Orleans is a very easy city to navigate by foot but make sure to save a trip or two for the city’s historic Streetcars. The St. Charles streetcar, the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world, goes past gorgeous live oak trees and dozens of antebellum mansions, historic monuments, Loyola and Tulane universities, and shops. Rides are just $1.25 per trip or $3 for unlimited rides all day making this a great way to get around New Orleans with kids.

7) Listen to Some Jazz

The Big Easy is known for their Jazz scene and little music lovers will enjoy taking in live music. Local musicans play on street corners, restaurants and bars. I recommend taking in a Jazz brunch or going to a concert at Preservation Hall, an all ages, non-smoking venue with shows starting at 5pm. Book reservations in advance.

8) Go Back in Time at The World War II Museum

For history loving families (best for kids 6+), The National World War II Museum is a must see. Give yourselves a full day here and plan to arrive in the early morning if possible. Younger kids will enjoy seeing the massive planes and visual displays (old fashioned kitchens and living rooms), while older kids will appreciate the interactive exhibits, historic artifacts and short films about America’s contribution to the Allied victory in World War II. This museum is huge (AND expanding) and busy so get tickets to any special activities or events.

9) Explore the French Quarter

New Orlean’s French Quarter is famous for good reason. One look at the gorgeous architecture (colorful facades, rustic shutters and cast-iron balconies), horse-drawn carriages and performer filled squares and you’ll be lost in time. There are shops, art galleries, cafes, and street musicians at every turn. Yes, Bourbon Street has a lot of bars, but wander around Royal Street and the surrounding streets and be sure and check out the local artists and street performers in Jackson Square.

10) Play All Day at City Park

An awesome family-friendly destination is City Park, one of the oldest urban parks in the United States and a great spot in New Orleans with kids. It features a small amusement park, storybook-themed playground, lake with paddle boat rentals, mini golf, botanical garden, cafes and more. If you want to take in some nature and tire your littles out, this is the place to go.

Planning to visit New Orleans with kids? Be sure to check out my picks for the most family-friendly New Orleans restaurants before you go.

Top 10 Family Friendly …

October 17, 2017 By admin

School may just have started but I’m already gathering ideas for summer vacations. At the recent Momtrends Night Out, I had the chance to meet with the Visit Williamsburg team and today I’m sharing my picks for the Top 10 Family Friendly Activities in Williamsburg, Virginia.

With my third-grade history buff daughter who loved our Charleston getaway and my College of William & Mary graduate husband who loves anything Virginia, it is just a matter of time before we get down there to check these out firsthand!

I was truly amazed at the variety of adventures that are available but I purposefully picked a mix of excitement, culinary treats, cultural activities and some R&R to keep all three of us happily entertained.

Top 10 Family Friendly Activities in Williamsburg, Virginia

1) Colonial Williamsburg

No surprise that well-known Colonial Williamsburg tops my list of family-friendly attractions. Choose from more than 20 guided tours (included in the admission price) or explore the historic sights at your own pace. Go back in time with reenactments, savor tavern fare (don’t miss the “gambols” at Josiah Chowning’s Tavern), check out the shops of Merchants Square, try your hands at candle making, golf, go undercover as a spy, savor sweet treats at the Raleigh Tavern Bakery and so much more. Insider tip: Don’t miss the life-size maze in the gardens behind the Governor’s Palace.

Top 10 Family Friendly Activities in Williamsburg, Virginia

Da Vinci’s Cradle at Busch Gardens

2) Busch Gardens

Our family loves amusement parks so a day at Busch Gardens is a must. From daring roller coasters and thrill rides to animal shows, seasonal events and Broadway-style shows, there really is something for everyone in the family. Year after year, this is voted one of the most beautiful theme parks and the grounds are divided by countries similar to Epcot.

Williamsburg’s Tasting Trail features wines, micro-brewed beer and distilled spirits

3) Williamsburg Tasting Trail

Did you know that Williamsburg Winery is one of the top wineries in the country? Plan a low-key day exploring the area’s tasting trail and sample the areas famed wines, micro-brewed beer and distilled spirits and enjoy family-friendly special events. Don’t miss the newest addition, Billsburg Brewery which features artisan craft beers and Jamestown River views. I sampled a few varieties including Strawberry and honey-based drinks at the Momtrend’s Event and they were delicious.

4) Historic Jamestowne

Learn about Jamestown’s 92-year run as the capital of Virginia through archeology tours and museums and step back in time as you follow in the footsteps of Capt. John Smith and Pocahontas. Enjoy lunch overlooking the James River and be sure to stop at the Glasshouse of 1608 for glassmaking demonstrations.

Colossal Curl at Water Country USA

5) Water Country USA

We’re fans of Splish Splash and Kalahari so I know Water Country USA, Virginia’s largest water park, will be one of the highlights of our trip. With more than 40 water rides and attractions (including this mom’s favorite, the lazy river) and KIDsiderate play areas, this is a great spot to spend a day.

6) The College of William & Mary

Because my husband (and both his siblings) went to school here, we will definitely spend some time checking out the college’s famed Colonial campus located at the edge of Colonial Williamsburg’s historic district. You won’t want to miss the President’s House, Sir Christopher Wren Building and Muscarelle Museum of Art. Grab a sandwich (my husband recommends the combo with house dressing) from the nearby Cheese Shop of Williamsburg and enjoy a low key picnic as you watch the students run from class to class. Fun fact: The Wren Building anchors one end of the main street in Colonial Williamsburg and it is exactly a mile to the Colonial Capital at the other end of the historic district.

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

7) Historic Yorktown

The NEW American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is a must see which allows visitors to experience the impact of the Revolution through an introductory film and expansive gallery exhibits plus kids can fire a real cannon! Be sure to visit the three ships at Jamestown Settlement, Yorktown Battlefield and savor the area’s riverfront charm. Tip: If you go, skip the highways and drive the scenic Colonial Parkway.

Scoops Kid Spa at Great Wolf Lodge

8) Family Spa Time

All that amusement park time needs to be balanced out with some relaxation so I recommend checking out the area’s spas. From a pampering couples massage at Colonial Williamsburg Spa or The Spa at Kingsmill to the Scoops Kid Spa at Great Wolf Lodge, the options are varied.

Go Ape Zip Line & Treetop Adventure

9) Outdoor Adventures

From biking in Colonial Williamsburg to hiking and kayaking at York River State Park, golf galore and treetop zip adventures at Go Ape Freedom Park, outdoor enthusiasts will have plenty of options to choose.

10) Family Bonding Time

Make sure to add in some time to kick back and enjoy some family time. My personal picks for this include a sunset cruise with Jamestown Discovery Boat Tours, an in-theater dining experience at Movie Tavern, exploring the waterfront at Riverwalk and checking out the area’s woodlands and wetlands.

Have you visited Greater Williamsburg? Tell me your favorite Family Friendly Activities in Williamsburg, Virginia below in the comments.

Thanks to Meredith Corp. and Visit Williamsburg for sponsoring this post. I was compensated for attending this event and writing this post but all opinions are my own.If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Gulliver’s Gate NYC: a …

June 9, 2017 By admin

The latest NYC tourist attraction has arrived and it is definitely worth checking out with or without the kids. Gulliver’s Gate is a “mini-world” exhibit in Times Square where families can wander from city to city, exploring the whole wide world in one trip. We checked it out at the grand opening party and I especially loved looking at all the mini NYC sights and landmarks. Just look at all the tiny details in this amazing downtown scene…

Such amazing details in the mini downtown NYC at Gulliver’s Gate.

We explored the hundreds of built-to-scale scenes from Europe, Asia, Latin America, Russia, New England, the Middle East and Washington DC, as well many other regions around the globe. My daughter especially enjoyed Gulliver’s Gate’s interactive aspects, including moving model trains and cars, as well as ships that sail, bridges that open and close, characters that move about and balloons that float through the air. Kids are given special keys to unlock some of the moving parts and this really helps to keep them focused on each exhibit.

Since we were just in London, my daughter loved naming all the London landmarks and watching the tiny queen come in and out of Buckingham Palace. Can you spot her below?

Scenes from around the globe at Gulliver’s Gate in Times Square, NYC.

There are so many famous landmarks like the Pyramids, the Colosseum, the Louvre, the Panama Canal, Big Ben, and more as well as scenes of locals all over the world. From playgrounds and concert halls to airports and subway stations, you can easily spend hours exploring around.

Gulliver’s Gate NYC: a small, small world opens in Times Square

I personally loved the crazy attention to detail in all the exhibits as well as the cheeky adult finds like the Beatles crossing Abbey Road in London and the Obamas waving from the White House.

Teeny Tiny Beatles crossing Abbey Road in London at Gulliver’s Gate.

If you’re looking for a fun keepsake, there is a full-body scanner and 3-D printer that allows visitors to make miniature versions of themselves to take home or you can opt to have your mini model live as a “model citizen” of Gulliver’s Gate. Tres cool.

What an awesome way to show kids the world’s landmarks and teach a little geography along the way. Visiting information and pricing can be found here.

Have you visited New York City? Tell me your favorite spot in the comments below.

If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Staycation Family Fun at …

March 7, 2017 By admin

It isn’t every day I get to really play tourist in my own city so when Conrad New York invited my family for a downtown staycation, I jumped at the chance. If you are looking for a family friendly all-suite hotel in the heart of NYC’s new downtown, Conrad New York is a fantastic choice.

Conrad New York is a great choice for families visiting New York City.

Many tourists think they need to stay near Times Square but I like to recommend families stay in more residential areas to get a better feel for the “real” New York while avoiding the craziness of midtown. Located just steps away from Brookfield Place, and nearby the Freedom Tower and 9/11 memorial, Westfield World Trade Center shopping center (aka the Oculus) and historic Battery Park, Conrad New York was an ideal home base for our two-day trip.

We live nearby so we arrived by taxi and quickly checked in. The 15-story lobby is just stunning and the signature 10-story custom artwork, Sol Lewitt’s Loopy Doopy, really mesmerized us all as the colors changed when the lights shifted.

Staycation Family Fun at Conrad New York

The hotel features a sleek modern design with stylish decor, a grand marble staircase and awesome Hudson River views – I particularly loved the open air spaces that allow guests to take in the art and views from every floor. Just the place to stay inspired…

We settled into our suite (one of 463) which was stylishly decorated with modern art and a soothing color palate. My daughter had her own sleeping area in the living area while my husband and I claimed the master bedroom. In addition to the comfortable beds (and plush feather pillows!), there were closets upon closets, an incredibly spacious bathroom, a separate oversized walk-in rainfall shower, a desk area and chairs for relaxing.

Our stylish suite at Conrad New York. Staycation family fun at Conrad New York.

My daughter immediately fell in love with Hudson, a stuffed bull mascot who was awaiting her arrival.

Our first stop was a visit to The Rink at Brookfield Place where we were greeted by Former U. S. Olympic ice skaters Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov who manage the rink.

Staycation, New York with kids, Former U. S. Olympic ice skaters Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov at The Rink at Brookfield Place. Staycation Family Fun at Conrad, New York

Former U. S. Olympic ice skaters Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov at The Rink at Brookfield Place. Staycation Family Fun at Conrad New York

My daughter and I enjoyed some time together on the ice and then she had a private lesson. The rink isn’t too large making it easy to keep track of your kids and balancing props for young children are available. Talk about a rink with a view. Such a gorgeous backdrop, right? If you’re lucky, you might catch an Ice Skate with Olympic Greats performance.

Skating at The Rink at Brookfield Place. Staycation Family Fun at Conrad New York

Conrad New York offers hotel packages that include ice skating lessons here – definitely a unique perk for an NYC hotel. The ice rink is housed outside Brookfield Place all winter but during the other seasons, you can often find cool art exhibits and other fun pop-up events.

We went back to our room and were quickly greeted with a fresh fruit plate and drinks. I have no idea how the hotel staff read our minds but we were hungry and thirsty so this hit the spot.

Post ice skating snack at Conrad New York.

The weather was gorgeous so we decided to explore outside after a quick pit stop at the hotel’s gift shop. I usually expect touristy things from a hotel shop but this one was nicely curated with specialty NYC themed books (for adults and kids), toys and other trendy items. The friendly guy working there started talking photography with my husband so my daughter and I could happily browse.

Be sure to check out the great gift shop at Conrad New York.

For lunch, we stopped at Hudson Eats, the family friendly food hall upstairs at Brookfield Place, which features a variety of upscale quick serve restaurants and a huge seating area with waterfront views. From sushi, bagels, pizza and sandwiches to salads, tacos, burgers and cupcakes, everyone in the family can find something to eat. I almost always order a Num Pang sandwich while my daughter and husband usually grab a burger, grilled cheese, pizza or sushi.

Downtown NYC has a lot of sights that most tourists never see. I highly suggest the walk from Brookfield Place to Battery Park which is along the Battery Park City Esplanade. There are no cars along the paved promenade making it very easy to roam with kids and you will spot interesting sights (Statue of Liberty!), lookout points, grassy spots and great playgrounds along the way…

Battery Park City Esplanade is a favorite spot for families to explore. Staycation Fun at Conrad New York.

Battery Park is full of adventures for tourists and locals alike and if you have an afternoon or full day, I highly recommend you visit the Statue of Liberty, ride the gorgeous Seaglass Carousel or take a sail aboard the Staten Island Ferry.

We stopped by the Cool Globes art exhibit just at the top of Battery Park to check out the amazing oversized globes on display.

Checking out the Cool Globes. Staycation Family Fun at Conrad New York.

Then we headed back home to the hotel with a stop at the West Thames Park. Love these stunning Freedom Tower views.

Downtown New York City has a variety of playgrounds. Staycation Family Fun at Conrad New York.

After a quick change, we headed back over to Brookfield Place for dinner. There are always fun art exhibits going on in the gorgeous palm tree filled glass atrium and we got to see the famed Luminaries display which features hundred of changing lights that coordinate to holiday songs. If you are in the area over the winter holidays, be sure to check it out.

Luminaries at Brookfield Place. Staycation Family Fun at Conrad, New York

We had a delicious dinner at Beaubourg in Le District and we were so happy we could just walk home after our long day. If you love French cuisine, Le District is a gourmand’s haven filled with restaurants and shops selling everything from meats and veggies to pastries and French candy.

Le District in Brookfield Place. Staycation Family Fun at Conrad New York

I really love having a suite when we travel since my daughter usually goes to bed around 8 pm and I like to stay up later. It was so nice that our Conrad New York suite allowed my daughter to fall asleep while my husband could stay up late without having to be quiet or keep the room dark.

My daughter loved having her own space at Conrad New York.

After a great night’s sleep, my daughter and I enjoyed lounging around reading while my husband checked out the in-room Nespresso coffee machine. We had a nice relaxing morning and headed to our 10 am brunch reservation at Atrio in the hotel’s lobby. Of course, our new pal Hudson joined us.

Young travelers receive a stuffed Conrad bull at Conrad, New York.

Young travelers receive a stuffed “Hudson the bull” at Conrad New York.

We chose the breakfast buffet which was loaded with pastries, bagels, and yogurt parfaits along with eggs, bacon, potatoes and other breakfast items. The restaurant features river views behind sparkly “curtains” that mesmerized my daughter and Hudson. In addition to weekend brunch, Atrio also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and features an Instagram-worthy wall of wine.

Atrio at the Conrad New York features a stylish dining room with river views.

We spent the rest of our day checking out the nearby attractions like the Regal Battery Park movie theater (which you can enter from the hotel!), department stores (hi Saks), restaurants (including Danny Meyer signature spots) and the shiny new Oculus which houses some amazing retailers, eateries and the newest Eataly (think everything yummy from Italy under one roof).

After thoroughly exhausting ourselves in a good way, we headed back to Conrad New York to grab our bags and say goodbye.

Thanks for a great staycation at Conrad, New York

If you want a pampering family friendly hotel stay with a great location to explore downtown, NYC, I highly recommend Conrad New York.

Have you ever stayed downtown? Tell me your favorite attractions in the comments below.

A very special thanks to Conrad New York for providing accommodations, breakfast and skating lessons. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Top 5 Frozen Inspired Vacation …

January 7, 2015 By admin

Attention Frozen fans…Do you want to build a snowman on vacation AND sleep in an ice hotel? Read on for my Top 5 Frozen Inspired Vacation Getaway suggestions and don’t worry there are plenty of fireplaces, hot tubs and saunas (as well as one non-ice hotel) so you’ll stay toasty warm…

Frozen, Vacation, Anna and Elsa, Ice Hotel, Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Norway

Top 5 Frozen Inspired Vacation Getaways: Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Norway

1) Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Alta, Norway

This 21,530 sq. ft. structure is made entirely from snow and ice every year. Frozen hotel experiences include:

· A new theme each season to offer guests a completely unique experience

· Reindeer leather sleeping pads and ultra-warm sleeping bags to warm your toes

· Outdoor hot tubs or sauna to help guests escape the cold temperatures

Det Hanseatiske Hotel, Norway, Frozen, Vacation, Anna and Elsa, Disney Frozen

Top 5 Frozen Inspired Vacation Getaways: Det Hanseatiske Hotel, Norway

2) Det Hanseatiske Hotel, Bergen, Norway

If staying in a hotel made of ice doesn’t give you the warm and fuzzies, head to Bergen, Norway instead to explore the real life inspiration for the Kingdom of Arendelle. Frozen hotel experiences include:

· As a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Bryggen district, Det Hanseatiske Hotel allows visitors to step back in time

· Located in a 16th-century building in the heart of Bergen, the hotel features 37 unique rooms with centuries-old timber walls, wood furniture and leather sofas

· Unique restaurants including a fine dining experience in an intimate and stylish 17th-century atmosphere at Finnegaardsstuene

Frozen, Vacation, Anna and Elsa, Ice Hotel, Balea Ice Hotel, Romania

Top 5 Frozen Inspired Vacation Getaways: Balea Ice Hotel, Romania

3) Balea Ice Hotel, Cîrţişoara, Romania
Located in the Făgăraş Mountains of Romania and accessible only by cable car, Balea Ice Hotel provides travelers with a unique Frozen experience including:

· Rooms and furniture made by local craftsmen completely from ice blocks

· An ice restaurant, the first ecumenical ice church in Romania and an ice bar where drinks are served in glasses made of ice

· A variety of experiences including skiing, snowboarding, tubing, sleighing and other winter sports

· For some family fun, the hotel also organizes fun games such as snowball fights, snowman building contests and ice bowling

Frozen, Vacation, Anna and Elsa, Ice Hotel, Igloo Village Kakslauttanen, Finland, Igloo

Top 5 Frozen Inspired Vacation Getaways: Igloo Village Kakslauttanen, Finland

4) Igloo Village Kakslauttanen, Saariselka, Finland

These thermal glass igloos keep guests warm amidst the freezing Arctic surroundings and provide a fun family experience fitting of Elsa and Anna:

· Each igloo pod has its own luxury beds and saunas, relaxation rooms, terraces, and an open fireplace, all available in adjacent log cabins

· The village also features the world’s largest smoke sauna

· Many exciting activities including snowmobiling, dog sledding, Northern Lights bus tours, Artic Ocean trips, and husky and reindeer safaris

Frozen, Vacation, Anna and Elsa, Ice Hotel, Kirkenes Snowhotel, Norway

Top 5 Frozen Inspired Vacation Getaways: Kirkenes Snowhotel, Norway

5) Kirkenes Snowhotel, Kirkenes, Norway

Head to Norway and live in frozen luxury when you stay at the Kirkenes Snowhotel and enjoy an unforgettable Frozen experience:

· The hotel features unique, snow-sculpted rooms, an ice bar, restaurant and sauna to provide guests with a comfortable experience while staying in the -4 degrees Celsius temperatures

· From husky tours to Arctic King Crab fishing tours, cross country skiing to ice fishing, the Snowhotel offers fun activities for everyone

Whew, I’m freezing just writing that. Not a snow lover? If you would rather explore Norway by sea this summer, check out Disney cruises aboard the Disney Magic to the Norwegian Fjords. And, if you’d rather explore the area on land, check out Adventures by Disney’s Norway Family Vacation.

Bon voyage!

Thanks to Bookings.com for sharing these hotel offerings. All opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Spotlight on Florida: A Day in …

April 30, 2014 By admin

Thanks to this winter’s Polar Vortex, I got an to enjoy an extended Florida getaway with my mom and daughter. After four (yes four!) flight cancellations, we decided to just stay put and went to spend some time with our cousins in Palm City.

We set out to explore one day and landed in the Treasure Coast town of Downtown Stuart which was so cute I wanted to share our adventures with you. Stuart is celebrating their Centennial this May with a week of Celebrate Stuart activities so if you’ll be nearby, check it out.