Globetrotting Mommy

From Family Adventures to Girlfriend Getaways

Spotlight on NYC: Victorian …

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One of my favorite spots to disappear in the summer is Central Park. The big boulders, lakes and miles of grass quickly make me forget I’m dead smack in the middle of an urban jungle. After I became a mom, I quickly found out that Central Park is also home to Victorian Gardens, a mini-amusement park (with stellar views!) that is just perfect for the mini-set.

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Spotlight on NYC: Victorian Gardens Amusement Park in Central Park

Victorian Gardens is located at Wollman Rink which is an ice skating rink in the winter. Leave it to the Donald to turn any bit of real estate into a money making enterprise. There is a nice selection of children’s rides (bumper boats, swings, airplanes, roller coaster, train, etc.) and none are too scary so even the littlest kids will be entertained.

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Spotlight on NYC: Victorian Gardens Amusement Park in Central Park

This was my daughter’s third summer visiting and she was especially excited to be tall enough (42 inches) for every single ride! The rides are just perfect for the 2-5 age range but younger kids will be fine riding with parents. Its a very manageable spot with little kids since the rides are all contained in a small area (think ice rink) and the lines are never too long. Pack a lunch and grab a picnic bench or buy food at the concessions stand when you get hungry.

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Spotlight on NYC: Victorian Gardens Amusement Park in Central Park

It’s a little pricey for what it is (pay-as-you-go starting at $7 or unlimited wristband options starting at $21) but since you don’t have to drive hours to get there, I think its worth paying up. Kids under 36 inches are free so bring along the little siblings. After a couple of hours, you’ll be ready to go home but don’t say I didn’t warn you if your kids want to stay and climb the nearby boulders for another hour…

If you’ll be near Central Park, check it out before they close on September 7.

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Amusement Parks 101: Top 10 …

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Summertime means visits to amusement parks and today I’m sharing my Top 10 Tips for Visiting Hersheypark, Pennsylvania from my recent road trip…

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Top 10 Tips for Visiting HersheyPark, Pennsylvania – Globetrotting Mommy

1) Start your day early!  You’ll want to be in line when the gates open so you can enjoy the most popular rides before the crowds arrive.  If you can get your kids past the first rides they see and head towards the back of the park first, that’s an even better plan. And if you really want to avoid the crowds, try to schedule your visit mid-week.

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Globetrotting Mommy Amusement Parks 101: Top 10 Tips for Visiting Hersheypark, Pennsylvania

2) Sneak a Peek!  Guests who purchase a regular full-day admission ticket can enter the park for a sneak preview the night before (either 5:30 pm or 7:30 pm depending on closing times). This is a great time to tackle the more popular rides and make a game plan for the next day.

3) Download the Hersheypark app and you’ll be able to see ride wait times as well as find restaurants, shows, restrooms and more. Try not to leave it running all day or you might run your battery down.

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Globetrotting Mommy Amusement Parks 101: Top 10 Tips for Visiting Hersheypark, Pennsylvania

4) Prepare to get wet. Bring your bathing suit, water shoes, and towel if you want to visit the Boardwalk water park area featuring 15 rides as well as wave pools and lazy river.  Don’t forget swim diapers and puddle jumpers for the little ones.

5) Take the shuttle if you can.  Most nearby hotels offer free shuttle service to and from Hersheypark and that is definitely the easiest way to go.  The drivers will put your strollers in the luggage compartment so its really easy.

6) Speaking of strollers, take one if you’re bringing kids who are five or younger.  Even if your kids don’t get tired, you’ll be happy to have a place to keep your bags and towels. If you’re bringing older kids, rent a locker or splurge for a cabana so you can have a home base for your stuff because wet towels are HEAVY.

7) Divide and conquer.  If you’ve got a mixed age group, you’ll want to pick a meeting time and place so everyone can enjoy different rides.  Hersheypark is unique because the kiddie and adult rides are mixed together in each area making it easy for families to do one area at a time which is nice. And if you and your partner want to ride an adult ride (imagine that!) or if a parent needs to ride with more than one child, Hersheypark has a “child swap” option where adults or kids can take turns riding.

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Globetrotting Mommy Amusement Parks 101: Top 10 Tips for Visiting Hersheypark, Pennsylvania

8) Bring your camera! You’ll want to get some pictures of the Hershey characters so make sure to visit them throughout the park or book a Character Breakfast for a more personal encounter.  If you’ve got a waterproof camera, bring that along too.

9) Make a detour to the Zoo America. Admission is included in your Hersheypark ticket so if you or your kids need a little down time (or a quiet place to nap), the zoo is a great retreat.

10) Test out some of the new for 2014 kid-friendly rides like Cocoa Cruiser (a kid-friendly roller coaster), Tea Cups (a classic spinning ride) and Sweet Swing (a gigantic swing that my daughter and I really loved).

Ready to plan your visit to Hershey, PA?  Check out Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth – Part 1 and Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2 for more suggestions of things to do and see.

What are your favorite tips for visiting Hersheypark?

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Thanks to Hersheypark for providing our tickets.  All opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Spotlight on Wyndham Vacation …

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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Wyndham Vacation Rentals.

Did you know that July is National Vacation Rental Month?  If you are a vacation rental virgin, read on for my top five reasons why Wyndham Vacation Rentals are a great choice for family getaways.

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Globetrotting Mommy: Spotlight on Wyndham Vacation Rentals

1) Space, space, space.  When families stay in typical hotel rooms, there is rarely extra room to spread out.  When you book a vacation rental property, you’ll have room for the whole clan to relax without being on top of one another. This is especially important for multigenerational getaways.

2) All the amenities of home.  Wyndham Vacation Rentals come with everything you need to make your vacation enjoyable including fully-equipped kitchens and in-unit washers and dryers so you and your family will feel right at home.

3) All the amenities of a hotel.  When you stay in a Wyndham Vacation Rental you can also receive hotel-like amenities like a concierge, housekeepers and shuttle services at many of its properties. Win win!

4) Your vacation is protected by the Vacation Rental Bill of Rights, an industry-first service pledge that says your stay will be covered from start to finish! This guarantees things like no surprise cancellations, a freshly cleaned unit and online photos that accurately represent the property. If you’ve ever had a vacation disaster, you know what a big deal this is.

5) Big savings! Vacation rentals are a more affordable option compared to traditional hotel rooms and this summer you can save up to 35% off a Wyndham Vacation Rental when you book a stay now through July 31, 2014.

Are you ready to book your vacation getaway? Visit Wyndham Vacation Rentals special page for National Vacation Rental Month and start by selecting from more than 9,000 homes in the U.S. Villas, private homes and resort condos, oh my…I’m ready to go somewhere beachy, like Kiawah Island, South Carolina…

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Globetrotting Mommy: Spotlight on Wyndham Vacation Rentals

What about you?

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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Wyndham Vacation Rentals. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things …

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Following up on the Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth post, here are Globetrotting Mommy’s Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

1) Visit Hersheypark.  No visit to Hershey is complete without a trip to this famed amusement park. More than 65 kiddie rides, amazing roller coasters and water park attractions await visitors of all ages.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

2) Take a Hershey Trolly Works Tour – All aboard for a historic journey through the town built on chocolate. This 60-minute trolly tour is great for kids of all ages. You’ll visit Milton Hershey’s childhood home, the acclaimed Milton Hershey School, downtown Hershey and other sights while enjoying chocolate samples. This is a great end of day activity. Don’t forget to look for the Hershey Kiss shaped street lamps.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

3) Shop till you drop. Kids love to shop and boys and girls of all ages will find a wide array of gifts, stuffed characters, t-shirts and customized chocolate goodies. I found chocolates I never even knew existed at Chocolate World like Reese’s White Peanut Butter Cups for my white chocolate loving husband. And, how cute is Miss G’s little Hershey’s Kiss necklace?

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

4) Hershey’s Great American Chocolate Tour Ride at Chocolate World – This free ride is a great introduction to chocolate making. Guests follow cocoa beans on a journey from the tropical rainforest to Hershey, Pennsylvania complete with singing cows, automated candy making machines and chocolate scents wafting through the air.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

5) Try the Children’s Scavenger Hunt at Hershey Gardens. Located at The Hershey Hotel, Hershey Gardens is a scenic respite featuring 23-acres of gardens (think roses, signature trees, butterflies and more). The hands-on Children’s Garden offers a Children’s Scavenger Hunt that will keep little ones busy and entertained.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

6) Hershey’s Create Your Own Candy Bar Attraction at Chocolate World – Gear up and get ready to custom design your own chocolate bar. Select a chocolate base, ingredients and toppings and watch as your customized bar travels down the conveyer belt. Once complete, you get to design your own graphics for the gift box. So. Much. Fun!

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

7) Visit Zoo America – If you are visiting Hersheypark, your ticket includes free admission to Zoo America.  The 11-acre walk-thru zoo is adjacent to Hersheypark and features more than 200 animals from five regions of North America.

8) Take photos with the giant Hershey candy characters. This is THE place to get adorable family photos with you and and a giant Hershey Bar, Reeses Peanut Butter Cup and Hershey Kiss so don’t forget your cameras. The characters can be found around Hersheypark (including a Character breakfast) and some hotels like The Hershey Hotel and Hershey Lodge schedule character appearances on site.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

9) Visit The Hershey Story’s Museum Experience – This museum has several interactive exhibits that explain how Milton Hershey built his famed empire. Along the way, guests can view antiques, vintage advertisements, testimonials and more. Kids will especially enjoy the chance to make their own personalized newspaper pages and create candy in the museum’s Chocolate Lab.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

10) Save room for dessert.  Vacations are made for special treats and a trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania means lots of opportunities to indulge that sweet tooth. You and your kids will love trying specialty cookies and cupcakes available all over town, ice cream specialties, S’mores, chocolate infused meals, chocolate butter and of course chocolate martinis for the grown ups. Yum.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

Read on for one last post on family friendly tips for visiting Hersheypark.

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Spotlight on Hershey, …

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Love chocolate, amusement parks and historic towns?  This post is for you.  If you’re looking for a family friendly getaway with activities and amenities sure to please chocoholics and adventure seekers alike, you’ll love a summer getaway to Hershey, Pennsylvania, The Sweetest Place on Earth.

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Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth – Part 1

I recently took a multi-generational road trip to Hershey with my 4-year old daughter, my mom and sister and it was a perfect spot for a girl’s getaway.  I visited Hershey years ago (before marriage, before kid) and had the most relaxing, pampering stay at The Hotel Hershey where I enjoyed chocolate-themed spa treatments, gigantic chocolate covered strawberries, fancy dinners with late night chocolate martinis and a carefree day of roller-coaster rides at Hersheypark. Fast forward to 2014, add a kid into the mix and this trip was a little different.

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Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth – Part 1

We decided to stay at Hershey Lodge, The Hotel Hershey’s sister property, which offers all the Hershey Resorts VIP Perks at a more affordable price point.  The staff was great and gave us a warm welcome complete with Hershey bars as our luggage was whisked up to our room in the Kisses Tower. Our room was spacious with two queen beds, ample closet space, a large bathroom with plenty of counter space and all the necessary in-room amenities (WiFi, refrigerator, coffee maker, safe, hair dryer, etc). Best of all, the beds were super comfortable, the towels were fluffy and everything was spotless. Oh and the bath lotions and potions were chocolate scented and turndown service included Hershey Kisses. Yum.

The Hershey Lodge really caters to families and my favorite kid perk was the “kids’ check-in” where kids signed in to register for their stay, entered guessing game contests to win prizes and left with a selection of kid-friendly goodies and of course chocolates. Check the schedule of events for complimentary activities like character greetings in the lobby (so much fun and no lines), family bingo, daily crafts, pool games and safari searches. Families can buy make-your-own S’mores kits at the Cocoa Beanery for a fun after-dinner activity.

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Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth – Part 1

Hershey Lodge amenities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Fitness Center for guests 16 and up (my sister checked it out every morning), golfing at the Hershey Country Club and access to The Spa at The Hotel Hershey, just five minutes away. Complimentary shuttle service is available to nearby attractions so you really don’t need to drive anywhere but if you do, parking is easy and plentiful.

For dining, there are more than a dozen restaurants at Hershey Lodge, The Hotel Hershey and downtown Hershey. Most mornings we were eager to explore so we just grabbed a quick and simple breakfast at the Cocoa Beanery (think bagels, muffins, oatmeal, cereal, coffees, etc.) but more elaborate breakfast can be found (with or without chocolate chips) at Lebbie Lebkicher’s or Hershey Grill in the Hershey Lodge. My mom and daughter loved the Hershey Grill so much we ended up eating there every night which wouldn’t have been my choice but when you’re on a multi-generational trip, you’ve got to pick your battles. It was nice how the waitstaff recognized us visit after visit and went out of their way to meet our special requests (no pineapple in the fruit cup…vanilla ice cream, rainbow sprinkles, a cherry AND candle to celebrate the big 4.5…more coloring pages, please). The food was innovative and tasty (perhaps the best sweet potato fries I’ve ever had) plus every meal started with bread and chocolate butter, yes…chocolate butter.  Mmmm.

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Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth – Part 1

If you stay at the Hershey Lodge, be sure to visit The Hotel Hershey for a memorable meal (I recommend the Fish and Chips at Harvest), pampering spa treatment or walk around the grounds which feature some beautiful photo ops.

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Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth – Part 1

All Hershey Lodge and Hershey Hotel guests enjoy free admission to Hershey Gardens, a 23-acre garden featuring 11 distinct theme gardens as well as the Children’s Garden so be sure to stop by for a visit. For a $10 fee, kids can participate in a scavenger hunt around the Children’s Garden which is great for kids of all ages.  This is a nice option for the end of a busy day since kids can run around the interactive exhibits and adults can sit back and relax.

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Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth – Part 1

Summer is a perfect time to visit and now through July (blackout dates apply), Hershey Lodge and The Hotel Hershey have a Kids Stay, Play & Eat Free promotion that includes deluxe accommodations, admission to Hersheypark (one day) for the entire family, free breakfast for kids 17 and under, plus admission to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story’s Museum Experience. This is a great deal considering these perks are worth approximately $350.

Later this week, I’ll write about family-friendly attractions in the Hershey, Pennsylvania area as well as family friendly tips for visiting Hersheypark.

Bon voyage…

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Fun Food Friday: Winter …

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If you’re looking for something festive (and free) to do in NYC this weekend, I’ve got a fun suggestion. Winter WONKAland has popped up in the Meatpacking district to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and its like nothing you’ve ever seen before.

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Fun Food Friday: Winter WONKAland Invades NYC to Launch Peel-a-Pop Frozen Treats

Think Disney’s Frozen meets sugary, snow-dusted candies, cotton candy trees, gigantic lollypops and more. As you make your way through the sugary, wintery maze, you’ll find interactive displays that tell stories from the movie, a photo-booth and lots of fun photo-op spots. At the end, guests can try Wonka’s new Peel-a-Pop frozen treats and meet real live Oompa Loompas! Yes, they let them out of the factory but just till Saturday.

We went to the grand opening party yesterday and it was a really fun time.

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Fun Food Friday: Winter WONKA-land Invades NYC to Launch Peel-a-Pop Frozen Treats

Where:  22 Little West 12th Street. Its right by the High Line so grab lunch at Bubby’s or Chelsea Market and make a fun day of it.

When: March 16-17 from 10:30 am – 6 pm.

Have a great weekend!

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I was not compensated for this post but we did receive a gift bag, breakfast and some really fun treats.  All opinions are my own.

Top five Vacation or …

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Looking to do something fun for Mother’s Day weekend at home or away?  Act fast and book one of these five options.

For moms who love music:

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Globetrotting Mommy Mother’s Day Ideas: Tunes with Tina at Langham Place, Fifth Avenue

Mother’s Day Brunch is always a win but Tunes with Tina at NYC’s Langham Place, Fifth Avenue is a family friendly sing-along brunch that ensures mom will enjoy a civilized meal while the kiddies are entertained.  Families can join in as Tina deVaron sings a mix of pop hits, Disney Classics and other family favorites.  Chef David Vandenabeele’s menu features Belgian Waffles, Breakfast Pizzas, Quiches, Breakfast Sandwiches, Scotch Egg and more as well as a selection of desserts and sweets. So basically, mom can enjoy yummy brunch and a mimosa or two while the kiddies sing Let it Go to their heart’s delight.  That’s a win-win in my book. Be sure to bring your video camera because Measure Lounge is a much better backdrop than your toy-filled living room.

If you’re looking for a family getaway filled with fun adventures and dancing, famed kids musician Moey is welcoming fans with a Mother’s Day Getaway Package at Vermont’s Wilberton Inn.  The package includes a Saturday Night Family Disco Party, Farm Fresh Mother’s Day Brunch and a Mother’s Day Moey Concert.  The inn features a mix of bed-and-breakfast rooms as well as cottages and a 14-bedroom mansion making this a great pick for family reunions.  Rates start at $150 per night for Mother’s Day weekend so pack your princess dresses and boas and head on over.

For moms who love pampering:

Mom can retreat to the beach for some well-deserved R&R with the Girlfriend Getaway Package at the Grand Lucayan on Grand Bahama Island.  The getaway includes a two-night stay in an Ocean View Room, daily breakfast at Willy Broadleaf, manicures and pedicures at the Senses Spa and poolside cocktails at Hammerheads Bar.  I can’t think of a more relaxing way to spend Mother’s Day. Can you? Rates start at $211 per night (mention code GIRLS).

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Globetrotting Mommy Mother’s Day Ideas: theBalm Mom travel package at Stanford Court

Stanford Court in San Francisco is offering theBalm Mom travel package where moms will enjoy a visit to theBalm Cosmetics’ new flagship store located in the hip Mission District.  Moms will be greeted with a glass of champagne before they enjoy a deluxe makeover complete with a recorded take-home iPad tutorial video demonstrating the step-by-step makeup application process.  Moms will also receive eyebrow waxes and select products from theBalm’s cosmetic line, including customized 9-well eye shadow palettes from the “Eye Shadow Bar” and more.  Aside from the pampering, guests will enjoy overnight accommodations at Stanford Court, complimentary breakfast for two at Aurea Lounge and town car transportation to and from the store.  This sounds like a great mother/daughter getaway to me.

For moms who love getting crafty:

Make Meaning is one of my favorite spots to get crafty in NYC because they offer up so many different types of projects (soaps, ceramics, cookies, etc.).  For Mother’s Day, four of their stores (Upper East and Upper West in NYC and Legacy Place Scottsdale Quarter in Arizona and Thousand Oaks in California) will be featuring Tea-Tin & Cookie Decorating sessions for kids of all ages.  For just $35, moms and kids can personalize tea tins and decorate cookies with step-by-step personalized instruction.  Once completed, you’ll select three teas for the tin making it a great gift for any mom or grandma.

If you still need a Mother’s Day present, check out my Mother’s Day Gift Guide.

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Spotlight on Florida: A Day in …

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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.

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Spotlight on Florida: A Day in Historic Downtown Stuart

Here are my top 10 family friendly things to do in Historic Downtown Stuart:

1) Ride the trolly.  As you walk around, you’ll soon notice a trolly running up and down the streets with a friendly driver who asks if you need a ride.  Jump on and enjoy a free tour.  They will drop you off wherever you want and pick you up again when you’re ready.  Our driver even gave us coupons for ice cream!

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Spotlight on Florida: A Day in Historic Downtown Stuart

2) Shop till you drop.  Moms, kids and grandparents will find a lot of shopping opportunities.  Some of my favorites were Go Fish, Caramba! and Gumbo Limbo Coastal Chic.

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Spotlight on Florida: A Day in Historic Downtown Stuart

3) Have lunch at The Pelican Cafe where you can sit alfresco at the “beach” and enjoy water views while your toes wiggle in the sand.  They give kids beach toys to play with which is a great distraction allowing adults to enjoy a few moments of peace and quiet.  The Almost Famous Fish Tacos were delicious.

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Spotlight on Florida: A Day in Historic Downtown Stuart

4) Walk around, take in the architecture and watch the laid back locals.  You’ll detox immediately.

5) Stop for ice cream at Kilwin’s Chocolates and Ice Cream where you can enjoy homemade chocolates, hand-paddled fudges and original recipe ice cream.  I highly recommend the toasted coconut ice cream.  Yummm.

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Spotlight on Florida: A Day in Historic Downtown Stuart

6) Go for mommy and me pedicures at Tootsies.  This super-cute shoe store offers manicures and pedicures, something I’d never seen before.

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Spotlight on Florida: A Day in Historic Downtown Stuart

7) Take in a show at The Lyric Theater which has ben offering concerts, plays, movies and dance performances since 1926.

8) Visit the Stuart Heritage Museum where you’ll find preserved artifacts, maps, clothing and furniture.  It’s open daily and admission is free.

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Spotlight on Florida: A Day in Historic Downtown Stuart

9) Go for an afternoon or sunset sail with A Daze Charters. They’ll let you take the helm if you’re interested or you can just chill with a drink and light hors d’oeuvres.

10) Take a stroll on the scenic boardwalk and take some photographs.  It’s a great backdrop.

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Spotlight on Florida: A Day in Historic Downtown Stuart

Bon voyage!

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Family Fun Magazine Announces …

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Wondering where to plan that family vacation now that spring has finally sprung?  FamilyFun magazine asked families to rank the best family travel destinations for their annual travel awards and the 60 winners have just been announced.

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Globetrotting Mommy: Family Fun Magazine Announces Travel Awards Winners

From Florida amusement parks, Midwest zoos and New York museums, family friendly locations across the country were selected as the top spots by region.  The list of regional winners is below.  I’ve been to all spots in the Northeast and some in every other region except the Midwest.  Looks like I’ve got some exploring to do.

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Globetrotting Mommy: Family Fun Magazine Announces Travel Awards Winners

 

Top Destinations by Region

Northeast

1. The Strong, NY

2. Hershey Park, PA

3. Bronx Zoo, NY

4. Acadia National Park, ME

5. New York, NY

West

1. Disneyland Park, CA

2. Disney California Adventure

3. Yellowstone National Park, WY, MT, & ID

4. Yosemite National Park, CA

5. Sea World, San Diego, CA

South

1. Magic Kingdom Park, FL

2. Universal’s Islands of Adventure, FL

3. Orlando, FL

4. Universal Studios Florida

5. Disney’s Animal Kingdom, FL

Midwest

1. Cedar Point Amusement Park, OH

2. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, SD

3. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, NE

4. Toledo Zoo, OH

5. Brookfield Zoo, IL

What area do you think is the “Most Fun Region” for family getaways?  Visit facebook.com/FamilyFun to cast your vote.

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Family Friendly Spring Break …

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Its not too late to escape for a family friendly spring break getaway. Here are my top five picks for Easter vacations the whole family will love.

Spring Break, Family Easter Getaways, Travel, Easter, Spring Break

Easter activities await families at Waldorf Astoria’s Boca Raton Resort

1) Boca Raton Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort – Easter themed fun in Florida awaits with the Mad Hatter’s Silly Spring Party with bounce houses, carnival games, “Bunny Hop” sack races, face painting, balloon artists and live music.  Guests will also enjoy a 10,000 Easter egg hunt on the resorts golf course, Easter Bunny appearances and an extensive Easter Bunny Brunch Buffet.

2) El Capitan Canyon – This luxury camping resort is nestled in the Santa Ynex Valley in Santa Barbara, California where native Californian Jackrabbit or Cottontail Hare are often spotted. Families can enjoy a special Easter brunch buffet featuring El Capitan’s very own Easter Bunny, a 3,000 egg hunt for kids and a wine tasting event for parents.

3) El Conquistador Resort & Las Casitas Village – Located in San Juan, Puerto Rico, these luxe Waldorf Astoria Resorts are featuring an array of Easter events for kids of all ages.  Activities include photo ops with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny, egg decorating, multiple egg hunts (think underwater, traditional or in the dark), face painting, Easter themed spa treatments (Honey Bunny spa facials and My Chick-A-Dee reflexology foot massages!) and more.  Parents can enjoy an aged rum tour, mojito and ceviche making classes and a wines around the world tasting.

4) Grand Lucayan – This Grand Bahama Island hotspot is offering a slew of Easter activities and meals as well as Spring Fever rates starting at $125 per night.  Kids can enjoy Easter egg hunts, sand castle building, scavenger hunts, movie nights and family relay races while parents receive discounted spa services and golf fees.

5) Harbor View Hotel – Martha’s Vineyard is gorgeous in springtime and Harbor View Hotel is offering Easter activities including Sunday brunch at the hotel’s signature Water Street restaurant and an Easter egg hunt on Lighthouse Beach and Harbor View’s grounds.  Special 50 percent off rates are available for the cottage suites.  Call the hotel directly at (800) 225-6005 to book.

Have a great weekend…

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