If you’re craving a road trip packed with adventure, natural beauty, and a little slice of Americana, Kentucky is calling your name. This state has it all—underground kayaking, jaw-dropping hikes, epic caves, and a stop at one of baseball’s most iconic landmarks. Buckle up, because this Kentucky road trip is one for the books!
Stop #1: Kayak Underground
Kicking off the adventure in the most unique way possible—paddling through an underground cave! The Gorge Underground offers an unforgettable kayaking experience through a flooded limestone mine. Picture glowing waters, eerie rock formations, and total silence except for the dip of your paddle. Whether you’re a kayaking pro or a total newbie, this is a must-do.
Pro Tip: Book your tour in advance—they fill up fast, especially in peak seasons! Make reservations here.
Stop #2: Hike the Red River Gorge Geological Area
Once you’re back above ground, it’s time to stretch those legs with some epic hiking. Red River Gorge is packed with stunning rock formations, towering cliffs, and lush forests. Whether you want a short scenic stroll or a challenging backcountry trek, there’s a trail for you.
Must-Do Hikes:
• Natural Bridge Trail – A moderate hike leading to a massive natural rock arch.
• Auxier Ridge Loop – Jaw-dropping panoramic views of the gorge.
• Sky Bridge Trail – A short hike to another incredible rock arch.
After your hike, grab a bite at Miguel’s Pizza, a local favorite known for fueling hungry adventurers with delicious, fresh-made pizza.
Stop #3: Step Up to the Plate at the Louisville Slugger Museum
Next, it’s time for a little history and nostalgia in Louisville. Baseball fan or not, the Louisville Slugger Museum is an absolute blast. You’ll get to see how the legendary bats are made, check out memorabilia from some of baseball’s greatest players, and even hold game-used bats from legends like Babe Ruth and Derek Jeter.
Don’t forget to take a photo with the giant bat outside—it’s the world’s largest baseball bat, standing at 120 feet tall!
Stop #4: Explore Carter Caves State Park
No Kentucky road trip is complete without exploring its underground wonders, and Carter Caves State Park is the perfect place to do just that. With over 20 caves, scenic trails, and natural bridges, this park is an adventurer’s paradise.
Top Experiences:
• Natural Bridge Trail – A short but scenic hike to a unique rock bridge.
• X-Cave & Cascade Cave Tours – Walk through massive underground passageways and see stunning rock formations.
• Horn Hollow Trail – Short hike that leads to a little “wild caving!” You will need a permit, easily obtained at the visitor center!
Final Thoughts
This Kentucky road trip is the perfect mix of adventure, nature, and history. From underground kayaking and hiking through towering rock formations to swinging by one of baseball’s most famous museums, this journey has something for everyone.
Have you road-tripped through Kentucky before? What was your favorite stop? Drop a comment and let me know!
Aloha! We just returned home from our favorite family vacation on the beautiful Hawaiian island of Oahu. Keep reading for an epic 8 day itinerary for families, plus helpful tips and things to know before you go!
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Day 1: Arrive in Hawaii
We took a nonstop flight on American Airlines from DFW to Honolulu. I highly recommend a direct flight, less chance of missing a connection and honestly the 7.5 hour flight wasn’t too bad. We were served lunch (a chicken curry sandwich or Asian veggie wrap option), snacks, and drinks. It went by much quicker than I thought! The whole vibe was awesome, everyone was just so happy!
Next, we checked into the hotel and grabbed lunch at Maui Brewing Company. The fish tacos and pizza hit the spot! Then we changed and headed down to Waikiki Beach. We enjoyed some beach time, but called it an early day because we were so tired after our day of travel.
Day 2: Waikiki
Not going to lie, the five hour time difference was rough getting used to. We knew it might be tough, so we didn’t make any real plans for day two. We were up pretty early and started with breakfast at the Hawaiian Aroma Café. This place was great and we ended up having breakfast here several times during our stay! I recommend the ham and egg sandwich and traditional waffles!
After breakfast we spent more time at Waikiki Beach. The water here is stunning! You can rent an umbrella and two beach chairs for $18 an hour. We pretty much just spent the day relaxing between the beach and the hotel pool.
Later in the evening, we walked around Waikiki and explored the Royal Hawaiian Center, which is basically an outdoor mall. We grabbed a quick dinner at the mall food court, which was a great option for our kids. They wanted Cane’s, Jereme and I wanted food we could only find in Hawaii. We enjoyed the burgers at Mahalo Burgers, this place was recommended to us by a local and it did not disappoint!
To end the night, we went back to the beach to watch the sunset. I am telling you, there is not a better sunset anywhere than on the beach in Hawaii!
Day 3: Snorkeling & Lanikai Beach
On day three, we had our first excursion booked with Turtles and You. We grabbed McDonald’s for breakfast and then drove to the harbor. This is a three hour boating and snorkeling with sea turtles adventure. It was a fun experience, we loved the crew on the boat and had some yummy spam musubi for lunch. We did see several sea turtles and then cruised around Diamond Head. BUT, we had much more fun snorkeling with sea turtles on our own the next day. So, I would recommend saving your money and check out our day four itinerary!
After the excursion was over, we headed to Lanikai Beach. Y’all, this beach is absolutely gorgeous and much less crowded than Waikiki! It’s about 18 miles from Waikiki, but with traffic on the island, it takes about forty minutes to get there.
We spent a few hours here relaxing, swimming, and strolling along the shore. And we happened to celebrate our 20th anniversary on this day!
Once we got back to Waikiki, we had a fantastic dinner at Duke’s. We opted to sit outside to take in the views and listen to live music. If you visit Dukes, be sure to get a Mai Tai!
Day 4: The North Shore
Day four was one of my favorite days of the entire trip! We headed to the North Shore to visit Waimea Bay, but we could never find parking! The North Shore is about 35 miles, 45 minutes from Waikiki.
So, we decided to grab lunch at Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck and regroup. The food here is to die for! The line seemed long, but moved fast and honestly, it’s so good I would wait hours for the shrimp here. We all had the shrimp scampi plate, which is their most popular dish.
From here, we went to Shark’s Cove and spent the day snorkeling and swimming in the cove. We saw so many sea turtles and schools of fish, it was awesome! It was a much more personal experience swimming on our own rather than with a big group like our excursion the previous day.
I highly recommend coming here if you have kiddos and want a safe, FREE place to snorkel and spend the day!
Day 5: Diamond Head, Likeke Falls, and Kaaawa Beach
On day five, we got in two really cool hikes and even had some time for family beach photos! Our first hike time was at noon, so we decided to sleep in late. Then, we grabbed sandwiches, fruit, and pasta from the ABC Stores in Waikiki for lunch before our day of hiking.
The first hike was Diamond Head State Monument, the iconic volcano in Oahu. You do need advanced reservations for this hike, details can be found here.
The hike to the summit of Diamond Head is about two miles out and back. It’s not too hard, but it does require some climbing up and back down stairs and walking through a tunnel. The views at the summit are gorgeous!
My favorite hike of the day was to Likeke Falls! This is a fairly easy, one mile hike through the rainforest to a magnificent waterfall.
The drive from Waikiki to the Likeke Falls trailhead is about 30 minutes.
You can park at the Koolau Golf Club for ten dollars or free along the side of the road before entering the gate to the golf course. If you park along the road, make sure that none of your vehicle is on any part of the roadway!
After hiking, we went back to the hotel and got ready for beach photos. We decided to head to Ka’a’awa Beach Park for family photos. Ka’a’awa Beach offers a stunning backdrop for photo ops. It’s about 25 miles, 42 minutes from Waikiki Beach.
For dinner, we grabbed shrimp & chicken kabobs and summer shrimp rolls with peanut sauce from different street vendors in Waikiki. It was one of my favorite meals of the entire trip!
Day 6: Paradise Cove Luau
Day six happened to be our youngest son’s birthday, so we let him decide how we were going to spend the day. We started with breakfast from McDonald’s and then went to the mall for birthday shopping. After shopping, we went to Hula Grill for lunch. I had the poke bowl and it was great! We also shared a hula pie and it was delicious!
This is a hula pie!
For dinner, we booked a luau with Paradise Cove Luau. There are different package options, you’re greeted with a Mai Tai upon arrival, and it’s set in a gorgeous location that’s great for photos!
We enjoyed the buffet food and the show! The event lasts from 5:00-8:45, the fire show is one of the last performances and was our favorite!
The drive from Waikiki to Paradise Cove is about 30 miles away and takes about 40 minutes to get there.
Day 7: Waikiki Beach, Pali Lookout, Lanai Lookout
Day seven was our most scenic day! We started with a trip to the ABC Stores to grab lunch for the beach. We grabbed hot dogs, sandwiches, and I tried the beef pot stickers and they were yummy! We also grabbed coconut and pineapple drinks from a street vendor next to the Outrigger Beachcomber Hotel and they were a big hit!
After some time on the beach, we decided to venture to the Pali Lookout. It’s about 11 miles from Waikiki and takes about 25 minutes to drive there. You do have to pay $6 for parking.
The views from the lookout are fantastic! If you’re in Oahu, you definitely need to check this place out.
From the Pali Lookout, we drove about 25 minutes to the Lanai Lookout. This place is breathtaking! We parked at the lookout and followed people down to the water. When we returned to the car, we noticed signs that said not to do this. But, there were people out there fishing and we didn’t even pay attention to the signage. So, please be cautious and better than us!
The area is absolutely gorgeous though. It was very unique and nothing like we had seen on the island so far. These are the photos I took basically breaking the rules, eek I feel awful about that part.
After sightseeing, we stopped by Maui Brewing once again for fish tacos and pizzas before calling it a night. We really enjoyed the food here, but the best part was that there was never a wait for a table!
Day 8: Waikiki Beach and Travel Day
Day eight was sadly our last day of vacation. We had a wonderful last day on the island, though. We met up with friends that live in Oahu for lunch at Lulu’s right on the beach. Then we spent some time together at Waikiki Beach before we had to return our rental and head to the airport. It was a great way to end our last day in Hawaii!
We had a 7:00 pm nonstop flight back to Texas. I thought this was a great idea, but none of us got any sleep on the flight. So, we’re still tired and trying to get used to the time change!
Overall, it was such a fantastic trip and we loved our week in Oahu! You know it’s a great vacation when your kids don’t want to leave.
Things to Know
Rent a vehicle on Turo – we booked a jeep and loved it!
Traffic is pretty crazy – plan ahead and give yourself enough time to get to your destination!
Parking is a pain – like for real, a big pain! Pack your patience and be ready to circle parking lots over and over until a spot opens up!
Reservations are needed ahead of time for most things – be sure you have a plan of activities and excursions and book these before your trip!
Time Change – for us it was a 5 hour time change and hard to get used to. It’s been harder since returning home, so be ready for that!
Give yourself some down time, especially if you’re traveling with kids!
Hawaii thrives on tourism, but be a respectful tourist and kind to the locals!
More Oahu Activities
We had a pretty packed eight day itinerary, but there are so many activities to do in Oahu! Below are some things I had on my list that we didn’t get to, partly because Jereme and I had already done some of them, and also because we just ran out of time.
We really enjoyed staying in Waikiki Beach because of the easiness of walking around to get to restaurants and shopping. When we were parked at the hotel, we never needed a car!
If your New Year’s Resolution is to be more adventurous, but you’re not sure where to start, then you’ve come to the right place! In our family, we truly believe in experiences over things and travel ranks very high on my list of priorities. If I could, I would travel somewhere every month. Now that the boys are older and involved in little league sports, it’s harder and harder for us to get away as much as we used to. Nonetheless, I’ve compiled a list with our tried and true travel recommendations for every month of the year that I hope inspires you to get out there and explore a little more of this amazing country!
January: Winter Park, Colorado
We took family photos on our last trip to Winter Park!
What better way to ring in the New Year than a trip to the snowy mountains? This is usually our go to winter adventure destination and I am here to tell you that there is something in Winter Park for everyone! Maybe you’re an adventure seeker and snowboarding or skiing is the thing for you.
My youngest and me snowboarding together!
Maybe you want a more restful start to the New Year and would love to cozy up in a cabin and watch the snow fall out the window while sipping hot chocolate! Either way, Winter Park is one of my most favorite winter destinations in Colorado! If you get the chance to go, make sure to check out the tubing hill and you have to eat at Hernando’s Pizza Pub!
We love all the ski lodges in Winter Park!
Click here for more details and our full Winter Park itinerary!
February: San Antonio, Texas
Winter at The Alamo!
Texas is a great state to visit in the winter months if you’re looking for something a little milder than cold, snowy mountains! The best times to visit San Antonio fall between November and April due to milder temps and less crowds. We enjoyed strolling along the River Walk, without needing bulky jackets, and touring The Alamo without the summer crowds!
The River Walk
The average daytime temperature in February is around 65 degrees and only 5 days of rain are expected this month. Even though it’s typically mild during the day, be sure to pack for chilly nighttime temperatures. You’ll never regret visiting this destination. The food is outstanding, the history and missions are incredible, and everyone is friendly down in Texas! Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance to visit The Alamo and add Natural Bridge Caverns to your itinerary!
Another view of the River Walk
Click here for more information on visiting San Antonio!
March: Moab, Utah
Dead Horse Point State Park in Moab, UT
Our first trip to Utah was in early March a few years ago. To date, this trip has been one of my all-time favorites and I really credit the two National Parks here for inspiring us to visit more throughout the years. We initially traveled to Moab to visit Arches National Park and ended up riding UTVs on some intense trails, seeing petroglyphs, canyons, wildlife, and even some snow!
An amazing excursion, we all highly recommend!
This is a fantastic spring break destination, the crowds are much smaller than those in the summer. It will still be chilly here in early March, but it is warming up. You can expect temps to range from 30-60 degrees, so bring layers. Like I mentioned before, it snowed on us one day during our visit so be prepared for unpredictable weather! Check out Wilson Arch on your way in to Moab! It’s a short walk to a stunning arch outside of the National Parks, right off the highway!
I have found that I prefer to visit the beach in the spring when it’s not so hot, humid, and crowded! Orange Beach was the perfect spring destination for us! It was still warm enough to play in the ocean and the restaurant waits were non-existent. We didn’t have many plans for this trip, besides relaxing on the beach and eating as much seafood as possible!
These boys were all smiles our whole visit!
The average April temps here fall between 60-70 degrees. But don’t let that fool you, we all got super sunburned! Be sure to grab dinner or lunch at The Hangout, kids will love the hourly foam party! If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway surrounded by emerald water and white sand beaches, then you’ve got to visit Orange Beach, AL!
Sunny and hot in April!
Click here for more information about visiting Orange Beach, AL!
May: Sedona, Arizona
Munds Wagon Trail to Bell Rock
Sedona has been on my bucket list forever and my boys finally decided to take me over Mother’s Day weekend last May. It was such a special trip! My main goal in visiting was to hike around those stunning red rock formations and my dream came true. Sedona is such a mystical place, it was truly an epic adventure.
Cathedral Rock trail
May is a very popular time to visit because the temps are ideal for getting outdoors. The average high this month is around 82 degrees and the lows are around 50 degrees. This makes for the best hiking conditions as it’s not too hot in this desert climate. The trails are also popping with wildflowers galore, adding to the picturesque scenery! I cannot recommend this destination enough!
We made it to Bell Rock!
Click here for more details and our Sedona, AZ itinerary!
June: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
We walked along the bridge from New Jersey to Philadelphia!
Our very first visit to Philadelphia was in June a couple of summers ago. The weather was absolutely perfect the entire time we were there, which was great since we walked everywhere! I always love walkable cities, especially since I live in a more rural area in Texas. And while we were savoring our week in Philly with 80 degree days, the temps were in the upper 90s at home!
The boys loved playing in this fountain right in the middle of Philly!
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and all of the early-American history this city proudly showcases. Even the boys really enjoyed all the history and seeing the places they’ve learned about in person! There is so much to do in Philadelphia, we weren’t able to do it all in one visit. I’d love to take another trip here and would likely visit again in early summer! Take the double decker bus tour when you first arrive to map out all of the places to explore on foot later!
Another wonderful summer vacation was spent in Rapid City, South Dakota. Who knew this entire area was so rugged and beautiful! We hiked, we caved, we explored, all the while enjoying the most pleasant summer weather! And I still remember how amazing this little town smelled, too!
Custer State Park
While we didn’t visit Mount Rushmore on July 4th, I think it would be a really cool experience to be there for the firework celebration! There truly is a lot to do in the area, the landscape is stunning, and it remains one of my favorite road trips to date! If you are in decent shape, hike the Sunday Gulch Trail in Custer State Park. It’s a challenge, but the trail is awesome!
Sunday Gulch Trail in Custer State Park
Click here for our full itinerary on visiting South Dakota!
August: South Lake Tahoe, California
Secret Cove Beach
If you’re looking for a dreamy destination, you should head to South Lake Tahoe! Most kids are headed back to school this month, so I am recommending this destination as an adult getaway! Jereme and I celebrated our anniversary here right before I went back to school last August. It was pretty hot, but the good thing is, there’s plenty of water to cool off in!
Emerald Lake
We spent our time here around the picturesque beaches and on the water as much as we could. It was a quick trip for us, but we really, really enjoyed this getaway. I have never seen lake water so clear in all my life! We felt like we were in Mexico looking at the Caribbean. There’s nothing better than some nice quality time with the one you love in a gorgeous location! If you’re craving something peaceful and serene, then head to Lake Tahoe! Rent kayaks at Emerald Lake State Park and take a leisurely trip out to the island to hike around ruins on top!
Trail to Secret Cove Beach
Click here for more details and information about our trip to South Lake Tahoe!
September: St. Louis, Missouri
Gateway Arch National Park
September to October is considered the best time to visit St. Louis, MO and I couldn’t agree more! Our trip to Missouri was taken in very early Oct. several years ago. We were originally scheduled to visit in mid-September, but unfortunately we all got Covid and felt awful and had to push our trip back about a month. The average daily temps are typically in the lower 80s and can be quiet chilly at night! I recommend packing layers!
We stayed at the Hyatt to the left in this photo.
St. Louis is a very dog friendly location, so we brought our pup with us! She enjoyed the outdoor sites, just like we all did. I had no idea how much Lewis & Clark history there is in St. Louis! We did a ghost tour, visited Gateway Arch National Park, and you have got to check out the City Museum. It is the coolest museum we’ve ever visited!
View from the hotel room!
Click hereto see more about our trip to St. Louis, MO!
October: Saugatuck, Michigan
There is something truly special about those Michigan beaches!
Cool, crisp weather and ideal leaf peeping is what you’ll find if you travel to Saugatuck, Michigan in the fall! I had the opportunity to visit Michigan for the first time ever and I am ready to go back. I had no idea how stunning and picturesque these quaint waterfront towns could be.
I still cannot get over the colors!
The weather in Saugatuck is in the 60s, the perfect temps for cute sweaters and booties! If you can, take a road trip along the Michigan coast and check out towns like St. Joseph and New Buffalo! We actually stayed in New Buffalo and I highly recommend lodging at The Marina Grand Resort! Saugatuck is the most adorable waterfront town and the Wicks Park Bar & Grille serves delicious food and provides cozy flannel blankets for outdoor dining!
Wicks Bar & Grille
Click herefor more information about my visit to Michigan!
November: Washington D.C.
The boys playing football in front of the Washington Monument.
I have had several trips added to my favorites list, but this one is hands down my most favorite family trip of all time! I wanted to visit DC with my boys and decided to look into this location for a possible trip during our Thanksgiving break. It was highly recommended as a great time to go, because everyone leaves the city that’s there for business. The weather was stunning, we dressed in layers and only needed our jackets early in the morning.
The view from the top of the Washington Monument.
We enjoyed the cooler weather as we ventured along the streets and sidewalks taking in all of the historical sights! It was so neat to watch the boys’ excitement as they got to see things from their textbooks in real life! The only downside is that the White House is closed for tours because it’s undergoing Christmas decorating this week. We ventured to George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon, we explored all of the monuments and memorials at both day and nighttime, we ice skated outdoors, we ate delicious food, and made memories to last a lifetime!
Lincoln Memorial
Click here to learn more about why DC is my favorite trip & to grab our full itinerary!
December: New York, New York
Christmas decorating in New York is next level!
I had to include the Big Apple, even though I technically visited the city the last week of November and not actually in December. But there is something truly magical about NYC at Christmastime. It’s cold, it’s crowded, it feels grimy, it smells bad BUT it is still so beautiful! I absolutely love New York, no matter what time of the year. I’ve been six times, still have tons of things on my list I haven’t seen or done, and I cannot wait to plan another visit! I just adore how festive NYC feels around the holidays. If you get the chance to travel in December, I cannot recommend a trip to New York enough!
Radio City Music Hall
It was pretty chilly the week were here and we needed coats and hats and gloves. But with the right attire, we had a wonderful time! I recommend doing all of the normal touristy things, while enjoying the holiday decorations. Watch the Saks Fifth Avenue storefront at night, the lightshow is amazing! Venture down by Radio City Music Hall for a show and to see the décor in the area. It will not disappoint. Christmastime in New York should be on everyone’s bucket list!
If you are anything like me, you might spend your free time searching for unique experiences for your family across the US. I have compiled a list of our favorite unique destinations and experiences for all of your planning purposes!
Ruins of Presidents Park in Williamsburg, Virginia
Have you ever seen a photo of a place so unique that you knew you had to visit? That was my reaction the first time I saw a photo of the Ruins of Presidents Park. The image I saw was so eerie and creepy, I just had to add it to my bucket list. Plus, I have a new love of all things historical, so this was a destination I knew I needed to explore.
There are 43 President Sculptures, from George Washington to George W. Bush. They range in height from 18-20 feet. Most are in terrible shape with crumbling features and water discoloration. This only adds to the character and eeriness of the site!
To visit these ruins, you must purchase a ticket through eventbrite with John Plashal Photo. He is a photographer that has some kind of connection to the family that owns these sculptures and is allowed to host events every few months. Once tickets are purchased, you will get more detailed instructions via email about the location, where to park, what to bring, etc. Upon arrival, you will meet John Plashal and he’ll give out instructions, get you checked in, and then you pretty much have free range to explore during your ticketed hours!
Do you love up close and personal animal encounters? Have you ever wanted to visit an elephant sanctuary? Then let me tell you about The Preserve in Fredericksburg, TX!
This experience was so amazing, I was literally brought to tears twice. We listened to some information about The Preserve, the back story and how the elephants came to be here. Then we all watched in complete awe as 4 Asian elephants began to head towards us, trunk to tail in a line. Cue the first set of tears I cried. We were able to spend about 2 hours here with the elephants and even participated in giving one a bath! Such a fun experience and the staff is awesome! They were all willing to give each guest an epic experience and wanted to help photograph our time with the elephants.
Overall, without giving too much away in case you want to visit on your own, I will say that this has been one of my favorite family getaways of all time! I am a life-long learner, an animal lover, and adventure seeker. This hit all of those areas for me. But my favorite part about it was seeing the pure joy and excitement from my boys. They loved the experience and want to go back!
Walking Behind a Waterfall in Twin Falls, Idaho
What a fun surprise Twin Falls was! Idaho as a whole is a beautiful and underrated state that I hope we can venture back to explore soon. We didn’t spend a lot of time in Twin Falls, it was more of a resting point for us on our drive from Texas to Yellowstone, but it was a fantastic stop that really made me appreciate the area!
Our first stop of the evening was to see the Perrine Coulee Falls, within Centennial Waterfront Park. It is the coolest waterfall that has a trail that allows you to walk right behind it! This was one of our favorite adventures on our entire road trip! We used AllTrails for directions to the waterfall trailhead. It said that it’s a 2 mile out & back trail, but if you park along the road next to the falls it’s less than 0.5 miles of walking. There are several spots right along the road that offer parking and there is a bigger parking lot farther away that you can use if there aren’t spots available next to the trail, but we had no problem finding a spot. We did go later in the day, around 6:30 pm as soon as we arrived and it wasn’t very crowded at all. The hike also isn’t very long and took less than 5 minutes from our parked car. You can hear the waterfall as soon as you exit your car, before you see the falls. It was so impressive and really flowing! The falls drop almost 200 feet and flow year-round, but summer flows are stronger. We spent at least an hour just taking it all in from different angles.
Home Alone Airbnb in Dallas, Texas
I might have a small obsession with the movie Home Alone. I’ve visited the house in Chicago where the movie was filmed two times now and it’s on my bucket list to go back and see it during Christmastime. So, when I heard that there was a Home Alone Airbnb in Dallas (just 45 minutes from my house), I knew I had to see it! This movie is definitely a family favorite of ours and I cannot even tell you the total amount of times I’ve seen it. I still remember my mom taking my little sister and I to the movies when it released back in 1990, I was 8 years old. I’m not sure a year has gone by that I haven’t watched it during the holidays. And thankfully my boys love it just as much as I do!
I’m happy to say that our stay was everything I hoped it would be! I don’t think we stopped smiling all night. The thoughts and details that went into planning this themed getaway are top notch and I cannot believe some of the memorable in this place! AND, it even came with a FREE large cheese pizza.
I think one night is all you need to experience the magic of this place, especially if you are local. It felt like the most epic sleepover ever and my boys were thrilled we didn’t have to leave once we arrived. If you are traveling from a long distance, you will be right outside of downtown Dallas and have tons of touristy locations and amazing restaurants right at your fingertips!
And my favorite part of all, watching both Home Alone and Home Alone Lost in New York on VHS tape! We taught the kids how to rewind a video and all about Blockbuster and how exciting it was to go rent movies on Friday nights! I’m totally an 80s kid and this just took me back to my childhood!
We decided to road trip across Colorado up to Monarch Mountain to go dog sledding with Monarch Dog Sled Rides. My littlest son is obsessed with wolves & huskies, so we knew he’d love this animal adventure! And I think it’s safe to say that we ALL loved dog sledding.
The tour started with an introduction and background story about every dog on the tour. Then we learned about the history of dog sledding and the kids were so engaged. From there we learned how to harness a dog and anyone has the opportunity to try it out themselves. Then it was time to start the ride! I have never seen dogs so excited to work! You can totally tell that these dogs are treated very well and are truly born to pull sleds! The kids and I bundled up together in the sled and Jereme got to stand at the back with our guide and drive the sled. The sights were incredible, the guides were so knowledgeable and we enjoyed chatting with them during our tour. The few stops we made were fun, we especially loved getting to play with the dogs and watch them roll around in the snow to cool down. I would highly, highly, highly recommend this company and this adventure for anyone wanting to add some fun to their ski or snowboarding trip to Colorado!
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation in New York City
When I was looking for fun things to do in New York, I stumbled across information about walking around the parade balloons while they are being inflated the day before the big event. I knew that this was a must for us! So, obviously you will need to be in NYC the week of Thanksgiving to experience the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation. The cool thing about being in NYC, is that the local news stations detailed exactly what we needed to do to see this in person and we followed the directions and had no issues getting to experience this. We took a subway ride to Central Park and the boys played a little and we walked around the lake for a bit. We had some hot dogs and some pretzels from a street vendor in the Park and then walked back over to Columbus and 72nd Street. There was a line forming, so we got in it and waited less than 5 minutes before we started moving into the blocked off areas around the balloons. You do have to go through a security area and if you have a bag, it will be searched. Once you pass this, you follow the crowd to the streets that they have set up the balloons and the floats on, and you get an up close view of it all! The parade staff even told us this is the best way to experience the balloons and we were even told to just watch the parade from TV! This event is free and you do not need reservations at this time!
The week of Thanksgiving is such a fun time to visit New York! Not only can you experience the Thanksgiving Parade, the city is also decorated for Christmas and just truly magical this time of year.
Click here for more information about the Parade and balloon inflation!
I cannot wait to add more unique adventures to our travel list! If you have a favorite unique experience or destination, please share in the comments! Follow me on Instagram to see more photos and videos of our unique travels.
Fall has always been my favorite season, ever since I can remember having a favorite season. I love everything about the fall… the food, smells, weather, decor, family time, fashion, and just recently, the travel! I am by no means an expert at fall travel, but I’m getting there!
You may already know that I am a teacher and fall can be a busy season for educators. We are just getting back into the routine of school after being out all summer. Grades are due, parent conferences are happening, and if you have kids, fall sports are in full swing. But if you can sneak away, even for just a weekend, I cannot recommend it enough! Usually, destinations are less crowded in the fall, since most people are back to work/school. And you can’t beat the cooler temperatures, either. I honestly think that fall travel is my new favorite thing! It was hard to choose just five, but listed below are my favorite fall destinations to date!
5. Broken Bow, Oklahoma
Quivera Cabin in Broken Bow
Coming in at number five is Broken Bow, Oklahoma! This has become a family favorite of ours, especially since it’s only about three hours from our home in Texas. There truly is something here for everyone. In my opinion, Broken Bow has the very best accommodations for every budget, from luxury cabins to campsites. The temperatures in the fall are very nice, typically warm during the day and chilly at night. There really is nothing better than being able to enjoy the day outdoors hiking or at the lake, shopping around the downtown area, or hanging around your cabin; then cozying up at nighttime and roasting marshmallows around the firepit. Most cabins in Broken Bow have firepits and outdoor hot tubs. We enjoy bringing food to cook, but there are also many restaurants, breweries and wineries in town. Be sure to book your lodging early for a fall weekend, they tend to book up quick!
4. St. Louis, Missouri
Family photo at the Gateway Arch National Park
We visited St. Louis last October and had a spooky good time! I was looking for a quick family getaway over Columbus Day weekend and settled on St. Louis, and I am so glad I did! This was also the first trip we took our puppy on and she did great. St. Louis is a very dog-friendly destination and they even have several tourist attractions that allow your pups to tag along. We only had two full days in this city, but I feel like we were able to do so much in that time. Our favorites were visiting the Gateway Arch, walking along the Mississippi River, visiting Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, and taking a haunted history walk around the city at night! St. Louis has many great hotel and restaurant options and several museums to check out, including our favorite, The City Museum. While I was hoping for more fall colors, this quick weekend trip has remained a fall family favorite for all of us! Click here to read more about our weekend in St. Louis.
3. New Buffalo, Michigan
Lighthouse in St. Joseph
I was lucky enough to visit a dear friend in New Buffalo, Michigan late October of last year. This was just the girls trip I needed in my life! It was also my first and only visit to Michigan and I cannot wait to go back! I mean, fall foliage, lighthouses, beaches, and quaint water front towns, what more can you ask for? I highly recommend staying at the Marina Grand Resort. The rooms are so cozy, right on the water and ours had a fireplace and patio. We enjoyed our time in New Buffalo and also had fun driving around Michigan and checking out St. Joseph and Saugatuck. Saugatuck was also the best day trip, with delicious restaurants and all the shopping my little heart could handle! Click here to read more about my weekend in Michigan.
2. Snowbird, Utah
Scenic view from the hike to Gloria Falls in Utah
I actually just returned from Utah last weekend and moved it up on my favorite list to number two! What a weekend! I was able to get away with my best friend of almost 30 years for a spa weekend in the mountains and it was everything we both needed. We took full advantage of the spa and got massages, pedicures, took a yoga class, enjoyed the steam room and roof top hot tub and heated pool. But we also hiked and drove around in the mustang convertible we rented for the weekend. The hiking was my favorite part, besides the room service! And the fall colors were to die for! I must also mention that we experienced the first snow of the season in Utah and it was such a nice surprise. I would absolutely go back to Snowbird in a heartbeat. This destination would be great for a romantic getaway, a girls trip, and even a family adventure! To read more about my weekend in Snowbird, click here.
1. Washington, DC
Fall in DC!
Ranking number one for my family is our fall trip to Washington DC! Not only is this my favorite fall destination, it may also be my favorite family trip we’ve taken. We actually visited DC over Thanksgiving Break in late November. This is a wonderful time to visit because the weather is fantastic and most of the businessmen and women leave the city for the holidays. It wasn’t crowded at all and we were able to visit those historic landmarks and world famous museums without the crowds! The daytime temperatures were perfect and we enjoyed walking around the city and playing football with our boys at the national mall. At night, we bundled up and walked to see the monuments at night. It was just truly the perfect week with my family. Click here to read more about our trip to DC!
Most of these adventures took place over long weekends, when the boys and I were out of school for a holiday. I am learning to leave the work behind and enjoy these breaks with friends and family. The laundry and housework will always be there, as will the never ending pile of papers to be graded! But I’ll never get back these long weekends meant for family, friends and adventures. There are still so many places on my fall travel bucket list. I hope that I can add more destinations to this list very soon. If you have any fall travel recommendations, be sure to leave a comment and let me know! We will be traveling to the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas over Thanksgiving Break this year, so be sure to be on the lookout for more information about those two destinations!
Did you know that there’s a town named Santa Claus in Indiana that celebrates the magic of the Christmas season all year long? We had no clue! I came across an article that highlighted the top 10 Christmas towns in America and Santa Claus made the list. I was intrigued, so began doing more research and decided we had to check it out! And, of course December was the perfect month for a quick visit. So, we got busy finding cute matching holiday sweaters and pajamas for us and the kids. Then, we picked a weekend, booked a hotel and discovered there were so many festive activities planned for the Saturday we’d be visiting!
From Texas, the drive is about 11.5 hours. As we neared Santa Claus, IN, we made a stop at Lincoln’s Boyhood Memorial in Lincoln City, IN. It was a nice place to get out, do some hiking, and stretch our legs after being in the car for so long. Not everything was open due to Covid, but we felt safe, we were outdoors, and were able to social distance from other visitors. It almost felt like we were there by ourselves. If you love Abe Lincoln like we do, make sure to visit this amazing historical site!
From Lincoln City we drove about 5 minutes and arrived in Santa Claus! Right away you begin seeing Santa Claus statues welcoming you into town. The streets are named things like, Christmas Blvd, Holiday Ln, etc. For a small town, it was filled with so many fun attractions. There’s even an amusement park and water park (they were closed while we were there).
We found all of the available activities on the Santa Claus website, which was super helpful to plan out the day!
Here is our list of favorite activities!
1. Drive through donut, pancake and sausage breakfast served by Santa! (Free/Optional Donation)
2. Santa’s Toy Shop
3. Pictures with the MOST amazing Santa and Mrs. Claus! (Free/Optional Donation)
4. Candy Castle – Be sure to try the frozen hot chocolate!
Hey y’all! I hope you’re enjoying the summer so far. I’ve been busy planning away, mostly re-booking trips that were canceled this past spring. And that had me thinking, I should write a blog on how I plan our trips! I’m constantly asked how I find places or plan our travels, so keep reading to learn my tips and tricks!
So, I promise I am not a travel expert by any means, but if you follow along on our adventures, you’ll see that we really have gone to some cool places over the years. The internet has become my best friend and I’m not sure how anyone traveled anywhere without it haha!
So, to begin I must mention that I follow a lot of travel sites on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. I also order free brochures and magazines for popular destinations like, Alaska, Colorado, US National Parks, Florida, etc.
There’s never a shortage of travel magazines in our house!
I think about 99% of our trips are planned around a single photo that I come across either from an online image or something in a magazine. It might sound crazy, but I am a very visual learner. I see a cool photo, I begin researching right away, and then I build my trip around that single image. Does that sound crazy?!
I need my picture taken right here, so can you guess what I’m planning next?
Once I see a photo and decide that we must go there and take the same picture, I begin researching this destination. I use google and Pinterest mostly for this. I type in that specific location and spend hours reading and planning.
The map app I use (the standard iPhone app) is also my new best friend. I have to see how far away the destination is and decide if we can do the road trip or if we will need to fly. Have I ever mentioned that I hate flying? I totally prefer to drive while the rest of my family would rather fly. Usually I start with the main destination in mind and begin mapping out our route and planning the drive there and back. Once I have that figured out I start building an itinerary.
Looks like another long drive is in our future!
When I figure out our next destination and have a plan on how long it will take to get there and back, I do more research to see what else is in the area that we need to check out! Typically, I’ll go to Pinterest and lots of options pop up when I type in the location – from places to eat, to historical sites to see, to unique roadside attractions. I use this information to see how many days we’ll need to plan for.
If my computer is out, chances are I’m up to something fun!
Once I know how many days we’ll need, I then go to Google and search the weather for that destination/best time to travel there. I try not to plan trips during the rainy seasons or when there’s a risk for winter weather (especially if we’re driving). At the same time, I’m limited on my travel days being a teacher and having kids that need to be in school learning! But I try to use our school holidays when I can and I’ve found that I really enjoy traveling over Thanksgiving break and spring break. The weather is pleasant and some places aren’t as crowded.
It’s going to be toasty in July…
I also reach out to some of the groups I follow on social media to ask for tips or recommendations! It’s always helpful to discuss travels with people that have already been there, especially if they’ve gone to your future destination recently!
So many people are willing to share ideas and it’s very helpful!
Now, here’s the hardest part… once I have the destination chosen, I know how long the drive will be, and I have an idea on how many days we should visit, I have to convince the hubby it’s a good idea! The best tip for this – finding something adventurous at that location that I know he’ll love to do to seal the deal! Once he’s convinced I start looking for hotel options. I have had good luck booking on Expedia and choosing the book now/pay later option. This has allowed us to book a few different options at the same time and then cancel without a fee the day before check in. There’s been a few times we’ve canceled a trip due to weather or our kids getting sick.
My hubby could NOT say no to a rafting trip!
After the hotel is booked, I make a list of those must see and do places. I take my list and we have a general idea of when we want to do those things, but unless I have to book an activity in advance, I don’t set specific dates for specific places. I like to keep the days open in case the weather changes last minute or we get a good recommendation from a local!
Planning around Covid 19 – I feel like I had to address this because my planning has really changed over the past several months and we have new considerations to think about. With this in mind, I can’t fail to mention that you really need to plan ahead and make sure that the places you want to visit are open. You also need to see if these places require advance reservations and if there are any restrictions in place. Be sure that you’re satisfied with the lodging’s sanitizing procedures.
I hope that all of this made sense! If you need any help planning a family trip, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or send me that favorite photograph and I will help build you an epic itinerary!
Road Trip Queen 