Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa review

Want to be central to LegoLand and San Diego, but stay at a hotel with a distinct ‘beach’ feel? The Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa is located one street off a lifeguard-manned beach, with ocean views from both rooms and the outdoor pool and lounging complex, and is still within easy driving distance to area attractions. Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa review: Located in … [Read more...]

A Boston 4th of July: Tips for Celebrating on the Esplanade

All people want to spend the Fourth of July in special fashion. If you’ve never been to Boston, heading there in the beginning of July is as good a time as any. Below, you’ll find tips regarding how to spend it right during the Esplanade celebration. Weather: New England weather is fickle, and natives know weather patterns change on a dime. In July, temperatures can range from the 60s and … [Read more...]

Aerial adventure in St. Louis: Go Ape-St. Louis

Driving through beautiful Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park in St. Louis, you could be forgiven for thinking you've stumbled across an Ewok village. Actually, it's Go Ape-St. Louis, an aerial obstacle course with ziplines.   The Go Ape experience Our treetop adventure began with check-in at the red barn, where the attendant holds keys, wallets, and phones behind the counter for safe … [Read more...]

Where to stay in St. Louis: Drury Inn-Forest Park

St. Louis, Missouri is known around the Midwest as a great family destination because of the many free attractions it offers. You'll need a few days to do justice to all the city has to offer. Wondering where to stay in St. Louis? While you're in town, make the Drury Inn-Forest Park your home away from home. With its its proximity to a number of major attractions, the Drury-Forest Park offers much … [Read more...]

St. Louis with kids: Missouri Botanical Garden

The Missouri Botanical Garden, established in 1859, is regarded as one of the top public gardens in the world. This 79-acre paradise, located only five miles from downtown St. Louis, exists thanks to local 19th-century businessman Henry Shaw, who admired the great public gardens of Europe and wanted to offer his hometown a similar resource. The gardens are exquisite, with pools, ponds, and … [Read more...]

Exploring California Gold Country and the state capital

For families interested in California history, a trip through Gold Country and Sacramento will hit many highlights, focusing on the Golden State's storied gold rush past.Raft and gold pan in the same river where gold was first discovered in 1848, ride historic steam locomotives, tour the state capital…and visit countless historic museums. Start or end in Sacramento: The state capital is, in … [Read more...]

St. Louis with kids: Visiting the free St. Louis Zoo

Voted the #1 free attraction in the United States in 2016, the St. Louis Zoo is a "must-see" for anyone visiting the area. With no admission costs, well-kept grounds, beautiful sculptures and water fixtures, and the large collection of animals, this is a great place for cost-conscious families to visit. Did we mention it's free? What you get for your free admission: The zoo is housed in … [Read more...]

The Magic House: St. Louis Children’s Museum review

In the last few years, our family has visited a number of children's museums around the country. Generally speaking, you can't go wrong, but The Magic House: St. Louis Children's Museum stands out. Boasting 55,000 square feet of play-based learning, The Magic House ranks among the city's top attractions for families. St. Louis Children's Museum review: What to do: Here's the thing about the … [Read more...]

Outside the box budget Seattle vacation

There are many wonderful cities worth spending a vacation in, and Seattle is certainly high on the list of cities where you have the ability to really tailor-make your experience based on what your idea of a great urban weekend is. Budgets can be tricky, but if you're willing to take advantage of good deals on Apollo RV rentals and think outside the box a little bit then you can absolutely enjoy … [Read more...]

Russian Tea at the Heathman Hotel Portland

The historic Heathman Hotel in Portland has offered a holiday tea service for decades. New in 2016, chef Vitaly Paley brought Russian flare to the service with his festive, elegant Russian Tea. Within days, all available reservations for the service, offered between November 25 and January 1, were filled. Due to the popularity of the holiday tea service, there will be two seatings on Saturdays … [Read more...]