The South-Central Ohio Wild, Weird, and Wonderful Social Distancing Driving Tour!

My family was sick and tired of our indoor quarantine life, so we took a simple road trip to some of the more interesting and off the beaten path sights in the Dayton – Xenia – Wilmington area. I like to call this the Wild, Weird, and Wonderful Social Distancing Driving Tour!  This was our route for sightseeing satisfaction at a socially acceptable distance. Every stop on this tour is free, open at all hours of the day, and provides enough space to keep socially distant from other folks. The route follows a U-shape formation, starting in Enon and ending in Dayton.

Adena Burial Mound

Stop 1: Enon Adena Burial Mound, 400 Mound Cir, Enon, OH 45323.

This conical burial mound is the second tallest in Ohio. The mound is 40 feet high and is thought to be the work of the Adena Native Americans, original settlers of the area. There is a small parking lot, and it’s an easy walk up to and around the mound.

Stop 2: Beavercreek 9/11 Memorial, 1152 N Fairfield Rd, Beavercreek, OH  45432

These 25-feet-tall steel beams came to Beavercreek from the World Trade Center site. This respectful memorial features placards naming all the 9/11 victims from all the crash sites. It’s easy to spend some time here reading and remembering. This stop is at Beavercreek Station, which also provides access for the Creekside recreational trail. When social distancing, this is the most challenging stop as it can be very busy with people accessing the trail. There is a great parking lot, picnic tables, and restrooms, although they were closed while we visited.

Stop 3: Engle Mill Rd. Covered Bridge, 3420 Engle Mill Rd, Xenia, OH 45385

It’s an easy country drive to the Engle Mill Rd. Covered Bridge. Visitors can’t drive across the bridge, but there are places to park on either end to get out and walk. When we visited, it was a lovely day, so we paused to enjoy nature for few moments. Descriptive signs provide the history of this bridge.

Engle Mill Rd. Covered Bridge

Stop 4: Downtown Wilmington wall mural (Corner of Rt. 68 and Main St.), 2 E Main St., Wilmington, OH 45177

It's easy to park across the street from the mural by the county courthouse and have the perfect spot for picture taking. This mural is the work of local artist Jason Morgan and it features images from the Century Farms life in the 1930s.

Stop 5: Frankenstein’s Monster, 1261 W Dalton Rd, Wilmington, OH

Standing guard at the gate of the Wilmington Haunted Hollow Ride, it doesn’t have to be Halloween to snap a picture with this guy! He’s officially the scariest stop on our tour, standing about 15 feet tall with a permanently creepy face. There’s no official parking during the off season, but it’s easy to pull in the driveway long enough to take a photo.

Stop 6: World’s Largest Horseshoe Crab, 7592 OH-124, Hillsboro, OH 45133

World's largest horseshoe crab

This crab is currently sitting in its fourth location having previously lived in Baltimore, the Creation Museum, and Blanchester, Ohio. At 28 feet wide and 68 feet long, it’s affectionately known as “Crabby,” and it’s worth the stop. The crab is large enough to house a picnic table and umbrella inside, although there's really no time for picnicking these days. The parking situation at this site is the most difficult. There is a driveway adjacent to the crab that will work for a quick stop. We missed the driveway, so we pulled across the street to an apartment complex. It's tough to pull off along the side of the road, and there’s no official parking lot.

Stop 7: Large Adirondack Chair, 6945 Hwy 73, Wilmington, Ohio 45177

This larger than life piece of furniture sits at The Wooden Branch business, so if visitors are in the market for a shed, they can kill two birds with one stone at this top. It’s easy to park in the parking lot and take a photo by the chair. Unfortunately, climbing up into the chair is frowned upon.

Stop 8: Tall Stack of Books, 111 West Spring Valley Pike, Centerville, OH

This sculpture can be found at the Washington-Centerville Public Library. Officially called “The Record,” it is 22 feet tall and is made of terracotta. The library parking lot makes for easy parking and access.

Stop 9: Big Apple Made of Flatware, 56 Armor Place, Dayton, OH 45417

This eight-foot-tall apple sculpture is the work of artist Chad Johnson and features thousands of knives, forks, and spoons. It can be found outside the Dayton Foodbank on the south side of their property. The adjacent parking lot makes it easy to visit.

 

Large apple made of Flatware

When touring during the pandemic, it's smart to pack sandwiches, snacks, and drinks, although we didn’t have trouble finding enough drive thru restaurants to feed us on our journey. Restrooms are harder to come by during the shut down. Gas stations proved to be the best bet. As always, pack hand sanitizer and masks to be prepared for any situation. The total travel time will be 4-6 hours depending on the starting point and how much time is spent at each spot. We had an easy five-hour journey on our travel day. 

Map of the driving route

Frankenstein's Monster

Large stack of books

Large Adirondack chair

Wall mural in downtown Wilmington

This beaver is an added bonus when you stop at the 9/11 site.

The 9/11 memorial

Yes, you can get close to the world's largest horseshoe crab!!

Family Fun in Cincinnati

In Ohio for some family fun this summer? Head to the Queen City...Cincinnati. Packed with family-friendly destinations, you’ll think you’ve traveled to an entertainment hot spot. Try a few of these attractions to make the most of your visit.

The new Banshee coaster is the world's longest
inverted coaster.

King’s Island. Record-breaking rollercoasters, a world-class water park, and star-studded entertainment make King’s Island one of Ohio’s best attractions. Don’t miss the newest coaster, Banshee, which set a record as the world’s longest inverted coaster. The Beast, which celebrates its 35^th birthday this season, still holds the record as the world’s longest wooden coaster. It sits adjacent to the Diamondback, the Vortex, and a host of other rides that will surely deliver the thrills, chills, and spills that your family craves. Milder rides also abound in every section of the park along with an award-winning kids’ section, and the recently remodeled water park, Soak City. Daily admission starts at $59.99, but many discount offers are available online. Plan your visit at www.visitkingsisland.com .

The Asian elephants are always a favorite at the
Cincinnati zoo. See over 500 species of animals!

Cincinnati Zoo. If rollercoasters aren’t your speed, then head on over to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Consistently rated as one of the top zoos in the country, over 500 animal and 3,000 plant species are featured. Don’t miss the newest exhibit, Africa, which opens on June 28^th. Designed like an African savannah, visitors will have unrestricted views and close encounters with the animals. Other exciting exhibits include polar bears in the “Lords of the Arctic,” orangutans in “Jungle Trails,” and Asian elephants in the “Elephant Reserve.” There’s also  giraffes, rhinos, reptiles, and more. It’s a full day at the zoo! General admission is $15 for adults and $11 for kids, but there are many package deals available. Plan your visit online at http://cincinnatizoo.org.  

Kids of all ages love the Duke Energy
Children's Museum!

Cincinnati Museum Center. If you’d rather spend the day indoors, then try the Cincinnati Museum Center. Housed in the former Union Terminal train station, this museum houses three different museums, an Omnimax theatre, and a variety of traveling exhibits. The “Diana: A Celebration” exhibit is currently featured and showcases the life and work of Diana, Princess of Wales. This award-winning exhibit will be at the museum through August 17^th. While you’re there, visit the Cincinnati History Museum which takes visitors on a walk through the past of this great city. The Museum of Natural History and Science provides a wealth of hands-on experiences about prehistoric history and the scientific world. Finally, the Duke Energy Children’s Museum offers hours of hands-on play and exploration for kids of all ages. Wrap it up with a movie on the Omnimax’s five-story screen, and you’ve got a day full of excitement. Ticket prices vary depending on the number of museums visited. The website at www.cincymuseum.org explains the various options available.

Fountain Square.  Whether you choose to spend an entire evening here, or you stop by on your way to another location, Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati has food, fun, and entertainment all summer long. An daily schedule of events means that there’s always something happening, in addition to the permanent dining and shopping storefronts that surround the square. Music, dancing, sports events on the big screen...you’ll find it in the square. Check out their website at http://myfountainsquare.com for the full schedule of summertime events. Also, keep in mind that there’s ice skating here in the winter.

Reds Baseball. It’s the great American pastime, and a chance to see live Major League baseball in action. Tickets can be had for as little as $9, depending on the game. Visit http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com for ticket information and details on special events.

You can have a fun, family-filled adventure in southwest Ohio. Try Cincinnati and see what a great time you can have!

Other places to explore in the Cincinnati area...
The Beach Waterpark: http://www.thebeachwaterpark.com/
Newport Aquarium:  http://www.newportaquarium.com/
The Creation Museum: http://creationmuseum.org/
Newport on the Levee: http://www.newportonthelevee.com/
Cincinnati Art Museum: http://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org/
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center: http://freedomcenter.org/

Start Summer Travel Planning Now!

It may be winter right now, but summer is around the corner and with it comes the summer travel season. Here are 6 tips to get you started with your summer travel plans.

1.  Pick a destination. Start with a map and begin to brainstorm. Compile input from family members. Conduct research on the sights and activities that various places have to offer. Consider additional requirements of international travel, such as passports. Make a wish list and then start to whittle it down. A major component of the whittling-down process will likely be...

2.  Transportation. Drive or fly? It’s the age old question every family asks when planning their summer travel. Perhaps you immediately know that flying is cost-prohibitive and therefore out of the question. This may immediately cut several destinations off the list of possibilities. If you’re on the fence about flying, look to the Internet and start to research. It may be too early to book tickets, but you can get an idea of prices and routes. This will help you determine whether or not flying is an option. If you must drive, then factor in the price of gas and hotel stays between here and your destination.

3.  Pick your dates. Look at the family calendar and mark adults’ vacation time and kids’ summer responsibilities. Depending on the age of your children and their level of summertime commitments, you may not have a large window of travel time available to you. Focus on several different chunks of the summer calendar in which you could book a vacation. The amount of time available will help you further pare down that list of destinations.

4.  Research hotel or lodging options. City accommodations will be quite different than beach accommodations. If you’re looking to rent a beach house or condo, then its availability may finalize travel details such as dates and transportation. Rental properties typically need to be secured earlier on the calendar than hotels do. Use a website like Trip Advisor (www.tripadvisor.com) to fully understand what each lodging spot has to offer. A website like Travel Zoo (www.travelzoo.com) is a great place to search hotel and airfare deals for major cities.

It's never too early to start making summertime travel plans.

5.  Set a budget. After viewing preliminary prices on airfare and hotels, start to lay down a reasonable budget. Don’t forget to research the cost of attractions you want to visit, as well as food. This will likely be the final deciding factor on your choice of destination. It all comes down to money in the end.

6.  Pull the trigger when the time is right. After you conduct your research and make your decisions, be ready to act when it’s time to buy plane tickets or book hotels. Don’t be afraid to make those purchases or reservations when you see prices that fit into your budget. Airfare can be notoriously tricky. If you can’t begin to make heads or tails of it, then enlist the assistance of a travel agent. Also use a travel agent to book a cruise or to plan a complicated trip with many location changes.

7.  Apply for a passport. It takes awhile to secure a passport, on average 4-6 weeks. If your destination is international, get moving on this. It can be expedited for an additional fee, but the sooner you can start the process, the better. Visit the state department website at http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/new.html to find out more.

Even though summer still feels far away, you can get the jump on planning an enjoyable vacation by starting the process now. Sunny skies are right around the corner, and you’ll definitely want to make the most of your summer travel time.

Safe Travel Tips Everyone Should Know

Summertime is vacation time, and a focus on safety can help maximize the experience. Follow these suggestions for a safe trip.

Safeguard your valuables. Leave fancy jewelry or family heirlooms at home. Traveling with these items puts you at greater risk of loss or theft.

Make copies. Leave copies of your credit cards and passports with a family member. Pack another set with you, away from the originals. Having copies of these items expedites the replacement process if the originals are lost or stolen.

Manage your money. Don’t flash a lot of money, and leave extra credit cards at home. Spread out the money and credit cards amongst all the adults on the trip to prevent disaster if one person is pickpocketed. Contact credit card companies before departing on an international trip so that your card won’t be flagged as stolen when you use it overseas.

There's safety in numbers! Also, keep kids and teens with adults.

There’s safety in numbers. Avoid being alone and stick together as a group. When traveling with a large group, institute the buddy system. Always keep kids and teens with adults.

No news is good news. While some locals are friendly and like to chat up tourists, use caution in these conversations. Be careful about sharing specific travel plans and details. Don’t disclose lodging information or particulars about your route.

Use common sense. When traveling, use the same common sense that you’d use at home. If you wouldn’t walk down a dark alley at home, then don’t’ do it on vacation. If you wouldn’t leave a bar with a person you just met at home, then don’t do it in a foreign country. It’s still possible to do fun exciting things on vacation without making poor decisions that endanger your safety.

Keep luggage practical. Pack light and carry as little as possible. Don’t weigh yourself down with numerous pieces of luggage. It impairs your ability to travel swift and light, and it also means you’ve got to keep track of more personal belongings. Plan ahead and purchase luggage that will best meet the needs of your trip. A bag that works well on a resort vacation isn’t suited to a hiking trip. Women should also make the same considerations for purses.



It was fun being photographed with these alpacas until the owners decided
we should pay more money. Be sure to investigate the parameters BEFORE
partaking in the services.

Watch out for street scams. In touristy areas, street scams abound. Don’t be fooled into parting with money because you posed for a picture with a cute character or took pictures with adorable local children. Participation in shoe shining, getting directions, or enjoying street musicians can turn sour when the performers expect to be paid. Be sure to find out the parameters of the situation before you partake of the goods and services being offered.

Can you hear me now? Investigate your communication capabilities before leaving home, especially for international travel. Don’t assume your smartphone will work in another country. Research this before you depart. Also investigate your ability to check e-mail or have access to the internet before you leave home.

Provide contact information. Leave your travel itinerary and all contact numbers with family before you leave town. If you’re traveling internationally, register with the state department prior to departure.

Lock down your house. Take precautions for your home while you’re away. Light timers, locked windows and doors, and a house sitter can keep your home safe and sound. Enlist the help of trustworthy neighbors to watch your house and leave contact numbers with them.

Avoid social media. It can be tempting to post fun pictures to social media while you’re on the road, but this just advertises to the world that you’re out of town. Wait until you get home to post fun pictures of your trip.

Be vigilant and be practical when you travel. Staying safe on your vacation will help everyone to have a great time.

 

Riding the Rails in Ohio!

The Diamondback at King's Island ends with a
spectacular splashdown.

Roller coaster and theme park enthusiasts are lucky to live in Ohio which ranks third in the country for theme park visits. Ohio boasts two of the top 15 amusement parks in the country, Cedar Point and King’s Island. Each park drew over 3.2 million visitors in 2012, and major roller coasters are part of their appeal. If you’ve been considering a trip to these two roller coaster hotspots, here are a few highlights to entice you.

Cedar Point. Cedar Point holds the title of, “The Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” and with 16 coasters, it’s an appropriate designation. Cedar Point bills its newest coaster, the Gatekeeper, as the world’s longest, fastest, and tallest winged coaster. Reaching speeds of 67 mph, this monster greets visitors at the front gate with a 164-foot drop and two keyhole passes.

After riding the Gatekeeper, consider the Millennium Force. An elevator cable system pulls riders up 310 feet and then drops them at speeds of up to 92 mph. Not to be outdone is the Top Thrill Dragster. It launches riders from zero to 120 mph in a mere three seconds and then shoots them up a 420-foot vertical tower. Rounding out this trifecta of bad boys is one of the earliest mega coasters, the Magnum XL-200, which still thrills with a first hill of over 200 feet and reaching speeds of 72 mph.

Fans of wooden roller coasters will find plenty to keep them occupied at Cedar Point. The Gemini, a wooden racing coaster, reaches speeds of 60 mph. Also watch out for the Mean Streak. With 1.7 million feet of pine to provide the structure, the Mean Streak takes riders on a rip-roarin’ trip at 65 mph. Don’t forget an old favorite, the Blue Streak. This classic from 1964 still offers riders plenty of air time, bumps and jostles.

Are you brave enough to ride these coaster giants in Ohio?

A trip to Cedar Point wouldn’t be complete without a ride on the Raptor, a suspended coaster that’s situated on the midway. Its riders’ feet hang free as they endure six inversions at 57 mph. From there move to the Mantis, one of the world’s great standing coasters. Riders stand for a 145-foot climb that dives into a 119-foot loop while traveling at 60 mph.

If roller coasters don’t appeal to you, there’s still plenty to enjoy at Cedar Point. 72 rides dot the property, from wild to mild. The park also boasts live entertainment, midway games, a kids’ area, a water park, a campground, several resort hotels, and a beach. Find out everything you need to know for your trip at www.cedarpoint.com .

King’s Island. King’s Island is the midwest’s largest amusement and water park, boasting 14 roller coasters and over 80 rides. Two headlining coasters, the Diamondback and the Beast, dominate the park’s major attractions. New in 2008, the Diamondback towers as the tallest and fastest coaster in the park, and it treats riders to a 215-foot drop and speeds of up to 80mph. It features six drops and concludes with a spectacular splashdown ending. The open stadium-style seats provide riders with superb views of the park as they ride.

Not to be overshadowed is the Beast. This classic wooden coaster still holds the world record as the longest wooden coaster with 7,400 feet of track and more than four minutes of ride time. With two lift hills and a 540-degree helix tunnel for the grand finale, the Beast is consistently voted as one of the world’s greatest coasters by coaster enthusiasts worldwide.

These two giants aren’t the only ones lurking at King’s Island. In addition to three kiddie coasters, wooden coaster fans will enjoy the Racer, a racing-style coaster that’s been at King’s Island since the beginning. After a turn on the Racer, head over to Invertigo, a steel coaster where riders face each other as they move through three inversions forward and again backward. Thrill seekers also won’t want to miss Firehawk where riders flip through five inversions all while facing the ground as if flying. The Flight of Fear coaster features a catapult launch taking riders from zero to 54 mph in just four seconds. Keeping riders in the dark is part of the fun since the entire ride is enclosed. The Vortex, another steel coaster favorite, flips riders upside down six times and was the first coaster in the world to do so.

Plenty of rides are available in both parks for
non-coaster riders.

Just as with Cedar Point, non-coaster riders will still have plenty to do at King’s Island. Live entertainment, midway games, a water park, and a wide variety of other rides will keep the entire family busy. The kids’ area at King’s Island has been voted as the world’s best by Amusement Today magazine 12 years in a row. Go to www.visitkingsisland.com for more information.

With all this excitement packed into two amusement parks, no wonder Ohio ranks third in the U.S.A for theme park visits. Take time this summer to ride a few of the rails in the Buckeye State and see for yourself why Ohio is a hot spot for amusement park fun.

Day Trippin' in West Central Ohio

Kids love to explore the subterranean world at Ohio Caverns.

5 Trips in the "Heart of it All!"

Take a fun day trip or a short stopover in west central Ohio and see some of what the Buckeye State has to offer.

Ohio Caverns. It’s an easy country drive to West Liberty, Ohio, where you can tour magnificent caverns, billed as the world’s most beautiful and Ohio’s largest caverns. Open year-round, the caverns maintain a comfortable 54-degree temperature no matter what the season. You’ll see some of the most colorful crystals in the world, including the Crystal King, a pure white formation that’s nearly 5 feet long. Visitors can take the Natural Wonder tour, a 50-minute walking tour that winds through a mile’s worth of subterranean splendor. The path is paved, although stairs and narrow passages are part of the tour, so it is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Other tours are also available, including one that does accommodate wheelchairs. All tours require an admission fee. Ohio Caverns also features 35 acres of grounds that include picnic pavilions, restrooms, a gift shop, and gem and fossil mining. Visit www.ohiocaverns.com for more information and to plan your visit.

Piatt Castles.  After you go to Ohio Caverns, make a short jaunt over to the Piatt Castles, also in West Liberty, Ohio. Built by the Piatt Family, the two castles, Mac-a-Cheek and Mac-O-Chee, showcase the history of the family and the splendor of the western Ohio countryside in which they reside. The castles are open daily during the summer, and summertime camps are available for kids.  Visitors may choose from a combo ticket for both castles or a single-castle ticket. Discounts are offered for kids, seniors, and AAA members. The first floors of each castle are wheelchair accessible. Visit the website at www.piattcastles.org for more information and to plan your visit.

Airstream Factory Tours. Ever wondered about those sleek silver bullet trailers seen in campgrounds and cruising along the interstate? Well, they’re made in Ohio! Each trailer is made by hand in accordance with the company’s belief of quality, innovation, and design. To watch this process in action, take a trip to Jackson Center for the Airstream Factory Tour. This free tour is given every Monday through Friday at 2:00 p.m. You’ll tour the production facility in an easy ¾ mile walk. Group tours for 10 or more people can be arranged in advance. Visit http://www.airstream.com/company/tours/ for more information.

Bicycle Museum of America. Do you have a bicycle buff in your family? If so, consider a trip to New Bremen, Ohio, and the Bicycle Museum of America. This museum features over 300 bikes on permanent display and another 1,000 bikes displayed on a rotating basis. The collection includes bikes from the 1800s through current times. An on-site theatre provides the history of bicycles, and a gift shop is also available. The museum’s interactive website is worth a visit for bicycle fans and students conducting research. The museum is open Monday through Saturday in the summer. A small admission fee is charged for entry with discounts for kids and seniors.  See more at www.bicyclemuseum.com .

At Ohio Caverns, see the Crystal King, a
5-foot formation. Amazing!

 

Armstrong Air and Space Museum. It’s an easy interstate drive to Wapakoneta, Ohio, where you can visit the Armstrong Air and Space Museum. Visitors will view exhibits related to Neil Armstrong and space travel, including an Apollo 11 moon rock, Neil Armstrong’s Gemini and Apollo spacesuits, and the Gemini VIII spacecraft. In addition to the memorabilia on display, visitors can try their hand at three different simulators where they can try to land the lunar module and space shuttle or dock the Gemini capsule. A 25-minute film showcases the Apollo 11’s lunar landing. Open daily during the summer, admission is charged for entry. Discounts are available for children, seniors, and active military personnel. Group visits may be arranged for 10 or more people. Find more information at www.armstrongmuseum.org .

A trip through Ohio can be a fun vacation with some easy research and a day’s worth of travel. After all, Ohio is the heart of it all!

Successful Strategies for Flying with Kids



Planning makes it easy to fly with little ones.

Over the years, my husband and I have flown with our young kids on family vacations. Successfully taking little ones into the skies requires some planning and organization. These handy tips will help you turn flying into a positive travel strategy for your family.

Practice Makes Perfect: No matter the ages of your kids, get them used to traveling and being “on the go.” Since most of us can’t take practice trips in a plane, make sure your little ones have lots of experience traveling in the car. Kids who travel well in the car will most likely do well on an airplane.

Make the Most of Your Stroller.  Managing babies and toddlers in the airport is much easier with a stroller, especially with some of the long distances that must be traveled between checking in, security, and your departure gate. An added bonus is that you can stow some of your carry-on baggage in the lower part of your stroller, depending on the design. Most airlines will allow you to take the stroller right up to the plane and then check it gateside. Check your specific airline’s policies before departing.

Take Your Car Seat With You. If you’re concerned about an appropriate car seat for your child once you arrive at your destination, know that most airlines allow you to check a car seat for free. Confirm this with your airline before departure, of course. Some car rental companies will rent car seats, but you never know what the quality of the seat will be. Taking your own along allows you to transport your child without cause for concern.

Use the Facilities Before Boarding. Get the kids ready for boarding with a timely visit to the restroom. Even if kids say they don’t need to go, make this part of the process non-negotiable. Follow the same process with baby’s diaper change. The time between boarding and take-off can be miserable for little ones who need a diaper change or have to use the restroom. Also, changing a diaper on an airplane is less than ideal, so try to be strategic with your timing.

Board Early.  If your airline allows pre-boarding for families with young children, take advantage of that option. Don’t feel guilty about getting on the plane before everyone else. The pre-board gives you time to get situated on the plane before a long line of passengers flood in.

Pack the Essential Gear: Pack plenty of onboard entertainment for your brood. This includes books, toys, small games, coloring books, and personal electronics. Have a good supply of snacks and drinks ready, too. Coming with the right equipment helps keep everyone happy and content.

Sometimes baby will sleep on the plane.
Lucky parents!

Pack Light: Hauling a baby or toddler through an airport can be strenuous enough as it is. Try to take only what is needed for the first few days of the trip, and then buy items along the way as you travel. Consumables like diapers, food, sunscreen, and beauty products are better purchased once the final destination has been reached. If you stay in one place for awhile, explore the option of renting equipment for baby or the beach. If possible, do laundry halfway through the trip. All these things make the luggage less cumbersome, and it means you’re hauling less.

Prepare for the Ear Popping. The ascent and descent of the plane can be a painful experience for little kids’ ears. For babies, try to nurse or give a small bottle or during lift-off and landing. Older kids can chew gum or eat a small snack. The chewing and sucking motions of these activities will help those little ears to pop and will keep kids happier.

Don’t rule out flying just because you have young kids in your family. It can be a fast and fun option when you plan in advance.

LEGOLAND Florida is a LEGO Fan's Dream Come True!

The main entrance

LEGO. Approximately 19 billion LEGO elements are produced every year. Over 400 billion LEGO bricks have been sold since 1958. That’s 62 bricks for every person on Earth. Considering these facts it’s no wonder that a place like LEGOLAND Florida is a huge draw for LEGO fans, both young and old.

LEGOLAND Florida is the newest LEGO theme park to hit the United States. With the only other U.S. LEGOLAND park being in California, the Florida park is a great asset to Midwestern travelers who’d like to have the ultimate LEGO experience. Located In Winter Haven, Florida, LEGOLAND Florida is a just an hour’s drive from Orlando or Tampa which means that a day at LEGOLAND Florida can easily be included in a vacation that’s based out of either of those cities.

LEGOLAND Florida sits on the site of the old Cypress Gardens Park, and it still includes some of the past features of that park. The beautiful botanical gardens are still intact, as well as the waterski show. The water-skiers now include the famous LEGO minifigures zooming around on water skis alongside other performers doing the traditional tricks and flips.

Rides are mild but still fun!

But what about the LEGOs? Indeed, this is the place for the ultimate LEGO fan. The park is designed for kids ages 2-12, but for true fans of the LEGO, there will be something for all ages. The park’s areas are designed to focus on some of the more popular LEGO sets, including LEGO City, LEGO Technic, and LEGO Kingdoms, just to name a few. All the rides and theming for each area revolve around the LEGO sets.

The rides at LEGOLAND Florida are mostly mild. Height requirements on the majority of the rides are 48 inches or less. This park doesn’t focus on big heart-stopping thrills. The draw here is how cleverly LEGO has been incorporated into every ride in the park. Theming is king here, and LEGOLAND Florida has mastered that aspect.

Even caped crusaders are made from LEGO's at LEGOLAND.

No LEGOLAND Florida visit would be complete without a stop in the Imagination Zone. Here kids can spend hours building LEGO cars and racing them on a track. There are endless possibilities for building and testing kids’ own creations. Builders are issued a set of wheels at the door which must be returned at the exit, but beyond that requirement, thousands of LEGO pieces wait to be turned into the next racecar. This is a spot where the creative juices can flow.

Kids and parents alike will marvel at the LEGO creations throughout the park. At every turn there is a new LEGO figure that boggles the mind. In Miniland USA, visitors can view seven themed scenes that mirror their actual counterparts from around the United States. Have cameras ready when viewing places such as New York City, Washington DC, and Las Vegas all created out of those famous LEGO bricks.

The newest section of LEGOLAND Florida is the water park, which just opened in summer 2012. This is a great way to beat the Florida heat. The park features a wave pool, lazy river, multiple slides, and a splash element. Again, the LEGO rules the theming here, and it’s definitely a unique water park.

You never know which characters will get
the LEGO treatment.

What would a visit to LEGOLAND Florida be without a little shopping? LEGO fans will salivate at the number of different LEGO sets and pieces that can be purchased at LEGOLAND Florida. The various stores around the park provide all the sets, plus many other LEGO themed souvenirs. LEGO sets can be expensive, but the selection at the park is unmatched.

LEGOLAND Florida is a family-friendly park that will delight LEGO fans young and old. A one-day visit is usually sufficient for most visitors, although season passes are available for those who want to be frequent visitors.  Start planning your LEGOLAND Florida trip at their website, http://florida.legoland.com/ , and get ready to enjoy a fun-filled LEGO kind of day at LEGOLAND Florida.

Lobster Ice Cream...Only in Maine!

Visions of Maine include lush forests, sparkling blue water along a rocky coast, lighthouses, and  of course, lobster. If this intrigues you, then pack your bags and head to Bar Harbor, Maine, where lobster is king. There you’ll find lobster prepared in a hundred different ways, even in ice cream.

Yum...lobster ice cream!

What exactly is the make-up of lobster ice cream? It starts as vanilla ice cream, but chunks of lobster meat are distributed throughout the confection.  The taste of the lobster is evident with every mouthful. Not a treat you’re likely to find in Ohio, it’s a must-do for the Bar Harbor visitor, if, for no other reason, than to be able to brag about eating such a unique sweet.

If you prefer your lobster in its more natural form, then you’ll want to dine at a lobster pound. These restaurants serve up the state crustacean on picnic tables with lots of drawn butter close at hand. You order the lobster by weight, and it’s cooked immediately in large, boiling vats of water. Keep some paper towels handy because by the time you’ve cracked and eaten it, your hands will need some attention. These lobsters come straight off the boat into the lobster pound. It doesn’t get much fresher than that.

Speaking of lobster boats, it’s great fun to take a ride on one. Visitors can tour on a lobster boat to learn about lobsters and lobster fishing. On these excursions you’ll see seals basking on the rocks, bald eagles by a lighthouse, and live lobsters pulled up in traps from the ocean floor. Lobsters, who are scavengers, are carefully fished in Maine to help keep the population healthy and well-stocked. The lobster fishermen of Maine pride themselves on their work to keep a thriving lobster population. The entire family will enjoy learning all of this and more when you cruise the waters off Bar Harbor in a lobster boat.

Visit a lobster pound to eat fresh Maine lobster.



If you want more than lobster on your vacation, then you’re still in the right place because Bar Harbor is the home of Acadia National Park. This national park is a nature lover’s dream come true. Miles of hiking trails snake along the rocky Atlantic coast, into the forests, and up and down the mountains. Cadillac Mountain is the tallest mountain in the park, and views from the top afford a wonderful panorama of the surrounding area. You can see where the blue sky meets the blue-green waters of the Atlantic, a breathtaking reminder of our country’s natural beauty.

Swimming in the waters off the Bar Harbor coast will be a chilly experience. The waters of the north Atlantic are not warm, even in the summer. A swimsuit with more coverage will suit you well if you plan to do more than dunk your feet. The Maine coast is also very rocky, so plan in advance if you want to find a sandy beach. Sand Beach in Acadia is a great place to visit if sand is a requirement for your ocean-going experience.



Hiking to the top of Cadillac Mountain is fun for everyone.

Bikers also have plenty to do in Acadia, and you will often see bikers tackling the many hilly roads that cross the park. The park contains 45 miles of carriage roads which are off-limits to motor vehicles, and these are wonderful pathways for avid bicyclists. Horse drawn carriage rides are another popular way to enjoy the carriage road system.



Bar Harbor and Acadia have addressed pollution problems by offering free shuttle busses around town and also into Acadia. These busses, fueled by natural gas, have helped alleviate traffic issues. It’s easy to hop on and off the many busses that run all day long.

If you crave the outdoors and want to enjoy some of the finest nature that Maine has to offer, then Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are sure to be a hit for the entire family. Couple that with the king of the coast, the lobster, and you’ve got an experience just waiting for you unlike any that you can have elsewhere.

Tour on a lobster boat to learn all about Maine's lobsters.

A Teacher's Tips for Traveling with Kids

When I’m planning to hit the road with my family, I employ a few strategies straight out of my classroom to help ensure a successful vacation. Traveling can be stressful and expensive venture, but a few well-placed strategies can help the entire family have a good time and get the most out of the money being spent.

Happy, busy kids make for a great vacation!

1.  Front Load: Before we leave on a trip, we fill our kids’ minds with information about the places we’re getting ready to visit. We borrow books from the library, search for videos on YouTube, and visit the websites for the sights that we’ll see. When the kids are armed with knowledge ahead of time, they’re more engaged when they actually arrive at each sight on the trip.

2.  Practice Makes Perfect: If little ones have never been to any type of amusement park, then how can they be expected to enjoy and appreciate a place like Disney World? This is true for a whole number of places that might be visited on a vacation, such as museums, historical sights, and hiking trails. To maximize the experience for my family on vacation, we search out local sights in our own area and visit those in the weeks before our trip. Are we heading to the mountains for some hiking? Then we hike local trails to get in shape. Will we visit zoos and amusement parks? We look for the local equivalent and spend a few days visiting there. Is a week on the beach on our calendar? Then we spend plenty of time in the local pool so the kids are used to the water. This practice gives kids experience with the type of vacation that’s been planned, and as an added bonus, we get to take advantage of the local opportunities that our area has to offer.

3. Pack the Essential Gear: Whether driving or flying, we pack plenty of onboard entertainment for our brood. This includes books, toys, small games, coloring books, and personal electronics. We have a good supply of snacks and drinks ready, too. Coming prepared helps keep everyone happy and content.

4.  Schedule Play Time: It’s important to schedule time for kids to play. Kids need downtime just like adults, so we search out a playground, swimming pool, or other area where kids can be kids. This gives them a chance to mingle with other kids, both local and from other vacationing families.

5.  Do Your Homework: Before leaving home, we spend time doing research. We visit websites, read tour guides, and get a good idea of what we’ll do and the activities we want to participate in. We don’t wait until we’ve arrived at our destination to make a game plan. We leave the house with a good idea of what the vacation will hold, knowing that we may have to tweak our plan when we arrive.

6.  Divide and Conquer: Depending on the ages of the kids in the group, time is sometimes better spent by one parent taking older children in one direction and the other parent taking the younger children in another. This gives everyone an opportunity to participate in activities that are age and interest appropriate. It also gives family members a break from one another, which can be a welcome change after a week or more of togetherness.

7.  Know the Audience: It’s important to choose a vacation spot based upon the interests of the family. If no one in the group is very outdoor-sy, then a week-long camping trip in the mountains is not appropriate, even if it sounds like it will be spectacular. We get the biggest bang for our buck by planning a trip that fits our family.

8.  Be Ready for Anything: Even the best laid plans go awry. We’re always ready to change the game plan when necessary. Is rain interfering with a day at the beach? Then we search out a museum or an indoor arcade. Oops, someone forgot to pack underwear? We’ll just visit the nearest store. It doesn’t matter if the itinerary changes or if we decide to come home a day early. It’s our vacation and we can do what we want.

Let older kids plan and lead for a day.

9.  Pack Light: We try to leave all the unnecessary items at home. We also buy supplies along the way, especially when when we’re flying. Consumable items like diapers, food, sunscreen, and sometimes even beauty products are better purchased once the final destination has been reached. When we stay in one place for awhile, we explore the option of renting equipment for baby or the beach. If possible, we do laundry halfway through the trip so that we don’t have to drag as many clothes along. All these things make the luggage less cumbersome and it means we’re hauling less.

10. Put the kids to work: Older kids can play the role of tour guide. Have them plan and lead certain parts of the vacation, or give them a budget and let them plan a day. This gets them actively involved and helps them to see what’s involved in planning and financing a vacation. It also gives them a chance to put some of the things they’ve learned at school to good use. It’s a great experience to have kids put their knowledge to work for the family.

While you’re working out the details of your family vacation for this summer, try to employ some of these strategies to get the most out of your money and to help everyone in the group have a good time.