Bahamas: Water Taxi from Paradise Island to Nassau

A short distance from Atlantis, underneath the new bridge, there is a water taxi that takes riders from Paradise Island to Nassau and back.

I read a lot of mixed reviews, but we decided to try it out in the name of adventure. We walked about ten minutes from the Royal Tower down to the ferry dock and purchased one-way tickets (so we still had an out if it was an awful experience). There was a man on the opposite corner that directed us to the signs for the ferry dock, but if no one is on the street, look for signs that say Paradise Island Ferry Dock.

The water taxi is $4 per person each way, which is the same price for a regular taxi for the same route. Fares are usually taken at the booth nearby, but sometimes there is a person on board taking the cash. Just go with the flow, the people around will direct traffic where it needs to go.

Water taxis run from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day, and according to our guide, the last ferry of the day is the only one that runs on time!

It takes about 15 minutes to cross to Nassau, but leave early if you have an appointment. They operate on island time, and also try to fill the boat as much as possible, a combination that could lead to long waits. We were fairly lucky and left within half an hour of the appointed time both ways. 

The boats were of varying ages and conditions, but we felt safe and had no difficulties boarding with children. We brought a stroller along, which the crew left for last and loaded for us.

There was a running commentary with interesting bits and pieces about the island and the area from an amateur guide that works on tips - we enjoyed it, clearly noting that some are better at it than others! It was also a good distraction for anyone who might be uncomfortable about the ferry ride itself. Some guides pass a hat around, while some approach riders for a gratuity. We didn't mind throwing a couple of dollars in the hat, but it is optional.

Overall, we would recommend the water taxi as a viable travel alternative. As with most things on the island, if you are flexible and have a positive attitude, you will have a pleasant time. 

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9 Legendary North Dakota Places to Bring the Family

Looking for a legendary way to spend your summer? North Dakota is the place to go! Here are nine of our favorite hot spots to spend a sunny day in the Roughrider State.

Dakota Dinosaur Museum - Dickinson

Roaming the halls of dinosaur bones never goes astray with our children. The fact that many of the dinosaurs in the Dakota Dinosaur Museum were found locally adds an awesome twist to this great adventure in learning and makes it a stop we love to make when we are in the Dickinson area.

There is a children's corner, which is a fun place to sit and take a break from the excitement, and a park outside for running around on the grass after.

Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for kids 3-12. Watch your dates, though - the museum closes for the season on Labor Day.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of our favorite places for wildlife viewing in North Dakota. Bison roam freely, which is usually the only kind of traffic you will encounter. We were excited to learn that 186 species of birds call the park home, too! How many can you spot? And don't forget the Prairie Dog Town! Watching the black-tailed prairie dogs is well worth the hike.

There is lots more to see, too. Drive the scenic loop, check out the visitors centers, and lots more.

There are two units of the park - the North Unit is located 14 miles south of Watford City on Highway 85, and the South Unit is accessible from exits 24 and 27 off Interstate 94, near the Montana border.

Entrance is $20 per vehicle, or use your National Park Pass.

Tip: If you don't already have a National Park Pass, we highly recommend it - it is a bargain at $80 and gets you into national parks for a year. We make a point of visiting national parks whenever we can, and the experiences are well worth it!

North Dakota Heritage Center

For learning about the history of this beautiful state, no location has more to offer than the North Dakota Heritage Center, on the capitol grounds in Bismarck. There are thousands of exhibits chronicling the state, including art, interactive exhibits, and lots of technology. In addition, learn about the energy development that is currently evolving the state into a destination for workers from across the globe.

Plan to stay a while, and pop into the James River Cafe for a bite to eat midway through. As you are leaving, be sure to look up - you are standing next to the tallest building in North Dakota! You are more than welcome to walk the grounds, which are a part of the capitol's Arboretum Trail.

Knife River Indian Village

Spanning nearly 1,800 acres near Hazen, the Knife River Indian Village is the place to go to see archaeological remains from the Northern Plains Indians. We love to explore the exhibits, including going inside the earthlodges we had previously only seen in books. There are lots of tools and other items to see, and the ranger talks are very informative.

In addition to the Native American history, Lewis and Clark came through here in October of 1804, camping nearby at Fort Mandan, so this free site is a fun place to add to your Lewis and Clark knowledge.

International Peace Gardens

The International Peace Gardens have a little something for a range of tastes. With historical sites, beautiful flowers, an interpretive center and so much more, there is sure to be something to please everyone in the family. Plus there is lots of room to run off some energy! Take the time to explore one of the park's many hiking trails, wander through the Formal Garden, or wander through the peace poles to read "May Peace Prevail" in 28 different languages.

Located near Dunseith on the border between North Dakota and Manitoba, the Peace Gardens are a symbol of the relationship between two countries. The park is sprawling - check out this map to plan your visit.

A daily pass is $15, and a season pass is $30.

Note that you are crossing through Canadian customs on the way back from the park, so bring along the family's passports to make for smooth sailing. If you don't have passports, photo ID is required, and you may spend a little extra time at the crossing.

National Buffalo Museum

Jamestown, North Dakota is home to the National Buffalo Museum, a can't-miss stop along I-95. The bison (or American buffalo) played a significant part in the area's history, and this site offers the opportunity to learn more through a series of exhibits and artifacts.

Plus there is a live herd, featuring the only true albino bison in the world, named White Cloud. And of course the world's largest buffalo! The 26-foot tall concrete bison, weighing more than 60 tons, has been standing over Jamestown since 1959.

There is also a frontier village and gift shop. The museum is $5 for adults.

Geographical Center of North America

Have you ever wondered where the geographical center of North America is located? If you're driving along Highway 2, you'll soon learn it is in Rugby, North Dakota. Everyone needs to pile out of the car and take the obligatory family photo next to the 15 foot obelisk that marks the site!

Fort Union and Fort Buford

This is really three sites in one. Start by checking out the Confluence Center, located at the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers 20 miles west of Williston. The center features traveling exhibits (at a charge of $5 per adult and $2.50 per child, which also includes Fort Buford), and a beautiful view of the rivers.

Next door, explore Fort Buford State Historic Site, the remnants of a military fort built in 1866. There is a stone powder magazine, cemetery site, and an officers quarters building, where visitors can now explore a museum. A few times a year, there are also reenactments at the fort, which are a special treat.

Fort Union Trading Post is a few miles to the west, on the border with Montana. The fort was an important fur trade post between 1828 and 1867, and is filled with interesting nooks and crannies to scope out. Watch a blacksmith hammer out a horse shoe, climb to the top of the fort and look out over the river, and visit the exhibits inside the Bourgeois house on the site where seven Native American tribes traded buffalo furs and smaller furs for goods from around the world. During the summer months there are often tepees set up out front, for added interest. 

Medora

A list of North Dakota attractions wouldn't be complete without mentioning historic Medora, located near the western edge of the state. Options for a real cowboy-inspired experience abound. Check out the website to learn more.

If you have an evening to spare, don't miss the pitchfork fondue or the Medora Musical!

Where have your North Dakota adventures taken you? Share your favorite spots in the comments, we'd love to read them!

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by North Dakota Tourism. All of the opinions expressed are our own!

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Wyoming: Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

There’s nothing quite like a remarkable feat of nature to bring out the “oohs” and “aahs” from the family, and Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, straddling the border of Wyoming and Montana, is fantastically remarkable.

Considering the other well-known parks in the area (yes, Yellowstone, I’m looking at you), Bighorn is often spoken of as a treasure waiting to be discovered. Covering more than 120,000 acres, the park features a 55 mile long canyon. It is a breathtaking marvel, more than 1,000 feet deep at Devil’s Overlook, where we stopped to stretch our legs and explore a bit of history in the strata.

Researchers have found Upper Jurassic Period fossils, fossil tracks, and bones in the park, which piqued the imagination of our dinosaur lovers. Among the discoveries was the remains of Pleistocene animals in debris piles at cave entrances.

There are living animals in the park, too, of course. Wildlife in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area includes bighorn sheep, wild horses, coyotes, mule deer, snakes, small mammals, mountain lions, bears, and more than 200 bird species. According to the park’s website, the 39,000-acre Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, about one-fifth of which lies within Bighorn Canyon National Park, provides habitat for sheep and for approximately 160 wild horses managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

In addition to wildlife, the park features a wide variety of recreational opportunities. There are picturesque hikes, and water activities abound. Camping is available within the park, along with fishing, boating, and more to explore. It’s also a great place to stretch your legs and take in some beauty on your way between the Black Hills and Yellowstone.

By the way, if you’re thinking the children seem to have shrunk a little, you’re right – the photos shared here are a throwback from our 2010 summer vacation.

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California: San Clemente Concerts on the Beach

We hit the beach tonight for the last of the 2013 Concerts on the Beach in San Clemente. It was a great time, with reggae music by World Anthem, and a yummy dinner for just $8 from The Fisherman's Restaurant. The band was really fun - Bria loved dancing in the sand! What a beautiful way to enjoy a sunset in our new hometown.

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California: Sea World San Diego All Day Dining Deal

Sea World San Diego offers a plan called the "All-Day Dining Deal." Basically it works like it sounds - you pay one price, receive a wrist band, and can eat in the park all day. We were headed to Sea World this weekend, and I am a researcher (in case you hadn't caught on to that yet), so I did some poking around first. Was the all-day dining deal worth it?

I read a few message boards with mixed reviews, and a blog post from a mama who felt the lines kept their family from taking advantage of the pass. A friend suggested there would be a lot of junk food involved, which made sense - it is a theme park, after all. But really, there was very little information readily available about how the deal would go. 

(As it turns out, much of the information I read ahead of time was incorrect - but these discrepancies could come from the fact that there is more than one Sea World location. Please note that we visited the San Diego location.)

We decided to try it out, and were VERY pleased we did.

Here's our experience...

Passes start at $32.99 for adults and $16.99 for kids 3-9. There appears to be a few dollars variation based on the particular day you go. We went on a Sunday in high season, and the online price was $35.99 per adult.

We purchased a one-year membership, which gave us 10% off the price, so our total for two adults came to $64.04. (More on that membership and why we chose it here.)

TIP: Children under 3 are free at Sea World, and they encourage sharing with little ones. Our preschooler, B, was a big reason we chose to try this plan out, as she prefers to eat at LEAST every two hours.

The pass is good for four restaurants in the park:

Shipwreck Reef Cafe (ribs, sandwiches, burgers, seafood, salads, kids meals)
Mama Stella's Pizza Kitchen (pizza, pasta, kids meals)
Seaport Market (hand crafted burgers, salads, breakfast bagels, kids meals)
Calypso Bay Smokehouse (smoked chicken, ribs, brisket, kids meals)

A glance at the map told us they were well spread throughout the park.

The deal is a wristband which allows its bearer one entree, one side or dessert, and one non-alcoholic beverage each time through the line. Simple enough.

We started our day mid-morning with the kiddie rides in Sesame Street Bay of Play, so Mama Stella's was nearby when little B decided she needed to munch.

The line was short, and we were pleasantly surprised by the choices. Brightly colored foods lined the cafeteria-style counters. Side options included large, fresh salads, cups of strawberries and sliced watermelon. The entree plates were large and included options such as manicotti, eggplant parmesan, pizza, and pasta with sauce. There were plenty of healthy choices available, and our selections were plenty of food for the three of us.

The average adult meal was somewhere between $13 and $18. Some quick math told us that if we were eating more than twice in the park, the deal was worth our money. Add in snacks, and we were coming out on top financially.

We ate well, and headed on through the park. It was great to know that we didn't have to worry about making the little one sit because this was her chance to eat - we knew we could just take her to get another snack when she needed it.

For our next meal we tried out the Shipwreck Reef Cafe - mostly because the smell of barbecue as we walked by was too much to resist! Again we found a variety of healthful sides and salads. We got a teriyaki chicken plate and a delicious salad with fruits and cheeses on it, and everyone ate together. The plates are plenty large to enjoy family-style.

And don't worry, not ALL of the food is healthy. We had a lovely slab of decadent carrot cake and B got her nosh on with a chocolate-covered Shamu cookie that made her very happy.

We enjoyed the versatility of being able to stop in and get a drink, or a drink and some fruit, anytime we chose. While we were concerned lines would be cumbersome, we found them easy to navigate and only skipped a stop once because they were a little long.

At the end of our day we enjoyed delicious fresh burgers with lots of choices at the Seaport Market and went back through to grab a couple of bottles of water for the trek home. Overall, we were pleased with our purchase and would make the choice again.

To sum it up, we highly recommend considering this plan if...

...you are going for more than five hours (give or take - we arrived at 10:30 am and left at about 5)
...you are going early in the day (things get busier as the day wears on, so you may find yourself less inclined to stand in line)
...you (or smaller members of your party) eat relatively often.
...you enjoy not having to worry about prices and who is spending what while enjoying family time.
...you want to save money but don't want to trek back to your car every time the kids are hungry

San Diego Vacations

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California: Sunday at Sea World

It's Sea World day, and Bria couldn't be more excited!!! (OK, OK, I think Mom and Dad are pretty excited, too.)

She earned the trip with her star chart, and has spent the entire week telling us about the things she'll be showing us. After her July 28 trip she is an expert, you know.

The park was open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today (check out their website ahead of time for hours), so we decided we would aim for arriving about an hour after opening to beat some of the early rush. It worked like a charm, because we parked super close, stood in line for only a few minutes at the gate, then found no line at all at the customer service counter inside the park when we went to pick up our wristbands for the all-day dining deal. (Find out more about that choice and our review here.)

TIP: Purchase your tickets online ahead of time to save on standing in line!

There is a LOT to see, and we have the luxury of living close now, so we were careful not to stress and try to fit everything in. With that in mind, we decided to save the amazing Sea World shows for another day.

TIP: If you plan to go more than once or twice this year, we highly recommend getting the annual pass for one person in your family. Parking is included with the pass, and at $15 a pop, it becomes quickly worth the little extra. We also took advantage of the monthly payment plan, so it was nice to spread the cost out a little bit. In addition, there are other discounts which are great incentives.

We got things started in one of our favorite areas of the park - Sesame Street Bay of Play. Bria loves the big, bright characters, and all of the rides in this area are perfect for her age group. She wanted to bring Daddy on all of them! (Lots of rides are available for the bigger lot, too, not to worry.)

There is lots to do in this area for small children, including equipment to play on, climbing activities, rides, food, photos with Sesame Street characters, and lots more. It's a lot to take in!

TIP: Be sure to bring along a change of clothes and a towel in case kiddos want to enjoy the splash pad! It is especially wonderful for toddlers and offers multiple options for interactive play.

It just wouldn't be Sea World without the amazing water life, so our next stop was the otters and the dolphins. The bat rays are super fun to touch and feed, too! (While Bria and Dad went to the touch the rays, Mom checked out the Manta roller coaster. Woo-hoo!)

Bria's favorite part - everyone's favorite part - was a visit to the orcas. She could spend hours sitting next to their pool, just watching Shamu swim. The orcas are a memory both Mom and Dad have from their childhood, and we love sharing this experience with a new generation. We read that the first Shamu was born at Sea World in 1985, and 20 killer whales have been born there since. Wow! That's a lot of whales!

The Bayside Sky Ride was a great way to wind down for a bit and enjoy some quiet time as a family. This ride goes out over the bay and back, offering opportunities to check out the area from a great vantage point.

The best part of our visit was just sitting back and watching as Bria engaged with creature after creature, offering her observations everywhere we went. Aquarium fish, turtles, sharks, penguins - it was all equally fascinating and gave her an opportunity to learn and interact.

We ended our day with a visit to Wild Arctic, enjoying the non-motion version of the helicopter ride and then checking out the belugas and the polar bears. We appreciated the educational aspects of this exhibit, with buttons to push and informational signs spread throughout.

Our day was filled with so many great highlights, it's hard to pick just a few. We can't wait to get back and play at Sea World again.

San Diego Vacations

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California: Hollywood Boulevard

It was Ella's last days in California, and she was wanting to see Hollywood, so we made a little jaunt over to Hollywood Boulevard to check everything out. Filthy and crowded, sure. But filled with fun things to see? Totally.

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California: Dana Point Harbor

We made a brief stop at Dana Point Harbor today to check out The Spirit of Dana Point is a 108-foot replica of a privateer from the 1770s, like those used during the American Revolution. This ship (which Bria calls the pirate ship) has 5,000 feet of sail! The girls had a great time checking it out.

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Bahamas: Tips for Atlantis with Kids

Here is the latest in our continuing series on visiting the Bahamas! Enjoy these travel tips for hitting the island with your children.

Taxi and Shuttle Drivers

We found that getting a taxi was cheaper than a shuttle to Atlantis. You may want to check into this for yourself, it will depend on where you are staying and how many are in your party. Either way, use that driver as a resource! They are more than happy to talk your ear off about the island, pointing out the hot spots and offering travel tips. On the way in, our driver offered to stop at the grocery store so we could pick up snacks for the kids. We definitely should have taken him up on it! See second tip below.

Grocery Store

After paying some seriously inflated prices for kid food and drinks the first day, we took a taxi to a grocery store and picked up a few essentials. We paid $1 for one liter bottles of water that were $10 poolside, and less than $10 for cereal (the kind that comes in its own disposable bowl) and a container of shelf-stable milk. We also grabbed a few snack foods for the children and some juice boxes for those in-between times.

Food Plan

If you plan to eat at the resort, the food plans really are a good idea. You’re on vacation, you don’t want to be stressing about prices! (And the prices are something else…) Food plans allow you to take care of the expense in advance. Word of caution, though -- the plans do not include drinks or gratuity.

Stay On Resort

Honestly, there’s not much to see in Nassau -– if you want to do a quick tour, do it on the way to or from the airport. A few hours to check out the sights will be plenty. Plus we found that we didn't really save much (if any) money by going off-site to eat. You're better off purchasing the food plan and enjoying all the resort has to offer, instead.

Sun Screen

Don't forget to apply and re-apply. And don't just concentrate on the kids -- mom and dad need protection in those intense rays, too!

Island Time

Be sure to check the hours on activities you want to check out. Things (like the water park) close earlier than you may think. It seemed a bit counter-intuitive to us to not really be able to avoid the heat of the day by going in the evening, but most outdoor activities were closed by 7.

Plan Down Time

The Atlantis resort has a LOT to offer for family members of all ages, and it is easy to get carried away and want to be everywhere, doing everything. Be sure to schedule down time into your day, especially if you are traveling with small children.

Adult Time

While you're at it, consider taking advantage of that awesome childcare and having some grownup time on the island! There's a casino, night club, and lots of other adults only spots to check out.

Pack Light

The resort provides life jackets for the little ones and towels at the pool - no need to tote them along!

Sun Screen

Did I mention to reapply that sun screen? Seriously, I meant it!

More on Taxi Drivers

Nassau is a small place with an extremely high unemployment rate, and people are definitely working to take care of each other. You can't really blame them, right? But be aware -- you are likely to pay a little more if you see the island with a driver rather than on your own. We were happy to do it that way, but it's nice to be aware in advance! (Example -- seeing Fort Charlotte is free, but our taxi driver walked us up to the gates and set us up with a tour, which cost us $5 an adult. He also brought us to specific restaurants and street vendors.)

What are your best tips for traveling to Atlantis with children? We'd love to hear. Please share them in the comments.

Family Vacation
Paradise Island

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Bahamas: Junkanoo Music and Dancing

Junkanoo is the colorful, exuberant festival held at Boxing Day and New Years each year. Featuring bright, colorful costumes (especially elaborate headdresses of jewels, feathers, and much more) and rhythmic, enchanting music.

From the first moment she stepped off the plane and heard drums, our three-year-old daughter developed her island dance. She was all about enjoying the buskers drumming along the marina, then the sound of music seemed to follow us everywhere throughout the week. She heard it in taxi cabs, stores, restaurants, even poolside, where a DJ with a laptop and a pair of turntables mixed a variety of upbeat jams.

Twice we experienced a special treat -- junkanoo parades or "rush outs". Sort of a cross between something traditionally African and a marching band, junkanoo is very energetic, with dancers moving to the sound of goatskin drums, cowbells, whistles, and horns.

The first time we saw the group near the pool, weaving their way through crowds of bikini-clad travelers. The second time was far more spectacular, as the entertainment for the farewell party for the N21 event that brought us to the Bahamas.

Photos simply do not do the experience justice. The dinner was on a large area beside a the glistening, still Royal Baths Pool near the Royal Towers. We were just wrapping up a dinner of Bahamian delicacies and yummy desserts when suddenly across the pool appeared a row of musicians and dancers clad in bright purples, shimmering golds. They announced their arrival with a blast of horns, then sprang into music that brought everyone to their feet.



The parade made its way around the pool and through the crowd, dancing to the front of the group and entertaining us with a few pieces. Bria rocked out the entire time, and the lead dancer (shown in purple) got really into dancing with her. It was great! Then she started a conga line, and Bria got right into the action. What a fun way to wrap up our experience at the resort!

TIP: Junkanoo brings a great taste of local culture to the resort atmosphere, which we really enjoyed. If you're visiting Atlantis, be sure to ask about the Junkanoo Rush Out which is held at the Marina twice a week.

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Montana: Geocaching - Wolf Point Bridge

Grandma and Grandpa have been getting into geocaching lately, so we joined them on an adventure today, on the way home from paying some Memorial Day respects with the extended family.

Geocaching is a great family activity. It's like a treasure hunt! How fun is that? The kids have a great time combing the countryside, looking for some special little trinket.

The closest spot was near the Wolf Point Bridge (about five miles outside Wolf Point, Montana), so we trekked over there to see what we could find.

I have to admit, I was surprised at how beautiful the area was! I have driven by it thousands of times, and never stopped to take the time and notice this pretty little spot along the Missouri River.

In this case, we were looking for a magnetic key holder stashed near the bridge. 

Once we zoned in on the coordinates, we read the hints. We decided "en guard" meant it was probably on the guard rail. But after over an hour looking for it, we couldn't find it!

We decided it must have been moved (all the hints called it "easy") and decided to go on to the next location, which was in Poplar, Montana. Now that we had the guard rail trick figured out, it was no time before....Success!

What a great way to spend an afternoon hanging out as a family.

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New York: Riverview Estates by Brophy in the Catskills

I was blessed this week to host a retreat gathering a small group of women at Riverview Estates by Brophy. Jason (the manager) was an amazing host, even taking the ladies on a tour of the grounds and sharing all kinds of great tips about the area. He and his staff were always eager to jump to meet our needs -- it was clear they took great pride in their work.

The Riverview Estates is located near Hancock, New York, a little over two hours from New York City. The drive is  a beautiful trek through winding mountains, with trees, rivers, and so much more. Even though we were so close to the city, it felt like we were days away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

There are three houses on the estate, each offering its own special features that makes it stand out beautifully. Comfortable, quiet, and snuggled into the mountains, you couldn't find a better place to get away with your family or large group.

The main house features an opulent master suite, a hot tub (which the ladies took full advantage of), and beautiful views of the river. Just up the hill is the spectacular entertaining house, with a well-appointed professional kitchen, dining area, pool table, and lots of space to kick back and get to know each other. A third building - the guest house - offered space for the ladies to get away from the crowd and enjoy some time in comfortable quarters with crisp linens and cozy spaces.

And just a short walk down the road, the views only get better. The Delaware River is pretty majestic, I wish I had set aside extra time to just sit and enjoy it for hours. I don't fish, but I was a little jealous of the anglers I saw up and down the river!

 And the night sky? Clear and gorgeous. Breathtaking. Still. We gathered around a fire, enjoyed a glass of wine and a Tarot card reading (thanks Lauren!), and just drank it all in. Amazing.

Thank you ladies for a beautiful time! And huge thanks to the lovely and talented Beja B Photography for the pictures!

Catskill Vacations

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California: Inn at Playa Del Rey

The Inn at Playa Del Rey has 21 rooms, making it large for a bed and breakfast, but small for a hotel - and it embraces that space gracefully. The word that kept running through my head during our three night stay was RESPITE. It really was a great little getaway.

This pretty little inn was named to the Conde Nast Gold List in 2009, and you can see why - it truly is special. From the moment you put you step into the building (after being buzzed in by the front desk), you are pampered by a staff that takes care to go the extra mile.

Crisp white linens greet you in beautiful clean rooms - the moment I saw the bed I just wanted to dive in and stay there for the duration of the visit. They can bring my food there, right? Maybe turn me occasionally?

Of course, then I would have missed wine and cheese in the afternoon, walks along the beach, and the delicious breakfast. Breakfast was hot and tasty each morning, featuring delightful menus varying each day. The view from the breakfast room was lovely. It takes something special to be 10 minutes from LAX and still relaxing and secluded. Thanks to the Ballona Wetlands on two sides of the Inn, this little spot does just that.

A short walk down the street is a beautiful sandy beach, with lots of space to spread out and enjoy the sand and surf.

(Tip: They call themselves family-friendly, but I would definitely not feel comfortable there with children who were anything but perfectly behaved. We brought our three-year-old, and on several occasions, I felt a bit like the other guests were being protected from us...not a very relaxing feeling!)

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Minnesota: Minneapolis-St.Paul Airport Children's Area

Kudos to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport for being family friendly and offering the littlest travelers a place to run off some energy. The Children's Play Area is clean, simple, and fun for little ones. There are several options for playing, including slides, climbing toys, and vehicles to pretend to drive around! Our three-year-old loves it, and almost always finds a new friend when she plays there.

The little touches go one step farther, too, with a changing table on one wall, and a vending machine packed with diaper bag basics. Forgot the wipes? Lost the pacifier? No problem. While the prices might not be on par with the grocery store, they aren't insane, either, and anyone who has traveled with a child has had a "my kingdom for a ..." moment at some point. Phew, crisis averted.

There are two of these play areas located in the airport. We visited the one on Concourse C in the Lindbergh Terminal. There is also one in the Humphrey Terminal on Level 2.

MSP has other family-friendly features, as well. There is a family center on Concourse E, with a rocking chair, crib, and family restroom. It's a great spot to go with tiny little ones. There is also a nursing room on Concourse C. It is private space, so visit the Travelers' Information desk across from gate C12 for access if you are looking for a space to nurse your little one or pump.

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Virginia: The Land Celebration near Gore

The Land Celebration near Gore, Virginia was once a nudist colony, and as you drive up the winding drive (past signs warning you not to enter unless invited), there seems to be some of that energy left in the air.

Rustic and unique, The Land Celebration was blanketed in snow when we arrived, but that didn't stop it feeling warm and inviting. I was reminded of the quote from their website: 

"Out beyond ideas of wrong-doing and right-doing, there is a field...I'll meet you there." ~Rumi

Fitting.

Accommodations on the land vary, from private cabins and large houses to dorm-style spaces and spots to camp. Each brought its own uniqueness.

I loved the wailing wall (pictured here), as I am always interested in bringing together cultures I am not necessarily familiar with and tasting their traditions. It was really a great experience to sit with my thoughts and then add to the wall, and to stand by as the other ladies did the same. There was a real feel of beautiful energy in the air as the women approached the wall, took paper and pen, and covered their heads with the shawls. Lovely.

Something I really loved about this land was the way they went way beyond being inclusive - they are embracing. Following the walking trails, you might stumble across a sweat lodge in the ceremonial area near the pond, one of the three labyrinths, or a beautiful spot to meditate. It was just what I needed, just when I needed it. I very much enjoyed the quiet time soaking it all in, and know there are many places I didn't even get the opportunity to see.

Check out their website for details on gatherings at The Land Celebration.

Thank you to the beautiful and talented Victoria Karalun of Canary Lane Photography for the beautiful photography. She does fantastic work!

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Pennsylvania: Children's Museum of Pittsburgh

Bria and I had a wonderful day today at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh. There was so much to do, see, and explore!

Google told me it was three bus transfers to the museum and I didn't want her to arrive already worn out, so we went to the hotel front desk to ask about options. Sure enough, they had a hotel shuttle. (It never hurts to ask!) We took the 10 am shuttle and had to wait for a couple of other people to be dropped off, but that meant we got to see more of the city, which was a blast!

On the way to the museum, we learned that it was Fred Rogers' birthday, so it was Mr. Roger's Neighborhood Day at the museum. Admission was free, and some special treats were planned in his honor. We had just finished watching Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, so Bria and I had a chat on the shuttle about the new feature our adventure had taken on.

We arrived and decided to start out in the Art Studio, which had several fun stations set up to check out. Bria donned an apron and did stamping with vegetables (she chose the onion and the green pepper), then moved over to do some painting on the easels. The set up was fabulous, and the volunteers were sweet and attentive.

Next we moved over to the clay table, and had a great time cutting and rolling and sculpting with the other children gathered around the table.

The other tables in the studio were fun, too, with Bria getting a chance to practice her cutting with scissors, then trying out silk screen painting before heading off for a snack in the Big Red Room Cafe. The face burger was SO fun, Bria had to pose with hers! There was a good selection of healthy meals and snacks, including baked french fries instead of fried, and the option of fruit as a side. There was also hummus, cottage cheese, and other good-for-kids offerings.

After lunch (and another potty break - bathrooms are available on every floor of the museum), we moved upstairs to try out the climbing area! It was really fun - a big maze of places to climb loomed overhead, all the way up to the next floor. But what Bria loved about it was that, being small, she could participate, too! The bottom layer when straight through, so she climbed over and under and through while staying close to the ground, came out the other end, and ran around to do it again. This provided great entertainment.

Then it was on to lots of hands-on activities in the nursery, which was the perfect place to wind down for a while and have some quiet time. There was lots to do, including a gigantic Light Bright, light/sand tables (possibly her favorite thing in the entire building, she spent an hour there), a see saw, and so much more.

Next we moved downstairs to get a drink in the cafe and then went to check out the theater, where something REALLY special was about to happen! The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra had sent a string quartet to honor Mr. Rogers' day, and Bria was absolutely enthralled. She plopped herself down in the front row on the floor and took it all in very happily. Halfway through she moved to the open space in the back of the theater where she could dance, too. There is definitely a trip to the symphony in that girl's future!

This was a very full day! And we didn't even make it to the Garage or Attic, or the Backyard (which was closed for the season). Definitely worth the time, we would highly recommend for children of a wide variety of ages -- we saw kids through about 10 having a fantastic time with developmentally appropriate activities.

To learn more, check out the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh website. Hours are 10-5 daily, and admission  fees can be found on the site.

Pittsburgh Vacations

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