SHE Plans to Travel

Hey y'all!  Even though this week was a short week for me (thank you President's Day!), it feels like Monday was three weeks ago....  

In the middle of this super long week, I've been starting to think about planning our vacation for the year. Disclaimer: I love planning trips. I've planned and changed my mind on about 47 different trips this week! I just love seeing everything somewhere has to offer.  If you're like me, you're thinking about your trip(s) too because of the ugly B word... budget.  So with all that in mind I thought I'd share a few things that I like to keep in mind when I'm planning where we're going to go and how much we'll need. 

1. If you are going to be flying somewhere be careful when you're looking for prices. Your computer tracks where you've been and what you've been searching (cookies) and the more you search plane tickets looking for cheaper prices, the more expensive they get! If you have a couple of computers in your house then search on different ones and finally book on yours. Clearing your cookies after each search will help too.

2. Just because gas and food are one price where you live doesn't mean that is what they are where you're going. Do a little research on what gas prices typically run in the month you are going and look up local restaurant menus. This way you'll be able to budget correctly and there won't be any surprises.

3. Don't reinvent the wheel. There is this great thing called Pinterest and these great people called bloggers. I'm about 99% sure that if you type in the city you're going to you are going to find so many articles on things to do. "XYZ in One Day" "XYZ With Kids" "XYZ on a Budget" .... you get the point! Let them help you with your planning. I've found things to do on blog posts that I never found on Google!

I hope this helps you with your planning like it has helped me with mine. Feel free to share where you're going and maybe I'll join you!

xo Courtney

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SHE Travels to Destin, FL

Hey Ya'll! This past weekend Andrew and I took a quick trip to one of our most favorite places - Destin, Florida. If you've never been, you need to plan a trip. The sand is like sugar, the water is crystal clear, and the people and restaurants are fabulous. During our time we simply relaxed. 

Image via Google

We arrived on Friday, and the weather was gloomy and cold (I'm talking 60 degrees and we should have packed warm clothes, cold). Thankfully the weather warmed up, and it was sunny by Saturday morning! During the day, we could either be found on the beach or on our porch enjoying the weather. We are big fans of utilizing the beach services offered. Instead of lugging chairs and umbrellas to and from the beach each day, (and transporting them and 7 pounds of sand back home) we opt to rent beach chairs and an umbrella. I love to be outside in the sun all day, but my fair skin just can't take the beating, so an umbrella is a necessity! The gentlemen who set up the chairs and umbrellas each day are awesome. You tell them where you want to sit, and they will have your spot ready for you each morning. Just grab a good book, some sunscreen, and a towel and you will be set for the day! I actually  barely left my chair once I started reading Harper Lee's, Go Set a Watchman. I'm almost finished and have loved it so far.

Once evening time rolled around, we would get ready for dinner and head out to our favorite spots. We are huge seafood lovers, and will do our best to eat it every night we can. Our go-tos are Pompano Joe's and The Back Porch. Both are located on the beach and allow outside dining, my favorite! If you aren't crazy about seafood, but don't want to rely on a chain restaurant for dinner, try Callahan's. They offer a little bit of everything, and it's delicious!

Andrew enjoying Pompano Joe's

If you are not crazy about the beach or want some nighttime activities, there are plenty of other entertainment options in Destin. There are two large shopping areas, Silver Sands Premium Outlets, as well as Destin Commons. This year we only made it to Destin Commons. The set up and shops are my favorite, especially at night when all of the night lights are on and music is playing. Or you can venture to the Harborwalk Village. There are shops and restaurants, and so many neat family activities, like watching boats coming in and out of the harbor.

Destin Commons, Image via Google

Today we are heading home, and tomorrow we will face the realities of work and routine again. We are excited to see our fur babies but sure will miss frozen, fruity drinks and the warm sunshine. Happy Tuesday!

xo ~ Brittney

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SHE Travels: Chattanooga, Tennessee

Spring Break is next week for a lot of the schools around town.  So, I thought I would share some of the fun things to do in my city.  Chattanooga, Tennessee is a beautiful town with tons of fun family activities. Not all of them cost, which is a bonus.  The weather does call for chances of rain next week, but the highs will be in the upper 60's. Chattanooga has lots of fun hiking trails and outdoor spaces and if you do those you only need a picnic and water.  Here is a list of free or cheap things to do.

Free or Cheap

1. Tennessee River Park-(4301 Amnicola Hwy) There is around 8 miles of riverfront walking/biking/skating areas.  There is a playground and places to picnic. 
2. Coolidge Park-(1 River Park)  Great place to play Frisbee or catch.  You can picnic here or buy food from vendors or Northshore area restaurants.   There is a carrousel you can ride. (11 and under cost 50 cents and 12 and older is $1)
   
3. Walnut Street Bridge-Next to Coolidge Park.  It is so fun to walk across this pedestrian bridge.  There is an ice cream place on the downtown side and on the North Shore side there is Julie Darling Donuts.....I think I will get both!
   
4. Pumpkin Patch on Signal Mountain-(1836 Taft Hwy, Signal Mountain, TN) This playground is our favorite.  We love to take a picnic and hang out here playing on the huge slide.

 Point Park on Lookout Mountain and Chickamauga Battle Field  are almost free and the kiddos might learn something.


Now for the iconic Chattanooga Things To Do list.  Even if you live here these things never get old.

1. Tennessee Aquarium-1 Broad Street-Best Aquarium around!  During Spring Break they are hosting "Be a Critter for a Day", lots of fun activities that are included in your admission price. (3-12 year olds $18.95  Adults $29.95)
   
2. Chattanooga Zoo-301 North Holtzclaw-It may be small, but it is mighty and beautiful!  (3-12 $5.95, Adults $8.95)
3. Creative Discovery Museum-321 Chestnut Street-Finally a place where children are encouraged to touch every single thing!  (2-Adult $12.95)
4. Rock City, Ruby Falls and the Incline have a triple play ticket where you can enjoy each attraction-(3-12 $26.90, Adults $49.90)  Or you could do one of the attractions the cost is (3-12$11.95, Adults $19.95)  We have been to all of them numerous times and love to go whenever we have the chance.  We live here and never get tired of them!
   

Now if you are feeling like a little drive....Sometimes we head up to Sweetwater, Tennessee and visit the Lost Sea (5-12 $9.95, Adults $18.95)   It is inside a cave and the temperature is 58 degrees all year long, so bring a jacket!  The kids love it!  Now after we leave the Lost Sea

we always go by the Mayfield Dairy. (4 Mayfield Lane, Athens, TN 37303) You can take a tour and see how the Mayfield products are made and after the tour you can visit the gift shop and of course get ice cream!  They are not open on Wednesdays, but the other days 9-5.  The kiddos love the hair nets they have to wear.

Another cool day trip is Dollywood.  Dollywood has over 40 attractions at least 15 shows and right now they are celebrating the Festival of Nations.  Next week they are open from 10-7 and a one day ticket will cost 12-59 year olds $65 and 4-11 $52. 

Chattanooga is a great city to visit and even a better place to live.  I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!  Hope to see you next week!!

Lisa B!  Hope I see you out and about in my fabulous city!

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SHE Travels: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

 

No trip is complete without a visit to the Pancake Pantry!  It is our favorite place in downtown Gatlinburg.  Yes, it is called the Pancake Pantry and that is a pecan waffle pictured!  My favorite item on the menu.  Who am I kidding, I like everything on the menu!!  This has been a tradition of ours to make a stop at the Pancake Pantry for as long as I can remember.  (Take cash.  They do not accept debit or credit cards!)

Picture of Pancake Pantry from the internet.

 

 

After we eat breakfast at the Pancake Pantry we of course go to the Ole Candy Kitchen next door.  I mean what is better after a pecan waffle than a caramel apple?  Then it is off to shop!  The little village is always decorated for every holiday.  Here is a picture of my 90 year old grandmother and a few of her great grandchildren.  (I hope I have as much energy and look as good as she does when I am 90.)  We went in the Tervis store, a shoe store and a monogram store. I am not sure how I managed to keep them out of the toy store, but I did!  Yeah me!

We did go inside my personal favorite store.  The Donut Friar.  I bought us powdered donuts to have with our breakfast the next day.  Yes, you read all the above correctly.  I went to breakfast, bought a caramel apple and then powdered donuts.  I love food!   But don't worry.  We are staying at the Wilderness of the Smokies,  It is a waterpark inside and outside (weather permitting) of the hotel.  I have walked, swam...way over my 10,000 steps a day.  It's all good.  We have really enjoyed staying at  the  

Wilderness.  It is a great place for Spring Break and hanging out with cousins.   We are having such a great time.  We are coming back when the outside portion is open.  We can't wait to try it out. 

 

We have visited a few of our favorite places like the Apple Barn Restaurant and Tanger Outlets.  I had to shop!!  It is my favorite thing to do!  I do love this little area of the world.  If you get a chance you should visit.  It is a fun family town.  There are dinner shows.  Incredible craft stores and places where you can watch them at work.  I love all the pottery stores.  Outlet Stores, old timey photograph places, and every kind of restaurant you can imagine!  And don't forget Dollywood!  We have season passes and can't wait for it to open.

 

 

Lisa B

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My Favorite Place at Christmas Time

One of my all time favorite vacations is heading to the Big Apple at Christmas time. The energy, the lights, the food and the people are second to only the North Pole. If you want to get in the spirit head to the concrete jungle, it will get you every time. 

My All Time Favorites of NYC at Christmas.. 

1. The tree at Rockefeller Center. This one is a no brainer, you'll never forget the first time you see this beauty. Bundle up & get some ice skating in under the tree. 

2. My favorite view of the city is from Brooklyn Bridge park. Grab some hot chocolate and walk across the bridge, there are so many great restaurants in Brooklyn too! 

3. The Rockettes. Great fun for the whole family! 

4, Window Shopping!! Every single window at Christmas time is insanely gorgeous. Walk around and snap some pics of your favorites. My personal favorite is Bergdorfs. 

4. A never miss on my list is a Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity's! The peanut butter one is also incredible and the shop is adorable! Just make sure to make reservations. 

5. For the best view of the city head to Top of the Rock. You can see the entire island, the Statue of Liberty & the gorgeous lights on the Empire State building. 

6. Rofl's is the most insane Christmas restaurant I've ever seen. There are millions of ornaments and lights everywhere!! 

If you can't make the trip up to NYC for Christmas time, watching Elf or Home Alone 2 always help me feel like I'm in the big city. 

PS. Don't forget to enter our very first giveaway here!!

XO,

Riley

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SHE Travels: with kids

 

 

Ten states.  Ten days.  Six people.  All packed in one minivan after 3700 miles we all determined it was the best vacation ever!  After that trip I decided I was a travel with kids expert. There were no major meltdowns, however we did get asked by a waiter why we were so happy.  (No, I didn’t drug them.)  We stopped and had an activity about every 8 hours.  We had fun. We played games.   

 So, enough already.  It is a travel season for families. You want ideas.  How do you keep your sanity and every one else’s on long trips. Easy, you plan, plan and plan or you make a list like I do.

1.       Everyone needs their car bag.  Things I put in car bags include (depending on age) their favorite stuffed animal or doll, a notebook to write in or draw on, a kindle or some kind of electronic device along with the chargers.  The car bags become their hotel bags.  So they are personalized for each child.  I make sure there is room left for the goodies I will be giving them over the trip.

2.       My goodie bag idea was started by my Mom and the kids love it.  I have a bag of items to hand out when the kiddos start getting antsy.  A new coloring book and crayons (colored pencils in the summer…crayons will melt and will be with your car forever!)  A new movie.  A book. Crossword puzzle book or word searches (don’t forget pencils).  Anything that is a quiet activity and doesn’t have more than 3 or 4 pieces. 

3.       Which brings us to the snack bag.  My husband doesn’t like to stop every 5 minutes and let’s face it who does?  So, the little ones need a small snack to keep them relatively quiet and happy. The things I carry in my snack bag are gummies, cereal bars, granola bars, M&M’s, chex mix, chips.  You get the idea.  Little snack bags of their favorite items. So, I can hand out individual proportions when needed.

4.       Yes, I carry drinks too!  If we are on a long trip I have a cooler.  If it is just a one day trip, I get them one drink and remind them I am not stopping for a long time.  When they were little I would just pour an ounce or two in the sippy cups at a time.

5.       I also let them bring a pillow and I carry beach towels for each one.  They come in handy to cover up if you are cold.  (We don’t use our favorite blanket on the car ride.  Drinks could spill, sticky food could get on them…..So, we use beach towels in the car and the blankets we save for the hotel or our destination.)

It seems like a lot.  I use to have to hear it from my husband all the time.  I pack too much he would say.  Now after traveling all over the country with 4 kids.  He just puts it in the car.  Because if they are relatively quiet and happy.  The drive is so much nicer.  I almost forgot!  We play games!!  We are always playing the license plate game.  The 10 day trip we would stop at a National Monument and our kids were searching the cars in the parking lot for the states they were missing.  We also play the alphabet sign game.  You see a sign for Applebee’s and you can say, A for Applebee’s.  No one else in the car can use that sign.  Now if they see the actual Applebee’s they can call it.  I also make a scavenger hunt for each trip.  Things we should see along the way.  In the past they have included things like buffalo, a casino, a tour bus, the Hollywood sign….you get the idea. 

If we have kiddos, we will travel with them at some point.  I hope this helps make your trips no matter how long or short more enjoyable.  Do you need all the stuff?  No, but I would hate to be stuck in a traffic jam with hungry, tired kids with nothing to do.  If you figure out how to make the daddy person behave in that situation, please comment!! 

I hope all your travel is smooth sailing and no traffic this holiday season!! 

Lisa

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