When this post was published in late 2015, the National Park Service was getting ready to celebrate their 100th birthday, and kicking off the Find Your Park initiative. The campaign was not only about national parks, but "state parks, local parks, trails, museums, historic sites and the many ways that the American public can connect with history and culture, enjoy nature, and make new discoveries.” Great Smoky Mountains National Park definitely fits the bill as a place to connect with all of the above. As part of the Appalachian Mountains, known to be some of the oldest mountains in the world, there are over a dozen peaks in the park with an elevation over 5,000 feet. Besides the expansive views, things to do at Great Smoky Mountains National Park include hiking, exploring historic structures, and viewing cascading waterfalls, along with searching for wildlife like elk and black bears. Each time we have visited over the years, we have discovered something new.
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 As I put the finishing touches on this blog post, I hear the weatherman say that is going to be close to 70 degrees this weekend! All the more reason you should consider visiting DC during the colder months. Most tourists, as well as locals, tend to visit between March and October. But December and January are often wonderful times to see some of the more popular attractions like the National Archives Museum and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum because the crowds are much smaller (excluding the week between Christmas and New Year’s). With that said, the weather is never predictable, with 70 degrees temperatures one week and snow the next, so be prepared. You should always check before you go for any closings or late openings due to weather. Besides staying warm in all the free museums, here are five fantastic reasons to head to DC during the colder months.
 It’s that time of year again, when the weather starts to turn colder, and the sound of holiday music begins to fill the air. Make the season special by visiting one of the festive holiday markets that can be found throughout the US. Each offers a unique buying opportunity for that hard to please person on your list. As an update to last years post, Visit a Holiday Market, which highlighted 5 popular markets in the US, here are 3 more east coast venues to add to the list. So bundle up and try something different this holiday season.
 Imagine spending the day on an island that is home to plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world. You’re probably thinking you have to travel to the Galapagos Islands in South America, right? But did you know that the Channel Islands off the coast of California are home to 145 unique animal and plant species? Thousands of years of isolation have created this amazing natural environment, and in 1980, five of the eight Channel Islands (Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, Santa Rosa and San Miguel) were designated as the Channel Islands National Park.
If you are in the DC area and are looking for something to do, why not head west for the day or evening and visit nearby Loudoun County. Depending on the time of day, in just a bit over an hour you can be driving on scenic country roads and visiting quaint small towns. You’ll find a mix of outdoor activities along with unique shopping and plenty of places for a picnic. Here are 5 ways you can enjoy this slice of countryside, including some of our favorite family activities.
This post was updated August, 2022  *This post was updated April, 2023
Visiting the Nation’s Capital is a wonderful opportunity to see history come to life, spend time in amazing free museums, and enjoy the view of the monuments that make the city so special. There is so much to see and do, but Washington, DC can often be overwhelming for the first time visitor. This post focuses on tips and tricks to help make the most of a visit to DC. You can read my Guide to Visiting Washington DC page for overall recommendations and information on favorite museums, walking tours, food, and other must-see attractions . And be sure to let me know if you have any other helpful tips to add to the list. 
When people think of visiting Philadelphia, places like Independence Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art come to mind. But did you know that one of Tripadvisor’s top attractions in Philadelphia is a prison? Not just any prison, but the historic, fortress-like Eastern State Penitentiary. Located in the Fairmount neighborhood, it’s just a short 5 or 6 blocks from the famous Philadelphia Museum of Art. My daughter and I decided to visit Eastern State during our recent road trip to Philadelphia. Please note, it’s not recommended for kids under the age of 7. Admission includes a free audio tour, best for ages 12 and up. Here's 3 reasons why you should consider taking a tour, and why I included it in Unique Philadelphia - 5 Places to Add to Your List. Plus it's definitely a fun thing to do with teens in Philadelphia.
*This post was updated December, 2021  If you live in the US, you probably know that Florida is one of the more popular states for tourism. Whether you travel by car on Interstate 95, or fly into one of the larger cities, most families will visit Florida at one point or another. While the majority of tourists head to the popular Orlando area, there are so many other amazing places to visit on both sides of the state. Here are 3 special places we loved during a road trip to the Gulf Coast, each unique in its own way. You can easily combine them into a week long vacation, creating some amazing vacation memories along the way.
*This post was updated June, 2020 
Boston is one of my favorite family-friendly cities to visit for several reasons. There are so many activities to do in the city, the food is delicious, and it’s easy to get around on foot. I had family in the North End for years, so our visits also included neighborhood markets and cafes. Sure, we walked the Freedom Trail, visited the New England Aquarium, rode the Swan Boats, took a Duck Tour, and visited Faneuil Hall. But what else is there to see on your next trip to Boston? Here are five suggestions for other fun things to do in and around town.
*Updated August, 2024 
Thinking about our travels through Washington and Oregon brings back so many special family memories. It was an area of the country my husband and I were eager to explore, even though it was not considered a hot vacation destination from the DC area. I planned an 1,800 mile loop from Seattle that was balanced between National Parks, big cities and small town attractions, with extra days spent in Seattle and Portland. It was easy to find awesome attractions that were unique to this part of the country, along with special activities that I knew would appeal to my kids. Here are 10 favorites in Washington and Oregon that are perfect for teens and tweens.
*This post was updated April, 2025 |
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