Let me start by saying how impressed we were with all of the awesome things for kids to do at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Golden Valley, NC. We were blown away by the amount of activities and amenities that the park offered. Our kids stayed busy from sun up to sundown. They loved the character meet and greets, the ice cream socials, the arts and craft activities, and the parties. The jump party on the pillow pad was a huge success.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen our kids have so much fun. This truly was an amazing place for a family vacation!
12 Awesome Things for Kids to do at Yogi's Jellystone Park in Golden Valley, NC
Interactive Waterpark- Your kids will love the waterpark! It is perfect for kids of all ages! There is a small section with a couple of slides for toddlers, but the bulk of the park is built for the big kids. There are more than a dozen water blasters, 2 water cannons, a large tower that dumps 750 gallons of water out, water slides, and loads of interactive elements.
Ranger Smith Pool- There is a large swimming pool for those who don’t want to deal with all of the craziness of the waterpark.
Take a Hike- The park as an extensive trail system the weaves throughout the park. We suggest hitting up the trails before heading to the water park.
Water Rentals- Be sure to take advantage of the water craft rentals! The park offers kayak, canoe, stand up paddle board, and pedal boat rentals for $5 an hour.
Mini Golf- Take a break from the water activities and hit up the putt-putt course. The course has 18 holes that are just as challenging as they are fun.
Lazer Tag- Want to know what’s cooler than hide and seek? Playing hide and seek with laser guns! The laser tag sessions last 30 minutes. A fee is required to play.
Jumping Pillow & Pad- Brace yourself…. there are two massive inflatable that are perfect for a family jump-party!
Water Zipline- Sure, jumping off the dock into a lake is great, but imagine zip lining into the lake. Now you can! The zip line starts at a tower on the edge of the lake and drops you in the center of the lake! AWESOME!
Gem Mining- You can’t visit western North Carolina without doing a bit of gem mining. Lucky for you, you can now mine for gems without even leaving the park! Several bags and buckets, ranging in various prices and quality, are available for purchase at the Ranger Station (shop) or at registration.
Awesome Playgrounds- Our kids loved the playground at the park. Our oldest kid was a huge fan of the Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course.
Arts & Crafts- Our seven year old loved the arts and craft activities! Each morning after breakfast we’d sit down together to do an activity. The kids favorite activity was designing boats out of cardboard boxes and then racing them at the lake. It was such a blast!
Hit the Lake- Not far from the pool and water park, you’ll find the centerpiece of Yogi’s Jellystone Park, the lake. The lake is a great option for swimmers who want to get away from the crowds. Visitors can also fish or rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, or pedal boats for $5 an hour.
What Should I Take With Me?
When you’re hiking, please remember to leave no trace! This means to pack out everything that you pack in and if you see trash, pick it up.
Backpack– to store all of your belongings Dry Bag– to keep your electronics and wallet safe, in case of rain (or kayaking) Trail GPS– the Garmin Oregon handled GPS works offline. You can view maps, waypoints, tracks, and trails even if you don’t have a signal. First-Aid Kit– this ultralight, watertight medical kit is a must if you’re hitting the trails! Sunscreen- yes, you can get sunburned in the forest. Insect Repellant Water Bottle– Always pack more water than you think you’ll need! Snacks
Hammock– I honestly pack a hammock on most hiking trips. Psh, I even bring them along with me when we go on cruises. There are plenty of spots in the forest to put up a hammock and chill out for a bit.
If you’re traveling with your pup, like we often do, be sure to bring along their leash, poop bags,a water dish (this one is collapsible), extra water, food, and snacks.
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Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Golden Valley is a must-do if you’re visiting western-North Carolina. This camp-resort features cabins as well as RV and tent sites nestled in the scenic mountains between Charlotte and Asheville.
What is there to do at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park?
We were incredibly impressed by how much there was to do at the park. From sunup to sundown (and beyond) we stayed busy!
Water Park with slides and a splash area
Swimming Pool & Hot Tubs
Lake
Swimming
Kayaking
Canoeing
Paddle Boarding
Pedal Boating
Fishing
Inflatable Obstacle Course
Gem Mining
Putt Putt Golf
Laser Tag
Zip Line
Hiking Trails
Playground
Jump Pillow & Pad
Planned Activities
The park also has two restaurants, Scout’s Table and Creekside Café.
The Scout’s Table features a brunch menu and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9AM until 3PM. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. There is a coffee bar in the restaurant if you’d like to just grab a cup of coffee or a la carte breakfast. Scout’s Table also serves mimosas and cocktails.
The Creekside Cafe is located right by the pool and water park making it super convenient for lunch. It is open daily from 11AM until 8PM. They serve pizza, burgers, chicken tenders, sandwiches, hot dogs, ice cream, and more.
Right across from the Creekside Café is the Blue Ridge Tavern. Here, you can grab an adult beverage from 12PM until 8PM on Sundays through Tuesdays, and from 12PM until 10PM.
The Attractions
Water Park– The water park features 2 large slides, 2 medium-sized slides, and a small toddler splash area. There are water cannons and a large water tour that periodically dumps out water at the center of the water park.
Swimming Pool & Hot Tubs– Adjacent to the water park, you’ll find the swimming pool and hot tub. The pool is shallow and has basketball hoops and a few built-in benches and seats for you to relax. Rental cabanas line the pool area. The cabanas feature patio furniture, a fan, a tv, and a refrigerator and would be great for those who want/need a bit of shade.
Lake- Not far from the pool and water park, you’ll find the centerpiece of Yogi’s Jellystone Park, the lake. The lake is a great option for swimmers who want to get away from the crowds. Visitors can also fish or rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, or pedal boats for $5 an hour.
Obstacle Course- New in 2022, the super awesome inflatable obstacle course is sure to become your favorite thing to do on the lake. Climb, crawl, and leap to make your way around the whole course!
Gem Mining- You can’t visit western North Carolina without doing a bit of gem mining. Lucky for you, you can now mine for gems without even leaving the park! Several bags and buckets, ranging in various prices and quality, are available for purchase at the Ranger Station (shop) or at registration.
Putt Putt Golf- Who doesn’t love a round of mini-golf? The park has an 18-hole course that is free to play.
Lazer Tag– Want to know what’s cooler than hide and seek? Playing hide and seek with laser guns! The laser tag sessions last 30 minutes. A fee is required to play.
Zip Line- Sure, jumping off the dock into a lake is great, but imagine zip lining into the lake. Now you can! The zip line starts at a tower on the edge of the lake and drops you in the center of the lake! AWESOME!
Hiking Trails- The park as an extensive trail system the weaves throughout the park. We suggest hitting up the trails before heading to the water park.
Playground- Our kids loved the playground at the park. Our oldest kid was a huge fan of the Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course.
Jumping Pillow & Pad- While the pool and splash park may be hoppin’ during the day, the inflatable jumping pillow and jumping pad are where it’s at during the evening hours. And yes, grown ups can jump, too.
Planned Activities- Throughout the day there are various activities throughout the park. These include character meet and greets, ice cream socials, wagon rides, crafts, relay races, parades, and much more!
Our Experience
We had no idea what to expect when we booked our trip to Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park. Sure, we had seen all of the amenities that they offer but, we didn’t realize quite how awesome this place was going to be. We were super impressed!
The kids loved the waterpark, the pool, and the lake. We rented kayaks, paddleboards, and a pedal boat. I will say that the paddleboards that they had on site were not nearly as stable as my paddleboard. I imagine it would be tricky to maneuver for a newbie!
We really enjoyed swimming at the lake. Smiley had a blast jumping off the dock. It was such a nice change of pace from the Florida beaches.
Each day we would look at the schedule of planned activities. We got to meet Yogi, Boo Boo, and Cindy Bear pretty much every day. We’d eat breakfast at Scout’s Table every morning and then head next door for arts and crafts. Our favorite art activity was creating boats out of cardboard boxes for a boat race on the lake. Other activities included a jump party, tractor rides, ice cream socials, and much more.
Weirdly, the kids favorite part was riding the golf cart we rented. We zoomed all over the hillside and park on that bad boy.
Where is Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Located?
Address:
182 Jellystone Pkwy Bostic, NC 28018
Day Trips from Jellystone
There are a ton of fantastic day trips from the park. Here are some of our favorites:
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Seattle, Washington is one of the most gorgeous cities in the United States. We visited the Emerald City for a few days before heading out on our Alaskan Cruise. The city certainly photographs well, and on our trip, we scouted out the best spots to find the best views of Seattle. Get your camera ready, Seattle is ready to shine.
Where to Find The Best Views of Seattle
Queen Anne Blvd
We came across this park while I was stalking Meredith Grey. Relax, no fictional characters were harmed during *this* visit. Once we saw her house (and the current homeowner who was staring at me out of her kitchen window as she did the dishes), we just had to drive around and check out this charming neighborhood. It was absolutely incredible! While driving around we couldn’t help but fall in love with the neighborhood! It was full of eclectic houses, immaculate gardens, a ton of dogs, and practically no stop signs. Can someone spot me a few million so I can move here?
Queen Anne Blvd is loaded with charming little parks. These views are from Kinnear Park, Betty Bowen View Point, and Parsons Gardens.
Kerry Park
This park isn’t much of a secret. Looking at the pictures, I’m sure you can see why this park was jam-packed with tourists. Kerry Park offers the best view of downtown Seattle with the extremely photogenic Space Needle starring as the crown jewel. Although the park itself is small, it is definitely worth stopping by, even if it’s just for a few photos.
Gas Works Park
Gas Works Park was probably my favorite park that we visited in Seattle. The site once belonged to the Seattle Gas Light Company and still contains remnants from the plant that operated until the 1950s. The area was re-purposed as a park in 1975 and has been a local favorite ever since. The park was covered with people enjoying picnics, reading, or hitting the water. We had so much fun wandering around the old towers, climbing the earth mound, and checking out the sights.
Space Needle
The Space Needle is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Seattle…or even the United States, for that matter. You can head to the top of the Needle to grab a delicious meal and take in the scenery.
Seattle Great Wheel
The Seattle Great Wheel is a giant Ferris wheel at Miner’s Landing Pier 57 overlooking Elliott Bay in Seattle, Washington. The overall height of the wheel is 175 feet making it the tallest on the West Coast of the United States.
The 12-minute three rotation ride soars over scenic Elliott Bay. The ride offers remarkable views of the bay, especially on a clear day. You’ll also have an aerial view of the pier, the Seattle Space Needle, and downtown Seattle.
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“Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Costa Maya?” This is a question that I get asked a lot. Quite frankly, there are some cruise ports where you absolutely must book an excursion, and then there are others where you really don’t have to.
Costa Maya is an absolutely stunning corner of Mexico. The turquoise blue waters crash into the vibrant green jungle and the white sand beach to form some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever encounter. Believe it or not, you can experience this port to the fullest without shelling out a ton of cash! Although it isn’t nearly as developed as Cozumel (130 miles north), it still offers visitors plenty to do.
Senor Frogs, Costa Maya
What is an Excursion?
An excursion is an activity that you book in a cruise port. The excursions range from historic tours, snorkeling and beach tours, visits to popular attractions, activities that will get your adrenaline pumping, and cultural activities. They are booked through local tour companies and cost additional money. Excursions can go from anywhere from $39 to hundreds of dollars for scuba diving, golfing, and helicopter tours.
Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Costa Maya?
Carnival has developed some ports as “destinations” and created a safe environment for cruisers to relax by the pool, spend some money in the shops or dine at restaurants. Costa Maya even gives you the option to swim with dolphins- if that is your thing. The port also features an aviary, a fish spa, and a place for you to experience Maya healing rituals. Oh, and of course there’s a tequila bar.
When you get off the ship you’ll need to walk down a long pier to the port. If you are not comfortable walking, or unable to, there are free shuttle buses that cart folks back and forth.
Although there is plenty to do at the port, if you want to truly experience Mexico, we suggest leaving the port area.
What are the highlights of Costa Maya?
Beautiful, large pools (with free floats)
Souvenir shops
Restaurants and bars (Senor Frogs, & Carlos and Charlies, etc).
Tequila Bar
Aviary
Fish Spa
Kakaw Chocolate
Dolphin Encounter
SCUBA diving
Free Entertainment in Costa Maya
Nearby Beaches
Walk towards your right from the port entrance, past the shops to the grand staircase. To the right of the staircase, there is a small pathway leading to a ticket selling booth/table. Here you can purchase tickets for a taxi or trolley ride. They can take you to any of the popular beach clubs.
Costa Maya, Mexico
The beaches here are unique in the sense that many of the bars, restaurants, and hotels actually own the beach that their establishment is on. Often times this means that you can receive bar and restaurant services while soaking up the rays. Pretty cool, huh?
Recommended Excursions in Costa Maya
Chacchoben Maya Ruins & Blue Lagoon
This 6 1/2 hour tour combines Maya history, local culture, and a beach break at a blue lagoon with an open bar. The trip starts with an hour-long bus ride out to the ruins. Along the way, your tour guide will tell you all there is to know about the ruins. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the ruins and the three main temples before heading back to the coast for lunch and time at the blue lagoon. This tour won’t leave you much time to explore the port area.
Maya Adventure Park & Beach Break
Spend the day at the Maya Adventure Park (the faux temple you see on the horizon from the cruise ship). The park has 9 waterslides, 2 zipline courses, a ropes course, and a roller coaster. There is also a pool and a Cenote to cool off in. Afterwards, hit the Beach Escape Beach Club for a bit of fun in the sun.
Bacalar Lagoon, Mexico
Seven Colors Lagoon River Tubing
This tour will take you to the stunning Bacalar Lagoon known as the “Lake of Seven Colors”. You’ll spend an hour and a half floating down the picturesque river. The tour includes lunch at the pier pictured above.
Bacalar Fort & Seven Colors Lagoon
Want to experience the real Mexico? This is truly a hidden gem! You’ll head to the town of Bacalar home to Bacalar Fort and the Seven Colors Lagoon. The fortress was built in 1733 to protect the Spanish colonists from pirate attacks and rebellions by the local indigenous people. You’ll also get a chance to spend time floating on the lagoon.
Catamaran Sail, Snorkel & Beach
Of course, you can never go wrong with a catamaran and snorkeling excursion. In fact, I have done this on several trips to Mexico and it never gets old.
I have to tell you, I have experienced some pretty cool things and seen some incredible places. Some of my favorite places have been Alaska, France, and England and, of course, the locations I shared a couple of weeks ago in my 5 Favorite Cruise Ports post.
Today I thought it might be fun to share with you my least favorite cruise ports. Now, let me preface this by saying that I realize that I am extremely fortunate to be able to travel and this is, in no way, me whining. I should also say that none of these places are absolutely terrible, and it was impossible for me to come up with 3 places that weren’t spectacular. In fact, all of these places are actually nice, as I’m sure anyone who has visited them would agree, they just don’t rank high up on my list.
Alright, enough with the disclaimers. Let’s get the ball rolling, shall we?
My Least Favorite Cruise Ports
Atlantis, Nassau, The Bahamas
Nassau
I’ve been to Nassau six times and it grows on me more and more each time. This gorgeous island in The Bahamas is dotted with stunning beaches and a plethora of things to do. Nassau is a haven for tourists…which is actually why I don’t love it. For me, Nassau is far too crowded. Visiting the Straw Market is a nightmare due to the number of tourists that are jam-packed in such a small space. Will I return to Nassau? Absolutely. In fact, I’ll be there in 6 months time. The key to enjoying Nassau is getting away from the crowds. [7 Things for Cruisers to do Within Walking Distance in Nassau]
Stingray City, Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman
Again, I actually like quite a bit about Grand Cayman. The island features a lovely Sea Turtle Farm and phenomenal beaches. This is also a fantastic location for snorkeling and scuba diving. On one visit, I took a boat out to Stingray City where I got to swim with stingrays which was totally cool! The key to enjoying Grand Cayman is to get out and do things. If you stay around the tourist district you’ll just wander in and out of shops all day. Grand Cayman has a lot to offer. I do strongly recommend skipping paying for a trip to the tourist trap that is known as Hell. It’s not even worth a second thought.
Mahogany Bay, Roatan
Mahogany Bay/Roatan
If you’re a regular to 5 Suitcases you may be surprised to see Mahogany Bay on the list especially since I also included it in my Top 5. You see, although Mahogany Bay and Roatan are essentially the same places, they couldn’t be more different. Carnival develops many of its ports as destinations by putting in a ton of stores, restaurants, and bars and putting in an idyllic beach. Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Costa Maya, and Mahogany Bay are all prime examples of this. I have to admit, Carnival has done an amazing job with these projects. However, it’s not authentic.
When I first started visiting Roatan there was nothing. Literally nothing. We were greeted at the port by guerrillas brandishing machine guns. Many people turned back, but we forged on and got to see how gorgeous the authentic Roatan really is. The only reason I dislike Mahogany Bay is that most visitors will not go beyond Carnival’s secure walls and discover how fantastic the island truly is.
The people of Roatan are some of the most pleasant, welcoming people you will ever meet. It’s a shame that many people will never get a chance to experience this simply because they remain at Mahogany Bay.
Did you know that gold has played an important part in Aruba’s history? Aruba’s name roughly translates to “there was gold”. On the north coast of the island resides the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, a remnant of the island’s Gold Rush.
The Gold Rush of 1824
During the 1700s the Dutch explored the Caribbean in search of gold and treasures hidden by the Spanish. They explored Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao but left disappointed.
Fast Forward to 1824 when a twelve-year-old herder discovered gold ore in the hills of Rooi Fluit. Almost immediately, gold became an important part of Aruba’s history from 1824 until about 1916. Nearly everyone on the island sought out the precious metal. However, what they found had to be sold to the government at a fixed price.
The fever died out in 1830 however, new gold veins were discovered in 1854. Afterward, locals were prohibited from digging for gold. A Dutch Company had exclusive rights for digging on the island before changing hands to American and English companies.
The island produced more than 3 million pounds, in total.
The Bushiribana Gold Mill
The Aruba Island Gold Mining Company built Bushiribana in 1874 to extract gold from the ore that was being mined in the hills nearby. The limestone mill was designed to look like a fort in order to intimidate potential pirates.
Eventually, in 1916 during World War 1, the Aruba Gold Mining Company decided to cease all operations on the island. The digging never resumed.
Visiting the Mill
Although it costs nothing to visit and explore the Bushiribana Ruins, you may want to visit with a tour guide. There are no guides, information pamphlets, or even signs that explain the history of the site. Everything is just kind of left open for you to interpret.
The views from the mill are absolutely remarkable. This is definitely one of Aruba’s most photogenic locations!
Visiting the Mill is a must, especially if you’re already in the area visiting the Aruba Ostrich Farm, the Small Natural Pool, or the Ayo Rock Formations.
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Cumberland Island is one of the places that I will never grow tired of visiting. The Cumberland Island National Seashore is the largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles. The island features sugary white sand beaches, marshland, and stunning forests. It is world-known for its population of wild horses that inhabit the island.
The island is known for being the home to important families including James Oglethorpe, the Carnegie family, Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene, and for being the site of JFK Jr’s wedding.
Getting to Cumberland Island
Cumberland Island is only accessible by boat. There is a ferry that leaves from St. Marys, Georgia. The Cumberland Queen Ferry runs three times a day from March to September and twice a day from October through November. During the months of January and February, the ferry runs twice a day but only leaves Mondays through Thursdays.
The National Park Service limits the number of visitors to 300 per day. Campers may remain on the island for up to one week.
Getting Around Cumberland Island
Coleman Avenue, Cumberland Island
Plan on doing a lot of walking while visiting the island! There are no paved roads or trails on the island and the use of vehicles on the island is limited to private residents, contractors, and National Park employees.
One way many visitors choose to get around Cumberland Island is by bicycle. Bikes are allowed on the ferry for a $10 fee, but space is limited. You can also rent bikes on the island for $16/day. Bikes are only permitted on certain parts of the islands (you’ll see signs). Several spots on the island are hard difficult to navigate by bike because of the thick sand.
On our most recent visit, we hiked just over 7 miles and we stuck to just the southern tip of the island!
What is there to See on the Island?
The Ice House Museum was once one of the original Carnegie service buildings. Today the small museum houses original artifacts (and replicas) from the island’s prehistoric, colonial, early-American, and Gilded Era history.
Dungeness Ruins, Cumberland Island
Dungeness Ruins, Cumberland Island
The crown jewel of Cumberland Island are the Dungeness ruins. James Oglethorpe (founder of the colony of Georgia) first built a hunting lodge on the island in 1736. He named the lodge Dungeness.
Afterwards, Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene acquired 11,000 acres of the island in exchange for a bad debt. He moved to the island with his wife, Catharine Littlefield Greene. After his death, she built a four-story tabby mansion over a Timucuan shell mound. During the War of 1812 the British, who occupied the island, used the house as a headquarters.
In 1818, Major General Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee, a Revolutionary War hero and father of Robert E. Lee, came to the island and stayed in the Greene house until his death later that year. He was buried in the Greene-Miller cemetery. The home was abandoned during the Civil War and later burned to the ground.
Light-Horse Harry Lee's grave stone
In the 1880s, the property switched hands again when it was purchased by Thomas M. Carnegie, brother of philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. He built a 59-room Queen Anne style mansion and grounds which he also called Dungeness. After his death, in 1886, his wife Lucy continued to live in the mansion and built other estates on the island for her children including Greyfield, Plum Orchard, and the Stafford Plantation. The Carnegies owned 90% of the island. The family moved out of Dungeness in 1925 and the home was burned down in 1959.
The historic district comprises of the main house, servants quarters, utility buildings, laundries, cisterns, and other structures like the Nathanael Greene home.
Nathanael Greene's House, Cumberland Island
The beach on Cumberland Island is absolutely stunning! There is sixteen miles of white sand that wild horses roam alongside sea turtles and horseshoe crabs.
While most day-visitors tend to stick to the south end of the island, there are other sites on the island. These include Greyfield (now the Greyfield Inn), and Plum Orchard.
The 5-6 hour long “The Lands and Legacies Tour” will take you to the north end of the island and visit sites such as Plum Orchard and The Settlement where John F. Kennedy Jr got married in the First African Baptist Church.
Things to Know Before Visiting...
There are no stores and very few amenities on the island. You’ll need to pack in and pack out everything that you’ll need for a day trip. Pack in and pack out means that you’ll need to take it with you when you arrive, and take it with you when you leave. Even garbage cans are hard to come by on the island!
Make sure to pack plenty of water (more than you think you’ll need- especially during the hot months!), and lots of food and snacks. You’ll be surprised at how hungry you’ll get doing all of that hiking or biking!
Dungeness Ruins, Cumberland Island
To answer your question; yes, there are bathrooms on the island! There are 4 bathrooms available on the south tip of the island. You will find one at the Sea Camp Dock, one in the Historic District, one near Sea Camp Campground, and one by the Greene-Miller cemetery.
The Horses of Cumberland Island
Perhaps even more famous than some of the humans that have inhabited the island are the wild horses that now call this paradise home. Horses have lived on Cumberland Island since the 1500s. They were left behind when the homes and plantations on the island were abandoned.
Cumberland has the only herd of feral horses on the Atlantic coast that is not managed- no food, water, veterinary care, or population control.
Staying Overnight
Camping
Reservations for camping can be made up to six months in advance with a limit of staying up to 7 consecutive nights. Sea Camp is the most developed campground on the island. It is located half mile from Sea Camp Dock. There are four additional campgrounds on the island. A permit is required to camp.
Upscale Lodging
Thomas and Lucy Carnegie built Greyfield for their daughter, Margaret. The home was converted to an in in 1962 by her daughter Lucy R. Ferguson. The Greyfield Inn is the epitome of sophisticated, Southern charm.
What Should I Take With Me?
When you’re hiking, please remember to leave no trace! This means to pack out everything that you pack in and if you see trash, pick it up.
Backpack– to store all of your belongings Dry Bag– to keep your electronics and wallet safe, in case of rain (or kayaking) Trail GPS– the Garmin Oregon handled GPS works offline. You can view maps, waypoints, tracks, and trails even if you don’t have a signal. First-Aid Kit– this ultralight, watertight medical kit is a must if you’re hitting the trails! Sunscreen- yes, you can get sunburned in the forest. Insect Repellant Water Bottle– Always pack more water than you think you’ll need! Snacks
Hammock– I honestly pack a hammock on most hiking trips. Psh, I even bring them along with me when we go on cruises. There are plenty of spots in the forest to put up a hammock and chill out for a bit.
If you’re traveling with your pup, like we often do, be sure to bring along their leash, poop bags,a water dish (this one is collapsible), extra water, food, and snacks.
Madison Blue Springs- Voted America's #1 Swimming Hole
Madison Blue Springs is one of the first springs that I ever visited. The springs shockingly beautiful vibrant blue water and overall chill atmosphere is what drew me to visit as many springs as I could! The snorkeling, swimming, and paddling here is top-notch. There’s nothing quite like spending the day floating at the spring!
About Madison Blue Springs State Park
Madison Blue Springs was voted as the Number One Swimming Hole in the Country by USA Today. This instant family-favorite is a fantastic place to spend the day! It is popular for swimming, tubing, and cave diving.
What is there to do at Madison Blue Springs?
The park is well known for its swimming and diving opportunities. The first-magnitude springs are a great spot for snorkeling. Certified cave divers from all around the world come to explore the expansive underwater cave system. There are over 26,000 feet of underground passages.
The springs are also a great place for paddling. Visitors may launch kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards from the river side of the spring. There is no vehicle access close to the river so you’ll have to tote your vessel about 175 yards from the parking lot. There are no rentals at the park.
Tubing is also allowed at the spring and adjacent river. Visitors must bring their own inflatable or rent one from a private vendor that operates within the park on weekends from May through September.
Madison Blue Springs State Park has a trail that follows the Withlacoochee River.
Visiting Information
Madison Blue Springs is a popular park from Memorial Day to Labor Day- especially on weekends and holidays. Plan on arriving to the park early as it will close when it reaches full capacity.
The park is open 365 days a year from 8 AM until sunset. The cost is about $5 per vehicle.
Location: 8300 N.E. State Road 6 Lee, FL 2059
Nearby Springs
Pot Springs (3.5 miles) Peacock Springs (38 miles) Royal Springs (42 miles) Troy Springs (50 miles) Little River Springs (49 miles) Turtle Spring (64 miles)
Something visitors need to understand about Florida is that alligators can be found in any fresh body of water. Our state is home to more than a million alligators that live in lakes, rivers, marshes, canals, springs, and even ponds at places like Disney and golf courses.
There is always the possibility of seeing an alligator in a fresh body of water. In fact, as Floridians we just assume that they are lurking arounding.
However, alligators don’t tend to like all of the splishing and splashing. Think of them as cranky old people. They’ll try to stay as far away from humans as possible.
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Awhile back I took to Instagram to ask my followers what their favorite Florida spring is. Many people responded that Gilchrist Blue Springs was their #1 choice. Obviously, we had to make the trek out west to check it out. Let me just say that it did not disappoint.
About Gilchrist Blue Springs
Gilchrist Blue Springs is Florida’s newest State Park. This means that even bigger and better things will be happening at this natural beauty. They are expanding the campground, building a bathhouse, and making road improvements. Of course, the highlight of the park is a large second-magnitude spring that pumps out 44 million gallons of water each day. The park is also home to Little Blue Spring, Naked Spring, Kiefer Spring, and Johnson Spring.
What is there to do at Gilchrist Blue Springs?
Obviously the main attraction at the park is Gilchrist Blue Spring. We didn’t get a chance to check out the other springs (Little Blue Spring, Naked Spring, Kiefer Spring, and Johnson Spring), but we will definitely scope those out next time!
The springs are a great place to canoe, kayak, paddleboard, swim, and snorkel. There are kayaks and canoes available to rent on the property.
We sure to wander past the ropes (if you have a paddleboard, kayak, or canoe). You won’t regret it!
Visting Information
The park is open from 8 AM to sundown, 365 days a year.
The cost is $4 to $6 per vehicle.
The park is located in Gilchrist County about 5 miles west of the town of High Springs and 25 miles south of Lake City.
Something visitors need to understand about Florida is that alligators can be found in any fresh body of water. Our state is home to more than a million alligators that live in lakes, rivers, marshes, canals, springs, and even ponds at places like Disney and golf courses.
There is always the possibility of seeing an alligator in a fresh body of water. In fact, as Floridians we just assume that they are lurking arounding.
However, alligators don’t tend to like all of the splishing and splashing. Think of them as cranky old people. They’ll try to stay as far away from humans as possible.
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So you’re heading to Mexico, eh? LUCKY YOU! I’d love to help you with your Mexico packing list. The great news is Mexico has absolutely perfect weather so no matter what time of year you will be visiting you’re sure to have great weather. This also makes packing for a trip to Mexico a little easier.
Let’s Talk About the Weather
The climate in Mexico is tropical meaning that there is a wet season and a dry season. The best time to visit Mexico is during the dry season between December and April. During these months, there is virtually no rain. On the other hand, the wet season lasts from May until October.
The temperature in all areas of Mexico ranges between 50°F and 90°F throughout the year.
Beach in Cozumel Mexico
The Nitty Gritty
If you happen to accidentally leave something at home, you can always head into the large cities to do some shopping. However, items are typically more expensive in Mexico, and you may not find the particular brand that you would at home.
Mexico Packing List Essentials
When you’re getting ready for Mexico, there are some things that you absolutely must have with you. All of these items should be in your suitcase, purse, and/or carry-on.
Passport
You absolutely must have your passport to travel to Mexico. If you are visiting as a tourist, you donot require a visa. Visitors planning to stay more than 6 months get a visa.
Driver’s License
Visitors planning to drive in Mexico will need to be 18 years or older and have a valid driver’s license or international driving permit in order to rent a car and/or drive around legally. If you have a US driver’s license do not worry, it is a valid driver’s license in Mexico.
Although the legal driving age is 18, some rental companies require you to be 25 years or older and you must have a drivers license for a minimum of 2 years.
Portable and Plug-in Chargers
Obviously, you’re going to be taking a ton of pictures on your trip. You most definitely are going to want to pack a portable power bank for your phone. While you’re thinking about chargers you better grab all of the chargers for your electronics: phone charger, laptop charger, tablet charger, smartwatch charger, and maybe even an electric toothbrush charger!
The Anker PowerPort Cube Power Strip has 3 outlets, 3 USB ports, and includes a 5-foot extension cord.
Mexico uses 127volts, 60 cycle electricity, which is similar to the US. Plugs are typically the 2 pronged flat types so US travelers will not typically need a converter or adapter. Outlets rarely have 3 holes so if your device has a third prong, bring an adapter.
Camera & SD Card
Sure, you could just bring your phone along for photos but you’ll probably want to bring a legit camera along as well. I suggest a Nikon D5600 for high-quality photos. While you’re grabbing your camera, don’t forget our SD card! I travel with a 64 GB memory SD card. If you’re feeling wild, you can go for a 128 GB SD memory card.
If you’re planning on spending time at the beach, cenotes, or anywhere else on the coast you’ll probably want to have an underwater camera, as well. Those of you who will be using a phone as a camera, make sure you get a waterproof phone case. I take one of these with me on all of my trips to Central America and the Caribbean.
Cash $
It’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand. I would be careful about carrying around large amounts of money. I would suggest only having an equivalent of $100 (broken into small bills) on your person.
Mexico uses the Mexican peso (MXN). Some resort areas may accept USD however, you will most likely be charged extra if you are paying in USD.
Credit Cards
You will most likely be able to use your debit cards in Mexico. In fact, an easy way to access money while traveling is to use your debit or credit card in an ATM or cash machine in Mexico: you will receive Mexican currency, and your bank will withdraw the equivalent funds from your account plus a fee for the transaction.
Larger hotels, restaurants, and shops will typically be able to accept Visa and MasterCard. You could also use a credit card to obtain cash advances at major banks. I use a travel wallet to keep my passport, cards, and money safe in one place.
Travel Umbrella
If you’re traveling to Mexico during the wet season, you’ll definitely want to pack an umbrella. May through October are the wet seasons. I pack an EEZ-Y Windproof Travel Umbrella.
Sun Care
Trust me, there’s nothing worse than getting sunburned on a vacation. Plan on using a strong sunscreen to protect your skin. If you are hitting the reefs, you’ll want to pack coral reef-safe sunscreen. While you’re at it toss some Chapstick with SPF into your bag. You may also want to consider a hat and a sun shirt, as well. I always pack a bit of aloe with me on vacation- just in case. Better safe than sorry, right?
Mosquito Repellent
Mexico has a tropical climate so there are mosquitoes, bugs and other insects buzz around mostly in the early mornings and late evening. However, in most areas, most time of the year they are that not annoying.
You should always pack your necessary prescription medications in your carry-on bag. Make sure they are in their original containers.
El Castillo, Tulum, Mexico
What to Wear on the Plane to Mexico
Although you’ll be traveling to a tropical destination, you may want to dress a little more warmly on your flight. Since airplanes are typically cool, you’ll want to dress in layers. Consider wearing a tank top with a light sweater, a light hoodie, or a long sleeve shirt. I also usually don’t wear shorts on a plane because my legs tend to get cold.
Make sure you wear shoes that are easy to slide on and off and consider leaving your belt in your suitcase. If you plan on packing a large floppy sun hat, you may want to bring it on the plane so that it doesn’t get squished in your suitcase.
FUN FACT:
These adorable little cocktail sets are perfect for a drink on the go. Believe it or not, they are TSA compliant! They are great for travel days but also would be handy on an impromptu picnic!
Rio Secreto, Mexico
What to Wear During the Day
Keep in mind that the average temperature in Mexico is 84 degrees. It’s also typically super humid. Consider packing clothing that will be comfortable in this climate.
You’ll also want to consider what activities you’ll be doing on your trip. If you’re spending most of your time on the coast you’ll want to focus on coverups, bathing suits, and sandals. If you’re heading to the jungle and rainforest to zip-line or going to the ruins like Tulum or Chicken Itza you’ll want to pack activewear. I usually wear breathable yoga pants, a t-shirt, comfortable tennis shoes, sunglasses, and a hat when I hit the ruins.
The dress code in Mexico is super laid back. It’s cool if you stick with casual outfits.
Misc. Electronics
Kindle
If you don’t want to lug a guide book around, you may want to invest in a Kindle. These are a great alternative to packing physical books. They take up way less space! The Kindle Paperwhite is waterproof making it a great option for travel.
AirPods
These headphones are MADE for travel. They are compact, lightweight, and recharge themselves when they are in the case. AirPods are great to have on the plane, train, or when relaxing by the pool or on the beach!
Tulum Beach
Other Items for Your Mexico Packing List
Scanned Copies of Important Items
It is always smart to carry a scanned copy of the information page of your passport. That way, if you misplace it it’s easier for you to get a replacement. Make sure you pack it in a different place than you keep your physical passport. You can also take a photo of it and store it on your phone.
Packing Cubes
Guys! Packing cubes are LIFE! They are the perfect way to keep your suitcase neat and organized. They have been a total game changer for me!
First Aid Kit
Raise your hand if you’re a klutz like me! Anybody? If you’re anything like me then you totally need to pack a first aid kit. I take one with me when I travel.
Guide Books
If you are a terrestrial traveler, rather than a cruiser, you may want to pack along a guide book. I’m a Lonely Planet fan.
While You’re in Mexico
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