Author: Elle MacRae

Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Jacksonville State Parks United States

Amelia Island State Park- A Bucket List Beach

beach, seagulls, sea-6093004.jpg

Amelia Island State Park is a quick and easy drive from Jacksonville, Florida.  The park protects more than 200 acres of stunning wilderness located on the southern tip of Amelia Island.  The state park is made up of white sand beaches, salt marshes, and coastal maritime forests.  This is the only Florida state park that offers horseback riding on its beaches-making it a popular destination for bucket listers.  It is also an excellent location for a paddling tour.

Amelia Island State Park Experieneces

  • Bicycling
  • Fishing
  • Paddling
  • Beach
  • Swimming
  • Shelling
  • Horseback Riding (see below)

Paddling is one of the most popular activities at Amelia Island State Park.  Kayak Amelia is the state park’s canoe and kayak outfitter.  It is located on A1A between Little Talbot and Big Talbot Island, about 6 miles away from Amelia Island.  

They offer rentals or guided paddling tour.  Booking one of these tours, or going out on your own, is an excellent way to spend time at Amelia Island State Park.  Paddling is one of our absolute favorite family-friendly experiences!

Sea Turtles

Each summer, sea turtles grace Florida beaches to nest.  Female sea turtles create their nests, lay their eggs, and return to the water leaving the eggs unprotected.  Rangers do everything they can to keep these nests safe until the eggs hatch 50 to 70 days later.  Please follow posted signs regarding sea turtles. 

Horseback Riding at Amelia Island State Park

Is horseback riding on the beach on your bucket list?  Well, you’re in luck!  Amelia Island State Park is the only Florida State park that offers horseback riding on the beach.  Tours can be arranged through Kelly Seahorse Ranch.  You’ll enjoy a gorgeous trail ride from the ranch to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.  

Kelly Seahorse Ranch is open from 8 am to 5 pm daily (except for on Mondays)- including Christmas and New Years Day.  A one-hour guided beach ride costs $125 per person.

East Coast Greenway

The Timucuan Trail and extends 6 miles north and 4 miles south.  This trail is a small portion of a large trail network known as the East Coast Greenway.  The  Greenway cuts through Amelia Island State Park.  The greenway connects the park to Amelia Island and Little Talbot Island.

The Greenway is part of a large network of trails connecting 15 states, 450 cities and towns and running from Maine to Florida.

Our Amelia Island State Park Essentials

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard
Inflatable Paddleboard
Electric Air Pump with 12V adaptor
Boogie Boards

Visiting Amelia Island State Park

Amelia Island State Park is open from 8 AM until sundown, 365 days a year.

The entrance fee is $2 per person.  The park uses an honor box system to collect fees, so correct change is required.

The park is located at 

State Road A1A North
Jacksonville, FL
32226

What is there to do Nearby?

Amelia Island State Park is located on Amelia Island an area well-known for their upscale shopping and dining.  We also love spending time in the nearby historic downtown Fernandina.  Fernandina also has great shops, a quaint welcoming vibe, and delicious eateries.
 
If you need lodging in the area, we love the Omni Amelia Island Resort.  They have a great beachside pool area and their bars whip up some bangin’ beverages.  The resort also has a top-notch spa. 
 
You’ll also find a Ritz Carlton on the island that has been rated one of the top hotels in Florida and the top hotel in Jacksonville!

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**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

Categories
National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores New York United States

Women’s Rights National Historical Park- Paving the Way for Equality

Did you know that the Women’s Suffrage Movement lasted nearly 100 years?  The movement fought for women to have the right to vote in the United States.   It wasn’t until August 18, 1920, that the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, granting women this right.  The Women’s Rights National Historical Park encapsulates many locations that were pivotal in this campaign.

In 1848, a group of abolitionist activists gathered in Seneca Falls, New York, to converse about Women’s Rights.  They planned a two-day convention to amplify their cause.  This convention would end up changing the course of women’s history in the United States.

In the election of 1920, more than 8 million women made their way to the polls to vote for the very first time.  Unfortunately, the founders of the movement did not live long enough to cast their first vote.  Still, we honor them at the Women’s Rights National Historical Park.

Women’s Rights National Historical Park

The Women’s Rights National Historical Park was established in 1980 in Seneca Falls, New York. The park consists of four properties that were important to the Women’s Suffrage Movement. These buildings include the Wesleyan Methodist Church, the Elizabeth Cady Stanton House, the M’Clintock House, and the Richard Hunt House.

The homes that are part of the Women’s Rights National Historical Park served as meeting grounds for the drafting of the Declaration of Sentiments and other important historical documents.  The Declaration of Sentiments was modeled after the Declaration of Independence and was the backbone for the Women’s Suffrage Movement that lasted until 1920.  

The Visitor's Center

The Visitor Center houses a massive, stunning life-size bronze sculpture of twenty men and women who attended the first Women’s Rights Convention.  The statue, The First Wave, includes the figures of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Richard and Jane Hunt, James and Lucretia Mott,  Thomas and Mary Ann M’Clintock, Martha Wright, and Frederick Douglass.

The two-day convention took place on July 19 and 20 in 1848, with more than 300 people in attendance.  Many of the attendees signed a “Declaration of Sentiments,” which declared that “all men and women are created equal.”

Wesleyan Methodist Church

Wesleyan Methodist Church is part of the Women’s Rights National Historical Park complex.  It was constructed in 1843 and was the site of the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention, the first Women’s Rights Convention.   It was here that about 300 people came together to hear Elizabeth Cady Stanton demand the right for women to vote.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton Houes

This historic home, located at 32 Washington Street, was the home of suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton from 1847 to 1862.  The home is now a museum and a cornerstone for the Women’s Rights National Historical Park.

The oldest portion of the home, the south wing, dates back to before 1830.  The north wing was added around 1840.  Henry and Elizabeth Cady Stanton eventually moved in 1847.  

Elizabeth Cady Stanton was an American writer and activist who led the Women’s Rights Movement.  She was the primary force behind the Seneca Falls Convention and the primary author of the Declaration of Sentiments.  She was also active in abolitionism.

She met Susan B. Anthony, another key social reformer and activist, in 1851.  The women formed a decades-long partnership that was a key to the development of the Women’s Rights Movement.  The women then went on to form the American Equal Rights Association, which campaigned for equal rights for people of color and women.

The home was acquired by the National Park Service in 1982 and became part of the Women’s Rights National Historical Park.

M'Clintock House

This historic two-story, Federal style home was home to the Quaker pharmacist Thomas M’Clintock and his wife Mary Ann.  The home was used as a meeting space to write the Declaration of Sentiments, resolutions, and speeches for the Women’s Rights Convention.  Today, the home stands as an important part of the Women’s Rights National Historical Park.  

Mary Ann M’Clintock and her husband, Thomas, were active in anti-slave movements in Philadelphia.  Mary Ann was one of the founding members of the Philadelphia Female Ani-Slavery Society, where she became close to abolitionist Lucretia Mott.  

Richard Hunt House

The Hunt House is located in the nearby town of Waterloo.  This stately home was the residence of the Hunt family.   This home is where Jane Hunt, Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Martha Coffin Wright, and Mary Ann M’Clintock planned the First Women’s Rights Convention.

Jane Clothier Hunt was an American Quaker who believed in social reform and equal rights.  Mr. and Mrs. Hunt’s home is thought to have served as a station in the Underground Railroad.  

Votes For Women History Trail

The Votes For Women History Trail was created in 2009.  The trail is a drivable route that links sights throughout upstate New York that were important to the Women’s Suffrage Movement. 

Sites on the trail include:

  • Susan B. Anthon House (Rochester)
  • Mount Hope Cemetery (Rochester)
  • Antoinette Louisa Brown Blackwell Childhood Home (Henrietta)
  • M’Clintock House (Waterloo)
  • Women’s Rights National Historical Park

Fun Fact:  The term womxn has been in print since the 1970s as an alternative to the word “woman” or “women”.  The term was created to avoid perceived sexism in the standard spelling, which contains the word “man” or “men”.

Visiting Women's Rights National Historical Park

Physical Address: 136 Fall Street, Seneca Falls, NY

The Women’s Rights National Historical Park is open daily with reduced programming during the winter months.  The site is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.  

All sites and events are free.

Fun Fact:  Harriet Tubman played a role in the Women’s Suffrage Movement.  She traveled to New York, Boston, and DC to speak out in favor of women’s votings rights. She is buried in the nearby Fort Hill Cemetery and there is a National Historical Park nearby in her honor.

What is there to do Nearby?

  • Harriet Tubman National Historical Park
  • Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park
  • Chimney Bluffs State Park
  • Cayuga Lake Wine Trail
  • Fort Stanwix National Monument
  • Robert H. Treman State Park

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Post updated: 4/29/25

Categories
Florida Jacksonville United States

The Super Charming Celestial Farms

***Celestial Farms is permanently closed. *** 

Celestial Farms, tucked away in Jacksonville’s northside, is truly a hidden gem.  This quaint farm holds a special place in our hearts.  It is a not-for-profit animal rescue and educational center.  The farm takes in neglected and abandoned farm animals.

Celestial Farms doesn’t just offer refuge for these precious animals, they also provide therapeutic benefits for people of all abilities.  Volunteers can help care for the farm, tend to the garden, or work with the animals.  It’s truly a full-service farm where animals and people alike can learn, heal, and grow.  

Due to rising health concerns, the facility is no longer able to accept outside foods.  However, the farm sells feed for about $3 a bag.

This is honestly one of our favorite spots around town.  We visit the farm every other month (or so), and keep coming back for more.  Our kids can’t get enough of the friendly animals that live on the farm.  The love that they can not only feed the animals but also pet and love on them. 

Like most kids, they are obsessed with picking up (or trying to pick up) the animals.  Since the animals that roam around are mostly young animals, they themselves are rambunctious and don’t seem to mind.  In fact, some of the animals sometimes (lovingly) chase after visitors for attention.  Trust me, there’s nothing cuter than a piglet or a goat chasing after your kid begging for to be pet, cuddled, or picked up!

@5suitcases

We spent the morning at Celestial Farms ##celestialfarms ##onlyinjax ##jacksonville ##farm ##animalrescue ##farmanimals ##farmlife ##5suitcases

♬ Green Acres - Theme from the TV Series - instrumental - Charles Fernandez

The Animals of Celestial Farms

Our kids love it when the animals make their way out of their pens and run around the farm.  Obviously, the larger animals stay in their pens (for safety reasons), but the small animals are often free to roam.  It is a great way for children to learn boundaries with animals and to interact with them.

Some animals that you may find roaming around the farm are; bunnies, iguanas, turkeys, chickens, ducks, geese, piglets, goats, and other small creatures.

Are you curious about what animals you’ll find at the farm?  Celestial Farms is a safe haven for:

  • Cows
  • Horses
  • Donkeys
  • Ponies
  • Goats
  • Opossum
  • Pigs
  • Rabbits
  • Chickens
  • Turkey
  • Ducks
  • Sheep

Some of our favorites include:

Sugar– a beautiful, white, miniature pony with heterochromia (different colored eyes).

BK- a super handsome, black cow.  He is seriously the sweetest!

Rooter- a big bubba of a black pig!

Special Programs & Events

We went to a really fun birthday party at the farm.  The kids all loved getting to meet, play, and interact with all of the animals. 

In addition to birthday parties, the farm is also available for:

  • Weddings
  • Corporate parties
  • Photography
  • Field Trips

The farm also hosts special programs and events like:

  • Family Campouts
  • Spring Fling
  • Herbal Infusing
  • Hug a Farm Animal Day
  • Hispanic JAX Festival
  • Trunk or Treat
  • Christmas
  • Yoga
BK the Cow

Other Fun Things!

Celestial Farms has done an amazing job making this a family-friend space.  While the animals will always be the main attraction, there are lots of other fun things to do at the farm.  There’s a handful of playgrounds, a rock climbing wall, a fishing pond, a butterfly/fairy garden, a tractor ride, a treehouse, and loads of other kid-friendly attractions.

Visiting Celestial Farms

Celestial Farms is open to the public Wednesday to Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm, and on Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm.  

The entrance fee is $5 per person.

 

Celestial Farms is an amazing place that does remarkable things for abused and neglected animals.  Do yourself a favor and make plans to head out to the farm to visit these sweet babies.  You and your family will have an incredible time.  And who knows, maybe you’ll run into us while you’re there?

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Categories
Florida United States

The Most Epic Florida Bucket List: 65+ AWESOME Places for You to Explore

Are you a Florida resident looking for a quick weekend getaway? Or, are you visiting Florida from out of state this summer? We’ve come up with an AWESOME Florida Bucket List to help you plan out your adventures.

Check out our Florida Bucket List to get those creative vacation juices flowing! Whether you’re looking for an idea for a day trip, weekend getaway, or a vacation we hope this list serves a jumping point for your grand adventure!   As always, be sure to pin this post so you can remember all of your favorite ideas!

Florida Bucket List

Hit the Beach

Not quite sure where to start here?  That’s no surprise considering Florida has 825 miles of accessible beaches to enjoy.  Florida is the only state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.  

The beaches on the east coast and west coast are night and day.  The gulf shore offers emerald waters whereas the Atlantic side is a bit darker.  The further south you go, the lighter the water becomes.

We’ve included 12 beach recommendations to help get you started!  After all, it wouldn’t be a Florida Bucket List trip without a trip to the beach!

Madison Blue Springs- Voted America's #1 Swimming Hole

Cool Down in a Natural Spring

If you’re not a fan of salt water, getting slammed by waves, or being covered in sand (or if you’re afraid of sharks), you could always head to the springs.  Florida has more natural springs than anywhere else in the world.  These springs are absolutely stunning- we’re talking crystal clear, cool, waterways tucked deep in the forest.  You will not regret adding springs to your Florida Bucket List!

The springs are an excellent spot to beat the Florida heat.  They are great for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and even diving.  Some springs offer rental facilities if you do not have your own kayak, paddleboard, or canoe. 

Most of the Florida springs have a year-round temperature of about 72 degrees.  The water is super refreshing during the hot months- once you get used to it.  You may want to have a wet suit if you plan on swimming during the cold months.

When the weather cools down, the temperatures of the adjoining waterways also drops.  Because of this, manatees flock to the springs where the water temperatures are a little warmer.  The best times of year to spot a manatee in the springs is between November and April.  Yeah…go ahead and add swim with a manatee to your Florida bucket list!

Visit a Botanical Garden

Due to Florida’s tropical climate, visiting a botanical garden is an option year-round.  There are some pretty incredible gardens sprinkled across the Sunshine State.  Many of the botanical gardens offer hiking trails that are often covered by the canopy of the trees- offering a bit of shade for your stroll.

  • Kanapaha Botanical Gardens (Gainesville)
  • Sunken Gardens (St. Petersburg)
  • Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (Miami)
  • The Cummer Art Gallery  and Gardens (Jacksonville)
  • The Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens (Jacksonville)
  • Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens (Delray Beach)
  • McKee Botanical Gardens (Vero Beach)
Jacksonville Arboretum

Scope out at National Park Site

Did you know there are eleven National Park sites in Florida.  The sites protect historic landmarks,  marshes, swampland, stunning beaches, and some of the most pristine landscapes in the state.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Check Out a State Park

Believe it or not, Florida has 175 state parks!  The parks offer some of the best, natural landscapes our state has to offer. Some are tucked inland and offer incredible hikes through the dense forest while others line the coast and are home to amazing beaches. Here are some of our favorites!

See also 18 Gorgeous State Parks with Springs

Mile Marker 0- The Southernmost Point in the Continental US

Visit Somewhere Instagram Worthy

  • The Ringling (Sarasota)
  • The Devil’s Den (Williston)
  • Lightner Museum (St. Augustine)
  • Blow Rocks Preserve (Hobe Sound)
  • Fort Jefferson (Dry Tortugas National Park)
  • Mile Marker 0 (Key West)
  • Sweet Pete’s– the largest candy shop in the south! (Jacksonville)

Soak Up Some Culture at a Museum

Florida is more than beaches, springs, and parks.  It turns out, we’re pretty cultured, too!  The Sunshine State is home to some pretty remarkable museums.  There are over 500 different museums in Florida.  Whether you’re into art, history, space, science, or pirates, our museums cover it all!

Head to the Theme Parks

Theme parks nearly didn’t make the list, but let’s face it…they have weasled their way into the Floridian culture.  Dare we say they are just as Floridian as a Pub Sub?  Okay, you’re right.  We’ve gone too far.

There’s more to Florida than just Disney and Universal, however.  Make sure you include all of these theme parks to your Florida Bucket List!

We hope that our Florida Bucket List has inspired you to take a few road trips this summer, or to explore the REAL Florida!

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Categories
National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States Washington DC

Ford’s Theatre: Where Lincoln’s Remarkable Legacy Lives On

Ford's Theatre- the site the the Lincoln assassination

Ford’s Theatre marks one of the most somber moments in American history—the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Today, this National Historic Site includes four key components: the Ford’s Theatre Museum, the historic theatre itself (where Lincoln was shot), the Petersen House (where he died), and the Aftermath Exhibits. Together, these sites tell a powerful story of Lincoln’s presidency, his tragic final night, and the lasting legacy he left behind.

History of Ford's Theatre

Before it became a national landmark, Ford’s Theatre was originally the First Baptist Church of Washington. When the congregation moved to a new building, entrepreneur John T. Ford purchased the property and transformed it into a performance venue he named “Ford’s Athenaeum.”

Today, the site is most famously known as the location of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination in 1865. Following Lincoln’s death, the U.S. government paid Ford $88,000 for the building and took it over for military use. Over the years, the space served a variety of purposes: the first floor stored records for the War Department, the second floor housed the Library of the Surgeon General’s Office, and the third floor became home to the Army Medical Museum.

Tragedy struck again in 1893 when part of the building collapsed, killing 22 people and injuring 68 others. After repairs, it reopened as the Record and Pension Office.

On February 12, 1932—Lincoln’s 123rd birthday—the building was transferred to the National Park Service. Since then, the NPS has worked diligently to restore the theatre and preserve it as a memorial to the legacy of the nation’s 16th president.

The Kids at Ford's Theater

Lincoln's Assassination

On the evening of April 14, 1865—just five days after General Robert E. Lee’s surrender effectively ended the Civil War—President Abraham Lincoln attended a performance of Our American Cousin at Ford’s Theatre.

Among the cast was the well-known actor John Wilkes Booth, a staunch Confederate sympathizer. Originally, Booth had planned to kidnap Lincoln and other high-ranking officials in a desperate attempt to revive the failing Confederacy. That plan soon escalated into a coordinated plot to assassinate President Lincoln, Vice President Andrew Johnson, and Secretary of State William Seward.

As a familiar face at the theatre, Booth had unrestricted access to its interior—including the Presidential Box. During the play, Booth slipped inside, shot President Lincoln at point-blank range with a .44-caliber Deringer pistol, and leapt onto the stage, reportedly shouting, “Sic semper tyrannis!”—“Thus always to tyrants”—before fleeing the building.

The pistol used in the assassination, small but devastating, is now on display in the Ford’s Theatre Museum, a chilling reminder of one of the darkest nights in American history.

Ford's Theatre Today

This National Historic Site is composed of four parts:  the Museum, Ford’s Theatre (where Lincoln was shot), the Petersen House (where Lincoln died), the museum, and the Aftermath Exhibits.  Both the theatre and the Petersen House are National Historic sites.  We suggest visiting all four of the locations below to get the full-experience.  Together, these 4 locations chronicle the story of Lincoln from when he swore in as President to the days after his death.  

The Museum

The museum features an impressive collection that follows Abraham Lincoln from the beginning of his presidency to his assassination.  Through historical relics, visitors learn about his life in the White House, his role in the Civil War, and his meetings with the abolitionist, Frederick Douglass.  

The museum also introduces visitors to John Wilkes Booth. The exhibit explores Booth’s relationship with Lincoln, the root of his hatred toward the 16th president, and the group of people who conspired to decimate the US government.

The museum tour is self-guided.  A visit to the museum takes about 30 minutes.

The Historic Ford's Theatre

Ford’s Theatre is the site of one of the most tragic moments in American history: the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Remarkably, the historic theatre still closely resembles how it looked on that fateful night in 1865. The Presidential Box is draped with an American flag and features a portrait of George Washington—just as it did when Lincoln arrived for the evening’s performance.

While the interior of the Presidential Box is closed to the public to preserve its condition, visitors can view it from the main floor of the theatre.

The theatre tour is self-guided and typically takes about 30 minutes. National Park Service rangers are on-site to answer questions and provide historical insight during your visit.

The Petersen House

After President Lincoln was shot, he was carried out of Ford’s Theatre and brought to the Petersen House—a boarding house directly across the street. A crowd quickly gathered outside as a doctor worked tirelessly to save the president’s life.

Inside, Lincoln was surrounded by his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, along with several government officials. The attending doctor provided hourly updates throughout the night.

At 7:22 a.m. on April 15, 1865, the updates stopped. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, had passed away.

The Aftermath Exhibits

This was my favorite part of the museum complex.  The Aftermath Exhibits transport you to a Washington street the morning after Lincoln’s assassination.  The exhibits tell the story of the crowds that gather to mourn the president, the funeral train back to Springfield, Illinois, and the 12-day hunt for John Wilkes Booth.  The exhibit also covers John Wilkes Booth’s capture in Virginia, his trial, and the fate of Booth and his conspirators.

Naturally, the exhibits also cover the impact of Lincoln’s life and death on the American people.  

Pro-Tip:  If you are visiting during the summer months, be sure to pack plenty of water.  Summers in DC are extremely hot (and this is coming from a Florida girl) and you can easily get dehydrated.  You may need to wait in line to access these sites and there is very little shade.

If you’re pressed for time, we suggest visiting the Historic Theatre and the Aftermath Museum.  

If you have a little more time, we suggest taking the Metro to the Smithsonian Station and walking west down the National Mall to the Lincoln Memorial.

Visiting Ford's Theatre

Address: 
511 10th St. NW
Washington, DC 20004

Metro Stops:  Metro Center and Gallery Place/Chinatown

Parking: There is a parking garage located directly next to the theatre.

What is There to do Nearby?

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Post updated: 5/3/25

Categories
Annual Recap

Our 2022 Recap- All of our Adventures Wrapped Up Into One Post!

Welcome to the 2022 Recap!  In this post we’ll map out all of our adventures for the year!  We started the tradition of posting our recap early in the year, rather waiting until the end, last year and love the way it came together!  We had an absolute blast in 2021, and we’re excited to share with you our 2022 recap!

This year we’re adding a bit of spontaneity to our adventures.  For Christmas, we got a book called “Adventure Challenge: Family Edition“.  In it, there are 50 different mystery activities for us to complete this year.  We’ll be sharing that with you all, as well.  If you aren’t already doing so, follow us on Instagram so you don’t miss out on the fun.

Check Out Our 2022 Recap

January

[Sheffield Park] [Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park] [Silver Springs State Park] [Huguenot Park]

 

Apparently 2022 is going to be the year of parks for us because on January 2nd, we hit up yet another park (after visiting Sheffield Park the day before).  We took our lab, Lady Belle, to Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park for a hike.  One downside of Pumpkin Hill is that the trails aren’t well marked.  We’ve been lost in the park before and I was terrified that it was going to happen again.  We ended up on a trail that lead to an excellent launching site on the creek.  We’ll definitely have to come back with our paddle board or kayaks!

Each year we let the kids choose whether they want to have a birthday party or go on an “adventure” for their birthday.  Smiley selected an adventure.  She decided that she had so much fun at Legoland (where we celebrated the boys 4th birthday), that she wanted to celebrate hers there, as well.  Unfortunately, in January, the COVID numbers started to spike again.  We gave her the option to go to Legoland with one of us during the month of January, or wait until the numbers went down and all 5 of us could go together (since the twins aren’t old enough to be vaccinated).  Being the sweetheart that she is, she chose to wait.

We wanted to reward her for her selflessness with a day trip to celebrate her 8th birthday.  To celebrate, we headed down to Silver Springs State Park.  We hopped on a clear bottomed boat tour.

We got to see several different spring vents, at least 5 manatee, an alligator, turtles, birds, and countless fish.  We also saw a sunken 400 year old dug out canoe and learned about the history of the indigenous people that ones called this place home.  We also learned about all of the films that were shot at Silver Springs.  

After the boat tour, we spent a lot of time wandering around the park.  We hiked, strolled the boardwalks, ran around the large fields, and searched for the park’s famous monkeys.  Unfortunately, we didn’t spot any.  Before we even left the park, the kids were making plans to visit again soon so we could kayak and paddleboard.

In December of 2021, our home was burglarized and we had 2 cars and an ATV stolen.  After a ton of back and forth with insurance companies and mechanics, we were finally able to get a replacement.  Ashley has been wanting a Jeep Gladiator since they were first released and she was finally able to get one.  To break it in, we took the Jeep to our favorite beach, Huguenot, where she got to dip it in the water, take it out on the small 4WD path, and drive it on the beach.  We all had such a great time!

In the middle of January, the weather turned cold and wet causing most of our family to get sick which put a hold on our paddling trips to the springs.  And then, it finally happened.  One of us caught COVID which meant for 10 days we did virtually nothing.  

February

 

 

[Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park] [Little Talbot Island State Park] [Sheffield Park]

 

By the first weekend in February, we were all healthy enough to venture out on our first adventure of the month.  We asked our Instagram family to vote on where we should visit. It was a tie between the springs and Paynes Prairie.  Remarkably it was a tie!  Since the weather was in the 50s, we decided to head to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park for a bit of hiking.  The Florida state park is known for its population of wild horses, bison, and alligator population.   Crazily, we didn’t see either of those animals! We did, however, see some deer, armadillos, and several different species of birds.  Next time, we’ll check out the northern entrance of the park in hopes of seeing the horses and bison!

Of course, we couldn’t be by Gainesville and NOT stop by the University of Florida.  On the home, we made a quick detour to drive through the campus and swing by Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

After our trip to Paynes Prairie, we had another round of sickness and a cold spell that caused us to stay home.  Once the weather warmed up a little bit (and the ear infections and sniffles cleared), we headed to the beach.  We’re very fortunate to be surrounded by several state parks within just miles of our home.

We decided to hit up Little Talbot Island State Park.  The park is located about 3 miles from our usual beach (Huguenot Memorial Park).  However, unlike Huguenot, you cannot drive on the beaches at Little Talbot.  Admittedly, it was nice to not have to worry about cars while we searched for sharks teeth and shells.

When we got to the park, we chatted with the park ranger who gave us a handy picture guide that showed all of the different shells and sharks teeth that litter the beach.  Smiley enjoyed referring to the infographic while the boys splashed in the tide pools.  It felt so good to be back at the beach again!  

Later, we headed to our favorite swimming hole, at Sheffield Park, to take the paddleboard for a spin.  Man, have I missed paddling!

Oh!  And the biggest news of all in February… After having been stolen and be worked on at the shop for nearly 3 months we finally got our Ford Explorer back!  

March

[Amber Cove/Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic] [Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos]

In March we had our first BIG adventure of the year.   We took the kids on their very first cruise, and they left the country for the first time!  What was their first country, you might ask?  The Dominican Republic! The DR was gorgeous!  It reminded me a lot of St. Thomas.  We spent the day at the Playa Bachata Spa Resort in Maimon.  The resort has a beautiful palm tree lined beach with a ton of loungers.  The kids were a little annoyed with the seaweed, so we spent more time at the pool than in the beach.  The had such a great time splashing around with some of the local kids.

Puerto Plata, Amber Cove, Dominican Republic
Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

Our second port was Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos.  This my third trip to Grand Turk, and I couldn’t wait for the kids to get to experience it.  The island itself isn’t very picturesque- there’s actually not much to do in Grand Turk aside from the beach.  Carnival has an absolutely stunning beach right next to the pier so we spent the morning relaxing at that beach.  Later in the day, we migrated over to the Margaritaville pool and Smiley tested out the FlowRider (and loved it!).  

The day we got back, we started looking at booking another cruise.  The kids had such a wonderful time, but both Ashley and I were a little disappointed by the cruising experience.  Between the 2 of us we’ve been on over 20 cruises with Carnival and this one was our least favorite experience.  There wasn’t a ton of stuff to do on the ship.  The last time we were on the ship (in 2019) there were a ton of kids activities.  Unfortunately, they got rid of almost every single one of them.  The kids didn’t know any different- but we certainly did.

April

[Huguenot Beach] [Legoland Florida] [Peppa Pig Theme Park]

April was pretty quiet for us.  I was battling some health issues which had me down for the count for nearly 2 weeks.  We spent a couple of weekends at our favorite beach, but other than that we didn’t get up to much…until our trip to Legoland and Peppa Pig Theme Park!

Earlier this year, Smiley chose to visit Legoland for her birthday.  Unfortunately, we had to put the trip on pause because of a spike in COVID numbers.  To reward her for her patience, we tacked on a day at Peppa Pig Theme Park AND invited some friends to join us.  

The kids at Legoland Florida
Smiley at Legoland Florida

As always, Legoland Florida DID NOT disappoint.  We had so much fun showing our friends one of our favorite theme parks.  We got to ride a few different rides this time, which was really cool!  

The Battle of Bricksburg water ride is my new favorite!  Smiley tried out new roller coasters- the wooden Coastersaurus and Legoland’s fastest roller coaster- the Lego Technic Coaster which has a  foot drop and hits speeds of 28 mph.  The boys enjoyed try out the Boat School ride and Stinky fell in love with the Beetle Bounce ride which features sudden drops down from a tower.  These kids are BRAVE!

The next day we spent the morning at Florida’s newest theme park, Peppa Pig Theme Park.  The park is quaint and super adorable.  It’s what we call a 1/2 day park- one that you can see and do everything in just 1/2 a day.  We arrived at the park just before it opened and were able to ride all of the rides, watch a show, do character meet and greets and have lunch in about 3 hours.

The park is well thought out and sensory-friendly.  We really enjoyed hanging out at Peppa Pig Theme Park, it’s perfect for little kids!

The Kids Relaxing in Peppa Pig's house at Peppa Pig Theme Park- Florida

May

[Huguenot Beach] [Mudslinger Tours]

May brought along more days with salt in the air and our toes in the sand.  We also had our best shark tooth hunting expedition ever! Believe it or not, we actually had to leave the beach and head inland to Central Florida in order to find them!  For millions of years, Florida was underwater.  This means that the land that we walk on now was once the floor of the ocean.  Along the creek beds and rivers in the Sunshine State, there are millions of shark teeth and fossils just waiting to be discovered!  We booked a tour with Mudslinger Tours out of Gainesville.  After about 4 hours in the creek, we found more than 100 shark teeth! This is an absolute must-do if you find yourself in Central Florida!

June

 

 

[Main Beach] [Salt Springs] [Yogi’s Jellystone Park] [Jacksonville Zoo] [Play Factory & Cafe]

 

It’s Ashley’s birthday month!  Fun fact- Ashley hates birthdays.  We try to make the best of them by spending our time in the great outdoors.  On her birthday, we packed up the Jeep and spent the morning at the Main Beach in Fernandina Beach.  The next day, we headed to the Ocala National Forest to visit Salt Springs.

In case you couldn’t tell, we love exploring springs!  Salt Springs reminded me a lot of the nearby Alexander Springs.  A lot of the spring run was rather shallow, making it perfect for kids.  The only downsides were that there were lots of rocks (we totally recommend packing water shoes!) and you can’t paddle at the springs (however, you can paddle just beyond the park boundaries).  

As always, Smiley had a blast swimming, exploring, and living her best life.  The twins were a little apprehensive when we first got in (because it was cold and it is deep near the entrance), but once they got in the shallow waters they were perfectly fine.  

In the middle of the month, we took a trip to Jellystone in Golden Valley, NC.  This trip has become one of our favorite family traditions!  Rather than staying at an Air BNB when we go up to visit Ashley’s side of the family, we stay at Jellystone.  It costs about the same as we’d spend at an Air BNB, but it comes with a ton of amenities.

We spent 5 days splashing in the creek and splash pad and swimming in the lake in pool.  We played putt putt golf, did some mining, watched the sunset over the mountains, rode bikes and zoomed around in the golf cart. 

This year, they added a new inflatable obstacle course in the lake.  Boy was that fun!  

Last year, the boys would only go down the small 2-3 foot toddler waterslide at the water park.  This year they tackled the largest slides in the park…again, and again, and again!  It was definitely a trip to remember!

Later in the month, we checked out a new play place called Play Factory & Cafe, spent a few days at the zoo and hit up the park with our cousins.

July

[Huguenot Park] [Fort Caroline] [Ribault Monument] [Cade Museum] [Florida Museum of Natural History] [MOSH] [Hands on Children’s Museum] [Jacksonville Zoo]

It finally happened.   After four of us avoided COVID for two years, we finally caught it.  Honestly, once the twins tested positive, I knew Ashley and I would as well.  This meant we were down for the count for not just one week, but two since Ashley and I didn’t test positive until several days after the guys did.

Once we were clear to be around people again, we tried our very best to make up for being isolated for two weeks.  We went to our favorite beach where we played in tidal pools and let the current carry us on our boogie boards.

While Smiley was away at camp, the guys and I had fun exploring a bunch of kid-friendly sights here in town.  We went to the Hands on Children’s Museum, checked out the dinosaur exhibit at MOSH, walked the Southbank downtown, and hung out at our local zoo.

The boys LOVED the Hands on Children’s Museum, which is really more like a large play space rather than a museum.  They got to learn all about our community through hands-on exploration.

One of our goals this year was to spend more time in Gainesville.  So, we took a spontaneous trip down to The Swamp to check out two different museums.  First, we hit up the Florida Museum of Natural History.   The museum’s exhibits were focused on the animals and indigenous people that lived/live in Florida.  They had an impressive collection of fossils of animals that once called this area home.

We added on the Butterfly Garden and Fossil exhibits to maximize our visit.  The kids were huge fans of the butterflies and loved being surrounded by hundreds of friendly fluttering insects.  The fossil exhibit was also pretty cool, although it was a little over our kids heads.  It was neat being able to talk to a scientist as he cleaned up an old turtle shell fossil.   If you’re short on time, we suggest skipping the extra fossil exhibit as the museum has an impressive collection of fossils included with their normal exhibits.

Their favorite museum, however, was the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention.  They loved all of the hands-on exhibits.  The museum features lots of opportunities for kids to use their imagination, spark some creativity, and learn about topics such as space and innovation.  

Later in the month, we headed to one of our local National Park sites, Fort Caroline, where the kids got their very first Junior Ranger badge!  Although we’ve visited several NPS sites, this was the first time we did the activities required to collect the badge.  The questions the kids had to answer were pretty tough, but it added an interesting element to our visit.  While we were at Fort Caroline, we stopped by the nearby Ribault Monument, a replica of a column erected by Jean Ribault when he first arrived in Florida. 

We visited our local zoo at least 5 times this month.  We definitely make the most out of our annual pass every summer!  The kids love greeting each of the animals and spending time at the splash park.

August

[Anastasia State Park] [St. Mary’s Aquatic Center]

Like many families, August means back to school for the 5 Suitcases crew.  Before the twins started VPK, Smiley started 3rd grade, and Elle began her 9th year of teaching, we managed to squeeze a little more fun in.

We spent some time visiting some of our favorite parks- Pirate Playground (Fernandina) and Landon Park (Jax). 

We also met some friends down in St. Augustine and spent some quality time on the water.  Between fishing and swimming, we squeezed in a history lesson about Castillo de San Marcos and the Massacre at Matanzas.  The kids loved fishing and were stoked that they caught several fish.  My favorite part was dropping anchor at Conch Island (home of Anastasia State Park) and simply relaxing before heading back to work.

After the first week of school, Smiley and Ashley went up to North Carolina to visit family.  Meanwhile, the twins and I struck out on our own adventure!  We headed to Georgia to check out the St. Marys Aquatic Center.  The center had a lazy river, water slides, and a super-fun splash area.  They were in heaven!

September

[Ripley’s Believe it or Not!] [Beyond Van Gogh Immersive Exhibit]

In September, we took a day trip down to St. Augustine to visit our favorite donut shop, The Donut Experience, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and to have lunch at Ford’s Garage.  

I haven’t been to Ripley’s in years, so it was pretty cool to see what the museum of oddities has evolved into.  The museum offered free admission to teachers and 50% off for their guests during the month of September, so we decided to check it out.  They had a cool collection of space things which was a hit with the boys.  Smiley was pretty intrigued at all of the unusual art work.  Ashley has decided she hates going to museums with us because we “rush through things”…she likes to take time to read EVERY THING where we’re more visual folks.

We were invited to an Influencer event to preview the traveling Beyond Van Gogh Immersive Exhibit.  Naturally, I took my favorite art lover- Smiley to check it out.  Before the event, we learned all about Vincent Van Gogh and his journey to becoming one of the most famous artists in history.  

The Immersive Exhibit was really cool, although I was expecting the space to be a little larger- perhaps more than one wrong.  As you stand in the middle of a large room, the walls and floors are illuminated with Van Gogh’s masterpieces.  The art work seems to dance and come to life.  The movement reminded me of the various brush strokes that Van Gogh utilized in his works.  

The exhibit has mixed reviews.  While it is impressive, the ticket price is a little steep for what you get in the experience.  If you’re able to find a discounted ticket- then perhaps it would be worth the cost.

 

 

Later in the month we were invited to a couple of more events- our favorite was Tacos  & Tequila Festival here in downtown Jacksonville. For once, we got a babysitter and hit up an event sans kids.  Ashley has decided she’s never attending another festival without VIP ever again.  We were spoiled by the crew at Visit Jax and had access to everything the event had to offer! We spent two days indulging in all the tequila we could drink and scrumptious tacos. We can’t wait to go again next year!

October

[National Museum of American History] [White House Visitor Center] [The White House] [National Museum of Natural History] [Library of Congress] [Ford’s Theatre] [National Children’s Museum] [National Air and Space Museum]

The desk Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence on-National American History Museum

The kids spent the summer learning about Washington, DC and our nation’s leaders.  In October, the time finally came to see all of these historic places in person.  The kids took their first flight (which may have been one of the highlights of their trip) and got to ride the Metro for the first time.

We didn’t pack a ton into our itinerary because I didn’t want to rush the Smithsonian museums and I didn’t want to over-do it with the kids.  Even with us taking it “easy”, we managed to walk more than 25 miles during our long weekend in DC!

We arrived in DC mid-afternoon on Friday.  We walked from our hotel to the National Mall.  Along the way, I managed to get us lost and we went about 2.5 miles out of our way.  Oops!  

Because of this, we didn’t get to see as much of the National Mall as I wanted us to.  We managed to see the Washington Monument and spend some time in the National Museum of American History.

On Saturday, we started off our morning with a visit to the White House Visitor Center.  We walked around The President’s Park, and snapped photos of Ben Franklin and A. Ham’s statues before queueing up for our White House Tour.  The White House tour was an amazing experience.  This was my 4th trip to the nation’s capital and my first time inside the White House.  It was really neat to see the relics that decorate the White House and the portraits and statues of the people who helped to shape our nation.  I’m so glad that we had this opportunity!

Dude...they actually let US inside the White House!
Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History

Our next stop was Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.  The boys thought all of the dinosaur skeletons were “super awesome” and Smiley was super impressed with all of the gemstones.  We even got to touch actual space rocks, which was really rad.  

We capped off the day with a tour of the Library of Congress.  Here we saw Thomas Jefferson’s Library, scoped out the children’s library, and marveled at the world’s largest library.

On Sunday, we began our day with a tour of Ford’s Theater.  We did the total experience which included the museum, the theater, the Petersen House where Abraham Lincoln died, and the Aftermath Museum.

Since we had such an emotionally heavy morning, we switched up our plans a little bit.  Instead of going to the National Archives, we lightened things up a bit with lunch at the Hardrock Cafe and a spontaneous trip to the National Children’s Museum.  This place was such a great find!  The kids spent a couple of hours climbing and sliding, creating, and building, and checking out all of the STEM activities in the museum.  I’m so glad we added this to the itinerary.  The kids had so much fun here!

Innovation Sandbox exhibit at the National Children's Museum
Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

After being closed for renovations, the National Air and Space Museum had its grand re-opening the weekend we were in DC.  Man was this place packed!  At this point (October 2022), only 40% of the museum is open however it is super impressive.  The museum has a remarkable collection of airplanes, sports cars, spacecrafts, and memorabilia.  I wish we had more time to explore this incredible museum.  We had just under 2 hours to explore and could have easily spent more time there (and would have had it not been closing time).  I can’t wait to see how this museum evolves once it is completely re-opened.

We ended our day with dinner at an Italian restaurant in Chinatown and an evening stroll past the National Mall.  The kids like seeing the monuments lit up at night.  It was a wonderful way to cap off our trip.

We saw and learned so much in DC, I hope that the memories of this weekend will stay with the kids for a lifetime.

November

Man, November was ROUGH!  We spent the first three weekends battling sicknesses.  Between asthma flareups, the flu and allergies, 3/5 of us were down for the count.   Unfortunately, this cut into our November plans.  

Fortunately, the twins were well enough for us to venture off to Green Cove Springs for their birthday adventure.  This year, their gift was VIP tickets to the Monster Truck Show.

Kids with Monster Truck

First, we got to ride in the Redneck Road Trip Monster Truck (pictured above).  Holy crap, did they thrash us around!  Smiley loved it, and the boys were sure if they wanted to laugh or cry.  By the end of the ride, they decided it was “kinda fun, kinda scary.”  I agree with this assessment!

Next, we got to meet all of the drivers, get their autographs, and check out their trucks during the Pit Party. At the Pit Party we made friends with one of the drivers.  Before the Monster Truck Show, she stopped by our seats to give high fives and say hello before hopping in her truck.

The kids loved the monster truck show.  Thank goodness we had ear protectors because it was loud!  The kids enjoyed watching the trucks perform their super awesome tricks, but were perhaps more impressed by the freestyle Motocross riders.

Later in the month, our daughter ran her first 5k with her cousin, my brother, and our friend down in St. Augustine at the World Golf Village.  It was such a fun, uplifting event!  She’s planning on doing another 5k after Easter, hopefully we’ll be able to squeeze in a few St. Auggie activities next time!

December

[Great Wolf Lodge- Williamsburg] [Colonial Williamsburg]

In December, we covered a ton of Christmas events!  We did everything from Dazzling Nights at the Jacksonville Arboretum to Deck the Chairs out at Jax Beach.  We caught the Broadway Musical “Elf the Musical” and the Cirque Musica Winter Wonderland performance.  We saw all of the best lights in the city and marveled at the Gingerbread Extravaganza downtown!

We kept our road trips and jaunts to a minimum during November and December as we geared up for our big Christmas trip to the Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia.

The day after Christmas we packed up the Explorer and drove all the way from Florida up to Virginia.  It was the kids and Ashley’s first time ever visiting Virginia.  As part of the kids Christmas gift, we spent 4 nights at the Great Wolf Lodge.  We played MagiQuest, bowling, laser tag, and played in the massive indoor waterpark.  

While we were in Virginia, we made a pitstop at Colonial Williamsburg.  In a word, it was incredible!  In my head, it was going to be like St. Augustine- a row of historic buildings surrounded by bars and restaurants.  I was totally wrong! 

It was an entire re-constructed/preserved town of Colonial-period homes and shops.  It was super charming and stunning!  The town was filled with costumed period actors that taught us about the history of Williamsburg and the trades the skilled workers performed.  

Our kids had lots of questions for the tradespeople and learned quite a bit.  It was a very cool, interactive, learning experience for them.  I wish we had planned better and spent more time in Colonial Williamsburg.

Sites Visited in 2022

Florida

Florida

Florida

Caribbean

  • Pirate Playground
  • Landon Park
  • Ripley’s Believe It or Not!- St. Augustine

Georgia

  • St. Marys Aquatic Center

North Carolina

Washington, DC

Virginia

  • Great Wolf Lodge
  • Colonial Williamsburg

2022 Recap Numbers

Number of Juice Boxes Consumed on Adventures:  55

Number of PBJs Devoured on Adventures:  40

Number of Charcuterie Boxes Eaten:  13

Numbers of Miles Traveled for Adventures: 7515 miles

Silver Springs State Park

Our Progress Towards Our 2022 Goals

This year we set goals for our lives, travels, and website.  Check out our progress so far…

Goal

Progress

  • ✔ Visit Legoland
  • We finally made it back to Legoland!  This time, we took a few friends with us.  We also tacked on a day at Florida’s newest theme park: Peppa Pig Theme Park!
  • ✔ Hit the High Seas
  • In March we took a 6 day cruise to the Dominican Republic and Turks and Caicos.
  • ✔ Visit the Mountains
  • Visit at least 3 new springs
  • ✔ Spend Some Time in Gainesville
  • ✔ Visit 2 National Park Sites
  • This July we spent some time at the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve.  We visited Fort Caroline and the Ribault Monument.  The kids also collected their first Junior Ranger badges!  In October we took the kids to Washington, DC where we explore the National Mall, Presidential Park and more!
  • ✔ Add a New State to our List of Places We’ve Been
  • The day after Christmas we packed up the Explorer and drove from Florida to Virginia for our Christmas Trip.
  • ✔ Plan Our Christmas Trip
  • Our 2nd annual Christmas Trip took us to Great Wolf Lodge in Virginia.  While we were in the area, we spent 1/2 a day at Colonial Williamsburg.
  • ✔ Create 12 New YouTube Videos
  • Visit Somewhere New Each Month.

The 2022 Recap for The Blog

Top 5 Posts

Nerdy Numbers

New Posts: 54
Traffic Increase:  260+%
Estimated Miles Traveled: 7515  (for family  adventures only)

Annual Focus

New Pages

And Now on To 2023!

We hope you’ve enjoyed our 2022 recap as much as we have enjoyed writing it!  It’s been a fun way to look back and reflect on all of the fun we had. 

So…now it’s on to 2023.  What will the future hold?  What are our goals, resolutions, dreams, and plans for 5 Suitcases?  Check out our goals post to see what we have in store for 2023.

Ripley's Believe It or Not- St. Augustine, FL

We look forward to sharing our adventures with you in 2023!   Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter so you don’t miss out on the fun!  

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10 Helpful Legoland Florida Tips- Our Secrets Revealed!

Updated Miniland at Legoland Florida

Legoland Florida is a great place for a family vacation.  There is seriously something there for everyone! These Legoland Florida tips will help you maximize your time in the park.  The cool thing about Legoland Florida is that it is totally a park you can do in one day.  We spent about 8 hours in the park and we were able to fit in a majority of the attractions.  We even got to watch Brickbeard’s Watersport Stunt Show.  If you plan on doing the waterpark, you may want to consider adding a second day to the park.

We hope that they Legoland Florida tips help you plan out the perfect adventure for your family.  

Legoland Florida Tips- Before You Go

Getting to Legoland Florida

Many people think Legoland Florida is located in Orlando.  However, it’s actually situated about 30 miles outside of Orlando in the town of Winter Haven.  With Orlando traffic, Legoland is about an hour away (with traffic) from Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Disney World, and SeaWorld.  It’s also about an hour away from Busch Gardens Tampa.  This makes it super easy to combine Legoland with other central Florida theme parks.

When to Go

 Consider going before or after a major holiday.  We went the weekend before Thanksgiving and it was dead first thing in the morning.  By mid-afternoon the wait times were about 30 minutes, which isn’t bad at all.

Avoid the weekends, school breaks (including summer), and national holidays. 

Best Ages for Legoland Florida

Most visitors will agree that Legoland is geared towards a younger crowd- ages 2-12.  Our kids were 4 and 7 when we visited the park for the first time.  They loved Legoland Florida!  In fact, we must have heard our youngest say, “This is the best day ever!” at least 30 times.

There are several attractions that are appropriate for kids of all ages.  I was super impressed with the number of attractions that the boys could do.  At the time, they were 36″, but there was still plenty that they could do.  There were attractions that they could ride alone, but also rides that we could enjoy together.  It’s actually really neat to be able to stand on the sidelines and watch how much fun the kids are having on the rides.

The Duplo Fun Town area was a huge hit with the boys (4).  Our original plan was to head straight towards the back of the park and work our way back to the front.  As soon as we saw the Duplo rides, however, our plans were tossed into the wind.  They had so much fun on these toddler-friendly rides!

Our daughter is really into thrill rides.  While some of the rides were a little too meh for her, she still had an absolute blast and found plenty of rides that got her adrenaline pumping.

One thing I loved about Legoland is how thought-out the layout is. There are play areas available near many of the rides that have height restrictions.  When Ashley and Smiley would hit one of the older kids rides, the boys and I would hit the play areas or a ride created for  littles.

Accomodations at Legoland Florida

We stayed at the Legoland Hotel during our visit and our kids were blown away by the entire experience.  They may have even had just as much fun at the hotel as they did at the theme park.  

Along with the Legoland Hotel, Legoland Florida has two other on-property hotel options: Pirate Island Hotel and Legoland Beach Retreat.  The Pirate Hotel and the Legoland Hotel are attached to one another.  You have access to all of the same restaurants and amenities, regardless of whether you’re staying at the Pirate Hotel or Legoland Hotel.

You can read more about our stay at the Legoland Hotel here.

All of the properties offer an all-you-can-eat breakfast.  We filled up on breakfast to help get us through the morning at the theme park.  We also took snacks into the park with us so that we didn’t spend an arm and a leg on food in the park.

Our Littles at Legoland Hotel Florida

Legoland Florida Tips- While You're There

Welcome to Legoland Florida!

Arrive Early

We are early birds so we tend to get to theme parks early.  The parks hours change from day to day so it is important to refer to the park’s website to see when they will be open on the day(s) of your visit.  

When we visited, the park opened at 10 am.  We had time to have a hearty breakfast, and played at the hotel before visiting the park.  

Whenever we visit a theme park the first thing we do is… hit the bathroom!  There are bathrooms right outside of the gates at Legoland.  If you take care of this while you’re waiting to go in, it buys you some time before you have to take another bathroom break.

Know the Height Requirements

Pro-Tip:  Be sure to stop by the infographic at the park entrance so you can see which rides your kid(s) can ride based on their height(s).

The infographic on the left can be used to measure your kids.  Under each height, it specifies which rides they can go on.  We snapped a photo so we could see which rides they were eligible for.  This information is also available on the Legoland Florida app and on park maps.

I’ve heard, however, that sometimes they’ll even give you a wristband that says which rides they can go on.  That is GENIUS!  I wish that was an option when we visited.  

I wish we had a pen or a Sharpie packed so we could mark the rides on our map.

Collect a Special Pin

Did you know that you can get a special button if it is your first visit?  We went for the twins 4th birthday so we got birthday pins.  Just tell one of the employees at the front gate of any celebrations and you’ll hand you one of the pins or buttons.  We discovered that the Legoland Hotel also had access to these buttons.

Head to the Back of the Park First

Most theme park experts will tell you to head to the back of the park first.  This is almost always our strategy, as well.  Hit the popular rides first, such as Boating School, Ford’s Driving School and the rollercoasters before the lines get long.

Once you’re at the back, begin working your way towards the front.  Not only does this save you time in lines, but it also makes sense logistically.

Eating at Legoland Florida

The park allows you to bring in snacks and beverages (that are not in glass containers).  We packed juices, and PBJs (since they don’t require refrigeration), peanut butter crackers, and fruit snacks.

If you are staying at one of the Legoland Florida hotels, fill up on their all-you-can-eat breakfasts before heading over to the park.  You can also grab cereals from the grab-and-go section to bring with you into the park.

There are plenty of dining options within the park.  We are obsessed with Granny’s Apple Fries.  Our boys ask for chicken and fries every single day so we had lunch at Kick’n Chicken.  We were all super disappointed in our meal.

If you have a ticket that includes admission to the waterpark, and you’re visiting during the shoulder seasons, you may want to eat at one of the waterpark restaurants where the lines should be shorter.

The best deal in the ENTIRE park is the refillable souvenir cup.  For $16, you get unlimited refills at the Coca Cola Freestyle machines.  Even better?  It now includes Icees!

Pro-Tip:  There is a Publix (a popular Florida grocery store) across the street from Legoland Florida.  You can stop in to pick up some snacks before heading into the park.  The grocery store opens at 7 AM.  They are well-known for their sub sandwiches.

Legoland Florida Tips for Packing

Packing for Legoland is similar to packing for any other family theme park.  Our Legoland Florida tips include bringing along a backpack. 

We also packed a pair of undies and shorts, just in case.  We did notice the some of the bathrooms are spaced pretty far apart.  Grab a park map or download the park’s app so you know where to find the bathrooms for potty breaks.

As always, you should make sure you’re wearing proper shoes when you’re at a theme park.  Theme parks, in general, require a lot of walking and standing.

If you’re traveling with younger kids, you will probably want to have a stroller handy.  Our boys rarely ever use a stroller anymore, but we always bring one with us to theme parks so they can hop in and hop out throughout the day.  It was also handy for storing our bags.

Other Legoland Florida Tips for Packing:

  • Sunscreen: It’s Florida, lather up.
  • Cooling Aids: If you’re visiting during the hot months, consider packing a Cooling Towel or a fan
  • Umbrella: It rains almost every day during the summer. Pack an umbrella.
  • Portable Charger: Let’s face it, you’ll be taking a gazillion photos and probably be checking the app often! Pack a portable charger, or you’ll regret it.

Brickbeard's Watersports Stunt Show

In honor of Legoland Florida’s tenth birthday, the park has a brand new show called Brickbeard’s Watersports Stunt Show and it is AWESOME!  The thirty minute show is a great way to break up the day and gives you a chance to get off your feet for a few minutes.  The show features stunts by boaters, and skiers alongside Lego characters.  The show is full of super funny puns and adventure.  

The whole family enjoyed the spectacular presentation!

Shopping

There are several shops scattered throughout the park however, we suggest saving the shopping until the end.  The largest store is located right at the entrance/exit.  The Legoland stores feature several exclusive Lego items that you can only find at Legoland.

Trade Your Minifigures

This is probably one of the most common Legoland Florida tips.  However, if you didn’t know you can bring along a few minifigures for your kiddos to trade.  All of the Model Citizens (Legoland employees) have minifigures that they can trade.

Visiting the Water Park

The waterpark is located within the theme park but requires separate tickets and additional fees.  If you plan on doing the waterpark, you may want to consider adding a second day to the park.

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Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Springs State Parks United States

The Magical Silver Springs State Park

Silver Springs State Park

Silver Springs State Park is home to one of America’s largest and most-loved springs.  The park is famous for its Glass Bottom Boats and its kayaking trail.  Silver Springs State Park is perfect for leisurely walks, hikes, kayaking, paddle boarding, and camping.  It is the perfect day trip from most major north and central Florida cities.

From the moment that you pull into Silver Springs State Park, you know that this place is totally different than most of the nearly 1000 Florida springs.  There is a massive theme park-esque sign that welcomes you to the park.  

The History of Silver Springs

Native Americans were known to use the river as a food source as far back as 1500 (but probably before then).  Evidence of their presence can be found at the bottom of the Silver River in the form of a 500+ year old sunken dugout canoe.

Spanish explorer Hernado de Soto is thought o have been the first European to discover the area.

Years later, it became one of Florida’s first tourist attractions. In the 1950s, more than 800,000 people a year would visit the park! The main entrance to the park is a reminder of this former roadside attraction.

Silver Springs was classified as a national natural landmark in 1971 and was acquired by the state of Florida in 2013.  

Glass Bottom Boat Tours

Glass Bottom Boat Ride at Silver Springs State Park

The Glass Bottom Boat Tour is sure to be one of the most memorable parts of your visit.  Glass Bottom Boat tours began in 1878!    Not only are the boat captains totally hilarious, they are also incredibly knowledgeable.  Our tour took us past 4 spring heads, an impressive 400+ year old sunken dugout canoe, and down the Silver River.  We saw manatee, alligators, turtles, fish, and birds, as we heard stories about the history of Silver Springs State Park.  The Glass Bottom Boat tour was a great introduction to the park.

The cost of the boat tour is $12 for adults.

Pro-Tip:  There is no swimming at Silver Springs State Park.  The springs are best experienced via Glass Bottom Boat Tours, kayak, or paddle board.

Rentals

 

The park offers kayak and paddleboard rentals.  

  • One Hour Paddle Rental- $20
  • Two Hour Paddle Rental- $30
  • Full Day Paddle Rental- $35
  • Full Day Paddle Rental with Shuttle Service- This option is great for more experienced paddlers.  After journeying 5 miles downstream, you’ll be shuttled back to Silver Springs State Park.  $40
  • 2 Hour Guided Paddling Tour- Prices vary

The Monkeys of Silver Springs

About 100 years ago, an eccentric boat captain released rhesus macaques monkeys on an island within the parks grounds in an attempt to create a Tarzan themed tourist attraction.

The monkeys were able to swim and escaped the island.  Today, an estimated 176 monkeys call the Silver River home.  Since the monkeys are known to carry disease, the park is working on relocated the monkeys elsewhere.

Visiting Silver Springs State Park

Physical Address:

Silver Springs State Park
5656 E Silver Springs Blvd
Silver Springs, FL 34488

Entry Fees:

$2 per person.  Children 6 and under a free.

The park is open 365 days a year from 8 am dark.

Silver Springs State Park

Know Before You Go

  • There is no swimming or tubing at Silver Springs State Park.  If you want to tube, we suggest checking out Blue Spring State Park, Kelly Park,  or  Ichetucknee State Park.  
  • There is a launch fee of $4 per vessel (+$2 per person admission) if you bring your own kayak, canoe, or SUP.

Are There Alligators in the Springs?

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 around. 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.
Manatee at Silver Springs State Park

Are there Manatees at Silver Springs?

Yes!  Your best chance for manatee sighting is in the winter months.  Because the springs maintain a constant temperature of 72 degrees, the manatees tend to leave the cold river for the warmer spring waters.

What is there to do Nearby?

The park is an excellent base for exploring the Ocala National Forest.  Be sure to check out Juniper Springs (30 mins away), Alexander Springs (45 mins away), and De Leon Springs (50 mins away).

Our Spring Essentials

Floats and Rafts

SportsStuff Noodler 2
River Run Inflatable American Flag 2 Person Tube Float with Cooler
Giant Flamingo Float
Giant Unicorn Float

More Fun Stuff!

Inflatable Kayak
Inflatable Paddleboard (I swear by this one!)
Full-Face Snorkel Mask

Safety

Puddle Jumper Vest
Swim Vest
First Aid Kit

Skin Care & Insect Repellent

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

Towels & Swim Suits

Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s Boardshorts
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard

Closing Thoughts

We absolutely loved our time at Silver Springs State Park.  Our biggest regret was that we didn’t take our paddle board and kayak.  The kids already started planning our return trip before we even left the park.  I have a feeling we’ll be visiting again, very soon!

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Updated:  5/5/2022

Categories
National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States

Free National Park Days for 2025

Yosemite National Park

Is there anything more American than paying a visit to one of the U.S. National Parks?  Spending the day (or more!) at a National Park is an inexpensive family-friendly vacation.   Many parks charge between $5 and $35 per vehicle to explore these national treasures. 

What’s better than cheap?  How about free!  Each year, the park system hosts Free National Park Days where they waive the entrance fees on select days throughout the year.  These free National Park Days typically fall around MLK Day, Junior Ranger Day, and more.  

It is important to mention that the free National Park Days just grant free admission to the parks.  You will still need to pay additional fees for camping, boating, tours, etc.

Tips for Making a trip the National Parks even MORE Affordable

Grand Canyon National Park
  • Car pool! (Entrance fees are per vehicle, not per person)
  • Pack a lunch
  • Camp

How Many National Parks Are There?

 You would think that this was an easy question to answer…however, it’s a bit complicated.  A quick Google search will turn up two answers:  63 and 423.  That’s a huge difference, so where’s the confusion?

 

Dry Tortugas National Park

Technically both answers are correct.  There are 63 National Parks. The other 360 sites are all maintained by the National Park System however, they fall into different categories such as monuments, historical parks and national historic sites, national battlefields, national waterways, memorials, parkways, preserves, recreation areas, reserves, trails, and even an international historic site.

The National Park System includes a total of 423 national park sites (including national monuments, battlefields, preserves, seashores, etc). 

Yosemite National Park

Free National Park Days- 2025

Birth of Martin Luther King, Jr.- January 20, 2025

First Day of National Park Week- April 19, 2025

Juneteenth National Independence Day- June 19, 2025

Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act- August 4, 2025

National Public Lands Day- September 27, 2025

Veterans Day- November 11, 2025

National Parks are PERFECT for Families

National Parks are the perfect destination for families.  Let’s put it this way:  it would cost our family over $500 just to step foot in a Disney World park (based off of the current Florida resident rate).  It would cost us over $100 to purchase movie tickets (and you know those jokers are going to want popcorn and candy).  In comparison, you can get your kids off the couch and exploring the great outdoors for between $5 and $35 (per vehicle) depending on the park. 

Trust me, exposing your children to these American treasures is totally worth it!  Many of the national parks have short hiking trails that are perfect for kids.  It’s a great way to introduce them to different landscapes, and to experience wildlife.

Our kids have been to several National Parks (or National Park Sites) and have loved each and every one of them.  They enjoy the freedom of being able to run around in the wide open spaces and explore the natural world (or historical site!) around them. 

So far they’ve been to Fort Caroline National Memorial, Fort Frederica National Monument, Cumberland Island National Seashore, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, and  Kingsley Plantation (part of the Timucuan Historic Preserve).  

We have plans to visit Yellowstone, Grand Tetons National Park, and Glacier National Park in the near future!

The Best National Parks for Families

  • Grand Canyon
  • Bryce Canyon
  • Death Valley (in the winter/spring)
  • Arches
  • Carlsbad Caverns
  • Yellowstone
  • Glacier
  • Olympic
  • Everglades
  • Great Sand Dunes
Yellowstone National Park

Parks to Avoid on Free Days

 Many families have opted for the Great American Road Trip for their family vacation causing National Park visits have soared during the pandemic. Visits are even higher on free days.  If you’re planning on taking advantage for the free National park Days, you may want to avoid the most visited parks to avoid overcrowding and long lines.

The most popular National Parks are:

  • Great Smoky Mountains
  • Yellowstone
  • Zion
  • Rocky Mountain
  • Grand Teton
  • Grand Canyon
  • Cuyahoga Valley
  • Acadia
  • Olympic
  • Joshua Tree

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Updated: 1/2/25

Categories
Georgia National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park- 17,000 Years Worth of Remarkable History

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park

The Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park are essentially a massive 2,000-acre time capsule that contains 17,000 years worth of human history.  This park, which could potentially be America’s newest National Park, is located in the hills of Macon, Georgia.

Currently, this park is classified as a national historic park.  The Ocmulgee Mounds are home to one of the National Park Service’s largest archaeological collections.  The site includes thousands of ancient artifacts dating back to the last Ice Age.  

The park is most-known for being the home to artificial mounds, constructed out of dirt and clay, between 900 and 1100.  These mounds were part of Native American villages and once served as platforms for temples, homes, and public buildings.  The grandest of these mounds is a 55-foot-tall Great Temple Mound.  It is here that the natives could watch over their village to keep it safe from potential harm.  There are steps leading to the top of the mound.  You’ll definitely want to make the climb to the top for sweeping views of the park, the hillside, and the Macon skyline.

Earth Lodge at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park

The Ocmulgee Mounds

This park may look like a series of naturally occurring rolling green hills, but in actuality these mounds stand as a testament to the hardworking Native Americans that once called this place their home.  Many different Indigenous cultures have occupied this land for thousands of years.  The first wave of people came here 17,000 years ago hunting Ice Age Animals.  Around 900 CE, the Mississippians constructed mounds for their leaders.  

Once of our favorite park experiences was exploring the Earth Lodge.  The lodge is a reconstructed council chamber that would have been used by the Mississippian culture.  The recreation contains the original clay floor that dates back to 1015.

 

Model of the interior of the Earth Lodge at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park.

The ancient complex contains seven different mounds of varying sizes.  They include; Cornfield Mound, Southeast Mound, Mound X, McDougal Mound, Great Temple Mound Complex and the Funeral Mound.

Evidence of a five-sided structure known as the “Trading Post” was also discovered on the site in 1936.  It was believed that this was built in the late 1690s and served as a trading location for the English and the Creek nation.

Unfortunately, portions of the mounds were destroyed when the railroad was put in.  Much of the park remains unexcavated, it will be interesting to see what is uncovered in the future.  For now, relics that have been uncovered on the site are available for viewing in the museum located in the Visitors Center.

National Historic Park vs National Park

National Historic Parks typically contain a site of historical significance and preserve areas with deep American history.   National Parks are the crown-jewels of the National Park System.  They are generally large, natural spaces that sometimes include historic assets.   

Considering the park preserves 17,000 years of human history, the site definitely has deep roots in American history across 2,000 protected acres, the park could very well meet the qualifications for becoming a National Park.  The park could potentially expand to protect 50,000+ acres of land.

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park Sign

The park could also provide river access.  The Class I  Ocmulgee River Water Trail spans 200 miles.  This would be an excellent spot for paddling.

The twelve mile Ocmulgee Heritage Trail is already underway.  The biking and hiking trail connects Macon’s historic attractions, including the mounds and the Otis Redding Bridge.

Visiting the Ocmulgee Mounds

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park grounds and walking trails are open from 8:00 to 5:00 pm daily.

The Visitor Center and Earth Lodge are open from 9:00 am-5:00 pm daily.

The park is located in Macon, Georgia.

What is there to do nearby?

  • Tubman Museum

  • Museum of Arts and Sciences

  • Ocmulgee Heritage Trail
  • The Allman Brothers Band Museum at The Big House
  • The Hay House
  • The Cannonball House

There is another set of mounds in Cartersville known as the Etowah Indian Mounds.

Inside the Earth Lodge

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.

The Earth Lodge at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park

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