Author: Elle MacRae

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Hersheypark Pennsylvania United States

The Best-Kept Secret About Hersheypark!

The Kids at Hersheypark
The Kids at Hersheypark
You may know about our quest to visit all 50 states and our goal to see all of the National Parks, but did you know we’re also on a mission to visit as many theme parks as possible?  Yeah, we didn’t either lol However, while we were on our Mason-Dixon Road Trip, I realized we’ve hit up a TON of theme parks.  Over the last few years, we’ve hit up Disney World, Universal Orlando, Wild Adventures, SeaWorld, Legoland, and Peppa Pig Theme Park.  On this trip, we added a new theme park to our list:  Hersheypark.
 
Hersheypark is a candy-themed park in Hershey, Pennsylvania.  Yes, that Hershey.  Believe it or not, the park opened in 1906!  The founder of the Hershey, Milton S. Hershey, opened the park to create a green space for factory workers to unwind with their families.  In 1908, a merry-go-round was installed.  Shortly after, a carousel, roller coaster, and other rides were added.  Soon, the park became a full-on theme park.
 
I first visited Hersheypark in the mid-90s (It blows my kid’s minds that I was alive in the 1900s) with my family.  I remember loving it as a kid, so when I began mapping out our Mason-Dixon Road Trip, I knew we had to take the kids. 

The Best Kept Secret About Hersheypark!

While researching the park, I came across a juicy little tidbit of info that blew my mind!  Believe it or not, when you purchase a regular ticket to Hersheypark, you get instant access to preview the park the evening before.  Whaaaaaatttt!?!?! Extra time in the park?  Yes, please!
 
The hours of this preview window vary, so you’ll want to check out the official website near the time of your visit to confirm what they will be.  Typically, you’ll get 1.5 to 2 hours to explore Hersheypark.
 
Once I found this out, I switched up our itinerary a little bit to make sure we were in Hershey in time to take advantage of this.  We hit up Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site and high-tailed it to the land of chocolatey goodness. 
 
After checking in to our hotel, we told the kids we were going out to eat and surprised them by taking them to Hersheypark for our preview.  Our preview night was December 23rd, so it was during the holiday season. I expected it to be crowded, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.  The park was dead.  We walked up to each ride and had 0 wait times!  During our 90-minute preview, we rode at least a dozen rides.  Anyone who visits theme parks will tell you, that’s quite impressive!

Our Hersheypark Experience

The next day, we got up to hit the park again.  With the preview under our belt, we had a pretty good grasp of the park’s layout.  The kids mapped out what rides they wanted to conquer again and couldn’t have been more excited about visiting the park.
 
Since we were visiting the park on Christmas Eve, the park had limited hours.  The park opened at noon, but Hershey’s Chocolate World opened at 10 so we headed to the theme park to check that out.  Hershey’s Chocolate World has shops, eateries, and add-on features.  There is a free ride that takes you through the process of making chocolate, which we all enjoyed.  We ended up doing it twice just to kill time.  At the end of the ride, they give you a sample of Hershey’s chocolate, which my kids thought was pretty cool.
 
We spent some time in the shops before waiting at the park’s entrance for the park to open.  In our experience, many parks will open a few minutes early… although there was an announcement that the park was ready for visitors, they didn’t open the gates until noon on the dot. 
 The park closed at 4 on the day of our visit, so we had 4 hours in the park.  Despite this, we didn’t feel robbed of our time since we had the preview.  Plus, we had another day of 0 lines, so we walked directly onto every ride, which was pretty amazing!  If you visit any of the Florida theme parks around the holidays you’ll experience longer than normal wait times, so to have virtually no wait was remarkable. 
 
One bummer was that several rides were not open due to the temperatures.  Since it was so cold out, there were no roller coasters open (which is something we’ve experienced at other parks).  As far as thrill rides are concerned, there were only 2 available: an indoor roller coaster, and a “baby roller coaster” as my kids called it.  All the open rides were the type of rides you’d find at the fair, which was a bummer. 

What to Pack with You for Hersheypark

  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Towels/bathing suit (if visiting during the warm months when the waterpark is open)

What We Loved/Hated About the Park

The Sweet Stuff

  • We loved that the park had short wait times.
  • The park was decorated for the holidays and had the most incredible Santa.  He even had his reindeer available for kids to visit (from a distance).
  • The park was clean and easy to navigate.
  • The park has an app that you can use to check wait times, order food, view maps, etc.
  • There are storage lockers available to rent for the day.  This is handy if you don’t feel like toting around a backpack or bag of towels (if you’re hitting up the waterpark).
  • Rider swaps are available if needed.  This is super handy if there isn’t one adult per child.  You can ride the attraction with one kid while the other(s) stay with the operator.  When you finish, you can swap out the kids and go on the ride again without having to wait in line.

The Bittersweet Stuff

  • The prices for adding on things like making your bar of chocolate were pretty expensive, especially when you have a larger family.
  • There were a lot of rides that our boys could ride, but our daughter couldn’t, and vice versa.  There were very few rides that all 3 kids could ride together, which meant we often had to split up.  It would have been nice if there were more rides that everyone could enjoy.
  • There were not a lot of rides that adults could ride on.  The kids had to ride alone on most rides, which wasn’t an issue for our kids but I could see it being a problem for others.
  • Speaking of rides, there were some rides that the kids were permitted to ride during our preview, but not permitted to ride the next day.  Although the kids were measured before each ride (which I totally get), not everyone was on the same page with who could ride.
  • There weren’t many food options when we visited.  We saw evidence of several eateries around the park, but they were not open during our visit.

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

For future reference, be sure to save our “Epic Guide to Hersheypark.”   Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

While we were in Pennsylvania, we also visited Gettysburg National Military Park and the Eisenhower National Historic Site.   Check out our YouTube Channel to watch more videos from our Mason-Dixon Road Trip or other theme parks.

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram  for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

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National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores Pennsylvania United States

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Eisenhower National Historic Site

Presidential Bell at Eisenhower National Historic Site

Our quest to visit all of the National Park Sites brought us to the Eisenhower National Historic Site located about a mile from the Gettysburg National Military Park.  Over the years, we’ve visited a handful of homes of former Presidents: Lincoln’s Birthplace, the home and high school of Jimmy Carter, and even the White House!  It’s a pretty cool way to get a sense of who our nation’s leaders are, as real people.

Although there are tours offered sporadically at the farm, they were not offered during our stay.  However, the grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset so we were still able to experience the farm.

The Main House at Eisenhower National Historic Site

The Eisenhower's in Gettysburg

Despite being born in Kansas, Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States, considered Gettysburg his home.  In fact, the farm in Gettysburg is the only farm he and his wife Mamie owned.  

Eisenhower first visited the town when he was a cadet at West Point.  Three years later, he returned with his young wife to command Camp Colt, a training camp.  

When World War II broke out, Eisenhower led the opening phases of the Italian campaign and the Allied invasion of Western Europe.  When the war was over, he and Mamie purchased their Gettysburg farm.

The “run-down ” farm comprised of 189 acres and included 600 chickens, 25 cows, and several buildings.  It offered the couple a private retreat when Eisenhower served as President he preferred it over Camp David.

Fun Fact: Eisenhower was the first US President to travel by helicopter. While it would take him 2 hours to drive from DC to Gettysburg, he could fly there in under an hour!

Did you know that the farm served as a temporary White House?  IN 1955, Eisenhower suffered from a heart attack.  Rather than recovering in Washington DC, he headed home to Pennsylvania. 

The kids peeking in the windows at Eisenhower National Historic Site

Our Experience

When we pulled onto the property, it was a ghost town.  We had the place all to ourselves!  Without a map available, we were left to just wander around aimlessly.  We visited the main home, the helicopter landing pad, and saw the guesthouse. I found the map (below) online after we returned from our trip.  I had no idea there was a second farm that we could have explored!

Without a tour available, or even a ranger on site, we ended up missing out on a lot.  We only saw about 1/4 of what the site had to offer.  Everything was pretty much left up for us to interpret.   

All that being said…it’s still pretty cool to have been able to visit the home of another president.  The kids liked being able to peek in the windows of the garage and see the antique cars.  They also enjoyed running around the fields, I think it was their way of decompressing after the heaviness of Gettysburg.  

Things to Know Before Visiting Eisenhower National Historic Site

The Best Time to Visit Eisenhower National Historic Site

If you want to tour the home, visit the official website for dates and times that they are offered.  The dates are pretty hit or miss.

Entrance Fees

Hey oh!  Entrance to the Eisenhower farm is free!  But, if you plan on visiting more National Parks over the course of a year, you may want to look into the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be purchased at most National Parks).  The pass gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more.

Cell Service

We had full bars during our visit.

Have Your Pooch Tag Along

Ike and Mamie lived on a farm, so of course four-legged friends are allowed to visit!  Pets must remain on a leash at all times and humans are responsible for cleaning up after their furry pals.  Pets are not permitted in the home.

Where is Eisenhower National Historic Site located?

The physical address is:

250 Eisenhower Farm Rd, Gettysburg, PA

You may encounter an old Secret Service Hut and a “Private Road” sign.  You can disregard these, as they are for historical purposes only.

Other Cool Information

Distance From Major Cities

  • Baltimore, MD- 57 mi
  • Washington, DC- 75 mi
  • Philadelphia, PA- 142 mi
  • Pittsburgh, PA- 185 mi
  • New York City, NY- 211 mi
  • Akron, OH- 288 mi
  • Cleveland, OH- 311 mi
  • Buffalo, NY- 337 mi
  • Charlotte, NC- 441 mi

Distance from Nearby National Parks

  • Shenandoah National Park- 105 mi
  • New River Gorge National Park- 319 mi
  • Cuyahoga Valley National Park- 322 mi
  • Congaree National Park– 549 mi

National Parks Sites in Pennsylvania

  1. ◽  Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
  2. ◽  Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site
  3. ◽  Eisenhower National Historic Site
  4. ◽  Flight 93 National Memorial
  5. ◽  Fort Necessity National Battlefield
  6. ◽  Friendship Hill National Historic Site
  7. ◽  Gettysburg National Military Park
  8. ◽  Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
  9. ◽  Independence National Historical Park
  10. ◽  Johnstown Flood National Memorial
  11. ◽  Lower Delaware National Scenic River
  12. ◽  Steamtown National Historic Site
  13. ◽  Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial
  14. ◽  Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
  15. ◽  Valley Forge National Historical Park

FAQ About Eisenhower National Historic Site

Is Eisenhower National Historic Siteworth visiting?

If you’re visiting Gettysburg, you may as well make a pit stop at the Eisenhower National Historic Site.  The grounds offer beautiful views of the surrounding area…plus, it’s pretty cool to visit the home of a president.

Taking part in a tour would definitely enhance your visit.

How much time do you need at Eisenhower National Historic Site?

We were at the site for just under an hour.  Plan on spending about 2 hours there, if you get a tour.

What is the best time of year to visit?

The best time to visit the Eisenhower National Historic Site is during the spring, summer, and fall seasons as this is when tours of the Eisenhower home are available; winter months see the house tours closed, although you can still explore the grounds on a self-guided basis. 

How much does it cost to get in to Eisenhower National Historic Site?

The site is free to visit.

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

For future reference, save our post: “Eisenhower National Historic Site: Hanging Out at a President’s House!”.  While you’re at it, browse the Ultimate National Park Bucket List.  Plan your trip around Free National Park Days and learn about The National Park’s Awesome Junior Ranger Program.

While on our Mason-Dixon Road Trip, we also visited the nearby Gettysburg National Military Park and Hersheypark.

Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

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National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores Pennsylvania United States

5 Memorable Things to do in Gettysburg with Kids

Gettysburg is home to the bloodiest battle in US History.  The Battle of Gettysburg was a three-day battle in the American Civil War between July 1 and July 3, 1863, where an estimated 50,000 people lost their lives.  The battle is considered the turning point of the Civil War- where the odds turned from being in favor of the Confederacy to favoring the Union forces.

Knowing this, it’s obvious that visiting Gettysburg with kids is way too scary for them.  Right?  Well, we disagree.  We believe in teaching our kids an accurate account of what happened in history.  We rarely sugarcoat things for them, but we make it palatable and easy for them to understand.  

We visited Gettysburg on our Mason-Dixon Road Trip.  The trip was a Christmas gift to our kiddos and featured fun things like sledding the longest sled run on the East Coast, Hersheypark, and Great Wolf Lodge with a bit of history sprinkled in.  On our trip, we learned more about slavery at Gettysburg and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. 

Over the years, we’ve been tracking the life of Abraham Lincoln.  We visited the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park in Kentucky, the White House where he lived, the Ford Theatre where he was shot, and the Pederson House where he ultimately passed away.  We visited the Lincoln Memorial to pay him tribute and saw his funeral train.  It only made sense that we visited the site of one of his most famous speeches.  

What Makes This Place Qualify as a National Park Site?

As stated above, Gettysburg was home to one of the most important battles in American history.  The events that took place here led to the Union winning the Civil War and to Abraham Lincoln signing the Emancipation Proclamation, a decree that freed the slaves.

Things to Know Before Visiting Gettysburg National Military Park

The Best Time to Visit Gettysburg National Military Park

Fall is the perfect time to visit Gettysburg. Visitors can enjoy smaller crowds, cooler weather, and fall foliage during these months.

Spring is also a lovely time to visit, although you may encounter school groups at this time.

Our most recent visit was during the winter.  It was absolutely freezing but the crowds were minimal.

Entrance Fees

Visiting Visitor Center and parts of the museum are free.  The self-guided driving tour is also free.

The film, Cyclorama, and Museum Experience are all an additional fee.  

Adult (ages 13+) = $20.75
Seniors (65+), Military Veterans, AAA = $19.75
Youth (ages 6-12) = $15.75
Active Duty U.S. Military Personnel = FREE
Children (5 and under) = FREE

Cell Service

We had full bars during our visit.

5 Things to DO With Kids While Visiting Gettysburg

Start at the Visitor Center

When visiting any National Park site, you should start at the Visitor Center.  The center will always offer a wealth of information and interesting exhibits that educate you on the site.  The Gettysburg National Military Park has both free and paid exhibits.  On our most recent visit, we chose to just hit up the free stuff- but it was still plenty to give the kids a background on what they’ll be seeing.

The free portion of the Visitor Center was very small, but it allowed us to look at some relics of the war.  I took this time to teach our kids about children’s roles during the war.  They were all surprised to learn that as many as 20% (250,000-420,000)  of the Civil War soldiers were younger than 18! 

Edward Black, age 8, was the youngest soldier to enlist during the Civil War.  He was a drummer boy for the 21st Indiana Volunteers.

Kids who did not enlist during the war still had huge responsibilities.  They were left to help manage farms, care for younger siblings, work in family businesses, and raise money for the troops.  

Grab a Junior Ranger Badge

While you’re at the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center, stop by the information desk and ask for the Junior Ranger Booklet.  Complete at least 3 of the 7 activities in the booklet and you’ll be rewarded with a wooden Junior Ranger badge!  Activities include answering questions about the exhibits, puzzles, and more.  This hands-on activity is a great way for kids to learn about what happened at Gettysburg.

The kids posing with Abe at Gettysburg National Military Park

Pose with Abe

Just outside of the Visitor Center, you’ll find a statue of Honest Abe.  The statue stands in honor of the Gettysburg Address, a famous speech that Lincoln delivered here during the Civil War.  

See Where Lincoln Gave the Gettysburg Address

The Gettysburg Address is a famous speech that President Abraham Lincoln gave during the American Civil War.  The speech was made at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery (Gettysburg Cemetery) on November 19, 1863.  Lincoln gave the speech 4 and a half months after the Union defeated the Confederacy in the Battle of Gettysburg.

The speech is known as one of the most influential speeches in American History.  In it, Lincoln described the sacrifices of those who died at Gettysburg in honor of the freedoms outlined in the  Declaration of Independence.  He ensured that “those dead shall not have died in vain- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom- and that government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Visit the Battlefield

Of course, no visit to Gettysburg would be complete without a trip to the battlefield.  Our boys used their spending money to purchase muskets in the gift shop that they toted all over town (and all over Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey).  

If your kiddos are up to it, you can stop by several monuments/memorials surrounding the area.

Bonus: The Driving Tour

If your family is really into history, you can do the self-guided auto tour.  Stop by the Visitors Center to grab a map and simply follow the route markers around town.  The driving tour is 20+ miles and takes between 2 and 4 hours.  Although I’ve done the tour in the past, we skipped it when we took the kids since we had already been in the car for so long.

Where is Gettysburg National Military Park located?

The physical address is:

1195 Baltimore Pike
Gettysburg, PA 17325

The park is open from sunrise to sunset.  

Check Park Hours Here

Other Cool Information

Fun Fact:

Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower and his wife Mamie purchased a farm a mile from the Gettysburg battlefield.  Today, it is known as the Eisenhower National Historic Site.

Distance From Major Cities

  • Baltimore, MD- 57 mi
  • Washington, DC- 75 mi
  • Philadelphia, PA- 142 mi
  • Pittsburgh, PA- 185 mi
  • New York City, NY- 211 mi
  • Akron, OH- 288 mi
  • Cleveland, OH- 311 mi
  • Buffalo, NY- 337 mi
  • Charlotte, NC- 441 mi

Distance from Nearby National Parks

  • Shenandoah National Park- 105 mi
  • New River Gorge National Park- 319 mi
  • Cuyahoga Valley National Park- 322 mi
  • Congaree National Park– 549 mi

National Parks Sites in Pennsylvania

  1. ◽  Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
  2. ◽  Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site
  3. ◽  Eisenhower National Historic Site
  4. ◽  Flight 93 National Memorial
  5. ◽  Fort Necessity National Battlefield
  6. ◽  Friendship Hill National Historic Site
  7. ◽  Gettysburg National Military Park
  8. ◽  Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
  9. ◽  Independence National Historical Park
  10. ◽  Johnstown Flood National Memorial
  11. ◽  Lower Delaware National Scenic River
  12. ◽  Steamtown National Historic Site
  13. ◽  Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial
  14. ◽  Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
  15. ◽  Valley Forge National Historical Park

FAQ About Gettysburg National Military Park

Is Gettysburg National Military Park worth visiting?

Gettysburg is most definitely worth visiting.  I’ve been learning about the events that took place here since I was a young girl. No matter how many times I visit, I still find it fascinating.  

How much time do you need at Gettysburg National Military Park?

Plan on spending at least 2 hours at Gettysburg National Military Park.  This time frame will allow you enough time to hit up the Visitor Center, visit the battlefield, see the cemetery, and hit up some of the monuments/memorials.

What is the best time of year to visit?

The best time to visit Gettysburg is during the fall months since the weather is a bit cooler.  Winter tends to be a bit cold in this part of the country.  Summer (June-August) is peak season so anticipate larger crowds if you visit during this time.

How much does it cost to get in to Gettysburg National Military Park?

It is free to visit the battlefield, cemetery, monuments, and memorials of Gettysburg.  There are some ticketed exhibits located at the Visitor Center.

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

For future reference, save our post: “5 Things to Do in Gettysburg with Kids”.  While you’re at it, browse the Ulitmate National Park Bucket List.  Plan your trip around Free National Park Days and learn about The National Park’s Awesome Junior Ranger Program.

While on our Mason-Dixon Road Trip, we also visited the nearby Eisenhower National Historic Site and Hersheypark.

Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Categories
State Parks United States West Virginia West Virginia State Parks

Blackwater Falls State Park: Home to the Longest Sled Run on the East Coast!

Sledding at Blackwater Falls State Park

Our first activity on our Mason-Dixon Road Trip was sledding at Blackwater Falls State Park in West Virginia.  What better way to introduce a bunch of Florida kids to sledding than by sending them down the longest sled run on the East Coast of the US?

While planning out our road trip, I wanted the kids to experience the quintessential snow activity.  I hardly think any of of are coordinated enough for skiing or snowboarding, and they’ve been ice skating, so sledding seemed like our best option.  Before this trip, Ashley and I hadn’t been sledding in over 30 years, so we were a little rusty…to say the least.  But…how hard can it be?

While snow tubing was offered at the resort we were staying at, the nearby Canaan Valley Lodge, I opted to book sledding tickets for the sled run at Blackwater Falls for a couple of reasons:

  • It is home to the longest sled run on the East Coast of the US (1/4 a mile).
  • It has a conveyor belt that takes you to the top (as does Canaan Valley State Park).
  • It would allow us to visit another nearby state park.
  • We’d get to see the crown jewel of the park, Blackwater Falls.
  • The park is home to one of the famous “Almost Heaven” swings.

All You Need to Know About Sledding at Blackwater Falls State Park

Tickets

  • Purchase your tickets in advance to guarantee your slot and skip the line.
  • Tickets are valid for a 2-hour session
    • Session times Thursday-Sunday 10 am – 12 pm, 1-3 pm, 4-6 pm
    • Friday & Saturday 7-9 pm
  • Session dates December 19 – March 2, weather dependent
  • Same-day tickets cannot be purchased online
  • Tickets are $28 on weekdays and $33 on holidays and weekends.  
  • Children 5 and under ride free with an adult.
  • Children 8 and under must ride with an adult.

Check-In

  • Once you arrive at the park, you’ll check in at the building adjacent to the parking lot.
  • You’ll receive a tag that you’ll need to attach to your zipper.
  • You’ll receive a brief safety talk before you’re free to go sledding.
The Magic Carpet at Blackwater Falls State Park

The Magic Carpet

  • The park has a conveyor belt that guides you to the top of the hill.
  • The Magic Carpet is the longest on the East Coast!

Tips for the Sled Run

  • Dress warm!  Make sure you bring along the winter gear: snow pants, jacket, boots, gloves, and a hat.
  • Take breaks as needed.  There’s an outdoor fire where you can warm up or step inside for a cup of cocoa.
  • Pay attention to the safety briefing, especially if it’s been awhile/it’s your first time sledding.  They’ll instruct you how to control the sled and how to gracefully crash….

While You're There...

While you’re sledding at the park, be sure to visit the Blackwater Falls and pose with the famous “Almost Heaven” swing.

During our stay, we stayed at the nearby Canaan Valley Resort.  There is also a lodge at Blackwater Falls State Park.

Our Experience

Our kids have never been sledding… in fact, they’ve never even seen real snow!  Ashley and I hadn’t sledded in 30+ years and it’s been just as long since we’ve seen that much snow.    This was sure to be an adventure!

We checked in at the hut and received a quick safety briefing.  To be honest, I didn’t do a great job of paying attention since I was attaching everyone’s sled tags to their zippers.  I’d later pay for that!  I vaguely heard her mention to dip your hands in the snow to steer the sled and to dig your boots in the snow to slow down/stop.  How hard could it be?

Since the boys were both underage, they needed to ride with an adult.  However, our daughter (10) was able to ride on her own.  Since Stinky is our most-reserved and anxious kid, I had him in the sled with me and Ashley took Scoop, our more adventurous guy.  The 5 of us rode the magic carpet to the top and prepared for our descent.

Smiley went first, boy did she fly!  She’s such an adrenaline junkie and down for absolutely anything so she had an absolute blast.  

Next, it was time for the rest of us to go down.  Ashley and Scoop went ahead of us and crashed about 1/4 of the way down the run.  Stinky and I crashed immediately afterwards.  Surprisingly, after the crash Scoop was over it.  He had snow get under his jacket and his glove fell off and he decided he was done sledding.  Ashley took him inside for cocoa while I kept the other 2 kiddos.

Despite us crashing, Stinky was down for some more fun!  Luckily, that was our only crash.  After our first time down the run, I had the whole sledding thing figured out.  Not too shabby for a Florida girl!

Smiley absolutely crushed sledding.  She didn’t wipe out once!  

3/5 of us had a blast and would do it again.  Later in the day, when we returned to our hotel, Scoop tried sledding (on his own!) and ended up enjoying it.

Sledding at Blackwater Falls State Park was a great way to introduce our kiddos to snow activities.  I’m so glad we found out about this gem!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

For future reference, be sure to save our post on Sledding at Blackwater Falls State Park!   Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

While we were in the area, we stayed at the Canaan Valley Lodge.  

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram  for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Categories
Hotel Review State Parks United States West Virginia West Virginia State Parks

A Complete Honest Review of Canaan Valley Resort: What to Expect During Your Stay

Queen Jr. Suite at Canaan Valley Resort

Each year we gift our kids a trip for Christmas.  I dubbed this year’s trip the Mason-Dixon Road Trip because we would be dancing along the Mason-Dixon Line.  The Mason-Dixon Line is a geographical boundary separating Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and West Virginia.

We kicked off our trip with a stay at the Canaan Valley  Resort.  During our 2-night visit, we stayed in the Queen Jr. Suite.  In this review, we’ll give our honest feedback on the room and the resort itself.  We’ll also share other important information about the hotel. 

The hotel is just a few hours from Pittsburgh, Washington DC, and Baltimore.

The kids glimpsing at their first blanket of REAL snow

Accommodation Options at Canaan Valley Resort

The resort has 160 rooms, 23 cabins, and 59 campsites.  The several different lodging options offer something for everyone.

Standard King Room

Sleeps 2

Includes: 

  • Complimentary high-speed internet
  • 37-inch flat-screen television
  • Refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot
  • Spacious bathroom with granite countertops
  • Individual climate control
  • Hair dryer
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Balcony rooms available

Standard Queen

Sleeps 4

Includes:

  • Complimentary high-speed internet
  • 37-inch flat-screen television
  • Refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot
  • Spacious bathroom with granite countertops
  • Individual climate control
  • Hair dryer
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Balcony rooms available

King Jr. Suite

Sleeps 2

Includes:

  • Complimentary high-speed internet
  • 37-inch flat-screen television
  • Refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot
  • Spacious bathroom with granite countertops
  • Individual climate control
  • Hair dryer
  • Iron and ironing board
Queen Jr. Suite at Canaan Valley Resort

Queen Jr. Suite

Sleeps 4-6

Includes:

  • Complimentary high-speed internet
  • 37-inch flat-screen television
  • Refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot
  • Spacious bathroom with granite countertops
  • Individual climate control
  • Hair dryer
  • Iron and ironing board

King Suite

Sleeps 2-4

Includes:

  • Complimentary high-speed internet
  • 37-inch flat-screen television
  • Refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot
  • Spacious bathroom with granite countertops
  • Individual climate control
  • Hair dryer
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Fireplace, balcony, and separate living and sleeping rooms (only in 1-bedroom suites)
  • Note: King and Governor suite rooms are connected to a separate Queen balcony room that may be rented for the same dates when available. This is a great option for larger families to stay together in a common space.

Queen Suite

Sleeps 4-6

Includes:

  • Complimentary high-speed internet
  • 37-inch flat-screen television
  • Refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot
  • Spacious bathroom with granite countertops
  • Individual climate control
  • Hair dryer
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Fireplace, balcony, and separate living and sleeping room.
  • Note: Queen suite rooms are connected to a separate King balcony room that may be rented for the same dates when available. This is a great option for larger families to stay together in a common space.

Governor Suite

Sleeps 2-4

1 king bed and bathroom, plus separate living area, kitchenette/dining area, fireplace, and half bath. Governor suites are located on the top floors.

  • Note: King and Governor suite rooms are connected to a separate Queen balcony room that may be rented for same dates when available. This is a great option for larger families to stay together in a common space.
Queen Jr. Suite at Canaan Valley Resort

Check In/ Check out at Canaan Valley Resort

The Canaan Valley Ski & Golf Resort lobby was incredibly inviting and the staff was very welcoming and helpful.  The lodge is quite large- spanning 2 separate buildings so I was a little surprised when I checked in and they simply handed my key.  I had to ask where my room was, and it’s a good thing that I did since we were in a different building.

Canaan Valley Resort Amenities & Activities

  • Championship golf course
  • Indoor and outdoor pool
  • 47 slopes/trails for hiking, biking, skiing and snowboarding, XC Skiing, Snowshoeing
  • Snow tubing
  • SNO-GO Biking
  • Ice Skating
  • Sporting Clays
  • Conference center
  • On-site restaurants

Our Honest Review

The Canaan Valley Resort was the first stop on our Mason-Dixon Road Trip.  The resort came highly recommended on one of the Facebook groups I look to when planning a road trip so I had high hopes for it.  The resort is just outside the charming, quaint, small town of Davis, West Virginia.

When approaching from the south, we had to take several country highways to reach the resort.  I’m glad we had plenty of gas because we passed nothing but deer for miles and miles.  Pulling into the resort was a welcome relief. 

The resort was cozy but the color scheme made it feel a bit dated.  We booked a Queen Jr. Suite (pictured above with details), that was perfect for our family of 5.  The couch pulled out into an additional bed for our daughter.  

The room came with a small refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot, which gave us a place to store our leftovers and a way to heat them up.  

Our room was very comfortable, and overall the hotel was quiet.  After putting the kids to bed, we went downstairs to check out the bar.  Our room was located in the north tower, and the bar/lounge and lobby were located in the main building.  Fortunately, the two buildings were connected on the first floor so we didn’t have to venture out into the snow.

As we explored the resort, we continued to note that it was a bit tired.  There’s an old indoor pool that had a broken hot tub, an old-school arcade, and several conference rooms that were poppin’.  

I think with a bit of a remodel, this resort will be excellent! As is, it’s still a wonderful place to camp out and enjoy the area.

Location & Booking Information

The Canaan Valley Resort is located at 230 Main Lodge Rd.
Davis, West Virginia 26260.

Visit the website directly to book your stay and review the current offers.

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

While in the area, we visited Blackwater Falls State Park, home to the longest sled run on the East Coast!  Check out our video on YouTube to experience this awesome adventure for yourself!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and  Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Categories
Annual Recap

Cheers to 2025! My Goals, Resolutions, Dreams & Plans

Aurora Borealis from Florida

How absolutely insane is it that 2025 is right around the corner?  It feels as though just yesterday we were sharing with you our 2024 plans and now, here we are doing the same for 2025.  

While we may not have had international adventures in 2023, 2024 was still incredibly good to us.  We grew closer as a family, spent lots of time with friends, experienced new firsts, moved into our dream house, and went on numerous adventures.  

A Condensed Version of our 2024 Recap

The kids at Fort McHenry

Our 2024 Goals, Revisited

  • ✅Visit The Keys- We visited Key Largo with our framily this summer.  We all had a wonderful time.  I can’t believe I’ve lived in Florida for 32 years and this was my first trip to The Keys!
  • Hit the High Seas- Unfortunately, we canceled our cruise this year…but, there’s always next year…
  • ✅Visit More National Parks- My goal this year was to visit at least 10 National Park Sites.  I added them to all of our itineraries.  The kids love collecting passport stamps, and I enjoy teaching them about our nation’s history.
  • ✅Hit up the Theme Parks- While we didn’t make it to Disney this year, we did visit Universal Orlando.  We also took a sponsored trip to Wild Adventures Theme Park and Hersheypark.
  • ✅Add a New State to the List of Places We’ve Been- The kiddos added Alabama to their list when we visited a friend in Auburn early in the year.  Later, we went on our Mason-Dixon Road Trip and added West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey to their list.
  • ✅Plan Our Christmas Trip- This year’s trip, which I’ve dubbed the Mason-Dixon Road Trip, was amazing!  We went sledding, learned more about our nation’s history at key sites, went to Hersheypark, spent Christmas Day at Great Wolf Lodge, and revisited DC.
  • ✅Accrue Airline Miles-We continued to rack up airline miles for future trips.

2025 Goals and Plans

Hey Boo Boo!

At Christmas time, our kids Elves on the Shelf “stole our credit card” and booked a summer trip to Jellystone- our kids absolute favorite place to vacation.

Nashvegas, Baby!

Our New Years Day tradition is putting the names of the states the kids have not been to into a hat and selecting a state at random to plan a trip to.  This year, they pulled Tennessee.  We booked a flight to Nashville.  We can’t wait to share our Nashville trip with you!

Visit More National Parks

Gimme all the parks!  The kids each have National Park passports and they love collecting stamps.  We visited a TON of National Park sites last year and I’d like to keep it going.  I hope to add a park to each of our itineraries this year.

Add at least 1 more state to our list of places we've been

This year I enjoyed the spontaneity of pulling a state from a hat and planning a trip around that state.  Otherwise, there’s no way West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware would have been on our radar.  I plan on doing the same thing for 2025- while this might not lead to a full-blown road trip, we will definitely plan a trip this way.

More 2025 Goals

  • Plan our Christmas Trip.  
  • Accrue airline miles.  
  • Create 12 new YouTube Videos
  • Add content for 3 states

Follow Along to See How We Do With Our 2025 Goals!

We hope that you’ll join us as we explore the world around us and continue to give our 3 littles a broad view of the world.  Our plans for 2025 include lots of time exploring the great outdoors.

If you aren’t already doing so, be sure to follow us on our socials! We use Instagram to share pictures, Reels, and Stories about our day-to-day life. We also use Facebook and Twitter to share our new content.

We look forward to connecting with you and sharing our adventures with you in 2025.

Categories
Favorites List Playlist Travel Tips

Ultimate Family Road Trip Playlist: 50 Best Road Trip Songs

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road with the windows down, the cruise control set, and a jammin’ playlist pulsating through the speakers.  A good road trip playlist is essential for getting your vacation started on a high note.  And by high note, I mean it makes being trapped in a car with the whole family slightly more bearable.  😉

We’re heading out on a road trip soon, so I’m compiling The Ultimate Family Road Trip Playlist.  It’s a collection of bangers- both new and old.  Our family’s taste in music is all over the place: Fall Out Boy, Taylor Swift, Elton John, etc.  Our playlist includes a bit of everyone’s favorite all mixed up together.

Playing music in the car is a great way to expose your kiddos to some of your favorite songs.  Might as well start teaching them to love your favorite band from high school while they’re young.  

How to Create the Ultimate Family Road Trip Playlist:

A family road trip playlist should include a mix of songs that everyone in the family enjoys.   Our list has songs spanning 50 years of music!  Our kids have been exposed to music across all genres from the last several decades.  Try introducing your kids to Aerosmith, Elton John, or Queen.  Chances are, they’ll dig it.

Our Ultimate Family Road Trip Playlist also includes some of my favorite songs from when I was in high school.  Might as well introduce the babes to the heroes of the boyband era while they’re young, right?  Sprinkle in some BSB, *NSYNC, and Hanson and you’ll be amazed at how quickly the miles will pass by.

 There should be a combo of upbeat and slow songs to suit different moods. Oh…and they should also be songs that have high sing-along potential.

You can also include songs that are specific to the places you’re visiting.

Tips for creating the ultimate family playlist:
    • Pick a strong opener: Start the playlist with a strong song- one that everyone loves!  
    • Time the tempo: Consider the tempo of the songs. 
    • Mix it up: Include a variety of genres and songs. 
    • Avoid music that’s too chill or hyped up: Choose songs that help you stay alert and level-headed. Some good genres for driving include rock, pop, and hip-hop

On our next road trip, we’ll be driving from Florida all the way up to West Virginia.  So, I headed over to Spotify and typed “Florida” “Georgia” “South Carolina” “North Carolina” “Carolina” “Virginia” and “West Virginia” into the search bar.  You’ll be amazed at how many songs pop up!  I previewed a handful of them and added them to our Spotify playlist.  Many of these songs will be new to use, but it’ll be fun for the kids to hear the names of these states in the songs.

We’ll also be visiting Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware, so I ran a similar search.  I did the same for some of the cities we’ll be staying in.  Can you believe there’s actually a song about Hershey, Pennsylvania?  I would have never known!

50 Best Road Trip Songs

To help you get started, we’ve come up with a list of 50 of the Best Road Trip Songs to add to your playlist.  We only included 1 song by each artist- you could easily expand this list by adding more songs from these artists.  Can you ever have too much Taylor Swift on your playlist?  We don’t think so!

  1. Radioactive- Imagine Dragons
  2. Cruel Summer- Taylor Swift
  3. Shut Up and Dance- Walk The Moon
  4. Everybody Talks- Neon Trees
  5. I Want It That Way- Backstreet Boys
  6. Don’t Stop Believin’- Journey
  7. Tiny Dancer- Elton John
  8. Miles on It- Marshmello, Kane Brown
  9. Can’t Stop the Feeling- Justin Timberlake
  10. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles )- The Proclaimers
  11. Old Town Road- Lil Nas X
  12. Since U Been Gone- Kelly Clarkson
  13. Bad Guy- Billie Eilish
  14. Bohemian Rhapsody- Queen
  15. Call Me- Blondie
  16. Livin’ On a Prayer- Bon Jovi
  17. Party in the USA- Miley Cyrus
  18. Who Let the Dogs Out- Baha Men
  19. Happy- Pharrell Williams
  20. Pumped Up Kicks- Foster the People
  21. We Didn’t Start the Fire- Fall Out Boy
  22. Beautiful Things- Benson Boone
  23. Roar- Katy Perry
  24. Thunderstruck- AC/DC
  25. It’s Gonna Be Me- *NSYNC
  26. Mr. Brightside- The Killers
  27. Sunflower- Post Malone
  28. MMMBop- Hanson
  29. Born to Run- Bruce Springsteen
  30. Beautiful People- Ed Sheeran
  31. Fast Car- Tracy Chapman
  32. Life is a Highway- Tom Cochrane
  33. We’re Not Going to Take It- Twisted Sister
  34. All Star- Smashmouth
  35. On The Open Road- A Goofy Movie Soundtrack
  36. I Gotta Feeling- The Black Eyed Peas
  37. Hotel California- Eagles
  38. Here I Go Again- Whitesnake
  39. Free Fallin’- Tom Petty
  40. Shut Up and Drive- Rihanna
  41. Wagon Wheel- Darius Rucker
  42. Take Me Out- Franz Ferdinand
  43. Sucker- Jonas Brothers
  44. Come on Eileen- Dexys Midnight Runners
  45. What Makes You Beautiful- One Direction
  46. Take Me Home, Country Roads- John Denver
  47. Friends in Low Places- Garth Brooks
  48. You’ve Got a Friend in Me- Randy Newman
  49. A Bar Song- Shaboozey
  50. Surface Pressure- Plain White T’s

Road Trip Planning

Want to plan a killer road trip but you’re not quite sure where to start?  We’ve mapped out our tried and true way of planning a road trip the whole family will enjoy!

In this post, we outline:

  • How to pick a destination
  • Our research tips
  • Budgeting
  • Lodging tips
  • Our road trip essentials

Read about how you can start your own 50 State Challenge!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

For future reference, be sure to save our post “Ultimate Family Road Trip Playlist: 50 Best Road Trip Songs”!   Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Categories
Florida Florida State Parks State Parks The Keys United States

Ultimate Guide to Family Fun on Key Largo, Florida: Top Activities for Kids

Snorkeling in Key Largo

Key Largo, the northernmost island of the Florida Keys archipelago, is renowned for its pristine waters, abundant marine life, and laid-back island atmosphere. Families visiting Key Largo with kids will find a wealth of outdoor adventures, educational attractions, and opportunities to connect with nature. From snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs to exploring interactive museums and enjoying scenic boat tours, Key Largo offers unforgettable experiences for children of all ages. Whether you’re planning a day trip or an extended stay, here’s a comprehensive guide to the best things to do with kids on Key Largo.

Snorkeling in Key Largo

1. Discover Underwater Wonders

Snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: Start your Key Largo adventure with a visit to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the United States. The park’s crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs are perfect for snorkeling adventures with kids. Rent snorkel gear or join a guided tour to explore colorful marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and delicate coral formations. The park also offers snorkeling trips to the famous Christ of the Abyss statue, a unique underwater sculpture that attracts divers and snorkelers alike.

Glass-Bottom Boat Tours: For a dry but equally thrilling underwater experience, embark on a glass-bottom boat tour at John Pennekamp State Park. These tours provide panoramic views of the coral reefs and marine life beneath the boat’s clear viewing panels. Kids will delight in spotting fish darting through the coral gardens and learning about the importance of coral reef conservation from knowledgeable guides.

2. Encounter Marine Life Up Close

Dolphin Encounters: Take the family to Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder for an unforgettable dolphin encounter. This educational facility offers interactive programs where visitors can swim with dolphins in a safe and controlled environment. Kids will have the opportunity to learn about dolphin behavior, conservation efforts, and the importance of marine mammal protection.

Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center: Visit the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center to observe native bird species up close and learn about the center’s efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating injured birds. The center features walking paths and educational exhibits that highlight the importance of preserving natural habitats for birds and other wildlife in the Florida Keys.

Learning about the fossils at Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

3. Explore Nature and Wildlife

Everglades National Park: Take a short drive to nearby Everglades National Park for a day of eco-adventures and wildlife spotting. Join a ranger-led program or embark on a guided boat tour through the park’s mangrove forests and estuarine habitats. Keep an eye out for alligators, manatees, and a variety of bird species that call the Everglades home. Kids will love the opportunity to experience one of the most diverse ecosystems in the United States while learning about the importance of wetland conservation.

Key Largo Hammocks State Botanical Site: Explore the natural beauty of Key Largo Hammocks State Botanical Site, a protected area showcasing native flora and fauna. The site features hiking trails, boardwalks, and picnic areas surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Take a leisurely stroll through the hammocks and keep an eye out for butterflies, lizards, and other wildlife that inhabit this tranquil sanctuary.

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park:  Learn all about the Windley Key Fossil Reef and the history of the local railroad history at this quaint state park.

4. Educational and Interactive Museums

History of Diving Museum: Discover the fascinating history of underwater exploration at the History of Diving Museum. This interactive museum features exhibits on ancient diving techniques, modern scuba gear, and notable underwater discoveries. Kids can try on vintage diving helmets, explore replica underwater habitats, and learn about the pioneers who shaped the world of diving.

Keys History & Discovery Center: Visit the Keys History & Discovery Center to delve into the rich cultural heritage of the Florida Keys. The center offers exhibits on local history, maritime traditions, and the natural environment of the Keys. Interactive displays, artifacts, and multimedia presentations provide insight into the region’s diverse past and its unique connection to the sea.

5. Outdoor Adventures and Family-Friendly Activities

Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Rent kayaks or paddleboards and explore Key Largo’s calm bays, mangrove forests, and winding water trails. Several outfitters offer rentals and guided tours suitable for families, providing an opportunity to observe marine life and coastal scenery up close.

Boating and Fishing Charters: Charter a boat or join a guided fishing excursion to experience the thrill of deep-sea fishing in the waters surrounding Key Largo. Fishing charters cater to all skill levels and provide equipment, bait, and expert guidance to help families reel in a variety of game fish such as snapper, grouper, and mahi-mahi.

6. Beach Fun and Relaxation

Harry Harris Park: Spend a day at Harry Harris Park, a family-friendly beach park offering sandy shores, picnic pavilions, and playgrounds. Kids can splash in the shallow waters, build sandcastles, or enjoy a game of beach volleyball while parents relax under swaying palm trees.

Founders Park: Visit Founders Park, another popular waterfront park featuring a beach area, swimming pool, and sports facilities. The park’s amenities include a dog park, skate park, and walking trails, making it a perfect destination for families seeking both recreation and relaxation.

Feeding tarpon at Bud n Mary's Marina

Planning Your Visit

Accommodations: Consider staying at family-friendly resorts, vacation rentals, or hotels in Key Largo that offer amenities such as pools, beach access, and dining options. Look for accommodations located near attractions and outdoor activities to maximize your family’s enjoyment.

Transportation: Renting a car is recommended for exploring Key Largo and its neighboring islands. Alternatively, utilize rideshare services or public transportation options available within the area.

Safety and Tips: Stay hydrated, apply sunscreen, and wear protective clothing while enjoying outdoor activities in Key Largo’s warm climate. Check attraction websites for current operating hours, and ticket prices.

The kids living their best lives in the Keys

Conclusion

Key Largo, Florida, offers endless opportunities for family fun and adventure amidst its breathtaking natural surroundings and rich marine life. Whether you’re snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs, learning about local history at museums, or relaxing on sandy beaches, Key Largo provides unforgettable experiences for kids and parents alike. Plan your family getaway to Key Largo today and create cherished memories in this picturesque island paradise.

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

For future reference, be sure to save our post “Ultimate Guide to Family Fun on Key Largo: Top Activities for Kids”!   Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Categories
Travel Tips United States

How to Plan a Road Trip the Whole Family Will Love

Are you at a loss of where to begin when it comes to planning a road trip?   Don’t worry, you’re not alone.  Tons of people struggle with where to begin when it comes to planning a road trip.  In this post, we’ll show you how to plan a road trip.

Road trips are one of our favorite ways to travel.  There’s nothing better than throwing your suitcases in the back of the car and hitting the open road.  Our 3 kiddos (and even our pups!) are expert road trippers.  They’ve been on countless road trips throughout Florida and all over the eastern US to places like Kentucky, Virginia, Washington DC, Alabama, and more!

Pick a Destination

Our next road trip will take us from Florida to West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and DC.  

For this trip, we put the names of all of the states the kids have yet to visit into a hat.  Each of the kids drew the name of a state.  Once we narrowed it down to 3 states, we selected one of the states at random and centered our trip around that state.

Download your state cards here!

As you can see in the reel, we selected West Virginia, which became the starting point for our Christmas trip.

While this is a super fun idea, the spontaneity of it might not be for everyone.  Consider what kind of activities your family likes to do.  Do you enjoy hiking or outdoor activities?  Consider looking into the mountains.  Are you more of a beach person or a lake person?  Do you want bustling cities or quaint towns?  Would you prefer museum hopping or shopping? Are you aiming to visit all of the National Parks?  

Time to Do Some Research

Once you pick out a destination, it’s time to do a bit of research.  For this step, I head over to my favorite blogs and the socials to see what others recommend.  Some of my favorite Facebook groups to scour are:  Visit All 50 States, US National Park Travel, Families Who Love to Travel, and Girls LOVE Travel.  I posted a question asking for suggestions of things to do for this trip and had nearly 400 responses on the post.  It was a great jumping off point for my planning!

I take each of our family members interests into consideration when I’m mapping out our trip.  For instance, when I planned our 4 day trip to Washington DC, our kids were into art, dinosaurs, and space so we went to the the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, a STEM museum called the National Children’s Museum.

Pro-Tip:  When you see a place of interest on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or the blogs save it on Google Maps!

To do so, search for a place in Google Maps, such as the Statue of Liberty.  Next to the Directions icon is a “Save” button.  Click the button and all of your saved locations will appear on a map as pictured above. 

I’ve found this incredibly helpful for trip planning.  

We established that our first stop would be the Canaan Valley Ski Resort in West Virginia.  We wanted to include winter activities in our Christmas Trip and the resort offers snow tubing, ice skating, etc.  If there isn’t real snow on the ground, the state park has fake snow, so it offers the perfect backup plan.

Pro-Tip: Always have a backup plan in case of weather, closures, or temper tantrums.

On this particular trip, we knew we wanted to tackle a few different states in our quest to visit all 50 states.  So, it was time to look at neighboring states. West Virginia is bordered by Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Kentucky.  The kids have already been to Virginia and Kentucky, so we focused on Pennsylvania and Maryland since they can easily be paired together.  Plus, our kid’s favorite city is DC, so this gave us an excuse for a return visit.

Many popular museums require you to reserve a timeslot for your visit.  While you’re researching things to do in your location of choice, be sure to make note of this. For instance, in DC many of the Smithsonian’s require you to have a timed ticket that you can reserve 30 days out.  I set a reminder on my phone or Alexa to look into tickets.

Pro-Tip:  Purchase tickets in advance whenever possible.  You’ll often have shorter lines and save money.  

Take Drive Times Into Consideration/Make Necessary Cuts

Come up with a list of things that you want to do each day.  I like to include opening and closing times in my plans, just so I have that information handy.

I also add driving and walking maps in my itinerary, whenever necessary.  For instance, when we are in DC, we typically walk or take the Metro.  So, I included a map of where I plan on parking and the walking directions for the sites we’ll slated to hit up that day.  We’ll most likely take the Metro from the Lincoln Memorial to the National Archives Museum, so I screenshotted the route info for that, as well.

Once you have a list of everything you want to do each day, it’s time to plug everything into Google Maps and assess drive times.  

Pro-Tip: Check Google Maps for drive times more than once!  Jot down the travel times and take an average to come up with a rough idea of how long it will take you to get from place to place.  You’ll be amazed at how much the drive time changes if there was an accident impacting travel time on your original search.

Be sure you factor in travel time for each day to help determine whether you need to cut things from your list of things to do.  As you can see in the image below, even though I’m obsessed with Abraham Lincoln, I decided to skip visiting the memorial site of his mother’s birthplace, and I nixed Harpers Ferry.  Despite our goal of visiting all of the National Parks with the kids, we won’t be able to dedicate much time to Harpers Ferry, so instead of rushing through it, we’ll save it for another trip.

Our plan for this particular day is to make it to Hershey, Pennsylvania by at least 6 PM.  We have tickets to Hersheypark and with our tickets, we’ll be able to access the park at 7 PM the night before and get a 2-hour preview of the park.   Since our kids are really into theme parks, we decided this was a no-brainer- sorry Harpers Ferry!

As you can see, instead of removing these sites completely from the itinerary, I simply crossed them out.  That way, if something comes up and we have extra time, these places can be a contingency plan.

Take a Look at Your Budget

Create a budget based on the length of your trip and the sights you want to see.

To do this, I jot down the name of the attraction, where it’s located, and how much it would cost for our family of 5.  At this point, I begin making cuts.  

For instance, our family only counts states that we have done something in when we add up the list of places we’ve been.  So, if we simply drive through a state, it doesn’t count (for us).  This meant we needed to do something in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey, for them to count for us.

My outline went a little something like this:

West Virginia: Ski lodge
Pennsylvania: Hersheypark, Gettysburg, Eisenhower National Historic Site, Amish Country
Maryland: Fort McHenry National Monument, Star Spangled Banner House, National Aquarium 
Delaware: New Castle Court House National Park, Old Swedes National Historic Site
New Jersey: Fort Mott, Adventure Aquarium, Diggerland USA

From a budgetary standpoint, some of these things needed to go.  Hersheypark and Diggerland are both amusement parks.  While our sons would love Diggerland USA, everyone would enjoy Hersheypark.  Financially, it didn’t make sense for us to do both, so we nixed Diggerland USA.

We plan on hitting up New Jersey, Delaware, and part of Maryland on the same day, so we needed to get crafty with our budget and time.

It would cost us $220 to do the National Aquarium in Baltimore. While that is doable, it would eat up a large chunk of our time and we wouldn’t have much time to do some of the other things we wanted to do.  So, we cut the National Aquarium.

We had another aquarium on our list, the Adventure Aquarium, in New Jersey, which would only cost us $170 to visit, as a family of 5.  Though it’s $50 cheaper than the National Aquarium, it would still take up a considerable amount of time for that day.  There’s no way we’d be able to fit in things in Maryland and Delaware if we did the aquarium, so we crossed it off our list.  That left us with visiting Fort Mott State Park, as our Jersey activity.

Decide Where You'll Stay

There are two ways to decide where you’ll stay: 1) Determine how far you’re willing to drive each day and figure out what destinations are within that parameter, or 2) Select your locations based on places you want to visit on your trip.

I tend to go with the second option.  This trip is over our Christmas Break.  Most places will be closed on Christmas Day, which limits our options.  Instead of going from Hershey, Pennsylvania to Philadelphia (where we would run into lots of things being closed), I got a little crafty and booked us a visit the the Great Wolf Lodge in Perryville, Maryland.  

As much as I’d love to see all of the historical sites in Philly, spending Christmas Day at an indoor waterpark is totally a kid’s dream come true.  We could have booked the GWL in The Poconos, but visiting Maryland would add another list of states to our kid’s list.  Heading to Maryland is a win-win.

On this particular trip, we’ll be staying at 1 ski lodge, 1 Great Wolf Lodge, and 2 hotels.  For the hotels, I narrowed our options down to hotels that we accrue points for.  When I search for hotels, I always ensure they include breakfast and try to find one that includes on-site parking (which is often a challenge/next to impossible in some cities).  You should also consider what eateries are nearby and the proximity to things you want to do.

Pro-Tip:  Include your hotel confirmation plans in your itinerary, just in case.

Wrap Everything Up in a Nice Neat Package

Now that you have everything all mapped out and ready to go, it’s time to wrap everything up in a nice little package.  Your itinerary doesn’t have to be fancy, but you should have all of your notes organized and your trip outlined so that it is easy to follow.

I have a generic template that I created in Canva that I use for all of our trips.  The detailed version on the left is for me and the more simple version on the right is for the kids to follow along with.

You might notice I have a Flex Day built into our schedule.  This is just me being extra (hell the whole itinerary presentation is me being extra), but there are 3 separate plans ready for that day.  We’ll probably go with plan #2 (as seen in the picture above left).  We’ll play that day by ear but it could take us into Philly, or it could have us spending a little more time in Baltimore.  Only time will tell!

Pro-Tip:  Leave a copy of your itinerary with a loved one.

Our Road Trip Essentials

You’ll find items like these every time we pack a car for road trips.  They help keep our items tidy, organized, and most importantly- accessible.  Some things that we have found that work for us include lap desks, hooks, storage totes, tablet holders, and snack boxes.

  • Cargo Trailer
  • Bungee Cords
  • Lap Desks- these were in the video but we love this one!
  • Backpack Hooks
  •  Tablet Holder- we use these so we can adjust them to see from the third row.  If you don’t need that flexibility, these are great too!
  • Snack Boxes–  we recently started using these snack boxes on road trips and our kids love them!  Some of the things we pack into them are: trail mix, peanut butter crackers, apple chips, dried fruit (bananas, coconut, strawberries, etc.), granola bars, Nutrigrain Bars, rice cakes, fruit snacks, etc.  We used these snack boxes on our last road trip (which was about 8 hours each way) and we found that it was enough snacks for driving up and back!  Only the Nutrigrain Bars needed to be replaced.  If your kid is a big snacker, you may need to replenish it before your return trip.
  • Collapsible Cooler

Other Things to Think About...

Vehicle: Get your vehicle inspected before you hit the road.  Have your tires balanced and rotated, get an oil change, and make sure everything is good to go.

Weather/Driving Conditions: Monitor weather conditions, take breaks, and get enough sleep. You can also use cruise control to reduce fatigue

Distance: Nobody wants to spend their entire road trip in the car.  Make sure you have plenty of stops planned along the way and that these stops aren’t super far from each other.  Our longest driving day, aside from the day we drive up to West Virginia and the day we drive back to Florida, is about 4 hours.

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

For future reference, be sure to save our post “How to Plan a Road Trip!”!   While you’re at it, take a look at our printable children’s travel journals, they are the perfect way to keep your kiddos entertained in the car.  Read about how you can start your own 50 State Challenge!  Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

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

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Oh hey…remember us?

It’s been a hot minute since we published anything here on our .com, but if you follow us on our Insta, you know we haven’t completely dropped off the planet.  We’ve been on a bit of a hiatus as our life got a little chaotic for a bit there.  

In the spring, we began the process of building a new home…which meant we also had to sell the one we were living in.  Our house went under contract within 2 days (yay!) and the buyers graciously let us stay in the home until mid-August (double yay!), but our new home was delayed.  We crashed with my parents for almost 2 weeks (thanks guys!) before we could close on the new house.

As if that wasn’t stressful enough, the closing/moving part happened as we began a new school year.  My teachers out there can attest to this:  opening a new school year is stressful!  Couple that with baseball and extracurricular activities and suddenly we didn’t have much time for writing here on the .com.

Butttttttttttt, things have settled down and we’re ready to start throwing some new content your way.  Our babies have been throughout the southeastern US but they’ve never ventured to the northeast.  This winter we will be chronicling our trip to West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and Delaware on our Instagram and sharing posts here on our .com.

We can’t wait to share our adventures with you.  See you soon!

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