Author: Elle MacRae

Categories
Florida Jacksonville United States

Exploring Bulls Bay Preserve in Jacksonville, Florida with Kids

Bulls Bay Preserve

Y’all, I have lived in Jacksonville for 29 years and I had no idea that I lived within 20 miles of waterfalls until just a few weeks ago. Yes, actual waterfalls in this flat ass state of ours! In 2019 the city of Jacksonville opened one of their newest parks- the Bulls Bay Preserve. The Preserve was established to protect the swamp-land and the tributaries leading to some of the major local rivers.

What is the history behind Bulls Bay Preserve?

Although it wasn’t until 2019 that the preserve was easily accessible to visitors, the area is full of historical significance for locals. Once known by the misnomer Paradise Plantation from the 1820s until the Civil War. This plantation belonged to one of Jacksonville’s founding fathers, Isaiah D. Hart.

Hart was a plantation owner, slaver and founder of Jacksonville. After moving to the area from Georgia, he began platting the town in 1822. He established his own plantation just a few miles away from what is now known as downtown Jacksonville. Hart went on to serve as a postmaster, judge, and a member of the Florida Territorial Senate.

Historians believe that one of the waterfalls on the property may have once been used for a gristmill where grains were ground into flour.

 Isaiah’s son Ossian Hart, later Governor of Florida, wrote of the natural beauty of the place:

“In the open pine woods, I loved to wander all day long, and while driving the cows home, admiring the tall towering Pines that rose boldly from their footstool earth, and reached high up into the air-amongst which no intruding undergrowth obstructed the view of their noble trunks upon whose smooth flakes of bark, as smooth to the touch as the velvets of the north, you might write your name; or a complementary to your Lady Love.”

The land for the Bulls Bay Preserve was set aside in 1999. The Preserve consists of 1200 acres of the Bulls Bay Swamp that serves as the headwaters of two different tributaries to the St. Johns River, the Cedar River, and Sixmile Creek. One of the tributaries features a small, picturesque waterfall.

What are the highlights of Bulls Bay Preserve?

  • Waterfalls
  • Hiking/Biking Trails
  • Picnic tables
  • Grills
  • It’s pet friendly!

The park consists of 5 short and easy to navigate trails each offering a pleasant walk through the woods. The Waterfall Loop features something you don’t see often in Florida; a waterfall. Although it’s only about 4 feet tall, it’s still a pretty cool sight for our low, flat state.

Where is the preserve located?

Located just eight miles from Downtown Jacksonville and less than a mile from I-10 and I-295, it’s one of the most accessible waterfalls in Florida.

Physical address: 8017 Old Plank Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32220

Our Thoughts on Bulls Bay Preserve

Bulls Bay Preserve has a lot of potential. The park offers restroom facilities, picnic tables, and grills.

There are 5 short, easy-to-navigate trails that are perfect for hiking and even better for biking! The narrow trails could use a little more signage, especially at the waterfall. Parts of the trail were uneven or steep, which was a challenge for our toddlers to navigate but they handled it like champs. Older visitors shouldn’t have trouble navigating through the woods. I think as time passes and this park becomes more and more popular, the trails will be beaten down more and will become easier to navigate for all.

Unfortunately, the creeks are filled with trash which takes away from the natural beauty of the area. I’m sure most of it was carried down the creek, however, there is plenty of evidence of people coming to the preserve to “party” (if you know what I mean). We recommend bringing some bug spray and maybe a trash bag to help keep this park clean.

I have a feeling we’ll be checking this park out again, in the future to see how it evolves. I think with proper care and maintenance, this place has the potential to be one of the better preserves in Jacksonville.

What is there to do nearby?

Our family also recommends the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens and the Castaway Island Preserve as kid-friendly destinations.

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Categories
Florida Jacksonville United States

10 Fun Things to Do in Jacksonville, Florida

There are so many fun things to do in Jacksonville, Florida. Whether you enjoy museums, the beach, or spending time at the park, the Bold City has it all!  In fact, our city has the largest urban park system in the county! With more than 80,000 acres of parks, beaches, preserves, and green space there are endless opportunities for fun!

Fun Things to do in Jacksonville

Visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens is one of our favorite hangout spots. The zoo is one of our city’s main attractions, with more than a million visitors checking it out each year. The zoo has over 2,000 animals and just as many plants in its gardens. The kids love being able to feed the giraffes, stingrays, and goats. The zoo also has one of the best tiger and primate exhibits in the country. Even better? The zoo has a super-fun splash park where your kids can splash around.

Blackrock Beach

Enjoy a Day at the Beach

One of the best ways to enjoy Jacksonville is by hitting the beach. Jax has more shoreline than any other city in the nation! We are home to 22 miles of beaches and 40 miles of Intracoastal Waterway. Many of our beaches, such as Jax Beach, are free to the public. Some of our favorite beaches are Huguenot Beach, Blackrock Beach, and Little and Talbot Island State Parks.

Castaway Island Preserve

Hit the Parks!

Jacksonville is home to the largest park system in the country! Our parks offer everything from hiking trails to splash pads, kayak launches, totally rad playgrounds, and stunning gardens. Some of our favorite parks include the Jacksonville Arboretum and Garden, Castaway Island Preserve, Landon Park, Riverside Park, and Memorial Park.

Catty Shack Ranch

Visit the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the COOLEST places in town is the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary. The ranch is a non-profit organization that offers a safe home for rescued exotic animals. Their goal is to educate the public about the dangers of owning exotic animals; you know- lions, tigers, and cougars…typical “house pets”.

MOSH Mural

Spend Some Time at the Museum of Science and History (MOSH)

MOSH, one of the top museums in the city, offers many hands-on exhibits geared towards older kiddos. Smiley loved the Atlantic Tails exhibit which highlights many of the marine animals that live off of our coast. She also enjoyed learning about the Timucua people and the history of our hometown. This stop can easily be paired with the Riverwalk (see below).

Check Out the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

The Cummer is one of the largest fine arts museum in the region. Smiley is really into art so she enjoyed checking out their sizeable collection. The museum also boasts incredible gardens that are perfect for enjoying a picnic on the river.

Boneyard Beach, Big Talbot Island

Spend the Day at the Timucuan Preserve

  • Our home is situated right on the border of the Timucuan Preserve. The preserve is a 46,000 acre National Park site that is home to countless parks, trails, and historical buildings such as Fort Caroline and Kingsley Plantation. Some of our favorite parts of the preserve include Fort Caroline, Kingsley Plantation, Big Talbot Island, Little Talbot Island, Cedar Point, and Pumpkin Hill.

Hit the Water with Kayak Amelia

If you want to enjoy the Timucuan Preserve from the water, Kayak Amelia is the way to go! They are the official outfitters for the Talbot Islands State Parks. They offer kayak and SUP rentals and guided tours.

Explore Downtown with Go Tuk’n

Want to check out all of the amazing public art in our town? Join a Go Tuk’n tour for a unique way to explore the sites! There are several tours available including the Art Tour which takes you through historic neighborhoods such as Riverside and Avondale.

"Mirrored River: Where Do You See Yourself?" Mosaic on the Southbank

Enjoy the Riverwalk

The Riverwalk can easily be paired with a visit to MOSH. The Riverwalk is a three-mile stretch of land along the St. Johns River. From here you can check out Friendship Fountain, hop on a water taxi, or simply enjoy a stroll along the river.

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Updated: 11/2/21

Categories
Alaska Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel Ketchikan United States

Stunning Ketchikan, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska– Alaska has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. I’m sure it is high up there long a lot of people’s lists. After years of dreaming of making the trek up north, my dreams finally came true. We booked a family cruise to Alaska! During our Alaskan cruise, we visited Endicott Arm Fjord, Skagway, Juneau, and my favorite stop on our cruise, Ketchikan.

Isn’t it glorious? I could totally see myself living here. As soon as I saw this place, it was love at first sight! The turquoise water, jagged green snow-capped mountains, and massive evergreen trees are like something you’d see on a post-card. The town itself was very charming and there was a ton of things to do near the cruise port. Ketchikan is seriously the ideal Alaskan town.

Our Day in Ketchikan

We booked the Orca Beach Nature Trail excursion through Carnival. We took a bus out to gorgeous Knudson Cove where we caught a rib boat to a neighboring island for a lovely little hike. The boat ride out was stunning and the air blowing through our hair was so relaxing. In fact, the ride out was probably the highlight of the excursion! The views were absolutely jaw-dropping. We were on high-alert hoping to see a humpback whale but didn’t have any luck. We did spot a ton of bald eagles, however.

The “hike” turned out to be more of a 3/4 mile walk on a rustically constructed boardwalk. Considering how much walking we had done this week, it was actually a welcomed relief! Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and shared with us information about the island and the plants and animals that inhabit it.

The natives used to strip trees, like the ones pictured above and used the bark for the construction of canoes. When they stripped the trees, they only took the bark from the side of the tree that is facing away from the water. By doing this, they were able to preserve the tree. Pretty responsible, right?

Oh…. and I also kissed a banana slug and walked around the woods singing, “I kissed a slug and I liked it” to the tune of Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl (and I Liked It)”. It was a dare…I couldn’t pass it up. Apparently, kissing a banana slug is supposed to bring you good fortune.

We enjoyed a light snack of smoked salmon, cheese, and crackers before we headed back for Knudson Cove. Our rib boat was manned by two of the most charming guys I’ve ever met. They were so sweet, fun, and easy-going! We spotted a humpback on the way back to the cove so our captain circled back and sat for a bit so we could watch the giant creature.

He also pointed out an active eagles nest, pictured above. The nest was about 6 feet wide and housed eaglets.

Our Thoughts on Our Tour

This was hands down the best tour we have ever taken through Carnival. Someone owes these guides a beer! After the tour, we headed into town to do a little shopping before we sailed off for Victoria, British Columbia.

Watching the sunset on Ketchikan as we sailed away was the perfect way to end the day.

Ah, I just can’t get enough of this place! Take me back! This must be what heaven looks like! I apologize for all of the teeny-bopper exclamation marks.

While You’re in Ketchikan

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Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Palm Coast St. Augustine State Parks United States

Florida’s Stunning Washington Oaks Gardens with Kids

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

We got a little stir crazy last month so we spent a lot of time checking out parks like Castaway Island Preserve, and Fort Clinch State Park, and the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens. We added a new park to our list when we hit up the gorgeous Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. We’ve learned that parks are a great place where we can get out, stretch our legs, enjoy the sunshine, and still social distance.

What is Washington Oaks Gardens State Park?

Just south historic St. Augustine, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River is a stunning park called Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. The park preserves 425 acres of coastal scenery. Tucked in between the hammocks is an immaculate and extremely impressive 20-acre formal garden.

What are the highlights?

  • 20-acre formal gardens
  • 425 acres of coastal scenery
  • The largest outcroppings of coquina rock on the Atlantic Ocean
  • Fishing from the beach or the seawall along the Mantanzas River
  • Hiking and biking trails

Things to Know…

  • The cost is $5 per vehicle
  • The park is open from 8 AM until sundown
  • A1A passes through the park. The beach is located on one side of A1A and the rest of the park (including the formal gardens) is located on the opposite side.
  • The Coquina Rock formation is the largest on the Atlantic Coast. The formation is located nearly 1/4 a mile north of the parking lot.
A roped of sea turtles nest. DO NOT DISTURB

Where is Washington Oaks Gardens State Park located?

The park is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River in Palm Coast, Florida.

The physical address is: 6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd Palm Coast, Florida

Our Experience

We headed south from Jacksonville to Palm Coast early in the morning, not really knowing what to expect of the park. We first headed to the seawall to watch the boats float by on the Matanzas River. The boys are obsessed with boats so they were in heaven watching all of the vessels sail by! There were a ton of fishermen on the seawall, so I assume the fishing must be decent there. There were also a group of people holding up signs asking boaters to slow down due to the presence of manatees in the area.

Next, we took a short hike down one of the trails. There were several markers indicating the various species of plants that lined the trail. It was a great place for the kids to stretch their legs after our car ride!

Afterwards, we checked out the formal gardens. They were absolutely lovely!

Then, we crossed A1A to hit the beach on the Atlantic side of the park. The water was incredibly choppy and wasn’t very safe for our little ones to play in. I also didn’t realize that the coquina formations were nearly 1/4 mile down the beach from the parking lot. We decided that it was too far to walk there and back with the twins so we skipped it.

After leaving the park to find somewhere more clam to swim, we ended up at a little cove known as Helen Mellon Schmidt Park. It was the perfect place for the kids to splash around!

Our Park Essentials

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

What is there to do nearby?

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

Categories
Cruise Tips Cruise Travel

How to Prevent Seasickness on Your Cruise

I was born with sea legs so I never thought I would succumb to seasickness. Boy, was I wrong. You see, I come from a family of avid cruisers. We cruise at least once a year to places like Alaska, Belize, Honduras, Mexico, Aruba, The Bahamas, etc. Cruising is our favorite way to vacation, and let’s face it, it couldn’t be any easier! Your lodging, meals, entertainment, and transportation and all rolled together in a sexy little package. Let’s face it, there’s one thing that can ruin all of that… seasickness!

There is nothing worse than being seasick and spending your entire vacation hurling in your cabin. Luckily for me, I have only been seasick twice- once crossing the English Channel on a ferry and once on a cruise ship that was sailing through a tropical storm.

What causes seasickness?

Before I delve into ways to prevent seasickness, let’s quickly touch on what causes the worst feeling in the world. Seasickness is caused when your inner ears and your eyes send different signals to your brain. Your ears are like, whoa! we’re moving! but your eyes see that you’re indoors (on a ship) so… you can’t possibly be moving. This wizardry is what causes seasickness. The brain gets all kinds of confused and bam! instant motion sickness. BLAH!

And my goodness, is it awful. It kind of feels similar to the flu. You get dizzy and nauseous, your body feels off-center so the whole room feels like it’s moving. You lose your sense of appetite and your body starts producing more saliva. It’s absolutely dreadful.

So what can you do to prevent sea sickness?

1. See your doctor before the cruise.

If you know that you’re someone who is prone to motion sickness do yourself (and your travel companions) a favor and get prescription-strength meds from your doctor before you leave. Better safe than sorry, right? Trust me… answer right on this one!

2. Stock up on OTC solutions.

There are all kinds of over the counter meds for seasickness. They range from pills to patches and sea bands. It won’t hurt to pick up a few before you leave. Amazon offers all of these solutions for a great price! We recommend Travel Wristbands, Motion Sickness Patches, Bonine, or Dramamine.

3. On-Board Solutions

Okay…so you didn’t heed your body’s previous warnings that you’re prone to motion sickness and now you’re stuck on a boat feeling the urge to ralph. Now, what do you do? Well… luckily the ships are actually full of remedies on the buffet line!

Natural remedies such as:

  • Green Apples
  • Ginger Ale/Sprite
  • Saltine Crackers
  • Peppermints
  • Pretzels
  • Bread

4. Other Preventable Measures

  • Spend as much time as you can on the deck. Use the horizon to maintain your equilibrium. Trust me, this works! This method helps you see the motion, which will fix those mixed up signals your brain is receiving.
  • Book a cabin in the middle of the ship. This is the natural balance point of the ship so you’ll have less movement.
  • Avoid trans-Atlantic crossings and the Caribbean during hurricane season.
  • Book your trip on a larger ship. The bigger the better! Larger ships have more stabilizers!
  • Avoid booze (sorry), spicy foods, and acidic foods.
  • Choose your excursions wisely. Trust me, you don’t want to go horseback riding, boating, or zip-lining while you’re nauseous!

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Fingers crossed that these tips help you enjoy your vacation as much as possible! Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Twitter 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**

Categories
Bonaire Caribbean Cruise Travel

Bonaire- The Caribbean’s Best-Kept Secret

Bonaire is a tiny island municipality of the Netherlands located just off the coast of Venezuela. It is surrounded by a stunning reef and fabulous beaches making it truly one of the most gorgeous places on our planet. Bonaire, along with the rest of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao) is truly magical.

Unlike most of the Caribbean islands, Bonaire is located outside of Hurricane Alley. The water temperatures are also warm enough to swim all year, making this island the perfect place to visit 365 days a year!

What makes Bonaire so great?

This place was built for tourists and was famous for conservation and preservation before hipsters made it cool! They are one of the most eco-friendly places in the world! The reefs surrounding the island are absolutely incredible! For nearly 25 consecutive years, Bonaire was recognized as the number one Shore Diving Destination in the Caribbean/Atlantic. There is so much to do here, for those of us who love living an active lifestyle (or at least pretending we do while we are on vacation).

I think my favorite thing about the island, aside from its natural beauty (of course), is the people. The people of Bonaire are truly some of the most incredible people I have ever met (alongside Belizeans). They are so calm, peaceful, laidback, welcoming, and friendly. Bonaire’s colorful history has helped shape modern-day Bonaire into the welcoming paradise it is today. The island was “discovered” by Amerigo Vespucci (sound familiar America??) and Alonso de Ojeda who claimed Bonaire for the Spanish. The island is heavily influenced by the Dutch, who have been here since 1636. Countless African slaves were brought to work on the island. Many of their descendants still call Bonaire home.

Our Experience

When we first arrived in Bonaire we were greeted by a welcoming party hosted by the Board of Tourism. Our ship was the first Carnival ship to ever dock in Bonaire, to celebrate the occasion the locals sang, danced and performed traditional songs for us. It was such a warm, welcoming reception!

After hearing so much about the snorkeling here, I had to experience it for myself. We booked a tour with a local guide who was absolutely incredible and super knowledgeable. She pointed out all kinds of creatures on the beautifully preserved reef. We saw countless sea turtles, eels, and some of the most vibrantly colored fish I’ve ever seen (and I’ve done a ton of snorkeling). The sights underwater are just as vibrant and colorful as those above water. It’s easy to see why the reef has been recognized as a premier diving destination so many times!

I’ve been snorkeling all throughout the Caribbean and had the opportunity to see some stunning reefs. I’ve even snorkeled the Belize Barrier Reef, which is the second-largest in the world, and even that paled in comparison. I’ve never seen so many sea turtles and barracuda out in the wild before. It was a really cool experience.

How do I get to Bonaire?

Bonaire is accessible from flights from Europe, Latin America, North America, and the Caribbean. You can hop on a direct flight from Houston, Atlanta, Miami, and Newark. It is also just a quick 25-minute flight from Aruba.

If you’re a terrestrial traveler, rather than a cruiser, take a look at these 5 AMAZING Airbnbs in Bonaire.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip

Check out our Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Cruise and start planning your dream vacation today!

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Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Jacksonville State Parks United States

Blackrock Beach in Jacksonville, Florida with Kids

Blackrock Beach

We’ve been going a little stir crazy this month so we’ve spent a lot of time checking out parks like Castaway Island Preserve, and Fort Clinch State Park, and the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens. We added a new park to our list this month when we hit up a stunning and remote beach frequently known as Blackrock Beach. You may sometimes hear it referred to as Boneyard Beach.

What is Blackrock Beach?

Blackrock beach is one of Jacksonville’s best-kept secrets. This secluded beach is located just off of Heckscher Drive. A 1/2 mile trail through the woods dumps out onto a photographer’s paradise. The beach is covered with sun-bleached fallen trees. The beach is named after the rock-like soil formations. This Mars-like beach is out of this world!

Things to Know…

  • Parking cost is $3 per vehicle.
  • The beach is open from 9 AM until 5 PM.
  • To access the beach, park at the Blackrock Trailhead and walk 1/2 mile through the woods.
  • Pack plenty of bug spray and sunscreen. This is Florida, after all.
  • Make sure you pay attention to the tides, the entire beach can disappear during high tide.

Where is Blackrock Beach Located?

The beach is located off of Heckscher Drive in Big Talbot Island State Park. To access the beach, park in the Blackrock Trail parking lot and walk 1/2 mile down a trail through the woods.

Our Experience

I’ve been visiting Blackrock for years. In fact, I used to come here with my friends when I was in high school. We’d pack a cooler and a small grill and post up for the day. Man, those were the days!

Of course, nearly twenty years later, things are totally different. Experiencing Blackrock with kids is a whole new experience. The 1/2 mile hike from the parking lot to the beach feels a lot longer these days! You’ll definitely want to have bug spray and a beach wagon to tote all of your stuff. The mosquitos and yellow flies in Florida are no joke!

The trail opens up to magnificent views of Blackrock Beach. You instantly feel as if you’ve been transported to another planet. Sun-soaked white-washed trees are scattered all over the beach haphazardly. Just down the beach are the Mars-like black “rocks” that gave the beach its name. This place is out of this world!

Smiley loves being able to climb on the fallen trees and jump in the tidal pools. She has a blast chasing after crabs and frolicking in the water. The trek out to the beach can be difficult for littles, but luckily the twins can hike with the best of them. Our beach wagon works well on trails and on the beach so it would definitely come in handy when hitting the beach.

 

 

Our Blackrock Beach Essentials

Beach Wagon– great for navigating in the sand
Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard

What is there to do nearby?

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

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!

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

 

Updated: 7/25/2021

Categories
Disney Florida Jacksonville Monthly Recap Orange City Orlando Palm Coast St. Augustine State Parks United States

A Recap of Our July Adventures

We have had quite an adventurous month! After being quarantined for four months, we became a bit stir crazy and began spending a lot more time checking out our local parks.

We took a few trips to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens where we got up close and personal with a ferocious tiger! We spent a lot of time checking out our favorite animals, the bonobos.

This month we also visited the El Faro Memorial where we accidentally acquired a new kitten. We named him Captain Independence in honor of the fallen seamen and the 4th of July (the day we found him).

Our family checked off several local parks with visits to Sheffield Park, Castaway Island Preserve, and Blackrock Beach.

We spent a day exploring Washington Oaks Gardens State Park and Helen Mellon Schmidt Park in St. Augustine, Florida.

We spent a long weekend exploring central Florida with stops in Gamble Rogers State Park, Disney Springs, and Blue Springs State Park. We also visited smaller parks like Gemini Springs.

Smiley and Mama Elle had a “Mommy and Me” day that included a day trip down to St. Augustine. We enjoyed yummy donuts on the walls of Castillo de San Marcos before heading south to Marineland.

Later in the week we visited The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Memorial Park and Riverside park in our hometown of Jacksonville.

We rounded out the month by spending some time at our favorite beach, Huguenot, and testing out our new paddleboard at our favorite lake.

Categories
Belize Central America Cruise Excursions Cruise Tips Cruise Travel Mayan Ruins

The Maya Ruins of Cahal Pech in Belize

Belize is a stunning country situated in the middle of Central America. The country is surrounded by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. I have had the opportunity to visit Belize six times now, and each time I fall deeper and deeper in love. Belize is filled with an abundance of adventures just waiting to be had! I have visited the impressive Maya ruins of Cahal Pech and Xunantunich, swum with sharks and rays in Caye Caulker, gone zip lining and repelling in the jungles, and gone cave tubing through an immense cave system.

A Brief History

The site was the home for a super-elite Maya family. Parts of the site date back all the way to 1200 BCE making it one of the oldest, known, Maya sites in Belize. This site is made up of a collection of 34 structures centered around a central acropolis. The largest temple stands about 82 feet high. At the height of the city’s existence, about 15,000 people lived here- a majority of them were farmers working the land surrounding the ruins.

Cahal Pech means “Place of the Ticks” in the Yucatec Maya language. If that doesn’t encourage you to visit, I don’t know what does!

Although archaeologists did some minor digging around, it wasn’t until 1988 that they really began excavating and restoring this remarkable site. The excavation was completed in 2000. Archaeologists have uncovered seven plazas, and over 30 structures including ball courts, temples, a sweat house, and a royal barrier chamber.

The site is made up of a collection of 34 structures centered around a central acropolis. The largest temple stands about 82 feet high. In closing, although Cahal Pech wasn’t nearly as large or impressive as the magnificent Xunantunich, it was still really cool to visit. These ruins are some of the few in which you are actually able to climb the structure, which is pretty stinking cool. It’s a great way to help you envision what life must have been like back then.

Where is Cahal Pech?

Cahal Pech is located in San Ignacio, near the Guatemalan border, about a 2-hour bus ride from Belize City.

My Experience

My adventure actually started by me booking an excursion to nearby Xunantunich. While we were en route, our tour guide “got a phone call” telling him that the ferry that we needed to take to get to Xunantunich was not operating due to flash floods. As an alternative, we would be going to visit Cahal Pech instead.

Secondly, I have to admit that I was pretty bummed that we would be missing out on Xunantunich. I had been wanting to visit there for a couple of years and I was really forward to finally being able to check it out. In fact, I didn’t believe the story about the ferry until I actually rode on it a couple of years later. The ferry across the river to Xunantunich is an old-fashioned hand-cranked ferry. It’s essentially a few planks of wood that are tethered together. Attached to the wood is a podium that has lines that hook up to cables that span the width of the river. An operator uses a hand crank to move the ferry across the river. When I finally saw this setup, I realized that maybe they weren’t bsing us after all.

Exploring the site is like wandering through a maze. There are tons of tunnels and passageways leading to dark rooms. I bet this would be a badass place to play laser tag!

What is there to do nearby?

Our Ruins Essentials

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

While You’re in San Ignacio

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip

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

Categories
Disney Florida Orlando United States

Dining at Rainforest Cafe with Kids

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Our family has been quarantined since the beginning of March. This weekend we did the unthinkable- we visited Disney Springs during COVID-19. Let me begin by saying we haven’t been out to eat at any restaurants, the kids haven’t been in any stores, and Ashley and I only run out to grab the essentials. We’ve been very careful about social distancing and are taking all of the precautions necessary to keep our kids safe. The fact that we ate at the Rainforest Cafe during our visit is a pretty big deal.

What is Disney Springs?

Disney Springs is essentially an outdoor mall and entertainment complex following many of the Town Center models found in most cities. It features countless Disney themed stores, as well as other shops and restaurants centered around Lake Buena Vista. It is a great place to get the “Disney Experience” without stepping foot in the theme park.

You could seriously spend a couple of days hanging out here and never get bored! There is a ton of things to do ranging from a bowling alley to a movie theatre, shops, and even boat rentals!

What is Rainforest Cafe?

The Rainforest Cafe is a kid-friendly restaurant chain that is sensory overload! From the minute you walk up to the volcano-shaped structure, you’re transformed into the rainforest. From the sounds of wild animals echoing through the building, to the rainstorms and orante decor- this place has it all.

Where is Disney Springs and Rainforest Cafe located?

Physical address: 1800 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Park in the Lime or Grapefruit parking garage for the closest access. Head right (towards the Marketplace) and you will quickly notice the giant volcano near the lake. That volcano is Rainforest Cafe!

Our Thoughts on Rainforest Cafe

The Rainforest Cafe has a super fun kid-friendly vibe. When we walk into traditional restaurants, the kids aren’t really all that excited. But one look inside of this place had them grinning ear to ear! They loved being able to watch the fish swim by in the massive and gorgeous tanks. They loved the fact that there were robotic animals screeching or roaring all around us. There were periodic “thunderstorms” while we were in the restaurant that scared our boys (aged 2). The animals all around us got loud and there was “thunder” and “lightning”. Our son, 82, is terrified by storms so he cried each time one started. Fortunately for him, the “storms” lasted for only about a minute.

The waitstaff was extremely friendly and accommodating. Our food came out pretty quickly. Our kids (6, 2, and 2) were so captivated by their surroundings that they didn’t mind the short wait. The menu is perfectly tailored to a child’s taste and isn’t ridiculously pricey like you might expect. We spent $100 on a turkey wrap, shrimp tacos, 2 kids meals, and 2 alcoholic beverages, which honestly isn’t bad- especially in a touristy area.

This is a perfect place to grab dinner as a family, especially if you’re in town to visit the theme parks. Be sure to spend some time exploring Disney Springs while you’re here, it has a ton of great things to do with the kids.

The wait here can get pretty long, I strongly suggest making reservations in advance.

Our Disney Springs Essentials

Mickey Mouse Backpack Safety Leash and Harness
Mickey Mouse Water Bottle with Straw and Lid
Coppertone Kids Sunscreen

While You’re in Orlando

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

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

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