Author: Elle MacRae

Categories
Florida St. Augustine United States

Visiting Marineland with Kids

Marineland
A dolphin at Marineland

This week, Smiley and I added another great outdoor venue to our list: Marineland. We have been having so much fun exploring our home state of Florida during this quarantine. We’ve been exploring some of the incredible parks in our area! Some of our favorites have been Jacksonville’s Arboretum and Gardens, Castaway Island Preserve, Fort Clinch State Park, and Blue Springs State Park.

We were bored one morning so we hopped in the car and headed down to Marineland to check out the dolphins.

What is Marineland?

Marineland opened in 1938 as the world’s first oceanarium. It was originally designed for Hollywood filmmakers to be able to shoot underwater footage of ocean animals. While the park still honors its glitzy past, it has evolved into a center that focuses on protecting and preserving marine life.

What are the highlights?

  • Dolphin Show
  • Playing/swimming with Dolphins

Where is Marineland located?

The physical address is: 9600 Oceanshore Blvd, St. Augustine, Florida 32080

Our Thoughts on Marineland

I’ve visited Marineland a few times in the past, but this was our first trip with one of the kids.

Smiley and I arrived at the park just before 10 AM. We were immediately greeted by one of the employees that kind of took to us and taught us quite a few tidbits about the dolphins. We stayed at the park for about an hour and a half- which is more than enough time to see the park. If you aren’t planning on doing one of the dolphin encounters, the park can easily be seen in its entirety in less than an hour. In fact, if you aren’t doing a dolphin encounter; there really isn’t much to do.

Smiley really enjoyed her time at Marineland. She loved being able to watch the dolphins swim and play in their habitats. She was a little bummed, however, that she didn’t get to swim with the dolphins. We made a deal that when she learns how to swim, she’ll be able to come back and swim with the dolphins.

Honestly, I think the animal encounters are the best part about visiting Marineland. If you simply book a general admission ticket, the park isn’t nearly as entertaining. The park itself is tired. You can really tell that it’s over 80 years old. I’m hopeful that now that it is owned by the Georgia Aquarium, it will be rejuvenated back to its original glory.

We’re both looking forward to go backing, once Smiley learns how to swim, so that we can book one of the dolphin encounters.

Our Marineland Essentials

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
Steel Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle

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 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
Florida Florida State Parks Orange City Springs State Parks United States

Stunning Blue Spring State Park With Kids

Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring State Park will always hold a special place in our heart because it was the first spring that we visited with the kids.  It is an amazing place to swim, tube, paddle, snorkel, and even manatee watch!

What is Blue Spring State Park?

Blue Spring State Park is located in Central Florida. What was once a hub for steamboats is now a winter refuge for manatees. Temperatures in the spring run remain at 72 degrees, year-round, making it a safe haven for West Indian manatee. In fact, when we visited in January of 2023, there were 625 manatees in the run!! When the weather cools down, manatees congregate in the natural spring where the water temperature is warmer than in the surrounding areas.

What are the highlights?

  • Swimming/tubing in the spring
  • Snorkeling and scuba diving
  • Paddle boarding, kayaking, or canoeing (available for rent)
  • Hiking or biking the 3.6 miles (one way) Pine Island Trail
  • Guided river boat cruise
  • Camping

Things to Know…

  • Arrive early! The park frequently reaches capacity during the week and weekends during the winter and summer months. (see “Our Experience” for more info).
  • The park is open from 8 AM until sundown.
  • The cost to enter is $5 per vehicle.
  • You can rent inner tubes at the park.
  • If you bring your own inner tube, you can pay between $1 and $3 to have it inflated for you.
  • The water is a refreshing 72 degrees year-round
  • There is typically a food truck on-site however, you can also purchase burgers, hotdogs, corndogs, nachos, soft pretzels, etc. at the cafe.

Where is Blue Spring State Park located?

Physical Address: 2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763

Our Experience

Y’all, Blue Spring State Park is poppin’!  The springs open at 8 AM, 7 days a week. On Saturday morning we woke up and headed to the springs. We arrived just before 8:30 and they were already at capacity. Man, this place fills up quickly!

We returned later that day, at about 4:00 and the park had started to empty out. Since we weren’t going to be there long, we didn’t bother to break out the floats. We grabbed “Smiley’s” boogie board and put floatation vests on all of the kids and made the short trek from the picnic area, down the boardwalk, to the spring. The water felt freezing when we first got in, but our bodies quickly adjusted to the temperatures. It was amusing to watch everyone’s initial reaction to hitting the water. We floated down the spring run to the exit landing, which was just a short distance away.

Our son “82” hated it, at first, most likely because it was the first time he’s ever been in 72 degrees water. “Stinky” quickly adjusted to the water and was fine after the first initial tears. Smiley was in heaven!

Day Two

The next morning, we got to the park at 7:27 which was 33 minutes before the park was scheduled to open. At that point, we were the 72nd car in line (yes, I counted). One of the rangers told me that they were going to cut the line off at 150 cars. Once the park opened, it took us about 30 minutes to reach the ranger station to pay. The admission was $5.

Fortunately, we were able to stake out a picnic table where we could leave our stuff and have breakfast and lunch. We quickly saw that most people made this an all-day event! The park filled up rather quickly, we were fortunate to have been able to claim this spot.

Click here to order this awesome float!

The park has floats that you can rent. We brought our own, however. You can pay between $1 and $3 (depending on the size of the raft) to have your raft inflated. To me, this was well worth saving all of my hot air.

The kids adjusted to the water much more quickly on day two. They loved being able to ride in our float, kick their feet in the cool water, and check out the fish that swam by. We saw several different fish in the spring ranging from gar to tilapia.

After a couple of rides down the spring run, we decided to take a walk. We spotted hundreds of fish and even a decent-sized alligator, not far from where we had been swimming.

St. John’s River Cruise

After lunch, we hopped on a boat and took a one-hour “cruise” on the St. John’s River. It was a little slow-paced for the kid’s taste. The captain was very knowledgeable and stopped several times to point out various birds along the way. We didn’t spot any manatee or alligators on the river.

After our river cruise, we took one last run down the springs and called it a day. I think it’s safe to say that we all had an incredible time. Hitting the springs is the perfect way to beat the Florida heat!

 

Our Winter Experience

As I mentioned above, during the winter months, manatees flock to the spring because the water is warmer there than in the river.  Over the last few years, the number of manatees that migrate to the wildlife refuge have skyrocketed!  On our visit (1/15/23) there were 625 manatees in the run!  When we originally published this post in 2020, it was a big deal to have 300 manatees in the spring.

The park opened at 8 am and when we pulled in at 9:15.  At that time, there was already a long line waiting to get inside the park.  It only took us about 15 minutes to get inside the park.  

We walked out on to the floating dock, along the boardwalk and were able to see hundreds of manatees.  It was pretty cool!  Admittedly, it was harder for the kids to see the manatees because they often just looked like shadows in the water, unless the manatees were surfacing.

While it was cool for them to see, it was definitely more entertaining for adults.

Our Spring Essentials

Floats and Rafts

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

More Fun Stuff!

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

Safety

Puddle Jumper Vest
Swim Vest
First Aid Kit

Skin Care & Insect Repellent

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

Towels & Swim Suits

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

While You’re in Orlando

 

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

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**

 

Updated:  1/15/2023

Categories
Disney Florida Orlando United States

Disney Springs During COVID-19

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.

We haven’t stayed entirely at the house- we’ve been exploring the local parks like the Castaway Island Preserve, Fort Clinch State Park, and the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens. We’ve also visited the Jacksonville Zoo nearly every week since they’ve been very cautious.

After doing a bit of research, we decided to venture out to Disney Springs during our mini-vacation to central Florida.

https://youtu.be/p0WeGtqQkws

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.

What precautions is Disney Springs taking for COVID-19?

  • Masks are required for everyone 2 and older. This rule applies to not only in the stores but in the outdoor areas as well. This is strictly enforced. You may remove masks while eating or drinking. There are several places where you can social distance, remove your masks, and simply breathe.
  • All visitors have their temperature checked before entering the property. When we arrived (in the late afternoon) there was no wait time. Several staff members were on hand to check your temperature.
  • There are hand sanitizer stations at the entrance of every shop and restaurant.
  • At the entrance to each shop and restaurant, a “cast member” is keeping track of how many people enter the building.
  • There are reminders posted everywhere about maintaining social distancing. There are also markers on the ground indicating which way to walk (in some areas).

Did we feel safe?

In a word, yes.  We were very impressed by all of the precautions that Disney has taken to keep its patrons safe.  Honestly, every single person that we passed (that was over two) was wearing a mask.  Even little toddlers being pushed around in strollers were wearing masks.  We took advantage of the countless hand sanitizer stations and washed our hands before we ate.  Honestly, everywhere you looked there was someone wiping down a surface.  It was quite impressive.

The only times we didn’t have our masks on is when we were rehydrating, sharing a Dole Whip (mmm, Dole Whip), and when we ate dinner at Rainforest Café.  We did find a place by Lake Buena Vista where no one else was around so we were able to sit down, take our masks off, and cool down a moment.

I will say that wearing a mask for long periods of time in the Florida heat is uncomfortable, and this is coming from a pro-mask Florida girl.  Keep in mind that although the thermometer might read 95, you have to take into account the humidity.  Florida, in the summers, can be miserable.  I imagine that it is even more unbearable for people who are not accustomed to high humidity.  Make sure that you stay well hydrated, especially since you’ll be required to wear a mask.

What are the highlights?

  • The NBA Experience
  • Rainforest Cafe
  • T-Rex Restaurant
  • Characters in Flight
  • The Lego Store (and nearby sculptures)
  • Word of Disney-  the largest Disney character store in Walt Disney World Resort-and on Earth!
  • Goofy’s Candy Company
  • Splitsville Luxury Lanes
  • Disney’s Day of Christmas (store)

Where is Disney Springs located?

Physical address: 1486 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Hours: 10 AM- 10 PM

Our Thoughts on Disney Springs

Disney Springs is a great place to visit if you want a watered-down version of the Disney experience, without the steep ticket price.  This, by no means, means that Disney Springs is cheap.  We bought the kids each a stuffed animal (that was “on-sale”) and they were $25 each.  We also had dinner at Rainforest Café and spent $100 on a turkey wrap, shrimp tacos, 2 kids meals, and 2 alcoholic beverages.

This is a fantastic location to pick up souvenirs.  There are a ton of Disney themed stores that offer anything you can think of; candy, kitchen accessories, clothes, toys, bags, etc. Be sure to check out the World of Disney store- it’s the largest Disney store on the planet.

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 Today

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
Central America Cruise Travel Honduras Little French Key

5 Awesome Things to Do at Little French Key

The area of Roatan and Little French Key was once known as a haven for pirates but it has long since been taken over by divers and snorkelers. Nearly the entire island is surrounded by an incredible coral reef full of vibrantly colored tropical fish, lobsters, sea urchins, and other sea creatures. The island itself is covered with white-sand beaches, rolling hills, and the friendliest people you’ll ever encounter.

I’ve visited Honduras five times now and each time, I fall more and more in love with it. During my last two visits, I spent my time in a little place called Little French Key.

Where is Little French Key?

Little French Key is a small private island off the coast of another island (Roatan), off the coast of a developing country… does that sound remote enough for you?

Many islands have been called “paradise” in the past, however, I assure you that LFK puts all of those islands to shame. If your idea of paradise is a raked white sand beach covered with gorgeous palm trees, palm frond huts, and barely any other people around, LFK is perfect for you.

Little French Key has countless activities for visitors to enjoy so it is no wonder that it has been rated as the #1 Attraction in Roatan by TripAdvisor. They offer everything from massages, manicures, and pedicures, guided snorkeling expeditions, paddleboarding, a zoo filled with rescued animals, restaurants, bars, etc. This place seriously has it all!

Here are 5 Awesome Things to Do in Little French Key:

Paddleboarding and Kayaking

Paddleboarding and kayaking are two of the trendiest water sports right now. LFK is the perfect place to try your hand at both. The island features gorgeous coves surrounded by rock jetties that prevent the waves from coming in making the water a nice, smooth surface perfect for beginners.

Zoo

The owners of LFK have rescued many animals from various circuses. These animals have been given a safe and healthy home with the medical care that they need. Be sure to stop by and say hello to the lions, tigers, jaguars, monkeys, and birds that have been rescued! If you’re lucky, you may even be able to hold one of these precious animals.

Relax

I don’t know about you, but when I go on vacation, I love just being able to relax. Here you can soak up some rays on one of the comfortable beach chairs or relax under the shade of a palm tree. There are countless hammocks, swings, and even a platform full of beds where you can enjoy the picturesque scenery while getting a little R&R.

Enjoy a Monkey Lala

This super fun drink is a signature on the island of Roatan. It is a delicious combination of Bailey’s, Kahlua, vodka, rum, cream of coconut, and a splash of cream. This drink is heavenly! The bartenders here also make a mean margarita and another superb signature drink called The Tornado.

Snorkeling

One of my favorite thing to do in the islands is breaking out my snorkeling gear and checking out what’s happening in the deep blue sea. Honduras is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, second only to the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) in Australia. In fact, it is actually home to the largest living barrier reef in the world as much of the GBR has died. LFK offers a guided snorkeling tour that takes you to an underwater park known as Mayatlantis. Here, you can swim amongst replicas of ancient Maya ruins, which is pretty stinking cool if you ask me.

If guided tours aren’t your thing, you can also snorkel in the coves. You won’t believe how much-petrified coral is right under your feet! You may also see fish, lobsters, sea urchins, and more!

How do I get to this place?

Little French Key is truly heaven on Earth! If you visit Roatan aka Mahogany Bay on a cruise, be sure to look into visiting this incredible private island. The LFK crew will even meet you at the dock and transport you to paradise!

There are also direct flights from Houston, Atlanta, and New York to Roatan. From Roatan, you’ll take a super quick (less than 5 minutes!) ferry ride from the mainland to Little French Key aka Heaven on Earth. Little French Key offers hotel accommodations right on the island, making it easy to wake up and have your toes in the sand in just minutes!

While You’re in Roatan…

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

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

Categories
Cruise Travel Half Moon Cay The Bahamas

5 Facts about Half Moon Cay, The Bahamas

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

It’s been a year and a half since we have visited one of our favorite islands, Half Moon Cay. Ever since the adoption of our three littles was finalized, we have been itching to take them on a cruise. With the cruises being currently suspended, all we can do is reminisce about our past trips and plan for future ones.

One of the first islands I’d like to take the kids to is Half Moon Cay, in The Bahamas. It’s such an easy, kid-friendly port, to help introduce them to foreign travel.

Today, I’m sharing 5 facts about one of our favorite places to visit, Half Moon Cay.


5 Facts about Half Moon Cay

1. Half Moon Cay is also known as Little San Salvador Island. It is one of 700 islands that make up The Bahamas. This private island is located about 100 miles southeast of Nassau.

2. Holland America Line purchased the island in 1996 for just $6 million USD. Since then, they have developed about 50 acres of the 2,400-acre island. The company has plans for leaving the rest of the island natural and undeveloped.

3. HMC is one of Carnival’s tender ports. This means that the water surrounding the island is too shallow for the ship to dock. In order to access the island, you’ll have to take a water taxi from ship to shore. Guests staying in suites, as well as Platinum and Diamond cruisers and those that have purchased the Faster to the Fun pass, will have priority on the tenders.

4. The island has several water toys available for rent including catamarans, sailboats, sailboards, kayaks, paddleboards, etc. You can also rent a clamshell, cabana or beach villa. All of these can be charged to your Sail & Sign card. I strongly suggest booking cabanas and beach villas in advance.

5. Since this is a private island, you can enjoy a buffet for free just like you could on the ship! This is a huge perk! Otherwise, you’d either have to pay out of pocket or hop on a tender back to the ship to grab a bite to eat. You can use your Sail & Sign card to purchase alcoholic beverages, just like you would onboard.

Pro Tip: Make sure you have these items with you when you head into port.

Our Thoughts

I am so super pumped about visiting Half Moon Cay with our littles. Since it is a private island, and they speak English, it will be the perfect place to introduce them to foreign travel. Also, since The Bahamas are so close to our home state of Florida, we’ll be able to book a shorter cruise to see how they do as little cruisers.

Half Moon Cay offers lots of great water activities that kids and grownups alike will absolutely love!

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!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

If you’re planning on hitting up The Bahamas, be sure to check out A Beginners Guide to Nassau and 7 Things for Cruisers to do within Walking Distance in Nassau.

Be sure to pin this information for your trip! Give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more great cruising and travel information. See you next time!

Updated 3/15/23

Categories
Florida Jacksonville United States

Exploring Jacksonville’s Stunning Castaway Island Preserve with Kids

Castaway Island Preserve

Are you looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of your day to day life? Castaway Island Preserve is one of our favorite parks in northeast Florida. In fact, when pulling into the driveway, you are instantly transported into the “Real Florida”. This is the perfect place to become at one with nature.  This is hands-down one of our favorite parks in Jacksonville.

Pro-Tip:  Be sure to pack plenty of water!  Even though the trail is short and extremely easy, it’s important to stay hydrated.

We strongly suggest visiting the park early in the morning or on a cool day.  The trail is lightly shaded, in parts, but it is easy to get overheated in the hot Florida sun.  Full disclosure:  the park is miserable in the heat… as are most places in Florida.

What is the history behind Castaway Island Preserve?

The land for the Castaway Island Preserve was set aside in 1999. The city of Jacksonville designed the space to help manage growth, protect the environmentally sensitive salt marshlands, and improve water quality in the area. Today the preserve covers over 200 acres.

For some of the best views of the Intracoastal and marsh, check out the observation outlooks.  Head down the Island Trail and veer right to the boardwalk.  The boardwalk takes you straight out to the marsh.

There’s an additional boardwalk that leads to a floating dock that serves as a launch site for kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards.  To access this boardwalk, follow the main entrance road to the very back of the park.  The launch site is right at the edge of the parking lot, making it easy to put in your water vessel of choice.  

What are the highlights of Castaway Island Preserve?

  • Kid-friendly interpretive natural trail
  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing
  • Paddle Boarding
  • Education Center
  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Scoping out the salt marsh wildlife
  • It’s pet friendly!

Where is the park located?

The preserve is located along the Intracoastal Waterway in Jacksonville, Florida. It is located off of San Pablo Road between Atlantic Blvd. and Beach Blvd.

What are the park’s hours?

The park is open during daylight hours. There is also an Education Center that offers special programs. Check the park’s Facebook Page for events.

 

Our Thoughts on the Castaway Island

Castaway Island Preserve is truly a hidden gem. It is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the scenery. The Island Trail is the perfect place for little ones to explore and learn about the wildlife that inhabits the area. The trail has paintings of animal paw prints that will keep the kids guessing what animals they will learn about next.

The Island Trail is  comprised of boardwalks and paved sidewalks making it easy to navigate for everyone.  The trail is approximately one mile long and is a loop trail.  We really enjoy taking the boardwalk out to the marsh to look for creatures.  The kids love looking out for osprey, fiddler crabs, and woodpeckers.

This is a fantastic park for pups, as well. We’ve taken Lady Belle and Parker here to explore new sights and scents.  We always run into family’s with their dogs when we visit.

What is there to do Nearby?

  • Adventure Landing
  • Cradle Creek Preserve
  • Jacksonville Beach Pier
  • Fort Caroline

Our family also recommends the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens and the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens as kid-friendly destinations.

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!

Updated: 10/23/21

Categories
Cruise Tips Cruise Travel Packing

10 Things Cruisers Need in Port

The beach next to the ship is perfect for snorkeling and swimming!

Hey, y’all! If you’ve been around the blog for a while you know that I’m an avid cruiser. Some of our favorite cruise ports are in Mexico, Honduras, Belize, and Alaska. One of the most fun things about cruising is being able to head into port for a few hours to explore. When you disembark the ship, there are a few things cruisers need in port.

Things Cruisers Need in Port

1. Sail & Sign Card (or band, or medallion)

This is probably the most important thing cruisers need to have while in port. You’ll need your Sail & Sign Card, band, or medallion to check yourself in and out of the ship. This gives the crew real-time information about who is on board and who is still out exploring.

2. Identification

There are some destinations where simply having your ship card will suffice as identifications, however, there are ports where you’ll need government-issued identification to get through port security. I leave my passport locked away in my room safe and take my driver’s license with me to port. I use this travel wallet to keep all of my items together in one place.

3. Money

Okay… so this might sound obvious but you’re going to need access to some money. While you’re on the ship your ship card is attached to your bank account however, this won’t work in the port. Make sure you have a credit card, debit card, or cash money on you in port.

Pro Tip- Almost everywhere you go will accept American currency, especially if you’re purchasing goods close to the port.

4. Phone

We live in a society where we are tied to our phones. Make sure you take your phone with you when you get off the ship. It’s great for emergencies, and to use as a camera. Just keep in mind that you may have roaming fees if you use your phone out of the country. I keep my phone in a waterproof case while I’m on the beach. I strongly suggest getting a waterproof case, even if you don’t intend on taking in the water.

5. A Watch

If you take your phone off of airplane mode, the time will adjust to the local time zone. Remember, as a cruiser you need to stay on ship time. Make sure you have a watch or keep your phone on airplane mode, so you don’t lose track of ship time.

6. Sunblock

Trust me, there is nothing worse than being sunburned on a cruise- especially if it happens early on into your cruise. Do yourself a favor and lather up! You can still get a sunburn if it is overcast and many people are not used to the UV index. Pack a good sunscreen and a Chapstick with UV protection.

7. Water

While we’re on the topic of taking care of yourself, make sure you take some water with you. Remaining hydrated is essential when you are in tropical climates. It is very easy to get dehydrated… especially if you’re drinking or soaking up the sun at the beach.

8. Mosquito Repellent

If you’re going to be spending time outdoors, it’s a good idea to spray yourself with a repellent. Many cruise lines provide aerosol cans at the gangway in high-risk areas (such as Belize) but don’t rely on them having it. It’s best to be pro-active. I use Bull Frog Mosquito Coast which is a combination of repellent and sunscreen. Two birds… one stone.

9. Gallon Size Bag

These little guys are so versatile! I always pack a few when I am traveling. They are great for storing wet bathing suits and keeping documents dry. You can also fill it half-full of ice and use it as a neck wrap in the event someone is overheated.

10. Pen and Paper

I actually take a Sharpie with me everywhere I go. It’s a super handy tool to have on hand. If Sharpie’s aren’t your thing, I suggest sticking a pen and a small notepad in your bag. You can use this to jot down important information such as boarding times, directions, etc.

What are your port essentials? Drop them in the comments below!

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!

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**

Categories
Alaska Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel Juneau National Forest National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States

The Mendenhall Glacier and Tongass National Forest

If you’re gearing up for an Alaskan cruise this summer, chances are you’ll be paying a visit to the capital city of Juneau. While you’re in town, we suggest making a trip to the Mendenhall Glacier, one of the most popular attractions in the area. We highly suggest that you make a pit stop at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center to learn all about the glacier and the surrounding area.

What is the Mendenhall Glacier?

The Mendenhall Glacier is one of the many large glaciers that flow from the 1500 square mile area known as the Juneau Icefield. Around 3,000 ago, the earth experienced the Little Ice Age. When the climate warmed, much of the ice sheet melted back and exposed the valleys that we see today.

The glacier is located in Tongass National Forest. It is about 1.5 miles wide and more than 100 feet high.

How do I access the Mendenhall Glacier?

We took a quick 12-minute bus ride from the capital city of Juneau to Tongass National Forest. A roundtrip bus ticket from downtown will cost you about $30. You can also take a taxi, which runs about $35 each way.

We departed via bus from downtown Juneau to head out to Tongass National Forest. You won’t believe what happened as we were driving through the downtown streets! A black bear ran right in front of our bus! The bear was on a mission to chow down some skunk cabbage on the side of the road. Our guide said it was his first black bear of the season. It was such a cool sight!

The $5 entrance fee (ages 16+) covers admission to the Observatory building, as well as access to the trails and viewing areas. 

How cold is it on the Glacier?

Even if it’s a balmy 70 degrees in Juneau, you’ll want to pack a jacket. Temperatures on and around the glacier will most likely be around 32 degrees, or possibly cooler depending on the winds.

Highlights of the Mendenhall Glacier and Tongass National Forest

Learn All About the Glacier and Surrounding Forest

The Visitor Center building has several exhibits that breakdown how the terrain and landscape have changed over time. There are photos that show how much the glacier has changed and receded since the center first opened in 1962.

There’s also a 15 minute documentary that shows the changes, as well.

Hike the Photo Trail

Okay… even if you’re not a hiker, you’ll most definitely want to walk the 1/3 mile path along the Photo Trail. The trail is a paved walkway that gives you absolutely remarkable glimpses of the Mendenhall Glacier.

Get Up Close & Personal With a Waterfall

Nugget Falls

One of the highlights of our visit was the 2-mile hike on the Nugget Falls Trail. The trail took us to the 377-foot Nugget Falls and the base of the Mendenhall Glacier. The view couldn’t have been more photogenic with bald eagles flying around, the falls pounding into Mendenhall Lake and the glacier as the backdrop.

The water from the falls actually comes from Nugget Glacier, which is upstream from Mendenhall Glacier. It’s one of the 38 glacier that make up the Juneau Ice Field. There are also more impressive views of the Mendenhall Glacier from this location.

Hit the Other Trails

There are four other hiking trails that cover about six miles worth of terrain. Some of them are even paved, making them a bit easier to navigate. Make sure to grab a map from the visitor’s center before you venture out on your own.

It is strongly recommended that you remain alert and are aware of your surroundings. There’s a chance of running into bears while you’re out in the forest- they’re hungry and on the hunt for food! In fact, no food or drinks (other than water) is allowed on the trails during peak season due to bear activity. If you’re hitting the trails, make sure to pack some bear spray (yes, that’s a thing!), a bear horn, and a good pair of hiking shoes or boots.

Where can I see these bears?

Black bears are often seen close to the parking lot near the Steep Creek Trail. There are several boardwalks near creeks that can give you aerial views of bears fishing in the creek.

While in Juneau…

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

 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**

Updated: 12/14/2020

Categories
Fernandina Florida Florida State Parks State Parks United States

Historic Fort Clinch State Park with Kids

Fort Clinch

Are you looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day life? Fort Clinch State Park is one of the best State Parks in northeast Florida. When pulling into the driveway, you are instantly transported into the “Real Florida”. This is the perfect place to become one with nature and to take a step back into our state’s rich history.

There is plenty to do at Fort Clinch Park. Not only is the park home to a charming Civil War-era fort, but it is one of the best places in the area to find shark teeth. The park has a handful of excellent hiking/biking trails.

What is the history behind Fort Clinch?

Construction of the first fortifications on this site began in 1736, however, it wasn’t until nearly a century later that the Fort Clinch that we know started to take shape.  They should have put a woman in charge, it would have been built in no time (haha).  After the War of 1812, a series of forts (including Fort Clinch) were built along the eastern coastline of the United States to defend against foreign invaders.

After that, the construction of modern-day Fort Clinch began in 1847. However, when the Civil War started in 1861, the fort was only about two-thirds completed. For example, the cannons had yet to be mounted to the walls. Due to its location, the fort defaulted to Confederate control. Booooo, right?

Soon the Union swept through the area and started to gain control of southern Georgia. As a result, General Robert E. Lee gave the order to evacuate the fort. The Union troops quickly took over the fort and continued to enhance the fortification. When the fort was abandoned in 1869, it was still under construction.

  •  

 

The kids at Fort Clinch, 2020
The kids at Fort Clinch, 2024

What are the highlights of Fort Clinch State Park?

  • Visiting the fort
  • Shark tooth hunting
  • Shelling
  • Bicycling (there are 3.3 miles of paved road and 6 miles of multi-use trails)
  • Fishing
  • Hiking

Where is the park located?

The physical address is:

2601 Atlantic Ave.
Fernandina Beach FL 32034

Our Thoughts on Fort Clinch State Park

We’ve spent many days wandering around Fort Clinch State Park. It’s a great place to escape the madness of our day-to-day lives. The hiking/biking trails here are fantastic. Our dogs love wandering through the woods and marsh. Be on the lookout for (alli)gators!

Likewise, the fort itself is amazing. The crew that works at the park has done a phenomenal job maintaining the park and helping it come alive. The kids love being able to peer into the windows of the prison, barracks, bakery, storehouses, hospital, kitchens, blacksmith shops, etc. All of the rooms were furnished to help recreate the feeling of living in the fort in 1864.

The kids also like to explore the rampart and gun deck to check out the cannons. This part of the fort offers incredible views of Cumberland Island and Cumberland Sound.

Also, a “soldier” is on duty every day of the year. Be sure to ask them questions and interact with them while you’re there!  

 

Lastly, searching for sharks’ teeth is another one of our favorite things to do at the park. It’s best to hunt for shark teeth during low tide (when there is more beach exposure) or after a storm (when things get washed up onto the beach).

We have visited the park countless times with the kids and they never get bored of it!

Our Park Essentials

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

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!

Updated: 3/5/2024

Categories
Caribbean Central America Cruise Travel Honduras Little French Key

Little French Key in Roatan, Honduras – Why We WON’T Be Returning

Little French Key, Roatan, Honduras

Little French Key USED to be one of our favorite spots to visit in Central America.  We once saw it as a little slice of paradise where time moves a little slower, the sun shines a little brighter, the sand feels just a little bit softer, and the drinks are poured a little stronger. It was the perfect little escape for couples, families, and large groups.

Where is Little French Key?

Firstly, Honduras has 3 bay islands off of its north coast; Roatan, Utila, and Guanaja. During our 2016 visit, we discovered our favorite place in the world. Just off the coast of Roatan is a small private island oasis called Little French Key. Making it an itty bitty island, off the coast of another island… sound remote enough for you?

Imagine a tranquil, freshly raked, white sand beach that is shaded by gorgeous palms and surrounded by clear blue water. That, my friends, is LFK. At least, that’s what they want you to believe.  Underneath the surface, it’s actually a haven for drama, scandal, corruption, and everything we try to escape while on vacation.

The property is frequently in turmoil- turmoil the managers refer to as “hostile takeovers”.  These take overs sometimes include militia with machine guns, sieges by the government, arson, periods of time where there is no electricity or running water.  Little French Key has become a mess.

Probably the saddest part of all of this is the fact that there are innocent animals involved in this drama.  Little French Key prides itself as being a sanctuary for rescue animals.  These “rescues” end up being exploited and frequently sedated so that they remain calm while tourists pose for pictures with them.

 

 

 

Little French Key embodies everything we stand against.  It’s a shame that such a gorgeous property has succumbed to such drama and corruption.  We’ve visited the island 4x, and have such wonderful memories there.  We, however, will not be returning.

We caution you about visiting Little French Key, at this time.  The park closes without notice and is not issuing refunds to people who have prepaid for their trip.

Big French Key

Next to Little French Key is another island called Big French Key.  It has similar tranquil vibes without all of the machine guns, drugged-up animals, corruption, greed, fire, etc.

This is where WE will be visiting on our next trip to Roatan.  

While You’re in Roatan…

 

 Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter so you don’t miss out on the fun!  

Updated: 4/15/22

Exit mobile version