Seattle is full of some pretty incredible green spaces, but one of them stands out amongst all of the others. Gas Works Park is a 19-acre public park located on the site of the former Seattle Gas Light Company. The park still has a super industrial vibe to it, which makes this park incredibly unique.
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What are the highlights of Gas Works Park?
Large play barn
Gorgeous view of Lake Union and downtown Seattle
Picnicking
Kayaking
Paddle Boarding
Where is Gas Works Park?
The physical address is:
2101 N Northlake Way Seattle, WA 98103
When is the park open?
The park is open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM.
What are our thoughts on Gas Works Park?
We enjoyed our time at the park. It was a great place to spend the afternoon. There were a ton of people (tourists and locals, alike) who hung out at the park. Many kayaked, paddle boarded, flew kites or simply relaxed on the hill with friends and family.
This is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic and simply take in the views of the stunning Seattle skyline.
While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the Fremont Troll. We also suggest going to Kerry Park in the Queen Anne District. The Space Needle is also less than 4 miles away.
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Like many Alaskan tales, our trip to Alaska began in Seattle, Washington: The Gateway to the Pacific Northwest… or at least that is how it was advertised at the start of the Gold Rush in 1896. You see, one of the founding fathers of Washington was a total schmuck. He “mined the miners” and swindled the gold-hungry pioneers out of their money before they trekked more than 1,500 miles to The Yukon where gold was discovered.
Unfortunately, a majority of the Gold Rushers were ill-prepared for the harsh terrains of British Columbia, Alaska, and The Yukon. Eventually, the Canadian Mounties moseyed into town and said, “Listen, eh, we are tired of digging graves for all of you Americans. We are going to instate a new law, eh, that mandates you gold-rushers must have 2 tons of supplies in tow so you have a better chance of surviving, eh.“
Seattle has grown from being a town full of swindlers into being a bustling metropolis.
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Some of the highlights from our stay in Seattle were:
Pike Place Market on the Seattle Waterfront
First, what once started as a Farmer’s Market has now grown into a vibrant neighborhood populated by farmers, artists, crafters, small businesses, and even residents. The market first opened in 1907, making it one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers market in the United States. We wandered through six floors of shops featuring things like antiques, crafts, jewelry, comic books, flowers, baked goods, and, of course, seafood. The market has some really neat hidden gems, you’ll never know what kinds of things you’ll stumble upon!
Coffee
Ashley and I are huge coffee drinkers. Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks and Seattle’s Best. Depending on who you ask, there are 2 “original” Starbucks locations, both in the Pike Place neighborhood. First, the store has maintained the classic (and historic) look and has been opened since 1971. However, the 1st and Pike location is also referred to as the first Starbucks location. We visited both, for good measure 🙂
Another place that we visited for coffee was Biscuit Bitch. We had the best biscuits and gravy I’ve had outside of the south (it even crushed a lot of our local places!) and the prettiest coffee I’ve ever had. You will want to get there early, people tend to line up down the street to get in on all of this deliciousness!
The Greenspace
Seattle has some of the most amazing parks! Many of them offer absolutely breathtaking views of the city’s skyline.
You may or may not know that we are huge Grey’s Anatomy fans. Although the show, itself, is filmed in LA the exterior of the title character’s house is an actual home in the Queen Anne district. It’s not far from Kerry Park, or Parsons Garden so it was easy for us to fit into our tight schedule.
Art
We did a ton of walking in Seattle. Let me just say that those hills are freakin’ insane. I’m pretty sure that folks that live or work in Downtown Seattle have the best calves in America. You can quote me on that.
We saw some pretty great examples of art scattered all around the city. One example is the Tlingit Indian Totem Pole from Pioneer Square. More modern examples include the infamous Fremont Troll, and “Changing Form” in Kerry Park.
Mt. Rainier
Lastly, you can’t visit Seattle without hitting up Mt. Rainier. Mt. Rainier is part of Seattle’s iconic landscape. The mountain, which is an active volcano, is 14,410 feet above sea level. It is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous US.
We dedicated almost a full day to Mt. Rainier National Park and it was well worth it. The trails and our hike were a great way to kick off our vacation on the left coast. When you consider that we live in a city that is around 10 feet above sea level, it’s pretty astonishing to be somewhere that is so far above sea level. I mean, we barely even have hills in Jacksonville.
In short, Seattle quickly became one of our favorite places to visit. The city is full of a rich, fun, vibrant culture. There is plenty to do to keep you and your family entertained.
While You’re in Seattle
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Looking for a quick and easy to understand guide to Nassau, The Bahamas? You’ve come to the right place! In the this Guide to Nassau, will review the highlights on the island, discuss the best time to visit, and answer many popular questions about Nassau.
The Bahamas are a truly beautiful chain of islands full of gorgeous beaches, exciting history, and of course, rum. When many people think about the Bahamas, they think of the capital, Nassau, which is located on the island of New Providence. However, the chain consists of an impressive 700 islands and cays.
Believe it or not, The Bahamas aren’t actually part of the Caribbean…at least not geographically speaking. However, because of the climate, culture, cuisine and close ties with many of the Caribbean islands, The Bahamas is often grouped with Caribbean nations.
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A Quick Guide to Nassau
I like to tell people that The Bahamas are a great place for people to begin foreign travel. Visiting a foreign country can be extremely intimidating. Not only are you far away from home but many people worry about language barriers, cultural differences, and safety. Trust me, being lost in a foreign country where you can’t read any of the signs or speak with any of the locals is absolutely terrifying. With The Bahamas, you really don’t have to worry about any of that!
Parts of The Bahamas are located about 100 miles away from Florida. As a Floridan, I can tell you that The Bahamas are a lot like Florida! The Bahamas were colonized by the British in 1718 so the locals are fluent in English. Shops, vendors, and restaurants will all accept American currency as well. Speaking of restaurants, the food options here are just like you’d find here in The States! I honestly don’t even feel like I’ve left the country when I visit The Bahamas. Which is a great feeling for new travelers.
The Bahamas are the most popular islands in the region. In fact, Nassau, is the cruise industries most visited port of call. Each year, more than 5 million cruisers have Nassau on their itinerary. This is more than any other cruise port in the world!
What are some of the highlights of Nassau?
Nassau is the port most frequented by cruisers. Some of the highlights of Nassau include The Pirate Museum, Parliament Square, Fort Fincastle, and of course, the beach. The beaches here are pristine! We’re talking about sugary white sand, turquoise water, and gorgeous palm trees. Have I piqued your interest, yet?
When we’re in Nassau, we love hopping on a catamaran to explore some of the smaller surrounding islands. We also enjoy snorkeling while we’re here.
Of course, when many people think of Nassau, they think of Atlantis. Atlantis is an ocean-themed resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas- just a short water taxi ride from Nassau. Since it is not actually located on the island of Nassau, I’ll be sharing information about it in a different post.
Downtown Nassau can easily be explored on-foot and you can see a lot of the main attractions in one day. If you’d rather take a taxi, they are readily available.
Pro Tip:Taxis don’t have a flat fare like they do in the US. You can negotiate the price of the fare (in fact, it’s pretty much expected!). Be sure to ask the driver how much they want to charge you and negotiate before you get in the cab.
The Best Things to do in Nassau, Bahamas
There’s more to Nassau than just the beach! The island has plenty of super affordable things for families to do.
The Pirate Museum: This is many visitors favorite attraction on the island. The museum is self-guided and presents the history of Nassau and the pesky pirates that landed here hundreds of years ago. There’s a full-sized pirate ship and a ton of interactive things to keep kids entertained. The Pirates of Nassau Museum costs about $12 per person (less for kids).
Fort Fincastle: Fort Fincastle is an easy 10 minute walk from the Pirate Museum. It was built in the early 1790s to offer protection from pirates. The fort sits on top of the highest point of the island. Once upon a time, this offered a great vantage point for the islanders, today it offers a great vantage point for tourists.
Guided tours will run you about $5 and are well worth it.
Fort Fincastle- Nassau, Bahamas
The Queen’s Staircase: This popular attraction (and Instagrambackdrop!) is literally right next to the fort and will take you about 5 minutes to see. It may not look like much, but the history behind the staircase is pretty remarkable. The limestone stairs were hand-cut by slaves.
The stairs offered defenders a quick way to get from the fort down to the beaches in the event that pirates came ashore. The stairs were named after Queen Victoria, the British monarch that put an end to slavery.
The Straw Market: Although we don’t love this place, many others do. The Nassau Straw Market is an open air market located right by the cruise port. Visitors often flock here to pick up cheap souvenirs such as beach bags, t-shirts, shot glasses, etc. Most of the stuff was imported from China however, there are a handful of hand made items crafted by local Bahamians.
Pro Tip: The vendors are really pushy and make it hard to simply “window shop”. If you want to shop hassle-free, slip into one of the shops across the street, instead.
This is also a popular place for hair-braiding. Be careful- this adds up really fast $$$ be sure you know exactly what you’ll be getting for the amount advertised.
Parliament Square: Want a little glimpse at the history of The Bahamas? Head to Parliament Square, home of the local government. It’s located downtown, well within walking distance of the cruise ships.
Junkanoo Beach- Nassau, Bahamas
Junkanoo Beach: This free public beach is located really close to the cruise ship terminal, smack dab in the middle of downtown Nassau. It’s location (and the abundance of eateries nearby) make it a popular beach for tourists.
Pro Tip: This is a hot spot for thieves…the island is known for pirates, after all. Consider investing in a beach safe to keep your valuables safe.
What We Love About Nassau & What We Could Do Without
What we love:
It feels familiar & it is easy to navigate
There are plenty of beaches and outdoor activities like boating, snorkeling, paddling, and more.
The historic and cultural attractions
The African, Caribbean, and Colonial influences.
What we don’t love:
It’s super touristy- but that kind of goes with the territory.
Most of the stuff in the Straw Market was made in China…
Vendors can be super pushy.
What is the best month to go to Nassau, Bahamas?
The best time to visit The Bahamas is any time between November and April. Personally, January is a favorite, of mine. During these months you’ll experience lovely weather and less crowds…and it’s not hurricane season.
The Bahamas have pretty decent weather year round. The temperatures usually range between 75°F to 84°F, with seasonal variations. During the above mentioned months, the evenings and mornings can be a little chilly, but the water is still warm enough to swim and the sun is perfect!
The coldest month is January (with an average of 72°F) and August is the wettest (average rainfall of 6.2 inches). July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 82 °F.
The crowds start to pick up in March and April when schools let out for Spring Break.
Summers are hot, sticky, humid, and there’s a greater chance for rain. Hurricane season lasts from June 1 and ends November 30th.
What is the cheapest month to visit Nassau?
High season is considered to be May, June, and July- these are definitely the most expensive months to visit the island.
The cheapest month to fly from the US to Nassau is in January. This is also one of the cheapest times to cruise to Nassau.
Do I need a passport to go to Nassau, Bahamas?
If you are arriving to The Bahamas via plane, you definitely need to have a valid US Passport.
If you are arriving via cruise ship, you will need to have a passport, passport card, or an official birth certificate and government issued ID. It is strongly suggested that you always carry a passport when traveling to a foreign country.
Parliament Square, Nassau
Which airlines fly direct to Bahamas?
American Airlines, Delta, United, Envoy Air, jetBlue, Qatar Airways, Azul Airlines, and Bahamasair all fly non-stop to Bahamas.
What language is spoken in Nassau, Bahamas?
When the British colonized The Bahamas a couple hundred years ago, they brought with them the English language. Today, English is the official language of The Bahamas however, it is spoken with a Bahamian dialect.
Can you use US dollars in The Bahamas?
Remember how I said The Bahamas aren’t much different than Florida? The currency is yet another reason the two are so similar! The US Dollar is just as popular here as the Bahamian Dollar and they have an equal value, which makes transactions a breeze.
Is Nassau safe?
When you visit any new location, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings. I suggest staying within a few blocks of the port or catching a cab over to Paradise Island, home of Atlantis. The cabs are regulated and the prices are posted right near the cruise terminal to help ensure you won’t get ripped off. Although the crime rates are not high in Nassau, like with any touristy place criminals will target visitors. As long as you are smart about things, it is completely safe.
Can You Walk Around Nassau, Bahamas?
You can definitely experience Nassau on foot- without a tour! There is plenty for cruisers to do within walking distance of the port including the Straw market, the Pirate of Nassau Museum, and much more! Check out our Guide to Nassau on foot!
Do I Need a car in Nassau?
If you’re visiting via cruise or staying at a hotel in the tourist zones, you definitely do not need to rent a car. A lot of the tourist district is walkable and cabs are readily available.
If you are staying outside of the tourist district, you may want to consider renting a car if you want to explore parts of the town on your own.
Be aware the Bahamians drive on the left side of the road. The roads, especially Bay Street, can be rather chaotic and full of potholes. Lots and lots of potholes.
At the time of publication, Rideshares such as Uber and Lyft are not available in The Bahamas.
DuPont State Forest, frequently called DuPont Forest is a 10,000+ acre state forest located in Henderson and Transylvania counties in western North Carolina. Dupont State Recreational Forest is a perfect place to take a daytrip from Asheville or Hendersonville. The park’s picturesque trails and waterfalls are some of the best in the region.
The forest is a popular spot for hikers, kayakers, and swimmers (which is only permitted in designated areas).
The forest, and surrounding areas, are absolutely stunning. You may recognize portions of the park from movies such as The Hunger Games and Last of the Mohicans.
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What are the highlights of DuPont State Forest?
DuPont State Forest has nearly 83 miles of multi-use trails and roads that can be used for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The trails range from easy to moderate and are well-beaten and easy to navigate. When we visit we tend to stick to Triple Falls Trail, Hooker Falls Trail, and Bridal Veil Falls Trail, but there are plenty of more options!
Triple Falls Trail- 2.9 miles (easy)
This is the most popular trail at the forest, and one of the ones we hike every time we visit DuPont. It’s absolutely stunning and easy to do with little ones. In fact, I first started hiking this trail as a child! The hike crosses the Little River and then follows it upstream to up-close views of Trip Falls.
Hooker Falls Trail– 0.7 miles (easy)
This is the shortest hike in the forest making it super kid-friendly. Hooker Falls is well worth the short hike! This spot is also a popular swimming hole during the summer months.
Bridal Veil FallsTrail– 4.6 miles (easy)
This is one of my favorite hikes at DuPont. The 4.6-mile hike will lead you to the forest’s most beautiful waterfalls, the sheer cascades of Bridal Veil Falls.
The forest is probably most known for its waterfalls (which are way better than Florida’s waterfalls!). The waterfalls include:
Bridal Veil Falls
High Falls
Hooker Falls
Triple Falls
Grassy Creek Falls
Wintergreen Falls
Where is the DuPont State Forest located?
If you plug the following address into your GPS it will lead you to the High Falls Access Area:
1300 Staton Road Cedar Mountain, NC 28718
What is there to do nearby?
Another one of our favorite outdoor hangouts is the nearby Pisgah National Forest. We also love spending time at Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, which is located about 30 miles away. Of course, you can’t go wrong with paying a visit to Asheville or Hendersonville, either.
What Should I Take With Me?
When you’re hiking, please remember to leave no trace! This means to pack out everything that you pack in and if you see trash, pick it up.
Backpack– to store all of your belongings Dry Bag– to keep your electronics and wallet safe, in case of rain (or kayaking) Trail GPS– the Garmin Oregon handled GPS works offline. You can view maps, waypoints, tracks, and trails even if you don’t have a signal. First-Aid Kit– this ultralight, watertight medical kit is a must if you’re hitting the trails! Sunscreen- yes, you can get sunburned in the forest. Insect Repellant Water Bottle– Always pack more water than you think you’ll need! Snacks Hammock– I honestly pack a hammock on most hiking trips. Psh, I even bring them along with me when we go on cruises. There are plenty of spots in the forest to put up a hammock and chill out for a bit.
If you’re traveling with your pup, like we often do, be sure to bring along their leash, poop bags,a water dish (this one is collapsible), extra water, food, and snacks.
Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!
Don’t forget to save one of our DuPont State Forest pins to help you start planning your trip! While you’re in the area, check out Chimney Rock. If you’re traveling with kids, consider booking a cabin or campsite at Yogi Bear’s Camp Jellystone: Golden Valley.
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Cozumel Beach Buggy & Snorkel Excursion– I have a secret.Cozumel has really grown on me. When I first visited the island over a decade ago, I wasn’t very impressed. The more and more I visit, the more appealing it is. This could be because the first few times I visited, I simply drank like a fish while I was in port…
I originally intended on taking the ferry to mainland Mexico and spending the day at a nature park called Xcaret. However, the ferry service was temporarily out of service for tourists (due to a recent terrorist attack on the ferry system) so I was forced to make other plans.
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The Beach Buggies
My family ended up booking a beach buggy & snorkel excursion through Carnival. The beach buggy had a manual transmission with no 2nd or 3rd gears- which meant there was zero chance that I would be driving. I ended up hopping in the backseat with my niece, Frankenstein, where we enjoyed the breezy drive around the island. The buggy itself was a bit rough around the edges. It was a pain in the butt to drive and several of the people on our excursion had issues. We may have been better off just renting a Jeep. Our first stop was a beach about a 10-minute drive away from the port.
The Snorkeling Excursion
Our first stop was a beach about a 10-minute drive away from the port. The beach had a restaurant and bar area as well as changing rooms for those who needed to switch into their bathing suit. The sand was covered with lounge chairs, and palm trees laced with hammocks. The beach itself was rather pretty. After a safety briefing, we were led out on a guided snorkel tour. In my honest opinion, they should probably pick a different beach to snorkel. There isn’t much of anything to see and chances are you’ll see more people than fish. I lasted about 10 minutes in the water before I went to hang out in a lounge chair. I attempted to order a drink but had a hard time getting a bar waiter to come over to my chair.
Punta Morena
Next, we took a 45 minute down the coast to our next stop, Punta Morena, on the Atlantic side of the island. Many people don’t realize that much of Cozumel is actually undeveloped. Cruisers tend to hit the downtown area or take a ferry to the mainland and very few actually venture out to check out the island, as a whole. The island is so undeveloped that much of the Atlantic-side doesn’t even have electricity.
The ride from the beach to Punta Morena was alright. Although we drove along the coast, much of it was covered with heavy vegetation so we had brief glances at the turquoise blue water. Since we had to stick with our guide, we weren’t able to pull over and take advantage of some of the more scenic beaches.
We arrived at Punta Morena where we had a lovely lunch. The food was much like everything else I’ve had in the Yucatan, so I knew what to expect. Lunch was chicken, fish, or beef tacos or nachos served buffet style with rice and beans.
After eating, we had plenty of time to check out the beach area. Since we were on the Atlantic side, it was much too choppy and the current was too strong for us to be able to get into the water. The waves crashing against the rocky surface made for great photos, however.
Punta Morena also had a pool, bar and several lounge chairs and hammocks for us to enjoy. Overall, the restaurant itself was nice.
Lastly, we hopped back into the beach buggies and drove through downtown Cozumel so we could “see how the locals lived”. The drive back was rather lackluster.
The tour itself was alright, however, I don’t know that I would do it again. I have done some pretty great things in and around Cozumel and this was by far my least favorite. I would definitely recommend visiting Tulum or checking out Rio Secreto over this tour. One thing that I think could have made it better was somehow fitting in a trip to the San Gervasio Mayan ruins. When we were at Punta Morena we were seriously within miles of the ruins. I think a short visit there would have made an excellent addition to the excursion. I’d suggest cutting a little time off of snorkeling or Punta Morena to make it happen.
That being said, I did have fun on the Beach Buggy & Snorkel Excursion. It would have been nice if the snorkeling was all it was made out to be, and if the buggies themselves were in better working order. However, it was a nice way to see the island of Cozumel. Had we not rented the buggies, I don’t know that I would have ever been able to see the Atlantic side of Cozumel.
Rio Secreto is hands down one of the most amazing places in the Yucatan Peninsula. Each year thousands of tourists flock to Mexico to enjoy the countries rich history and stunning beaches. If you’re a cruise goer, chances are you’ll visit Mexico as one of your ports. During my visits, I have experienced some pretty incredible things, from relaxing catamaran rides to thrilling snorkeling trips and visits to Mayan ruins. During one trip, I stumbled on something pretty remarkable. A little place called Rio Secreto.
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What is Rio Secreto?
Rio Secreto is known as the Maya Riviera’s newest cenote. It was accidentally discovered by a farmer in 2005. The farmer was chasing an iguana when he found a hidden cave. Upon entering the cave, he found a secret underground river. The mouth of the cave opened up to several different rooms, a few of which are open for tours. Rio Secreto is a preservation site, so the tours are closely monitored and limited to a few groups each day.
Your guide will lead your group through the cave. Some parts of the river are merely ankle-deep whereas other parts are deep enough to require swimming. A majority of the cave is extremely open however, there are a few sections of the cave that are very narrow.
What is so alluring about Rio Secreto?
This nature reserve is one of the most alluring Mexican cenotes. It is the longest semi-sunken cave system in the Yucatan Peninsula. The site features almost 7 1/2 miles (12 km) of underground rivers to explore.
Another great thing about this magnificent place is the fact that you don’t need diving certification to check it out!
There are 15 different entrances to this cave system, which allows for a more intimate experience and allows you to really enjoy the caves. It’s almost like being on your own private tour!
Where is Rio Secreto Located?
Rio Secreto is located in Playa del Carmen. If you are cruising, you can access it from the ports of Playa del Carmen or Cozumel (via ferry to the mainland). It is also not far from Cancun.
Sunscreen– Although you’ll be inside a cave, it is still important to make sure your skin is protected while you’re out of the cave. Make sure you only use a biodegradable sunscreen while at any cenote.
There lockers available on-site to store your valuables.
What is There to do Nearby?
This site is located in the heart of the historic Mayan Riviera- a huge tourist location. There is plenty to do nearby including Xcaret (another adventure nature park), Xel-ha (a natural aquarium), and the Maya ruins of Tulum.
While You're in Cozumel...
Final Thoughts
Rio Secreto is one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets! It is located in Playa del Carmen and is easily accessible from Cozumel. I guarantee you won’t regret visiting this stunning site on your next trip to Mexico. The guides are not only very friendly, but they are extremely knowledgeable about the area’s history. This will help make this an experience one that you’ll remember for a lifetime!
Although the world around us is slowly opening up, our little family is still self-isolating The twins, Scoop and Stinky, both have weak immune systems and respiratory problems, so we’re doing everything we can to keep them safe and healthy. Since our entertainment options are limited, we’ve been taking virtual field trips. One of the kid’s favorites has been a virtual trip to Disney.
This January, we made our first trek down to Disney with the kids. Naturally, they fell in love with the fairytale wonderland. Our plans were to take them back to Magic Kingdom once the adoption was finalized however, 2020 had other plans.
Instead, we broke out our Mickey Mouse shirts and hats and plopped down on the couch. I pulled up YouTube and we took a virtual trip to Disney. Honest to God this was the quietest they have been since the beginning of March. The kids had such a blast “riding” the rides and were absolutely mesmerized by all of the colors.
How does this work, you might ask? Tons of YouTubers have shared videos of “ride thrus” of some of Disney’s most popular attractions. Rides like “Frozen Ever After” and “Space Mountain” come available with just a click!
Grab your Fast Pass and join us on some of our favorite rides!
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The Little Mermaid
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Frozen Ever After
Space Mountain
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Peter Pan’s Flight
Slinky Dog Dash
Pirates of the Caribbean
It’s a Small World
We hope you enjoy this virtual trip to Disney as much as we do! Although a virtual trip isn’t nearly as exciting as a real trip to Disney, it will have to do for now. And let’s face it, you can’t beat the wait times!
Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Online Adventure!
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The key to a successful cruise is preparation which is why I ensure I have all of the essentials in my embarkation bag. Taking the time to take care of and organize things before leaving for your vacation can help it go much more smoothly. Making sure that you are organized from day one is the key to a successful vacation. Today we’re going to focus on what you should have with you in your cruise embarkation bag.
Embarkation day is one of my favorite parts of the cruise simply because it means that my vacation has officially started! Of course, days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are my favorite parts of the cruise as well! Embarkation day can be stressful though, even to a veteran cruiser, like me. Checking in can be quite the process but if you do a little preparation beforehand, it most definitely helps move things along a little faster. Let’s put it this way, the more prepared you are- the faster you can get to the fun!
Whether you’ve cruised or not, I strongly suggest taking a look at my 12 Things You Should Do Before You Cruiseto help ensure you don’t miss any important steps! Part of being prepared is having everything you need on hand and easily accessible.
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Six Things Cruisers Should Have in their Embarkation Bag
1. Passport– All cruisers must have a passport or a birth certificate with a raised seal in order to board the ship.
2. Bank Cards– Although you set up your expense account prior to boarding the ship, I always keep my bank cards on me during check out just in case they need them.
3. Boarding Pass– Keep your boarding pass and passport handy at all times! Both of these documents will be checked multiple times before you board the ship.
4. Medical Information Sheet- One of the documents you’ll need to have filled out before you board the ship is a medical information sheet. The information is pretty generic, they’ll ask if you’ve had a fever or been sick within the last few days. Make sure you fill it out in advance.
Pro-Tip: All of these items can be stored in a Travel Wallet to keep them organized and all in one place.
5. Medication- It may be awhile before you get your luggage. Make sure you carry any necessary medication in your carry on.
6. Pens- I may go a little overboard in this department. I pack a couple of pens, a Sharpie, and a highlighter. These items stay in my bag during excursions so I like to have a few extras on hand, just in case.
Naturally, I throw some non-essentials in my bag as well. These include:
A notebook
A book
A sweater
A pouch with hand sanitzers
Chapstick
Small pouch (for my key fob)
Hair ties (again, I keep these in my bag for excursions so I like to have extras on hand.)
All of these items get neatly placed inside a backpack. I keep my passport and documents in one section with my wallet and the remaining items in a different part of my backpack so they aren’t in the way if I need to grab something. Although I carry a bookbag (which is also the same bag I use in port), all of these items could easily fit inside of a large purse as well.
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.
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What are the highlights of the Jacksonville Zoo?
Our zoo has a ton of great features! Some of our favorite include:
Range of the Jaguar
Since Jax is home to the Jacksonville Jaguars, it’s only fitting that we have an awesome jaguar exhibit! Our city’s favorite cats can usually be found sunning along the edge of the Lost Temple.
Land of the Tiger
This is one of the zoo’s newest upgrades. We love watching the Malayan and Sumatran tigers strut their stuff in their awesome exhibit! We especially love seeing them prowl in the tunnels overhead. This exhibit is at the back of the park so we suggest taking the train if you want to get there quickly for one of the feedings.
Stingray Bay
This is one of the few spots at the zoo where you can get up close and personal with an animal. Once upon a time, you used to have to pay to visit Stingray Bay, but now it is FREE! Visitors are asked to wash their hands and arms (up to their elbows) before approaching the water habitat.
Once you’ve washed up, you’re free to reach in and touch the stingrays.
The Giraffe Overlook
Our favorite thing about this exhibit is being able to come face to face with these beautiful spotted creatures! There is often a line to feed the giraffes, but if you have little ones it is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of their day!
African Forest
The African Forest is home to some of our favorite animals- the primates! In 2018 the Zoo unveiled a brand new upgraded habitat that gives the gorillas, bonobos, and monkeys plenty of space to roam. The habitats have lots of enrichment opportunities and tunnels for the animals to explore.
Where is the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens located?
The zoo is located just north of the downtown area near the airport and cruise terminal. It is easily accessible from both 95 and 295.
The physical address is:
370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218
Our Thoughts on the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens is one of our favorite places to visit. During the summer, we are here at least once a week. We like to visit the zoo when it first opens so that it is not as hot or crowded. If you visit a little later in the day, the zoo has a splash park that offers a reprieve from the hot Florida sun.
You can easily see the entire zoo in a few hours. We often will skip Wild Florida, Australia, and indoor exhibits so that we can be in and out of the zoo in under 3 hours.
The zoo has a train that loops around the park. It has two stops, one near the entrance and one close to the back of the park near the Asian part of the zoo. We sometimes like to take the train to the back of the park and work our way to the front to avoid having to double back.
Are you looking to explore Nassau on a budget? You’re in luck! There is plenty for cruisers to do within walking distance in Nassau! Whether you’re looking to hit the beach, learn about pirate history, or do a bit of shopping; all of these things are all within walking distance of the cruise port!
There are some cruise ports where you can absolutely 100% get away without booking an excursion. Nassau, Bahamas is one of those ports. There are a ton of things to do within walking distance of the port. There is also a taxi stand nearby where you can catch a cab to Atlantis, Cable Beach, and beyond.
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7 Things for Cruisers to Do Within Walking Distance in Nassau, Bahamas
The Straw Market is one of Nassau’s most famous landmarks. Since it is right at the port, it is one of the most popular things for cruisers to do within walking distance. It is home to homemade Bahamian crafts, souvenirs, and gifts. Cruisers frequently pick up woven bags, dolls, conch shell jewelry, wood carvings, and t-shirts. Feel free to barter with the vendors. Vendors will gladly accept US dollars of Bahamian cash.
The colors of the government buildings surrounding this square are gorgeous! Visitors love taking photos of this picturesque square, but aside from the cannons and statue of Queen Victoria, there isn’t much else to do. It’s lovely to see if you’re in the area. The square is located on Bay Street, a short walking distance from the port.
Queen’s Staircase
This is a great place to learn about some of the history of Nassau. Be forewarned that the people offering information expect a tip 😉 That being said, they are very informative so if you’re a history buff, it may be worth it. The stairs were hand-carved by slaves, which is extremely saddening and equally as impressive. Don’t cheat yourself by only viewing it from the bottom, walk up the stairs as well to really appreciate the views.
Fort Fincastle
This fort was built in 1793 by Lord Dunmore and can be found at the top of the Queen’s Staircase. The fort overlooks the city and Queen’s Staircase. There is a small charge ($3.50 per person) if you want to get into the fort itself however, it is free to walk the grounds. The grounds offer an excellent view of the cruise ships and Paradise Island (home to Atlantis). The fort itself is very small and will only take about 15 minutes to tour if you choose to go inside.
Bahamas Rum Cake Factory
This bright pink building is home to some of the best rum cakes in the world. These super moist bites of heaven are loaded with top-secret ingredients and baked to perfection before being soaked in Ole Nassau Bahamian Rum. The shop offers 7 unique and super delicious flavors. These cakes make excellent gifts for your loved ones.
Woodes Rogers Walk & Bay Street
These two streets run parallel to each other in the downtown area. They are full of wonderful shops where you’re sure to get a bargain! Be sure to shop around before you commit.
Pirates of Nassau Museum
This museum is great for kids and adults alike. The Pirates of Nassau Museum is one of the most popular things to do within walking distance in Nassau! The museum highlights the history of pirates in the area. It includes interactive elements and a full-size pirate ship! Visiting the museum a great way to beat the heat and learn about Nassau’s past.
There is something for everyone within walking distance in Nassau! You maybe have noticed we didn’t include any beaches in our list. Don’t worry, we have a recommendation for that too! Junkanoo Beach is a free public beach within walking distance of the Nassau cruise port. From the Prince George Wharf (the cruise port), simply turn right at the street and follow the crowds.
The beach is gorgeous…but this is pirate country, after all, so it is a haven for thieves. You may want to consider an anti-theft travel tote.
