Category: United States

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Florida Jacksonville United States

Join in on the Fun with Kids Free November in Jacksonville

MOSH
MOSH Mural

 Kids Free November is an annual event where kids under 12 get to experience the coolest places in Jacksonville for free!  It is an amazing way to expose your kids to new experiences around town.  Your kids will be able to explore, learn something new, and have hands-on fun all while enjoying quality family time!  Scope out the list of participating attractions below to start planning your family fun.  

Kids Free November Participating Locations

The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens is one of the most visited attractions in the city.  More than a million people a year flock to the zoo to glimpse at the 2,000+ animals.  Highlights of the zoo include:  The Range of the Jaguar, Land of the Tiger, Stingray Bay, The Giraffe Overlook, and the African Forest.

The Jacksonville Zoo is constantly evolving to become a destination your family will love.

The Deal:  Up to 5 children (ages 3-12) get FREE general admission with a paying adult.  Tickets must be purchased online and will not be available at the gate.  The ticket website will be available for Kids Free November reservations in mid-October.

Official Website

One of our favorite places to visit is the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary.  The Catty Shack is open for daytime tours, daytime feedings, and special night feedings (not available with this offer).  The facility rescues exotic animals and provides with with the care they need to live happy, healthy, lives.  The provide refuge for tigers, lions, pumas, leopards, lynx, foxes, and coatimundis.  

Fun Fact:  When the wind is just right, we can sometimes hear the big cats roaring at our house!

The Deal:  Up to 2 children (ages 3-11) get FREE general admission with a paying adult.  This is valid only for daytime tours- not night feedings.

Official Website

Our family loves to spend time on the water!  If you haven’t taken your kids kayaking or paddleboarding, we strongly suggest doing so!  Kayak Amelia is located on Heckscher Drive.  They offer guided kayak, and SUP ecotours as well as rentals.    Reservations are required for guided tours (but not rentals).  

The Deal:  For any adult ticket purchased, you will receive a ticket good for a child ages 3-14 for free.  Good for guided tours and rentals.

Official Website

The Durkeeville Historical Society was established in 1998.  Their goal is to help educate people about this historic African American community.  The historical markers in this area highlight John Rosamond Johnson (wrote the music to Black National Anthem), James Weldon Johnson (who wrote the words for the Black National Anthem), Bessie Coleman (the first African-American female pilot), and more.

The Deal:  Up to 5 children (ages 12 and under) get free general admission with a paying adult.

Official Website

The Ritz Theatre and Museum is located downtown on North Davis Street. The Ritz is a 400-seat theatre, museum, and gallery in the heart of La Villa, a historic African American community.  Between the 1920s and 1960s La Villa was known as the Harlem of the South.  Today, the building stands as a reminder of the talented men and women who once graced the stage of this iconic theatre.

The Deal:  With the purchase of any adult ticket, you will receive a child’s ticket for children 7 to 17 for free.  There will be a special reading for kids on November 19th. 

Official Website

Our oldest is a huge fan of art.  We’ve discovered the museums are a great place to escape the Florida heat.  One of her favorites is the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.  The Cummer, as it is affectionately known, has one of the best collections in the southeastern United States.  The collection spans from 2100 BC through the present.  The grounds of the museum are absolutely stunning!  The 2.5 acres of meticulously maintained gardens are the perfect spot for a  picnic.    

The Deal:  Children ages 6 to 12 get in FREE with a general admission paying adult.

Official Website

Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Jacksonville is the only contemporary art museum in Northeast Florida.  They are offering free admission on Saturday November 5th from 11 AM until 5 PM.  The museum will offer kid-friendly activities, arts and crafts, and more!  If you can’t make it to the Family Day, kids can still receive free admission with a paying adult.

If you haven’t checked out the Da Vinci: Machines & Robotics exhibit at MOSH, yet, now is the perfect time to do so!  The Museum of Science and History is currently hosting an exhibit highlighting Jules Verne’s 1870 classic “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”.  The Voyage to the Deep traveling exhibit brings to life Captain Nemo’s submarine and other wonders of his mythical world. In addition of the special exhibit, they also have a permanent exhibits such as:  Currents of Time, Atlantic Tails, and JEA PowerPlay.

The Deal:  Up to 5 children (ages 3 to 12) get in FREE per paying adult.

Official Website

Did you know that Jacksonville is home to the largest candy store in the southeast?  Sweet Pete’s is a candy factory and candy store located downtown.  They also have a scrumptious ice cream shop and a restaurant.  Our kids love picking out some candy and enjoying lunch on porch.  They also love the different candy making classes Sweet Pete’s offers.  

The Deal:  Up to 3 children tickets FREE with the purchase of 1 adult ticket for the Gummy Kabob Making Station.   

Official Website

Other Kids Free November Offers

King Pins Bowling Center is offering free bowling for up to 5 children (ages 3-12) with a paying adult.

Autobahn Indoor Speedway & Events is offering 1 hour of unlimited arcade time free with any race purchase.  The offer is valid Monday through Thursday and is limited to one item per child.

iFly is granting free admission for 5 children with the purchase of the full priced 5 flight package by a participating adult.  The offer is not valid on Friday’s or Saturday’s and you must call ahead to book.  Be sure to mention Kids Free November when booking.

Main Event is offering free bowling shoes with the purchase of a bowling lane reservation with a one hour minimum.  This offer cannot be combined with any other discounts or offers.  You must mention Jax Kids Free November upon arrival.  

Kids Free November Details

  • The event runs from November 1st – November 30th
  • Up to 5 children (depending on the venue),  ages 12 and under, get free admission with a paying adult.
  • No coupon or promo code is necessary
  • This deal cannot be combined with any other offers and cannot be used for special events.

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Updated: 9/16/2022

Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Springs State Parks United States

18 Gorgeous Florida Springs State Parks

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park

Did you know that Florida’s first tourist attraction was its fresh water springs?  For ages, people have flocked from all around to experience some of the most remarkable natural springs in the world.  In fact, Florida has more natural springs than any other place on the planet.

The Florida State Park system has created parks at  several of the 700 natural springs.  The parks offer amenities such as hiking trails and campsites.  Some parks also offer eco tours and watercraft rentals.

Florida Springs State Parks

Blue Spring State Park-  Blue Spring State Park is a great day trip from Orlando.  The park offers kayak and canoe rentals and has an excellent boat tour that will take you out on the Saint Johns River.  

Our favorite thing about this spring is that there is a launch area for inner tubes so that you can float down the spring.  The exit landing is a short hike back to the beginning of the run.

If you plan on launching a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, consider putting in at nearby French Landing.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park- The Ichetucknee Springs are iconic Florida springs.   People come from all around to float down the river.  There are several different launch sites, so be sure to  do your research before you head out.  The park has kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards available to rent.  There are also vendors that rent out inner tubes.

This popular destination often closes due to reaching full capacity early on.  If the park is closed when you arrive check nearby Poe Springs, Rum Island, Ginnie Springs, or Gilchrist Blue Springs.

Wekiwa Springs State Park-  Did you know that you could find emerald springs and a lush tropical hammock just minutes from downtown Orlando?  Wekiwa Springs is Orange County’s oldest tourist attraction and the perfect place to hit up during your Orlando vacation!  They offer canoe and kayak rentals on site.

The park also has several trails ranging from 8/10 mile to 13.5 miles in length!  From the trails you might spot white-tailed deer, gopher tortoise, turkeys, and many other birds.  You might even spot a bobcat or Florida black bear!

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park-  Gilchrist Blue Springs is one of Florida’s newest state parks.  The park offers an impressive spring that leads out to the Sante Fe River.  The park offers camping, and kayak/canoe rentals.  The park is located right next to Ginnie Springs, Rum Island, and Poe Springs, so if it is at capacity, you can always try one of those.

De Leon Springs State Park-  This park served as one of Florida’s first tourist attractions.  Visitors would cruise down to the springs via steam boat to relax and unwind in the springs. 

Today, De Leon Springs has relics that help document the history from the park- all the way back to its days as a plantation.

The park offers kayak rentals, boat tours, and has a popular restaurant where you can make your own pancakes.  Be sure to check out the hiking trails while you’re there.

Silver Springs State Park-  This is probably the most commercialized Florida spring.  One of the main attractions is the glass bottom boat ride- Florida’s oldest attraction!  The 30 minute tour will set you back $12/person, where as the 1.5 hour one is $25/person.  It is an amazing way to experience the springs!  

Silver Springs State Park also has kayak, SUP, and canoe rentals. You can even book a guided paddling tour!

Silver Springs also has a restaurant on site where you can purchase sandwiches, wraps, burgers, chicken tenders, salads and more.  There is also an ice cream shop on the property.  You could easily spend an entire day at these springs!

Madison Blue Springs State Park-  Did you know that Madison Blue Springs was voted as America’s #1 Swimming Hole? Spend a day here and it is easy to see why!  Pack an innertube so you can kick back and enjoy this amazing spring!

Lafayette Blue Springs State Park-  Located on the Suwannee River, this first-magnitude  spring is the perfect place to take a dip or paddle.  The park also has a unique feature- a nature limestone bridge that crosses the spring run.  Be sure to check the Florida State Park official website before heading to these springs (and any on the Suwannee), as it sometimes gets browned out from the rain.

Fanning Springs State Park- Also located on the Suwannee, you’ll find Fanning Springs.  These springs are known for their abundance of underwater wildlife!  You’ll find turtles, bass, flounder, mullet, bowfins, and even manatees (on cooler days!).  

Fanning Springs is also known as a training site for divers.  The maximum depth is about 21 feet, making it a great place to begin learning how to scuba.  

Troy Springs State Park-  Troy Springs is a hidden gem along the Suwannee River.  Like the neighboring springs, it is well-known as a paddling, snorkeling, and scuba diving site.  One thing that set this site apart from the rest, is that just under the water’s surface you’ll find the remains of a Civil War-era steamboat.  The Madison was scuttled in 1863 to prevent it from being captured by Union Troops.  

Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park-  This amazing park has two major springs, a spring run, and six sinkholes all in near-perfect condition!  The park was named in honor of a world-class underwater explorer and diver so it is no surprise that cave divers from all over the world flock here to explore the underwater caverns.  To date, more than 33,000 feet of underwater passages have been surveyed, making it one of the longest underwater cave systems in the world!  

Don’t worry, if diving isn’t your thing you can also swim and paddle here! 

Rainbow Springs State Park- Picture this- ornamental gardens, waterfalls, surrounding a sapphire blue spring.  That, my friends, is Rainbow Springs.  

This is one of the state’s most popular springs, so it often hits capacity very early in the day.

Manatee Springs State Park- The park has a 800-foot boardwalk that runs through the cypress forest and looks out onto the emerald green springs.  The park was named for the manatees that flock to these waters in the cooler months.  

Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park-  This spring is small but mighty!  It measures an impressive 351 feet deep! Unfortunately, there is no swimming at Werner-Boyce (due to the mangroves), but it is a popular place for paddling.  The Salty Dog offers kayak and canoe rentals on-site.  There are also guided paddling tours and kayaking lessons.

Wakulla Springs State Park-  This sapphire blue spring is the world’s largest and deepest freshwater spring!  The spring maintains a year-round temperature of 70 degrees (a bit cooler than most other Florida springs).  

The park offers historic boat tours and has concession stands and a restaurant on site.  

O’Leno State Park & River Rise-  This unique park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.  It is one Florida’s first state parks!  The CCC constructed a suspension bridge and other structures amongst the trees on the banks of the Santa Fe River.  There are more than 20 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails to explore.

Homosassa Springs  Wildlife State Park-  Anytime the word “wildlife” is included in the name of a park- it’s gotta be great! This park is home to the endangered Florida panther, red wolves, key deer, Florida blackboards, the elusive bobcat, manatees, an abundance of birds (even flamingos!), and of course, fish, turtles, and alligators.  

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park-  Naturally, we’ve saved one of the most unique springs for last!  Weeki Wachee is home to the famous mermaid shows!  The iconic mermaids perform in a stunning, natural, spring.  Oh…and there is also a water park here called Buccaneer Bay.  The waterpark features two water slides that dump out into the springs.  There is also a play area designed for children 6 and under.

In addition to all of the commercial hooplah- visitors can swim or paddle in the stunning water.  The park is also known for housing the deepest freshwater cave system in the United States.

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Post Updated: 3/5/23

Categories
Florida St. Augustine United States

St. Augustine Alligator Farm- An Alligator Frenzy

St. Augustine Alligator Farm

The St. Augustine Alligator Farm offers the quintessential Florida experience.  Trust me, there is nothing more Florida than witnessing a bunch of alligators basking in the sun.  The Alligator Farm is one of St. Augustine’s premier attractions- outside of pirates, forts, and historical sights.  The park offers a sanctuary to these reptiles and many more awesome animals.

The St. Augustine Alligator Farm is an interesting family-friendly place to visit. Plan on spending about two hours at the zoo to really enjoy the experience.  

History of the St. Augustine Alligator Farm

The St. Augustine Alligator Farm that you see today is more than 100 years in the making. The park began as a small exhibition of Florida reptiles in the late nineteenth century.  Since then, it has grown from a roadside attraction into a modern zoo that serves as a base for researchers and zoologists.

In the late 1980s the zoological park became nationally accredited due to their quality of care of their collections.  Today, the farm is the only facility in the world that currently features all 24 species of crocodilian.

The Alligator Farm Experience

You will be submerged into the alligator culture from the moment you step foot in the complex.  The first habitat houses baby alligators.  You won’t believe how incredibly cute and cuddly these little guys look!

Right by the first enclosure you’ll find a fake gator that your kiddos can sit on and pose for a picture.  

Pro-Tip:  If you want to get a picture with your kids sitting on the fake alligator do it as soon as you arrive… you know before your kid is hot and cranky from the Florida sun.

Just beyond the baby gators you’ll find a spectacular discovery:  albino alligators.  These dudes look AWESOME!

Our favorite part of the park was probably the Alligator Swamp exhibit.  There is a boardwalk that runs the length of the habitat.  Below you’ll see alligators sunbathing on the banks of the swamp- just like you’d see in the Everglades or the Okefenokee.  

The gators are EVERYWHERE!  It’s eerie to see them piled on top of each other in the water and on the banks.  The whole time we were crossing our fingers that one of the kids didn’t decide to hop in and go for a swim!

On our most recent visit we got to witness real carnage!  We watched as an alligator charged after a bird and made it his mid-morning snack.

Pro-Tip:  Speaking of feeding the alligators… pack your change so you can buy some treats (dog food) to feed the gators.

Animals That Can Be Found at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm

  • Alligators
  • Crocodiles
  • Komodo Dragons
  • Lemurs
  • Tamarins
  • Galapagos Tortoises
  • Birds (parrots, cockatoos, cranes, hornbills, storks, vultures, etc.)

Other Attractions

  • Fossil Discoveries
  • Educational Shows
  • Feedings
  • Playground
  • Restaurant & Bar
  • Zip Through the Zoo

We cannot wait to go back when the boys are a bit older so we can all enjoy the Zip Through the Zoo!  The park has a zipline and ropes course that traverses seven acres! The course features over 50 different obstacles that give you a birds-eye-view of the animals.  

Coming Soon:  Python Challenge and climbing wall.

Visiting the St. Augustine Alligator Farm

The zoo is open every day from 9am to 5pm. In the summers, they remain open until 6pm.

We suggest purchasing your tickets online, in advance.

Pro-Tip:  Plan your visit for early in the day to avoid the hot Florida sun.

What is there to do Nearby?

Although the St. Augustine Farm lies outside of the historic district, there is still plenty to do nearby.

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Categories
Georgia Golden Isles National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States

Beautiful Fort Frederica National Monument

Fort Frederica, Saint Simons Island

The Golden Isles are one of the crown jewels of Georgia.  Not only do they offer stunning scenery, but they are also full of history.  One prime example of this is Fort Frederica National Monument on St. Simons Island.  This fort is one of our favorite spots to explore.

Historical sites, especially forts, are some of the best places to visit with kids.   Our kids love to run around and explore the wide open spaces.  They are interesting because sometimes the sites are really well preserved (like Fort Clinch and Castillo de San Marcos), other times a replica for the fort has been erected (like Fort Caroline), and other times the sites are mere fragments of what they once were- like Fort Frederica.  

If it’s gone…is it still worth the visit?  In a word, yes.  Join us as we show you just how amazing the ruins of Fort Frederica are!

History of Fort Frederica

During colonial times, the land between South Carolina and Florida (now known as Georgia), served as a battle ground for Britain and Spain.  The British, Scottish and Germans banded together to build a fortified town to help ward off the Spanish.

In 1736, Fort Frederica was established by James Oglethorpe (the same dude that founded Savannah) to protect the colony of Georgia.  The fort was named for Frederick Louis, the Prince of Wales. Frederica served as a military outpost and allowed the Frederica River to be closely monitored.

In 1742, Spanish forces from Florida and Cuba swarmed St. Simons Island.  Oglethorpe’s troops attacked the Spanish in a battle that would later be known as the “Battle of Bloody Marsh.”  The victory solidified that Britain controlled the region. 

The Brits would control the fort and town until the armies were disbanded.  With no troops in the area, there was no reason to stay.  The fortification became a ghost town and disintegrated into ruins.   Today, only a few fireplaces, foundations of buildings, and a portion of the coquina fort remain.  In 1936, the fort was declared a protected site and later, in 1945, it became a National Monument.

Fort Frederica National Monument; Today

As mentioned above, the fort and town that was once known as Fort Frederica, is all but gone, today.  All that is left is a few fireplaces,  building foundations, fragments of a barracks, and a part of a coquina fort.  The kids enjoyed storming the old fort and pretended to shoot cannonballs at passing boats.  

It really is a shame that the area wasn’t better preserved.  A lot of it is left for interpretation.  There are display boards throughout the property that help you activate your imagination.  There are also street signs to help you visualize how the town was laid out.

 

One cool part about the national monument is that it is still being excavated.  On our most recent visit to the fort, we got to witness a crew doing a dig.

To us, the most exciting part of the site was the wide open spaces and shady Spanish moss draped trees.  The kids love having the freedom to just get out and run.

What is there to do at Fort Frederica National Monument?

Although the site is mostly ruins, there’s actually quite a bit do do and see.  Plan on spending about an hour to roam the grounds.  Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center to learn about the history of the fort and the Golden Isles.  

  • There is a scavenger hunt that helps to guide you around the site.
  • Explore the gardens
  • Walk the ancient streets
  • Visit the old coquina fort
  • Enjoy a picnic

Fort Frederica Visiting Information

Physical Address:

6515 Frederica Rd,

St Simons Island, GA 31522

Is Fort Frederica National Monument Worth the Visit?

If you are looking for a day trip from Jax, or if you’re already in the Golden Isles, then yes, Fort Frederica is worth the trip.  We wouldn’t make the trip just to see the fort though.

The historical factor is pretty cool, and it’s definitely a neat experience.  

What is there to do Nearby?

  • Beaches-St. Simons Island is home to some pretty awesome beaches that are easily accessible.  
  • Wesley Gardens-  These impeccable gardens are located right across the street from the fort.  We love to enjoy a picnic fort amongst the azaleas.
  • King and Prince Resort
  • St Simons Island Lighthouse
  • Neptune Fun Zone Park (water park)
  • Search for the Spirit Trees
  • Mallery Park

    While you’re exploring the Golden Isles, we strongly suggest you also visit Jekyll Island.  Jekyll Island is home to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and one of our favorite water parks- Summer Waves.

    If you’re planning out a full-fledge tour of the Golden Isles, be sure to add Cumberland Island National Seashore to your itinerary.  The ferry for this unique island leaves from St. Marys, Georgia, just 50 miles south. 

Learn more about Georgia’s 11 National Parks!

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Categories
Georgia Golden Isles United States

Georgia Sea Turtle Center

If you’re driving I-95 through southeastern Georgia, be sure to make a detour at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center!  The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is an education and rehabilitation facility centered around sea turtles.  The Center uses interactive exhibits to help educate the public on how to protect sea turtles.  It is one of the few “turtle hospitals” in the United States providing care for injured and sick sea turtles (terrapins and turtles).

The Learning Center

Smiley’s favorite part of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center was the Learning Center.  The Learning Center is one large room that is loaded with  interactive exhibits.  There were puzzles, microscopes, lift & reads, a scavenger hunt, and even a video game!  Every square foot of the Learning Center was covered with information about sea turtles, how to protect them, and conservation.

The Treatment Room

Watching the medical team care for the sick and injured turtles was one of the highlights of our trip.  In the main building, there is a large viewing window  that overlooks the operation room.  A vet-tech narrated what the veterinarian was doing during his procedure.  It was really neat to see the medical team in action!

I was way more intrigued by this viewing area than Smiley was.  I watched as the vet cemented a turtle’s shell back together while she toyed around with microscopes.

The Hospital Pavilion

Just behind the main building is the Hospital Pavilion where you can visit with the sea turtle patients.  The Hospital Pavilion has large pools surrounding an elevated platform.  Here they receive the care and rest they need in order to get better.

The goal is to care for these creatures until they are capable of surviving on their own.  Once they are well, they are released back into the ocean with trackers.

Fun Fact:  As of 2021, the center has cared for and released more than 600 sea turtles back into the ocean.

 

The sea turtles needed care for a variety of reasons- all of which were human related activity.  Some got tangled in fishing lines or crab traps and ended up with severely damaged flippers.  Some of the turtles had eaten trash and suffered intestinal damage.  Many had shell damage caused by boats or boat propellers.  It devastating to know that all of these injuries could have been prevented.

Plan Your Visit

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is located on Jekyll Island, about 15 minutes off of I-95.

Physical Address: 

214 Stable Rd, Jekyll Island, GA 31527

Hours:  

9:00 – 5:00, daily

Highlights of the Georgia Sea Turtle Museum

@5suitcases

Our day trip to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center did it disappoint! ##georgiaseaturtlecenter ##fyp ##5suitcases

♬ Turtles - Vincent Boot
  • Visitors learn about conservation through interactive exhibits including games, puzzles, videos, and microscopes.
  • Be sure to stop by the hospital to wish the patients a speedy recovery.
  • There is a viewing area where you can watch the medical team perform procedures on sick and/or injured sea turtles.

About Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is one of Georgia’s barrier islands. The island was once a vacation haven for the rich and famous.   In 1886, it was purchased by a group of wealthy families as a private retreat.  Members of the Jekyll Island Club included the Rockefellers, Morgans, Cranes, and Goulds and represented over one-sixth of the world’s wealth. The Club closed in 1942 and Jekyll Island was purchased by the State of Georgia in 1947.  The island was converted to a state park.

Although the island is no longer a state park, there is still a visitors fee of $8.00 per day.  The fee grants visitors access to all of the island’s public areas such as beaches, parks, playgrounds, nature centers, and more.

Jekyll Island is also home to historical homes, the iconic Driftwood Beach, and Summer Waves Water Park.

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Categories
Cruise Travel Florida Jacksonville United States

Things for Cruisers to do in Jacksonville

Are you cruising out of Jacksonville, Florida? There are plenty of things for cruisers to do in Jacksonville, near the cruise port. Our city is the largest city in the United States, square milage-wise which means that everything is spread out. You’ll either want to have a car or have to rely on Uber to get around because our public transportation system isn’t the greatest.

The cruise port is located in the northern part of Jacksonville, north of downtown, and relatively close to the airport. The closest hotel to the port is a Holiday Inn Express and Suites, but there are plenty of options near the airport.

Things for Cruisers to do in Jacksonville

Shopping

The closest shopping to the cruise port is the River City Marketplace, which is just under 9 miles away. Here you’ll find a wide range of stores where you can pick up anything you may need before your trip. There is a Walmart here along with clothing stores, makeup stores, etc.

Beaches

The cruise port is located in an industrial area, so you’ll have to drive a few miles east to hit the beaches. Nearby beaches include:

Huguenot Park

Honestly, this is the beach that we frequent the most. During the spring and summer months, you can find us here at least 2 days a week. You’re able to drive on the beach, which makes it super convenient if you’re traveling with kids or if you are bringing along a bunch of stuff.

Huguenot Memorial Park is a 450-acre horseshoe-shaped peninsula that is surrounded by 3 bodies of water: the Fort George Inlet, St. Johns River, and the Atlantic Ocean. The park is famous for birding, the ability to drive on the beach, and for the one mile of jetty rocks that are used to guide ships into the mouth of the St. Johns River. The jetties, as well as other areas of the beach, are well-known for fishing.

Blackrock/Boneyard Beach

Shhh, this 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 rock-like soil formations. This Mars-like beach is out of this world!

Our Guide to Blackrock Beach will help you find this hidden gem and give you all the info you’ll need to plan your trip.

Little Talbot Island State Park

This park has 5 miles of premier beaches and 3 miles of biking trails. It’s a little more of a drive to get there (compared to Huguenot) but it’s worth it! A long boardwalk empties out onto a spectacular beach that is a bit less crowded than Huguenot. Plus, you won’t have to worry about looking for cars when you’re walking out to the water.

History

Jacksonville is full of historical sites for visitors to explore. A quick Google search would tell you that Yellow Bluff Fort and the El Faro Memorial are both located very close to the cruise port. I promise you, you’ll regret taking the time to visit Yellow Bluff Fort. Honestly, it’s just a grouping of earthworks (man-made mounds) that are remnants of an encampment from the Civil War. I’m a history nerd and I found it boring.

We suggest visiting Kingsley Plantation, instead. The plantation is located several miles down the road from the cruise port, but it is worth the visit. The property belonged to Zephaniah Kingsley who spent 25 years there. The plantation was originally 1,000 acres, most of which has been overtaken by mother nature. The owner’s house was built between 1797 and 1798 and is the oldest surviving plantation home in the state. There are 25 slave cabins that are still remarkably pretty well intact.

Across the river, you’ll find Fort Caroline, a site that memorializes the short-lived French presence. Although the fort is a replica, it’s still a pretty neat place to visit. There are a handful of trails nearby that are great if you love spending time outdoors. Just down the road is the Ribault Monument which commemorates the 1562 landing of Jean Ribault near the mouth of the St. Johns River.

Zoo

The zoo is located just a couple of miles away from the cruise port, making it easily accessible to cruisers. If we had a few hours to kill before our ship pulled out, this is where we will spend our time.

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.

Food

If you’re looking to grab a bite nearby, the closest place to eat to the cruise port is Wendy’s. There are plenty of other options at the River City Marketplace, less than 10 miles away.

Some of our local favorites include:

Palm’s Fish Camp– Great seafood, pizza, and incredible drinks.
Green Papaya– Delicious Thai Food.
New Berlin Fish House & Oyster Bar– A great seafood menu and a wonderful brunch menu, as well.
Happy Taco Feliz- This food truck has an incredible selection of authentic Mexican food.
FujiYama– The best Japanese and sushi in the area.

But wait, there’s more!

There’s plenty of stuff to do in the River City! From wildlife sanctuaries to art museums, we have it all. We have plenty of more suggestions in our 10 Fun Things to Do in Jacksonville article if you have a bit more time and are able to venture further away from the cruise terminal

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Categories
Alaska Cruise Travel Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier Juneau Ketchikan Skagway United States

Reliving Our Alaskan Cruise Highlights

 I’ve had several friends ask me what the best part of my Alaskan cruise was. Choosing our Alaskan cruise highlights is just as impossible as coming up with my favorite Hanson song! The whole cruise was absolutely remarkable! We spent time checking out all of the sights in Seattle, explored Skagway, British Columbia & The Yukon, saw the Mendenhall and Dawes Glaciers, hiked countless trails, and took in all of the sights of the Last Frontier. How can I select just one of those as a highlight? To put it simply, I can’t. Here are some of my favorite things about my trip:

Alaskan Cruise Highlights

  • Seals
  • Humpback Whale
  • Bald Eagle

The Wild Life

How can you not appreciate the wildlife of Alaska? It’s so funny because everyone on the ship was hoping that they would see a whale on the cruise. I didn’t book a whale-watching excursion and I can’t even begin to tell you how many whales we saw on this trip! We saw humpbacks galore and even got to see some orcas frolicking in the water. Seaworld ain’t got nothin’ on Alaska y’all!

On the ship, there was a naturalist that stood on the bridge of the ship and made an announcement anytime she spotted a whale, seal, bald eagle, porpoise, etc. It became kind of a game to rush to the side of the ship that she referenced in her announcement.

While we were in Juneau, we hopped on a bus to the Mendenhall Glacier. As we were driving through downtown Juneau a mama bear and two cubs ran across the road. It was the coolest thing ever! I definitely didn’t expect to have a bear sighting- especially in downtown Juneau!

The Lakes & Snow-Capped Mountains

As a Florida girl, it was nice to see something other than palm trees, sand, brackish water, and flat terrain. I loved all of the gorgeous green lakes, evergreens, and snow-capped mountains. There were mountains galore! We even got to play in the snow… in the summer! And yes, I fought back the urge to sing songs from Disney’s “Frozen”.

The Glaciers

Seeing the glaciers was pretty rad too! We visited both the Mendenhall Glacier and the Dawes Glacier on this trip. We were amazed by how blue the glaciers were and how gorgeous the surrounding water was. It was pretty neat sailing by little icebergs on our way through the Endicott Arm.

The lush green hillsides stood out in comparison to the vibrant blue water. It was absolutely stunning! Another cool thing about the Endicott Arm was all of the waterfalls that lined the waterway. I don’t think I’ve been anywhere quite as beautiful as the Endicott Arm! It was truly that beautiful.

Yes, Even Canada, eh

Believe it or not, we actually spent about as much time in Canada as we did in Alaska! We spent several hours driving through British Columbia and Yukon Territory. We also made a pit-stop in Victoria, British Columbia. This part of Canada was just as gorgeous as Alaska! I’m so glad we made the drive from Skagway to Carcross!

I have a feeling we’ll definitely be back to The Last Frontier. Now that we’ve been formally introduced, we’d love to drive around and check out more of what Alaska has to offer. Going to Alaska was a dream come true, I can definitely see why people consider this a trip of a lifetime.

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Categories
North Carolina United States

12 Awesome Things for Kids to do at Yogi’s Jellystone Park in Golden Valley, NC

Let me start by saying how impressed we were with all of the awesome things for kids to do at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Golden Valley, NC.   We were blown away by the amount of activities and amenities that the park offered.  Our kids stayed busy from sun up to sundown.  They loved the character meet and greets, the ice cream socials, the arts and craft activities, and the parties.  The jump party on the pillow pad was a huge success.  

I don’t think I’ve ever seen our kids have so much fun.  This truly was an amazing place for a family vacation!

12 Awesome Things for Kids to do at Yogi's Jellystone Park in Golden Valley, NC

Interactive Waterpark-  Your kids will love the waterpark!  It is perfect for kids of all ages!  There is a small section with a couple of slides for toddlers, but the bulk of the park is built for the big kids.  There are more than a dozen water blasters, 2 water cannons,  a large tower that dumps 750 gallons of water out, water slides, and loads of interactive elements.

Ranger Smith Pool- There is a large swimming pool for those who don’t want to deal with all of the craziness of the waterpark.  

Take a Hike- The park as an extensive trail system the weaves throughout the park.  We suggest hitting up the trails before heading to the water park.

Water Rentals- Be sure to take advantage of the water craft rentals!  The park offers kayak, canoe, stand up paddle board, and pedal boat rentals for $5 an hour.

Mini Golf- Take a break from the water activities and hit up the putt-putt course.  The course has 18 holes that are just as challenging as they are fun.

Lazer Tag-  Want to know what’s cooler than hide and seek?  Playing hide and seek with laser guns!  The laser tag sessions last 30 minutes.  A fee is required to play.  

Jumping Pillow & Pad- Brace yourself…. there are two massive inflatable that are perfect for a family jump-party!  

Water Zipline- Sure, jumping off the dock into a lake is great, but imagine zip lining into the lake.  Now you can!  The zip line starts at a tower on the edge of the lake and drops you in the center of the lake!  AWESOME!

Gem Mining- You can’t visit western North Carolina without doing a bit of gem mining.  Lucky for you, you can now mine for gems without even leaving the park!  Several bags and buckets, ranging in various prices and quality, are available for purchase at  the Ranger Station (shop) or at registration.  

Awesome Playgrounds- Our kids loved the playground at the park.  Our oldest kid was a huge fan of the Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course.

Arts & Crafts-  Our seven year old loved the arts and craft activities!  Each morning after breakfast we’d sit down together to do an activity.  The kids favorite activity was designing boats out of cardboard boxes and then racing them at the lake.  It was such a blast!

Hit the Lake-  Not far from the pool and water park, you’ll find the centerpiece of Yogi’s Jellystone Park, the lake.  The lake is a great option for swimmers who want to get away from the crowds.  Visitors can also fish or rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, or pedal boats for $5 an hour.  

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.

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Post Updated: 11/7/21

Categories
North Carolina United States

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park: Golden Valley, North Carolina

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Golden Valley is a must-do if you’re visiting western-North Carolina.  This camp-resort features cabins as well as RV and tent sites nestled in the scenic mountains between Charlotte and Asheville.

What is there to do at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park?

We were incredibly impressed by how much there was to do at the park.  From sunup to sundown (and beyond) we stayed busy!

  • Water Park with slides and a splash area
  • Swimming Pool & Hot Tubs
  • Lake
    • Swimming
    • Kayaking
    • Canoeing
    • Paddle Boarding
    • Pedal Boating
    • Fishing
    • Inflatable Obstacle Course
  • Gem Mining
  • Putt Putt Golf
  • Laser Tag
  • Zip Line
  • Hiking Trails
  • Playground
  • Jump Pillow & Pad
  • Planned Activities

The park also has two restaurants, Scout’s Table and Creekside Café.  

 The Scout’s Table features a brunch menu and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9AM until 3PM.  It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.  There is a coffee bar in the restaurant if you’d like to just grab a cup of coffee or a la carte breakfast.  Scout’s Table also serves mimosas and cocktails.

The Creekside Cafe is located right by the pool and water park making it super convenient for lunch.  It is open daily from 11AM until 8PM.  They serve pizza, burgers, chicken tenders, sandwiches, hot dogs, ice cream, and more.

Right across from the Creekside Café is the Blue Ridge Tavern.  Here, you can grab an adult beverage from 12PM until 8PM on Sundays through Tuesdays, and from 12PM until 10PM.

The Attractions

Water Park–  The water park features 2 large slides, 2 medium-sized slides, and a small toddler splash area.  There are water cannons and a large water tour that periodically dumps out water at the center of the water park.

Swimming Pool & Hot Tubs– Adjacent to the water park, you’ll find the swimming pool and hot tub.  The pool is shallow and has basketball hoops and a few built-in benches and seats for you to relax.  Rental cabanas line the pool area.  The cabanas feature patio furniture, a fan, a tv, and a refrigerator and would be great for those who want/need a bit of shade.  

Lake- Not far from the pool and water park, you’ll find the centerpiece of Yogi’s Jellystone Park, the lake.  The lake is a great option for swimmers who want to get away from the crowds.  Visitors can also fish or rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, or pedal boats for $5 an hour.  

Obstacle Course-  New in 2022, the super awesome inflatable obstacle course is sure to become your favorite thing to do on the lake.  Climb, crawl, and leap to make your way around the whole course!

Gem Mining-  You can’t visit western North Carolina without doing a bit of gem mining.  Lucky for you, you can now mine for gems without even leaving the park!  Several bags and buckets, ranging in various prices and quality, are available for purchase at  the Ranger Station (shop) or at registration.  

Putt Putt Golf-  Who doesn’t love a round of mini-golf?  The park has an 18-hole course that is free to play.

Lazer Tag– Want to know what’s cooler than hide and seek?  Playing hide and seek with laser guns!  The laser tag sessions last 30 minutes.  A fee is required to play.  

Zip Line-  Sure, jumping off the dock into a lake is great, but imagine zip lining into the lake.  Now you can!  The zip line starts at a tower on the edge of the lake and drops you in the center of the lake!  AWESOME!

Hiking Trails-  The park as an extensive trail system the weaves throughout the park.  We suggest hitting up the trails before heading to the water park.

Playground- Our kids loved the playground at the park.  Our oldest kid was a huge fan of the Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course.  

Jumping Pillow & Pad-  While the pool and splash park may be hoppin’ during the day, the inflatable jumping pillow and jumping pad are where it’s at during the evening hours.  And yes, grown ups can jump, too.

Planned Activities- Throughout the day there are various activities throughout the park.  These include character meet and greets, ice cream socials, wagon rides, crafts, relay races, parades, and much more!

Our Experience

We had no idea what to expect when we booked our trip to Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park.  Sure, we had seen all of the amenities that they offer but, we didn’t realize quite how awesome this place was going to be.    We were super impressed!

The kids loved the waterpark, the pool, and the lake.  We rented kayaks, paddleboards, and a pedal boat.  I will say that the paddleboards that they had on site were not nearly as stable as my paddleboard.  I imagine it would be tricky to maneuver for a newbie!  

We really enjoyed swimming at the lake.  Smiley had a blast jumping off the dock.  It was such a nice change of pace from the Florida beaches.

Each day we would look at the schedule of planned activities.  We got to meet Yogi, Boo Boo, and Cindy Bear pretty much every day.  We’d eat breakfast at Scout’s Table every morning and then head next door for arts and crafts.  Our favorite art activity was creating boats out of cardboard boxes for a boat race on the lake.  Other activities included a jump party, tractor rides, ice cream socials, and much more.

Weirdly, the kids favorite part was riding the golf cart we rented.  We zoomed all over the hillside and park on that bad boy.

Where is Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Located?

Address:  

182 Jellystone Pkwy
Bostic, NC 28018

Day Trips from Jellystone

There are a ton of fantastic day trips from the park.  Here are some of our favorites:

  • South Mountains State Park (20.6 miles)
  • Lake Lure (33.5 miles)
  • Chimney Rock (36.8 miles)
  • Linville Caverns (41.9 miles)
  • Biltmore Estate (54.6 miles)
  • DuPont State Forest (64.7 miles)

For more information about Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, check out the parks official website.

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Post updated:  6/17/22

Categories
Seattle United States Washington

Where to Find The Best Views of Seattle

Seattle, Washington is one of the most gorgeous cities in the United States. We visited the Emerald City for a few days before heading out on our Alaskan Cruise. The city certainly photographs well, and on our trip, we scouted out the best spots to find the best views of Seattle. Get your camera ready, Seattle is ready to shine.

Where to Find The Best Views of Seattle

Queen Anne Blvd

We came across this park while I was stalking Meredith Grey. Relax, no fictional characters were harmed during *this* visit. Once we saw her house (and the current homeowner who was staring at me out of her kitchen window as she did the dishes), we just had to drive around and check out this charming neighborhood. It was absolutely incredible! While driving around we couldn’t help but fall in love with the neighborhood! It was full of eclectic houses, immaculate gardens, a ton of dogs, and practically no stop signs. Can someone spot me a few million so I can move here?

Queen Anne Blvd is loaded with charming little parks. These views are from Kinnear Park, Betty Bowen View Point, and Parsons Gardens.

Kerry Park

This park isn’t much of a secret. Looking at the pictures, I’m sure you can see why this park was jam-packed with tourists. Kerry Park offers the best view of downtown Seattle with the extremely photogenic Space Needle starring as the crown jewel. Although the park itself is small, it is definitely worth stopping by, even if it’s just for a few photos.

Gas Works Park

Gas Works Park was probably my favorite park that we visited in Seattle. The site once belonged to the Seattle Gas Light Company and still contains remnants from the plant that operated until the 1950s. The area was re-purposed as a park in 1975 and has been a local favorite ever since. The park was covered with people enjoying picnics, reading, or hitting the water. We had so much fun wandering around the old towers, climbing the earth mound, and checking out the sights.

Space Needle

The Space Needle is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Seattle…or even the United States, for that matter. You can head to the top of the Needle to grab a delicious meal and take in the scenery.

Seattle Great Wheel

The Seattle Great Wheel is a giant Ferris wheel at Miner’s Landing Pier 57 overlooking Elliott Bay in Seattle, Washington. The overall height of the wheel is 175 feet making it the tallest on the West Coast of the United States.

The 12-minute three rotation ride soars over scenic Elliott Bay. The ride offers remarkable views of the bay, especially on a clear day. You’ll also have an aerial view of the pier, the Seattle Space Needle, and downtown Seattle.

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Updated: 10/27/21

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