Spring Fling in Kentucky

College basketball survived Kentucky, but can you survive spending spring break in the “Bluegrass State”? Popular to contrary belief, Kentucky is not only for sports fans. The state is filled with natural wonders, historical landmarks and quirky travel attractions. Exploring all of Kentucky’s recreational opportunities may be a bit much if you are planning to stay for just a week; however, that shouldn’t stop you from soaking up as much of the surroundings as possible. Don’t miss: Mammoth Cave National Park: Even if you are not a nature lover, you will be duly impressed with Mammoth Cave National Park. Categorized … Continue reading

Summer Lovin’ at the Beach

I grew up just steps away from a black sand beach on the Big Island of Hawaii. Needless to say, there are very few Memorial Day holidays that I have not spent soaking up the sun on a stretch of sand somewhere in the world. Old habits die hard. Whereas I hold the beaches of Hawaii near to my heart, I have spent many summers sprawled out on other sandy spots that you too might consider exploring in the coming months: The Hamptons: If you can’t escape the East Coast this summer, then at least get your tan on somewhere … Continue reading

Ready, Set, Beach!

Nothing makes for a super sizzling hot summer vacation more than a trip to the beach. With the Memorial Day holiday weekend kicking off in just a couple of days, now is the time to set your sights on the sun, sand and surf. If you are still in the planning stages, then consider these top family-friendly beach vacation destinations: Texas The great state of Texas is home to a litany of lovely beaches, including South Padre Island. The 130-mile long barrier island is a haven for spring breakers, but during the summer months you can relax minus the beer … Continue reading

Update: Natasha Richardson Near Death

The news on Natasha Richardson’s health condition has gone from bad to worse. According to new reports, the Tony Award-winning actress is brain dead and it’s just a matter of time before her family pulls her off life support. The new information comes less than 12 hours after Richardson was transported from a Canadian hospital to a medical facility in New York. Reports say the movie and stage star’s famous husband Liam Neeson accompanied her on a private jet from Montreal to New York where family and friends had gathered for a nighttime vigil. Reps for the family have declined … Continue reading

Recipes From Your Garden: Salsa

Some of you already know that we are moving next month. We are going from a large metropolitan area (read that to mean “inner city”) where we live in an apartment with no yard, to a tiny house with what seems to us to be a huge yard. (I suppose ‘huge’ is defined by your scale of reference. . .our yard is about three tenths of an acre but to folks who haven’t ever had a yard. . .it seems to go on infinitely.) In any case, for the first time in my adult life I am contemplating a garden. … Continue reading

Summer Travel: Cruising the Boardwalk

It was nearly 30 years ago to the day that I took my first stroll along a boardwalk in New Jersey. Growing up in Hawaii I was used to the sound of crashing waves mingling with music, but getting to enjoy that combination while devouring salt water taffy and riding roller coasters, well, that was something the Aloha State, simply couldn’t offer. The United States is home to dozens of popular boardwalks and during the summer months they are packed with people looking for fun in the sun. Here are a few that I have visited that deliver in a … Continue reading

There’s Still Time to Snag a Super Summer Travel Deal

It’s true; summer vacation for some folks is rapidly drawing to a close. Wal-Mart already has its back-to-school supplies out and in some states where year-round school is in place classes for the new year begin in a couple of weeks. If your family has yet to escape on a summer getaway the clock is ticking. The good news is that there are still a number of travel deals to be had. Take a look: HAWAII Securing a flight to Hawaii has gotten harder and more expensive in the last few months so this next deal is a rare find. … Continue reading

Enjoy a Kid-Free Summer Vacation

If you are looking for a place to tan that’s void of two year olds throwing tantrums over who gets to play with the sand toys first then prepare yourself. Summertime is primetime for family travel, which means you’ll likely be sharing space with teen cannonballs and overtired tots at resorts, beaches and other lodgings across the country. Still, there’s no need to get discouraged. There are ways for peace seeking travelers to find what they are looking for. Adult-only properties abound in this country and abroad and right now Expedia.com is offering fabulous deals on travel packages to Mexican … Continue reading

Beach Vacations that Won’t Break the Bank

Who says you have to obtain a passport to vacation at the world’s best beaches? The United States is home to thousands of miles of spectacular sandy coastline and now’s the time to experience fun in the sun, especially if you are working with a budget. The summer months spark dozens of travel packages aimed to help families save on airfare and hotel accommodations. Take a look at these hot summer deals waiting for beach lovers to snap up: CALIFORNIA One of San Diego’s most luxurious resorts wants you to spend time sunning yourself on their property this summer. And … Continue reading

Summer Travel: Botanical Gardens

I am a big fan of botanical gardens. Our local botanical garden is a haven for families and kids looking to grow their own pizza. It is by no means the largest of its kind, but it is a nice resource to have in the relatively small city in which we reside. Visiting the country’s top botanical gardens would require traveling some distance, and that’s exactly what some families do this time of year—-make pilgrimages to the nation’s top botanical gardens. One fairly new botanical garden that is making headlines despite the fact that it less than three years old … Continue reading