Tour A Rose Garden

In my previous blog: “Family Travel: Time To Stop and Smell The Roses” I tried to encourage you to get out and discover the fragrant blossoms blooming at your local botanical garden. My family took advantage of the wonderful spring-like temperatures on Mother’s Day to take a tour of our local gardens and I just got the pictures I took there back today. I am happy to report that the shots of my daughter next to the roses came out beautifully. Which is why I am anxious for you to get out and explore your local rose garden–even if it … Continue reading

Family Travel: Time To Stop and Smell The Roses

We spent a marvelous Mother’s Day touring our local botanical garden (mom’s got in free) and I’m not sure who had a better time the moms or the kids? When my 3-year-old daughter wasn’t trying to see which was taller—her or the tulips—she was sticking her face into every blossom and bush making sucking noises with her mouth. After a while she worked through her nose-mouth issues and declared everything smelled: “Bee-you-tah-ful!” I plan to take her back to the gardens in a few weeks when the roses will be in full bloom. After all, June is known as the … Continue reading

Rose Parade—WHOA! Look Who’s Marching

I love a parade. And the granddaddy of them all—the 118th annual Tournament of Roses parade—gets underway in just a few days. The event is broadcast live around the world and this year those tuning in (and watching in person) will be in for a real treat. This year’s floral parade in Pasadena is being invaded! The “Star Wars Spectacular” will bring an intergalactic spirit – and 200 storm troopers –to the big event. Leave it to Grand Marshal George Lucas, who will be accompanied by two “Star Wars”-themed floats and an army of costumed storm troopers to make the … Continue reading

Summer Adventures in Asheville

For many, summer means visits to theme parks, beaches and baseball stadiums.  However, if you are looking to travel to a family-friendly place that offers more than coasters, crabs and Cracker Jacks, head to Asheville, North Carolina. Stroll through the picturesque downtown and you immediately sense that very few people have been able to resist the pull of this Blue Ridge beauty.  After all, it’s not every day that you can immerse yourself in a city that boasts an eccentric hodgepodge of architectural styles that change from block to block. Asheville features everything from traditional southern homes with grand sweeping … Continue reading

Deals for Frugal Summer Travelers

Many frugal travelers avoid leaving their hometowns during the summer season because they know that vacationing in June, July and August is not cheap. In fact, many top vacation destinations jack up their prices to make the most of summer crowds. However, every once in a while you will be able to find scorching hot summer travel deals like these: CANADA From now until the end of October, the Best Western Primrose Hotel Downtown Toronto is offering a super tour deal. For just $533 per person you will receive three nights accommodations at the 335-room hotel located near beautiful Allan … Continue reading

15th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Attention all you foodies and wine-lovers out there: tickets for the 15th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival are now on sale. The event, held this year at Epcot from late September through early November 2010, is the place to be for any food lover. Those who also happen to be Disney fans, well, that’s just icing on the cake. For those not in the know, the Epcot Food & Wine Festival is a 45-day-long event celebrating international cuisine and wine. It features demonstrations by celebrity chefs, nightly concerts called “Eat to the Beat!,” children’s activities, street performers, complimentary … Continue reading

Great Summer Escapes—Oregon

If you are looking to stow away for some peace and quiet this summer look no further than the Pacific Northwest. Various lodgings throughout the state of Oregon have drastically reduced their rates to entice travelers to experience the serenity found in the mountains and coastal areas of this popular region. Take a look: CANNON BEACH The Ocean Lodge, located in the peaceful beach town of Cannon Beach, is offering a Northwest Picnic package that gives guests a chance to sample local cuisine. In addition to a nights accommodation, you will receive a basket full of regional products like Tillamook … Continue reading

Oregon Road Trip

In a previous blog I noted that there are ways to tour the state of Oregon without blowing out your entire travel budget for the year. As I mentioned earlier, U.S. Highway 101 in Oregon takes you by some of the Beaver State’s most incredible scenery. The well-traveled road also leads you to some of the area’s most affordable lodgings (think $35-$50 per room per night). You can save more by setting up camp in one of the state’s lush parks. From Astoria, Oregon take the drive south to save even more in Newport. The historic waterfront district has a … Continue reading

Saving on Your Summer Vacation—Oregon

Now that you know how to save money on your summer vacation to California let’s head north to the breathtaking state of Oregon. I like to call this trip beauty on a budget. Oregon’s coastal highway provides access to some of the most spectacular views in the nation and the best part—they’re free. All of the beaches along Oregon’s coast are open to the public and access is guaranteed by law. Which means you can pull over, park, unpack your picnic and spend the afternoon whale watching, looking for agates, crabbing, surfing, strolling, or exploring shipwrecks anywhere along the 363-mile … Continue reading

Celebrating Arbor Day in Asheville

If you are looking to go “green” this spring consider a trip to Asheville, North Carolina. The Blue Ridge beauty features majestic mountains that cut into the horizon and you can see them from all angles by taking one of a number of scenic drives that run through the region. Most travelers take in Asheville’s cool, clean mountain air from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The 469-mile recreational road connects Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks and offers visitors a reprieve from commercialism. The road is dotted with charming vintage farmhouses, tunnels carved into majestic mountains and steep climbs that … Continue reading