Travel

WALKING WONDERS

One of the best ways to see a new place, foreign or otherwise, is on foot.  Walking allows you to stop and smell the roses so to speak.  It gives you a view and feeling of a location that you do not get when you are whizzing by at forty or fifty miles an hour.

On a recent trip to Mystic, Connecticut, we were delighted to find that its two major attractions, the Seaport and Aquarium were within walking distance.  The older ones were not necessarily overjoyed, but we were.  After spending over three hours traveling in the car, the last thing my husband and I wanted to do was get back into one.

Before you set out on your excursion, there are a couple of important items to attend to beforehand.  First, do a weather check and make sure you are properly outfitted for any impending conditions before setting out.  When we were exploring London, it rained on us every day.  It won't impede on your fun if you are prepared.

Next, check the route, if you have a specific destination in mind, ensure that there is a safe path to walk and marked intersections to cross if need be.  This is especially important if you have children in tow.  You do not want to be dodging traffic with little ones in hand.

Finally, follow the scout model and pack some drinks and snacks.  They always come in handy when the whining starts.  Breaks are a good thing, so don't forget to take some on the way.

In addition to enjoying our visits to the Mystic Aquarium and Seaport, we also got to relish some hidden treasures as well.  Our exploration uncovered a historic train station which now served as the Visitor's Center, a row of historic homes, several breathtaking gardens, a quaint village shopping center as well as a cemetery dating back to Revolutionary times.

A foot journey really is the best way to experience a new place with biking a close second.  Remember, you are on vacation.  Try and leave the schedules and the fast-paced lifestyle at home.  This is the time when you really do want to stop and smell the roses because before you know it, it will be time to return home.

TRAVELING WITH KIDS

Whether it's a lengthy car trip or a plane ride, traveling with children young or old can be a challenge.  However, you shouldn't let that keep you from making those vacation plans.  With a few simple tips and some extra planning, your trip can be a terrific time for the family as well as an inspiration for your writing.

First off, involve children in the packing process.  I always wondered why my husband got to pack for one and I had to pack for five.  This year I smartened up and gave the older ones a list of things they needed to get together for their suitcases.  When I tried it verbally, things kept getting forgotten.  Write it down and have them check it off.  Older ones can assist the younger ones.  You may have to straighten out the clothes a bit before they hit the bag, but it's a time saver.  Same can be said for the unpacking.

Age-appropriate busy bags are a must.  Involve kids in this task as well.  If the bags are full of toys and books that they are interested in, then they will be more apt to use them.  As much as I limit the video games, when we're headed out on a long trip, those come along for the ride and I don't say a word about how long they are playing them.

Hold off using the video games and the busy bags until you need to keep the kids confined and reasonably quiet.  While you are waiting for a train or a plane, try and keep the kids moving.  Take a walk around the station to window shop or explore.  Avoid those impulse buys and sugary snacks before boarding.  They usually forget about those toys a few moments after purchasing them and you certainly do not need them loaded up on sugar or needing the bathroom once you are on board.  Going for a walk will also tire them out before they need to sit for a long period of time.  Maybe they'll even take a nap.

If you're in the car, plan on making strategic stops.  It's refreshing for the driver and the passengers as well.  Taking some time out to walk around at a scenic rest stop can be a sanity saver for you.

Finally, understand that even with all your planning and patience, things will still go awry and that's okay.  Take a deep breath and smile.  For every disapproving stare and head shake you get from the childless set, there's a sympathetic parent who feels your pain.

Our amiable, take anywhere baby decided to pitch her worst crying fit ever two feet from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia right before the changing of the guard ceremony.  She was tired, cold, and let everyone know it.  Believe me when I tell you that I couldn't get down that hill fast enough.

Was I embarrassed?  You bet, but what can you do?  In the end, the rest of the family enjoyed the ceremony and I got a funny anecdote to file away for a future story.

 


A JEWEL BY THE SEA

 Nestled on the tip of its peninsula is by far one of the Garden State's best kept secrets.  Way, way back in the day, Cape May, New Jersey was a playground for English royalty and early American politicians with its breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and quaint inns.  Today, this Victorian sea-side hamlet is the quintessential vacation spot, offering something for everyone.

A couple seeking a getaway for two will find what they're looking for in one of the many bed and breakfasts in the town's historic district which cater to adults only.   These lovely accommodations along with five star restaurants and an evening carriage ride will satisfy any one's desire for romance.

Families in search of an affordable holiday can pick and choose from the numerous hotels, motels, or weekly rentals.  The Harvard Apartments and the Marie Antionette Guest House offer great locations and prices on weekly rentals during the summer season.  If you're interested in a piece of nostalgia, there are inns that welcome little ones as well.  A simple walk inland to the Washington Street Mall Welcome Center will help you keep your children occupied with fun activities when they tire of all the beach has to offer.  There is a wonderful daily trolley ride that is geared for kids.

Cape May is also a haven for sports enthusiasts with its wealth of bike trails and water activities.  A bike ride out to the point to visit the Cape May Lighthouse is a must do.  The views from the top are amazing and well-worth the ninety-nine step climb.  Naturalist will be be enthralled with the Cape May Bird Reserve and the marine life center.  Not to be out done, history buffs will enjoy tales of World War II as they tour the city on a trolley and climb the newly renovated gun tower.

Visit www.capemay.com for a complete guide to this jewel by the sea.  You won't be disappointed!

DON'T LEAVE THOSE RUNNING SHOES AT HOME

If you're a runner like me, you love the thought of some time away from the daily rat race, but hate the thought of what it does to your running schedule.  There is nothing I dislike more than a morning run on a hotel treadmill.  So, runners take heart.  There is a website out there tailor made for you and it's called Jogging Routes.

This informative site offers picturesque running routes by country or city.  When you're planning a trip, type in your destination and pick from there because as every traveler knows the best way to truly experience a foreign place is to do so by foot.  Jogging routes also provides travel tips for runners, upcoming race information, as well as breathtaking photographs and route distances to wet your appetite for a good run.

So before you set the itinerary for your next trip, check out www.joggingroutes.org.  You might even find the site of your next excursion.

DUTCH WONDERLAND

LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA

Tucked in the middle of Amish Country is the family-friendly amusement park, Dutch Wonderland.  It is targeted toward the toddler through elementary set with over thirty rides that are specifically suited to little ones.  The roller coasters and water rides are just their size.  If you have older ones, they may be a bit bored.  Ours wasn't because he enjoyed being able to sit with his baby sister on her first rides.  Twelve and up would probably prefer the water park section.

Parents will love the child-centered environment at affordable prices.  Along with the rides, you can enjoy a mini golf course and live entertainment shows, featuring a high diving performance.  Even the restrooms are geared toward the younger kids, offering the choice of smaller sized toilets and accessible sinks.  I loved the clean bathrooms though I still wouldn't change the baby on the Kola Station.  There is just something about that and it does not matter how clean it looks!

The only drawback was the ban on outside food and drinks.  Coolers are not allowed on the premises which puts you at their mercy.  Snack and drink prices at the stands were comparable.  However, meal prices were definitely over-priced.  Four of us ate a small lunch for $40!

Depending on your location, it's either a day trip or an overnight.  Take a look at DUTCHWONDERLAND.COM to help you play your visit and have a Dutch Wonderful day!

A RAILROADERS DELIGHT

STRASBURG, PENNSYLVANIA

If there is a train lover in your midst, then a visit to Strasburg, Pennsylvania is for you!  The Strasburg Railroad has been operating since 1832 and it is one of the few places in the country where you can take a ride on an actual steam train.  You certainly can't beat the scenery.  The forty-five minute ride takes you through over one thousand acres of beautiful Amish farmlands.  At the station, you can explore the unique gift shops and older visitors can take a tour of the working train yard.

Across the street from the station is the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania where you can find a wealth of engines and train cars along with a complete history of the development and demise of the railroad in the United States.  Actual engines and train cars are housed inside and out.  Many of them are open for visitors to explore first hand.  There is even an interactive playroom for the little ones and a simulator for the big ones.

If model trains are your thing, then you will love the Choo Choo Barn which is home to one of the largest model train set ups in the US.  It is located just down the highway from the Strasburg Railroad.  A short five minute car ride away, is the National Toy Train Museum.  Even though these attractions are fairly close together, I wouldn't recommend walking on these busy highways which are devoid of sidewalks.  Horse and buggies use the wide shoulders so you will be dodging vehicles as well as manure.

The National Toy and Train Museum is filled with train layouts of all shapes and sizes.  Train lovers, old and young, will be completely captivated and inspired by the designs.  Adjacent to the Museum is the Red Caboose Motel where you can actually spend the night in a train car.  The cars have been remodeled and are air-conditioned and clean.  If you are looking for comforts and amenities, you might want to look elsewhere though.  I would liken it to camping and would not attempt it now that we have another baby.  However, for the train enthusiast, it's a must do.

Visit StrasburgRailRoad.com for a complete listing of all their great attractions.  Some of the highlights include a dinner train, wine and cheese train for the older train lovers and a Day out with Thomas and Santa's Paradise Express for the younger ones.

The railroader in your family will enjoy every minute of this vacation, without a doubt!