Our Family's Four Fun Hikes In Shenandoah National Park

November 9, 2022 Amanda Luhn

Sunset with the family from atop Blackrock Summit in Shenandoah National Park — Not a bad place to watch the sunset right? We climbed up the rocks to the very top of Blackrock Summit for this awesome view. The best part? It was only a 20 minute hike from the parking lot.

Looking for 360 views from the shortest hikes ever? Look no further than Shenandoah National Park. We loved our day and half here, hiking and rock scrambling and exploring the awesome and appropriately named Skyline Drive. It is easy to get to Shenandoah from Interstate 81, has lots of hikes for all ages, 5 campgrounds or 2 historic lodges to choose from, and some of the best sunset views I have ever seen. Don’t drive past the signs for Shenandoah on I-81. Stop for half a day (or several days) and get to know this fabulous national park.

Easy Hikes Near Blowing Rock, NC

November 7, 2022 Amy Ragsdale

Two of my favorite family hikes are located on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock, NC. I have to admit, however, that I will always choose these hikes with or without the kiddos. They are just that good. Both Rough Ridge and Flat Top Tower trails offer incredible vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains and are worth every step.

Think You Shouldn't Travel to Alaska in January? Think Again.

November 1, 2022 Amanda Luhn

View from the bucket in a dog sled in Alaska — Mushing was never on my bucket list and it should have been. So much fun.

Traveling to Fairbanks in January turned out to be a much better idea than I thought it was going to be. When my friends invited me on the Alaskan vacation they were planning, my first thought was "Alaska? In January? Have you met me???" But a chance to check off an elusive bucket list item, the Northern Lights, got me on a cross-country plane flight to Fairbanks, Alaska hauling a suitcase stuffed with warm clothing.

How To Visit Arlington National Cemetery During A Layover At Reagan National Airport In Washington, D.C.

October 27, 2022 Amanda Luhn

Rows of graves at Arlington National Cemetery — One of the many different sections of graves found in Arlington National Cemetery

Reagan Airport has a metro stop which takes you to several popular tourist sites in just a few minutes. The closest of these is Arlington National Cemetery, one of my favorite places in DC to take kids. There is history and peaceful grounds to explore as well as a chance to teach the kids about honor and respect for our servicemen and women.

A Simply Awesome Day In Shenandoah National Park With Kids: Spectacular Vistas, Waterfalls, And Several Easy And Fun Hikes

October 21, 2022 Amanda Luhn

View from rocks atop Bearfence Trail in Shenandoah National Park — This is the view you get a measly 25 min after you left the car on the awesome Bearfence trail, one of our favorites.

Looking for 360 views from the shortest hikes ever? Look no further than Shenandoah National Park. We loved our day in the park, hiking and rock scrambling and exploring the awesome and appropriately named Skyline Drive. It is easy to get Shenandoah from interstate 81, has lots of hikes for all ages, 5 campgrounds or 2 historic lodges to stay in, and some of the best sunset views from a park I have ever seen. Don’t drive past the signs for Shenandoah on I-81, stop for half a day (or several days) and get to know this fabulous national park.

3 Family Fall Getaways in the North Carolina Mountains

October 20, 2022 Amy Ragsdale

The hot temperatures have subsided, the leaves have started to turn, the apples trees are ready for harvest, and the water cooler talk has turned to college football. It must finally be fall! Now is a great time to get the family together to enjoy an easy scenic hike, go apple picking, pitch a tent, or stroll down Main Street. So pack up the family and check out these 3 great fall getaways to Asheville, Brevard, and Bryson City, NC.

Why We Love Theodore Roosevelt Island In Washington DC

October 13, 2022 Amanda Luhn

The pedestrian bridge from the Rosslyn side of the Potomac that leads to Theodore Roosevelt Island — The pedestrian bridge leading to the island in the middle of the Potomac River.

While Washington. DC is a fantastic family vacation destination, packed with museums and historical monuments, sometimes you need an activity that just lets the kids run a little and provides you with a little serenity. Enter Theodore Roosevelt Island, an urban forest dedicated to our conservationist 26th President. Take a walk in the woods just steps away from the National Mall and find my favorite off the beaten path memorial in DC.

The United States Botanic Garden- An Oasis Of Calm In A Sea Of Tourists

October 10, 2022 Amanda Luhn

US-Botanic-Garden-Capitol-Washington-DC (1).jpg — You can see how big the Conservatory is in the US Botanic Garden and how close it is to the US Capitol building. It is such a great place to explore.

Looking for a something a little bit different in Washington DC and without the overwhelming crowds? Try the US Botanic Garden, a gorgeous cacophony of green right by the Capitol Building. You can visit a tropical rainforest, a desert, and see carnivorous plants among lots of other things in the huge greenhouse, and kids will enjoy exploring all the nooks and crannies of the outdoor gardens. Our family always enjoys a stop here to escape the crowds of the other attractions on the National Mall.

My Favorite Art Museum For The Whole Family In Washington, DC

October 1, 2022 Amanda Luhn

Entrance to America's Presidents Gallery in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC — This is the nation’s only complete collection of portraits of our presidents outside of the White House and the biggest (but not the only reason) to visit this museum.

Looking for a non intimidatingly large art museum that the kids will actually find interesting? The National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museums are a 2 for 1 special that our family has always enjoyed. Sharing one building and one theme (the story of America through its art and people), we make it a scavenger hunt for the kids to find portraits of certain presidents or influential people that impacted America. Because the museum isn’t on the Mall, it doesn’t get quite as busy as some of the other attractions in DC, an always appreciated bonus!

Hiking Black Elk Peak With Kids

September 21, 2022 Amanda Luhn

Are you into hiking the tallest peaks in every state? Or big hikes with big rewards but still doable for most families? Either way, Black Elk Peak should be on your to-do list when visiting the Black Hills. Our whole family enjoyed this hike even though it was fairly strenuous. Not only does the top have fantastic 360 views of the Black Hills (the big reward), but the trails up and down were full of impressive rock formations, showy fall colours, and even some mountain goats who took time out of their busy mountain goating to pose for me.

The Mammoth Site: A Hidden Gem In The Black Hills of South Dakota

September 19, 2022 Amanda Luhn

The excavations so far at the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, South Dakota — There are at least 60 mammoths buried here as well as many other kinds of animals, including an extinct Ice Age bear that was huge!

If you are looking for fun and unique family activities in the Black Hills that are not hiking, biking, or Mt.Rushmore, than check out The Mammoth Site, the largest collection of mammoth bones from one place in the world. It is a great little museum that doesn’t take long to see but packs a lot into that visit. Walk around (and over !) an active dig site containing at least 61 mammoth skeletons and brush up on your Ice Age knowledge. Two thumbs up from our family.

Wind Cave National Park- An Absolute Must Do Addition To Your Black Hills Vacation Itinerary

August 1, 2022 Amanda Luhn

Sign showing the cave below at Wind Cave National Park — I loved the scenery above and below the ground at Wind Cave National Park. It was amazing to think of the miles of cave under us that we just got to explore.

Wind Cave is a fantastic national park that often gets overlooked in comparison to its more famous neighbors in the Black Hills of South Dakota. We are here to tell you—you should definitely add Wind Cave to your Black Hills vacation itinerary as it is not to be missed! Touring one of the most unique cave systems in the world was a lot of fun for our entire family. Afterwards, take a lovely hike through the prairie where the kids can now say they have walked over and under the same part of the Earth. Not something you can say too often! And to make it all even better, the wildlife watching was some of the best in the Black Hills.

Sedona and the Grand Canyon National Park Can Be Combined For A Terrific Road Trip- Easy Hikes, Great Lodging, and Terrific Restaurants!

January 26, 2022 Amy Ragsdale

Here is everything you need to know about where to sleep, eat, and hike in Sedona, Arizona and nearby Grand Canyon National Park. All of the hikes described here are rated easy and provide an enjoyable short walk to experience the best vistas in Sedona.

Bonus! Just a short drive from Sedona, you’ll also be able to check the Grand Canyon off your bucket list. We let you know the best road stops along the way as well as in-park lodging recommendations and activities during your stay at Grand Canyon National Park.

Family Skiing at Bozeman’s Bridger Bowl

July 15, 2021 Amanda Luhn

Having skied at the destination resort of Big Sky for the last decade, our family decided to try something different. Don’t get me wrong- we still love Big Sky Resort with its endless choice of terrain and trails. We ultimately decided to go just one hour north of Big Sky Resort to check out Bozeman’s local ski area at Bridger Bowl.

Ski Discovery In Montana Is A Discovery Worth Finding

April 18, 2021 Amanda Luhn

I can’t get over the view from the top of Ski Discovery, it was gorgeous. Between the mountains in the distance and Georgetown Lake below, I ended up skiing a lot of cruisers so I could enjoy the scenery. And as you can see, this isn’t a mountain where lift lines are an issue.

Discovery Ski Area in western Montana is a discovery worth finding. Fabulous runs, uncrowded, nice variety of terrain, uncrowded, inexpensive, family-friendly, did I mention uncrowded? We had a wonderful day skiing here with the family and everyone agreed more people should know about this place. Or wait, maybe they shouldn’t???

Explore Fantastic Ijams Nature Center- Part Of Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness

February 25, 2020 Amanda Luhn

The super cool boardwalk section of the River Trail at Ijams Nature Center

Ijams Nature Center is an excellent destination for a little nature time in this busy world, remarkable not only because of its beautiful scenery but also because it is located just 10 minutes from downtown Knoxville. Now part of the Urban Wilderness, Ijams has been offering all kinds of outdoor activities for all kinds of ages of Knoxvillians for years. Spend an hour, spend a day with kids young, old, or both-- you won’t be disappointed at Ijams.

Sequoyah Birthplace Museum And Fort Loudoun State Park- Family Fun In East Tennessee

February 18, 2020 Amanda Luhn

Looking for a day of fun outside with maybe a little education thrown in? Then spend the day reliving the French and Indian War at Fort Loudoun and learning about Sequoyah’s remarkable alphabet at these two fantastic sites on beautiful Tellico Lake. Afterwards, enjoy a lakeside picnic or rent a kayak or standup paddleboard from the park’s Visitor Center. All in all, a perfect day!

Your Guide To Norris Dam State Park

February 18, 2020 Amanda Luhn

Overlooking Norris Dam and Norris State Park

Norris Dam State Park makes for a perfect place to spend a day (or a few days!) with the family. Go explore Norris Lake on a rented pontoon boat or a paddleboard or hike on one of the park’s many trails. Or maybe go fishing, camping, mountain biking, or learn some TVA and Appalachian history at the Dam Visitor Center or the Lenoir Museum. Norris Dam State Park is a fantastic family destination with something for everyone.

Knoxville’s House Mountain

February 18, 2020 Amanda Luhn

The view from the northeast side of House Mountain looking over to the western summit

Lived here all your life and never been to the highest point in Knox County? You are in good company but now is your chance to get the family out and about on a beautiful hike to some spectacular overlooks, plus some bragging rights. And it won’t even take you that long as House Mountain is just 20 minutes from downtown Knoxville.

WHY WE LIKE IT- Bucket list hike to the tallest point in Knox County; great views; best in fall and winter

Museum Of East Tennessee History: From Davy Crockett to Dolly Parton

February 18, 2020 Amanda Luhn

East Tennessee History Center in downtown Knoxville

Looking for a great museum to explore while you are in downtown Knoxville? Then look no further than the East Tennessee History Museum. From settlers to Civil Rights, plus a whole lot about the Civil War and country music, you will find lots of interactive and interesting things for kids and adults. Plus, it is free on Sunday so get your learning on!

“Too busy to plan a vacation? No worries, it’s already been done for you. Detailed family trip itineraries ready to go!”

— Simply Awesome Trips