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A camping holiday without the tent

Consideration was received for the editing and publishing of this article

Some people are born to camp and have nothing but enthusiasm for nights under the stars and in their tents. But what happens when you and your kids love the great outdoors but your partner in life doesn’t? The answer – as with many things in life – is to compromise!

Although your husband or wife may draw the line at sleeping in a tent, there are some fantastic holiday parks that you can choose to stay at now. The UK has a great selection of holiday parks that offer both tenting and caravanning pitches but also mobile homes and holiday lodges for rent. From Norfolk caravan parks to Scottish Highland and Cornish coastal campsites, the choice throughout the country is superb. And nine times out of ten, the holiday parks are set in beautiful, idyllic settings that you couldn’t find private holiday accommodation in.

Mobile homes are static caravans – and holiday parks generally only keep models that are seven years or less on their sites, so they’re always pretty modern and well-maintained. They have all that you’d expect – bedrooms, a shower room and fitted kitchenettes. However, holiday lodges are one step up, with a real home away from home feeling – a decent living space and a full-sized kitchen. So you can enjoy the benefits of being on a holiday park without any of the downsides – having to find your way to the communal toilets by torchlight, for example!

Lodge Holiday Home

Lodge Holiday Home

The great thing about being on a campsite holiday though, is the fun the kids will undoubtedly have. There’s no need to be quiet at mealtimes, they have acres of safe and secure outside space to play in, and access to great facilities like swimming pools and kids’ clubs. And of course, there will be entertainment on tap in the form of plenty of other families with kids staying on the same site.

If anyone in your family can’t cope with the idea of real camping, holiday lodges are a great alternative, and gives the whole family the best of both worlds for family holiday fun!

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Celebrating Easter in a Camper

My family sticks pretty close to home for Easter.  It’s tradition that we gather with my family- siblings, parents, cousins and grandparents.

Last year was different, yet the same.

Last year, Easter fell not quite 2 months after the death of my beloved Grandpa.  My family, and especially my Grandmother, were still mourning the loss.  So we decided to spend the weekend on the family farm, focusing love on my Grandmother.

As quite a few of us had the same idea, and my Grandmother’s house is not so large, most of us decided to camp on her surrounding acreage.

We were lucky enough to borrow a pop-up camper from a friend, and the day before departing was spent packing it with camping supplies, food, clothing and Easter gifts.

The days at my Grandmother’s farm were spent working outside as much had been neglected during my Grandpa’s illness.

Cousins, aunts, and uncles came together to share stories, lend a hand and hide Easter eggs in some pretty crazy places.

easter collage

On Saturday night we had a massive cookout, and Sunday’s Easter feast was impressive, even if we did eat it on paper plates as we scattered across the yard on picnic blankets.

And, while my girls may have been a bit nervous about the Easter Bunny actually finding us in a camper so far from home, that clever rabbit had no trouble sneaking in and leaving baskets filled with Hershey’s treats!

Easter 2012

Easter was spent just the way it should be…  Surrounded by family, celebrating life and enjoying plenty of food- and chocolate!
I don’t know about you, but Easter has snuck up on me this year….  Thanks to Hershey’s for letting me hop down the Bunny Trail again this year and sending treats for our Easter baskets!  We’re also using some of their egg holders and other fun stuff for our Easter celebration this year!

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Plan a Getaway With Friends in Grapevine, Texas

Grapevine, Texas is a shining jewel often overshadowed by its big neighbor, Dallas. Mere minutes from DFW airport, a quick hop on a shuttle will have you at a fabulous resort like the Gaylord Texan or Great Wolf Lodge, or more budget friendly dwellings near Grapevine Mills Mall.

With all there is to do in Grapevine- and the handy visitors shuttle to take you from place to place for a mere $5 per day- this town offers everything you could need for a fabulous Girl’s Getaway.

 

Historic Downtown Grapevine, Texas

Historic Downtown Grapevine is filled with unique boutiques, funky art galleries, local wineries and delectable dining.

To help plan a girls getaway for the ladies of the BlissDom Conference, I wrote a tips piece about what to do in Grapevine.  Even if you’re not attending Blissdom, it will give you plenty of ideas!

Arrive at the beautiful Gaylord Texan, check into your room, unpack, relax a bit, then head down to the grand lobby, grab a coffee from Java Coast or a drink from the Sliver Bar and sit beside the fireplace in a posh leather chair as you await your friends.

Read more of the article “Planning a Girls Getaway in Grapevine, Texas“….

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A Great Family Getaway in Grapevine, Texas

It’s likely you’ve not heard of Grapevine, Texas though, if you’ve ever flown into DFW airport, you’ve technically been there.

This suburb of Dallas is home to fabulous family friendly resorts, kids friendly activities, and a historic downtown filled with scrumptious restaurants and unique shops.

In short, it’s a great place for a fun family vacation.

Kids Camp Room at Great Wolf Lodge, Grapevine, TXEnjoy resorts like the Gaylord Texan and Great Wolf Lodge, kid friendly activities like LegoLand Discovery Center and SeaLife Aquarium, historical activities including the Grapevine Vintage Railroad and the twice daily gunfight on main street. 

Are you intrigued?  View the photo slideshow to see what makes Grapevine, Texas a great family getaway!

Disclosure:  This post links to an article written by me and published at Blissfully Domestic on November 30, 2012.

 

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Family Getaways at Great Wolf Lodge- Now on Sale!

It’s the beginning of January.  School has just resumed and life is beginning to get back to normal.

Until it hits.

It.  Cabin fever.  When everyone in the house begins to get a bit snippy because they have loads of energy to run off but it’s so cold outside that only the most bundled up remain outdoors for more than a few minutes.

So take this tip now, before you need it and book a stay a one of Great Wolf Lodge’s 10 locations- at great savings if you book  soon!

Visiting Great Wolf Lodge

The girls and I spent a few days at the fabulous Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, Texas (a suburb of Dallas) in November.  This resort has thought of everything.  From the wrist band door keys with the ability to charge items to you room (no carrying -and losing- keys & wallets at the pool!) to the out of pool activities like MagiQuest, the Scoops Spa for girls and an arcade filled with games, your family has lots of room to run off all that energy. 

Great Wolf Resort Grapevine

Rooms at Great Wolf Lodge are spacious and made with families in mind.  You’ll find microwaves and mini refrigerators in the rooms to help keep down the cost of dining.  You’ll also find fun activities going on in the lobby and the Cub Club, an experience for parents to enjoy with their children. And, unlike many resorts, you’ll find that parking & wifi are included in your resort fee.Kids Camp Room at Great Wolf Lodge, Grapevine, TX

Each Great Wolf Lodge has it’s own deal and each for a limited time. Click the image below to be taken to the deals page- and make plans for your family to avoid cabin fever!


Groupon: Save on a trip to Great Wolf Lodge this Winter!

Disclosure: Family Rambling would like to thank the Grapevine, Texas CVB for hosting us at the Great Wolf Lodge.

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Fun Family Christmas at the Gaylord Texan

Last year I was thrilled to experience ICE at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando.  The girls and I had so much fun that we decided to try to visit ICE at the other Gaylord Hotels over the next few years.  So you can imagine how thrilled I was when our recent visit to Grapevine, Texas coincided the the opening of

ICE at the Gaylord Texan!  

Merry Madagascar at the Gaylord Texan

The theme for ICE 2012 is Merry Madagascar

ICE is part of the Texan’s Lone Star Christmas, which lasts through January 1, 2013.  This year’s ICE theme is Merry Madagascar.  You’ll find all your favorites- Marty, Sheila, Melman, Alex and those fab penguins- carved in ice and taking on Santa’s job!

ICE Merry Madagascar Gaylord Texan

The Texan provides long, warm parkas for sliding down the ice slides.

ICE slides at Gaylord Texan

But don’t forget to bring mittens or gloves- and maybe even a warm hat if you want to stay in ICE for a while.  9° is cold!

One of the most stunning sculptures is at the end of ICE- the nativity carved in crystal clear ice.  Stunning!

Nativity in ICE at Gaylord Texan

More Dreamworks Fun at ICE

Sledding is always popular with my girls, and the Kung Fu Panda Awesome Snow Tubing was a hit!  Each pass buys you 10 rides down the hills and you can use a double tube (great for kids who don’t want to slide alone) or a single- which is fun because it can spin!

Kung Fu Pandas Awesome Snow Tubing

You can also make tasty gingerbread creations with Gingy, go on a Dragons Holiday Adventure, a Rise of the guardians Scavenger Hunt and dine with Shrek and Fiona! 

You don’t have to be a guest at the Gaylord Texan to take part in the fun, but the Christmassy Dreamworks Package includes all these fun activities, lodging,- and a few more features your family will love!

Lone Star Christmas

Besides ICE and all the Dreamworks fun, you’ll find the Texan decked out for the holiday.  Thousands of feet of garland, 1.5 million lights and dozens of incredible displays.  It’s like a winter wonderland!  Most impressive to my girls was the life-size gingerbread house.  It was incredible- we almost got sugar overload just by standing near it!

Lifesize gingerbread house, Gaylord Texan

As you wander through the Texan you’re likely to run into singing cowboys- or even Santa himself!- so be sure to have your camera at the ready!  You’ll also find plenty of background for those family holiday photos!

Christmas at Gaylord Hotels is filled with magic and memories…  I recommend the experience if you will be near to one of their locations this Christmas season.

For more photos from the Gaylord Texan’s Lone Star Christmas, visit my ICE at the Gaylord Texan Flickr set.

Disclosure:  Family Rambling® would like to thank the Grapevine CVB for arranging our visit to the Gaylord Texan and ICE, which is only one small bit of the fun to be found in the Christmas Capital of Texas!

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Great Hotel Near Mall of America: Best Western Plus Bloomington

As I was planning a mid-week trip to the Minneapolis suburb of Bloomington (home to the Mall of America) for a business trip, I considered staying at the nearby waterpark hotel (read my review here) until I saw that the waterpark isn’t open during the week in the “off season”.  Since my girls were coming along – one of the benefits of homeschooling – a stay at a waterpark hotel with no waterpark access would just be cruel.

Choosing to Stay at the Best Western Plus Bloomington at Mall of America

Thankfully, there is a family friendly alternative located right next door to the Mall of America.  The Best Western Plus Bloomington has plenty of features to make everyone in the family happy.

Breakfast Offerings at Best Western Plus Bloomington at Mall of AmericaTop of my list:  budget friendly rates, free wi-fi and free hot breakfast!

As anyone traveling with kids knows, eating out can get expensive, so we look for hotels that provide a free breakfast.  The breakfast buffet at the Best Western Plus provided a great variety of foods that kept my family happy.  The hot items changed daily and included cheese omelets, sausage, biscuits & gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, French Toast and a make-your-own-waffle bar.  Continental breakfast items were plentiful as well, with enough varieties of fruits, cereals and pastries to fill the belly of even the pickiest kid!

Rooms at Best Western Plus Bloomington

Double Double Room at Best Western Plus at Mall of AmericaThe entire hotel, from the large, open lobby, to the spacious rooms had a muted elegance.  Browns and golds in the decor echoed the hardwood furnishings and stone tile throughout the room.  Beds were sumptuous and comfortable, welcoming for a night’s sleep or for spreading out homework.  A work desk, large dresser and armoire helped contain all our things neatly.  A large TV sat on top of the dresser, while a microwave sat on a shelf, and a mini fridge was nestled inside.

The bathroom was beautifully tiled and large, for a hotel bathroom, with plenty of space for personal care items.  The only thing really missing in this hotel room was enough room to hang wet swimsuits. Bring a travel clothesline to solve that problem (it’s one many hotels have).

The Kids Will Love the Pool Area at Best Western Plus Bloomington

But the main reason for choosing this hotel was the pool area.  While it can’t be termed a “water park”, there was enough here to keep my girls happy.

Fun family hotel near Mall of America; Best Western Plus Bloomington

Pool area included kids pool, deeper swimming pool, hot tub, and large sitting area with video games and snacks for purchase.

The girls would splash in the kids area, slip down the slide and stand under the dumping buckets of water.  Then they were off to swim in the deeper pool and even spent a few minutes in the soothing hot tub.  The seating around the pool area was plentiful and comfortable; I relaxed and read a book, glancing up every few minutes to make sure the girls were safe.

Right Across the Street from Mall of America

The Best Western Plus Bloomington is directly across the street from the Mall of America; you’ll walk just as far to get into the mall from many of the on-site parking areas.  You can also catch the light rail, if your plans include downtown Minneapolis.

Also within walking distance are 3 restaurants, as well as the on site Red Rossa Italian Restaurant.

The Best Western Plus Bloomington at Mall of America is a terrific option for a fun family vacation getaway in the Twin Cities.

See more images of the Best Western Plus Bloomington in my Flickr.

Family Rambling would like to thank the Best Western Plus Bloomington for hosting us during our recent trip to the Twin Cities.

 

 

 

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Friday Finds: Helping Make Travel Easier and Less Expensive

Friday Finds is your weekly spot for travel tips, money saving travel deals and travel contests to enter. Get Friday Finds delivered to your reader or inbox!

Travel Tip: Use Airfare Watchdog to Find the Best Airfare Deals

With so many options for buying airfare online, it can be difficult to find “the best deal”.  When I am planning a trip, the first website I visit is Airfare Watchdog to sign up for fare alerts from my home city to the destination I plan to visit. 

When an attractive fare comes in, it’s easy to check for availability- but it also alerts me to check other airlines that fly the same route as price cuts by one airline often lead others to compete on that route.

Christmas By The Numbers at Gaylord Hotels®

I’m a huge fan of Gaylord Hotels.  I’ve visited the Opryland multiple times for conventions, the Palms for the magical ICE and will get to experience the Texan during an upcoming trip.  The only Gaylord property I’ve not visited is the National.  I absolutely loved this infographic showing “Christmas by the Numbers”: 6 million twinkling lights; 89,420 feet of garland; 7,794 guest rooms; and 9 degrees in ICE.

Christmas by the Numbers at Gaylord Hotels

Click the image above to be taken to view a web-based infographic with clickable links for more information!

As the holidays draw nearer I know the Gaylord Hotels will be publishing some great “stay & play” family rates for ICE at all of their locations- it’s a fun family vacation for Thanksgiving or Christmas!

Win a Weekend Getaway to Omaha

If you haven’t visited Omaha lately, you’re in for a surprise!  Spend the weekend exploring a city filled with history, artistry and adventure. Explore jungles and deserts, shop distinct boutiques and hop aboard history.

Click the image above to enter

Prize includes:

  • Two Night Stay at the Ramada Plaza/Coco Key Water Resort
  • $100 Restaurant Gift Card
  • Four Passes to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
  • Four Passes to Lauritzen Gardens
  • Four Passes to Joslyn Art Museum
  • Family Pass to The Durham Museum
  • Family Pass to The Omaha Children’s Museum
  • Four Full-Day Bike Rentals from the Omaha Visitors Center

Enter the Vacation Fun Omaha Weekend Getaway.

 

Friday Finds are tips, deals and vacation contests that I believe are of interest to family travelers.  Advertisers may purchase a listing in Family Rambling’s Friday Finds; I verify that the deal is available when the article is posted. Some links may be affiliates links- which means that I receive a small commission if you make a purchase at the site (no additional cost to you!)- or sponsored material (which I will disclose).  If you are interested in information about being listed in Family Rambling’s Friday Finds post, please send me email: jody (at) familyrambling (dot) com.

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Family Getaways at Gaylord Opryland

To wrap up 2012, I wanted to share my 10 most popular posts of the year. Post #9 is about one of my favorite hotels, the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee.

Originally published on March 14, 2011, I believe this post got it’s popularity in 2012 due to the partnership between Gaylord Hotels and DreamWorks® Animation that kicked off during the Christmas season of 2011.

Grand Entry at Gaylord Opryland

Brenna poses on the steps at Opryland

Though the partnership of the Gaylord Hotels and DreamWorks® hadn’t yet been announced when I took my family to the Opryland Hotel, we found plenty to keep the girls occupied and entertained.  From the indoor river ride, to the dozens of shops and restaurants, to wandering the endless miles of garden paths, we had a great stay and enjoyed our visit.

Later in the year we were able to experience ICE at the Gaylord Palms and get a first hand look at the Gaylord/DreamWorks® partnership.

The Gaylord Opryland covers 4 million square feet.  For reference that’s only slightly smaller than the Mall of America.  It’s incredibly huge and it is easy to get lost in the maze of rooms.  Tip:  Carpets in each section are coordinated to match the section; for example, carpets in the magnolia wing have magnolias on them. Thankfully the hotel gives you a very detailed map upon check in; after a couple days you’ll feel at home.

Inside the biodome- where it’s always 72°- you’ll find gardens filled with waterfalls, gazebos and fountains; the Delta which features shops, restaurants and a river (complete with river boat ride); enough dining options to please every member of your family; and a “secret” arcade your teen can escape to.

Read more of the popular article Staying the the Gaylord Opryland Resort with Kids….

 

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Finding Romance in Kansas City

I love how much we travel with our girls.  Near or far, it’s always an adventure.  But sometimes we adults need some time to get away and remember just why we fell in love.

Doug and I recently had an “adults only” getaway to Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri.  The Plaza holds special memories for us as Doug surprised me with a weekend getaway there when we were early in our relationship and we took a long weekend there when we got married.  It was the perfect getaway to reconnect and enjoy a little romance.

raphael hotel front

The Raphael Hotel, Kansas City Most Romantic Boutique Hotel

The Raphael, Kansas City’s Romantic Boutique Hotel

The minute you arrive at the Raphael Hotel you know you’re somewhere special.  The elegant brick structure brings to mind a time when buildings were built with care, each brick an important piece of the finished work.  As your vehicle rolls to a stop your door is opened and you are welcomed with a flourish by the impeccably dressed doorman. As the doors open and you enter the gilded lobby you know you’ve stepped back in time to a day when luxury hotel stays meant you dressed for dinner and guests were treated as more than bodies in a room.

Suite at Raphael Hotel

Suite at Raphael Hotel

Most of the rooms in the hotel are suites featuring a roomy sitting area with desk and television and a separate sleeping area.  I love this type of room as I am an early riser and Doug loves to sleep in when he can.  I enjoyed tea made in the Keurig and utilized the free wireless internet at my leisure- so relaxing with no little ones interrupting.  A light breakfast delivered from the on-site restaurant made my morning complete.

While the hotel, itself, is an incredible treat it is the staff that makes it truly special.  Every coming or going is recognized with a greeting, wishes for a good day, or offer of assistance; it feels like every member of the staff wants your stay to be perfect.

The Chaz Restaurant

Smoked Salmon Benedect & Bananas Foster French Toast

Smoked Salmon Benedect & Bananas Foster French Toast

With live music practically every evening and an eclectic variety of dishes, it’s no wonder Chaz on the Plaza has become one of Kansas City’s favorite dining spots.

The restaurant is small and quiet which made it perfect for pre-dinner drinks and a small appetizer.  The Braised Veal Cheek Sliders are a must, the incredibly tender meat so well accompanied by the salty mildness of the Emmentaler cheese.

The breakfast menu had a decidedly French feel with omelets, Benedicts and a Bananas Foster French Toast that was simply heavenly.  The only disappointment was the Chicken Fried Steak.  While good, it was almost as if the meat was too nice of a cut and the breading too light and not crisp enough.   (Yes, I know, how sad is it to say a piece of meat was too good?)

Enjoying Country Club Plaza as a Couple

Country Club Plaza was created to resemble Seville, Spain.  Statues, murals, tile mosaics and beautiful buildings make this a perfect area for strolling, hand in hand.  Upscale shops attract your eye and dozens of restaurants are available to please you palate.  My top picks for romance:

Best place to relive Lady & the Tramp’s Spaghetti Scene:  Buca di Beppo

This Italian restaurant is popular with large groups for their family style dining, but small, private boots are perfect for your romantic evening.

Best place when the cost doesn’t matter: McCormick’s & Schmick’s

Known for their steaks and seafood, M&S serves only the very freshest food available.  The chefs are known for their incredible variety and perfect presentation.  For a truly private dining experience reserve a snug.

Best for couples who can’t agree on what to eat:  Fogo de Chao

Roasting Meat at Fogo de Chao

Roasting Meat at Fogo de Chao

Meats slowly cooked over fire.  And a salad bar that even salad haters will love.  Gauchos who bring the meat, on the skewer, to your table and slice it off right in front of you.  And tasty side dishes that include caramelized bananas and warm cheese bread that is lighter than air.

Most romantic for dessert:  The Melting Pot

Chocolate fondue.  Need I say more?  OK, chocolate fondue and champagne.

Best place to relax on a beautiful afternoon:  O’Dowd’s Little Dublin

Ploughman's Platter, O'Dowd's Little Dublin, Kansas City

Bangers, cheese and toasts

Head directly for the only rooftop deck on the Plaza.  Relax with a drink, nibble on the Ploughman’s Platter, talk, flirt, and remember what life was like before kids.

Kansas City is one of our favorite destinations, both as a couple and as a family.  With so much to do, so many things going on, it’s no wonder one of our favorite sayings is “Kansas City Here We Come!” 

 

 
Disclosure: This getaway was fully paid for by Doug & I. 

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