Search Results for: blog ways to go wild with your family in nature this fall

Become a Wilderness Explorer at the Animal Kingdom

If “Up” is one of your favorite Disney/Pixar movies, then Disney World’s Animal Kingdom has a great new surprise coming for you this spring.  Soon guests to the Animal Kingdom can become Wilderness Explorers, just like Russell from “Up.” Wilderness Explorers was the Boy Scout-style troop to which Russell belonged in the film.  An early version of this new experience was tested at the Animal Kingdom way back in the fall of 2011, and now it’s finally going to be making its debut this spring.  Wilderness Explorers isn’t a proper game like Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom; it’s closer to … Continue reading →

Escape into Nature at “Villages Natures”

We’ve been looking so much at the new construction at the domestic Disney parks, why don’t we take a look at an exciting new project at one of the international parks? Disneyland Paris announces plans to begin work on Villages Natures, an eco-tourism site built just under four miles outside of Disneyland Paris. Villages Natures is a lot more than a giant park along the lines of Disney World’s Wilderness Preserve. Eco-tourism means destinations designed to let guests commune with nature, where the focus of the vacation is being in and learning more about the natural world. The crowning center … Continue reading →

Unique Leaf Peeping Travel Adventures

My ultimate fall foliage travel adventure involves me, a hot air balloon and miles of pristine forests ablaze in orange and red hues. Someday. My dream of witnessing Mother Nature’s autumnal transformation from the sky is one way to spice up an ordinary leaf peeping trip. However, it is not the only adventure that puts a new spin on traditional fall foliage viewing. Cruise: Seasonal sailings to New England and Canada when the fall foliage is at its peak make for ideal family getaways during September and October. In addition to getting a rare view of the changing landscape from … Continue reading →

Splash Into Summer Fun at Six Flags Great America

When was the last time you experienced liquid love… minus the nasty hangover? Forget about the Patron-laced tropical libations; now’s your chance to splish, splash, slide and surf your way into a wet and wild summer vacation you’ll remember for years to come. Soaking up the sun and hanging ten on cobalt blue water is easy when you live in Hawaii, but what do you do when you want to take a summer plunge in the Midwest? (Take the plunge at Riptide Bay!) Never mind Lake Michigan; instead, set your sights on Gurnee, Illinois. That’s where you’ll find Six Flags … Continue reading →

Epitaphs That Made Me Laugh

While it is true that you may be able to fill in the branches of your family tree by relying on simple records like birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates, many genealogists do not want to stop there. The wonderful thing about genealogical research is that you can dig deeper than that. There are many kinds of documents and other types of evidence that genealogists can look at if what they seek is a more complete picture of who their ancestors were. The gravestones of our ancestors contain words and symbols that can give us some insight to the … Continue reading →

End-of-the-Season Fall Foliage Adventures

Despite the 57 mph winds that tore through our town earlier this week we still have a few trees that have yet to shed their colorful leaves. As hardy as the Cheetos and Doritos-dusted leaves may be, they too will join their wrinkled friends on the grass in the coming days. Autumn may be drawing to a close, but it is not over just yet. This means that you still have a chance to catch the remaining gold, crimson and burnt orange beauty on trees across America. To entice last-minute leaf peppers, some companies are offering unique travel adventures that … Continue reading →

Unique Fall Foliage Travel Adventures

Tis the season for Cheetos trees. That’s what my daughter calls the blaze orange foliage that lights up the landscape near our home. The trees around here really do look like they’ve been sprinkled with the dust and crumbs you’d find at the bottom of a bag of cheese doodles. It’s like the Jolly Green Giant downed an entire bowl of cheese puffs, and then wiped his hands on the trees’ leaves. Makes me hungry just looking at them. But sitting in my home looking is so boring. It’s time to turn over a new leaf this fall by taking … Continue reading →

Late Season Leaf Peeping

According to the National Weather Service, the Northeast and Midwest portions of the United States are past peak in terms of fall foliage. However, parts of the South and West are still ablaze with the radiant glow of autumnal colors. If you haven’t had your fill of the leaf peeping season, now is your chance. These popular fall foliage destinations are still showing off the season’s brilliant palette of yellows, oranges and reds: NEW MEXICO November is prime leaf peeping season at Bandelier National Monument. The park’s cottonwoods and box elders are especially radiant this month. In addition, the state’s … Continue reading →

Family-Friendly Fall Travel Deals

Leave it to the travel industry to come up with creative alternatives to spending Veteran’s Day cleaning house or Thanksgiving with crabby Aunt Sue. Long holiday weekends are an ideal time to escape from the stress of extended family dysfunction and spend quality time with your spouse and kids. The following getaways are easy on the nerves and your wallet: OHIO Sawmill Creek Resort in Sandusky, Ohio, is offering a fabulous travel package to kick-off the property’s annual Festival of Lights. The two-night Thanksgiving package for a family of four starts at $279 and includes Thanksgiving brunch, a carriage ride, … Continue reading →

Fall Travel: Peak Peeping Destinations

In a few weeks fall’s brilliant palette of yellows, oranges and reds will be a distant memory. So, why not make the most of the gorgeous weather and even prettier landscapes by taking a leaf-peeping trip to some of the nation’s most popular fall foliage hot spots: EAST COAST The historic towns of Virginia’s northernmost counties are the ideal destinations for avid leaf peepers. Load up the family and take US 50 west to Sky Meadows State Park. That’s where you will find acres of wooded trails that lead to open pastures and panoramic views of blazing fall foliage. Another … Continue reading →