Imagine spending the day on an island that is home to plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world. You’re probably thinking you have to travel to the Galapagos Islands in South America, right? But did you know that the Channel Islands off the coast of California are home to 145 unique animal and…
If you are in the DC area and are looking for something to do, why not head west for the day or evening and visit nearby Loudoun County, Virginia. Depending on the time of day, in just a bit over an hour you can be driving on scenic country roads and visiting quaint small towns….
(Updated May 2026)Visiting the Nation’s Capital is a wonderful opportunity to see history come to life, spend time in amazing free museums, and enjoy the view of the monuments that make the city so special. There is so much to see and do, but Washington, DC can often be overwhelming for the first time visitor….
When people think of visiting Philadelphia, places like Independence Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art come to mind. But did you know that one of Tripadvisor’s top attractions in Philadelphia is a prison? Not just any prison, but the historic, fortress-like Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, that played a key role in America’s early justice system. Located…
If you live in the US, you probably know that Florida is one of the more popular states for tourism. Whether you travel by car on Interstate 95, or fly into one of the larger cities, most families will visit Florida at one point or another. While the majority of tourists head to the popular…
Boston is one of my favorite family-friendly cities to visit for several reasons. There are so many activities to do in the city, the food is delicious, and it’s easy to get around on foot. I had family in the North End for years, so our visits also included neighborhood markets and cafes. Sure, we…
Thinking about our travels through Washington and Oregon brings back so many special family memories. It was an area of the country my husband and I were eager to explore, even though it was not considered a hot vacation destination from the DC area. I planned an 1,800 mile road trip loop from Seattle that…
This summer was the year of mini-vacations for my family, and everywhere we went there was no shortage of hometown food favorites. I enjoyed my first visit to historic markets in Philadelphia and Washington, DC, along with discovering an amazing summer outdoor food venue in New York City. Of course, since we were in New…
Amidst the dozens of museums in DC, you’ll find the National Geographic Museum quietly tucked away on 17th and M Street, NW. The museum hosts a wide array of traveling exhibits and live events, and when I heard an advertisement on the radio for Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology, I knew I had…
Is a houseboat vacation rental on your family travel bucket list? Houseboating was always something that caught my attention, with dreams of relaxing on the water and watching the sunset from the boat deck. In Virginia, there’s no better place for houseboating than beautiful Smith Mountain Lake. Often called the “Jewel of the Blue Ridge,”…