Spending the Day at Kings Dominion Amusement Park

Kings Dominion is a  family-friendly amusement park located in Doswell Virginia, located about 20 miles north of Richmond. This amusement park has been in continuous operation since 1975. Every year we take a road trip from central Pennsylvania down to Virginia Beach to visit family and to have some fun. Every time we go down there we plan on spending one day at Kings Dominion.

The park sits on 400 acres and offers over 60 amusement park rides, including 13 thrilling roller coasters. If amusement park rides aren't your thing, they also offer a 20 acre water park on-site and various shows are held throughout the day. No matter what your age...there is something fun for you to see and do while there.

Hours of Operation: The park is open seasonally...spring, summer and fall. Their hours depend on the season and the weather. They reserve the right to close on days that severe weather is in the area. If you're in doubt, consult their website, social media channels and/or call ahead before visiting.

When visiting the park you want to dress appropriately for the current weather conditions and wear comfortable footwear. For security reasons they recommend that you don't bring any bags with you into the park unless they're baby diaper bags, medical bags, etc. Alcohol and drugs are not permitted. If you're a smoker, you can only smoke in designated areas. Please be courteous to those around you.

You'll find rides that the entire family can enjoy.

Thrill Rides Include: Anaconda, Backlot Stunt Coaster, Berserker, Drop Tower, Flight of Fear, Grizzly Roller Coaster, Rebel Yell Roller Coaster, The Crypt, Windseeker, Volcano Blast Coaster, White Water Canyon, Richocet, plus many more!

Family Rides Include: Blue Ridge Tollway, Carousel, Boo Blasters, Dodgem, Americana (like a Ferris Wheel), Bad Apple, Flying Eagles, Flying Ace, Eiffel Tower, Wave Swinger, Scrambler, plus many more!

Often times when we're visiting the park we have our two young grandchildren along with us. If you're traveling with kids you'll want to visit the park's Planet Snoopy area which includes Peanut's themed rides, characters dressed in costume, fun shows and other Peanut's themed attractions. Kids of all ages enjoy visiting Planet Snoopy!!!

If you're looking to visit the park and save some time...you can buy your tickets online and print them off to take along with you. You can visit Kings Dominion online to get their current operating schedule, driving directions and if you're looking for a place to stay nearby, you can find that information on their site too.

I've got a few additional tips to share with you. If you want to avoid big crowds and extremely long lines...try visiting during their spring & fall operating months and/or weekdays. During the summertime weekends...the park can get extremely crowded!!! Next, if you're bringing children along with you...make sure you put all of your contact information on the child in case they would accidentally get separated from you. You can write your info on their shoes, place a slip of paper into their pocket, etc. Always nice to plan ahead and to be prepared!

Visiting the Hummelstown Fire Department

A few weeks ago we took a day trip down to Hummelstown in Pennsylvania and stumbled upon the Hummelstown Fire Department which sits right on East Main Street. It's a modern-day fire company and on the day that we visited...no one was around.

We took it upon ourselves to check out the memorials that sit right in front of the department which are open to the public. If you're paying this small town a visit, you might want to check them out too!

First let's talk about the Fireman's Prayer which is etched on a memorial stone. I had never heard of the fireman's prayer before. Here's what it says. We had to read it closely and then look it up online...due to the wear & tear of the stone over the years.

When I am called to duty, God
whenever flames may rage,
Give me the strength to save some life
Whatever be its age.
Help me to embrace a little child
Before it’s too late,
Or some older person
from the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert
And hear the weakest shout,
And quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling
and give the best in me,
To guard my neighbor
And protect his property.
And if according to Your will
I have to lose my life,
Please bless with Your protecting hand
My children and my wife.

Right beside the Fireman's Prayer was a big bell...I'm assuming its a fire station bell although I didn't see any posted information about it. Must have some type of historical importance since its out there on display. I checked their website and didn't see any information on it.

There was the American Flag and the Pennsylvania state flag on display and at the base of the flagpole we saw a marker that stated that the flags were presented by Local Lodge Woodmen of the World. You can see the flags and the marker in our photographs above. I wish they would include some of this information on their website, so that others could learn about it.

We just wanted to share this cool little exhibit with all of you that we stumbled upon while walking down East Main Street during our visit. We love checking out small hometown historical markers, memorials and sites like this when we travel.

Visiting Manistique East Breakwater Lighthouse in Michigan

A few months ago we had the pleasure of visiting several of the lighthouses that surround Lake Michigan. If you've never been to the area...we highly recommend that you go. This part of the country is absolutely beautiful, especially if you love the great outdoors and you're a fan of lighthouses.

The Manistique East Breakwater Lighthouse sits in the harbor of Manistique in Michigan. When visiting you'll want to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. You'll be doing a lot of walking! Leading up to the lighthouse you'll find a boardwalk that offers picnic areas, information plaques, off-shoot walking trails, etc.

Construction of the lighthouse was completed in 1915 with the official first lighting in August 1916. The lighthouse was built on a concrete pier with the tower made in a squared-off pyramid shape. The tower is painted in a red color with the lantern painted in black. It looks like your classic-style lighthouse.

During our visit we spent a good 3-4 hours walking down the boardwalk and brought along our own brown-bag lunches which we enjoyed in one of the picnic areas. If you're a dog owner...you can bring your dog for a walk as long as it remains on a leash. There are plenty of park-style benches for you to sit on along the way. The waterfront views are gorgeous in this area and I could literally sit there and relax for hours at a time.

When planning your visit I recommend that you visit the Manistique East Breakwater Lighthouse. They have a downloadable PDF guide to help you plan your visit. They can help you find overnight accommodations and make sure you check out their list of things to do in the area. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and hoping to visit again soon.

Caricatures by Jesse Falcone in Harrisburg

Are you looking to hire some local talent to provide entertainment at your next family get-together, party or hosted business event? If so, we would like to recommend that you check out Caricatures by Jesse Falcone. This amazing artist is centrally located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

We had the opportunity to meet the artist at a local event and had him do a Caricature of our two grandchildren. The artist offers these beautiful drawings in black & white or color. The choice is entirely up to you and he's totally affordable!

Our two grandchildren sat down for their session and he had their Caricature completed in less than 10 minutes. Our 3 1/2 year grandson didn't sit still (like most toddlers) and he was still able to capture his likeness in the drawing. He's great with children, so he would be awesome at a child's birthday party, family reunion, get-together, etc.

You can contact Caricatures by Jesse Falcone by visiting his Facebook page and/or by following him over on Instagram. If you would like to contact him via email, you can see his email address in one of my included photos. I'm not listing it in our blog post as I don't want him to get spammed by bots.

We were really impressed with his artistic talents and highly recommend him if you're looking to hire a local artist to provide entertainment at your next event or party. I know we'll definitely be using him again.

Cooperstown to Nashville on the Ultimate Father-Daughter Road Trip

By Rob Tischler, Co-Owner of Allstar Coaches

With Father’s Day right around the corner, you might be struggling to find gift ideas for dear old dad. At this point, he probably has all the ties he’ll ever need, and one more electronic gadget will only add to the clutter. So instead of buying him a generic greeting card and another thing, try spending your money on a different kind of gift this year.

Invest in Something Deeper

There’s something that speaks to the deep need for connection between fathers and their daughters. Unfortunately, between career and family obligations, and all the other responsibilities that come with a full life these days, there’s just not much time left over for that sort of thing.

So why not use Father’s Day as a handy excuse for reconnecting with your dad by planning an unforgettable experience you both can share? One that lends itself to long conversations and plenty of father-daughter bonding — like a long road trip.

Here’s what the ultimate father-daughter excursion might look like.

Start by Gearing Up

When you hear road trip, you probably think about traveling by car. But for this dream trip, you and your dad are renting an RV and traveling in style. No grubby roadside motels or greasy spoon diners here. Instead, you’ll be cruising around in your home-away-from-home, complete with it’s own kitchen and bathroom.

Don’t forget to stock up with the road trip essentials you’ll need for your trip, like plenty of beef jerky, bottled water and beer for the campfire. Then, once your mobile pantry is stocked and the gas tank is filled, you’re ready to hit the road.

Swing Away in Cooperstown, New York

Your trip begins in upstate New York with a pilgrimage every true sports fan should make. According to myth, baseball was invented right here, in the small village of Cooperstown. In the years since, the town has embraced the sport, hosting the Baseball Hall of Fame Museum and its annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Walk just two blocks down the road and you’ll arrive at historic Doubleday Field — considered the birthplace of the game — now home to concerts, ceremonies, and baseball tournaments. Throughout the summer months, there’s also a regular slate of youth and college summer league games being played throughout the town, so you and your dad will kick off this once-in-a-lifetime road trip with a healthy dose of all-American nostalgia.

Just don’t forget to have that catch before you leave.

Review History at Gettysburg National Military Park

From Cooperstown, you and your dad will travel southeast down I-88 towards Pennsylvania. As you cross over the border, join up with I-81 and drive through the heart of the state until arriving at the second stop in your father-daughter adventure: the Gettysburg National Military Park.

For three days in 1863, soldiers of the Union and Confederate armies fought here in what would become the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War. The Union Army ultimately prevailed, and historians now consider the Battle of Gettysburg to be a turning point in the war. In an effort to preserve this hallowed ground, The National Park Service took control of the site in 1933 and it’s been open to the public ever since.

Today, visitors to the park can tour many of the battle’s key locations with the help of one of Gettysburg’s many Licensed Battlefield Guides. They can also visit the David Wills House, where Abraham Lincoln put the finishing touches on his Gettysburg Address and take a virtual tour of the National Cemetery where many of the battle’s dead are buried. No matter how you spend your day, this spot is sure to spark some important conversations.

Catch the Spirit in Louisville

Leaving Gettysburg, you’ll spend a long day in the RV traveling through Maryland, the mountains of West Virginia and into Louisville, Kentucky for the next portion of your trip. Lousiville is the state’s largest city, and birthplace of famous Americans like Abraham Lincoln, Muhammad Ali and George Clooney. It’s also home to many of the finest bourbon distillers in the world, which should come as no surprise. In the late 1700’s, a baptist preacher named Elijah Craig invented this new take on whiskey in nearby Fayette County, and Kentucky distillers have been busy perfecting his original recipe for more than 200 years.

Once you’ve arrived in Louisville, stretch your legs during a tour of one of the city’s fine distilleries like Angel’s Envy or The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. You can also visit many of the city’s best bars and restaurants — each dedicated to the heritage and culture of the state’s native spirit — by following Louisville's Urban Bourbon Trail. You can pick up your trail map at The Louisville Visitor Center.

One thing’s for sure, after a day or two spent sampling America’s only native spirit, you and your dad will be true bourbon experts — at least compared to your family and friends.

Give it some Gas in Bowling Green

Now that you’ve passed the midway point of your trip, it’s time to indulge dad’s love of the great American sports car. Catch I-65 south out of Louisville to Bowling Green. After about two hours, take exit 28 and you’ll find the National Corvette Museum.

Dedicated to the proud history of this iconic car, the Corvette Museum sits inside a 115,000 square foot facility and features 80 different models, one-of-a-kind concept cars, as well as photos, videos and other memorabilia from the brand’s storied history. If simply looking isn't enough, the museum also offers a more hands-on experience at their nearby Motorsports Park. Visitors can test drive their own cars on the motorsport racetrack, or borrow one of the park’s Corvettes for a few hot laps.

After ogling some of the most beautiful cars ever made, you’ll jump back on the open road with a bit of gasoline in your veins, and primed for the final stop on this ultimate father-daughter road trip.

Experience the Scene in Nashville, Tennessee

Just an hour outside of Bowling Green sits Nashville, Tennessee — known as “Music City” and the final stop on this once-in-a-lifetime trip. There’s so much to do in this amazing city, that it’s hard to know where to start. You can’t go wrong, however, with a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. There, you’ll learn the history of this all-American form of music and how it’s formed the backbone of this All-American town. Then, hit a show at the Ryman Auditorium or the historic Grand Ole Opry.

After you’ve had your fill of music, stroll through the restaurants and shops in one of Nashville’s neighborhoods like Hillsboro Village or 12South. You’ll get a great view of how the locals live in this one-of-a-kind place.

No trip to Nashville would be complete without sampling the city’s most famous dish: hot chicken. This extra-spicy style of fried chicken is a Nashville delicacy, and no place does it better than Prince’s Hot Chicken. Just don’t forget to order a cold drink with your meal, because you’ll probably need it.

Home Now, and Closer than You Were Before

Your road trip’s finished and together, you and your dad have traveled more than 1,000 miles through six different states while visiting five iconic American locations, sharing an experience unlike any other. Along the way, you’ve laughed, talked long into the night, reminisced about the good old days and hopefully made plans for the future. Most importantly, when you return to your normal lives at home, you’ll be closer than you were before you left.

Of course, not everyone will be able to take this exact trip. But hopefully you’ll still use this Father’s Day as an opportunity to connect with your dad on a different and deeper level — even if it’s just sitting on a porch swing while enjoying a cold beer.

Author: The founder and CEO of Allstar Coaches, the largest luxury RV rental company in the U.S., Rob Tischler is committed to helping Americans experience the perfect road trip adventure.

Visiting Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse in Maine

The beautiful Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse sits right off the coast of York, Maine. The lighthouse sits on a rocky island and is not accessible to the public. To visit the lighthouse you'll have to enter Sohier Park from Nubble Road.

Sohier Park is open year-round and offers free parking. From late April through October the gift shop and restrooms are open to the public. There are no on-site restaurants or eateries, but you're welcome to bring along your own picnic-style lunch.

Weather permitting you can enjoy bird-watching, walking, scuba diving, etc. Dogs are permitted in the park as long as they're kept on a leash. During certain times of the year you can get a good look at harbor seals, but please don't disturb them or feed them. The lighthouse has several "live cams" on their website and I invite you to check those out before visiting.

Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse was constructed and finished in 1879. The tower stands 41 feet high and 13 feet in diameter. There are 33 steel steps in the tower that lead to the first landing. The signal is 3 seconds on, 3 seconds off and in clear weather can be see for 13 nautical miles. In 1879 Nathaniel Otterson was the first official lighthouse keeper. In 1987 Russell Ahlgren was the last keeper to occupy the residence.

Planning to visit? You'll want to check out the official Nubble Light website for information, directions and a list of scheduled events. You can connect with them on Facebook too.

Historic Guided Church Tours in Gettysburg

Heading to Gettysburg to tour the battlefield and visit the area's tourist attractions? Looking to learn even more about the American Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg? If so, you'll want to take a Guided Church Tour while you're there!

Historic Church Tours of Gettysburg offers guided tours during the months of June, July and August. They offer scheduled tours, but if you're a group and looking for a group tour...they offer those too! The tours are only offered on Wednesdays, departing from the Gettysburg Presbyterian Church at 6 PM. You'll want to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure time to purchase your tickets.

Gettysburg Presbyterian Church
Corner of Baltimore and High Streets
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Each tour lasts for approximately 2 hours and you'll be doing a lot of walking. Please dress appropriately for the current weather conditions and wear comfortable walking shoes. The tours run rain or shine!

You'll be walking a mapped out route and visiting local churches. At each participating church you'll spend about 20 minutes listening to a story about the church and the role that it played in the American Civil War (before, during and/or after) or how the church was utilized by the local community. Inside each church you'll have the opportunity to sit down during the presentation, so you will be able to "rest" along the way.

You can visit the company's official website to learn more about the tours, the mapped route that you'll be taking and to get additional information. No visit to Gettysburg is complete without visiting these historical churches and learning about their history and the role that they played during the American Civil War.

How to Avoid Medical Illnesses While Traveling

The Memorial Day holiday weekend kicks off the summer travel season from many of us in the United States. For my family personally, it's our first trip of the season and we're looking forward to relaxing on the beach.

Today we're sharing a guest post article with all of you from Dr. Niket Sonpal with some timely travel tips. Let's face it...no one wants to get sick while traveling or immediately upon returning home.

How to Avoid Illness and Other Medical Consequences While Traveling on Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer. According to AAA, more than 41.5 million Americans will travel this Memorial Day weekend by car, plane, or train. Nothing ruins a long-awaited vacation faster than getting sick or being in medical distress. We turned to Dr. Niket Sonpal, an NYC internist and gastroenterologist for some tips on how to avoid health consequences will traveling.

Avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause leg pain or swelling, but also can occur with no symptoms. For travelers, this can happen on long haul trips where you are not moving. Dr. Sonpal recommends if you are flying or on a train, to move around the cabin to get the blood flowing in your legs. If you are driving, take a break at a rest stop and walk around. Compression socks are also another option to prevent DVT.

Don’t Get Nauseous

People can experience motion sickness on virtually any mode of transportation. To combat this, Dr. Sonpal suggests Dramamine® Non-Drowsy Naturals, Dramamine®'s first non-drowsy formulation. It contains the clinically tested ginger dosage required for preventing and treating motion sickness. Other sources of ginger, including candies, gums, or ginger ale, may not contain a full clinical dose. For someone who is already experiencing nausea while traveling, it is a good idea to keep Emetrol on hand which is an over the counter nausea medication that does not cause drowsiness.

Avoid Bloating on a Plane

If you get gassy on a plane, you’re not alone! Dr. Sonpal explains that “as the pressure around you decreases, the gas in your belly isn’t constrained as much and it expands. This can make you feel bloated or become distended.” It is essential to avoid foods that cause gas or have salt. Skip the tomato juice in flight and stick with non-carbonated water. Avoid alcohol, cruciferous vegetables, dairy and high sodium snacks such as salted peanuts or pretzels. Foods that are protein packed, magnesium-rich and high in Vitamin C are good options.

Sanitize Your Surfaces

Planes and trains are a breeding ground for illness. The former is awful due to re-circulated air. Most travelers would be appalled if they really knew how germy their tray tables are! Dr. Sonpal suggests sanitizing wipes for your tray table, seat belt clip and hand rests of your seats on planes and trains. When you exit a restroom on a plane or train and touch the door handles, be sure to use hand sanitizer even if you already washed your hands.

Get Your Shots Before Traveling Abroad!

Before you even book your trip, make sure you’re up to date on your shots. If you’re traveling to an area where you’re at risk for picking up an illness like malaria, you might be prescribed preventative medication. Dr. Sonpal suggests that “people should use the CDC website for recommended vaccines for travel abroad or see a travel clinic. The health risks posed to Americans vary based on the country they are traveling to.”

Don’t Touch the Ice!

When traveling to a different country, most people are very cautious about only drinking bottled water. Many folks forget that ice is simply frozen water and put it into their soft drinks or alcoholic beverages. Contrary to what one might think, freezing water does not kill bacteria. The only way to be sure it is safe is if you boiled the water and then froze it.

Avoid Jet Lag

Even a relatively short time change from EST to PST (3 hours) can cause jet lag. With some international travel from the United States, the time difference can be as much as twelve hours. If you're traveling east, try going to bed one hour earlier each night for a few days before your departure. Go to bed one hour later for several nights if you're flying west. If possible, eat meals closer to the time you'll be eating them at your destination. Dr. Sonpal suggests that you set your watch to the new time before you leave. Once you reach your destination, try not to sleep until the local nighttime, no matter how tired you are.

How to Find a Reliable Physician if you are Traveling Abroad

The US embassy in your destination country can help you locate medical services and will notify your family and friends in the event of an emergency. When selecting a doctor, make sure that he or she can speak your language.

Dr. Niket Sonpal is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and Clinical instructor at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Brooklyn who specializes in Gastroenterology. He is a graduate of the Medical University of Silesia – Hope Medical Institute in Poland. After completing his residency in Internal Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital, he was selected to be the 2013‐2014 Chief Resident at Lenox Hill Hospital–Northshore LIJ Health System. Dr. Sonpal has completed his Fellowship in Gastroenterology & Hepatology at Lenox Hill Hospital and continues his work in the field of medical student and resident test preparation. He now serves as the associate program director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Brookdale University medical center. You can learn more about Dr. Sonpal by visiting HERE.

Spending the Day at the Washington Street Mall in Cape May

The Washington Street Mall is located in downtown Cape May, New Jersey. It's an outdoor mall with a red brick walkway and outdoor park benches. When shopping there...you'll find jewelry stores, gift shops, souvenir stores, boutique clothing shops, a local Five & Dime, toy stores, fudge & candy stores, ice cream parlors and several really nice restaurants.

There is a lot to see and do at the mall, so I recommend allowing at least 3 hours in your schedule. You'll find metered (paid) parking nearby. If you're looking for free parking...you'll find that several blocks away. Often times the parking areas that surround the mall are full, so we typically park in a paid parking lot on the other side and walk the 2 blocks.

You'll be doing a lot of outdoor walking so dress appropriately and wear comfortable walking shoes. If they're calling for rain, bring your umbrella too! You'll find (free) open to the public restrooms located in 2 different locations. The retail stores don't allow the public to use their restrooms, so check out the "posted" mall map to find their locations. A few of the on-site restaurants offer restrooms to their patrons too.

The mall is open year-round and one of the things I really enjoy is that they decorate the mall according to the season. During the spring & summer you'll see beautiful floral displays, during the fall you'll see cornstalks, pumpkins & autumn decor. During the Christmas holiday season they go way out and decorate with beautiful lights, trees, wreaths, etc.

A few things to look for during your visit. Head down the center walkway to see the historic S. S. Cape May Ship's Bell and historical marker. Right across the street from the ship's bell you'll see an old historic church that's been there for over a century and is still in operation today. If you're waymarking you'll find the town's historic town clock standing in the middle of the mall. My grandchildren like to toss pennies into their beautiful water fountain too! Like I said, a lot to see and do!

The photographs that I'm sharing in my post today were taken over 3 different visits during 3 different times of the year. I wanted to give you a good overall "feel" of the stores that are there, along with how beautiful Washington Street Mall is to visit. A definite must-see when visiting the Cape May area in New Jersey.

Reasons to Vacation on Bald Head Island

It is that time of the year again. Time to pack the swimwear in the suitcase, load the children in the family car, and hit the open road to anywhere else where your name is not on the side of the mailbox. Summertime is the perfect time to book a vacation (or two) requiring a road trip away from home.

If you are looking for a wonderful vacation spot, you really can not go wrong booking North Carolina beach houses for rent. North Carolina is well-known for its beach house rentals, especially in the Outer Banks region of the state. If, however, you are looking for a more secluded hideaway nestled on a barrier island which is off the beaten path of the busiest tourism corridor, consider heading to Bald Head Island.

Ditch the Automobile

In order to preserve the natural environment and the quiet sanctuary of this treasured island, automobiles are not permitted on Bald Head Island. Rather, visitors leave their vehicles on the mainland and then traverse to the island by passenger ferry or private boat. Once on the island, you make your way around by either golf cart or bicycle. It is the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful summertime weather while simultaneously experiencing the quiet and tranquility of an island village devoid of automobile traffic.

Recreational Activities Abound

There are many recreational activities available on Bald Head Island that let you enjoy its natural beauty. Boating charters, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, golf, tennis, and croquet are just a few. There is no shortage of fun recreational things to do on the island.

Commune With Nature

If you are looking to commune with nature, then Bald Head Island is a nirvana. Walks on the beach, gorgeous ocean sunsets, shelling, birdwatching, hiking, and a world-famous sea turtle protection program at the Bald Head Island Conservancy will help you renew your natural soul.

The secret is out. Bald Head Island is an island vacation destination lacking in mass commercialism, but absolutely rife with charm and history.

Revolutionize Your Summer Vacation at Philadelphia’s Museum of the American Revolution

Looking for something fun and educational to do with the family this summer? Heading to Philadelphia? If so, you'll want to visit the Museum of the American Revolution! We had the opportunity to visit the museum and you can read our previous feature on our visit right HERE on the blog. You can find out additional information about the museum below.

Philadelphia has been the hottest historic destination ever since the Founders sweated it out over the Declaration of Independence in July 1776 (things got heated!).

Heat up your summer plans with a visit to Philadelphia – the Headquarters of the American Revolution – and enjoy extended hours, family-friendly activities, and ways to save at the Museum of the American Revolution. And don’t miss the Museum’s special weekend-long events in celebration of Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.

Be sure to plan your Revolutionary itinerary at www.AmRevHQ.org, which highlights the numerous local and regional sites where history was made, including battlefields, burial grounds, historic houses, and more. Share your photos on social media using #BeTheRevolution and tag the Museum on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @AmRevMuseum.

From June 15 – Sept. 1, the Museum will offer extended summertime hours from 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (after Labor Day, Museum hours will return to 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.). The Museum’s Cross Keys Café is open daily from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and will offer summer menu items, including BBQ Chicken Flatbread, Potato Salad, Lemon Basil Cheesecake, Raspberry Peach Cobbler, and made-to-order iced coffee beverages.

General admission tickets to the Museum can be purchased here or by calling 215.253.6731, and are $21 for adults; $18 for seniors and students; and $13 for children ages 6 and up. Children ages 5 and under are free.

Family-Friendly Activities:

* In the Museum’s first-floor Patriots Gallery, sew a stitch on a flag, practice rolling cartridges, try on Revolutionary-inspired clothing, and decode secret messages. Daily from 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. from Flag Day Weekend (June 14) through July 14; included with regular Museum admission.

* In the Museum’s family-friendly discovery center Revolution Place, explore 18th-century Philadelphia through immersive environments, interactive touchscreens, reproduction objects, and special daily programs like Smelladelphia or Storytime. Daily from Noon – 5 p.m. from June 14 – Sept. 2; included with regular Museum admission.

* Enjoy the Sounds of the Revolution with live performances, workshops, and demonstrations of different musical styles, from traditional fife & drum to jazz and African drumming, on the Museum’s outdoor plaza. Saturdays from July 20 – August 17, free.

Special Events:

Highlights of the Museum’s special events this summer include the following:

* During Memorial Day Weekend from Saturday, May 25 – Monday, May 27, the Museum will honor America’s first fallen soldiers with special programming and activities including walking tours to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolutionary War. Veterans and active/retired military will receive free admission courtesy of Comcast NBCUniversal.

* In honor of Flag Day, the Museum will display “A New Constellation: A Collection of Historic 13-Star Flags,” which will bring together 40 13-star flags, most of which have never been displayed before, from Friday, June 14 – Sunday, July 14.

* From Saturday, June 29 – Sunday, July 7, the Museum will celebrate Independence Day by asking visitors and passersby to declare how they will #BeTheRevolution by adding a personalized ribbon to a giant flag installation on the Museum’s outdoor plaza. Inside the Museum, guests can learn about the many declarations of independence across the world that were inspired by the United States.”

* During Labor Day Weekend, kids 12 and under will receive free admission to the Museum from Saturday, Aug. 31 – Monday, Sept. 2 and can participate in special programs about 18th-century canine culture in honor of National Dog Day.

History After Hours

The Museum’s monthly History After Hours series will continue throughout the summer with extended evening hours from 5 – 8 p.m., special themed programs, happy hour food and drink specials, and full access to the Museum’s exhibits. $10 admission (includes exhibit access). Upcoming events include:

Tuesday, May 21: Seafarers and Stargazers
Tuesday, June 18: Pride on Paper
Tuesday, July 23: Bros and Foes
Tuesday, August 20: Revolutionary Staycation

Meet the Revolution:

This summer, explore the voices, viewpoints, and experiences of the diverse people of the Revolutionary era. Inside the Museum and on the outdoor plaza, costumed historical interpreters will make history come alive through theatrical performances, dynamic storytelling, and hands-on demonstrations.

* From June 18-23, coinciding with Juneteenth, which commemorates the abolition of slavery in the U.S., historical interpreter Nastassia Parker will portray Ona Judge on the Museum’s outdoor plaza and inside the Museum. Judge was enslaved by George and Martha Washington and eventually escaped from their household. Parker will interpret Judge’s story through informal programs and a theatrical program called Freedom on the Horizon, which will be delivered periodically throughout her residency.

* From July 7-13, historical interpreter Cheney McKnight will join the Museum for costumed living history programs about African American culture in early America. McKnight will offer talks on African American women’s headwraps and spiritual practices, a family workshop of African adornments, storytelling, and demonstrations of African American foodways and medicine.

* From August 5-16, interpreter Joel Cook will portray a formerly enslaved man about to embark on a new life at sea. Visitors can meet Cook at the privateer ship in the Museum’s galleries to learn the ropes along with him and discuss the new opportunities the war offered African Americans.

* On Saturdays at 2 p.m. in the Museum’s Revolution Place discovery center, visitors can meet Joseph Plumb Martin, a young Continental Army veteran, as he concludes his war service, remembers the past seven years, and thinks about his future in a 30-minute performance by a Museum Educator.

Guided Tours:

* One-hour Early Access Guided Tours offer guests an exclusive opportunity to experience a guided tour through the Museum’s exhibits before they open to the public. Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9 – 10 a.m., $50 non-members, $35 members.

* One-hour Family Highlights Tours engage all ages in a guided tour of the Museum’s exhibits. Sundays from 11 a.m. – Noon., $12 per person in addition to regular admission.

* Audio Tours offer guests insight into the Museum’s core exhibition, narrated by the Museum’s President and CEO Dr. R. Scott Stephenson. $5 for general public, $3 for members, in addition to regular Museum admission

* One-hour Hamilton Walking Tours explore the Museum’s historic Old City neighborhood back when Alexander Hamilton called the city home. Saturdays, 4 – 5 p.m., $31 for general public, $12 for members.

Additional tours are listed at www.amrevmuseum.org/visit/guided-tours.

Ways to Save:

* Get discounted admission to the Museum using the Philadelphia CityPASS, the Philadelphia Sightseeing Pass, or Philadelphia Pass to visit the city’s top attractions.

* With the Museum’s Family Four Pack, get two adult tickets and two children’s tickets for $55 (savings of $13) from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Available for purchase at the front desk.

* Purchase a discounted joint ticket to the Museum and the National Constitution Center to experience the whole story of our nation’s founding. Available online here or the front desk.

Disclosure: Information and photographs are courtesy of the Museum of the American Revolution.

The Historic Pottersburg Covered Bridge

The historic Pottersburg Covered Bridge was built in built in 1868 by Reuben Partridge. The bridge originally spanned over the Big Darby Creek in Allen Township. After the bridge was no long needed it was moved to its current location in Chuckery (Union County), Ohio in 2006.

Its done in the tradition Truss style and spans 94 feet over a dry ditch (an old rail bed) on a popular hiking trail. The Pottersburg Bridge Trail is a multi-use path to the village of North Lewisburg. It's popular with hikers, walkers, bikers and those who enjoy bird watching. The bridge is not open to vehicular traffic.

Every year during the month of September you'll find the family-friendly Covered Bridge Bluegrass Festival hosted at the site.If you've never attended the festival and will be in the area...add it to your to-do list during the fall. You can find information about the area and upcoming events by visiting the Union County Ohio website.

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Enjoy a Wine Tasting Tour at Castello di Amorosa Winery

If you're going to be visiting the Napa Valley area in California and enjoy wine tastings...you'll want to visit Castello di Amorosa Winery in Calistoga. This winery is based out of a Tuscan style castle in a medieval style. The castle was built in 1994 and features 107 rooms, four underground levels, and four above ground levels. Every nook and cranny of this castle reminds me of our past trip to Italy. Construction took 15 years to complete and opened to the public in April 2007.

If you would like to learn more about the history of castle and its owner, Dario Sattui, you'll want to visit the company's official website. They have a really nice timeline history that you can read. The winery also has a book for sale that goes really in-depth and is perfect for visitors to the area.

For those of you who enjoy exploring and wine tastings all wrapped into one...Castello di Amorosa offers them at an affordable price. You can elect to do the self-guided tour (visitor's are provided a map) and explore 2 levels of the winery, one of the ground levels, the gardens and includes the wine tasting. No reservations needed.

If you prefer a guided tour of the winery you can opt for that package which includes an educational 60-minute guided tour through the castle, including the torture chamber, armory, and grand barrel room. You'll enjoy your wine tasting with a selection of their premium wines. When it comes to the guided tours...they do recommend reservations.

If you want to get a group together of your family and friends (14 or more members), you'll want to contact them to make a reservation and to inquire about group rates. Perfect for wine loving couples, bachelor and bachelorette parties, etc.

The company hosts a wide variety of different wine tasting packages and you can find all of that information on their website. In addition, they host a lot of different events throughout the year that you may want to participate in. They're great about keeping their website and social media channels updated with the latest offerings and news.

Social Media Channels:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

Looking to buy some bottles of their delicious wines? You can shop their online store for a nice selection of their offerings and visit their online gift shop to purchase branded wine accessories, books, grapeseed oils, decanters, premium chocolates, grapeseed soap bars, and more!

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Visiting the Seaport Pier in North Wildwood

The Seaport Pier in North Wildwood, New Jersey was scheduled to open for business around Memorial Day in 2018. However, due to some delays and issues, they finally opened their doors in July 2018. This new pier was developed to offer various entertainment venues to locals and tourists, year-round.

When we were down last June the pier was still being worked on. However, during our return visit in early October they were finally open for business. The restaurants & bars are open to the public. The Starboard Swim Club requires a membership.

On the pier you'll find:

* The Green Eggs Cafe - A brunch restaurant providing decadent eats with the freshest local ingredients.

* The Sand Bar - Located just steps from the beach...this bar offers a gathering space to meet, eat and drink. It will be a venue for upcoming entertainment events.

* Starboard Swim Club - You will need to buy a membership to use the swim club pool and services. Both residents and tourists can purchase a membership. It's a private beach-side pool with a swim-up bar.

* The Dive Bar - Incorporates southern New Jersey history and vibe.

As I previously stated, we visited the Seaport Pier in early October and there were less than 25 people there. The weather was decent, but we were visiting during the end of the tourist season. If you plan on dining at any of their establishments...we found their prices to be expensive for what you get. If you're traveling on a budget, you'll want to dine elsewhere.

While they boast that they're kid-friendly, I would say that children are welcome but personally I don't like having young children around adults who are consuming alcohol. In addition, kids can't roam around unsupervised, so please keep an eye on your children and keep they nearby.

To use the pool you'll have to purchase a membership to the Starboard Swim Club. We heard from several locals that these memberships are around $750 per person, per year. Wow! Yes, I was told that was per person. If you have a family, that could be a pretty hefty membership. With that said, we did view the pool area and I have to say...it was quite beautiful and inviting. There were private lockers for you to use, plenty of seating and cabanas around the pool for you to use.

While the Seaport Pier in North Wildwood, New Jersey really isn't my cup of tea...I think it would appeal to the younger generation of adults and for those who aren't traveling on a budget.

Family-Style Breakfast at Uncle Bill's Pancake House

Heading down to Stone Harbor, Wildwood or Cape May for vacation? Traveling with a family and on a budget? Looking for a great place to enjoy breakfast while you're there? If so, we would like to recommend Uncle Bill's Pancake House in Wildwood, New Jersey.

Uncle Bill's Pancake House is located on the main drag running north to south on the island. You'll find them at 4601 Pacific Avenue. They've been in business for over 55+ years and are a tradition for many of the island's visitors. No visit would be complete without at least one breakfast from Uncle Bill's. At least..that's our honest opinion!

There are 8 different locations of Uncle Bill's Pancake House from Ocean City down to Cape May. Six of them are open seasonally with two locations offering year-round service. The two that are open year-round are in Avalon and North Cape May.

Why do we recommend Uncle Bill's? Well, they're very family-friendly and offer some of the best breakfasts at the Jersey Shore! You'll find over 15 different types of pancakes, French toast, waffles, eggs and meats. They try to source the majority of their ingredients from local New Jersey farmers. Besides offering a great breakfast...their prices are affordable for families too!

Their restaurants are really clean and their staff is very friendly. Check out this cool outdoor wall mural and street art design on the side of their building at their Wildwood location. It's colorful, fun and just makes you smile! Gotta love that retro-style, neon sign too!