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Articles by Michaela lives
Summer Concert Series 2024: NoVA, DC & MD
Every year my kids look forward to attending some of the areas summer concert series. It’s pretty easy to find friends to go with us as it’s fun and free! So I rounded up all the summer concerts happening this year in the DC metro area so your familiy can enjoy them too! May – July | Schedule Concerts are from 4pm – 6:30pm and 7pm – 9pm.
7 Ashburn Playgrounds: Best Playgrounds to Visit
There are so many fun playgrounds in Ashburn and whether you’re looking to spend time indoors or get the kids outside, here you’ll find plenty of Ashburn playground options for you. These public parks are all free and available to anyone who wants to bring their kids. Whether you’re looking for a sprawling park with a playground and picnic areas, or an exciting indoor play center, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Where to Go Horseback Riding in Maryland: 15+ Places
Horseback riding is such a fun family activity and makes for a memorable experience. And going on a trail ride is one my family’s favorite things to do in Maryland. Whether you are going with beginner riders with no experience or advanced riders, there are lots of great options. While the summer months tend to be the most popular time to go, most of these ranches are open from spring through fall with a few open during the winter months.
3+ Water Parks in Manassas Virginia (and Next Closest)
It’s so nice that the Manassas area has some great water parks without having to go far. When summer hits, my kids turn into water park junkies and we end up visiting them all, and usually multiple times of course. While there are many water parks in Northern Virginia, we are lucky enough to have 2 water parks in Manassas itself. There are also a couple more close enough by that we can visit and here I’m going to share them all.
Shenandoah National Park Tubing: 7 Great Options
Driving along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Parks is one of my absolute favorite things to do. It’s so relaxing and has such beautiful scenery! Sometimes though, it’s fun to mix up the relaxation with a bit of adventure too. Shenandoah National Park tubing is an option that I had heard about but wasn’t sure if I wanted to try. Thankfully my family talked me into it and we’ve now gone a few times to explore different parts of the river and I’m so glad we did.
21+ Petting Zoos in Maryland
If you’re looking for the best petting zoos in Maryland, you’ve come to the right place! You will love visiting these top petting zoo farms that offer hands-on-petting, feeding & interactions. Petting zoos create an up-close and personal opportunity to feed and pet animals like llamas, sheep, pigs, goats, alpacas and others. While some of these petting zoos are larger and attract more crowds, some are much smaller and even more intimate as you need to schedule your private visit.
17+ Best Breakfast Spots in Northern Virginia
Breakfast is a big deal in our family. We’re happy to have breakfast for any meal. I mean, it it’s good enough to eat in the morning, why isn’t it good enough to end your day with? We often head out to breakfast before heading out to do something fun in Northern Virginia. Here I wanted to share some of the best breakfast spots in Northern Virginia so you can enjoy a meal out with your family too.
Top 15 Indoor Water Parks in Maryland and Virginia
Looking for the best water parks indoors to visit with your family? If you’re in Virginia or Maryland, then this is just the list for you! When there isn’t good weather and you want to avoid the outdoor waterparks, there are so many great water parks you can still enjoy. And if you have kids of all ages to entertain, you’ll definitely be able to find a waterpark where the entire family can have fun. Here you’ll find a list of the 15 best indoor water parksin Maryland and Virginia.
North Carolina Beaches Close to Virginia
Summer season is here! When most people think of Virginia’s white-sand beaches, they think of heading to Virginia Beach or nearby Ocean City in Maryland. But what about North Carolina? Just a short drive down the coast, North Carolina boasts some of the best and beautiful beaches on the eastern shore.
Where to See Snow in Arizona
If you’re wondering where to see snow in Arizona this time of year, you’ve come to the right place! Here we’ll share all of the best places to see snow in Arizona and what fun things there are to do. Check out these snow-filled spots in Arizona! From the White Mountains to Flagstaff, there are plenty of places to enjoy the snow. There is a variety of ways to see snow in Arizona.
7 Best Breweries in Sedona, Arizona to Visit This Year
There may be nothing better than relishing a local brew while enjoying a view of the red rocks of Sedona. Sedona is a beautiful city and is home to some wonderful breweries. So whether you’d just like to enjoy a cold beer or you’re a beer enthusiast, here you’ll be able to find the best local brewery for you and your group. #1 Oak Creek Brewery and Grill 336 AZ-179 Suite D201, Sedona, AZ 86336 | Website Type of Beer: German-style brews Close to the Sedona airport.
17 Things to Do in Washington DC for New Years Eve
It’s not too early to plan for the new year’s eve party. Whether you’re looking for an adult-only massive celebration, special treats for your kids or something to do as a family, we have some great options for you here. Check out new year’s eve events here and plan the last night of the year for your family members. #1 Noon Yards Eve at The Yards Park 1300 First St SE, Washington, DC 20003 | Website Noon Yards Eve at The Yards Park is a fantastic event for the whole family.
13 best beaches to find Shark Teeth in North Carolina
The local beaches in North Carolina are famous for their natural, unspoiled beauty and over the last decade, it has also earned the title of the shark tooth capital of the world. In this article, we have listed the best beaches to find shark’s teeth in North Carolina.
Christmas Things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia
With the Christmas season comes the holiday traditions, festive food, light shows, hot chocolate, holiday shopping and a lot more! Get into the holiday spirit with us, and check out the best Christmas events in Williamsburg. #1 Colonial Williamsburg 101 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23185 | Website Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, is a great place for a holiday trip.
7+ Best Boat Tours Chincoteague VA (Cruises, Tours, Ponies & More)
Your search for chincoteague boat tours ends here! We have enlisted the best areas in Virginia where you can have a unique experience of the famous chincoteague ponies, sunset cruises, tour boats as well as private tour. The type of boat tours available is Scenic cruise, Public, private or semi-private, Kayak tour, etc. Chincoteague is a great place to visit all around the year, however, the best time to see ponies is anytime from late April through mid-October.
7 Best Indoor Water Parks Near Delaware
Delaware is famous for its theme parks, and outdoor water parks that are perfect for the whole family. #1 Coco Key Water Resort 915 NJ-73, Mt Laurel Township, NJ 08054 | Website The whole family can experience the thrills, splash the spills, and slide the day away at CoCo Key Water Resort, a HUGE indoor water park! A great place for all water lovers where you can also plan an overnight stay with your family.
7 Car Museums in Virginia (Antique Cars, History & More)
If you like classic cars, with a history, there are amazing auto museums in Virginia. As a car enthusiast, if you want to see some amazing vintage vehicles, then you should visit these 7 car museums in Virginia. The state of Virginia has a rich automotive heritage. In addition to being home to the National Corvette Museum, the city of Richmond boasts the largest collection of classic automobiles in North America.
35 Best Things to Do in Cape Hatteras (Tours, Fun, Museums, Food & More)
Cape Hatteras is a popular island located on the outer banks of North Carolina. It is one of the best places in NC with lots of fun things to do with the entire family as it is dotted with the best beaches, best restaurants, nature trails and lots of water activities as well as outdoor activities. #1 Climb Cape Hatteras Lighthouse 46379 Lighthouse Rd, Buxton, NC 27920 | Website The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse made of brick in the United States.
Christmas in Hershey PA: 19+ Ways to Celebrate
Derry Township, Pennsylvania is home to the multi-acre Hershey Entertainment Complex. If you love hot chocolate and Christmas, there is likely no better place to celebrate Christmas than in Hershey, PA. In Hershey, Pennsylvania, there is a family amusement park called Hersheypark. The Boardwalk will be decked with a festive trail with miles of wooded trails that share the stories of The Sweetest Place On Earth.
13 Best Sunset Hikes in Sedona: Trails & Details (2022)
There is something about Sedona sunsets against the red rocks that make this area one of the best places to watch the sunset in the state. Here you’ll discover the best sunset hikes in Sedona. #1 Bell Rock Loop Trail Website | Yavapai, Arizona Bell Rock Loop trail connects a few different trails (Bell Rock Pathway Trail, Rector Connector, and Courthouse Butte Trail) making the entire loop about 1.8 miles (2.9km). The difference in height between the base and the top of the climb is 62m.
15+ Best Beaches in Northern Virginia (& Within 2 Hours)
While there is always Virginia Beach, Buckroe Beach and Cape Charles Beach, those are about 3+ hours from Northern Virginia. Here we’ll share all the best beaches in Northern Virginia, the beautiful beaches (within 2 hours) and those that are close for a weekend trip as they’re a bit outside of the area so you can pick the best option for you. While many people focus on only the big, most popular beaches, there are also some lesser-known as well as shallow beaches that we’ll share here.
7 Hot Air Balloon Festivals in Arizona (Dates, Details & More)
Ever been to the Albuquerque Balloon fiesta? Then, you don’t want to miss the hot-air balloon festivals in Arizona. Anyone who lives in Arizona knows that Arizona has its own Hot Air Balloon Festivals, which are very well organized and will be unforgettable fun for the whole family.
9 Best Indoor Water Parks in Pennsylvania: Top Rated in 2022
If you went to Pennsylvania for a family vacation, you chose a state with a rich national and military history. Pennsylvania has a number of amusement parks and outdoor water parks. This is a state of good food and hospitable people who will always welcome you kindly. Pretzels and potato chips are dishes that are known all over the world, and they first began to be produced in Pennsylvania.
19 Cities Near Grand Canyon National Park (& Which is Best For You)
There are numerous towns and cities in the Grand Canyon National Park Area. When you’re heading here to one of the most amazing natural wonders of the world and especially of the United States, you’ll likely be looking in Arizona to stay close but you’ll also find some cities in southern Utah. Where you’ll stay will also depend on if you plan on visiting the Grand Canyon south rim or the north rim of the Grand Canyon.
21 Best Things to Do in Little Switzerland NC
While Little Switzerland NC is one of the state’s small towns, it’s not just the views you’ll want to stop for. In town, you’ll find plenty of fun and beautiful attractions. The Blue Ridge Parkway is also right next to Little Switzerland and this is the only commercial access point you’ll find along the length of the Parkway which makes it so special. Little Switzerland is so small, it’s actually only open 6 months per year from mid-April to mid-November.
31 Christmas Activities in Washington DC (Xmas Events + Things to Do) in 2022
It’s Christmas in DC when the last golden leaves fall from the trees in the nation’s capital. There are many Washington DC Christmas events for your family to enjoy, from the lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the White House Ellipse to the colorful, frozen sculptures at ICE! at the Gaylord National. Fountains are transformed into ice skating rinks for Christmas in DC, botanic gardens into grand light displays, and model trains chug through conservatories.
10 Best Virginia Wine Bus Tours (Details + Locations) in 2022
Several wine trails wind their way through Virginia, connecting wine enthusiasts with boutique wineries. Because there is no mass wine production in the state, expect intimate wine-tasting experiences, usually with the vineyard owners. On Virginia wine-tasting tour, you can sample a variety of lesser-known and different wine varieties such as Petit Verdot and Petit Mansang, while Bordeaux-style red blends are some of the region’s most highly acclaimed wines.
21 National Monuments in Arizona (Map, Pricing & More)
Arizona is one of the states with the most national monuments. If you’re looking for a bit of history mixed with some incredibly scenic drives, exploring the state’s national monuments is perfect. 1. Parashant National Monument (Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument) Littlefield, AZ 86432 | Website Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument is located in northwest Arizona on the northern edge of the Grand Canyon.
25 Best Baltimore Maryland Harbor Attractions (+ Nearby Attractions)
Baltimore is a major Maryland city with a long history as a major seaport. Fort McHenry, the birthplace of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” is located at the mouth of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Today, this harbor area includes shops, upscale crab shacks, and attractions such as the Civil War-era warship USS Constellation and the National Aquarium, which houses thousands of marine creatures. Baltimore is a lovely city with a fascinating history. One of the main reasons to visit Baltimore is the harbor.
57+ Best Wineries in Maryland & Virginia 2022 & What People Are Saying?
There are many great wineries in Maryland and Virginia and here you will find the best ones. If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy some wine, Maryland and Virginia are both great states to explore. There are many different wineries scattered throughout both states, each offering their own unique selection of wines.
23 Cabins in The Virginia Mountains (Rentals, Scenic, Cozy & More) - 2022
If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, enjoy a romantic retreat, take a family vacation or even looking for a great spot for family reunions, there’s no better place to go than the Virginia mountains. And what better way to enjoy the mountains than by staying in a cozy cabin? Here are some of the best cabins in the Virginia mountains that you can rent for your next vacation.
21 Haunted Houses in Virginia + Map of Haunted Places (2022)
With significant historic destinations such as Monticello, Jamestown, and Mount Vernon, Virginia attracts a large number of visitors each year who want to learn more about the Commonwealth’s history. In addition to these monumental landmarks, if you walk more than a few feet in any direction in Virginia, you’re almost certain to step foot on hallowed grounds of an American Revolution battlefield or a Civil War site.
26 Fall Festivals in Northern Virginia (Festivals, Fairs & Events 2022)
Northern Virginia will soon be home to many Fall Festivals and Fairs. Many of these events promise fun for the whole family, while some are geared exclusively towards adults. They range from Mount Vernon to Leesburg. Check out these 26 festivals coming soon! #1 Pumpkin Festival at the Fairfax County Government Center October 29, 2022 | Fairfax, VA | Website At the Fairfax County Pumpkin Festival, there will be educational presentations and opportunities to learn all about pumpkins.
10 Spots for Snow Tubing Near Tobyhanna PA: Where to Go (2022)
There are so many good options for snow tubing near Tobyhanna PA and here we’re going to cover them all! Each offers its own unique experience. Snow tubing is one of the best things to do in the winter time for the whole family to enjoy with no special equipment, lessons or previous experience needed. Here in the Pocono Mountains, the snow tubing season starts around mid to late November and most resorts will be open by the beginning of December.
Tubing Near Boone NC: 10 River Tubing & Snow Tubing Spots
The Boone area in DC offers some great spots for tubing down a mountain stream or on the snow during fall. It’s a fun, recreational activity to enjoy with friends and family. And in this article, we have listed the best 10 river and snow tubing spots. River Tubing Rivers are an important part of the lifestyle in the North Carolina region. They provide a constant source of entertainment for residents as well as visitors from near and far.
37 Pumpkin Festivals in Virginia (+ Patches & Corn Mazes) for 2022
The fall season is upon us! And with that, comes the Pumpkin Patches and Festivals. Pumpkin festivals in Virginia are all about pumpkin patches, hay rides, corn mazes, and a whole lot of family fun! Here are 37 best pumpkin festivals in Maryland so you can pick the best one for your family.
Best Time to See Fall Foliage in Maryland (+ Map of 21 Places)
Maryland has some of the most stunning fall foliage in the country. There are numerous places to enjoy the changing leaves in Western Maryland, from the mountains to the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. There are many evergreen pines in Maryland, but there are also many deciduous trees that change color beautifully in the fall.
21 Indian Caves in Arizona (+ Ruins, Cliff Dwellings & Petroglyphs)
The Caves of Arizona are a hidden treasure. There are over 1,000 caves in Arizona, and many of them are on Indian reservations. The caves are home to a variety of animals, including bats, snakes, and spiders. Some of the caves are open to the public, while others are closed to protect the delicate ecosystem.
Our Special Harbor Spray Park: Best FREE Spray Park in NoVA
Our Special Harbor Spray Park just may be the best spray ground EVER! This park is not only unique and fully accessible for all kids, it’s free! We’ve been coming here since my kids were little and we try to make it here once a week during the summer. It’s that fun! Do I have your attention now? The Our Special Harbor Spray Park is a Chesapeake-themed spray ground that is part of Lee District Park in their family recreation area. This area is so fun you want to spend the whole day.
Long Branch Nature Center
Twenty-three. That is the number of parking spaces at Long Branch Nature Center in Arlington. And on a recent Saturday afternoon, 23 was not enough. As we headed back down the one-lane road toward home, the three-year-old in the backseat screamed and sobbed, “But Mama! I wanna go to the NATURE CENTER!” We shouldn’t have been surprised: Long Branch Nature Center is a very busy place.
PHOTOS: New "Star Wars" Button Up, Jacket, and Tee March Into Star Wars Trading Post in Disneyland Resort
On a trip to Downtown Disney District, we stopped by the new Star Wars Trading Post and found some new Star Wars-themed apparel. Stormtooper “Crush the Rebellion” Plaid Shirt – $64.99 This grey flannel shirt has a plaid design. A distressed look is apparent as a Stormtrooper helmet with “Crush the Rebellion” underneath is printed on the back. The front left pocket has a small Galactic Empire symbol.
PHOTOS: New Ariel "The Little Mermaid" Hat Splashes into Disneyland Resort
This post may contain affiliate links; please read the disclosure for more information. On a trip to Disneyland Resort we found a new hat featuring Ariel from The Little Mermaid. “The Little Mermaid” Ariel Silhouette Hat – $27.99 This hat is a light purple, with a silhouette of Ariel sitting on a rock in a glittery blue in front of a light pink setting sun. The stitching on this hat is same light pink as it pops out of the fabric.
REVIEW: Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Pop Tart Dries Our Palate at TODAY Café
We’re never one to shy away from a new sweet treat, and today had us feasting our eyes on a new offering from TODAY Café. TODAY Café is located right inside the Universal Studios park entrance and offers many options for park guests, from breakfast and lunch sandwiches, to salads and pastries aplenty! Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Pop Tart – $4.99 This Pop Tart is topped simply with light purple icing and sanding sugar. Opening up a cross section of the dessert, you can see the layers of pastry.
REVIEW: Cinnatopia Cinnamon Bun Ice Cream From Salt & Straw Becomes a Favorite in the Downtown Disney District
As a part of their Vault Series, Salt and Straw at Downtown Disney District has brought back five flavors of ice cream. The establishment always has fun new flavors to try. We’ve tried a few of the Vault Series ice creams and were fans of both the Strawberry Tres Leches and the Salted Caramel Cupcake flavors, but we didn’t like the Brown Ale & Bacon flavor very much.
REVIEW: Mardi Gras Bananas Foster, King Cake and Maple Bourbon Truffles and Macarons Available at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium in Universal Orlando Resort - WDW News Today
While at Universal Universal Orlando Resort, we stopped into the The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen to check out a few of their Mardi Gras offerings. We were able to sink our teeth into three different truffles and three different macaron flavors. There are three new truffle offerings for Mardi Gras. The Bananas Foster, the King Cake and a Maple Bourbon option.
REVIEW: Brown Ale & Bacon Ice Cream From Salt and Straw Bitterly Disappoints at Disneyland Resort
Another trip to Disneyland Resort means another sampling of Salt and Straw’s ice cream. The Downtown Disney establishment has new flavors to try this month from their Vault Series, where they re-release past offerings for a limited time. We’ve tried the Salted Caramel Cupcake Ice Cream, and today we gave a different flavor a try. There are five flavors this month that Salt and Straw is offering from their Vault Series. This trip we gave the Brown Ale & Bacon a taste.
REVIEW: Strawberry Tres Leches Ice Cream "From The Vault" at Salt & Straw is a Refreshing Treat at Downtown Disney
On a trip to Downtown Disney, we stopped by Salt & Straw to try one of their monthly ice cream flavors that has come out of their vault. On our last trip, we tried their Salted Caramel Cupcake ice cream. Opting for something fruity this time, we gave the Strawberry Tres Leches flavor a try. Strawberry Tres Leches Ice Cream – $6.25 (One Scoop) We set out to make the yummiest strawberry ice cream we could dream up, calling back to the sweet, pink-hued flavor memories of our childhood. The result?
PHOTOS: New Disney California Adventure Mickey’s Fun Wheel Ear Headband Arrives at Disneyland Resort
As Disney California Adventure ramps of for the A Touch of Disney ticketed event (set to begin on March 18th), new merchandise is starting to arrive to the resort. We found a new pair of Mickey ears celebrating Mickey’s Fun Wheel/PIXAR Pal-A-Round! Disney California Adventure Mickey Ear Headband – $29.99 These ears are covered in a black velvet-like material. The design on the ears is on both sides of the headband. On one side of the ears is a Disney California Adventure logo in a colorful rainbow.
Walt Disney World Theme Park Hours Extended Select Dates in February and March
Walt Disney World park hours have been extended for select dates in February and March.
PHOTOS: Former Centorium Store Entrance Removed, Sealed Off as New MouseGear Takes Shape at EPCOT
While much of the roof has been removed from Innoventions West at EPCOT, work is also continuing on the old Innoventions East buildings. More windows were installed on the MouseGear portion of the building, you can see them above marked with x’s. To the right, we see that the old, abandoned Centorium entrance has finally been destroyed. A layer of DunsGlass sheathing has replaced the windows that once harkened guests to The Centorium.
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