Travel Links Around The Web

Lisa Arneill
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Travel Links Around The Web
Reed Flute Cave
Reed Flute Cave

Touring St. Thomas on The Kon Tiki Glass Bottom Harbor Boat

Lisa Arneill
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Touring St. Thomas on The Kon Tiki Glass Bottom Harbor Boat
Over the past years, I have been to St. Thomas ten or more times.  We have experienced the island the top, the bottom, we have seen many of the beaches and were even engaged there 13 years ago, but we have never sailed the islands that surround the coast. While cruising on Freedom of the Seas last week we opted to see the island from a different perspective and sail on the Kon Tiki Glass Bottom Raft Harbor boat. St. Thomas Kon Tiki Boat Tour - view of Freedom of the Seas Our tour started right on the dock in front of the ship and headed across the Charlotte Amalie waterfront.  It was a hot day so the breeze through the open aired boat was welcome. St. Thomas Kon Tiki Boat Tour - Charlotte Amalie Harbour We cruised at a nice pace past Hassel Island where we could see the Fort Willoughby Garrison House and the Head House, which housed the power mechanism that hoisted the large steam-powered vessels onto land for repairs and maintenance in the mid 1800s. St. Thomas Kon Tiki Boat Tour - view of Head House Hassel Island After a quick history lesson on the island, we stopped at Crown Bay to pick up passengers from another ship.   With the steel drum playing in the background, we cruised further along the coast. St. Thomas Kon Tiki Boat Tour - Steel Drum BandSt. Thomas Kon Tiki Boat Tour - view of Charlotte Amalie Harbour Before we hit the beach we stopped along the North Shore of Water Island to check out some of the coral on the bottom of the ocean. The Kon Tiki boat has three viewing areas, each with two huge glass areas to give everyone a good look at the ocean floor.   It wasn’t terribly colorful down there but there was a shipwreck that my oldest son was pretty fascinated with. St. Thomas Kon Tiki Boat Tour - glass bottom ship wreck Pretty, the beach we docked at was also secluded and pretty much all ours!  My kids couldn’t get off the boat fast enough. St. Thomas Kon Tiki Boat Tour - honeymoon beach on Water Island We had about 90 minutes to explore and swim before we got back onto the Kon Tiki and headed back to our ship. St. Thomas Kon Tiki Boat Tour - me swimming at the beach on water island Ready to party, the crew showed off their dancing skills while leading the boat in the Macarena, Dollar Wine and a conga, which led into a limbo contest. St. Thomas Kon Tiki Boat Tour - the crew getting downSt. Thomas Kon Tiki Boat Tour - the crew doing the limbo From start to finish our tour was just under 4 hours.  Leaving the dock at noon gave us some time in port to shop and enjoy the town. If you are looking for a nice relaxing afternoon excursion in St.  Thomas the Kon Tiki is a great option.  The staff is friendly, the view is beautiful and you practically get the beach all to yourself, which is a tough find when there are four cruiseships in port!

Loews Cabana Bay Beach Resort In Orlando Set To Open Spring 2014!

Lisa Arneill
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Loews Cabana Bay Beach Resort In Orlando Set To Open Spring 2014!
Traveling parents rejoice! Universal Orlando has great things in store for you. I just returned from Orlando where I had the chance to learn more about(and see) Loews’ new Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Loews Cabana Bay Hotel - front entrance Designed with a super cool 50s/60s vibe this Moderate & Value Resort offers guests their choice of family suites complete with kitchenettes, or standard rooms, plus a bevy of recreational spaces! Swizzle Lounge - Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort If you have 3 or more kids than you know how challenging it is to find a hotel that will accommodate your whole family in just one room. Scheduled to open this Spring, Cabana Bay will have 1800 rooms, 900 of which will be family suites that are designed to sleep up to 6! Loews Cabana Bay Hotel - family suite
These retro rooms boast colorful decor, sleeping accommodations for six, two flat screen TV’s, a kitchenette area, and a sliding partition for privacy. The extra-large bathroom features preparation spaces for three people at once, so everyone can get to the park early.
Standard rooms will come with 2 queen-size beds, a Mini-refrigerator, Cuisinart single pod coffee brewer, One 40” flat-panel television with HD channels, Iron, ironing board, hair dryer and in-room safe. Complimentary basic wireless Internet access will be available in-room and in public areas (fees apply for high-speed Internet). Standard_Room_New_Image_P When complete, guests can experience a 10-lane bowling alley and enjoy two massive pools with sand beaches, a lazy river, waterslide and more. Loews Cabana Bay Hotel - pool area If you are planning to visit Universal Orlando this Spring, Loews is currently offering a great introductory deal for stays at Cabana Bay between March 31 to June 14, 2014! This limited time offer includes:
  • Incredible rates for the entire family to enjoy all-new family suites
    •  Seven-night stay: as low as $104 per night
    •  Five-night stay: as low as $108 per night
    •  Three-night stay: as low as $134 per night
  • On-site convenience – the hotel is within walking distance of Universal’s two theme parks and Universal CityWalk
  • Early Park Admission to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (when guests purchase theme park tickets)

Disney Magic Re-Launched With Brand-New Experiences and Re-imagined Spaces

Lisa Arneill
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Disney Magic Re-Launched With Brand-New Experiences and Re-imagined Spaces
Built in 1998, The Disney Magic was the Disney’s first signature cruise ship.  Now 15 years old, the ship was dry docked in Cadiz, Spain at the end of the Summer to undergo an extensive renovation. Re-imagined Disney Magic Debuted last week, the ship is completely revitalized.
“We touched every space of the ship,” says Lysa Migliorati, a senior project manager for Disney told Fox News. “It was a complete remodel, but it was important to maintain the profile of the ship.”
From a new grand atrium lobby and a children’s area of “super hero” proportions to a three-story water thrill slide and a spa to stimulate the “Senses,” there are plenty of new and magical surprises in store for cruise guests. The ship features fun new experiences with Marvel characters—the first time super heroes from the Marvel universe have been introduced on a Disney Cruise Line ship. When guests board the Disney Magic, they enter the grand atrium lobby that is redesigned to be “elegant art deco, inspired by elements of the sea,” senior creative vice president for Walt Disney Imagineering Joe Lanzisero reveals.
“Filmmaking is the history of our company and in film the ‘establishing shot’ sets the scene,” he says. “This is the same with the atrium, as we begin telling our story.”
The spacious and spectacular three-deck lobby features hand-tufted, custom-made carpet that dazzles in a palette of vibrant coral, blue and aquamarine seashell-inspired designs. The art deco atrium chandelier is inspired by rays of the sun and the glisten of the surface of the ocean. Disney Magic Atrium Lobby Opulent furnishings, a grand piano and giant portholes recall the days of early 20th century ocean liners. The lobby’s centerpiece is a bronze statue of “Helmsman Mickey,” ever-smiling and keeping watch as guests stroll past. The famed statue has stood in the atrium since the ship was launched. Disney Magic Atrium - Helmsman Mickey Disney’s Oceaneer Club, open to 3- to- 12-year-old children, is a completely re-imagined area that transports children to the magical realms of brave super heroes, adventuresome toys, fanciful fairies and Mickey Mouse’s club for creativity and fun. With Marvel now a part of the Walt Disney Company family, this marks the first time the super hero icons of Marvel have been introduced on a Disney Cruise Line ship. Marvel and Walt Disney Imagineers have created a new space for children to enter into the Marvel Universe. Marvel’s The Avengers make their presence known in an epic way aboard the Disney Magic, with Marvel’s Avengers Academy calling Disney’s Oceaneer Club its new seaward home. Young crime-fighters are transported to a high-tech command post used by The Avengers for special missions and operations training. Throughout the base, displays featuring some of the equipment that helps to make The Avengers the earth’s mightiest heroes—Iron Man’s suit of armor, Captain America’s shield and Thor’s hammer—inspire super hero “recruits” through their academy missions. Marvel’s Avengers Academy is a multi-day, immersive entertainment experience where children interact with Marvel characters and unleash their inner super heroes. Marvel's Avengers Academy - Become a Hero on Disney Magic Adjacent to Marvel’s Avengers Academy is Andy’s Room, where stars of the Disney-Pixar “Toy Story” trilogy come to life in a multi-level space. Stocked with all of Andy’s favorite toys, the room features a larger-than-life Mr. Potato Head, a giant version of the lovable piggy bank, Hamm and a Slinky Dog slide. Andy's Room - Toy Story Boot Camp on Disney Magic The enchanted land of Tinker Bell and her fairy friends comes alive in Pixie Hollow. In this magical forest setting, Tinker Bell’s teapot house serves as a costume closet and children can make crafts while sitting on stools shaped like mushrooms and acorns. Disney Magic - Pixie Hollow In Mickey Mouse Club the room is splashed with Mickey’s signature colors of red, yellow and black, kids can create crafts and play games on ear-shaped tables. The club also features Goofy Gears, an oversized activity where kids play with wacky, magnetic spinning gears. But the kid-sized fun doesn’t stop there! Disney’s Oceaneer Lab takes 3- to- 12-year-old children on a journey of discovery, exploration and adventures. At this new pirate-themed area, children are encouraged to create, play and explore. An animator’s studio, a pirate workshop and lab lets kids get hands-on to create experiments and art projects, and Navigator Simulators let young buccaneers steer a ship through the mysterious waters of the Caribbean. Disney Magic - Disney Magic - Disney's Oceaneer Lab For the youngest cruisers—ages three months to three years—is the new It’s a Small World Nursery. Inspired by the style of Disney Legend Mary Blair, this whimsical world is a place of age-specific fun and discovery, with trained counselors. The upper ship decks of the Disney Magic have been redesigned for plenty of splashtacular fun, with waterful adventures that include a three-story water slide for thrill-seekers and a Huey, Dewey and Louie-themed toddler splash zone for smaller ducklings.
“From small children to teens to adults, everyone will have a space to have fun in the sun and water. We added more water play areas, dynamic slides, interactive elements for the kids, and more shade,” says Lanzisero.
Water thrills are found on the AquaDunk, a three-story body slide that begins with a surprise launch. Riders step inside a translucent tube and await the near-vertical launch that takes place when the floor beneath them opens like a trap door. The drop sends guests on an exhilarating, swift and splashy ride in a tube that extends 20 feet over the side of the ship. Guests taller than 48 inches can enjoy the AquaDunk. Disney Magic - Aqua Dunk Guests can also soak in the sun and the water fun with AquaLab, an interactive water playground open to kids age 3 and older. In the AquaLab, families can frolic among pop jets, geysers and bubblers in this fun and fanciful 1,800-square-foot space, while the Twist’ n’ Spout water slide gets them delightfully drenched with more than 250 feet of sliding fun of loops and turns. Tots up to age 3 can play in the new Nephews’ Splash Zone, a splash-a-second area dedicated to interactive fun and starring Donald Duck’s mischievous nephews, Huey, Dewey and Louie. The area features water play with pop jets, squirting figures of Donald Duck’s nephews and plenty of high seas hijinks. Disney Magic water park New restaurants and new technology are on the menu for the restaurants aboard Disney Magic. Animator’s Palate, one of the most popular restaurants on the Disney ships, is updated with all-new, animation-adorned walls and larger high-definition flat-screens to provide the best views of the animation magic that takes place all around. Disney Magic - Animator's Palate On every Disney Magic cruise, a heaping helping of entertainment is served up at Animator’s Palate, now delighting guests with a fresh take on the “Drawn to Magic” dinner animation show. During this show guests see the evolution of animation from pencil test, to ink and paint, and finally, storytelling. With an emotional finale, the black and white interior of the restaurant is splashed with vibrant colors and guests see the hero’s journey through Disney and Pixar animation, from wishing upon a star, to happily ever after. The vibrancy of Rio de Janeiro creates an energetic atmosphere in Carioca’s, a new restaurant named after Donald Duck’s parrot pal in “The Three Caballeros,” Jose Carioca.  Festooned with lighted lanterns, the restaurant is designed to be “fun by day, elegant by night,” says Lanzisero. During the day, there’s a festival theme and, when night falls, the atmosphere transforms into an after-hours scene of Rio de Janeiro, with softly illuminated lanterns flickering overhead. Carioca’s has replaced Parrot Cay restaurant, formerly on the Disney Magic. Another new restaurant to the Disney Magic is Cabanas, a casual dining experience with food and beverage stations during daytime hours and a table-service restaurant during dinner. The Australian setting of the Disney-Pixar animated classic “Finding Nemo” inspires the décor with hints of the film’s fishy and feathered friends throughout the restaurant. Cabanas, which replaced Topsider Buffet, has also expanded. More indoor space has been added, increasing the total square-footage of air-conditioned area by nearly 3,400 square feet to more than 9,460 square feet and a total of 503 seats. Disney Cruise Line’s popular Palo restaurant for adults receives a makeover with stylish fixtures, glass artwork and new stone floors. Red and white striped poles reminiscent of those found throughout the canals in Venice are a design feature. After a day of soaking in the sun on the decks and enjoying activities around the ship, Disney Magic offers big city-style fun in After Hours, the nighttime adult entertainment district. An all-new lineup of clubs includes venues for dancing, comedy, music and variety shows. After Hours replaces Beat Street, formerly on the Disney Magic.
“It was our goal to create a sleek and sophisticated adult experience in After Hours” says Lanzisero. “Each of the three clubs has a different feel that complements the others.”
Fathoms night club is a celebration of the sea that utilizes special effects, lighting and sound to create different atmospheres from early evening to night. After Hours - Fathoms on Disney Magic For guests seeking a more low-key nighttime experience, there is Keys piano bar and lounge.  Whether guests want to relax with a cocktail and the soft sounds of a piano or “wind down” after an evening of dancing and revelry, Keys provides a refined retreat. Days of olde are recalled in O’Gill’s Pub, an Irish pub and sports bar designed with traditional decor. Live televised athletic events are on tap for sports-lovers. Another re-imagined area, D Lounge, offers a variety of family-friendly games, shows, dances and activities designed for all ages. Colorful and contemporary, this space encourages creative and kinetic fun. Families can enjoy entertainment, game shows and activities together in D Lounge which replaces Studio Sea, formerly on the Disney Magic. After Hours - Keys on Disney Magic Disney Cruise Line knows that traveling families always need more space, so features are included in each room to provide more usable space. Bed frames are elevated to provide storage space underneath. The bathrooms include the split-bath feature that Disney introduced to the cruise industry—providing even greater convenience to guests. Disney Magic Stateroom with Verandah The Disney Magic will cruise Bahamas and the Western Caribbean from Miami from Oct.-Dec. 2013.
  • Beginning Jan. 2, 2014, the Disney Magic will sail from Port Canaveral on alternating three- and four-night cruises including a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, and Nassau.
  • From May to August 2014, the Disney Magic will sail from Barcelona and Venice on four-, five-, seven-, nine- and 12-night European cruises.  Details on all Disney Cruise Line European itineraries can be found on the Europe destinations section of disneycruise.com.
  • In September and October 2014, the Disney Magic will sail from San Juan on seven-night Southern Caribbean cruises.
  • From October to December 2014, the Disney Magic will sail from Miami on four-night Bahamian and five-night Western Caribbean cruises. Ports of call include Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman; Key West; Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Tips For Planning A Roadtrip

Lisa Arneill
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Tips For Planning A Roadtrip
This Summer our family headed out on a big road trip.  With just a week to get there and back, we were on a tight schedule so I wanted to plan as much as I could.  While putting the trip together I consistently had 10 tabs open on my desktop cross-referencing the map, timing and lodging.  Mom’s type-a craziness was definitely in full swing, but in the end it was a good thing because our trip was perfect! Here are some criteria I used to help me plan our trip.  I hope it helps you. Where are you going?  Seems straight forward right?  For us this changed 2 or 3 times; states, cities and destinations were all moved around the more research I did.
Via Ezilion
Via Ezilion
First you need to determine what the goal of your trip  is – nature, history, adventure or just relaxation? You may also not want to travel 15 hours to get there so figure out a reasonable driving distance(9hrs) and measure that point on your map.  From that, create a radius and that will give you an idea of places you can visit within that driving distance.  We live in Southern Ontario so that gave us a huge area to travel within.  We could get as far as Quebec City to the North East, Boston to the East, Virginia to the South East and just a little further than Chicago Illinois to the West.  For our trip we chose to go South!  We drove it years ago when we first got married.  Back then, however, it was easier to go straight through.  Now, with 2 kids(4 and 8), the trip had to be as exciting as the destination or they would have checked out quick. First start with the best route and then scan nearby cities.  We traditionally only stop for gas and in our car that would be around the 6 hour mark.  When I started to plan our trip I looked for cities that match that point and researched what may be close by. Create a list – As I found something interesting I would add the links to a page I had on the side of my screen.  This also helped me plan our hotels.  If I found a town or city that had 3 attractions that qualified as a place we would stay for the night.  Just one, like a cool museum or park, would be a drive by or a quick stop. Visit state or city tourism sites – Many states and provinces do a great job of promoting their best attractions.  They also highlight small towns and unique destinations that you may not have found doing a larger search. Cross reference the recommended attractions with user reviews on Tripadvisor – Found something that might be of interest to the whole family?  Check what other people are saying to determine whether or not it is a good fit for your family.  Other travelers also offer good tips that you wouldn’t have known about if you have never visited a destination.  Does the museum or aquarium have a no stroller policy?  Is there timed entry?  These are surprises that you don’t want to find out when you arrive.  I also found a small museum that is only open for 2 hours a day Thursday – Sunday.  This is good to know before you get there because if it is something you want to see you will want to try to sync your schedule your theirs. Embassy Suites Washington, DC - front viewBudget – What is your daily budget?  That includes food, lodging, parking and entrance into attractions.  This is a tough one because there are so many variables.  Most families road trip to stay on budget.  To help keep this down search free activities within each destination or sandwich your $300 day at Six Flags with a few hours walking through a National Park.  Also look to staying at a mid range chain like a Hilton Garden Inn, Embassy Suites or Residence Inn. Their rates normally sit around $125/night(except NYC) and they are usually within close proximity of many popular attractions.  Most of them offer a free continental breakfast, which is a great way to start the day and a big money saver.  Our hotel also had afternoon snacks that we could pick up on the way back from our day out. We  packed a cooler with drinks and packaged snacks to take with us each day so that we didn’t get stuck paying $3 for a bottle of water. You can also check to see if you can get a discount for pre-purchasing tickets online.  Retailmenot.com is a great place to start for online discounts. You can also put your destination into Groupon and look for deals and excursions or restaurants in the area. They will also show some tours or activities that you may not have known were available.  GasBuddy.com will help you find the best gas prices along your route. Still a little lost?  Call the Tourism department for the state or city you are traveling to. On this trip I e-mailed a few different reps and they replied with a long list of ideas for our trip.  For this getaway we were looking for historical sites and unique museums and they were able to list off a few that I didn’t see anywhere online. The hotel may also be able to help as well.  Last year when I was heading to Keystone the resort I was staying at was a great resource.  The booking agent knew everything about the area and recommended must sees and activities.  She pretty much helped me plan most of my trip before I even left the house.  Plus, she had a list of tour operators that were reputable – something I really appreciated. Booking a road trip is very different from visiting a resort because it is a ‘chose your own adventure’.  It can be time-consuming and tedious but just be assured it is more rewarding.  We drove through many towns and cities that we wouldn’t have visited if we had flown and ate in diners that had some of the best food we’d had.  This was part of the adventure and it also gave us some trip ideas for next Summer. Lastly, make sure that you car has been tuned up and inspected before your head out on your journey.  The last thing you want is for your car to break down 8 hours from home.  It happens when you least expect it, but you don’t want it to happen when everyone is expecting excitement.   * There are no affiliate links in this post.

Keystone Resort Offers Even More Adventure to Families with ‘Kids Ski Free’

Cathy
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Keystone Resort Offers Even More Adventure to Families with ‘Kids Ski Free’
Keystone Resort has long been known as the place where kids roam free, but now families have even more of a reason to book a vacation with the top-notch ski resort: during the entire 2013-2014 ski season, all kids ski free! Winter scenic of Keystone's Lakeside Vilage. pano. This isn’t just any kids ski free offer. With no blackout dates (available holidays and all season weekends), no lift requirements for adults, and only a two night stay required to cash in on the offer, it is said to be the simplest and most valuable kids ski free offer in existence. In fact, Keystone is so confident that their deal is the best in the industry that they have committed to purchasing hula hoops for an entire school if a family can find a better deal somewhere else.
“Keystone has pulled out all the stops when it comes to the best family ski experience,” John Buhler, Vice President and general manager of Keystone Resort said in a recent press release. “With the re-introduction of the simplest Kids Ski Free offer on the planet, we’re letting families travel as their schedule allows, granting them convenient and affordable access to our world-class resort and taking Keystone’s commitment to families to the next level.”
At Keystone, skiers and riders of all ages are offered a wide range of activities and attractions, including paddle boating on the Lake in the spring and summer, ice skating in the winter, a beach where kids can play in the sand and a fenced corral where kids can climb and be wild and free. Keystone Lodge & Spa playgym Keystone will also be introducing the first-ever family ski trail, the Schoolyard, this season. Featured on the resort’s signature green cruiser, Schoolmarm, the trail will be designed to cater to skiers and riders of all ages and skill levels while also promoting on-snow progression with specialty features like the Rockin’ Rollers, Magic Moguls and Tornado Alley. Ski parades with Keystone’s mascot, Ripperoo, will also take place throughout the week to aid in on-snow progression. Keystone resorts ski hills Families can either book three consecutive days of ski lessons for their children and be guaranteed the same instructor, or they can participate in Mom, Dad and Me Lessons, where the entire family will take lessons together. Camp Keystone also offers a designated lift and teaching area at the Mountain House base where special theme days and instructional games keep children engaged in the lessons to promote more on-snow time. There will also be various family programs, like the weekly Kids Apres gathering, a Sunday morning Ripperoo Brunch, a mountaintop Snowfort, and the fourth annual Kidtopia program. Families can also spend time at any one of the dining locations throughout the Resort. At the Der Fondue Chessel at North Peak, Swiss and Bavarian charm abound. Sleigh rides and dinners pull families to an authentic, rustic cabin homestead where guests enjoy stories told by the wranglers and hearty, comfort-filled meals. Those looking for finer dining can head over The Ranch, the Ski Tip or the Alpenglow Stube, where locally-sourced foods and quaint mountain views give guests one of the best Colorado experiences in existence. If skiing isn’t your thing, maybe you’d rather spend time out on the golf course. Or, you could go biking, hiking or riding horseback along the picturesque trails. Families that are a bit more adventurous may also enjoy white water rafting. And if all that isn’t enough for you and your family, you can swing through any one of the neighboring towns and attend various festivals, concerts or events (availability may vary, depending on when you visit). SOURCE

Daytripping in New York State at The Lockport Caves

Lisa Arneill
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Daytripping in New York State at The Lockport Caves
With school back in we haven’t been able do as much with our boys as we did this Summer.  Looking for some cool adventure weekend attractions, I came across some information on the Lockport Cave tour.  Just $12 for adults and $7 for kids 5+, we decided to check it out and were happy we made the trip to Lockport, NY. Our tour started at the Erie Canal, which was built in the early 1820s. At the time most goods were transported by carriage, but Governor DeWitt Clinton wanted to capitalize on water travel as it was faster and more efficient.  His plan to build the Erie Canal was met with lots of opposition, but in the end it allowed residents from the east and west to be able to move more freely between both places, which in turn ‘strengthened the Union‘. Not long after the Canal was completed, the city started work on better locks that would allow passage of bigger boats that were now starting to travel the canal. Lockport Caves - the locks Originally the rights to the surplus water from the locks were given to the highest bidder after the canal’s commissioners realized its ability to create energy. Almost 35 years later a clever inventor, Birdsill Holly, arrived in town.  Looking to capitalize on his factory plans,  the Lockport Hydraulic Co dug(or blasted) a tunnel that originated at the locks to power Birdsil’s sewing machine factory.  Six years later the tunnel was expanded to help power a second factory; Richmond Manufacturing(shown below) and extended in 1880 later to also accommodate the Lockport Pulp Company. Lockport Caves - factory #2 Today, these tunnels are an incredible reminder of how innovative the founders of industry were as the water that flowed through them created clean energy – and lots of it! After learning about the creation of the locks we walked along the side of the canal where the three factories once stood.  Tragically, two of those buildings met their demise by fire and the third was abandoned after it’s products were no longer relevant for the evolving market.  Eventually it collapsed into itself and today all that remains are a few shallow stone walls and the ‘caves’. Lockport Caves entrance The entrance to the Lockport Caves is actually the tunnel that facilitated the water flow for the third factory.  Originally there were two, but the second one was removed years ago due to its deteriorated state. Lockport Caves - going in! Once inside it is impressive to see the size of the passage that was created by using a simple shaft, sledge hammer and some explosives.   Our guide told us they were able to carve out 15-18″ of rock per day. At this rate it took 2.5 years to create the first tunnel,  1.5 years to do the second expansion and between 2-2.5 years to complete the third section, which as you can see from the size of the entrance, had much bigger pipes flowing from it. Lockport Caves - entrance As we made our way through the caves we could see the amount of work that went into carving them out from the tools that were available 170 years ago.  Ground water also seeps through the rock which would have added to the flow moving through the tunnel at the time. Lockport Caves 2 Lockport Caves - walking through the tunnels And while most of our tour was on foot, the last 10 minutes was done by boat, which was a neat way to see how far down the whole system goes. Lockport Caves - boat The lighting in the tunnel was sparse, which made for some eery photos. Lockport Caves3   Lockport Caves - cruising inside the tunnel The Lockport caves were abandoned in the early 1940’s until a local resident took an interest in the system in the 70’s.  He excavated a small portion to conduct tours, but was expanded in the late 90’s with the help of a partner to include the boat ride and upgraded lighting. If you are in the Buffalo area and are looking for an interesting tour that also has some cool historical information attached to it, the Lockport Caves are a great place to visit. BUT you will have to wait until the Spring as they are now closed for the season, with the exception of the Ghost Hunters Experience, which requires a minimum purchase of 10 passes($350).

Perfect For Travelling With Baby ~ B.Box Kids!

Lisa Arneill
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Perfect For Travelling With Baby ~ B.Box Kids!
Parents who travel a lot are always looking for the perfect gear for their little ones.  Australian company B.Box has quite a few great items that are ideal for throwing in your bag when you are heading out. While at the ABC Kids Expo last week in Vegas I previewed their collection, and fell in love with many of their products. My favorite item is by far is  the essential baby bottle + dispenser.  This  convenient bottle features a formula dispenser in the bottom of the to allow you to prepare at home and feed on the go.  No more bringing separate containers! essential baby bottle + dispenser It’s all-in-one, and best of all, you just need to plunge the hub on the bottom of the bottle, shake and go. essential baby bottle + dispenser Additional features:
  • converts to a conventional bottle
  • anti-colic silicone nipples
  • fits other leading brand nipples
  • innovative ergonomic and stylish design
  • dishwasher and sterilizer safe
  • 8oz | 240 ml capacity
Next on my list is b. box’s travel bib. Brilliantly designed to keep the whole package together, this bib features a foam rubber catcher that doubles as a storage pouch when your baby is done eating. All you need to do is fold the bib into itself and zip it closed. This also keeps a messy bib from getting your bag dirty!  The package also includes a flexible, soft bite silicone spoon and a loop to hang on the bag or stroller.

B.Box travel Bibbbox travel bib

Just running out for a quick playdate but don’t need to take a whole bag with you? B. Box’s diaper wallet is a convenient package that holds holds 2 disposable diapers, up to 20 wipes and an clean change mat (included). This is a great case to have in your bag for airport trips. It also has a unique dual access wipes hatches so you don’t have to fumble around when your squirmy baby is trying to escape. B.Box Diaper Wallet Lastly, the compact snack pack container is perfect for feeding baby on the go!  It has two separate compartments so you can serve different foods, a soft tip spoon that clips inside the lid and a non slip base. b.box snack container All of the products are shown above in the retro circles pattern.  B. Box also offers their collection in 5 additional colors/motifs. bbox fabric options

Flying High Over Vegas!

Lisa Arneill
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Flying High Over Vegas!
I will fully admit that I was once a believer that balloons were a weird way to travel.  My husband always wanted to do one and I really had no interest.  That was until we did a flight over our city a couple years ago.  From start to finish I was impressed.  So when he suggested we do it again, but this time in Vegas – I was game!
Our view from the balloon 2 years ago!
Our view from the balloon 2 years ago!
When you think of balloon rides and Vegas you immediately think of yourself in a balloon floating over the strip – right?  Well it doesn’t exactly work like that.  Security issues, and the fact that the balloon is 12 stories high,  put the squash on that.  But Vegas is surrounded by mountains and they are the perfect place to float around during an early morning flight. Here in Ontario you can chose to set sail in the morning or night, but in Las Vegas they only offer morning flights because the winds kick up too much towards the end of the day, which makes navigating the massive airship a little bit challenging. Our trip started at 6 am at our hotel when our driver, who also happened to be the pilot, picked us up.  A very friendly New Mexico native, we became quick friends and were excited to see where he was going to take us. After a quick meet up with the rest of group that we would be flying with we headed off to the lot where the rest of the crew was readying the balloons for take off. Vegas Balloon Ride - getting ready When we arrived one of the balloons was already inflated so the pilot offered everyone the opportunity to get in take some pictures.  It’s not everyday that you get to roam around inside one of these massive blimps so we took a bunch of photos.  The balloon staff was also eager to take pictures for us, which we were thankful for! us inside the balloon Vegas Balloon Ride Not long after our balloon was ready to go and everyone jumped in the basket to set sail.  There were 36 of us in total so we split into two groups and headed off. Vegas Balloon Ride - setting up Las Vegas Balloons - getting ready to go! After our last trip I have been asked by friends what it is like to ride in a hot air balloon.  To be completely honest, the ride is very calm and you are literally floating over the city. the Las Vegas mountains- Vegas Balloon Ride This trip was just as relaxing as our last one and there was lots to see. The view of the mountains - Vegas Balloon Ride For an hour we floated over the dessert, beside the mountains, residential subdivisions and even a water park. Las Vegas Balloons - looking over the city We could see the strip, but it was a little hazy as it was only 7am… Las Vegas Balloons - the strip! Once we found a nice spot to land we joined the other balloon in our group and also another local flyer. Landing - Vegas Balloon Ride Then it all hands on deck to get the balloon folded up and back in its bag. folding the balloon up - Vegas Balloon Ride Our trip ended with some mimosas, snacks and nice words from our pilots.  After everything was packed up we signed the visitors log and headed back to our hotel. In total our excursion was about 3.5 hours.  It’s not every day that you start the day flying 4,000 feet above Vegas, but this was definitely a morning we will never forget! *Worth noting that it’s not recommended for kids under 10 to fly in a commercial hot air balloon. If you are visiting Las Vegas I highly recommend going up in the hot air balloon.  For more information please visit their site vegasballoonrides.com

Gaylord Hotels Brings Back ‘ICE’ For The Holiday Season

Lisa Arneill
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Gaylord Hotels Brings Back ‘ICE’ For The Holiday Season
Travellers looking for some fun festivities this holiday season may want to try out one of Gaylord Hotels’ resorts this Winter! Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center Kissimmee The hotel is going all out and bringing in 2 million pounds of ice for each location to be carved into scenes straight out of classic holiday tales for guests to enjoy. The award-winning ICE! attraction is carved by a team of 40 artisans from Harbin, China. The talented artisans spend more than a month at each location creating this one-of-a-kind attraction. Harbin is best known for its annual International Ice and Snow Festival, where more than 2,000 sculptors annually carve a 100-acre walk-through ice park, using ice from the nearby Songhua River. ICE - Gaylord Palms ICE! anchors the holiday festivities at four of Gaylord’s massive resorts; Nashville, Kissimmee, Grapevine and National Harbor.
“ICE! is kept at 9 degrees with 10-inch-thick walls, and visitors are given warm parkas to wear as they walk through,” said Warren Lyng, director of special events for Gaylord Hotels. “We’ve made it our goal to be among the country’s ‘coolest’ holiday attractions, and it’s fun to see families identifying us that way.”
Visitors to Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas in Nashville, Tenn., and Christmas at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Fla., near Orlando, can join everyone’s favorite snowman and his friends on their quest to the North Pole in a colorfully frozen retelling of Frosty the Snowman™. Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center At Gaylord Texan’s Lone Star Christmas in Grapevine, Texas, near Dallas, favorite scenes from The Nutcracker will come to life, accompanied by the original Tchaikovsky score, in a magical adventure with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince. In addition, the resort will feature a giant 8-lane indoor snow tubing hill made with real snow. Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center at Christmas At Gaylord National’s Christmas on the Potomac in National Harbor, Md., near Washington, D.C., guests will see Ma in her kerchief, Pa in his cap and Saint Nick with his eight reindeer in scenes from the classic holiday poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Fountain view of Atrium at Christmas National Harbour A series of inter-connected rooms features breathtaking larger-than-life, 3-D sculpted ice pieces, including fantastic recreations of beloved characters, two-story tall ice slides and memorable holiday scenes. The awe-inspiring experience concludes with the wonder of the Nativity of crystal clear ice. ICE! opens mid-November and runs through early January. Tickets and holiday getaway packages are on sale now. For more information, visit www.ChristmasAtGaylordHotels.com.
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