Cruise Critic Names Their 2013 Editors’ Picks Awards

Lisa Arneill
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Cruise Critic Names Their 2013 Editors’ Picks Awards
Looking for a cruise but not sure where to start?  Cruise Critic’s new 2013 Editors’ Picks Awards may help! Every traveller looks for something different when they searching for the perfect voyage.  When I first started cruising we would book solely on itinerary, now we choose ships that have more for our kids.  Friends of ours love to be the first to sail on a new ship, while others just want to see the Caribbean for the lowest price.

“Over the past year, our editors have covered every major ocean and river cruise line in the world — around 75 cruise lines, representing more than 400 ships,” said Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic, “This list represents the ships and lines that we feel have gone above and beyond this year.”

Best New Ship – Norwegian Breakaway norwegian breakaway Best Ship Refurbishment – Carnival Sunshine   Carnival Sunshine Best For Luxury – Regent Seven Seas Cruises regent seven seas cruises Best for Families – Disney Cruise Lines Disney Fantasy Cruise Best Itineraries – Princess Cruises The Caribbean Princess Best for Adventure – Lindblad Expeditions Lindblad Expeditions Best Value for Money – Azamara Club Cruises Azamara Club Cruises Best Dining – Oceania Cruises Ocenia Cruises dining room Best Entertainment – Royal Caribbean International Hairspray - Royal Caribbean Best Suites – Oceania Cruises oceania cruise owners suites Best Inside Cabins – Norwegian Cruise Line Norweigan Breakaway inside cabin Best Standard Cabins – Celebrity Cruises Veranda stateroom Celebrity Reflection Best Shore Excursions – Disney Cruise Line Castaway Cay Disney Cruiselines Best for Honeymoons – Windstar Cruises windstar Cruises Best Cruise Ship Bar – Martini Bar, Celebrity Cruises Martini Bar, Celebrity Cruises Best North American Homeport – Vancouver vancouver Best New River Ship – AmaPrima, AmaWaterways AmaPrima, AmaWaterways Best River Cruise Line – Viking Cruises Viking Cruises Speaking about the dining and ship bar categories Colleen McDaniel, managing editor of Cruise Critic said,
“In a crowded category, Oceania sets itself apart with ships that offer fantastic dining variety and exceptional quality. The line’s open-seating restaurants include Asian Red Ginger, French Jacques and Italian Toscana — all at no charge. La Reserve is a gourmand’s dream, with its seven-course meals and Wine Spectator-developed pairing at an additional fee.” “Celebrity’s Martini Bar is equal parts great cocktail and evening entertainment,” said McDaniel, alluding to the Tom Cruise-style juggling displays behind the bar. “Bartenders at the frost-coated bar know a lot about mixology and are willing to show off their skills, flipping bottles and pouring a dozen drinks at once.”

The Cathedral Church Of Saint John the Divine, New York City

Lisa Arneill
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The Cathedral Church Of Saint John the Divine, New York City
Beautiful churches are my kryptonite. There is something about their incredible details, that just stops my heart.  In fact, when I am visiting a city and I will always choose a primeval cathedral over a department store or even a lunch break. I have been to New York City numerous times and make a point to stop into St. Patrick’s Cathedral every time I am there as it is so majestic.  But on my last trip to the city it was recommended that I make the trek up to 110th street to see Saint John’s  and I am glad I did. Tied with the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral for the title of the ‘largest cathedral and Anglican church’, the Cathedral Church Of Saint John the Divine is also the fourth largest Christian church in the world.  Construction began on December 27, 1892 and the first services were held in 1899.  Chartered as ‘A house of prayer for all people and a unifying center of intellectual light and leadership’, this famous institution has hosted a wide variety of leaders including; Martin Luther King Jr., Vaclav Havel, Nelson Mandela and the Dalai Lama. The church itself is actually part of a property that also includes a cathedral school, a town building, the diocesan house, synod house, rose garden, biblical garden and the peace fountain, which has a very ornate statue in the middle of it. side of The Cathedral Church Of Saint John the Divine Almost asymmetrical, the center of the cathedral features a 40 foot in diameter Great Rose window that was created from more than 10,000 pieces of glass and was designed by Charles J. Connick. The Cathedral Church Of Saint John the Divine While the outside of the building is starting to show its age a bit,  the inside is absolutely meticulous. As soon as you enter, the sheer size of the building is evident by the height of the columns that line the nave. The Cathedral Church Of Saint John the Divine view from the back of the church to the front It also feels quite empty as there aren’t any pews, but just rows of chairs for set back quite away from the crossing. The choir section at the front is lined with beautiful wooden pews on both side. The Cathedral Church Of Saint John the Divine - choir and altar The Cathedral Church Of Saint John the Divine - choir seating r Just behind where the ensemble would sit is the altar, which is surrounded by eight granite columns that were quarried on the island of Vinalhaven, Maine.  Each one is 55 feet tall and 6 feet in diameter. The Cathedral Church Of Saint John the Divine - altar On either side of the choir pews there are hallways that lead to the Chapels of the Tongues, seven rooms dedicated to the immigrant groups that settled in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Built in 1918, the Chapel of St. Ansgar is dedicated to those of Scandinavian descent. ‘It is named after the ninth century archbishop Ansgar, a Frenchman who made many missionary tours to Denmark and Sweden.’ The Cathedral Church Of Saint John the Divine chapel Built in 1916, the Chapel of St. Boniface is dedicated to people of German decent and is ‘the center for contemporary art exhibits at the Cathedral. St. Boniface was baptized “Winfrid” in seventh-century England and was an evangelist to Germany.’ The first chapel to be built was the Chapel of St. Saviour in 1904. It is dedicated to Christian communities of the East and is appropriately located at the easternmost part of the Cathedral. The Cathedral Church Of Saint John the Divine St. Saviour Designed for French immigrants, the Chapel of St. Martin of Tours is the Cathedral’s Chapel of Reservation and it is set aside for private devotions and visitors are asked to enter it only for prayer. The Cathedral Church Of Saint John the Divine - st. Martin's chapel
The Chapel of St. James is named after St. James the Apostle, the patron saint of Spain. The chapel highlights the contributions of Spain to the Christian tradition. Several famous writers, mystics and artists are found in the chapel’s left window: Cervantes, St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, El Greco, and others. With a seating capacity of 250 and its own Aeolian-Skinner organ of 857 pipes, it is often used for weddings, funerals, and small worship services and concerts.
The Cathedral Church Of Saint John the Divine - Chapel of st. James The Cathedral Church Of Saint John the Divine stained glass Beside the Chapel of St. Ansgar is the Baptistry, which was given by the descendants of Peter Stuyvesant, the last Dutch Director General of the New Netherlands, today New York.  It has sculpted windmills and tulips to symbolize its Dutch Heritage. The Cathedral Church Of Saint John the Divine, baptismal I could go for hours about the gothic wrought iron gates that create an entrance for each chapel and the fascinating details that make up every inch of this cathedral but you really have to see it for yourself. If you are visiting New York City I highly recommend making the trek to Manhattan’s Morningside Heights and visiting The Cathedral Church Of Saint John the Divine.  You can take a taxi or just get on the C-train and get off at 110th street ‘Cathedral’ stop.  When you come out of the station you will be in the middle of the roundabout.  Head West on 110 street and you will see the church on the hill to your right after you pass Morningside Drive.  To be able to enter the church you will have to continue along 110th to Amsterdam Avenue. There is no official admission fee to tour the church, but a $10 donation is appreciated. Please make the donation so that this church will continue to shine for generations to come.

Going Back Two Centuries At George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Lisa Arneill
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Going Back Two Centuries At George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Built in 1735, George Washington’s Mount Vernon is an incredible estate.  What started out as a modest home was transformed over fifty years into an impressive 21 room mansion that was owned by the famous first president. George Washington's Mount Vernon home George and Martha Washington lived at Mount Vernon for almost five decades before their passing.  George passed away here on December 14th, 1799 and Martha a couple of years after in 1802. The home was lived in by relatives of the Washingtons after Martha’s passing.  In 1853 after hearing news that the mansion had fallen into disrepair, Ann Pamela Cunningham started an organization to preserve this historic home.   The Mount Vernon Ladies Association purchased the home and the 200 acres of adjoining land from the president’s great-great nephew John Augustine Washington III in 1860 and opened the American Landmark to the public that year. George Washington's Mount Vernon Over the years the home has been meticulously restored to how it would have been in 1799, during George’s last year. During our trip to Washington DC, we travelled 30 minutes outside the city to visit this famous historical residence and tour the beautiful grounds. When you arrive at Mount Vernon you pass through the Ford Education Center where you can watch 2 short videos; one that introduces you to the property and a second, the famous couple who called Mount Vernon their home. Afterwards a path takes you to the front gates of the property where you get your first look at the estate.  A path on both the right and the left of the bowling green takes you to the home.  Both sides pass by the upper and lower gardens. George Washington's Mount Vernon - Upper Gardens Our first stop was the Mansion.  Visitors enter into the servants area where a guide gives you a briefing on the home.  To my dismay no photography is allowed inside the main mansion.  The tour took us through the first two floors of the home and gave us a look at how George and Martha lived.  Many of the rooms are painted in bold, modern colors.  The formal and entertaining spaces are adorned with beautiful ornate fireplaces and plaster details on the walls and ceilings. Upstairs the home has 5 chambers for guests and family.  The Washingtons often had friends and family staying with them.  In fact, in one year more than 600 guests stayed at the home.  A pass through created by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association takes guests to the private wing of the home where George and Martha’s room was.  Elegant and understated, the guide told us that almost everything in this room belonged to the couple.  This is also where the former president passed away.  After his passing Martha had the room sealed and moved her sleeping quarters to the third floor. The third floor is only open for tours at Christmas time. After viewing George’s office we were ushered outside and through the vestibule where the kitchen is situated.  At this point were allowed to take pictures again.  The kitchen consists of three rooms; the main cooking area, the scullery, an additional prep space and the larder, a cooler space for storing perishables.  Having the kitchen separate from the house was common in Southern Plantations as it kept the noise, heat and potential threat of fire away from the home. George Washington's Mount Vernon - kitchen Various buildings on this side of the property were used for tending the farm.  There is also the coach house and stable that housed the horses and also a storage area for the couple’s carriage. George Washington's Mount Vernon - carriage Also located to the South are two tombs; the original tomb that held the bodies of George, Martha and 20 other family members and the new tomb that was built in 1831.  In the former president’s will he requested that a new tomb be created. George Washington's Mount Vernon - old tomb
‘The family Vault at Mount Vernon requiring repairs, and being improperly situated besides, I desire that a new one of Brick, and upon a larger Scale, may be built at the foot of what is commonly called the Vineyard Inclosure. . . In which my remains, with those of my deceased relatives (now in the old Vault) and such others of my family as may chuse to be entombed there, may be deposited.’
George Washington's Mount Vernon - final resting place Beyond the new tomb is the Slave memorial and the Pioneer Farm. On the North side there are various buildings that housed some of the home’s workers and the property’s supplies. George Washington's Mount Vernon - outhouses A shoemaker’s shop, stove room and a blacksmith shop were located on this side of the property, as was the slaves quarters.  About 25% of the slaves(approximately 85) that worked for the Washingtons  lived in the bunk houses, that were divided into men’s and women’s. George Washington's Mount Vernon - mens slave quarters The workers slept in straw beds and ate by a fire that was set up at the end of the room. The Washingtons had a famous history with slavery.  A plaque inside the museum chronicles that history noting,
  • 1743 – At age 11 Washington inherits 10 slaves from his father.
  • 1754 – Begins farming Mount Vernon with a workforce of about 36 slaves.  Continues to buy and sell slaves.
  • 1759 – His bride Martha Custis arrives at Mount Vernon with 20 ‘dower slaves’ from a previous marriage.
  • 1775 – Leaves to fight in the Revolutionary War with slave Billy Lee, who will serve at his side for the entire war.
  • 1780 – Increasingly troubled by the moral and economic implications of slavery, vows never to purchase another slave.
  • 1789 – As President, avoids dealing with the slavery issue, fearing it will tear apart the fragile union.
  • 1797 – Proposes a plan to see his western land in order to purchase the freedom of the dower slaves so that he does not have to break up the slave families.  Lacking buyers, the plan never materializes.
  • 1799 – 316 slaves(over a third of who are too young or too old to work) live at Mount Vernon; 123 belong to Washington, 153 are dower slaves, and 40 are leased from a neighbour.
  • 1799 – Washington dies.  His last will calls for his slaves to be freed after Martha’s death.  He could not free the rented or dower slaves because he did not own them.
Just a year after his passing, Martha freed George’s slaves. More of this history is shown in the museum that is located North West of the Mansion.  Here visitors can see more of the Washington’s personal effects, including the Generals famous dentures that were carved from hippopotamus and elephant ivory and held together with gold springs, not wood as much of the world believes.  In total 23 galleries and theater spaces give visitors a better look at Mr. Washington and the accomplishments that made him such an important piece of America’s History. In total we were at Mount Vernon for 3 hours.  The guide says to allow 4-5 in order to be able to see everything.  I agree with this as we didn’t venture down to the wharf or to the pioneer farm.  When you arrive you will be given a set time to tour the house. Aside from that you are free to tour the property at your leisure. We drove to Mount Vernon, but there are boat cruises that you can take that show the estate from the back as you arrive.   If you are visiting the area, I highly recommend setting some time aside to see this beautiful home.  But be aware that Mount Vernon is a very popular tourist destination so planning your trip during the week may allow you to see it without having to wade through the crowds.

Riding The Rails With The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

Lisa Arneill
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Riding The Rails With The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
While planning our recent trip to Washington, DC I found quite a few great reviews online about the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad tour that travels round trip from Cumberland to Frostburg. Looking for a place that we could stop to break up the 9 hour trip, I thought the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad(WMSR) would be a great way for the kids to see the Allegheny Mountains and also get to ride on a vintage train. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad The Western Maryland Railway Station was built in 1913 and operated as a passenger station until the WM ended service in 1959.  The station still continued to be used by the railway until 1976.  In recent years it was restored and repurposed as a tourist attraction that offered rides between Cumberland and neighboring Frostburg. When we arrived at the terminal the 1916 Baldwin-built 2-8-0 steam locomotive was ready to go and there were many people positioned in front of it waiting to have their picture taken beside it.  Impressive, this beautiful train has been restored to look as majestic as it did during its glory days.  A young man was filling it with coal and he and the conductor happily posed with my boys for pictures. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad - 1916 Baldwin For your riding pleasure, the WMSR offers three classes of passengers; standard, club service and first class.  Keeping it on budget we chose economy and were happy with the bench seats that were provided. The seats can be positioned to face front or back so families travelling as a foursome(as we were) are able to sit facing each other. I was able to get a peek at the club service and those passengers appeared to be riding in captain’s chairs.  First Class travellers sat at tables and were fed a meal during their trip.  My guys were just happy to be on the train and didn’t care where they sat. Once we got going the train moved at a nice enough pace that we could check out the sights.  During our ride the train went over a few bridges and through one tunnel.  A local treasure, many people waved to us as we passed roadways or private properties. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad - train rounding the corner After travelling through the mountains for an hour we arrived in the little town of Frostburg where we were given 90 minutes to look around. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad - frostburg When the train arrives, the real excitement happens when the train turns around on the turntable.  About 5 minutes after the train lets its passengers off it detaches from the passenger cars and then pulls in to the turntable to be repositioned.  A wooden stair case built along the side gives visitors a look at the train spinning around.  It happens quickly but it is exciting. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad - train entering turntableWestern Maryland Scenic Railroad - turntable Once the show was over we headed for some ice cream and to check out the Thrasher Carriage Museum. If we had more time we would have ventured further into Frostburg. Just a few steps from the viewing area there are quite a few shops for visitors to look through. On the way back, I realized that you could go out onto the platform located in between each car to get a better look at the countryside and also get some great pictures of the train moving along the track.  What I didn’t know was that the train is constantly spewing tiny pieces of coal from its stacks.  If you are planning to take advantage of this great view I highly recommend wearing sun glasses to protect your eyes and a hat to prevent the tiny pieces from getting stuck in your hair.  Even after showering, I still had little pieces of coal stuck in my hair… Western Maryland Scenic Railroad - driving throught the Alleghany Mountains If you are passing through Cumberland on your way to Washington, I highly recommend taking a few hours out of your day to ride on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.  It was a great tour that the kids are still talking about. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad - in Frostburg Tickets Are:
  • Adult $35, Senior $33, Child (0-12) $18 for Coach
  • Adult $45, Senior $45, Child (0-12) $30 for Club
  • Adult $55, Senior $53, Child (0-12) $35 for First Class

Thrasher Carriage Museum in Frostburg MD

Lisa Arneill
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Thrasher Carriage Museum in Frostburg MD
During a recent trip through the Alleghany Mountains with the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad we stopped in Frostburg for a couple hours.  Located right across from the terminal, the Thrasher Carriage Museum pays homage to the early transportation from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Thrasher Carriage Museum Before we arrived in Frostburg I had done some research and wanted to visit this museum to get a peek at President Theodore Roosevelt’s inaugural carriage.  I will fully admit that I didn’t expect this Museum to be much as it is only open for a few hours weekly and you really do have to plan your visit perfectly to catch a glimpse of what is inside. But when I entered I was blown away by the collection James Thrasher had assembled.  Recognized as one of the top collections in the county, the Trasher Carriage Museum has vehicles from all walks of life. Originally located in the Midland school he attended as a boy, the museum was purchased by the Alleghany county when Mr. Thrasher passed away, and reopened at the current location in 1992. When we arrived at the museum many of our co-train passengers had lined up on the first floor to make their way through the exhibits so my son and I headed up the staircase to start on the less crowded second floor.  As we approached the top of the landing the first coach we were met with was the Five Class Landau, President Theodore Roosevelt’s inaugural carriage!  This green beauty features a convertible roof and glass drop side panels.  It was manufactured by James Cummingham Sons & Co. in Rochester, New York in 1890. Thrasher Carriage Museum - Rosevelt Inaugeral Carriage As we moved through the museum there were a couple carriages that caught my eye.  The Park Drag (c. 1894) was owned by wealthy sportsmen(as shown by the basket on the side).   It was a lighter carriage,  had seats on top and was pulled by four horses. Thrasher Carriage Museum 2 The pinnacle of upper class society, this Vis A Vis Sleigh was owned by Cornelius Vanderbilt around the 1900s.  It was known for having seats facing each other. Thrasher Carriage Museum - Vis a Vis Carriage The 3 Seat Buckboard Surrey was often used by resorts and millionaires on their country estates.  The one was made by Joubet & White in Great Falls New York in 1900.   Thrasher Carriage Museum One of my favorites, the newest addition to the Trasher collection – the Milk Carriage.  A local treasure, this wagon was used by the Ayrland Dairy in Bethesda Maryland around 1914.   Thrasher Carriage Museum - Milk Wagon Also on display was an elaborate glass-enclosed Hearse(c.1890) that would have likely been used by affluent families to transport their loved ones after passing. Mail Attachment In total, there are more than 90 carriages in the Thrasher Collection, but only 50 are on display.  I highly recommend a visit to the Trasher Carriage Museum if you are in the area. If you take the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad admission is free with your ticket.  Check the website because it is open for just a couple hours a few times a week.

Disney Cruise Line Announces Special Holiday Cruise Events

Lisa Arneill
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Disney Cruise Line Announces Special Holiday Cruise Events
If you are planning to sail this holiday season Disney has a long list of special event planned for cruisers! This holiday season the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream or Disney Fantasy will be all decked to the “raft-ers” with holiday cheer. Starting early November, Disney Cruise Line adds sparkle to each ship, with traditional “turkey day” fanfare, Christmas feasts, “snow flurries” and New Year’s Eve galas. Magical Winter Holidays with Disney Cruise Line To kick off the holiday cheer, special Very Merrytime Cruises begin Nov. 9 with a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise on the Disney Fantasy and a seven-night Bahamian cruise on the Disney Wonder, followed by a five-night Western Caribbean cruise on the Disney Magic and a four-night Bahamian cruise on the Disney Dream departing Nov. 10. 2013 Magical Winter Holidays with Disney Cruise Line During these voyages through the new year, special stem-to-stern holiday events include:
  • “King Triton’s Tree Lighting Ceremony” in the atrium lobby on the first night of the cruise, where a young guest helps Disney characters light the glittering, three-deck-tall tree.
  • Family holiday activities including building gingerbread houses and meeting Santa Claus and his elves.
  • Youth holiday crafts such as decorating stockings and gingerbread men cookies, making holiday cards and creating holiday animation cells.
  • Holiday storytellers sharing tales of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.  Plus, a story just for Disney Cruise Line guests about the magical feeling of the holidays on a ship.
  • “Deck the Deck Holiday Party,” a tropical celebration with Disney friends leading games such as hula hooping and limbo under oversized candy canes, along with dances for the whole family like the “Yuletide Slide” and a conga line around the pool.
  • “Til We Meet Again” features a special holiday edition of Disney Cruise Line’s cheerful farewell on the final night of each cruise with beloved Disney characters and the ship’s crew in an engaging musical finale led by Mickey Mouse.
On Thanksgiving Day, guests will enjoy a feast with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and friends dressed in traditional Thanksgiving attire and a special turkey towel animal in their stateroom upon turndown. Also during the special Thanksgiving voyages, big NFL football games will be broadcast live on the ships’ outdoor, jumbo LED screen – Funnel Vision – located near the family pool. Christmas morning at the atrium lobby tree Santa Claus and his elves will have surprises for all the kids. Later in the day, guests will enjoy caroling from the crew choir plus a special musical performance from the children. A traditional Christmas Dinner will be served that night in the dining rooms. Magical Winter Holidays with Disney Cruise Line Christmas services will be held on Christmas Day with a midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Hanukkah services will be held each day, Nov. 28-Dec. 5. When the ships stop at Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, during the holidays, the celebration continues with “snow flurries,” a decked-out Christmas tree, Disney character meet-and-greets and holiday island music. 2013 Magical Winter Holidays with Disney Cruise Line To celebrate the new year, voyages include a special New Year’s Eve party to ring in 2014, complete with music, sparkling wine in commemorative flutes and a midnight countdown with balloon drops.

Featured Review ~ Embassy Suites Washington, DC

Lisa Arneill
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Featured Review ~ Embassy Suites Washington, DC
During a recent trip to Washington, DC we had the pleasure of staying at the Embassy Suites hotel on 10th Avenue. Because we had never been to Washington, I wasn’t sure where to start as far as hotels go.  Besides finding something that was relatively close to the National Mall, I was also looking for a property that would be comfortable for our family.  Reasonably priced, and central to the attractions we were looking to visit, the Embassy Suites caught my attention. Embassy Suites Washington, DC - front view Bigger than most standard hotel rooms, the suites offered by Embassy Suites are perfect for travelling families because they come with a fridge, living room area and a bedroom, which can be configured with one king or two double beds. Embassy Suites Washington, DC - double bed suite The couch in the living room is also a pull out so our room could have slept a family of 5 or 6.  Our room came with 2 flat screen TVs(1 in living room and 1 in the bedroom), a single serve coffee maker, fridge, microwave, safe and table for 3 to sit at. Embassy Suites Washington, DC - living room Embassy Suites Washington, DC - kitchenette Aside from the rooms, I also loved the additional perks that were offered at the Embassy Suites.  Every morning between 7:30 and 9:30 the hotel puts out quite a complimentary spread for breakfast. Bacon, Eggs,  Sausage, hot/cold cereal, pastries, waffles, fruit and a made to order omelet station. This was the perfect way to start the day and a great savings for our family! We didn’t ever encounter a huge line up, but I did hear guests saying that the crowds during the week were a nice break from the weekend mayhem.  To reduce the congestion I noticed that the hotel set up an extra buffet station in the lobby on Friday morning. In the evening the hotel also offers a complimentary snack and beverage service in the same dining area.  It’s not a huge amount of food, but there is nachos and salsa, chips and bar type snacks to munch on.  We found this nice after coming in from a day of sightseeing.  It was a good bridge between lunch and dinner. If you are looking to have a real meal the hotel is home to finn & porter.  We had dinner here twice and were happy with the food and the service.  Plus, if parents each order an entree, their kids meals(1 free kid’s meal per adult entree)is free. Embassy Suites Washington, DC - finn & porter On the second floor, the Embassy Suites has a pool and hot tub.  My kids swam there every night and loved it.  It was warm in Washington while we were visiting so the pool was a welcome cool down spot. Overall our stay at the Embassy Suites was superb.  It was close(ish) to the National Mall, and 5 or 6  blocks from the White House.  There were lots of dining options around the hotel and the staff was very helpful. Embassy Suites Washington, DC - lobby We would return to Washington DC in a heart beat.  There is so much to do here for visitors of all ages.  The kids couldn’t get enough of all of the cool sites.   We were also visiting during the Martin Luther King’s ‘Dream’ Speech Anniversary so that was an exciting and important event for us to take them to. One tip however.  The parking at the Embassy Suites is Valet: $39.00 (+18% tax/night).  We parked right across the street(10th/New York) for $24/day. Embassy Suites Washington Parking

Mackenzie King Estate Reopens To The Public

Lisa Arneill
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Mackenzie King Estate Reopens To The Public
After being refreshed, the estate that shows the life and times of Canada’s 10th prime minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King has been re-opened to the public.  Set in the Gatineau Hills, the Mackenzie King Estate was the former Prime Minister’s summer home for almost 50 years. The Estate features heritage gardens, walking trails, picturesque ruins, and King’s original cottages; Moorside and Kingswood. Mackenzie King Estate
Image via the National Capital Commission
Image via the National Capital Commission
A plan three years in the making, the team that renovated the home conducted research on the man, his public accomplishments, the development of the Estate, the artifacts; all to figure out the stories to share and the best way to communicate them.
“We included sound effects in certain spots to really make the rooms come to life, for example, in the kitchen at Kingswood, you hear the sounds of dinner being made…chopping, water running, pots clanking,” Boyd Laanstra, coordinator of interpretation programs at the NCC says of one of the new elements. “At Moorside, there’s an antique telephone that rings and when you pick it up, you hear voices of different people calling King. These are all based on actual historical events or entries that we drew from King’s diary.” “The unique thing about King is that he left a 30,000-page diary that includes his day-to-day thinking, not only on affairs of state, but also on everyday things: on how he felt when driving out to Kingswood, on how he felt when sleeping under his own roof amid the trees. We were actually able to use that diary so that the story of King and his estate could be told through his own words. So King is, in some ways, your guide to discovering the Estate.”
The re-opening coincides with the 75th anniversary of Gatineau Park.  Parks Canada has some fun family events planned to celebrate the special event!  If you are in the area tomorrow or Monday stop by and visit the home and also enjoy some performances. Family Fun Day – Sunday, September 1, 11:30 am to 5 pm
  • Musical performances
  • Encounters with historians
  • Tai chi workshops
  • Kite flying demonstrations from the Ottawa Valley Kite Club
  • Face painting
  • Games for kids
  • Photo booth: Say “cheese”!
  • Zumba workshop ($)
  • Cake
  • Soap making with the Old Chelsea Soapery
  • “75 Years in Photos!” contest finalist exhibit
  • Ice cream making and tasting
Celebration Picnic – Monday, September 2, 11 am to 5 pm
  • Musical performances
  • Tai chi workshops
  • Swing Dynamite dance demonstrations
  • and workshops
  • Games for kids
  • Ice cream making and tasting
  • Vintage cars
  • Cake
  • Photo booth: Say “cheese”!
  • Soap making with the Old Chelsea Soapery
  • “75 Years in Photos!” contest finalist exhibit

Six Flags Great America Announces Goliath Coaster For 2014!

Lisa Arneill
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Six Flags Great America Announces Goliath Coaster For 2014!
Coaster enthousiasts take note!  Next Spring Six Flags Great America is set to debut Goliath, the fastest wooden roller coaster in the world.  It will feature the world’s tallest,  steepest drop and will boast three world records making it the most extreme coaster of its kind on the planet! Spring Six Flags Great America Goliath Wooden Coaster
“Six Flags Great America is known for introducing record-breaking and first-of-its-kind roller coasters,” said Hank Salemi, Six Flags Great America park president. “Goliath will be unmatched – setting not only one, but three world records and featuring two inversions. All of the ride elements, including an 85 degree plunge down the tallest drop on a wooden roller coaster, make Goliath the most extreme wooden roller coaster in the world. We are thrilled to bring this record-smashing coaster to our guests for the 2014 season.”
Goliath takes riders up a mammoth 165 foot lift hill, then plunges them down a record-setting 180 foot, 85 degree drop, crowning it the tallest and steepest drop on a wooden roller coaster in the world. Riders will gain record-breaking speeds of up to 72 miles-per-hour and blast into jaw-dropping maneuvers including three over-banked turns, a 180 degree zero G roll, an inverted drop and an inverted zero G stall. Goliath completely annihilates the wooden roller coaster competition. Record Breaking Facts:
  • Fastest wooden roller coaster – 72 miles-per-hour
  • Tallest drop on a wooden roller coaster – 180 feet
  • Steepest drop on a roller coaster – 85 degrees
Goliath will make its home in the County Fair section of the park. Construction begins this fall and Goliath is scheduled to open spring of 2014. Spring Six Flags Great America wooden coaster Goliath The park will also host the biggest Fright Fest® ever this fall. Six Flags Great America’s annual celebration will undergo the largest expansion in the park’s history with more haunted houses and ghouls than ever. Located between Chicago and Milwaukee, Six Flags Great America offers endless adventures for the entire family with 14 heart-pounding roller coasters, a 20-acre water park, spectacular shows and three children’s themed areas with over 30 rides.

Disney Parks Unleashes the Villains on Friday the 13th!

Lisa Arneill
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Disney Parks Unleashes the Villains on Friday the 13th!
Continuing with their Limited Time Magic, Disney Parks will unleash some dastardly villains on September 13 — Friday the 13th.. Both Disneyland Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort will stay open until the 13th Hour (1 a.m.) to celebrate a momentous evening with Maleficent, Capt. Hook, Hades.  These notorious Disney villains will host a wicked dance party, plus lots more spooky fun. Disney Parks Unleashes the Villains on September 13th The hub of the villains’ festivities will be staged “dead” center of Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Hades’ Hangout – the hottest club north of the Underworld. The “Lord of the dead,” Hades, will host spine-tingling fun while his henchmen, dancers, interactive DJ and hot house band keep the nighttime activities on fire.  Hades’ 13 devilish Disney brutes will be waiting in Villain Encounters surrounding Hades’ Hangout for greetings and autographs with guests. To celebrate the imminent arrival of the midnight witching hour “Villainy in the Sky” will set the sky ablaze with spectacular fireworks, and keep the party going until the 13th hour. It’s all happening for a limited time only from 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. on Friday, September 13, 2013 as part of Limited Time Magic at Disney Parks.  Limited Time Magic features 52 weeks of magical experiences — big and small — ranging from park-wide events to special culinary treats to special moments of surprise and delight. On this spooktacular evening, villains will take over Disneyland as well. Town Square is transformed for the party where guests may see villains like Captain Hook, the Queen of Hearts, Judge Frollo and Lady Tremaine.  Cobwebs and vines, Halloween-themed projections, lighting effects and an eerie fog set the tone for the evening.  Witches and warlocks will get the dance party started, spinning a mix of upbeat Halloween tunes and Disney-friendly Top 40 hits. Later in the evening, the twisted celebration spills over to New Orleans Square Train Station with lurking Disney villains ready for the Unleash the Villains Dance Party featuring a lit-up dance floor and raised platforms, spooky décor and lighting effects.  A mischievous station master DJ conducts this party — announcing the arrival of a different ghoulish Disney villain at the 13th minute after every hour.  Villains will be on the prowl after dusk for photo ops and character greetings, plus a few special surprises. Sounds like a blast!!  Will you be there?
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