Fort Gratiot Lighthouse – Climb Michigan’s Oldest Standing Lighthouse

Lisa F
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Fort Gratiot Lighthouse – Climb Michigan’s Oldest Standing Lighthouse
When planning a road trip to a large attraction destination, don’t underestimate the little spots along the way. This past weekend we found a perfect rest spot that turned out to be a highlight of our weekend.   Just 10 minutes past the Sarnia/Port Huron border our family enjoyed fresh air, playtime and discovered a piece of history at the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse.
Michigan’s oldest lighthouse is stunning at 86 feet tall surrounded by sandy beaches and a magnificent view of the many freight and recreation watercraft travelling between Lake Huron and the St. Clair River.  Our boys age 2 and 6 years loved running around the immense property, looking up at the tall lighthouse and especially watching the boats go by.
The Fort Gratiot Light and grounds have been closed to the public until very recently.  Now run by the Port Huron Museum, not only can your family walk the grounds at no charge but you can take a guided tour, as well as walk up the lighthouse steps for the low cost of $5.  Make sure to have comfortable closed shoes.  Flip flops and sandals are prohibited up the tower for your safety on the cast iron staircase.  In the fog signal building is a quaint little gift shop to purchase Fort Gratiot souvenirs, lighthouse paraphernalia of all sorts and beach toys for the kids.
In addition to offering these daytime tours, groups of 20 or more (scouts, camps, and family reunions) can book an “Overnight at the Light” for a guided informative tour, bedtime snack, and a bunk sleep in the newly renovated duplex for $25 per person. We discovered a great looking beach at the lighthouse and noticed many families playing in the sand, sunbathing and splashing in the water, however I did see that there were signs posted stating “Dangerous undertow current. Enter at own risk” and it is not a lifeguarded beach.  Restrooms and shower off stations are in operation but I think if we were to spend time on the beach I would limit it to building sandcastles and walking along the shore just to get our feet wet to cool off.
There are picnic tables on the sand and in the grassy park area perfect for a meal or snack break.  Our boys enjoyed the playgrounds by swinging and climbing as a much needed energy burn off after our long drive, and since the other families were on the beach we had the playgrounds all to ourselves. We recommend this beautiful spot for travelers heading from Michigan to Ontario or back looking for somewhere different to stretch their legs than the usual coffee/burger/gas station area.  It is also neat to catch a glimpse of the BluewaterBridge (bridge used to cross the border) from the grounds. Lighthouse Facts
  • First Lighthouse built inMichigan(1825)
  • White Conical Brick
  • Original Lens – Fourth-order Fresnel
  • Current Lens – DCB-24 Carlisle & Finch Aerobeacon (green flashing)
  • Oldest operating lighthouse in Michigan
  • Open daily 10am – 6pm
  • Tours and Tower Climbs between 10:30- 5:30 daily
To help with restoration and maintenance of the lighthouse you can adopt a Step or Become a Friend of the Lighthouse. Call 810-982-0891 ext 110 for detailed information

Sun, Sand or Surf ~ Pediped’s Amazon Flex Shoe Is Perfect For Every Adventure!

Lisa Arneill
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Sun, Sand or Surf ~ Pediped’s Amazon Flex Shoe Is Perfect For Every Adventure!
My go to shoe for every adventure we are heading out for is pediped’s Amazon Flex.  Stylish and durable these sandals are perfect for every occasion, while standing up to the beating my boys put them through.  From the park, to the road, to a pile of mud – it’s my job to make sure that the shoes I choose for my guys will to whatever they throw at them. Normally when we vacation I bring a 3 pairs of shoes for each boy, sandals for the beach, watershoes and a pair for going out for dinner. On our last couple trips I have just packed a pair of the Amazon Flex shoes for each of my boys and had them wear them throughout the trip. When they are trekking through the sand they don’t have to take them off because there are cut outs in the side of the shoes that allows the sand to empty. This also ensures that they have something on their feet if they decide to head into the ocean on a whim. I am really big on wearing watershoes if you are heading into the ocean because I have seen vacationers step on urchins, glass and coral unexpectedly, which can ruin a vacation quickly. What I like about these shoes is that they can wear them into the water, coat them in the sand on the way out and all I have to do is set them out to dry, shake the sand off and they look as good as new. Brilliant! Pediped says you can throw them in the washing machine but I have never needed to. We are going on our second Summer with both pairs and they look great. My oldest son wears his pair to school everyday and they have minimum wear. For girls, pediped has created the same great shoe in two neon colors to compliment your child’s style. BONUS! Many of Pediped’s styles are on sale right now as part of their ‘Purchases with Purpose‘ initiative that was set-up to support children in need.

High Wire Added To The Niagara Skyline This Summer

Jen R
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High Wire Added To The Niagara Skyline This Summer
Niagara’s thirst for the high wire hasn’t been satisfied yet. Beginning June 29th, Jay Cochrane will begin Skywalk 2012. Jay’s Skywalk 2012 is a high wire attraction that spans the 340 m from the top of the Niagara Fallsview Hilton Hotel North Tower to the top of the Skylon Tower. The wire height will range from 177 m to 160 m. Jay will walk the wire at 7 p.m. every evening to hopefully complete his 88 scheduled performances. If all goes well, he will walk in excess of 30 km, between the two buildings, all the while chatting with and wowing the assembled crowed below. Back in 2005, Jay was the high wire performer in “Skylon Tower Skywalk” travelling the high wire from the Niagara Fallsview Casino to the Skylon Tower. In 1995, Jay completed The Great China Skywalk over the Qutang Gorge, crossing the Yangtze River at a height of 408 m for a distance of 640 m. It was viewed by a crowd of 250,000 people, at the gorge and about one-billion people at home on TV. Jay holds a number of World Records for his various high wire accomplishments and is excited about Skywalk 2012.
“This walk approaches the grandeur of my Great China Skywalk across Qutang Gorge above the Yangtze River. I’m excited to give a spectacular performance that will draw attention to my home country of Canada and inspire people to visit Niagara.”
The Niagara Region, which is replete with natural wonders, historic sites and fun attractions, has been given the designation of #1 Family Holiday destination in Canada by Trip Advisor. Anyone interested in meeting Jay and trying out the wire for themselves, will get their chance at events like Fort Erie Friendship Festival (June 29 to July 2) and Canal Days (August 3-6). He will present the “Wirewalking Experience” and don’t worry, in this case the wire will only be one foot off the ground so even if you fall, you’ll survive to tell the tale. – Jen R, Staff Writer IMAGE CREDIT: ©Mark D Phillips

10 Must Have Items For Parents Traveling With a Baby!

Lisa Arneill
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10 Must Have Items For Parents Traveling With a Baby!
Whether you are headed to your parent’s house, the cottage or to the Caribbean, there is a certain amount of planning that goes into traveling with a baby. Thankfully those who have come before you have invented some pretty great items that are perfect for parents on-the-go. I started traveling with my first son when he was just a couple months old and it took me a few trips to put together a good list of must-haves. After you pack an extra outfit, diapers, wipes and a good travel stroller here are a couple other items that will make your outing with baby a bit easier. 1.  Planet Wise Travel Wet/Dry Bag – Spit happens and so do unexpected poops. I love Planet Wise’s Travel Wet/Dry Bag because it is compact with a zipper to allow it to expand and it has a zipper to ensure that your little mess stays somewhat contained. I keep this is in my bag for unexpected messes and also store snacks in it! 2.  Sassy Powder Dispenser -whether you are traveling with dry food or baby formula, this convenient dispenser allows you to portion out a meal to eliminate the guess work at 30,000 ft. 3.  Zoli snack holder -This stacking snack holder is both compact and convenient.  It allows you to carry a variety of options, which will come in handy if you are delayed. 4.  phil&teds lobster highchair – weighing less than 5 pounds, the phil&teds lobster folds to be very compact, comes with it’s own case and will attach to almost every table.  But we especially love it because it has it’s own food tray, which means that you don’t have to worry if you have to stop for a bite somewhere that may not be the cleanest. 5.  Baby Bjorn Travel Light crib – Worried about the hotel crib not being safe or available?  Bring your own!  The Baby Bjorn travel light crib assembles in seconds(literally) and it folds in half.  Not compact enough to go in your suitcase, but definitely small enough to be a piece of checked luggage or to only take up a small area in the back of the trunk for road trips.  Not just for babies, this bed can be used for newborns and up until around the age of three.   1.  Bebe au Lait Nursing Cover – Whether you are on a plane, in the park or at the beach, this cover will keep your baby covered while they are nursing.  Bebe au Lait’s covers are both stylish and functional.  They feature a have curved boning at the collar, which allows you to see your baby while they are feeding and a terry patch in the corner that can be used as a cloth if your baby spits up.  When not in use it can tied to your infant seat to shield your baby from the sun. 2/3 Baby K’tan, Cybex 2.Go Carrier – When my boys were little I would carry them and check the stroller to keep my hands free while getting through the airport. I like the Cybex 2. Go carrier because it allows you to carry your baby in 5 different positions. The Baby K’Tan is nice for smaller babies who need stay close. You can wear your baby in 8 different positions including side carry for little ones (5 months+). 4.  Skip*Hop Bento Bag – This full featured diaper bag has it all – including a insulated Mealtime Kit with Clix containers, which slides into a convenient compartment—keeping food in its own special place. The biggest bag Skip*Hop offers the Bento Bag has fifteen pockets include five mesh pockets, 2 insulated bottle pockets and the afore mentioned mealtime kit compartment. I also like that it hangs neatly on a stroller or it can be worn over the shoulder. Plus if you have this bag, you don’t need to worry about having any other snack holders as it comes with 3! 5.  Bebe au Lait’s Quib is one of the best bibs we’ve come across for going out because a. It has magnets that allow it close easily and STAY closed, b. If your child messes the quib has 4 sides that can be used; two with prints and two with terry cloth. I love this Bib! 6.  Patemm Pad – Whenever you leave the house you run the risk of having to change your baby somewhere there is not enough room or a place that is not as clean as you would like it to be. This gorgeous round pad is 28 inches in diameter and it is designed with 4 outside handles allowing you to unfold/fold it with one hand. You can store diapers, wipes, and even a set of clothes in the cleverly-placed inside pockets. When not in use, the patemm® pad folds into a compact carrier without the use of ties, buttton, snaps, or Velcro®.

Rockies Top the List of Canadian Tourist Attractions

Jen R
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Rockies Top the List of Canadian Tourist Attractions
It would seem that the blush of the Olympic Games hasn’t faded just yet.  Canada.com readers have voted and the Rocky Mountains have usurped Niagara Falls as Canada’s top tourist draw. Now, I’m not sure it’s fair to put Niagara Falls on the same ballot with the Rockies.  Niagara Falls is a spot on the map, a powerful phenomenon with a variety of fun and interesting attractions built up around it.  It’s a great vacation spot, kids love it, and it can be experienced in a long weekend. The Rocky Mountains, on the other hand, are a sprawling range meandering over a huge area.  You could spend a lifetime exploring there and never run out of discoveries.  To say the Rockies are a tourist attraction is too vague and unspecific.  With draws like Lake Louise, Banff, and Moraine Lake, the Rockies are not so much an attraction as a wonderland. Yes, the Rocky Mountains should absolutely be experienced, but they’re not an attraction, they’re an odyssey.  How is any other place to compete?  Perhaps the canada.com survey should narrow down the choices, to specific locations, for next year’s survey.  Give the lighthouses, towers and waterfalls a fighting chance, eh? – Jen R, Staff Writer

Hilton Gardens Guests Invited to Enter for a Brave Summer with Disney Pixar

Cathy
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Hilton Gardens Guests Invited to Enter for a Brave Summer with Disney Pixar
Whether you’re planning on taking a family vacation or a business trip, you can enter to win some “Brave” swag if you stay at a participating Hilton Gardens hotel between now and July 15th, 2012. It’s a booking promotion where Hilton Gardens and Disney Pixar are offering an assortment of prizes, including an all-expenses paid trip to Scotland! Every guest who books a weekend (Friday and Saturday) stay at a Hilton Garden hotel will receive two free children’s tickets to the  Disney Pixar film “Brave.” A grand prize drawing will be extended to all guests who book their reservations online. The grand prize, a trip for four to Scotland, includes round trip airfare, accommodations for five nights at either the Hilton Garden Inn Aberdeen or the Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow (winner decides), $1,000 in gift cards, “The Making of Brave” coffee table book, the “Brave” soundtrack and 50,000 HHonors Points. Another 100 winners will receive a free night’s stay at any Hilton Garden Inn worldwide. Other prizes to be given include “The Making of Brave” coffee table book, 1,000 movie tickets, the “Brave” soundtrack and “Brave” – themed toys.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Disney-Pixar to bring this fantastic promotion to life for our guests,” said Judy Christa-Cathey, vice president, global brand marketing, Hilton Garden Inn. “At Hilton Garden Inn, our customers know that they can count on us to provide the most relevant amenities and opportunities. Our collaboration with Disney-Pixar enables us to reach families and leisure travelers by providing them with an exclusive opportunity to book a room and receive two free tickets to one of the hottest family films of the summer.”
The “Brave” movie will only be available in theatres and it opens on June 22, 2012. The movie is said to be a “grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and signature Pixar humor.” I figure, if you plan on seeing the movie and planning a trip where you’ll be staying in a hotel, it’s really a win-win situation to head on over to the Hilton Gardens. Just don’t forget to book your reservation online for the chance to win the trip to Scotland. What fun! SOURCE

Six Flags America Introduces Apocalypse Roller Coaster

Cathy
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Six Flags America Introduces Apocalypse Roller Coaster
Planning a tip to Six Flags American this summer? Then you may want to check out their newest roller coaster, Apocalypse – The Last Stand. Released just in time for summer, the coaster is the eighth one to be added to the park and it is the region’s first standing coaster. It’s pilot ride took place on June 7, 2012. On the Apocalypse, riders are met with flames, fire, zombies, and explosions. The ride is full of twists, turns, drops, all at the speed of 55 mph.
“There’s fire going off, and there are all these sounds and there’s booms, and there’s lots of stuff to look around and see,” said Elizabeth Ringas, one of the first families to ride the coaster. “This is great, we had so much fun riding it.” “Of the ones I’ve ridden, this is one of the smoother ones and one of the ones that’s bet themed I’d say,” said Evangelos Ringas. “I love it, it was awesome!” stated Calista Rngas.
Larry Chickola, the park’s chief engineer says it took months to build and it has turned out exactly like he had hoped it would.
“Literally, you’re standing up inside the ride, fully upright and on top of the track, so you get this really high view of the track,” Chickola said. “This was a great site for it. Central to the park, you can see behind us how it really fits in with this great orange and black color scheme.”
Dr. Arnold Blumberg, who teaches a course on zombies at the University of Baltimore says that the opening of the Apocalypse couldn’t have better timing than 2012.
“We’re just so enamored in this twisted kinda way with could we make it? Could we survive? How can we stand up to our fears? And here we have a stand up roller coaster that is all about that and what better way than to bring the zombie symbol together with the roller coaster? It’s just a perfect blending of these ideas,” said Blumberg.
SOURCE

Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary Offers Travellers Unique Volunteer Opportunities

Jen R
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Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary Offers Travellers Unique Volunteer Opportunities
So many of us understand deeply, what a privilege it is to travel.  As a result, we seek out ways to enrich our experiences by employing ourselves generously during our vacation time.  That is one of the reasons volunteer tourism has become such a popular option among travellers. Well have I got an exciting volunteer experience for you – an opportunity to work, hands-on, rescuing elephants at Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary (BLES) in Sukothai, North Thailand. BLES combines the beauty and hospitality of rural Thailand with the majesty, gentleness and humbling strength of the area’s indigenous elephants.  BLES is a rescue centre where elephants are protected and allowed to roam their natural habitat in much the way they were intended. For the very reasonable fee of 4,000 baht or approximately $127 USD per person per night, guests enjoy meals prepared from local organic produce (much of which comes from the BLES grounds), accommodation in one of three traditional teak guest houses, laundry service, internet access, transportation to and from the airport/bus terminal/train station and of course – unlimited hands-on time caring for the elephants. Guests will work alongside the mahouts (local men who care for the elephants) to bath and feed the elephants, walk the elephants to and from their grazing grounds, gather food from the jungle, repair pens and plant trees and vegetation. BLES is also active in the local community and guests may have opportunities to go to local restaurants, shop in the market or even help local elephants living outside the rescue. Like most Thai people, the mahouts and others you may encounter in the village have a basic knowledge of English, but many are not fluent.  BLES founder, Katherine Connor, is fluent in both English and Thai and she is on-hand, throughout the day, to iron out any communication problems. In addition to 16 elephants, BLES is also home to other rescued animals, including six dogs, nine cats, a bird and three cows.  BLES is also responsible for saving hundreds of acres of land from deforestation. Guests are welcomed in small groups, for both the visitors benefit and the elephants’.  Obviously reservations are required.  Guests typically stay from three to five days.  There are no age restrictions. The guest houses, which each accommodate two visitors, are usually booked up six months in advance, though at the moment they are booked solid through March 2013.  And why wouldn’t they be?  We travellers know an incomparable opportunity when we see one. If you are making plans to visit Thailand next year, include a visit to Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary – and make your reservation now before someone else nabs your spot. – Jen R, Staff Writer

Nairobi’s Giraffe Manor ~ An Incredible Hotel For Animal Lovers!

Lisa Arneill
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Nairobi’s Giraffe Manor ~ An Incredible Hotel For Animal Lovers!
A trip of a lifetime for me would be a safari in Africa. Being that close to so many incredible animals would definitely cross a few biggies off my bucket list. A close second would be this incredible experience, which is located in Kenya just 12 miles outside of Nairobi. Built in 1932, Giraffe Manor is a luxury boutique hotel that offers much more than you would get at your standard vacation lodging! Situated on 12 acres of private land and 140 acres of indigenous forest this charming mansion is home to a herd of Rothschild Giraffes. Picture yourself enjoying breakfast, while joined by some long neck friends.  It’s almost unbelievable but that is what happens at this one-of-a-kind destination.
The website explains that the Giraffe Center, located on the Manor grounds “was set up by AFEW (African Fund for Endangered Wildlife) as a breeding centre for the endangered Rothschild Giraffe, and has now evolved to operate conservation and educational programs for Kenyan school children. Giraffe Centre has preserved the original habitat intact for the giraffes and a variety of birds and animals including warthogs, hyenas and sometimes a leopard.”
Not cheap, this vacation will run you $1000/night if you can get a booking.  It is booked almost solid until October, where it appears there is more availability closer to the end of the month.  There are only six en suite rooms, with the sixth room being the Karen Blixen suite, ideal for your perfect family holiday. Your stay includes home made Muesli, Kenya’s finest tea or coffee and freshly baked muffins for breakfast and three course meals for lunch and dinner. Families or couples who would like to pair their giraffe adventure with a safari and some time visiting near by areas can book a 5,7 or 12 day tour with Tamini, the company that operates Giraffe Manor, and 3 other luxury camps close by.
VIA MY MODERN MET

Learn to Camp With Ontario Parks

Jen R
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Learn to Camp With Ontario Parks
My family has spent time in many of Ontario’s provincial parks and we’ve loved every experience.  Each park has something unique to offer.  But, neither my husband nor I grew up camping, and we had a steep learning curve to overcome in the beginning. Last year, Ontario Parks experimented with a Learn-to- Camp program.  It was so well received, they have expanded it this year, to welcome 3,000 new campers into the wilds of our beautiful province. The learn-to-camp program has been established to facilitate that first camping experience for new Canadians as well as urbanites who may not have experience starting campfires and protecting their campsite from intruding wildlife. Coleman has generously donated the equipment for the programs, which will cost groups, of up to six members, $64 for the one night, two day experience.  The fee includes instruction, camp fees, a bag of ice and firewood. Several Ontario Parks sites will be offering learn-to-camp programs over the summer.  Several are within a short drive of Toronto.  But, thanks to last year’s positive results, programs will be held across the province at varying times this summer.
“At Murphys Point, we will be putting on the one-night, two-day, Learn-to-Camp program every weekend except holiday weekends from the end of June to the last weekend in August, and offering it on some weeknights as well,” said Jeff Brown, co-ordinator of Ontario Parks’ Learn-to-Camp program.
In addition to Murphy’s Point, which is about an hour from Ottawa, other southern Ontario parks running the program include:  Bronte Creek, Sibbald Point, Darlington, Pinery, Six Mile Lake and in northern Ontario, Rushing River, Kakabeka Falls, Pancake Bay, Sleeping Giant, Lake Superior, Halfway Lake and Grundy Lake. About three quarters of Ontarians have spent time sleeping under the stars.  Brown is after the other 25 percent.  His programs helped 800 adventurers discover their inner woodsman last year.
Brown recalls, “They’d start the day pretty apprehensive, but by evening everyone would be happy, sitting around the campfire and eating s’mores.  At Darlington (a campground an hour east of Toronto) one family brought along a couple of extra kids, teens who had never been out of Toronto.  They just loved it.”
Parks are doing a better job accommodating those who love nature but have lost their fondness for sleeping on the ground.  Several parks are installing yurts, cabins and are converting existing buildings into roofed accommodations.  These, less basic, accommodations work well for multi-generational camping adventures. It seems the great outdoors is becoming a bit more user friendly.  Is this your family’s year to venture into the woods? – Jen R, Staff Writer Image credit: omgimages / 123RF Stock Photo SOURCE
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