North Carolina Museum of History

I love museums.  The day we were scheduled to head to the North Carolina Museum of History, I was awake at sunrise asking Drew if we could leave yet.  Yep, I am that person.  We did have to find something else to fill our time before the museum opened and you can read about that here.

Let’s get the important stuff out of the way before I continue.  The North Carolina Museum of History is open Monday – Saturday from 9 to 5 and Sunday from noon to 5. Admission to this treasure is free and if you drive to the museum on the weekend parking is free as well.  During the week there is metered parking and parking for a fee.

We got to the museum right as it opened and were greeted by the awesome welcome team who gave us maps and told us the best place to start and what route to take to see it all.  We started in the exhibit called The Story of North Carolina.  This exhibit is HUGE and as you walk through you travel through thousands of years of history for the state of North Carolina.

We wondered through the rest of the current exhibits with my absolute favorite being the re-creation of a 1920’s drugstore.  Drew and I spent quite a lot of time in there even though its a small drugstore.  The old camera display and the register caught our attention and we spent quite a while discussing it and what has changed.  I can definitely say that old register is beautiful and I much prefer it to the current registers Walgreens uses.

We spent about 3 hours wondering through the museum but you could definitely see it in less time if you wanted to.  A few quick tips to make the most of it.  Try to get there as soon as it opens or about hour or two from close.  Early in the morning we pretty much had the museum to ourselves and it was awesome!  Plan to learn a lot about North Carolina.  This might be a no duh! statement but honestly I thought the museum was a history museum in general.  This museum is all about North Carolina.  So when you are walking through the exhibits about the wars you will probably never have heard of any of the wars because they aren’t the big ones taught in schools, they are all of the smaller ones that took place in North Carolina.  All the uniforms on display are all from soldiers from North Carolina.  You get the idea.  Lastly, pack some granola bars to eat.  The café is over priced and you will be hungry after all the walking you do in the museum, it’s bigger than it seems from the outside!

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Raleigh Little Theatre Rose Garden

Now there is something you should know before you read this.  I LOVE museums.  It’s my favorite activity to do while traveling.   Now knowing this, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to know the day we were heading to the museum I woke up at 6 ready to go.  Drew being a good sport was up and dressed quickly and we were out the door…at 7.  The museum’s hours are Monday – Friday 9 – 5 so we had some time.

We grabbed some coffee and headed to the Raleigh Rose Garden to walk around till the museum opened.  I wasn’t sure what to expect from a rose garden, but I was pleasantly surprised at the garden tucked away about a block away from North Carolina State University.

The rose garden was bigger than I had imagined and had plenty of benches and picnic tables perfect for enjoying a morning coffee or lunch.  There was no one else there, which is almost a given considering how early we were there, but definitely a must see location if you are looking to get away from the crowds.  My one tip for this location is wear closed toe shoes that are preferably water proof.  I was wearing my sneakers that are not water proof and I walked around with wet socks for the better part of the day because early in the morning the grounds are soaked!

We spent about 40 minutes walking around the rose garden.  There are 1,200 roses and about 60 varieties of roses so take your time and learn a little bit about the roses while you are there.  I would recommend this being the first stop of the day or the last stop of the day for a few reasons.  The first reason being, first thing in the morning, the bugs are not out yet.  You are heading into a garden, you might as well enjoy it while the stingy bugs and biting bugs aren’t awake yet. If you need another reason after that, wait why do you need another reason?  Well, ok, if you are that person that is ok with bugs here are a couple more reasons.  It’s a very tranquil place that is perfect for planning your day or thinking about what you did that day and gathering your thoughts.  Also first thing in the morning, most people are still sleeping so you will more than likely, like us, have the garden to yourself.

The garden is in bloom from late may till autumn and is open daily from sunrise to sunset 7 days and admission is free.  When you look for directions to the garden it could come up as Raleigh Rose Garden, Raleigh Little Theatre or Raleigh Little Theatre Rose Garden.  All of these are the same place and will get you to this beautiful hidden gem.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Travel Deals

I found a few good deals I wanted to share with you guys this week.  The first one being a favorite.  We have already planned (and paid for) a trip to Ireland or I would jump on that deal.

1. 3 Nights in Dublin for $423  This deal includes airfare from New York and hotel in November.  The list price is $499 for this deal, but if you use the code SALE3 you will get an extra 10% off taking the price down to $449.10 and then buying through Ebates will give you an additional 6% cash back bringing the total to $422 and change.   Not a bad deal at all!  Like I said if we hadn’t already booked our flights to Ireland we would jump on this deal!
2. If you prefer a little more time in Ireland, right now Norwegian Airlines has a deal where you can fly from the east coast to Cork for $99 one way.  Then, of course if you want to further keep the cost down check out AirBnB.  I like using AirBnB because we like staying at places that have full kitchens to help keep traveling costs down.
3. 5 Night is Prague for $517  This deal includes airfare from New York, hotel and daily breakfast.  The list price is $599 for this deal, but using the code SALE3 you get 10% off up to $50 (for this deal it would be $50 off) and then using Ebates to get that 6% cash back and you are heading to Czech Republic for a little under $517!  There are dates in November of this year or March of next.
4. Check out Vacation Express for deals on Los Cabos all inclusive vacation packages with airfare included starting at $359 flying out of Houston.  This deal includes food, hotel and drinks.  If you are wanting more fun in sun this deal is for you.

 

**This post contains affiliate links.**

Georgia Guidestones

Our fascination with the Georgia Guidestones started way before the travel bug.  Drew watched a YouTube video on the mysterious sites in the United States and caught a brief history of the Guidestones and the quest to make time to see them began.  We recently decided now was a good time so we piled our three dogs into our car and started the five hour drive.

So the real quick history behind the Guidestones.  The Guidestones were erected in 1980 In Elbert County Georgia.  They were purchased in 1979 by a man using a fake name from Elberton Granite Finishing company on behalf of “loyal Americans”.

We drove all the way to the Guidestones only seeing one sign right before we turned onto Guidestones Road.  What really threw us off is: the Guidestones are literally in the middle of horse pastures.  As we pulled up there was only one other car there.  I had read that the Guidestones were always crowded in the summer months, but since we chose a day that was rainy, it wasn’t busy.  During our time there only one other couple stopped by.

The Guidestones are inscribed in eight languages with four short messages in ancient languages at the top.  There is a stone on the ground that supposedly has a time capsule under it that explains what languages and how to use the astronomic features.

Now if you are traveling with your pups like we were I will say there are no signs saying dogs are not allowed, and there is plenty of room to walk them along the road by the pastures.  My pups took a great interest in the horses and wanted to play!

 

 

 

NC Museum of Art Park

The North Carolina Museum of Art Park has over 2 miles of trails, both paved and unpaved, where you can enjoy nature and art simultaneously.  This park is open from dawn to dusk everyday and is free for anyone and everyone to enjoy including dogs and cyclists.

We headed to the park around midday on a very hot day.  This is was mistake number one.  Mornings or evenings would be the best for this park in the summer months as quite a bit of the trail does not have shade.  Since we took the kids with us we packed juice boxes for when we got back to the car.  This was mistake number two.  Definitely treat this like you would any other hiking trail by bringing water for everyone and making sure everyone has comfy walking shoes.  There were a few water fountains by the parking lot that we were very grateful for by the time we left the park!

Some of the trails are paved and some are not but I highly encourage you to walk both trails because the unpaved trails definitely have a fun or two surprise hidden away for you.  The picture below shows a little hut that you can go in, shut the door and once your eyes adjust, you will look down to see the trees and up to see the ground.  I will admit I was a little skeptical but you can watch the wind blowing the trees by looking down.   Seriously.

There is something for everyone no matter the age.  There is a small slide for younger kids, or for older kids (and adults too) you can spend a good 20 minutes trying to find all the chairs in the trees.  There are quite a few!  The picture below shows one of the chairs.

If you are in Raleigh, definitely check out this park.  There are tables and chairs for lunches and snacks or just enjoying the view.  Plan on spending at least an hour, but more likely two, meandering through the park.  We didn’t come prepared so we spent about 45 minutes there before the kids started complaining and we left.  Next time we go, we will be ready.

 

 

Linville Caverns

The Linville Caverns are located about an hour from Asheville North Carolina between Linville and Marion and deep beneath Humpback Mountain.  If you are visiting Asheville this is definitely worth your time as you will get about a 30 minute tour of some of the intricate underground passages.  The tour guide will point out most of the interesting formations, show you where the people who hid in there scarred the rock with their fire, and answer any questions you have.

Here are a few tips to make the most of your visit to the caverns.

1. Bring a sweater.  The caverns stay at a constant 52 degrees year around.  This is a 30 minute tour so if you are like me and get cold in 70 degree weather bring something to stay warm…even if it’s 90 degrees outside.
2. If it rained recently or is raining bring a water resistant jacket.  The caverns does have water that drips from the top and you will get splashes of water on you or your camera.  A water cover is not needed for the camera that I found, although be mindful of the water dripping when you are taking pictures.
3. Flash photography is allowed and encouraged.  There are lights in the tunnel however I tried photos with and without the flash and thank goodness they allow the flash!  However additional lighting beyond the flash is not allowed.
4. Wear closed toe shoes.  When walking into a mountain this should be an automatic, but I did see some people there in sandals!  At the end of the tour they ask you to walk through bleach to kill any bacteria or mold that you might have on your shoes from the caverns, it’s a little harder to do this in sandals.
5. If you are claustrophobic stay to the back of the tour.  I found this was the best area for photos anyway, but there is a room in the cavern that you go into that you will get very close with your neighbor and the walls.  It is a first in last out room, so if you are the last one in then you will be the first one out.

It has very interesting rock formations throughout, and I definitely enjoyed the tour.  My last tip is to bring a snack or even lunch!  There is a beautiful creek across the parking lot that has picnic tables and chairs and it’s definitely worth a moment to sit down and enjoy the view before you get in the car.

 

 

5 Free Attractions in Raleigh North Carolina

Everyone loves budget friendly places to see when traveling, and I am no exception!  Raleigh has an abundance of free attractions to see and do.  I have put together a small list of the “priceless” attractions that can be found in this awesome city and will be writing more in depth articles on them in the near future.

If you are traveling to Raleigh in the near future for Supercon or you just have a long layover take some time to see one or all of these attractions.

North Carolina Museum of Art

This is great if you want to be indoors or out.  The actual museum is closed on Mondays, and opens at 10 every other day.  The attached park opens at dawn and has over a 2 mile trail to enjoy.  So grab a coffee and enjoy the park then meander over to the museum for more art and air conditioning as the day gets warmer.  You can visit the museum’s website here to learn more.

Flea Market

Ok, so this is a weekend only attraction, and it’s only free if you don’t buy anything!  Having said that, this flea market is at the state fairgrounds and it is HUGE.  We have spent over two hours there checking it out, and my advice would be go early.  There is a building with air conditioning, but the majority is on the blacktop outside and it gets very hot very quickly in the summer.

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

This museum is huge!  Plan on spending at least 4 hours here if not a whole day.  I have previously written a post on this museum that you can read here.  The museum has something for everyone and has plenty of hands on exhibits for all ages.

North Carolina Museum of History

This museum is located across the sidewalk from the Museum of Natural Sciences.   This is a must see for history enthusiasts and is very conveniently located.  I would suggest doing the History Museum and the Natural Sciences Museum in one day.    The museum opens at 9 on Saturday and noon on Sunday so plan according so you get a chance to see this treasure.  You can find more information on the museum here

Raleigh Little Theatre Rose Garden

If it is not too hot out this is a beautiful place to take a moment and relax after seeing all the fun free attractions.  This is listed as a special events venue, but is opened 7 days a week to the public to walk around and enjoy the quiet, charming rose garden.  For more information on this garden visit their website here

 

Is Great Wolf Lodge Worth It?

Great Wolf Lodge is a hotel that is found in quite a few cities and is an incredibly popular family destination trip.  Why you ask?  Because it has a massive indoor water park that you can play in, all for the cost of the room.  Sounds awesome right?  Well it is, till you see the price tag.  One night here can run you between $200 -$450 a night depending on your family size and day of the week.  Two hundred a night?  That doesn’t seem too bad right?  I am going to give you some of the facts, although some will seem a little wishy washy.  The reason for this is each one of these hotels are different.  Quick example:  The Great Wolf Lodge in Charlotte does not have an adults only hot tub, the one in Williamsburg does.

Starting with the room.  They have various rooms from standard to not so standard.  The photo on the right is a standard room for six people.  Two queen beds, and a couch that folds out.  They also have rooms we have previously stayed in that have cabins in them as shown on the left.   I really suggest these as it gives parents some sort of separation from their children while in the room.

The water park.  Now I have mixed feelings about the water park as I have been taking my family there since my daughters (who are now 9) were 4.  The water park has something for everyone.  Steep water slides, a baby area, a bigger kid splash zone, some of the water parks have lazy rivers, some have hot tubs for adults and families, most have a pool for playing games or just swimming, and all have the huge wave pool.  Now the reason I say I have mixed feelings about the water park is this, it depends on the age of your children.  When my children were younger they loved the water park and spent all day in it till we left.  It held their attention and they were more than happy swimming all day.  As they have gotten older (my eldest child is 13) they need a little more to keep their attention.  The water park is AWESOME….for four or five hours, then it’s on to something else.

The water park, the room and the clock tower bedtime show are the only things included, all other activities found in the hotel cost additional money.  So when the kids are younger, or if your children really love playing in the water, this is definitely worth it.  You can stay one night at the hotel and start playing in the water park the day you check in at 1 pm and then the day you check out you can play at the water park till it closes.  They do provide lockers, showers and changing rooms in the water park for this reason.

Now as my children get older they tend to spend more time in the arcade, or playing magic quest.  Another favorite activity for the girls is getting their nails done at Scoops children’s spa.  The spa is very pricey, but caters towards making little ladies feel like princesses, complete with a crown.  You guys know I was right there with my daughters, crown and all!

Magic quest is actually a really good deal if your kids are interested.  It’s $14.99 per game and it’s for your whole stay.  There isn’t a time limit like there is at other Magic Quest places.  The halls of the hotel are decorated for the quest and its 3 stories with the kids running up and down the stairs.  Don’t worry the game isn’t turned on till 9am so you will get a chance to sleep!  But this is definitely good for the older kids, and for you too if you want to walk over 26k in a day (that’s what my Fitbit told me at least).

There is also a 4D theater and a mini bowling alley that to be honest we never do because it’s too expensive.  Needless to say your children will not get bored there, it’s just a matter if they will want to do the activities that cost more or not.

So a few quick tips for your stay at Great Wolf Lodge if you decide to go.

1. Bring food.  Their is a restaurant, pizza place and ice cream place in the hotel however you will be paying A LOT for this food.  There is a mini fridge in your room, use it.  When we go we pack lunch meat and cheese for lunches, and granola bars or protein bars for breakfast along with juices and bottle water.  This will save you a ton right here.  Pack food and drinks!
2. Bring a book.  Your children will be off playing and having a good time, now is the time to relax.  There are plenty of tables and chairs for you to sit and enjoy.
3. When you are packing make swim attire easily accessible in the bags.  You will get to the hotel around 1 pm but your room won’t be ready till 4 pm.  You don’t want to have to rustle through your whole bag looking for the swimsuits while your kids are bouncing foot to foot.
4. Pack sunscreen in the summer.  There is a whole outdoor area as well that is only open in summer months.  So pack the sunscreen!  Now in the winter only the indoor waterpark is open so this doesn’t apply.
5. Enjoy!  You are never too old to go down water slides!

The Wall of Lucca

We did not purposely stop by Lucca, we actually missed the train to Pisa and had two hours till the next train left.  With two hours to kill, we decided to walk over and at least see the walls that every blogger or vlogger talks about.

Walking up to the walls, I could definitely see what the fuss is about.  They are very tall and imposing!  We followed people around a winding path and climbed a few stairs and a steep ramp and we were on top of the wall.  Now let me pause here to say when I heard everyone mentioning walking or bicycling on the wall I was thinking that the wall was maybe 5 feet across and it resembled a track at a gym.  That was not the case at all.

The top of the wall of Lucca is a park.  Beautiful well kept walkways, swings, trees and benches are found there as well as young children riding bikes, ladies doing yoga, and couples having a picnic.

Walking along the outer edge of the wall we saw many gated areas that pedestrians are not allowed and I can only assume these areas are from the days it was used as a defense rampart.  Now they are gated to keep the graffiti to a minimum.

For those of you wondering we did walk down into Lucca for a quick coffee before heading to Pisa.  Lucca was extremely busy, but that was to be expected visiting on a Sunday.  We still managed to find a café with a view and sugary goodness.

Trying to find our way back to the wall we did see some of the beauty Lucca has to offer.

 

If you are more of a cyclist instead of a walker there are a few places to rent a bicycle.  The train station had a rental shop, and there was a rental shop on top of the wall as well.  We walked so I do not know the prices, but from what I have heard it’s not expensive to rent one.

After visiting Pisa, you can read about that here, I will say the wall of Lucca was the highlight of the day.

 

 

A Walk Through Parma

We arrived in Parma exhausted from our flight and from fighting Milan’s 9 a.m. traffic.  We were lucky our hotel let us check in immediately and Drew and I flopped on the bed for a brief nap before I hauled him back out the door.  We only had half of a day in Parma and we were not going to waste it!

Since our hotel was a little outside the town, we drove into town and parked at the Toschi parking garage.  From here we proceeded to walk around Parma.  I will admit, we were both so exhausted we didn’t really see much of Parma till we stopped for coffee.  After the coffee break I really started noticing how beautiful the city is.  Then again, everything is beautiful once coffee is involved.

We strolled through the streets not really caring which direction we were heading.  This was a mistake, but thankfully Drew’s phone had an awesome app that saved us through the power of GPS.  I won’t say we saw any of the really cool sights in Parma, but it was our first taste of Italy outside of the airport and we really enjoyed everything about it.  We spent the latter half of Friday in Parma and the streets were so empty, it quite honestly spoiled us for the rest of the trip.  Besides the occasional couples out for a stroll or the groups of children traveling with their school, the streets were almost empty everywhere we turned.

We didn’t see very many of the sights that should have seen, like the Palazzo Ducale or the Duomo, but we did walk along the Torrente Parma and sit on a bench enjoying the view.  I didn’t know it then, but after visiting Florence, I appreciated that quiet moment on the bench a lot more.  Florence is awesome except for the crowds of people.  Parma didn’t have the crowds of people and had a peaceful ambience.

If you are in northern Italy and passing by Parma, I definitely recommend spending a day or two there.  I wish we would have spent more time there because we were so exhausted half of a day really was not enough time to do this beautiful city justice.  This is surprisingly high on our list of places to return to in Italy.