Door County, Wisconsin. A beloved vacation destination for Mid-westerners, this pinkie-shaped peninsula jutting out into the pristine waters of Lake Michigan lives up to the nickname “Cape Cod of the Midwest.” Whether you ride a Harley, sail a yacht, camp, antique, scuba dive, kayak, or simply appreciate award-winning regional food and wine, Door Country truly has something for everyone all year round.

On a budget and in the area for a short weekend, our family came to Door County with one main theme on our vacation itinerary—stones. Skipping stones, that is. A family tradition spanning decades of lighthouse keepers and island dwellers, skipping stones is a rite-of-passage for anyone living in a Great Lake state. Because a certain type of stone is best for skipping—palm size, flat and round—we consulted with the Door County Visitor Bureau for the best places to skip stones in Door County, Wisconsin.

Number 1: Schoolhouse Beach, Washington Island

Located at the northernmost tip of Door County, Washington Island is only accessible by ferry (passenger or car). While a trip to Schoolhouse Beach didn’t fit our schedule this time, Jon Jarosh, Director of Communications and Public Relations with the Door County Visitor Bureau holds this beach in the highest stone-skipping regard. Jarosh goes on the record to say, “Schoolhouse Beach on Washington Island is probably the quintessential stone skipping beach in Door County. It’s like the stone-skipping gods fired up the old rock tumbler in the sky for half an eternity and deposited a kajillion of the most perfect skipping stones in each of those places and wanted to see if we’d figure it out.”

Number 2: Pebble Beach Road, South of Little Sister Bay

At the end of Pebble Beach Road just south of Little Sister Bay and the town of Sister Bay is Pebble Beach. Bordered by private property on either side, you’ll find a skipping stones surplus in this secluded beach/kayak and canoe launch. Open to wind and the wake of passing motor craft, what you lack in calm water you make up in rock demand. A person could easily throw their arm out at Pebble Beach. Consult a map before venturing down the back roads (pass a rural cemetery and you’re on your way). Consider packing a picnic lunch or making the short jaunt to nearby Fred and Fuzzy’s Waterfront Bar and Grill.

Number 3: Peninsula State Park, Tennison Bay along Shore Road

On Shore Road along the western shore of Peninsula State Park is Tennison Bay. Protected from rougher water in an inlet, the rocky beach reveals a sandy bottom in the crystal clear (but brisk) water. While collecting a pile of perfect skipping stones took a few extra minutes at this location, we amused ourselves by simply tossing large rocks out to the mermaids. Because the this beach is within a Wisconsin State Park, you can use your annual parks pass or purchase a day admission sticker for $7 (WI plates).

Number 4: Rock Island State Park

If the name of this island/state park doesn’t tip you off, Rock Island (north of Washington Island) is a stone skipping haven. Selected as number four because of it’s distance from the overall Door County experience,  Jon Jarosh explains, “Pretty much everywhere along the shore is good for skipping stones except for the sand beach on the south side of the island.” Key to skipping stones on Rock Island is picking your favorite spot.

Number 5: (A Tie) Sunset Park, Fish Creek and the end of Juddville Road,  Juddville

A tie for the number five spot goes to Sunset Park in the town of Fish Creek (drive to the end of Main Street past the White Gull Inn) and the end of Juddville Road in the unincorporated town of Juddville (between the towns of Fish Creek and Egg Harbor). While these two locations aren’t exactly ideal for skipping stones, they are perfect for scrambling around on the larger rocks. One of the few places to watch the sun set over Lake Michigan in the state of Wisconsin, both locations are romantic enough to gross out your kids. Note: picnicking is not allowed on the Juddville beach.

Other Contenders

Other stone-skipping locations in Door County are at the end of Porcupine Bay Road near Ellison Bluff County Park and near the Northport ferry dock at the very end of Highway 42 (hitting the ferries with stones is probably not a good idea, though). And, if you get sick of throwing stones or want to spread out your towel on a more comfortable spot, dunes and sandy beaches are plentiful up and both sides of the peninsula (we like Whitefish Dunes State Park south of Jacksonport on Whitefish Bay).

Where to Stay

In my experience, camping and skipping stones go hand-in-hand. That said, if you’re on a tight schedule and want the next best thing (read: a decent mattress and warm cup of coffee not brewed on an open flame), consider making a reservation at Parkwood Lodge at 3775 State Hwy 42, in Fish Creek (Phone: 800-433-7592).

Located within a few minute’s drive from both Fish Creek and Ephriam, Parkwood Lodge is tucked away from the road in a quiet forest (the sound of pine cones hitting the ground was the loudest noise coming through our open window at night). Guests can enjoy a picnic lunch on the tables outside each building, make a fire at the complimentary camp ring, play pool and games in the arcade, borrow a book or board game from the lobby, or swim in the indoor pool (we “tested” the pool three times, relaxing our tired arms in the hot tub). To be re-surfaced and converted into a tennis court, basket ball court, and activity area (hop scotch, four square) is the existing tennis area. Balls and rackets are available in the game room.

Greg and Denise Stillman, twenty-year Door County residents and three year owners/operators of Parkwood Lodge are happy to share their suggestions for Door County memory making. Down-to-earth and living up to Wisconsin-friendly standards, the Stillmans offer a unique and affordable lodging space parents and kids will love.

And if skipping stones isn’t your thing, check out this Family Fun vacation planning link on the Door County Visitors Bureau website.

If you’re visiting the culture, academics, and activity that encompasses the main University of Wisconsin campus near downtown Madison, we suggest these free, family-friendly venues owned and operated by the University. The bulk of the campus is just “off the isthmus,” we natives like to say, pretending everyone knows Madison is located on a narrow, diagonal, stretch of land between two sizable lakes–Monona and Mendota. My personal theory is that nobody really knows how to point East, so they just distract you with food and shopping and trust you’ll eventually meander your way to your final destination. One way to teach your kids the value of education, and emphasize the idea that moving away from home is “totally awesome,” come to campus and plan to spend the day.

Geology Museum

Not only is the Geology Museum is free and open to the public, conveniently located near the heart of campus. Small enough to visit in a morning or afternoon, the museum involves a self-guided journey through five different exhibits: rocks and minerals, fossils, dinosaurs, meteorites, and a fluorescent display. If you have a group of eight people or more, guided tours are available for $2 each (call ahead).

Smaller kids will enjoy a replica of a cave and touching anything not encased in a formal display. From the giant spinning globe at the main entrance to the outdoor rock garden/courtyard, the museum is a “gem” of a find. Consult the museum website for area outreach and other special events and programs (like museum scavenger hunts and weekly story time).

Space Place

South of campus (nestled in a residential shopping mall area) is UW Space Place. Part museum, part classroom, UW Space Place offers education and outreach for tots to teens. Open only during programs and for special events, UW Space Place is free to the general public. That said, an annual membership gives you special discounts on merchandise, workshop fees, and insider information on events and goings on.

Our family visited UW Space Place for a Saturday morning workshop and enjoyed the presentation almost as much as the exhibits and hands on displays for younger kids. Activities like star gazing nights and field trips (eclipses, meteor showers) happen off site and are best planned using the website. In fact, the largest exhibit is called “Planet Trek Dane County” and is a scale model of our solar system. Spread out along the Southwest Commuter and Military Ridge bike trails, the Sun is located at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in downtown Madison. To appreciate the expanse of the solar system, you can ride to Pluto 23 miles away from Monona Terrace, finding the trail marker sign in the western village of Mt. Horeb.

L.R. Ingersoll Physics Museum

Located on the main floor of Chamberlin Hall, the L.R. Ingersoll Physics Museum is quite possibly the best kept secret on campus. Geared towards older kids, our four-year-old pushed buttons, pulled levers, and rolled pennies while I read about the science behind them.With exhibits in the following catergories, a trip to the museum is manageable in an hour or two: wave and sound, light and optics, computer based physics, modern physics, mechanics, and electricity and magnetism.

Babcock Hall Dairy

Part of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Babcock Hall (west side of campus, near the hospital complex) continues its  over 60 year campus legacy. A learning “laboratory,” the dairy plant is operated by university students and staff. Guided tours of the plant can be scheduled a week in advance for groups of 10 or more. Tours consist of a climb to a second-story observation deck, where you can watch milk transform into different end products. However, the observation deck usually open to the public and the machinery is labeled and visible from the windows (according to the website, Wednesday mornings are the best day for a tour).

Whether or not you take a tour, many people visit Babcock Hall just for the ice cream and dairy case. Inside the main entrance is a seating area for visitors. You can also watch an informational video (more facility history and dairy industry footage) on the flat screen TV in this room.

Arboretum

Nestled around Lake Wingra near the Henry Vilas Zoo and just south of campus, the UW Arboretem exists as a tribute to nature. With 1200 acres and over 20 miles of trails to escape the hustle and bustle of nearby city life, many people consider the UW Arboretum as Madison’s “open space” as it was intended back in the founding year, 1934.

Options for enjoying the UW Arboretum include: going for a hike, observing nature, photography, reading, painting, and breathing fresh air. Inside the Visitor Center you’ll find a library (ranging from field guides to board books), a gift shop, clean bathrooms, literature, and a museum area. Classes, special events, classes, camps, and guided tour information is all on the UW Arboretum web site. Open daily year round, the UW Arboretum is worth a visit at least once/season. Bring a bike or your skis, a walking stick, or a note pad. Or just bring yourself and leave the agenda at home.

Memorial Union

The Memorial Union is known as the heart and soul of the University; it’s the social, cultural, and recreational center of campus. Linking the campus to the community, the Memorial Union offers performances at the Wisconsin Union Theater, not-for-credit courses, outdoor recreation programs (including sailing on Lake Mendota with the Hoofer Outdoor Recreation Club), canoe rentals, and ice cream fresh from the nearby Babcock Hall Dairy.

The Memorial Union Terrace, most recognized by the brightly colored metal chairs, is a wonderful place to read a book, people watch, or eat a meal from one of the onsite cafes and restaurants (including Der Rathskeller and Lakefront on Langdon). Outdoor concerts are popular reasons people pilgrimage to the Memorial Union during the summertime. If you can’t find an open chair, spread a blanket and plan to cool down in the lake breeze.

Madison Loves Kids iPhone App

If these university-themed suggestions for family-friendly fun in Wisconsin’s state capitol have you inspired to spend more time on the isthmus, consider downloading the Madison Loves Kids iPhone app (created, authored, and maintained by yours truly). The app lists suggests over 100 more venues, events, day trips, and resources for making the most of your visit . And, if Milwaukee is next on your list, there’s an app for that. The Milwaukee Loves Kids iPhone app is designed to make the most of a trip to the big city on the lake.

By Carmel L. Mooney

A fun, wicked shot of white snakeroot in the cage. White snakeroot is "the weed that killed Lincoln's mother" referred to in the subtitle of Amy Stewart's book that inspired the show. Photo by Nina Sazevich.

Watch out for the evening nightshade, and trees that shoot poison daggers.

What kid doesn’t enjoy a dangerous botanical or two? For a wicked garden road trip be sure to check out the display of Wicked Plants: Botanical Rogues and Assassins which opened this month at the Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco, California.

The entire exhibit is based loosely on Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln’s Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities, a best selling book by Amy Stewart that was released in 2009.

This sickening exhibit will feature some of the deadliest and most dangerous botanicals. Examples of famous specimens include the castor bean, presumably responsible for the death of the BBC journalist Georgi Markov, and also strychnine, a tree-based poison used by serial killer Dr. Thomas Neill Cream.

Plan to stay just a few minutes outside San Francisco at the gorgeous Mill Valley Inn with its unique architecture and open breezeways which allow flora-loving guests a relaxing and tranquil view of the redwoods and neighboring properties and gardens.

Watch your footing, but plan to attend this exhibit of forbidden beauty at this unusual and foreboding botanical event.

Carmel L. Mooney is the editor of our sister site, Road Trips for Couples.

Looping around the southern half of E470, south of Aurora, drivers often see the distinct shape of Pikes Peak standing alone to the south. Named for Zebulon Pike who, setting off from the confluence of the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek in Pueblo, made an attempt to summit the thing in 1806. The guy never made it. (Few have succeeded at climbing to the top, in winter, following no real trail, with little in the way of gear.)

The Pikes Peak region, which includes Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs, still beckons to travelers. For many newcomers, Colorado Springs is what they expected to find in Denver—a city tucked into the foothills, right smack up against the mountains. Out-of-staters have the expectation that Denver is just buried in snow. Here too, Colorado Springs does a better job of fitting the bill. The Springs are higher up and see nearly twice as much snow as the state capital. Therefore, when you plan a trip to the Pikes Peak part of the state, you have to be a bit more mindful of the weather. With that in mind, we’ve divvied our itinerary into outdoor activities for sunny days and ways to escape nature’s fickle nature.

Fair Weather Fun
Like most of Colorado, the Springs see more days of sun than not… a lot more. Even in the winter you can often count on the warmth of the sun to take the bitter chill from the air. Beyond strolling downtown Manitou Springs or shopping in Old Colorado City, the Colorado Springs area has more than its fair share of outdoor activities, most open year-round. (Things do slow down tourist-wise in the “off season,” so call ahead before you plan a day of activities around any of the following.)

Pikes Peak – You may have heard the old proverb, “There are many paths to the top of the mountain.” Whoever coined that one, might have had Pikes Peak in mind. At 14,115 feet, however, none of the paths are a breeze. Many travelers drive to the top on the Pikes Peak Highway. Others hoof it up the trail from Colorado Springs (or the shorter trail from the other side of the mountain). And still other take a van up and then ride mountain bikes back down to the bottom. My favorite way up is the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. No matter how you get there, be sure to try a donut at the canteen, and be prepared to start missing oxygen. It’s exhausting just walking around.

The Garden of the Gods – Northwest of town, nestled up against the mountains (and pretty close to Manitou Springs), the towering red rocks of the Garden of the Gods have attracted visitors for generations. The adjoining Visitor and Nature Center tell the story (geological, ecological, historical, and archaeological) of the park. Inside you can buy tickets for a short HD movie on the Garden, but that’s just context. To really appreciate the park, drive through and get out of your vehicle as often as possible. Many paths are paved and loops are varied enough that the kids won’t get worn out from a little hike. Other paths take you off the pavement and higher up, offering great scenery for photographs. On weekends, you will often find climbers scaling some of the rocks. Keep an eye out for the Balanced Rock. Kids just love climbing around this precariously perched boulder.

North Cheyenne Cañon Park – South of US 24 (the road that leads to Manitou Springs), North Cheyenne Canyon offers more outdoor adventure, though of a notably more rugged nature than you will find at the the Garden of the Gods. The drive up the canyon is beautiful enough. And a stop at Helen Hunt Falls is rewarding. If you like a do more than stretch your legs, the Columbine Trail leads up the canyon. Start your visit at the Starsmore Discovery Center at the entrance to the park.

Seven Falls – In the nearby South Cheyenne Canyon is another popular tourist stop. The Seven Falls is a commercial operation, and they charge a tidy sum to visit this natural wonder. But if you’ve never seen the falls before, it’s worth it. At its head, the river that carved the canyon falls dramatically, creating seven distinct waterfalls. It’s almost impossible to get the entirety of the view without getting to a higher altitude. There are stairs that lead to trails higher up, but they also have an elevator in the canyon wall that will take you to the higher viewing platforms. On hot summer days, the canyon is cool and shaded, and makes a great place to stop and grab some concession-style snacks.

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – One of the treasures of Colorado Springs is the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo perched on the side of Cheyenne Mountain (overlooking, incidentally, the legendary Broadmoor Hotel). Kids simply love the giraffes. From a platform, families can hand feed giraffes. There’s also a bird house, where kids wait with baited popsicle sticks for small birds to land and feed. It’s not often children can experience animals this close and personal. We’ve always appreciated the representative animals from the Rocky Mountains—huge bears, mountain lions (shudder), and moose—but the monkey house and the meerkat exhibit are also family favorites.

The North Pole – Nestled at the base of Pikes Peak is a small amusement park that you must visit at least once. The North Pole: Home of Santa’s Workshop is a classic. Built in 1955 and opened in 1956, Santa’s Workshop was a copy of  one built in Lake Placid, New York. Most of the rides are just right for elementary aged kids—large ornaments that orbit a tall Christmas tree, a candy cane slide, miniature cars that steer themselves—but older kids will have a blast, and teenagers might just enjoy the goofiness of the place. Two toy shops, one for girls and one for boys, will deplete your wallet, but not prices are not as “seasonally inflated” as we expected. Santa is in attendance year-round to take orders for Christmas morning.

Escape the Elements
So you showed up on Colorado Springs on the one day of the month it’s raining. Have no fear.

The Cave of the Winds – When the weather turns south, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the geological treasures of being in Colorado Springs. Sure, you could hole up in the Garden of the Gods Visitors Center, or you could explore the other side and head underground. The Cave of the Winds is just north of Manitou Springs, on US 24. A long winding drive takes visitors up into the hills. This is kind of surprising for folks from out east who typically find their holes closer to the ground. The 45-minute Discovery Tour is the one most folks take, but if you have a taste for adventure, they also offer a Lantern Tour. Though there are plenty of stairs involved, the path through the cave is wide and level, and you’re not likely to get overly winded. Guides share the caves history, both its geology and the story of the first people to find and explore the caverns.

Focus on the Family Welcome Center – As most folks know, Colorado Springs serves as headquarters for more than a few Christian organizations. One of these is Focus on the Family. Whether or not you have interest in the long-running radio program, kids love the Focus on the Family Welcome Center. Admission is free. Older kids can ride a long twisty three-story slide. On the bottom level there are several play areas—an old WWII era bomber, a play stage with costumes, a secret tunnel, and an old cave with screens playing old McGee & Me videos. There’s a separate toddler room with a nature theme—a river winds through on the carpet, and kids climb logs and turtles. In the KYDS Radio room, guests can record their own voices on an Adventures in Odyssey story, and take the CD home (all for free). Best of all, and my favorite reason for visiting, is the Whit’s End Soda Shoppe, which serves up ice cream and other treats.

May Natural History Museum of the Tropics – There’s something a little kitschy about a business that features both a museum and an RV park, but if you have a kid with a thing for bugs, the May Natural History Museum is the a must-stop stop. Specializing in invertebrates, the museum only shows some 8,000 from the over 100,000 in their collection. There are lots and lots of butterflies. The place is closed November through April, however, so plan accordingly.

Planning Your Visit

Lodging – There are numerous places to stay in and around Colorado Springs. Most prominent are the usual complement of hotel chains, offering the usual amenities. But when we visit a town, we want to feel like we’re some place unique. So for our most recent visit we stayed at The Inn at Palmer Divide in Palmer Lake north of Colorado Springs. This boutique hotel might not be the obvious choice when traveling with kids (it seems almost too nice), but we found a warm welcome here. All the rooms are individually decorated, feature wide-screen televisions, and have great work spaces. Business travelers surely find a lot to love here, and we found that many of those amenities gave us extra space to work on craft projects amd coloring with the kids. The room rate includes breakfast, which is served in the hotel restaurant, moZaic. This is where the stay went from “really comfortable” to “must visit again… soon.” I don’t think I’ve had a breakfast this good in years. No lukewarm breakfast buffet here: You find a seat and your order is taken.

Dining – For meals, the Stagecoach Inn in Manitou Springs has great family dining. Kids get a kick out of the stagecoach out front, and when the weather is good parents love dining outside overlooking the river. Another perennial favorite is Fargo`s Pizza. This themed pizza joint looks like a Victorian saloon/dance hall, and authentic stained glass windows and other features give the restaurant some authenticity. Billed as the “world’s largest family pizza restaurant,” it’s really worth a visit when you’re in town.

If you’re looking for more on Colorado Springs, or anywhere in Colorado for that matter, check out Colorado: An Explorer’s Guide on Amazon.com.

The city of Frankenmuth welcomes visitors to Michigan with Bavarian hospitality and an array of options for enjoyable family-friendly activities. Situated on the winding Cass River, this friendly little town boasts German heritage in its culture, cuisine, and architecture. It’s an easy 90 minute drive from Detroit, Lansing, or Port Huron.

Kids tend to get restless near the end of a long winter. Our family has found this to be the ideal time to take a weekend road trip to “Little Bavaria”. With year-round activities, there is always something to do in Frankenmuth, but we especially enjoy visiting during the month of March to unwind and recharge.

Stay at one of the two hotels offering indoor water parks and kids can shed their winter gear in exchange for a swimsuit and enjoy the warmth.  Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel and Indoor Waterpark features water slides, a lazy river, and 30,000 square feet of aquatic fun. The Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth offers five indoor pools, three whirlpools, a 15-foot waterfall, and a motion pool. Families can also enjoy the largest indoor hotel arcade in the Midwest and miniature golf. The rooms are comfortable and feature framed news clippings and photos that celebrate local culture and history.

Once you’ve warmed up, don your coat and head to the outside entrance of The Bavarian Inn for a ride through town with the Frankenmuth Carriage Company. Kids love seeing the draft horses; these gentle giants clip-clop over an authentic wooden bridge and meander through town, providing guests with a relaxing escape in an enclosed carriage.

For lunch, be sure to visit the Frankenmuth Kaffee Haus on Main Street. They have delectable sandwiches, Panini, soups, and salads. Adults love the Hurricane Reuben that’s stacked high with smoked turkey, sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese. Kids have lots of options which include PB & J sandwiches, Grilled Cheese, and a Turkey Ranch Rollup. Be sure to try one of their many specialty drinks which include hot cocoa, specialty coffees, cider, teas, and smoothies. Our favorite is the Almond Joy – a delicious coffee drink with coconut, chocolate, and almond flavors topped with whipped cream.

You can stroll down Main Street and enjoy the various shops along the way. You can indulge in a variety of goods including fudge, baked goods, sausage, clocks, home decor, clothing, quilts, custom made soaps, and toys. Another option for shopping is the Bavarian Inn River Place which is a complex of stores situated along the Cass River, and make sure to visit the Mirror Maze which is fun for kids and adults alike!

Frankenmuth is also home to Bronners Christmas Wonderland, which bills itself as the world’s largest Christmas store. Here you will find a vast collection of ornaments, lights, trees, gifts, and collectibles. It’s a great place to find presents; the enormous assortment of ornaments represents just about every possible interest imaginable.

For additional shopping, the Birch Run Premium Outlets is only 15 minutes from town, just off the Interstate (I-75), and offers 145 stores representing numerous brand names. Drive 20 minutes to the east of Frankenmuth to visit the nearby town of Millington where visitors can peruse antiques and collectibles at Antiques in the Village, North Star Antiques, and Enduring Reflections. Our 14-year-old girl loves finding treasures and trinkets in these stores.

Frankenmuth is also home to the Michigan’s Own Military & Space Museum, a museum that honors Michigan soldiers, sailors, aviators, astronauts, governors, cross recipients and 28 individual Medal of Honor recipients. With over 400 exhibits, the museum offers a fascinating look at the personal histories of individuals who were a part of the American military over the last century.

Other attractions within Frankenmuth include Grandpa Tiny’s Farm, a working historical farm, where you will be greeted by Leroy, a miniature horse. Guests can pet animals and meet springtime chicks, bunnies, and lambs. Tours emphasize the agricultural history of the area and include a horse-drawn wagon ride. There is also a turn-of-the-century farmhouse and a historic one-room schoolhouse. Seasonal demonstrations are also offered. Call ahead during March to make arrangements, otherwise the hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily April through October.

Famous chicken dinners are a part of what Frankenmuth has long been known for. Both the Bavarian Inn and Zehnder’s serve up large traditional family-style dinners that include side dishes such as salads, soup, coleslaw, bread, vegetables, mashed potatoes with gravy, and dressing. They also offer authentic German dishes such as Schnitzel and Sauerbraten in addition to a large variety of menu offerings.

Another place for good eats is the Frankenmuth Brewery where the menu includes selections for kids and brews for adults. The beer is brewed in the tradition of the “German Beer Purity Law”, or the Reinheitsgebot, which dates back to the 15^th century and requires the Brewmaster to use only barley, hops, water, and yeast. Also be sure to check out Sullivan’s Black Forest Brew Haus & Grill where you can enjoy handcrafted beers. Our favorite menu items include the Texas Barbecue Platter and the Michigan Lake Perch.

Kids can also tour the Frankenmuth Historical Museum, visit a cuckoo clock shop, roll their own Bavarian pretzel, tour an antique woolen mill, and watch the glockenspiel chime. There are geocaches in the Frankenmuth area, such as The Gnome’s Treasure. Events are held throughout the year and include the Zehnder’s Snowfest, the Bavarian Easter Celebration, the World Expo of Beer, the Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival, the Farm Fest, and Oktoberfest – to name a few. Visit www.frankenmuth.org for more information, discounts, and links to area attractions. And now, let the adventure begin! … or, as our German friends would say, Das Abenteuer kann beginnen!

Bio: Sonya Julie is a freelance writer based in southeast Michigan who enjoys writing about travel, equestrian activities, sports, and adventure. She has degrees in business and equestrian management and enjoys riding horses, skiing, dance, travel, volunteering, and reading. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SJenterprises and read her articles in MISportsEdge Magazine at www.misportsedge.com.

Back in November, we made a weekend trek to Cleveland, one of the Midwest’s least sung treasures. Located on the mighty Cuyahoga River in northern Ohio, Cleveland is firmly planted in the country’s Rust Belt. But don’t let that stir in your mind images of burned-out warehouses and abandoned factories. Sure, there’s some of that, but the only thing my family had to say after a weekend of great food, music, and museums was “When can we go back?”

The approach to Cleveland from the south cuts through some of the state’s most stunning geography. The Cuyahoga carves out a wide U through the northeastern corner of the state; its headwaters are actually slightly farther north than where the river empties into Lake Erie.  As the river leaves Akron, it drops into the scenic Cuyahoga Valley, which is preserved here as the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This stunning landscape is criscrossed with trails. In the winter, families can go out snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, or take the kids sledding on the Virginia Kendall Hills.

A family could easily spend the day hiking (when there’s not so much snow) or snowshoeing (when there is), or scouting for waterfalls (the Brandywine Falls are the easiest to access). The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad shouldn’t be missed. The train operates year-round and offers a special glimpse of the park when winter snow might seem an obstacle to getting into the thick of it.

Amazingly, all of this natural beauty is just minutes from downtown and Cleveland’s surprising number of quality museums. If your teen-angst riddled memories are tied up in the music of your youth, there is perhaps no better place on earth for a walk down memory lane than the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Here garage bands, sultry singers, and self-deifying frontmen receive a treatment that borders on idolatry. See costumes and instruments, and listen to raw cuts and forgotten interviews, of the celebrities that have made rock and roll what it is today. If you head here around lunch time, plan on grabbing a hot dog from the vendor out front (or make other arrangements). You might expect this place to offer an awesome burger and fries, but you’d be wrong.

Right next door, and perhaps even more interesting for families, is the Great Lakes Science Center. This museum has an IMAX theater and some of the most impressive, hands-on exhibits we’ve seen. During our visit we had a chance to see a movie about the Hubble telescope and participate in a Q&A with astronaut Mike Good, who we saw in the movie. But special events aside, there’s a lot to learn and play with here.

When mealtime rolls around, you’re not too far from Lakewood and the famous Melt Bar & Grilled. The lines here are long, and you can expect to wait a couple hours for a seat even during the usual after-lunch lull, but folks in Cleveland tell me you there’s nothing better than one of their gourmet takes on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. They also have a location over on the east side of town in Cleveland Heights. This might suit your schedule if you find yourself touring some of the museums over that way.

Right within walking distance you have the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Cleveland Botanical Garden, and the Cleveland Museum of Art. From now until mid-April the Museum of Natural History is showing off the Extreme Mammals exhibit. We’ve all grown a little complacent about the monster-size of dinosaurs, but seeing these crazy huge mammals—like the armadillo with a shell the size of a Volkswagen—it’s very cool and kids LOVE it!

No trip to Cleveland Heights would be complete without a stroll down Coventry Road. Tommy’s Restaurant is here with the burgers and fries you wish you could’ve had at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. For decades now people have bragged on their milkshakes, and the experience fully lives up to the legend. Connected to the restaurant is a two-story used bookstore (not counting the basement). Great place for a little post-dining browsing. And a few doors down from that you will find Big Fun, a goofy shop with new and used toys and novelties. Missing your long lost Smurf collection or your Hans Solo action figure (complete with Millennium Falcon)? You’ll find it all here.

While in Cleveland, be sure to check out an entertainment calendar. In addition to a boatload of festivals (see our sister site’s review of the Cleveland Beer Week), there are several theaters downtown and a regular stream of shows take the stage here. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame brings in classic performers, many of whom are no longer touring on a grand scale. We caught the tribute concert for Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew. Bringing a bit of Mardi Gras to Ohio, the night ended in the foyer where the New Orleans Rebirth Brass Band had the crowd hopping, literally. Road Trips for Beer (our sister site) also has several other articles on Cleveland’s craft beer scene.

Check out the city’s visitor and convention bureau, Positively Cleveland, for a full list of things to do in Cleveland.

Kismet: Fate; a predetermined or unavoidable destiny. To me, kismet is free will on the open road. Following the tug of the steering wheel as the off-center alignment brings you where you normally wouldn’t have time or patience to go. We just spent 16 days and 1921.9 miles on a Great Lakes Road Trip exploring eastern Wisconsin and northern, lower Michigan. Some of our trip was planned, some wasn’t. Here are our kismet moments, in no particular rank or order:

Cheese Cave at Field to Fork Restaurant

If you ever visit downtown Sheboygan, Wisconsin, first look for Norman Rockwell and then try and park downwind from Field to Fork bakery and grocery on 8th Street. Let your nose guide you in to a lovely place that both supports the local economy and encourages global sustainability. A pleasant surprise and our newest favorite place to eat, Field to Fork was friendly, worldly, and kid-friendly. Here the boys are pretending to defend the “cheese cave” against the bad guys. Inspired by a dance club in Italy, imagine tropical fish as seen through a glass floor with the tide rolling in. A Wisconsin girl at heart, try fried queso blanco if you want a little cheese inspiration with your morning coffee.

Eating the Messiest Donut at Goodale's Bakery

Goodale’s Bakery just off of the main drag in Grayling, Michigan is not the most likely of tourist destinations. Desperate for coffee and adult conversation, we stumbled into the bakery somewhat by accident. A favorite venue for local residents for miles around, Goodale’s Bakery is now on or “must visit” list for next summer (and the summer after, and so on). Here is a photo of Owen post messiest donut in the entire display case. We stocked up on fresh-baked breads and cookies to freeze at the cabin and keep within snacking distance. Not operating at a particularly big city tempo, we chatted and “watched” people as we waited for our order.

Tunnel of Trees: Scenic Highway 119

If you have (1) a motorcycle or (2) a favorite music CD, please bring either (or both) to the Tunnel of Trees Scenic Highway 119 between Harbor Springs and Good Hart, Michigan. Without a care in the world, we snaked along the bluffs of Lake Michigan, into and out of fields, forest, passing dream homes along the way. Motorcyclists and convertable owners looked content on a summer day fit for open windows and napping kids.

Rocks near Petoskey, Michigan

We stopped at the Thorne Swift Nature Preserve at the Lower Shore Drive turn off. A short (perfect distance) hike to the rocky shores of Lake Michigan, we skipped stones, scampered on the big rocks, and tormented the resident biologist with incessant questions. Making a mental note to avoid the drive with trailer in pull or teenage driver, Tunnel of Trees was worth the wanderlust.

Discovery Center in Gaylord

Unprepared to encounter such a kid-friendly find in Gaylord, Michigan, the Gaylord Discovery Center is a gem of a find.  Inexpensive by big city standards, we purchased a non-expiring 10 visit punch pass for $40. Planning to return next summer, we can’t wait to bring our cousins to the giant indoor sand pit,human gerbil maze, PVC water tubes, craft table, and age-appropriate play areas (including miniature drum sets the boys still talk about). Open for tired parents, birthday parties, and the weary traveler looking to tire kids without chicken nuggets, plug the Gaylord Discovery Center into your GPS and put kismet on autopilot!

Expert Guides: iPhone and Print Format

If you’re looking for even more suggestions on your next trip to Michigan, meet my new friend and fellow iPhone app author, Matt Forster. Author of the print guide book, Backroads & Byways of Michigan, Matt knows more about the Petoskey State than any other person I know. Here’s more about both projects:

Grand Traverse: Up North iPhone App

Looking to explore Michigan’s Grand Traverse region? This new travel app covers it all. Up North! Grand Traverse will guide you to the best places to take the kids swimming or hiking or fishing; where to sleep, bed & breakfasts, quiet lakeside inns, excellent campgrounds; where to eat and how much you’ll spend; the best farm markets, specialty foods, and great local snacks. For less than you would spend on a local map, this travel app has close to 200 entries and 500 photos and never goes out of date (upgrades are free)!

Backroads & Byways of Michigan

As a Michigan native, Matt has camped, hiked, canoed, biked, swum, antiqued, art galleried, toured, or simply explored nearly every corner of the state. In Backroads & Byways of Michigan, he offers 12 routes to discover the best the state has to offer. From the exploring the secret urban adventures of Detroit, to the mining history of the UP’s Keweenaw Peninsula, and everywhere in between, there is something new to discover with every turn of the page. Telling the story of each region, chapters also offer suggestions for lodging and dining and places you must visit.

I strap myself in, wait for the “Start your engines” announcement. The lights tick down. Green! I hit the accelerator and roar onto the track in my first Daytona 500 race. Zooming around the famed banked raceway, I’m passing cars, squealing tires and feeling a super adrenaline rush. The speedometer shows I’m going nearly 200 mph. Then … I clip another car’s fender. Start spinning, then flipping. My passenger screams! The car lands upside-down. Race over … or is it? Suddenly, my car’s been righted and I finish the race!

Luckily, the action didn’t take place on the actual asphalt, but instead in Acceleration Alley, one of the many activities available at the Daytona 500 Experience, a family-friendly attraction next to the famed racetrack in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Acceleration Alley is a driving experience that pits guests against each other in NASCAR simulators that combines motion, video projection and sound to give drivers a taste of what it’s like to race in the iconic Daytona 500.

The 60,000 square feet attraction offers hours of entertainment for visitors. Among the activities:

• Another motion simulator ride, Daytona Dream Laps, seats 32 guests for a full-range motion experience of a NASCAR race.
• Ever thought those guys in Pit Row made changing tires look easy? Find out what it’s really like at the  Chevy 16-Second Pit Stop Challenge, where  guests can try to beat the clock by wielding jacks and air wrenches to change tires on an actual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race car.
• Check out the IMAX theater where you can get close to the action while viewing “NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience” or “DAYTONA 500: The Movie.”
• Upon leaving the IMAX theater, guests enter Gatorade Victory Lane, where the latest winning car in the Daytona 500 will be parked, “straight from the track” with scratches, dents and all.
• Throughout the attraction, visitors can view historic videos, see the real cars of racing icons and engage in many more fun racing-related experiences.  Included in the displays is Sir Malcolm Campbell’s original Bluebird V, a car that set the world land speed record on Daytona Beach in 1935.
• In addition, guests can sign up at the attraction to take a tram tour of the Daytona International Speedway or take part in the Richard Petty Driving Experience, which offers a ride-along experience on the track at speeds up to 150 to 160 mph.

Outside the attraction is the Daytona 500 Champion’s Walk of Fame, in which winning drivers of the race have their handprints, right footprints and signatures immortalized in a series of concrete panels laid into the sidewalk. Sadly, Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s special brass panel bears only his name and an illustration of the racing legend: The walk was created after his tragic on-track death in the 2001 Daytona 500.

The Daytona 500 Experience is off Interstate 95 (Exit 261A) along International Speedway Boulevard (U.S. 92), about 60 miles northeast of Orlando. Admission is $24 for adults, $19 for seniors and ages 6-12, and free for ages 5 and under. Additional fees are charged for some experiences, and some may not be available during races. For more information, visit www.daytona500experience.com.

A sock monkey is what really piqued my interest in Rockford, Illinois, a city of just under 200,000 people.  Southern neighbor of Beloit, Wisconsin, Rockford is about an hour and a half drive from Chicago, Milwaukee, or Madison (coincidence confirmed by Mapquest.com).

Small enough to measure summer by the height of corn, but large enough for shopping, industry, and tourism, Rockford reminds me a lot of my hometown, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Even the Rock River, meandering through a re-vitalizing downtown and remnants of early Native American inhabitants had me double checking the map.

Linked to their industrial past, someone in Rockford, Illinois put a patent on the red-heeled sock and the rest is just monkey business. In the spirit of the primate, we monkied around in Rockford last weekend and here’s how the fun went down.

Sock Monkeys at the Midway Village Museum

Our first stop, of course, spotting Nelson, the world’s largest sock monkey at the Midway Village Museum. A 19^th century village, the museum is set on 137 acres and features 26 historical buildings, many of which you can go in. We arrived first thing in the morning, and our patient tour guide led us through the most toddler-friendly buildings in the village (school, fire station, police station, general store, and pump house). We could have stayed in The Old Doll’s House building for hours. A building full of doll house displays from around the world, I’d go back here on a rainy day or in the winter in a New York minute.

Eventually we became hungry. Restaurant choices in Rockford are plentiful and range from chain to family-owned, sit down, stand up, drive through, and carry out. Click here to read about where we dined and get some ideas for family-friendly dining in the area.

Outdoor WaterWorks Interactive Exhibit at Discovery Center Museum

If you haven’t been to the Discovery Center Museum in downtown, you’ll soon see why the museum has been recognized as one of the Top 10 children’s museums in the nation by The National Geographic Society. We were lucky enough to visit the Discovery Center Museum during a grand re-opening, featuring the brand new Ag-Zibit and Air and Flight displays. A perfect day to cool down in the WaterWorks area of the outdoor Rock River Discovery Park, we continued the splashing indoors in the wonderful Tot Spot water table play area upstairs. The most fun we’ve ever had climbing stairs, come to the Discovery Center Museum just to watch your kids scramble up what one other mom described as “the mouse holes.” Day passes and annual memberships to the museum are reasonable.  Parking is easy. Not to mention, the Burpee Museum of Natural History is located next door.

Burpee Museum of Natural History

It shouldn’t surprise anyone that we then ventured over to the Burpee Museum of Natural History to meet Jane, the dinosaur (mental note: based on size of “young Jane’s skeleton,” I’m once again glad dinosaurs are extinct). We looked at fossils and rocks, felt tree bark, and learned about mining. On the third floor, the kids were absolutely fascinated with the Native American exhibits and the different dwellings. Here we are seen hunting deer from the safety of the museum canoe. I’m also now pretty sure my apartment in Houston, Texas was home to a long-lost relative of the trilobite. Clean, open, and not too big or too small for younger children, Burpee and Jane were gracious hosts.

Magic Waters Waterpark

When our brains became full and the natives were restless, we happily donned sunscreen and bathing suits (towels: total afterthought) for a wonderful afternoon at nearby Magic Waters Waterpark. The most stress-free and least crowded outdoor waterpark we’ve been to this year, the life guard-to-patron ratio had to be close to 1:1. Even though the overnight rain had continued into the morning, the water was warm and we enjoyed plenty of different areas for younger kids (including the gated Little Lagoon, for kids shorter than 42 inches tall). Tied for “coolness” was Tsunami Bay (Illinois’ largest wave pool) and Splash Magic Island. Although, my vote was strongly in favor of Tsunami Bay, after failing to notice a 1000 gallon splash “bucket” coming to full meniscus directly above my head. Toddler-friendly water slides, dippin’ dots, and a few more freckles later, we left Magic Waters with kids too tired even to beg for a round of miniature golf at nearby Volcano Falls Adventure Park. Success!

Fairfield Inn & Suites

Modern, clean, bright, and vibrant, the Fairfield Inn & Suites graciously hosted our family while we explored Rockford. Conveniently located near the I-90 interstate corridor (but far enough from the hum of traffic), our room was decorated in “Austin Powers groovy” and we even had two flat-screen TV’s (yeah baby!). With Hannah Montana in the bedroom and Sponge Bob in the sitting area, it’s a miracle we left the hotel at all. Traveling on a budget, we always appreciate an on-site breakfast buffet and freshly-brewed coffee always available in the lobby. Because I was traveling alone with three kids (playing zone defense) I appreciated a smaller swimming pool. Heads falling onto no less than 10 pillows, we collectively fell asleep without any little monkies jumping on the bed.

Nestled on the northeastern shores of Geneva Lake in southeast Wisconsin, Lake Geneva has been a resort community since just after the Civil War. Often described as the “Newport” of the Midwest, Lake Geneva is a close enough vacation destination for those of us who doubt their minivans would actually survive the drive to New England.

Our family recently rang in the first warm weekend of summer with a trip to Lake Geneva. Even though air temperatures were in the 90s, Mother Nature was creating her own air conditioning by blowing a gentle breeze across the 45 mile-long body of 55 degree water.

Yerkes Observatory

Our weekend adventure started with a tour of Yerkes Observatory, the birthplace of modern astrophysics. Operated by the University of Chicago in the nearby town of Williams Bay, the observatory is the home of a 102 cm (40 inch) refracting telescope. Insert layman’s terms: it’s huge. I mean, huge. Your jaw will drop and your kids will say things like “cool” and “ooooo”. Heck, Albert Einstein even made a visit back in the day (maybe he was the one who originally placed a Spiderman replica at the apex of the dome).

Popeye's Restaurant

We left the Yerkes Observatory with five collectively rumbling stomachs. Thank goodness for Popeye’s Restaurant on Lake Geneva, truly right along the waterfront. With choices like Alaskan red king crab legs, prime rib, and BBQ ribs along with traditional kids fare, we ordered three generously-portioned meals from the “Little Sailors” menu. While we ate, our eyes were as busy as our mouths as we took in the eclectic decorations and spied on a family celebrating a birthday. Known for spitfire favorites like smoked brisket and flame-roasted rotisserie chicken, we left Popeye’s recharged and ready to amble around on foot through the historic downtown.

Lake Geneva Cruise Line

Around mid-afternoon we boarded the Grand Belle of Geneva just in time for the Ice Cream Social cruise (compliments of Lake Geneva Cruise Line). Enjoing vanilla ice cream topped with whipped cream, peanuts, strawberry, caramel, and cookies, we peered out both sides of the Grand Belle as our knowledgeable captain shared an hour’s worth of regional history, pointing out the architecturally-significant homes. We explored the upper and lower decks, keeping a sharp eye for mermaids and other creatures of the sea. One smart family (not us) even brought playing cards and other games to occupy their kids once the ice cream had been licked clean.

Dancing Horses

For dinner, consider the Dancing Horses Theater in nearby Delevan. With a show engaging enough to hold the attention of a three-year-old boy for two straight hours, you won’t be disappointed. I personally started crying at least two times during the performance, and can only imagine the life-changing impact on a teenager who already has a horse-themed bedroom at home. Arrive early to explore the grounds and to pet a  hedgehog, calf, goat, or kitten in the Baby Barn. Pony and train rides are available and even Jay Leno once made a cameo appearance at the exotic bird show.

The Abbey Resort

At some point, you’ll want to unwind, relax, and just enjoy the natural beauty of the countryside and the lake. Point your car towards The Abbey Resort & Spa in Fontana and know a full-service oasis is waiting to serve your entire family. A Lake Geneva icon for over 45 years, The Abbey Resort & Spa truly has something for everyone.

To the delight of our kids, both the indoor and outdoor pools were open in time for our trip. And, get this, they even have adults-only pools for the over 18 crowd. We could barely manage to  “walk not run” from one body of water to another (and not a single sun-bathing or relaxing adult got in our way). Even though we had clear skies, a rainy day couldn’t ruin a trip to the Abbey. With an on-site arcade, board game alley, and official activities director, a person might even welcome a crummy day or two.

With several on-site dining options, we ordered from the 10 page room service menu, enjoying our  food on the attached balcony overlooking the marina. A couple was getting married in the beautifully manicured grounds; my guess is that the bridal party pampered at the spa while the groom and groomsman found 18-holes at a nearby golf course. Before dusk, we threw stones into the lake, scampered around a nearby playground, and chatted with friendly locals and other happy vacationers. Fireside s’mores finished the evening, a true sign of a successful vacation and the arrival of summer in the Midwest.

Just a couple of years ago, RVing was something that older folks did. Or maybe your camping addicted neighbors. But now, with the price of airline tickets and carry-on luggage rising, families are going back to the RV way of life. Especially for summer vacations. Last year on our road trip through Yellowstone there were dozens of RVs everywhere we stopped. Many rented. Families are going back to national parks and spending time together. But if you’ve never done much RVing, is there a place to learn more?

The Rally is the US’s largest gathering for RV enthusiasts. Taking place in Louisville, KY July 22-25, families from all over North America will live side-by-side and celebrate the passion of the open road. Entertainment is more than your campfire, with Tanya Tucker and Bob Newhart scheduled to perform. Or maybe your family is taking your own show to the talent competition. Kids won’t be bored either. They can choose from an array of events including pizza parties and games.

Participate in a “Keep America Beautiful” volunteer service day and work on beautification projects around the city. Of course, RV manufacturers will be there with the latest models and demonstrations. I’ll have to check if there’s a vintage-trailer contingent!

Early bird pricing is available until April 15th, so if this sounds like fun, register now. Note that you don’t have to camp to come check out the fun. Tickets are also available for non-campers.

Grand Rapids, Michigan. Known for furniture and former president Gerald Ford, a city-wide revitalization project is slowly (but surely) transforming this city of nearly 200,000 into an urban destination for students, professionals, and families alike.

Spring is inevitable in April in Grand Rapids, and the entire population of Kent County collectively emerges to check on the perennials and go for a Sunday afternoon drive. Family friendly destinations are sprinkled throughout the city and surrounding area. We were in the area this past Easter weekend; come follow our winding path.

Robins are Hatching

We began at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park east of downtown. I suggest this first because by only looking at a website or a brochure, a person can truly underestimate the wonders “Meijer Gardens” has to offer. In fact, I was surprised to learn that  that it’s West Michigan’s most-popular tourist destination.

On the grounds–spread out over a 15,000 square-foot indoor facility (complete with conservatory, library, cafe, and gift shop),  30-acre four-season outdoor sculpture garden (ride the tram for a guided tour), and a five-acre children’s garden–you barely notice any other people at all.

Great Lakes Garden

With the annual “butterflies in bloom” in the tropical conservatory, thousands of butterflies surrounded our family in the humid, lush room. We hurried under the indoor waterfall to search for a blue morpho around the bend.

Fluttering outside, we were quickly drawn in to the splendors of the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden. One paragraph cannot do this garden justice, take my word on this. With attractions ranging from a rustic log cabin to a rock quarry, a wooded wetland, story-telling garden, tree house village, butterfly maze, a labyrinth, and a sculpture walk,  plan some extra time to take it all in. Oh, did I mention the Great Lakes Garden; a giant, wet, geographical learning experience complete with sailboats and mini waterfalls?

Jersey Junction, ice cream and trains!

A Sunday afternoon drive isn’t complete without a sweet treat for the entire family. Jersey Junction in East Grand Rapids was originally opened in 1963 by Doris VanAllsburg, mother of author Chris VanAllsburg and his famous Christmas-classic, The Polar Express.

Maintained as an old fashioned ice cream parlor, complete with model train that runs the ceiling of the main parlor, Jersey Junction serves locally-based Hudsonville Ice Cream and owns bragging rights for the number one dip shop in Michigan. If you aren’t in the mood for a sundae, peruse the packaged and bulk candy displays, try a hand-made frozen treat, or even just nibble on a home-made waffle cone.

Jersey Junction is located in the historic Gaslight Village neighborhood. Take your double scoop “to-go” and wander up and down the now hip-and-trendy neighborhood. Head east and you’ll find Reeds Lake and picnic-worthy John Collins Park. West will lead you through the eclectic, funky, vintage stores leading all the way up to Heritage Hill and into downtown along the famous old red-brick streets (you may not want to eat or sip anything at this temporarily bumpy point along your drive).

At this point, the city is yours. Whether you ride the carousel at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, touch a sea star at the John Ball Zoo, or find your way to the splashpads at Millineum Park, you’ll inevitably want to roll down the windows, take a deep breath and rest assured that even an afternoon road trip can be a memorable one.

Spring Break for families doesn’t get enough attention. The media is overwhelmed with offers for frat-boy parties and topless beaches. But, for most families, it’s a time to enjoy a quick getaway before that last month or two of school and summer.

List everything you really want in a spring vacation. The destination should be easy to get to, have something for everyone to enjoy (even if your kids range in age from 2-15), sun and affordable prices. A road trip to Paso Robles, California, is the perfect solution.

You may have never heard of Paso Robles, even though they play host to the California Mid-State Fair. The town is located in San Luis Obispo County, and is about half-way between San Francisco and Los Angeles on the Central Coast. Only about 20 minutes inland from the Pacific Ocean, you can choose to road trip along the coast or take the quicker (and less scenic) route on the 101.

Paso Robles Inn

Known for the hot springs that run under the town, visitors have come for the curative powers of the water since the 1700′s. Today, Paso Robles is also home to the largest and most diverse wine region in California. Almost 200 wineries now blanket the area, and wine tasting is inexpensive, educational and not intimidating. At many of the wineries you can meet the actual winemaker and learn about their process. Many of the wineries are also very family friendly, so it’s easy to slip into a couple of tastings while you tour the other agricultural attractions. There are even a number of wineries who offer free tastings. If you’re in town for a romantic getaway, try the Paso Robles Inn. The gardens are spectacular and the deluxe spa rooms and two-room suites have private hot tub mineral baths.

The juxtaposition of the old-fashioned, high-end resort town with the surrounding ranches and agriculture has grown into a unique little town, where friendly, small town America meets wine and art festivals. Not the expensive, snobby atmosphere of the wine regions to the north, this is a place where you can indulge your foodie cravings while the whole family has a great time — on a budget.

Ravine Waterpark

The Holiday Inn Express is a great place to anchor your vacation. The rooms are designed to be family-friendly with refrigerators, lots of space, modern amenities and free breakfast. The business center is also quite capable and when we visited on a very busy weekend the hotel was surprisingly quiet. You’re located only a short block from morning coffee and several family-friendly restaurants, including Big Bubba’s Bad BBQ, a local favorite. You are also only a five minute walk from the fairgrounds, if you’re in town for the festivities. The hotel has several family-friendly packages, including the Family Water Park Package at nearby Ravine Waterpark. Ravine has something for everyone, from the 325 foot long flume slides to Kiddie Cove. Individual day passes are very affordable and range in price from $16-22.

Photo Credit Steve Miller

Plan to enjoy at least one dinner in one of the many fine dining choices. The abundance of locally grown ingredients paired expertly with local wines is an experience you shouldn’t miss. Villa Creek serves only sustainable, organic ingredients in the style of California cuisine with reasonable prices and is kid friendly. You can also tour downtown and visit a few of the other offerings to see if they are your type of family-friendly. If dinner isn’t an option, many offer lunch. Panolivo is open for breakfast & lunch every day (they serve dinner on Friday & Saturday). The bistro environment is fancy enough to feel like a treat without being unfriendly to children. Take home a few pastries for a late night snack with a bottle of wine after the kids are asleep.

While you’re downtown, don’t miss the Paso Robles Children’s Museum. The museum is housed in the old volunteer firehouse, and “Old Mac”, the original fire engine, built in 1944, is proudly on display. Don’t worry, this isn’t a “look but don’t touch” museum. Kids can climb on, play in and explore every nook and cranny. Everything is interactive and kids of all ages will have such a good time you’ll have a hard time leaving. Also downtown, the Good Times Cafe offers 50′s diner-style food with easy access to all the downtown attractions.

Before you leave town, make sure to try olive oil tasting. It sounds strange until you do it, then you’re hooked. We Olive’s store downtown offers the best first stop. Let the friendly experts behind the bar teach you about olive oil, the proper method for tasting and help you find some favorites. Once you have that basic knowledge under your belt, head out to Pasolivo, a family ranch just outside town. See where the fruit is grown and talk to the family that does everything from growing and pressing to estate bottling themselves. Make plans to come back to town in August, make sure to plan your trip to include the Paso Robles Olive Festival. It takes place downtown, and features tastings of olive oil from all over the state. There’s even free samples of Olive Oil Ice Cream!

Suit Worn by Neil Armstrong, at the Neil Armstrong Air & Space Museum

It was 40 years ago that someone from earth first set foot on another planet. We spent only about 2 1/2 hours on that planet (please don’t ask me what planet it was!!), but but they changed history forever. Our children have grown up with space travel as part of their lives. And, they should look back at how it began. Plus, it’s so easy to get excited about space travel. So easy in fact, that you forget there’s science. And math. See? Learning can be fun! Here’s an easy itinerary, recommended by the experts at Ohio Tourism, that combines space travel and road trip travel in Ohio.

Day One – Cleveland/Northeast Ohio
Start in Cleveland, home to NASA’s Glenn Research Center and the International Women’s Air & Space Museum. Both sites are free and offer a unique look at both air and space flight. The NASA site features a 6000-square-foot Visitor Center offering interactive exhibits, including a flight simulator and a launch control center where visitors can conduct microgravity experiments or countdown to a simulated rocket launch. The International Women’s Air & Space Museum, located at Burke Lakefront Airport, chronicles the lives of women ranging from Connie Wolf, a 19th century balloonist, to legendary aviator Amelia Earhart, to astronaut Valentina Tereshkova of the Soviet Union, the first woman to orbit the Earth.

Replica of Apollo 11's Lunar Module at Warren Airways Airport site

Drive 60 miles southeast of Cleveland to Warren, and you’ll find the former site of the Warren Airways Airport. This is the spot where Ohio native Neil Armstrong boarded his first plane in 1936, at the age of 6. The site now boasts a half-scale replica of Apollo 11’s lunar landing module sitting on cratered concrete resembling the moon’s surface, commemorating both “firsts” in Armstrong’s life.

Two and a half hours south on 1-77, visitors will find the hometown of another former astronaut and Ohio native, John Glenn. Located in New Concord, the John and Annie Glenn Historic Site and Exploration Center includes a living history tour of Glenn’s boyhood home, featuring guides in period costumes and memorabilia from Glenn’s military, space and political careers.

Overnight in New Concord or in nearby Zanesville/Cambridge. Various hotels are available, including Days Inn Cambridge ($80/night); Baymont Inn & Suites Cambridge ($72/night) and Super 8 Zanesville ($77/night). New Concord is home to small-town eateries including Banana Peel (known for its burgers) and Johnson’s Restaurant (known for its breakfast and lunch fare). Zanesville is home to a host of chain restaurant choices including Olive Garden, Red Lobster and Bob Evans.

Day Two – Dayton/Southwest Ohio

Junior Rangers at Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park

The second leg of the trip goes straight down I-70 to Dayton, the heart of Ohio’s aviation roots. The 2.5-hour trip will take you right through the state capital and Ohio’s largest city, Columbus, so feel free to stop and do some sightseeing or grab lunch along the way. German Village is a great pit stop right along I-70 and the city’s downtown and full of quaint shops, eateries and parks. If you stop, check out Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant, known for its bratwurst and cream puffs since 1886, and The Book Loft, a city-block-long store featuring 32 maze-like rooms of bargain books.

Once you make it to Dayton, the best place to start is the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, just south of I-70 off of I-75. The site is home to The Wright Cycle Company; the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center, containing photos and other displays chronicling the lives of the Wright brothers and another Dayton native, writer Paul Laurence Dunbar; the Huffman Prairie Flying Field, the site of the first controlled flight, which occurred in 1905, and the world’s first flying school, Wright School of Aviation; and Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center, including exhibits which tell the visual tale of the Wright brothers’ flight trials at the site.

The Warrior Airmen exhibit, including the MH-53, on display in the Cold War Gallery

From there, head six miles northeast of Dayton to the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where you’ll find the National Museum of the United States Air Force. The oldest and largest museum of its kind worldwide, the site boasts more than 400 aircraft and aerospace vehicles on display. Key exhibits include past Air Force One aircrafts in the presidential gallery and uniquely-designed, one-of-a-kind aircraft in the research and development gallery, such as the XB-70 Valkyrie which could fly three times the speed of sound. The site’s newest permanent exhibit, “Warrior Airmen,” follows the role of the Air Force in operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Best of all, the museum is always FREE to visitors.

Hotels in the Dayton area run $100 or even less per night, including the Doubletree Hotel Dayton-Downtown ($87/night), a historic luxury option just 13 miles from Dayton International Airport. Flights from NYC to Dayton are around $200. There are several unique and affordable dining options in the area, such as The Golden Nugget Pancake House, featuring syrup made by hand from cane sugar and all-organic and wild blueberries; and The Winds, a café which serves all fresh, local ingredients.  

Bonus: if you have time leftover in the Dayton area, be sure to check out the Wright B Flyer Hangar at the Dayton Wright Brothers Airport, just south of Dayton on I-75. Visitors can take a ride in a replica of the Wright B Flyer, which seats two and cruises up to 100 miles per hour.

Day Three – Wapakoneta
Drive an hour north of Dayton to wrap up the road trip in Wapakoneta, Neil Armstrong’s hometown. You’ll definitely want to visit the Neil Armstrong Air & Space Museum, which celebrates the sights and sounds of man’s first steps on the moon with the F5D Sky Lancer and the Gemini VIII spacecraft on display as well as a moon rock and other Apollo 11 artifacts. If you’re traveling in the area July 13-20, especially this summer, check out the festivities surrounding the 40th anniversary of Armstrong’s moon walk and the annual Summer Moon Festival. This year’s events include driving tours, back to the 60’s supper, a moon rock hunt and more. Also, the world’s largest moon pie and a life-sized astronaut made entirely of cheese (weighing in at 1,800 pounds) will be on display.

Fireworks at Stone Mountain Park, Georgia

The 4th of July is such a popular time to road trip, we’ve written a whole series of articles, dedicated to helping you find the best celebrations for your family — whether you prefer small and hometown or the biggest and best the country has to offer. We don’t repeat recommendations, so check out this year’s picks, our picks from 2009, some hometown celebrations and parades and the best picks from 2010 as well as our favorite 4th of July road trips. We also have lots of fireworks for other holidays as well — search “fireworks” in the search bar at the top right of our site. And, to find celebrations near you that aren’t listed (yet), use our Event and Festival Calendar.

You don’t have time for a full-fledged road trip, but still want to find a great fireworks display. Maybe something new and different this year, or perhaps a little weekend getaway or day trip. (Or, on a sad note, maybe your usual celebration was cancelled because of the economy.)

Check out our list of the best celebrations, make some plans, pack a picnic, get some smoke on the barbecue or whatever else your family does to celebrate. Then, kick back and wish America ”Happy Birthday”.

Feel free to comment on your favorite place to watch the fireworks.

California:
Farm Sanctuary’s Fourth of July Pignic – I couldn’t make this one up if I tried. The Farm Sanctuary is apparently the largest rescue and refuge network for farm animals in North America. And, this July 4th, they want to promote life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for farm animals. The Pignic comes complete with tours of the facility, vegan food and compassionate entertainment. Whatever that is.

Colorado:
Breckenridge Independence Day Celebration – Start with the Breckenridge Recreation Department 10k race. The Firecracker 50k bike race kicks off the Main Street Parade, followed by entertainment, fire hose competitions and afternoon concert. End the night with the concert at the Riverwalk Center and fireworks display.
Steamboat Springs’ Cowboys’ Roundup Days (July 4th and 5th) — The community enjoys the cowboy spirit with an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, children’s activities, rodeo, parade and fireworks. Sunday morning begins with a real cattle drive — local ranchers drive 100 pair of cattle from their ranch down Lincoln Avenue to Romick Arena where they then take part in the Ranch Horse Competition and Ranch Rodeo.

Georgia:
Lenox Square Mall, Atlanta – Jump on MARTA and head to Lenox Square for fun, music and the giant party. The fireworks show is billed as the largest in the southeast.
Stone Mountain Park –  At Georgia’s #1 attraction, the Fourth of July celebration is Georgia’s largest. The lasershow and fireworks are free (there is a parking fee) and the park warns that you should be prepared for large crowds.

Kentucky:
Waterfront Independence Day Festival, Louisville (July 3 & 4) — Two days of fun, food, music and fireworks. Live music ranges from hip-hop to country, and there are fireworks both nights.

Louisiana:
Go Fourth on the River – New Orleans’ biggest celebration, on the banks of the Mississippi River. Fireworks cruises offer up close and personal views from historic steamboats, but the fireworks are also visible from many locations along the river.

Maine:
Camden-Rockport-Lincolnville – Four Days of Fun in the Midcoast features two nights of fireworks, parade and lots more.
Thomaston – A full day of firecracker races, barbeque, horseshoe tournament, and of course, fireworks.

Michigan:
Ludington Freedom Festival – Parade, fireworks and a day of family-friendly fun.
Muskegon Summer Celebration (July 1-5) — Large arts and crafts fair, music, midway, petting zoo and pig races plus fireworks.
St. Joseph – A full weekend of celebrations including Brown Bag Concert, State Street Experience, Friday Night Concert Series, parade, and concert under the stars with fireworks. Enjoy the horse-drawn trolley, Antiques on the Bluff (July 5) and lots more.
Whitelake — Parade and fireworks as well as additional festivities on the 3rd.

Minnesota:
Minneapolis Red White & Boom – Enjoy the historic Minneapolis Riverfront and stay for children’s activities, food and fireworks.

Mississippi:
Jacinto Fourth of July Festival – Arts and crafts vendors, Civil War re-enactors, music and more.

New York:
Caramoor International Music Festival – Special celebration “Pops, Patriots & Fireworks” features patriotic music for the whole family followed by first-ever fireworks display. You’re welcome to bring your own picnic or enjoy hot dogs and burgers.
Genesee CountyVillage & Museum – Enjoy the parade, pie-eating contest, and other old-fashioned fun.
Village of Homer – Reading of the Declaration of Independence in the town square, followed by church bells and cannons.

North Carolina:
Wilmington & Cape Fear Coast – Pleasure Island’s fireworks display takes place July 3rd, followed by Wilmington’s July 4th Riverfront Celebration & Battleship Blast. Featuring live patriotic music followed by fireworks display over the Battleship North Carolina.

North Dakota:
Mandan Rodeo Days — A 4th of July tradition, enjoy the parade, fireworks and rodeo. North Dakota was recently named the most affordable destination by AAA, so you’ll have money left over for some souveniers.

Oregon:
Molalla Buckeroo – PRCA rodeo event that’s been a tradition since 1913. Enjoy local beer, food and family fun for the whole weekend.
Vampire Baseball (Portland) — Are you a fan of Twilight Saga? This event, organized by Fan Trip.Travel, gives you a chance to play Vampire Baseball (whatever that is?) with many of the actors, as well as enjoy a buffet dinner and fireworks. There’s also a baseball game with professional players (Portland Beavers) and autograph signing, etc.

Pennsylvania:
Penn State 4th Fest – The third best fireworks display in the whole country, 4th Fest takes place on the Penn State Campus and features the Firecracker 4k Run, food festival, bands, street dance and carnival, plua a whole lot more.

Rhode Island:
Bristol’s 4th of July Parade – The longest running parade in the country, and only a short drive from Providence. Special celebration honoring George M. Cohan (author of “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag”, etc.)  as well as fireworks and Waterfire (Providence’s famed visual art installation).

South Carolina:
Historic Brattonsville – Historic readings, militia muster and firearms demonstrations, as well as meet veterans of the American Revolution.
Lake Murray – Boat parade, concert by Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra and South Carolina’s largest fireworks show. Bring a picnic and enjoy!

Utah:
American Family Fest (July 2-4) — Offers national talent search, nightly concerts, family sports competition, geneology and a family cook-off. The town is the gateway to Bryce Canyon, Zion, Kolob Canyons and Cedar Breaks National Monument.

Vermont:
Champlain Burlington International Waterfront (July 2-14) — One of the biggest events in Vermont’s history, events include the Taste of Champlain Food Festival.

Washington D.C.:
A Capitol Fourth – What do Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin and The Muppets have in common? They are all performing at this year’s A Capitol Fourth, in our nation’s capital and on a TV near you. For the 29th year, the performance and fireworks will be broadcast on PBS, NPR and American Forces Radio and Television Network. Hundreds of thousands pack the West Lawn of the United States Capitol for the event, and the largest fireworks display in the country. This is on our family’s “Do It Before We’re Too Old” list, but this year we’ll record it and watch on TV. Happy Birthday, America!

West Virginia:
Greenbrier Resort – This National Historic Landmark, also known as America’s Resort, will host an entire weekend of festivities, including sand sculpting workshops, 10th Annual Grand Parade, and Summer Lawn Party.

Wisconsin:
Old World Fourth of July – Authentic, historic activities including greased pole climb, cannon firing, barn dance patriotic recitations, parade and more, all at the historical recreation of rural life in the 1800′s and turn of the century.