On an overcast morning in Gulf Shores, Alabama, we loaded the kids up in the car and set off without telling them where we were going. “Won’t you give us a hint?” my son pleaded. “Does it involve video games?” “Nope,” I said firmly. “Definitely not.” “Does it involve dessert?” my daughter asked hopefully. “Uh, […]

Travel, United States

October 18, 2018

You Won’t Believe What a Reclusive Billionaire Built Near Gulf Shores, Alabama

Dinosaurs Foley Alabama

If I had to be reincarnated as an animal, you’d better believe I’d come back as a zoo baby. I mean, think about it… These little guys live in the lap of luxury, they get waited on hand and foot by the zookeepers, they don’t have to worry about predators or finding food, and they […]

Nashville Guide, Travel

September 19, 2018

Nashville’s Newest Zoo Babies will Melt Your Heart

Meerkat Pups

My son knows what he wants … at least until he doesn’t want it anymore. The streets of downtown Gatlinburg are lined with storefront windows, all filled to overflowing with souvenirs. There are airbrushed t-shirts and leather handbags, knives and swords and cowboy hats, billowy caftans and homemade fudge, lace tablecloths and wood carvings — […]

Family, Fun, Global, Travel, United States

July 26, 2017

Souvenir Shopping, Kid Style

Thanks to Ally May for hosting our Athens getaway! I spent my college years in Athens, Georgia — and I’ve said many times since then that if the town had had a TV station (I majored in Broadcast News), I would have happily lived there forever. Athens really does have it all. It’s small enough that […]

Travel, United States

March 29, 2017

My New Favorite Place to Stay in Athens, GA

Who doesn’t love a road less traveled… one lined with trees and wildflower-filled meadows instead of strip malls and billboards? We’re lucky to live right next to a 450-mile long road that fits that description and runs from Nashville all the way to Natchez, Mississippi. It’s called the Natchez Trace Parkway and it’s a federally […]

Nashville Guide, Travel, United States

September 19, 2016

Your Complete Guide to the Best Stops on the Natchez Trace Parkway: Part 1

Natchez Trace Parkway Best Places to Stop

Check out Part 1 of this post to see the most popular stops on the Natchez Trace Parkway between Nashville, TN and Houston, Mississippi! Or head over to Style Blueprint to see my Top 15 Stops on the Natchez Trace Parkway. Covering 444 miles of ground between Nashville, Tennessee and Natchez, Mississippi, Natchez Trace Parkway […]

Nashville Guide, Travel, United States

September 19, 2016

Your Complete Guide to the Best Stops on the Natchez Trace Parkway: Part 2.

Popular Stops on the Natchez Trace Parkway

The Cumberland Caverns cave system is known mostly for its Bluegrass Underground concerts, which feature world-renowned musicians and have their own TV series on PBS. But these caves have a lot more to offer than music, and it’s well worth the two-hour drive from Nashville to see them. Here’s everything you’ll want to know about […]

Nashville Guide, Travel, United States

August 8, 2016

Cumberland Caverns: Middle Tennessee’s Must-See Cave Tour

Cumberland Caverns Hours

It’s time to add Sioux Falls to your vacation bucket list. Check out this list of things to do with kids in Sioux Falls and you’ll understand why. My family and I went to Sioux Falls, South Dakota last month and it’s been on our minds– and in our hearts– ever since. “Sioux Falls?” people […]

Travel, United States

July 26, 2016

35 Things to Do with Kids in Sioux Falls

What to do with kids in Sioux Falls

This post was written in partnership with Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen. Not everything in California is expensive– $5 will get you a day of outdoor family fun in one of the nation’s most beautiful protected areas- Abalone Cove. Just 45 minutes away from busy downtown Los Angeles is an unspoiled, unforgettable paradise known as Abalone […]

Travel, United States

May 17, 2016

Sunny Days and Sunscreen at California’s Abalone Cove

Hike at Abalone Cove

As many of you know, last month we took the kids to Walt Disney World for a week. We’d been planning to go for some time, but it took some work for me to convince my husband that we needed to spend the week inside the resort. After all, hotels outside of the resort are […]

Travel, United States

May 7, 2012

Secrets of Walt Disney World: Accommodations