Tag Archives: summer

A Day at Ober Gatlinburg

For some reason, we had never visited Ober Gatlinburg during our family vacations.  With a little research, we realized this may be a perfect, kid-friendly activity for the whole family that Nolan would enjoy as well.

In addition to the children’s rides, we were excited about the  Alpine Slide, the Ski Mountain Coaster, the Wildlife Encounter, the Amaze ‘n Maze, the Cyclone Rapids ride, Mini Golf and an indoor ice skating rink.

Our first step was to take the Aerial Tramway to Mountaintop Park.  Reaching heights of 2813 feet above sea level, each tram’s capacity is 120 guests.

 

Waiting for the next Tramway, we were the next to board the tram which worked to our advantage offering a place near the window to enjoy the stunning views.   Standing towards the front, we had an amazing view of the mountains as well as the other trams making their way, a little over two miles, towards the top.

The Tramway was completed in August of 1972 transporting millions of people to the Adventure Park to date.

Nolan was the most excited of all.  Pointing out trees, houses and other sights, his commentary proved to be quite entertaining.

As we passed over the Animal Habitat, we knew we would need to make a stop to see the black bears – BJ, Chief and Holly, river otters and their adorable bobcats, all animals native to Tennessee.

We tried to talk Nolan into going down the side of the mountain on the Alpine Slide, but he was just a little too nervous.  We thought that we would let him ride a few other games so that he would see how much fun the rides were and agree to take the slide. Lucky for us it worked.

Nolan was happy and content to ride the children’s rides.  Animated and enjoying every minute of making us laugh, he was finally ready to ride the Alpine Slide with his mom, with a bit of hesitation.  By the time they reached the end of the slide, he was ready to go back and do it all again.

With so many activities for young children, Ober Gatlinburg kept Nolan entertained.  We were happy to see his enthusiasm to make friends on each of the rides.  After a couple of hours, we moved on to the Scenic Chairlift,

The Chairlift reaches Mt. Harrison with a rise of nearly 800 feet.  This is my favorite ride in the park with scenic mountain and bird’s eye views.  On a clear day, riders can see as far as Douglas Lake and the views of Mt. LeConte are spectacular.

At the top of Mt. Harrison, we were entertained with bluegrass music….

…and met with an overlook that continued for miles.

Ober Gatlinburg is Tennessee’s only Ski and Snowboard park making winter its peak season, open all year around.  We thoroughly enjoyed visiting during our summer vacation and thought it would be fun to visit in the winter during ski season.  What a beautiful place no matter what time of year it is.

Have you visited Ober Gatlinburg?  Which season did you explore the park?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Ober Gatlinburg
1001 Parkway Suite 2
Gatlinburg, TN  37738
Telephone:  865 436 5423

  • Admission Fee: $29 for ages 5 and older for the tram only; $49 for the wristband, ages 5 – 59 and $39 for the wristband ages 60+; ages 4 and under may enter at no charge with an adult admission
  • Hours:  The park opens from 10AM to 6PM daily but parking is open at 9:40 and the tramway begins its operation at 9:40AM.
  • Length of Visit: 4+ hours
  • Amenities:  Aerial Tramway, Tennessee Flyer, Wildlife Habitat, Ice Skating, Ice Bumper Cars, Scenic Chairlift, Carousel, Rock Wall, Family Snow Zone, Snow Tubing
  • Tips for Your Visit:   The Ober Mountain Wristband is valid for unlimited use of the Aerial Tramway and all other activities on the mountain for the day in which it was purchased. Activities such as snow tubing, snow sports, white water rafting and ziplining are not included with the wristband. Check their website for activities available based on the season.

Where to Stay:

The Firefly Chalet booked through VRBO.

Where to Eat:

The Best Italian Restaurant
968 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: 865 436 4345

What to Eat: 

Everything on the menu and I highly recommend the Garlic Knots.

Fun With Kids in Traverse City, Michigan

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Traverse City, Michigan is a wonderful place to vacation with family.  There is an abundance of kid-friendly activities and the weather is perfect during the summer months.

I picked up Traverse City’s Top 10 Adventures pamphlet to review the attractions that we could plan with a two-year old.  Although most of the activities revolved around water sports, we found an adventure park where we could play putt-putt called Pirate’s Cove.  Arrgh!

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Pirate’s Cove Adventure Park provides so many fun, family-oriented options for children and adults of all ages.  In addition to miniature golf, the park also has a ropes course, zipline, go carts and a water coaster.

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We paid our admission fee, picked up our clubs and headed to hole number 1. It was so much fun watching my nephew play for the first time.  He was so excited when he would hit the ball and then run ahead of us to tee off at the next hole.   It was such a great way to spend our afternoon and Nolan enjoyed the pirate scenes and waterfall.

Pirate’s Cove Adventure Park opened in Traverse City in 1983 and have over 20 locations throughout Michigan, Florida and South Dakota.  I was impressed with their Putting for Patriots Program which raises money to assist wounded military members and their families.  The annual fund raising event takes place each May and more information can be found on their website at www.PiratesCove.com.

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After working up an appetite on the golf course, we checked out Moomers Homemade Ice Cream.  Moomers is a family owned shop conveniently located on a dairy farm.  The shop first opened in 1998 and now serves over 160 flavors.  It was recently voted as “Best Ice Cream Shop in America” by Good Morning America.

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From cones to sundaes to milkshakes and wedding cakes, Moomers offers a wide selection of ice cream products.  We ordered strawberry ice cream with sprinkles and hot fudge sundaes.

Moomers also provides tours of their ice cream facility over the summer months.  For a small fee, there is an Ice Cream Store Tour or the Dairy Farm Tour to learn more about how their ice cream is made.

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Across the street from downtown Traverse City is a harbor with boat slips and a pier. It was a beautiful day and the weather was going to be perfect for our trip to the beach.

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Before finding a place on the sand, we noticed a small waterscape within walking distance from the beach.  It was so precious to watch my nephew play in the water. He was enjoying every minute of it.

The waterscape was named after long time governor, William G. Millikan who was interested in conserving the natural resources of the area.   The water park is one of a few proposed enhancements that are planned for the Bayfront development of Clinch Park.  Opened between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend, the revitalization is an effort to attract more young families to the downtown area.

What are some of the activities that you look for when planning a kid-friendly vacation?  Can you recommend other kid-friendly things to do in Traverse City?  I would love to hear about them if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many thanks for reading about kid-friendly things to do in the Traverse City area.  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

Pirate’s Cove Adventure Park
1710 U.S. 31
Traverse City, MI 49686
Telephone:  231 938 9599

  • Admission Fee:  The Original Course and Blackbeard’s Challenge are $9.50 for adults for children ages 4 – 12 are $8.50.  Kids 3 and under play for free.  Check the website for token prices which are used for the attractions such as go-carts, ropes course, bumper carts and kiddie go carts.
  • Hours:  Seasonal, so check out the company’s website for the most up to date information
  • Amenities:  Adventure golf, ropes challenge course, go-carts, bumper cars, and game room.
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 3 hours, depending on the activities purchased

Moomer’s
7263 N. Long Lake Road
Traverse City, MI  49685
Telephone:  231 941 4122

  • Hours:  Daily from 11AM to 9PM through December 24;  check the website for the most up-to-date hours
  • Length of Visit:  1 hour

William G. Millikan Waterscape
Downtown Harbor
Traverse City, MI

Where to Stay:

Bayshore Resort
833 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI  49686
Telephone:  231 935 4400

Where to Eat:

Grand Traverse Pie Company
525 West Front Street
Traverse City, MI  49684
Telephone:  231 922 7437

We had eaten here several times during our stay in Traverse City and each of the meals I selected were amazing.  I enjoyed the Reuben Sandwich as well as the Manitou made of Michigan turkey, bacon, ham, Swiss cheese, tomato and pesto mayonnaise served on whole wheat.  The sandwiches are served with a side and pickle.

What to Eat: 

  • The Coney Dog from Detroit, Jackson or Flint.
  • Vernor’s Ginger Ale
  • Founded in the Upper Peninsula, the pasty is a pastry pocket with fruit filling
  • Mackinac Island Fudge
  • Apples
  • Cherries
  • Detroit Style Pizza shaped in a rectangle and baked until the edges are crispy.
  • Better Made Chips from Detroit
  • Germack Pistachios 
  • Walleye Fish from the Great Lakes
  • Faygo beverages

What to Read: 

  • Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
  • The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
  • Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
  • Eight Mile High by Jim Ray Daniels
  • The Dollmaker by Harriette Arnow
  • The Glass Highway by Loren D. Estleman

Photo Guide for Traverse City: 

  • Black Star Farm Vineyards
  • Glen Haven Beach at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park
  • Grand Traverse Pie Company pies
  • Grand Traverse Lighthouse
  • North Bar Lake at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park
  • Tall Ships along the coast
  • The vineyards at 2 Lads Winery

The Springfield Farmer’s Market, From History to the Here and Now

Update!  Vendor List Revised on August 13, 2018

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During the summer months, the Springfield Farmer’s Market sets up shop downtown outside the Heritage Center.  With vendors lining the side pedestrian area, the  market brings visitors here each Saturday from 9 AM to 12:30 PM.

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I had the opportunity to visit the Market on its opening day and was excited to see the diversity in products that were available.  From baked goods to produce, local services and artwork, this venue is the perfect location for learning about some of the small businesses that are helping to revive the economy of Springfield.  The Painted Pepper, a well known food truck from town, was on hand for visitors to purchase breakfast items.

Here is just a small list of wonderful vendors that I met during my visit:

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Slice of Heaven Bakery

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En.Jamb.Ment

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Davidson Family Growers

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Sobaby Jam Company

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Stevens Bakery and Orchard

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Robin’s Nest Granola

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Champion City Jam

Additional services and products were provided by:

One of the great advantages of shopping at The Springfield Farmer’s Market, is that they make it easier for those on federal food assistance programs to use their benefits at the market by using tokens and with the use of EBT.

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Unbeknownst to many local Springfielders, the downtown Springfield Farmer’s Market was first established in the late 1800s.  After the completion of the new city building by Oliver S. Kelly (today’s Heritage Building), the first floor was designated as the location for the new city market, which replaced the old market house.

The opening of the City Building and Market included “parades, opening exercises and the illumination of natural gas standpipes and arches”. The event was covered nationally as over 40,000 people joined in the festivities.  It was a grand night for the city of Springfield.

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Over the years, the market assigned stalls to vendors where they would bring their produce, meats and items for sale.  It was described as having an “accumulated fragrance of the…annual crops of pork and cabbage – not always the freshest – ascended to the upper floor – and where the fumes of tobacco and possibly stronger stimulants, penetrated from the time-honored Springfield forum to the vicinity of the market stalls…”

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I can imagine that the Springfield Farmer’s Market would have been similar to a small version of the North Market in Columbus, Ohio.  Measuring only 50 x 500 feet, each vendor was provided with a permit authorizing him to sell his merchandise.  A copy of this permit can be seen at the Clark County Historical Society located in the Heritage Center.

Establishing the rebirth of Springfield’s Farmer’s Market has added a level of depth to the revitalization of this once prosperous town.  The downtown continues to add a number of new businesses and restaurants and the Farmer’s Market has only added to the growing attraction to my hometown of Springfield.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the Springfield Farmer’s Market?  What items did you purchase?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

Springfield Farmer’s Market (Heritage Center)
117 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone:  937 207 1950

Where to Stay:

Courtyard by Marriott Springfield Downtown
100 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone:  937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

The Painted Pepper Food Truck
Telephone: 937 969 0877

I ordered the breakfast burrito with extra jalapenos and it was amazing!

More favorite Springfield eateries:

  • Schuler’s Donuts:   Their chocolate cream-filled doughnut is their best seller…”home of homemade”. The bakery has several locations in Springfield.
  • Simon Kenton Inn:  This historical home is an inn, restaurant and entertainment venue.  With great food, I love the atmosphere of the Simon Kenton Inn.
  • Guerra’s Krazy Tacos:  One of my favorite places to eat in Springfield, Guerra’s is known for their unique gourmet tacos.
  • Salato Deli:  I love stopping by this deli for their charcuterie board
  • Le Torte Dolci Bakery;  Located next to the Salato Deli, this European French bakery also serves amazing gelato.
  • Mike & Rosie’s Deli:  This staple of Springfield is located near the Wittenberg campus and I am extremely fond of their Reuben sandwich.

Where to Drink: 

What to Read:

  • The Book of Springfield, Ohio, 1906, by Springfield Commercial Club
  • Springfield, Ohio:  A Summary of Two Centuries, by Tom Dunham
  • Ridgewood in the Country Club District, by Tamara K. Dallenbach
  • Still Standing:  A life of pain, adversity and perseverance, by James Cooper
  • Hometown Killer, by Carol Rothgeb

Photo Guide for Springfield, Ohio:  

  • Hartman Rock Garden
  • Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright House
  • Glen Helen Nature Preserve in nearby Yellow Springs
  • Heritage Center of Clark County
  • Tecumseh Land Trust in nearby Yellow Springs (seasonal sunflowers)
  • Ohio Caverns in nearby Bellefontaine
  • Oakes Quarry Park in nearby Fairborn, Ohio

Hotter Than Hale, Our Michigan Vacation – Day 1

Each year, it becomes more and more difficult to find a vacation home that will accommodate our growing family.  With nine adults and four young children, we would need some extra space and rooms for sleeping.

My parents found a place on Long Lake in Hale, Michigan for the second week of July.  Since it would be part of the hottest time of the year, we wanted to be near a lake where we could swim and fish as well.

Leaving from Columbus, Ohio, we made a quick stop in the adorable village of Frankenmuth and had finally arrived in Hale towards late afternoon.  We stopped at the grocery for some items that we would be using for the week and learned that the weather had been extremely hot.  So hot, in fact, the cute little town of Hale could not keep their ice cream cold.  We realized that there was no other place hotter than Hale.

After unpacking, we checked out the pontoon boat that we would be using for the week and found the firepit where we would later make s’mores.  It had been a long day of travel, so we found our rooms and slept in until the next morning.

Reflections on Long Lake were our early morning views from our back yard.  There were geese, rabbits, chipmunks and the sound of frogs that kept us entertained.

I decided to walk close to the rental home with a trail around the perimeter of Long Lake.

Happy Gunnar kept us entertained posing for photos and enjoying his toys.

While Erika liked to pose on the balcony.

We had finished unpacking and settled into the house after breakfast.  The kids were eager to blow up the inflatable pool for a late morning swim.

We were able to distract the children for a little while when we promised them a ride on the boat.  Everyone was excited to cruise along the lake, find a great swimming spot and a place for to fish.

Long Lake is 4.5 square miles with an average depth of 26 feet.  With 88, 272 feet of shoreline, its maximum lake depth is 88 feet.   Surrounded by beautiful homes, Long Lake has been a vacation spot for many residents of Michigan.  Nearby, there are thousands of acres of white pine, oak, ash, cedar, maple and beech trees, providing lumber throughout the state as well as Ohio, New York and Canada.  Lumbermen were known to haul wood across Long Lake transporting to various locations.

After we docked the boat, the kids were excited for another swim in their kiddie pool, so we watched them until it was time for dinner.  Of course, Bennett was the last one out of the pool.

Erika snuggled up with Daddy after a long day of vacation.

Gunner hung out with grandpa, while

Grace played one of her games.

Bennett finally came in from the pool and dried off before dinner.

We played a few games before bed and it was time to watch the sunset over the lake.   What a fun day packed with watersports and we’ll be ready for another activity-packed day tomorrow.

Have you been to Hale, Michigan?  Stayed on Long Lake?  I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my family vacation to Hale, Michigan and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

  • Relax on the lake…swimming, boating fishing

Where to Stay: 

  • We went through VRBO to find this lovely lake house in Hale, Michigan.

Where to Eat:

Long Lake Bar & Grill
5002 E. Main Street
Long Lake, MI  48743
Telephone:  989 257 2017

Dock your boat at Long Lake Bar & Grill and enjoy some hamburgers and fries.  Check out Uncle Kracker’s “Smile” video which was filmed in this area.

What to Eat: 

  • Better Made potato chips
  • Biggby Coffee
  • Chipati – pocket bread stuffed with salad
  • Detroit-style pizza where the toppings are under the sauce and loaded with cheese
  • Hummer – drink made with kahlua, rum and ice cream
  • Pasty – pastry shell with savory fillings
  • Vernor’s Ginger Ale