Every year we visit The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in East Tennessee so our family is no stranger to the area. A year doesn't go by that my children don't ask to stay at the Wilderness at the Smokies Resort in Sevierville, Tennessee. This November my children got their wish as we arrived to the Smoky Mountain area for our annual Sinclair Thanksgiving in the Smokies family vacation. We had a busy itinerary this year in the Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg that we thought staying 2 nights at Continue Reading
12 Days of Christmas-Alexandria/Pineville
Alexandria/Pineville knows how to do Christmas the right way, and the 2013 season is sure to bring great joy. Come celebrate the holidays in the heart of Louisiana with sparkling lights, parades, appearances by Santa Claus, and other events. You can experience an old-fashioned Christmas, drive through a live nativity scene, shop for great gifts (or pick up something for yourself), and listen to Christmas carols during the area's annual 12 Days of Christmas celebrations. The City of Alexandria Continue Reading
Historic Natchitoches -Holiday Trail of Lights
Historic Natchitoches is one of the original cities to start the Holiday Trail of Lights and this year marks the city's 87th annual Christmas Festival. Thousands of twinkling lights will be turned on daily at dusk, from November 23 through January 6. During this amazing 7-week celebration, Natchitoches will offer many events to entice visitors and show them all a fantastic time. Did you know it snows each year in Natchitoches? Well, it does, and the city calls it Snow Fest. The event runs Continue Reading
Christmas in Monroe-West Monroe
Christmas in Monroe-West Monroe is filled with community celebrations, shopping, spectacular fireworks displays, and fun activities for the entire family. The other north Louisiana sister cities to the east of Shreveport-Bossier City host holiday events to help visitors get in the the spirit of the season. Visit the Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum on 323 Walnut Street, Monroe from 5- 8 p.m now through Dec. 22 to mail letters to Santa at the Peppermint Post Office and enjoy story time Continue Reading
Elf on the Shelf Smoky Mountain Series
I know it's strange but we recently took our Elf on the Shelf on our Tennessee Smoky Mountain Vacation. My children are getting older and since they are fully aware of the true meaning of Christmas (and about Santa) I thought this would be a fun way to keep the spirit alive. Having older children (1 teen & 1 tween) I know how hard it is to keep the kids entertained while on vacation. What better way to travel than with our family's Elf on the Shelf. Read along and enjoy the Smoky Mountain Continue Reading
Minden the “Friendliest City in the South”
Minden has been dubbed the “Friendliest City in the South,” and this little city is ready to celebrate Christmas with you! You can enjoy the holidays here by visiting Santa, shopping locally-owned antique stores and specialty shops, and touring local museums and art galleries. Right on the tail of the German Mardi Gras- Fasching- kick-off, Minden is now decorated with thousands of Christmas lights and hundreds of nutcrackers as part of this year’s Christmas displays. Fireworks, parades, Continue Reading
Shreveport/Bossier is ready for Christmas
All photos courtesy of: http://holidaytrailoflights.com/shreveport-bossier Christmas-time is coming once again to the sister cities of Shreveport and Bossier City and the duo are pairing up for some great fun this year. Head to the North West corner of the state to enjoy lots of twinkling lights, festive celebrations, cheerful holiday events, and incredible shopping opportunities not found anywhere else. Local holiday favorites include Christmas in Roseland at the Gardens of the American Continue Reading
Holiday Trail of Lights 2013 #HTOL
Photo courtesy of: http://holidaytrailoflights.com/shreveport-bossier One of the best parts of the holiday season is getting to see all of the Christmas lights that are placed on houses, businesses, and just about anywhere that can support lights. If you and your family are fans of Christmas lights, you should check out the Holiday Trail of Lights this year. The HTOL is a 200 mile long trail of- you guessed it- Christmas lights and events. The Trail runs from east to west on I-20, Continue Reading
Hotel Monteleone – Monte’s Holiday Tea Party (Plus Giveaway)
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Our tickets & giveaway tickets are furnished. No other compensation was received for this post/giveaway. If you remember, I have a special connection to the Hotel Monteleone so it warms my heart to know that others can have their own fond memories at the historic hotel. Starting the week after Thanksgiving, the Hotel Monteleone transforms into a magical holiday wonderland as the 200 block of Royal Street showcases their festive side. As in the years Continue Reading
Must-Have Gadgets for Traveling Family
All links contain redirect to an Amazon Affiliate link. Items chosen are based off of items I already have, want or highly rated in Amazon Looking for a creative gift for your loved one? Why not give them the gift of family travel?!? I would love to gift an experience of a lifetime but I'm short on cash. Ha!! Instead, I like to give those that travel, something you wouldn't buy for themselves when they took their new family journey. This list is part wish list, part items I love and those that Continue Reading
Family Travel Tip: How to Babyproof your Hotel Room
Traveling with a baby can be a scary experience. You may wonder how they will react to the change in schedule and scenery. However, many don't consider the importance of babyproofing the hotel room, especially when they have mobile youngsters. Your room should be as safe as your home during your stay, so be sure you do not forget to take the proper precautions to keeping your baby from danger. 1. Request a crib for your room when you make your reservation. Most hotel chains will be able to Continue Reading
Family Travel Fails – Travel Before and After Kids
I was a "perfect parent" before having kids and then it happens: I became a parent! When my kids were first born I did everything right. I read every book, double checked everything twice, sometimes three or four times before leaving the house. Some new moms handmake everything that went into their child's body or wore on their body. Then it dawns on you. I'm not perfect, in fact I'm not even that great of a parent! And sometimes, you even fail in parenting 101. But that's okay. I Continue Reading