Family Spring Break Vacation for 2022

Every day should be a beach day.

 

Destin is one of our all-time favorite spring break getaways. One of the best beaches in the Florida. We recently stayed at the Embassy Suites Hotel Destin Miramar Beach.  We were very impressed with the hotel, the complimentary breakfast with a delicious buffet as well as made to order omelets, and eggs.  It comes with two complimentary drinks per guest, this was a definite bonus! The hotel is very clean and very open concept which we loved. We enjoyed the beach and the restaurant across the road was very convenient as well.  Excellent customer service. The room was very comfortable and spacious. We want to come back here again sometime soon.

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14 comments AdBenture, Beaches and Islands, Destin, Florida, Outdoor Activities and Adventures, Summer Getaway, United States

A road trip along Utah and Northern Arizona border

This drive across the country is one of our big trip that we enjoyed the most.  As we travel  south on Highway 163 toward the southern border of Utah and the northern border of Arizona.  We stop over to this desert landscape with this unique rock formations. It is a spectacular and dramatic landscape, and driving this route will add to your Utah national parks or Grand Canyon vacation experience. 

 

Along the border of the neighboring states, you’ll find incredible and diverse landscapes.

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43 comments Arizona, Jeep Adventure, Northern Arizona, Outdoor Activities and Adventures, Road Trip, Southern Utah, Utah

Visited the Calico Ghost Town

Not a lot of people know about Calico Ghost Town, but this place has a lot to offer.  If you like the old western town experience then this restored mining town will give you a few hours of enjoyment. Admission is $8 per adult which you pay at a booth as you park your vehicle. Calico is a collection of restored buildings and replicas, some which serve as museums to show life in the mining town that used to reside here in the late 1800s. Many of the shacks now serve as stores or eateries. Wood crafts, pottery, rocks & minerals, a variety of gifts and novelties, candles, a store devoted to dogs, and one of those vintage photography studios can be found within Calico.

The Calico Mountains of California are a mountain range located in the Mojave Desert.

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17 comments California, California State Park, Historic Landmarks, Jeep Adventure, Outdoor Activities and Adventures, United States, Yermo

Visiting Crater Lake National Park in Oregon | Part 1

I am one of those people who loves National Parks.  That is why I've always wanted to see this magnificent lake in Oregon and we finally made it. Picture perfect lake. No doubt about it. You will be amazed when you see this lake. It's a long drive in the wilderness no matter where you'll come from.

The drive here was scenic and when you get to the lake you'll forget the long drive that you just did.  The lake was still a few miles after the National Park sign there's a ($15/car) entrance fee  to  enter the park .

The road trip to Crater Lake is nothing short of spectacular.  As we approached the rim, the beauty of the lake literally took my breath away. I gasped because it was as they say, picture perfect. The water was so blue and the surrounding mountains were reflecting off making it all more magical. In late May the ground still has snow and the mountains were snow capped -- it added to the beauty of the lake.

If you love photography, this is definitely the place to go.

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39 comments Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Family Attractions, Mountain, Oregon, Oregon State National Park, Outdoor Activities and Adventures, United States, US National Park

Visit Anakeesta Theme Park in the Mountains of Gatlinburg Tennessee

My husband and I were in Gatlinburg, TN for the Labor Day weekend and for the first time we visit Anakeesta. Anakeesta is a new attraction since the big forest fire of 2016.  It offers a unique outdoor mountain experience for all ages.  Admission includes a scenic Chondola ride from the Parkway to the summit, 16 bridge Tree Canopy Walk, Treehouse Village Playground, Forest Memorial Walk, Dueling Ziplines, Gem Mining, shopping, dining and the most gorgeous scenic views of Great Smoky Mountain.

The breath taking view of the restaurant on top.

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42 comments Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Outdoor Activities and Adventures, Tennessee, Theme Parks, United States

Visit the McCloud Restaurant and Lodge

It's our first time at McCloud Restaurant in LaFollette, Tennessee.  We had no idea that you have to make a reservation.  You cannot drive the road going to the mountain  unless you have reservations at the restaurant or to their lodge.  From the public highway it is a two plus mile drive on a paved two lane private road.  At first I was apprehensive about going to eat somewhere that requires a reservation. My assumption was that it would be high society, minimum dress code required, with a menu I can’t pronounce and prices I couldn’t afford. Turns out that I was completely wrong. The food is average, but the view is what really makes this place. 

There is a gate guard at the bottom of the mountain. The process is -- you call the restaurant phone number to make reservation. They will ask your name, telephone number, and how many in your party. They will alert the guard that you are coming and when.  But in our case since it was a last minute plan we ask if there is an available spot for us.  Luckily there is, since the restaurant wasn't too busy that day they let us check  in without any reservation.

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37 comments Duff, Mountain, Outdoor Activities and Adventures, Places to Eat and Shop, Tennessee, United States

Visit the Whispering Winds Covered Bridge and Lost Mine Falls

Everyone is familiar with theme parks or amusement parks, but have you ever heard of an adventure park? Adventure park is a place where family can come to explore and discover the outdoors. The  Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park is famous for that, located 12 miles outside the city limits of Gatlinburg , Sevierville or Pigeon Forge.

It is a family oriented adventure park that has beautiful easy to moderate trails. This trails will lead you across multiple unique bridges from log to covered and cable  bridges, including America’s Longest Swinging Bridge with gorgeous vistas and awesome waterfalls.

"Whispering Winds Covered Bridge",  is home to thousands of wishes where you can hang a wish to blow in the winds of prosperity. 

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30 comments Bridges and Sights, Family Attractions, FoxFire Mountain, Outdoor Activities and Adventures, Sevierville, Tennessee, Theme Parks, United States, Waterfalls

Discover Foxfire Mountain Swinging Bridge

Those visiting to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge must check out Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park.  If you and your family are looking for a great place to spend a day; visit Foxfire Mountain located at:  3757 Thomas Ln, Sevierville, TN 37876.   They are a little off the beaten path, but its completely worth it.  This park is perfect for family adventure with a  short hike and  breathtaking waterfalls.

Did you know  that the longest "Swinging Bridge" in United States is located right here in East Tennessee?

From FoxFire Mountain entrance  you can cross The Bridge to Prosperity towards the hiking trail and waterfalls. Heights might not be your thing, but this bridge is safe, sturdy and has amazing views. These bridges are made of steel cable, wood and rock , fun thing about it is that they really do swing.

The park features a rock climbing wall, ATV tours, the longest swinging bridge in America, and two zip line courses -- there’s no shortage of adventures here!

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26 comments Bridges and Sights, Family Attractions, FoxFire Mountain, Outdoor Activities and Adventures, Sevierville, Tennessee, Theme Parks, United States

Visit Everglades National Park

One of America's most fascinating national parks,  is the Everglades. This park was created to protect native species of plants, animals and a rare Eco-system that doesn't exist anywhere else on the planet. There are few different endangered animals that call the Everglades home along with many plants.

The moment we drive past the  Everglades entrance gate, we've witness miles of emptiness in every direction, a river of grass stretching to the treeless horizon. Every National Park has something to offer, but this one was so different. Wetlands, as far as your eyes could see and instead of black bears in  Tennessee we had our eyes peeled for alligators.

1. See and learn about Alligator 

Don't let the gators scare you--  it is safe.

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24 comments Aquarium and Zoo, Everglades National Park, Family Attractions, Florida, Florida State National Park, Miami, Outdoor Activities and Adventures, United States

Sunset Sailing and Helmet Diving

Boracay offers a lot of outdoor activities you can imagine. It is one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines, but more developed than any other. The beaches are one of the main attractions of this island and are great for: sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, island hopping, surfing, jet-skiing, etc. To avail discount you have to go by group at least 6 people, or pay extra if you want a private tour.  We decided to go on our own tour for two attractions: the Helmet diving and sunset sailing for Php3500  or about USD60. 

I always wanted to try the Helmet Diving. I am not a good swimmer but I like the idea of under-water adventure. I bring my husband with me to share this wonderful experience. We met the diver/tour guide on Station 2 15 minutes walk from our hotel.. We boarded to a speed boat to where they do helmet diving. They provided all the gear on this tour. After a short briefing from our guide, we immediately prepared ourselves to go down the ladder. Once we stepped at the ladder, the 25-kilo helmet was placed on our heads. Someone help us to go down until they release the helmet. It took a minute for me to get the hang of it. Sometimes, water enters the helmet and it freaks me out! But it was eventually removed so its all good.

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23 comments Asia Travel, Boracay, Outdoor Activities and Adventures, Philippines Trips