Summer Travel: Family Friendly Shows

Today we’re continuing our “Summer Travel” series by taking a look at the newest family friendly shows, concerts and reviews being offered at various theme parks across the nation. If you are embarking on a family vacation this summer and need to find an event that captures the interest of members young and, well… not so young, you may want to check out the following shows: “Operation Spygirl”—The new stunt show is being featured at Six Flags Great America located in Gurnee, Illinois. “Operation Spygirl” was developed by the creator of the television show “24” and features a heroine who … Continue reading →

Summer Travel: Calling All Thrill Seekers

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kick off to summer. June 1st is considered the meteorological start of summer. But those of you with school age children know summer really begins on the last day of school (around here that’s June 6th). Just as there are different interpretations as to when summer officially begins, families consist of members who have differing opinions as to what the perfect summer vacation entails. That said, today I am beginning a series of blogs, which cater to the individual interests each family member may have and how each can be satisfied on a group … Continue reading →

What’s New At Hershey

In my previous post I wrote about the 100th anniversary of both Hersheypark and one of its signature products, the Hershey’s Kiss. It’s a milestone Hershey, Pennsylvania is not taking lightly. The model factory town built more than 100 years ago by chocolate magnate Milton Hershey is still the epicenter of the Hershey chocolate empire and today its neighboring attractions make it one of the most popular destinations in the nation. After all, where else can you take in the sweet smell of chocolate while flying around the twists and turns on a wooden roller coaster? Anyone who has visited … Continue reading →

Family Travel: Celebrate 100 Years of the Chocolate Kiss

Every few months I find myself writing about the popular Pennsylvania amusement park—-Hersheypark. Can you really blame me? (I’m talking specifically to all you chocoholics out there.) The sweet smelling town is home to the world’s largest chocolate factory and features streets named “Chocolate” and “Cocoa,” even the street lamps are shaped like Hershey’s Kisses. The park is one of my family’s favorite vacation destinations. But, we aren’t alone. This year the park is expecting a record 6 million-plus visitors as it celebrates the 100th anniversary of both Hersheypark and one of its signature products, the Hershey’s Kiss. For those … Continue reading →

Travel Tidbits—Healthy Amusement Parks and Happy Hybrid Owners

When you think of taking a trip to an amusement park what comes to mind? I think of rides and games, but mainly it’s the thought of sinking my teeth into cotton candy, hot dogs, gigantic soft pretzels, slushies, and ice cream that really gets me going. If you are like me and love to gorge on fair food you may want to ponder what some amusement park owners are doing at their sites this summer. They’re going healthy. When Rye Playland in New York opens this week guests will be seeing some drastic changes—the introduction of a healthy menu … Continue reading →

New Family-Friendly Theme Park—“READ” All About It

It’s a place where literary classics come to life. If you are a fan of famed author Charles Dickens… and you love water rides then consider adding London to your list of summer vacation hotspots. Next month, a new $125-million theme park inspired by the works of the acclaimed author opens in a 70,000-square-foot warehouse in Chatham, 35 miles southeast of London. If you have voracious young readers in your family who can’t get enough of titles such as “The Pickwick Papers,” “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” and “Oliver” you may want to forgo Disney World and head straight for … Continue reading →

Where Spider-Man Comes To Life

A few months ago I was watching a segment on ABC’s “20/20” about Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The story explored the incredible real estate development going on there–from massive resorts and casinos to floating buildings and what will soon be considered the crown jewel of the downtown area–Burj Dubai. If all goes according to plan, Burj Dubai will become the tallest building in the world (at an estimated 2,700 feet it will be nearly twice the height of the Empire State Builidng). Designers say the building should be complete by 2009, which means you can visit it if … Continue reading →