Tag: Traveling with children

Niagara Falls…up close

The maid of the mist offers the best view of both the American side of Niagara Falls and the Canadian Horseshoe of the Niagara River.

 

One of my favorite vacation destinations is Niagara Falls. The weather is touch and go in the spring and fall, but summers are pleasant. To see the falls up close and experience the force of this wonder of nature I would suggest the attraction “The Maid of the Mist” You can board from either the American or Canadian side of the Falls. I would rate it cautiously family friendly. The rocking of the boat can be rattling and I had to hold on tight. My grandchildren had a big time and we were mesmerized by the beauty.

Just when you feel like you’re getting too close the current assists the captain in getting the boat turned around quite easily.

 

Dress for the occasion, regardless of how warm and dry the weather is you will get cool and wet. The park will provide you with a poncho, before you board the boat in the gorge so getting there can be a bit of a challenge. You can expect to feel strong wind gusts, hear the seagulls,  see fish jumping , and smell the fresh cold water with a fishy scent.

 

For more information please visit: https://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/attractions-and-tours/maid-of-the-mist

Be prepared to “fall in love” Happy travels

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/attractions-and-tours/maid-of-the-mist

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Hunting Island, S Carolina 1875 Lighthouse

1875 Lighthouse
167 Step spiral staircase
Wildlife trail
an abundance of nature
marsh
fun stops along Hwy 21
shopping nearby

Hunting Island South Carolina is located in Beaufort County, 16 miles east of Historic Beaufort.  For Interstate 95 travelers it is between Savannah Georgia and Charleston South Carolina.

The beach is beautiful white sand and it a great time collecting shells.  The park has an entry fee and there is also a fee to go up in the lighthouse.

You will find restaurants and small shopping nearby along with the many historic sites in the Beaufort area.

Happy travels…I would put this down as a “must see”

St. Johns River Ferry-Breakaway from I95

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Scenic Florida A1A
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$6.00 passenger vehicle
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OK to get out of your car
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Delicious and fresh
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Crossing just under 1 mile
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St Johns River
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Drop a line
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North side
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interesting history
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Public park
Under the watch of the US Navy
Home of Mayport Naval station, have lunch under the watch of the US Navy
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Fishing community
Fresh seafood
yummy
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Fresh catch
Have lunch or dinner
Shrimp boats out the door of a few tasty seafood restaurants. Sit and relax on the outdoor decking and enjoy the wildlife
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watch for the manatee
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wildlife galore
Ferry
Located 20 miles south of Amelia Island on the scenic Florida A1A.

Anytime I get the chance and have the extra time going to Florida I exit the I95  and hop on the A1A.  If you are traveling south on I95 from Georgia into Florida look for the Yulee exit to Fernadina Beach or if you are traveling north into Georgia get off in Jacksonville and get the A1A at the beach.

This will set you back about an hour through the Jacksonville area if you don’t stop and look at the beautiful ocean and river scenery.

Things to look out for:  You may get a peak at an aircraft carrier in port at Mayport Naval station

Manatees and an abundance of other wildlife

Restaurants with a selection of fresh fish and other seafood , available to eat in or pack in your travel cooler

If your traveling with the little folk the ferry is great fun too!!!

Happy trails…don’t miss the Florida A1A

 

 

Jekyll Island a historic gem, on coastal Georgia

Horton house

 

Jekyll Island is located 93 miles south of Savannah Ga, via Interstate 95.  Travelers can get a break of a busy commercialized beach that offers a good selection of lodging and a campground.

The island has a long history going back to 1733 and 60% of the island today is not developed.

The island features a historic area that was once a vacation spot for the wealthiest Americans.  Other places of interest is the site of Georgia’s first brewery and the Jekyll Island Club where AT&T President Theodore Newton Vail participated in the nations first   transcontinental phone call.

The public beach is beautiful, accessible to shops and restaurants.

Be prepared to pay $6.00 for a daily entry  pass , well worth it.

For more information: http://www.jekyllclub.com/jekyll-island-history/

Savannah Wildlife Refuge

On the Georgia-South Carolina state line is a beautiful wildlife refuge to visit easily accessible to the I95 interstate.  For travelers the easiest way to get to this worth while travelers break is to exit in Hardeeville, SC.  You will get off on Hwy 17 and  take it south toward Savannah. There are directional signs along the way. (about 14 miles)

It’s a good idea to  wear tennis shoes or boots because you will want  to get out of your vehicle to see the abundance of birds, alligators, snakes, and bugs. Plan to spend an hour on the 4 mile drive through trail.  There are also walking paths at certain sites.  We did get a glimpse of a bobcat so I stayed close to the truck.

There is no charge to tour this natural habitat of beauty, and for all you sweet hearts you may even get a few love bugs to tag along.

Happy travels, bug repellent needed

Cool tip for traveling with kids

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Technology sure has eased the pain of hours in the car with the little folks but there are still stops along the way that bore them to no end.  I discovered this inexpensive way to keep them happy campers. I  found that giving them their own camera kept them busy enough taking photos of just about everything and everybody.  To keep it interesting they are now “photo bombing” and doing “silly selfies”.  When settling in at  night in the hotels instead of jumping on the beds they seem real interested in downloading and laughing at the photos.  You never know  you may just inspire the next great world photographer.

http://amzn.to/2wweak0 Children’s camera on my Amazon link-Thank you 🙂