Teens sometimes get a bad rap. People think they’re hard to please and harder to travel with. But the key to traveling with teens—and keeping the whole family happy—is to...
Midwest winters can seem endless. The payoff? Perfect summer temperatures! Each year I vow to savor every minute of the warm weather. Although I can’t put everything on hold, I...
Air travel can be stressful nowadays with long lines, flight delays and cramped seating. Add luggage, children, strollers and even pets to the mix and you have a veritable powder...
Thomas Jefferson advised the we should have a revolution every 20 years. He meant government, but the idea applies to anything: If we don’t continually rethink how we do what...
“’Cause down the shore everything’s all right.” ---Tom Waits, JERSEY GIRL Some see the Jersey Shore as a travel destination, a place to take the family for a couple of...
Planning your family vacation can be overwhelming--where to go, what to do, how to get there, you name it. There are a lot of details to planning a summer vacation....
This month we are hosting our first Traveling Moms Instagram meme and we would love to have you join in the fun!
Summertime's almost here – time to start planning your summer travels! We've taken the guesswork out of your planning by seeking out advice from top family travel writers from across...
Summer vacations for some families mean active adventures, while for others the summer is a perfect time to start exploring college campuses. Imagine being able to do both in one...
When planning out your summer road trip don't overlook Devil's Tower, Wyoming. It is one of my favorite side trips and possibly one of the most overlooked National Parks.
The first time I drove through Wyoming was in the summer of 1981 on a road trip with my my Mom. Somehow, in a pre-Internet [ ... ]
Vegetarian travel gets easier in the summer, when farmers markets and their bounteous produce draw tourists and local chefs.
Summer is also know for outdoor eating, and New York City has one of the best (I’m slightly biased) eating extravagnzas, orgasburg. Actually, make that two. Smorgasburg ha [ ... ]
You could visit South Florida without paying homage to the Everglades, but why would you want to? And paying proper homage to the Florida Everglades requires an airboat ride.
Your passport is gone and you are in another county. What are you going to do? Misplacing your passport is enough to strike terror in the hearts of any traveler but imagine you are 15, traveling with your aunt to Paris on your first-ever international trip, and you set down your airplane ticket and [ ... ]
One of the best ways to experience new places is to eat the local favorite. Each country, state, region and even city has a dish that allows you to have a unique culinary experience while visiting. It tells me about the destination and the people who call it home.
Unfortunately, I can’t travel all [ ... ]
Heading to Las Vegas with the family this summer? Not to worry, here's a quick list of my Top 5 picks to keep all ages satisfied: Wet-N-Wild Las Vegas is the place to be this summer. Nevada's premier water park will offer over 25 slides and attractions. Several of the attractions are named after fa [ ... ]
Train travel is often associated with romance and air travel (at least nowadays) with hassle. Similarly, hotel airports have a seedy reputation, while a hotel in a train station sounds elegant.
My kids and I have stayed at the Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station, with rooms in an actual [ ... ]
So before I started my 9 – hour drive north, I talked my girlfriend into sharing the long road trip with me. However, my girlfriend is a smart lady. She knows a thing or two about the northern coast of California and she is a big time wine lover. Our road trip was contingent upon a stop in Paso Robles, California. We had one day to spare on our road trip and a wine tour was in the game plan.
Central California Coast
Paso Robles translates to, “The Pass of the Oakes” and is located in the coastal mountain range of Central California, (between Los Angeles and San Francisco).
This coastal sleepy little town off Highway 101 is famous for some of the oldest vines in the valley. If you are a big fan of Red Zinfandel wine, then Paso Robles is your pallet’s playground.
My girlfriend and I made the most of the time we had there. There are over 200 wineries to visit in the Paso Robles, San Louis Obispo area, so I suggest for you to grab a Wine Tour map and pick your favorite names and locations.
There are a variety of hotels in the area to fit every type of budget. TravelingDad stayed at The Adelaide Inn. This hotel reminded me of the “old school” hospitality and accommodations that I remember growing up as a kid. The rooms are clean and the property has all the modern luxuries without the fuss or extra costs. Contact Adelaide for seasonal rates and room availability Toll Free: 800-549-PASO (7276)
What You Should Know Before you Go…
1. When you see the word, “Old Vines” on the label of your wine, you should always ask how “old” the vines are from the vineyard. The older the vines, the smoother the wine is supposed to taste. There is no standard of measurement to post. “Old Vines” on the label, however, I was privileged to officially taste the oldest vines in the Paso Robles Valley: 120 year old vines from Turley Vineyards. It was a treat!
2.Wineries that left a great impression of a wine tasting experience:
3. Bring your own Water, Cheese and Cracker Basket. There is nothing wrong with packing your own basket on your tour because most wineries run out of their cheese and crackers early and you need to stay hydrated.
4. If you plan on visiting more than three wineries, take a shuttle, limo or ask your hotel for alternative transportation. Translation: Don’t drink and drive.
5. Wineries are open all year around, however the busiest time of the year is in the fall, early winter. Plan your trip ahead and contact your hotel early for room rates and availability.
There is nothing like casting your line in and fishing away your worries….okay, I seriously can’t say that, because I am not much of a fisherman. Yes, I go fishing, but mo [ ... ]
Police, Fire and EMS Appreciation Days return in May. Police officers, fire fighters and EMS employees can receive a free single day admission to LEGOLAND Florida, along with [ ... ]
Get a jump on your summer vacation with free activities all weekend in Vermont June 8 and 9. The Green Mountain State serves up a bevy of free family fun.
Free at parks
All we [ ... ]