Well the rain chased us all across northern Ohio, finally catching us in Wadsworth and drenching us the whole way to Pittsburgh, complete with a huge lightning and thunderstorm almost the entire trip. As soon as we got to downtown Pittsburgh and checked in, the rain stopped. We were able to walk across the street to Jerome Bettis Grille 36- I was expecting fried, greasy food but the menu was so expansive, I think anyone would love it.
Bailey found Atwater Vanilla Java Porter and a veggie burger, Bree and Braden both had burgers and Bubs had grilled chicken and broccoli (what's wrong with this picture?) I shared with everyone and had a side salad- we have learned that restaurant portions are just too big and wasteful. It's more economical to order less and share.
Highly recommend the restaurant. The kids turned down a trolley ride, walk across the bridge, and boat tour to go back to the hotel and go swimming. Bubby met a friend in the pool and turned out he was from my hometown- Sandusky! Braden and I had a lot of fun talking to the his parents and catching up on what's happened since I moved away. We got caught up talking, I forgot to get their name. Hope to run into them at breakfast.
Ready to hit the bed and maybe talk the kids into doing the trolley ride in the morning before heading to Nemacolin. So far, the trip has been a mix of adjusting to being in the car for hours interspersed with giggles and laughs. It's good to spend time together.
Off on an Adventure- First Stop- PITTSBURGH
We used some Hyatt Gold Passport points to make a reservation at the Hyatt Place in downtown Pittsburgh. Starbucks coffee in the lobby, Bailey is happy. Indoor pool. Looks really nice and it's right on the river. Maybe a stop at Ikea :)
We were going to stop by Michael Symon's BSpot in Westlake (Crockers) but it doesn't open until tomorrow so will try to stop by on the way home.
We were going to stop by Michael Symon's BSpot in Westlake (Crockers) but it doesn't open until tomorrow so will try to stop by on the way home.
Fallingwater -reservations made
If you've never heard of Fallingwater, don't feel alone- I hadn't either until our daughter Bailey became a huge FLW fan (Frank Lloyd Wright) -we won't even discuss the tattoo she got at college but to celebrate her graduation, (Magna Cum Laude) from Ohio University last month, she requested a stay at Duncan House, one of FLW's creation and we can't visit there without seeing Fallingwater, the most famous house in America (the website says so...)
We're combining our trip with a visit to Nemacolin Resort- and Ohiopyle, a National Park nearby. Can't wait for an adventure week with the family.
Also, an update on Third Coast Surf Shop in New Buffalo - there is a documentary being filmed in the area and Third Coast was featured this week! Can't wait to see the movie!!
Will post pictures and updates of our new adventure!
We're combining our trip with a visit to Nemacolin Resort- and Ohiopyle, a National Park nearby. Can't wait for an adventure week with the family.
Also, an update on Third Coast Surf Shop in New Buffalo - there is a documentary being filmed in the area and Third Coast was featured this week! Can't wait to see the movie!!
Will post pictures and updates of our new adventure!
Nemacolin Restaurants
So excited, made our reservations for dinner for our upcoming trip at two of Nemacolin Woodland Resorts' Restaurants: We'll be dining at Autumn and Aqueous during our stay. Both have amazing menus (click on the name and scroll down to view all the menus) - both look fabulous. The Resort has a wonderful wine cellar/list and plenty of locally grown, organic and vegetarian foods too. I love that they have a healthy kids menu option too. And, of course, the obligatory Starbucks is available too!!
More updates on what we plan to do while we're there- so much to choose from!
More updates on what we plan to do while we're there- so much to choose from!
Kids, Summer and Sunglasses
I am really good about making sure my kids have sunscreen on when playing or swimming -- although I'm no freakish about it. I think there are limits to SPF (sun protection factor) and also some UV is good for us, Vitamin D and all that. I feel common sense is important- don't let the kids burn (although it happens if we're not diligent) and my kids, especially Bubby, spend countless hours playing outside and swimming in our pool.
Today I realized I haven't been as diligent about sunglasses for the kids; they've all got some but I don't require them to be worn regularly. That has to change. Not just for summer time but with vacation and pool time upon us and more outside time, I should be more conscientious about making them protect their eyes.
I was an optician for a long time and I know better. For myself, with light eyes, the sun bothers me and it's gotten more so as I've gotten older. Eyes need protection from UV light just like skin. If you don't protect your eyes and your little one's eyes, the UV light causes the crystaline lens to become cloudy with cataracts. You can help keep your children's eyes healthy by having them wear GOOD QUALITY sunglass lenses with shatter-resistant lenses. Don't cheap out and buy an inexpensive, poor quality pair because you are then putting your child's eyes in danger from broken pieces of plastic piercing their eye. YES, the good sunglasses cost more but here's a chance to teach your children to be responsible.
When I worked in an optical office, I had the opportunity to by good sunglasses at a discount. Now that I don't, I still choose the good quality. It's worth it in the long run PLUS I take better care of my glasses because I know how much they cost to replace (I'm less likely to leave them on top of cab in Las Vegas, which I did when I was 21 and reckless)
When we went to Chicago 2 years ago, I found a pair of Oliver Peoples, Mosley Tribe Sunglasses at a trendy chic shop.
Over-priced on the Magical Mile. I fell in love with the comfort and polarized lenses (which cuts down on glare, a big selling point for me). We came home and I researched and found them on Zappos for a lot less. I've had them over 2 years and they are still my favorite. There have been a few close calls. I lost them while learning to surf in Lake Michigan. They fell off when I fell off. Thankfully, the water was clear, we were in shallow water and they were right at my feet. Best pair of sunglasses I've ever owned. I'll be heartbroken if I ever do lose or break them. I have to say, they have stood up to a lot of "stress tests" and survived.
Starting tomorrow, the kids are going to have to wear their glasses whenever they are outside for any length of time. You should too.
Today I realized I haven't been as diligent about sunglasses for the kids; they've all got some but I don't require them to be worn regularly. That has to change. Not just for summer time but with vacation and pool time upon us and more outside time, I should be more conscientious about making them protect their eyes.
I was an optician for a long time and I know better. For myself, with light eyes, the sun bothers me and it's gotten more so as I've gotten older. Eyes need protection from UV light just like skin. If you don't protect your eyes and your little one's eyes, the UV light causes the crystaline lens to become cloudy with cataracts. You can help keep your children's eyes healthy by having them wear GOOD QUALITY sunglass lenses with shatter-resistant lenses. Don't cheap out and buy an inexpensive, poor quality pair because you are then putting your child's eyes in danger from broken pieces of plastic piercing their eye. YES, the good sunglasses cost more but here's a chance to teach your children to be responsible.
When I worked in an optical office, I had the opportunity to by good sunglasses at a discount. Now that I don't, I still choose the good quality. It's worth it in the long run PLUS I take better care of my glasses because I know how much they cost to replace (I'm less likely to leave them on top of cab in Las Vegas, which I did when I was 21 and reckless)
When we went to Chicago 2 years ago, I found a pair of Oliver Peoples, Mosley Tribe Sunglasses at a trendy chic shop.
Over-priced on the Magical Mile. I fell in love with the comfort and polarized lenses (which cuts down on glare, a big selling point for me). We came home and I researched and found them on Zappos for a lot less. I've had them over 2 years and they are still my favorite. There have been a few close calls. I lost them while learning to surf in Lake Michigan. They fell off when I fell off. Thankfully, the water was clear, we were in shallow water and they were right at my feet. Best pair of sunglasses I've ever owned. I'll be heartbroken if I ever do lose or break them. I have to say, they have stood up to a lot of "stress tests" and survived.Starting tomorrow, the kids are going to have to wear their glasses whenever they are outside for any length of time. You should too.
Water Parks in Ohio
Check out my latest article in Findlay NOW (available online here)< or pick up a copy- pg. 21/22 highlights, reviews and compares northwest Ohio waterparks -Kalahari (one of the world's largest!), Great Wolf Lodge and Castaway Bay.
On the Radar- Family travel plans for this summer
It's gorgeous, sunny and warm, finally, here in Ohio. Probably like many of you, we have been finalizing our summer vacation plans. This year, we are heading to Pennsylvania -Fallingwater (Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous design), Polymath Park (staying at Duncan House to celebrate Bailey's graduation from O.U.< just what everyone wants for a gift when they graduate, right? *her sister Bree wants me to include and clarify here that Bailey is a nerd so I will, but just because we all are ;) *
First though we are headed to Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in southwestern Pennsylvania and cannot wait! We'll be staying at the resort, which seems like a cruise ship parked in the middle of scenic PA. So much to do, not even sure where to start. They have outdoor adventures (zip lines, climbing walls, off road adventures, fly fishing, horseback riding, wild animal safaris, a spa that is out of this world, tons of kids activities and probably the most intriguing thing for me: Dog sledding. Of course, we won't be doing that this summer (although they have a warm weather version on wheels, I definitely want to go back to try dog sledding in the winter- and the Resort has plenty to do then too).
We'll also be heading "Up North" as Michiganders say, when Bree heads off to dance camp. We'll hopefully schedule a visit with our much-loved cousins and stop by the Henry Ford Museum as well as take in some of Michigan's fun and sun. Maybe we can squeeze in a stop over in New Buffalo, which I will write more about later.
Of course we will be spending lots of time at Cedar Point this summer, America's "Roller Coast" but my true hometown home. We're going to spend a day at Castaway Bay, CP's own water park right next to the causeway entrance.
This weekend though, we are staying put, enjoying the pool and taking part in our neighborhood garage sale and cub scout car wash. Thankfully "normal" weather is here, after a May that brought twice the normal rainfall, cold and then extremely hot temperatures. The outlook is perfect for summer vacation fun!
First though we are headed to Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in southwestern Pennsylvania and cannot wait! We'll be staying at the resort, which seems like a cruise ship parked in the middle of scenic PA. So much to do, not even sure where to start. They have outdoor adventures (zip lines, climbing walls, off road adventures, fly fishing, horseback riding, wild animal safaris, a spa that is out of this world, tons of kids activities and probably the most intriguing thing for me: Dog sledding. Of course, we won't be doing that this summer (although they have a warm weather version on wheels, I definitely want to go back to try dog sledding in the winter- and the Resort has plenty to do then too).
We'll also be heading "Up North" as Michiganders say, when Bree heads off to dance camp. We'll hopefully schedule a visit with our much-loved cousins and stop by the Henry Ford Museum as well as take in some of Michigan's fun and sun. Maybe we can squeeze in a stop over in New Buffalo, which I will write more about later.
Of course we will be spending lots of time at Cedar Point this summer, America's "Roller Coast" but my true hometown home. We're going to spend a day at Castaway Bay, CP's own water park right next to the causeway entrance.
This weekend though, we are staying put, enjoying the pool and taking part in our neighborhood garage sale and cub scout car wash. Thankfully "normal" weather is here, after a May that brought twice the normal rainfall, cold and then extremely hot temperatures. The outlook is perfect for summer vacation fun!
Surfing in Ohio? Or Michigan? You Bet!
The Third Coast, as it’s known to die-hard surfers, Lake Michigan and its little sister, Lake Eire boasts some great waves, especially in the fall. But you can catch some mean curls in the spring and summer too.
The southeastern shore of Lake Michigan, near New Buffalo is a beautiful place to surf and we found it to be fantastic as beginners. Lake Erie, with her shallow shores combined with the late autumn and early winter winds is one of the best kept secrets of surfers. Of course, you have to have a little extra chutzpah to deal with the January water temperature of either Lake.
Our first attempt with Lake surfing was on our trip last summer to New Buffalo, Michigan, home to the Third Coast Surf Shop, a surfing oasis in the Midwest. Owner Ryan Gerard is extremely friendly, helpful and excited to help educate Midwesterners in the awesome resource right at their feet.
For about $200 for the whole family, we were able to rent boards, get shuttled (less than a few blocks) to the big sandy beach and spend almost 2 hours learning to paddle, "pop up" onto the board and ride the waves in.
Of course, on the day we went, the Lake was flat as a pancake. The day before, when we tried jet skiing, the Lake was in an angry mood and sending up 3 to 5 foot monsters. But things always seem to have a way of working out and for us, maybe the lack of big waves made learning easier. Bailey, Bree and Bubby took to the surfing like, well, fish to water. Dad and I were less limber, to put it kindly.
It probably didn't hurt that the surfing instructor looked like a surfing instructor out of a teen movie -- that certainly held the girls' attention for the entire lesson.
For the rest of our week in New Buffalo, Bree begged to surf. She'd discovered a new passion. She really, really, really enjoyed surfing, not just the cute instructor but being on a board, being on the water, being in the sun and riding in waves, even if they were tiny. And she was pretty good. Not surprising with all her dancing skills. In fact, she said she would give up dancing to get a surf board. That blew Mom's mind. We're definitely going back for a few days this summer and maybe, just maybe we will try out the icy waters of my childhood Lake this winter. That's a big maybe though! :)
Third Coast Surf Shop sells anything you could possibly need for surfing or boarding. You can shop their store online 365 days a year. Reservations can be made by phone or online. We scheduled ours online and it was hassle-free and easy.
Third Coast Surf Shop Info:
The southeastern shore of Lake Michigan, near New Buffalo is a beautiful place to surf and we found it to be fantastic as beginners. Lake Erie, with her shallow shores combined with the late autumn and early winter winds is one of the best kept secrets of surfers. Of course, you have to have a little extra chutzpah to deal with the January water temperature of either Lake.
Our first attempt with Lake surfing was on our trip last summer to New Buffalo, Michigan, home to the Third Coast Surf Shop, a surfing oasis in the Midwest. Owner Ryan Gerard is extremely friendly, helpful and excited to help educate Midwesterners in the awesome resource right at their feet.
For about $200 for the whole family, we were able to rent boards, get shuttled (less than a few blocks) to the big sandy beach and spend almost 2 hours learning to paddle, "pop up" onto the board and ride the waves in.
Of course, on the day we went, the Lake was flat as a pancake. The day before, when we tried jet skiing, the Lake was in an angry mood and sending up 3 to 5 foot monsters. But things always seem to have a way of working out and for us, maybe the lack of big waves made learning easier. Bailey, Bree and Bubby took to the surfing like, well, fish to water. Dad and I were less limber, to put it kindly.
It probably didn't hurt that the surfing instructor looked like a surfing instructor out of a teen movie -- that certainly held the girls' attention for the entire lesson.
Third Coast Surf Shop sells anything you could possibly need for surfing or boarding. You can shop their store online 365 days a year. Reservations can be made by phone or online. We scheduled ours online and it was hassle-free and easy.
Third Coast Surf Shop Info:
EMAIL: info@thirdcoastsurfshop.com
PHONE: 269-932-4575
Seabrook Island South Carolina
Seabrook Island, South Carolina is a perfect family destination. We spent a week in the late spring, which was ideal but I’m guessing any time of year would be great.
Seabrook sits north of Myrtle Beach and south of Charleston, only about a half hour car ride away. The Island is a gated community and access is limited to homeowners and renters. Hidden inside the middle is a beautiful, 18-hole golf course, a necessity for many family travelers.
The Edisto River flows south and empties at into the Atlantic on the south edge of the island and wildlife is abundant on the shore, which is a mile wide at low tide and disappears during high tide. We saw dolphins every day. The beach was not crowded ever, although I’m sure during the summer months there is more activity.
If you’ve ever wanted to ride a horse on a beach, here’s your chance. But you have to be pretty experienced. It’’s not a leisurely stroll into the water like the rides in California or Mexico. Since our children were a bit younger, they took a trail ride through the tidewaters and saw lots of interesting things, like alligators and turtles. The ride was flat, which is nice, hilly terrains are not our favorite. The beach ride was a combination of fast-paced gallops and exploring the beach at sunrise.
One thing to note- horses are afraid of jelly fish and there were quite a few of them scattered by the overnight tide. While they were used to the ride, we could sense the horses were a bit skittish at times. I have more experience with riding than Braden so it was bit more challenging for him to get comfortable with the horses but he did. It was a great workout and culminated with a race down the beach which was thrilling. I really recommend the ride for a couples activity while on the Island.A day trip into Charleston is a must, and great for a day when the weather might not be beach-perfect. We took a buggy ride tour and saw the elegant homes that are an intricate part of Charleston’s charm. Shopping in the open market, the dowtown stores in upscale big name shops and seafood lunch- the best
Accommodations are plenty. There is the Seabrook Island Club and Villas and private rentals available. Many of the homes and villas come with Island Club access.
Our son, who was only 5 at the time, was entertained the entire trip. There are plenty of activities on the island for kids of all ages, including teen social activities. Bike rental and tennis are a big hit too!
Climate:
Spring and summer temperatures average in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, and are pleasantly constant.
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