Baltimore Aquarium: The perfect two hour tour
As a ten year member of the Baltimore Aquarium, I’m shocked at how most visitors get the place exactly wrong. With that in mind, I put together this two hour tour that I’ve been using with the Deal Kids since they were toddlers and tested just yesterday with 3 kids ages 3, 6, and 9.
Baltimore Aquarium tour
1. Buy your tickets in advance! Know you’re coming more than once in a year? The family membership is a total no-brainer as it’s cheaper than 2 visits for a family of 3 or more.
2. Get there 5 minutes before opening. THIS IS IMPORTANT and will make whether you come on a weekday or a weekend irrelevant. In some ways weekends are better as you aren’t competing with school trips, but you MUST come at open.
3. Hightail it to the 4th floor Atlantic Coral Reef. The reef exhibit is an amazement to kids: 4 stories of ramps surrounded by tanks in every direction, and when you’re there at open you’re guaranteed at least 20 minutes to yourself while the throngs meander the other floors! Bonus: if you’re really lucky, you’ll meet up with one of the biologists feeding the fish and she’ll let your kids follow her around asking questions and pointing out her favorites. (Trivia: the stingrays are named Spot and…wait for it…Not.)
4. At the bottom of the Atlantic Coral Reef is Shark Alley. Spend a few minutes in there. You’ll probably about 30-40 past open now.
5. When you get out, head up the escalator to Animal Planet Australia. Spend until 55 past open here.
6. At 55 past open, walk across the bridge to Jellies: Invasion as soon as it opens. In an hour it will be so packed you won’t be able to see a thing.
7. Spend a few minutes in the play area or grab a snack until the first dolphin presentation at 1:30 past open. Sit in the front row so you get good and wet…it will make your kids’ day!
You should finish up with the Dolphins about 2 hours past open. There are some days (since we’re members) that I cut the day here and head out to the harbor because you’ve gotten the best of the aquarium and by now it’s starting to fill up. But there are a few more “to dos” if you’re a one time visitor (order here is not as important since the crowds are equal):
Baltimore Aquarium tips
- Visit the puffins and “Nemo” on the 4th floor
- The 5th floor rainforest is worth a visit and is almost never crowded. Amazing views of the harbor.
- If you visit on the weekends, there’s a small cafe on the 4th floor that also has great views (and no lines). Also a great place to have a snack or sack lunch you bring during the week as they usually keep the room unlocked.
- The main gift shop has a “sale” section hidden in the back left corner. I usually find $5 T-shirts for the kids, and you get a 10% discount on food and merch with membership!
- Getting hungry? Be sure to get your hand stamped (you can come back and re-visit your faves). Turn AWAY from the Inner Harbor and there’s a McCormicks & Schmicks hidden behind the Pier 5 hotel. We found it to be both uncrowded and surprisingly kid-friendly…and you’re probably craving a nice seafood meal!
Deal Kids, meet Pedro. Adventures South of the Border
If you’re an East Coast kid, you already know Pedro. If not, allow me to introduce you to the cheesiest of the cheesy roadside attractions: South of the Border. Proudly filling tanks and tummies since 1949, SOTB is a cottage industry onto itself.
Perched on the “border” between North and South Carolina on I-95, kids of the 60s through today know Pedro’s billboards and used them as a way to pass the miles between home and Disney World/Grandma’s/ The Beach. Some punny (“here today, gone tamale”), some frankly a bit racist (“too much tequila”), the billboards kept us busy during the alphabet game before Nintendo DS and in-seat DVD players came along.
This morning I had an opportunity to take the kids to meet Pedro for the first time. The billboards came in earnest later than I remembered…about 30 miles before the border coming from the North. Deal Girl actually quit her video game to play the alphabet game with me, while Deal Kid looked up from time to time from his DS at the most garish billboards (the crashed car was a “hit”).
Finally, SOTB’s giant sombrero peeked out between as a reminder that we were truly on vacation. This 4 day weekend has started out on a icy note, and even Pedro was feeling it, with icicles on his nose.
However, the Deal Kids LOVED South of the Border, just as I do. I can’t tell you why, really. Let’s face it: it’s a truck stop. There’s just something so American about a place like SOTB…even Pedro would tell you so.
Original publish date: Jan 30, 2014
The Deal Mommy and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Month
Ever had one of those? Nothing (permanently) life-altering, just a series of bumps, bruises, ER visits, cavities, viruses, car woes, end of year tests, and other debris has left all of us glad to see May 2013 in the rear view mirror!
Why do I bring this up? Because last weekend I called an audible. We had scheduled a jam-packed educational activity filled Memorial day weekend in Williamsburg when we arrived at our lovely 2 bedroom super-cheap condo.
However, when we walked in to the pristine, sparkling clean, large, and clutter free space, we four all grinned. The Deal Kids ran upstairs squealing in glee, jumping on the beds and yelling: “you have to get up here!” Upon inspection, we discovered what had made the kids so happy: a jacuzzi tub. IN the master bedroom within view of the TV! This was a complete mind-blow for the kids.
So besides a Saturday morning run to Target, we didn’t leave the hotel. Turns out Kings Creek had 3 pools, mini golf, playgrounds, and activities for the kids. They painted mugs, played bingo, and made jewelry. I read an entire Maeve Binchy novel, cover to cover. Deal Dad took a nap.
Bring it on, June!
Have you ever punted your plans for a hotel hide-out?
Publish date: May 31, 2013
The $76 Memorial Day beach weekend
Greetings from room room 322 of the Crowne Plaza in Hampton VA! The Deal Kids are snuggled up with Scooby Doo, Deal Dad is at the gym, and I’m taking a moment to share with you the details of our Memorial Day weekend and how we got to the beach for three days and a grand total of $76.
Our itinerary in brief: depart Saturday morning (10am, which was a mistake as we hit traffic), arrive Saturday 2PM. Lunch by the Marina, then a long afternoon of beach time followed by a family movie and a great night’s sleep.
Sunday: The Virginia Air and Space museum (walking distance from our hotel), long lunch in downtown Hampton, then more beach time, followed by ANOTHER family movie and a greater night’s sleep!
Monday: Sleep in, “room service” (courtesy of 7-11), then the Nauticus Museum in Norfolk, long lunch, then home.
I’ll share the details of the museums in another post, but here I’ll explain our hotel deal as it can be repeated!
The trick I’m using today is the Priority Club Pointbreak. To review, Pointbreaks are hotel deals that come out every two months or so from IHG (which owns Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and Intercontinental). Pointbreaks are the best redemption option out there as last minute availability goes down from 10-30,000 points a night to a jaw-dropping 5,000 points per night.
I used this promotion in April to buy 60,000 Priority Club points and attain Platinum Status. I then went to the Pointbreak List and booked this hotel (it’s not on there right now, but a nearby one in Norfolk is). At the purchase price of the promotion above, this room is costing us $38/night!
Even better, since the promotion granted us Platinum Status, we got two free breakfasts, two free appetizers, and some snacks in the room, all for free!
Big Hat tip to TDM reader Allie who suggested Buckroe Beach, which was a 10 minute drive from the hotel. My expectations were low as it is a Chesapeake Bay beach and not the Atlantic, but we enjoyed it so much we returned again yesterday and ditched the traffic entirely!
To be fair, we have spent a bit more than $76. There’s a tank of gas ($40) and food ($150 for three days, including two splurge seafood meals with adult refreshments). But all of our museum admissions were free because of my “secret weapon”. Details in a future post!
Original publish date May 31, 2012.
The Club Carlson triple dip, or how I’m getting $1,729 in free travel by taking my kids to Amish Country
I’ve just finished my bookings for the Radisson/Country Inn/Park Inn “Big Night Giveaway” promotion and wanted to share with you how I’m spending $171 taking my kids on a 3 night trip to Amish Country while pocketing almost $2K in free travel.
Lots has been written about the details of the promotion. I suggest this post by Loyalty Traveler on Boarding Area for the specifics. The takeaway is that you earn between 44k and 50k points for single stays at each of the hotel chains before July 15. You have to register and registration is limited, but not so limited that you can’t get in if you try. I’ll remind you when each opens up. Also, don’t forget to get your Club Carlson #s before the promotion starts, Loyalty Traveler also tells you how to get 4,500 bonus points for a free account.
I chose Amish Country because it’s somewhere the kids have never been and because it’s the only location nearby that allows me to stay at all three hotel chains in one trip. I could have just as easily booked a night at the Radisson in Baltimore like I did last time, but with our large vacation in July and Memorial Day weekend booked I decided to bang them all out at once.
I’m booked one night at the Park Inn in Harrisburg, PA, the next night at the Country Inn and Suites in Hershey, and the last at the Radisson in Harrisburg. This trip is during the week, so it’s just me and Deal Kids (unless your family wants to come too!).
Is it a pain moving to three hotels in three nights? A bit, but the Deal Kids are learning to love hotels as much as I do and will not complain as long as there is lots of pool time involved. I chose “points and cash” rates as I still have most of my points from the last bonus, so my math for the three nights came to:
Total spent: $173.28
Total points earned: 148,200
Here are some of my ideas on how to redeem:
Level 1: Radisson Orlando I Drive: $121.38 X 16 nights=$1942.08
Level 2: Park Inn Nottingham (as is Robin Hood), England: $190 X 10 nights=$1900
Level 3: Country Inn and Suites at the Panama Canal (Deal Mommy Tested…this view is CRAZY! You’re right at the edge of the Panama Canal!) 5 nights= $702 (maybe not as high as the others, but like I said, this is literally one of my top 10 views of my life!)
Level 4-6: Radisson Blu Champs Elysses, Paris3 nights =$1065.30
Hmmm…Decisions, Decisions!
Original publish date May 13, 2012.
Hyatt Chesapeake: Why Can’t I Quit You?
Dear Hyatt Chesapeake,
You tempt me with your views but then you abuse me again and again. I’ve stayed with you over ten times and should expect your mercurial temperament by now. Somehow I’m still surprised when things sink so low. I keep thinking Diamond status will save me from the service gaps you often show others. But it doesn’t seem my past loyalty helps when you’re in one of your moods.
Our visit in April went off without a hitch- in fact it was just about perfect. Of course you were only 1/2 full so had plenty of time for us. You even surprised Deal Girl with birthday cake.
It was enough for me to forgive you for the time before- remember last fall when the entire property looked like a Theta Chi party hangover and the only “gift” we received was some rando’s prescription pill on our bedroom floor?
But after April I thought we were back on track.
That’s why yesterday has me so confused. I’m used to the “quirky” things you did yesterday like not setting my key for the club so I had to visit the front desk 3 times, my sheets having a hole in them, delivering my amenity to the wrong room and forgetting to check if the remote controls work. I’m glad Deal Kid already got a birthday cake at home because the chances of you remembering this time seem slim to nil.
But yesterday’s check in process was so badly bungled that you gave me the keys to an occupied room.
Although to be fair, the 60 year old half naked woman I walked in on has even more to complain about.
But then I sit out here on the balcony at sunrise and I forgive you again. The kids (and I brought five of them this time, filling three rooms) get to run free at their Kellermans and are already planning the next visit. And there will be a next visit.
Because Hyatt Chesapeake, I just can’t quit you.
Hyatt Chesapeake Review: What Do You Do When A Great Hotel Goes Bad?
Problems with my stay, listed in order from egregious to simply annoying:
Prescription medicine found on carpet floor (Thank GOD I wasn’t traveling with a toddler!)
Sticky bathroom floor
Black curly hairs in bathtub
S’mores debris, solo cups with 1/2 drunk alcoholic drinks (again, what if a toddler…), and other detritus from night before strung around grounds as late as Noon. Glass beer bottle next to hot tub was especially concerning.
Raw egg from egg toss left to coagulate on sidewalk 2 hours after egg toss ended
Ladies locker room littered with towels on floor on two visits two hours apart
Visit to front desk required after key wasn’t coded for club access
ANOTHER visit to front desk required after room lockout for late checkout, even though I informed desk in person and key could have been recoded at that time
Serious downgrade towel (as in Motel 6 level) and robe quality
Turndown service offered but not provided
No dedicated check in for premier guests. A sign was present but ignored.
No upgrade of any kind provided for Diamond member
Published 2016
The Best Place to See Cherry Blossoms in DC is Not Where You Think
Another cherry blossom season has come and gone, and with it the enormous crowds. If you missed the Tidal Basin’s peak bloom, you are not out of luck. The best place to see cherry blossoms in DC is not where you think.
The best place to see cherry blossoms in DC is…the National Arboretum.
The National Arboretum is unknown even to most locals. Located on the eastern edge of DC, the arboretum is not metro friendly and not near anything else. You have to make an effort to get there, but it is worth the trek.
Crowd-free cherry blossoms
If you’ve visited the Tidal Basin at peak bloom you know it can reach Disney-level attendance. I find the navigation between thousands of camera-toting tourists to be a distraction from my nature experience. If you don’t get there at dawn you are out of luck if you want a peaceful visit.
Not so at the arboretum. I visited at 10AM on the Tidal Basin’s peak bloom Sunday and had portions of the park to myself. At times my shoes rustling fallen leaves was the only sound I heard.
The experience is not identical to the Tidal Basin: with 9.5 miles of paths over 400+ acres the the trees are much more spread out. People with mobility limitations can drive between various groves, but I found the 3 mile walk on paved roads pretty easy.
You’re not too late (or too early)
The arboretum houses over thirty varieties of cherry blossom trees. These thirty different types of trees bloom over a much longer period of time than the limited species at the Tidal Basin. The trees at the arboretum begin to bloom at least two weeks before those at the Tidal Basin and the latest flowering ones can bloom into May.
The extended blooming season also means you can visit in two separate months and still see peak bloom. The experience will be different, but equally beautiful.
You can still see a DC monument…ish
The National Capitol Columns were moved from the Capitol dome to the arboretum in the 1980s. The columns are under two hundred years old,but reminded me more of the Greek ruins at Metaponto than anything in Washington DC. They looked straight out of a movie set.
More than Cherry Blossoms
The National Arboretum houses so many more beautiful specimens than the scene-stealing cherry blossoms. My favorite is the Bonsai “museum” as it features Japanese and Chinese pavilions along with the sculpted mini-trees.
Pack a picnic lunch as there are tables scattered through the grounds. There’s a small gift shop for cold drinks and lunchables if you decide on impulse to extend your visit.
Published 2018 (Ed note: We still go every year.)
What are Your Road Trip Routines?
I’ve done the drive between DC and Florida six times in the past year. Not everything has gone smoothly. For instance, twice I waited until after midnight to try to book a hotel room for the next exit and realized that online sites are now in the NEXT day- not the actual time you need the room! Lesson learned: pull over before 11:59 p.m. to get that room booked.
I also realized that I’ve developed a routine. Same snacks, same rest stops, I’ve even stayed at the same level two Country Inn and Suites three times on the way.
Road Trip Routines: Entertainment
When you have twelve hours or more ahead you need ways to engage your brain. I used to rely on podcasts or books on tape but this last trip discovered another trick: Netflix on your Bluetooth. Obviously you want shows that don’t require you to actually watch– I like classic or Disney Sitcoms as stand-in radio shows. Deal Girl and I binge- “watched “Good Luck Charlie” on our last trip up and down I-95. On my own I went through two seasons of Friends.
Road Trip Routines: Snacks
I’m a sour gummy bears girl. Sucking on them one at a time helps keep me awake. A single serving bag lasts most of the drive. I’m also a huge Sonic fan as we don’t have them locally. You start to see them in the Carolinas on I-95. The food is meh but the drinks are road trip gold. Who needs coffee when you’ve got Pop Rocks in your diet limeade?
Published June 2017.
Embracing your inner Griswold
Greetings from National Lampoon’s Vacation! More specifically, the Room 209 of the Carlson Inn in Chesapeake, VA. The Deal Kids are watching Neverland Pirates and enjoying a “room service” (courtesy of Deal Dad heading to the lobby) waffle. In other words, we are on a road trip!
I spend a lot of time on this blog talking about the “best for less”, which I often define as the little luxuries and extras like How to save $200 at a luxury hotel. But every once in a while, I get the itch for playing the alphabet game with road signs, visiting the original Mr. Peanut (in Suffolk, VA, if you’re curious), and (gasp!) having grits for dinner at Cracker Barrel.
My point is, enjoying the “good life” can take many forms, and not all of them involve the Ritz. Yesterday the Deal Kids had fried shrimp on the James River at the exact spot, we learned later, Blackbeard the Pirate’s head had been placed on a pike. That’s a memory I guarantee they’ll keep, no matter the price of the getaway!
And, of course, I’ll be here to help you save on these kinds of trips as well as the luxury ones. Did I mention we’re staying at this hotel for free thanks to Carlson Hotels?
Original publish date Jan. 15, 2012
The reason you will never find me at the food court
Greetings from the sweetest place on Earth: Hershey, PA! I just wanted to take a minute to share a quick tip if you’re heading out to any major amusement parks or major attractions this summer…DO NOT EAT AT THE FOOD COURT! With a bit of research you will pretty much always be able to find a much more appealing alternative close by.
For instance, today we visited Chocolate World and sure enough, we finished right around lunchtime. Taking a peek at this menu from the food court, I realized quickly I would be spending $35 for lunch for myself and 3 Deal Kids (we have a Deal Niece along for the trip). In addition, parking at Chocolate World is free, but only for 3 hours, so I’d be out $12 bucks for parking as well if we had lunch there.
So, we hopped in the car for a two minute drive to the gorgeous, historic, Hotel Hershey and the Trevi 5 restaurant, which also had an amazing view over the entire valley and HersheyPark. Our lunch, which Deal Niece labeled “sophisticated”, featured my hand tossed pizza with proscuitto, figs, and gorgonzola and (the real hit) our ketchup being delivered in its own brand new room-service sized bottle. The bill? You guessed it…$35. Even with our $7 tip, I was still $5 ahead!
Where have you thought outside the food court lately?
Original publish date June 21, 2012.
The Magic of Hotels, or the case of the lost slipper
Greetings from room 1130 of the Park Inn in Harrisburg, PA, where we are finishing up night two of the Club Carlson double dip.
In the last two days we’ve twisted pretzels, tie-died shirts, fed ducks, played mini-golf, swam in three different pools, had a “sophisticated” lunch at the Hotel Hershey, and spotted more horses and buggies than you could shake an Ezekiel at. While that has all been great fun, it’s not going to be my takeaway of the trip.
The Park Inn, while having it’s own mini-golf course (Awesome!), is certainly not fancy. It does, however, have a ballroom in the basement for meetings, wedding receptions, etc. Deal Niece spotted the ballroom and as we were headed up the stairs to the lobby announced that “this must be where Cinderella left her slipper”.
She has a point. In a hotel, through a kid’s eyes, anything is possible. Stuff we take for granted, like miniature bottles of shampoo or a “room service” dinner of PB&J take on much bigger space in the mind of an 8 year old than we give it credit.
So even if a full week’s vacation is out of the budget this year, I encourage you to take even one night using one of the hotel deals I’ve mentioned or even Priceline in your own backyard. Your kids will thank you for it…and maybe discover a little magic of their own.
June, 2012
Membership at Port Discovery: My secret weapon to slash Museum visit costs!
I took the Deal Kids to Baltimore last March. During that visit, we all visited and fell in love with the Maryland Science Center. I knew we’d be back, so instead of paying $38.85 for admission, I went ahead and bought the family membership for $125.
So what’s the secret? Well, did you know that having membership at one museum gets you into hundreds of others worldwide for free?
The membership is still valid, so by searching this extensive list of ASTC “passport” member museums, I found The Orlando Science Center, The Daytona Beach Museum of Arts and Sciences, The Astronaut Planetarium, The Discovery Center, The Florida Air Museum, and The Florida Museum of Natural History all within an hour of our upcoming Spring break beach condo. Lots of choices for a rainy day, and all free!
Here’s a quick recap of how the membership saved The Deal Family this year:
Over winter break I took the kids to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and visited the science center again, saving another $38.85.
August in Montreal with the Deal Kids I took advantage of this benefit at the Montreal Science Centre, saving $28.50, TWICE.
Memorial Day weekend, we saved $88.90, more than paying for the difference in membership. We visited Nauticus and Battleship Wisconsin in Hampton (saving $46.90), and the Virginia Air and Science Center (saving $42).
On the Carlson Triple Dip to Amish Country, I could have chosen to visit the Lancaster Science Factory, the North Museum of Natural Industry and Science, and the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, saving another $75.
There are also museums in Iowa that the Deal Kids can visit with their grandparents for free, and literally thousands of dollars that can be saved in admissions. This rule also works for zoos and aquariums. Each has their own association that allows you free visits to member museums. Just search this extensive list of ASTC “passport” member museums.
The bottom line lesson: Buy the Membership! Not only will you do good (and earn a tax deduction), you’ll save real money while your kids learn and have fun. That’s what I call money well spent!
How have you used Museum/Zoo/Aquarium Membership benefits? Please share your experiences!
June, 2014
Washington DC Cherry Blossoms: 4 Tips from a 20 year Visitor
It’s hard to imagine after having the kids home for two MORE snow days, but Cherry Blossom Peak season is right around the corner. Droves of tourists, many for the first time, attack the Tidal Basin (the area that has the 100+ trees around the Jefferson Memorial) here in DC like brides at a Filene’s Basement sale. As a 20 year veteran of the blossom wars, I have some tips that will save you from most of the rookie mistakes (like don’t bother if it’s Spring Break week at most schools, the crowds will be unbearable).
Come Early. REALLY Early. I mean Dawn. Sunrise. You’ll find free 2-3 hour parking right on the Tidal Basin, even on the weekend, if you come first thing. By 8AM it will all be packed.
The Tidal Basin is a 1/2 mile from the Metro, so the train may not help as much as expected. That always surprises folks on their first visit to the Blossoms. I know, 1/2 mile doesn’t seem long to you, but how long will it seem to your 3 year old who is a “big girl” and refuses her stroller? The blossoms are a rare case in Downtown DC where I actually recommend driving if feasible.
For a tourist destination, the Tidal Basin is lacking in facilities you might expect. The Tidal Basin is run by the National Parks, and the services are more what you might expect at a campground than at a world-class tourist attraction. Pack snacks, bottled water, and don’t expect a short hike to the bathroom from anywhere…if you pass one, make your kids GO. Trust me on that one.
Don’t fear the weather…but DO dress for it! Some of my favorite Cherry Blossom pics are from cloudy or even rainy days (see above). The area takes on a mystic quality that feels like you’ve walked into a Japanese scroll. That said, I’m always amazed by the folks I see in shorts and flip-flops: yes, this is technically Spring, but DC is still pretty chilly…especially if you’re going at dawn like I recommend. Ditto for walking shoes…don’t skimp on your comfort as you’ll be 100% on your feet.
After another never-ending winter, I can’t wait to see the Blossoms again. We’ll pile in the car before sun-up probably Sunday morning and head down and back before our traditional pancake breakfast. And their emergence, as always, will be a sign that it’s FINALLY time to put this horrible winter away and celebrate the Spring.
March, 2014
Baltimore’s Gift to You: The Miracle on 34th Street
oday I want to give a quick shout-out to a Holiday activity worth seeking out if you are anywhere near Baltimore: The Miracle on 34th Street. Located in a quiet (for 11 months a year) residential neighborhood just north of the city, “Christmas Street” is a uniquely Baltimore tradition.
We make a special weekend just to visit the light show. Combined with the German market in the Baltimore Inner Harbor Christmas Street is a terrific way to get into the holiday spirit.
The Miracle on 34th Street
First, let me give you a visual image of Christmas Street. Imagine if you will a street of row homes where each resident is Clark W. Griswold. After 67 years, the neighbors close the block to cars and string it with lights from end to end. Each house takes pride in trying to out-do its neighbor. Best of all: 34th Street is 100% neighborhood driven and 100% free.
When we arrive we park about two blocks away and stop at 7-11 for a hot chocolate on the way in. (I told you, this is not commercial in any way.) It takes about an hour to walk the block end to end. If you can go on a weeknight it will be a lot less crowded. However even on Christmas weekend we’ve never found out of control crowds.
I don’t want to spoil it for you, but will share a few photos to give you an gist of the event. The decorations reflect Maryland from top to bottom: crabs, Natty-Bos (National Bohemian beer for the unitiated), Ravens…you get the idea. Others are purely whimsical: Christmas trees of hubcaps and vinyl 33 RPM records, anyone?
While corporations aren’t welcome, some residents sell their own wares. For instance, an artist constructs angels out of Natty Bo beer cans. One is now a prized holiday possession in our household. Only in Baltimore.
Have you been to the Miracle on 34th Street? Do you know of another city that has a similarly self-funded Christmas street? Please share in the comments.
Dec. 2014
Point Breaks for Real Life: O’s and Bohs
If you follow all of the Points Blogs, you know PointBreaks are a great deal where points stays at IHG hotels are slashed to 5,000 points a night. This specific list is good till the end of October. Please indluge me and suffer through ANOTHER PointBreaks post because PointBreaks are about the best bargain out there for family getaways.
My single favorite on the list is Holiday Inn Solomons Island, MD Not technically a “Beach” hotel, Solomons Island is tucked along Maryland’s Eastern Shore. We lucked into a Pointbreaks rate last summer and had a lovely, QUIET weekend hanging out eating oysters and enjoying the view. Be sure to check out the “O’s and Bohs” special with a dozen oysters and a Natty Boh (Baltimore’s native beer) at nearby Solomon’s Pier.
June, 2015
Where’s Your Kellermans? 2014
So I took the kids to Kellermans last weekend. Not the Kellerman’s, but our Kellerman’s: The Chesapeake Bay Hyatt.
Kellerman’s? Let me explain for those of you not in Generation X. Dirty Dancing , the summertime classic featuring Baby and her “Loverboy” dance instructor, took place at Kellerman’s Resort: the kind of place families used to “summer” while Dad toiled back in the city. While no one “summers” anymore, I still think every family should have a Kellerman’s: a resort you return to time and time again.
Certain aspects define a Kellerman’s:
- Scenic location: preferably with a water feature
- Tech-free activities
- Driving distance from home
- Isolated enough to give kids more freedom than at home
- S’mores. Must. Have. S’mores.
While the Chesapeake Bay Hyatt is an upscale version of a Kellerman’s, I don’t think one necessarily has to be to qualify. Heck, a campsite might even do it (although you won’t find me sleeping on the ground anytime soon).
