Stephanie Sheaffer writes about books, babies, travel, food, and philanthropy.
There are many reasons to stay ON-property at Walt Disney World. Most notably...free parking, easy access to the monorail system, amazing swimming pools and splash pads, top-notch customer service, and clean, gorgeous rooms. There are times, however, when staying off-property can be advantageous. Examples: You have a large immediate family (4+ kids) and don't want to pay for two rooms. You have a large extended family and you all would like to pitch in and stay somewhere … [Read more...]
St. Louis is a city replete with history. Founded in 1764, it became a major port on the Mississippi River after the Louisiana Purchase. At one point, it was the 2nd largest city in the U.S. and was considered a "gateway" to the west. Now, the city is home to 318,000+ people, with a metro population of over 3 mil. Our family stayed at Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch in downtown St. Louis. The hotel has a prime location - within walking distance of the Gateway Arch, Citygarden, and the St. … [Read more...]
People often ask me if its worthwhile to plan a Disney vacation in the very early years. Although it's certainly true that older children may enjoy the experience more thoroughly and remember it more clearly, it can still be a fun experience with an infant or tiny tot. If you decide to vacation at Walt Disney World or Disneyland with baby in tow, rest assured that Disney does a phenomenal job of making even the smallest guests feel welcome. Want to read my top 10 tips to help ensure that … [Read more...]
We spent 2 nights in Atlanta in mid-May. Nicknamed "Hotlanta" and home to the 1996 Olympics, the city is the capital of Georgia and the most populous city in the state with 430,000+ people (and over 5 million in the metro area). Our girls were delighted to ride the elevator to one of the top floors in the North Tower of the Omni Hotel at CNN Center. A 4-star TripAdvisor hotel, the Omni is located in the heart of Downtown Atlanta and rates in May run around $135/night. The location … [Read more...]
Nestled in the mountains of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff is a small town of approximately 60,000 people. At just shy of 7,000 feet, the city is a mecca for athletes hoping to expand their lungs prior to competitions. Home to Northern Arizona University and part of Historic Route 66, the city is quite unlike the typical Arizona stereotype - with four distinct seasons, a plethora of pine trees, and moderate summers. Many people choose to vacation in Flagstaff because it's blissfully free … [Read more...]
There was a time when California Adventure was an afterthought, the "second choice" park after Disneyland. After our most recent trip, however, I can confidently kabosh that perspective. We spent an entire Saturday at the Golden State themed park and were completely mesmerized. The new Buena Vista Street welcomes you in with the class and cheer of Disney. From there, you can opt to explore Paradise Pier, Grizzly Peak, Condor Flats, Pacific Wharf, Hollywood Land, A Bug's Land, and Cars … [Read more...]
Driving into San Diego is an awakening of sorts. The green trees are lush. The misty sea air makes you want to roll down your windows and breathe. The casual vibe of confidence and energy is everywhere. It's no surprise that this coastal metropolis is the 8th largest city in the U.S. If you journey to SanD, don't miss a trip across the bridge to Coronado Island. You can drive right over in your car or take the ferry across ($4.25/person; children under 3 are free). My family vacationed on the … [Read more...]
Take a trip back to the 1880's - a wild and dangerous time when covered wagons rolled past mountains and cowboys sang below starry skies. Rawhide Western Town and Steakhouse, located at 5700 West North Loop Road in Chandler Arizona, is open seasonally as a themed amusement park. The premises include a steakhouse, a confection's shop, a photo emporium, and a number of attractions. Our 2-year-old was particularly keen on the train ride, while our 5-year-old appreciated the challenge of … [Read more...]
