Situations When Hiring A Private Jet Service Would Make Sense

There are plenty of situations when you might need to hire private charter services instead of flying traditionally. For example, when flights get delayed or canceled. Whether you want to travel for business operations or entertainment, flying conventionally can be a hurdle in your way. So what are your alternatives?

Either you could opt for travelling by roads, ships or trains. However, this often turns out impractical, especially when you have to complete your projects in a particular period or you have to travel to foreign countries. So, the ultimate option left with you is hiring a private jet for yourself.

To you, this may seem like an expensive and intimidating measure. Though, looking at the perks of a private jet, you might see it worth the expense as this will help you reach your place of destination on the dot. The travelers who expect facilities including wi-fi, communication capabilities can prefer charter solutions like Light Jets to have a successful and personalized experience. There are plenty of options that you can embrace to make your traveling experience easy and comfortable as you always thought of.

Keeping this in mind, let’s look at situations when hiring a private jet makes sense.

Business Conference

When you have to ensure that your team arrives at the definite spot in due time, a charter solution solves the purpose without any retard. On the other hand, when you fly traditionally it is very difficult to carry out successful business conferences. It requires several arrangements and preparations that your team needs to be ready for. Even when you travel in the first-class, it hardly helps you as it doesn’t give you the space for discussion and fruitful meetings. A private jet provides you an atmosphere as equivalent to office space. You and your entire staff is all prepared to carry out the meeting with all the refreshments when you land. This can be important for your better business and productivity.

Sports Events

When it comes to sporting events, hiring private Jets is an excellent option to fly! Whether it is a big sports event or any other athletic competition, a private jet can serve the purpose. The athletes and the entire team including the chairman and most significantly their fans can make the use of these commodities. Also, many jet charter companies offer trips for sports teams based on the tournaments.

Bachelor party

A bachelor party is the last cheer before you get married. To celebrate your last whoop, a private jet seems to be the best alternative to organize a bachelor party and makes you all prepared for the coming race of entertainment. The moment your squad gathers the party gets started with all the energy and joviality For no fret, you can consider renting a private jet for you and your group.

Family Vacation

Hiring a private charter for your family holidaying makes a lot of sense. The benefits of a private jet lets you carry away the expenses. On top of that, it helps you in avoiding the lengthy process including the passport rule, check-in, and luggage control which always takes you enough time. On the other hand, if you consider hiring a private charter, there are no extended processes. You simply only have to go undergo the private jet terminals, and all the time consuming proceedings are carefully handled.

No matter whatsoever the occasion is, renting a private charter is an excellent option. Some frequent first-class fliers forget that a private jet charter is a practical option. So, no matter what the special occasion is be it a business conference or traveling, you can hire a private jet charter company for the best experience.

Family Fun Is Always on The Agenda at Pine Ridge Dude Ranch!

Let's face it, it's bitterly cold outside.  You may feel like it's difficult to stay indoors with young children who have energy and need to be entertained.  If you're looking to keep the kids active and happy, why not take a weekend trip to switch things up?

Pine Ridge Dude Ranch is an all-inclusive dude ranch located on 150 acres in the Hudson Valley with incredible mountain views.  It's less than 2 hours from NYC and will surely make you smile.  The ranch has 3 all you can eat meals a day, horseback riding, indoor/outdoor pools/tractor rides to their private lake, and a petting zoo.  If you thought that was fantastic, the excitement continues with archery, a rock wall, nightly entertainment, snow tubing and ice skating, a game room, kid's day camp and daily activities! Everything is included in one fixed cost with no hidden charges.  There's truly something for everyone at this resort and you'll never want to leave.  For those coffee lovers, Starbucks coffee is brewed onsite. A fitness center is on the premises so you can keep your fitness in check. This will surely be one trip your family won't soon forget.

The property was in business for 40 years and formally known as the Pine Grove Dude Ranch until the prior owner passed away.  In September of 2018, the ranch was closed for good.  34 horses were taken to an auction and 90 jobs were lost in a rural community that serviced 50,000 guests per year. The barn manager at the time organized a huge effort to save the horses from the auction himself and two private investors purchased the property and renamed it the Pine Ridge Dude Ranch.  Since purchasing the ranch, there has been $2 million in renovations to keep the property flourishing.

When we arrived at Pine Ridge, we were excited at our upcoming adventure.  Check-in was quick and efficient.  The front-desk staff were very friendly and eager to answer any questions we had.  At check-in you're given a paper that outlines all the various activities and the times they occur.  The activities change everyday to keep things fresh and exciting.  There aren't many things at night for the younger children as much as there are for older kids.  Keep that in mind if you're traveling with small children.  I was very appreciative that I was able to have my dinner and breakfast time adjusted as it was way too late to eat when traveling with a four year old.  The meal times are given at random, but if you find they are too late or too early, you can ask to have them adjusted.

The lodge is decorated exactly as you'd expect for a lodge.  Lots of bears, deer/rustic decor, antlers, wood, you get the idea.  There's an indoor swimming pool, a silver dollar bar which offer adult beverages and live music during the day, and the bullroom show room/dance hall which offers nightly entertainment for teens and adults.  If you get hungry during the day, The Chuckwagon snack bar offers eats for a fee that you can purchase.  Trailends, a coffee shop located by the main entrance is happy to provide liquid caffeine to buy during the day.  Don't forget on your stay you may be able to attend dance parties, a magic show, or juggling and performances. Don't forget to register for your horse or pony ride ticket time for the next day! You receive tickets at check-in and register between 5-6 PM for a morning time-slot.

There's a spacious lobby section of the lodge which has ample tables and seating for relaxing by the fire with friends and family.  A closet space by the front-desk has games that you can check out to play if you're inclined.  The games range from children to adult depending on what your needs are.  I saw many families at night kicking back at night with snacks and a game.  It's definitely a cozy place to be!

One we were all checked-in, we dropped our luggage off at the room.  We stayed in the Dakota section of the ranch which offers the largest and newly renovated rooms.  The spacious rooms sleep a maximum of 7 and the rooms are large to fit pack and plays and cots.  These rooms are ideal with large families and feature one king bed, one XL full bed, and 2 twin bunk beds.

Scarlett loved the bunk beds and she chose to sleep on the top bunk on our stay over.  I don't think she had previously seen bunk beds before so it was one big adventure for her!

After we got settled in the room, we chose to go snow tubing.  My tiny tot had checked another fun activity off her bucket list as she went snow tubing for the first time.  She couldn't get enough of it and must have went down the man-made snow hill at least 10 times.  Luckily at the time we went there wasn't many people there so there were no lines and she almost had the slope to herself! It was fantastic to see how happy she was, anything outdoorsy is right up her alley.  Children have to be at least 4 to go down the slope by themselves, so I know Scarlett loved not having to ride with my husband.  Walking up and down the hill after collecting your tube is certainly a work-out.

Once Scarlett had enough of the snow tubing, she couldn't wait to go inside the petting zoo and get up close with her animal friends.  What I didn't realize at first is that you can actually go inside the gates and pet the animals.  I thought you just could say hello to them through the fence.  Once Scarlett figured out she could go inside, she was so excited.  She said hello to the chickens and goats and spent a long time giving them a lot of love. At one point a chicken jumped on a goat's back and she thought it was the funniest thing ever.  The petting zoo is surely a hit for children of all ages.  Don't worry the animals are extremely friendly, although I had to stop a goat at one point from eating my jacket!

If you're looking for a break from the winter air, take a dip in the indoor pool.  There's two yellow flume slides for older children.  I do wish that younger children were allowed to go on the slides with an adult, but the pool is too deep to allow that.  Everyone loves being able to go swimming in February when it's in the 30's outside.  There's an arcade close-by if some of your children want to go swimming while the others would rather play games.

After the swimming was done, we went back to the room to get showered and ready for dinner.  I was happy that our dinner time was adjusted from 7:30 PM to 6 PM, because Scarlett normally eats dinner at 5 PM, so the 7:30 time slot would have been pure torture for her.  Once we were able to go into the dining hall, everyone was very much ready to eat.  You're given a menu with 3 choices on it.  We were able to choose from ribs, BBQ chicken, or chipotle lime fish.  There are chicken fingers and grilled cheese options for children as well as a veggie/vegan option for those with dietary restrictions.  A fresh basket of cornbread is on every table as well as plates for the salad bar that everyone can take a trip to.

Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase although water/tea/soda/lemonade is complimentary.  Since the meals are all-inclusive you're able to order more of something if you'd like.  My husband Jay had the ribs and absolutely LOVED them.  He couldn't get over the flavor and loved the seasoned coating of the roasted potatoes that accompanied them.  I ordered the BBQ chicken and thought it was good, just a tad spicy.  I'm not a fan of overly spicy items.  Scarlett had the kid's chicken fingers with fries and a chocolate milk.  Our server was attentive and came back to check on us several times to make sure everything was to our liking.

You can end the meal with an assortment of ice cream's, puddings, sorbet's, or even a piece of carrot cake.  Both Jay and I did not want ice cream, but Scarlett was thrilled with a bowl of vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce and sprinkles to end her meal with.  What child wouldn't be in sugar heaven with that?

To cap off the night, we attended the 8 pm campfire outdoors.  Many people didn't know but the front-desk supplies complimentary sticks and marshmallows for roasting.  I helped Scarlett with hers and she probably had more marshmallows than I should have allowed, but hey it was a special occasion.  Jay put his marshmallow too close to the fire and accidentally burned it.  Scarlett enjoyed asking him over and over why he burned his when she didn't burn hers.  Oh, kids!

The beds were cozy at night for sleeping and Scarlett enjoyed watching a movie in bed before she went to sleep.  Although she wasn't able to fall asleep right away because of the excitement of the day.  Let's say it was a long night and an early morning wake-up!

Breakfast in the morning for us was at 8 AM.  This meal was not sit-down but buffet style.  You are able to choose from breakfast favorites such as eggs, pancakes, bacon, fruit, breakfast potatoes, cereal, yogurt, etc.  There's even a made-to-order omelette station that allows you to add in whatever you want to your eggy goodness.  Everything was tasty and fresh.  You can't forget to try the blueberry muffins as well as coffee cake! Deeeelicious.  Coffee, juice, tea, and water are available at any time you'd like them.

Once breakfast was over, Scarlett went to her 10:15 AM time slot for the pony ride. It was chilly outside but she really wanted to take a ride on Jetta the pony.  She loved it and was all smiles for the ride.  The ranch has a professional photographer taking a picture of the children on the pony which is available for purchase if you'd like.

We checked out soon after that and headed back home.  We had a great visit and loved the opportunity to get out of town and do something different this weekend.  I can imagine the lodge is just as exciting in the warmer months of the year with outdoor entertainment as well as the outdoor pool!

If you're looking for a wonderful vacation to book for your family in the coming months, it's time to consider a stay at Pine Ridge Dude Ranch!

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Pine Ridge Dude Ranch for hosting our family for the weekend.  All thoughts are strictly my own.  

Celebrate The Holiday Season at Hershey Park! #HersheyPark #ChristmasCandyLane #HersheyPA

The holidays are my favorite time of year.  From the delicious food and treats to the beautiful lights and holiday cheer, what more could you want? It's truly a magical time for both adults and children. Whether you spend the holiday season with friends or family, It's essential that you make sure that you fill it with lots of fun, memories, and smiles.

Hershey Park is a family theme park located in Hershey, Pennsylvania.  Plan a getaway for the day or overnight for your family and experience everything from exhilarating coaster rides and chocolatey adventures to premier dining and luxurious spa treatments.  There's something to do in every season including Hershey Park in the Dark for Halloween, and Christmas Candylane for Christmas in the colder months of the year.  During the summer children will enjoy the water park inside Hershey to cool them off.

Spend time with family and friends and create new traditions this winter.  You can experience a winter wonderland with selections of fun activities at Hershey's Chocolate World Attraction, Zoo America, The Hershey Story Museum and more.  Don't forget to check out Hershey's Sweet Lights which features two miles of lit Christmas displays.  If you're staying overnight, The chocolate themed Hotel Hershey or Hershey Lodge is waiting for you.  Both offer restaurants and shops for your enjoyment as well as endless chocolate.  The Hotel Hershey is a little bit more upscale than Hershey Lodge.  The Lodge is more for families and also has an indoor water park.  You'll leave with sweet chocolate-filled memories that can only be made at the Sweetest Place on Earth! 

I went to Hershey back in the summer of 2008 for the day and did not stay overnight.  I remember meeting a Reese's character, riding rides, and going to their water park.  Since I am an avid lover of chocolate, Hershey was right up my alley.  Fast forward 10 years later, and we wanted to take Scarlett for her 4th birthday! She loves chocolate just as much as her mom and I knew it would be a memorable trip for her.  I always try to take her to new places so she can experience as much as possible.

Once we arrived at the Hershey Lodge, my family knew they were in for a wonderful stay.  The lodge was fully decorated for Christmas with beautiful lights, trees, and wreaths everywhere you looked. You even get a Hershey bar for each member of your family when you check-in! If you're looking for amenities, look no further.  Hershey Lodge offers several restaurants including Forebay, Hershey Grill, The Bears Den, and Fire and Grain.  After you have dinner at one of the fabulous eateries, you can check out the gift shop to buy a chocolate themed souvenir for yourself or a loved one.  The Lodge also offers Water Works, a new indoor water park that opened in 2016.  There's also daily events at the Lodge for the season including a meet and greet with Santa, kid crafts, a Reese's character appearance and more.  You'll receive a daily list of events at check-in.

The Lodge is extremely clean and well-maintained.  I noticed that all of the employees were very friendly and were happy to answer any questions you may have during your stay.

Once we got settled into our room, we headed over to Water Works.  Scarlett absolutely loves water parks and the fact that the lodge has one makes the trip that much more exciting for her.  The water park isn't enormous, but large enough to keep the kiddies happy.  There's three sections of water fun for all ages.  The youngest children will enjoy the toddler section which 3 small water slides and fountains to bring smiles to their faces.  If you have semi- older children, they will enjoy a pool that isn't too deep that has interactive water elements inside.  Finally, there's a pool that is much deeper for older children and adults with a water slide.  The Reese's Walkway is a favorite for children of all ages.  Step onto the weighted floating Reese's cup's while holding onto the above net to get across! Scarlett spent a few hours going down the kiddie slides and had a blast.  Adjacent to Water Works is also an arcade room and activity room with Lego's for children once they dry off.   You're also able to get a bite to eat or have a refreshing drink at the food stand in Water Works.

After that, we went to dinner at the Bear's Den which had an extensive menu with options that everyone will enjoy.  My husband had a Black and Blue Burger, I had a sandwich, and Scarlett had a kid's hot dog.  Everything was extremely tasty and we enjoyed our meals a lot.

Unfortunately, we were unable to go to Christmas Candylane that night.  I preferred to go at night since all of the lights would be so beautiful in the dark, but it just wasn't in the cards since Scarlett was tired.

In the morning, we went to Fire and Grain for Scarlett's birthday breakfast.  You can either opt for the buffet breakfast or choose from menu items.  We chose menu items and Scarlett opted for the chocolate pancakes, I had a regular short stack of pancakes, and my husband Jay had the biscuits and gravy platter with a side of grilled tomatoes.  Everything was delicious and the chocolate pancakes were definitely not short on chocolate! Our server knew it was Scarlett's birthday and gave her a kid's cup full of Hershey's kisses.  What more could a 4 year old want? She was thrilled.

After breakfast we hit Water Works for some more splashin' fun.  Once our time there was up, we headed to Christmas Candylane and Chocolate World for our final stops of the trip.

Chocolate World is paradise and the jackpot for all chocolate lovers.  Everywhere you turn you're met with fabulous bagged Hershey's candies, Hershey themed items to buy, make your own chocolate bars, a tour of how the chocolate is made, and so much more.  The food court inside serves lunch options like pizza, sandwiches, and soups, as well as sweet treats like mega stuffed cookies, sundae's, brownies, and milkshakes. Chocolate World is certainly not for those looking to watch their weight, but a special time to indulge in whatever you want.  Scarlett and I shared a pizza for lunch and afterwards we also dug into a Reese's sundae while Jay had a Hershey's melting hot chocolate. This wasn't just an ordinary hot chocolate but it consisted of two melted Hershey bars made with lots of milk to make your tummy smile.  He was in chocolate bliss for sure.  The sundae had the perfect combination of peanut butter and chocolate and we both said YUM!

Afterwards, we went to our last activity of the day, Christmas Candylane.  Christmas Candylane is magical for both children and adults, and the event has just celebrated its 35th anniversary.  Step foot inside and you'll be met with over 4 million lights, 45 rides, and many shops and eateries featuring irresistible chocolate treats. Take a spin on Laff Rider and WildCat among others then take a break and have a delicious frozen hot chocolate or snickerdoodle s'mores to make your stomach happy.

It was interesting to see that the park was really not crowded.  If you picture a theme park, you envision it in the summer and crowded with thousands of people.  This was not the case at all.  It was funny to be in a popular theme park and have 3 or 4 people be on line in front of you.  Scarlett loved not having to wait for the rides! She went on the carousel, Balloon Flite, and a few others.  It was chilly outdoors but not horrible.  As long as you're dressed warmly enough and bundled, you should be good to go.  We enjoyed walking around the park and seeing all of the holiday lights and decorations.  Christmastime is certainly a magical time of year!

We had a wonderful weekend at Hershey Park and look forward to coming back sometime in the near future.  This surely will be a trip that we'll remember for a long time.  If you're looking to book a family vacation in the warmer months of the year, why not take the family to Hershey Park for a fabulous vacation this summer? Fun in the sun is always on the agenda.

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Hershey Lodge for providing accommodations as well as tickets to Christmas Candylane.  All thoughts are strictly my own.  

Enjoy A Relaxing Stay At The Gorgeous Emerson Resort and Spa

There's nothing that I enjoy more than going on trips with my family.  Whether we go on a quick weekend trip or spend an extended period of time visiting a destination, I can guarantee we'll always have a good time.  It's exciting to me to find new places to fall in love with while making memories with my family.  There's so much of the world I'd like to see, I hope I can travel for many decades to come.

The Emerson Resort and Spa is a hidden treasure located just two hours from NYC in the Catskill mountains.  The 20 acre establishment reopened in 2016 as a full-service 6,193 square-feet destination luxury spa.  The opening of the spa also marked the unveiling of the Emerson's new spa menu, featuring a variety of signature lines, treatments, and experiences.  There are 53 total rooms including 26 suites/rooms in the contemporary Inn and 27 suites/rooms in the Adirondack-style Lodge.

If you're looking for rest and relaxation, you've certainly come to the right place.  The beautiful grounds offer stunning views of Esopus Creek and Mt. Tremper that will make for wonderful photos. People use the resort for special events like weddings and ceremonies due to the idyllic location.  The resort offers on-site activities for the whole family including a pool, a children's playground, Emerson Park (which has volleyball, corn hole, horseshoe, and frisbee), complimentary bike rentals, Bean Bag Movie Theater, the Family room which offers games, and much more! You can choose to reserve special packages for your stay which include a variety of options.  The Emerson Resort is open to the public for the amenities, not just hotel guests.

Bring your pet along as pets are welcome at Emerson Resort and Spa.  There's a special dog park for your furry friend, and you can even have a fun Emerson upgrade gift for your pet waiting in your room.

If you'd like to make the ultimate day for yourself, why not have breakfast at Woodnotes Grille and then spend the morning having a facial or massage at the spa?  If the pool is open during your stay, go for a quick swim and then check out the walking trails of the grounds.  You can cap off the day by visiting the World's Largest Kaleidoscope and buying something interesting at the Emerson Country Store.  There's plenty to do on-site, but if you did want to leave the resort you can find activities in neighboring towns like Phonecia and Woodstock.

There are two restaurants in Emerson Resort and Spa, Woodnotes Grille and Ralph's Cafe, both are open 7 days a week.  Woodnotes Grille is the property's signature restaurant, which serves handcrafted cocktails and Catskill-themed menu items with ingredients sourced from the local Hudson Valley area.  The menu changes seasonally and focuses on the bounty of the region.  This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner on a daily basis.  

Ralph's Cafe at the Country Store services freshly prepared soups, salads and sandwiches if you're looking for a quick bite to eat.  Don't forget a sweet treat like cookies or ice cream.

Even though I've lived in the tri-state area for 12 years now, somehow I've only been to the Catskills once previously!  I welcomed this opportunity to visit Emerson Resort and Spa and have a wonderful trip.

From the moment my family and I pulled up to the Emerson, I was in awe of how beautiful it was.  I didn't know where to look first from the gorgeous grounds featuring brightly colored flowers, to the water fountain in the mini fish pond and the pretty establishment itself! Once you walk inside the lobby, you instantly feel warmly welcomed.  The lobby has ample seating for relaxing with a cup of coffee or tea while taking in the nice view outside.

We arrived before our room was ready, so we had some time to check everything out before heading to the room.  The inside decor is stunning and matches the theme of the establishment itself-relaxation. You can't help but fall in love with the huge windows with picturesque views and unusual artwork.

All of the shops and eateries connect with the main lobby of the Inn section of the hotel.  If you're staying in the Inn section of the Emerson, you're in luck because you're centrally located to everything.  If by chance you're staying in the lodge, you're just a 5 minute walk over.  There are different shops for what you may be looking for, including a toy store, housewares, and clothing stores.  Scarlett was very enthusiastic about the toy store and didn't want to leave! We then checked out the World's Largest Kaleidoscope which is a 10 minute show that you can view in a special converted silo.  It was beautiful and surely not to be missed.  The other amenities of the main building feature a library, great room, the spa, and a fitness room.

Since we brought our dog Lynnie, she loved the chance to be off leash in the dog park and go for a stroll on the trails.  Scarlett was ecstatic with the children's playground to get some energy out.  I loved the area by the Esopus Creek where chairs are set up for relaxing by the creek and mountain view!

Honestly, wherever you looked you saw something to capture your interest.  I was thrilled that there's truly something for everyone, which is what Emerson Resort strives to provide.

Once our room was ready, we went there to unwind.  The size of the suite was very large and I could have easily moved right in permanently.  Is that an option? From the plush queen size beds and the large screen TV to the massive bathroom, there's not much more anyone could want! The shower provided a rainfall shower head with body jets and a gigantic soaking tub.  I was in heaven!

Lynnie enjoyed hanging out on the private patio where she could watch people walk by.  She spent most of her time there.

For dinner, we dined at Woodnotes where my husband Jay had coffee rubbed ribs and Scarlett and I shared a rigatoni and peas pasta dish.  For an appetizer, we all shared calamari.  Everything was delicious and very fresh.  We chose to eat outside and very much enjoyed the scenic mountain view.  The server was very accommodating and friendly.

In the morning, we had breakfast again at Woodnotes and I had the best chocolate chip pancakes of my life.  I thought I had good pancakes previously, but I was mistaken.  These pancakes were so thick and fluffy and beyond my expectations.  They were almost the size of a frisbee! Once you took your first bite you were hit with warm and melty chocolate goodness combined with pure maple syrup.  It was perfection at its finest.

I asked the server how these were made and reiterated to her how incredible they were.  I made sure that she told the chef that they were outstanding.  Scarlett had a fruit bowl, 1 child's pancake and turkey sausage.  She's not usually a pancake lover, but of course loved these soft pillows of heaven.  Jay had the Woodnotes skillet and raved over that as well.

We all enjoyed breakfast thoroughly and left with happy stomachs! Jay enjoyed using the sauna before we checked out and always loves to partake in sauna use anytime we go on a trip.

I am truly in love with the Emerson Resort and Spa and really hope to come back one day.  I'm sure in the fall it's breathtaking when all the leaves on the trees change colors.  If you're looking to book a wonderful trip to the Catskills in the coming months, please check out their Fall packages. Your family will have a trip that they'll never forget.  The Emerson Resort and Spa is a fabulous place to reconnect with family and nature in a memorable way.

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to the Emerson Resort and Spa for providing accommodations and breakfast.  All thoughts are strictly my own.

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Enjoy Some Family Fun At Lake Compounce Amusement Park

The summer is a magical time of year.  It's a chance to build memories and explore places you haven't been before.  Some enjoy countless beach or pool days during the warmer months of the year, while others enjoy diving into museums and family friendly activities.  However you choose to spend your summer, make sure you pack a ton in!

Lake Compounce is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the United States located in Bristol, CT.  Since the park is set on a lake at the base of a lush green mountain, you'll find it's not only beautiful and clean, but family friendly too.  This fun-filled park originally opened in 1846 and would surely be a wonderful place to take the family.  The park is less than 2 hours from NYC, Boston, and Providence, RI.

There's a ride for truly everyone's interests, from small child to adult.  The whole family will enjoy Lake Compounce's Crocodile Cove which is Connecticut's largest water park.  Cool off from the summer sun with a lazy river, water slides, and more.  Lake Compounce offers than 50 rides and attractions, and I guarantee you'll be having fun in no time.  Season passes are available if you'd like to visit the park on a regular basis.

Adults and teens will love Boulder Dash, which is one of the world's best wooden roller coasters, as well as Phobia Phear Coaster.  If you're a dare devil, this ride is perfect for you at speeds of up to 65 mph! I am sure you'll find a ride you'll want to ride over and over.  Don't forget Zoomer's Gas n' Go which is an antique mini corvette ride themed with 1950's nostalgia.

Circus World is the coolest kiddieland around.  There's plenty of exciting rides and shows for the younger crowd in this section of the park.  This has Scarlett's name written all over it.

If you prefer to extend your Lake Compounce visit for more than just an amusement park visit, you can make a reservation to stay at Bear Creek Campground at Lake Compounce.  The campsite is open May through October and features 20 fully furnished cabins, 6 Cub Huts, 5 Teepee's, 56 RV sites and 50 tent sites.

I've lived in New England for 6 years now, but have never been to Lake Compounce previously. Since Scarlett is at an age where she can ride rides by herself and really enjoy an amusement park, I knew this would be the perfect time to take her.

From the minute we walked into Lake Compounce, fun was the only thing on our agendas.  We got to the park when it opened at 11 AM, and the water section didn't open till 12.  So for the first hour while we waited for Crocodile Cove to open, Scarlett rode the caterpillar train ride, Dumbo, a mini kiddie coaster, and a few other rides.  Shockingly, the lines were not long at all and we barely had to wait for any of them! Scarlett loved that she was able to ride the rides by herself, she is very independent!

By the time 12 PM hit, it was very hot at about 90 degrees.  Crocodile Cove was packed with so much to do we didn't know what to check out first.  The wave pool water was cold and extremely refreshing.  Scarlett enjoyed the kiddie section with the mini water slides and went down them many times.  There are crazy water slides for teens and adults that are high up and go very fast.  I skipped those because they are too much for me.  I did go down some calmer water slides which I really loved!

It's so exciting as a parent to see your child having fun.  I loved seeing Scarlett smile and have such a blast.  You're only a small child for so long and her life is all about fun at this age! We spent a decent amount of time in the water section and then headed over to the lake  so she could play in the sand.

If you're spending an extended period of time at Crocodile Cove, you can have lunch or a snack there.  There's plenty of food options like pizza, burgers, hot dogs, fries, and cold beverages.  Whatever you could possibly want at a typical amusement park to eat is available.  Don't forget a sweet treat like cookies or ice cream!

Scarlett was very interested to check out the new Daniel Tiger show that Lake Compounce offers.  We went to the 2 pm show and she absolutely loved it! Most young children love Daniel Tiger and the audience was very interested.  The show is very interactive and the kid's were singing and dancing right along with Daniel and Katarina Kitty Cat who is also a main character of the show.

As I walked around, I noticed how clean the park was.  There was no trash on the ground and the park was very well-maintained.  Since this park has been around for a very long time, it has an old-timey feel to it, which I liked.  It's quaint and has a lot of character.  This park definitely does not feel like Disney World, it's small and intimate.

After the Daniel Tiger show, we rode a few more rides and then played some games.  We did not win any prizes, but we enjoyed playing anyway.  I loved Zoomer's Gas n' Go as one of the final rides I rode with Scarlett.  She was the driver and an excellent one at that I might add.  Sitting in an old classic car while you drive around a track with vintage ads while oldies play in the car was really cool.  I'm a lover of classic cars and the 1950's era, so this ride was right up my alley!

Four hours went by in a flash and I couldn't believe how much fun we had.  Like they say, time flies when you're having fun! Scarlett didn't want to leave, and I wish we had more time to spend at the park.  Our Sunday was definitely a fun-filled family day and we had a wonderful time.  We left with happy memories and smiles.  I hope to visit again next summer!

If you're in the New England area, you must make a trip to visit Lake Compounce.  The whole family will absolutely love it!

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Lake Compounce for providing admission tickets in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own.  

Bring The Whole Family to South Florida's Science Center and Aquarium

In my opinion, you're never too old to learn something new.  Now that I have a child, I make it a priority to teach her about life and everything involved in it.  In the course of our teachings, I frequently will learn or read something I didn't previously know.  It's essential to challenge your brain and keep it fresh and active.

South Florida's Science Center and Aquarium is a wonderful place to bring the whole family for a day of fun in West Palm Beach.  There's truly something to see for every age range! Take an entertaining and educational journey through the latest discoveries in science and technology.  The center features more than 100 interactive exhibits, an immersive fresh and saltwater aquarium, full-dome, digital planetarium, new Florida conservation-themed mini golf course, and much more.  It's surely a mind-opening experience for all! There's a calendar of monthly events for visitors as well as the option to have a child's birthday party there.

Jay, Scarlett, and I visit my parents in South Florida for a month twice a year.  We're always on the lookout for new places to see and things to do.  When I came across the science center, I knew it would be an ideal place to go for a day trip.  An added bonus is that it's indoors which gives us a break from the intense summer sun!

From the moment you walk into the science center, you're met with a dark, cool, and relaxing room filled with fish.  The fish swimming around are brightly colored, very unique and unlike any I've previously seen.  My mom enjoyed the fish that had a leopard print look to it.  There are plenty of placards displaying facts about the fish, which is perfect for young and inquiring minds.  Since we went as soon as they were open, it was not that crowded and we had the science center to ourselves for about 30 minutes.

The next room we visited contained a special limited time lego display.  As soon as Scarlett walked into the room, she said wow! It was truly a lego paradise for children.  Everything in the room was made out of lego, or lego themed.  You could sit in a car made out of lego's, build a tower with gigantic lego's, and even see boats and airplanes made out of lego's.  It was truly a sight to see! We spent a lot of time in this room before moving on.

The final room was the largest and my personal favorite.  This room contained a variety of hands-on science exhibits for children, and even I loved it.  Children could go into a special capsule that demonstrates hurricane force winds that are 78 miles an hour.  You could literally be blown away! I went in with Scarlett and I can't imagine being outdoors with wind at that level!

I would say that most of the exhibits were geared towards young children, which is perfect since I was with my 3.5 year old.  Everything was in certain sections of the room, so one section was space, one section was weather, etc., one even dealt with matter and viewing things through microscopes.  You could check out a spaceman in a space suit and see moon rocks and then turn the corner and solve some science puzzles.  There was certainly something to interest every child.  Scarlett enjoyed the pinscreen where you could put your hand or body in to make shapes, and seeing butterfly wings under a microscope.  It was wonderful to see all of the children learning while having fun and asking questions.

When your child wants a break from the exhibits, they can have some outdoor fun on the covered playground.  Scarlett enjoyed getting some energy out while climbing and going down the slides.  There's an on-site cafe that offers food and drink options during certain hours of the day when you want to stop and recharge.  There was also a room for younger children to play in, but it was closed off on our visit.

On your way out, be sure to visit the gift shop where you can purchase freeze-dried ice cream, science themed books, and of course various beautiful rocks.  Your little one will certainly find something that they'll like.

If you're looking for a morning or afternoon of good family fun, it's time to take the family to South Florida's Science Center and Aquarium.

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to South Florida Science Center and Aquarium for providing admission to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own.  

Flamingo Gardens Offers Fun For the Whole Family!

The summer is a magical time of year.  It's a chance to build memories and explore places you haven't been before.  Some enjoy countless beach or pool days during the warmer months of the year, while others enjoy diving into educational experiences.  However you choose to spend your summer, make sure you pack a ton in!

Flamingo Gardens is a botanical garden and Everglades wildlife sanctuary with rare plants and native animals located in Davie, FL.  The Wray Museum is also on-site which which built in 1933 by Floyd L and Jane Wray as a weekend residence and is the oldest residence in Broward County.  It has been restored to provide visitors to Flamingo Gardens a glimpse of life in South Florida in the 1930s. Visitors will also enjoy the butterfly and hummingbird gardens, childrens garden, various flower gardens, as well as the tropical forest and wetlands area.  There's something beautiful to see wherever you look.  Make sure you bring your camera.

My husband Jay and I went with Scarlett for an exciting Saturday outing.  None of us had been previously, but we've heard great things and knew we wanted to see it for ourselves.

From the minute you walk into Flamingo Gardens, you're met with beautiful lush greens, flowers, and wildlife.  The grounds are immaculately maintained and wonderful.  If you're worried about being in the intense Florida summer sun, do not worry since there is plenty of shade. I've honestly not been in a place as magical as Flamingo Gardens!

We took a 25 minute tram ride that gave you a narrated tour of the entire establishment. The grounds are massive and filled with so many various parts of nature.  I thought the tour guide was extremely knowledgable and provided in-depth information about the animals, plants, trees, and more.  I learned a lot and it's a great opportunity to be up close with wildlife with your family!

On the grounds itself, there's plenty of peacocks walking around as well as various birds. When they display all of their feathers, it's a gorgeous sight! The colors are stunning and you can't help but want to take the peacock's picture.   Scarlett loved seeing all of the animals and was so excited and wanted to say hi to every peacock and flamingo she saw.  This is definitely a fantastic place to take children.

There are signs directing you to everything you'd like to see and I felt that Flamingo Gardens was easily navigated with minimal help.  I can see why people get married there because it's truly a unique spot.  Honestly, there's something to see everywhere you look. Whether a peacock is walking behind you, or butterflies are flying near you, make sure you stop to take everything in!

We enjoyed an animal encounter show in the amphitheater where an owl was the star of the show.  The guide explained facts about the owl such as how their wings are designed to muffle out sound when they fly so they can catch their prey, and how they are nocturnal.

Beyond the flamingos there are sea otters, a turtle, and even a black bear to see! I enjoyed seeing how excited all of the children were.  Animals truly bring joy to people of all ages, it's a magical thing to experience.

If you want to take a break from all of the walking, feel free to take a rest in the snack bar and have an ice cream, a drink, or you can even choose from some of the lunch options they offer.  Scarlett enjoyed a bowl of chili while I had a turkey sandwich and Jay a salad.

When you've had enough of the grounds, make a final stop to the Wray house where you can experience what a home in South Florida looked like in the 1930's.  When I walked into the house, it was like stepping back in time.  I enjoyed the old furniture and especially loved the kitchen!

On your way out, make sure to take advantage of the gift shop.  There's something in there for everyone from home decor and children's items to candy and collectibles.  Plenty of items are flamingo or animal themed.  Scarlett got a mango ice cream bar that she refused to share!

My family very much enjoyed our visit to Flamingo Gardens and would highly recommend it to anyone who has never visited before.  If you're looking for an exciting place to take the whole family to spend the day, Flamingo Gardens is waiting for your visit.

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Flamingo Gardens for providing complimentary tickets in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Family Fun Recommendations in South Florida

I've been visiting my parents in South Florida since they moved there in 2010.  In those 8 years, I've become familiar with what's available in their town as well as surrounding ones. If you're planning a trip to South Florida this summer or in the coming months, here's a guide to some of my favorite places to visit.  Whether you have kids or not, there's something for everyone on the list!

Gulf Stream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida is an entertainment destination featuring thoroughbred racing, two casinos, shopping and dining.  You'll enjoy the beautiful outdoor/indoor aspect of the park  with shops and restaurants to appeal to anyone's tastes and preferences.  I am partial to the casino and always enjoy trying my luck at the slot machines and dining at Brio for a delicious Italian dinner.   (901 S Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, FL)

Sugar Sand Park in Boca Raton, Florida is a gem we discovered about two years ago and truly love.  This 132 acre park features a Community Center which houses the children's science Explorium, the Willow Theatre, and the Field House which features an indoor gym. Scarlett goes absolutely nuts for the unique science playground that is paradise for children! The science playground is a tri-level hands-on experience that features many interactive components demonstrating a variety of scientific principles for all ages.

You'll find wheelchair accessible swings, slides, sensory walls, and an expanded climbing structure that allows for access to people of all ages and abilities.  Any child would enjoy the updated splash pad that show cases a variety of sea creatures, and younger children will appreciate the new train station-themed toddler play area.  When Scarlett is done playing at the playground, we always make our way to the science center to learn from the hands on exhibits.  Sugar Sand Park is an absolute must-see if you have children! (300 S Military Trail Boca Raton, FL)

You can't go to Florida without visiting the beach! The beach and boardwalk in Hollywood, Florida is one of my favorites.  There are both walking and bike lanes in the boardwalk depending on which you prefer.  As you make your way down the boardwalk you'll be met with the beautiful sights and sounds of the ocean which is always appreciated.  Restaurants, hotels, and beach shops are at your disposal for whatever you may need.  

I recommend having breakfast on the beach and then spending a few hours basking in the sun.  You can rent lounge chairs/cabanas to make your visit extra comfortable.  Don't forget plenty of water and sunscreen and a visit to an ice cream shop too! There's also a splash pad fountain for the little ones to enjoy. (Hollywood Beach and Boardwalk, Hollywood FL)

If you're looking to cool off in the hot summer sun with your children, Paradise Cove Water Park at CB Smith Park in Pembroke Pines, FL would be a great choice.  This dramatically expanded and revamped 4.69-acre facility opened in April 2004.  Among its features: Parrot's Point, a 12-inch deep pool with two small water slides and other interactive play elements is perfect for children ages 5 and under.  Shark's Lagoon is an 18-inch deep pool with three waterslides along with other interactive play elements.  Crazy Creek is a 410-foot-long lazy river tube ride with interactive play elements among the route.  Paradise Pipeline opened in 2014 and consists of four colorful watersides the equivalent of five stories tall. 

Take a break from the water and have lunch at Paradise Grill or have a snack at the Sand Dollar concession.  With more than a dozen Funbrellas and picnic tables, you'll enjoy the time out of the water.  My husband and I took Scarlett today and spent about four hours there.  We absolutely loved it and will surely be back. The admission and food prices are very reasonable and you can spend the entire day here for one low cost! (900 N Flamingo Rd, Pembroke Pines FL)

If you're looking to beat the heat and find something fun that's indoors, I recommend the Frost Museum in Miami, FL.  This beautiful new science museum is only a year old and offers five floors of hands on exhibits featuring weather and technology, wildlife centers, and even a planetarium!  Bring the whole family to this science museum for an educational and fun experience.  You can learn how aspects of the human body work while seeing a show about stars and planets at the planetarium afterwards. 

My family went for my Mom's recent 60th birthday and are so glad we did! Scarlett was thrilled to see all of the fish and wildlife in the three-level aquarium section as well as all of the hands on exhibits in the Me Lab which teaches you about body and mind.  There's something to see everywhere you turn so make sure you devote several hours to checking everything out. Take a break and have lunch in the restaurant and then cap off the experience with a stop at the River of Grass which is a sensory filled journey celebrating the Everglades.  There's an outdoor hands-on area and a hi-tech, indoor virtual Everglades where charming animal characters frolic and interact.  I can guarantee you'll leave the Frost Museum with smiles and fond memories! (1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami FL) 

I hope you have a fantastic and fun filled time in South Florida! If you have a favorite place to visit in South Florida, let me know in the comments.