It’s bound to happen, there will be at least one day on vacation where the sun refuses to shine and the family will be trapped in the hotel room. If you’re lucky, the hotel has an indoor swimming pool where you can spend a few hours. But, swimming can’t last forever, so here are a few ways to keep everyone occupied.

1. The Once Upon a Time Game

This is a great way to see into the kids’ imaginations and get your imagination going as well! It works like this: you sit in a circle and start off the story with “One upon a time…” and finish the sentence with anything you like. For example, “Once upon a time there was a yellow frog name Jeff”. Then, you go around the circle and have each person add a sentence to the story. The only rules are that each person must say a complete sentence and no interrupting!

2. Dance Marathon

Dancing is one of the best ways to get all of that energy out and to teach them some of your killer dance moves: now cue the Beyoncé songs! You can make it feel like a party by turning off the lights and putting a flashlight app on your phone. The app uses your screen to turn your hotel room into a disco! Then, use Spotify to find a music playlist that everyone can enjoy!

3. Coloring

This may be an obvious one, but you can’t go wrong with some good ol’ fashioned coloring! Pick up fun coloring books or ask the kids to draw a picture of their favorite animal. Take this time for art lessons, you may not be a Picasso, but maybe you can draw a really good giraffe. Or, take out your tablet and check out YouTube videos like this one which teaches them how to draw an owl.

4.  Scavenger Hunt

If you’re stuck in the hotel, try making a scavenger hunt! Write down clues or riddles for the kids to figure out, then walk around with them as they find the hidden items. You can also just list items, such as find a man wearing a hat, look for a painting of a flower, etc. if riddles aren’t your thing!

5. Build a Fort

Our favorite thing to do, especially on rainy days, is build a fort with all of the pillows and sheets in the house and play pretend! Call down to room service for a few extra sheets and use hair ties and safety pins to keep everything together. You can even stand up the suitcases and us them to make a tunnel into the fort!

6.  Prep a Backup Plan

Use the concierge or websites like Trip Advisor to help find places to go that are nearby and keep you out of the rain. Check out local museums or catch a movie, and then grab some food from a place locals suggest! Also look into events happening at the local park district or mall-keep in mind, a lot of malls have indoor playgrounds for kids so after the event, they can go run around! You can even bring a few crafts of your own to make, Pinterest has a million simple, and not too messy, crafts for the kids to make.

7.  Go outside!

If it’s not too cold, head outside and splash around in the puddles. Make sure the kids are wearing clothes that you wouldn’t mind them getting mud on. Ask the hotel for a few extra can liners to put shoes and coats in so that they’re not dragging mud and water all over the hotel.

The post How to get through rainy days on vacation appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Whether you’re banking on the predictions of a small group of famous groundhogs or looking to meteorologists for a glimpse of warmer weather, one thing’s certain: it’s never too early to start planning for a wonderful family vacation! Spring and summer will be here before you know it, so beat the crowds and book your next adventure. For a destination with style, class and bucket loads of fun, be sure to secure the ultimate family vacation in Destin, Florida, where you’ll find everything your family needs to both enjoy the warm weather and soak in the fun, fun, fun!

With white sandy beaches and beautiful Gulf waters, Destin’s popularity is unmistakable. It was recently honored in 2015 with another of Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards, this time for being one of the Top Destinations on the Rise in the United States. If that’s not enough praise, here’s more: this family “hotspot” also has the honor of being named the “Best Family Beach” in The Travel Channel’s Best Beach Awards for 2013. In addition, it was named one of the top 25 destinations in the United States by Trip Advisor, and received the Travers’ Choice Award in 2011! With accolades like these, it’s no wonder that families are frantic to experience the tranquility and welcoming beauty of Destin, Florida.

Your ultimate family vacation should ultimately begin with family-style accommodations, and Destin has you covered. Choices indeed range from island-chic hideaways to sprawling beachside resorts, and everything in-between. For a list of the most family-friendly hotels in general, you can visit Trip Advisor for crowd-favorite suggestions. Otherwise, here are a few of the best beachfront resorts that also cater to vacationers with families.

The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is certainly one for the books. It covers 2,400 acres and several waterfront locations in the area. Regardless of your choice—along the Gulf of Mexico, the Choctawhatchee Bay or lakeside—you’ll receive access to all the resort’s amenities, including private beach access, kayak rentals, 4 award-wining golf courses, a spa, and the Village of Baytowne Wharf with dining and entertainment. Check out all the resort has to offer here: http://www.sandestin.com/

The WaterColor Inn and Resort is another top-notch destination. Situated just east of Destin, the 499-acre property is a true beachfront oasis, and is part of a larger resort complex of cozy vacation rentals. It offers guests a 1,400-foot-long beach, rooms with private balconies, kayak and bicycle rentals, 6 resort pools, and kids-camp activities, such as beach bonfires. View the beauty of this getaway and make your booking here: http://www.watercolorresort.com/

The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa is another family favorite, and makes it so that you don’t even need to leave the property for food or captivating fun! Guests can enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 4 golf courses, 15 tennis courts and mini-golf, to name just a few activities. There’s also a Kids Krew program that offers activities like arts and crafts, games and building sandcastles. For more details, visit: http://www.hiltonsandestinbeach.com

As far as beaches are concerned, you’ll definitely want to visit Henderson Beach State Park, which received a noteworthy accolade as well as a 2016 Travelers’ Choice for Trip Advisor. With more than 6,000 feet of natural shoreline, as well as 60 campsites, a playground, boardwalks, and multiple pavilions for picnicking and family events, this breathtaking destination truly offers something for everyone! The white sand beach is also the perfect family enclave in that, as it’s located in a state park, it offers a plethora of additional activities in case the kids get bored of the water, and is also secluded enough from the crowds and people watchers to offer ample, safe and memorable family time. Add this stop to your itinerary and you won’t be disappointed.

Another must-see spot to tack onto your itinerary is the fun-filled Village of Baytowne Wharf, which received a Certificate of Excellence in 2014. Located within the gates of the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, along the shores of the Choctawhatchee Bay, this lively point of interest is a favorite among those in the know, and is a perfect place to unwind after spending a day at the marina or hours getting soaked with various water sports. Kids and adults alike will find activities such as a zip lining, arcade games, hamster balls, magic shows, concerts, shopping and dining—and much, much more!

Want to try your luck with creating a work of art, and all while soaking up the sun in the sand? Then don’t miss a chance to create a unique work of art with Beach Sand Sculptures! Book a class with these professional sand sculptors for the entire family, and you’ll learn the tips and tricks to creating your own sandy masterpiece. You can even buy a starter kit to continue the fun while on your own or back home. And with the Mobile Unit, the instructors can meet you at your resort’s private beach or a public beach based on where you’re lodging. It’s recommended to book classes in advance, as this hidden gem of family fun is gaining traction visitors. So don’t delay, visit the website for more information and to book your class!

If you have the time, you might make plans to visit the Regatta Bay Golf & Country Club. This stunning golf course, designed by the lead architect for Arnold Palmer, has been named one of Golf Digest’s “Top Places to Play in North America!” It’s also been designated by Emerald Magazine as “The Best Golf Course of the Emerald Coast” for ten straight years. The venue offers on-course circulating beverage carts, a state-of-the-art Parview GPS system on its golf carts, a clubhouse with a golf shop, chilled apples on the 1st and 10th tees, and mango-scented iced towels. There are also a variety of specials and packages to suit your needs, so be sure to inquire before you go. Another wonderful amenity is a full-service restaurant! Overlooking Lake Regatta, the Regatta Bay Clubhouse offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a daily happy hour with 2-for-1 drinks.

One of the most popular family venues in Destin is Harborwalk Village, where all sorts of fun—and at all levels—can be found around the clock! In addition to multi-level shopping right on the waterfront, guests get a thrill from the variety of aqua adventures offered, such as boat, Jet Ski and pontoon rentals, as well as fishing, and Harborwalk Village’s celebrated dolphin cruises! There are also weekly fireworks and live entertainment, as well as Cubby Caboose, a choo-choo train that weaves through the Village itself. Regardless of your family’s choice of fun, Harborwalk Village ensures that your enjoyment while on vacation will indeed come in many forms.

Destin Snorkel offers an exciting array of interactive tours for the entire family. Tours include a 2-stop snorkeling adventure where guests spend 3 hours throughout the day in search of crabs, shells, small schools of fish and other underwater delights. Guests are also treated to a dolphin tour as part of the adventure. Another fun tour from Destin Snorkel is Snuba, which combines the best of scuba and snorkeling into one amazing tour. The tour allows guests to breathe underwater by means of a 20-foot air line that is connected to a scuba tank. Sights include marine life not visible when snorkeling, such as toadfish, spadefish, sea anemones, and flounder. Shelling tours allow small children to get in on the fun. They can search for shells, learn about marine life and look for dolphins! Destin Snorkel also offers a variety of cruises, including sunset, dolphin and firework cruises.

The dolphin cruises, run by Olin Marler Charter Boats, will provide your family with enough memories to last a lifetime! Booking a fishing charter with Olin Marler Charters means that your family is in the capable hands of the oldest and longest running recreational fishing fleet in Destin, with 45 years in the business of charter fishing! The Destin Dolphin Cruises are popular for both the recreational and educational aspect of the cruises. Your family will embark on a daily dolphin watching tour and learn about the history of Destin itself! This family friendly approach to dolphin cruises and charter fishing is what has made Olin Marler Charter’s Destin’s favorite charter service since 1967!

Another cruise that will have everyone in the family joining in the fun is the interactive treat known as the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise. The Buccaneer Pirate Ship departs from the Harborwalk Village Marina. Guests will then sail the high seas of the beautiful Emerald Coast like the pirates of old! While out to sea, you’ll be entertained with sword fights, storytelling, water gun battles, singing, dancing, and treasure hunts! One of the advantages of the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise is that parents can either participate in the fun with their children or simply sit back and relax while watching their children have the time of their lives. As well as providing the Scurvy Dogs’ Club cruises for adults, the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise also offers birthday cruises for children, which include a private area on the quarter deck, decorations, a complimentary group photo, a flag raising ceremony, and a souvenir flag to being back home! The birthday child even gets to steer the ship!

For a bit of family-friendly entertainment on land, the Bart Rockett Magic Theater is a must-see! Bart Rockett is a global phenomenon, an amazing variety performer who has appeared on CBS, ABC, NBC, and FOX, to name just a few of his media appearances. Offering a magic experience for all age groups, tickets for upcoming shows can be purchased online. Bart Rockett also offers magic and ventriloquism workshops for all ages. The theater has a magic shop as well, where one-of-a-kind show souvenirs and magic tricks/illusions can be purchased by those looking to test their skills.

As far as dining is concerned, Harborwalk Village has you covered, and then some! If you want to dine like a local, try Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer, the sister eatery to Jackacuda’s Seafood & Sushi restaurant, which is also worth a trip. Brotula’s has a local fishing hole history similar to Jackacuda’s, but even more legendary. The Brotula is actually commonly known to the area’s local fisherman as the Cusk Eel, a rare Gulf fish that’s found in waters that are 300 or more feet deep. It is because of this fact that local fishing captains are some of the only people familiar with status of this rare fish. The restaurant was created to share the history and rich local tradition of the Brotula to the common public, and has create a mouthwatering menu to achieve that end. This fine restaurant offers a range of dishes to ensure good times and great taste! Try the Southern Poutine Fries with pulled pork and BBQ gravy, the Bro’s Shrimp Po’boy sandwich or the Conecuh & Potato Crusted Red Snapper, a fan favorite. There’s also a daily lunch menu. Brotula’s and Jackacuda’s are both AKA Mom favorites!

With Jackacudas Seafood & Sushi, the same thrill and expectation of fishing at one of Destin’s famous fishing holes is now available for all those who “charter” a trip to the Destin, and then to this restaurant for seafood and setting. Try the Fried Avocado, the Pulled Pork Nachos, the Southern Style Mac & Cheese with Bacon, Shrimp and Smoked Gouda, and the Flourless Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Bean Crème Anglaise. The restaurant also has an impressive drink menu, including international beer, wine and sake.

Away from the harbor, there are plenty of places to wine, dine and unwind! For starters, be sure to check out Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. The eatery is mere steps away from Henderson Beach State Park, making it the perfect place to stop after enjoying Henderson’s white sands and emerald waves. Bubba Gump’s has a Kids Menu, as well gluten-free options, so you won’t have to worry about allergies and “making do” with your dining choice. For kids, try the Ribs or Popcorn Shrimp. There’s also pizza, healthy sides and Build Your Own Sundaes. Adults will get a kick out of the Shrimper’s Net Catch with peel ‘n’ eat shrimp steamed in beer, the Seafood Hush Pups, the Shrimp Po’ Boy or the Dumb Luck Coconut Shrimp! There’s just so much here to choose from, you’ll want to eat until you drop or set aside multiple meal times just to try it all! One of the other noteworthy things about Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is its amazing grass roots organization known as the Shrimpossibles. This dedicated group is comprised of restaurant employees who support their local communities through volunteer work and fundraising, including fighting hunger, illiteracy and supporting the Special Olympics!

Another favorite is Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill. This place is truly an event in itself! There are eight different dining rooms, with enough space to host a family dinner or a family reunion! And during the spring and summer months, this crowd-favorite stopover provides ample outdoor dining so that guests can enjoy not only the scenery but the talent of local musicians. There’s also an on-site gift shop for souvenirs, such as t-shirts, not to mention the eatery even has its own app! For the kids and fun-seekers alike, Fudpucker’s has its own famous attraction as well, called Gator Beach, a free alligator exhibit featuring “Pearl,” one of the few albino alligators in the entire world. And families, take heart—there’s even a large playground and game room, not to mention the fact that the kids can get their picture taken holding a live alligator! With all of the fun right at your fingertips, Fudpucker’s is a must-see site indeed! Of course dining is the main draw, so be sure to try the Stuffed Shrimp Parmesan, the Fried Pickles or Gator Tail a la Fud. Don’t forget there’s a bevy of famous burgers, plus mouthwatering deserts, such as the Key Lime Creation. So grab your gear, visit the app and head on down to Fudpucker’s for food and fun!

Destin, Florida is a nonstop center of award-wining memories! This family favorite destination is a veritable one-stop shop of fun and feel-good times for the entire family, no matter what time of the year, but especially memorable in the spring and summer months. So don’t delay. Many of the above-mentioned destinations make use of social media, like Twitter, Instagram or Facebook—some even have their own apps! Additionally, each place has its own website and representatives standing by, so be sure to inquire and get in on this award-winning DESTINation—be sure to book your family vacation in Destin, Florida today!

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No matter how hard you might try to deny it, the fact is that fall is creeping around the corner, little by little! So if you’ve caught yourself silently counting down the days or even dreading summer’s ending in a big way—maybe back-to-school shopping has your blood pressure already boiling—take heart! There is a solution to your post-Labor Day worries.

The solution is known as relaxation, and so to help you out with taking things slowly, Omni Hotels has announced a few exciting deals for travelers across the country.

With its ‘Linger Longer’ package, guests can kick back, relax and enjoy the serenity of summer as it’s meant to be enjoyed. It’s a deal really too great to pass up, and is available now through Labor Day. Guests who book the ‘Linger Longer’ package at a participating property will receive 10% off a one-night stay. But the savings don’t end there! Booking the ‘Live Longer’ package will also save you 15% off a two-night stay, and 20% off a stay of three nights or more. http://www.omnihotels.com/specials/linger-longer

In addition to lingering longer while on vacation, Omni offers vacationers other reasons to get away this summer. Guests who choose to book the ‘A Reason to Resort’ package at a signature property within brand’s Resort Collection will also be entitled to 10% off a one-night stay; 15% off a two-night stay; and 20% off a stay of three nights or more. Travelers who book the package will also receive daily breakfast for each registered guest. http://www.omnihotels.com/specials/reason-to-resort

With memorable family excursions, activities such as falconry, Segway tours and zip lining, plus kid-centric adventures and camps that will have your kids smiling from ear to ear, Omni Hotels & Resorts can help you and your family find countless Reasons to Resort and Linger Longer—and all in top-notch accommodations!

The following list offers just a taste of the festivities that await at Omni properties across the nation. So dig in—and chill out!

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa – Carlsbad, CA

http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/san-diego-la-costa

This Spanish Colonial-style getaway with manicured gardens and Southern California charm is 4 miles from LEGOLAND, and 29 miles from both the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld. The luxurious rooms, suites and villa suites are decorated in warm tones, providing modern amenities and timeless elegance. The resort offers four dining options, eight swimming pools, waterslides, two championship golf courses, and countless other ways to relax, including the #1 wellness spa in the country.

The resort also offers Kidtopia Kids’ Club, which includes a journey that takes children through a magical forest where they get to see sea creatures in a wonderland all “underwater.” Craft-making, as well as the land and sea elements of the journey, will stimulate imaginations and keep children engaged in the kid-tastic fun!

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa – Rancho Mirage, CA

http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/palm-springs-rancho-las-palmas

Set against a backdrop of mountains and palm trees in the world-famous heart of Palm Springs, this sun-drenched resort set on 240 acres of land is 3 miles from upscale shopping at The Shops on El Paseo and 12 miles from downtown Palm Springs. The spacious rooms and suites provide respite from the sun with plush bedding and modern amenities. The resort has five restaurants, as well as pools, a golf course, and tennis courts.

Splashtopia, the resort’s on-site waterpark for the young and young at heart, includes a 425-foot lazy river, a cliff-side hot tub, two 100-foot waterslides, a sandy beach and water-play zones with fountains and sprinklers.

Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort – Hilton Head, S.C.

http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/hilton-head

This luxurious beachfront resort is set in South Carolina’s breathtaking low country. The all-suite property offers matchless modern amenities and accommodations with mini kitchens and balconies, as well as ocean and resort views. The resort features two pools, as well as two beachside hot tubs. There’s also an 11-mile on-site lagoon system for canoeing and kayaking, as well as pristine sandy beaches and beachside cabanas.

As a special treat for kids, the Seaside Kid’s Club will keep them entertained with hours of activities! With daily themes to and countless resort activities, including Talk Like a Pirate Tuesday, Wildlife Wednesday and Super Soaked Saturday, kids will definitely want to linger a bit longer at the Seaside Kid’s Club.

Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort – Amelia Island, FL

http://www.villasofameliaisland.com/

Set on 1,350 acres of a barrier island off the Northeast Florida coast, this oceanfront getaway boasts stunning views and endless reasons to relax! The resort offers guests spacious rooms and suites with balconies and patios, along with modern amenities and top-notch service. There are nine restaurants, and the largest poolscape in northern Florida with a children’s splash park, several pools and two hot tubs. There’s also a 3.5 mile-long private beach, championship golf, fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding.

For kids, there’s the Gamers teen lounge, Heron Cove’s Adventure Golf and the award-winning Camp Amelia. Camp Amelia provides youth and family activities, allowing kids to explore the resort and discover the nature, science and salt life of the surrounding environ through its Nature Center. The interactive learning is offered through themed sessions. With Camp@Night, for instance, kids can create keepsakes and engage in fame time with other kids.

Omni Mount Washington Resort – Bretton Woods, N.H.

http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/bretton-woods-mount-washington

The famed retreat of presidents, poets and celebrities, this New England resort with Spanish Renaissance architecture is set in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, and is a National Historic Landmark. The richly appointed rooms and suites feature modern amenities and upscale décor. There are five dining venues, indoor and outdoor pool, cabanas and hot tubs, as well as award-winning alpine and Nordic ski centers, horseback riding and sleigh rides.

The resort also features the Kinderwoods Adventure Playground, which is located at the bottom of the Bretton Woods ski area. The Adventure Playground offers plenty of outdoor activities for smaller guests, such as mini-zip lines, rope bridges, Tarzan swings, tunnels, and other adventurous, heart-pounding activities for kids. Children can also enjoy the resort’s Go Kart Park, a perfect place to experience off-roading while in New England.

Omni Bedford Springs Resort – Bedford, PA

http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/bedford-springs

Set in the breathtaking Cumberland Valley, this historic golf and spa resort is known for its world-class spa, and is 90 minutes from Pittsburgh, as well as 2 hours from Washington, D.C. This luxury property is also a National Historic Landmark, and its legacy dates back over 200 years ago at Bedford Springs when eight mineral springs gained fame for the site as a place for healing and relaxation. The resort features sophisticated rooms and suites with balconies. There are five restaurants, a golf course, an aquatic center with an outdoor pool and a heated mineral springs-fed indoor pool, and 25 miles of hiking trails.

As a delight for children, the resort also offers The Anderson’s Explorers Activity Center, which allows kids to learn all about Dr. Anderson, the first person to actually discover the healing properties of the resort’s famed spring water. Kids can also seek out an adrenaline rush by playing indoor and outdoor laser tag. A fun, no-to-be-missed excursion is the Hook ‘Em and Cook ‘Em package. The package teaches children the basics of fishing during hands-on fishing sessions.

Both packages are available for booking now through September 7, 2015. For additional information, please visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni. Travelers or media can also follow Omni Hotels & Resorts at www.Facebook.com/OmniHotels and Twitter.com/OmniHotels.

The post Linger Longer with Relaxing Deals from Omni Hotels & Resorts appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

It’s official! The summer months are upon us! With rising temperatures and vacationing kids, what better way to beat the monotonous heat than with a getaway for the entire family? For a destination with style, class and bucket loads of fun, try booking the ultimate family vacation in Destin, Florida! At the Emerald Grande at Harborwalk Village, you’ll find everything your family needs to both enjoy the summer and soak in the fun!

With white sandy beaches and beautiful Gulf waters, Destin’s popularity is unmistakable. It has the honor of being named the “Best Family Beach” in The Travel Channel’s Best Beach Awards for 2013. In addition, it was named one of the top 25 destinations in the United States by Trip Advisor, and received the Travelers’ Choice Award in 2011! With accolades like these, it’s no wonder that families are frantic to experience the tranquility and beauty of Destin, Florida.

Your ultimate family vacation should ultimately begin with resort-style accommodations at the Emerald Grande at Harborwalk Village. The resort itself has received a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor, highlighting the fact that families simply can’t get enough of this place. The Emerald Grande does offer airport shuttle service from both Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) and Destin Airport as well, but be sure to contact the resort at least 48 hours in advance to arrange for pickup.

The harbor-front setting of this sought-after sanctuary, and the fact that this Wyndham Vacation Resort is ideally situated at the foot of Marler Bridge, just four short miles west of the Mid-Bay Bridge in Destin, means that your family can explore the entertainment center of Destin with ease. The resort itself offers free shuttles to nearby beaches, and resort activities are within walking distance, allowing every member of the family to experience the very best of the Florida panhandle at this exclusive Emerald Coast location.

To highlight the breathtaking beauty surrounding the resort, all of the rooms at the Emerald Grande have spacious balconies and panoramic views. Indeed, this attention to detail places you and your family right in the heart of the Emerald Coast even from the comfort of your own room!

One of the features that situates the Emerald Grande in a category all its own is the resort’s dedication to families of all sizes. The resort welcomes family-friendly vacationing by providing multiple-style accommodations, offering four different resort residence categories to ensure optimal space and luxury. All luxury accommodations include custom-designed furnishings and plush beds, as well as gourmet kitchens, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and private balconies, plus concierge services and spacious floor plans. You can view sample room photos and take a virtual tour of all accommodation types on the hotel’s website: http://www.emeraldgrande.com/accommodations.aspx

The resort’s amenities include a full service European spa and fitness center, indoor and outdoor heated pools – the outdoor pool is actually a beach entry pool and the indoor pool is both heated and cooled – and a family-oriented water playground, all of which happen to overlook the stunning Gulf of Mexico!

The Emerald Grande Spa, located on the second floor of the resort, offers everything from complete spa packages to spa parties, wraps, facials, massages, and body treatments. Packages are available for men, women and teens. The Spa Day Custom Package is a great choice, allowing you to combine any three services of $50 or more and receive a 10% discount, as well as a complimentary glass of wine or champagne. You can call 1-850-337-8150 to speak with a spa representative. There’s also the East Pass Fitness Center, which allows guests the opportunity to both work out in the hotel’s specialized fitness center and make use of group fitness options. The spa offers an onsite juice/smoothie bar as well.

In addition to spa packages, the Emerald Grande provides a variety of booking packages for couples and families. For reservations or a full list of packages, call (800) 676-0091 or (850) 337-8100.

The resort has an amazing array of onsite activities as well, including a seasonal – and supervised – kid’s club, and a soft toy play area for little kids. The Emerald Grande even provides an arcade for teens. For beach fun, the resort offers a complimentary beach chair and boat shuttle service, allowing guests access to a secluded beach for hours of fun in the sun!

The Emerald Grande also offers full-time concierge service, garage parking and 24-hour security. Child care is also available, so if you’d like to have a romantic afternoon and make use of the resort’s in-room dining, you can! Otherwise, the Emerald Grande at Harborwalk Village offers a variety of restaurants to choose from.

The resort ensures optimal enjoyment for the family with its ideal location at Harborwalk Village, where all sorts of fun, and at all levels, can be found around the clock! In addition to multi-level shopping right on the waterfront, guests get a thrill from the variety of aqua adventures offered, such as boat, Jet Ski and pontoon rentals, as well as fishing, and Harborwalk Village’s celebrated dolphin cruises! There are also weekly fireworks and live entertainment.

Destin Snorkel offers an exciting array of interactive tours for the entire family. Tours include a 2-stop snorkeling adventure where guests spend 3 hours throughout the day in search of crabs, shells, small schools of fish and other underwater delights. Guests are also treated to a dolphin tour as part of the adventure. Another fun tour from Destin Snorkel is Snuba, which combines the best of scuba and snorkeling into one amazing tour. The tour allows guests to breathe underwater by means of a 20-foot air line that is connected to a scuba tank. Sights include marine life not visible when snorkeling, such as toadfish, spadefish, sea anemones, and flounder. Shelling tours allow small children to get in on the fun. They can search for shells, learn about marine life and look for dolphins! Destin Snorkel also offers a variety of sunset, dolphin and firework cruises. Book yours today!

The dolphin cruises, run by Olin Marler Charter Boats, will provide your family with enough memories to last a lifetime! Booking a fishing charter with Olin Marler Charters means that your family is in the capable hands of the oldest and longest running recreational fishing fleet in Destin, with over 45 years in the business of charter fishing! The Destin Dolphin Cruises are popular for both the recreational and educational aspect of the cruises. Your family will embark on a daily dolphin watching tour and learn about the history of Destin itself! This family friendly approach to dolphin cruises and charter fishing is what has made Olin Marler Charter’s Destin’s favorite charter service since 1967!

Another cruise that will have everyone in the family laughing and joining in the fun is the interactive Buccaneer Pirate Cruise. The Buccaneer Pirate Ship departs from the Harborwalk Village Marina, where visitors will sail the high seas of the beautiful Emerald Coast. Passengers will be entertained with sword fights, storytelling, water gun battles, singing, dancing, and treasure hunts! The great thing about the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise is that parents can participate in the fun with their children or simply sit back and relax while watching their children have the time of their lives. As well as providing the Scurvy Dogs’ Club cruises for adults, the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise also offers birthday cruises for children, which include a private area on the quarter deck, decorations, a complimentary group photo, flag raising ceremony, and a souvenir flag! The birthday child even gets to steer the ship!

For a bit of family-friendly entertainment on land, visit the Bart Rockett Magic Theater. Bart Rockett is a global phenomenon, an amazing variety performer who has appeared on CBS, ABC, NBC, and FOX, to name just a few. Offering a magic experience for all age groups, tickets for upcoming shows can be purchased online. Bart Rockett also offers magic and ventriloquism workshops for all ages. The theater has a magic shop as well, where one-of-a-kind show souvenirs and magic tricks/illusions can be purchased.

As far as dining is concerned, Harborwalk Village truly has you covered! For a mouthwatering experience, visit Jackacudas Seafood & Sushi, the epitome of a good living while in Destin. The restaurant is named after legendary Destin Charter Boat Captain Dale Beebe, who took a charter to the “local’s fishing area” in search of the famed amberjacks the area had been known for. On the trip, however, Beebe managed to catch only barracuda. When he jokingly referred to the fish as Jackacuda, a legend was born! All the other captains began taking charters to the area in search of Jackacuda. With Jackacudas Seafood & Sushi, the same thrill and expectation of fishing at one of Destin’s famous fishing holes is now available for all those who “charter” a trip to the restaurant for seafood and setting. The ambience of Jackacudas Seafood & Sushi is rightly styled after the inviting manner in which locals brought friends, family and tourists to their secret fishing spots. With its relaxed environment, the restaurant beckons customers to enjoy the familial comforts of friends and food, as well as award-winning flavors.

The menu at Jackacudas Seafood & Sushi is both eclectic and impressive. The restaurant’s sous chef, James Cooke, will delight your palette with wonderfully decadent creations, such as the Fried Avocado, T’s Mac N Cheese with Bacon and Smoked Gouda, the Chorizo Crusted Snapper, the Blackened Fresh Seasonal Fish with Caramelized Pineapple Butter and the House made Cheesecake with seasonal topping. As far as the sushi is concerned, executive sushi chef Efrain Tirado combines global culinary traditions with West Coast influence to produce unique, mouthwatering works of art for the palette. The restaurant also has an impressive drink menu, including international beer, wine and sake. If you’re lucky, you might be waited on by Ryan, an all-around swell guy who knows the entire menu at Jackacudas.

If you want to dine like a local, also try Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer, Jackacuda’s sister restaurant. Brotula’s has a local fishing hole history similar to Jackacuda’s, and offers a range of dishes to ensure good times and great taste. Try the Bro’s Clam Bake or the Conecuh Potato Crusted Red Snapper, a fan favorite.

Also be sure to check out Margaritaville Destin. With wonderful island-inspired food, a volcano flowing with margaritas and four unique bars to choose from, guests of all ages are sure to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of this establishment, which includes nightly dancing and live music. Try the Beach Tacos or the tasty Surf & Turf. For the little ones, the Friend Shrimp Dinner is a favorite. Be sure to order the Chocolate Hurricane to reward yourself and the rest of your table as well. Margaritaville Destin also offers guests gluten-free and vegetarian menus, so families who have children with food allergies can rest assured that their child’s needs are being met! With such care and carefully crafted food, it’s no wonder that this restaurant is a crowd favorite. Dine with ease and enjoy the good life at Margaritaville Destin!

Your visit to Destin, Florida will not be complete unless you make plans to visit the Regatta Bay Golf & Country Club. This stunning golf course, designed by the lead architect for Arnold Palmer, has been named one of Golf Digest’s “Top Places to Play in North America!” It offers on-course circulating beverage carts, a state-of-the-art Parview GPS system on its golf carts, a clubhouse with a golf shop, chilled apples on the 1st and 10th tees, and mango-scented iced towels. There are also a variety of specials and packages, so be sure to inquire before you go! Another wonderful amenity is a full-service restaurant! Overlooking Lake Regatta, the Regatta Bay Clubhouse offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a daily happy hour with 2-for-1 drinks.

With all of the activities available at the Emerald Grande at Harborwalk Village, Destin, Florida is indeed the place to be this summer. So be sure to inquire and make your next vacation a DESTINation!

The post A Summer DESTINation in Destin, Florida! appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Planning a family vacation can be a daunting task. Whether a short trip or a long haul, there’s just so much to think about and keep track of. And regardless of how prepared you might think you are, there’s always room for error or forgetfulness or—to be honest—sheer chaos to ensue!

To this end, there’s an arsenal of phone and tablet apps—both free and at a cost—that can assist you in the process of planning and taking part in a family vacation. So whether you’re taking the kids on a weekend drive to the country or city, or flying out for a weeklong vacation or to see your extended family, try making using a few of these handy apps.

Once you try them, you may never be able to travel without them again!

Sunday Drive

Let’s face it. We all want our travels to be carefree. We want things to go smoothly, to be easy. Easy like Sunday morning, right? But traveling long distances—especially by car and with kids—doesn’t always allow for that. Well, worry no more! You’re in luck because there’s an app for that! This app allows you to take an ordinary, easily monotonous car drive and transform it into an educational adventure for the kids. It points out historical routes, scenic landmarks and other historical gems along the way. Your kids will be entertained even before you reach your intended destination.

Mom Maps

Sometimes, we just need a little help from our friends. This app allows moms to fill in vacation downtime and tap into the support network of like-minded mothers sharing local information about family-friendly points of interest. Regardless of where you find yourself, use this app with information from other parents to locate tried and true restaurants and events, as well as parks and play areas on a detailed map that shows you how to get there.

Rest Area Finder

As the name suggests, this app from Guidebook Galactic allows you to find rest areas in nearby locations. Making pit stops for snacks and bathroom breaks has never been easier! A similar app, Sit or Squat, is also there for you in an emergency. Based on user reviews, it allows you to find nearby bathrooms anywhere in the world and it notes if the bathrooms are open or closed, and if they’ve been recommended by other users.

Postino

Gone are the days of scurrying around while on vacation in search of the perfect postcard only to have it lost in the mail. With this app, you can turn your prized photographs into postcards and send them electronically to friends and family. The app allows you to send the image you truly want and to be sure that it gets to its destination. But hey, if snail mail is still your style, you have the option of printing the postcards out and mailing them for a fee as well. Postagram is a similar app that allows you to be your own postmaster.

TripIt

With confirmation emails, addresses and excited kids to look after, reaching your destination might seem like a Herculean task. Not anymore! This app allows you to keep track of all your important travel details with ease. You can construct custom itineraries by hand or simply forward your confirmation emails from the various providers you’re using, such as airfare, rental cars, hotels, etc., and the app will convert all the data into a chronological itinerary with all of your pertinent information in one place. Concise viewing and ease of use all at your fingertips!

GateGuru

Dealing with layovers and airport terminals is a daunting task in itself, but throw in cranky kids and you’ve got a disaster in the making. Luckily, there’s an app to combat that. This godsend of an app allows parents to navigate the tricky world or airport terminals and quickly, easily find important information based on arrival and departure times. Find restaurants, restrooms, kids’ play zones and more, and make use of the app’s detailed airport maps and useful navigation tools as well.

The Weather Channel

Enough with the evening weather report already! It’s time to take the weather report into your own hands—literally! This handy app allows you to access everything you might need about the climate in multiple locations. It will show the local time, humidity, visibility, temperature, wind speed, and other important factors, on an easy-to-use interface and, most importantly, in real time, when you need it most. Now you can pick the perfect clothing for you and your family and be informed about possible climate changes—all while on vacation.

Kayak

Though there are many apps out there for finding the right type of lodging, from hotels to timeshares to sublets, it’s all available on this app. Kayak has proven a favorite for many as it works as a one-stop shop for your travel needs. It allows you to find flights, lodging and even rental cars all in one place. You can also use it to manage itineraries, track flights and receive price alerts. On a related note, if you happen to be searching for a same-day family-friendly hotel, the HotelTonight app has you covered. The app even rates hotels and provides room descriptions for the discerning last-minute planner.

YouTube Kids

Don’t have enough space in your luggage to bring along your child’s favorite movies? If you’ve elected to leave behind the DVDs, music and books that tend to keep your child occupied, this app can help with the possible repercussions! Let your kids watch educational movies or listen to appropriate tunes all with the ease of a functional and reliable app. And you don’t have to worry about them seeing what they shouldn’t as the app is already filtered to provide programs and videos for younger viewers.

In addition to the apps listed above, there are a host of other apps geared towards reading and learning comprehension for children. While some of these apps are free, others offer free trials while still others cost relatively little to quite a lot for a yearly subscription. Websites, such as the Fun Educational Apps site , allow you to take your pick of the fun for children of all ages!

Also be sure to visit Android and Apple app stores to select the best apps for your journey. Like the above-mentioned website, many of these apps are based on age and grade level, and can help to turn any vacation into yet another opportunity for learning.

Want apps for your android? Visit the Google Play App Store here: https://play.google.com/store

Want apps for your iPhone or iPad? Visit the Apple App Store on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/genre/ios/id36?mt=8

The post 12 Great Travel Apps for Families appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

By Lincoln McElwee

In recent years, the farm-to-table craze has taken restaurants, foodies and the travel industry by storm. In case you’ve missed out on all the much-deserved hype, Omni Hotels Nashville has you covered. With its unique take on farm-to-table dining, Omni Nashville’s Kitchen Notes serves up a warm and homely slice of this not-to-be-missed dining experience.

Whether you’re a self-proclaimed foodie looking for award-winning fare or a novice with a bit of time to spend in Nashville, be sure to visit Kitchen Notes during your stay in Music City.

In fact, Omni Hotels Nashville makes it quite easy for you with hotel packages that’ll have you crooning with joy in no time. Located in the center of downtown Nashville, the Omni Nashville’s guest rooms and hotel packages are sure to add the icing on the cake to an already unforgettable experience.

In addition to room features, such as unique artwork, plush robes, foam and feather pillows, and state-of-the-art bathrooms with granite vanities, the ambience of your home away from home all points to remarkable insight and architecture modeled after the city’s distinct culture. Lodging that runs the gamut from deluxe rooms to King Executive suites and disability accessible rooms will have each guest feeling like a part of the city’s remarkable history!

Omni Nashville has a number of specials and packages to ensure that your stay in Tennessee is hassle-free. These packages include exclusive deals and special offers on all things culinary and romantic, as well as providing a number of stellar options for families as well, such as:

• Country Music Hall Of Fame® and Museum Package
• Includes two tickets to the County Music Hall of Fame® and Museum, a Hatch Show Print poster and breakfast for two.
• Bed and Breakfast Package
• Includes top notch accommodations and daily breakfast at Kitchen Notes. The famous Biscuit Bar is included in the package.
• The Legend Package
• Includes two tickets to the Johnny Cash Museum, breakfast for two and two coffees as Bongo Java

Just in time for Mother’s Day this May 10^th, 2015, Omni Nashville has a package that is sure to fit the budget and make mom feel like a queen with its “Extend Your May” package:

• Extend Your May
• For those looking for a unique and worthwhile vacation (or Mother’s Day vacation getaway) this May, this discount package is the perfect incentive! 10% off of a one night stay; 15% off of a two night stay and 20% off of a stay of three nights or more.

For more information regarding Omni Nashville’s hotel specials and packages, please visit: http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/nashville/specials

With all of the amenities and lodgings in such great hands, you can focus your energy on tasting the very best of what Nashville has to offer. That’s right—Omni Nashville is home to a group of award-wining restaurants that are all right at your fingertips.

Creative cuisine, farm fresh ingredients and inspiring design are what set Omni Nashville’s hotel dining experience apart from its peers. Choose from a variety of establishments that will inspire you to whet your whistle, experience fine dining as well as lunch or brunch in local style. Hotel dining includes Bob’s Steak and Chop House, Kitchen Notes, Bongo Java, and Barlines.

For a particularly rewarding experience, be sure to visit Kitchen Notes, Omni Nashville’s famous restaurant which serves up traditional southern dishes with a farm-fresh, sustainable twist!

The famous Biscuit Bar is served all day, and makes for a fun adventure for breakfast. Kitchen Notes also offers a Breakfast Buffett, Continental Breakfast and a number of completely gluten-free items for those with allergies.

Lunch can be indulged with anything from Black Eyed Pea & Tennessee Ham Soup, Shrimp & Grits or a Blackened Catfish Sandwich.

For supper, try the Fried Green Tomatoes or the Low Country Crab Cake for starters. The Fried Chicken Bucket, Cracklin’ Nashville Pork or Coffee Rubbed Prime Sirloin will have you singing your own entrée tune in no time!

So if you miss the feeling of eating a home-cooked meal, venture on over to Kitchen Notes for breakfast (where you can enjoy the delectable Biscuit Bar), lunch, dinner, or Sunday Brunch. In doing so, you and the family can explore sustainable dishes made from traditional family recipes. For more information about Kitchen Notes, or to download menus and/or view restaurant hours, please visit: http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/nashville/dining/kitchen-notes

Any DIY devotees, antique lovers or Pinterest junkies? Well the interior of Kitchen Notes will also have you buzzing with new ideas in no time. The interior of Kitchen Notes is vintage, and designed with repurposed materials from flea markets and local antique stores. So in addition to a healthy appetite, don’t forget to bring that camera!

Omni Nashville Hotel is also proud to offer its Omni Sensational Kids experience for all of your young one’s needs! Everyone loves feeling special, right? As parents, we know that our children deserve the special treatment that love and care afford them.

To this end, Omni Nashville has created an award-winning program specially designed for kids. Upon check-in, children receive a goody bag for their stay—but not just any ol’ goody bag. Kids receive a backpack filled with a variety of family-fun entertainment that is focused on health and nutrition themed games. The supercharged backpack includes:

• An Activity book with healthy snack recipes and games
• A twisty tomato straw
• Memory match-up cards
• Crayons

And as if the backpack and special treatment weren’t enough, kids also receive milk and cookies delivered to their room on their first night at the hotel.

Omni Nashville hotel also offers spa and wellness services, including a fitness center, pool and spa.

As downtown Nashville’s only full-service spa, Mokara Spa provides guests of the hotel and spa enthusiasts alike with an assortment of spa packages and treatments, including facial and body treatments, salon services and much more! Short on time? No problem! Mokara Spa offers Mokara Lunch & Luxury, where guests can combine spa services with a healthy lunch all within the span of a lunch break.

To inquire about Mokara Spa, visit: http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/nashville/spa

Before you go, be sure to check out the Nashville Event Calendar that Omni Nashville has posted on its website: http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/nashville/things-to-do/event-calendar. Not only will you know what the hotel has in store for its guests on a monthly basis, you’ll be able to plan your itinerary around what the musical—and magical—city of Nashville has to offer as well.

Regardless of your plans in the city of Nashville, be sure to also visit and peruse the merchandise from both state and local vendors at Nashville’s popular general store, Five and Tenn. The site is a 3,000 square-foot retail venue that’s a delight for the foodie and shopper alike.

Five and Tenn is a fun and unique homage to the general stores of old, bringing an original take on the past to Nashville’s colorful present.

The venue includes live entertainment (surprise musical performances) and vendor trunk shows as well as a bevy of stores selling fine leather goods, chocolate, boots and Jack Daniels! For an interactive experience that’s sure to capture the interest of everyone in the family, make Five and Tenn a part of your Nashville itinerary!

For more information on Omni Nashville Hotel or to make a reservation, please feel free to visit: http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/nashville

The post Keeping Tabs on Kitchen Notes: appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

There are many listsicles out there dedicated to countless must-see places and things to do before kicking the proverbial bucket. That being said, and though the end is certainly unavoidable, why not just make plans to visit a few of these places as a way of seeing new things, of walking a new path or the same one but in a different light? Why not visit with a sense of new beginnings rather than the overwhelming sense of any end.

Traveling allows us to always renew ourselves, to regenerate, as it were, and become someone bigger, better and greater due to the added sense of accomplishment in not only getting to our destination but in exploring said destination. Moreover, we gain by gathering and sharing our garnered knowledge about said destination.

So with that in mind, the following list should inspire you to see a few states and parks around the country that have always been there, but have just needed to be viewed with a pair of fresh eyes. Enjoy!

1. Antelope Canyon, Arizona

With naturally stunning colors and unique structural design, these caves near Page, Arizona will have you snapping up pictures and smiling with giddy delight. The slot canyon is divided into two sections, “The Corkscrew” and “The Crack.”

2. Oneonta Gorge, Oregon

If you want to feel like you’re in a fairytale all your own, visit the Colombia River Gorge, where the Oneonta Gorge, which has its own unique set of aquatic and woodland vegetation, is set to inspire your own tales! The walls are covered in ferns and moss, and on a warm summer day, the creek can be accessed by visitors.

3. Skagit Valley Tulip Fields, Washington

Just in time for April, this “driving” tour will inspire the family and have you feeling like you’ve booked a trip to the Netherlands. The festival that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the fields from April 1-30 is a must-see for any trip to Washington State.

4. Watkins Glen State Park, New York

Visit Rainbow Bridge and Falls in the Finger Lakes region, south of Seneca Lake. It’s altogether otherworldly, and will most certainly take your breath away.

5. Hamilton Pool, Texas

This has long been a favorite spot for both tourists and residents during summer. This natural pool is located just outside of Austin.

6. Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee

Being the most visited national park in the U.S., it’s no wonder why people keep coming back to the beauty of this Appalachian Mountains subrange.

7. Glacier National Park, Montana

The park is located near Kalispell, Montana and even borders parts of Canada, boasting over 1,000,000 acres of land. Definitely a sight worth seeing!

8. Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Be a part of history by visiting this rocky range of mountains that was once hunting grounds to Native Americans—view the sights at the famous red and orange mountains known as Badlands National Park.

9. Nā Pali Coast State Park, Hawaii

Though not able to access the Na Pali coast by car, add a bit of adventure to your travels by accessing the coast via helicopter or hiking. By taking the Kalalau Trail, you can also access a few caves along the coast.

10. Bryce Canyon, Utah

There are many national parks that span the state of Utah, but Bryce is certainly a crowd favorite. Bryce Canyon is a collection of naturally occurring amphitheaters that are famous for geological structures known as hoodoos. Hoodoos are formed by erosions from frost and streams, and it’s these weather conditions that have made the red, orange and white rocks such beautiful sights to behold.

The post Gorgeous Views to Visit Before…Well, Just Because You Can! appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

With a new year having commenced, a new season already knocking on the door and Daylight Savings Time back again, it might seem like the old is making way for the new entirely.

If you’d like an exciting blast from the past, however—a rebirth, as it were, a revival of sorts—why not embark upon a festive quest. That’s right! A quest that is all travel and no travail—and one for the entire family—is waiting for you right in Arrington, Tennessee.

If you’re up to the task at hand, visit the Tennessee Renaissance Festival in Arrington where you can travel to all parts of the realm in a 16^th Century family-fun festival!

Owned and operated by Mike and Jackie Freeman, the festival celebrates the merriment of a Renaissance marketplace, with over 60 skilled artisans from all over the country in attendance and with their unique wares on display and for sale.

Celebrating its 30^th year, the Tennessee Renaissance Festival will kick off this year’s festivities on May 2, 2015, with advance ticket sales online beginning April 1st. This gives merry-makers ample time to purchase tickets. Choose from day passes, two-day passes, season passes or even group sales.

An impressive line-up, including variety shows, arts & crafts, traditional food and drinks, games, exhibits, and reenactments, will be held in a reconstructed English village from the 16^th Century, known as Covington Glen.

The village features its own reconstructed castle as well—Castle Gwynn—with tours of the 1^st floor and castle grounds included in your festival admission. Weather permitting, tours are held each day from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Tour Historic Castle Gwynn at The Tennessee Renaissance Festival

Castle Gwynn has an impressive history with the Tennessee Renaissance Festival, starting with the fact that it’s the only festival held at an actual castle—or castell—as it’s also called. Castell Gwynn (White Castle) is a modern-day replica of a 12^th Century border castle in Wales, known as Castell Coche (Red Castle).

Castell Coche served as the prototype for Mike Freeman’s dream house—he designed the initial sketch in his architecture class while in high school—with many talented electricians, engineers, builders, masons, and designers adapting the castle for modern living.

As depicted in the heraldic arms designed by Mike Freeman, Castle Gwynn will eventually be completed as a four towered structure. Currently, two of the towers are completed with a new middle section of brick arches and timber connecting the two. Repair and resurfacing work have also been done—resulting in the entire castle exterior being resurfaced—due to the effects from construction on nearby I-840.

When the festival moved to an adjoining site across New Castle Road due to construction on the I-840, a timber-framed covered bridge was constructed to connect the two structures.

To view the castle, guests must use the Castle Tour Bus both to and from the castle grounds. Use of the bus is also included in same-day festival admission.

At Castle Gwynn, both young and old alike can delight in impressive exhibits and replicas.

Like weaponry and expert craftsmanship? Be sure to check out the Rose-Dan Freeman Collection of Weaponry, including armor and swords, while touring the castle. And don’t miss the elegant designs of Imogene Stone—the festival’s Royal Tapestry Designer—which will also be on display at Castle Gwynn in the Needlework and Tapestry Collection.

The Tennessee Renaissance Festival also puts on Theme Weekends, with this year’s themes as follows:

• May 2-3: Opening Weekend – Family Discount and Community Appreciation

A family discount, this weekend only, to celebrate the opening of the 2015 festival. With the purchase of two regularly-priced tickets, two grandparents and all children 12 years and younger will receive free admission!

• May 9-10: Mother’s Day Weekend

Celebrating Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 10^th) all weekend long, the first 400 mothers through the gates will receive a specially-crafted rose!

• May 16-17: Pirate Invasion Weekend

See a bevy of pirates galore—and dress up as one yourself if you’d like—during this themed weekend of swashbuckling fun! Kids can enter the Children’s Pirate Costume Contest or take part in the Children’s Costume Fashion Show that will also be held this weekend as well!

• May 23-24-25: Celtic Weekend

A Celtic touch to the festivities, with various games and contests that will focus on all things Celtic. Listen for Celtic melodies throughout Covington Glen. Kilts are definitely encouraged!

As the Tennessee Renaissance Festival has always strived to be a fun and fascinating children’s venue, the faire offers a number of free—free!—children’s activities.

• Children’s Knighting Ceremony, where young festival goers can become Ladies and Masters, knighted by Queen Elizabeth as Peers of the Realm of Covington Glen.
• Children’s Area, sponsored by Nashville Parent.
• Visit of Robin Hood and Maid Marian, who will involve the young ones in an interactive stage performance.
• Children’s Arts and Crafts Area, with supplies provided by News Channel 5.
• Children’s Costume Contest, in Arts and Crafts Area
• Children’s Costume Fashion Show on Pirate Weekend, where kids can dress up and display their pirate costumes onstage.
• Castle Gwynn Educational Tour

There will be plenty of other activities for children as well, while some shows are reserved for only the bravest of adults! For a full line-up of participants and events, or to download the Daily Entertainment Schedule, visit:  Entertainers and Performers at the Faire – The Tennessee Renaissance Festival

Keep in mind that, though costumes and costume accessories are allowed, there are exceptions. In particular, the Tennessee Renaissance Festival has a new Weapons Policy in place for 2015. Included in this policy are the following noteworthy warnings: (1) all swords, whether brought as part of a costume or purchased on the festival grounds, must be sheathed and peace-tied at all times. No exceptions! (2) Weapons will be inspected at the entrance for the safety of everyone; also (3) arrows must have tips removed and (4) firearms, whether working or replica, are strictly prohibited. For more information on weaponry and safety in general, please read the Rules of the Realm, here: Rules of the Realm – The Tennessee Renaissance Festival

For Educational Day information, and information on School Days at the Tennessee Renaissance Festival, be sure to visit the website for updates or reach out to the festival via its Contact Page: Contact Information, Comments and Questions – The Tennessee Renaissance Festival

So if you’re not quite ready to say adieu to the past, try saying huzzah instead! Then go ahead and visit the Tennessee Renaissance Festival in Arrington, Tennessee. After a rewarding day of ribaldry for the entire family, you’ll be glad you did.

For complete information, be sure to visit the festival’s main page: The Tennessee Renaissance Festival – your finest entertainment venue just outside of Nashville

The post A Bit of Old Britain at the Tennessee Renaissance Festival (May 2015) appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Seeing friends and family at the holidays is a time many families look forward to all year long!  Staying healthy for the holidays is an integral part of enjoying family gatherings or holiday vacations.  Protect yourself and your family while you travel, whether you’re taking a road trip or traveling by air, these tips will reduce the likelihood of your family getting sick.

• Germs abound on airplanes.  Take a travel pack of sanitary wipes to wipe down arm rests, table trays, seat belt fasteners and fixture handles.  Wiping down surfaces that can cultivate germ growth can lessen your chances of picking up an unwanted bug.  Turn off the circulated air above your seat to reduce the amount of forced air blowing directly on you.  As an added precaution, take a dose of Airborne before you depart for your holiday excursion.

• Keep a travel bottle of antibacterial gel available in the event you can’t use soap and water to wash your hands after using the restroom or after touching door knobs or bathroom fixtures.  Use a paper towel to open doors when exiting the restroom so you don’t pick up germs left behind.

• Hotel rooms can also be a breeding ground for unwanted bacteria.  Before drinking from glasses run them under hot water to sterilize them, or better yet, use disposable glasses.  Take a sanitizing wipe to wipe down flat surfaces in the bathroom, bedside tables, the remote control and dresser handles.  If the hotel gift shop has Lysol, purchase a can and spray the room to add an extra level of protection.

• Sleep is one of the best defenses against getting sick during holiday travel.  Plan to get at least 6-8 hours of sleep each night.  Burning the candle at both ends is a sure fire way to wear down your immune system which puts you at risk for getting ill while on holiday.

• Eating on the go can be a challenge when traveling.  Try to make good choices and avoid fast food when possible.  Pack healthy snacks of fruits, veggies and cheese before you go and put them in your carry-on bag for travel days.  When eating in restaurants, make sure to add a salad or side dish of vegetables to your main order as many entrees don’t include them.  Also be sure to hydrate with water even when it’s cold.

• It’s not always possible to avoid sick relatives over the holidays, so if Aunt Betty appears to have a severe cough, no need to do a lot of hugging and kissing, and be sure to do a thorough job of hand washing before nibbling on snacks or eating a holiday meal.  By the same token, if members of your immediate family are ill, keep them away from holiday gatherings.  The host and hostess will appreciate your consideration.

Planning for holiday travel will make your vacation plans run smoothly.  Taking time to make sure you’re making healthy choices will ensure that you and the rest of your family feel great and are able to participate in all of the festivities that make the holidays memorable. Germs are lurking at every corner so arm yourself with an extra level of defenses this year!

 
About Jennifer Chung & Kinsights:
Jennifer Chung is a parenting expert and co-founder of Kinsights.com: part parenting community, part online health record. Kinsights provides parents with a safe place to seek answers to their questions while also helping them track their child’s health information. Organize your child’s growth and developmental milestones, immunizations, medications, allergies, and more.  Connect with Kinsights at https://kinsights.com to learn more and sign-up! You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter (@kinsights).

The post Healthy Holiday Travel Tips appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

If you’re looking for inspiration for your family’s holiday vacation, you’re likely turning to popular travel websites or social media. One great tool that’s now available for families taking to the road this holiday season is Trover (www.trover.com). Trover is the latest in a long line of social media platforms, but this is one that is definitely worth a look. Whether you are an intrepid explorer pushing the boundaries, or a hard working parent looking for your next family vacation, you will love the features on the travel app and website.

Easy to Use

Whether or not you are used to other sites/apps like Pinterest or Instagram, and even if you are not a social media stalwart, Trover can help you plan your next family vacation. Here’s why: 

• It is travel, and only travel. You will not have your attention distracted by celebrity photos, selfies or pictures of kittens.
• Visual thinkers will love the format; photos actually taken by holiday makers like yourself draw you in.
• One you are drawn in by the image, you can read the handy information provided by the person who took it. Handy hints abound that can help you plan your family vacation.
• Don’t worry if geography is not your thing. Each photo is geo-tagged, and you can see in a Google maps format exactly where in the world it was taken.
• You can collate the images that inspire you into a ‘list’ (like a Pinterest board) to keep track of your dream vacations.
• You can follow lists that other people have made, and participate in the growing online community that shares inspiring images and useful knowledge.

Inspiring

Trover can help inspire your next winter wonderland vacation. For example, if you are planning a ski vacation for you and your family, why not look to Trover for inspiration? There are many lists created by real travelers like you to help you find the best places to go.

Here is just one example of the top ski resorts: 

http://blog.trover.com/6-best-ski-resorts-usa/

The same thing applies for just about any vacation type you can imagine. 

Helpful

Even if you have a destination in mind, Trover can be a treasure trove of useful information. Everyone knows that Disneyland can be a magical family adventure, but how best to beat the holiday crowds? 

Try Trover: http://blog.trover.com/6-ways-to-beat-the-crowds-at-disneyland/

Trover has a wealth of insider and local information to help you to get the most out of your family vacation, wherever you choose to go.

Discerning

Planning a very special vacation – perhaps for a bit of winter sun? Find the very best of the best with Trover. Real travelers can tell you where best to go, and what are the very best things to see and do when you get there. No fear of hyped up promotions; Trover is a community who will tell you how it really is, and show you too.

Perhaps you have decided to go to the iconic tropical getaway islands of Hawaii. Here is a list of the best things to do in Maui:

http://blog.trover.com/5-best-things-to-do-in-maui/

Travel local, too! 

Whether you have a particular city in mind for your next holiday, or are simply looking for information about undiscovered sections of your own hometown or city, Trover is a mine of information about things to do, places to see, and the best places to dine out.

Here, for example, is a list of the best restaurants in New York City:

http://blog.trover.com/page/2/

So, before you decide what to do for your vacation this winter, explore Trover and you are sure to find the perfect trip for you and your family.

The post Holiday Family Travel Inspiration appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.