Museums That Give Your Brain A Workout

I LOVE to give my brain a workout. I could go on vacation for a month and just visit museums. However, I’m not talking the types of museums where you stare at artwork and decipher what it means to you, although I wouldn’t mind checking out some Da Vinci when I someday become rich and can pay Italy a visit. What I’m talking about are those that give your brain a workout by allowing you to become a part of scientific processes.

One of my favorites is Cosi in Columbus, Ohio. Some of the exhibits stay the same, while there are many that change from year-to-year. There are a lot of hands-on activities for children and adults. I first visited this science museum when I was a mere 10 years old and they were located in a smaller building. The visit was part of a school field trip. Many years later I went there on a high school field trip as a part of a visit to the State Capitol Building. Now, I go for fun as an adult. Who can’t enjoy a walk through a town that replicates certain periods in time ranging from the 1800s to the 1950s or gets to see first-hand Einstein’s Theory of Relativity in action?

Admission is based upon whether visitors want to see exhibits and an extreme screen event, exhibits and an adventure event, exhibits only, or extreme screen only. Basically, extreme screen is a 7 story screen that makes you feel as if you’re exploring the ocean or deep space. Adventures are special events that are interactive. Nevertheless, there is so much to see that you need a map to navigate the entire complex and an entire day to do it.

This now brings me to another technological gem and that’s Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. I have a friend living in Chicago and that gives me reason to visit my favorite “nerdy place.” I first started visiting the Museum of Science and Industry in 1997. Just like Cosi, you have a lot of hands-on experiences you can engage in. You also get to experience the Omnimax Theater and such things as old military planes, submarines, trains, and automobiles.

And you get to visit cheap because general admission is only $15 with add-ons available based on any special exhibits or shows you want to see. There are even free days if visiting on the right day, which gives the same access as general admission guests, but the extras do cost extra.

And my last favorite is the New York Hall of Science, located in Queens. This is one that is great for the kids, but also appeals to adults. There are approximately 450 interactive exhibits. Some are permanent, while others rotate with new ones. The exhibits make it simple to explore atoms, molecules, and much more. There is mini golf, a playground for the kids, and the sports challenge that allows children and adults to test their skills in certain sports.

Science and art both have a place at the Hall of Science. Adults can get in for $11 and children for $8, but the cost does go up based on any extra experiences that the adults or kids want to engage in. As for me, I do it all. You’ll find me marveling over the atom with a group of 5 year olds.

Looking For A Thrill? Paramount King’s Island Has It

It moves at a speed of over 78 mph, stands at 218 feet high, and has a heart stopping drop of 214 feet.

What did I just describe?

I just described the roller coaster called “The Son of Beast” at Paramount King’s Island in Mason Ohio. This roller coaster is a world record holder in the wooden roller coaster category (or was if someone built a higher, faster, and steeper diving coaster by the time you have read this). This coaster is the spawn of the original Beast, which at one time was also a world record holder in a number of areas. As it stands, The Beast is one of the longest wooden roller coasters in the world.

It is fair to say, judging by the aforementioned coasters, that King’s Island is definitely known for its thrills and chills with rides such as Delirium, which takes riders 137 feet in the air while being swung in a 240 degree ark. And then there is Diamondback, which is a coaster with speeds that reach 80 mph and stands 230 feet tall.

There are a number of other rides, such as the legendary Vortex, which, at one time, hit the thrill threshold for me. You know how it is when you’re a young kid and it seems like the engineers creating these rides could not come up with anything more heart pounding than that. Well, they most definitely have and King’s Island is full of those rides.  

But since my friends and I tend to have children in tow, there are A LOT of family activities and there are wonderful attractions for kids of all ages, including Boomerang Bay, which is the King’s Island water park. There is a fantastic wave pool and thrill seekers can also get their share of fast slides.

So while the kids enjoy Boomerang Bay’s Jackaroo Landing and Kangaroo Lagoon, with adult supervision of course (kids tend to like to pelt their parents with water cannons), those wishing to have to tug at their swimsuits in embarrassment after sliding at high speeds can tug all they want. There is no splashdown shortage in this water park.

So what else do you need to know if visiting Paramount King’s Island? Well, it is virtually impossible to talk about every ride, delicious restaurant, and gift shop. However, to experience all of these things it is best to stay for at least a weekend and there are plenty of affordable hotels in the Cincinnati/Mason area. As for ticket prices, they can vary based on where and how they’re purchased (online is cheap). Nevertheless, tickets can be purchased for as low as $35 for adults, which is what I usually pay for a single day ticket with a two day ticket being roughly $50. And opening day is always in April with Boomerang Bay opening in May. 

Carter Caves State Resort Park – A Freak of Nature?

Carter Caves State Resort Park in Carter County, Kentucky could literally be considered a freak of nature because below the forest floor is 20 caverns that twist and turn like mazes.

I live within an hour and a half of Carter Caves, so it is not uncommon for me or anyone from my small Ohio community to take a day trip to the caves or to go camping for a weekend. No matter how many times we go, it is always just as interesting as it was the first time. Perhaps it is the fact that we get to stand below a ceiling filled with sleeping bats or the 30 foot underground waterfall that never fails to bring awe to our adventure

The park caters to two types of people: The adventure seeker and the nature lover. The adventure seeker can take complicated trails and crawl through some of the darkest caves, while the nature lover can walk simpler trails and tour caves that are easier to navigate. There are maps available at the Welcome Center that outline which caves and trails accommodate what a person wants. There are then small fees that are paid for each cave visitors want to tour. These fees are necessary since they are guided tours, so no one has to worry about getting lost.

Some caves may also be open only at certain times. This has to do with the weather, as a lot of rain can cause caves to fill with water, although some of them are technically not active. There are, however, still some underground streams that run throughout the park and they can be seen while underground in the caves.

And although I’m not one to stay overnight at Carter Caves, I have friends that love to take weekend camping trips to the area. Although we do have a National Forest in our own area, some like to go away from home and camp. There are 89 campgrounds that are available. Some are open year-round and have restrooms and water fill up, while others are not open all year or may be lacking facilities.

For those individuals that are not fans of camping, there is the Lewis Caveland Lodge, as well as cottages available. For those looking for good food, I love the steaks at Tierney’s Cavern. When visiting on the weekends, they are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays, but close at 3 p.m. on Sundays.

And as you probably guessed, the park is open all year round. Activities are limited in the winter, but there are two caves that remain open for guided tours. These are caves that have been millions of years in the making and, amazingly, even when it is freezing outside, the caves have temperatures that stay in the 50s. The same applies if it is 100 degrees outside.

There are also other things to do for those not into exploring the great underground. Activities include boating, fishing, golf, picnicking, playgrounds for the kids, swimming, and shopping at the gift shop. All of this can easily fill an entire weekend. For me, I am all about crawling through caves and getting a little dirty.

Snowshoe Mountain – West Virginia’s Adventure Zone

Snowshoe Mountain, located in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, is one of the premier ski resorts on the East Coast. There are many activities that families can enjoy and trails for those looking for an adrenaline rush. Individuals from all around the country visit Snowshoe for some fun in the snow.

I never thought I would be a skier because I always heard horror stories of people smacking into trees and severely injuring themselves. I figured I would be the one kissing a tree within 5 minutes of putting the skis on my feet, but there are both group lessons and private lessons. If you pre-book your group lesson before you arrive at the resort, the cost is $45 for the lesson, otherwise it’s $49. We pre-booked because the group I was with had never skied before. There are also group and private lessons (starting at $59 for one hour), for more advanced skiers looking to tackle the tougher terrain.

Because we went to Snowshoe in January, we were there during peak season with a cost of approximately $175 per person per night, but this included daily lift tickets. This includes a two night stay in a gold junior studio, which is a nice room and ideal for a fun weekend trip.

There are other lodging options available for those visitors not wanting to take what the package offers. There are areas to lodge at the mountain base, on the north and south sides of the mountain, and there are cabins available in various locations. There is also lodging in The Village, which is where you will find many of your restaurants, shopping, spas, and where Snowshoe Mountain nightlife takes place.

When in The Village, we decided to visit The Connection Night Club after enjoying New York Strips at Brandi’s At The Inn At Snowshoe. The Connection serves your basic drinks, but has some major dancing going on within its doors. There was a live indie band there the night that my friends and I were there and they were great.

When it came to shopping, the Performance Shop was where we went to get some of our outerwear when we realized how cold it really was. There are a number of little shops to enjoy.

Although we weren’t traveling with children at that time, we will be when we return. Fortunately, there are lessons for kids, The Big Top where there are arcade games and inflatables, the Coca Cola Tubing Park, Snowcat Rides, and Kids Night Out where the kids have fun while the parents enjoy a night out.

Snowshoe Mountain is a great place for couples and for families to have a good time. Some may want to spend an entire week at the mountain, while others may only have time for a weekend. When I was there I stayed for only a weekend, but could easily spend a week there when time permits, especially with the kids in tow. 

A Nature Lover’s Dream – Hocking Hills State Park

Hocking Hills State Park in Logan, Ohio is located in the south eastern quadrant of the state and is an area with a very unique history. I am a person who is fascinated with history, which makes this beautiful area even more intriguing to me.

The entire area is made of sandstone bedrock, which is what remains of an ancient sea. Since the extinction of this sea, there are a number of streams that have carved through the sandstone, resulting in the creation of many gorges and waterfalls.

There are five areas that are visited the most within the park. They are Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, Old Man’s Cave, The Rockhouse, and Conkle’s Hollow.

Cedar Falls is considered one of the most reliable waterfalls Hocking Hills has to offer. This is a really nice waterfall because it has a very unique look. It runs down a giant slab of sandstone, splits in the middle, and then comes back together. This is an area where there is a beach-like area that visitors can relax upon. I enjoy this waterfall because there is also a slight breeze and plenty of shade to keep cool when the weather is hot

Ash Cave also has a waterfall, but it only runs during the spring. The cave is still fascinating without the waterfall because of its 90 foot high ceiling. I haven’t seen the cave in the winter, but the fall actually freezes into an ice column. As for where the cave got its name, early settlers in the area found piles of ash that Native Americans had left behind.

Old Man’s Cave also has an interesting history with a man named Richard Rowe living in the cave in the early 1800s. This is the area that is now the location of the Hocking Hills State Park Visitor Center, a campground, a gift shop, a snack shop, and a swimming pool.

The Rockhouse is a 200 foot long natural tunnel that is 30 feet wide and it looks like it has windows. The cliffs are approximately 150 feet and spring waterfalls fall from these cliffs. When compared to Old Man’s Cave in regards to living quarters, the Rockhouse does win out, especially since there are vines that hang down in the summer.

Conkles Hollow is the last of the most popular places to visit at Hocking Hills State Park. There are some areas of this hollow that are as much as 200 feet deep. There is plant life that is not normally found in Ohio within the hollow because of the cool climate. The waterfall within the hollow runs longer than the other spring falls, but won’t be found in the summer.

I am one who likes to visit Hocking Hills in the fall where you will find the trails lined with trees of all different colors. Overall, however, there are many attractions, affordable cabins, hotels nearby, camp grounds, and so much more to enjoy, including cheap train rides to historic towns with small shops. It is a big place with a lot to offer. 

Heat Up the Romance in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg

Before my husband and I became parents, which was not long ago, we decided to take a romantic weekend trip to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. This is, perhaps, one of the nicest short trips we ever made. What made this weekend getaway even more special was the fact we went the week before Christmas.

The drive took us approximately 5 hours on a Friday. This is a time of year in which the streets are busy, so expect some delays along the main stretch in Pigeon Forge. We did make our reservation at a nice little Days Inn in Pigeon Forge with a room facing the Smoky Mountains. Our suite had a balcony to walk out upon when we wanted to take in the cold Tennessee air. In addition, our suite had a hot tub and a fireplace. This was truly a romantic room within one of the most well-known motel chains in the country.

As for why we stayed in a Days Inn rather than a romantic cabin in the mountains is because we were traveling on a very tight budget. We did want to do some Christmas shopping - which is one major reason why many individuals travel to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg around Christmas – so we made sure we saved money where possible. Otherwise we would have chosen one of the many amazing cabins with breathtaking mountain views.

When it came to the shopping, there are over 200 stores within Pigeon Forge, including those within the Belz Outlet. We also enjoyed the Incredible Christmas Place, which is the largest Christmas Village in the south. I have to say that Pigeon Forge is beautifully decorated during the holiday season.

In addition to the shopping, there is Dollywood. We did not go to Dollywood, but we seriously considered it because of all of the Christmas attractions and the fact that I am an amusement park “freak.” Instead, we took the short drive to Gatlinburg and that’s when it started to snow. It was beautiful. It was snowing so hard that  the lift is almost hidden behind the snow in the below photo.

Yes, we did a lot on our romantic trip. My husband and I are “doers.” We like to do things together and then have a romantic evening. So we shopped at a number of the small shops within Gatlinburg. We literally parked in one parking lot and walked to places like the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum and the Guinness World Records Museum.

Back in Pigeon Forge, we dined at places such as the Old Mill, which is a family style restaurant. And yes, we had to have our fun at Dixie Stampede, which is only one of the dinner shows in the area.

When the weekend came to an end, it was difficult to make the trip back home and not because it snowed heavily the entire way, but because we had such a great time breaking the monotony within our lives. We created great memories and we are looking forward to one day taking another romantic trip to the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg area. 

Daytona Beach on a Budget…Seriously?

So in 2008, a friend and I, who are both veteran baton twirlers (don’t laugh), decided on the fly to take a trip to Daytona Beach to watch the United States Twirling Association’s  National Baton Twirling Competition. Considering the sport (a debatable term with some) consumed over twenty years of both of our lives and we had been out of the game a few years, we decided to travel on the smallest budget possible so that we could watch our sport and enjoy the beach.

Fortunately, my car gets excellent gas mileage, so we decided to drive and not fly. Some thought we were crazy, but our calculations showed us that the gas consumption round trip was going to cost us less than two plane tickets. Now, if my car got less than 27 miles per gallon, the cheapest plane tickets at the time would’ve been more feasible.

And so we took off driving from the small town of Ironton, Ohio to Daytona Beach, Florida, a trip I had actually made in the same car several times before without stopping overnight anywhere. We, however, stopped in Waltersboro, South Carolina at a nice little Sleep Inn that only cost us $60 for the night ($30 each).

Needless to say, we made it to Daytona Beach the following day on $60 in gas. Our reservation was at the Hilton. Yes, the Hilton, but we opted out of the oceanfront room in order to save money. We took into consideration we would not be spending enough time in the room to gander out a balcony door.

Also, connected to our hotel was a shopping center. We worked to avoid the shopping center to the best of our abilities, although I did spend $50 between a few stores and a surf shop across the street.

As for food, the café within the hotel was reasonable priced, but we also brought snacks and such from home so that we would not have to buy from vending machines. Not buying from vending machines saves a lot of money.

And while we were saving all of this money, we were enjoying the competition and the beach. What I love about Daytona Beach is the fact that it is never too crowded in one area. Even during large events, with the exception of Spring Break, the beach is large enough that no one has to be too close to one another, so my friend and I had a lot of privacy.

There is a lot to do at Daytona Beach that I didn’t do, such as stop at the video arcade or go to a water park. We were traveling on a very tight budget over a period of 5 days. In the end, I personally spent $440. Since my friend spent almost as much as I did, we both made the 5 day trip for less than $900 and we had a blast without having to shop for things we’d probably never use or eat at expensive restaurants. 

Wayne National Forest – A Hidden Treasure For The Nature Lover

Wayne National Forest is nestled in the Southern Ohio Appalachian Foothills, covering approximately a quarter of a million acres. This is a great place for the nature lover. There is a lot to see and a lot to do when visiting this small National Forest.

This is a personal area of enjoyment for me because of the beauty that the area offers. There is also a lot of history here, which makes it a frequent stop amongst history buffs. One historical spot is the Vesuvius furnace. What is left is one of the stacks from the pig iron furnaces that are scattered throughout Lawrence County, Ohio. This particular furnace was built in 1833, went into service in 1834, and went out of commission in 1906.  

Those interested in the furnace stack will also find slag that is still found along the nearby creek bank. There is also a piece of sow that has been preserved at the site.

Right across from the furnace is the Lake Vesuvius Dam, which drains into Storms Creek. Lake Vesuvius is a recreation area that includes boating, fishing, ATVing, there is a trail that takes hikers around the lake, and there is an additional 300 miles of trails throughout the entire forest.

The locals enjoy the hiking as a way to exercise. The terrain is rather rugged, with some of the more advanced trails taking hikers along some rather high cliffs. These cliffs, as well as a number of flat-faced limestone hillsides, tend to be attractive to rock climbers.

For those wishing to enjoy nature with small children, there is a boardwalk connecting the dam area to the boat dock and it is stroller friendly, as well as handicap accessible. Since the installation of this boardwalk, many fishing events have taken place and couples enjoy using the area as a wedding spot.

Because there are many fishing and hiking events, as well as educational tours conducted by Ohio universities to study the many limestone formations, there are many campgrounds where individuals can pitch a tent or park a camper for free. In the summer, there is even a yellow sandy beach to cool off at and enjoy the sun.

But although there is a beach, there are a number of rocks that protrude out of the water and tend to be hot spots for swimmers looking for a good diving platform. The lake can be as much as 20 feet deep in some areas, making it ideal for the thrill seeker.

There is obviously so much to see and do within Wayne National Forest. The area is one for the true nature lover or someone simply wishing to take a stroll and breathe fresh air. It is an area where I love to take photographs in the fall and where my family reunion takes place every Labor Day weekend under one of the massive picnic shelters. It is the pride and joy of the locals and a vacation spot for visitors from all over the United States and Canada. 

Three Romantic Getaways That Fit Any Taste

Romantic getaways keep the fire going within a relationship. They provide the opportunity for couples to participate in activities together and to have plenty of alone time that they may not get at home. Going away to a romantic vacation is the opportunity for a couple to enjoy one another and not have to worry about the hustle and bustle of life. To escape the chaos, it is good to know what destinations are the best ones.

But there are some romantic getaways that can be found in the most unlikely of places…

Take Kentucky, for instance. The Louisville area, and one of my favorite cities to visit, boasts 19^th century architecture and the riverboats that cruise along the mighty Ohio River. Louisville is also home to the famous Kentucky Derby.

For those wishing to experience the romantic riverboat rides, horse races, and even some casino gambling, there are a number of places to stay. One of the most romantic and also one of those that stand true with Kentucky heritage is the Tucker House. It is a 1840s farmhouse that is on the National Register of Historic Places. The farmhouse sits on five acres of land and has a spring lake, along with a pool, on the property. Also located in Louisville is Bourbon Country where the hills roll on and on with limestone streams and hardwood forests that are open to romantic strolls. This is another one of my favorite spots.

Moving on over to the East Coast, there are plenty of romantic stops, which can make it very difficult to decide. One of those stops is the Outer Banks.

The Outer Banks have grown in popularity throughout the years because these barrier islands consist of many attractions, while also offering privacy for couples. The bustling seaside towns provide small romantic hotels and restaurants, while the endless beaches allow couples to stroll along in the sand at a leisurely and unobstructed pace.  

For those looking for a popular beach location, just south of the Outer Banks is Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and where my husband and I had our first vacation. Couples can watch the sunrise together from the balcony of one of the many romantic high rise hotels.

There are activities such as miniature golf, boat rides, museum tours, shopping, and much more. There are restaurants, such as Angelo’s, with great food and a romantic atmosphere. There are helicopter tours along the miles and miles of beach, and so much more. It takes at least a week for everything to be experienced.

These are just a few of the romantic getaways that can be found and experienced. There are some couples that enjoy having active getaways, such as my husband and I, while there are others that prefer to keep things quiet. No matter the preference, there are many places to go with may sights to see…or not if you like things to be quiet. 

Oak Glen in Autumn

Oak Tree Village - 14 Acres of Family Entertainment

Colors of Fall at Snow-Line Orchard

Autumn Foliage at Los Rios Rancho

Picnic Area at the Wildlands Conservancy Oak Glen Preserve

Remember when our parents and grandparents would tell us how much simpler life was in their day?  Before all of these newfangled gadgets came along like computers, the internet, video games, cell phones and on demand television?  The days when people could wait for a minute idly somewhere and enjoy the scenery without attempting to fill the time void by jumping on their phone to call someone, text, or post on their social networking site that their current status is "at the drive through?"  With all of the technology at our fingertips nowadays it is ironic that we are busier than ever.  

But anyway, when I would hear how much simpler life was I always pictured a country setting with my grandma riding in the back of a pick-up truck down a gravel road, or her on the farm feeding the chickens, making biscuits and gravy or canning something.  Maybe tuning the radio to the station she used to sing at and sitting in her rocking chair and singing along.

Traveling to Oak Glen in Southern California gives me that same sort of feeling.  It is kind of a magical transformation that happens on the drive up there.  One minute you are driving by El Pollo Loco, golf courses, parks and 3,000 square foot homes and the next minute you're in FarmVille.

Nestled in the mountains at 5,200 feet this country community is best known for its mile-high apple orchards, ranches and farms and is the largest area for apple-growing in Southern California.  Some of the farms have been owned and operated for over a hundred years and passed through the family for generations.  Now they are open to the public for tours, fruit picking, shopping and various tourist activities.

We always enjoy going up in the fall when the leaves have turned and it feels like New England.  The autumn foliage and countryside are a refreshing sight and a stark contrast to the urban jungle of LA.  Autumn is also apple season, meaning all of the ranch & town shops feature fresh  apple everything.

On our last trip a couple of weeks ago, our first stop was at Parrish Pioneer Ranch and we sampled about a dozen different types of apples for sale, along with some fresh cider.  There was also a musician performing and they had goats, sheep, a cow, emus, peacocks and chicken there which were fun for the kids.  We never leave the country store there without getting a jar of apple butter.

 
For those that like more hands on activities there are several U-Pick orchards along Oak Glen Road.  Snow-Line was open for raspberry picking and also makes mini apple donuts and was proud to advertise they now have a Facebook and Twitter site.  We stopped at one of Riley's Orchards and noticed it also had a corn maze which is just good clean fun.  On a side note there is a good corn maze in the Live Oak pumpkin patch which runs in October and is just south of Oak Glen off the 10 freeway.

You can also press your own cider which is fun.  If you have been driving most of the day and haven't found a place, Los Rios Rancho has a cider press that seems to be open consistently.  On the apple press you can make your own gallon or half gallon of cider and they provide the apples.  It costs a little more than the pre-made stuff but the fresher cider comes out a little thicker and tastes better and is well worth the experience.  It tastes so fresh and delicious and I would definitely recommend it at least once if you haven't done it.  Your kids will enjoy helping too.

The Wildlands Conservancy’s Oak Glen Preserve is also located at the back of the Los Rios Rancho property and is a great place for nature lovers to hike or picnic.  There is a ton of grass for kids to play sports and run.

Probably the most bustling place in town is Oak Tree Village.  The village features 14 acres of family fun including a variety of shops, food, shows, an animal park & petting zoo and train & pony rides.  There is also a stage for concerts and plays and a wild west gunslinger show with community volunteer actors.  Be aware that the show features real weapons packed with loud gunpowder blanks and can be startling for young children.  There were inflatable jumpers behind the bleachers and hay bales where kids could play however.  We stopped at the Village Candy Kitchen and I fed my sweet tooth.  They have an assortment of candy & nut covered caramel & chocolate apples and it seems we always leave with at least a couple.  Apple Annie’s Bakery also produces their ginormous five pound mile-high apple pies which are fun to see even if you don’t get one!

Most of the town and shops close at 5pm so be sure to start your day early if you want to get a lot in.  Or you can stay overnight at the local campground, retreat or B&B.  But most importantly just take some time to relax.  Life is simpler here.  Surrounded by mountains, blue skies, oak and sycamore trees, and the scent of apples you may feel a sense of peace and find for the moment that all is right in the world.

Additional Info
Oak Glen is located off the 10 freeway and is about 60-90 minutes from LA or Orange County and about 30 minutes from the Inland Empire or Palm Springs.  Visit www.oakglen.net for more information.