Travel

A Getaway to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Filed Under: Disney, Travel October 20, 2020

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has a rustic, Colorado feel to it. It’s actually inspired by the Pacific Northwest, however, the closest I’ve gotten to that is Colorado and it’s amazing how similar it feels when you walk into the resort. You would never know that you were just a short boat trip away from the Magic Kingdom!

The Wilderness Lodge is a Deluxe Disney Resort and as the name suggests has a fun wilderness theme. The kids like to refer to this resort as “Chip and Dale’s House” when we stay.

The rooms have cabin-inspired décor with natural wood accents and cozy furnishings. In the bathrooms, there is tilework that has Disney friends Chip & Dale, Bambi, and Meeko (from Pocahontas).

The lobby is one of my favorite areas of this resort. It’s inspired by National Park lodges across the west and uses wood and stone as the major materials of the lobby. There’s a huge stone fireplace that has rocking chairs to relax in as you watch the fire, as well as a Disney Character totem pole in front of the gift shop. The sites of the fireplace and sounds of chatter from the lobby as well as The Whispering Canyon Café make the area warm and inviting.

Restaurants at the Wilderness Lodge

There are four restaurants on the property. Artist Point is their signature upscale dining with a menu inspired by the Pacific Northwest. Whispering Canyon Café is a casual, fun table service restaurant where servers crack jokes and kids get to do hobby horse races. Geyser Point is an open-air restaurant that overlooks Bay Lake. There various seating options, all a very casual hang-out type spot. Roaring Forks is the resort’s quick-service restaurant. We’ve had breakfast here a few times and it’s always been good. It’s also the place to grab a quick snack or dessert!

Pools

There are two pools, the Copper Creek Springs pool and Boulder Ridge Cove. The Copper Creek Springs pool also has an adjacent kid splash area for little ones. The Boulder Ridge Cove is the “quiet” pool where there aren’t as many activities going on.

Near the hotel, there is Fire Rock Geyser, a faux Old Faithful that erupts near the large pool. You can often hear it on the boat ramp as well.

Resort Transportation

The resort transportation includes buses and boats. You can take a boat to Magic Kingdom or to the Wilderness Campgrounds also. There’s a lot of non-park fun to be had over at the campground area including wagon rides and ponies!

Is the Wilderness Lodge For You?

If you are looking for a rustic feel but want something closer to the park than Saratoga Springs Resort Treehouse Villas, this is definitely a fantastic option to check out! We love the convenience of the resort to the parks but also that when we are at the resort itself it feels like we are in a remote area in the west. It is a cozy, inviting resort that is enjoyable for kids and adults.

Is Disney’s Wilderness Lodge worth the money?

Yes. It’s worth every penny and many times is one of the cheaper of the Deluxe Disney Resorts.

Do they offer Club Level?

Yes! There is a Club Level option and the Cast Members in the lounge are very friendly (I know, you’re thinking aren’t they always?) they truly work on making a connection with guests not just making sure you have everything you need.

More Disney Resort Options:

Exploring Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Filed Under: Travel October 18, 2020

Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Colorado has a lot of amazing natural beauty and historical treasure. One of those locations is the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. Located five miles west of Colorado Springs, Colorado off HWY 24 at Cliff Dwellings Road. They are open 7 days a week (weather permitting).

These Anasazi cliff dwellings are preserved under a red sandstone overhang and are over 800 years old. You can explore the dwellings during a self-guided tour that will take you room by room. The dwellings are architectural remnants from an American Indian culture that roamed the Four Corners area of the southwest. Virginia McClurg, a preservationist and Lucy Peabody founded the Colorado Cliff Dwellers association and trie to protect Mese Verde from vandals. After two unsuccessful attempts at getting a national park bill passed in Congress, McClurg gave up on the idea while Peabody continued to promote the national park idea which eventually came to be in 1906. The 40 room site was originally located in McElmo Canyon and were relocated beginning in 1904 to preserve and protect the dwellings from looters and relic pot-hunters. McClurg had the rock demolished from cliff houses near Mesa Verde and had them rebuilt. Below the Cliff Dwellings is a three story Pueblo style building that was created in the style of the descendants of the Anasazi. The first six rooms were built in 1904 and housed a family of local Native Americans until 1984. There has been quite the debate over the history of the ruins that were relocated to Manitou Springs however; they are referred to as “authentic” dwellings.

Why Visit Manitou Cliff Dwellings?

Unlike visiting Mesa Verde, the benefit of the Manitou Cliff Dwellings is that kids can climb over walls and go through the dwellings themselves. Unlike your typical archaeological site in National Parks, visitors are welcomed and encouraged to touch the ruins.

It’s a great hands-on experience for kids to learn about the history and explore what it would have been like to live during these times. There’s walking, crawling, climbing involved in the exploration. We had a toddler on our visit so we didn’t do all of the climbing but we did explore the lower levels. The views are incredible too and definitely worth seeing. While yes, my toddler won’t remember the trip there are a lot of pictures and it will open up for great conversation in the future to talk about.

For those with older kids, there is a great post from The Pioneer Woman’s visit to Manitou Cliff Dwellings.

Hours:

May, June, July & August
9 A.M. to 6 P.M.

March, April, September & October
9 A.M. to 5 P.M.

November
9 A.M. to 4 P.M.

December, January & February

10 A.M. to 4 P.M.

Things to Know:

There is a Museum, Gift Shop, Snack Bar and Picnic Patio

Admission Cost:

Adults (12 and over) – $12.00 + Tax
Children (4-11) – $7.50 + Tax
Children (3 & under) – Free
Seniors (60 plus) – $9.00 + Tax
People in wheelchairs and anyone over 100 – Free

Season Pass available for $22 for adults/ $15 for kids (tax not included)

For more information on the Manitou Cliff Dwellings visit the official site.

Checking out Colorado? Don’t forget about this post below!

A Stay at Disney’s Treehouse Villas

Filed Under: Disney, Travel October 12, 2020

Disney’s Treehouse Villas

Are you looking for a unique experience at a Walt Disney World Resort? Something different and memorable? Disney’s Treehouse Villas may be your answer.

The Treehouse Villas are apart of the Saratoga Springs Resort; however, they feel completely separate (both literally and figuratively). They are comfortable, serene, spacious, and offer a very rustic (but luxurious) feel.

We wanted to get away but not go too far, and we didn’t really want to be in the midst of a lot of people with the whole pandemic going on so this was the perfect solution. Staying at the villas, we had our own little space and were able to hang out. It was honestly like finding a cabin in the Carolinas. The area is secluded and wooded, and it creates a relaxing atmosphere that definitely feels like a retreat. This year has been insane and we needed a break which this gave us and it added a little Disney magic with hidden Mickeys.

The villas include a kitchen, dishwasher, washer & dryer, 2 bathrooms, 3 bedrooms, living room area, dining area, as well as a deck with table and chairs. The kitchen has plates, silverware, a few pots and pans, and drinkware. There are dishwasher soap packets as well as liquid soap for dishes, and liquid detergent for the clothes in the washer/dryer area.

While we were only there for two nights, when you have kids it’s amazing at how handy this in-room washer and dryer can be.

Once we got settled in, we decided to take a trip to Publix to pick up some food. We picked up some breakfast items, stuff for lunch, and dinner for the next night. It’s crazy how complicated dinner can feel when you don’t have all of your normal condiments and spices that you use at home. We figured the easiest thing to do would be tacos, so we went with that.

Sidenote: Publix had a ton of Disney merchandise, which definitely saves some money buying a plush there rather than the gift shop, especially if you do “Tinkerbell” gifts for the kids. It’s also a great place to pick up Disney-themed ponchos if you’ve forgotten your ponchos at home this is a way cheaper option than buying one in the parks.

Disney Plush at Publix — Assorted Disney Plush Toys at Publix

Disney Ponchos at Publix — Disney Theme Ponchos at Publix

We made pancakes and bacon the next morning, then went to the pool at the Saratoga Springs Resort. It was nice because there weren’t many people there at all. For lunch, we went back to the treehouse and made some sandwiches. Afterward, we decided to go to Disney Springs for a little bit. It was hot and while it wasn’t packed, it was busy so after about an hour we headed back to the treehouse. There are two big pools at the Saratoga Springs with waterslides so the kids wanted to go and check out the second one. They had a blast, and again because it was relatively empty, they were able to have a lot of fun on the slide.

Pool at Saratoga Springs Resort while staying at Treehouse Villas — Saratoga Springs Pool during a stay at Treehouse Villas

Sandwiches for Lunch at Treehouse — Lunch at the Treehouse

That night we made tacos for dinner. They were super simple, black beans, tortilla chips, and ground beef- but they were delicious and dubbed by the kids “Treehouse Tacos.” Now, whenever we do tacos at home that are ground beef the kids get excited and still call them treehouse tacos.

Treehouse Tacos at Treehouse Villas — Super Simple Treehouse Tacos

It was nice to go and sit out on the deck in the early morning and in the evening as well. It had such a peaceful feeling to it. We had been stuck in the house for months and were desperately in need of a change of scenery.

It was relaxing and enjoyable. The tub in the main bedroom was amazing. The kids had a blast in it.

We also checked out the Old Key West resort which definitely has a Key West laid back feel to it and we had lunch at Olivia’s Café. It’s a relaxing and casual table service restaurant. We tried the Southernmost Buttermilk Chicken, which was delicious, and for dessert had the Key Lime Pie tart. The kids got the Southernmost Buttermilk Chicken Strips which they loved. For dessert, they got a sundae however my son decided he liked the key lime tart much better.

Keylime Tart Dessert at Olivias — Keylime Tart at Olivia’s located in the Old Key West Resort

Ice Cream Sundae at Olivias — Kids Ice-cream sundae at Olivia’s located in the Old Key West Resort

The Treehouse Villas are a Disney Vacation Club property (DVC) but as with other DVC properties, you can sometimes find them available for non-members. You may be able to buy DVC points to be able to check them out as well. I’ve not used it personally, but I have heard good things about David’s Vacation Club Rentals which allows you to rent points.

Who are the Treehouse Villas not for?

If you want to spend your time at the parks, then really, it would probably feel like a waste.

While I saw resort buses coming through often in the evenings, it’s been said that they are spotty throughout the day so if you plan on staying here it’s best to have your own car.

It is not close to your regular resort amenities, which for some is a deal-breaker (and understandably so). The treehouses are geared towards people wanting to have that serene retreat away from it all.

If you’re wanting a rustic stay but the Treehouse Villas don’t offer the convenience needed you can also check out the Wilderness Lodge.

Interested in other Walt Disney World Resorts?

Club Level at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Filed Under: Disney, Travel July 21, 2020

Staying Club Level at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Surroundings that make you feel like you are in Hawaii, a view of Cinderella’s castle and a lounge with drinks and snack. If this sounds like your kind of place you should check out the Club Level at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

The Polynesian Resort, also affectionately known as The Poly, is one of my absolute favorites. I love the atmosphere and the theming of the resort. The first time we ever stayed club level was here and it is still my favorite.

What is Club Level?

These rooms are special room designations at a Disney Deluxe Resort (as well as one moderate resort) that includes additional perks. The perks include access to a lounge with small food services throughout the day. They also offer a more personalized stay and concierge assistance. If your room is booked in advance, you’ll often get an email from the concierge asking if there is anything that they can assist you with before your visit. Club Level rooms also offer “turn down” service where you’ll find chocolate on your pillow in the evening. I always tell the kids Tinkerbell or Mickey left it for them which causes them to light up with excitement.

King Kamehema Lounge

When you arrive, you will either be met at the door by a Club Level Guest Concierge Cast Member or if you go to the front desk they will call one up who will then walk you back to the Hawaii Longhouse which is home to the King Kamehema Lounge. The check-in experience is much more personalized. The Concierge will ask if there are any dining reservations you need set up or if you have any request. They also walk you over to the club lounge to show you around and give you the schedule. Typically, during your stay the concierge located at the desk become familiar with guest and again, there is just a very personalized feel to your stay. They are able to assist you with tickets, dining, recreation, transportation, childcare and even daily itinerary planning. They are also a great source of information and advice as well. Club Level guest have access to concierge Cast Members from 7 am to 10 pm.

The King Kamehema Club Lounge is two levels, both offer the same type of things the only real difference is the view. Between the two levels, it is floor to ceiling view of the beach and Magic Kingdom. That is a big part of why I love this particular club level lounge so much. It offers the perfect view of the Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks display music and all. You can sit back with some desserts and a beverage to watch it from the comfort of the lounge as opposed to being crammed onto Main Street with the crowds. You also have the perfect view for the Electric Light Parade, which is another favorite thing to see.

Inside the Lounge

There is 24/7 access to the lounge where you can go in and hang out or get something to drink (soda or water). They also offer some food/treats throughout the day.

7am-10:30am is Kakahiaka (continental breakfast)

12pm-4pm is Auinala (afternoon refreshments)

5pm-7pm is Ahiahi (appetizers, drinks, cheese selections). Chefs from Disney’s Signature Restaurants (fine dining) typically prepare these appetizers, which are essentially small plates.

8pm-10pm is Aumoe (desserts and cordials)

Ahiahi offers basically appetizers and can be used as a light dinner.

The breakfast is pretty much your average selection. They do however offer Stitch Juice (also known as POG or Passion Fruit, Orange, Guava) which is some of the most amazing stuff ever. As a parent with small kids, I found that if we went back by the hotel in the afternoon (the 12pm to 4pm timeframe) it was so nice to be able to grab the kids some goldfish snacks, or a cookie as a treat. It’s also a nice way to take a break and hang out in the lounge during summer storms or hot afternoons. The desserts were our other favorite part. They are little so you can try a few different ones and it’s such a great way to unwind from a long day. The Cast Members who are in the lounge are also great about getting you something if it’s out when you ask.

The only thing tricky about Club Level at Disney’s Polynesian Resort (or any Club Level Resort) is if you want to also do the Disney Dining Plan. One of the primary benefits of Club Level is the food and snacks, which defeats the purpose of the dining plan. That being said, if you want to do a character meal or if you want to do the Luau, it can be worth getting the dining plan and using your quick service meals to buy snacks that you can take home. If you are staying more than a night or two though I would definitely say, it is NOT worth doing the dining plan (or else you may want to reconsider the Club Level).

Staying Club Level gives you that all-inclusive feel to your stay and the tropical theme of the resort takes it to whole new levels in making you feel as though you are in a tropical village. Pricing can vary greatly based on the time of year and offers that are going on so while it can be expensive, trust me when I say you can also find a reasonable deal on a club level stay if you keep an eye out and can be flexible.

Visiting Garden Of The Gods

Filed Under: Travel July 17, 2020

A Visit To The Garden of the Gods

Amazing rock formations are one of the things that you will find at the Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs, Colorado. You can explore geology, plants, and animals in the 1334+ acre park. It is a National Natural Landmark with so much to see and do. If you’re looking for an amazing view of nature, this is definitely something to check out!

Park Activities

There is so much to do here!

Hiking- The park has 25 miles of trails. This includes a 1 ½ mile paved trail, Perkins Central Garden Trail, that is wheelchair and stroller accessible. There is a unique hiking tour, Garden of the Gods Walkabout as well. You can learn about wildlife, vegetation, geology and history from one of the parks trained professionals.

Biking- There are guided electric bike tours (by Amp’d Aventures), as well as rentable e-Bikes and standard mountain bikes if you don’t have your own. There are select trails in the park for biking and all of the one-way roads have paved bike lanes.

Horseback Riding- Another option to see the park is a guided horseback tour by Academy Riding Stables.

Rock Climbing- You are required to fill out a free registration form and must abide by all rules. The Visit Colorado site has a link for some outfitters who can teach you how to rock climb if you want to learn (scroll just past the halfway mark).

Bird Viewing- There are a variety of birds that can be seen in the Garden of the Gods Park. You can check out Birds of the Park to see what types are there.

Junior Ranger Program– This is open to kids 7 to 12 years old. There is an activity booklet available for $2.00 from the information desk in the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center.

Exhibits in the Visitor and Nature Center– This has hands on interactive exhibits and you can learn about the complex geology, ecology and cultural history of the park.

Visiting Garden of the Gods with Little Ones

While rock climbing and biking sound like lots of fun, you may be wondering what you can do if you have little ones. This is where Perkins Garden Trail comes in. It’s wheelchair and stroller friendly so it’s easy to both walk around with your little ones or push them in the stroller. You’ll see amazing rock formations where kids can imagine what it would be like to climb some of these amazing rocks as well as try and figure out what some of the formations look like.

There isn’t a lot of shade here so you’ll want to keep that in mind and dress accordingly. There are benches located sporadically on the trail where you can take a break.

There are places throughout the park where you can have a picnic, but again, keep in mind there’s not any shade so it can turn miserable on a hot day. It may be a good idea to bring an umbrella or canopy if you’re planning on a picnic.

If your little one gets hot or cranky you can still see some amazing sites driving the trail.

Driving Through Garden of the Gods

If your little one isn’t feeling it or if it’s just too hot you don’t have to miss out on these amazing rock formations and natural beauty. There is a one way loop that is about seven miles where you can drive and see the formations. The speed limit is 20mph so you have time to take in the sites and there are many places to stop and park so that you can get out and look around or snap a picture.

Tips For Visiting Garden of the Gods with Young Kids

A few essentials you will want to remember if you are visiting the Garden of the Gods with young kids:

Water

Snacks

Sunscreen

Stroller (even if you think they will walk the whole time, it’s still a good idea to have just in case. Since the Perkins Garden Trail is paved the stroller will be easy to push.)

How did the red rocks form?

The park’s famous red rocks formed millions of years ago due to upheavals in the earth’s surface and erosion. The rocks are conglomerates of red, pink, and white sandstones and limestone. You can travel back in time to learn more about the history of these rock formations by watching an entertaining 15-minute film during your visit to the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center.

How did it get its name?

Probably not the way you would guess. In 1859, two railroad surveyors, Melancthon Beach and Rufus Cable, who were sent out to locate and establish Colorado City happened upon the rock formations and thought it would make a great beer garden because they felt it would be the perfect place that was fit for gods to assemble.

Cost of Admission to Garden of the Gods Park

Admission to the park is free, and it will always be free. You can thank railroad mogul Charles Elliott Perkins for that. He bought the portion of the land that contained many of the formations and he wanted to property to be open to the public for everyone to enjoy. When he died in 1907, his family deeded the property to the City of Colorado Springs under several stipulations, one of which was that the park remain “forever free” and open to the public.

Parking is limited and it can get busy on weekends as well as during the summer when it fills up fast so it is a good idea to plan either an early morning visit or an evening visit.

Dinosaurs in Garden of the Gods

In 1878 a Colorado College professor names James Kerr found the only known Theiophytalia kerri in the Garden. It was more than a century later that he was honored for the discovery. The dinosaur was names after him and the place that it was found. Theios is Greek for “belonging to the gods” and phtalia means “garden.” You can read the story of A Case of Mistaken Identity on how Dr. Kerr’s dinosaur fossil discovery was forgotten for over one hundred years.

Are dogs allowed in Garden of the Gods Park?

Yes, dogs are allowed on a leash throughout the park. An off-leash area is south of Gateway Road near the main entrance and Rock Ledge Ranch. Please pick up after your pet, it is the law.

What is the elevation at Garden of the Gods?

Garden of the Gods sits at about 6,400 feet or 1951 meters above sea level.

A Stay at the Polynesian Village Resort

Filed Under: Disney, Travel March 16, 2020

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

The Polynesian Village Resort is one of Disney’s most enchanting resorts. It is one of the original Walt Disney World Resorts and has a rich history. The resort sits on the Seven Seas Lagoon and is just across from Magic Kingdom however, the resort atmosphere takes you away to what feels like Hawaii. This is my favorite Disney resort for many reasons. It is very convenient, beautiful, has incredible views and is spacious.

The History at the Polynesian Resort

The resort was opened on October 1, 1971 and had a grand opening ceremony on October 24, 1971. On hand for the grand opening included celebrities such as Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, as well as the Governor of Florida.

The early concept for the resort featured a 12-story tower that might have looked more at home among luxury hotels on Honolulu’s Waikiki Beach, however, the plans changed to give it a more authentic village layout in 1970. You can read more about the history of the Polynesian on Disney Parks Blog.

The main building, also known as the Great Ceremonial House, is where you will find check-in, as well as shops and restaurants. The guest rooms in the buildings just outside the Great Ceremonial House are named after Polynesian islands and create a village-type feel. At check-in, you’re greeted with “Aloha” and a flower lei. The theme runs throughout the resort from the Great Ceremonial House to the Long Houses that hold the guest rooms. Inside the guest rooms, they have an island getaway feel to them.

The rooms are bigger than moderate rooms so it is ideal for larger families and those with little ones. Rooms on the first floor have a lanai with a small table and two chairs and upper floor rooms have a small balconette. Similar to other resorts they have different view types that include: standard, lagoon, pool/marina, and theme park. There’s enough room inside to put your stuff and not feel crowded in the room, which is often an issue we have with two little ones and a stroller. It’s also nice because our kids go to bed around 9 when we are at Disney (normal bedtime is 8 and if we go too much past that it’s a nightmare the next day) so it’s nice to be able to sit out on the lanai or stand on the balcony and watch fireworks.

The standard rooms are typically ones with views of the parking lot or monorail, there’s a lot of lush landscape on the property to assist in making it prettier. The theme park view, as well as some of the marina and pool view rooms, are able to see the fireworks.

The resort grounds are lush and beautiful with plants and trees. As you walk out the back entrance of the Great Ceremonial House, you can see Cinderella’s castle and in the evenings sit on the beach to watch the Electrical Water Pageant and see fireworks. There are speakers spread out around the property where you can hear the soundtrack that goes along with the fireworks and electrical pageant.

Transportation at the Polynesian Resort

You can use the monorail or boat to get to the Magic Kingdom or you can walk to the ticketing center to catch a monorail to Epcot. This is so much easier than having to get in the car and drive. Especially when kids and strollers are involved. If you want to head to Hollywood Studios or the Animal Kingdom there are buses (shared with the Grand Floridian) that can get you there.

Dining at the Polynesian Village Resort

One of the fun things about Disney Resorts is you can find food that is unique to them. Of course, you will typically always find chicken nuggets and pizza but in the case of dining at the Polynesian, you will also find some flavors of the Polynesian isles.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto- Tiki bar with appetizers and live music.

Barefoot Pool Bar- counter service by the pool that serves drinks and snacks

Oasis Bar and Grill- counter service by the pool that serves drinks and snacks

Captain Cooks- cafeteria-style, quick-service restaurant. This is a simple quick service restaurant but I’ve never gotten anything that was bad from here and it is a quick, easy place to stop in for a bite of food.

Pineapple Lanai- located right outside the back doors facing the Magic Kingdom this is where you can get a Dole Whip!

Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show- a luau dinner show. I have never tried this as the kids were too small and would not sit through it but it’s definitely on my list of things to do. Reservations are recommended.

Ohana- for breakfast, this houses the resorts character dining where you can see Mickey, Pluto, Lilo and Stitch.

Kona Café- sit down restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Polynesian Pool

Disney resorts offer fantastic pools and the Polynesian pool doesn’t disappoint. There is the Lava Pool, which has a 142-foot water slide that starts inside a volcano. It’s a beach entry pool where you can relax and enjoy a view of Cinderella’s castle. For little ones, there is a water playground area where they can have lots of fun. It includes some kid size slides as well. If you want to venture away from the crowd, there is an Oasis pool that is surrounded by abundant landcape and shade.

Have You Stayed At The Polynesian Village Resort?

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Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop Visit

Filed Under: Mommy, Travel February 26, 2020

A Visit to Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop

Candy stores bring to mind bright colors, Willy Wonka, happiness and sugar rushes. It’s one of those magical childhood places where you think that you are in paradise. Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop in Jacksonville, Florida is the perfect picture of all these things. They have done an amazing job of capturing the essence of childhood happiness. There are lots of picture-perfect places to capture snaps of your adventure including a Social Media Room.

About Sweet Pete’s

Sweet Pete’s was founded by Pete and Allison Behringer. It is the largest candy store in the southeast. Located in a historic 22,000 square foot mansion in the heart of downtown Jacksonville. You may have heard of Sweet Pete’s if you are familiar with CNBC’s show The Profit. That’s when they moved from their Springfield location to one with more foot traffic in downtown Jacksonville, Florida. It’s a really cool story of how they completely turned the business around so that it could thrive.

Original Sweet Petes — Image from First Coast News

Sweet Pete's Candy Shop — from Sweetpetescandy.com

Our Visit To Sweet Pete’s

My sister had taken the kids (separately) a couple years ago for their birthday but they hadn’t been back since. I thought it would be something fun to do especially since it was chilly and a little rainy out. There is something about candy shops that bring back the kid in you and make you feel happy.

We went early and parked a block over. The shop itself doesn’t have any direct parking. There were no meter charges because it was a Saturday which was nice. The building stands out in downtown and even from the outside, you can tell that it is going to be fun. I warned the kids ahead of time that while I would buy them some candy I was not purchasing any toys. Like all kids, they will find a reason they need another stuffed animal or toy car so I was attempting to set the expectation going in. I didn’t realize that Sweet Pete’s had as many toys as they now had.

Inside The Shop

Sweet Pete’s is three floors, the bottom has a small shop where you can get fudge and specialty items as well as a restaurant- 10/6 Grille. The second floor has candy and ice-cream parlor. The third floor has party rooms, a play area, toys, and a social media room.

Inside 10 Six Restaurant — The 10/6 Grille to the left when you walk into Sweet Pete’s

Going to the second floor in sweet pete's — Going up to the 2nd Floor of Sweet Pete’s

I love the staircase, it’s amazing. As you walk up to the second floor there is a decorated area where you can sit and take a picture.

There’s an area on the second floor with some old fashioned candy as well as a place where you can purchase bulk candy in small $5 boxes. There’s also outdoor seating areas that are pretty cool. It was chilly the day we were there so we didn’t sit out there. We’ll have to check it out next time that we go! There’s also an ice cream parlor on the second floor. Since we were going to be eating lunch at the 10/6 Grille we skipped that as well but next time.

On to the Toy Shop

The kids went wild over the toy shop. There was so much stuff up there. Toys and books. Even though we had talked about it several times, they still asked for a toy (who would’ve guessed??!) but I had to stick to my no, even though I did want to give in. There was an Eloise book which my daughter loved. She became a big Eloise fan after we visited The Plaza in New York City.

There was also an area where you could see candy being made.

Social Media Room at Sweet Pete’s

One of our favorite rooms was the Social Media room that had various photo areas set up. This is a MUST SEE area for any family or blogger who is visiting. You can get some adorable shots!

You can see a little more of the setup from the image below taken by my 6-year-old. There’s little square areas set up for the perfect photos.

Our visit was so much fun and also included a complimentary sample of their fantastic Salted Caramels. You can check out more of Sweet Pete’s and even order some of their delicious goodies (including those Salted Caramels) at Sweetpetescandyshop.com. It’s an amazing place to check out.

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Escaping Cold Winters with Warm Winter Getaway Destinations

Filed Under: Travel February 24, 2020

Warm Winter Getaway Destinations

Winter is nice, for a day or two but then you get into the cold dreary temperatures that bring sore throats and sniffles. I cannot even imagine for those people who have to shovel snow. Winter is often the perfect time to plan a getaway. Not only do warm winter getaway destinations allow you to get outside and move but it’s a proven fact that sunshine provides a health benefit to us. Sunshine increases your Vitamin D, decreases depression and decreases your risk of getting sick, just to name a few of the benefits sunshine provides.

Beaches Resorts in the Caribbean

Did you know that Beaches Resorts has Family Friendly Luxury Resorts in the Caribbean? There are things for kids of all ages to enjoy. I had typically thought of Beaches Resorts as only a couples vacation or honeymoon destination and didn’t realize all that they have to offer for families. One of the resorts I’m dreaming of getting away to is the Turks & Caicos. Here they have 5 villages to choose from. You can stay at a garden oasis in the Caribbean & Seaside Villages, experience old-world charm in the Italian Village, or enjoy Caribbean paradise in the French Village, or enjoy the laid-back charm and elegance of their Key West Village. As a bonus, you can choose one to stay at but visit any of the five which is pretty amazing.

Another cool thing about Beaches Resorts is that they are All-Inclusive. This includes: the water parks; water sports (including scuba diving); land sports (for example tennis and golf); entertainment; kids’ clubs (which featuring the Sesame Street characters); an Xbox Play Lounge; tween club; teen nightclub; and a miniature train ride. This also includes all of your dining. Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it?

♦ Warm Weather

♦ Family Friendly

♦ Lots of activities

♦ Relaxing environment

♦ Escaping the dreary cold

♦ All Inclusive

Sounds like my dream vacation to escape to a warm winter getaway, what about you?

Interested in a Beaches Resorts Vacation?

Check out this infographic for more Getaway Destinations

Which Resort Would You Choose? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

10/6 Grille in Sweet Petes

Filed Under: Mommy, Travel February 19, 2020

Brunch at 10/6 Grille in Sweet Petes

During our visit to Sweet Petes Candy Shop, we decided to get some food at the new 10/6 Grille. It has an Alice in Wonderland which is one of my favorite stories. My husband’s birthday is coming up soon and I was hoping that this would be somewhere we’d be able to take him for brunch that day because it was so different than your average restaurant.

The decoration inside the restaurant is done well and captures the essence of the Lewis Carrol classic. It’s whimsical and fun which also works perfectly with

Sweet Petes. The concept of the two businesses fit well together.

I thought the set up of the keys, clocks, hearts, and chairs on the ceiling was a nice touch to the Alice in Wonderland decor. The kids loved the look of the restaurant!

The Menu

Our Order

It was 11 am, and the kids aren’t big breakfast eaters so they decided to go with lunch. My daughter chose the cheeseburger and fries while my son chose the chicken tenders and fries. I wasn’t super hungry and had been wanting some beignets so when I noticed them on the menu I couldn’t help but get them.

The burger was good, my daughter wasn’t thrilled because it had cheddar cheese on it but she really loved the fries and ranch dressing. The chicken fingers (as well as the fries) were really good and were a hit with my son. The beignets looked fantastic and were cut into these adorable hearts covered with powdered sugar and included a fruit puree on the side. However, the taste was where things took a turn. It is very possible it was an off day or an off order but it tasted like the beignets were fried in the same oil as fish. I had excitedly tried one and was quickly done.

It was early when we went in so they weren’t super busy however it did seem to take a longer than average time to get our food. Then again, sometimes with well-done burgers, it does seem to take longer so that could have played a part. By the time the food came my 6-year-old was getting good and hangry and I was having to start threatening that I would pay for our drinks and we would go home.

Thoughts on the 10/6 Grill

It’s really cute inside and as I mentioned the chicken fingers were really good. There were a couple other menu items that I think would be worth trying there and am open to going back again one day. I think because it is Alice in Wonderland theme I had built it up in my mind a lot and was let down a little. The only thing I can say for sure is that I won’t try the beignets again.

Have you tried the 10/6 Grill? Have a favorite dish?

Love Alice in Wonderland? Check Out These Post!

Alice in Wonderland DIY Disney Table — Alice in Wonderland DIY Table

Alice in Wonderland Baby shower decor Cheshire Cat plush — Alice in Wonderland Themed Baby Shower

Review of Legoland Florida Themepark

Filed Under: Travel January 31, 2020

Legoland Florida Themepark

What is it exactly? Is it worth it? What ages is it for? There are many questions when you think about visiting a Florida theme park where the name isn’t Walt Disney World or Universal Studios…. which as a Florida resident I can say is totally understandable.

About Legoland Florida

Legoland Florida is located in Winter Haven, Florida (about 45 minutes from Disney). It sits on about 150 acres with a stunning view of Lake Eloise. There are over 58 million LEGO bricks inside! It’s designed for families with children ages 2-12. Legoland Florida Themepark opened in 2011 and then rebranded in 2015 with the opening of their hotel to Legoland Florida ResortLegoland Florida Resort. It was built on the site of the former theme park Cypress Gardens.

It’s important to go into this remembering this park is geared specifically to kids 2-12. If you can keep that in mind, it shouldn’t be a total let down. We are a Disney family… we love the magic and fun that Disney offers and how it takes you out of your reality. That being said, Legoland is very very different from Disney. If you are a Disney person or are expecting a Disney-like experience but with Legos, you will be disappointed.

We decided to try out Legoland Florida because it would be a little different from our Disney norm and the kids love Legos. It was my son’s birthday weekend and last year we did Disney expecting it to be slow after the Christmas crowd and they were still packed so we spent most of the time hanging out at the hotel. On to Legoland, we went!

The Good Part of Visiting Legoland Florida

Unlike Disney, there weren’t really any lines. At all. There wasn’t much of a crowd, the waits that did happen were because their system went down or there was an internal problem they were having. It could be that January is a slower time for them, I’m sure during summer it picks up some.

The theming at the park is remarkable. There was a lot of thought put into the theme and correlating it throughout the park. The “safari ride” is through a jungle of Lego animals, the bathrooms are all Lego-themed, decorations throughout the park all make you feel as though you’ve entered the world of Legos.

Throughout the park, you’ll see enormous LEGO sculptures of things such as dinosaurs, farm animals, mythical creatures and more keep you gawking at their feats of engineering. Sidenote, the LEGOs in the sculptures are held together with glue and then sprayed with a UV-coating to protect their color from the Florida sun. There are even some surprises as some of the sculptures have interactive features like the LEGO pigs, that oink when kids sit on them. They also bring in all your favorite Lego characters…from the Lego Friends in Heartlake City “land”, to Lego Kingdoms, Chima, and The Lego Ninjago World

Mini Land at Legoland is a fun spot where there are lego replications of some of the most famous places suck as models of iconic cities such as San Francisco, New York, Las Vegas, and Washington D.C. There are even models of each episode of Star Wars. There are also some larger, life-size Star Wars characters located here as well that are made out of legos. Walking through kids look like giants in these miniature cities and the details of each one are absolutely amazing!

Star Wars at Legoland Florida is pretty cool. There’s lifesize LEGO version of Star Wars characters as well as the Mini-Land scenes.

Rides in the park include Lost Kingdom Adventure with interactive target shooting with laser guns, the Aqua Zone Wave Racers, Royal Joust, Beetle Bounce, and the Coastersaurus, Dragon, and LEGO Technic coasters. There’s also a Ford Driving School where kids drive their own cars freely through simulated streets.

Another really cool part of the park is Cypress Gardens, which relates back to the old Cypress Gardens theme park that was originally located here. This area provides calm respite from energetic attractions and crowds. Here, you’ll experience the enveloping canopies of its signature banyan tree, planted 80 years ago. It is amazing and relaxing. Beware though, as signs will warn you; this is Florida meaning there’s always a possibility of alligators or other wildlife.

Lego Movie World is very colorful and reminiscent of the movie. It’s not as in-depth as the movie itself but kids who love the movie won’t really realize that. There’s enough there that will definitely make them happy.

Check out the full list of rides at Legoland Florida.

The Not So Good Part

The huge fail happened with their “Model Citizens” also known as the staff. Honestly, with the exception of one, they were all miserable and seemed as though they did not want to be there at all. I cannot tell you how many times at different rides I heard one of them make the comment “Welcome to Legoland where our system always goes down!” We had gone over to “Ford Driving School” and waited in line for twenty or so minutes (the line wasn’t that long, apparently it was problems they were having), we finally get up to go into the section where the kids watch a video before taking their “driving test” and the Model Citizen goes out to confirm the cars are ready and then comes in and says “We’re sorry but we’re having trouble and we don’t know when it’ll be fixed.” She sort of sounded like she was kidding so the kids stood there and the parents over to the side wondering if she was serious. Another staff member opened the door from outside and said something and the one that made the announcement says “I don’t know, they’re all just standing here looking at me” as if no one in the room could hear her. It was just really weird. It came down to microphone issues, and we wind up waiting another 15 minutes because now the line was really starting to build and we didn’t want to get out only for it to be fixed and have to wait in the line. After the Model Citizen said everyone was just looking at her, a parent asked: “so it’s really down?” She replied “yes,” and they asked, “do you know for how long?” Annoyed, she says “no, you can’t wait if you want but we aren’t sure.” Someone asked if we could get a “Hero Pass” (Fast Pass) since we’d waited already and she said no, they didn’t do that. We could wait or take our chances later.

This again was one example of many where the people that worked there were grouchy or seemed as though they just didn’t want to be there and had no loyalty to the park.

The other SUPER annoying thing (for me) was these stands all over the place where you can play a game (for $3-$10) to win a stuffed animal. The kids asked and asked and then asked some more to please play one of these games. We finally gave in but it was annoying because you pay $85 dollars for a one day ticket and then to do these things you have to pay additional money.

Before You Go

Look for deals and discounts! You can sometimes get a second park day free with a resort hotel stay so it’s worth searching a little for discounts. Also, there’s a discount if you buy online vs at the gate.

The park is opened daily with the exception of being closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays during specific times of the year.

Parking:

Standard Parking: $23
Preferred Parking: $33
Campers/RVs: $24
Motorcycles: $10

Park Hours vary, in general, they are open 10-6 most days the earliest they close is 5 during part of the year. You can check their park hours for specifics.

If it rains… you have some options:

Lost Kingdom Adventure
Merlin’s Challenge
DUPLO® Farm
Imagination Zone
LEGO® NINJAGO® The Ride
Tot Spots
Wells Fargo 4D Theater

Ride Restrictions

Overall Thoughts on Legoland

While there are some things I wasn’t crazy about, it was cute and the kids are still talking about it. Again, it is NOT Disney and you have to keep that in mind. I think that there is a lot of potential here and I do hope that they continue to improve. Good customer service can go a very long way!

If you’re thinking about going to Legoland, don’t forget to check out my review of the Legoland Florida ResortLegoland Florida Resort!