Star Castle Family Entertainment Center in Savannah
If you’re looking for some good, clean family fun this summer, then the Savannah’s Star Castle Family Entertainment Center is the place to go. The center first opened as an arcade in 1984, but it has developed into so much more over the years. In 2001, the center was opened in its current location, a castle-shaped building offering more than arcade games. Roller skating and laser tag combine together with the entertainment arcade games bring, and the delicious pizza, for an all-around family fun location.
Bring your kids in, with their report card, and get full-day admission to the skating rink. An “A” on the report card allows your child free admission into the rink, which stretches out over 10,000 square feet of maple wood. Star Castle has only the best DJs around, as well as state of the art audio and lighting systems. The kids will love the latest hits the DJ plays, while mom and dad will love the “old school” classics. If you’re a regular roller skater, then you’ll get the chance to show off your tricks and your speed on the rink. However, if you’re new to the skates, you don’t have to worry about safety, because there will always be floor guards monitoring the area.
Compete against your kids in some of your favorite video games from the past. Hop across the river and avoid the obstacles in Frogger, always a classic arcade game, and compete for the highest scores in skee ball. Then, have your kids teach you some tricks on the newer games, race them on a simulated motorcycle and battle the dark dungeons in Star Castle’s own game. The arcade also offers special attractions, such as Lazer Frenzy and the Mad Wave Motion Theater. In Lazer Frenzy, you will have the opportunity to test your skills against a maze of laser beams, just like the spies in your favorite movies. Or, try out the two-seat motion simulator attraction, Mad Wave Motion Theater, and sense every motion of your game, from shifting gears to an automobile collision. Then put together your tickets and trade them in for some of the exciting prizes.
If your family is looking for a little more adventure, then a game of laser tag is the option for you. Star Castle’s 4,000 square foot arena features black lights, fog and a professional audio system. (Don’t worry if the dark corridors of the maze make you worried, because all of the obstacles feature soft, round edges and an employee is always around to ensure safety and a fair game.) You can watch your kids gear up and compete against each other, or join them in the fun and team up Red vs. Green. Watch your back as you round the corner, because participants in the laser tag fun are always ready and waiting to catch you off-guard. A game of laser tag will provide the perfect opportunity for families to have fun with one another, encouraging teamwork and entertainment.
A visit to the Star Castle Center would not be complete until you sink your teeth into the delicious oven-baked pizza. Choose your favorite toppings, of cheese, pepperoni, sausage and more, and order by the pie or by the slice. Star Castle also offers hot dogs, french fries and chicken wings, as well as a snack bar, which serves funnel fries, popcorn, slushies, ice cream treats, candy, chips, sodas and more, so everyone in the family can find something they’ll love.
When staying in Savannah, book a room at one of the hotels nearby Star Castle. Econo Lodge Midtown Savannah, Best Western Central Inn and Quality Inn Midtown are just a few of the hotels within a mile from the action. You’re also not far from all of the great attractions and tours Savannah has to offer. If you love delicious cuisine, try the Foody Tour. If you love the movies, take the Savannah Movie Sites Tour. And if you’re interested in a peaceful, scenic view of Savannah, a Riverboat Cruise may be just for you.
Your family will love all of the great entertainment that Star Castle has to offer. With exciting activities, great food and fantastic prizes available for you to win, there’s no doubt that your family will come together for an exciting adventure during your stay in Savannah.
Crimes Against Marine Life Exhibit at the Crime Museum
2012 marks the 40th Anniversary of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, prohibiting the taking and importation of marine mammals and marine mammal products into the United States, and the Crime Museum in Washington D.C. is proud to honor this act with a temporary exhibit. The exhibit is available for guests to explore only throughout this summer, from May to August, so don’t miss out on your chance to learn how you can help prevent any wrongdoing to the remarkable mammals under the sea.
The Crime Museum is notorious for giving visitors an insider’s view into the world of crime and punishment. They are host to five interactive galleries, including “A Notorious History of Crime,” “Punishment: The Consequence of Crime” and “Crime Fighting.” Another gallery is the “Crime Scene Investigation” exhibit, in which you can immerse yourself into the middle of a crime scene and investigate for clues. The “America’s Most Wanted Studio” allows you to walk through the actual set of the popular television program “America’s Most Wanted” with host John Walsh.
This year, the Crime Museum is partnering with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to form the new exhibit, which will feature evidence of actual violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, shed light on what the violations are, what the law enforcement officials do to investigate these violations and how can you can help prevent them from occurring.
Two of the specific marine crimes the exhibit will highlight are shark finning and sea littering. Shark finning is described as “the removal of shark fins from an animal and then discarding its carcass at sea.” Many of the sharks who are put through this cruel act are still alive when this occurs, and are forced to sink slowly to the bottom of the ocean to their deaths. Approximately one hundred million sharks are killed annually in this process. There are less deliberate acts of violence towards the marine mammals as well. Hourly, a rate of about 2.5 million pieces of plastic are thrown carelessly into the ocean. What people don’t usually understand is how harmful this is for the marine life that call the waters home. When fishing nets are lost or left behind, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, manatees, whales and other sea creatures become tangled, causing them to starve, suffocate and bleed to death. Many of these animals are known to mistake plastic bags and other pieces of trash as food, killing 100,000 marine mammals and turtles every year.
When you visit this exhibit, you will learn what you can do to help. With the new knowledge on sea littering, you can do your part to stop the crimes against marine life. The Crime Museum and the National Aquarium also put forth some messages on how you can further help: 1) Call your local police department if you witness marine life cruelty, or any other illegal activities, when you are on the beach or the ocean, and 2) If you spot a stranded animal on the beach, keep your distance, but call the Stranding Hotline to report your findings to the Maryland Natural Resource Police.
When you’re visiting the Washington D.C. area during this summer, fill your stay with convenience and comfort. A room at the Four Points by Sheraton gives you luxurious accommodations, spacious rooms, great service and a short distance to the Crime Museum. Also located just a half-mile from the museum is the Hampton Inn Washington, DC – Convention Center, which gives you the chance to travel for business or leisure in a beautiful and accommodating hotel.
Also located nearby the Crime Museum, for when you want to explore the city even further, are the DC The Best! Tour, the Hard Rock Cafe, Johnson IMAX at the National Museum of Natural History and more. Washington D.C. offers a wide variety of history and culture, and a visit to the city will immerse you into all of it. When you visit the Crime Museum’s permanent and temporary exhibits, you will have the opportunity to explore some of the most interesting elements of history, and discover how you can make a better and safer future.
Special Summer Attractions in Williamsburg
As children begin to wiggle in their seats and adults tap their pens restlessly in their cubicles, the top attractions in Williamsburg are heating up for an exciting, family-friendly summer. Whether you’re heading to Busch Gardens to ride the wild coasters or Jamestown Settlement to walk in the shoes of our country’s ancestors, these two Williamsburg attractions have special events planned to start your summer off right.
Every May Busch Gardens Williamsburg begins to set up its amazing outdoor sound system and stage equipment in preparation for Glory at the Gardens. These annual concerts always feature the best, chart-topping contemporary Christian artists during various dates throughout the summer. This year, the show will feature well-known names like Third Day, a Grammy-winning Christian rock band. Chris Tomlin will also be performing, an artist who won Male Vocalist of the Year for three years straight and won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album of 2012. Another headliner, Kirk Franklin, is a certified Platinum artist who has worked with secular bands like Boyz II Men. Even if Contemporary Christian isn’t your favorite genre, these musical talents are sure to gratify audiences of every taste.
- May 6 – Newsboys, Abandon & Anthem Lights
- May 20 – Kirk Franklin & Group 1 Crew
- June 10 – Chris Tomlin & The City Harmonic
- June 24 – Third Day & TBA
If you’re in the area on May 12th, be sure to visit Jamestown Settlement for the Jamestown Day celebration. The event marks the 405th anniversary of the founding of America’s first permanent English Settlement in 1607. Festivities include military demonstrations, family tours and activities, traditional colonial music and storytelling as well as other forms of entertainment. One of the highlights is the departure of a vessel that was modeled after one of the original three ships that brought England’s first colonists. The ship is to sail mid-morning at the James River. Entertainment includes a 17th century-style fair, complete with juggling, magic tricks, puppet shows and musical performances. Gather around to hear an Indian Folktale or play one of the many games, like hobby-horses, jousting, hoops, stool ball and bowling.
If you’re interested in visiting Busch Gardens, stay at the Crowne Plaza Williamsburg at Fort Magruder or Quality Inn at Kingsmill, both of which are only two miles from the park and feature enormous indoor pools. If you want to party colonial-style, your best bet is The Historic Powhatan Resort, which has an outdoor lap pool, a scenic woodland setting and luxurious accommodations. If you’d like to visit both Busch Gardens and Jamestown Settlement including lodging, quickly and easily create your own vacation package here.
Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
Start working on that recipe now, because the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest in Memphis is fast approaching. The air in the city of Memphis will be filled with the mouthwatering smells of barbecued pork, chicken, ribs and more. This event is always popular with locals and visitors, so you’ll want to book your ticket in advance. This “Super Bowl of Swine” is bound to challenge everything you thought you knew about barbecue.
Hundreds of teams from across the country are packing up and heading towards the banks of the Mississippi River from May 17-19. If you think you’ve got what it takes to compete against some of the finest flavors in barbecued cuisine, pick a team name and head to the south. Popular teams have included Slab Yo Mama, Swine & Dine and Magically Piglicious. Expect these teams and more to be surrounding your booth at this popular Memphis event.
The cooks will be gearing up in their best pig attire for the annual Ms. Piggie contest. Join them on the stage and put on your snout, hooves, ears and wigs, or sit back and watch the contest unfold in an always-entertaining show of pig costumes and song. Don’t worry if the collection of Ms. Piggies doesn’t stay in tune though, because the event also features live music well into the night. Enjoy the sounds of Cowboy Mouth, the band “with a loud and raucous voice,” on Thursday evening, or the talent of the Sun Studio Allstars on Friday night. Saturday brings the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition, a perfect way to finish off a weekend of excitement.
If you’re more of a taste-tester than a chef, don’t worry, this event is perfect for you, too. Although health regulations don’t allow for teams to serve their delicious-smelling dishes to the public, a variety of local vendors will be in attendance, dishing out some the best-tasting barbecue pork, ribs and more.
While you’re visiting the city for this exciting event, be sure to stay in one of the hotels nearby all of the action. The event is located in Tom Lee Park, which is close by to several comfortable hotels. The Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis-Beale Street, Doubletree Hotel Memphis Downtown and Sleep Inn at Court Square are just three of the hotels located within a mile of the park.
For a greater taste of Memphis, check out the National Civil Rights Museum, take a Gibson Guitar Factory Tour, and visit the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. All of these activities, and more, are located right next to the park and the surrounding hotels, so you’ll never have to travel far to experience the best of the city.
The crowned winner of the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest wins more than $100,000 in prizes, and, of course, bragging rights. So if you’re the master of the grill in your neighborhood and think you’ve got what it takes, put on your pig snout and show us what you’ve got.
New Orleans Family Vacation Ideas
New Orleans is the perfect place to take your summer vacation, with special events at the Audobon Zoo, unique swamplands to explore and delicious Creole cuisine to sample. Your New Orleans vacation will be a wholly immersive cultural experience.
The Audobon Zoo, Aquarium and Insectarium offer several activities that both you and your kids will love. At the Aquarium, feel the smooth, slick skin of a stingray as it sails through Stingray Bay. At certain times, you can even feed the stingrays, or watch the other aquarium animals during feeding time. In the zoo, watch the fuzzy otters get their afternoon snack, see the penguins gulp down their fish or watch the gorillas munch on a whole head of cabbage.
If the animals’ mealtime displays make you hungry, you can always head to the Insectarium for Bug Apetit Insect Cooking and Tasting Demonstrations. There, you’ll learn about Entomophagy (the eating of insects) all over the world. You’ll sample some of the exotic tastes put together by bug chefs, like chocolate “chirp” cookies and six-legged salsa. If you’d rather study your bugs than taste them, check out Insect Encounters in Metamorphosis, where butterflies will be emerging from their chrysalises.
Be sure to visit Animal Grossology, the aquarium’s newest exhibit. The exhibit celebrates the stickiest, yuckiest and most disgusting creatures on earth. Here, you’ll learn about how animals as nasty as leeches can assist surgeons, how dung beetles are the world’s natural pooper scoopers and how cows are the gassiest animals on the planet. There are several interactive activities, fun tunnels and learning opportunities that your kids will love.
Though a full day could easily be spent at one of the Audobon Institute’s attractions, no trip to New Orleans is complete without a visit to the swamplands. On the Swamp and Bayou Tour, you can actually experience the natural Louisiana bayou in all of its muddy splendor. Learn about the unfortunate disappearance of the wetlands and about the surrounding wildlife on this tour, which begins with a motorcoach ride through Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and then progresses through the wetlands on a custom swamp boat.
If you didn’t have an appetite for Bug Apetit, visit the Court of Two Sisters Restaurant, which features authentic Creole cuisine. Directly in the heart of the French Quarter, the first-class eatery has been around for over two centuries. The menu includes New Orleans favorites like shrimp and grits, chicken oscar and crème brulee. If you arrive early enough, you can enjoy the Live Jazz Brunch Buffet, which features treats like duck a l’orange, jambalaya, fresh-boiled gulf shrimp and more, all accentuated by the smooth rhythms of a live jazz band.
If you’re interested in lodging close to the action, try the Iberville Suites New Orleans, which boasts a lobby full of antiques, fresh flowers and original art. For a truly unique stay, book the St. James Hotel, which originally opened its doors in 1859. The St. James features rooftop terraces, a lounging pool and distinctive architectural features that are evident in the “French Quarter-style” rooms. For the comfort of a mainstream hotel, stay at the Holiday Inn Downtown/Superdome, where you’ll get all of the amenities of home on your New Orleans vacation.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Open This Weekend!
With the weather starting to warm up, it can only mean one thing: Schlitterbahn Waterpark is opening for the summer season! The excitement has been building up for the past few weeks, as the sun has been staying in the sky later every day and the temperature has been rising. After months of waiting, the summer season can finally start – a little early. On Saturday, April 28, Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels will be open to the public.
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels is known for being rated the best water park in the country. With dozens of high-action water slides, exciting river expeditions, three activity pools, several attractions meant just for the kids, and more, just one trip to the water park will make you see why they are famed for being so fun.
Take up surfing on the Boogie Bahn, where some of the best surfers in the world have started out. 50,000 gallons of water fill the pool, in tremendous waves that will both impress and intimidate you. Don’t worry, though, beneath the massive amount of water in the pool, a foam-covered surface is laid out to break any falls you might have. Although beginners should expect a lot of “wipe-outs,” the Boogie Bahn is filled with fun and excitement that will keep you hopping back to your feet.
Grab a body board and tackle the waves, or get your hands on one of the park’s tubes and hit the slides. Take an exhilarating and scenic ride down the Deluge, where you’ll twist through a series of turns, taken by the canyon’s quick-moving water and waves. The Deluge leads into The Falls, giving you a unique “choose your own adventure” kind of water ride. The Falls is the world’s longest water park ride, and is flooded with rapids, waterfalls and huge waves that give you an exciting adventure around every turn. The Falls will take you up the park’s very first AquaVeyer, a conveyor belt up a hill, and back to the beginning of the ride, in case you want to make it a thrilling “float that never ends.”
If you’re looking for some “river fun,” then the Torrent Wave River may be the attraction for you. Hop in a tube, or utilize your swimming skills, for an endless float through ocean-sized waves. The water will take you on an exciting adventure down the river, allowing you to just sit back and hold on. If you want a more colorful float, head to the Congo River Expedition, where you’ll be taken on an eventful ride past monkeys, lions, pythons and elephants, and even catch a glimpse of a snapping crocodile. At the end of the ride, you’ll be plunged down a twenty-five-foot waterfall and into an underground, abandoned diamond mine.
There are plenty of places for younger guests to enjoy, as well, including Kinderhaven, a shallow-water playground that lets your kids become little pirates on a miniature pirate ship, Polywog Pond, where giant toad stools become the play structures, and Squirt’n Sliden, complete with a yellow submarine, friendly octopus and a pirate ship. All of these kiddie parks give you and your kids the chance to have a fun summertime experience.
Schlitterbahn is located nearby the San Antonio area, providing you with exceptional lodging opportunities while you’re visiting. Hill Country Inn & Suites, Comfort Suites San Antonio, and Rodeway Inn at Lackland AFB/Sea World are just a few of the hotels that provide convenient access to Schlitterbahn and some of San Antonio’s other most popular attractions.
If you’re looking for more water park fun, Splashtown Waterpark is less than two miles from Comfort Suites. The Rio San Antonio River Walk is just over five miles from Rodeway Inn. Other nearby attractions include the IMAX Theatre, the Ghosts & Legends Tour and the Hard Rock Cafe.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark is always a guaranteed good time, and this weekend, you can join in on all the fun. Just one visit to the park is never enough, with so many exciting activities to experience, but opening day is the perfect time to see for yourself why the water park is the best in the world.
The Journey Museum of Rapid City
The Journey Museum of Rapid City, South Dakota is one of the few museums in the area that tells several different stories, from our ancient origins to the area’s unique and fascinating history. There, you’ll find collections of archaeology containing artifacts that once belonged to our ancestors some 10,000 years ago. You’ll learn about the lives of ancient hunters who settled in the Black Hills at the end of the Ice Age and even about the mining settlements that developed around the nineteenth century. There are also several fossils that chronicle the history of the earth, and how specifically the Black Hills may have looked in ancient times. See the layers of rock that have been cut and placed in the museum to display their evident geological variations, view a replica of a Tyrannosaurus Rex’s skull, and then enter the archaeology tent to see what experts have discovered below the surface of the Black Hills.
For a change of pace, visit the “Into the Cosmos” section of the museum, where a computer graphics platform projects images onto a large, curved screen, bringing the universe to life. The “Journey Into Space” gives guests a visual perspective and an idea of sizes and scales that is normally difficult to grasp. The images are taken from NASA’s storehouse of satellite images, and will take you on a scripted tour of outer space. Should you wish to visit a specific site in the cosmos, the technology can also do that, making for a virtual vacation in space. Since the system is linked to other planetariums and museums with similar equipment, Journey always has the most recent scientific information and images.
The Journey also explores modern history, when miners and mountain men started to populate the Black Hills. Guests are guided through the Minnilusa Pioneer Museum by illuminated story walls that begin with European Settlers, culminate in the Battle of Little Big Horn and end with Wounded Knee. This exhibit includes an introduction to some of history’s most well-known patrons, like Jim Bridger, General George Armstrong Custer, Wild Bill Hickock and several Sioux leaders like Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse and Red Cloud.
While you’re in the area, be sure to take the Mount Rushmore Grand Legends Tour, which will take you to the most monumental sites of South Dakota. You can’t visit South Dakota without checking out the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park and Crazy Horse Memorial, all of which includes a vintage 1880 train ride. The tour completes your understanding of the area’s history, culture and geology, and you can walk away from South Dakota having seen it all. Several lodging opportunities within two miles add to the Journey Museum’s appeal, with The Econo Lodge Rapid City, Adoba Eco Hotel and Best Western Town ‘N Country all within two miles. If you’re taking the kids along, The Econo Lodge has an excellent water park onsite for all of your entertainment needs. The Adoba Eco Hotel and Best Western also have pools and hot tubs for an extremely relaxing vacation.
See the Sights from the Sky
New York City is full of incredible sights, with skyscrapers that reach towards the sky, the lady in green, a skyline that stretches for miles and sparkling water in the harbor. There’s a reason it’s the City that Never Sleeps – there’s so much to do, and so much to see. When you visit the area, you’ll want to go on a tour that lets you see all of it. But with so much to do in the city, you might not have the time. With a helicopter tour, you’ll have the opportunity to see everything in the city, and without the crowds of the streets.
Helicopter Flights of NYC allows you to see the sights of the city in a unique and thrilling way. Avoid the rush of the city streets, the discomfort of a tour bus, and the slow-paced feel to a walking tour. A helicopter tour gives you the chance to experience all New York has to offer in a more personalized, exciting way. There are three different tour options you can choose from to accommodate your desires.
The New Yorker Tour takes you on a journey over the scenic nature of Central Park, the winding Hudson River and the shining New York Harbor. Fly over some of the most popular tourist attractions, including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Greenwich Village, South Street Seaport, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum. The New York skyline will stand tall and powerful right in front of your eyes. This tour takes just fifteen minutes to see everything, and is one you’ll remember forever.
If you take the Ultimate Tour, you’ll pass the impressive Verrazano Bridge, Governors Island, the George Washington Bridge, the Yankee Stadium, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and Columbia University, for a beautiful sightseeing adventure. You’ll also fly over the Hudson River and the natural New Jersey Palisades. The twenty-minute tour is ranked number one of its kind, and you’ll get the chance to see why when you climb in the chopper.
Or, if you take the Deluxe Tour, get even more out of your experience. For thirty minutes, explore the Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, Midtown, Central Park, the Hudson River, Yankee Stadium, the George Washington Bridge and the Northern Tip of Manhattan. Verrazano Bridge, Coney Island and the Hoffman and Swinburne Islands are also on the agenda. You’ll truly get everything out of your New York tour, including flights over New Jersey and Harlem. This tour is the most exhilarating, and the most extravagant, Helicopter Flights of NYC tour.
When you’re staying in New York, be sure to book a room nearby the Helicopter Flights. The Sheraton Tribeca, the Millenium Hilton, and the Econo Lodge are all within two miles of the tour. Other nearby activities include New York Nights and the City, for when you want to explore the city after dark, and Shearwater Classic Schooner Sailing Cruises, for when you want to explore the city by sea.
Helicopter rides are the perfect option if you are traveling with children. Long tours aren’t always popular with younger tourists, but a helicopter tour gives you the chance to experience everything in the city in a fast-paced, exciting way. Bring your camera and snap some photographs you can show off to your friends and you can use to remember your adventure forever.
Vegas Welcomes Families!
I know what you’re thinking – “how could ‘Sin City’ possibly be appropriate for kids?” Well, there are many activities that kids will love in the area. Roller coasters, arcade games, miniature golf, and magic are just some points on the long list of activities designed for families to enjoy together. With these activities, exciting tours that both you and your young kids will love, and various interactive attractions, such as a wax museum, Sky Zone and GameWorks, you can finally take that Vegas vacation you’ve been putting off. There are also a few options that will make your trip both action-packed and convenient, such as the Las Vegas Power Pass and the Las Vegas Meal Ticket.
With the Las Vegas Power Pass, you will have the opportunity to explore the best of the city. The pass is available in one, two, three and five-day increments, allows you to skip lines at many of the attractions, and includes a guide book filled with information on each location and activity. There are more than thirty attractions included in the price of the pass, so you have a wide variety of activities to choose from.
Mom will love the ride up to the observation deck of the Vegas Eiffel Tower. Finally take that trip to Paris, without leaving the country. Dad may be interested in checking out the Las Vegas Mob Experience, where he’ll be immersed into a collection of more than 1,500 artifacts from some of the most famous crime figures. And the kids will love the arcade games at Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix and GameWorks Las Vegas, glow in the dark mini golf and the Las Vegas Zoo.
The whole family will enjoy finding and posing with their favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds Interactive Wax Experience, including Evel Knieval, Fergie, Brad Pitt and Shaq. Give Simon Cowell a piece of your mind, show Criss Angel your own magic tricks and sing along with The King. (I just hope they don’t talk back.) If you visit before the end of May, you’ll even get the chance to pose with The Beatles on Abby Road.
Whether or not you’re staying at the Stratosphere Tower hotel, with the Power Pass, you’ll get the chance to ride some of the exciting coasters on the roof of the building. At the top of the Stratosphere Tower Observation Deck, you’ll have panoramic views of the skyline of the city. It’s the tallest free-standing observation tower in the country, and gives you unparalleled views of Vegas. There are also three thrill rides, including X-Scream, Insanity the Ride and Big Shot, that you can choose from for one free ride.
There are a variety of other activities that you and your family can enjoy, including a horseback ride and lunch, a helicopter flight tour at night, a zipline at Fremont Street Flightlinez, and various museums, including the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, the Atomic Testing Museum and the Southern Nevada Museum of Fine Art. Visit the Las Vegas Zoo for the opportunity to see over one hundred and fifty different species, or check out Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, where exotic animals call home, including leopards, white lions and golden tigers.
Sometimes it’s hard for a family to agree on a restaurant. And when you’re in an unfamiliar city, it can be even more difficult to choose a place to eat. Avoid this with the Las Vegas Meal Ticket. This card gives you the chance to dine daily at eleven of Vegas’ most popular restaurants. Get a card for one, two, three or five days, and get the chance to eat three meals a day at any of the eleven restaurants. Eat breakfast at Planet Hollywood, Pampas Brazilian Grille or San Gennaro Grill. In between visits to the thrilling attractions, pop in for a lunch at Jackson’s Bar and Grill or Cheeseburger Las Vegas. For dinner, try Lombardi’s Romagna Mia, La Salsa Cantina, or Spice Market Buffet. You’ll also get a one-hour game card and an entree at GameWorks.
Want to see a show? You and the kids will love Michael Turco in Magic and Mayhem. This talented magician was a contestant on the popular television show America’s Got Talent, and now features his own show in Vegas. Even if you’re not interested in illusions and sleight of hand tricks, Turco’s show is sure to blow your mind. His breathtaking tricks will leave you on the edge of your seat as his assistants vanish and reappear right before your eyes. Magic isn’t the only thing performed on this stage, however. Turco is accompanied by edgy dance moves, choreographed by Dancing With The Stars’ Lacey Schwimmer. Every time Turco and his assistants take the stage, they give the audience a show to remember, and leave them in wonder.
And if your family is all about the adventure, don’t miss out on the opportunity to take a Gold Mine Tour. Explore the historical Techatticup Mine in El Dorado Canyon, above and below ground. Your tour will take you to the Hoover Dam, where steamboats and vessels would dock, and across the Colorado River, where they carried passengers and transported gold. Then head to Old West Town where you’ll enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch on the remains of an 1800s mining camp. Finally, head into the depths of the mine. The activity also offers the opportunity to add three different tour types, a four-wheel drive tour through the desert mountains, a horseback tour that gives you a more authentic touch to the 1800s-setting, or a kayak tour down the river. Kids and parents love the Gold Mine Tour, as it gives you an exciting way to explore history.
Stay at Paris Las Vegas and give mom that French vacation she’s always talking about, or at the Stratosphere Tower for closer access to those exciting roller coasters. Luxur Hotel & Casino is just two miles away from Madame Tussauds, or the Embassy Suites is less than a mile from the Magic and Mayhem show. These are just a few of the hotels in the Vegas area you can choose from while visiting the city.
Vegas isn’t just for adults anymore; it’s a growing retirement and family community. All of these activities are just some of many others that make Vegas a family-friendly atmosphere. Take the time to visit the city, and have the perfect family vacation this year.
Nashville Weekend Getaway: Derby, Birds & Country Tunes
The first weekend in May will prove to be an exciting one in Nashville, Tennessee, with special concerts, extra colorful exhibits and an out-of-town Kentucky Derby celebration.
May 5th is a big day in Nashville, but perhaps an even bigger day in Kentucky, where the Kentucky Derby festivities are just beginning. It seems that Derby fever has spilled over into Nashville over the years, as the Belle Meade Plantation will be holding its 4th Annual Kentucky Derby party. There, you can watch the 138th Kentucky Derby on the big screen TVs, enjoy a tasty “Derby buffet,” sip on some specialty Derby-inspired cocktails and try your luck at a Game of Chance table. The party starts at 3:00pm and lasts until the ending race.
If you’re looking for the type of musical entertainment that Nashville is known for, head over to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for a concert that features classic country favorites. Guitar Man: A Tribute to Jerry Reed is a belated concert that celebrates what would have been Jerry Reed’s 75th birthday. Special guests Craig Dobbins, Sean Weaver, Brent Maison, Thom Bresh, Richard Smith and Mark Thornton will be accompanied by an acoustic guitar, bass, drums and a mandolin. They’ll be bringing all of the best Jerry Reed hits back to life, like “Guitar Man,” “A Thing Called Love,” and “Amos Moses.” The show is included with admission to the museum and begins at 1:30 pm, but be sure to get there early, as seats are limited.
The Nashville Zoo’s newest exhibit is for the birds… literally. For Avian Awareness Day, the zoo has put together a fascinating exhibit that celebrates the importance of birds in cultures and communities throughout the world. Guests will learn about migratory birds’ paths, the way that birds navigate, and exactly how feathered wingspans compare to each guests own “wingspan” equivalent. There will be displays of eggs and feathers, as well as informative “keeper talks” at all of the zoo’s bird exhibits. At 11:00 am and 1:30 pm, there will even be special animal shows at the amphitheatre. The event is free with admission into the zoo and continues during the zoo’s regular hours throughout May 5th.
Wherever you find yourself in Nashville, a great hotel can make or break your weekend getaway. If you’d like a Derby-style meal, stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Nashville/ Vanderbilt, which is only 5 miles from the Belle Meade Plantation. The Super 8 Nashville Airport is less than six miles from the Nashville Zoo, and the beautiful Guesthouse Inn & Suites Music Valley is ½ mile to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
