Pets and Vacations

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Michele Zavatsky

5 items to pack in Fido’s weekend bag if he’s being home-boarded:

1. Your dog’s usual food: Some dogs get an upset stomach if you change their brand of doggie chow, so be sure to pack plenty of your dog’s usual food for his stay. For dry food, a Tupperware container works best and you can leave wet food in the can. Just make sure you have packed enough for your entire stay, and perhaps a little bit extra just in case!

2. Any medications or supplements that he may need. New environments may trigger existing allergies, so even if your pet doesn’t need his medication all the time, it’s better to have it on hand to be safe.

3. Instructions: Take the time to write a short list of any special instructions you may have for your pet host regarding feeding times, portions for food, the phone number of your local vet, and where you can be reached etc. And as always make sure Fido’s collar fits him properly and that all tags are up-to-date with your cell phone number and address.

4. Pack Two Leashes: It’s always a good idea to pack more than one leash just in case your host loses one. You can pack a short leash and one that has an extendable line for areas where your dog might want to get some exercise.

5. Favorites: You definitely want to take the time to pack your dog’s bed and favorite toys so that they have some comforts from home; you might want to avoid squeaky toys just so Fido doesn’t drive his weekend host crazy! An old t-shirt that smells like you can also make for a great cuddle toy for your dog while you are apart!

5 must have items to pack if you’re dog is coming along on the trip:

1. ID: Be sure your pet always wears a well-fitted collar and ID tag with accurate contact information. It is important that the ID tag include an easily accessible number, such as your cell phone. When lodging out of town, prepare a temporary tag with the address and number of your travel quarters. Use waterproof tape and a waterproof marker to change your phone number as you travel.

2. Seat covers: Having your dog along for the ride can be fun, but you don’t want to come home with expensive damage down to your car’s seats! Pet seat covers come in a rainbow of colors and textures to keep you and your pet at peace on the road; some even come in eco-friendly, water-resistant or scratch-durable fabrics. The price on seat covers range, so you won’t have trouble finding one in your budget, head over to Wag.com for some ideas.

3. Travel water dispenser: To prevent dehydration, dogs should always have fresh water available. But in terms of a bumpy road trip – you may be wondering just how to hydrate your dog without making a mess! You won’t have to worry about that if you use a pet travel water dispenser like the Ethical Pet Handi-Drink Regular Pet Waterer.

4. Food: If you are not sure your brand of food will be available at your destination and along the way, or if you feed a special diet, bring enough food for the whole trip. If your dog prefers canned food, make sure to bring a can opener and spoon. For dry food, store in a Tupperware with a spoon so you can easily scoop out the correct portion for your pooch. And don’t forget Fido’s favorite bowl, or try an awesome travel bowl like Popware for Pets.

5. Sunscreen: Some dogs sunburn around their nose, ears and other areas — so pack sun protection cream for the dog if you are going somewhere sunny!
Last-minute Travel This Memorial Day
Board Fido. As many of your friends will also dash out the door for the holiday weekend, you may run into trouble finding a place to board Fido. Tryhome-boarding your pup with services such as DogVacay, which just launched a concierge service to help owners find a host at the last-minute. You can travel guilt-free knowing your canine won’t be locked up in a kennel.

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HEAV Exhibitor Interview – Part 1 of 5 — Kids Love Travel

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Michele Zavatsky

You can see the post here - http://homeschoolerontheedge.crookers.com/?p=543 (a contest is included, btw)

Virginia Homeschoolers: Wanna talk to me about budget family field trips personally? I’ll be at the convention most of the time at Booth #707 in the Exhibit Hall.

Stop by and visit!

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GOING TO NCHE HOMESCHOOL CONVENTION? – WINSTON-SALEM, NC – Planning Family Field Trips on a Budget

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Michele Zavatsky

Field Trips with kids can be a delight or a disaster. Two things that make a homeschool trip great: low-cost and educational fun.


  1. FREEBIES? Know where to look for FREE car games to play while day-tripping? Our new books suggest online places to find and print them.

  2. INSIDE SCOOPS. What are some secrets to get the most value for your money. Where to sit to get best value? what to bring? why to get there early? Examples: on Tours-why standing in the first two rows is beneficial. What about having a picnic at a castle? Why go early to outdoor dramas?  

3. EDUCATORS? There’s suggestions for finding FREE lesson plans embedded in many listings as helpful notes for educators.

4. Marriage of guidebook and the Internet.

Guidebook= organic – highlight it, dog ear pages, write notes, already organized and filtered for kids, unbiased (no fee), and accessible without a wireless connection.
Internet=  the newest discounts, web updates, extra insights can be found at the links provided on every page.

KIDS LOVE TRAVEL GUIDES can save you $$ in just 20 minutes reading just one chapter in one book! We can save you dozens of hours on the internet, too.

INTRODUCING THE NEW KIDS LOVE THE CAROLINAS TRAVEL GUIDE:

 Your Family Travel Guide to Exploring “Kid-Friendly” North & South Carolina - 800 Fun Stops & Unique Spots

COME TO our booth #103  at the NCHE Homeschool Convention (http://conference.nche.com/) and check out our books (16! Travel Guides + Travel Mysteries) and show specials. Then, plan to attend our new workshop at 10:30AM on Friday:

Families Love Travel…on the Cheap  (Gaines Ballroom)
 

ONE of the authors will be there so think of a QUESTION or two to get a JUMPSTART on your next trip!

exclusively from: http://kidslovetravel.com

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Biltmore Summer Vacations Offer Something for Everyone in the Family

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Michele Zavatsky

~Kids admitted free Memorial Day through Labor Day~

 

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Sixty-six percent of families say ‘togetherness’ is an essential element for a memorable family vacation (PGAV Destinations study, “The Art of the Family Vacation,” 2012). Addressing the need for a balance of itinerary options that families can truly enjoy together, Biltmore’s summer vacation experience has been designed to be active, fun and educational (don’t tell the kids!) for all. Adults and children are entertained with a slate of activities in Biltmore’s 8,000-acre backyard, while imaginations stay engaged with tours and historic exhibitions.

Summer travel deals

Travelers can plan a great summer day or getaway while stretching vacation dollars with deals at Biltmore. Kids 16 and younger receive FREE admission Memorial Day through Labor Day. Dad receives FREE admission on Father’s Day, June 16. Families can also purchase a ‘Summer Family Value Package that includes admission for two adults, two children and a family dining voucher, all for $140. Regular tickets purchased at least seven days in advance receive $15 off the price of admission.

Top eight Biltmore to-dos

A destination for rejuvenation since the 1800s, George W. Vanderbilt chose the outdoor playground of Asheville to build his family estate. In the century that has lapsed since family and friends of the Vanderbilts came for long stays at Biltmore, time has seemingly stood still. Travelers today enjoy the slower pace of summer’s backyard season in Biltmore’s 8,000-acre landscape, a space that has been preserved and perfected over time for future generations. 

  1. Take the family time travelling.

Visit the 250-room Biltmore House, George Vanderbilt’s dream home that he lived in more than 100 years ago. Kids stay engaged with a NEW treasure hunt through Biltmore House. Kids marvel at the sheer size of Biltmore House, the bowling alley and pool in the basement, and the massive front lawn and backyard for playing. 

  1. Have a unique adventure.

Try your luck at outdoor sports like fly fishing or sporting clays, or go off-road behind the wheel of a Land Rover (our Land Rover Driving School offers courses for adults AND kids!). Go to an awe-inspiring location: the rooftop of Biltmore House. The guided Architect’s Tour takes families to the massive roof of America’s largest home for a look at architectural details, to count gargoyles, and for expansive mountain views of a spectacular backyard.

  1. Reconnect with nature.

Set out on foot on a network of nearly 22 round-trip miles of hiking trails. Or, take in views from a bike, on the back of a horse, while floating down a river, on a Segway, or a carriage ride. Go rock-skipping at the lagoon or play hide and seek among rare and native trees.

  1. Stop to smell the roses.

Biltmore’s renowned summer gardens are perfect for leisurely strolls and picnicking spots near tropical palms, roses, giant sunflowers, and colorful lily pads and koi in Italian Garden pools.

  1. Set the kids free.

Get lost together in a maze comprised of 500 trees. Kids run and climb in the NEW Pisgah Playground. At the barn, explore farming life at the turn of the century and antique farm equipment. Ask inquisitive questions to our staff and play with chickens, roosters, goats, horses and sheep in the farmyard. Demos, crafts and period games available select days.

  1. Embark on a tasty tour.

Taste wines at the most visited winery in America (complimentary grape juice for the kids). Restaurants offer a range of options from barbeque to fine dining. Pick up a family-themed picnic from the Creamery.  And save room for the Creamery’s Winky Bar Sundae, a sweet treat for a summer day based on the Winky Bar produced by the former Biltmore Dairy.

  1. Rock out!

Dance under the stars select summer nights during the concert series kicking off July 25. The 2013 line-up includes Heart, Sheryl Crow, Christian group Casting Crowns, the Four Tops and Temptations, the Beach Boys and comedian Bill Engvall. Local bands provide FREE entertainment Fridays June through August at the Antler Hill Village Green and Bandstand.

  1. Make Biltmore your home away from home.

Extend your visit with an overnight stay at the Inn on Biltmore Estate or with our local accommodations partners and take advantage of packages on select dates this summer.

Information on Biltmore’s summer offerings can be found at Biltmore.com. View suggested itineraries for more family travel ideas.

WANT TO KNOW MORE KID-FRIENDLY PLACES AROUND ASHEVILLE, NC?  Take a look at the best-selling Carolinas travel guide: KIDS LOVE THE CAROLINAS (pg 198-242)

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War of 1812 Commemoration: www.starspangled200.com ideas

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Michele Zavatsky

Annapolis, Maryland -(pg 62-74 KIDS LOVE MARYLAND)

The U.S. Naval Academy opened a new exhibit: Seas, Lakes & Bays: The Naval War of 1812 on April 1. It features hundreds of objects from the Naval Academy Museum and 86 artifacts and pieces of artwork from the War of 1812 on loan from the collection of Mr. William I. Koch. The free exhibition runs through November 3, 2013. It is part of a self-guided walking tour through the Naval Academy and the city of Annapolis commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812. 410-293-6933, www.usna.edu.

Annapolis Tours by Watermark launched a War of 1812 in Annapolis tour in April 2013. Guides dressed in 1812 period attire escort participants to the ten sites – five at the U.S. Naval Academy and five in Annapolis’s Historic District – on a tour that wraps up at the U.S. Naval Academy’s Seas, Lakes & Bay: The Naval War of 1812 exhibition. Tours depart from the 26 West Street Visitors Center at 10:00 a.m. through October 2014 on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month April through October. 410-268-7601, www.watermarkjourney.com. 

Lake Erie Islands, Ohio (pg 142-147, KIDS LOVE OHIO)

It’s been 200 years since a southwest wind carried Oliver Hazard Perry’s famous words across the tepid waters of Lake Erie, declaring an American victory over the British.  “We have met the enemy and they are ours.”  A triumphant slogan that can been viewed at Perry’s Monument, the third tallest memorial structure in the world that commemorates the Commodore and his crew.

One of the most famous sea battles in U.S. naval history surprisingly did not take place on the sea, but on the turbulent waters of Lake Erie between what is now Ontario, Canada and the village of Put-in-Bay, Ohio.    

The Battle of Lake Erie Bicentennial Celebration in late August through September 10th will bring together hundreds of thousands of people from the U.S., Canada and abroad. 

This two-week Celebration will include a large fleet of Tall Ships in a historic reenactment of the Battle of Lake Erie and a grand Parade of Sail and Port Festivals.  Visitors will be able to tour the Ships, enlist as Crew Members in the reenactment, or be part of the Bicentennial Fleet or Militia. 

Along with Tall Ships activities, surrounding days will include national speakers, marching bands, fireworks, concerts, food, entertainment, arts & crafts, historical activities and an International Freedom Celebration.  And for those who want to focus a little less on history, there’s even more reasons to celebrate.

Nestled on the limestone banks of South Bass Island, the quaint village of Put-in-Bay has become legendary amongst midwesterners for it’s rich history and unique location. Situated only miles from I-90/80 coupled with a short twenty-two minute ride on the Miller Ferry, making your way to this closer-to-home-Caribbean is easy.  And whether it’s kayaking around the island, parasailing high above the harbor, taking a scenic bike ride or just simply relaxing with a cocktail at a waterfront restaurant, there’s something for everyone once you arrive.

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Consider Boating and Fishing as a Father’s Day gift/activity

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Michele Zavatsky

Families tired of the same Father’s Day gift ideas and looking for an affordable day/gift their dad will cherish should consider planning a day near or on the water and give their dad an experience the whole family can enjoy and remember together. 

 
It’s simple – and even the kids can do it.  Visit TakeMeFishing.org to find local fishing holes and/or places to boat and learn what equipment you’ll need. The website also offers a fishing license ‘coupon’ that kids can cut out and put in a card for dad. For a direct link to view and print the ‘coupon’, please click here.
 
TakeMeFishing.org has representatives available to speak with to discuss why this is relevant and offer tips on how to fish and plan the best family fishing adventure.
 
WHY A DAY ON THE WATER AS A GIFT 
  • An online survey conducted in April 2013 by Echo Research found that family outings are the top type of Father’s Day gift – over sports tickets and power tools.
  • Getting out on the water – either on land or by boat – is affordable and accessible. In fact, 90% of Americans live within one-hour of navigable water.
  • Fishing provides a simple way to spend quality time with family, and if you have a boat, a fun way to fully enjoy the luxury of being out in open water.
  • A license is something moms can help their children give.
  • Start a family tradition – fishing is something you can pass down from generation to generation. 

PURCHASING A LICENSE

  • Visit: http://www.takemefishing.org/fishing/licenseand choose the state you live in.
  • There you can find quick links to your state fish and wildlife agency license page and you can purchase your fishing license right there online.
  • Fishing license prices vary by state, as do the type of fishing license available, however, they are incredibly affordable. For example, a statewide freshwater fishing license in Virginia is just $23.
  • Depending on the state you live in, your children may not require a license. Information such as this, as well as state-by-state regulations, and fishing reports are available at TakeMeFishing.org. 

NOTEWORTHY TIDBITS 

  • In 2011, 46M Americans, 16% of the U.S. population 16 years and up, enjoyed fishing.
  • Fishing is an American tradition and the most popular recreational activity (more than running, camping and biking). 
  • Purchasing a fishing license contributes to the preservation of America’s waterways as license fees help pay for fishery and hatchery management, habitat development and protection, endangered species programs, fishing and conservation education, lake maps and other publications, and many other valuable programs.
  • Fishing fuels a significant engine of the U.S. economy, contributing $115 billion annually.

THE WEBSITE/MOBILE

  • Fishing How-To: Whether for freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing or fly fishing, find how-to instructions and videos to get started or improve your skills.
  • Fishing License and Regulations: Find quick links to your state’s fishing regulations and purchase your license right online.
  • Boat Registration, Plus Tips: Take your fishing to new places with information on boating; the boat selector tool, boat safety and maintenance tips, and registration information can be found here.
  • Fishopedia: The A to Z of fishing, Fishopedia includes information about fish species, where they live and how to catch them.
  • Places to Boat and Fish Map: Find fishing and boating spots near you or for your next vacation. The map will also guide you to the nearest parks, campgrounds and places of interest.
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Family fun is elemental with VISIT FLORIDA sweepstakes

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Michele Zavatsky

PRESS RELEASE:
Tallahassee, Florida, USA – Yearning for a family vacation that has an element of fun for everyone? Head for the heart of the Sunshine State, courtesy of VISIT FLORIDA’s 500 Years of Adventure Sweepstakes and Visit Central Florida.
Each week through Dec. 29, the sweepstakes – which celebrates the 500th anniversary of Juan Ponce de Leon’s landing in La Florida – makes it easy for modern adventurers to explore Florida by offering a new vacation prize package featuring a Florida destination. This week’s package includes a five-day car rental, four nights at the elegant neo-classical Stanford Inn Bed & Breakfast in Bartow, dining certificates for area restaurants and four tickets each to LEGOLAND Florida, Fantasy of Flight and Bok Tower Gardens.
All you have to do is go to www.VISITFLORIDA.com and register for your chance to win. The deadline to enter to win this particular package is May 5.
Get inspired by browsing through photos, videos and stories depicting five centuries of Sunshine State visitors on VISIT FLORIDA’s Viva Florida 500 Facebook timeline. After logging in, readers can leave their own mark on history by posting photos, videos and stories about their Florida explorations at “Share Your Florida Story.”

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Getting ready for the 150th Civil War Commeration: All that is new and old and exciting in the Hershey/Harrisburg & Gettysburg Regions

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Michele Zavatsky

All that is new and exciting in the Hershey Harrisburg Region

Gettysburg readies for a busy May, and beyond

Major events coming to Gettysburg and surrounding areas over next month as town continues preparations for 150th

As the weather warms up, Adams County, Pa. is preparing not only for the 150th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Gettysburg on June 28 through July 7, but also for the busy month of May that will bring music, apple blossoms and antiques to the region.

Among these events are the annual Apple Blossom Festival, the semi-annual Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival and the semi-annual Gettysburg Outdoor Antique Show. Gettysburg will also be remembering those who fought and died for our country with the annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony on May 27, when Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett will serve as grand marshal.

“May is a beautiful time of year for Adams County,” said Flowers. “It’s a great time to visit Gettysburg, whether it involves exploring the historical side of the area, the many fruit orchards and markets or listening to a variety of music.”

 

Also featured around the county in May will be the Historic East Berlin Antique Show at the East Berlin Area Community Center on May 16-18, as well as the Gettysburg Farmers’ Market every Saturday throughout the month in Lincoln Square from 7 a.m. to noon. In addition, there will be living history events around town including “Voices of the Confederacy” at the Quality Inn at General Lee’s Headquarters on May 25-26 and several living history encampments at the American Civil War Wax Museum.

Four of the events taking place in Gettysburg this May are:

58th Annual Apple Blossom Festival, May 4-5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day

Sponsored by the Adams County Fruit Growers Association, the annual Apple Blossom Festival takes place in the heart of Apple Country USA, at the South Mountain Fairgrounds, Biglerville. With live entertainment, orchard tours, arts and crafts and many agricultural exhibits, the festival celebrates the 20,000 acres of Adams County orchards that will be in full bloom over the weekend. For more information, visit www.appleblossomfestival.info. 

66th Semi-Annual Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival, May 16-19

The Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival is entering its 66th year and will be holding the first of their 2013 events in May at the Granite Hill Camping Resort, Gettysburg. Dozens of musicians and bands, including Rhonda Vincent, Steep Canyon Rangers and The Seldom Scene will converge on two stages over the four-day period. There will also be workshops, food and multiple vendors during the event, which is held rain or shine. For more information, visit www.gettysburgbluegrass.com.

146th Annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony, May 27 at 2 p.m.

The annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony, organized by the Gettysburg Joint Veterans Memorial Day Commission, will take place the last Monday of the month, with the parade beginning at 2 p.m. on Lefever Street, Gettysburg. The parade will conclude at Soldiers’ National Cemetery, where a ceremony will be held at the Rostrum beginning at 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.gettysburg.travel.

For the best Civil War attractions for kids, check out our best-selling book:

http://kidslovetravel.com/kids_love_pennsylvania

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AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARKS – A Pop Up Book Review

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Michele Zavatsky

With National Park Week coming up April 20-28, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a new book…a pop-up book on America’s National Parks!

 

The coast-to-coast journey features 18 of our most popular parks, six as stunning pop-ups – Everglades (Kids Love Florida, pg 157), Great Smoky Mountains (Kids Love Tennessee, pg 61), Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier and Yosemite national parks. Boy do these pages spring to life as you turn the page open fully and the three-dimensional scenes pop up. My kids oohed and awed, too. It really captured our interest to want to open the extra “envelopes” on each pop up page and read more.

See the endangered Florida panther peering out from a cypress grove, an alligator charging a white egret, a snarling grizzly bear protecting her cubs, adventurers in a dory boat crashing through the rapids of the Colorado River, all rising up from the pages of the book. Also springing to life are wildflowers of Great Smoky Mountains National Park; Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park (rises 13″ above the page); a mountain goat, the iconic mammal of Glacier National Park, perches on a high cliff; and the grandest lodge in all of the national park system, The Ahwahnee in Yosemite National Park, invites you to enter.

However, at first glance, I was curious why the cover artwork looked a little old-fashioned. Answer: The pop-up art is in the style of 1930s WPA posters. Old School. The way these natural formations and the life that inhabits them has been for ages. No neon. No modern architecture. Just pure majesty…naturally.

The concept and text are by Don Compton. Paper engineering is by Bruce Foster, pop-up books designer of 40 books. Thank you to both men for rediscovering an old-fashioned style that appeals to new and old generations the same.

I’ve only visited a handful of National Parks east of the Mississippi. Now my wanderlust (and my kids!) to explore the west is full throttle…

America’s National Parks is available in two hand-assembled editions. The creative book is $34.95, and get this, the publisher donates $8.00 from every copy sold to the NPCA (National Parks Conservation Association). The goal is to Raise $100,000 for Parks.

Note: http://www.nationalparkspopup.com is the place to look around and order.

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KIDS LOVE MARYLAND Here We Come…(MACHE)

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Michele Zavatsky

Kids Love Travel – Let’s Plan an Affordable Family Day Trip!

Family Field Trips with kids can be a delight or a disaster. Two things that make a homeschool trip great: low-cost and educational fun.


  1. FREEBIES? Know where to look for FREE car games to play while day-tripping? Our new books suggest online places to find and print them.

  2. INSIDE SCOOPS. What are some secrets to get the most value for your money. Where to sit to get best value? what to bring? why to get there early? Examples: on Tours-why standing in the first two rows is beneficial. What about having a picnic at a castle? Why go early to outdoor dramas?  

3. EDUCATORS? There’s suggestions for finding FREE lesson plans embedded in many listings as helpful notes for educators.

4. Marriage of guidebook and the Internet.

Guidebook= organic – highlight it, dog ear pages, write notes, already organized and filtered for kids, unbiased (no fee), and accessible without a wireless connection.
Internet=  the newest discounts, web updates, extra insights can be found at the links provided on every page.

KIDS LOVE TRAVEL GUIDES can save you $$ in just 20 minutes reading just one chapter in one book! We can save you dozens of hours on the internet, too.

Public Appearances next week: Maryland Association of Christian Home Educators (MACHE): http://www.machemd.org/Event-CFair.asp KIDS LOVE MARYLAND/KIDS LOVE TRAVEL BOOTH in main exhibit area (just as you walk in). Say Hi to Michele (author), get quick tips and purchase Family Field Trip items at show-only Discounts!

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