Must Visit: Theme Parks

There are so many fantastic theme parks around the world. For anyone who knows me personally, they know that Disney World will always be my number one choice. If you visit Disney during the right time of the year, it is indeed as magical as they lead you to believe. A huge benefit of Disney World is that there are so many places to visit. Our family favorites are the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, but you can also visit the Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, Downtown Disney, Disney’s Boardwalk, and many wonderful resort and restaurant locations.

Universal Studios in Orlando is another must visit theme park. Universal offers their Studio Park, Islands of Adventures, and Universal City Walk. Universal Studios not only offers you an inside look at how movies are made, but also has fun rides and show for all ages. Islands of Adventure is absolutely the more exciting of the two parks. With their Marvel Comic Island, Jurassic Park Island, and their new Harry Potter World it is positively one you don’t want to miss. While Downtown Disney showcases Cirque Du Soleil, Universal’s City Walk features the Blue Man Group.

Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA is another must visit theme park. Busch Gardens has rides designed for children of all ages. From the Sesame Street themed area to the Big Bad Wolf Roller Coaster, there is something for everyone. For those of you who wish to walk around and enjoy the scenery, take a stroll through a French Village or swing in for a quick beer at Oktoberfest.

After surfing the net, I came across some other theme parks that look like tons of family fun. Take a look and see if you’ve ever been to any. Were they as fun as they look?


1. Dreamworld in Australia

2. Carowinds in North Carolina

3. Legoland in Denmark

4. Thorpe Park in England

5. Freizeitland Geiselwind in Germany

6. Cedar Point in Ohio

7. Sea World in Florida

8. Disneyland in California

9. Hershey Park in Pennsylvania

10. Holiday Word in Indiana

What other theme parks should not be missed? Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!

Must Visit: National Parks

Now that school is winding down, it is time for you moms out there to start thinking about summer vacation.  Are you looking for something different?  Something that will have the kids staring in amazement?  Something affordable?  The United States is full of beautiful places to visit. Many of them are located in our National Parks. My husband has been lucky enough to travel to most of them. Here are our top five list of must see National Parks.

Ranking at #5 is Sequoia-Kings Canyon, located in Three Rivers, California. Sequoia-Kings Canyon is not only home to majestic mountains and deep canyons, but it is also the home to the world’s largest trees. The giant sequoia named General Sherman, stands tall at a whopping 275 feet! According to my husband, a large branch that broke off from the General Sherman a few years back was larger than any standing tree east of the Mississippi.

Coming in at #4 is Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone, the nation’s first national park, is located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Yellowstone is probably most recognized for its famous geyser, Old Faithful. Besides the many geysers and hot springs, there are great hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots. Just watch out for the bears, wolves, elk, and buffalo!

Bryce Canyon, located in Utah, brings us to the #3 spot. It is hard to explain the uniqueness of Bryce Canyon. So here is a short blurb from the National Park Service. “Words confound when no comparable exist. A cave without a ceiling? A forest of stone? Even 'canyon' is misleading since Bryce is carved by freeze-thaw cycles, not a river. Yet, 'world's largest pothole' is neither adequate nor flattering. Tour this Website, and you’ll be enticed to visit Bryce in person. Once here, perhaps you'll agree with those who say, ‘Bryce is a Bryce!’”

Yosemite National Park, located in California, comes in at #2. “Yosemite National Park, one of the first wilderness parks in the United States, is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.”

Finally that brings us to #1…….The Grand Canyon, located in Arizona. Since I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon, I know that I can not do it justice. I’ve seen my husband’s pictures and they are amazing. The Grand Canyon is 18 miles wide and one mile deep. The Colorado River runs through the canyon for 277 miles. From the stories that I’ve heard, I suggest taking a lot of water if you are planning on hiking to the bottom!

Perhaps National Parks aren't your thing.  No worries!  Come back and read part two and three of Summer Vacations where we will explore the best Amusement Parks and Beaches to visit.  What is your family's favorite summer vacation spot?    

Grab a Latte, Put up Your Feet, and Join the Discusssion!    

Written By: Kelly Malinowski

Author of Between the Lines

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Must Visit: Beaches

 All this snow has had me daydreaming about warm sunny beaches. Not just any beaches, but quiet beautiful beaches. So after a little research, I have found some of the nicest beaches in the world.

Anse Source d'Argent, Seychelles is a definite must see beach. This beautiful beach is made out of soft pink sand with a great coastline to explore. If you enjoy snorkeling, the reef right off the coast is waiting for you.

Lanikai Beach, HI is another must see beach. This breathtaking beach, located in Kailua, Oahu, is a favorite swimming spot even among the locals. “An offshore coral reef protects the deep turquoise lagoon, making the surf relatively mild and ideal for splashing around as well as kayaking, sailing, canoeing, and windsurfing.” (Sherman Travel Editors). If you get a chance to visit this little paradise, be aware there are no lifeguards and the waters may have Portuguese Man-O-War (especially June-September).

Manly Beach, Australia may be a little more crowded than the first two beaches, but it is just as beautiful. As we are dealing with cold and snow here in the U.S., the summer heat is just beginning in Australia. If you are looking for a little night life after relaxing on the beach all day, Manly Beach is the place for you. The busy city of Sydney, Australia is just a few miles away.

Plage Malendure, Guadeloupe is a black sand beach located at the base of a “jungle covered mountain”. For those of you looking for a quiet beach with scuba diving, snorkeling, and hiking, this is definitely the place for you.


Where are your must see beaches? Are they peaceful or full of life? Are they local or exotic?


Grab a latte, put up your feel, and join the discussion!