Photo source: Woodloch Resort

When we were invited to spend some time at Woodloch Resort in the Poconos with my family in tow, I was suitably excited. I had heard so much about it from various friends, many who go back year after year, and I was eager to see what all the fuss was about. Also, after living in an apartment for the past few months while undergoing massive renovations on our home, we were all eager to get up and out and sleep elsewhere.

Woodloch is a mere two hours from NYC, so the drive was relatively short and easy until the last 15 minutes or so when we hit local, windy roads. The resort sits on 1,000 acres and is family-run. Its current owner, John Kiesendahl, is very cordial and accessible and very open about the fact that the day-to-day operations are run by the entire family, generation to generation. How do I know this? He actually stopped by my table during dinner one night to find out how we were doing, as he was approaching each guest around the room. This simple display of hospitality made visiting Woodloch something different, I will admit.

Upon checking in at the main lodge, we were given a daily schedule, map and key to our room, which was fortunately located in the same building. The property is massive, as mentioned previously, and it’s cold at this time of the year in the Poconos, so I was glad to stay in one place. Staying in this part of the resort also kept us close to the resort’s nightclub, sports bar, movie room, and dining room. Nearby at the second main hall sits the Inn, hosting additional dining rooms.

Where We Stayed

There are over 150 guest rooms scattered throughout the other residence buildings. We were able to walk to pretty much all the activities we wanted to get to, but there is a shuttle for non-walkers. We were given a Lakeview room, which was comfortable and spacious for the four of us. Guest rooms feature flat screen TVs, mini-fridges, a walk-in closet, coffeemakers, cable TVs and easy access to the main dining room. Larger families can rent one of the 56 private cottages or houses scattered around the grounds, which have up to five bedrooms and full kitchen facilities.

What We Did

The resort specializes in family activities with all day offerings and special daily events. From arts & crafts to trivia contests to go-carting to bumper cars to swimming to archery to cooking contests to tubing, there is non-stop activity or you can easily just relax and enjoy the lake side views. We opted for a bit of both – as a family, we played trivia games, rode go-carts and I even let the kids have a go in the shooting gallery (which as an anti-gun activist was really hard!) There are nearby ski resorts but the weather in New York hadn’t quite reached that level of enough snow, so we stayed in. The resort also offers a gym, a spa, yoga classes  and modes of relaxation. You can book a babysitter who will gladly escort your kids to any activity with the exception of the pool. At night, we all enjoyed Broadway-style show and comedian afterwards.

Where We Ate

Set up with an all-inclusive American Plan, we were able to have three meals a day in the dining room. Served by a professional waiting staff, we were given options for a three-course meal, with a choice of entrée, soup, salad, side dishes and dessert.

The Low-Down

Woodloch is a throwback to a time long gone, with endless activities for families. Our visit was an opportunity to remove our kids from their digital addictions for a few days, and for that, I am grateful. Woodloch is like a cruise ship on land and an easy getaway for families, many of who come back year after year.

Follow

The post Our Weekend at Woodloch Resort appeared first on The Culture Mom.

If you’re looking for something unique to do in Brooklyn with the kids, look no further than Raaka Chocolate. The home of “virgin chocolate,” Raaka a factory where they make 20,000 chocolate bars a month and offer tours, as well as classes, where kids can taste raw cacao from different parts of the world and make their own creation.

Raaka Chocolate

On a recent Friday night, my family and I ventured to Red Hook, where the Raaka factory is based. Immediately upon walking in, we smelled the fermented cacao beans, imported from small growers in Belize, Bolivia, Madagasar and the Dominican Republic. Owners Ryan Cheney and Nate Hodge process the cacao to a satiny finish and turn it into yummy bars sweetened with honey or maple sugar, or seasoned with tea and sea salt.

There’s a lot to like about Raaka. They’re organic, for one thing. For another, they’re made through fair trade channels to ensure that no child slave labor or other corrupt practices were used in their creation. Raaka supports in-country growth and development by giving cocoa farmers around the world an effective 20 percent raise for their beans. The wrapping is also pretty – and recycled paper. And the flavors – from tehini to olive oil to sea salt to coconut to maple, including vegan and gluten-free – they are truly authentic and tasty at that.

While we were there, we toured the factory and the kids learned how to turn raw beans into bars. They loaded  stone grinders with raw ingredients and poured their  bars into molds, ultimately decorating them with sprinkles and assorted toppings. Classes run on Saturdays and Sundays from 2-4pm and 5-7pm and cost $50 per person. Tours are 45-minutes and cost $10, running on Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays at 6pm, Saturdays at 12pm, Sundays at 12pm.

So, if you’re interested in introducing your kids to how chocolate is made, don’t go to Hershey – head to Raaka, where they use humanitarian methods and are socially aware both as a manufacturer and distributor. Teach your kids about how important it is to be a good samaritan and how it can translate to business tactics…and excellent chocolate.

Raaka Chocolate is located at 64 Seabring Street between Richards Street and Van Brunt Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn (855-255-3354, raakachocolate.com).

Disclosure: My family and I were invited to Raaka as guests to experience the factory so I could record about our experience here and elsewhere.

Follow

The post A Brooklyn Discovery: Raaka Chocolate appeared first on The Culture Mom.

On Christmas Eve, my family and I ventured into NYC for a day of holiday sight-seeing. We started at the tree at Rockefeller Center, went by department windows at Sax Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor, went shopping at Bryant Park market and idled in the fantastic lobby at the Algonquin Hotel.

The Ride NYC

But we had one thing on our mind: our 4pm reservation on THE RIDE NYC. I had a feeling it would be inclusive of everything I love most in life.

For example, NYC is my oasis. I’ve lived here for years but never tire of the buzz this city radiates. I also love theater and I had a feeling THE RIDE would relish in its role in Times Square life. I love street life. I enjoy karaoke, comedy and everything interactive.

Believe it or not, I know it’s hard to imagine, but THE RIDE encompasses all of this. It takes place on a fancy bus with stadium-like seating with video screens and LED lights set along the sides of the bus. It’s a 75-minute ride that goes about four miles through Times Square from 42nd Street to Columbus Circle and back, rather slowly (with the speed of midtown traffic). There are two hosts on each side, each one trying to be funnier than the other. As the bus crouches through Times Square, the people on the streets are somehow part of the show, both willingly and unwillingly. Each night a crew of more than 60 technical people, street performers and tour-guide actors with improv-comedy experience provide entertainment, and all of a sudden, one of the people being spoken to from the bus breaks out in performance. We were entertained by a rapper, a ballet dancer, a saxophonist and soulful singer, a hip hop dancer and most certainly, our two hosts who were pretty hilarious.

The tour includes bits of NYC history, which as a New Yorker, I found very compelling. At one point, whilst discussing the city’s subway system, the bus somehow turned into an actual subway, speeding down a few blocks, shaking just like an actual train that cruises underground.

The bus that is THE RIDE is no joke. Each vehicle costs upwards of a million dollars and includes 49 seats, transparent windows (so the people on the street actually see you), 3K LED lights which flash in various colors all through the ride and video screens.

The ticket prices verge on the high side, but based on what I’ve described, I fully endorse THE RIDE. It’s literally a portable theater riding through the streets of NYC, showing you the city’s best. Several passengers had purchased their tickets on GroupOn but I don’t think that anyone who pays full price should or would be disappointed.

Disclosure: I was provided with complimentary tickets to facilitate this review and others but all opinions are my own.

Follow

The post Only in New York City: THE RIDE NYC appeared first on The Culture Mom.

Well, it appears that life as we once knew it has come to an end. Gone are the days where we could pick up and head to a place, expecting to have a lovely family vacation – one that involves doing new things together, indulging in new experiences and cuisine together, planning to wake up and go, go, go.

Why? One simple reason. My daughter is nearly 13. She’s not a baby anymore. She has a mind of her own. She’s independent. All she wants to do it sit around and watch Netflix on the iPad.

On a recent trip to Scranton, Pennsylvania (more on that soon), with her and my husband, I noticed the obvious change for the first time. At first I was a bit miffed – after all, we’ve been traveling successfully as a family for years and it’s a HUGE part of our lives. But I soon accepted her new ways and came to terms with what is probably the rest of our lives.

As a result, I have a few helpful tips for traveling with tweens. Note I am new at this phase, so give me a bit of legroom.

1. Give them options. If you’re going to a museum, explain how much you’d like them to come, but if they don’t want to, it’s okay. Leave them behind with the full knowledge that they will be participating in other parts of the trip.
2. Break up your day. If you have a packed itinerary, be sure to include time for tweens to stop and do their own thing.
3. Plan activities with tween appeal. If you know your child likes art, plan a trip to a museum. Do things you know won’t garner complaints, as much as possible, and tell them to Snapchat pictures of where you are to their friends. Oh, and shopping. They love to shop. Find a mall or shopaholic part of town.
4. Tweens like food. Take your kids to interesting restaurants so that they can Instagram and Pinterest beautiful images of cuisine. Go to places like Hibachi where food is prepared before your eyes, make it fun.
5. Take time out and leave them alone. Tweens need space. I saw it so I suggested to my husband that we go for a drink. She was able to revitalize, get her Netflix fix, and come out happy afterwards.

Most importantly, accept that they’re growing up and remember how puberty was when you were younger. My daughter has outgrown certain activities – like steam train rides heading to meet Santa Claus and that is just the way it is. They have so many wonderful character traits and you can talk to them about a whole new slate of topics and take in travel through a new set of eyes. Enjoy every minute – time is ticking.

Follow

The post On Traveling with Tweens appeared first on The Culture Mom.

As a former anti-cruise goer, I am happy to report that the last (and first!) cruise my family took was a great success. We enjoyed seeing different parts of the world, the variety of entertainment and daily activities, the international staff and the fact that everyone found something to do. Our days were full of sunshine, sitting by the pool, riding the waterslide and spending quality time together. There was also plenty for my special needs child to appreciate. My cynicism was squashed and it was decided that cruises for us a family work.

So this year when we decided it was time for another cruising trip, we decided on Carnival Cruise Line’s Freedom, one of their older lines that has been renovated, and sails to three ports in the Western Caribbean. We would be cruising out of Texas, a state we had not visited and were curious what the trip in total would be like. (You can find out about the Texas portion here on the blog.)

Filled with wonder, we all set out on our trip during the final weeks of summertime. The kids were curious if the food, movies, video games and waterslides would live up to their expectations. My husband hoped he would be able to relax on the ship and really utilize his time off work. And me? I hoped I’d find some solace, see a few beautiful places in the world, stay healthy and come home with new memories. Full of pre-conceptions about cruising and Carnival, in general, we set out on our seven-day journey.

Finding Solace

As a mom, I can promise other mothers that they will enjoy cruising for one simple reason: the opportunity to truly chill. Once on board, a steward tends to your stateroom a few times a day, refreshing towels, making beds and picking your kids’ clothes up off the floor. Someone else makes all the meals for you – there is neither menu planning nor any cleaning up after dinner. You don’t have to be anywhere; there is neither schedule nor routine. I really liked our stateroom. The layout allowed us to spread out and not feel cramped. The balcony required several sittings a day to enjoy the ocean view.

However, during the day I found getting quiet time a slight challenge. The only pool my kids were allowed to swim in was very crowded. They weren’t gravitating toward the kid’s club. While I looked forward to our destination days, I found sail days more of a struggle. With the kids declaring boredom, which I can’t understand, I found more of a need than usual to find my own space.

But I managed to find my groove and I found my solace. On sail days, I had a small breakfast in the room (We loved the complimentary room service), and then headed to the gym, where I worked out and sat in the steam room and sauna with a good book (thanks to Jojo Moyes). I spent ample time at the Serenity Pool, the adult only pool, getting sunwhere my kids were allowed to sit. I went for walks on the 3^rd floor deck, read the top deck and hibernated in the room when necessary. At night, I loved watching the Playlist Productions perform, sitting at the piano bar and watched Dive In films at the pool like Into the Woods, The Hunger Games, and Fault In Our Stars – complete with popcorn and a blanket.

Staying Healthy

Carnival is like any other cruise line, offering many options for cuisine. In addition to the buffet on the Lido Deck and the Posh and Chic restaurants, they have the Steakhouse, Guy’s Burger Joint and the Blue Iguana Cantina. The amount of food can be overwhelming, but it’s quite possible to eat healthy while cruising. I used such strategies as taking smaller portions, drinking a lot of water, avoiding fried food and dressings and the like.

I also tried to resist temptations, but it’s really hard with everyone around you eating a hamburger and fries in the middle of the afternoon (fortunately, I’m a vegetarian!). I let myself indulge once daily, generally at night for dessert, but quite often I ordered fruit, sorbet or simply tasted my family’s selections. After a few days, I actually gave in to my willpower a little bit and began to eat more than I’d planned, but you only live once. When the kids were hungry, they got frozen yogurt on the deck and avoided fried foods, but they indulged, too.

Date Night

The one night my husband and I went out alone for dinner to the Sun King Steakhouse, I definitely let myself indulge. For a $35 surcharge, you get an appetizer, entrée and dessert. The restaurant is elegant; the meal first –rate. Appetizers include escargots bourguignonne, grilled portobello mushroom, beef carpaccio, ahi tuna tartar, jumbo shrimp cocktail, New England crab cake, lobster bisque with vintage cognac, and baked onion soup.  The entrees consist of broiled prime New York strip loin steak (14 oz.), grilled prime cowboy steak (18 oz.), spice-rubbed prime rib eye steak (18 oz.), broiled filet mignon (9 oz.), surf & turf (Maine lobster tail and 4 oz. filet mignon), broiled lobster tail, broiled rosemary infused chicken, grilled lamb chops, Maine lobster ravioli, and grilled fillet of fish from the market. The meal was delicious and it was definitely nice to get dressed up and have adult conversation for an evening.

Saving Money

Carnival Cruise Line is a budget cruise line, and is known for that but is good value. Prices start at $189 per person for interior staterooms during their five-day cruises. Freedom, has been renovated and has completely overhauled its kids’ program, entertainment, waterslide, spa and restaurants.

But despite the low cost, once you’re on the ship, it’s important to control everyone’s expenses by limiting what they are allowed to spend. I used strategies, which really cut our bill down — like having the kids drink water rather than order anything other than what’s free (lemonade, iced tea, coffee and water). I didn’t give them access to an expense account on their sail cards; everything had to be requested through us. We didn’t book our excursions on the boat; rather we booked them in advance online or at the port. We tipped at our own discretion, rather than let the ship add automatic tips onto our bill. Most importantly, I talked to my family before we left so that everyone was in agreement about what we would spend so that it was understood and adhered to. While more money may have been spent on cocktails and video games than I would have liked, overall our bill was far lower than I hoped.

Overall

By the end of the cruise, I found myself enjoying it more than I thought I would. The offshore bits were really lovely and my kids had experiences that were truly unique and special – like parasailing in Mexico, jet skiing in Honduras and snorkeling in Belize. We fell in love with our wait staff in the dining room – they were a trio from the Philippines, all with families back home. They told us a bit about their lives and we were riveted by their “performance” every other night, when the entire wait staff danced around the dining room. My husband actually celebrated his birthday during the cruise, and it was a lovely, memorable way to celebrate.

I was able to find my solace and respite from the crowds and my kids, despite not going to the kid’s club, had a ball and found what they liked doing on the ship.

Disclosure: My family and I were guests of Carnival and most of her expenses were covered. However, all of her opinions expressed are her own.

Follow

The post Our Family Vacation on Carnival Cruise Line appeared first on The Culture Mom.

I’ll say it upfront. I’ll just get it out there before you go on so you know how I feel about Austin. I love this Texan city.

On our recent visit, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d been itching to attend SXSW, an annual Austin trade show, as a marketer for the past 10 years and have ogled at the photos of colleagues and friends year after year, leaving a sense of curiosity and wander for what all the hype was all about. Would it truly be the land of the hipsters, as I envisioned it, and how would that go down with my kids?

Well, fortunately enough, it went down well with all of us. From the minute we arrived, we had heaping plates of the most delicious Tex Mex food in the world. That culinary adventure awakened all of our taste buds, and as we continued our edible trip through the city, stopping at food trucks and Mexican food joints, I was mesmerized by the laid back attitude and very attracted to what appeared to be a highly cultured city.

I fell in love with breakfast tacos, hearing music in the middle of the afternoon, outdoor water holes, the sight of 3,000,000 bats flying over my head, salsa bars, graffiti parks, cowboy boots, shopping on South Congress Avenue, the Texan Hills, gazing at the city from the middle of Lady Bird Lake and its motto. Wondering what that is?  The city’s unofficial motto is “Keep Austin Weird.” It’s a direct call for residents to support local businesses and everything indie. Many other cities—Portland, Madison, Santa Cruz and Asheville, North Carolina—have promoted similar campaigns, but it all began in Austin. Imagine that: a public declaration to keep a city cool? That’s Austin for you.

If you’re wondering how I did all this with two kids in tow, everything’s possible. They actually equally fell in love with Austin – they have their own perspective on that, I’m sure, but there seemed to be less complaining than usual, so I know the city went down just as I’d hoped.

Heading to Austin? Here’s the low-down on where to stay, what to do, where to eat and how to get the most of your trip to Austin – even with kids!

Where to Stay

Who knew that the JW Marriott would be the most perfect place to greet us on our first visit to Austin? It’s centrally located, just one block from Congress Avenue Bridge, where the bats go flying from nightly at dusk. As expected from a Marriott, the rooms are cozy, not the most spacious we’ve stayed in, but the hotel’s amenities make up for that. There are on-site restaurants, a lovely gym and outdoor pool (with the Texan flag inscribed inside), on site parking, Wifi access and every gadget humanly possible in the room, including a coffee maker and extra outlets. The hotel is an easy drive (or nice walk) to all the city’s attractions including the Bob Bullock State Museum, Lake Travis, the State Capitol and South Congress Avenue shopping. We had access to the Executive Lounge, which offers food throughout the day to recharge. At night, we were able to walk to the bridge to capture the bat’s famous flight and then we strolled through the area until we found a food truckish restaurant called Gourdough’s for dinner, which was sublime. Words can’t totally convey the extent of how much we enjoyed our night at the JW Marriott.

We spent the next night at the Sonesta Bee Cave Austin in the Texan Hills, just 20 minutes from the city center, an exquisite part of the region I was happy to visit. This hotel is a special place overlooking rugged hills and rolling terrain. It’s a very beautiful, scenic area and a nice city break, featuring hike and bike trails. This ultra-modern hotel, having just recently opened this past July, is located at the Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave, Texas. The hotel offers 195 guest rooms, including 5 suites and 12 king corner rooms. We had a suite with connecting bedrooms, both very comfortable and spacious with fine linen, a Keurig coffee maker, free Wifi and nearly every amenity you need whilst traveling with kids. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool with a sun deck and gym that we utilized in the evening before checking out the sunset at nearby Lake Travis. It was nice to get out and see the Hills and have a chilled evening at the Sonesta. The hotel also features Meridian 98, Sonesta’s rooftop bar and terrace lounge.

What to Do

We only had a few days in Austin (and could have used a few more, to be honest), so I was determined to see, do, eat and really experience the city. Here are two tours worth taking:

AO Tours Austin picked us up at the JW Marriott almost as soon as we arrived in Texas, and we really couldn’t have asked for a better way to get orientated to the city. We were picked up by a pink van (Mercedes Benz Sprinter Vans equipped with dual AC) driven by an enthusiastic tour guide and taken on a 30 mile, 90 minute tour of the city. The tour covers Downtown, South Shore, Historic Austin, 6th Street, shopping, West Austin, State Capitol complex, and University of Texas campus. For me, it was refreshing to hear the history of Austin before starting our own tour.  Our guide explained how the history of segregation impacted the city today. She also told about her favorite restaurants and food trucks, places to hear music, where she loves to shop and drove us through the Texan Hills (where we would end up the next day at the Sonesta). The end of the tour was quite effective with a drive through the Texas State Cemetery where we passed the graves of confederate veterans and their spouses. The tour departs from Two Locations in Downtown Austin TX 78701:615 Congress Ave. (Wild About Music) or 602 E. 4th Street (Austin Visitors Center). Call (512) 659-9478 for information.

Another great way to see the city is via Live Love Paddle, specializing in kayaking tours down local rivers, during the day or at night viewing the bat’s nighttime fly. We opted for the daytime trip, taking a 3 hour ride up and down Lady Bird Lake with a tour guide who gave us a tour of the river and told us about the city, and most importantly, its bats. The kids were engaged and also put to work as we paddled from bridge to bridge. It was such a great way to see the city. We were educated, got exercise and came away bat-certified. At one point, we were right under the Congress Avenue Bridge, where we heard the millions of bats sleeping (they smelled, too). Our guide was patient, interesting and calm, perfect for the kids. For more information, call 512-804-2122.

Other must-sees in Austin:

 Graffiti Park in Castle Hill – I was lucky to have been referred to this park by a 10 year-old while traveling in San Antonio. It’s a massive playground with surreal art. If you’re lucky, you’ll find artists at work.

Barton Springs – Within Zilker Park’s 358 acres lies Barton Springs Pool, a warm pool that measures three acres in size, and is fed from underground springs, ideal for year-round swimming. We were there on a very hot day, and our visit was perfectly timed and a real adventure.

The Bullock State History Museum – If you want to learn the history 

 If you want to learn the history of Texas, these are two educational museums that aren’t just for little kids.

UMLAUF Sculpture Museum & Gardens – We found the UMLAUF Sculpture Museum after lunch in Barton Springs (food truck land) and it was completely charming. The sculptures, mainly molds of mothers with their children, lie on four well-landscaped acres. The gardens also offer a waterfall and streams and the experience was peaceful beyond description.

The Texas State Capitol – Completed in 1888 in Downtown Austin, the 2nd biggest State Capitol in the U.S. contains the offices and chambers of the Texas Legislature and the Office of the Governor.

The Driskoll Hotel – A Romanesque style building completed in 1886, the Driskoll is the oldest operating hotel in Austin and feels like a piece of history in the making. Take a walk through the lobby, stop for a drink in their bar if you can (my kids weren’t up to it).

Where to Eat

Polvo’s Mexican Restaurant – fabulous Mexican food with great interior and a salsa bar. (2004 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704,

(512) 441-5446)

The Shady Grove – Austin-inspired Tex Mex and great cocktails – get the Mexican Margarita. 1624 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704, (512) 474-9991

Gourdoughs – Everything is made in a donut, even the hamburgers and the salads come with one- delicious. Originally a food truck, now it’s a restaurant.209 W 5th St, Austin, TX, 78701, (512) 645-0255

Torchy’s – “Damn good tacos” is their slogan and I say no more. Also started as a food truck and is now a chain around Texas. Get breakfast tacos and fried chocolate chip cookies!

Curra’s Grill – If you can break away from the kids, go to Curra’s for an avocado margarita. You will not regret it. 614 E Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704, (512) 444-0012

Disclosure: Some of the items mentioned in this post were complimentary, such as the two hotel visits and the tours. As always, all opinions are my own.

Follow

The post A Family-Friendly Visit to Hip Austin appeared first on The Culture Mom.

We recently spent the most unexpected, loveliest weekend in Stowe, Vermont. The seven + hour journey took us a long time to get there (it was a busy Friday summer afternoon coming from NY, to be expected), but it was completely worthwhile. Vermont has been on my list of best places to visit for a New Yorker for some time, ever since our visits to Essex Culinary Resort and Lake Morey Resort last summer. I love the state’s rolling mountains, fresh air, laid back aura and depth of outdoors activities.

Our destination was Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa and it was everything we were hoping for in a family getaway: comfort, lovely service, good food, plenty to do and easy access to Stowe’s village. The weekend was full of something for everyone in my family – from a 10 mile bike ride to a classic auto show to gorgeous meals to a luxurious spa treatment in the resort’s award-winning spa to family swims in the indoor and outdoor pools to family time in the game room.

Needless to say, it was a special weekend.

The resort is family-run and its members take great pride in the resort. Every which way we looked, we had a member of staff making sure we didn’t need anything. Our room was cozy and spacious and had a luxurious yet classic feel with an armoire, gas fireplace and leather armchairs. We all agreed that it was one of the most comfortable nights we’ve ever spent in a hotel. After a day of fun, we all sprawled out on the floor and played games. I was reminded that I need to do more of that at home!

We were only there one full day so we needed to be judicious in our activity choices. We opted for a bike ride on the nearby recreational path. The 5.3-mile paved bike path starts in Stowe Village, winds its way through forests and meadows, and crosses the West Branch River 11 times on arched wooden bridges. We spent time in the indoor and outdoor pools, game room, meditation garden – yes, you heard me. They have a gorgeous garden full of flowers and edible plants.  After we were advised us that the blueberries were edible, my son went crazy, grabbed the ice bucket, filled it up and had a blueberry feast. He proclaimed the resort as one of the best after that (but the next day he opted out of having any blueberries for fear of turning blue!)

I was fortunate that we were around for the annual classic auto show. All weekend we witnessed classic cars from the turn of the century riding through town. The hotel is just 1.7 miles from the main part of the town, where you’ll find art, jewelry, nationally recognized crafts, handcrafted furniture, award-winning specialty foods, clothing, and sports equipment. We spent time there on Saturday night at a street dance in lieu of the auto show, which was quite unique. We also had an emergency run there upon arrival when my 10 YO realized he’d forgotten to pack underwear. Shaw’s General Store saved the day.

My favorite part of the weekend had to be the few hours I spent at the Spa, where I had a glorious treatment and spent time luxuriating under the Bingham Falls cascading waterfall, soaking in the hot tub and burning fat in the steam room. With a choice from over 150 treatments created with indigenous products, I selected the 80-minute Vermont Maple Sugar Body Polish. It was literally heaven on earth.

We ate all of our meals at the resort. We had breakfast in the main dining room at Charlie B’s, which offered a wide variety of scrumptious items from blueberry pancakes to whole wheat French toast to lox on a bagel to egg white omelets to a granola parfait. Lunch was spent poolside with healthy salads, soup, turkey burgers and hummus plates. We were back at Charlie B’s for dinner, a menu comprised of various cuisine at various prices. We sampled their basil sear salmon, Vermont pasta & cheese, lemon pepper chicken and marinated Portobello napoleon. By the second night, the place had become quite familiar to us and it was a pleasure to return.

As much as I love traveling with my family, I could see a visit to Stoweflake with my mother or a group of girlfriends in the future. I’d like to return to the spa, do some hiking, go out drinking in the village and just chill.

Disclosure: I was provided with complimentary lodging and meals to facilitate this review but all opinions are my own.

Follow

The post Our Weekend at Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa appeared first on The Culture Mom.

I recently spent a long weekend at Ritz Carlton Philadelphia with the kids. We jumped in the car, drove the few short hours to the City of Brotherly Love and landed at this historical yet extremely cozy hotel. Located right by City Hall, Love Park and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, it’s a reminder of a nation’s birth with its grand use of architecture. The building was originally Girard Trust Company, which became Girard Corn Exchange in 1951; Girard Bank in 1970; Mellon Bank in 1984, and finally The Ritz-Carlton in 2000. We felt the enormous amount of history every which we looked, as well as its elegance with the hotel’s choice of decor of marble floors, rotundas, high ceilings and classic portraits.

When it comes to family travel, you really can’t beat staying at the Ritz Carlton. Kids are indulged as soon as they enter the establishment with a glass of sparkling cider. I was also indulged, by the way, with a glass of champagne, and my eyes were instantly swept by the opulence of the lobby, where a duo was playing and singing jazzy love songs.

The Ritz clearly trains their staff to make guests feel right at home. From Philadelphia-favorite Peanut Chew candies on the counter at reception to an all day shoe shiner, the hotel goes out of the way to make their clientele happy. The rooms were made with comfort in mind and are extremely spacious for families traveling with children. Their onsite dining is plentiful, and many partake in the club suite on the 30th floor.

After we were given the full low-down on the hotel, we headed to our room. We chose to locate it on our own, but we were certainly given the option of being escorted. The decor was classic, with comfortable linens and soothing colors adorning the walls and floors.

We first noticed the most beautiful view of the city. It is very easy to understand the significance of this American city just by looking out the window. Our room offered a King sized bed, marble bathrooms with a rainforest shower head, plush terry cloth robes, a 40″ inch flat-panel HD TV, Wifi and as mentioned, access to the Club Lounge where we had constant culinary offerings throughout the day and access to a computer station − it was the perfect place to come back to after an excursion for a snack, cup of tea and a splash of breakfast. The Lounge provided a dose of ease for the weekend – I didn’t have to worry about much of anything.

We spent our first night hanging out in Love Park, watching break dancers, posing under the sign and strolling to nearby Rittenhouse Square for a bit of shopping. The next day we ventured to Federal Donuts, a short walk away, and then to Spruce Street Harbor Park for a day on the water and loungy time in hammocks. And when our days were done, the hotel was the perfect destination to come back to at the end of the day.

The Ritz offers vacation packages to make a trip more affordable. The Stay and Play package is geared towards family travel, which includes tickets to the Please Touch Museum, a great museum for kids. The Two Nights in the City package offers a couple or pair art, history, food, and culture with a two-night stay.

I highly recommend a weekend visit to Ritz Carlton Philadelphia with – or without – the kids. From outstanding customer service, to being right next to an abundance of culture and history, you can’t do better than this for a Philadelphia family getaway. It’s a city that begs to be explored and a hotel that demands to be booked at least once.

Disclosure: My stay at the Ritz Carlton was complimentary to facilitate this review but all opinions are my own.

Follow

The post A Family Stay at Ritz Carlton Philadelphia Offers Historic Elegance appeared first on The Culture Mom.

Day #1

Tourist season is heating up in Hershey, so it was impossible to get a room at The Hotel Hershey, the most elegant and inspired hotel in town, located on a hill that overlooks everything Milton Hershey created. Inspired by his global travels, he built the hotel in 1933, and it’s exquisite…. even just for a visit. It’s very Mediterranean, apparently having been inspired by an actual hotel he visited with a U-shaped base with a tower at either end, creating a 170-room hotel, with a Spanish patio, tiled floors, grand fountain, and a dining room without corners.

We headed for lunch at Trevi 5, a modern Italian restaurant on the hotel’s premises that was named after the famous Trevi Fountain in Rome. It was a great place to start the weekend with exquisite food and sweeping views of Hershey Park and the Gardens from our vantage point. The menu offers healthy options, in addition to thin-crusted pizza and pasta dishes including Baked Lasagna, Capellini Pasta with Garlic Shrimp and Penne Bolognese. I had the Compressed Watermelon & Feta Salad, which was delicious. The kids sampled options from their extensive children’s menu, and it made for a great start to our Hershey adventure.

Trevi 5, THE HOTEL HERSHEY, Located at The Hotel Hershey – 100 Hotel Road, Hershey, PA 17033, (717) 534-8800

Our first stop was non-chocolaty, much to my kids’ disappointment, but it turned into time very well spent. We ventured to Antique Automobile Club of America, an affiliate of the Smithsonian, where vintage cars, buses and motorcycles are on display. We toured the museum slowly, viewing station wagons, including Carol Brady’s Plymouth Satellite wagon from The Brady Bunch, the world’s largest and best-known collection of Tucker 48 automobiles, engines, mechanicals and automobilia, a restored 1941 diner, Henry Ford’s early cars from Model A to Model T, the Rolls-Royce Silver Spur factory Limousine once owned by Whitney Houston and many other vehicles. There’s an interactive area for children. In the activity room, they can do a crayon rubbing of an antique license plate and engage in a variety of hands-on projects and activities.

Antique Automobile Club of America, 161 Museum Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, (717) 566-7100

It was a beautiful sunny day so I was excited about our next stop, Indian Echo Caverns, where we would explore 440 million year-old caverns always at 52 degrees. We walked through underground labyrinth of tunnels, lakes, and rock formations that consisted of stalagmites, columns and flowstone, and crystal clear lakes. It was an afternoon full of geological marvel, and I was happy to take my kids to yet another non-chocolaty activity before the onslaught began.

Indian Echo Caverns, 368 Middletown Road, Hummelstown, PA 17036-8815, (717) 566-8131  

We went for dinner at The Mill Restaurant, which was an absolute delight for all of us. Located in a two-story mill that dates back to 1858, off of Old West Chocolate Avenue in Hershey, the renovated space features exposed timber beams and vintage lights, and the menu is all about seasonal, farm-to-table meals.  The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal foods including seafood such as Atlantic Grilled Salmon, Seared Sea Scallops, Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna and Maryland Broiled Crab cakes. Their smoked food techniques are unparalleled and we were all gawking at the food’s flavors and aromas.

The Mill Restaurant, 810 Old West Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033, (717) 256-9965

For our first dose of chocolate, we headed to Hershey’s Chocolate World. We first got set up with tour times, important to do as they fill up and sell out. Getting there late at night was a good choice as they empty out and close at 11pm. First we took the free “Great American Chocolate Tour Ride,” an indoor ride that explains how chocolate bars are made. Then we went into the tasting lab and learned how to be palateers, sampling chocolate by using all of our senses. Next up was the “Create Your Own Candy Bar” experience, where we donned aprons to customize our own chocolate bars, choosing its base flavor (milk, dark, or white) and fillings, and watch them being made in an automated assembly line. We even customized our own wrappers, which my kids loved. Lastly, we went to the 4D film, which continues the chocolate theme. From Chocolate World you can pick up the Hershey Trolley Works™ to tour the town and learn the inspiring story of the place made famous by Milton S. Hershey and his chocolate.

Hershey’s Chocolate World, 251 Park Blvd, Hershey, PA 17033, (717) 534-4900

The night ended with a real bang – two very happy, tired children. We chose to lay our heads at Comfort Inn at the Park, just off Rte. 422 and only a few miles from Hershey Park.  Rooms are casual but clean and cozy, with free Wi-Fi, private bathrooms with showers, as well as flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers. Some rooms have minifridges and microwaves. Suites add a separate sitting area and pullout sofas. Breakfast is complimentary. There’s an indoor heated pool with a hot tub, and free outdoor parking.

Comfort Inn at the Park, 1200 Mae St, Hummelstown, PA 17036, (717) 566-2050

Day #2

My kids jumped out of bed to make sure we got to Hersheypark right at 10am. After all, it was our raison d’etre for being in Hershey in the first place and they were rearing to go. We drove to the park, paying $15 for the day to park our car and then hit the rides, which was easy to do. For one thing, the park is smaller than Disney and very manageable. The kids were eager to ride Laff Trakk, “the first indoor, spinning, glow-coaster in the United States”, so we headed directly to the back of the park and made our way forward as the day progressed. There are roller coasters for all levels (they loved the Sidewinder, Lightening Racer and Comet), water rides, an old-fashioned carousel and Ferris wheel and dozens of other rides. We saw Hershey characters strolling through the park all day, and when we were hungry we headed to the Gourmet Grille sandwiches and tacos. Other restaurants include Moe’s Southwest Grill for burritos and southwestern food, and The Outpost, for gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian meals. They even have Kosher Mart in Rhineland serving Glatt Kosher Meat and Pareve prepared under rabbinic supervision.

After we had our fill of rides and Dippin Dots and Rita’s ice, we headed to ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, an 11-acre right next to Hersheypark and included in the price of admission, featuring North American wildlife, including alligators, owls, and snapping turtles. After an hour or two there, it was time to call it an end of day.

Hersheypark, 100 W Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, (800) 437-7439

Day #3

On our last day, we opted to explore The Hershey Story, The Museum on Chocolate Avenue.  There we learned how Milton Hershey went from bankruptcy to brilliance, transforming chocolate from a luxury to an everyday treat in their extensive Museum Experience that features 10,000 square feet of exhibits. Even my kids were engrossed in his rags to riches story. We also learned about his charity work. Since his death in 1945 at age 88, Milton Hershey’s legacy has thrived with a constantly changing world. Today, Milton Hershey School, the institution he and his wife founded, nurtures more than 2,000 financially needy boys and girls in grades K-12. The school and the Hershey philanthropy are perpetuated through the holdings of the Milton Hershey School Trust, which in turn derives much of its support from the profits of The Hershey Company and Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company.

Then we experienced a hands-on “Chocolate Lab” class and sample warm drinking chocolate at the “Countries of Origin Chocolate Tasting.” In the 45-minute Lab, we learned how to make s’mores the Hershey way and in the tasting; we sampled chocolate flavors from around the world.

The Hershey Story, 63 W. Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033-1502, (717) 534-3439     

For lunch, we went across the street to Fenicci’s Italian Restaurant of Hershey for an Italian feast. Owner Phil Guarno remains committed to using quality ingredients, many from his own garden located behind the restaurant; and he still offers some of the most treasured original recipes along with new, creative additions to please any palette. We reveled in full plates of ravioli and authentic pizza. I especially loved the theater posters on the wall; it made me feel very much at home.

Fenicci’s Italian Restaurant of Hershey, 102 West Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033, (717) 533-7159

Last but not least, we headed to Hershey Gardens, right down the road from the Hotel Hershey. Originally founded by Milton S. Hershey as a formal 3-½ acre rose garden, Hershey Gardens fills 23 acres. Filled with magnificent themed gardens, colorful seasonal displays, more than 5,000 rose bushes, a children’s garden, and a seasonal Butterfly House – this botanical gem is a garden for all seasons. After a busy few days, it was kind of perfect to end with a relaxing stroll through well-kept gardens and to see how Milton Hershey spread his wealth and passions through nature.

Hershey Gardens, 170 Hotel Road, Hershey, PA 17033-9507, (717) 534-3492

The result? A fullfilling weekend for all of us and memories to last a lifetime. What more can a mom ask for?

Disclosure: I partnered with Visit Hershey & Harrisburg on the logistics of this trip, but all opinions are my own.

Follow

The post A Family Trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania appeared first on The Culture Mom.

Last week my family and I went for a day out at the shore in Coney Island and Brighton Beach. A long time favorite haunt of ours, I was eager for a dose of this very Southern part of Brooklyn. These coastal towns may have a kitsch way about them, but they are some of the most uniquely fun parts of the five boroughs.

After enduring a bit of traffic to get there, we finally found ourselves on Surf Avenue, in the heart of it all. 

Our first stop: Luna Park (Surf Ave at W 10 St; 718-373-5862, lunaparknyc.com. $35 for four hours of unlimited rides on weekends), where there are over 20 rides for all ages and all thrill levels. Just off the boardwalk sits this throw back to good times long gone. The project opened on May 29, 2010, attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors, bringing a world-class amusement destination back to Brooklyn. In the few short years that have followed, Luna Park has continued to grow in stature as a popular NYC tourist attraction, home to dozens of rides ranging from thrilling to mild, as well as numerous games, eateries and retail kiosks.

Now that my kids are ages 10 and 12, they’ve upgraded to the more thrilling rides like the Thunderbolt roller coaster, the Brooklyn Barge, the Seaside Swing and the world’s first people-steered amusement park ride, the WindstarZ. New rides include the 90 mile-per-hour Sling Shot, that goes 150 feet into the sky, or the Power Surge, which spins riders in all directions. For a quieter ride, they have the famous B&B Carousel, as well as the extreme thrill ride, the famous Cyclone. My kids were ecstatic after a few hours of rides, and very, very hungry. We had a stop upon arrival at Nathan’s Famous, but it was time to eat dinner.

The walk between Coney Island and Brighton Beach (“Little Odessa”) is about a mile, but the people watching is so brilliant, as are views of the Atlantic Ocean, that it’s hard to complain. Of course, my kids found a way to, but it didn’t get us down. Brighton Beach offers kids many opportunities to play: vol­ley­ball nets, room for soc­cer, people-watching, read­ing and tan­ning.

Brighton Beach has a large community of Jewish immigrants who left the Former Soviet Union since 1970. Some non-Jewish immigrants from the former Soviet Union, such as Azerbaijanis, Armenians and Georgians, have also settled in Brighton Beach and the surrounding neighborhoods. Walking through the area, it’s clear that Brighton Beach is a des­ti­na­tion for all: Brook­lyn fam­i­lies, Brook­lyn teens, seniors, tod­dlers, tourists, and New York­ers alike.

Hungry and tired, we stopped at Tatiana Grill, a Russian restaurant right on the boardwalk. We sat at a table facing the sea and spent two hours drinking Russian beer and eating specialties from herring to borsht to hachapuri to caviar to Russian stew. The experience was epic and memorable and my 1o year old son’s favorite meal in a long. long time.

Content and happy, with full bellies, we headed home, determined to return.

Disclosure: I received complimentary admission to Luna Park for my family, but all opinions are my own.

Follow

The post Hanging Out in Coney Island & Brighton Beach appeared first on The Culture Mom.