Winter Vacations Extended Six Weeks!

You probably woke up this morning thinking that spring was on your doorstep and it was time to start planning vacations accordingly (ah, spring break). Well, guess what, winter isn’t going anywhere.

Punxsutawney Phil, the world’s cutest weather forecaster, has seen his shadow and as such six weeks of winter has been added to the calendar. The famous groundhog lives in Punxsutawney, PA, and has been looking at shadows for years, so he knows what he’s talking about (squeaking?).

What are you going to do with more winter? Another ski trip? Ice fishing? Take the kids sledding? The possibilities are endless. Kind of like winter.

Enjoy.

Photo: Eddie~S via Flickr

Beaches Turks & Caicos Upgrades the Family Vacation

Pool in the Caribbean Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos

When I was a kid, our family vacations usually consisted of long car rides and gas station food serving as bookends for a holiday spent with grandparents. In really good years, we got to add state parks or a visit to the regional amusement park to the mix. I was just happy to be out of school and sleeping in a house where I couldn’t get grounded. I had no idea what I was missing.

Today’s family vacations have been given a major upgrade by all-inclusive resorts like Beaches Turks and Caicos that cater to families. The Illinois countryside has been replaced with a Caribbean beach, and the pint-sized travelers can expect just as much pampering at the luxury compounds as the parents who are footing the bill. Read More »

Spring Training in the Valley of the Sun

Spring Training in Phoenix

Although it’s still football season here in New England (go Pats!), I’m excited for baseball season to start.  While my beloved Red Sox don’t play in the Cactus League, many other great teams do.  If you are looking for a March getaway, and want to catch some great spring training games, consider visiting the greater Phoenix area.

Last year, I had the opportunity to visit Phoenix during spring training, and I had such a great time that I decided to visit this year with my family.  We are visiting in March, and plan to check out several games.

During spring training, there’s no such thing as a bad (or expensive) seat.  I went to three games at three different stadiums, and loved feeling like I am part of the action.  Although Fenway Park is small, I never get that kind of up-close experience during the regular season.  Plus, the warm weather makes it such a fabulous outdoor activity.  We plan to get lawn seats, like those shown in the photo above, and just spread out and enjoy.

Spring training in Phoenix starts March 2, 2012.

Photo credit: Jodi Grundig

Disclosure: The Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitor’s Bureau covered the expenses for my spring training and family fun trip last year.

Super Bowl 46 or Bust!

This Sunday, February 5, is Super Bowl Sunday. It’s like a holiday. The big game will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana at the Lucas Oil Stadium, which is a fantastic piece of kinetic architecture (that means it has moving parts).

Indianapolis is second only to Washington, D.C. in the number of monuments within the city, and it also features two natural waterways that run through it. Basically, it’s a pretty town.

The New York Giants will be playing the New England Patriots. Despite the Patriots playing in the same division as the Indianapolis Colts (AFC) I’m guessing that Giants’ quarterback Eli Manning, being brother to the Colts’ Peyton Manning, will garner the cheers of the hometown fans.

Remember, get to the stadium early for a good parking spot, and better yet, more time to tailgate (be responsible!).

If you’re looking for a good place for lunch and a beer check out Basey’s Downtown Grill and Spirits or Tavern on South, both are walking distance from the Lucas Oil Stadium. Also walking distance are some nice, affordable, and probably booked hotels, Comfort Suites City Centre and Holiday Inn Express.

Directions to Lucas Oil Stadium

Have a good time!

Photo: Triple Tri via Flickr

Page 1 of 42212345...Last »

Connect to UpTake

Search Blogs

Custom Search
Travel Gems

The Vacation Bloggers

All TripAdvisor trademarks are © 2010 TripAdvisor LLC.

All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.