My son and I (pictured — not the guys in white) spent a recent weekend in San Francisco, and it was fantastic.

We rode on the cable cars, hung out with friends, and spent some quality time with the good people at 20th Century Fox (who supplied the trip) and Lucasfilm. That’s right, we visited Skywalker Ranch and the Presidio location (right by the Walt Disney Family Museum!). We’re talking Star Wars, people (The Phantom Menace mostly)!

My son ranks it as the best weekend ever. Who am I to disagree?

This post is part of the Uptake Friday Family Fun series.

Photo by Araya Quanah Diaz, courtesy of 20th Century Fox

It’s Mardi Gras, people. Time to party. Go ahead, I’ll wait.

There are celebrations being held all over the world, but the two best are Carnival in Rio and the craziness of America’s own New Orleans. By best I mean the most drinking, parades, and public nudity. You may have your own ranking system.

If you can’t get to Brazil or New Orleans there are plenty of other places to enjoy the celebration before Lent sets in (although, my personal experience has shown a lot more people seem to partake in Fat Tuesday than Ash Wednesday — go figure).

St. Louis throws a nice party as does Mississippi’s West Coast (both of which offer lots of family fun). Most cities feature some sort of celebration, although they tend to focus on Fat Tuesday (February 21) rather than weeks of debauchery. San Diego claims to have the best party out west, but I recall one Fat Tuesday in Seattle that brought out police in riot gear, which is always a sign that things are pretty wild (also a sign that it is time to duck down an alley and get the heck out of there).

If you want something that the kids will enjoy (not that they won’t get a kick out of the above, but the parents will probably have a nervous breakdown), then check out the rolling good times at Disneyland. Yes, Disneyland. Parades start tomorrow (February 10) and the fun runs from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. in New Orleans Square (check link below for dates, subject to change).

Disney’s New Orleans Bayou Bash has all of your favorite Disney characters, street performers, food, and music, and runs well into March.

Unfortunately there isn’t any drinking at Disney’s party, but a quick walk through Downtown Disney, one of the Disney hotels or Disney’s California Adventure can wet your whistle quick enough. Please note, they do tend to frown on public nudity.

Party on!

Photo: Mark Gstohl via Flickr

To quote one of my favorite strolls into the spirit world, the classic western, Young Guns, “Did you guys see the size of that chicken?”

Well, thanks to this roadside attraction in Wisconsin (just drive around, you’ll find it), you can answer in the affirmative. You did see the size of that chicken, and it was wearing an awesome hat.

Roadside attractions are the best.

This post is part of Uptake’s Tuesday Roadside Attractions Series.

Photo:  via Flickr

The Monument to the Great Fire of London, or the Monument for short, is in London, of course, at the northern end of the London Bridge (not the one that was moved to Arizona).

The Monument is impressive from the outside, but this spiral stairway from inside the structure is rather impressive in its own right. The staircase has 311 steps. The monument serves as a scientific instrument and a mount for a panoramic camera system overseeing the city, both of which make it one of the more practical monuments out there.

This post is part of Uptake’s Monday Museums, Monuments and Memorials Series.

Photo: David Barrie via Flickr

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

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.

Turquoise Waters behind the tops of the French Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos

The Beaches Turks and Caicos resort is a sprawling compound on Providenciales island in the Turks and Ciacos Islands, a British territory about 650 miles south of Miami. The resort is divided into three villages purportedly designed to pay homage to France, Italy, and the Caribbean. The beach-side paradise includes over a dozen restaurants (where every meal is included in your nightly rate), a water park, six pools, a spa, a night club, and game room stocked with the latest consoles and video games. There’s no shortage of things to do here, but the real treat is the way they’ve managed to make family vacations relaxing and luxurious.

All-inclusive resorts are nothing new, of course, and you can expect the standard all-inclusive amenities at Beaches, including:

• Breakfast buffets at most of the on-site restaurants
• Full menus for lunch and dinner at all restaurants
• Swim-up bars in several of the pools
• Planned group activities, like the weekly beach party

These included services ideally help families manage their vacation budgets. In reality, however, the term “all-inclusive” is often a little misleading and travelers are surprised to find out how quickly extras like alcohol, tipping, and optional activities like water sports add up – and how frequently the words “for an additional cost” seem to appear. Constantly fending off the ancillary services can leave vacationers feeling downright miserly on the luxury vacation for which they’ve spent months saving, especially if kids are involved; no one likes to spend their vacation invoking the “No.”

One of the benefits of Premium Butler service - Towel art in your private cabana

Beaches Turks and Caicos takes all-inclusive to a new level, including more and taunting guests with fewer additional costs. If you pay to stay, you’ll be treated to:

• Over a dozen restaurant options
• An in-room mini bar stocked with drinks and snacks (including wine, champagne, beer, and liquor for Mom and Dad)
• Water sports like snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba-diving
• Kids club for all ages (yes, that’s childcare included!)

Of course, you certainly can spend more money on your family vacation if you really want to. Spa services, local tours, and first-class butler services are available for families looking to really pamper themselves, but the beauty of Beaches is that you don’t have to purchase a single extra to enjoy your vacation.

Enjoying the water park at Beaches Turks and Caicos

And you shouldn’t have to. A family of four can expect to spend at least $5,000 in the off-season for a week at Beaches Turks and Caicos; for that kind of cash you should feel like you’re getting a world-class vacation experience. And you will. Whether you choose to spend your days reading while the kids float down the lazy river or learning to snorkel as a family, you’re sure to leave the Caribbean feeling rested, connected, and more than a little spoiled.

I received a 4-night complimentary stay at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

Photos: Britt Reints

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.

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

Jellyfish

Although their bodies are composed of 95 percent water, jellyfish remain some of  the most fascinating and diverse sea creatures.  They also prose real creative challenges for researchers, which is why the elaborate exhibit, “Jellies” at the Shedd Aquarium through May 28, provides such a rare glimpse into the world of these see-through sea animals.

The sprawling show invites visitors to dive into the world of sea jellies, exploring natural history, anatomy and life cycles with videos, life-sized models and of course, hundreds of translucent jellies representing  ten different species. This is an absorbing and overwhelming showcase that will engage three-year-olds and old geezers alike.  You’ll glean intriguing facts like how for 500 million years, jellies survive without bones, blood or brains, how their feeding arms can grow up to eight feet long and how they journey thousands of miles just by drifting with the sea current.  My favorite part of the exhibit is watching the haunting and languorous movements of the jellyfish up close.  I liked watching the flower-like structure of the Moon Jelly and the 100 -foot long tentacles of the Lion’s Mane Jelly the most.  Admission to the exhibit is included with the Total Experience Pass for $34.95 for adults and $25.95 for kids.  After an afternoon spent gazing at wiggly things, spend a few hours after eating wiggly things at Oysy Sushi and Izakaya in the South Loop. Don’t miss the chef’s choice sashimi platter.

Photo courtesy of Shedd Aquarium

Maid-Rite drive-ins have been feeding the Midwest since 1926. That’s a lot of sandwiches.

The restaurant chain is headquartered in Iowa, but has additional locations in Nebraska, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and Ohio. Carry out beer is not available in all stores, but it should be.

There’s nothing better than good food on a family road trip. While the bigger chains are convenient and often necessary, it’s always nice to try someplace local. What are some of the regional favorites in your area?

This post is part of Uptake’s Tuesday Roadside Attractions Series. If you have a photo of an odd, funny or interesting roadside attraction that you would like to see featured here please submit it via the link in the sidebar with subject line: Roadside.