Three Things to Add to Your #Clearwater Itinerary #Florida #travel @VSPC

I discovered three new things to do when visiting Clearwater. I can't believe after visiting Clearwater so many times this was the first time visiting all of these! 

I have been to the Clearwater/St Pete area at least 25 times, including a trip this past March. I'm shocked that in all that time I have never been to: 

• the Clearwater Marine Aquarium
• the Dali Museum
• Frenchy's Rockaway Grill

Three very different experiences perfect for all ages. I suggest combining a visit to the Aquarium with Frenchy's for lunch since they are located quite near to each other. 

Clearwater Marine Aquarium:
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a hospital for injured marine life, but their goal is more than that. At the Clearwater Marine Aquarium they also strive to educate and encourage preservation and conservation of marine life and their habitats. FYI Parents: Their programs include kids educational activities and camps.

Interesting Fact: You may not realize that the movie Dolphin Tale is based on a true story, and that Winter was sent to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in the hopes of saving her life and rehabilitating her. Winter and her closest friend Hope, also a rescued dolphin live permanently at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. As part of the cost of admission to the Aquarium you can take a trolley or boat ride over to a secondary location where you can enjoy Winter's Dolphin Tale Adventure. You will find loads of information about Winter, her prosthetic tail, and props from the Dolphin Tale movie sets. 

Image courtesy of Clearwater Marine Museum

Image courtesy of Clearwater Marine Museum

Frenchy's Rockaway Grill:

Reasons to go to Frenchy's Rockaway Grill: 1) Fun lively atmosphere, 2) location location location, it's right on the beach with a fantastic view, 3) great food and service. The view of Clearwater Beach makes it the perfect destination for lunch, but the delicious food and great service is why I'll be returning many many times in the future to Frenchy's.

Interesting Fact: Frenchy's has their own seafood company making daily deliveries to each of the Frenchy's locations, so you're guaranteed the seafood is always fresh. So fresh that they're known for their grouper dishes, and I can personally attest to the fact the Grouper sandwich is indeed delicious! I highly recommend it! My Mom enjoyed the She Crab Soup and her Shrimp Scampi which came with a very tasty Coleslaw (I may have stolen a bite or two). For those who like a non seafood option my Dad and Thing 1 both very much enjoyed their Burger and Chili-Dog served with chips. We all left totally satisfied with out meals and the experience, and I think that is key; it felt like an experience rather than just a meal. As I was leaving I caught a glimpse of the Seafood Ceviche which looked delicious, and it will definitely be the first thing I order on my next visit!

FYI: Frenchy's has several locations.

The Dali Museum and the Dali and Disney Exhibit:

I wasn't really sure what to expect, but The Dali Museum is well worth the visit. I was pleasantly surprised and how much I enjoyed it. Besides the permanent collection which includes an amazing collection of Dali's work in a unique building that is an art piece in itself, there is a magical garden, a children's education center, a cafe and a wonderful gift shop. Gallery public tours and audio guides are free with admission.

I had the pleasure of seeing the Dali and Disney: Architects if Imagination Exhibit. It was interesting to see how their lives overlapped, and how they influenced each other's work. Interesting Fact: Both Dali and Disney were on the cover of Time Magazine. 
FYI Parents: The Dali has an interactive education center for the children visiting the museum. 

I can think of nothing but positive things to say about the Dali Museum; the staff is friendly and knowledgeable, it's very well run and organized, and I'll definitely be recommending "The Dali" to my friends and family.

Well that's my take on three great options to add to your To Do list on your next visit to the Clearwater-St Pete Area. Looking for a few more ideas? Check out my post on things to do in the Clearwater-St Pete area and be sure to take a look at the Visit St Pete Clearwater website for all sorts of information on events, links and ideas for your next trip to the St Pete-Clearwater area.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about 3 new things I tried on my visit to Clearwater - St Pete Florida this spring.

Note: I received admission to the Clearwater Aquarium, The Dali Museum and a meal at Frenchy's Rockaway Grill for the purpose of this post. All opinions and recommendations are my own and reflect my personal experience. 

Tips and Ways to Save at a #ThemePark #Florida #Travel #FamilyTravel

Taking the Family to a Theme Park is Expensive, 

So Here's Some Tips to Save and Stretch Your Dollars.

• Theme Park Tickets: Check your loyalty cards and points, and check on-line for coupons and upgrades for the parks you want to visit. Many loyalty points can be used to purchase or reduce the cost of theme park tickets. CAA/AAA offers discounts on many attractions and theme parks. Park websites and tourism boards like Visit Orlando often have coupons, discounts and are great resources for theme park savings and information. Additional savings can often be found through hotel and theme park tickets packages.
• If the hotel or resort offers free shuttle services to the parks you can save on the parking fee by using this option.
• Make sure to make full use of Fast Passes or any extended park privileges you're entitled to.
• Use a single backpack to pack for the day at the theme park. One bag is easier to manage when going on rides, attractions, and to take turns carrying it. 

• Some theme park guest services have kids emergency information tags, but a much faster way is to use free airline luggage tags completed with emergency contact and resort information as wrist bands or attached to belt loops. 

• Save by purchasing dollar store rain ponchos for everyone in the family. You can often get them with the kids favourite characters on them as well. At the theme parks a cheap rain poncho will cost you $5 or more per poncho. Besides the regular afternoon showers in Florida, rain ponchos are great to keep dry or protect your backpack at sea animal shows or rides with splashing water.
• Buying beverages for a family at $4 a bottle really adds up quickly. Save by bringing Reusable Water Bottles or buying your first beverages with a screw top lids and refilling them throughout the day from a fountain rather than purchasing drinks. Pack single serve flavour crystals if plain water isn't your thing. Plus bonus less garbage and recycling. 
• At Universal Parks you can purchase a full day meal plan which is good value, and CAA/AAA members can get a 10% discount on other food and beverage purchases.
• Consider a Character Meal at Disney, the cost isn't much higher than other meal options at the park, but the experience is worth the extra expense. Be sure to book this in advance.
• Speaking from experience finding a bandage at a theme park can be more challenging than you think. Do yourself a favour and pack a small First-Aid/Emergency Kit: including: hair elastic (it has many uses), shoe laces (can also be used as a belt), sewing kit, eyeglass repair kit (tiny screwdriver comes in handy), safety pin, ziptie, twist tie, bag clip, tweezers, wipes and first-aid items (bandages, Gravol, Tylenol, etc) 
• Pack a few small ziploc bags to protect cell phone and wallet on water rides. 
• Disney has free wi-fi which makes standing in long lines for rides or attractions so much easier. To keep your device charge for a long day at the theme park be sure to pack a portable battery charger. 
• You can save on Disney Items buy purchasing pins, t-shirts, autograph books and pens at a dollar store or stores like Walmart or Target, and limit your on-site park splurges to a few really special memory making items. 
• Many places offer a CAA/AAA discount. At Universal Parks you can get a 10% discount on merchandise by showing your membership card. 
• For a feel of Disney without the expense visit Downtown Disney and spend the afternoon having a great meal, shopping and visiting the Lego store (and get a free LEGO VIP card). 

Happy Travels and Enjoy Your Day at the Theme Park!

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about a day at the theme park.

These Lil Piggies Went to Market: Portcellino Florence #Italy #Travel #TravelIdeas

These Little Piggies When Mercato Nuovo in Florence Italy. 

Il Porcellino 

(piglet in Italian)

A famous bronze statue of a boar that lives in the Mercato Nuovo in Florence, Italy.

This lil piglet and I met at the market 23 years ago while on my honeymoon. The story goes if you rub the boar's snout it will ensure a return to Florence.

Sixteen years later ...

Indeed I did return to Florence, but on my second visit my own little piglets joined me. Hopefully they too will return to Florence one day (maybe even together).

Not only will you find this cool pig featured in many a tourist selfie (or should I say sowfie), but he also has cameos in two Harry Potter movies, and in Hannibal. 

Florence is a very special destination with tons of history and "must see" attractions, but wouldn't be a neat idea to discover Florence by building an itinerary around the attractions featured in a movie. Maybe on my next visit to Florence I can try this, because there simply must be a return to Florence ... I rubbed Il Portcellino's snout so it's my destiny.

Below are a few posts and resources I found on my journeys. I thought they might provide some travel inspiration.

Film Locations in Italy - Holiday Ideas for Florence

10 Movies Filmed in Florence

Film Locations for A Room With a View

Visit the Places in Dan Brown's Inferno: The Places of Inferno in Florence

Visiting Hannibal Locations in Florence

Hannibal Lecter's Florence

What movie locations would you most like to build a travel itinerary around? 

Please share in the comments section, I love hearing your ideas and feedback.

Happy Travels!

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about travel and another trip to the market.

Note: I was not compensated for this post. It's purpose is merely to share my experience and travel ideas with my readers. 

In-Flight Beverage Management #TravelHacks for #TravellingWithKids #Travel

Family travel can be the best of times and the worst of times. 

Often the difference is knowing a few life saving tips and tricks.

After twenty years travelling with my kids I've learned a thing or two, and this tip or travel hack has saved me from many in-flight breakdown due to "spillage".

Beverage Management Tip #1
KIDS NEED A CUP WITH A LID & STRAW PEOPLE!

Those silly plastic cups airlines use are spill hazards in the best of times, but on a plane, with those little trays that seatbelt restricted kids can't reach, they're almost guaranteed to become part of yours and your kid's fashion statement. You will be wearing the beverages they hold in no time. I can't understand why if restaurants and movie theatres have figured this out airlines have not. Don't throw away those plastic cups your kids get at restaurants or the movies. Those cups, lids and straws are your lifeline to a spill free flight. Pack them in your carry-on, then ask that your child's in-flight beverages be poured into this cup, lid it, straw it and relax!

Bonus! These cups are also great to use in rental cars, at the beach or theme park or as toothbrush holders and cups while at your destination. It's always nice to find ways to re-purpose and reuse something, and this will keep at least one cup the airline would have used out of a landfill site.

Beverage Management Tip # 2:

Since I hate babysitting my beverage a pop can lid is a must have in my opinion. Simply ask for the whole can of pop then snap the lid on. It safely sits on your tray table while you read, watch a movie or play a game on your phone. Plus this eliminates need for cup and only the can needs to be recycled.

I also pack my travel coffee mug with a spill proof lid in my carry-on for the same reason, and ask that my coffee be poured directly into my mug eliminating the disposable one altogether.

My final Beverage Management Tip:
Since you can't bring beverages past security and they're outrageously expensive to buy once you've clear security, pack an empty water bottle in your carry-on and single serve drink crystals. Fill your water bottle at the water fountain, add your crystals and you're all set. Not only do you have your water bottle to use on your whole trip it's the green and better choice for the environment.

Be sure to read my post on packing a carry-on bag for more tips and travel hacks. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about travel hacks and beverage management solutions. 

Note: I was not compensated for this post. The purpose of this post is merely to share with my readers. All opinions are my own. 

Thinking Outside the Box Seats: Brunch & a Game at @ArribaRestoTO #Toronto #food #family #friends

In May I entered the #JaysMom contest to win a VIP Mother's Day Brunch from Arriba Restaurant for my Mom.

Baseball, the Blue Jays are intertwined with many of the memories I have of the important moms in my life: my mom, my grandmother, my sisters. 

• I remember going and cashing in a stack of  Canadian Tire money to buy my first adult sized leather glove, and using elastics and a softball to help break it in.
•  I played softball growing up, and then as an adult with my Mom on a team where we worked. 
• I remember no one throws a fast ball like my older sister. 
• I went to many a Blue Jays game first at Exhibition Stadium and then at the SkyDome, and have fond memories of my mom and grandmother "discussing" Blue Jays games, in other words cheering loudly with lots arm waving during games on TV. They were fans, no doubt about that. 

It just seemed like a perfect Mother's Day contest for me to enter.

And ... I won!

My Mom would indeed be the #JaysMom and accompanied by my Dad, my sister and brother-in-law would enjoy a VIP Brunch at Arriba Restaurant! Including preferred seating, brunch, flowers, outstanding service, all while watching a game. 

What does all this have to do with baseball and the Blue Jays? 

Location, location, location of course AND the view! The Arriba Restaurant is located in the Renaissance Hotel Toronto and the view is of the Skydome baseball field where the Blue Jays play. 

On Mother's Day the Blue Jays played the Red Sox, and though the Jays lost the brunch and whole Arriba experience was a win!

Which got my sister, my Mom and I to thinking about other "excuses" to treat ourselves to a meal and game at Arriba and get that box seats feel without the box seats price. 

Image via Arriba Restaurant site.

List of "Excuses" to go to Arriba Restaurant

• Mother's Day: An obvious choice.
• Father's Day: Another obvious but perfectly valid "excuse".
• Birthday Celebrations: Who won't want to celebrate one here.
• Kids visiting home from University or College: My sister has one at University and another heading there soon. I have two in the same boat. What a great way to spend some quality time with kids when they come home for a visit!
• Father-child bonding opportunity: Great way to spend quality time with your kids. Hint hint Dad! 
• Mother-child bonding opportunity: Hint hint to you too Mom!
• Out with the guys: Food, a game and good company!
• Girls afternoon out: Perfect way to chill & hang out. 
• Busy sibling catch-up get-together: I have three siblings and live out of town. It is rare to have a chance to chat without our kids unless it is actually planned. In my opinion this would be a wonderful afternoon.
• Teen cousins hangout fun: Besides my two teens, there are three other teens in my family. What a fun way to hangout and catch-up with their cousins when we are in town for a visit. 
• Couple time: We all need time out without the kids. In fact why not make it an overnight with a stay at the Renaissance Hotel! That way you can both have a drink without worrying about a designated driver. FYI: Grandparents you are on babysitting duty. 
• Family Road Trip Adventure: Add this to your list of must dos on your next visit to the GTA. This is especially fun during baseball session. Be sure to check out what summer deals and packages the Renaissance offers. 

Well that is our list so far. Whether you live in the GTA or you're just visiting the Arriba is unique and a fun change to your usual family meal destination. If you have any ideas to add to our list of "excuses" please share with me in the comments. I would love to hear them.

You can follow Arriba Restaurant on twitter and the Renaissance Toronto on Twitter to find out more about upcoming events and updates. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about fun ways to connect with family and friends.

Note: I was not compensated for this post. The purpose of the post was merely to share an experience I felt my readers would be interested in. All opinions are my own and reflect my personal experience. 

Vacation Vocation: #Travel Bucket List #1 #Hawaii #FamilyTravel #TravelTuesday

I believe I have found my true vocation; to be on vacation full time. If money, time and commitments were no object then I would start to tick off all the places on my Travel Bucket List one by one, starting with a return trip to Hawaii.

In 1999 my husband and I spent 5 wonderful days on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii on a work related trip. My kids were both under 3 at the time and we felt it would be better for all concerned that they sit this one out, so we did not bring them with us. We snorkeled right off the hotel beach and it was AMAZING! Beautiful fish, giant sea turtles just swimming by. I vowed that some day I would come back with my kids and experience this with them. They are teens now, and I think they are at the perfect age to appreciate the adventures of snorkeling in the morning, and visiting snow top mountains to see the giant telescopes in the afternoon.

We stayed at the Mauna Lani Bay Resort. 

Image via the Mauna Lani Bay Resort website

This is what I want to do with my kids!

Image via the Mauna Lani Resort website

Although this is not my picture, when my husband and I walked into the water from the hotel beach and swam out about 5 minutes this is exactly what happen! It was simple amazing!

Image via Mauna Lani Bay Resort website

It's an experience I want to share with my kids.

Image via the Mauna Lani Bay Resort website 

Besides the gorgeous weather, and the snorkeling, tours up to the Mauna Kea Observatories, or as I like to refer to them "the GIANT Telescopes" are available. Interestingly Canada has a hand in the operation and governance of 3 or the 13 telescopes at the Mauna Kea Observatories. Hawaii makes for so many one of a kind lifetime experiences and that's why it's at the top of my Travel Bucket List! 

I truly hope we make it back someday with the kids. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about my travel bucket list.

Note: I was not compensated for this post in any way. The purpose of this post is simply to share my experience with my readers. 

Useful Links:

• Mauna Kea Observatories: Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii
• Mauna Kea Observatories: Visiting the Summit
• Go Hawaii.com
• Fodor's Travel: Hawaii Big Island - Things To Do

Be sure to put #CanadasWonderland #AmusementPark on your summer To Do list! Fun for kids of all ages! @WonderlandNews #familytravel

I grew up and still have most of my family in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) so sometimes I take for granted all there is to do there. It is a perfect summer road trip and family travel destination. One of the attractions that should be on your "TO DO" list is Canada's Wonderland Amusement Park.

The Adventure Begins:

I was in my teens when "Wonderland" first opened and I still remember the excitement. My kids who are teens now have been going since they were toddlers. There is something for all ages, and every year the attraction and ride options seem to get bigger. Besides all the Thrill Seeker Rides and Attractions  like the Leviathan, and the Drop Tower, there is Splash Works Water Park  and Planet Snoopy and Kidzville. Wonderland also hosts concerts and live entertainment that is both throughout the park and scheduled events. 

I am a mom and as a mom I have certain duties, one of which is feeding my evil brats lovely kids giving them the energy they need to move from the Leviathan to Wonder Mountain's Guardian. For our family The Marketplace International All-You-Can-Eat Buffet was a perfect fit for hungry teens, and had enough variety such as Pizza, A Taco Bar, and Chicken Strips & Fries to keep everyone in the family happy. The Coke Soda Mix Machine was not surprisingly a big hit with my kids! To finish off your meal there is a dessert bar and coffee and tea available. We found both the staff and service was great! If that is not your thing there are more than 20 dining options and a number of dining plans that are sure to meet everyone's meal and snack tastes and needs.

Although the official summer is coming to an end there is still time to enjoy all Canada's Wonderland has to offer including the Labour Day Fireworks, Season Pass Appreciation Days and the Halloween Haunt.

So my only question is: What are you waiting for? Plan your trip to the GTA and Canada's Wonderland today, and be sure to follow Canada's Wonderland on Facebook and WonderlandNews on Twitter for all the news about events and promotions.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about the Wonderful time we had at Canada's Wonderland.

Note: I received  complementary dining for 4 at The Marketplace International Buffet for the purposes of this post. All opinions are my own and reflect my personal experience at Canada's Wonderland. 

Family Road Trip to @DestinyUSA So much more than shopping! #ShopPlayStay #familytravel #travel

For years now my girlfriend and I hit the road twice a year for a shopping weekend at Destiny USA, and as you can see Girls Getaway Shopping Weekends Make Me Happy. It is the perfect destination for such a getaway, but this summer I decided to try something different, and I planned a weekend road trip to Destiny USA with my family to celebrate my son’s birthday. It was a completely different experience but equally as great, and such a fun way to celebrate my son's birthday! With all the options and activities available, there was something to keep all of us happy and entertained, and in my opinion makes it a perfect family destination.

Destiny USA is a great shopping destination with its more than 200 retail stores, an outlet shopping section, and lots of dining options. What you may not have realized is the number of attractions, activities and entertainment options you will find under the Destiny USA roof, including Pole Position Raceway, Dave & Buster’s, and the Canyon Club Ropes Course to name a few. 

Pedestrian Bridge to Destiny USA 

Location:

• Destiny USA is located at 9090 Destiny USA Drive, Syracuse, New York. Map and Directions and is approximately a 3 hour/ 300 km drive from Ottawa, Ontario (approximately 2 hour/ 200 km drive from Kingston, and 4 hours/ 400 km drive from the Greater Toronto Area - GTA)
• You will find tons of free parking and a pedestrian bridge allowing for an easy and safe passage from parking lots.

Accommodations:

• There are lots of hotel options in this area, but be sure to check out the hotels participating in Destiny USA Shop & Stay packages which include several treats such as $25 gift card, and reusable shopping bag.

Photo via Hilton Garden Inn Syracuse site.

Reusable Shopping Tote Bag

• We stayed at the Hilton Gardens Inn - Syracuse located just minutes from Destiny USA and as you can see from my Hilton Garden Inn - Syracuse Review we found it to be a fantastic choice and recommend without hesitation. Every part of the stay from the rooms with a microwave, fridge and Keurig coffee makers to the staff and the service was outstanding. Be sure to take advantage of the pool, fitness centre and the 24 hour access business centre as well! 
• At this particular location the Destiny USA Shop and Stay package includes a complimentary breakfast as well! Be sure to take a peak at the excellent value the Hilton Garden Inns Bed and Breakfast promotion offers! 

Food and Dining:

• You will find dining options at every price point and taste at Destiny USA. We had a quick lunch at the food court (try Boston Market) and enjoyed a lovely birthday dinner at Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant where my husband tried the Flight of Six beer sampler with his dinner. Tony at Guest Services recommended this restaurant to us and he was right it was exactly what we were looking for. 
• We also had a meal at Ruby Tuesdays, and found the service and food to be very enjoyable. That has been our experience at all the locations we have been to. 
• You will find Panera Bread (which I always enjoy) located near the Guest Services desk.
• Bonus! I see that IHOP is opening soon!
• For a delish snack give Auntie Annie’s Pretzels a try.
• I have heard that the Texas De Brazil is excellent but it is definitely for the meat lover, and is not a budget priced restaurant.

Flight of 6 at Gordon Biersch Brewwery Restaurant

Shopping:

• We found plenty of deals at both the retails stores and the outlet stores for everyone in the family, and my teens found lots of back to school items! 
• I really love that the outlet stores are in the same location as my other shopping saving me the time, and gas  it would take to drive to the outlet mall. That time and money is better spent with and on my family!
• I can’t think of a single store on my kids' list of favourite places to shop that we did not find here! Destiny USA Directory 
• For current and upcoming sales and events be sure to check out Destiny USA site, and if you are a CAA or AAA member visit the Guest Services desk and get yourself a Passport of Saving for additional savings and deals. 

Attractions and Activities and Entertainment:

• What I really enjoyed most about this trip was that it was more than just shopping. We had a full day of shopping, and then a full day of activities. We took advantage of all the fun with Destiny USA Summer Fun Day Passes, which allowed us to access and enjoy 4 entertainment venues for one price. I found that 4 activities was the perfect number to fit into a day. 

• We decided on the Pole Position Kart Racing that was a TOTAL hit for all of us! Then off to Dave & Buster’s for some gaming fun which also included 5 free play games. We decided on a 5 Wits adventure for our third choice, and ended the day with Wonder Works before heading to Ruby Tuesdays for dinner. 
• There are lots of Destiny USA Entertainment Options besides those included in the Summer Fun Day Passes, including a comedy club.

You can follow Destiny USA on facebook and Destiny USA on twitter for all the latest news! 

I have often found myself looking for ideas of what to do as a family for a mini vacation, or road trip. I can't believe I have never thought of this before. I can’t say enough how much fun we had both shopping and the activities! It really was a memorable, and my plan is to make this an annual road trip! 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about my destiny!

Note: Destiny USA was nice enough to provide me with a gift card and the treats normally included in the Shop & Stay package. All opinions are my own and based on my personal experience at Destiny USA both on this trip and the many times before I have been there.