Jersey City

Jersey City, NJ

price varies 

Optimum Seasons:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Westin Jersey City Newport

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Here are some highlights of my trip and general things to know about a road trip or vacation to Jersey City:

1)  Basically, the idea was to get as close to Manhattan as possible, with an indoor pool for the kids and a reasonably priced hotel (literally a fraction of the cost of what you'd find in the city).  Two hotels in Jersey City fit the bill:  Westin of Newport and Hyatt Regency.  Westin was the cheaper of the two.  And closer to the NJ Path station which gets you into downtown Manhattan in less than 15 minutes.  And the indoor pool looked bigger.  So this was a no brainer for us.  But if you ever find a cheaper deal for the Hyatt, it definitely looks sexier as it is literally on the Hudson River surrounding by water and has panoramic views of Manhattan's downtown skyline.

2)  To tell you the truth, I also picked Jersey City because one of me and my husband's favorite couple friends lives here and we rarely get to see them.  So I figured I'd kill two birds with one stone and visit them and get a good trip out of it because otherwise, who from Long Island would ever pay two tolls to cross both the East River and the Hudson???  They proved to be wonderful tour guides who showed us a good time and took us to Prato Bakery (pictured in the gallery) which was super adorable and delicious.  They also showed us Newark Avenue, a pedestrian walk way with lots of boutique stores and restaurants.  We felt the true Jersey City vibe once we went out with them.  It kind of felt like Miami meets Long Island City (not as congested) meets a nicer more charming version of Williamsburg.  

3)  For those who are Kosher, Jersey City is a plus at is about a 20 minute drive away from Teaneck, NJ and a few minutes away from Manhattan.  Remember to do thorough research if you want to order or go to a restaurant on a Saturday night.  Many Kosher restaurants do not open on Saturday nights, even though we went over thanksgiving weekend when sundown is much earlier than it is other seasons.  Best to call in advance and see which is open and which is ready to deliver (probably via Uber).  I learned this the hard way as I dragged nine families via NJ Path to the Oculus promising them that downtown Kosher Bravo Pizza (a few blocks south of Oculus on Trinity Street) was open (as they had actually told me), only to find that they were indeed FUCKIN CLOSED!  For those who aren't Kosher, Jersey City is literally packed with great restaurants as is downtown Manhattan.  So, no losing for you!

4)  Definitely walk the Newport Boardwalk during the day if the weather is warm enough.  Remember to bundle up as Jersey City is on the water and may be a bit colder than where you are from.   The boardwalk is just a block away from the hotel.

5)  There is a mall with Macy's, The Cheesecake Factory, Cosi, Kohls and more right next door to the hotel.  My husband went inside and said it was quite nice.  No high end shopping here but enough to kill a few hours with the kids.  There is also a Starbucks on the water one block away from the hotel.  

6)  You would be an idiot to come all this way and not visit Libery State Park (with the closest views of Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty).  They also have a playground for kids.  Make sure to bundle up here!!!

7)  You would be a bigger idiot to come all this way (sorry to all families I traveled with who didn't follow my suggestion) and not go to the Liberty Science Center, a world class children's museum.  Better than any I have experience on the Island or Manhattan.  Definitely something to see.  Admission is rather high, but who really cares?  You'll never make the voyage otherwise!  Videos below and pictures in the gallery will explain it all.

8)  I'm a big view person.  I throw vicious tantrums when the front desk doesn't hook me up with a good room.  Normal people are not like this.  But if you are anything like me, make sure to request a room on a high floor with a city view, and flirt a little bit with whoever is behind the front desk.  

9)  The NJ Path is literally a block away from the hotel.  You pay $2.50 each way per adult to get into downtown Manhattan that is three stops away (including one easy transfer).  The train will get you into the Oculus, which itself is a site to see.  Be sure to travel west of the Oculus to see the 9/11 memorial (really mesmerizing at night), the beautiful Freedom Tower, and Brookfield Place for high end shopping (even though Oculus itself is a great mall!)  Stores in Brookfield Place include Gucci, Bottega Vonneta, Saks Fifth Avenue, Louis Vitton and more.  Also, there is an ice skating rink outside that is a must with the children in the winter.  Beautiful views of the Hudson (try to get here during sundown) and Christmas decorations as well!  And pretty affordable for ice skating in the city.  My biggest regret was not skating when we came here. 

Definitely view the gallery above and videos below for a better idea.  Please add your feedback in the comments section and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for live adventures.  And don't forget to share with your friends if you appreciate this page.  

 

Museum of Natural History

Upper West Side, NY

Admission Fee and street parking

Optimum Seasons:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

www.amnh.org

I have only been here once in my life.  As an elementary school girl.  And on a field trip.  I had a mustache and pimples and was bored to pieces.  It turned me off to the entire museum experience for life.   That's why you see I so seldom post about indoor museums. They just don't fascinate me in any way.  Even though this is one of the most magnificent in the world, I'd rather just walk by and marvel at the architecture from the outside.  And then, go to Central Park across the street and enjoy life.  

But my friend's snap one summer weekend had me intrigued.  She found a gourmet kosher pizza restaurant called Saba's Pizza on Amsterdam Avenue and 79th Street.  She alleges it was one of her best kosher pizza experiences. There are loads of other great kosher restaurants nearby for those who keep strict kashrut.  

Then they decided to go here, and visited the planetarium as well.  They visited the second floor which has a deck with tables and umbrellas and a whole section where you can tan.  They also have sprinklers for children here. And if that's not enough, just head over to Central Park with your children. There are amazing playgrounds all around and the Shakespeare Garden in close by.  

Also, if you live close, this is the place to be on Halloween day (followed by Upper West Side trick or treating!  Click the link for more info!

 

B, D, N, Q train over the Manhattan Bridge

"Whichever direction you travel, you get an exquisite view of the Brooklyn Bridge, suspended between the water and the sky.  And if you're on the B or Q train running from KeKalb Avenue into Manhattan, look out for the recent restored Masstransiscope, the beloved animated mural by Bill Brand that comes alive as the trains pass through the tunnel." The Best Things to Do in New York

Metropolitan Opera House & Lincoln Center Plaza

"Take a stroll here on a performance night.  Show up in the early evening and from anywhere in the complex you'll be greeted with a vision of the city's classical music lovers bustling in to whichever ballet, opera, or orchestral performances are taking place that evening.  The crowd is usually a mix of old and young, refined and eccentric, from tuxedoed couples drinking champagne on the balconies to bohemian-looking students smoking wistfully by the fountains.  Take a drink from one of the Plaza's cafes up to the lawn on the roof of the extraordinary Hypar Pavilion --the beautiful experiment in innovative public space introduced to Lincoln Center by the architects Diller Scofidio & Renfro in 2010__and look out for the musicians themselves arriving below, making their way into the theaters with their instruments in tow.

Also, Midsummer Night Swing is a three-week-long outdoor dance party that takes place in July.  There's a different band every night, Tuesday through Saturday.  Following this is Lincoln Center Out of Doors, a series of free concerts and performances.  Both are located at Lincoln Center Plaza  For more information, call 212-875-5000 or visit www.lincolncenter.org" - The BestThings to Do in New York

 

Bayville Adventure Park

Bayville, NY

Prices available on website

www.bayvilleadventurepark.com

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall

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I went here on a 70 degree and overcast day.  So figure it's a bit chillier here because it's across the street from Stehli Beach.  It also started drizzling an hour after we got here.  The great things about this amusement park are that it's 1)  very small and quaint; 2)  very very charming; 3)  different than other amusement parks; 4) across from the beach so on a hot summer day you can kill two birds with one stone; 5) you can pay per ride and per person so if you only want to go on the bumper boats, as we did, you don't have to pay a huge fee; and 5)  has an adorable bumper boat ride (you can shoot water at each other).  If you go after 3 you can do the beach and then go to the park at night if it is still open.  But check to see what time it's open till.  I'm sure the lights at night are extra cute.  Make sure you do this on a hot summer day.  It was not so bad going on a more mild day because the park was less crowded and we got to stay on the bumper cars as long as we wanted and got our money's worth.  

I understand another great time to go here is starting September 22nd and ending October 31st when it turns into Bayville Scream Park. Check the website for more information on how many days the Haunted House (voted the scariest on Long Island) is open. This is a great place to go with older kids!  

Always check www.groupon.com for deals before you go.  

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Visit Soundside Beach Club just a couple miles east on Bayville Avenue if you go in the summer.  Stehli Beach across the street is not open to the public.  See below for videos of our day here.  

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

 

Oheka Castle

Woodbury, NY

Mansion Tour Fee

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall

www.oheka.com

This is the only time in my life I wished I was a billionaire.  Talk about a house of your dreams! Enough said! Check the video below and stay tuned for the gallery!  And follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!

 

Adventureland

Farmingdale, NY

prices available on website; half price for children with special needs and one parent; disability pass available at City Hall in the park

www.adventureland.us

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall

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The only thing bad about going here on a 65 degree day is that the three water rides won't be so tempting!  Other than that, this is a great amusement park for preschool children and older kids alike!  There are rides for all to enjoy and lines aren't too crazy.  I lost my amusement-park-with-the-children-virginity to Disney World so this place was a breeze.  Not too big, free parking, food, arcade, outdoor rides, roller coasters, water rides...you name it they have!  I was here for six hours and could have gone the distance!  I will definitely come here again!  Perhaps in the afternoon on a hot summer day leading to sundown when the amusement park is all lit up and infinitely more charming!   And always check www.groupon.com for deals before you go.  

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

 

South Street Seaport (Pier 17) and The Circle Line

New York, NY

Optimum Seasons:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

www.circleline42.com

www.southstreetseaport.com
 

What a very magical place! With both Stone Street and Fulton Street (pedestrian cobblestone streets) just a couple blocks away! The South Street Seaport mall is still vacant aside from a few restaurants. But what a beautiful renovation! Best to go here during sunset and into evening hours to catch the mall illuminated blue! Also, this is a great place to watch the 4th of July Macy’s fireworks! Beautiful views of South Street Seaport can be found from DUMBO right across the East River.

Nearby:

East River Ferry

Oculus and Freedom Tower

Battery Park

Staten Island Ferry

Brooklyn Bridge

Boardwalk Towards Wall Street

Fulton Street

Fulton Street

Stone Street

 

New York Public Library and Bryant Park

New York, NY

Free

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

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I have lived in New York City (Queens and now Long Island) for 34 years.  I've been to Manhattan over 500 times.  I have walked passed the NY Public Library in Bryant Park at least that many times in my life.   I have ice skated at Bryant Park.  I have had lunch in Bryant Park.  I've had dinner around Bryant Park.  I have gone to sample sales near Bryant Park.  I have taken pictures with my children outside the library.  But I never ever thought to go inside!  This is no admission people!  It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the entire city!  Don't go to read!  Don't go to pick out a book!  Go to sight see!  I walked in from the 5th Avenue entrance, I'm sure there is an entrance from the 6th Avenue side as well.  Every square inch from the outside and inside is breathtaking!  If you are ever in Midtown Manhattan, as important as Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Fifth Avenue, Grand Central Station, Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Flat Iron Building....is the NY Public Library!  A must see for all residents and all tourists alike!  

And Bryant Park...what can I say?  It's true magic here during the winter.  Days are short so you can catch it at night with the children.  Definitely visit during winter wonderland and definitely experience ice skating here ($20 per skate rental but free admission.  If you own your own, just walk in and ask them for a wrist band).  The best time is during Christmas Season when the Hanukkah Tree is on display. I find this square block much more charming than Rockefeller Center.  The building surrounding the park are a beautiful mix of old and new and the skyline is electric with views of the Empire State Building.  Also, there are many vendors selling delicious food.  And if you are with young children, you must pay the $3 per kid per ride on Le Carousel on the 40th Street side.  Do this at night!

And there is no shortage of fun in Bryant Park in the summer.  Look at their calendar for details of events!

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

Nearby:

City Rooftops

Christmas in NYC

Central Park

Central Park Zoo

F Train

Department Stores

Broadway Shows

 

Sands Point Preserve

Sands Point, NY

Parking Lot Fee, Admission Fee for Inside Mansion (some libraries offer free passes)

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall

www.sandspointpreserveconservancy.org

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I have been here two times. And depending on the week and the weather, had two very different experiences. The first time, I wasn't entirely impressed by the grounds and garden (because it was a cloudy and chilly day in April and the rose garden had no blossoms). I went mid week with my friends and was unable to explore the insides of Castle Gould and Hempstead House. Castle Gould is like nothing I've ever seen (from the outside).   It brings you back to medieval times!  The second time I went was with my children and husband the first week of June and the garden was in full bloom and absolutely exquisite. It was also warm enough to walk down to the beach and enjoy the sand and water which is perfect on a hot day. I did not get to hike with my children but I did enjoy the one mile trail with my friends (there is so much to see here and I have only explored one half of the preserve).

For acquiring free passes, contact your local library.  For Great Neck residents, click here www.greatnecklibrary.org.

Click on the gallery above to view pictures, the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  And follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!

Long Island Sound Beach

Hiking Trail Pond

Rose Garden

 

Untermyer Park and Gardens

Yonkers, NY

Admission Fee, free parking lot

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall

www.untermyergardens.com

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These gardens were once called "America's Most Spectacular Garden".  Based on the Garden of Eden as described in the Book of Genesis, the Walled Garden is the finest Persian garden in the Western Hemisphere.  To the west, a large Grecian temple stands atop a swiming pool and lower terrace.  Mosaic work is showcased throughout the Walled Garden.  Samuel Untermyer, a prominent Jew and Zionist, acquired the property in 1899 and sough to build "the finest garden in the world" on its steep slopes.  It was his intention for the gardens to become a state park after his death, to be maintained and preserved for the enjoyment of the public.  Unfortunately, the gardens were too expensive to maintain and only a portion was given to the City of Yonkers in 1946 as a city park.  

The gardens today contain about 43 acres.  I went here mid April during Spring Break with the children.  But I highly recommend waiting it out until May and the Summer months when the magnificent flowers are on display in the Walled Gardens.  Or the Fall during foliage for breathtaking views of the Palisades.  

Kill two birds with one stone:  Visit Wave Hill which is a twenty minute local drive from here

Click on the gallery above to view pictures, the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

 

Hello, World!

El San Juan, San Juan Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico

price varies

Optimum Seasons:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Me on my husband went here in the winter of 2009 on our mini-moon. This had a lot to do with me being too lazy to renew my passport and very little to do with my actual desire to go to Puerto Rico over the million other sexy places the Caribbean has to offer for people who just got married and have no children.  If I were to do this all over again, I would have waited to have children and until they were teenagers before going to Puerto Rico. 

We stayed in El San Juan hotel.  This was a decent hotel literally 5 minute drive from the airport.  It is right next to the Ritz Carlton which is a few notches above in class and probably price.  I wasn't too impressed by the color of the ocean and nothing about the grounds or hotel was particularly so beautiful.  They had a few great restaurants in the hotel lobby.  They also had a taco bell and pizza hut located on the street right outside the hotel in case you're a fan of fast food!  The big problem with this strip is that there isn't much else to do.  

One night we decided to go to dinner in Old San Juan, a very charming and colonial port town located in San Juan.  You are able to walk the cobblestone streets and see the whole town probably in short of two hours.   This is definitely a must.  It was a good 20 minute cab ride from our hotel, however the hotels closer to Old San Juan don't have sand beaches like those of ours so that is why we chose to stay at El San Juan hotel.  

Also, Puerto Rico is all about nature and exploration.  Me and my husband did our first and last hike up of our entire eight year marriage on this trip.  We wanted to go see a waterfall in the mountain.  This is probably as close to doing something exotic as I will ever get.  But I'm sure this is much more beautiful in Hawaii or other places in the world. This was also a half hour cab ride from our hotel.

We also were convinced to go canoeing in a bioluminiscent bay (where you can see the animals in the water at night because of the reflection of the moon...which makes them appear to glow.  Or at least I think that's the reason).  This ended up being the worst money we ever spent in our lives.  If your husband doesn't know his right from his left, and neither of you have ever canoed before, be prepared to have your canoe toed.  Literally, a neighboring canoe had to throw a rope our way so they can get us back to shore.  

Basically, the only thing I really adored about Puerto Rico was the proximity to New York and Old San Juan.  No other Caribbean island has a town this historic and beautiful (maybe they do, but I haven't been to them yet).  

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Montego Bay, Jamaica

Montego Bay, Jamaica

price varies

Optimum Seasons:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

www.iberostar.com

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We went here in the summer of 2011.  This was my first experience ever at an all inclusive hotel.  Besides Jamaicans and the lazy river at this Iberostar hotel, there is not much else I can say about Montego Bay except for:  skip it!  The water (maybe it was just a bad season?) was dirtier than Jones Beach.  The weather was rainy and dreary.  The hotel was average.  The food was average. 

My biggest regret here is not visiting Negril, or staying in Negril!  There is much more charm on this end of the island and much more exposure to Jamaican culture!  Perhaps stay here on a honeymoon with no children!  

Click on the gallery above to view pictures, the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  And follow me on facebook and instagram to catch live adventures!  Share the page with friends if you appreciate!

Disney World

Orlando, FL

price varies

Optimum Seasons:  Winter, Spring, Fall

My Gallery

PhotoPass Gallery

For those who don't know me, it's important to know that I am a very cynical and impatient person!  I am not into long lines.  I am not into overproduction or rides or excessive spending.  Going to big supermarkets or shopping malls overwhelm me!  My husband is the complete opposite!  Since the moment we had our first child, he's been nagging me about a Disney World trip!  I've been dodging his requests for roughly seven years but finally caved after Zika took over the Caribbean Islands and Miami!  

So what did I do to make this experience as painless as possible?  Research!  I posted a facebook status about whether this was a suicide mission with two young children, and the answers were split down the middle.  For the first time in my life, I decided to listen to people who had a positive experience rather than a negative one!  The feedback:  download the "My Disney Experience" app; watch youtube videos of Disney rides with your children so they are mentally prepared and pumped up for the trip; sign up for three fast passes per park (which allows you to go on the line that moves faster....figure an average of 10 minutes instead of 60). After you have used all 3 fast passes that day, you are able to pick a fast pass for another ride.  And after you have used the 4th, another one.  And so on.  

So basically, it is important to know what the three most popular rides are at each park.  After I downloaded the Disney World App and registered, I was able to look at the Wait Times (there is a tab on the left) at each park (you are able to sort by park), and figured out which three to tackle first.  This made the experience so much more pleasant and organized!  Other than snapping at my husband several times for walking too slow, the week went by very smoothly and I couldn't have been more content with this amazing trip!  To see the joy on my childrens' faces, to see the creativity and the detail that went into designing every ride, to marvel at the beautiful landscaping and the nightly fireworks, and to visit several countries in the span of two hours in Epcot....no experience is comparable!  

As far as the hotel accommodations, we booked through CostcoTravel.com which always has the best deals!  We stayed at the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas which was an 150 acre property with 7 pools, one of which had a water slide.  This is a time share and CostcoTravel warned us not to accept any person who was trying to sell them to us.  What they didn't tell us was that for every time we wanted to leave the property, we'd have to take a shuttle to the hotel lobby and then we were able to call an uber to take us to the parks. Magic Kingdom and Epcot had a direct shuttle but Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios did not.  So this made the travel experience undesirable. However, the hotel had a full kitchen and we got a one bedroom (upgraded to two bedroomsand two full bathrooms for free).  Also, make sure you look at a map of the property when you are checking in and you request a room in an area you prefer.  I was under the impression that there was one big pool with a water slide.  Then I looked at the map and realized there was only one of seven pools with a water slide and that was a huge draw for me.  But each area offers a perk of it's own!  The arcade and restaurant were on the other side of the property that I was originally located in.  

I spent a total of $350 a night including a five day hopper pass to four Disney parks...which is pretty insane!  That means you can hop the parks (this is a gimmick, you will rarely go to two parks in one day because you can spend at least 6 hours at each) and have 5 days to go to any one you choose in any combination.  I could have gone to Epcot 5 times, or 4 times and 1 time Magic Kingdom.  I ended up doing Each park once, and Epcot (my favorite) twice!  

Things to Know About Each Park (Comfort Is Key!!!  Sneakers Only!!!!):

Magic Kingdom: This is the park to see if you have to choose one!  The most rides are here!  Cinderella's Castle is here!  The parades are here!  The most characters are here!  This is iconic Disney!  And if you are into airplane food, they have a Burger restaurant that sells prepackaged Glatt Kosher Hamburgers and Chicken Nuggets (I preferred eating air).  

Epcot:  If you want to travel the world but you find it too mentally demanding to go with the children, this is the place for you!  Plus, this is a great way to expose your kids to science as the rides are very educational!  By far my favorite park.  Be prepared for a very long day, and best to visit this twice.  The countries are worth seeing both day and night!  And make sure you check the guide map they offer to see what countries have which characters, as the App doesn't specify.  

Animal Kingdom:  You can totally skip this park.  It had two of the best rides in all of Disney (River Rapids and Safari), but all in all, it was pretty disgusting! I felt like I was in a third world country.  The Bronx Zoo is much more scenic and you get to see all the same animals!  And Great Adventure has a River Rapids ride.  Totally scratch this off your list if you don't feel like wasting money!  The best thing here was the Rainforest Cafe, which is actually located right outside the front entrance, so you don't have to pay for the park to experience this restaurant!  

Hollywood Studios:  This is the smallest of all the parks.  If you are not into Star Wars, you don't really need to go.  However, Beauty and Beast is a terrific half hour show with great music!  You get to meet Buzz and Woody here! There are many opportunities to watch shows in 3D.  The best thing about this park is that the fireworks start earlier (at 7:45), so young children can last! Unfortunately, there was torrential downpour by the end of our drizzly day and our Fantasmic! show was cancelled.  We ended up watching the fireworks from a distance in our uber ride home!

Also, it's best that you ask a Disney employee to link your park card (pass) to the PhotoPass.  This way, the photographers can scan your card and the pictures will appear (with a watermark) on your App.  Make sure you take a lot of pictures so it's worth purchasing all of them for a whopping $169. Otherwise, you have to pay $14 per pic.  You can "find photographers" on the app as well so you make this feature worthwhile!  What's great about this is you can purchase afterwards if you like the pictures, and if you are too cheap, you can still screen grab with the watermarks to at least save the memory!  I purchased mine cause there were more than 10 great pictures.

My children are 4 and 6 years old.  I found this an ideal time to go to Disney. When they are tall enough to go on most rides, and they are young enough to still love me.  I went when I was 12, and let me tell you, puberty does not mix well with Disney! 

My Top Ten Rides:

1)  Soarin' (Epcot)

2) Splash Mountain (Magic Kingdom)

3) Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom)

4) Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Magic Kingdom)

5) Kali River Rapids (Animal Kingdom)

6) Kilimanjaro Safaris (Animal Kingdom)

7) Test Track (Epcot)

8) Tomorrowland Speedway (Magic Kingdom)

9) Toy Story Mania! (Hollywood Studios)

10) Astro Orbiter (Magic Kingdom):  go during sunset or in the evening.

Rides to Skip:

1) Haunted Mansion (Magic Kingdom):  not that Haunted!

2) Journey Into Imagination With Figment (Epcot):  complete waste of time!

3) Jungle Cruise (Magic Kingdom):  the knock off and fake version of Safari in Animal Kingdom.  Fake animals!

4) The Twighlight Zone Tower of Terror (Hollywood Studios):  this is great if you like throwing up in your mouth!

Biggest Regrets:

1) Mickey Fantasmic Show (Hollywood Studios):  It was drizzling all day.  This was supposed to be a 30 minute water illumination show with fireworks at the end (started at 7pm).  Unfortunately, three minutes into the show it start pouring and they had to cancel.  This was gonna be the highlight of our trip and our kids had enough energy to appreciate the fireworks!  Besides the show, I believe there are other, grander fireworks that occur about 15 minutes after the show ends.  We caught this from the parking lot!  

2)  Festival of The Lion King (Animal Kingdom):  Probably my biggest regret was missing this show.  It was our second day at Disney and I didn't think my children had the endurance to last.  But by the third day and the Beauty and the Beast show at Hollywood Studios, I realized that my kids actually love shows!  Big shame because this was one of the best ones in all four parks!  And my son loves "The Lion King".  

3)  Rivers of Light (Animal Kingdom):  This is a show that starts at night (but early evening, about a half hour after the sun goes down).  Again, this was my second day at the park and I didn't realize my children had enough endurance to get through this show!  Just wanted to go back to our hotel room!  

4)  Mount Everest (Animal Kingdom):  Our six year old son (who is short for his age) was the right height (44 inches and taller) but too scared.  So neither parent wanted to go on the ride alone.  But this is probably one of the top three roller coasters in disney.  

5)  Aerosmith Rock N' Roller (Hollywood Studios):  Neither child was allowed to go on this ride.  Height requirement is 48 inches.  And this is supposedly the best ride in all four parks.  Big shame....until next time :)

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Visit Disney Boardwalk which is as charming as Epcot but costs $0, unless you dine here.  Also, if you have extra time on your hands, visit Orlando Premium Outlets on Vineland Avenue for high end designer shopping (even though I came home empty handed!)

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

Sheraton Parsippany Hotel

Parsippany, NJ

price varies

Optimum Seasons:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton

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This is a very charming hotel with a beautiful and spacious lobby, a wonderful breakfast bouffet room offered to those who have Starwood points, and breakfast to those who pay the extra price.  Love the indoor pool and adjacent exercise room here too!  Check their website for more images and pricing.  I went here during a Thanksgiving long weekend and I loved the Christmas decorations.  The rooms are very spacious and clean.  

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Try nearby Woodbury Commons for outlet shopping and great prices!

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Doral Arrowwood, White Plains, NY

White Plains, NY

price varies

Optimum Seasons:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

www.doralarrowwood.com

Located in Westchester, this is a very charming hotel close to very charming neighborhoods.  My favorite is its heated indoor/outdoor pool (in the summer, I understand it is all outdoor!  There are lots of amenities offered for children and an excellent daily breakfast offered in their gorgeous dining hall with breathtaking views of the adjacent golf course!  Call to get a group rate if going with friends, and remember to request a room closer to the lobby (lots of long hallways here!) with a golf course view if you are as particular as I am about hotel experiences!

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Greenwich, CT is the must see neighboring town.  Very affluent with beautiful homes.  Google "nicest neighborhoods or streets of Greenwich and head there for some house site seeing!  Greenwich Avenue is a half mile stretch of high end shops and boutiques.  There weren't many restaurants open on New Year's day when we went, nor clothing stores, but we still enjoyed our experience.  The Saks Fifth Avenue here pales in comparison to that in NYC.  Drive around the neighborhood of Belle Haven (a lot of streets are private so you won't have access unless you have balls to drive through.  But there are many streets along the Long Island Sound that are worth seeing) which is a peninsula surrounded by water at the very southern tip of Greenwich Avenue.  If there is a neighborhood to see in Greenwich, this is it!  Skip the others!  The lot sizes are too big to even see the homes!  Also, for a sand beach, visit Greenwich Point Park (in Old Greenwich). This may or may not be a private beach so you should give them a call before you go, but I just drove by in the winter and it was beautiful!

Also, for children, Legoland is very close by as is Rye Amusement Park (which is situated on the Long Island Sound...both are on my bucket list of things to do with my kids!)  Google both these places for pictures, prices and more information.  That's what I'd do before I'd go ; )

For shopping, head to The Galleria Mall at White Plains.  Lots of high end department stores and good on a cold day to walk around indoors with children!

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Hyatt Regency, Old Greenwich, CT

Old Greenwich, CT

price varies

Optimum Seasons:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

www.greenwich.regency.hyatt.com

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I was drawn to this hotel through www.tripadvisor.com (will find you the website that offers the cheapest rate) because of it's affordable price, great indoor poor, ecosystem lobby, and excellent breakfast (included in the price)!  As well as being in Old Greenwich, a beautiful neighborhood within an hour drive from my home.  

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Greenwich, CT is the must see neighboring town.  Very affluent with beautiful homes.  Google "nicest neighborhoods or streets of Greenwich and head there for some house site seeing!  Greenwich Avenue is a half mile stretch of high end shops and boutiques.  There weren't many restaurants open on New Year's day when we went, nor clothing stores, but we still enjoyed our experience.  The Saks Fifth Avenue here pales in comparison to that in NYC.  Drive around the neighborhood of Belle Haven (a lot of streets are private so you won't have access unless you have balls to drive through.  But there are many streets along the Long Island Sound that are worth seeing) which is a peninsula surrounded by water at the very southern tip of Greenwich Avenue.  If there is a neighborhood to see in Greenwich, this is it!  Skip the others!  The lot sizes are too big to even see the homes!  Also, for a sand beach, visit Greenwich Point Park (in Old Greenwich). This may or may not be a private beach so you should give them a call before you go, but I just drove by in the winter and it was beautiful!

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

 

Crowne Plaza, Stamford CT

Stamford, CT

price varies

Optimum Seasons:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

www.crowneplaza.com

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I stumbled upon this hotel purely by accident.  One of my friends yelped "kosher restaurants" near our hotel in Old Greenwich (the neighboring town) and we found a Kosher restaurant called "Soosh".  We put it in our navigation and noticed that the restaurant was in this hotel.  We didn't realize there were parking spots for the restaurant right in front and we accidentally parked in the hotel's lot in the back.  We walked through the hotel lobby to find a Shabbaton occurring (during Hanukkah with thousands of lit menorahs...pretty surreal).  Once we found our way to the restaurant, we asked the owner what the Shabbaton was all about, and he told us that this is a weekly occurrence. The hotel lobby was immaculate...as though I walked into a Miami Southbeach hotel!  After I got home I went on the hotel's website to see if it's worth staying there, and I was shocked by how spacious and well decorated the rooms were.  And some of the rooms have kitchens as well!  (Just look at the website).  And the price during winter break is very affordable!  Tip:  "Soosh" was the best Kosher sushi I ever had. They have a kid's menu as well and they hand out crayons and pages to color!  Great service, great menu!  All around amazing experience!  

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Greenwich, CT is the must see neighboring town.  Very affluent with beautiful homes.  Google "nicest neighborhoods or streets of Greenwich and head there for some house site seeing!  Greenwich Avenue is a half mile stretch of high end shops and boutiques.  There weren't many restaurants open on New Year's day when we went, nor clothing stores, but we still enjoyed our experience.  The Saks Fifth Avenue here pales in comparison to that in NYC.  Drive around the neighborhood of Belle Haven (a lot of streets are private so you won't have access unless you have balls to drive through.  But there are many streets along the Long Island Sound that are worth seeing) which is a peninsula surrounded by water at the very southern tip of Greenwich Avenue.  If there is a neighborhood to see in Greenwich, this is it!  Skip the others!  The lot sizes are too big to even see the homes!  Also, for a sand beach, visit Greenwich Point Park (in Old Greenwich). This may or may not be a private beach so you should give them a call before you go, but I just drove by in the winter and it was beautiful!

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

 

Forest Hills

Forest Hills, NY

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One day, I decided to go on an adventure with my children to the place I used to live spent my entire childhood!  It took me a solid half hour to find parking in the area (Austin Street is nearly impossible, Queen Boulevard is your best bet), but it was all worth it in the end! Austin Street is super charming, especially during the Christmas season with its decorations.  It has lots of commercial as well as boutique shops.  

The neighborhood of Forest Hills, which you can access from any street off of Austin Street, is an upper middle class neighborhood modeled after the garden communities of England.  There are many old Tudor-style homes and some of the streets are made entirely of cobblestone.  The West Side Tennis Club here hosted the US Open until 1978!  I particularly love the area around the neighborhood's elevated train station.  If your children love "Thomas & Friends", be sure to take them upstairs to see the train track and marvel at the beauty of the station.  This neighborhood is the closest you'll get to Europe in all of New York City!  Tips:  Go here during the last week of October or first week of November and just walk around the neighborhood (peak of fall foliage) and then go stroll on the hiking paths in nearby Forest Park.  

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City Rooftops

New York, NY

No admission fee

Optimum Seasons:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

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I stayed at Le Parker Meridien for my 5 year anniversary. This is a hotel located in the heart of Manhattan with an indoor pool on it's top floor.  The pool has panoramic views of Manhattan's East River, Central Park, and Hudson River.  It was an experience like no other.  

I was in the city another day with my mother in law and children and decided to rooftop hop from hotel to hotel.  In the gallery, I also have pics of boutique hotels' rooftops such as Ganseevort Meatpacking, Dream Downtown, Ganseevort Park Avenue, the NoMad, Trumo Soho, and the James Hotel.  Most of these have bars and all are worth seeing!  

I also recommend 230 5th Avenue rooftop (video below).  You can find images online of their heated igloos on their rooftop in the winter with breathtaking views of the Empire State Building! Highly recommend you bundle up, order a hot chocolate and snuggle in an igloo with friends!

And to get the best view of the city, and for the best price, visit the Observatory Deck at 30 Rock.  This cost $35 per adult and free for children under 6.  You get panoramic views of manhattan from smack in the middle of the city.  I'm sure Empire State Building and the Freedom Tower offer magnificent views as they are taller, but then who wants to see the city without a view of the iconic Empire State Building and Freedom Tower?

If you venture out of the city, you will get breathtaking views of the entire skyline. The single best view of all of NYC is by far and a way at the William Vale Hotel’s rooftop! Be prepared to pay a bit more for drinks, but well worth it!

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on instagram and facebook for live adventures! And share with your friends if you appreciate this page.

Hello, World!