My wife and I had talked about taking a cruise for years, but there was one problem: neither of us had ever been on one. We needed a first time cruise experience to get our feet wet. We know people who love cruising – I follow several on social media. We had watched videos, read…
When my wife and I planned a Labor Day weekend getaway to Minneapolis, there was one attraction just across the river in St. Paul that we knew we wanted to visit. The Science Museum of Minnesota had long been on our radar thanks to its reputation for hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, and family-friendly activities. Although…
When our family of six found ourselves with a free evening in Los Angeles before boarding our first-ever cruise, we started looking for a way to fill a few hours without completely wearing ourselves out. The next day was already dedicated to Universal Studios Hollywood, so we wanted something fun, relatively low-key, and close to…
When our family began planning a spring trip to Sweden and Portugal, each of our sons had input on what they wanted to see. Our youngest son, then 13 years old, chose Portugal as “his” country of the trip. As an aspiring pilot and aviation enthusiast, one of the destinations at the top of his…
After helping my daughter move across the country to start college in Rhode Island, I found myself experiencing a mix of emotions. I was excited for her new adventure and proud of the young woman she had become, but saying goodbye wasn’t easy. Before flying home, my brother, his family, and I decided to spend…
For many first-time visitors, the Mall of America raises a simple question: can you actually experience it all in a single day? After spending a day there with my teenage son in 2022 and returning several years later for a couples getaway with my wife, I’ve come to a simple conclusion: Yes, you can absolutely…
When my son and I planned our road trip from Salt Lake City to Great Basin National Park, we knew we wanted to stop at the Topaz Museum in Delta, Utah. For years, my son and I had considered making the nearly two-hour drive from Salt Lake City just to visit the museum, but we…
One of the most unexpected traditions you’ll find aboard modern cruise ships has nothing to do with formal dinners, poolside contests, or Broadway-style entertainment. Instead, it involves small rubber ducks hidden throughout the ship by fellow passengers. Known simply as “Cruise Ducks,” this lighthearted activity has become a favorite among cruisers of all ages. Families,…
Few places in the United States bring history to life quite like Gettysburg. As the site of the largest battle ever fought in North America and the location where President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address, Gettysburg offers visitors an opportunity to walk through one of the most important chapters of American history. My family…
When planning a weekend getaway, I often find myself looking at Marriott Bonvoy properties. During a recent Labor Day weekend trip to Minneapolis, my wife and I had the opportunity to stay at the Rand Tower Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. After spending two nights at the property, I came away impressed by its location, comfortable…
