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Clearwater: Another Side of Florida
I’m not a fan of Florida, so when I was invited by the Clearwater Region Chamber of Commerce to explore “Natural Clearwater,” I must say I was intrigued. I spent four days exploring this wonderful part of the state and discovered that this region is worthy of attention, After learning that it survived Hurricane Irma and Jose without problems, I wanted to revisit one of my favorite destinations. For...
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10 Best Free and Low Cost Activities in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Straddling the junction of major interstate highways I-29 and I-90, Sioux Falls, South Dakota should not be one of those cities that most summer road-trippers zip right through. Whether you're on your way to Mt. Rushmore or rushing back from Yellowstone, we suggest you pause for a few days and soak up the many fun, often free activities that a family can enjoy. Founded in 1856 among...
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Lighthouses For The Night
August 7th is National Lighthouse Day and if you've never thought about staying in one, this is your chance. In 1789, the United States passed an Act in support of all lighthouses, beacons, and public piers. More than 200 years later, several historic beacons offer affordable, family-friendly lodging along the East and West coasts of North America. When compared to...
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Road Trip USA: Leaf Peeking in New England
The beautiful nature, charming towns and friendly faces make Vermont and New Hampshire a perfect choice for a family road trip. Vermont’s small size and sparsley-traveled roads make it super for a family driving trip, and October brings leaf peepers to view nature’s annual display of autumn colors. The northern part of Vermont is remote enough to never truly be crowded. Of course, you'll ...
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Massachusetts Apple Farms – U-Pick ‘Em And Enjoy
Have you considered a bargain staycation near a u-pick fruit farm in New England; if so, Massachusetts family farms -- some even wind-powered -- are your destination. Farm stays are a great way to introduce kids to healthy eating and the wonders of nature, and experiencing a pick-your-own fruit farm will reinforce the message. If school has started, plan a daytrip to a local...
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California Apple Farms – U-Pick ‘Em And Enjoy
The late summer and early fall is apple picking time for San Francisco and Bay Area families. Review our list of apple orchards and pumpkin farms of Mendocino, San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties for a fun weekend away or even a day's outing with the kids. Whether you are looking to pick fruit, go on a hayride, or buy fresh baked goods in northern...
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Mi Casa, Su Casa: Home Exchanges
What's the best money-saving and culturally educational accommodations option available to travelers today? Well, I'm not planning a trip to the French Caribbean right now, but the idea of a complimentary four-bedroom home with a pool on the island of Guadeloupe might make me reconsider. A week or two in Paris isn't really in the works either, but when I read the description of the luxurious houseboat...
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Family Ties To Fort Wayne
Whether it always feels that way in America’s heartland, or the fact that a sheriff is handing out chocolate chip cookies at the airport, Fort Wayne is the kind of place you immediately feel at home. I don’t actually have family ties to this friendly town, but I suspect their amazing genealogy research center will soon find ties to all humankind. Fort Wayne is built on Family Fort...
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Oregon Apple Farms – U Pick ‘Em And Enjoy
Follow us to the countryside during the autumn months for some leaf-peeking, then head to the U-pick farms outside Portland, Oregon where you can pick your own of the season's bounty. With hours worth of family-fun apple and pumpkin picking, you can enjoy a staycation or long weekend road trip and save money on your food bills for weeks to come. At...
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Apple Picking And Pick Your Own Pumpkins
Whether you're hungry or looking for a cheap staycation, u-pick apple orchards and pumpkin picking at a local farm are among Fall's best family getaways. Read along as the apple-a-day FTF staff divulges the best places across America to pick your own fruit. As the days begin to shorten and the leaves begin to change, apple picking and pumpkin picking...
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