El Capitan Theatre: History, Mystery and Ghosts? #ironman3event

May 14, 2013 By Leave a Comment

El Capitan

The El Capitan Theatre has a history that is heavily entrenched in Hollywood mystique. It’s a relic located on Hollywood Boulevard that has the seen the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, and Rita Hayworth. When I was in Los Angeles, for the Iron Man 3 premiere we had a chance to tour El Capitan Theatre behind the scenes and check out the new Disney’s Soda Fountain located right next door. Tales of history, mystery, and ghosts? Yep, that’s what El Capitan Theatre is all about.

El Capitan

El Capitan theater was built in 1926. For the first 15 years of its history, the theater only showed stage shows. Over 150 stage shows were shown during these first 15 years, until silent films came into play. Silent films were shown for many years with the musical stylings of the famous El Capitan Wurlitzer pipe organ, which Disney reintroduced with the 1998 restoration.

Ed, General Manager of the theater, gave us some great insight into the history to the museum, and a little bit about it’s first, 1989, restoration. Disney purchased the theater and wanted to restore it to it’s future glory. This included restoring some of the amazing architecture. Some of the designs had fallen and the crew had to make casts from the originals that were left. They used these casts to bring the theater back to life, and bring it back to life they did!

The inside of the theater is absolutely breath taking with it’s high arched, gold enlayed ceilings and it’s beautiful Werlitzer pipe organ. We had the privilege to listen to the pipe organ during the Iron Man 3 premiere. The stage is still graced with four curtains like in the old Hollywood days when the amount of curtains used to signify the “class” of the theater.

Now the El Capitan is home to all the great Disney movies as only Disney films are played in this theater. Most recently it saw the premiere of Iron Man 3, and will also host the premiere of Monster University coming up June 17th.

El Capitan is also home to some friendly resident ghosts! Even though we didn’t see a friendly spector ourselves, we did have a chance to speak to an employee that shared they encountered an El Capitan ghost when during her rounds down in the employee corridors. So, El Capitan is even a great travel spot for ghost hunters too!

el capitan

Disney Soda Fountain

After watching a movie at the El Capitan, make sure to stop by the Disney Soda Fountain! It’s quickly becoming a fixture on Hollywood Boulevard as well. It’s located directly next door to the theater, and can actually be reached from inside the theater.

The soda fountain is a throw back to the old 1950s soda fountains including a genuine fountain. You can get your favorite floats, malts, and other yummy treats while shopping around for some great Disney gear!

During our visit, I grabbed some Soda Fountain exclusive Disney pins for my kids. They collect the pins sold at each one of the Disney venues, and each venue has it’s own exclusive pin to collect. I also picked up some great Oz nail polish for myself. (Momma deserves a treat too, right?)

The walls are covered in autographed photos of stars that come to grab a bite, or drink, after Hollywood Premieres at the El Capitan. It was really neat to take a look around see some of our favorite stars enjoying the Soda Fountain.

Both are Must See Stops When Visiting Los Angeles

If you are traveling to LA, I really recommend seeing a movie at the historical El Capitan theater and then heading over to the Soda Fountain to grab some yummy treats. It makes for a great date night or family night out!

Go See the Movies at El Capitan Theatre

IRON MAN 3 is currently playing at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, CA until June 20th in Disney Digital 3D and Real D 3D

   See a Display of Collectibles & Comic Books from the Private Collection of Stan Lee!

For tickets call 1 (800) DISNEY6 or visit www.elcapitantickets.com

   Coming this summer at the El Capitan Theatre:

  • June 21st – August 8th: MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (Plus, see Mike & Sulley in the MU Pep Rally with the Sprit Squad Live on Stage!)
  • August 9th – September 19th: Disney’s PLANES
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Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum: Mingle With the Stars #ironman3event

May 8, 2013 By 1 Comment
Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum

Disclosure: I did receive an all expenses paid trip courtesy of Disney/Marvel, but all opinions are 100%. Crunchy’s opinions have no price, and the sarcasm is free

 

Madame Tussaud’s Wax Musuem is one of the ultimate tourist destinations when you visit Hollywood, California. It’s right up there with seeing the Hollywood sign and walking the stars on Hollywood Boulevard (which you can do all in one day btw!) We had a chance to visit the museum during our Iron Man 3 premiere trip to Hollywood, and it was a completely blast! I wasn’t quite sure what I would think about the museum, actually I thought it might be a bit boring. (I mean a wax figure is a figure right?) Well, I am happy to report that I was really wrong. Madame Tussaud’s Wax museum is actually an amazing place to visit!

Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum

The first thing I realized about the museum was that the it is completely interactive. You are ENCOURAGED to touch the figures. Normally when you go to a museum they threaten to beat you if you even think about touching anything. Madame Tussaud’s is completely hands on (and coats, hats, and other props on too!).

The museum itself covers three floors right on Hollywood Boulevard, which makes it a perfect place to stop during your trip to California. You could easily spend part of the day at the museum, and then have lunch and do some local shopping. The Chinese Theater and El Capitan theater are all right in the vicinity.

madame tussaud wax

One thing you will realize about the museum when you go is how life like the figures are. The whole time I was visiting, I was waiting for something to jump out and grab me. (Probably didn’t help that they had a Psycho/Alfred Hitchock figure at the museum). Some of the figures were definitely better than others, but over all they were so amazingly similar to the actual photos of the celebrities.

iron man wax fig

When visiting the museum, I highly encourage enjoying the props and taking LOTS of photos. It makes the museum so much more fun. I just introduced my kids to the movie Grease, so I took this photo for them. Yep, that’s Crunchy joining the Pink Ladies! Though I think I needed to join the Pink Plus Size Ladies because I had to grease myself outta that jacket. (Did you get that pun, get it? Grease? haha)

john travolta wax figure

Several of the sections also have audio interactions too. When you step in to shake your thang with Justin Timberlake, he cries you a river, or you could head over to visit Hannibel and listen to him slurp on about his Kianti and Fava Beans. I was totally freaked out by that one, so I didn’t get close to him!

If you are planning a trip to the Hollywood/Los Angeles area, I definitely recommend making a stop at Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum.  I mean what other way can you get this close to celebrities without a body guard showing you the curb?

madame tussaud

Learn more about Madame Tussaud’s on their website and social media channels:

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Enjoy the Emerald Coast of Florida with Hilton Sandestin

April 17, 2013 By 19 Comments
Sandestin Hilton

Disclosure:My daughter and I did receive an all expenses paid trip to Hilton Sandestin resort, but all opinions are my own

Enjoy a Stay on Florida’s Emerald Coast

Hilton Sandestin

My eldest daughter and I had the opportunity to visit the Hilton Sandestin in Destin, Florida. Located on the Emerald Coast of Florida, this hotel is an amazing place to stay whether it’s for a romantic getaway or a vacation with the family.

The hotel rooms were perfect for families. In our suite, there was an amazing ocean front view, with walk out balcony. The suite also featured a king size bed with cute bunk beds for the kids! They even had TWO televisions. That is a must in our family so we don’t have hear the kids whine about what we are watching! You also had a great refrigerator and microwave that made eating more frugally possible during your stay! Though you probably won’t be in the room much it’s great to have such amazing accomodations.

Spas, Pools, and Beaches: Oh My!

Hilton Sandestin

One of the things I loved about Hilton Sandestin is that you could stay at the hotel and not have to go anywhere else during your vacation. There are enough activities for the kids, on the beach, or at the pool to keep you busy the whole time you are there.

Before you head out for a day in the sun, you have to check out the spa services at the Serenity by the sea Spa. This top of the line spa features a great relaxation area in both the men’s and women’s locker rooms, where you can spend all day in a plush robe while you sip beverages and eat healthy snacks. If you have need to release some tension make sure to  relax in the hot tub or sauna! Trust me spending the day away in this quiet oasis is worth it!

Hilton Sandestin

After you visit the spa, head out to one of the three pools at the  Hilton Sandestin. There are two outdoor and one indoor pools, plus an indoor and outdoor whirlpool. All of the pool decks were amazingly clean with ample seating and plenty of umbrellas for shade. You could even rent cabanas to spend the whole day out of the sun. (There might be an extra charge for the cabanas boys ;) )

When I say the hotel is on the beach, I mean LITERALLY right on the beach. There are two boardwalks heading right down to the white sugar beaches. You could opt to rent chairs and umbrellas or bring your own. There is always an amazing breeze down by the water, and it was one of our favorite ways to relax!

Award Winning Dining

Hilton Sandestin

After spending all day on the beach who isn’t hungry? The hotel is home to six amazing restaurants with something your whole family can enjoy! My daughter and I have VERY different tastes when it comes to food, and during our entire stay we enjoyed every single meal. The breakfast buffet alone went for miles I swear!

Ever heard the saying “if you leave hungry it’s your own fault?” Well, that is certainly the truth here. There is fine dining at the Seagar’s award winning restaurant, or grab a quick bite to eat the pool at Picnix! My daughter’s favorite restaurant was actually the Barefoot grill right by the pool. You can grab a bite to eat with a beautiful view of the ocean.

Fun for the Kids

Hilton Sandestin

If you just need a break from the kids, or want them to have an adventure of their own, the Hilton Sandestin  also features a great Kids Krew program. It’s located in the lower lobby and offers a variety of different programs for kids ages 5-12. My daughter was on the older end of the scale, but she still had a blast. During our stay she decorated her own Kids Krew t-shirt and a great frisbee that we could play on the beach with. The Kids Krew staff were great with the kids and really seemed to love what they do, which made the kids have even more fun!

Our Overall Experience

Though the Hilton line of hotels tend to be on the pricier side, I would have to say that the Hilton Sandestin  is worth EVERY penny. The friendly, courteous staff and the amazing location make it a perfect place to get away from home without having to bounce all over the place. There is enough fun activities, amazing food, and gorgeous beach for your whole family to enjoy. Keiran and I really can’t wait to take our whole family back to Hilton Sandestin so they can enjoy the experience we had!

To learn more about Sandestin Hilton make sure to follow them on their social media channels:

 

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We Are Headed to the Sandestin Hilton in Florida!

April 5, 2013 By 13 Comments
Sandestin Hilton

This weekend my eldest daughter and I have pleasure of heading for a little mini vacation! We are getting a chance to visit the Hilton Sandestin Hotel in Destin, Florida!

Even though I have lived in Florida off and on for almost 10 years total, I can say that I have NEVER been to Destin. (Shocking I know) What I can already tell from the pictures of the resort is that it is absolutely gorgeous down there!

Sandestin Hilton

Keiran and I leave tomorrow, getting in a day early, thanks to Priceline.com! We will be at the hotel from tomorrow until 04/09 when we sadly have to return to a little bit of cooler weather here in Minneapolis.

This is our first mother daughter trip, and we are really excited about going! There are tons of great activities planned including a scavenger hunt and a sandcastle building contest!

Keiran’s going to get a chance to check out the great Kids Krew Programs, while I have a chance to check out some of the spa services at the Serenity by the Sea spa! We will be go,go,go for three days straight, but it is sure to be a good time!

If you would like to follow along on our adventure, and learn more about this amazing hotel, make sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! You can also follow the hashtag #HiltonSandestinMoms to see what the other moms are up to during their great stay on this trip!

To learn more about this great hotel, you can check out their website and follow them on their social media channels as well:

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Parking Made Easy With the Parking Spot

March 26, 2013 By 12 Comments
The Parking Spot

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Parking Spot for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

My eldest daughter and I are flying to Florida in a week or two, and it made me realize that I hadn’t been to an airport in several years. It also made me think about the fact how much I HATE parking at airports. You always have to worry about where you parked your car, and if the car is safe. I mean, I forget where I park when leaving a Target store let alone when I go to the airport and fly somewhere else!

The Parking Spot

That’s where The Parking Spot comes to save the day. Sadly, we dont have The Parking Spot in Minneapolis, but I am crossing my fingers we do in the near future because they have some really great amentiies! It’s airport parking made simple!

The Parking Spot has some of the best amenities that any traveler could hope for! When you make your airport parking reservations you can snag these amazing extras:

The Parking Spot

  • Friendly shuttles every 5-7 minutes
  • Covered, open-air and valet parking available (select locations)
  • Always open
  • Fast and easy check-in & check-out
  • Well lit, fully-fenced
  • Luggage assistance available
  • Complimentary chilled water
  • Complimentary USA Today until 9am, Monday-Friday
  • Earn free parking with The Spot Club
  • Car Care services, including car washes and oil changes available in some markets

I didn’t realize just how easy it could be to park and fly. We are going to be travelling a lot more now that Crunchy Frugalista is bringing you great tips on traveling, so I am defintiely going to be looking forward to using The Parking Spot’s services. It’s sure to be here in Minneapolis soon beacuse it’s a national chain with 34 facilities in over 22 airports!

Make sure to check out The Parking Spot locations on their website at http://www.theparkingspot.com, and then check them out on Twitter @theparkingspot as well as on Faecbook at http://www.facebook.com/TheParkingSpot

Visit Sponsor's Site

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Places to Stay in Minneapolis: Best Western Dakota Ridge

February 11, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Best Western Dakota Ridge

After our first night in Minneapolis, we headed south to Eagan to stay for the rest of our trip. It was a good thing that we decided to stay at the Best Western Dakota Ridge there, because I think we went to the Mall of America four more times during our trip. Needless to say the Crunchy kids couldn’t get enough of MOA, my feet on the other hand had another idea about it. (especially after we walked all the way around in the WRONG direction)

Best Western Plus Dakota Ridge in Eagan, MN was really the perfect place for our family of five. We stayed four days at this great hotel, and honestly think we will stay here again when we visit the Twin Cities. There were so many different things that all of us loved while staying there. It’s so hard to get all five of us to agree on something, but we all agreed we loved this hotel.

We loved the fact that Dakota Ridge offered a free HOT complimentary breakfast. They even changed it up a little bit each morning. One morning we had eggs and hashbrowns. The next day it was eggs, sausage and biscuits. (That made Mr. Crunchy really happy). The breakfast also had cereal, fruit, juice, waffles, bagels and more. If you left breakfast hungry, there was something wrong with you. I think the Crunchy kids even grabbed a couple yogurts for snacks later in the day.
Best Western Dakota Ridge

Mr Crunchy and I loved the fact that the hotel is situation just minutes from the highway. It made it really easy to just hit the highway and shoot up to Minneapolis. On the days we didn’t feel like traveling out and about, the hotel was next to tons of great restaurants and shopping in Eagan (four times named best places to live by Money magazine). This made it easy to play lazy the days we wanted to rest.

We stayed in one of the queen suites during our stay. These queen suites offered enough room for a family of five to comfortably stay. The room offered two queen sized beds, which were the most comfortable beds during our stay. It also had a pull out sofa as well. Plus there was ample seating in other parts of them room so we didn’t just have to sit on our beds. This was a definite bonus when the kids weren’t getting along. We could give them each their own space!

Best Western Dakota Ridge

Best Western Dakota Ridge also offers a business center for the traveling business person in the lobby of the hotel, and a 24 hour fitness center for those inclined to work out. (My workout was t Mall of America!) Really the only thing I wished the hotel had was a pool because it would’ve offered a little extra something for the kids to do, but the TV offered lots of great shows for them which helped instead!

Best Western Dakota Ridge

For our family, Best Western Dakota Ridge was the perfect place to stay. There was plenty of room in our room, it was just minutes from all the places we wanted to see, and it was quieter than the hustle and bustle of downtown Minneapolis. The staff was amazingly courteous during our whole stay, and we never had to look far if we needed some extra towels or toiletries. Our family really thinks this hotel is perfect for first time visitors to the Twin Cities and the avid business traveler alike. On your next trip to Minneaolis, make sure to check them out!

 

 

Disclosure: I did receive a free stay to facilitate my review, but all opinions are my own.

 

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The Depot Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel

February 7, 2013 By 10 Comments
The Depot Minneapolis

After a long 10 hours in the car, we finally arrived in Minneapolis! I am happy to report that after our car ride I still have three children. (Probably because I took my own advice about traveling with teens). Our first stop in the Twin Cities was our first hotel, The Depot Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel.

The Depot is located  smack in the middle of downtown Minneapolis. The first thing I had to get used to in this area was underground parking. You realize it is C O L D here when there are so many places that offer it. The Depot is no exception, they have great underground parking that keeps you out of the elements.

The Depot Minneapolis

The great thing about the hotel being downtown is that you are in the middle of everything. Literally a stones throw away from shopping, dining, and more. In addition to being close to it all,  it is also a part of  the indoor walkway that weaves in and out of downtown. These walk ways offer over 8 miles of indoor walkways that connect hotels, shops, and restaurants all throughout the downtown area. It’s a great way to enjoy what downtown has to offer without being exposed to the weather.

The Depot Minneapolis

The Depot Minneapolis

 

We were a little too tired to walk around the walkways, but we did have an exquisite view from our room. Plus, the room itself was absolutely gorgeous. We had the opportunity to stay in one of the queen suites. This room is really perfect for any family. It has a separate bedroom with a queen bed. There is also a pull out sofa.

The room was the size of small apartment, and there was even room to move around with a dining table in the middle of the common area. The bathroom was exquisite, and larger enough for a family of five to use without a hiccup. This was our first time staying in a suite as a family, and honestly I was kind of nervous. With the separate room, and the extra space in the common area, it was really easy to relax (and also get away from the kids!)

The hotel itself was absolutely gorgeous! It was built on the old spot of a train depot, and the decor reminds me of the old train days. Elegant and modern while paying homage to the building’s history. Our whole family enjoyed just walking around and looking at all of the train depot inspired decorations and displays.

Amenities

The hotel itself offers both an indoor water park and an indoor ice skating rink. It’s a vacation within itself. The water park is free to hotel guests, and the ice rink is available for a small fee.

Wi-Fi access is for free to hotel guest in lobby areas, bar, and restaurants. For a small daily fee, guests can also access the Wi-Fi from the comfort of their guest rooms. Wi-Fi is definitely a must at the hotels I stay at. Though Mr. Crunchy keeps threatening to force me to unplug on our next vacation. (We’ll see about that)

You can also reserve one of their 15 meeting and reception halls for your next big event. The first picture is the ceiling of one of the bigger halls. Again, absolutely beautiful! If I wasn’t already married, I could completely see getting married here. (Hmmm, renewal of vows??)

Dining

When staying at The Depot, make sure to bring your appetite. Right off the lobby you will find Charley’s Grill and Stone Arch bar. Charley’s Bar and Grill offers a great breakfast buffet, and later in the day lunch and dinner.

Stone Arch Bar is open in the evenings to serve your favorite cocktails, and during the warmer months they even have a patio that you can sit out on. The decor was what really caught my eye at Stone Arch. The whole hotel has amazing decor for that matter. I definitely recommend checking it out.

The Depot Minneapolis

For those staying in the exquisite suites offered at the Depot, there is a great lounge area that serves snacks and a hot breakfast each morning. The lounge is open and accessible with your key card. You can enjoy an afternoon watching TV or work on the free computer for that last minute business deal. (Trust me this computer was a life saver!)

Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth time visiting the Twin Cities, I would absolutely recommend staying at The Depot for a modern, updated  hotel with rustic old world charm right in the heart of Minneapolis.

To learn more about this hotel, make sure to check out the Depot Renaissance Minneapolis website

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10 Tips to make the most of your Mall of America Family Vacation

February 6, 2013 By 7 Comments
mall of america

mall of america

  1. 1. Write down where you park: Mall of America is HUGE, and you could be lost for DAYS if you don’t write down where you park. You can even send a text message to MOA and they will help remind you too.
  2. 2. Wear walking shoes: Did we mention MOA is HUGE! Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. For those that can’t walk far, there are guest services desks at each major entrance where you can rent wheelchairs and motorized carts (trust me they are LIFE savers)
  3. 3.Don’t miss out on the aquarium: Though ticket prices are a bit steep, it is worth the experience! Parents, it’s a great way to sneak in some education while having fun too!
  4. 4.Unleash your inner kid: Parents let your inner kid flag fly. Mall of America is a place that kids and adults can have fun too. Get your face painted, ride the rides, and enjoy your time. Just remember no running or security just might escort you out ;)
  5. 5.Middle of the week is the way to go: The weekend at the mall can be quite overwhelming. They have tons of events that happen on the weekend that bring thousands of extra people. For the best experience visit during the week to avoid the crowds.
  6. 6.Experience new things: Mall of America has tons of restaurants and shops. Check out some amazing shops you don’t have at home. Some of our favorites are the Sanrio, Lush, Mall of America gift shop, Lego, Peeps, and American Girl Doll stores.
  7. 7.Buy the Mall of America coupon booklet: There is a great Mall of America coupon booklet that you can buy at local retailers. It is chock full of great coupons for the shops, activities, and restaurants at Mall of America. It is WELL worth the money.Nickelodeon Universe
  8. 8.Take the light rail: If you don’t want to worry about parking, hop on the light rail. Mall of America has a transportation depot on the first floor. You can travel all the way from downtown Minneapolis to the MOA for only $1.75 each way per person.
  9. 9. Allow plenty of time to spend at the mall: The mall can definitely be an all day event. There is so much to see and do in the mall that you could easily spend a day or two and still not see the whole thing. Make sure to allot enough time to leasurely spend in the mall so you don’t miss out on all the good stuff.
  10. 10.Check the website for events: If there is a particular event you want to see, or if you want to avoid the hoards, make sure to check their website. We made the mistake of not doing this and walked right smack into hoards of people there for a national cheerleading competition. Talk about overwhelming.

Follow these tips, and you are sure to have an amazing stay at the Mall of America. Now just make sure you check out some amazing places to stay during your Minneapolis trip and you are sure to have an amazing vacation.

Come back tomorrow, and we will share with you two hotels that are Crunchy approved for your Minneapolis stay.

 

 

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Things to do in Minneapolis

February 5, 2013 By 25 Comments
St Paul Winter Carnival

Yesterday we talked about how to get to Minneapolis, and how to prepare for the spectacular winter weather. Now that you are here, you need to know all the awesome things to do in Minneapolis.

My family chose the Twin Cities for our vacation because we wanted to embrace winter. We are one of those weird families that actually LOVE snow and ice. Minneapolis and St. Paul was the perfect place to enjoy  the wintry outdoors while having tons of fun doing it.

St Paul Winter Carnival

St. Paul Winter Carnival

During the last few weeks in January, St. Paul hosts the St Paul Winter Carnival every year. This amazing event is free to the public and spread all across the city of St. Paul. We arrived towards the end of the carnival, but there was still tons to see.

The St. Paul Winter carnival was our first stop on our Twin Cities vacation. The weather was actually a warm 33 degrees which made it a great day to view the outdoor ice and snow sculptures without Jack Frost nipping at our noses too much.

It was absolutely amazing to see what these local artists and families could make out of ice and snow. We were even able to see an automated snow plow competition. My kids got to see how math and science students built, programmed, and challenged their creations during the annual snow plow competition. It was really neat.

st paul winter carnival

If this is right up your alley, make sure to check out the St Paul Winter Carnival website to learn more about the event and how you can plan it to be a part of your vacation.

Mall of America

If being outdoors isn’t quite your thing, you can always head to the Mall of America. The Mall of America is the largest indoor shopping mall in the country. It’s home to 520 including shops like Lush, American Girl Doll, Lego, Cupcake and many more!

In addition to the amazing shops, Mall of America also offers over 50. Our family’s favorite is Dick’s Last Resort. They offer great food at affordable prices, plus a great experience. Dick’s is not like your average restaurant experience. At Dick’s don’t be surprised to have your straws thrown at you and insults hurled. This restaurant is not for cry babies.

Sea Life Aquarium

sea of life aquarium

Mall of America is also home to the Sea of Life aquarium and Nickelodeon Universe indoor Amusement park. According to my kids, both of these great  attractions get two Crunchy kids thumbs up.

The Sea Life aquarium is located on the east side of the mall. It’s a smaller aquarium, but has a lot of things to do for an aquarium its size. The aquarium is home to 10,000 sea creatures including sharks, jellyfish, stingrays, and even turtles.

Sea of Life Aquarium

My kids loved the hands on tide pool. The tide pool was a great area where the kids got to touch starfish, sea urchins, and horseshoe crabs. There was a very nice educator there that told the kids about the different species in the tide pool.

Sea Life is also a great learning experience for young and old. The entire aquarium is full of great interactive quizzes, message boards, and experiences that our entire family enjoyed. It was really neat to learn about all the different species that called the aquarium home. Even though we have been to many different aquariums across the country, we still learned a lot during our visit.

Nickelodeon Universe

For the thrill seekers, Nickelodeon Universe is a must see at the Mall of America. This indoor amusement park was probably my kids favorite place in the mall (besides the food court). The park hosts roller coasters, a flume ride, and even kiddie rides with 50 rides in all!

Nickelodeon Universe

Even though it’s a smaller park, it still had a nice array of rides all the way from toddler rides to those that were the ultimate thrill seeker (make sure to check out Spongebob’s plunge).

Nickelodeon Universe is located in the middle of the Mall of America and offers a more condensed version of your typical amusement park. We visited the park during the middle of the week, and my kids enjoyed being able to ride their favorite rides over and over again without the long lines of typical amusement parks.

If you do visit Nickelodeon Universe, I highly suggest purchasing the unlimited ride armbands. They are well worth the money and are valid from open to close the day of use. Your kids can ride and ride and ride, but I would recommend riding before lunch. Some of the rides are pretty intense. Just ask Mr. Crunchy.

The Crunchy family loved Mall of America so much that we wanted to even share with you our top tips of things to know and do to make the most of your visit! Stay tuned for the next post in this series to catch “10 Tips to make the most of your Mall of America Visit!”

Nickelodeon Universe

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Family Vacations: Tips for Traveling with Teens and Tweens

February 4, 2013 By 21 Comments
traveling with teens

 

traveling with teens

This past week my family and I took a road trip from Indiana to Minneapolis, Minnesota. That’s 20 total hours in the car with all three of my kids. For all of us to survive such a feat, you know I had to have a great plan to avoid teenage melodrama!

There are tons of articles on how to travel with young children out there, but sometimes taking family vacations with tweens and teens can be just as challenging. Exchange diaper bags for overloaded carry-ons and temper tantrums for raging hormones and traveling with teens can be very reminiscient of when they were still in diapers.

Making your vacation run smoothly is all about letting them feel like they have some control over the trip. The sure fire way to attitude and all out mutiny, is to offer no flexibility and no options during your vacation. Would you want to be held prisoner during a vacation, even if it was on white sandy beaches?

Traveling with Teens

To avoid being teenager overthrow, follow these few tips on your next family vacation. Your kids will be happy, and you will be sure to survive your next vacation!

Get them involved in the planning process: One of the keys to smooth traveling  is getting them involved in the process. Make sure they have some input on what will be seen during the trip. Get them involved on how the car will be arranged, or other details that won’t unhinge your trip.      

Having a more democratic travel process will help them feel more involved, and make them feel less like they are just “along for the ride.”

Challenge their packing skills: Teens are at the stage where they feel they need to take everything and the kitchen sink with them on a three day trip. To avoid hormonal rages and teenage outbursts, teach them some basic packing tips. Then challenge their packing skills

Traveling with Teens

Make it a challenge! Give them a bag that will fit in the car/airplane/etc, and see if they can pack better than you can. (Teens always love showing their parents up) Give them their bag , and let them know as long as they can fit everything in that bag they can take it, otherwise it stays.  This gives them control over what they are taking plus teaches responsibility. (One trip missing out because they forgot to pack something essential will make them more efficient packers next time).

 

Give them choices: Just like traveling with toddlers, make sure to give your teens lots of choices. If you offer them the option of going with you on excursions or hanging at the pool or in the hotel room, they are more likely to go without griping when you have whole family events planned. It’s all about giving them the sense of freedom to choose.

Pick your battles: This is probably one of the most important tips. If listening to Taylor Swift  all the way to your vacation destination is what makes our teen happy. Make a compromise!  Let your child be in control of the tunes for a specified amount of the trip. Listening to Taylor hasn’t proved fatal to anyone, or at least that I am aware of.  Giving in for those few hours will show your teen that you care about how they enjoy the trip there.

Have fun: We all know the cliché that teens don’t want to be seen dead with their parents, but with all the fun you have planned you just might be surprised to see your teen doesn’t mind hanging out with you. Remember to have fun, and let your hair down. Sometimes it’s fun to be silly and like you were when you were a fun loving teen. Your kids just might enjoy seeing the kid in  you!

Have a tip that you don’t see on the list? What are some of your favorite tips when taking family vacations with your teens and tweens.

 

 

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Vacations with an Amish Flair in Lancaster, PA

January 22, 2013 By 9 Comments
Lancaster PA Vacations

Most of us spend our day to day lives feeling pulled in a thousand directions, and almost everyone I meet classifies themselves as “busy.” When it’s time to get away, scenic Lancaster, PA is one of the best places around for a slow-paced, laid back atmosphere where the whole family can unwind. There is plenty to do (and eat), but you will never feel overwhelmed, rushed, or hurried. These are some of our favorite Amish-inspired destinations in Lancaster.

 Lancaster PA Vacations

The Strasburg Railroad has been operating as a tourist railroad for more than 50 years and has acquired—and restored—historic trains from all over the US. Many train fanatics consider the Strasburg Railrod the best historic railroad in America, and for good reason: It’s one of the few places where you and you family can ride in an authentically restored rail car pulled by a real coal-burning steam engine. The station has also been restored and beautifully maintained and is a source of pride for the local people. Every time we visit, we truly sense the enjoyment and passion that the conductors and employees have for their jobs as they take their time with every child, posing for photos and answering train trivia with a smile. As you ride through Amish country, you’ll learn about steam railroading, agriculture, Amish culture, and Pennsylvania Dutch heritage, so kick back and enjoy your family and your little ones, and let your worries slip away. They’re little for only so long, and riding in a real train will be a real delight. Contact- 717-687-7522; http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/

 Amish Vacations

The Amish Village is located almost in the direct center of Pennsylvania Dutch Country- and in my opinion, there is no better place  to learn about the Amish culture and heritage then in this authentic working farm.

You and your family will hear directly from local Amish people, and can ask any questions you may have. It’s a fun, interactive way to experience the Amish culture and way of life that has remained almost unchanged for 300 years. You’ll also see interesting modifications that the locals have made using the technology of the surrounding “English. (which is what they call anyone who’s not Amish). We were endlessly surprised at their ingenuity . On the tour you’ll see an Amish one-room schoolhouse, farm animals (which a huge hit with my pre-school aged son), a smokehouse market, blacksmith shop, and quite a few buggies, plows, and tools.  After taking the guided house and farm tour and exploring the 12-acre Village grounds, be sure to stop by one of the shops on the property. For a very small fee, you can try some of the local hand-made treats (and you’ll be glad you did–whoopee  pies are not to be missed). Contact- (717) 687-8511; http://theamishvillage.net/

 

Anytime I travel to someplace new, I try to eat where the locals do. And in Lancaster, you won’t want to miss the Good ‘N Plenty Restaurant. Known for- and proud of- its family-style dining, you and your party will experience authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking and flavors that will make you smile long after your vacation is over. Everyone (whether you know them or not) is seated together at long dining tables, which gives you a chance to meet people from all over the country (and the world, if you’re lucky). During our lunch, we sat with a pregnant New York businesswoman who had driven several hours to satisfy a craving for Amish cuisine, a couple from Maryland, and a family from Germany. It felt like a global Thanksgiving, with many introductions, discussions of our hometowns, and most importantly- please pass the potatoes. (A word of advice:  bring home some of their award-winning baked goods.) Contact- 717-394-7111; http://www.goodnplenty.com/

 

 

 

 Sam is the author of Have Sippy Will Travel. Her great articles about travelling with kids make any family vacation a cinch!

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Little Toot Adventure Boat: Great Florida Family Getaways

January 16, 2013 By 13 Comments
toot


The Little Toot is a dolphin adventure boat located in Clearwater, Florida. It is the only dolphin adventure boat that can venture into the shallows as well as the Gulf of Mexico to ensure you the best dolphin sighting experience.

They believe so whole heartedly in their adventure programs that they ensure closer dolphin contact, and  you are guaranteed to see dolphins on your trip or your next trip is free.  Since it is also a Tug Boat, it can create waves in the wake that the dolphins like to play in and attracts more dolphins for your sightseeing pleasure.

The tour is a lot of fun for children. Not only was the boat itself straight out of a storybook, but the crew was very accommodating. It is assessable and interesting for passengers of all ages aboard, and nothing was overlooked- from comfort (there was a place to purchase drinks and snacks and the seats were shaded to protect from the heat and sun) to safety. Riders won’t need to fret about anything- just enjoy the ride, and watch for dolphins and other marine life.

The scenery was lovely as we sailed along- seeing all sorts of ocean wildlife and birds. Taking this leisurely cruise through the scenic waters of the Clearwater Beach area was a very relaxing way to spend the afternoon. The weather was perfect, and sighting a dolphin is an unforgettable experience.
The boat captains work together to make sure you get to see what you came for- dolphins. If you don’t, they give you a voucher for a different cruise to try again, but not all is lost, regardless- you still got to spend the afternoon on the water. Parking was effortless- you go to the Little Toot hut and get a parking slip, and you can park for as long as you want to. There is almost no walk, so if you are traveling with kids or the elderly, you won’t have to struggle.

 

 Sam is the author of Have Sippy Will Travel. Her great articles about travelling with kids make any family vacation a cinch!

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The National Chocolate Show: Chocolate, Chocolate Everywhere!

November 20, 2012 By 13 Comments
The National Chocolate Show

This past weekend was the National Chocolate show in Chicago, Illinois. It was a combination trade show and public chocolate show held at the Navy Pier. The event was Friday-Sunday, and saw thousands of people that all wanted  to try delectable treats from chocolatiers from across the country.

The National Chocolate Show

You guys know me well enough to know I am a self confessed chocoholic. How could I pass up the opportunity to check out a national chocolate show only three hours away from my hometown? That’s right, I couldn’t! Mr. Crunchy and I packed up in the car and headed west to Chitown.

The chocolate show was open to the public each day this past weekend. We were able to go on Saturday and  spent most of the day trying chocolates from all over the country. I never thought it was humanly possible for me to have enough chocolate, but alas I did find that I was over indulgent within just a few minutes. There were too many yummy treats to try, but I still wasn’t complaining.

CHOCOLATE VODKA, ANYONE?

Our first stop was actually to the liquor and wine tent. This area was host to different brands of chocolate inspired wines, liquors, and alcohols. There was chocolate vodka, chocolate red wine, and chocolate liquor. A girl really could get in trouble with this kind of chocolate. It was really amazing to see how the sweetness of chocolate paired with a dry red wine or the tart wit of a clean vodka.

Chocolate Vodka

360 Vodka was my favorite liquor vendor there. They had the most amazing chocolate vodka. On top of being extremely tasty, it was amazing to find out that their company was a green sustainable company. All of their packing and bottling is reusable and/or eco-friendly. They were kind enough to give us 360 Vodka shot glasses, and 360 Vodka bottles which will make amazing oil and vinegar bottles.

Chocolate Toffee

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES, CHOCOLATE GANACHE, CHOCOLATE LAVENDER?

Next to the liquor and beverage areas was the main event. There were chocolate vendors from all over the country. There was  a nice mix of chocolatiers, cake decorators, home based chocolate businesses, and informational booths about chocolate and it’s history.

Each vendor had their specialties out to taste. The highlights of the whole show were the chocolate lavender truffle and the chocolate cream macaroon with a splash of alcohol. The lavender truffle smelled heavenly of lavender, but only added a hint of lavender flavor to accent the amazing truffle. While the chocolate cream macaroon was all of my favorites thrown into on chocolate covered niblet. It burst with flavor, and was a perfect medley between coconut and chocolate.

The National Chocolate Show

There wasn’t only just tasty tidbits for your tongue, but your mind as well. Even the most self-professed chocolate expert might have found found their knowledge tested at The National Chocolate Show. Who knew there were so many different kinds of chocolate, and so many different ways that you could prepare them.

AMAZING CHOCOLATE COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS

During the noon hour, we were able to sit and participate in a cooking demonstration from the Kraft Test Kitchens. They made amazing recipes including brownies, ganache, and truffles. They were my inpsiration for my own Irish Cream Chocolate Ganache recipe I served friends this weekend. They had various classes throughout the day showing the different ways to make and serve all sorts of chocolate dishes. You could’ve made a day of just the chocolate demonstrations alone!

The National Chocolate show was a great family friendly event that you should definitely add to your calendar if you weren’t able to make it out this weekend. Next year we plan on bringing our whole family and making a day of anything and everything chocolate.

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The National Chocolate Show Navy Pier, Chicago November 16-18

November 13, 2012 By 1 Comment
The National Chocolate Shot

National Chocolate Festival

If you are in the Chicago area this weekend, you really have to check out the National Chocolate show that will be held at the Navy Pier, Chicago from 11/16-11/18. This is sure to be any chocolate lovers dream. This convention is open to the public and will feature amazing chocolate demonstrations, free chocolate samplings, and even amazing chocolate sculptures! Here is the demonstration line up for this great event!

The National Chocolate Shot

CHOCOLATE DEMONSTRATION STAGE SCHEDULE

Friday, November 16

  • ·         11 a.m.-1 p.m.  Valrhona: Chef Derek Poirier
  • ·         2-3 p.m. Callebaut: Chef Celine Plano
  • ·         4 p.m. Chocolate Truffle: Chef Dimitri Fayard
  • ·         5 p.m. Chocolate Marshmallow: Chef Dimitri Fayard
  • ·         6 p.m. Chocolate Ice Cream: Chef Dimitri Fayard
  • ·         7 p.m. Chocolate Bouchon: Chef Joshua Johnson
  • ·         8 p.m. Chocolate Truffle: Chef Joshua Johnson

Saturday, November 17

  • ·         11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cacao Barry: Chef Fred Loraschi
  • ·         1:30 p.m. Chocolate Marshmallow: Chef Della Gossett
  • ·         2:30 p.m. Chocolate Ice Cream: Chef Della Gossett
  • ·         3:30 p.m. Chocolate Bouchon: Chef Della Gossett
  • ·         4:30 p.m. Chocolate Truffle: Chef Della Gossett
  • ·         5:30 p.m. Chocolate Marshmallow: Chef Della Gossett
  • ·         6:30 p.m. Chocolate Ice Cream: Chef Della Gossett
  • ·         7:30 p.m. Chocolate Bouchon: Chef Della Gossett
  • ·         8:30 p.m. Chocolate Truffle: Chef Della Gossett

Sunday, November 18

  • ·         10 a.m. Chocolate Truffle: Chef Dimitri Fayard
  • ·         11 a.m. Chocolate Marshmallow: Chef Dimitri Fayard
  • ·         12 p.m. Chocolate Ice Cream: Chef Dimitri Fayard
  • ·         1 p.m. Chocolate Bouchon: Chef Joshua Johnson
  • ·         2 p.m. Chocolate Truffle: Chef Joshua Johnson
  • ·         3 p.m. Chocolate Marshmallow: Chef Joshua Johnson

Tickets may be purchased at the door to attend this great event. The prices are $25 for adults and $10 for children! This will sure to be an event that you won’t want to miss.

To learn more about The National Chocolate show visit their website at:  www.chicagochocolatefestival.com

 

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Visiting San Antonio? Make sure to use SAVE to save money

July 19, 2012 By 2 Comments

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of SAVE for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

It’s summertime, and this is the time most families hit the road. Wherever your vacation may take you, frugal families are always looking to save money.

If you happen to be heading to San Antonio this summer, you really need to check out SAVE – San Antonio Vacation Experience . SAVE is a great program that helps you save on hotels, attractions, or more through all the great SAVE partners.

My family hasn’t been to San Antonio yet, but it’s definitely on the list of places to go. When I plan our vacation I am definitely looking forward to the Sea World savings that are exclusive to vacationers that get Limited Time Offers through SAVE.

SanAntonioZoo.jpeg

San Antonio has so many great attractions and sites for your family to see. We would be so excited to visit Sea World, San Antonio Zoo, and the San Antonio botanical gardens. Not sure which one I would love to see first.

If you would like more information, make sure to follow SAVE on Twitter @SAVEinSA to get the last offers and discounts details from SAVE – San Antonio Vacation Experience

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Hop a cruise and explore New York City!

June 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment
New York City
New York City

It’s all up to you in New York City

Mr. Crunchy and I have been looking into taking a vacation in the next year or so. One of the places that I would love to go back to is New York City.

I lived in New Jersey for three years during middle and high school. Field trips for us almost always went into the “city.” They took me to Rockefeller Center, the Empire State building, and even TWO Broadway shows.

Even though I had been to New York a few times, it never even crossed my mind that you can get off of a cruise ship in New York City. Mr. Crunchy and I were debating on a cruise versus going to New York, but once I found out they harbored cruise ships we can do both!

After the cruise, there are so many things I would love to do while in New York like:

Of course, if our children decide to behave we just might decide to take them along as well. They have never been to New York City, and I know they would learn to love the city as much as I do.

If you were to take your family to New York, what would you love to see?

This is a sponsored post. I was compensated for this posts, but all opinions are my own.

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