The Destination Guru: Frugal, Family Fun

Check out My Other Blog

2010-08-02T11:26:00.002-04:00

I have not added much to this blog lately--though I am still enjoying frugal, family fun and will add some posts when I get inspired. Meanwhile, check out my other blog about North Carolina wineries at http://www.ncwinerider.com/!

New Frugal, Family Fun Ideas Coming Soon!!!

2009-08-02T14:44:00.003-04:00

I have neglected this blog a bit recently. I have been focusing on my other blog more in recent months (www.ncwinerider.com). I will be back here soon with some new ideas for frugal, family fun. We are all looking for fun things to do that don't cost a lot of money. I also welcome comments on this topic and some more creative ideas!

Check back soon for some new ideas. Meanwhile, join me on the journey to explore all 88 North Carolina wineries. This is frugal fun--much cheaper than a trip to California!

Great Camprgound in The Great Smokies!

2009-07-06T09:53:00.000-04:00

We just returned from a wonderful vacation in The Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee! We decided to get back into camping after a three-year hiatus. We had camped for many years prior to that time. We chose as our destination, Yogi's Great Smoky Jellystone Campground (http://www.greatsmokeyjellystone.com/)in Cosby, Tennessee (a few minutes outside of Gatlinburg). We could not have been more pleased with the campground! In fact, this campground is on on our short list of favorite campgrounds! It joins Mount Desert Campground in Maine (http://www.mountdesertcampground.com/). That is saying a lot since Mount Desert is the campground by which we judge all other campgrounds! Jellystone and Mount Desert are very different from each other, but I will say that I like them equally well--for some of the same reasons and for some different reasons.

The owners of Great Smoky Jellystone Campground are very conscientious. Their attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the campground experience. The bathhouse is super clean! The store is well-stocked! I also absolutely love and appreciate the no-pets policy for the tent area! I love knowing that I will not encounter "signs" of the previous campers' pets. These owners have thought of everything! My kids loved the Yogi Bear themed activities (and I must admit, my husband and I did too). The activities are great, but are not distracting to those campers who prefer to sit by the stream and relax. The owners set a friendly tone, but obviously enforce their rules. The other campers were courteous and observed the quiet hours. Hearing the soothing sound of the stream outside our tent at night was so relaxing. I have missed it! The night time temperatures were great too! The only negative thing I can say about this campground is that they have set the bar so high for our next campground experience! I know we will return!!!

How does this stack up in the Frugal, Family Fun criteria? The rates are VERY reasonable! The location is great! While you can spend a lot in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, if you are not careful, The Great Smoky Mountain National Park(http://www.nps.gov/grsm/) is free and beautiful!!! For years, The Great Smoky Mountains have been one of the ultimate destinations for family vacations!

Family Camping!

2009-07-01T11:36:00.000-04:00

What is the best way to travel on the cheap? Of course, family camping! I know, it can be intimidating to picture camping with small children. However, with the right equipment, the right campground, and some good planning, this a camping trip can make vacation memories that last a lifetime!

I will be back soon with some great camping tips (we are NOT hard-core backcountry campers) and my latest recommendation for a wonderful campground!

New Year, New Destinations, New Frugal, Family Fun!

2009-01-15T15:32:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! I am finally back at the blog. We had a busy hectic fall and are now ready to pursue some more frugal, family fun in our area and beyond!

With the current economic situation, it is more important than ever that we all find ways to have fun without spending too much money. I will be back again soon with some ideas.

I start 2009 full of hope for the future.

Beautiful, Beach Bargain: North Carolina Coast

2008-08-08T08:44:00.001-04:00

Residents of the Triangle and other areas in North Carolina do not need to travel a long distance to visit beautiful and accessible beaches. A short, two and a half hour drive from the Raleigh-Durham area, the beaches near Wilmington, North Carolina (http://www.cape-fear.nc.us/), offer families countless opportunities for some frugal fun!

Even if the budget this year does not allow for a long stay or oceanfront lodging, there are ways to experience the beach for a reasonable price. With many public access areas (with parking) available in area such as Carolina Beach and Kure Beach on Pleasure Island (http://www.pleasureislandnc.org/) and on Wrightsville Beach (http://www.visitwrightsville.com/), it is possible to stay some distance away from the beach for a lower price and drive to the beach access areas. For those with the right equipment and who can do it (Though I enjoy camping, I admit to being more of an inland, mountain camper), try camping at Carolina Beach State Park (http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/cabe/main.php).

If you live in Raleigh or points east, consider a day-trip to the beach. The Fort Fisher State Recreation Area (http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/fofi/main.php) has FREE admission, a snack bar, picnic tables, outdoor showers, nice bathrooms, some interesting exhibits, and a wonderful expanse of CLEAN, flat, beautiful (and even handicap accessible) beach!

Consider the off-season for a weekend trip to the beach. We have paid rock-bottom prices for nice accommodations in Carolina Beach in the winter at the charming, Savannah Inn (http://www.thesavannahinn.com/). Like many other motels in the area, it has a "retro" feel, but offers clean rooms and (on the second floor) a great ocean view! Though some businesses are closed and ocean swimming is out, it is still usually warm enough to enjoy walking on the beach and exploring the area on foot or by bike. This is a great idea especially if you are not a fan of North Carolina summer heat and humidity!

For a family adventure that does not cost much ($5.00-10.00) per vehicle, consider taking the ferry from Fort Fisher to Southport (http://www.southport.us/?gclid=CNmSlvmp_pQCFQ4hnAodjXNgqw). The kids will love the boat ride and the views are nice. The North Carolina ferry system (http://www.ncdot.org/transit/ferry/) offers transportation for residents of coastal areas and inexpensive adventure for the rest of us. Another ferry ride I like is the Hatteras Island to Okracoke trip (but that is for a future post). If you choose to take the ferry to Southport, you will be rewarded with a charming town with shopping and dining or "just browsing" and exploring. Check the map (or your GPS--if you have one) for the route home from Southport and you won't have to backtrack too much.

Even though there is an admission fee, the North Carolina aquarium at Fort Fisher (http://www.ncaquariums.com/ff/ffindex.htm) is worth a look. This is a great attractions for kids and adults and a nice thing to do on a hot day! While you are in the area, don't forget the Fort Fisher State Historic Site (http://www.nchistoricsites.org/fisher/fisher.htm).

Remember, if you live in the Triangle, you can make it to the beach and back on a tank of gas. You can set up for the day for free at an accessible beach with picnic areas and restrooms. You can explore nature at the Carolina Beach State Park (Remember, admission to North Carolina State Parks is FREE!) and even swing through downtown Wilmington to wander around the historic buildings and beautiful river-front! Parking at the Cotton Exchange shops (http://www.shopcottonexchange.com/) is free if you are shopping or dining there.

Don't forget to take advantage of all our great state (http://www.visitnc.com/) has to offer!

Check back soon for some more North Carolina destinations and ideas for Frugal, Family Fun!

Thanks for reading!

Two Virginia Wine Trails and a Restaurant Surprise!

2008-08-07T10:39:00.000-04:00

After a recent trip to Washington, D.C., we took the LONG way home to take a sampling of two of Virginia's wine trails. We left D.C. and drove west to some Northern Virginia wineries on the Loudon County Wine Trail (http://www.loudounfarms.org/?contentid=2). This group of wineries markets its members as the closest wineries to Washington and surrounding suburbs. These wineries make for a nice day trip from those areas and a weekend from many other areas including the Triangle. If you drive to these wineries from D.C., you will be driving mostly through sprawling suburbia. The downside of this is traffic. The upside is the choice of cheap fast food restaurants where you can feed yourself and the kids before visiting the wineries! We arrived to Loudon County a little later in the day than we planned and took in two of the wineries on this trail.

The first was Hidden Brook Winery (http://www.hiddenbrookwinery.com/). The people here were very nice and were quite hospitable to my daughter who needed to eat her chicken nuggets at one of the tables in the tasting room because she slept through the McDonald's drive through experience. Another winery next door looked nice too, but we were pressed for time and could not take time for another stop. Hidden Brook has a nice tasting room and some cute merchandise in the gift shop. This is definitely worth a stop if you are in the area.

The second Loudon County winery we tried was Tarara (http://www.tarara.com/). I was intrigued by the description in the Virginia Wine brochure (http://www.virginiawines.org/) of the tasting room in a "cave." The place is certainly beautiful and the tasting room and shop are in a converted cave. There is a nice place for outdoor seating and some food is available. This is a larger operation than most Virginia wineries. We had to purchase a tasting ticket for $5.00. The young man who poured for our tasting was knowledgeable about the wines and very personable with us and the kids. Again, my daughter found a close table where she sat during the tasting. We did not get to stay around for a snack, but others were enjoying this. There also seemed to be a wedding reception in progress at another facility on the property. This is also a nice stop. They had a nice variety of wines.

We crossed Northern Virginia with the intention of getting to Interstate 81 so that we could come home the next day by way of the Shenandoah Valley (then cut across to Lynchburg and down some highways to the Triangle). We did not have a place to stay reserved, but were lucky to find a room at the Hampton Inn in Winchester, Virginia (http://www.hamptoninn.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=WNCHHHX), just before a big thunder storm. The people at the hotel were nice and the breakfast was good. Our biggest and most pleasant surprise in Winchester was our evening meal!

We asked at the hotel desk for a list of local restaurants. Winchester has several of the usual chain places, but we wanted to try something local. We decided to check out Picadilly's Brew Pub (http://www.piccadillysbrewpub.net/) in downtown Winchester. We could not have been more pleased. We had just come from several days in D.C. where we ate in some interesting places. My husband and I agreed; the meal at Picadilly's was the best of the trip and one of the most satisfying restaurant experiences we have had in a while! The place is very attractive. It is "kid-comfortable," but not kid-centered. My daughter had a good sandwich and a good time. We were impressed with the food and the overall value of the experience; so much so, that we had an appetizer (fried mushrooms), burgers with yummy potato scoops, dessert, and coffee! My husband (a beer enthusiast) liked the brew pub's sampler. I found some I liked too from the very generous sample servings. The atmosphere lends itself to lingering and relaxing over a meal. Three couples at a table next to us stayed long after finishing their food to enjoy conversation. However, the dining room was not crazy and loud. Since our kids were there, we did not take in the bar side of the place, but I saw people coming in and out from that side too. One of the biggest treats was the entertainment. A pianist, David Elliott (http://www.davidelliottworld.com/), provided nice background music. David Elliott has been in the music business for a long time and has a CD out right now. He has worked with groups and has an impressive recording and performing history. Check out his web site! He even took requests. He played the Peanuts theme at my daughter's request. We have continued to talk about our meal and experience at Picadilly's Brew Pub.

Our trip through the Shenandoah Valley brought us to four more wineries, this time on the Shenandoah Wine Trail (http://www.svwga.org/). The first was North Mountain Vineyard and Winery (http://www.northmountainvineyard.com/) . This is a beautiful, bucolic setting. There is a porch for enjoying a glass of wine and a cheese tray. The wines are very nice and the people are welcoming and knowledgeable. This winery and farm is worth the drive out the winding road!

We also tried Sheandoah Vineyards (http://www.shentel.net/shenvine/), the "oldest winery in Virginia." This is also a beautiful place with some nice wines. We enjoyed a cheese plate and some kind hospitality. There is some history here and is definitely a good stop.

Another winery stop of the trip was at Wolf Gap Vineyards (http://www.wolfgapvineyard.com/). This is a very new winery and is a contrast to Shenandoah Vineyards in its operations. While visiting wineries, I am always amazed by the amount of time (years) and effort it takes to get the whole process "down" or to even produce wine at all. The owners of Wolf Gap have an incredible mountain and valley view that photographers will love.

We made an unplanned stop at Rockbridge Vineyard (http://www.rockbridgevineyard.com/). This was quite a surprise! We happened upon a free Sunday afternoon concert by a fun little group called Scruffy Murphy (http://scruffymurphyband.com/). The wines were quite tasty here and the people were friendly. The locals seemed to be having a great time with their picnics brought from home and the great, family-friendly music. There were people of all ages enjoying the show, the fellowship, the scenery, and (for the adults) the wine. Talk about Frugal, Family Fun!! We wished we could have stayed, but we were on the way home. Rockbridge seems to be a well-run operation!

Virginia has so much to offer and any visit for any reason seems to bring us by some beautiful scenery. I look forward to another trip soon!

Check back soon for some information about some North Carolina destinations including some "escapes" near the Triangle and some Yadkin Valley wineries.

Thanks for reading!

Tips For a Frugal, Family Wine Trail Tour

2008-07-31T09:59:00.000-04:00

I am working on some posts (coming soon) that include some reflections on my family's experiences at local wineries in Virginia (http://www.virginawines.org/) and North Carolina (http://www.visitncwine.com/). Before I publish those posts, I want to provide a list of tips for making the most of visits to small, family-run wineries. My husband and I have been visiting wineries for several years. We enjoy these visits for many reasons and would love to share some ideas. If you are new to winery exploration, be ready for a fun (and somewhat addictive) hobby than can be as budget-friendly as you want it to be!

NOT JUST IN CALIFORNIA! Many people are not aware that a number of states have wine industries. For some states, this is a new venture and for others it is one with a rich history. On almost any visit to a North Carolina winery, you will hear the fact that, before Prohibition, North Carolina was one of the country's largest producers of wine. The Finger Lakes region of New York (http://www.fingerlakeswinecountry.com/) provides wonderful, accessible wines, and beautiful views. Virginia has several distinct wine regions. Most people know about Washington and Oregon; however, Ohio, Missouri, and several other states also boast wineries. Wherever you go, be on the lookout for a local winery! Some states, such as North Carolina, Virginia, and New York, post "can't miss" grape signs on interstates and highways.

Since I am focusing primarily on North Carolina and Virginia, I am referring to these growing wine industries in the rest of the post; however, the following tips/observations can apply to visiting wineries anywhere. The goal of the winery owners is certainly to sell wine and visiting wineries can be expensive, if you do not set out to make this a Frugal, Family experience. Keep in mind that "frugal" does not mean "without fun." The focus here is on the total value of the experience and winery "hopping" can be as frugal or extravagant as your current budget allows!

DON'T BE PUT OFF BY TASTING FEES!!! This is a tip that it took us a while to learn. At first, we felt that the free tasting was a better deal. Then we realized that we were more likely to purchase wine we did not really want when we tasted wine for free. Especially in smaller wineries where we may have been the only customers/tasters present, we felt obligated to buy, even if we did not really want that particular wine. Bottle prices in wineries are always more than our usual "frugal" budget for "Two-Buck Chuck" (http://www.traderjoes.com/) or other $6.99 and less wines (Believe me, there are some good ones out there--that's another post...). Sometimes, we are blown away and do splurge on a bottle in a winery, but many times we don't. If you pay a small tasting fee (usually $3.00-5.00), you do not feel as obligated to spend money. Often, a souvenir glass with the winery logo is included in the tasting fee. Some wineries will waive the tasting fee if you do end up purchasing wine. Tasting fee or not, you are not obligated to buy anything you don't want to buy. If you don't want to spring for a whole bottle or don't have a great way to transport it, you can always buy a glass of your favorite or a small souvenir (many wineries have great gift shops).

DON'T BE AFRAID TO LIKE (OR NOT LIKE) THE WINE. You will usually receive a list and a pencil to make notes as you taste. Feel free to pour out wine you don't like. Not everyone likes the same things.

DON'T WORRY IF YOU ARE NOT A WINE EXPERT! The beauty of visiting local wineries, is that you get to learn about wine in a non-intimidating setting. While some wineries specialize in all one type of wine, most have dry and sweeter offerings. Some also have jellies and juices available. Most offer free tours. Though we have taken a number of tours, we don't always take the time to do this. Most are very similar. However, if you are new to visiting wineries, I would recommend a tour or two to understand the process, the difference between oak and stainless steel, etc.

ENJOY THE VIEWS! Many wineries (especially those in Virginia and North Carolina) are in beautiful places. Some have wonderful mountain vistas or pretty farm settings. One of my favorite things about visiting wineries is that it makes us go on roads we would not otherwise travel.

ENJOY THE PEOPLE! Winery owners/operators have come to this industry via many paths. Their stories are often fun to hear. We have met people who have started a winery in retirement from some other profession. Particularly in North Carolina, some are former tobacco farmers who are re-purposing their family land for a new generation with changing views about health and the state's economy. Their stories are as varied as the wines and the landscape.

YES, IT CAN BE KID-FRIENDLY! Again, the views and the rustic, rural settings are fun and educational for children (especially suburban or urban dwellers) to see. Some tasting room staff will provide kids with grape juice. Most have a table where you can set your children up with a snack you bring with you. If your kids are well-behaved, there should be no problems. One of the most kid-friendly winery visits for us was at the Winery at Iron Gate Farms near Mebane, North Carolina (http://www.irongatevineyards.com/). They had coloring books, crayons, and apple cider for kids. Many winemakers are parents and grandparents themselves and love to chat with your kids.

A DESTINATION OR A "BREAK" FROM A LONGER TRIP. Sometimes, visiting a winery (not too far off the interstate) provides a much-needed, serene break from a longer trip (Drivers, just don't taste too much!). Restrooms are usually clean. The outdoor settings allow for some running around. There are almost always picnic tables or some type of outdoor seating.

GET A BROCHURE! Order or pick up a brochure for a state's wineries at the state welcome center. The North Carolina and Virginia guides provide a list of wineries, hours, descriptions, and directions.

HAVE FUN! Open your mind to exploring a new area, tasting something from the land, meeting new people, expanding your wine knowledge, and having some Frugal, Family Fun!

Coming soon: Shenandoah Wine Country, North Carolina Destinations, Winchester, Virginia Restaurant Surprise

Thanks for reading!!!

Don't Forget D.C.!

2008-07-28T14:38:00.001-04:00

Recently, my family and I spent a few days in our nation's capital. Don't forget this area if you are looking for Frugal, Family Fun! Many attractions such as the Smithsonian museums (http://www.si.edu/) and The National Zoo are absolutely FREE! There is also no charge to tour the White House (http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/tours/) or the Capitol Building (http://www.house.gov/house/tour_services.shtml#tickets); however, you should check on hours and restrictions before visiting.

The main attraction of our last visit was the zoo (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/). This is a beautiful place with varied, informative animal exhibits. We were even lucky enough to see the Pandas! Plan to spend one whole day or two almost whole days to see it all. Some exhibits close late in the afternoon. One tip for visiting The National Zoo is to pack your own snacks. Though admission is free, drinks and snacks can be quite pricey ($6.00 for a bottled water and a Diet Coke). The zoo park covers a lot of territory and requires a lot of walking, but most things are accessible. Though parking is available, the Zoo's website encourages the use of public transportation to get there. A Metro stop is right near the entrance on Connecticut Avenue.

A relatively easy drive from The Triangle, Washington, D.C. offers a lot to do and the chance to park the car and leave it until the trip home! My daughter loved the novelty of riding the Metro (http://www.wmata.com/) and walking around a more pedestrian city than what she is used to seeing. On this trip, we were able to stay right in the District of Columbia (because we were tagging along on a business trip with my husband); however, there are metro stops a good distance away from the city to the south with more affordable rooms. As long as you stay near a Metro stop or at a hotel with a shuttle to the Metro (or even near a commuter rail station), the city is yours! Metro day passes are very reasonable at $7.00 for the day (kids under six ride free with a paying adult). The Metro is also stroller friendly and even easy if you avoid rush hour. If you have a stroller or other accessibility issues, just look for the elevators near each Metro escalator and stop.

Another nice and sometimes forgotten attraction we saw was The Washington National Cathedral (http://www.cathedral.org/cathedral/). There is not a nearby Metro stop, but the Metro Bus goes there. We were lucky to find parking on the street as we were on our way out of town. This is a beautiful structure (FREE to visit--you may need to pay for parking depending on where you are) with a wonderful museum shop and gardens on the grounds.

There is so much to do in D.C. We are already trying to figure out a return trip!

I will put in one more plug for a place that may go against my emphasis on frugal accommodations. Our stay at The Omni Shoreham Hotel (http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/WashingtonDCShoreham.aspx?ysmchn=GGL&ysmcpn=branded+terms&ysmtrm=omni+shoreham&ysmtac=PPC&ysmgrp=Washington-DC-Shoreham&ps=branded+terms) was wonderful. We were fortunate to be able to stay there with my husband who was on a business trip. Obviously, this is a beautiful, historic hotel. The compliment I want to give the staff is about how we were treated. We are a family of four who do not usually stay in such upscale places. We drive a modest car, have less-than-stylish "luggage," and are not used to valet parking, bellhops, and the excellent level of service we received at this hotel. Even though we may not be as sophisticated as their usual guests, everyone at the Omni Shoreham treated us with the utmost respect and worked very hard to make our stay enjoyable. I want to say thank you to them for making this a trip to remember! We are even discussing splurging on staying there again!

Check back soon for some of my reflections on and tips about the Shenandoah Wine Country in Virginia, a great restaurant surprise in Winchester, Virginia, and some North Carolina destinations! Thanks for reading!

Outdoor Fun in The Triangle

2008-07-23T07:36:00.000-04:00

Here is a great idea for some outdoor fun close to home if you live in the Raleigh area! My family and I spent a nice Sunday afternoon recently at Umstead State Park in Raleigh, North Carolina (http://www.stateparks.com/william_b_umstead.html). We hiked and enjoyed some time in nature. We were even able to find enough "stroller-friendly" places to go. However, there are plenty of trails that offer more of a challenge. Stop by the very nice visitors center and pick up a trail map. Some other fun activities include picnicking, canoeing, fishing, camping, etc. The best thing...admission to the park is FREE! There is a small fee for boat rental. Though the park is located on Glenwood Avenue (Highway 70) near Brier Creek and the RDU Airport, we felt like we were far away from the hustle and bustle! Check it out!

Welcome to The Destination Guru's blog!

2008-07-03T11:04:00.000-04:00

Welcome! I am a busy working mother of two small kids. My husband and I earn a moderate income and like most other Americans are concerned about the rising cost of fuel, food, and just about everything else. As we make adjustments in our lifestyles to deal with more expenses and to try to help protect our environment, we don't want to sacrifice fun!

We have always (even before our kids were born) had an interest in "road trip" traveling and making the most of any trip without spending a huge amount of money. In the past several years (both with and without kids), we have had priceless driving trips to all kinds of places including Quebec City, Bar Harbor, The Finger Lakes, The Smokey Mountains, The Outer Banks, etc. (more on these trips and tips later). Though these long driving trips can seem more cost prohibitive these days, there are still ways to have fun closer to home and even take the occasional longer trip with a limited budget. Our kids will only be young once and we don't want to let the slowing economy keep us from instilling in them a sense of adventure and and interest in experiencing great American destinations!

I hope, as this blog evolves, to provide links to accessible attractions, tips for maximizing fun and minimizing cost, ideas for successful traveling with kids, etc. I also want to use the blog as a forum to thank publicly those businesses and destinations that provide great products, services, atmosphere, and experiences for our family. I hope eventually to hear from readers who want to share even more ideas.

Thanks for reading!

Check back soon for some tips and reflections on our most recent road trip including stops in Washington, D.C. and the Virginia wine country!

2008-07-02T10:02:00.000-04:00

This blog is under construction. Check back soon for some ideas for frugal, fun, family destinations.

Thanks!!!