What’s Included in Your Cruise (video)

Travel and cruise questions are some of the items that come into the TravelingMamas.com inbox. Recently, I answered this question on air with WAFB, a Baton Rouge area news station. One thing I realized during the interview is that the time was way too short to get all the juicy details mentioned. If you have travel questions you’d like answered on air, be sure to send me an email to Travel at WAFB dot com. If you’re planning your first cruise, these tips may help save you a few dollars.

Q: When travelers book a cruise, what exactly are they paying for?

Every cruise line is different, but most include the same basics – your cabin, meals (at certain restaurants and some cruise lines include room service), taxes, tea and water, some entertainment and limited child care. You can opt to book your shore excursions in advance and pay for gratuities ahead of time. This eliminates the bulk of your cruise costs so your can relax and not have to worry about major expenses.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when cruising?

Sitting by the pool and ordering drinks can really add up. So can the professional photo ops located around the cruise ship.

Q: Some families bring their kids on a cruise. What about childcare and kid’s activities?

First, be aware that all cruise lines (except Disney) do not change diapers, so if you’re little one isn’t potty trained, you cannot use the childcare onboard. Also, be sure to check with the cruise line before booking, but most do not allow children under 6 months of age to cruise. Kids clubs vary by cruise line, but those most conducive to families are Carnival Cruise Line (Camp Carnival), Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean. On sea days, kids activities are included in your cruise rate, but during the evening hours and port days there will be extra charges for the under 12 age group. Read what my teen and tween had to say about kids cruising on the Carnival Fantasy.

Q: Do you have any advice to help travelers save money or any tips when cruising?

Again, watch the alcohol intake. Check individual cruise line rules, but you ARE allowed to bring aboard a certain amount of soft drinks, bottled water, and limited bottles of wine or Champagne per cabin. Set charging limits for your children (or even yourself if you’re worried about overdoing it). For couples wanting to AVOID kids, choose a cruise line such as Princess (the Love Boat cruise line) for a romantic cruise or cruise when school is in session. A secret term in the industry is Dead Week – the week after Thanksgiving and the week after New Year’s. These are some of the best times to cruise as there are free upgrades, onboard credit specials, and all around deals. Be sure to check out ThemeParkMom’s tips for saving money on a cruise.

Q: What are some other resources for cruise tips?

Besides TravelingMamas.com, my two favorite cruise sites are CruiseDiva.com and CruiseCritic.com. If you’re searching for a way to give back while on your cruise, be sure to check out TogetherforGood.org and Cruise4Haiti.

Be sure to send your travel questions to WAFB.

The Olympic Peninsula may be the setting for the popular Twilight series, but it’s also a very family friendly destination. We’ve already written about the Top Twilight travel sites, but here are some other adventures that you may or may not know about. Oh, and let me know if you see Jacob or Edward running around! ~ CajunMama

A million acres of national park is an adventure in itself. A $15, seven-day pass covers entry to glacial peaks, alpine meadows, jigsaw-puzzle ocean shorelines and mossy rain forests.

1. Olympic National Park interpretive programs highlight areas through guided walks or campground evening programs amongst a tall stand of trees or within earshot of Pacific Ocean waves. Have you seen a squirrel café or heard about what lives under feet of snow during winter?
2.  Olympic Discovery Trail. This Rails to Trails project will ultimately stretch about 120 miles. It accommodates many types recreation – horseback riders, runners, walkers, wildlife watchers and cyclers of all skill levels.  The new Adventure Route is physically challenging, 25-mile ride.
3. Tidepools and sand castles – Find mysterious critters in tide pools. During low tides see starfish, sea cucumbers, crabs, sea anemones, and urchins. Sandy shores provide raw material for sand castle building. During the annual Arts in Action in Port Angeles, pick up building techniques from international sand artists competing for prizes.
4. Travel the “Magical Misty Tour” on the Olympic Peninsula Waterfall Trail. The Waterfall Trail offers year-round adventures and dramatic beauty, from the cliffs of Cape Flattery to the glacial fjord of the Hood Canal. There is a falls for every level of adventure. One can be seen from a paved, wheelchair accessible path, one can only be reached by kayak or raft, others require short hikes or can be seen from the car, while others require route finding skills or a backpack trip.
5. Explore World War II Forts - Three forts offer history buffs an opportunity to see where guns were located to protect Hood Canal. Check out Fort Flagler, the still-in-place bunkers or visit the museum at Fort Worden in Port Townsend.
6. Take a hike to the ocean in search of petroglyphs – A nine-mile, triangular hike (three miles into the beach, three miles along the beach, and three miles back to the trailhead) can be customized to your hiking level. Do complete nine-plus miles or opt to walk the northern trail to Cape Alava to see ancient petroglyphs.
7. Visit a Victorian Seaport  – Stay in Port Townsend to enjoy boutique shops and art galleries in historic downtown, one of three Victorian Seaports on the National Register of Historic Places.  Dive, snorkel, hike, sail, bike and kayak in the area. The authentic charm of this seaport with its maritime heritage had Sunset Magazine dub Port Townsend the “Paris of the Pacific Northwest.” Restaurants, bistros and cafes consciously choose delicious, local ingredients at their finest, fresh from the farm, field or sea.
8. Find some sweaters in an outdoor art museum? – Part of the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center, Webster’s Woods Art Park is a five-acre, outdoor art gallery featuring art in many mediums from metal sculptured ferns to a small field of knit sweaters to a large, walkable labyrinth. The Woods are open daylight hours year round and have recently added a tour with an art ranger. Downtown Port Angeles has a free Art on the Town guided walk. Come meet our award-winning Avenue of the People. 
9. Check out five really big trees  – The Quinault Valley has some really big living trees. The largest in world of their species are Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, Sitka Spruce and Mountain Hemlock. The Western Red Cedar is found after a short walk. Climb inside the trunk of this largest tree in the world outside California. (They have Sequoias and Redwoods, after all.) The Sitka Spruce is estimated to be over 1,000 years old and can be seen on an easy, five-minute walk. 
10. Look for vampires in Forks!  – There are organized Twilight tours to see fictional places from the Stephenie Meyers book series, but you can stop by the Forks Chamber of Commerce to pick up a free Twilight map for a  self-guided tour.  Photo op at a replica of Bella’s truck!
11. Lavender Fields Forever – Walk fragrant fields at over 40 farms in the Lavender Capital of North America™, Sequim. The U-pick season typically lasts from July to the first of October. America’s largest lavender festival is always held the third weekend in July.

Check out www.OlympicPeninsula.org to create your own itinerary. Simply put things of interest to you in the handy backpack to personalize your itinerary, or peek into the contents of others backpacks.

As summer temperatures heat up, so do family travel plans!  No place in Alabama offers more for families than the Muscle Shoals area, located in Colbert County.  A sparkling river provides the northern border of Colbert County, offering a mutitude of opportunities for fishing or hiking along riverside trails and in parks. The Freedom Hills on the western side provide a scenic contrast to the rich farmland of the Tennessee Valley (which takes its name from the River).  Hwy. 72 passes through the county (East to West), allowing travelers ample access to the three major cities: Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia and Sheffield.  

Just across the river, the city of Florence is also part of the Muscle Shoals region.  Together these quad-cities hold many attractions which may be enjoyed for little or no cost.  Some are listed below:  

Spring Park:  Main Street, Tuscumbia, (256) 383-0783 .  This historic park dates back to the early 1800’s.  It features the world’s largest man-made natural stone waterfall, Coldwater Falls, and fountain that is dedicated to the memory of Princess Im-Mi-Ah-Key, wife of Chickasaw Indian Chief Tuscumbia (for whom the town is named).  The fountain has 51 jets choreographed to lights and music.  The center jet of the fountain shoots 150’ into the air. The water show is each Friday, Saturday & Sunday night at dusk. Spring Park is also a great place for a picnic and to enjoy the playground. Families have traditionally brought children to feed the ducks and geese at Spring Park! The park offers a train ride, carousel, kiddie sized roller coaster and a splash pad.  The cost to enjoy these amusements is minimal.  Call (256) 383-1357 for more information.

Spring Park Light and Water Show: The fountain that is the focal point of the small lake at Tuscumbia’s Spring Park presents a spectacular display of 51 flumes of dancing water which jet 150 feet into the air.  Set to the famous music of Muscle Shoals and the music of famous Alabamians, the water show provides an enjoyable overview of our state’s musical heritage.  A medley of Patriotic songs is featured near some holidays, and Christmas music is presented in Dec.  The fountain show is presented at dusk on weekend evenings (and at other times), March – December.

Spring Park Market: Spring Park, Tuscumbia. Upscale farmers market runs for 16 weeks during June, July, August and September, (No Market during the week of the Helen Keller Festival). The Market is open on Thursday’s from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Live music is provided each week and a guest chef giving cooking demonstrations using the fresh produce and the specialty products available that day.

Coondog Graveyard: Directions: 7 miles West of Tuscumbia on US Highway 72, turn left on Alabama Hwy 247 and travel 12.8 miles, turn right (5 miles) and follow signs to attraction.  Cherokee.  256-383-0783 or 800-344-0783 . A unique tribute to man’s best friend, this park is located in the Freedom Hills of North Alabama.  Over 185 coon dogs have been buried at the site.  Visitors can enjoy reading the headstones, the flowing spring below the cemetery and perhaps the chatter of a squirrel or the song of a bird.  No Admission Charged.  Driving time from Tuscumbia is 30 min.

Historic LaGrange College Site Park and Pioneer Settlement:  7 miles east of Muscle Shoals, off Ala. 157, Leighton, 256-446-9324 .  Listed on the Alabama Historical Register of Landmarks.  Once the home of Indians and their legends, best known as the site of Alabama’s first College, now a park dedicated to recreating life on LaGrange Mountain.  Log buildings, including a barn, corn crib, home etc., are arranged to simulate a pioneer village.  No Admission Charged.  Tour time 30 minutes.  Welcome Center open Sunday (only), 1pm-4pm

Riverfront Park:  Alabama Ave.  Sheffield.  Riverfront Park, located along the south shore of the Tennessee River boasts boat launches, fishing piers, docking facilities, picnicking, gazebo and restrooms. Also home of the Boundless Playground, ramps replace steps, sand tables replace sand boxes, a game of tic-tac-toe can be played using Braille and rubber surfaces make wheelchair access easy.  A truly accessible playground for all children. 

Cane Creek Canyon: A 323-acre natural area, privately owned but open for the public to enjoy, Cane Creek Canyon offers canyons, waterfalls, rock shelters, and giant boulders.  Visitors to this wildlife preserve may enjoy the beauty of nature by hiking, camping, picnicking.  Self-guided tree identification lists are available.  Thousands of native azaleas, mountain laurel, and other wildflowers may be viewed along the 10 miles of hiking trails.  A four-wheel drive permits access for elderly or handicapped visitors.  Owned by Dr. James and Fay Lacefield, 251 Loop Road, Tuscumbia.  Drive out Frankfort Road for a little over 8 miles.  Turn right on Loop Road, and go 1/10 of a mile.  A gravel road extends straight ahead.  Follow this road for ½ mile.  

Natchez Trace: The Scenic Byway and All American Road consists of 441 miles operated by the National Park Service, stretching from Nashville, TN, to Natchez, MS.  Enjoy the 33 miles of the Trace that pass through Alabama in Colbert and Lauderdale Counties.  You might enjoy bicycling along the Trace or stopping to enjoy one of the nature areas, including Colbert Ferry Park and Rock Spring, where a short trail takes you to view a beaver trail and to witness the annual hummingbird migration in early fall/late summer.

Old Railroad Bridge: This bridge, which is today a pedestrian only bridge, is 1,580 feet long and 14 feet high and offers a spectacular view of the Tennessee River (Pickwick Lake).  The stone piers date to 1832 when they supported a bridge that was burned during the Civil War.  The bridge opened as a toll bridge in 1839.  For many years it was the only means of crossing the Tennessee River.  It later served automobiles on the lower level and streetcars on the upper level.  Access at riverside end of Ashe Blvd., Sheffield.

TVA Trail: Miles of hiking and nature trails are included within the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Reservation, where one may enjoy the sights, sounds, and scents of nature.  Wildflowers abound in the spring. Several locations offer lakeside overlooks.  Access the trail from the end of Ashe Boulevard, Sheffield, and at other TVA Park locations. 

Information provided for TravelingMamas.com by the Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau.

There are so many things to do in Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana. I have fun bringing my kids for a family trip and even recently took a solo trip for my full time job. It was wonderful to check out L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort and Spa. Nice place with a great pool area! ~ CajunMama

Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana abounds with adventures that are affordable for the entire family to enjoy. From an adventure in the great outdoors to a journey back to childhood at the Children’s Museum, there is something for everyone.

1. The Creole Nature Trail All-American Road offers up educational fun for the low cost of a tank of gas. Journey out into the marsh on this 180-mile driving trail where you can get nose to snout with the King of the Marsh, the American Alligator! The Wetland Walkway and the Blue Goose Trail offer paved walking paths that allow explorers to journey miles into the marsh and view wildlife up close, in their natural habitat.
2. Beaches along the Creole Nature Trail and the Gulf of Mexico allow visitors to swim, hunt for shells and even surf fish. Nineteen miles of uninterrupted beaches are the perfect site for a picnic lunch or to catch a sunset.
3. Catching fresh blue crabs on the side of the road is a favorite past time for many locals and visitors. Stop on your way down the trail and pick up some chicken necks, string and a dip net along with a ice chest to store your crabs and you are on your way to catching your own seafood spread for dinner. There are no license requirements for crabbing and several recreation areas along the Creole Nature Trail offer the perfect place to stop off and catch your feast.
4. Museums and art galleries offer and educational yet fun adventures for everyone. The recently remodeled three-story Children’s Museum offers hands-on fun for a reasonable admission fee. The Imperial Calcasieu Museum, the Brimstone Museum and the DeQuincy Railroad Museum all tell the story of the area’s history. The Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu celebrates Mardi Gras year-round with more than 250 complete costumes and talking, animated mannequins who tell the history of Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras.
5. Galleries with rotating art exhibits are located throughout Southwest Louisiana and offer no admission charges. Places like the 1911 Historic City Hall and the Black Heritage Gallery are a great educational experience as well.
6. Spraygrounds like those found at Adventure Cove and Prien Lake Park are free to everyone and offer up great, cool fun on the hot, balmy summer days in Southwest Louisiana. The Sulphur Parks and Recreation Water Park offers affordable, wet fun for everyone too.

For more information on all of these activities, log onto www.visitlakecharles.org.

I just love Las Vegas. I’ve been there with friends, I’ve visited for conventions like BlogWorld and New Media Expo, and it’s even a fun place for a Las Vegas family vacation. Las Vegas is pretty much a destination for everyone. – CajunMama

Some of the best things to do in Las Vegas are free!  With the bill coming to a grand total of zero dollars, these attractions give Sin City that much more bang for your buck.

• The Fountains of Bellagio are the astonishing, complimentary Las Vegas show of water, music and light.  This choreographically-complex water feature amazes guests time and time again with its collection of dynamic performances that are each unique in expression and emotion.  Fall in love with the stunning nature of this unprecedented aquatic accomplishment while relishing a clever concert of opera, classical and Broadway tunes.
• Take a walk on the wild side and visit MGM Grand’s one-of-a-kind Lion Habitat.  This is a showcase for public education and appreciation for this majestic creature.
• The Welcome to Las Vegas Sign is a great photo opportunity conveniently located on Las Vegas Boulevard on the south side of Mandalay Bay.  The sign is one of the most recognizable attractions in Las Vegas and has been an icon of Sin City since 1959.
• Turn up the heat at the new Volcano at The Mirage.  A $25 million renovation completed in 2008 reignited this Strip icon including a new original soundtrack by Grateful Dead percussionist Mickey Hart.  You’ll feel the heat from the street as the percussion rumbles and more than 120 FireShooters™ shoot flames and fireballs in the air.
• The CityCenter Fine Art Collection features works by acclaimed artists, sculptors and visionaries including Maya Lin, Jenny Holzer, Nancy Rubins, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, Frank Stella, Henry Moore and Richard Long, among others.  This is the first major permanent collection of art in Las Vegas to be integrated into a public space, and one of the world’s largest and most ambitious corporate art collections in existence today.
• The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens captures the essence of every season interpreted with exceptionally gorgeous plants, flowers and trees thoughtfully arranged to inspire full splendor.  To maintain magnificence 365 days a year, 140 expert horticulturists and engineers theatrically arrange large and unusual props along with fresh greenery uniquely for each season.  Let your imagination wander as you assume a leisurely stroll through fascinating natural specimens selected distinctively for Bellagio from all around the world.
• Experience the world’s largest permanent circus, highlighting the center stage of the Carnival Midway daily.  Be amazed at the aerial, juggling, contortion and trapeze artists in daily performances.

There’s no shortage of free things to experience in Las Vegas.  As an added bonus, hotels and casinos on the strip offer FREE self-parking and valet.  This means that exploring these top free attractions will be easy to access and even easier on your wallet.

For more information or to plan your visit, check out the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Last summer, ThemeParkMom and I attended Travel Media Showcase in Montgomery, Alabama. The last time I had personally visited this city was during my college search days and I must say, the place sure has changed! There are so many things to do and see in this southern US city, but for many of us who must watch our budgets, here are some free things to do in Montgomery, Alabama. – CajunMama

Montgomery, Alabama with its rich and tumultuous history, the Civil War and Modern Civil Rights Movement, is a wonderful city for tourist to enjoy.  The visitor can began their venture at the historic Union Station, which was declared a National Landmark in 1976 and houses the local Montgomery Visitor Center.  You can purchase a day pass for $1.00 and ride a trolley car with stops at all downtown attractions.  Among the many attractions that do charge a modest admission fee, there are 16 sites that are FREE and one that you may consider CHEAP ($2.00).

FREE ATTRACTIONS:

Blount Cultural Park – a 350 acre park is a lush oasis inthe middle of the city and is reminiscent of the English countryside.

Governor’s Mansion – built in 1960’s, this graceful mansionhas been home to the Govenor of Alabama since its purchase in 1950.

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama – the 2-million-square-foot manufacturing plant reside on 1,744 acres of land and includes a stamping facility, paint shop, vehicle assembly   shop,  a two-mile test track and an engine shop, where the all-new Hyundai 3.3 liter V6 engine is produced.

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts – This permanent collection includes examples of 19th and 20th century American paintings and sculptures, Southern regional art Old Master prints and decorative art.

Shakespeare Garden & Amphitheatre-Located within the Blount Cultural Park, is one of seven such gardens in the USA, which features plants and flowers mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays.

Historic Union Station – opened in 1898 and declared a national landmark in 1976.

Alabama Cattlemen’s Association “Mooseum” - hands-on children’s educational center has a unique agricultural theme.

Alabama Department of Archives and History – This Archivesisthe oldest state-funded Archives inthe nation and is housed in a beautiful marble building completed in 1940.

Alabama Judicial Building – The Alabama Judicial Building houses the Alabama Supreme Coutr, Courts of Criminal and Civil Appeals, the State Law Library and the Administrative Office of Courts.

Alabama State Capitol-One of the only state capitols designated a National Historic Landmark.  The Alabama State Capitol is where Jefferson Davis took his oath of office as President of the Confederate States of America.

Court Square Fountain – The fountain was built in 1885 over and existing artesian basin and was the trading post for the buying and selling of slaves during the Civil War.

Civil Rights Memorial-Water flows over a table inscribed with the names of those who died during the modern Civil Rights  Movement.

First White House of  the Confederacy - the house served as Jeffererson Davis’ home while Montgomery served as the Capital of  the Confederate States of America.

Hank Williams Statue-a life-size statue of the famed country music  legend, Hank Williams, stands across from the old city auditorium, the  site of many of his performances and later the site of the his funeral.

The gravesite of the famed country music legend Hank Williams and wife Audrey Williams.

Riverwalk Amphitheatre – the Amphitheatre, a sprawling grassy area on the banks of the Alabama Rier, is  perfect for picnics, concerts, movies, plays productions and more.

St. John’s Episcopal Church -  St. John’s was built in 1885.  During the Civil War, Jefferson Davis worshipped here and his pew is still marked.

CHEAP ATTRACTION:

Civil Rights Memorial Center – the Civil RIghts Memorial Center  expands  the experience of the  Memorial that honors the memor of those who lost their lives  during the Civil Rights Movements.

This information was provided by Triple E Group Services who designs itineraries and schedules visits to all local attractions free and those who charge an admission. Appointments are required for group visits to the  above attractions. For official visitor information be sure to check out the Montgomery, Alabama Convention and Visitor website.

Blairsville’s lakes beckon families for old-fashioned summertime fun - those lazy days of lounging on a sunny beach, showing off underwater handstands, and wolfing down a grilled picnic lunch so you can splash back into the lake, only to be told by Mom that you have to wait.

Located deep in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest amidst North Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Blairsville beckons families with abundant and affordable family fun at its pristine lakes: crystal clear 18-acre Lake Winfield Scott in Suches; the 4,180-acre Lake Nottely with 106 miles of shoreline, two marinas and public boat ramps; and the 20-acre lake and swimming beach at one of Georgia’s most beloved summer getaways, Vogel State Park. Find your family getaway at www.VisitBlairsvilleGA.com. 

On land, families can trek the 300-yard trail to Helton Creek Falls to see twin cascades set in a deep hardwood forest and head to nearby Brasstown Bald Mountain, Georgia’s highest elevation and one that offers a view of four states. They can follow the Misty Mountain Railroad - America’s largest 0-gauge train display with a 3,400-square foot layout featuring 14 Lionel trains - along 5,280 feet of track over 12 bridges and four trestles and through 15 tunnels; and find the unexpected at Sleepy Hollow, an enchanted fairyland of fanciful gardens, gnome homes, gypsy wagons and other dwellings where one might expect hobbits, gnomes and gremlins to live.

Blairsville has an abundance of free attractions, including Lake Nottely and Lake Winfield Scott, Vogel State Park (parking only), Historic Courthouse Museum (including the internationally renowned Margarita Morgan Miniature Collection), Downtown Sculpture Garden, Sleepy Hollow Fairy Houses, Trackrock petroglyphs, Misty Mountain Model Railroad (free for 16 & under), hiking/waterfalls, two alpaca farms and Brasstown Bald. Free summer festivals include Blairsville’s Fourth of July Celebration, the Butternut Creek Festival, which celebrates the arts of the mountain region, and the new Green Bean Festival with pageants, square dance, tractor show, quilting exhibit, storytellers, crafts, green bean pizza eating contest and more.

Blairsville has a charmer of a restaurant scene that includes pizza parlors, scratch-cooking cafés, pull-up-a-stool diners like the fun Aviator Café, palate pleasers like JB Roosters Wing House for its monster burgers, and the place all the locals know: The Sawmill Place, home of the mouth watering 32-ingredient Morning Glory muffin. Its lodging landscape was made with families in mind, with deluxe cabin accommodations with lots of elbow room for everyone – not to mention hot tubs, fireplaces, board games, even game rooms with pool table, dart boards and air hockey – tucked all over the county and with stunning views of woods and water.

TIP: Misty Mountain Model Railroad is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, May through December. Tours begin at 2 p.m.

ABOUT BLAIRSVILLE-UNION COUNTY

With four distinct seasons changing Blairsville’s rolling landscape - colorful spring, verdant green summer, blazing autumn and white winter, this authentic pre-Civil War community lives up to its promise: “Each Season Something New.” Located deep in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest amidst North Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Blairsville-Union County offers hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding; water sports on Lake Winfield Scott and Lake Nottely and at Vogel State Park, one of Georgia’s oldest and most popular state parks; unique attractions at historical Walasi-Yi Center, the Old Courthouse Museum and the Misty Mountain Model Railroad - America’s largest 0-gauge train display; art galleries, arts-and-crafts shopping and artists studios; a variety of restaurants; and mountain accommodations from primitive campgrounds to gourmet bed and breakfasts to luxurious cottages and cabins. This family-friendly burg hosts nearly two dozen festivals and events each year, including favorites Blairsville Scottish Festival and Highland Games in June and the annual Sorghum Festival at Meeks Park in October. Visit www.VisitBlairsvilleGA.com for more details.

Special thanks to Kathy Witt for providing this great post to help travelers plan affordable and budget -friendly trips. You can follow Kathy on Twitter @KathyWittLRC.

The historic maritime town of Astoria, Oregon is the oldest settlement west of the Rockies and will celebrate its bicentennial in 2011.  With many budget-friendly restaurants, free activities and various types of lodging, Astoria is perfect for a weekend getaway on the cheap.

For breakfast, head to the Astoria Coffee House for a grilled breakfast sandwich for $3.95 while using the free wireless internet.  Then, hike up the Cathedral Hill Hike through an old growth forest and climb to the top of the Astoria Column affording an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean and mighty Columbia River.  Back in town, listen to a free downloadable audio tour highlighting popular historic attractions and movie scene locations (via CD or iPod). The free tours are narrated by local experts who reveal little-known facts and help visitors relive past eras. After your tour, have lunch at cozy T Paul’s Urban Café for about $8. 

Next, get a dose of history at Fort Stevens State Park and explore abandoned gun batteries and relax among the miles of Oregon beaches, lakes and trails.  At low tide, walk through the remains of a shipwreck at Peter Iredale beach and watch oceangoing ships navigate the bar from the viewing platform at the South Jetty (all this for a $5 parking pass). 

For dinner, head to the Fort George Brewery.  Split a beer taster tray for $8 and the Sausage Sampler (four types of house-made sausage, three cheeses and flat bread) for $12.95.

After dinner, take a waterfront stroll along the Astoria River Walk.  If you find your feet getting tired, hop on the historic trolley for $1 (operates seasonally).

There are many lodging options for budget-conscious travelers.  With more than 600 camping sites, Fort Stevens State Park offers a place for a tent for just $18 per night.  Yurts offer a bit more comforts than a tent, and these domed structures include basic amenities from $30 per night. The Commodore Hotel has recently been remodeled and offers European style rooms starting at $69. The Rivershore Motel offers many amenities, including free high speed wireless internet, free continental breakfast, deluxe kitchen rooms and views of the Columbia River and Astoria-Megler Bridge, all for a modest price. 

This information was written by Christine Gerrie on behalf of  the Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact the Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-875-6807 or visit www.oldoregon.com

Have you ever been to Juneau, Alaska? It’s one of the destinations on my list of cities to visit. Heck, I’d love to take the kids along too! The following family-friendly list of free things to do in Juneau, Alaska’s beautiful capital city, can help make a family vacation more affordable. – CajunMama

1. Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area The Mendenhall Glacier is a tongue of ice stretching 12 miles from the Juneau Icefield to Mendenhall Lake. At its widest point, the glacier is more than a half mile wide, with ice 300 to 1,800 feet deep. The US Forest Service Recreation Area is also a place for black bear viewing during the between June and October.

2. Alaska State Capitol Building The state capitol building is full of interesting and informative tidbits about Alaska and its government. Self-guided tours can be conducted year-round, with guided tours available May-September.

3. Shrine of St. Therese and the Jensen-Olson Arboretum Located about 25 miles north of downtown Juneau, the Shrine of St. Therese and the Jensen-Olsen Arboretum a bit further out the road are beautiful, peaceful places to relax and reflect. Both present outstanding views of the water and mountains and are enjoyed by young and old alike.

4. Local Hiking/Walking Trails Juneau has over 250 miles of maintained hiking/walking trails with variety to meet every fitness level. From beach walks to mountain climbs, these free trails offer great access to the rainforest and to alpine meadows.

5. St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church For over 111 years, St Nicholas Church has been serving the Orthodox Christian faithful in Juneau and the surrounding areas. It’s classic onion dome and octagonal shape house amazing icons and artifacts.

6. Local Beaches The local beaches in Juneau offer a wide variety of experiences, from Sandy Beach in Douglas to the rocky shores of Lena Cove. Many offer picnic facilities (tables, fire pits, shelters, restrooms) while others are simply “do it yourself.” Popular beach activities include swimming, sunning, beachcombing, picnicking and tide pool exploration.

7. Salmon Spawning Streams Between July and September, many of the natural salmon spawning streams in the Juneau area are filled with salmon completing their natural life cycle, and it is certainly a spectacle to behold. While some fish these streams, most people just go to watch this amazing annual event.

8. Free Concerts From May-September, enjoy free concerts Friday evenings at Marine Park Plaza in downtown Juneau. At noon on Friday, attend free pipe organ concerts in the atrium of the State Office Building.

9. Downtown Juneau Historic Walking Tour Pick up a walking tour map from any visitors center and follow the path which takes you by all the major locations which played a part in the history of Juneau. The map contains information about each location and is easily completed in an afternoon.

10. Project Playground Spend the day at Juneau’s Project Playground, a community sponsored and constructed play area at Twin Lakes. Conceived by children for children and completed in the summer of 2008, this totally modern playground is on a beautiful lake setting and has picnic and restroom facilities nearby.

Special thanks to Elizabeth Artnett who submitted this article on behalf of the Juneau Convention and Visitors Bureau. If you’re even thinking of planning a visit, be sure to check out their official website - TravelJuneau.com

From its pristine lake to its mountain peak, Cumming-Forsyth County, Georgia welcomes families with affordable adventure at every altitude

Scenic Georgia 400, which runs from the outskirts of Atlanta to the front door of the  North Georgia Mountains, is also known as the ‘Hospitality Highway’ - and right in the midst of all that amity is the town of Cumming in Forsyth County. Although it is in spitting distance of the city, Cumming sits in the lower foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and feels more like Mother Nature’s personal stomping grounds. It is home to Sawnee Mountain, a 1,600-acre parks and recreation system, a six-mile stretch of the Forsyth County Big Creek Greenway, and 30 percent of Lake Lanier’s 600-plus miles of shoreline - and is the perfect place to take an old-fashioned summer family vacation with uptown élan. Visit www.cummingforsythchamber.org to see all the ways families are made to feel welcome.

With more than 200 miles of Lake Sidney Lanier’s fabled shoreline, there is plenty of boating and water fun to be had, including at Port Royale Marina one of only two marinas with boat rentals available to the public. Other Cumming-Forsyth County amusements: rafting, canoeing or tubing the Chattahoochee River; dropping a fishing line into the lake or river or visiting the Buford Trout Hatchery, a trout farm whose fish are raised to stock Lake Lanier; biking the six-mile stretch of the Forsyth County Big Creek Greenway; spending mad money at The Avenue® Forsyth; catching a children’s theatre production at History Cumming Playhouse; thumbing through the new and used books at Humpus Bumpus, a homey bookstore tucked inside an old brick house with fireplace, hardwood floors and sunlit children’s room; playing up to 27 holes of disc golf at Central Park; exploring Sawnee Mountain Preserve and its new Visitors Center on Sawnee Mountain, where the monumental bronze sculpture of Cherokee Chief Sawnee stands as a sentinel; and flying several thousand feet above the treetops with Balloons Over Georgia.

FREE Cumming-Forsyth County attractions include 17 parks with a variety of amenities, including playgrounds, sports fields, walking trails and picnic pavilions; the Forsyth County Big Creek Greenway; window shopping at The Avenue® Forsyth; trout fishing below Buford Dam; visiting the Buford Trout Hatchery; and touring the Cumming Fairgrounds with its antique steam engines and Indian Village. NOTE: The Fourth of July Fireworks and Steam Engine Parade is a free event with fireworks on Friday night (July 2) and the parade on Saturday (July 3) and featuring the largest antique steam engine parade in the Southeast.

Families can dig in at some fun eateries like Jim ‘n Nick’s Bar-B-Que and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (both at The Avenue® Forsyth), Coo Coo’s Nest, located in the hills at Lake Lanier and known for a comfy atmosphere, and Norman’s Landing, a charming fish-camp style log cabin restaurant. Families can tuck in for the night at Holiday Inn Express or Comfort Suites or one of several campgrounds, including Shady Grove, a 126-site that lives up to the promise of its name and where all hills lead right down to the water - that being the pristine Lake Lanier. 

You don’t need to pack much for an old-fashioned summer family vacation to Cumming, Georgia - just sneakers, sunscreen, swimsuit, souvenir money and sense of adventure.

TIP: ”The Music Man” runs July 9-31 at the Cumming Playhouse. Thursday Night Special – All tickets: $12.50. Friday, Saturday and Sunday matinee: $20/adults; $15/students, seniors, veterans and groups of 25 or more. Tickets may be purchased online: www.playhousecumming.com.

Special thanks to Kathy Witt of TravelinTales.com for providing this information to assist travelers in planning affordable vacations. You can follow her on Twitter @KathyWittLRC.