We love to travel at TravelingMamas.com and we also love to give things away. What gets us jumping for joy is being able to give our readers a trip so they can experience a smidgen of what we get to do when we’re on the road looking for the best travel destinations to highlight here.

For the month of September, we’re celebrating the end of summer vacation with trip giveaways along the Gulf Coast. Each week we’ll announce a new trip giveaway, where readers can win one of many trips, including multi-night stays at various properties in Gulf Shore and Orange Beach, Alabama. We fully support visiting this oil spill affected area.

How to enter: Write a blog post about a recent summer trip and place the following text somewhere in your blog post – “This post is part of the TravelingMamas.com Tripapalooza Contest.” Be sure to link the term TravelingMamas.com back to this site. If you want your entry to count towards the giveaway, you’ll need to leave a comment on THIS POST with a link to your entry blog post. We’ll verify each post. You can write as many posts as you like and live anywhere in the world. You’ll get extra Karma is your post is about visiting the Gulf Coast. Don’t have a blog? We still want you to be able to enter. Just submit your story to TravelingMamas.com and be sure to leave a comment in this post that you submitted a story – Story Submission Form

Bonus Entries: Once you officially enter, you can get bonus entries for tweeting this post, liking us on FaceBook, or being a subscriber to our newsletter. Make sure you leave a comment for each bonus entry option to count. Good luck!

Winners will be selected randomly via Random.org. Prizes will be awarded throughout the month of September, with contest officially ending on the last day of the month. Former contributors of TravelingMamas.com not eligible to enter. Winners will be notified by email and will have 72 hours to claim their prize or will forfeit their prize, which will be awarded to a secondary winner. Prizes have restrictions, including blackout dates and expiration, determined by each prize sponsor. Legal name and physical mailing address must be provided to claim prize.

Comments will be rescued from Spam.

Prizes awarded include, but not limited to:

5 Nights at The Beach Club Gulf Shores, Alabama

3 Nights at a Brett-Robinson Gulf Shores, Alabama Property

3 Nights at a Meyer Real Estate Gulf Shores, Alabama Property

Good luck and happy blogging! Be sure to visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama’s White Sand Beaches, where we recently checked out the beaches and found them absolutely gorgeous!

Worried about oil in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach? Cultural travel blog, Hole in the Donut shared this profound video:

Recently, TravelingMamas.com as a collective visited Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama to assess the current oil spill situation at this tourist destination. We not only found beautiful beaches begging for visitors, but we also discovered a new favorite luxury resort along the Gulf Coast – Turquoise Place.

Turquoise Place offered to host our entire group in one condominium unit. We were housed in an ultra luxury four bedroom condo. The property is owned and managed by Spectrum Resorts and runs the condo facility like a hotel. I arrived first, along with my mother. When I drove up to the towering structure, I felt like Dorothy entering the Emerald City (well, the Turquoise City). The property has covered parking and loads of amenities. Here’s my take on the property and the unit we stayed in – 2101.

Unit 2101 Living Areas: This four bedroom, 4 1/2 bath condo is an end unit located on the 21st floor. It has two balconies, with one very large wraparound balcony with hot tub, grill, lounge and dining area. It overlooks both the Gulf and the Bay. The kitchen offers plenty of space and gadgets for the gourmet cook, including a restaurant grade refridgerator, two dishwashers, and a curved granit topped bar counter with seating for six. The coffee maker uses cone filters and there is an electric coffee grinder for fresh coffee. The dining area seats six and the living area is a contemporary casual decor with the latest electronics and a sleeper sofa. A wet bar offers wine cooler and ice maker. A wash room in the unit is large and offers the newest appliances in front loading washer/dryers.

Unit 2101 Sleeping Areas: The bedrooms are in a split layout with three bedrooms sharing a bay view balcony. Each one has its own full bath and large closet space. The master bedroom includes bed, sitting area, and desk. The master bathroom is larger than the bedroom, with oversized Jacuzzi tub for two (or maybe four) and large walk-in shower. There is a dressing area, double sinks, and the toilet area is Euro-friendly with bidet. The master closet is big enough to pitch a few tents in.

Common Areas: This property has workout facilities, three pools (one salt water, one regular, one indoor), a lazy river, steam room, sauna, onsite spa, tiki bar, and of course the beach. There is an outdoor play area for the little ones near the lazy river and a slide at the indoor pool. There are also meeting spaces and there was even a wedding going on during our stay.

Other Amenities: There was wifi in our condo. Parking is covered and there is 24 hour security at the entrance. The concierge service will have groceries waiting for you in your condo if you give them one week’s notice prior to your visit. There is a beach chair rental service.

Location: Turquoise Place is located on the eastern side of Orange Beach and Perdido Pass can be seen from the resort. It is close enough to Gulf Shores and area attractions and restaurants, yet far enough away for peace and quiet while listening to the waves crash on the shore.

Pros: This condo style facility has the conveniences and space of home while being set in a beautiful location. Do a bit of grocery shopping beforehand and you never have to leave unless you really want to.

Cons: There is no property shuttle and taxi service can be very slow and expensive. While we did have wifi in our unit, only my netbook would connect (the other mamas had connection issues). No onsite restaurant, but I hear that’s in the works, as well as shuttle service.

Great For: Family vacations, girlfriend getaways, couples trips, multi-family travel, grandcations.

My Mama Moment: I had two moments. One was sitting on the balcony sipping my favorite coffee and listening to the waves crash. The other was floating in the indoor pool, listening to the music that can only be heard underwater.

Special thanks to Spectrum Resorts for hosting our lodging and the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau for inviting us to experience their destination. I’ve personally stayed in many lodging properties along the Gulf Coast and can confidently state that this is one of the most luxurious condo facilities in the Orange Beach area.

Orange Beach

People travel for different reasons. Many people travel to get away from their problems at home (well, that’s what one of my grandmothers says, the one who never goes anywhere. Ever). Others travel to explore their minds as they explore new cultures and see places many people only dream about. For me, it’s all about the balcony moments.

Don’t get me wrong, I do love to get outside of my hotel and see the destinatiosn and experience the attractions, food, and personalities that make them all unique. However, my favorite part of travel, and probably the main reason I travel, is to sit outside in the early morning before most of the world awakens, sip some coffee, and think about life.

I’ve been on some amazing balconies, in places I could only read about in books when I was growing up. This year, I’m spending my birthday morning on a balcony at Turquoise Place on Alabama’s Gulf Coast to show support for a tourist destination affected by the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. My mom traveled with me, and I’m waiting on some other traveling mamas to join me later in the day. It’s been a crazy year of being 36 and I’m excited that 37 has arrived. I can’t wait to raise funds this evening for sea turtle conservation.

I’ve been sitting on the balcony reading all the birthday wishes on my Facebook page and feeling very, very loved right now. Here are some photos from my favorite balcony moments from my travels. I have a feeling that as the weekend progresses, I’ll be having a few more balcony moments, this time with friends. What are some of your favorite balcony moments? I’d love to know.

Some female loggerhead turtles travel 1,000 miles and beyond each year to nest. Talk about your traveling mamas! This year, has been even more of a challenge for these mama sea turtles, as the oil spill and oil spill cleanup crews are affecting their ability to nest on Gulf Coast shores.

So we’re headed to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, this weekend to raise some money to help our fellow traveling mamas out. Friday night, we’ll be at a tweet-up to benefit Share the Beach.

We would love to see you at Live Bait at the Wharf from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday night. We’re asking just $5 for tickets, and those proceeds all go to our charity.

All the details are on our #mamas4mamas page.

But what if you can’t come?

We’ve set up a tweetup page for donations only if you could spare the $5 (or more!) but don’t need a ticket.

And many companies are coming up with special products and other creative ways to help the people and wildlife affected by the Gulf Coast Oil Spill. Here is a sampling:

Abita SOS, A Charitable Pilsner: I’ve never had a “charitable pilsner” before, but that’s exactly what Abita Brewing Company is brewing up in Louisiana these days. Abita has set up an SOS (Save our Shore) fund to help the environment, industry and individuals affected by the oil spill. Seventy-five cents from the sale of every bottle of Abita SOS beer will go to the fund, and t-shirts and other items are also available, with proceeds going to the charity.

Rescue Bandyz – Gulf Coast Edition: Those shaped silicone wristbands on every child’s arm (and every teacher’s “most-hated” list) now come in the shapes of sea animals and the Gulf Coast states in a special edition of Bandyz. Two dollars from the sale of each pack of Rescue Bandyz goes to Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research to help with the rescue of wildlife affected by the spill.

KC Tees: This Latina-inspired line of T-shirts has kicked off a campaign to donate 20 percent of the proceeds from every “Unity” and “Peace” tee sold to the National Wildlife Federation. You can find the inspirational line of KC Tees exclusively online.

Oil Drop Necklace: Jewelry designer Joan Hornig has created the Oil Drop Necklace, and a whopping 100 percent of the proceeds from the necklace will go to charity. The sterling silver pendant comes on an 18 inch silver chain and sells for about $50.

Desktop Reference Books: Author Sandra Lamb is donating 10 percent of her proceeds from the sale of three books – “How to Write It,” “Personal Notes,” and “Write the Right Words” – to the National Audubon Society’s rescue fund for Gulf Coast birds. These books help you write everything from a resume to a thank-you note. You can find them at online and neighborhood bookstores.

Southern Comfort: From now through the end of October, Southern Comfort will donate $1 every time someone sends a virtual gift to a friend on Facebook and 25 cents for each bottle of Southern Comfort sold, up to a total of $200,000. The money will go to the Gulf Relief Fund to support the well-being of fishermen, wetlands and wildlife.

Yellowfin Tuna Three Ways at Walt Disney World's California Grill

If your idea of dining at theme parks is a fast-food burger and fries from an outdoor stand, you might be surprised to find that a Walt Disney World vacation can include fine cuisine and many unique dining experiences. There are hundreds of dining options at the Walt Disney World resort. During my family’s multiple visits each year, there are some favorite restaurants that keep us coming back again and again.

Reservations are strongly recommended for all of these top Disney World restaurants. They can be made up to 180 days in advance on line or by calling (407) 939-3463. Six months in advance may seem like overkill, but during the busy season, seatings do fill up several months early, so it’s best to book your Disney dining as soon as you can.

Here are my picks for the best restaurants in Walt Disney World:

California Grill is the classic fine dining restaurant at Walt Disney World, offering California Fusion cuisine and spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Sea Lagoon.
Where: Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Menu highlights: Yellowfin Tuna Three Ways, Maine Lobster Risotto, Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Zinfandel Glaze and the cheese board, which changes frequently.
What I love most: Watching the fireworks explode over Cinderella Castle at the end of a wonderful meal

At Todd English’s bluezoo, you can dine on “coastal gourmet” dishes in a gorgeous restaurant designed to make you feel like you are underwater.
Where: Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort
Menu highlights: Berbere Spiced Swordfish, Tempura Haricot Vert and the Mai Tai Banana Cream Tart
What I love most: The creative cocktails, which change frequently — bacon whiskey, anyone? — and the free child care offered at Camp Dolphin while you dine.

Citricos serves a frequently changing menu of Tuscan, Provencal and Spanish cuisine in the regal surroundings of one of Disney World’s finest hotels.
Where: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Menu highlights: Arancini (Crispy Risotto with Italian Sausage and White Truffle Aioli), Goat Cheese Truffle Salad and Braised Veal Shank with a Toasted Citrus Gremolata
What I love most: The extravagance of dining on a specially designed menu in Citrico’s private Chef’s Domain room.

The best breakfast at Walt Disney World is at Kona Cafe, which offers American fare with a few Asian and Polynesian twists.
Where: Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Menu highlights: Tonga Toast (banana-stuffed sourdough French toast coated in cinnamon sugar) and The Samoan (poached eggs and hollandaise over pulled pork hash)
What I love most: 100% Kona coffee served in a French-press

The Wave is all about healthy, sustainable eating at Walt Disney World. It’s a great place for a lighter dinner after all the vacation “treats” we tend to consume.
Where: Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Menu highlights: Five-Spice Chicken Lettuce Wraps and the sustainable fish of the day, served with a Cilantro Chutney
What I love most: The wine list, which features many unusual Southern Hemisphere wines to discover.

Dining in venues where Disney characters visit your table is a classic Walt Disney World experience, and The Garden Grill is my choice for the best character meal at Walt Disney World.
Where: The Land pavilion inside the EPCOT theme park
Menu highlights: Family-style meal including grilled flank steak, roast turkey and vegetables grown in The Land’s greenhouse.
What I love most: Watching little faces light up as Mickey Mouse appears to give warm hugs and pose for pictures.

The menu changes seasonally at Jiko – The Cooking Place, which successfully combines African and Indian flavors with Mediterranean cuisine in one of the most beautifully decorated restaurants at Walt Disney World.
Where: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Menu highlights: Tibs Watt in Pannekoeke (beef-stuffed crepes with an olive tapenade), Braised Beet Salad with goat cheese and Spiced Crusted Tuna
What I love most: The specialty tea menu, which includes a flowery Earl Grey, Pear Tree Green Tea and a whole-fruit Tisane

At Kouzzina by Cat Cora, you can watch your food prepared in the giant open kitchen and dine on Greek and Mediterranean favorites.
Where: Disney’s Boardwalk
Menu highlights: Cinnamon Stewed Chicken, Char-grilled Lamb Burger and Sauteed Brussels Sprouts
What I love most: The wine flights offered here, which allow you to taste three great wines for around $15.

Wise-cracking servers dish out home cooking from mom’s kitchen  at 50’s Prime Time Cafe, where the dining is all about the experience.
Where: Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park
Menu highlights: Mom’s Old-Fashioned Pot Roast and Aunt Liz’s Golden Fried Chicken (both served with mashed potatoes, of course!) and the PB&J milkshake
What I love most: The banter between servers and guests, who are told to keep their elbows off the table and eat their vegetables

Teppan Edo offers dinner and a show, as a traditional Teppan chef cooks your meal tableside.
Where: Japan pavilion inside the EPCOT theme park
Menu highlights: Filet mignon, shrimp, chicken and other Teppan-yaki favorites, grilled with vegetables and Udon noodles
What I love most: The Japan pavilion is one of the prettiest places in the World Showcase, and the kids in our party always love this dining experience.

We’d like to welcome our newest contributor, CarolinaMama. Her first post comes from the heart. Welcome aboard, CarolinaMama! ~ CajunMama

This weekend I received a very significant package from New Orleans.

Care packages from home have always represented my heritage.  Cafe du Monde, Community Coffee,  Zatarain’s Cooking Necessities,  Laura’s Pralines.  Not to mention my Mother’s homemade cookies, candy and real coffee that made their way to my dormatory at the University of South Carolina during my college days.

Today, this package was different.  This package represented a cause -  the cause representing a specific problem to, be exact: The thing called the Oil Spill.  Hand written were the words, “Come Visit Soon!”

Opening the package, my heart melted seeing the “Save Our Coast!” Tee Shirt from home.  I could feel the pride and love in the offering. It represents everyday folks seeking ways to Save their Coast and continue to thrive in their land.

A long five years ago, Katrina blasted our homeland.  The recovery was still cranking along.  Then came “the Oil Spill.” Now, the waters were tainted greatly.  And this tee shirt… a cotton tee shirt said it all.

The Spirit of the Gulf Coast.  The “Joie de Vive!”  Love of life that so embodies those who live and love there.  It’s the spirit of the people that love their land.  And that spirit comes through on the face of a tee shirt across the miles.

Yes, I shed a few tears opening up the tee shirt and reading the inscription “When I Fall, I shall Arise.”  Micah 7:8 That’s just the thing, the people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast may fall or have a set back, yet they will rise again!

My mind wondered back to the most beautiful beaches in the world!

Yes, the Gulf Coast has a white sand that even the South of France can’t compete with on a good day.  The beauty of the Azure Blue Seas is breath taking and the contrast is amazing! A little of heaven on the Coast!

The Traveling Mamas is a travel blog concept created by travel writer Shannon Hurst Lane to inspire women to get out there and explore the world — whether that means vacations with the kids, “soul-oh” trips, girlfriend getaways or romantic escapes.

Today we want to inspire you to get out there and “Save Our Coast!”  Reach out and explore this most amazing part of our country especially at a time when a hand from a friend means the world.   It’s sure to be an inspirational travel time and helps Save a Coast one hand and one hug at a time.

Warmly,

CarolinaMama

With the recent travel alert issued by the U.S. State Department, many travelers have been second guessing their vacation to Jamaica.

While I am not one to take travel advisories lightly, I do my research and make my decisions accordingly. In this case, the U.S. State Department advised Americans to be cautious when traveling in and around Kingston, Jamaica.

No foreign travelers were harmed in any of the civil unrest that was taking place in an isolated area of Kingston back in May. In fact, Kingston is quite a distance from the three main tourist destinations– Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril.

I traveled across the northern coast of Jamaica this past week and not once did I feel unsafe in any area- day or night.

I believe Jamaica is as safe as any other destination as long as you are aware of your surroundings.

• Only take a taxi with a red license plate (means they are insured)

• Travel in groups when possible

• Avoid wandering the streets at night

• Book tours and excursions directly though your hotel or other reputable sources

• Leave your valuables at home, only carry the amount of cash for what you need

Because of the recent activity in Jamaica, there will be some excellent travel deals from now until the end of the year. It’s a great time to take advantage of these offers at some of the best all-inclusive resorts. Whether you are traveling with your family or on a romantic getaway, Jamaica has something for everyone.

Special thanks to the Jamaica Tourist Board for hosting my visit. For more travel advice and inspiration be sure to check out TravelingMamas.com travel tips and MommyMusings.com.

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.

I don’t know about you, but I love to eat when I travel. Food is such an important aspect of travel. It gives us a sense of place and the culture behind the destination. I’ve said before, that here in Louisiana we don’t eat to live, we live to eat. Our culture is that a meal isn’t just for sustenance, but for enjoyment and entertainment. That’s right – entertainment.

In other areas of the world, food is also enjoyed in the same way. I sometimes think that we eat way too fast in the United States. We don’t savor the aromas of the food we eat or take the time to let the various flavors delight our tastebuds. Just think of all the memories we associate with food! One aspect of a meal I’ve never considered is how it actually gets to my plate, from farm to table.

I was invited by the Cherry Marketing Institute for an immersion trip into the world of cherries. I wrote about the health benefits of cherries a while back and how they contain melatonin, which can assist with alleviating jet lag. It only made sense that I would accept this invitation and learn more about this little juicy fruit that looks so pretty in pictures.

The experience is one I’ll never forget. It took place in Traverse City, Michigan coinciding with the National Cherry Festival. Michigan never was really on my radar as a must-see destination, but after witnessing with my own eyes, the natural beauty of the northern part of this state, I strongly recommend northern Michigan as a destination for anyone. And, now I can say that I’ve seen Lake Michigan.

If you’ve ever wondered just where that cherry in your cocktail or cherry pie came from, chances are it came from Michigan  – producer of 75% of all cherries consumed in the US. I learned that there are so many varieties of cherries, with some sweet and some tart. Plus, they’re healthy for you, too. I’m on my own personal cherry diet and so far so good. I’ve been sleeping so good at night, my energy is higher, and I’ve even lost a few pounds in the past week by drinking Montmorency tart cherry juice concentrate produced by Shoreline Fruits under the Cherry Bay Orchards brand.

Before partaking of this super fruit, I was taken on a tour of the Gregory Family Farm which grows, harvests, and packages this fruit, as well as other fruits (including apples for Gerber). We walked through the rows of tall trees, many with the fruit still hanging from the limbs. Our group also observed the actual harvesting and I even had a chance to shake a cherry tree. Yes, heavy machinery was involved! When no one was looking, I picked a cherry off one of the trees and tasted a tart cherry like I’ve never tasted it before. It was plump, juicy, and had an explosion of flavor that I won’t easily forget. I wanted to stake a tent in that cherry orchard and just live off of the cherries. Fortunately, Mrs. Gregory treated us to apres-tour goodies made with these delicious cherries.

For more stories related to this experience, be sure to check out posts from some of the wonderful bloggers I met:

• Matt Armendariz – MattBites.com
• Kathryn Hill – The Kitchn
• Doniree Walker – NomadicFoodie.com
• Chef Nathan Lippy – NathanLippy.com
• Dina – NutritiousFeast.com
• Rachel – A Southern FairyTale
• Gloria Tsang, RD – HealthCastle.com
• Dr. Wendy Bazilian – WendyBazilian.com

Special thanks to the Cherry Marketing Institute and the Gregory Family for hosting this immersion experience. To find out more on the health benefits of cherries, check out ChooseCherries.com.

2010 is the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway – 469 miles of scenic roads that connect the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah Valley National Park in Virginia.

The road construction began in 1935 as part of FDR’s New Deal job creation efforts, and I am so appreciative of the visionaries who thought to preserve the gorgeous waterfalls, upland meadows and forests that make up the terrain.

It’s one of the best drives out there for families, and here are my Top 5 reasons why:

1. You have to slow down.

No, really, you have to slow down. The speed limit on much of the parkway is 45 miles per hour, and with all the curves in the road, you couldn’t speed if you wanted to. This forced slow-down is great for all the too-busy, stressed out among us (i.e. ME). There’s no hurrying, so you may as well take a deep breath and take in that gorgeous scenery.

2. Scenic overlooks abound.

There are places to stop every few miles along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Some serve as hiking trailheads, and others have great little picnic spots.

3. Cell phone service is spotty.

That’s not something I would usually count as a blessing, but in this case, it means several hours with no calls from the office and no new e-mails coming in. And the teens in the car can’t spend all their time texting or on Facebook. Plus, radio stations are hard to come by. No radio + no cell phone service means your family will actually have to engage in a conversation together. A lengthy one.

4. Tunnels!

What kid (or adult, for that matter) doesn’t love to drive through a tunnel? There are tons of them on this mountain drive.

5. There’s a mountain everyone can climb.

Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississppi, and it’s also one of the easiest to climb. Just turn off the parkway at Mount Mitchell State Park in North Carolina, and drive until the road ends. From there, it’s just a 680-yard walk to the summit (and there’s a snack bar and restrooms, to boot!).

There are many 75th anniversary activities planned throughout the summer and fall in communities adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway. I encourage you to drive a piece of it on your travels – whether it be 10 miles or all 469, it will be worth it.