Top Ten of 2011

I can’t believe that we’ve come to the end of 2011 already. What a year it’s been! I thought I’d take a minute to share my most popular posts from 2011. You never know, they may just inspire you to plan something fun for 2012 and hopefully give you a few tips to save a bit of money along the way! 

1. Tips for a Smoother Traveling with Kids Experience

We’ve always traveled, from the time our kids were tiny. This post shares some of the tips I’ve implemented over the years to train my children to be good travelers.

2. Fun and Inexpensive Staycation Ideas for Mansfield, Ohio

At first glance, Mansfield may look like there isn’t much to offer but if you know where to look you’ve discover it’s the perfect spot for an inexpensive staycation.

3. Harmony Park Safari; a Hidden Gem in Huntsville, Alabama

We had spent two years traveling back and forth to Huntsville and lived there for a year before we found this amazing gem.   

4. Get More Bang for your Buck: Hotel Savings

Let’s fact it, it can be super expensive to travel so why would you want to blow your travel budget on lodging? This post gives you plenty of tips to save money on hotel costs.   

5. Ten Ways to Save on Prom Expenses

Last year was the first time we dealt with the expense of prom and we didn’t have one child attending- we had three! I wrote this post to show others some of the ways that we saved money and made prom a very affordable event.

6. Getting Started with Twitter

I love Twitter but have to admit that it was incredibly confusing when I first logged on. This post is my attempt to explain and simplify Twitter.     

7.  Ten Reasons You’ll Love Callaway Gardens

When my family was invited to Callaway Gardens, I had no idea what we were in for. I still imagine returning for a week long, family friendly adventure. Callaway Gardens is really some place special!

8. Samuel Boardman State Scenic Corridor

This may be my Top Ten list, but I didn’t write this post. Nope. This post was written by Barb from the ever-popular, if- you- haven’t- seen- it, you- must- visit- site, The Handbook of Nature Study. I have to say that after reading her guest post I certainly can’t wait to plan a trip to Oregon.   

9. Fort Wilderness Campground: Is It Really an Affordable and Enjoyable Alternative to Disney Resort Hotels? 

Our stay at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground certainly was memorable, but not in a good way. Thankfully, Disney stepped up and saved the night and it turned out not so bad after all.

10. Hiking Trails Near Huntsville, Alabama: Devil’s Racetrack near Wade Mountain  

One of the reasons we loved living in Alabama was that we were able to hike nearly anytime of the year. That allowed us to visit quite a few hiking trails. This is written from our experience to Devil’s Racetrack.

Thanks for reading The Traveling Praters! I hope you all have a very Happy New Year and can’t wait to see what 2012 has in store!

The Words that May Haunt Me Forever

            Blaster Boats at Callaway Gardens

There has been a time or two in my life that I have said something that I probably shouldn’t have said. Let’s just say that I’m not proud of the phrases that I’ve uttered that have shown my lack of intelligence.

This past weekend my family was having a fun time on the Blaster Boats at Callaway Gardens. We were all cruising around the lake spraying each other with water and trying to outrun each other pretending that we didn’t want to get totally soaked.

It was a great time and I really enjoyed it. But being the blogger that I am, after a few minutes I decided to head back to shore so I could snap some pictures and video of my family in action. As I made my exit, and headed back to the dock I called out these words over my shoulder to my family….

“…I’m going to head back to get a few pictures, don’t use up all your water until I get a few shots, okay?”

I had no idea why they started snickering. Really. I was clueless. And when they pulled back up to the dock and the boats hadn’t run out of water,  I was amazed. No kidding. I still hadn’t caught on. So they enlightened me.

Have you guessed why they were laughing at me? Are you laughing at me too? The boats don’t run out of water, they suck water up from the lake! Duh….I really did know that! What on earth was I thinking? “…don’t use up all your water….” 

As my daughter and I were heading to the Dollar General later that evening to pick up a few snacks I commented that her face hadn’t gotten sunburned at all and do you know what she said?

 “Why would it be, it’s not like I looked directly at the sun.”

It was my turn to snicker. And then she reminded me of the comment I’d made earlier in the day.

Yep. The words “…don’t use up all the water…”  may haunt me forever.

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The Blaster Boats are a brand new attraction at Callaway Gardens and are sure to be a hit for those looking for a bit of water fun. If you are at least 54” tall, you are free to zoom around Chickadee Lake blasting anyone and everyone in your path. Children that are under 54” tall are welcome to ride with a parent.  Life jackets are provided, and required for all riders.  

Each motor operated boat costs $10 plus tax for a half hour ride (admission to the gardens is extra).  You’ll find the boats operating until August 13th from 10 am until 6 pm on Sundays, 10 am until 8pm Monday- Thursday, and 10 am until 9 pm Friday and Saturday.

**Disclaimer: My family did receive complimentary tickets to ride the Blaster Boats. The words and comments expressed in this post are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Ten Reasons Why You’ll Love Callaway Gardens

Located in Pine Mountain, Georgia, Callaway Gardens is a special treat for the entire family. Whether you’re seeking some rest and relaxation amid the beautiful tranquil gardens and easy walking paths, or prefer a weekend of adventure, Callaway Gardens has just what you’re looking for. Here are ten reasons, you’re sure to love Callaway Gardens.

1.  The history buff in the family will enjoy learning about the history of Callaway Gardens in the Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center or visiting the Pioneer Log Cabin that was constructed of hand-hewn logs around 1830.

 

2. The beautiful gardens, walking and bike trails that wind through the wooded grounds are perfect for the nature lover in the family.

3. Young and old alike will love the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center and marvel with amazement at the 1,000 butterflies and moths you’ll see flitting about.

4. The Birds of Prey raptor shows are really something to see as the birds soar about unfettered at the Discovery Amphitheater.  

5. With jugglers, acrobats and high-wire acts, the FSU Circus is sure to entertain you.

6. The brand new Light Striker Laser Tag attraction will get your heart pumping!

7. The Blaster Boats are really a blast! 

8. Sun worshippers will love soaking up the rays at the world’s largest manmade white sand beach at Robin Lake Beach.   

9. If you love watching Wipeout, here’s your chance to get in on a tiny piece of the action. Aqua Island is a large floating challenge course for you to slip, slide and climb all over.    

10. The thrill seeker in your family will love the adrenaline pumping, heart thumping, TreeTop Adventure, a series of zip-lines built around an aerial challenge course that will literally have you swinging through the trees.

There you have it, ten reasons you’ll love Callaway Gardens and I haven’t even mentioned the fishing,  golf course, tennis courts or water skiing that’s available. There really is something for everyone.   

What do you think? Are you ready to plan your own getaway to Callaway Gardens yet?   

Pine Mountain

This post is linked to OhAmanda and her Top Ten Tuesday link-up. 

Disclaimer: My family was invited to Callaway Gardens, with a group of bloggers,  for an expense paid getaway to check out one of the newest attractions, TreeTop Adventure in exchange for sharing our experiences on my blog and on Twitter. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not influenced by Callaway Gardens. We enjoyed our visit so much that we extended our stay (at our cost) one night to make sure we didn’t miss anything.  Be sure to stop back later in the week as I share more detailed experiences from our visit.