ML Interest Tag: gift-store

Drive to Distraction: 7 Roadside Spots to Stop in Georgia

by Phebe Wahl

Summer snuck up on us, and it is almost time to hit the road for your family adventure. Before you load up the van, read up on these area attractions that are not to be missed. Visit them as a pitstop, or make a day trip to see some of the most unique sights in the state.

Tank Town USA
If you are craving some crazy excitement, or just have always wanted to see a Tank up close—Tank Town is your spot. They pride themselves on being the “ultimate heavy equipment playground.” One of their professional instructors will guide you through a 5 acre course. Adventure packages range from tank driving to car crushing. Don’t forget to check out the many military vehicles they offer for sale.  Even if you’re not in the market (would be cool for the carpool line thigh, eh?), just taking a look is worth the trip.

Find It: 10408 Appalachian Hwy Morganton, GA 30560

World’s Largest Peanut Monument
In 1995 the Georgia State Legislature named the peanut the state’s official crop, so this monument is perfectly fitting. You don’t have to worry about allergies here, so enjoy taking a peek at this 20-foot tall monument. There’s a plaque on the brick base that says it was built in 1975, designed by A.R Smith, Jr. and dedicated to the memory of Nora Lawrence Smith who was a member of the Georgia Journalism Hall of Fame.

Find It: Just off 75 at 300 Sylvia Dr. Ashburn, GA 31714

Babyland General Hospital
Admission is free, so why not stop by for a visit. Babyland General Hospital is a great place to enjoy with kids of all ages. The hospital is in the hometown of Xavier Roberts, who was the creator of the Kids.  Sitting on 650 acres of gorgeous land this 70,000 square foot “hospital” is filled with thousands of hand sculpted Cabbage Patch Kids to adopt. Check out the waiting room to take a look at some high valued collector kids.

Find It: 300 N. O.K. Dr. Cleveland, GA 30528

Lunch Box Museum
Miss your favorite metal lunch box? Revisit the past at Allen Woodall Jr.’s Lunch Box Museum! The museum is just one room, but it’s big and lined with shelves of lunch boxes that are alphabetically placed. There are too many to count, (find your favorite from your school days) but Woodall says the number is in the thousands.  Feeling especially nostalgic, head to the barter room where duplicate boxes are displayed for trade or sale.

Find It: 318 10th Ave., Columbus, GA

The Big Chicken
A cool Georgia landmark is the 56 foot tall Big Chicken.  Its beak and eye both move! The chicken was first built in 1963 to advertise Johnny Reb’s Chick Chuck and Shake restaurant.  The chicken was restored in 1996 and is now housed on top of a KFC. Stop by the gift shop for Big Chicken souvenirs.

Find It: 12 Cobb Pkwy. NE, Marietta, GA

Stature of Liberty Replica
Visit the Lions Club built replica of the Statue of Liberty. It was crafted in 1986 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the original. The statue is a 1/12 scale version and made with stuff they found lying around town. Her torch hand is made from a large insulated electrician’s glove. Stop by at night to see lady liberty illuminated by spotlights.

Find It: US Hwy 341, McRae, GA

World of Coca-Cola
Stop by the World of Coca-Cola to learn all there is to know about the history of your favorite drink. With a lot of amazing exhibits for the whole family to enjoy, it’s truly worth the trip. They are open from 10-5 everyday. Stop by the café, gift shop and the Coca-Cola Freestyle fountain to get the whole experience.

Find It: 12 Baker St. Atlanta, GA 30313

What whacky sights does your family like to see in Georgia? Share with us in the comments section below.

—Jessica Obenschain

Photos courtesy of Roadside America, Tank Town USA via Facebook, betz macgeish, Angela M.O, Robert Kimberly, Kendrick Shackleford, James Reddish, anitag13, and Mark Small on Flickr via Creative Commons

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Your Insider’s Guide to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

by Cherie Gough

Does this sound familiar? You want to take your kiddos to a museum for an enriching learning experience. But before you know it, the only words out of your mouth are, “Don’t touch,” and you cringe at the bought of a potential meltdown. The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is the perfect spot for kids to knock things around and go wild; and you don’t have to say a thing. We’ve explored the museum and give it two thumbs up for the budding scientist or curious adventurer who wants to put his hands on everything.

Permanent Exhibits
The Fleet is home to several exhibits that encourage budding scientists to build, tinker, imagine, invent, and more. Here’s what in store when you visit this Balboa Park hot spot.

Invent!
For a hands-on creative experience, head to the Tinkering Studio on the first floor where you and the little ones are encouraged to make a collaborative craft such as a marble roller coaster using mostly recycled materials. The studio is organized around a monthly theme. Look for Halloween-themed projects in the fall. This area is perfect for the whole family to play together and is open for exploration every day except Saturday mornings when special workshops are held. This area will expand in the winter with even more more ways for kids to put science in their own hands.

Insider’s Tip: The Tinkering Studio is popular with school groups on weekdays. Try heading here around lunchtime if it’s packed when you first arrive.

Journey Through a Cell!
A highlight in the Cellular Journey exhibit is an scooter that works like an interactive video game in which kids’ movement directs the journey into a cell on a big screen. Take your kiddos inside the human body and journey into a cell and learn some $10 words to drop into dinnertime conversation later.

Insider’s Tip: Because this experience is like a video game, it’s popular with kids of all ages. Coax your little ones around the corner to play with a microscope or a plinko game about cells and then come back.

Photo Credit: Cherie Gough

Build and Imagine
Your little engineer will love using the wooden KEVA blocks at the Blockbusters exhibit building towers, bridges, and maybe even a double-decker couch. Who can resist building together with their kids? It’s not just for the little ones, mom!

Head upstairs if you’re bringing the littlest members of the family. Kid City was designed for the 2 – 5-year-old crowd in mind. Young explorers are sure to enjoy the highlight of this exhibit — the ball wall where balls shoot up a tube and fall to the eye’s delight as kids turn cranks and learn about cause and effect. Little imaginations can run wild in the market where kids pretend to shop, check out, count, and sort their groceries into food groups. Climb into the firetruck or play red light, green light with newfound friends as they drive a car.

Dive Deep into a Movie Experience
The Fleet’s IMAX is state-of-the-art and school-aged kids will enjoy the nature and space-based films throughout the year. At only 45 minutes each, the length of the movies and the wraparound screen are sure to hold their attention. Titles change often so check the schedule for a movie that will interest your kiddo.

Family Science Saturday
Each Saturday afternoon, the Fleet offers free workshops with admission. Family Science Saturdays are designed to engage every member of the family in fun, hands-on science without the mess in your own kitchen. Preschoolers can explore a science activity and an exhibit in the gallery with a parent through a Young Scientists workshop that meets for a four-week thematic class. Upcoming themes include Halloween and wintertime.

School-age scientists can delve into science by joining the Tinkerers’ Club for a day every Saturday morning. Students of science will love building an exciting project such as a solar powered car. Each activity is designed to match the creator’s ability level and can be enjoyed by both the inexperienced and sophisticated science whiz.

The Saturday Science Club for Girls is a 2-hour workshop held monthly. It’s focused on encouraging 5th – 8th grade girls to engage in creative and fun science activities with mentor educators.

Photo Credit: Cherie Gough

Smart Ways to Save Money at the Fleet
There are several ways to save a few dollars as you visit one of Balboa Park’s most popular museums. If you plan on visiting regularly, it pays to consider a family membership. Membership for the whole family is $69 for gallery entrance only, or $109, which includes eight IMAX passes to use throughout the year. Members also enjoy discounts every day to the cafe and gift shop, and to workshops and camps.

  • Students with an “A” or “Advanced” on a report card in the past three months get in free with a paying adult.
  • Local teachers in K-12 schools get in free with a school ID upon completing a survey.
  • San Diego County residents can enjoy free admission on the first Tuesday of each month.
  • Kids are free every day during October.
  • The Fleet also offers discounts to active military and seniors.

Good to Know
The Fleet is located next to the fountain in Balboa Park. Bring a lunch and you’re sure to find a seat. And don’t forget to visit the gift shop! It’s a great place to buy an inexpensive learning toy to appease pleading little ones.

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
1875 El Prado
San Diego Ca
619-238-1233

Online: rhfleet.org

What’s your kiddo’s favorite thing to do at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center? Tell us in the comments below!

– Cherie Gough

Photos courtesy of the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center unless otherwise noted

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Go Big: The District’s Amazing Super-Size Exhibits

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Little one growing up too fast? Then take her to these larger-than-life exhibits and displays that’ll put their pint-sized bodies into perspective. You might even feel small standing next to dinosaurs, space shuttles, and a giant! Tip: Bring an ice pack because you’re gonna need to soothe all of those craning necks!

Newseum
This unlikely place for jaw-dropping attractions will surprise you with eight 12-foot sections of the Berlin Wall (weighing 30 school buses) and a 3-story tall antenna that was atop the World Trade Center. Visit soon because up to four kiddos get in for free with each paid adult through Labor Day!

Cost: Adults/$22.95; Kids/Free (through Labor Day)
555 Pennsylvania Ave., NW (Archives)
888-639-7386
Online: newseum.org

National Harbor
Can your tyke help the giant free itself from the banks of the Potomac River? That is, if she can reach its fingertips that reach almost two-stories into the air! Just beware, this 5-piece sculpture sits in a giant sandbox so be ready for some clean-up before heading out. While at National Harbor, be sure to check out another big sight, the Capital (Ferris) Wheel.

Cost: Free
165 Waterfront St. (National Harbor, Md)
Online: nationalharbor.com

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Let the tots journey to a new frontier, exploring the biggest attraction of all—outer space. The only small item at this museum is the entrance fee (it’s ZERO). There’s full-sized planes, jets, and a full-sized replica of the Voyager spacecraft at the D.C. location and the Discovery Space Shuttle at the Virginia location. Right now, catch Big Bird’s Adventure in their IMAX theatre on a screen that’s 5-stories tall!

Cost: Free
Independence Ave. at 6th St., SW (L’Enfant Plaza)
202-633-2214
14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy. (Chantilly, Va)
703-572-4118
Online: airandspace.si.edu

National Building Museum
Ever wonder what it feels like to be a mouse? Then get lost inside the BIG Maze! Play a game of Marco Polo or navigate your crew from the museum’s upper level. You can even take home a mini BIG Maze from the gift shop. Stop by now because the maze is going bye-bye after Sept. 1.

Cost: Adults/$10; Kids (3-17)/$5
401 F St., NW (Judiciary Square)
202-272-2448
Online: nbm.org

Dinosaur Land
Was there really a dinosaur called Gigantosaurus? You’ll have to swing by this oasis off Rt. 81 to find out. They’ve got over 50 ginormous statues frozen in action. Plenty to remind the tots (and the grown-ups) how small we really are. Be sure to check out the kitschy gift shop, which is almost as big as the park itself.

Cost: Adults/$6; Kids (2-10)/$5
3848 Stonewall Jackson Hwy. (White Post, Va)
540-869-2222
Online: dinosaurland.com

Are there any other larger-than-life exhibits that we should all know about? Dish in the comments section below. 

—Lisa Ng

Suzy via Flickr,  IU in DC via Flickr, National Harbor, Chris Devers via Flickr, ZanyShani via Flickr

 

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Explore San Diego’s Hidden Gardens and Caves

by Marissa Mullen

There’s no shortage of outdoor activities in San Diego. But did you know some of the best spots are hidden? You just have to know where to look! Take some time out with your kids to travel off the beaten path and discover the only cave  in La Jolla only reachable by land and a topiary garden in the middle of Mission Hills.

Photo credit: Kristen H. via Yelp

Topiary Garden
Kids will get a kick out of the huge shapes and animals that make up this Edward Scissorhands-style topiary garden in Mission Hills. This landscape wonderland is located on a hillside front yard at a private residence. You are not permitted to actually enter the garden, but you can feel free to get out of the car and delight in the artful creations. The owners have taken inspiration from their many travels to create the unique topiaries found in the garden.

Tip: Have your kids look carefully and see how many shapes you can find. Then see if they can spot a camel, a peacock and even Mickey Mouse!

3549 Union St.
San Diego, Ca 92103
Online: http://www.yelp.com/biz/harpers-topiary-garden-san-diego

Photo credit: Angela I. via Yelp

Hidden Garden of Ocean Beach
The entrance to this whimsical, magical world is tucked away in an unassuming location behind a small house in Ocean Beach. Resembling a fairy garden, this peaceful backyard is free and open to the public. Eclectic treasures and antiques are plentiful. Kids can expect to see anything from a charming rusted ore bucket and an old cement mixer, to beautiful plants, colorful flowers, serene streams and sometimes the resident cat. This neighborhood gem is a wonderful place for kiddos to explore all the treasures of the garden and to exercise their imagination. The best part is that it’s constantly changing and transforming so you will see something new each time you go.

Photo credit: Marissa Mullen

Tip: First, stop at nearby Olive Tree Marketplace and order some yummy sandwiches to go. Then take a short stroll to the Hidden Garden and enjoy a peaceful picnic while you take in the surrounding beauty.

4973 Niagara Ave.
San Diego, Ca 92107

Olive Tree Marketplace
4805 Narragansett Ave.
Online: olivetreemarket.com

Photo credit: Marissa Mullen

Sunny Jim Cave
Sunny Jim Cave is a the only cave in La Jolla that is reachable by land. Named by L. Frank Baum of Wizard of Oz fame, Sunny Jim was a cartoon cereal box mascot in the 1920s. Entrance to the cave is through the gift shop, and all kids get a cute plastic sea creature. For a nominal fee, you can enter the man-made tunnel and descend down 145 steps to a cool, scenic view at the bottom. When you’re done, leave the gift shop, turn right, and walk the bluffs to the lookout point for some spectacular ocean views.

Photo credit: Marissa Mullen

Tips: You’ll want to make sure your kiddo is able to walk down all the steps, as it’s a little dark and slightly slippery. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a jacket, as it can get chilly at the bottom. Also, keep in mind that there is no restroom, so make sure the kids go before!

1325 Cave St.
La Jolla, CA 92037
Online: cavestore.com

Photo credit: Marissa Mullen

Do you have a favorite San Diego secret spot? Tell us in the comments!

-Written by Marissa Mullen

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12 Bay Area Museums You’ve Never Visited

by Amber Guetebier

Maybe you’ve heard of some of these museums, but we bet you haven’t yet explored these hidden gems with your kids. These small, local museums are an easy (and cheap) way to find adventure in your own backyard. Keep in mind that many of the museums on this list are staffed by volunteers so it’s always a good idea to call ahead to confirm opening hours. Flip through the gallery to begin your adventure.

The Cable Car Barn & Powerhouse, SF

This museum makes you feel like a tourist in your own town, with an elevated viewing area to see the winding machinery for the cables as well as a sneak-peak at where the actual cables leave the barn into the streets below. It’s full of cable car history, historic photos, gears, levers, wheels, and an adorable gift shop.

Hours: Apr. 1-Sep. 20, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Oct. 1-Mar. 31, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day
Cost: Free
Ages: All Ages

1201 Mason St., San Francisco, Ca 94108 (sfcablecar.com/barn.html)

Photo credit:  Michelle S. via Yelp 

What’s your favorite hidden museum in the Bay Area? Let us know in the comments below! 

—Amber Guetebier

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New York’s Bravest: Where Junior Firefighters Uncover History

by sarah choi

New York City firefighters are famous for a lot of things – shiny red trucks, firehouse chili, steamy pictorial calendars and of course, being the bravest rescue team around. What more can they do? Run a museum dedicated to preserving the city’s fire history. An amazing hidden gem tucked away in an old fire station in SoHo, firefighters from around the world come to visit the New York City Fire Museum. Lucky for us, our aspiring kids get to visit the museum everyday if they want, as it’s open seven days a week. The Fire Museum’s collection will please the entire family – you included.

Top Five Must-Sees

The museum is large enough for exploring, but small enough to see everything before a hunger meltdown. There are five permanent collections on display, but we think you’ll spend the most time checking out the Fire Apparatus, Tools and Uniforms on the ground floor and the Firefighting on Parade upstairs with the kids. Here are the top five displays you cannot miss!

  • Hurst Tool: AKA, the jaws of life, it’s an amazing reminder that firemen save lives.
  • Stokes Basket: A rescue stretcher hanging from the ceiling on first floor.
  • Phoenix 4 Hand Pumpe: Because it takes up much of the second floor!
  • Steinway Hose Carriage: The beautiful details will remind you of royalty.
  • Bolton Quickstep: It’s the oldest hand-pumped fire engine in the collection.

Depending on the age of your kiddos, you may want to skip the 9/11 Memorial that could be difficult to explain on a cheerful Saturday afternoon and the Romance of Firefighters exhibit which consists mostly of historical documents and artwork.

Insider Tips

We suggest parking the stroller and exploring on foot since there are many large and delicate items on display, though strollers are absolutely allowed and there’s an elevator to accommodate. But, call ahead to ensure the elevator is working if stairs may be too much for your family, the elevators have been known to be down. The main entrance leads straight to the gift shop where you purchase tickets for admission. Have a game plan ready for your consumer kiddos as there is so much cool merchandise to entice them! Restrooms are on the second floor landing at the top of the stairs. If your kid loves it – keep in mind that you can throw his next birthday party here.

Cool Stops Nearby

Make a day of your trek to SoHo and visit the nearby Children’s Museum of the Arts to get the creative juices flowing or the Jacques Torres Chocolate Factory for kid-friendly treats like chocolate-covered Cheerios and frozen hot chocolate.

New York City Fire Museum
278 Spring Street
SoHo
Cost: $8/adults, $5/students, seniors and children over 2, Free/children under 2
Online: nycfiremuseum.org

What other places and activities are perfect for the little firefighter in the city? Let us know!

–Sarah K. Choi

Photos courtesy of New York City Fire Museum and Sarah K. Choi

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A Fantastic Farm Experience with Hay Rides, Pumpkins & A Corn Maze

by sarah choi

Every October, the Queens County Farm Museum sets up a pumpkin patch, hosts a fall festival and offers a farm experience to us city folk; all without leaving the city. The museum and working historical farm dates back to 1697.  It sits on the largest tract of undisturbed farmland in New York City and is the longest continuously farmed site in the entire state. How’s that for bragging rights?

This Halloween, uncover this hidden gem and venture out to Queens, the most underrated borough for some pumpkin picking and agrarian fun.  Plus, you can get some great ethnic food from the famously diverse borough on the way back home.

When to Go
Any Saturday or Sunday in October for pumpkin picking and exploring the farm on your own.  If you’re looking for more Halloween action, check out the farm museum when it hosts the annual Children’s Fall Festival on Sunday, October 28. Admission includes bounce house, games, magic show, live music and crafts.  We’ve listed the nitty gritty details for all different options at Queens County Farm Museum below.


Don’t Miss
Before you pick your pumpkin and enjoy the Halloween festivities, complete this checklist for experiencing the best of Queens County Farm Museum:

  • The 3-acre corn maze. Can you believe there’s a corn maze in the middle of NYC?
  • The friendly goats. Purchase some goat feed at the gift shop so you can feed the little guys when strolling around the farm.
  • The Italian honeybees. The farm museum has hives where the bees produce delicious wildflower honey. Pick some up at the gift shop!
  • The weekend hayrides. At $2 a person, it’s an easy way to get some transportation entertainment and is a lot more comfortable than the MTA.

How to Get There
The farm museum web site offers great directions for driving and public transportation. Our suggestion is to make life easier and rent a car for a few hours or the entire day. It will be worth the convenience and the fun! Plus, you might save yourself from a meltdown when switching from train to bus after a long wait.

Queens County Farm Museum
73-50 Little Neck Parkway
(Queens)
Floral Park, NY
Open daily year-round.
10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
FREE
Online: queensfarm.org

Pumpkin Patch
Saturdays and Sundays – through Oct 28
11:00 am – 4:30 pm
FREE Admission (except Sunday, Oct 28).
Pay for pumpkin by the size.

Corn Maze
Saturdays and Sundays – through October 28
11:00 am – 4:30 pm
$9 adults/$5 kids 4-11/FREE kids 3 and under

Children’s Fall Festival 
Sunday, Oct 28
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
$5/person, $3/animal feeding, $3 pony ride, $2 hayride, $4/haunted house

Other Pumpkin Patches Worth the Drive (or Train Ride):

The First Annual Brooklyn’s Great Pumpkin Patch by Brooklyn Plantology offers thousands of pumpkins for picking and fun events like a hay maze, petting zoo, and live music every weekend in October.  Come visit Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 am-4:00 pm.


Or visit The Haunted Pumpkin Garden at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. There is no patch for picking but hundreds of spooky pumpkin sculptures to check out in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden along with pumpkin carving workshops and other activities.

Do you stick to the city pumpkin patches or venture to the outer boroughs to grab your pumpkins? Let us know where you pick your pumpkins in the comment section below. 

— Sarah Choi

first two photos courtesy of The Queens County Farm Facebook page; third photo courtesy of Brooklyn Plantology

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Day Trip: Bonneville Fish Hatchery

by writerredtri

If you’re looking for a great way to get out of the house and enjoy some of the unique beauty that only the Pacific Northwest has to offer, consider a quick half-day trip to Bonneville Fish Hatchery.

This is a perfect outing for many reasons. The little ones have a lot of fun running about and learning about wildlife. The Columbia River hatchery raises 8 million Fall Chinook, 1.2 million Coho, 200,000 Summer Steelhead, and 60,000 Winter Steelhead. On site, there’s plenty to do to learn about the region’s fish and the efforts we go to preserve the species. Take a self-guided tour through the spawning room, numerous fish ponds, and both an outdoor and an underwater Sturgeon viewing areas. There’s also a nice gift shop, lots of well-maintained grounds and picnic tables.

Any visit to Bonneville Dam Fish Hatchery must include a sighting of  one of the area’s most amazing creatures, Herman the Sturgeon. Herman is an 11-foot long, 500 pound, 70-year-old white sturgeon. Go beneath the pond and peer in at Herman through the looking glass, where he’ll be cruising the depths of the water with some of his smaller buddies. Next, check out the beautiful display ponds where the kids can get a handful of pellets for 25 cents and feed the rainbow trout, which are plentiful in the fall. And then head over to the fish ladders, where you can view Coho and Chinook Salmon making their way back to their place of birth to spawn after an amazing journey home from the Pacific Ocean. The kids will marvel at the jumping salmon in the holding tank.

The best part might be the ride. Driving along the Columbia River Gorge, no matter what the weather, is a peaceful experience. It’s a great way to kick-start the weekend after a busy week at the office, reflect on the beauty of where we live, and enjoy a little time catching up with the family. And it’s not so far that that the kids get too antsy; they might even enjoy a nice nap.

With Salmon such an integral part of Pacific NW culture,  a trip to the fish hatchery is almost a rite of passage for area young ones.  Try this classic Portland outing, rain or shine.

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Take a Family Vacation to Leavenworth

by writerredtri

It’s hard to believe that a two hour drive east of Seattle can put you in a winter scene that’s worthy of a snow globe. But that’s exactly what you find in the quintessentially quirky town of Leavenworth, a faux Bavarian village nestled in the snow-covered Cascades. Leavenworth is known for a lot of things:  Nutcrackers. Brats. Beer. Not to mention it’s penchant for celebrating Christmas year-round.  Fact is, it’s also a destination for family fun.

What to Do:

The heart of the town is Front Street Park Strausse, with its Bavarian-style buildings festooned in colorful lights throughout the winter months.  Bring a sled so the kiddos can cruise down one of the small paths created on the slight hill of the park. Leavenworth shops are Disneyesque (the same architecture is what you find in Fantasyland at WDW in Orlando!), so it’s especially fun for kids to stroll through them. Try on hats at The Hat Shop; dig into big, old-fashioned candy jars at the Bearly Perfect Gift Shop; watch the machine making taffy at the Taffy Shop; check out the selection of toys at Alpenhaus Toys. An absolute must see is the Nutcracker Museum, which houses 6,000 nutcrackers from around the world. (You can start your own collection downstairs at Nusskaacker Haus, which sells them in all shapes and designs.)

For more serious snow-related activities, take the short drive over to Ski Hill (and be sure to notice the funky, painted houses along the way), where you can go tubing or skiing on a slope that has a rope tow. Ski Hill also offers Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, as does the Fish Hatchery, which has two courses; the shorter one is well suited for young beginners.

Where to Eat:

For eats, there are all sorts of offerings in the Front Street Park Strausse, and you’d be remiss if you didn’t try the brats at the Munchen Haus, which only has outdoor seating (with heat lamps!) and a dazzling array of mustards (and darn good beer, too).  For a warmer setting, there’s a good kid’s menu at Gustav’s, which just might have the best fries in town.

Where to Stay:

Given that Leavenworth’s a tourist town, you’ve got your pick of hotels. But you really can’t beat the Enzian Inn, which has indoor facilities – pool, hot tub, basketball court, ping pong room – that are great for burning off some pre-bedtime energy. The kiddos will need to get some rest, though. A delicious hot breakfast awaits in the hotel’s top floor, along with special daily entertainment. Every morning at 8:15 and 9:15, Enzian founder Bob Johnson, decked out in authentic Lederhosen, climbs atop the balcony railing and plays the Alphorn, a super-long wooden horn. His backdrop is a stunning view of the mountains, and the whole scene…well, it makes you feel as if you’re actually inside the snow globe.

-Kavita Varma-White

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