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Family Friendly Fun: Welcome to Iowa

1/7/2018

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When traveling to a new city, it is important to consider what the city and state has to offer for the entire family. Although the state of Iowa is not a traditional family vacation hot spot, it is a great place to gather with family. Located in the heart of the Midwest, most of the state is just a day’s drive from the major population centers of the region, think Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and more. 

Larger cities, such as Dubuque and Des Moines feature many of the same conveniences of major cities, but also offer the slower pace associated with smaller towns. Despite its reputation as an agricultural powerhouse, the state of Iowa has much, much more to offer. ​
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In Iowa City, Friday night is the night to be in the Pedestrian Mall for LIVE music. Bring a chair and a picnic basket or grab some food from a local cafe.

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Garp Fest @ Codfish Hollow

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Entertainment 

Though the “Hawkeye State” is known for its corn production, Iowa’s entertainment scene is nothing to scoff at.

The state offers music lovers of all types the chance to see a concert, with country, classic rock, hip hop and pop stars all making stops throughout the state.

Iowa has a few amazing family friendly venues, such as Codfish Hollow, which is a converted barn that hosts both local and national indie bands, as well as GARP Fest, a 2 day music festival with 30 bands that occurs each September.

​Located in a fairly rural part of the state, a visit to Codfish Hollow is an adventure in itself.
 
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Another top entertainment venue in Iowa is the Hoyt Sherman Place Theatre. The theatre hosts top music acts of all types, as well as dance and art performances. Located right in Des Moines, the venue is a must stop for families looking for a fun experience. The venue enhances listener’s experience is by the visually stunning and auditory enhancing architecture. 
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Iowa Cubs Taylor Davis is known for his long running "sight gag" and fans hope he makes it to the The Big Show soon.

Sports & Family Fun

Though Iowa does not have a major professional sports team, the state is home to a variety of college and semi-professional teams, each of which have a dedicated following. Iowa is home to a number of single A minor league baseball teams, such as the Quad City River Bandits, the Cedar Rapids Kernels, and the Burlington Bees.

​The Iowa Cubs are the Triple A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. An Iowa Cubs game is a great chance to catch top, young, up and coming Chicago Cubs prospects, as well as star players returning from injury.

Minor league baseball games are notoriously quirky, with many teams having specific game time traditions. Games are cheap and can be a great family bonding opportunity. 
At the college level, Iowa fans are notoriously passionate. The bitter rivalry between the University of Iowa and Iowa State is always a fun game to watch, no matter the sport. The school’s football teams have been meeting since 1894, which is one of the older rivalries in all of college football. Because the two schools are in competition so regularly, a traveling trophy, called the Cy-Hawk Trophy was created. It goes to the winner of the most recent athletic competition between the two schools, whether it be for soccer, basketball or football. If you’re unable to catch one of these amazing in-state rivalry games, don’t fret. Both schools have long running rivalries with out of state schools, such as the Minnesota/Iowa football rivalry, the Iowa State/Missouri or Iowa State/Kansas State rivalry, which always make for exciting contests in their own rights. 

Outdoor Recreation

​For families looking for a more wild experience in Iowa, the state does not disappoint. Iowa is home to an unexpected amount of mountain bike trails with everything from more extreme downhill tracks for experienced riders to crushed gravel paths for those just getting into the sport. Bike rentals are surprisingly affordable and are available at a variety of locations throughout the state. The state also offers miles and miles of paved and gravel bike paths that are perfect for a mellow family outing. 
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Check out Sidetracks Bike Trail RATINGS
Looking to cool off in the heat of summer? Look no further thanIowa’s Charles City Whitewater Park. Constructed in 2011, the park offers visitors lots of recreation options. From kayaking, to Stand Up Paddleboarding, to tubing, the park also has a few non-water related options as well. A disc golf course, art walk, amphitheater, and play area make this a must stop for families visiting the area. 
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No matter age or interest, Iowa has something for everyone. With lots of art walks and concert venues, families can find a few ways to enjoy Iowa’s entertainment scene. Sports fans can be treated historical rivalry games in nearly any sport. Adventurous families can head to the trails or the river to get their adrenaline fix at one of Iowa’s many outdoor recreation hotspots. Music lovers can attend live shows and immerse in a variety of genres. Although not a tropical destination, Iowa has everything you would want in a family vacation, and more!

​Contributed by: 
Haley Kieser
haleyskieser@gmail.com
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Don't be an "Ugly American" or a Viral Video

11/13/2016

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To avoid being an asshat, ​the rules we follow at home should also serve double duty while traveling. Number #1 on the hit parade, in polite society, is the “Golden Rule” … do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

This is a great rule and covers a variety of situations. For instance…

Leave things the same, or better, than you found them.

As a guest in someone else’s home, do you tidy up before you leave? Or do you leave a big mess for your friend or relative to clean up?

​Of course, if you expect to remain friends, or be invited back, you leave the place the same as you found it… or BETTER.
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​You would not appreciate your friends trashing your house like a rock star trashes a hotel room, would you? So of COURSE you would not do it to your friends home.

Don’t do it to their COUNTRY either!

Obey the local rules and customs, even if they are different than your own.

If you have a “no smoking” rule in your home, you certainly would not appreciate friends or relatives ignoring that rule and turning your coffee table into a giant ashtray, right? 

It’s a simple thing, but guests are good guests by being sensitive to the local rules and culture, and by trying to fit into the surroundings. This one thing can greatly enhance the quality of your trip too, as the best way to do this is to ASK a local what the common courtesies or cultural norms are, and in doing so, you’ll earn their respect and make a new friend.
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Treat your surroundings with respect, leave it better off.  For instance, I always pick up additional trash while disposing of my own. Another way you can do this is with the American custom of a gratuity. Many service workers are paid little, and often are not tipped at all. Make their day a little brighter by flipping them a few dollars.

It’s also a safety issue to pay attention to your surroundings.
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​You don’t want to be like THIS guy, described by a local…
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​“In México are thousands of tourists, every single day, doing stupid things. Like recently, an American was eaten by an alligator because he couldn't read IN ENGLISH (or even see the drawing of a alligator) on a warning sign and jumped into a lake. ”

Even worse? His return ticket  was non-refundable.
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And, please, don't be like some of these other people, whose stories I read on the internet…

"Just about every beach and harbor of Cornwall (seaside touristy area of the UK) has a strict rule about NOT feeding the seagulls, with prominent signage to that effect. As a result of constant feeding by tourists, there are huge numbers of gulls, which are very aggressive and bold enough to snatch food from your hands even if you’re not aiming to feed them; they will also attack children, cats and small dogs. Their beaks are very, very sharp, and a wound from one will almost always go septic because they’re such “dirty” feeders. Yet every year you see visitors moaning and wailing (or even trying to sue the town councils) because they’ve been injured while feeding seagulls - generally whilst standing in front of a large sign saying “DO NOT FEED THE GULLS.”

Apparently tourists never see a bird a home...

"In a cafe off the Piazza in Venice a family of English speaking tourists caused an incident. My family was eating at one table, theirs at another. They were throwing bits of bread to the pigeons.
Pigeons on the Piazza San Marco are quite a thing to have to deal with, and the cafes have strict rules about feeding them. Vendors selling bird seed further toward the center of the square have taught the pigeons that presence of humans plus the presence of food equals pigeons getting food, so the birds are very bold near the open-air cafes. It's a constant battle to keep them from hopping and flying right on in.

The waiter came out and asked, very nicely, in perfect English, if they could please stop. They stared at him as if they didn't understand a word he said, and went back to tossing bread as soon as he left. Pigeons got closer and closer. Patrons looked down, startled, as they felt birds around their ankles. Others tried to shoo them off tables and chairs.

The waiter tried again, a couple more times if I remember correctly. I know the family were English speakers, because they spoke to one another every time he left. They just chose to ignore him, and you could see he was getting very frustrated. At the time I got the feeling that he didn't want to make a big deal, and kick them out, because the family had children. Each time, they stared at him blankly, but then kept tossing… I guess seeing the pigeons go after the bread was just too much fun for them to stop.  At one point the waiter actually took away the bread, but the children found little rolled bits they'd dropped on their chairs and clothes and kept going.

Long story short, from there it was a very short jump to the patio being swarmed with pigeons, who perched on the tables and ruined the place settings. Spoiled the meal for everyone, especially that poor waiter."

One tourist even told a story on himself... AGAIN with the birds... 

"I learned the hard way about birds and restaurants. I was in Phoenix on business and sat outside on the patio at a Mexican restaurant. My salad had those tortilla chips on it, and I saw a little sparrow a few feet away. So I tossed it one. ONE. Sparrows came from everywhere. I won’t over exaggerate the scene, but there were dozens. Fortunately, I was on the patio by myself. A couple of birds perched on the backs of chairs right next to me. I really thought they were going to dive-bomb my salad to help themselves to the tortilla chips. I covered my meal with my napkin and tried to stare them down. I don’t know who looked more stupid at that point."

Since he was alone, I’m guessing…. HIM?
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​Don’t be a “cheapskate!” If you can afford to travel, you can afford to pay the associated costs.

Take the time to learn what they are before you travel and you'll make your trip smoother.

Whether it’s a gratuity for the housekeeper who does up your room, or the duty taxes on your shopping spree, you should be prepared to pony up your fair share...
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"​A wealthy woman from a foreign country first arrived at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport from Paris last July with her sister and adult daughter. The Customs and Border Patrol officers found undeclared items in their luggage, including designer bags, a fur coat, diamond jewelry and watches, Total value: $160,000.

The woman attempted to then bribe the customs officer offering a watch and US$10,000 if he would turn a blind eye. After the officer excused himself and put on a hidden recording device, the woman upped the stakes and offered to “sleep with” the officer if he allowed them to pass through.

She is presently out on a bail of$250,000. USD."
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Behaving badly on a plane is never a good idea, in fact behaving badly, in this age of cell phone video and YouTube, could make you a viral sensation and, if your name is published, could hurt your career down the road. 

Ask THIS guy how that works and how effective his “damage control” on Inside Edition has been in saving his career in the mortgage biz.
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Wolters World offers some great tips for American tourists that will help travelers fit in and not get labeled an “Ugly American.”

Some of these tips are good for anyone, and go back to the “try to fit into local culture.” rule.

Check out more at… www.WoltersWorld.com
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Probably the best thing you can do before traveling is READ up on the areas you will be visiting.

Search on Facebook for locals in that area, send a friend request and ask them if they have some tips.

Search YouTube for videos of the area so you can familiarize yourself with the local culture and customs.

All of this will make your trip go more smoothly, will allow you to make new friends around the world, AND, just as important, will help you blend in and not be a target to local petty criminals looking for a pocket to pick or a bag to swipe.

No matter where you go… just treat other people the way you would like to be treated!

#TravelTips
#UglyAmerican
​#TravelWriting

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by: Sue Copening
TravelWritingPartner@gmail.com

Do YOU have a story to share about an "Ugly American" or "Bad Tourist?"

Or maybe you'd like to make us all feel better, and give us a lift, with a story about the best experience you've had traveling and the most helpful people you've met?  

​Please post in the comments below...
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Saving "Democracy" One Bald Eagle at a Time

11/12/2016

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Local ABC Affiliate, Channel 9, covered the story live.
Nov 2016, ORLANDO: Shortly after the US Presidential election, the story of two Bald Eagles, the symbol of American freedom, went viral on the internet. It seemed that the two had been fighting over territory and had fallen from the sky into the grate of a sewer drain, where one of them got stuck.

The drama drew a crowd of over 150 of my neighbors (this was just a couple miles from my home), and local TV had streaming coverage that got attention around the world.

​Being just after the drama of the election there were many that tried to turn the birds unfortunate predicament into a political metaphor… “Just shows America is circling the drain,” “Save Democracy,” and other quips appeared in the comments below the streaming video.
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​Fortunately authorities got ahold of the folks at the local Audubon Center for Birds of Prey and they dispatched an eagle eyed wildlife professional to oversee the rescue effort.

One of the birds did break free and flew up into the sky, continuing to circle and watching the action from up above. The other Eagle fell into the drain where, then, it could not escape at all. Firefighters were careful to tie a rope around the heavy iron grate, before they removed it, in order to prevent it falling on the trapped symbol of America and quashing all our hopes for the future.

Then, using a net, they were able to snare the bird around the legs (the safest place to grab them as their legs are very strong), and pull it to safety.

So today… “Democracy” is recuperating at the Audubon Center and people of ALL political persuasions are pulling together as one, checking on it’s condition and sending donations to help the center with it’s work.

Central Florida is home to many native species, some, like the Bald Eagle, is also found throughout the country and North America. However some species, like the Florida Alligator, or the Manatee, are only found in the Southern States.

If you love wildlife, and are visiting Florida, there are many “once in a lifetime” opportunities to see native and endangered wildlife, sometimes in their natural habits. A few of my favorite places are…
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Audubon Center for Birds of Prey
Audubon Center for Birds of Prey.
Let’s start with the "Hero’s of the day;" the Audubon Center is located in the town of Maitland, in the Orlando area. For travelers and tourists wanting to experience real Florida, the Center provides opportunities to view Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Kites, Owls and Falcons; some of nature’s top predators.  You can learn about the unique adaptations of raptors, challenges they face and ways you can help. 

At the Center’s Gazebo, view the Magic of Flight barn, which houses birds currently under rehabilitation.  Additional exhibits highlight conservation in Florida and include a behind the scenes look into rehabilitation. 

You can learn more and DONATE to the center on their website: http://fl.audubon.org
Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge
...is where locals take any injured or orphaned wildlife they find. “Critter Capture” professionals such as Bob Cross could not do their jobs, without a lot of heartbreak, were it not for the kind folks and volunteers at BTN. 

The Back to Nature motto is “No Animal Left Behind” and, when a local finds a baby raccoon in their yard, when their cat brings home an injured squirrel, when a hunter stumbles upon a baby owl or an abandoned coyote pup, the place they take the rescued critter is to “Back to Nature.”

Check out the BTN Farmers Market on Saturday at the nearby Valencia College campus.

Additionally the Center is OPEN to the public Tues-Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm for just a $5 donation. With over 30 different species, the “Wildlife Walk” is a must see for tourists and locals alike, and one of the best “entertainment values” you’ll find in Central Florida.

Back to Nature is just a 15 minute drive from the Orlando International Airport so many visitors plan their arrivals and departures so they can stop in and spend a few hours before or after their flights.

To get directions and more information, visit Back to Natures site: www.btnwildlife.org
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"Precious" the Raccoon
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"Tarot the Red Tailed Hawk
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"Jagger" the Rock Star! (Bobcat)
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GatorLand
(Ninja Level: 3 out of 5)
No visit to the Orlando area is complete without a stop at GatorLand. You almost feel like you are stepping back in time to the “pre-mouse” days of old Florida, as you can still see elements and hints of how GatorLand must have looked back in 1949 when it was built and run by Owen Godwin, a former postmaster and member of a local ranching family.

Still run by the Godwin family, the 45 acre park has had many facelifts and updates to keep it fresh and to keep families coming back year after year.

Sure they have the standard “Alligator Wrestling” and feeding shows, but they also have a variety of other reptiles in addition to their huge, HUGE gators and crocs. Seriously, they literally have a “mile of monsters” (Hi Bonecrusher!). The park is home to over “24 large alligators and crocodiles whose unique anti-social personalities have left those who work closest with them in need of therapy.” Can’t miss THAT!

In 2011 GatorLand completed the “Screaming Gator Zip Line” … five INTENSE zip lines that dangle you high above the ground along 1200 feet of line and seven platforms. A 150 foot high suspension bridge provides some great views. 1.8 million dollars and it was voted BEST ZIP LINE in the USA by AOL Travel! In 2016 GatorLand even launched a wheelchair accessible ZipLine. Wow... Ninja Level: 2 out of 5, that's more my speed and how great they are providing fun for everyone!

Check out their website and make a date to meet BoneCrusher at: www.gatorland.com
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Blue Spring State Park
Depending on the time of year, you might see just a few, or a plethora of endangered Manatees here.

The last time I visited, there were so many Manatees packed into the river by the viewing dock that you could have walked across their backs to the other side without getting your feet wet (except, of course, that would be wrong, you cannot “molest” Manatees, it’s a crime).
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I think Blue Spring State Park, north of Orlando, is a great place to spend an hour, or a couple of days. It’s slow paced, you get to view some Manatees, walk along some trails (2600 acres so have your GPS with you, lol).

There are picnic areas, but they only have concession type food so bring your own if your idea of dining runs to the “fancier.”

There is the historic old Thursby House, built in 1872 (considered a new house in Rome), that used to house steamboat passengers in days past.

There’s swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling and tubing, as well as kayak and canoe rentals near by at St. Johns River Cruises.

And, if you want to hang out for the weekend, you can always book reservations for your RV or tent at one of 51 campsites (pet friendly, within reason).

Bring your camera, you never know what other critters might be ready to pose for you, but please keep your toddlers and pets SAFE, Florida has wildlife with teeth AND appetites!

Get info on their site here:
www.floridastateparks.org

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Thursby House, 1872
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If you’re an animal lover, like me, you probably already make them a part of any vacation you take and, besides what I’ve mentioned here, there are literally hundreds of opportunities to enjoy wildlife in Florida. Just use Google to find something near your destination!

As far as "Democracy," the Bald Eagle, goes... sadly, she passed away from her injuries. So, while Democracy is dead, you can still visit her friends at the Audubon Birds of Prey Center and make a donation in her name and in the spirit of freedom.

NOTE: It's a small, small world. Just learned it was Yaileen's boyfriend, Tito, who saw the Bald Eagles fall from the sky and called 911. Yaileen is "our" server at Sweet Mama's

#BaldEagle
​#Orlando
#WildlifeRehab 
#TravelWriting
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by Sue Copening
TravelWritingPartners@gmail.com
www.TravelWritingPartners.com 
407-443-0348

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"Sweet Mama's" in Lake Nona, Florida

10/29/2016

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ORLANDO, FL: Got a sweet tooth or a craving for comfort food? Sweet Mama’s lives up to it’s name.

If you’re flying into Orlando, chances are you’re hungry by the time your flight lands. If it is earlier in the day you’re in luck.

Lake Nona is a community ("Medical City" is located here) just a short drive from the airport and, if you’re looking for something beyond the fast food, or chain restaurant airport fare, “Sweet Mama’s” is a great choice.

One of the first businesses to open in the Lake Nona area, “Sweet Mama’s” is a favorite of locals and visitors alike and are known for their homemake cakes and pies.

When I travel I try to seek out the “Mom & Pop” restaurants as a way to see the local culture and, after all, what’s the point of traveling if you’re just going to eat at another location of the same restaurants that are just around the corner from your home?

I had never been to Sweet Mama’s, but was visiting the local Keller Williams real estate office there at Lake Nona and Lorena, one of the Realtors, recommended it. She said they had GREAT brunches with $3 Mimosa’s (true!) but, alas, since it was a Monday, and still early in the day, we had to “settle” for lunch and no alcohol.

When we arrived we were greeted by Lisa, one of the “Sweet Mama’s” herself and we grabbed a high top table by the window.  

They have both indoor, and outdoor, seating, so if it’s a beautiful day, or if you have your dog with you, you can grab an outdoor spot.

They have some kind of special almost every day, and Monday was $6 burger day… for any burger they have.  I choose the mushroom, swiss, with sweet potato fries.  

Our waitress, Yaileen, was super nice, and friendly, giving us a little history of Sweet Mama’s… she had been going there herself since high school, when it was in it’s first location.

There are TWO “Sweet Mama’s” ..Lisa, in the front of the house, and Linda, in the kitchen. Lisa and Linda are longtime friends who always dreamed of opening a quaint eatery. They treat their customers like family… because some of them are!  When Lisa isn’t whipping up family recipes for her own Grandma’s chocolate cake or key lime pie, she’s serving it to her granddaughter.  

When our lunch arrived, I have to say that they messed up my order a tad… giving me regular fries instead of the sweet potato fries. HOWEVER, even though I said it was fine, Lisa brought me out an extra order of sweet potato fries at no charge.  She even made sure to tell us it was her fault, that Yaileen had put in the order correctly. Frankly, I never care if a minor mistake is make with an order... what's important is, when it does happen, that the business makes it right.  THAT earns my loyalty.

My hamburger was PERFECT. I ordered it medium rare and that’s how it came… just slightly pink and juicy.  My boyfriend loved his burger as well and he even saved half, plus the order of fries to take home for his dinner later.

Sweet Mama’s is ONLY open for breakfast and lunch… they close at 3 PM for dining, however they also do “Dinner to Go” (plus catering) with pick up until 6 PM, and with some delicious comfort foods on the menu… like meatloaf, fried catfish, liver and onions, chicken pot pie and chicken and waffles!

Desserts are what "Sweet Mama's is known for... homemade, fresh, delightful AND, best of all, available for you to take home for your family or special event.  While they have seasonal favorites, they also have a core selection they make all the time, including...

Everyday Pies: Apple, Cherry, Blueberry, Coconut Cream, Key Lime and Peanut Butter.

Everyday Cakes: Carrot Cake, Banana Cake, Red Velvet, Grandma Mildred’s Chocolate Cake, Extreme Chocolate Cake w/Buttercream Frosting, Gluten Free Chocolate, Peanut Butter Squares AND Smores Brownies w/homemade caramel sauce

We’ve already talked about going back there for brunch to get those $3 Mimosas AND because I saw they make my FAVORITE type of Eggs Benedict… with corned beef hash instead of Canadian bacon. If you’ve never had Eggs Benedict this way you should try it. You’d think the flavors of the corned beef and hollandaise would be too intense together, but they are not… it’s amazing.

Of course, I'm already making  a "mental note" to get some Extreme Chocolate Cake with Buttercream Frosting to take home.

Sweet Mama’s is just 16 minutes away from the Orlando International Airport, take the South exit out of the Airport and head East on 417 to Narcoossee Road exit, then go North just a bit.  It’s on your way if you’re flying in to go to the beaches, and a bit out of the way if you’re heading for Disney, SeaWorld or the International Drive area.  Regardless though, I bet you’ll find it worth your time.

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Ask for Yaileen!
Check out directions and more information right here:
​
SweetMamasRestaurant.com
10743 Narcoossee Rd Suite A23 
Orlando, FL 32832
Phone: (407) 282-7737
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Home cooking, family friendly

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​Sue Copening is a writer and Exec Director of the ConnectionsGroups.com, a Central Florida Business networking organization.

If you'd like a feature story about your travel or tourism related business, get more information here.

Contact Sue at TravelWritingPartners@gmail.com
or 407-443-0348


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Frankenmuth, Michigan: Cruising on the Bavarian Belle

7/31/2016

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Road Tips:
Inland Cruises are a Great Travel Value
Ninja Level 1 (out of 5)
Budget: $


When we travel we love to take whatever local cruises we can find, whether they are lake cruises or river, they are an excellent way to see a “side” of the city or town you wouldn't see any other way. An added bonus is they are often an excellent entertainment value as well.

Called “Michigan's little Bavaria,” Frankenmuth is a charming town, on the Cass River, featuring a strong German heritage, with it's own Brewery and quaint, German themed shops. Michigan families have made staying at the 13 acre Bavarian Inn a tradition for generations... it's an full fledged family resort with multiple pools, a water park, arcade, mini-golf and a variety of adult, and family, activities. It's a perfect place to stay if you have kids to entertain.

If you are in the Detroit area, Frankenmuth is just an hour, to an hour and a half, North, through some charming farm country. You'll see the Bavarian Inn on your right as you come into town, but if you prefer to stay in the downtown area they have several selections there as well (Marv Herzog, Fairfield Inn, Springhill Suites and Drury Inn).

We were just there for a day trip though, so we hit the downtown and parked at the River Place Shops, walking over the bridge to the park and annual craft festival, to spend an hour checking out it's exhibits before the boat ride.

We planned the highlight of our day to be the cruise on the Bavarian Belle, followed by lunch at one of the many interesting restaurants and cafes.

The Bavarian Belle is a beautiful boat, and it docks right at the River Place Shops, it's dock and ticket kiosk is by the fountain. Not knowing how crowded the first cruise of the day would be (it wasn't), we got to the ticket kiosk about a half hour early, bought our tickets (just $12 for adults, $4 under 12 and free for children under 4 – cash only), and walked around the shops for a bit.

Getting on the boat was easy, you go down a winding path, a little steep, but still navigable if you have someone in a wheelchair (boat is handicapped accessible), and you just pick your seat. The boat is big enough to move around on, they have popcorn and beverages avail to purchase, and there is plenty of shade on both the upper and lower decks.

I just love taking a boat ride! You always learn a lot of history of the local area and, with the Bavarian Belle, the boats history as well. The Bavarian Belle is a fully restored paddle wheel boat that holds 150 passengers and is run by a family, all working together (Dad is the Captain). It has (non operational) smokestacks and it was interesting to learn that the smokestacks on these boats are hinged and made to lay down for passing under low bridges. Some of what we learned involved the river commerce that used to be so essential to the economy of these small river towns.

Booking.com
You can check out some great places to stay in Frankenmuth on "Booking." 
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We got to see quite a few ducks and Canadian Geese on the Cass River, plus one lonely white goose who, every year, attaches itself to the first duck or goose Mother to hatch babies, helping to guard and raise the brood. The birds are used to passengers throwing popcorn into the water for them, so they will paddle out for easy picture taking... like they did in the photo here!

The cruise lasts only an hour but that was plenty of time to learn the local history and enjoy the scenery. After our cruise we had lunch at the Frankenmuth Brewery, partly because the waiters were waving at our cruise boat from the outside deck. We couldn't disappoint them since they were so obviously wanting our business, but it was a good decision, The Brewery has a nice selection of German and American food (even a couple of “Tex-Mex” items), and you can pick up some of their craft beer to go.

Visiting Frankenmuth has been considered a “summer staple” in Michigan for years, so when you go there you'll feel like you're “vacationing like a local.” You could easily spend several days in Frankenmuth enjoying their restaurants, shopping and activities but DO make a cruise on the Bavarian Bell part of your fun; you'll be glad you did!

​Author: Sue Copening
TravelWritingPartners@gmail.com

​407-443-0348

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