Category: Travel In The US

Traveling to #South-Carolina with Grandchildren

8/20/2019

Last spring I took a trip with 5 of my grandchildren to Edisto Island, South Carolina. It is not as well known as Tybee Island off of Savannah, but it is a jewel.

We couldn't have had a better time. My grand-kids range in age from 7 to 14. There were plenty of things to do for everyone. We got into Wyndam Ocean Ridge Resort around 6 PM. The first thing we did was check out our three bedroom unit. It was spacious with a screened in sun porch and backyard that faced a pond with several egrets. We weren't far from the main pool and mini golf. We knew we'd have to buy groceries, but we passed a grocery store on the way in, so things were looking good. My daughter had gotten there a day earlier with the kids so we were stocked for the day.

We had dinner and then went to the ocean which was about a mile away. There were lots of people on the beach waiting for the sunset. It was a picture to behold. We didn't see the resident dolphins, but we relaxed to the waves crashing on the shore.

The next day we went to the beach again. We scouted for shells and sand dollars. There weren't too many but we found a few. Just enough to add to my collection of shells from around the world. The people watching was great. Some pf them bogie boarding, flying kites, fishing, and swimming.
We brought a picnic lunch of sandwiches, fruit and chips. It was perfect as we relaxed under our canopy.

Later for dinner we had a sausage and rice jambalaya dish. Our meals were easy to prepare for a large group. Also easy so that kids could help with the prep. They all had their jobs, whether it be making sandwiches, helping with dinner, or clean up. Hey, this vacation was for everybody. It goes much faster when everyone helps.

After dinner we went to the beach again to see the sunset. This time the dolphins were there. It was a magnificent view. They gave us a show for about 30 minutes.

We had to see Botany Bay Preserve Plantation on this trip. It is just a few minute drive from the main area on Edisto Island. You must plan your trip during low tide. It is the only way you'll be able to see all the driftwood and shells as you walk along the beach. Erosion on Botany Bay has left a boneyard of dead trees along the sand, creating a unique coastline that you'll really appreciate. It is a 4600 acre preserve that includes almost three miles of undeveloped beachfront. We spent a couple of hours there. I think it was one of the highlights of the trip. Note that there are no public facilities or restrooms on the plantation. Even though the beach was filled with downed trees that had been there for many years, it was breathtaking. There is something about walking on the beach as a family. You find more treasures and learn from each other. One of the things we found was a horseshoe crab. All things are left on the beach for other to enjoy.

When we got back, we went swimming and one of the 3 pools on campus. The resort is large with several units and a golf course. You can just sit on your deck and enjoy the scenery. Some days we just enjoyed nature while playing cards or doing art projects.

We had so much fun having family dinners, playing miniature golf, swimming, and biking. Everything was in close proximity and was relaxing. No driving to Disney World, trying to beat the rush or standing in long lines. This is a great trip for a large family as there is plenty to do for everyone. Even teenagers enjoy walking on the beach, playing Frisbee or soaking up the sun. It is economical as you can make all your meals and swimming and mini golf are included in the price.

If you like more activity, you can take drives to Charleston, Savannah, or Beaufort. There are plenty of things to do there including shopping and plantation touring.

On the last night we went to the Waterfront Restaurant. The seafood was delicious. It was a great way to finish our truly fabulous vacations. We made lots of memories, memories that will last a lifetime. When we got home we were relaxed. It wasn't like going to a rushed vacation where you needed a few days to relax before going back to work. Don't tell too many people about this place. It was much busier than when we had been there seven years ago. We want to keep this quiet island just like it is.

If you need help planning a trip, contact us on our website, https://www.PetersonTravelPros.com

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Hudson Hot Air Balloon Festival

4/28/2019

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Hudson, Wisconsin is the perfect setting for a hot air balloon festival. The pink hues of dawn gave way to a frozen field of snow as we waited for the first balloonists began to appear. It was the 30th annual Hudson Hot Air Affair, in Hudson Wisconsin. The catchy theme was “Pirates Fly’n the Croix-ribbean. They even had a pirate, though I was never able to catch him.

The Pilots Set Up Their Balloons

One by one the pilots began to arrive and set up their balloons. Organized chaos as baskets, fans and of course balloons were unloaded. There were ropes and people everywhere. This was my third time at the hot air affair and the only time I witnessed the balloons taking flight. The first time, I arrived late and was only able to see them from a distance and the weather was too bad for them to take off in the evening, but they put on quite of show for what is know as the field of fire. The second time I went, they couldn’t take off due to weather conditions, but as they say the third time was a charm.

The Balloons Rose Quickly
Once they started going up, they rose really quickly. I see balloons all the time going by in my neighborhood and they just peacefully go by. That is until the office staff hears them. Dogs really hate balloons. I asked one of the pilots about this. Apparently, my babies aren’t the only ones who do not like hot air balloons. He said they hear them all the time during flight. The pilot thought it had something to do with a high-pitched frequency that the burner makes. Maybe they are really excited about a giant ball in the sky that they can’t catch.

So many pretty balloons. One day I will take my own ride.

Barking dogs aren’t the only thing that a balloon pilot has to deal with. They do need to get a pilot’s license or airman’s certificate. According to the Hudson Hot Air Affair’s website, pilots will only take off if the wind speed is less than 6 mph, there is good visibility, sunshine or if there are clouds that they are at a high cloud ceiling. Hmmm…sounds like some of my drone specifications.

Hot Air Balloons travel with the wind and an hour flight can carry
it approximately 15 miles.

               I was curious about balloons so I Googled them. In Google’s “People Ask” section Google told me that Hot Air Balloons travel with the wind and an hour flight can carry it approximately 15 miles. The balloon also flies at different altitudes. Although the balloon is at the mercy of the wind when it comes to direction, the vertical control of a balloon can be very precise. Most balloons can fly for about 1 hour depending on the outside temperature and the weight it is carrying. On a cold day with only the pilot flying, a 2-3-hour flight would be possible. Hot air Balloons can fly all year round with calm winds. There are plenty more tidbits about balloons and ballooning if you are interested, just use our favorite friend Google.

               The Hot Air Affair, is a three-day event, that includes geo catching, craft fair, fireworks, a 5K run/walk, museum tours, kite flying and so much more. It is usually the first weekend in February so plan your next years adventure to Hudson Wisconsin and check it out. Just remember to bring your warm gear and stop in at Keys Cafe. They had a great breakfast, and even had some gluten free toast for me.

Written by Kristy Johnson, FotonicImages
2/7/2019
Fotonic Images, LLC/Kristy Johnson is dedicated to the study of light in order to capture
your precious moments, preserving that moment in time that will last a life times.

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12 Things To Do In Tampa, Florida

3/4/2019

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Tampa is a great alternative to Orlando. It doesn't matter if you are young or old, there is a lot to do. Here are my favorites:

1. Busch Gardens. Great for all ages. They have an area with small rides, play area, and a splash pad, as well as plenty of animals throughout the park to keep you occupied all day. The rides for the adventurous include water rides and roller coasters. Those that are young at heart with love the sky ride and the train. To top it off see your favorite shows including Eaglemania (Eagles cover band), Cique Torque, 50's dancers, skating show, critter show, and Sesame Street Safari of Fun. If this isn't enough, go over to Adventure Island. You can buy a double ticket for about $30 more. This is a must on a hot day. It is the water park/wave pool area. Go early as the park fills up fast. The parking is $25 if you are not a season ticket holder. After you park, take a shuttle to the main entrance of the park.
https://buschgardens.com/tampa/

2. Aquatica Water Park One of the largest water parks in the US.
https://aquatica.com/orlando/

3. Florida Aquarium. I loved this aquarium. It has hands on encounters as well as 4D movies, and a splash pad. The 4D movies are only 15 minutes long. However, there are two of them including Storks and Sharks. You can also buy and ticket to the Dolphin Cruise. The ride starts at 1:00.  https://www.flaquarium.org/

4. River Walk: Walk along the river and enjoy a boat ride, restuarants, and parks.

5. Street Car- Take a ride on the trolley and see the sites.

6. Childrens Museum

7. Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

8. American Victory Ship

9. Arenas- Watch a hockey or football game or your favorite group.

10. Take a cruise

11. Museum of Science and Industry

12.Tampa Museum of Art

There is much more to do in the Tampa Bay Area. There are several districts with shopping, beaches, and restaurants. You can't go wrong.

Check out https://www.PetersonTravelPros.com for more information.

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5 Things I Love About Edisto Island, South Carolina

3/4/2019

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If you want it visit a piece of Old South Carolina go to Edisto Island not far from Charleston. Rich in small-time flavor this quaint old-fashioned vacation town with its lovely beaches, great fishing, and lush natural preserve Edisto is a haven for artists and writers who find inspiration from the unspoiled environment. I love the pelicans flying in formation and the bikes that you get with a rental. Visit the beach, watch the sunsets, golf, or have a picnic on the beach. It's great for individuals and families.

5 Things I love about Edisto Island:
1. It is quiet.

2. When you rent a timeshare, two bikes come with the unit.

3. Pelicans fly in formation.

4. It is close to Botany Bay. It is a wildlife preserve and full of great shots for photography.

5. It is great for shelling.

For more information, click on https://www.petersontravelpros.com and fill out the contact form.

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Traveling to #South-Carolina with Grandchildren

Hudson Hot Air Balloon Festival

12 Things To Do In Tampa, Florida

5 Things I Love About Edisto Island, South Carolina

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