Friday, April 13, 2012

Ocean City: Ripleys & Western Theme park questions

Is Ripleys worth the money to explore? Its just going to be me and hubby on vacation. Trying to come up with inexpensive things to do. Thoughts on Ripleys?



Also saw that 5 mins from OC is a place called Western Theme Park, my hubby is big into Westerns, do you think this will be enjoyable to adults? We are not camping there so was wondering if we would be able to just for the day and leave? Thoughts?





Ocean City: Ripleys %26amp; Western Theme park questions


The Ripleys in OC is pretty much the same as all the other Ripleys in other cities. It%26#39;s kitchey. It%26#39;s just fun to go through. Go through the Lifesaving Museum a little further down the boards at the inlet. It has all of Ocean City%26#39;s history there, plus lots of interesting displays relating to OC and beaches over the years. It only cost a couple of dollars to go through. And there are certain days that it%26#39;s free but you%26#39;d have to check on when. And if you are into cars at all, drive out rte 50 a mile or two and there is a museum on the left called Wheels of Yesterday. We go through it every other year or so and it is very enlightening. Again, just a couple bucks. They have a great little gift shop, and if no one else is around, there%26#39;s this great older gentleman who gives you a personal tour and tells you all kinds of neat stuff about the cars on display.



We%26#39;ve only ever stopped at the gift shop in the Western Town. Don%26#39;t know anything more about it.



Ocean City: Ripleys %26amp; Western Theme park questions


The western theme park is called Frontier Town. I used to go as a kid so I still enjoy it as an adult. It is a few hours of entertainment with shows and a rodeo. Here is the link http://www.frontiertown.com/western.cfm You can just go for the day without being a camper. It is a fun day but bear in mind that it is a smaller theme park.




Nothing wrong with hitting Ripley%26#39;s for a little entertainment. If you have been there in a while then go for it.




We love all the Ripley%26#39;s museums, have been to 4 on the east coast. They all vary in the types of exhibits that are featured. Not exactly cheap, but look for coupons in the ';Sunny Day'; guide that save a few dollars off admission. The OCMD museum has a real Mini Cooper car (the original model) covered in coins that is really cool. Also check out the OC Lifesaving Museum on the boardwalk at the inlet. It%26#39;s just 2 or 3 dollars for admission and has some neat exhibits. Also go to ococean.com to see what may be happening in town when you are there...the convention center always seems to have something scheduled.





In 12 years of vacationing/owning condos down there we have never been to Frontier Town.. Kinda screams ';Tourist Trap'; to me, but the other reviews seem positive. Seems to be more of a kiddie deal; not the kind of place we would go if kidfree! I just laugh when ';OC'; and ';Inexpensive'; are put in the same sentence...LOL. Have a great trip!

In Room Jacuzzi

Does anyone know of hotels in Laurel that have in room jacuzzi? Trying to plan an overnight with the SO and want a little romance even if we%26#39;re only 20 minutes from home :)

In Room Jacuzzi

May I ask - Why Laurel?? You will have more to choose from if you go to the Airport area hotels or Columbia. Laurel doesn%26#39;t have many upscale hotels.

In Room Jacuzzi

We have an event in Laurel, so driving to Annapolis or Columbia doesn%26#39;t work.


How about a B%26amp;B/Inn? Laurel%26#39;s pickings are very slim in the hotel category, but this place is in Savage which is very close. I believe it sits on over 6 acres, and the house and grounds look really nice. If anything, it should make you feel like you are on a little get-away. I think they are rated on trip advisor too, so take a look.

www.joshuabarneyhouse.com

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  • Any hotels/motels outside of ocean city

    That might be worth checking into? Only gonna be for a night, just 2 people.





    Any hotels/motels outside of ocean city


    The Francis Scott Key Motel on Rt. 50 (Ocean Gateway) has the highest rating on TA. We have never been there, but the reviews look good. You can be at the OC inlet from there in the off-season in about 8 minutes by car. In season, esp. on a Saturday, it could take 1/2 hour or more.



    Any hotels/motels outside of ocean city


    There is also a newer Comfort Inn in West Ocean City. If you are coming during the summer most hotels with have a 3 night min. If you are coming during the off season, you will be able to get a great deal on a room in town.




    Try the Atlantic Hotel in Berlin, MD.


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  • Is a Beach tag required

    For the beach at Ocean city?



    Is a Beach tag required


    No...the beaches are FREE in Ocean City, Maryland unlike New Jersey to the north.



    Is a Beach tag required


    Whats a ';beach tag';? Sorry if its a stupid question but I don%26#39;t know...




    At most New Jersey beaches you have to pay a fee to access the beaches. You get a ';tag'; that you display to show that you have paid when the beach tag enforcers come along.




    wow, didn%26#39;t know that. Another good reason OC is great.




    how much is a beach tag?




    The entire beach of Ocean City is 100% free.




    No beach tags like here in NJ, but the town adds a 4.5% ';Tourist Tax'; to all condo/hotel rentals and an extra 1% sales tax on everything else. Makes sense instead of paying for and wearing the stupid tags!




    With all the development up in Delaware I wouldn%26#39;t be surprised if Ocean City goes to beach tags in a few years.



    Some beaches in De (Fenwick Island) are pay beaches and the real estate people have no problem telling their clients ';don%26#39;t worry just go down the street a few blocks and it%26#39;s free in Maryland';




    I%26#39;m not sure of prices per night for hotels or weekly condos rentals in New Jersey but if you add a ';beach tag'; to the sky high prices of rooms in OC, people will revolt and scream to the high



    ';oh mighty';. Lets keep the beaches free please.




    I%26#39;ll ask again.....how much is a beach tag?

    Camden Yard Seating

    We will be visiting Baltimore for the first time and plan to see a game at Camden Yards on a night in June. Where would be the ';best'; seating area to enjoy the ';view'; without having the sun in our eyes. Any suggestion are welcome. Thank you.



    Camden Yard Seating


    The third base line will put the sun behind you. I would recommend staying between 3rd and home. The seats at OP@CY are not angled, so the farther down the left field line you get, the more you have to turn your head to the right for the entire game. Very annoying.





    If you want to save money, there are seats in left field facing home plate. Also avoids the sun. If possible get as close as you can to the bullpens. (Section 86) Watching major league pitchers warm up from literally 10 feet away is pretty impressive.





    Here%26#39;s a seating chart to give you an idea of what you%26#39;re looking for:



    …mlb.com/bal/ballpark/seating_pricing.jsp



    Camden Yard Seating


    Just to clarify the seating chart--the left-field foul line runs due north-south vs. the east-west as shown in the chart.





    I don%26#39;t think sun would be a concern that time of year far beyond the first inning or two of a night game. If it%26#39;s a major concern, I%26#39;d avoid the upper deck on the first-base side towards the foul poles.




    Unless the ';Birds'; are playing the Yankees or Red Sox, the park will probably only be about 1/2 full. If this is the case, you can move around to seats you prefer. It is a fun time, and a nice park.





    Try to get there an hour or so before the game and have a couple of beers and food across the street at either Pickles Pub or Sliders. There are lots of food vendors outside - so grab some dogs or sausages, peanuts, and take them into the park with you.




    Depending on the visiting team who is playing in June - I would agree with the previous poster and buy the cheap seats and move down. I used to have a 13 game plan with the Orioles and it was frustrating to find out I was paying $35 per ticket and people had better seats than I did who only paid $8.




    Agree with the last two posters, you can always move around! If you want a good deal but don%26#39;t want to leave your ticketed seat, check out the eutaw street reserve. The downside is that the scoreboard is behind you, but the seats are inexpensive and very close to the field. It%26#39;s also next to the standing room picnic area that overlooks the bullpen. Just be careful not to choose a seat too close to the edge, there are a few sections with obstructed views of the far corner of the outfield.




    I agree buy the cheapest ticket and then move around. No one goes to the games unless its Yanks or Sox.

    How many days do you recommend in St Michaels

    Just curious about how many days you think is enough to explore St. Michaels. We are thinking of going for the Oyster Festival in November and not sure if three nights is too long. We went to Annapolis for three days %26amp; we saw/did everything in two..... Thanks.



    How many days do you recommend in St Michaels


    It depends on your pace, but for referecne St. Michaels is smaller than Annapolis with arguably less to do. However, you could use St. Michaels as a base and visit sourounding towns and areas including Tilgman%26#39;s Island, Easton, and Oxford.



    How many days do you recommend in St Michaels


    One day would be adequate in my opinion. Do check out the museum though.





    Tilghman is worth a trip in my opinion. Couple of good restaurants. We ate lunch one day watching fishing boats go in and out. I think its where the Choptank River meets the bay also.





    I like St Michaels but can%26#39;t imagine more than a day unless using it as a base.




    St. Micheals comes alive during the warmer months since it is one of the most popular boating destinations on the bay. Like another poster said, unless you go to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, you can pretty much tackle it in less than several hours (and that is directly related to whether you enjoying perusing the shops and boutiques). The draw here is the sleepy waterfront location, so it%26#39;s all about relaxing, strolling thru the shops, licking cones and renting a bike/kayak or going on a boat tour. The last three activities may not even be available in November.





    There are some properties that offer spa services, so that is another draw for some.





    If you use it as a base, you could get a great flavor for the Eastern Shore by visiting the other spots posters have mentioned. Easton is by far the largest, while the others are sleepier than St. Michaels.





    If you have a chance, and are driving around, you could visit the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge on the Lower Eastern Shore. During November, there are literally thousands of birds that travel thru here and you can spot both common and uncommon species including bald eagles. There is a visitor center that also has exhibits and they have both hikes and drives you can take throughout this very large refuge.




    Have been to St Michaels several times during the winter and a weekend was enough time. This also depends on where you are staying. Some of the resorts have enough to enjoy an entire weekend without leaving.I think a weekend should be fine.

    Friday, March 30, 2012

    DC to Boston 13 day road trip with 2 toddlers

    Hi, I%26#39;m trying to plan a summer holiday for my family, and am overwhelmed by the possibilities! I%26#39;d really appreciate any advice on itinerary or places to stay. (I%26#39;m posting this in a number of forums)

    We%26#39;re travelling with our 2 small sons - eldest will be 3 by then and the younger just 18 months. They%26#39;re both pretty well travelled, but we will be looking to stay in apartments/houses or suites as previous experience has proved staying in a regular hotel room is not really a holiday!

    I%26#39;m pretty fixed on the idea of flying into Dulles and out of Boston - but what to so in between is the confusing factor. So far I%26#39;m considering Shenandoah, Lancaster PA, Baltimore, Hyannis, Boston - but am tempted by lots of other places, especially upstate New York.

    We live practically on the Atlantic coast here in N Ireland, so a seaside holiday isn%26#39;t essential, but we do want at least part of our trip to be restful, by the pool type thing. We%26#39;ve been to the Rockies and enjoy the mountains , opportunities for walking/ bike hire without being too sporty (hard with 2 small kids). I%26#39;m interested in history, politics, literature - husband is more scientifically minded, and the kids are obviously a bit young for too much sightseeing.

    Any suggestions gratefully received.

    DC to Boston 13 day road trip with 2 toddlers

    Is DC on your list? Obviously lots to see and do in DC - that may be a separate posting in itself.

    If you aren%26#39;t doing DC then i would suggest that you head straight to Shenandoah Natl park. The Park runs north and south. Head to the southern entrance and make your way north. I recommend trying to reserve a ';suite'; at Big Meadows lodge. I have a 3 and 5 year old and we have been making annual trips there for 3 years now. The suites are basically a bedroom connected to a living room with a fire place. The living room gives you that extra room that you need with little ones. There is also, as the name implies, a big meadow that is great for the little ones to roam around in. There are lots of deer running around, and you may even see a black bear. The next day continue to drive north until you reach the northern entrance at Front Royal. From there you could head to Baltimore - about 2 hours.

    If Baltimore is your next destination, i would avoid taking 66 to the 495 (the capital beltway). Another option is more rural and would take you past Harpers Ferry National Park, which is a quaint little town on the confluence of 2 rivers. You could spend a couple of hours to an entire day walking around.

    Baltimore is a great ';weekend'; town. For the kids, try the National Acquarium, and the Maryland Science center. These are both located at the inner harbor, and are within walking distance of each other.

    hope this helps, let me know if you have additional questions.

    DC to Boston 13 day road trip with 2 toddlers

    Thanks, that%26#39;s helpful - I had %26#39;Shenandoah%26#39; as a vague idea but don%26#39;t know much about the area and haven%26#39;t as much time to research as I%26#39;d normally like. We%26#39;re thinking of spending 3 nights in DC before heading really starting our road trip (so we%26#39;ve really got 10 days to fill).

    Would you suggest having more time in Maryland/Virginia or CT/RI coast? Coming from UK/Ireland I seem to have heard of more of the towns there, but I don%26#39;t want to just go for the obvious and miss out on hidden gems!


    do you like cities or outdoors?


    Definitely prefer outdoors - we like cities in small doses, and without small children!


    Hello! If you like the outdoors, I would definately recommend the Shenendoah area. There%26#39;s a lot of hiking to do there, plus the river rafting. The rapids aren%26#39;t big so it%26#39;s pretty safe, though I%26#39;m not sure if it is for such young kids. You can also do tubing (just floating down a very calm part of the river in an inner tube). The water level is low most of the time, about knee high.

    Also, if you get a chance, you might like to check out Assateague Island. It%26#39;s not too far from Ocean City, Maryland, but it%26#39;s considered in Virginia. The neat thing there are the ';wild horses'; which really aren%26#39;t that wild since they will walk right up to you. You%26#39;re not supposed to touch or feed them, though. But they are wild because no one keeps them. Read more about it here:

    www.nps.gov/asis/naturescience/horses.htm

    If you like history, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is not far from the DC/MD area. And it%26#39;s very pretty out there and they do this ';living history'; reenactment where people dress up like they did in the past. You can talk to them and they%26#39;ll tell you about the history, etc. Fun for the kids. More info here: http://www.gettysburg.com/

    Baltimore is a nice one-day trip. I would not go to the aquarium though, because it is very expensive and, honestly, I don%26#39;t think it%26#39;s quite worthwhile. Send me a msg if you%26#39;d like more info on Baltimore. I live right outside the city. Annapolis is much prettier, in my opinion, than Baltimore.

    I%26#39;d try to also hit Philadelphia. Lots of history there. Big city, but lots to see. Independence Hall, Liberty Bell. The old neighborhoods are fun.

    Hope this helps some!


    Thanks for all the advice! I%26#39;m kind of more confused than ever - because it seems there%26#39;s so much great stuff to do without going to Boston/CT/RI.

    Maybe we should stick to DC, PA, MD, Virginia and leave New England for next year!

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