Dive into Delight: Our Unforgettable Day at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Our trip to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg was already packed with excitement, but Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies turned out to be the unexpected star! I confess, I doubted the aquarium's appeal initially – being more of a "zoo" person – but boy, was I in for a delightful surprise.

The Spectacular Start: A Building Beyond Expectations

First things first, the aquarium's building itself is a marvel, even in the daytime. It's not just about the glow; it's a genuinely cool place that sets the stage for an extraordinary experience. It's an amazing place all around, and perfect for getting some pictures outside!

Friendly Faces and Hassle-Free Entry

Picking up our media tickets at the friendly ticket desk was a refreshing start. The warm customer service was a welcome change, setting a positive tone for the entire visit. Make sure to check out the multi attraction discount if you are planning on visiting any of the other great Ripley's attractions in town! (We highly recommend that you do!)

Aquatic Extravaganza: A Surprisingly Extended Stay

Expecting a quick visit, we ended up spending an incredible four and a half hours exploring the spacious, well-lit exhibits. I NEVER intended to spend this much time here, but we made our rounds at a slow pace, letting our boys take the lead. The late January visit offered the rare luxury of almost having the entire place to ourselves! I am sure that this place gets crazy busy during the summer months and beyond, but visiting in the off season was a huge plus!

Jellyfish Joy: A Family Favorite

The jellyfish stole the show, especially for my boys, who were beyond amazed. Imagine their delight, having only known jellyfish from SpongeBob! It was a laughter-filled, mesmerizing experience. I couldn't believe that they stood at the jellyfish exhibit for over fifteen minutes, but I was totally entranced too!

Beyond Expectations: Aquarium Accolades and Diversity

Doubting TripAdvisor's rave reviews, I was proven utterly wrong. With over 10,000 sea creatures and 350+ species, the aquarium lived up to every award and word of praise. This aquarium truly does deserve all of the awards and great reviews that it has received!

Tunnel Thrills: Sharks, Turtles, and Moving Floors

A personal favorite – the tunnel with its glass top and moving floor. Watching sharks and turtles swim overhead was genuinely amazing. You could stroll or step off for a closer look – flexibility at its finest.

Shark Shenanigans and Giant Crab Fun

The giant crabs and a shark with a questionable agenda provided unexpected excitement. Picture a shark following us back and forth – a hilarious, slightly unnerving encounter, but one we will not ever forget!

Penguin Paradise: An Hour of Pure Joy

Who can resist penguins? An hour spent exploring the penguin exhibit was sheer joy. And don't forget to grab some treasures from the gift shop on your way out! The penguins were definitely a highlight of the visit, and the exhibits are so interactive and fun!

I must admit, I underestimated this aquarium. If you haven't been, trust me, you need to go NOW! January's odd weather meant no crowds, making our visit even more special. Make sure to ask for a homeschool discount if you are a homeschooling family. The discounts for homeschoolers are super great at not only this, but other Ripley's attractions as well!

Disclosure:

Full transparency – I received complimentary tickets for this attraction in exchange for an honest review. But as always, the opinions expressed here are entirely my own!

Escape the Winter Blues: A Dollywood Adventure Revisited!

The never-ending winter has us daydreaming about vacations, and our ultimate happy place – the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee! So, let's take a trip down memory lane with one of our cherished old posts – the unforgettable review of our Dollywood experience. Enjoy the ride!

Dollywood: Where Thrills Meet Southern Charm

Our visit to Dollywood stands out as a highlight of our trip. As a theme park-loving family, we've explored our fair share, but Dollywood claimed the top spot. The park's charming "country fair" theme creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it an instant favorite for us.

We arrived at the crack of dawn and left as the sun set, realizing we could have easily spent two days exploring everything Dollywood has to offer. It's not just about the rides; it's a complete package with shopping, delicious food, and a delightful country fair ambiance.

Gastronomic Delights and Irresistible Shopping

A visit to Dollywood isn't complete without indulging in the culinary delights and exploring the unique shops. Aunt Granny's All You Care To Eat Buffet is a must-try – just be prepared to leave with a satisfied belly. We also savored a bite at Red's Drive In, a 50's style diner, and made a quick stop at Miss Lillian's Chicken House to meet the iconic Miss Lillian.

Thrills for Every Taste

Dollywood caters to all types of thrill-seekers. While my husband and eldest son tackled the big coasters, my youngest and I enjoyed the more laid-back rides, scenic walks, and tasty snacks. The park's diversity allowed us to create lasting family memories.

Although some unexpected bee-related issues prevented us from trying Wild Eagle, my boys secured the coveted first seat on the wooden roller coaster, Thunderhead. The highlight of the trip, however, was the Dollywood Express, a steam locomotive ride that left us all in awe.

Unparalleled Hospitality and Comfort

The friendly and professional staff contributed to the homey and comfortable vibe at Dollywood. We never felt rushed or bothered, making our experience truly enjoyable. We left with a deep appreciation for the genuine kindness of everyone we encountered.

As we plan our return to Dollywood next year, eager to explore what we missed the first time, we reflect on the incredible family memories we created.

Tips for Your Dollywood Adventure:

• Communicate any food allergies to the staff for seamless accommodation.
• Take advantage of the Centralized Measuring Area for kids to know ride eligibility.
• Parent Swap is a fantastic option for parents with kids of different age groups.
• Arrive after 3 pm, and enjoy the next day at Dollywood for free – an excellent deal!
• Utilize the Package Pickup service to shop without carrying items all day.

In Conclusion:

If you're planning a trip to the Smokies, extend your stay and immerse yourself in the magic of Dollywood. Missing it would be a regret you don't want – trust us! For more information and trip planning, visit this page! 

Unveiling the Serenity of Music Road Inn: A Pigeon Forge Getaway

Hey there, fellow travelers! We've just returned from a memorable vacation, filled with its fair share of adventure and a dash of stomach-churning moments (more on that later!). Now that everyone is back on their feet, let me spill the beans on our delightful stay at the Music Road Inn in Pigeon Forge.

The Music Road Inn turned out to be an absolute gem. The ambiance was enchanting, and the staff, even more so. Picture this – a lobby straight out of a movie set, complete with a grand fireplace that wraps you in warmth. Michelle at the front desk made check-in a breeze, setting the tone for a welcoming stay.

Our room, a standard double queen, was a haven of comfort. Traveling with my sister and two kiddos, the space was more than ample. Two highlights stole my heart: first, the bathroom. Divided into two sections, it's a haven of practicality. One half hosts the toilet and shower, while the other boasts a spacious vanity with a double sink, a bench seat, and a generously sized mirrored closet. A true luxury for a mom on the go!

The second highlight? The view! Despite the winter chill, our waterpark view room offered a breathtaking sight of the mountains. Imagine waking up to that every morning – pure bliss.

Now, about the beds – fabulous! Except for my little guy who found them a tad too tall, leading to an impromptu bed on the floor. Extra pillows and blankets to the rescue. But for the rest of us, the beds were a dream, especially for my husband who was on a mission to sleep until noon every day.

Winter might not be the typical choice, but our stay during this quieter period was a refreshing change. The tranquility, with only a handful of guests around, allowed us to savor the perks of being the sole occupants.

The indoor pool, despite our adult perception of 'freezing,' was a hit with the kids (and me in the hot tub!). Open 24 hours, it offered a rare chance for one-on-one time with my older son, away from the little brother's antics.

Arcade enthusiasts in the family rejoiced, and despite a meager prize haul for $15, the fun was worth every penny. Did I mention the complimentary HBO? Vacation perks for the win!

Breakfast was a standout feature that drew us to the Music Road Inn – homemade cinnamon rolls, need I say more? The spacious breakfast room ensured a comfortable start to the day, a big win for my crew.

Kudos to the fantastic maid service, ensuring our rooms were spotless throughout our stay. Initially, we planned to explore other accommodations during our summer visit, but after our Music Road Inn experience, it's safe to say we've found our home away from home in the Smokies. The friendly staff and warm welcome have won us over.

Despite a minor hiccup involving my oldest son and a flu-induced adventure, coupled with the impending "Snowstorm Of Doom," we made the call to head home sooner than planned. Regrettably, this meant missing out on a few room photos I had intended to capture. Not to worry, I'll throw in a few shots from the Music Road Inn's website to compensate.

For a family-friendly retreat in the heart of the Smokies, Music Road Inn is the clear choice. I can't express how pleased I am with our stay, and my family echoes the sentiment. Check out their website here or stay updated on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news, discounts, and promotions. Huge thanks to the Music Road Inn staff – we'll be back real soon!

Disclaimer: We received a complimentary stay in exchange for this post. However, all views, thoughts, and opinions are 100% our own.

Unleash the Fun: Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee

Looking for an unforgettable family experience in the heart of the Smoky Mountains? Well, buckle up because I've got the inside scoop on an absolute blast for the whole family! We just wrapped up our Spring Break trip to Pigeon Forge, TN, and let me tell you, this one's a game-changer.

Setting the Scene: A Love Letter to the Smoky Mountains

If the Smoky Mountains aren't your favorite place on Earth, they will be after you hear about this gem! Trust me; I've contemplated moving here so many times that I've practically memorized rental listings and long-distance moving companies. It's just that magical.

Dinner Show Delight: Hatfield and McCoy Feud

Now, let's talk dinner shows – and not just any dinner show, but the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud in Sevierville. Nestled between Wonderworks (the "upside-down house") and the Titanic Museum, it's hard to miss. The fun starts the moment you lay eyes on the building, with a petting zoo outside to kick off the excitement!

Over-the-Top Entertainment: A Feast for the Senses

I'm not kidding; this show is the definition of over-the-top fun. From the food to the performers and the music – it's an all-around spectacular experience. Trust me; it's the one dinner show that had my entire family hooked, from little ones to teenagers to the husbands. The consensus? This was the highlight of our trip!

Pre-Show Excitement: Petting Zoos and Redneck Treasures

Before the curtain rises, enjoy a lively atmosphere with a pre-show petting zoo. And have you seen the gift shop? Packed with cool and unique "redneck" items, it's a shopping experience like no other.

Dinner and a Show: A Culinary Adventure

Now, let's talk about the food – oh, the food! An amazing, family-style, all-you-can-eat meal is served right to your table. And let me tell you, it's beyond delicious. Take a look at those mouthwatering dishes!

Our family had an absolute blast, and that's saying something! When I asked everyone about the highlight of our trip, the unanimous response was the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud. It's an experience that brought us all together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

This wasn't just a show; it was a memory-making extravaganza. I can't recommend the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud enough. In fact, I'm already eyeing their Christmas show for our next visit! It's a unique, family-friendly atmosphere that's hard to find anywhere else. Trust me; this is something you'll remember forever. Don't miss out – check out their website HERE for more details and start planning your own adventure in the Smoky Mountains!

Choosing Your Smoky Mountain Retreat: Cabins vs. Hotels - What's Right for You?

Embarking on a trip to the Smokies? Deciding where to stay is a pivotal step, and we've got your back. Join us as we explore the factors that can help you determine whether a cozy cabin or a convenient hotel suits your Smoky Mountain adventure.

Decisive Factors: Your Blueprint for Planning

1. Cost:

Navigating your budget is key, and both cabins and hotels offer options across the spectrum. While prices can vary, a general rule of thumb is that cabins and hotels in the Smokies typically range between $100-150 a night. Consider your budget and preferences to find the sweet spot for your stay.

2. Location:

Location sets the tone for your Smoky Mountain experience. Cabins often nestle in the mountains, offering serene seclusion, while hotels are conveniently located in or near town centers. Decide whether you crave the excitement of downtown or the tranquility of the mountains, factoring in your preference for driving or walking to attractions. Personally, I love staying in hotels when I want to be close to the action, and maybe sneak out for a quick walk on the strip at night, or grab a late night snack at a snack shop! 

3. Privacy:

Define the nature of your vacation. If you seek peace, quiet, and privacy, a cabin is your sanctuary. Cabins often offer seclusion, while hotels may involve shared spaces and neighboring guests. Your preference for a family adventure, romantic getaway, or a mix of both will guide you toward the ideal retreat.

4. Weather:

Nature plays a role in your decision. Consider weather conditions, especially in the mountains. While snow-capped mountains are breathtaking, accessibility to cabins might be affected. Check road conditions and have contingency plans, especially if rain is in the forecast. For hotel stays, plan activities with weather fluctuations in mind.

5. Amenities:

Identify the must-have amenities for your stay. Cabins can offer private pools, hot tubs, and game rooms, ensuring a personal paradise. Hotels, on the other hand, might boast spas, water parks, and on-site dining. Know your priorities—whether it's a cozy cabin retreat or the convenience of hotel amenities—to streamline your search.

6. Size of Your Party:

The size of your traveling party is a pivotal factor. Cabins provide flexible options for different group sizes, making them ideal for family reunions or large gatherings. Hotels may require additional rooms or suites for bigger groups, potentially impacting costs. Personally, for our family of five, a cabin is SO nice to have the extra room to stretch out and not be all over each other in a cramped hotel room! 

7. Convenience:

Consider the level of convenience you desire. If you prefer a carefree vacation with minimal planning, a hotel in a central location might be your best bet. Avoiding driving and navigating can be a game-changer. However, if you enjoy the freedom of driving and value a more secluded atmosphere, a cabin might align better with your preferences.

Personal Recommendations:

We've had wonderful experiences at Econo Lodge Riverside and Music Road Inn in Pigeon Forge, offering both comfort and family-friendly atmospheres. For those seeking a true family adventure, Wilderness At The Smokies with its three water parks and family adventure center is a standout choice. If cabins are more your style, we recommend Arrowhead Cabin Rentals.

Conclusion:

As you plan your Smoky Mountain retreat, the choice between a cabin and a hotel ultimately boils down to your preferences, group size, and the experience you seek. Whether you're drawn to the quiet intimacy of a cabin or the convenience of a hotel, the Smokies have something for everyone. Share your favorite Smoky Mountain stays in the comments below!

More Kid Friendly Trips In Central Kentucky. (Part 2) #TravelBlogger #Kentucky #Trips #Vacay #TripsWithKids #Review

A few days ago, I told you guys about a couple of kid-friendly day trips in and around the Central Kentucky area. If you didn't get a chance to check out that post, you can see it here.

Well, after looking around researching destinations for that post, I realized that there were tons of places that we have never been, and tons of places that I was leaving out! I just had to follow up with another post with more kid friendly trips in Central Kentucky. 

Our family has been to a few of these places, but not in the last few years. We really just haven't had the extra money to do much fun stuff. Hopefully soon we will be back on track and be able to take the boys to a few of these places! 

I have come up with a few little "mini trips" that I would like to take this year, and I will share them with you guys! 

 My first little "mini trip" would be in Louisville. It's not too far away to drive with two screaming kids, and there is enough to do to be able to stay the night there in a hotel, maybe even two nights. 

The Louisville Zoo is probably my favorite place in the whole world! I love this place! The Louisville Zoo is not as big as the Cincinatti Zoo, but I really like it much better. The layout is just much more sensible and easier to navigate, and the habitats of the animals are cleaner and more spacious. The newest exhibit at The Louisville Zoo is Glacier Run, opening this Spring! 

"Glacier Run will be a truly unique experience where one can visit the animals, talk to the keepers about conservation and become temporarily immersed in life on the tundra. The exhibit will recreate the natural habitat for some of the Zoo’s most popular residents including polar bears, seals and sea lions. The addition of sea otters and bird species like the Steller’s sea eagles and magpies will add to the feeling of being surrounded by wildlife. The town of Glacier Run will include a schoolhouse, climatology lab and general store. A spacious amphitheatre will make viewing the seal and sea lion enrichment demonstrations more enjoyable."

 

I can't wait to see Glacier Run, it looks awesome! 

   

The next place on my list is the Louisville Science Center. This is where I went on my 8th grade trip, and I really enjoyed it! The Science Center is a hands-on museum-type place where kids and learn and have fun at the same time! They have an awesome Imax theater, and even a KidZone especially for children 7 and under! 

 We would have dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory in downtown Louisville, and then the next day we would be raring to go visit the Louisville Slugger Museum, and mommy's personal favorite place, Churchill Downs. Ahh, it sounds lovely, in my mind, anyways.. 

My next "mini vacation" that I would like to take the boys on is a little further away for us, it requires a trip to Cave City, Kentucky.Here's what it would include: 

Dinosaur World:  

Dinosaur World is an outdoor museum that features life sized dinosaur models. Kids can get up close and personal with them, and even dig for "fossils" and "bones"! This sounds like something that would be right up Tater's alley! 

Kentucky Down Under:  a unique experience for kids to explore and visit with Kangaroos and other animals from down under, as well as explore the amazing Kentucky Caverns cave system. This sounds like a lot of fun and I really think Tater would like this one too! 

Beech Bend Park: This one would probably take a whole day itself! It's outside of Cave City, in Bowling Green, but Beech Bend Park looks like a great place! Beech Bend is an amusement park, water park, drag strip and campground all in one! The best part? FREE soft drinks, FREE sunscreen, FREE parking, and FREE tubes! I think this one would probably be the highlight of our trip!

I am sure I will have more trip ideas in the next few days, but this should keep me busy for awhile! 

disclosure: I was in no way compensated for any of these posts. These are just great places that I would genuinely like for my family to visit! 

(while you're saving money for your staycation, check out these coupons and deals!)

Kid Friendly Day Trips In Central Kentucky. (Part 1) #Vacay #TravelBlogger #Kentucky #Kids #TravelWithKids

This is so sad to admit, but we have never been on a family vacation. EVER.

We took Tater camping for ONE night when he was two.

That was almost three years ago!

We never have any extra money, and we work separate shifts in order to keep the boys out of daycare, so we are hardly ever home at the same time as it is.

But I feel so guilty that we have never even stayed the night in a hotel.

So, I have been trying to think of things nearby that we could do as a family, kind of like a "staycation", or a day trip at the very least.

So, I have been researching, and I found a few kid friendly things in the Central Kentucky area that we might try to do soon:

Day Trips:

Explorium of Lexington- This is an awesome children's museum in Lexington. We have been a few times when Tater was younger, but I think we need to go back!There are tons of interactive exhibits for kids, and it is a really fun place!

Salato Wildlife Education Center in Frankfort- This is one of my favorite places ever. I remember it from when I was a child. It is sponsored by the Dept of Fish and Wildlife, and is kind of like a "zoo", all with animals that are native to Kentucky. There are bears, buffalo, snakes, deer, etc. Tons and tons of great educational stuff about fish and wildlife in Kentucky, including a giant fishing area! This place also includes tons of great hiking!  And the best part of all, it's FREE!

Kentucky Horse Park- We go here every year at Christmas for Southern Lights, but we have never been any other time. I really want to take the boys here, there is so much great stuff! They have so much educational stuff about horses, and even a campground, if camping is your thing!  This would be an awesome staycation just a few minutes from our house!

Wolf Run Wildlife Refuge in Nicholasville- I am ashamed to say that we have never been here, and it is literally less than five minutes away from our house. It's a fabulous no-kill animal sanctuary that houses tons of animals that have been neglected, abused, abandoned, etc. These people have some of the biggest hearts in the world. And, my boys can get to see some awesome animals like this one: 

Old Fort Harrod State Park- One of the fondest memories of my childhood. My parents brought me here when I was a kid, and we went on TONS of field trips there when I was in school. I really think Tater would enjoy this, since it is kind of "cowboyish".

Fort Boonesborough State Park- Kentucky's second settlement, settled by Daniel Boone in 1775.  I really liked this one when I was a kid because it has a sand beach. I thought I was at the ocean LOL! This is probably one of my favorite things about living in Kentucky, is the fact that we have all of these wonderful state parks and things to do that are free or cheap!

These things will at least be a start, and we won't even have to stay in a hotel for them! We can just leave in the morning, and visit them, and then come back home.

I have a few more places that I would like to go, but they will all require at least a one night hotel stay, so I am going to save those for another post!

Anybody in the Lexington, Kentucky area, can you think of any place I forgot?

Anybody have tips for a great staycation? Leave them for us in the comments! 

Don't Miss The BIGGEST School Appreciation Days EVER In The Smokies- Feb 21- March 9, 2014!! #Homeschool #Events #Smokies #MomLife

I'm so excited to share something fabulous with you guys today! Starting on Friday, the wonderful Smoky Mountains will be having their BIGGEST School Appreciation Days event EVER!! The event runs from Feb. 21 through March 9, so there is plenty of time to get in on the action! You don't have to be a homeschooler, this promotion is open to teachers of all kinds! 

We were lucky enough to plan our vacation back in the fall to coincide with homeschool appreciation days, and it was a great way to check out some fun things that we wouldn't otherwise get a chance to go to, and save a ton of money along the way! I sure wish we were heading there in the next couple weeks, but it looks like we'll have to wait until the fall again this year! 

There are a ton of great businesses participating in this event this time around! I had a hard time getting my computer to save the flier, so I had to chop it up LOL, but here it is with all the info! 

These are all wonderful attractions, and I highly recommend that you take advantage of these offers if you are going to be in the area! Anybody have plans to head to the Smokies during this week? Leave a comment below and let me know, I would love to hear about your plans!! 

Homeschool Week In The Smokies: We're Going, Are You?

Most of you guys already know my love for the Smoky Mountains. We got the chance to visit in January, and I completely fell in love. This place will forever be our yearly family vacation destination. Well, it doesn't happen often, but every great once in awhile, I make a plan that doesn't completely come back to bite me in the butt! It looks like this year might be one of those times! We were SUPER excited to learn that we will be visiting during Homeschool Appreciation Week in the Smokies! This is going to be so much fun for our boys, and give them the chance to do some things that we wouldn't otherwise be able to do! 

We almost never plan things at the "right" time, so this is going to be great for our family! Don't worry, we're taking you guys along for the ride again, just like last time! (Don't pack your bags just yet, you're only going on a VIRTUAL trip with us!) We'll check in all throughout the Smokies on our trip, and we will make sure to take tons of pictures to share with you through our reviews when we get home! 

If you're thinking about planning a trip to the Smokies, now is the time!! We are going to be REALLY enjoying the fact that we are now homeschoolers, hanging out and learning in the Smokies while everyone else is at school!! YAY! 

A big thanks to The Traveling Praters for posting about this! 

Well, for now, I am just going to have to go finish up the laundry and dishes, and count down the days to our vacation! .


****I have also heard that Ripley's properties in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg will be having homeschool days as well, and that WonderWorks is also offering a homeschool discount, but I have not confirmed this yet. 

Know of any other Smokies homeschool discounts? Let me know in the comments below!

Big News For Kentucky Coaster Fans: KENTUCKY KINGDOM REOPENING MAY 2014!!!!!

Louisville, Kentucky, June 27, 2013 – Ed Hart, President of Kentucky Kingdom, LLLP, along with his partners Ed Glasscock, Bruce Lunsford, and the Al J. Schneider Company, today announced the biggest expansion in Kentucky Kingdom’s 25-year history.  The announcement was made just an hour after representatives of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Metro Louisville, the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Kentucky State Fair Board, and The Bank of Kentucky signed the agreements required for the official reopening of Kentucky Kingdom.

Standing just inside the front entrance to the theme park, Mr. Hart remarked, “The highlights of the new Kentucky Kingdom will be the addition of the first new rollercoaster in 17 years and a large expansion of the Hurricane Bay water park.  We are doubling the size of the water park, adding three new waterslide complexes, a 12-000-square-foot wave lagoon, and an adventure river, which is six times faster than the existing lazy river.  All in all, we will have one of the largest water parks in the region.”

“We will also reopen such signature rides as the Thunder Run wooden coaster, the Mile High Falls giant spill ride, the 150-foot-tall Giant Wheel, the rapid river raft ride, and the Thrill Park Theatre, as well as all of the park’s remaining rides and attractions.”

Added Hart, “We’re not stopping there.  In 2015, we will unveil a complete makeover of our suspended looping coaster, T2, and we are well on our way to converting the two intertwined wooden coasters known as Twisted Twins into a much superior ride, which will debut in 2016.  We will continue to introduce new attractions each season.  In fact, per our lease with the state, we have an obligation to invest as much as $2.5 million each year for as many as 70 years.  That would equal an investment of more than $200 million, including our initial outlay of $43.5 million.”

Hart thanked the Governor, the Mayor, the Metro Council, Jim King, other state and local officials, and particularly Dr. Mark Lynn, Chairman of the Fair Board, for recognizing the importance of Kentucky Kingdom to the state and the local community.”

Mr. Lynn commented, “Ed Hart and his partners, all respected local businesspersons, are the right people at the right time to restore Kentucky Kingdom to its previous success.  A full-scale renovation of the park’s more than 100 buildings and 40 rides is already underway.”

Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the new Kentucky Kingdom are attached.  As for answers to any questions that might not be covered on that list, Hart said, “We’d like to tell you about everything we’re going to do over the next ten months, so we encourage you to follow our progress at www.kentuckykingdom.com, where frequent updates will be posted.”

We're Gearing Up For Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey DRAGONS!!

Okay, some of you might remember our circus review from last year. It was literally, without a question, my baby Bean's favorite experience of his life so far. I have really never seen him as excited or as genuinely happy as he was last year when we went to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's Fully Charged at Rupp Arena. So, when we heard that RBBB was back at it again in our hometown, this time with their "Dragons" show, I knew we were going to try our best to go! 

This year's show sounds spectacular! It is celebrating the Year of The Dragon, so it's something that happens only once in a millennium! Just reading the description of the show makes me feel excited, I can't wait to see it in real life! If you are in the Central Kentucky area and are interested in attending this super spectacular circus event, get ready, because tickets go on sale July 19th! The best part? They start at only $15, so the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey presents Dragons show is something that the whole family can enjoy together! For tickets, just go through Ticketmaster or the Rupp Arena Box Office. You can also call 1-800-745-3000 to order by phone.

Wanna hear all the details? 

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents DRAGONS is a once in a millennium event that honors The Year of the Dragon.  Circus performers from the farthest reaches of the earth have assembled for Ringling Bros. Presents DRAGONS to showcase their astounding acts of bravery and astonishing athleticism. Ringling Bros.® Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson presides over this fantastical celebratory tournament of circus champions that brings together mystic dragon lore with authentic circus feats. DRAGONS is a never-before-seen blend of renowned spiritual and real life legends and is coming to Rupp Arena, September 6 - 8, 2013. Tickets go on sale July 19.

The anticipation builds throughout Ringling Bros. Presents DRAGONS as Children Of All Ages bear witness to one phenomenal Ringling Bros. circus act after another, from Shaolin Kung Fu Warriors, charging Cossack riders, magnificent Asian elephants, fierce tigers to the frenzied Globe of Steel. As the audience observes these and even more real world displays that pay tribute to the dragon, their continued excitement will bring glimpses of the elusive beast. But, the big question remains; what will it take to lure a true dragon from its golden lair? 

Ringling Bros. Presents DRAGONS opens an hour before with the interactive All Access Pre-show, FREE admission with your ticket. Families can participate in interactive experiences such as learning juggling and balancing skills, get performer autographs, see one of Ringling Bros. majestic Asian elephant’s paint a one-of-a-kind masterpiece and meet the Ringling Bros. Clowns, whose side-splitting spoofs, absurd antics and comical parody are guaranteed to keep audiences roaring with laughter!

Doesn't it sound exciting!?!?!? You know you wanna go! I highly recommend that you check out the All Access Pre Show before the event, it's free, and we had SO much fun last year! If you need more info, or just want to see more amazing pics of what is to come, visit Ringling.com or join them on Facebook! 

Headed To Kings Island? I've Got Your Hotel! #BestWestern Mason Inn!

When we planned our recent trip to Kings Island, I knew there was no way I was going to feel like driving 2+ hours back home after a day of fun in the sun and thrills! I knew we were going to have to find a hotel to stay in, but I wasn't sure which one to choose! We picked the Best Western Mason Inn for our one night stay and I am so glad we did! It was absolutely perfect for us! The Best Western Mason Inn is only about ten minutes away from Kings Island, and right off of the interstate, with super easy access! 

Right at closing time at Kings Island, another storm came through, this time a pretty big one. We were already on our way to the car, but it was parked all the way at the back of the parking lot! By the time we got to the car, we were drenched, I mean, completely and totally soaked! We must have looked like little wet rag dolls pulling into the Best Western Mason Inn!! The staff was so sweet and helpful and took care of everything for us right away! Our whole check in process took less than ten minutes! 

I was so disappointed that my camera batteries died at Kings Island, I didn't get many great pictures there, and I didn't get to take any at our hotel! But, we're already talking about heading back up next month to visit again, and I am going to make sure to get some great pics then! For now, I will share some photos from the Best Western Mason Inn website with you! One thing I have to say, this is one hotel whose stock photos look EXACTLY like the hotel! No surprises here, what you see is what you get, and that is a good thing! 

First of all, be aware if you stay that this IS a smoking hotel. It has been so long since I was in a smoking hotel, I was really taken aback at first! Our room was in the non smoking section, and it was fine, no huge odors or smoke smells. We got a King Suite for our stay, and it was absolutely perfect! For our family, a suite is just the way to go! The boys prefer to sleep on a sofa bed rather than a big tall hotel anyway (does anyone remember Bean falling out of the hotel bed SIX times on our trip to Gatlinburg???), and the real bonus for us is TWO TV's. Nobody can agree on what to watch, so the boys get a TV, dad gets a TV, and I get a book, if I'm lucky! 

Our room was absolutely perfect! Two big TV's, sofa bed big enough for both boys, desk for working (if one had time to work!!!), coffee table, big chair and ottoman in the bedroom, and wonderfully comfy king size bed with an amazing mattress! Bathroom was perfect, not very big, but come on, it's a bathroom! Plenty of room to shower and do your business, and that's all you need! I wish we had stayed a little longer so I had more to share with you, but we crashed right into bed as soon as we arrived. The bed was wonderful, the best night's sleep I've had in months (we have mattress o' crap here at home, remember?)!! 

We woke up early the next morning to check out the breakfast room downstairs. Have I mentioned that I LOVE hotels with FREE breakfast!? My kids never eat more than a piece of toast or a donut, and I really hate having to take them out, pay for an entire meal, and then throw it away. Hotels with FREE breakfast rock!! The Best Western Mason Inn has a huge breakfast room, with a little business center off to the side. There are plenty of tables in the breakfast room, so you don't feel crammed (usually my issue with hotel breakfasts!). There were a ton of choices for breakfast, donuts, eggs, toast, cereal, fruit, even an "make your own waffle" station, which was delicious! 


After breakfast, we checked out the pool area. My boys love, love, LOVE to swim, so a hotel with a pool is a must! We loved the pool at the Best Western Mason Inn, and I loved that the pool area has a little patio area off to the side of it that is fenced in. Very cool! After a quick swim, it was time for us to hit the road and take off. However, I want to say that Best Western Mason Inn is in a great location! There's a Chik-Fil-A across the parking lot, as well as a Waffle House, Applebees and Burger King, all within walking distance. Plus, tons of great shopping within walking distance as well! And, within less than 30 seconds, we were back on the interstate and headed back home. You can't beat that for convenience!


If you are heading to Kings Island and looking for a great place to stay like us, you NEED to check out Best Western Mason Inn! Great hotel, clean EVERYTHING, comfy mattress, yummy breakfast, friendly staff, convienient location, and best of all, great rates!!! What's not to love about that!? If you want to check out the hotel for yourself, or book a room, head on over to their website!  Oh, and don't forget to check out Best Western's online only Summer Special! You can get 20% off by booking online and choosing the "internet only" rate! Can't beat that! Thanks again, Best Western, for making our stay a great one! We'll be back! 

We were provided with a Best Western Travel Card to facilitate our stay, however, all thoughts and opinions are our own, and are never influenced by outside means.