USA Destinations

Family-tested guides to the best USA destinations, from New York State day trips and Northeast road trips, to Orlando, the Southwest, and beyond. Real itineraries, honest hotel reviews, and practical tips from a Rochester, NY family that loves exploring America.

randyland in pittsburgh

The Ultimate Pittsburgh Itinerary: 3 Days of Food, Fun, and Adventure

Planning a trip to Pittsburgh and wondering how to make the most of your time? This 3-day Pittsburgh itinerary is packed with the city’s top attractions, hidden gems, and must-try eats. Whether ... Read More
new york state travel I love ny sign

Best Family Attractions in New York State (2026 Guide)

Planning a family vacation in New York State? From world-famous landmarks to outdoor adventures, charming small towns, and hands-on museums, New York offers some of the best family attractions in the Northeast. ... Read More
trip to orlando with kids in florida.

How to Plan an Orlando Itinerary

Planning an Orlando itinerary is incredibly overwhelming because there is so much to see and do. As a frequent visitor I have planned many Orlando trip itineraries and in this post I ... Read More
West Inn and Suites Carlsbad

West Inn and Suites Carlsbad Review- Great Hotel Choice Near LEGOLAND

West Inn and Suites Carlsbad is an amazing family friendly hotel near LEGOLAND California. In this post I am sharing our experience and my West Inn and Suites Carlsbad review to see ... Read More
movie set at old tucson

2-Day Tucson itinerary for a Quick Getaway

If you only have 24 hours in Tucson, you want to maximize your time! This 2-day Tucson itinerary highlights the best way to spend your short amount of time in Tucson, Arizona.
white sands national park dunes

Guide to White Sands Sledding in New Mexico

When you think of sledding, snow-covered hills usually come to mind—but did you know you can go sledding in the desert at White Sands National Park? In this post, I’ll share everything ... Read More
southwest usa road trip itinerary

9-Day Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary

Touring the Southwest USA is always a great vacation because of its gorgeous scenery and fun attractions. In this post I am sharing how to plan a Southwest USA road trip itinerary ... Read More
dinosaur at cabazon

Cabazon Dinosaurs California Roadside Attraction Trip Recap

Cabazon Dinosaurs is the perfect California roadside attraction. It has lots of photo-ops and nostalgia. We added it as a stop during our Southwest road trip and it was a unique addition ... Read More
1 day at zion national park with kids itinerary

1 Day Zion National Park Itinerary: How to Maximize Your Time

Are you planning a visit to Zion National Park? We spent 24 hours visiting the park and in this post I am sharing my 1 day Zion National Park itinerary to help ... Read More
crazy golf myrtle beach inside

What are the Best Ripley’s Attractions in Myrtle Beach

Looking for family fun attractions in Myrtle Beach? We spent time at the Ripley’s attractions in Myrtle Beach to help you decide if they are worth including in your Myrtle Beach trip.
beach houses along surfside beach pier view

Surfside Beach South Carolina: Hidden Spring Break Gem

Looking for a family beach getaway? Surfside Beach South Carolina is the perfect destination. In this post I am sharing the best things to do in Surfside Beach South Carolina for your ... Read More
view from beach house mytle beach south carolina

Myrtle Beach Vacation Guide: Perfect 1-week Itinerary

Are you planning a Myrtle Beach vacation? This Myrtle Beach itinerary planning guide will give you advice on how to plan your beach vacation that includes relaxing days at the beach and ... Read More
view of american falls and rainbow bridge

2 Day Niagara Falls Itinerary (USA & Canada)

Want to enjoy the best of Niagara Falls USA and Canada? In this post I share our 2 day itinerary for Niagara Falls from what to do to where to stay and ... Read More
winter in niagara falls frozen waterfall.

Niagara Falls in Winter- A Unique Time to Visit

Don’t let the cold weather scare you away from visiting Niagara Falls in winter. With proper planning you can experience less crowds and a unique way to see the Falls. In this ... Read More
corning museum with kids scavenger hunt

Guide to Visiting Corning Museum of Glass

Planning a visit to Corning Museum of Glass. I am sharing all the details from how to plan your day to where to eat during your visit. This guide to the Corning ... Read More
glass display at corning museum

1-Night Corning Itinerary: Things to do in Corning NY

The Glass Museum in Corning, New York is the main attraction, but if you want to spend a little more time enjoying the quaint village, this 1-night Corning itinerary will help you ... Read More
sign museum ohio

Fun Stops on the Drive to Pigeon Forge Tennessee

Visiting Pigeon Forge from the Northeast? Be sure to include these road trip stops during your drive to Pigeon Forge Tennessee.
pigeon forge itinerary includes a visit to the island fountain show

5 Night Pigeon Forge Itinerary

Whether you are visiting Pigeon Forge for the fresh mountain air, the fun attractions, or both, this 5-night Pigeon Forge Itinerary will give you everything you need to plan an awesome family ... Read More
buffalo zoo

2-Night Weekend in Buffalo Itinerary

Planning a Buffalo weekend getaway is easy! There are many places to visit in Buffalo and today we are sharing our weekend in Buffalo NY itinerary to help you plan your trip.
penguin at ripleys aquarium myrtle beach

Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach: 3 Things You Can’t Miss and How to Plan Your Visit

Are you visiting Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach during your vacation to Myrtle Beach? These are the best things to do at Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach and how to plan your visit.
sunset at wakins glen harbor hotel balcony

Review of the Harbor Hotel Watkins Glen

We spent an amazing weekend in Watkins Glen at the Harbor Hotel. It was a perfect getaway to enjoy the gorgeous area of the New York Finger Lakes.
Lake Buena Vista Resort Review pool area

Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa Review

The Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa in Orlando, Florida is a family friendly destination that is perfect for families looking for more hotel space during their theme park vacation. Our ... Read More
road trip food from ny to fl

Food Ideas for a Road Trip in the USA

Are you planning a road trip? Planning is key to success on the road, and part of that is packing good food and snacks. Check out my road trip food list and ... Read More
overlooking buildings in new york city

7 Tips for First Time Visit to NYC

Easy to follow tips to plan your first time visit to NYC. These will help make the most of your families first time trip to New York City.
costumes from phantom of the opera museum of broadway in nyc

Is the Museum of Broadway in New York City Worth Visiting

Is the Museum of Broadway worth including in your NYC trip? Today I am sharing my review and if the Museum of Broadway is worth visiting.
bucees new york to florida road trip

20 Tourist Attractions on the Drive from New York to Florida

Are you thinking of escaping the cold New York winters and heading south to the sunshine state? These tourist attractions on the drive from New York to Florida will make the drive ... Read More
things to do on the way to niagara falls from new york city i love ny

10 Things to Do on the Way to Niagara Falls from NYC

Are you taking a road trip from NYC to Niagara Falls? Check out this list of best things to do on the way to Niagara Falls from NYC.
visiting times square with kids

Best Things to Do in Times Square with Kids

Are you visiting Times Square with Kids? From free things to popular attractions this list share the best things to do in Times Square when visiting New York City.
driving to myrtle beach from new york

Driving to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina from Rochester, NY

Are you driving to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina from Rochester, NY and want to make it into a fun road trip, this article is for you! Today we are sharing unique roadside ... Read More
zion to las vegas road trip with kids

Las Vegas Itinerary 4 Days | Las Vegas with Kids

This Las Vegas 4 day itinerary includes time time spent on the strip, a visit to Zion National Park as well as a day trip to the Hoover Dam. This is a ... Read More
views from the westin times square

Where to Stay in NYC with Family: Westin New York Times Square Review

Are you visiting the big apple and wondering where to stay in NYC with family? This is our review of the Westin New York Times Square and why we think it is ... Read More
the best things to do in utica new york view from doubletree utica

Best Things to Do in Utica NY with Kids (Oneida & Herkimer County Weekend Getaway)

The best things to do in Utica NY with kids for a weekend getaway. Plus a Utica weekend itinerary for where to stay and where to eat.
best things to do in jamestown ny national comedy center

Best Things to Do in Jamestown NY | Jamestown Weekend Itinerary

Looking for the best things to do in Jamestown, NY? Check out this Jamestown weekend itinerary with the top things to do in Jamestown NY with kids.
lake george in winter new york state

Lake George in Winter | Weekend Itinerary for Winter in Lake George with Kids

Are you visiting the Lake George area this winter? This New York state destination is a perfect spot for families. Learn more in our guide to Lake George in winter.
pirate ship at mystic seaport village

Things to Do in Mystic CT with Kids for a Weekend

Are you spending a weekend in Mystic, Connecticut with kids? This guide gives you fun things to do in Mystic, CT with kids for a weekend getaway.
Splash Pad at Encore Resort Water Park

Encore Resort Orlando Florida Review (Vacation Rental Near Disney World)

Are you looking for vacation rentals near Disney World or Universal Orlando? We stayed at the Encore Resort Orlando Florida and are sharing our review of this off-site Disney World vacation rental.
the cove at sylvan beach 3 bedroom cottage

The Cove at Sylvan Beach Review for Summer Weekend Getaway in New York

If you are looking for laid back comfort and relaxation for your next family trip you should take a look at The Cove at Sylvan Beach in New York. Offering 2 and ... Read More
best things to do in syracuse with kids

21 Fun Things to Do in Syracuse, NY with Kids

Syracuse, NY is a great destination for families looking for museums, activities, and outdoor fun. Today we are sharing fun things to do in Syracuse, NY with kids plus a sample Syracuse ... Read More
the wild center in tupper lake new york stickworks

Exploring the Adirondacks Wild Center in NY

The Wild Center in Tupper Lake NY is a great mix of indoor and outdoor family fun in the Adirondacks. The Wild Center and Wild Walk are a must do for things ... Read More
map of united states

Traveling All 50 States: How It’s Going (Updated 2022)

Have you ever thought of traveling to all 50 states? The ideas never crossed my mind until I had kids and started this blog. Once they were born my husband and I ... Read More
Gatlinburg clingmans dome trail

Clingmans Dome Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains

Clingmans Dome trail is a great hike for families visiting the Great Smoky Mountains. It has amazing views and is a unique hiking experience. It may be a little challenging but worth ... Read More
beaches at the lodges at cresthaven.

Lake George Family Lodging: The Lodges at Cresthaven

Are you looking for Lake George family lodging that has space for a family and offers on-site amenities? Then you should check out The Lodges at Cresthaven. It is a great family ... Read More
anakeesta review for families

Anakeesta Review: Should You Visit Anakeesta on Your Gatlinburg Vacation

Are you planning a vacation to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, Tennessee? You may want to include Anakeesta as part of your vacation! This Anakeesta review will share our visit to Anakeesta in ... Read More
baseball hall of fame in cooperstown

7 Things to Do at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY

A highlight of our weekend in Cooperstown, NY was learning more about the history of baseball in America. Here are seven things to do at the Baseball Hall of Fame for families.
kentucky derby museum

Things to Do in Louisville with Kids for a Fun Day

Had I known there were so many fun things to do in Louisville with kids, I would have planned a few extra days to spend visiting the city. We only had one ... Read More
Encore Resort at Reunion Water Park Area

Our Orlando Getaway Family Weekend

As a huge theme park family we have always wanted to visit during the holidays. In December we finally had our chance to do a quick Orlando getaway. It may have been ... Read More
rudolph at Gaylord National Resort

ICE at Gaylord National (Updated 2022)

ICE at Gaylord National resort is a family fun holiday event that is back for the 2022 season.
treehouse rental cooperstown luxury

Things to do in Cooperstown NY for a Family Weekend Getaway

We visited Cooperstown NY in early fall and learned there are so many things to do in Cooperstown NY for families. Today we are sharing how we spent a family weekend in ... Read More