Entrance to the Legoland Florida Theme Park

This weekend, I was privileged to be among the first to visit the new LEGOLAND Florida theme park in Winter Haven, Florida, about an hour’s drive from Orlando and equally close to Tampa.  This new theme park sits on familiar territory to those who visited Cypress Gardens in the past, and the botanical gardens, including the famed banyan tree, have been preserved.

The Legoland botanical gardens include a Lego-themed nod to the Southern Belles who roamed Cypress Gardens.

While many will enjoy the historical aspect of the park, including the double-decker carousel, the real audience for Legoland California is the two- to twelve-year-old set.  For these younger children, Legoland Florida offers more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions that will keep them busy for a full day or more.

The four roller coasters in the park are described as “pink-knuckle” attractions, and this scaredy-cat of a mom managed to ride all four of them, even going back for a second ride on The Dragon.  Kids will love the Ford Driving School, where they can drive Lego-themed cars on miniature streets that include stop signs, traffic lights, and roundabouts.  (Sorry, adults, as much fun as it looked, they wouldn’t let me try driving there.)

Ford Driving School at Legoland Florida

The park attempts to include interactive aspects to their attractions as well, such as the Technicycle ride that makes you pedal to keep your car up in the air instead of merely pushing a button as on similar rides in other places.  The pirate-themed waterski show allows kids to get in on the action and help water-blast the pirates who attempt to overtake the ship.

Two live shows and three 4-D shows allow visitors to take a break from the rides for a while, and a stroll through the botanical gardens offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the other park attractions.

The real star of Legoland, however, is Miniland, where 30 million Lego bricks have been used to recreate scaled versions of famed American landmarks such as the U.S. Capitol and nearby memorials, the New York City Skyline, Las Vegas hotels and attractions, and the beauty of San Francisco.  Florida history has been included as well, from the Daytona raceway to the Kennedy Space Center.  Kids and adults alike wandered through Miniland, trying to spot all of the 5258 “minilanders” who are a part of the scenes.

US Capitol with New York City in background at Legoland Florida's Miniland

LEGOLAND Florida adds another element to the theme park destination of central Florida, and it does well in providing family fun for its young audience.

Related: 

Bed & Brick Preferred Partner Hotels for Legoland Florida

Legoland Florida in Winter Haven, Florida

Finding Bargains at Legoland Florida

Beyond Miniland: Lego Creations at Legoland Florida

Eating at Legoland Florida

Photo credits: the author

Linda (minnemom) writes about family travel at Travels with Children. 
Her trip to Legoland Florida was sponsored by the park, but all opinions are her own.

The gorgeous Atlanta Botanical Garden

The first time I tried to visit Atlanta’s Botanical Garden was in early March of 2010. My then fiance and I were on a date, and I was looking for something romantic and peaceful to enjoy. As we walked up to the Botanical Garden’s entrance, I quickly realized that most of the plants were still in their “sleepy” winter state. In other words, most of them were rather dead and sad looking. Even though it was late winter, the day was beautifully sunny with clear, blue skies, and it had never occurred to me that late winter was not the best time to go.

“Do you still want to go in?” my fiance asked.

“No,” I admitted. And that was that.

If only we had persisted with our original plan! Now, after four years of living in Atlanta, Georgia, I can happily report that I finally made it to the Botanical Garden, and now that I have, I truly cannot believe that I had never visited before. The gardens are truly spectacular, and much larger than I had anticipated. “This is a world-class botanical garden,” my dad exclaimed, and he was right.

We picked a great day – partly sunny with just a hint of coolness in the air. It was in mid-September, so the Fall plants were starting to hit their stride and yet it was warm enough for many of the summer flowers to still be in bloom. One of the most impressive parts of the garden was the 600-foot long pedestrian bridge. It gradually slopes up until you are suspended among the tree tops, and the bridge’s construction makes it appear as though there is nothing really supporting the bridge.

The pedestrian bridge at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

As a gardening newbie, I loved the Wall of Herbs! A large variety of herbs are arranged vertically on a wall. The smell as you walk by this wall is just heavenly. The herbs are located in an area called the Edible Gardens, where you can admire rows of seasonal vegetables and fruits being grown. I had never actually seen a pomegranate tree before, so that was neat.  Just past the edible gardens was The Orchid House, which serene and lovely. It felt like you were walking through a tropical rain forest, and the place like a giant, blooming flower. I saw many different orchid varieties I had never seen before, including one that only blooms at night. Neat

The incredible vertical Wall of Herbs at Atlanta's Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden is one of those places that you need to visit in different seasons in order to really appreciate it. Afterwards, I found out that if we had gone inside during early March, there would have been plenty to see and enjoy including the Winter Garden. Here in Atlanta, we are fortunate to have many plants which bloom year-round due to the relatively mild winters we normally have. I’ll just have to head back to the gardens this winter to see what there is to see.

If you do go, plan on spending at least 3-4 hours exploring, though even that is nowhere near enough time to fully appreciate all there is to see and do. You really need an entire day; next time, I plan to bring food and have a little picnic on a bench somewhere. Can’t beat that for some relaxing afternoon fun! And don’t worry about getting bored from looking at too many plants and flowers — there’s a wonderful assortment of sculptures and art work scattered throughout the grounds to keep everyone’s interest piqued.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Photos: Jenny Bengen-Albert

No matter where we travel I seem to be able to find a great pub where the craic flows as easily as the pints, the food is incredible and no one is shocked if you bring your kids along.  While I’ve not had the opportunity to sample every pub in the US, these six keep me coming back.

The Irish Pub in America

Me with Master Chef Kevin Dundon

Raglan Road may just be my favorite Irish Pub.  Located on Pleasure Island in Downtown Disney (no park fees to play here!) you’ll find delicious dishes created by Master Chef Kevin Dundon.  The bar itself was constructed in Ireland, taken apart, and reconstructed in Orlando, which gives it an authentic feeling- even if it is double the size of any Irish pub I’ve visited in Ireland.

Even if you don’t think you like Irish food, you’ll want to put your prejudices aside.  Master Chef Kevin Dundon has a way of recreating traditional Irish meals with beautiful presentation and unusual ingredients.  His contemporary Irish dishes are incredible, using traditional staples- like bangers- in a whole new way.  The kids will love the presentation of their meals, with fish and chips served in a paper cone or fries served in a small cookpot.  Try not to eat too much as the desserts are to die for!

You’ll also find lively Irish music and Irish dancing 6 nights a week.

Be sure to try:

If you’re visiting for lunch you can’t go wrong with the Sliced Banger Stone Bread, a freshly baked flat bread liberally covered with sharp Dubliner cheese, Guinness infused pork sausage, caramelized onions and cherry tomatoes.

The Dalkey Duo, Dalkey battered cocktail sausages with a Dalkey mustard dipping sauce, is available on both the kids menu and as an appetizer.  Either way, it’s a winner!

The presentation of the Shepherd’s Pie is almost as incredible as it’s taste.

Save room for dessert!  The choice is difficult between the Bread & Butter Pudding- with sauces that are so delicious you’ll want to drink any extra from the containers- and the Bailey’s Crème Brulee Tart, so creamy and rich that 3 people can easily share it.

My First Irish Pub

Kieran’s Irish Pub in Minneapolis was where I fell in love with traditional Irish music and craic.  Friends and I would arrive early to eat and get a good table for the live music later in the evening.  Now when I visit we usually don’t get to hear music- unless we visit on Sundays when a traditional session happens at noon.

Be sure to try:

The Pecan Crusted Halibut is incredible.  If you’re not keen on the accompaniments request a side of champ- mashed potatoes, scallions, milk and butter.

The Pub Pot Roast is comfort food, through and through, with beef so tender it practically melts in your mouth.

And save room for the Car Bomb Lava Cake.  Guinness + Jameson’s + Baileys = heavenly.

Best Pub to Feel Like You’re in Ireland

Black Rose Pub

During our relocation to Boston the Black Rose Pub near Faneuil Hall became our “go to” when we wanted a lively, family friendly, evening out.  Every other voice you hear is laced with a soothing Irish brogue and the live music is some of the best I’ve heard.  This is the closest I’ve been to feeling like I was in Ireland in an American pub.

Be sure to try:

The Guinness Beef Stew is absolute perfection served with Irish Brown Bread.

Bangers and Mash with Magner’s Gravy is a perfect blend of spices and sweetness.

End your meal with the Black and White Bread Pudding, it’s delectable!

Top 10 Irish Pub

McGurks Irish Pub

McGurk’s in St. Louis has an unbelievable outdoor garden which is very popular in the summer.  Inside you’ll find dining rooms and bars strung together, almost haphazardly, creating an intricate maze.  Live music, much of the talent comes straight from Ireland, plays nightly.  Don’t worry if you’re not close to the stage- microphones and speakers throughout the building don’t let you miss a beat.

Be sure to try:

The Bacon Wrapped Shrimp are incredible.  Huge and steak-like, served with an amazing Horseradish Cream Sauce.

The Paddy Melt is beyond your basic pub burger and the Grilled Three Cheese Melt is delightful.

Save room for dessert and then try to decide between the Whiskey Bread Pudding and the Flourless Chocolate Torte.  Or do what we did and get both!

One of America’s Best Bars

Food at Royal Mile

Des Moines may seem like an auspicious place to find one of the best bars in America, but the Royal Mile has been named just that by Esquire Magazine and Draft Magazine.  The sole British Pub on my list you won’t find live music here, but the food is some of the best I’ve had anywhere.  With a dining area upstairs this is a great place for the family.

Be sure to try:

The Fish and Chips are the best I’ve had outside of Doolin, Ireland.  Consistently perfect.

The Scotch Egg is a thick layer of pork sausage around a hard boiled egg, breaded and deep fried.  Spread on a bit of Coleman’s spicy mustard for a bit of bite and this may become your newest crave food.

The Steak and Guinness Pie is enough for two but you’ll eat it yourself- it’s that good!  A beautiful mixture of sirloin tips, peas and potatoes simmered in Guinness and baked in a pastry shell.  Amazing.

Friendliest Pub

We stumbled upon Kilkenny’s Irish Pub in Tulsa just last weekend and instantly felt like we had been visiting for years!  The staff was so warm and the other customers so friendly that this may become a stop on our annual Iowa to Texas route.  Another pub that was created in Ireland and brought to the US, you’ll get a taste of the “public house” you will find in many an Irish town.

Save room for:

Traditional Irish Breakfast- served all day!  If you haven’t tried black pudding here’s your chance!  Yum!

The Cottage Pie, the Kilkenny’s version of a Shepherd’s Pie.

Brown Bread Pudding, with whiskey soaked raisins, is a delicious twist on traditional bread pudding.  And the Sticky Toffee Pudding, a piece of cream soaked pound cake pan fried in homemade caramel sauce…  Incredible!

Do you have a favorite pub?  Tell me about it- I’m always looking for great pubs!

Photos by JLHalsted

Where can you find the first dinosaur bone found in America?

Where can you see the first complete T-Rex skeleton – the one for which the species was named?

If you guessed the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History you’d be a very good guesser, but wrong. While the collection of dinosaur bones in DC is certainly impressive, it doesn’t have as many complete and authentic (ie not cast) skeletons on display as the natural history museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

What are all these national treasures doing in western Pennsylvania? Before Andrew Carnegie was building concert halls on the East Coast, he was a building a steel empire in Pittsburgh, the steel capital of the world during the late 19th century. When news of a giant animal being discovered in the west hit the papers, Carnegie commissioned archaeologists to bring one home to Pittsburgh. The result of those early expeditions was the discovery of the first complete tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, which is still on display in the natural history section of the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh.

Along side this headline-grabbing monster are several other complete skeletons, including multiple holotype specimens, the specimen to which all other members of its species are compared. The Pittsburgh museum is the first in the world to offer a permanent exhibition with accurate, immersive environments spanning the Mesozoic Era arranged chronologically and filled with actively posed original fossil specimens. In addition to the exhibits, visitors can peek in on a working PaleoLab where fossils are prepared for study or display in the museum.

Photo:Britt Reints