Attractions

The Amana Colonies may be one of Iowa’s best kept secrets.  Founded in 1855 by the Inspirationists, the six villages positioned a mile or two apart- and no more than an hour by ox cart- would go on to become on of the longest lived and largest communal societies in America.  In 1861 the village of Homestead (known today as the place Ashton Kutcher grew up) was added to give the communities access to the railroad.

The Amana Colonies are west of Iowa City, just off Interstate 80.  For a bit of “Amana Light” stop in Little Amana, just off the interstate.  Here you will find two great German restaurants, a gift shop filled with amazing Amana wines, fresh meats, woolens, woodworks and crafts, the Wasserbahn Waterpark at the Holiday Inn and an Iowa original restaurant: Maid Rite.

But to really enjoy the community of villages plan a weekend.

You will want to begin in Amana (the other villages are Middle Amana, East Amana, West Amana, South Amana, High Amana) as the visitor’s center is located in the center of the village.  Housed in an old corn crib and refinished by the amazing artists from the Amana Furniture and Clock Shop the exterior gives no indication of the beauty inside.  Here you can rent bikes to explore the colonies, book a room at one of the many B&Bs, find out about events, get maps and information.  You won’t get out of here easily; the staff are full of information and eager to share as much information as you’re willing to receive.  Before you leave be sure to climb to the top and view the village from the cupola. Read More »

I have always envisioned Montana to be this incredibly beautiful, breathtaking scenery of mountains, valleys, and green country sides.  And as we traveled there this summer, I found that wasn’t too far off.  Of course, there’s nothing like actually being there and seeing it all yourself.

As a city girl, I couldn’t get enough of the beautiful drive to Missoula, Montana.  Even with the clouds gray from the impending thunderstorms that seemed to be following us, I couldn’t get over how amazing the sights were.

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During the Summer the heat in NYC is unbearable to most.  It is no wonder, come the weekend, hundreds of cars and buses carrying city dwellers will be stuck in traffic on their way to one of the coastal beaches.

Most New Yorkers love the Long Island beaches, such as Long Beach, Robert Moses, and Jones Beach, which is wonderful because Jones Beach also hosts Summer concerts.

Long Beach, NY

But I like to often venture in the opposite direction, towards Orchard Beach in the Bronx, if I manage to leave my apartment early enough in the day for Staten Island for a fun day in the sun.

Orchard Beach in The Bronx

Recently, I discovered a wonderful park and beach area in Staten Island called Great Kills Park and Beach. Though relatively smaller than most of the other beaches I am used to frequenting, this one is also easier to get to, not as crowded, and a lot quieter.

Great Kills Beach, Staten Island

The area offers plenty of options for other activities such as model airplane flying, bird-watching, biking, hiking, fishing, and boating.

Great Kills Marina

The beach has bathroom with shower facilities, and though there aren’t any restaurants nearby, there are truck vendors who sell grilled foods such as hot dogs and burgers, as well as ice cream, chips and sodas.

Great Kills Beach

The beach area has a wonderful play area for smaller kids, but these can also be found through out the park in the various picnic areas nearby. Parking is plentiful and free, and the locals who frequent the beach are friendly and helpful.

The ride from Manhattan, with no traffic, is no more than 30 minutes over the Verrazano Bridge. But my recommendation is that no matter what beach you are wanting to visit, your best bet is to always head out earlier in the day to avoid traffic, because as much as we New Yorkers love our city, when it comes to sunny, hot summer days, we tend to all love our beaches even more!   So pack a lunch, a blanket, and an umbrella, and join us on one the many wonderful beaches we have to offer.

by Linda (minnemom) of Travels with Children

Planes, trains, and automobiles.  Find a museum about one of these, and most little boys will be happy.  If the vehicles happen to have lights and sirens, even better.  A fire pole to slide down? Icing on the cake, and it can be found at the Bill & Bonnie Daniels Firefighters Hall and Museum in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Upon arriving at the Firefighters Hall and Museum, young guests are greeted with two things:  1) an explanation of which things they can touch and which are hands-off in the museum, and 2) their own red fire hat.  Then they’re off to explore.

The Firefighters Hall and Museum has fire trucks from a number of eras, with placards describing the history of each one.  Although most are for display only, there’s plenty for the kids to do.  There’s one fire truck that they can climb on and pretend to drive; two small driving simulators; an old-fashioned water pump; and of course the fire pole.  The fire pole is definitely the biggest attraction for the kids.

Simulator at Firefighters Hall and Museum, Minneapolis, Minnesota

If the little ones tire of the fire truck activities, there are train tables to keep them occupied as well.

For those really interested in the history of fire trucks and fire companies, there’s even more to see.  A collection of uniform patches covers a large wall.  Equipment from many years can be seen throughout the museum.  Newspaper articles of large fires in the Twin Cities give an interesting perspective.

Firefighters Hall and Museum, Minneapolis, Minnesota

This museum is located away from most of the museums in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and it’s open limited hours, but for anyone–young or old–interested in fire trucks and fire fighting, it’s a worthwhile stop to make.

Do you have a favorite place that showcases vehicles of some sort?

Photo credits:  minnemom