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Planning Our Vacation to the Francis Scott Key Family Resort ~ Ocean City, Maryland

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Disclosure: I was offered a discounted rate in exchange for sharing my experiences. Regardless, all opinions are my own.

Our trip is just weeks away now!!

Summer break will be here soon and my sister and I are planning a getaway to the Francis Scott Key Family Resort in Ocean City, Maryland. Best of all, none of our kiddos even know! Soon after school lets out we are packing up the car and heading out for a mini vacation. With the beach just a short 8 hour drive from Cleveland, it’s the perfect vacation spot. While my sister has stayed before at this resort before, this will be our first time and I’m counting down the days.

The Francis Scott Key Family Resort is located on Route 50 and just one mile from the beach and boardwalk, across from the Tanger Outlets. This family friendly resort offers tons of extra amenities on-site while being a convenient distance from beach activities. There is plenty of free parking is available on site, and offer nearby access to a free county boat ramp.

Francis Scott Key Resort Amenities:

The Francis Scott Key Resort offers a ton of fun things to do such as multiple pool areas, a playground, a sand volleyball and basketball court, fitness room, arcade, picnic pavilion, DVD and board game rental, washer and dryers and so much more. This family amazing resort truly wants you to get the most out of your vacation!

The Francis Scott Key Resort also offers three restaurants and two bars so you won’t have to go far to get your fill. The Shipwreck Cove Bar offers tasty drinks while the Surf Shack Pool Bar also offers snacks such as pizza, wings and ice cream. The Chicken and Ribs Shack fires up their smokers daily and serves delicious chicken and ribs platters along with other tasty treats, while their 50’s style sit-down restaurant, Route 50 Diner serves both breakfast and lunch. Best of all you’ll snag FREE donuts while you wait for your meal!

Caribbean Key Indoor Pool
No matter the weather outside, it’s always 84 degrees and sunny, at their indoor pirate themed pool. Let the kids play with the spouting whale, dumping buckets, pipe falls and water slide. This area is decorated with palm trees and island murals and offers a retractable roof that allows the sun to shine in as the warm air breezes through! This heated amusement pool slopes from 6 inches to 4 feet so it’s perfect for the whole family.

Shipwreck Cove
Francis Scott Key Resort has a new pool area called Shipwreck Cove. It is open Memorial Day weekend through mid September
and offers up a lot. You can relax around the Caribbean themed pool or enjoy a beverage at the pool bar. The dinghy themed hot tub is a great place to relax and unwind and the second floor of the pirate ship has seating and lounge chairs for up to 75.

Pirate Ship Sprayground
The pirate ship is a designated kids zone. The ship’s slides are ideal for children 4 feet and under though the dumping buckets and water features are fun for all ages. The splashground is a seasonal amenity from mid-June though Labor Day. The Pirate Ship Spray Ground opens weekends weather permitting Memorial Day Weekend 2017 until full time on June 9, 2017.

Peg Leg Putt Putt
Challenge the family to a round of mini golf! This FREE miniature golf course consists of 9 beautifully landscaped holes, with a bridge over a stream, waterfall, octopus, cannon, skull cave, treasure chest and more. A great course for family and kids of all ages.  The mini golf is open year round and weather permitting. It is conveniently located next to Shipwreck Cove.

Francis Scott Key Rooms:
Whether you are a small or large family the Francis Scott Key Family Resort has you covered. They offer rooms small enough for just two or large enough to accommodate up to six total guests. In fact their newest cabins will hold even more. From rooms with basic amenities all the way to rooms and cabins with full kitchens, there is something for everyone. All guest rooms have coffee makers, hair dryers, DVD players and in room safes. From the reviews online, I hear their beds are super comfortable too!

The Francis Scott Key Family Resort offers many different types of rooms depending on your family’s needs. For instance the Ranch Style rooms have two double beds (some offer a sleep sofa), a compact microwave and refrigerator combo, while the New York and New Jersey rooms feature full kitchens including a microwave, oven, and full size refrigerator. Cookware and flatware are included for your convenience. We are choosing the rooms with kitchens are we plan on cooking a few meals while staying at the resort.

I simply can’t wait to spend a few days away with family in May at the Francis Scott Key Family Resort in Ocean City, Maryland. If you too are looking to plan a family getaway. Be sure to check them out! The best deals and lowest prices are right now, so be sure to book soon!

See you at the beach!




Spend Your Summer Nights at Cedar Point ~ Beach Party, Movies, Dancing and More!

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cedar point nights
Cedar Point is rolling out the red carpet to you and inviting you down for some FUN this summer season! Now through August 14th, Cedar Point stays open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and 11PM every other day of the week. With school just around the corner, NOW is the time to enjoy your hot summer nights at Cedar Point!

This year Cedar Point has gone over and above on the FUN and is offering up an amazing beach experience for the summer with their Cedar Point Summer Nights extravaganza! If you are planning a trip this summer to Cedar Point here’s what NOT to miss when the sun goes down.

cedar point beach party

Beach Blast
Every night on the Cedar Point Beach from 5:30 – 9:30 pm, there’s a beach party at Cedar Point!  Through August 14th, you can relax around the fire pits, while enjoying live music. Tuesday through Sunday the Toes in the Sand Band plays while every Monday there is a live DJ. We’ve heard both several times and they are both great.

cedar point beach
My hubby and I really enjoyed just sitting down next to the water while we watched our boys play. It was so relaxing listening to the music with our toes in the sand, while we talked about our week. Hungry? Cedar Point has you covered. You can enjoy dinner on the beach with hamburgers and hot dogs fresh off the grill! Check out their food stands with this and other choices.

 


Lakeside ClamBake
If you’re coming to the park with an empty belly and a hankering for seafood, you’ll want to dive into Cedar Point’s Lakeside Clambake. With only two more this year, Friday, August 5th and Friday, August 12th, you won’t want to miss it! At the beautifully redone Lakeside Pavilion, right next to the Cedar Point beach, the Clambake is served from 6:30 to 8:00.

clam bake cedar point 2

The Clambake includes your own bag of clams, shrimp, corn cobbettes, potatoes, and sausage! PLUS an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet with hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, cookies, and Coca-Cola Beverages. The meal includes one (1) clambake bag per person plus an all-you-can-eat buffet for just $25! For those, not wanting the seafood, it’s just $16 per person. This meal was simply divine! The shrimp and clam were cooked perfectly and I can admit that I may have stole a couple off my hubby’s plate when he wasn’t looking!

cedar point beach party 5

Beach Glow Party
When the sun goes down, the party begins! Each day, 9:15 pm until park close, the Cedar Point Beach comes alive, like never before! The beach is illuminated with fun decor and the music is pumping with DJ Hurricane. During this event you can also rent items free of charge such as light up hula hoops, bean bags for corn hole and more. My boys really loved the Silent Disco Headphones where you can pick your own music. Keep in mind that you’ll need your ID to rent these items.

free cedar point tickets for military

Courtesy of Cedar Point

One of our favorite parts of the night was the unbelievable fire stunts and performances. These guy sure know how to entertain with their eye catching pillars of flame, whirling snake torches and blazing hula-hoops!  My boys were enthralled. Before you leave don’t leave before the fireworks light up the night sky!

Movies on the Beach

Kick back and relax! Bring the family to the Cedar Point beach Tuesday through Sunday.  At dusk you can snuggle up and watch family friendly movies such as Frozen, The Mighty Ducks, Maleficent and many more!

With only a couple more weeks of your summer break left, be sure to head over to Cedar Point to soak up the sun and then enjoy the Cedar Point Nights!




Shopping in Wayne County ~ Smuckers, Lehman’s and More!

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A big thanks to Wayne County to inviting me to experience their wonderful county!
shopping in wayne county ohio

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Nestled on the edge of Amish County, Wayne County is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway.  From the lush hills to the horse and buggies along the back roads, it’s a simply gorgeous place to unplug. While you are relaxing, you’ll also want to check out all the unique shopping Wayne County has to offer. When I visited Wayne County a few weeks ago, I was simply amazed by all that they offer both inside the town of Wooster and in Wayne County all together.

Heading to Wayne County? Be sure to check out my post:
**  Where to Stay in Wayne County ~ Market Street Inn

Shopping in Wayne County, Ohio

smuckers store orrville ohio

J.M. Smucker Company Store & Cafe

For more than 115 years, The J.M. Smucker Company, has been known for their quality products. Nestled in Orville, Ohio the J.M. Smucker Company Store & Cafe showcases all that this company offers.  Inside you’ll find their highly popular products such as fruit spreads, peanut butter and baking products but you’ll also find items such as kitchen accessories, gift baskets and clothing. When you stop in find the area where you can make your own personalized labels for the jar that you are buying. Best of all, you can sample anything in the store!

Need a snack? Be sure to stop at the Smucker’s cafe’. You can enjoy everything from a little treat to a meal in their patio-style dining area.  You may just have a hard time choosing want to eat.

lehman's store where to shop in wayne county

Lehman’s Hardware Store

Located in nearby Kidron, the popular Lehman’s Hardware Store is not to be missed. The store was started in 1955 by Jay Lehman to serve the Amish community but has grown to a store nearly ¾ of a mile long. You’ll want to give yourself time to see all that Lehman’s offers. This store has everything from gorgeous old-fashion kitchen appliances, to flavored bottled sodas (bacon soda anyone?) to practical, non-electric goods that help you live a simple life.

Don’t leave before stopping for a free sample of fudge. I tried two different kinds and they were simply delicious. Be sure to bring your camera as there are so many picture worthy backdrops from the London styled phone booth to the garden area outside.

Quince Bakery & Cafe wayne county

Quince Bakery & Café

If you’ve worked up an appetite stop in for a treat or something to eat the the Quince Bakery & Café. This cute little shop is located right across the street from Lehman’s Hardware Store. You’ll find healthy lunch options and delicious desserts that are all made from scratch. Best of all they even used local ingredients whenever possible. This is a perfect place to grab some goodies for home as well as a snack while shopping in Wayne County!

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P. Graham Dunn

The 20,000 square feet gift shop at P. Graham Dunn is something not to miss. This store not only creates and produces a wide selection of high quality wood decor and gifts, but also offers guests a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Once you ascend the grand staircase into the retail store you can meander through several rooms that feature over 30,000 products.  This level also provides windows so guests can take a peek at the production that takes place in the factory on the ground floor. Pick something off the shelf of choose to create a customized product right on the spot with their laser engraving machines.

If you are planing a trip to Ohio’s Amish Country, be sure to learn more about what Wayne County can offer.  There is so much to do and see, Wayne County is a place you’ll definitely want a few days to explore!

 




Where to Stay In Wayne County ~ Market Street Inn Wooster, Ohio

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Disclosure: I was invited on a one night stay to Wooster, Ohio. My overnight accomodations were offered in exchange for a review. Regardless, all opinions are my own.
market street inn wooster Ohio review

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The rolling hills and scenic farm lands are just the beginning of what Wayne County can offer visitors and residents. Recently, I took a trip to Wayne County and simply amazed with all that this county has. In addition to being home to the world’s largest Amish population, Wayne County offers an abundance of cultural activities, events, restaurants and shops. Whether you are looking for a peaceful get-a-way to a cozy bed & breakfast, a shopping experience in a wide variety of stores, or an entertaining cultural event, you can find just what you’re looking for in Wayne County.

I’ll be sharing a three part series about my trip to Wayne County including: Where to Stay in Wayne County, Shopping in Wayne County and Eating in Wayne County. I simply can’t wait to share all that I discovered about this heartland of Ohio.

Where to Stay in Wayne County – Market Street Inn, Wooster, Ohio

When on a little get-away, staying at a Bed and Breakfast is my favorite! They are cozy and quaint and can offer personalized service that can often be overlooked at some hotels. Located in beautiful downtown Wooster, the Market Street Inn is a gorgeous 1897 historic landmark. This three-story Victorian features original woodwork, hardwood floors, spectacular stained-glass windows, and so much more. All 6-guest rooms offer private baths and luxurious bedding. They even offer a large 2 bedroom suite on the first floor.

market street inn wooster ohio 2016

market street inn wooster ohio The Lincoln room

The Lincoln Room ~ Market Street Inn

If you want to venture out of your room, you can relax on their large porch (it’s the perfect spot for reading a book!) or browse their library. One of my favorite features is their hospitality room. This room, located on the second floor offers a Keurig, glasses and a refrigerator stocked with bottled water. If you have bottle of wine this is the perfect place to keep it chilled.

market street inn the bexley room

The Bexley Room ~ Market Street Inn

Each morning a full gourmet breakfast is served. The morning I was there, fresh baked scones, homemade granola, and amazing eggs wrapped in warm bacon was served. It was the perfect opportunity to chat with other travelers and the owners. The food was absolutely delicious and made for a wonderful start of the day!

market street inn review breakfast

If you are ready to explore the downtown area, The Market Street Inn is in the perfect location! The Inn is within walking distance to The College of Wooster, tons of boutique and thrift shops and many amazing restaurants such as City Square Steakhouse. If Amish Country is your passion, the Inn is just a 20 minute drive from the Nation’s largest Amish community.




Carowinds Camp Wilderness Review ~ A Perfect Stay For Coaster Loving Families!

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Disclosure: My family was offered one free night at Carowinds Camp Wilderness in exchange for a review. Regardless, all opinions are my own.carowinds camp wilderness review

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Carowinds Camp Wilderness Review

One thing my family loves to do is travel! If we aren’t on vacation then we are planning one or at least dreaming of one. While I love so many things about my Cedar Point Platinum Pass, being able to visit other parks without any admission fee is on the top of the list. Did you know that there are a total of 14 Cedar Fair parks and 8 of them are within an eight hour drive of Northeast Ohio?

This past April, my family stopped in to Carowinds in North and South Carolina (yep, this amusement park is in two different states) and stayed overnight at Carowinds Camp Wilderness.  If you haven’t yet, be sure to read my post, FIVE Things You’ll Love About Carowinds!  While it wasn’t our first visit to Carowinds, it was our first time staying overnight on the property. Read on to hear all about my Carowinds Camp Wilderness Review.

Carowinds Camp Wilderness hosts three different types of lodging to fit just about any budget. These include, cabins, a tent and RV campground and the Great Wilderness Lodge. While these are all located in the same area, they offer different amenities. No matter which one you choose, you’ll hearing the zooming coasters and gleeful screams of patrons in the park as Camp Wilderness is located right outside the gates.

carowinds Camp Wilderness review cabins

Carowinds Camp Wilderness Cabins:

A stay in a Camp Wilderness cabin is my kind of “camping”. When we pulled up to our cabin my boys couldn’t wait to get inside and sleep in a real cabin! As soon as we opened the door the raced around to check it out. Each gorgeous cabin features two bedrooms, one with a double bed and the other with two bunk beds. My boys loved having their own room…and we did too! There is a futon couch that converts into a double bed (linens not provided for futon) in the living room and the whole cabin can accommodate up to eight guests.

carowinds camp wilderness cabin review
carowinds camp wilderness review master bedroom

I will say that the mattresses on the beds were thin but it is a cabin afterall and we weren’t expecting a pillowtop mattress. My boys didn’t seem to notice at all and after tossing a few extra pillows on our bed that we had brought from home, my hubby and I slept well. Keep in mind that the bed in the main bedroom is only a double but that means you’ll just get to snuggle more.

Both bedrooms had outlet plugs so we were all able to charge our phones, kindles and computers at night. There was a night stand on my side of the bed which was well needed to hold my extra things. The bunk beds in my boys room had a railing on the top bunk for safety which was perfect for my little ones.

carowinds camp wilderness cabins review kitchen
These fully appointed cabins also have a kitchenette featuring a sink, range stove top, microwave, coffee maker and a mid-size refrigerator plus a dining room table with four chairs.  You won’t be roughing it in these cabins, as they also have satellite television, air conditioning, a restroom with shower and hot water plus a front porch swing round out the amenity set.

Our cabin also came with plates, cups, silverware and a couple pans. I loved that the refrigerator was able to keep all of our cooler things cold so we could load back up on ice before the trip home.

Carowinds camp wilderness review cabins living room
To reach the campground by telephone for more information or reservations, please call 704-587-9116.

Carowinds Camp Wilderness Campground Amenities

  • Open year-round
  • Located next to Carowinds
  • Free shuttle service to the park (during park operating days)
  • Discounted park tickets for registered guests
  • Trading Post with General Store
  • Picnic Tables at each site
  • Bathroom facility with hot showers
  • Swimming pool (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend)
  • Shuffleboard and Cornhole
  • Free linen exchange service
  • 24 hour security

Camp Wilderness offers up two other lodging accomodations also. Their campground features RV, pop-up and tent sites and can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length. The paved RV sites feature full hookups with water, sewer and electric. Fifty of the sites have upgraded, 50-amp service. In addition, there are 56 spacious tent and pop-up sites with water hookups and 30-amp electric service. Every site also features a charcoal grill.

carowinds camping
Carowinds Camp Wilderness Lodge offers the ultimate experience for those who prefer a more luxurious stay. This 1,100 square foot cabin offers up four bedrooms and three bathrooms and sleeps up to 14 people. The spacious great room has a large 65″ flat screen television and DVD player. In addition, guests will find a kitchenette, dishwasher, dining area, wrap around porch with rocking chairs and an outdoor grill and patio.

carowinds camp wilderness review lodge
This campground offers it all from a large pool, free shuttle services to the park, discounted park tickets and more. I loved that at check-in they have a large building with ample sitting areas, fireplace air hockey and pool table. The even offered electronic and board games for some family fun. Did you forget something at home? They have a general store too!

Carowinds Camp Wilderness DISCOUNTS:
Looking for a Carowinds Camp Wilderness discount? Yes, they offer those too.

  • Military Discount
    Active or retired members of the United States Armed Forces receive a discount off of the rack rate on campsites at Camp Wilderness.
    Limited availability; site type restrictions apply; valid on new reservations only. Offer may end at any time without notice. Valid ID indicating military service required at check-in or reservations subject to standard rack rate. Not available for Cabins or Great Wilderness Lodge.
  • Passholder Discount
    2016 Passholders receive a discount off of the rack rate on campsites at Camp Wilderness.
    Limited availability; site type restrictions apply; valid on new reservations only. Offer may end at any time without notice. Valid Platinum Pass required at check-in or reservation subject to standard rack rate. Not available for Cabins or Great Wilderness Lodge.
  • AAA Discount
    Members of AAA receive a discount off the the rack rate of campsites at Camp Wilderness.
    Limited availability; room type restrictions apply; valid on new reservations only. Offer may end at any time without notice. Valid AAA membership card required at check-in or reservation subject to standard rack rate. Not available for Cabins or Great Wilderness Lodge.

carowinds camp wilderness resort
My family loved staying at Carowinds Camp Wilderness and plan to again! There is just nothing better than being steps away from an amazing amusement park. With all the ammenities that Camp Wilderness offers our family roadtrip was perfect! Be sure to check out Camp Wilderness next time you visit Carowinds!

Carowinds Camp Wilderness Review




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  Hi my name is Rachel and am a stay-at-home mom to three boys here in northeast Ohio.  I've been "couponing" for over 5 years and it has completely … [Click To Find Out More...]