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Our 2013 Family Trip to Put-in-Bay – Part 1

March 14, 2016 by racheljk 63 Comments

 family day trip to put-in-bay

**Spring is here! Check out my families trip to Put-in-Bay from summer of 2013.

Our Family Day Trip to Put-in-Bay – Part One

**Read Put-in-Bay – Part Two**

It’s really hard to imagine that I’ve lived in Northeast Ohio my whole life, yet until recently had never visited the gorgeous Lake Erie Islands.  Crazy, huh?   With the islands not being very far from my home in Lorain County, I jumped at the chance to visit South Bass Island and the village of Put-in-Bay.  Since my hard-working husband was at work, I brought along my mom and three boys.

Put-in-Bay Ohio is a quaint little town dotted with historic homes, mouth-watering restaurants, unique gift shops and local pubs.  It’s also home to the nation’s third tallest monument.  While the island can be a bit more boisterous on the weekends, it’s a perfect family destination during the week.

Before ourday trip to Put-in-Bay, we stopped at the Lake Erie Shores and Islands Visitor’s Center in Sandusky, Ohio (they also have a second location in Port Clinton).  If you are looking for any information regarding the Shores and Islands area, this is the place.

Once we stepped inside, I was amazed by the amount of brochures, maps, and discount coupons readily available.   While you’re there you also want to take some time looking at their interactive displays and video.  As a mom of three little ones, I was impressed that they even had a few things to keep my boys occupied while I looked around including a pint-sized table where they could color and a life-sized boat.

Put-in-Bay
Before we left we asked for directions to the pier and while I was expecting verbal instructions that I was sure to mix up, the helpful employee pulled out a map and highlighted the exact streets to take.  This made our quick trip to the dock even easier.

[Read more…]




Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: ohio travel, review

Our 2013 Family Day Trip to Put-in-Bay – Part 2

March 14, 2016 by racheljk 27 Comments

put-in-bay

**Spring is here! Check out my family’s trip to Put-in-Bay in the summer of 2013.

Our Day Trip to Put-in-Bay – Part Two

If you missed my first post on our Family Day Trip to Put-in-Bay you’ll definitely want to read that first!

Once we stepped foot on Put-in-Bay, I knew we were in for an amazing day!  The weather was perfect, the cloudless sky was the brightest shade of blue, and the kids were bubbling with excitement.  My oldest exclaimed, “Mom, is this a real island?”.

When we got off the Jet Express, we quickly found the shuttle that took us a short drive to the Train Depot.  This was included in our Island Fun Pack, and since it was our first visit to the island, I instantly relaxed knowing that everything was taken care of. We got to the Train Depot, hopped on the train, and were excited to see what our first adventure would bring.

put-in-bay

The Island Fun Pack includes many of the islands highlights and is perfect for those who are considering a day trip to Put-in-Bay!  While the Tour Train is a one-hour narrated tour the island, you have stop off privileges at many popular spots.  With the tram stopping by each scheduled stop every 30 minutes, it’s easy to catch the train when you are ready to go to your next destination. The Island Fun Pack includes vouchers to:

  • Miller Boat Line or Jet Express
  • Perry’s Cave
  • War of 18 Holes Miniature Golf
  • The Butterfly House at Put-in-Bay
  • Antique Car Museum
  • Heineman Winery & Crystal Cave

Once we were on our way, I was able to sit back and really take in the island. As we rode through the downtown area we were amazed by the amount of options that this little town can offer. We passed by many quaint shops that were brimming with customers, as well as many restaurants with a variety of food to choose from.  My boys were especially excited to see both a playground and a carousel located in the center of town!

[Read more…]



Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: ohio travel, put-in-bay, review

20% Off LivingSocial Deals + HOT Westin Cleveland Downtown Getaway Only $65.60!

December 18, 2014 by racheljk Leave a Comment


 

LivingSocial is offering up a fabulous code!

You’ll score 20% off any purchase when you use code INSTANT20 at checkout (maximum discount of $20)!  As you know I love LivingSocial deals where you can snag deals on manicures, family outings, hockey games, and overnight stays!  This code is only available for a a limited time and you can only use it ONCE, so hop over and see what fun awaits you!

westin cleveland downtown getaway
For you locals readers, you’ll want to check out this deal that I just snagged!

The Westin Cleveland is still sparkling from a $70 million renovation and will exceed your expectations!  The 484 guest rooms have been crafted with a discriminating traveler in mind: Expect luxurious comforts like the Westin Heavenly® bed, a 46-inch TV, and Bath & Body amenities among stylish décor and a floor-to-ceiling view.

In the morning, hit the lobby Starbucks on your way to explore the city, or start your day working up a sweat at the 3,000-square-foot fitness center. When dinnertime rolls around, don’t stray far—the award-winning modern steakhouse Urban Farmer is right on the property, dishing out a mouthwatering slice of local ingredients and Midwest tradition.

westin cleveland hotel deal

After this crazy holiday season my hubby and I are in need of a romantic getaway and this looks like the place!  After the coupon code you’ll snag an overnight stay in this beautiful hotel for just $65.60!!  Even better valet parking is INCLUDED!

I just booked our stay and will be surprising him for Christmas!

Westin Cleveland Escape Kit:

  • A One-Night Stay for Up to Four People in a Traditional King or Double-Queen Room
  • Overnight Valet Parking
  • Combine Unlimited Vouchers for an Extended Stay



Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: livingsocial, ohio travel, travel

Great Wolf Lodge Sandusky Deals!

April 30, 2014 by racheljk Leave a Comment

1


**Want more deals?  Find me on Facebook and Twitter!***

Hey locals!  Are you looking for a get-away?  Check this out!  Groupon is currently offering a Great Wolf Lodge deal in Sandusky, Ohio !  Currently they are offering a few different deals  to pick from.

Keep in mind that some deals may sell out, check them out soon.

Great wolf Sandusky deal

At Great Wolf Lodge you can expect many fun things!  It’s not just an indoor waterpark!

*Scooops Kid Spa – staff members offer manicures, pedicures, and free ice cream to pint size guests sitting on banana-split thrones.

*The Northern Lights Arcade features more than 100 games that cater to kids and adults alike.

*Play a round of MagiQuest, a live-action adventure game that takes place in an enchanted kingdom filled with goblins, dragons, and pixies.




Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: family activities, ohio travel

Kalahari Sandusky, Ohio: A huge waterpark filled with slides, rides and buckets of FUN!

March 18, 2014 by racheljk 5 Comments

Kalahari Sandusky Ohio waterpark 1

I was recently invited to spend a couple days at Kalahari Resorts in Sandusky, Ohio.  We were able to do and see so much while we were there that I am sharing a three-part series.  This is the third post.

  • Part 1: Kalahari – Fun for the whole family (food)
  • Part 2: Kalahari dry activities– Fabulously FUN Dry Activities Galore!

As soon as we arrived at Kalahari in Sandusky, Ohio, my boys couldn’t wait to put on their suits and head to the waterpark! Since my husband and mother were arriving later in the day, I was on my own with three boys under 8. Since two were too old to come into the dressing room with me, I was so glad to see that Kalahari offered family changing rooms.  This made it so much easier to get everyone changed without worrying about them being too far from me.

Kalahari Sandusky Ohio waterpark 2

Since my boys are all different ages, they all love different things.  I’m so glad that while Kalahari offers fun for all ages, there are also things we can enjoy as a family!

Family-Friendly Waterpark Activities:

One of our favorite things to do together at Kalahari is the jump in the Wave Pool.  This 12,000 sq. ft wave pool with sweep you away by the rocking waves about every 10 minutes.  When the waves shut off, it turns into a huge pool.  It’s always fun to hear the shrieks and cheers of the buzzer announcing the next set of waves.

Kalahari Sandusky Ohio waterpark 3.jpg


When you are ready to sit back and relax, head over to the Lazy river.  Grab a tube, throw a life jacket on those 48 inches or shorter, and enjoy your float down 920 feet of adventure!  You’ll glide down the lazy river while nearly missing (or jumping under, if you prefer) several geysers, waterfalls, and more.

For those of you with younger ones who are up for a bit of thrill, don’t miss Leopard’s Lair.  This area is surrounded by a 3,000 sq. ft., zero-entry pool.  It includes net crawls, water guns, slides from 6-20 feet high, and has several levels of interactive water fun!  My youngest likes to stay closest to the ground, while my oldest ventures up to the highest slides.  Be sure to look out for the ginormous bucket of water that will fall over every few minutes.

Kalahari Sandusky Ohio

My youngest, Jackson, loved areas just for him.  Designed for the 42″ and shorter crowd, Coral Cove and Kids Safari are two play areas that feature slides, swings, tunnels, and mini basketball hoops. Since the big kids aren’t around, your child can play to their heart’s content.  Jackson really enjoyed himself in this area while my older boys watched on.

If you love hot tubs, you are in for a real treat at Kalahari!  They have two indoor/outdoor hot tubs designed for the family.  The temperature of the water is perfect, and there is seating all the way around to make it easy for you to sit back and relax.

Kalahari Sandusky Ohio 3


Thrills for those who dare:

Ready for a water coaster?  Yep, they have that too!  The Zip Coaster propels riders through 500 incredible feet and 30 gripping seconds of free falls, dips and high-banking turns.  This ride features tunnels, gushing geysers and gut-wrenching drops.  Hold on tight because you’ll be going to speeds up to 20 miles per hour!

Kalahari Resort Sandusky Ohio 10

Of course, Kalahari also has many slides and rides for those of you who want a bit more excitement.  The popular FlowRider offers riders a true-to-life surfing experience when 50,000 gallons of water each minute flow under you to create a five-foot ocean-like wave.  This is the time to try out your boogie-boarding skills in this incredible and safe environment. I didn’t see any sharks around at all…you can’t say that about the ocean.

Slides such as Victoria Falls, Rippling Rhino, and Swahili Swirl allow up to 4 people to coast down the tubes, which are perfect for those who are a bit more daring.  My oldest sons and I got a kick out of coasting down these chutes together.

Kalahari Sandusky Ohio waterpark 4


Race your family and friends on the region’s only 4-lane racer slides, The Cheetah Race! This slide will bring out the competitor in you as you zoom down the 55 ft decline.  Instead of a tube, this slide uses a comfy mat.

There are so many more rides and slides for you adventure seekers, so head over here and see what Kalahari can offer!

Kalahari Sandusky Ohio cabana


To make your stay even more enjoyable at Kalahari, you can rent one of the many cabanas throughout the park.  These private cabanas offer a security safe, refrigerator, chaise lounges, and table.  It is the perfect place to eat your lunch, relax between slides, and spend time with family.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Kalahari Resorts and can’t wait to get back!  Want to stay at Kalahari?  Check out the Kalahari deals that are currently offering.  For more Kalahari deals, check out their Facebook page.


Disclosure:  All opinions are my own.  I received a free nights stay, meals and other activities to facilitate this review. Regardless, I only recommend things that I think would be a good fit for my readers.



Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Kalahari, ohio travel, travel

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Still trying to figure out what to get Dad for Fat Still trying to figure out what to get Dad for Father's Day? Instead of guessing, grab a gift card to a place he'll actually enjoy!  Right now through 6/21, Giant Eagle is offering 30¢ off per gallon in perks for every $100 spent on select gift cards. That includes favorites like Dick's Sporting Goods, Darden Restaurants, and Best Buy.  Dad gets a gift he'll love, and you get a little savings at the pump. That's the kind of Father's Day shopping I can get behind! ⛽🎁  #FathersDay #GiantEagle #FuelPerksl #giftideasfordad
Champagne dreams, flapper dresses, and a night for Champagne dreams, flapper dresses, and a night for Broadway in Cleveland? Count me in! ✨🥂  Last night we stepped back into the Roaring Twenties for media night at @bwaygatsby at @playhousesquare!  My sister and I snagged our 1920s-inspired outfits and made a whole evening of it. We started with happy hour at @encorepsq, the stylish bar right across the street from Playhouse Square, which had the perfect swanky Gatsby vibes. I love their happy hours specials too! Then we grabbed a quick dinner at Sushi En before heading into the theater.  And wow... this show is BIG Broadway. Think stunning costumes, gorgeous sets, incredible choreography, and all the glitz and glamour you'd expect from Gatsby. The production is visually spectacular and brings the lavish world of Jay Gatsby to life in a way that feels larger than life. If you love classic stories, dazzling performances, and a little Jazz Age sparkle, add this one to your summer theater list. ✨🎭  The Great Gatsby is playing at Playhouse Square through June 28 as part of the KeyBank Broadway Series. Tickets are currently still available and can be purchased by calling 216-241-6000 or online at playhousesquare.org.  Who else loves a themed night out? 🍾  #thegreatgatsby #BroadwayCleveland #BWYCLE #BwayGatsbyTour
🎭 Did you know you can take a FREE behind-the-scen 🎭 Did you know you can take a FREE behind-the-scenes tour of @playhousesquare? 🎭 Everyone needs to add this to their Cleveland bucket list!  Free public tours of Playhouse Square are offered on the third Saturday of every month, and they're packed with fascinating history, hidden details, and stories you probably never knew. You'll learn how this incredible theater district went from nearly being demolished in the 1970s to becoming the largest theater restoration project in the world.  Did you know that Playhouse Square is the second-largest performing arts district in the United States, behind only Broadway in New York City, with 12 performance venues throughout the district?  One of my favorite parts was getting to see everything up close and in detail without the usual crowds. From the stunning architecture to the behind-the-scenes stories, there were so many things I've walked past for years without realizing their significance.  If you've ever attended a show, or even if you haven't, I highly recommend taking this tour. It's a whole new way to experience one of Cleveland's most iconic treasures. ❤️  Have you ever taken a Playhouse Square tour? Be sure to tell a friend! 🎟️👇  #PlayhouseSquare #ClevelandOhio #thisiscleveland #CLE #clevelandevents
Another Put-In-Bay giveaway coming soon! ☀️ Summe Another Put-In-Bay giveaway coming soon!  ☀️ Summer is officially here, and what better way to celebrate than a girls' day at Put-in-Bay! 🚢💙  We hopped aboard the @millerboatline for a scenic ride to the island and rented golf carts from @esputinbay to explore all the fun spots around the @visitputinbay island. Did you know you can save money when you book them together? Check out the E's Golf Cart & Miller Ferry Put-in-Bay Discount Package when you reserve at least one day in advance!  One of the reasons we love Miller Ferry is that it's the most affordable way to get to the island, and it's the only ferry that lets you bring your car. Plus, E's Golf Carts is conveniently located just around the corner from the Miller Ferry drop-off.  The weather was absolutely gorgeous! We spent the day shopping, cruising around the island by golf cart, enjoying lunch at The Keys, relaxing at the little beach on the tip of the island, and taking a short hike to soak in the views.  Put-in-Bay is such a fun destination for both groups and families. If you're bringing kids, be sure to check out the highly rated caves on the islands, play a round of putt-putt, visit the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center, and stop by the Butterfly House for a colorful, family-friendly experience. (I usually just avoid the downtown area on weekend evenings if I'm visiting with kids.)  Who's ready for an island day trip?  #putinbay #MillerFerry #GirlsTrip #OhioAdventures #LakeErieIslands
🦖 My niece, brother, and I had a ROARing good time 🦖 My niece, brother, and I had a ROARing good time at  @gocmnh on Sunday for DINO DAY! 🦕✨  A big thank you to @realgoodfoods for inviting us to this fun family event! We explored the museum, checked out life-sized dinosaurs, enjoyed hands-on activities, crafts, face painting, and interactive exhibits throughout the day. They even gave away COUPONS!!  Of course, one of the highlights was sampling Realgood Foods' dino chicken nuggets! I personally eat Realgood chicken - there is always a bag in my freezer. It is high protein and low carb! I eat a lot of chicken and I'm picky with my brands, but I enjoy this treat when I need something fast and tasty!  It was such a fun day filled with dinosaurs, learning, and making memories together. 🦖❤️
Parents... if you're already hearing "I'm bored!" Parents... if you're already hearing "I'm bored!" now that school is out, I've got a budget-friendly summer boredom hack for you! 🎲☀️  The board game and puzzle aisle at @voathrift stores is packed with affordable fun. You can often find family favorites, puzzles, and hidden gems for just a few dollars.  One thrifted board game can provide hours of entertainment on a rainy day, family game night, or even vacation. And don't forget the adults! Grab a fun game, invite some friends over, and you've got an inexpensive night of laughs.  Cheap fun, big memories, and way less summer boredom. That's a win in my book! 🎲  What's your family's favorite board game?  #SummerFun #ThriftStoreFinds #FamilyGameNight #VolunteersOfAmerica #summerhack
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About Me

Hi my name is Rachel and am a stay-at-home mom to three boys. I’ve been “couponing” for over 10 years and I absolutely love to save money! I enjoy not only finding great deals but also sharing them with others. I hope that you will follow along on my money saving journey!
EMAIL: couponingwithrachel(at)hotmail(dot)com.

Along with being a wife and mother I'm also a weekly columnist for two local papers, The Chronicle Telegram and Medina Gazette and appear regularly on TV and radio. I also teach local coupon classes throughout the year.

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