Category Archives: Attractions

Enter To Win Tickets to “See Same Kind of Different As Me”

I have some exciting news to share about a new movie that will be in theaters nationwide on October 20th. It is called, Same Kind of Different as Me, from Paramount/PUREFLIX Studios. The cast includes Greg Kinnear, Renée Zellweger, Djimon Hounsou and Jon Voight.
With more money than they could ever possibly need, Ron and Debbie Hall have everything they could ever want … except for a loving marriage. When Ron’s unfaithfulness is brought to light, Debbie invites him to stay—as long as he remains truthful and does what she asks of him. But when her request includes serving the homeless at an inner-city rescue mission, Ron would prefer to write a large check instead.  Guided by her faith and spurred on by the dream of a homeless man she senses will change their city, Debbie befriends a disenfranchised man named Denver. More surprisingly, so does Ron. Despite vast differences, their lives begin to intersect and they all are changed … forever.
“Nobody can help everybody, but everybody can help somebody.” Words of wisdom from a homeless drifter; words that never would be shared with the world if not for a wayward husband, a forgiving wife, and an unforgettable true story that brought the three of them together.
Check out the trailer below:
Get Ticket info here. So what do you think? I am really looking forward to seeing this movie.

Giveaway:

 2 Fandango Movie Ticket Promo Codes for Same Kind of Different Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!  You can enter our giveaway to win two Fandango Promo Codes, each code is good towards one movie ticket (up to $15 total ticket and convenience fee value) to see Same Kind of Different as Me at Fandango partner theaters in the U.S. Fandango Promotional Code must be redeemed by 11/2/17 and is void if not redeemed by the expiration date (expires on 11/2/17 or when Same Kind of Different as Me is no longer in theaters, whichever comes first). Only one prize per person and per household will be awarded. Giveaway is open to U.S. Residents. Giveaway is sponsored by Paramount/PUREFLIX and LEV3L . 
 

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“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is Available Today-We Take You Behind The Scenes

If you ask my kids, they would say, one of the best perks about their mom being a blogger, is that we get new Blu-ray releases before they hit the store. My kids were out of their minds last week when they opened a package to discover, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 inside. There was about one nanosecond before it was projected in our living room via our Epson projector. Absolutely no waiting for a family movie night, they had to watch it immediately. They loved it, they could not even tell me a favorite part because they said it was all cool! When I pressed them, they said they got a kick out of little baby Groot and a giant squid.

If you are excited to watch this movie, you are in luck, because Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2  is out today on 4K UHD & Blu-ray! To celebrate I have some great Rocket and Groot bonus clips to share with you that show a behind the scenes glimpse of what it was like designing and creating the phenomenal digital characters of Rocket and Groot on set alongside the other actors.

Rocket & Groot-Click HERE for your behind the scenes video.

Baby Groot Stand-In

Designing Baby Groot- Click HERE for another behind the scenes video.

Rocket In The Trees- Click HERE for another behind the scenes video.

So do you have plans to buy Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 ? Let me know what you think if you do.

 

 


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Discover “Destination” Fun at Darien Lake

How is your summer going? We are in the middle of an entire home renovation. Thankfully, we live on a lake so afternoon swims happen daily when the weather is good. We have some small trips lined up for August when things should be mostly completed. Other than that, we are taking day trips and doing what we can, without totally coming unhinged.

Darien Lake is one of the places we are going as a family this summer. Their wide range of entertainment has made it “destination fun” since 1964. That is longer than I have been alive! Darien Lake is located just 45 minutes from Niagara Falls between Buffalo and Rochester, N.Y.

Today the park boasts more than 50 rides, including six world-class roller coasters, dozens of family friendly rides, the regions largest water park complete with a wave pool and 20,000-seat performing arts center. Everything is operated by Live Nation; and  world-class in-park entertainment.

The Viper is celebrating its 35th year at Darien Lake. Okay, I am older than the Viper, but not anywhere near as old as Darien Lake.

Click HERE to schedule your visit today! Have you ever been to Darien Lake? I would love to hear about your experience in the comments.

This is a sponsored post, as always my words and views are 100% my own.


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Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom in Nearby Allentown, PA

We have been having a lot of rain lately, so we really lucked out when we picked Saturday, June 3rd for our day trip to Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom. We planned this family trip to celebrate my birthday on the 4th. Originally, I had wanted to go on the fourth and my daughter suggested the third. It was a very good idea, because it was raining buckets on the fourth.

Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom is located in Allentown, Pennsylvania. During the month of June, Dorney Park is  joining Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation in their Lemonade Days to help make an impact in the fight against childhood cancer. During their Lemonade Days a portion of the proceeds from online ticket sales will go to the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. To learn more about this great cause click HERE.

Check out the additional Summer Events & Attractions below:

• Coca-Cola Share a Coke – June 9-10
• Father’s Day Beef & Beer – June 18
• Independence Day Fireworks – July 4
• Christmas in July Breakfast with Santa – July 25
• Food Truck Rally – August 26-27

My kids love Dorney Park, my older kids love the roller coasters and thrill rides. My younger ones love Planet Snoopy and so do I! There are rides we all love to go on together as a family like that Road Rally where you get to drive gasoline powered “race cars” on a track. That is a must-do attraction for all of us every time we visit. My son Ethan was so excited to drive all by himself this year!

 

We have such a blast at Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom and make lifetime memories. Check out our video compilation of our day there below.

If you live within driving distance or will be visiting the area, you should seriously consider a visit to Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom. We can’t wait to go again. If you have been to Dorney Park, let me know what you love most in the comments.

 

This post is sponsored by Blog Meets Brand and Cedar Fair. As always my words and views are 100% my own.

 


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Tour Dates For PJ Masks Live! “Time to Be a Hero” Announced!

SUPER NEWS FOR PJ MASKS FANS!

If your kids are PJ Masks fans, you may have been anxiously waiting for the PJ Masks Live! “Time to Be a Hero” Tour Dates to be announced. The wait is over! We are going to be going to see them in NYC soon! Check out the dates below and see if they are coming to a city near you. What fun it will be to experience this brand-new stage production with my kids’ favorite heroes!

PJ MASKS LIVE! TIME TO BE A HERO” TO HIT THE ROAD IN FIRST-EVER LIVE THEATRICAL TOUR

New Live-Action Adventure Brings Entertainment One’s
Hit Animated TV Series to Life – on Stage – in More than 60 North American Cities Starting September 2017

PJ Masks Live! Time to Be a Hero,” a brand-new, fully immersive musical production, will take to the stage, touring across North America starting in September 2017. Exclusive pre-sales begin Tuesday, May 16, at 10am EST, with the general public on-sale starting Friday, May 19, at 10am EST.

The live show is based on eOne’s top-rated animated TV series, which airs daily on Disney Junior. Catboy, Owlette, Gekko, and the Baddies will delight fans of all ages with live performances featuring world-class production, familiar and original music, acrobatics, and immersive interactivity.

PJ Masks, the hit series, follows the thrilling nighttime adventures of three young friends who transform into their dynamic alter egos, Catboy, Owlette and Gekko, when they put on their pajamas at night and activate their animal amulets. Together, they embark on action-packed capers, solving mysteries and learning valuable lessons along the way.

See below for tour dates and locations. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit, www.pjmaskslive.com.

Tour Dates

  • Tuesday, September 19 – New London, CT – Garde Arts Center
  • Wednesday, September 20 – Reading, PA – Santander PAC
  • Thursday, September 21 – Baltimore, MD – Hippodrome
  • Friday, September 22 – Philadelphia, PA – Kimmel Center
  •  Saturday, September 23 – Philadelphia, PA – Kimmel Center
  • Sunday, September 24 – Charleston, WV – Clay Center
  • Tuesday, September 26 – Grand Rapids, MI – DeVos Performance Hall
  • Wednesday, September 27 – Saginaw, MI – The Dow Event Center Theatre
  • Thursday, September 28 – Cleveland, OH – State Theatre
  • Saturday, September 30 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre
  • Sunday, October 1 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre
  • Tuesday, October 3 – East Lansing, MI – Wharton Center
  • Wednesday, October 4 – Cincinnati, OH – Taft Theatre
  • Saturday, October 7 – Boston, MA – Wang Theatre
  • Sunday, October 8 – Boston, MA – Wang Theatre
  • Tuesday, October 10 – Toronto, ON – Sony Centre
  • Wednesday, October 11 – Kitchener, ON – Centre In The Square
  • Saturday, October 14 – New York, NY – Theatre at Madison Square Garden
  • Sunday, October 15 – New York, NY – Theatre at Madison Square Garden
  • Tuesday, October 17 – Wilkes Barre, PA – F.M. Kirby Center
  • Wednesday, October 18 – Virginia Beach, VA – Sandler Center
  • Thursday, October 19 – Fayetteville, NC – Crown Center
  • Saturday, October 21 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
  • Sunday, October 22 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
  • Tuesday, October 24 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium
  • Wednesday, October 25 – Huntsville, AL – Von Braun
  • Friday, October 27 – Ft. Myers, FL – Barbara B. Mann
  • Saturday, October 28 – Tampa Bay, FL – Ferguson Hall
  • Sunday, October 29 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Parker Playhouse
  • Wednesday, November 1 – New Orleans, LA – Saenger Theatre
  • Thursday, November 2 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre
  • Friday, November 3 – Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Centre
  • Saturday, November 4 – Dallas, TX – Majestic Theatre
  • Sunday, November 5 – Oklahoma City, OK – Hudson Performance Hall
  • Monday, November 6 – Little Rock, AR – Robinson Center
  • Tuesday, November 7 – Austin, TX – ACL Moody
  • Wednesday, November 8 – Tulsa, OK – Chapman Music Hall
  • Thursday, November 9 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland
  • Friday, November 10 – Louisville, KY – Palace Theatre
  • Saturday, November 11 – Indianapolis, IN – Clowes Theatre
  • Sunday, November 12 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre
  • Tuesday, November 14 – Pittsburgh – Byham Theatre
  • Wednesday, November 15 – Warren, OH – Packard Music Hall
  • Saturday, November 18 – Milwaukee, WI – Riverside Theatre
  • Sunday, November 19 – Appleton, WI – Fox Cities PAC
  • Monday, November 20 – Omaha, NE – Ralston Arena
  • Tuesday, November 21 – Loveland, CO – Budweiser Events Center
  • Friday, November 24 – Phoenix, AZ – Comerica
  • Saturday, November 25 – Las Vegas, NV – The Orleans
  • Sunday, November 26 – Los Angeles, CA – Microsoft Theatre
  • Monday, November 27 – Santa Rosa, CA – Luther Burbank Center
  • Wednesday, November 29 – Portland, OR – Schnitzer Hall
  • Thursday, November 30 – Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center
  • Friday, December 1 – Eugene, OR – Hult Center
  • Saturday, December 2 – San Jose, CA – Civic Auditorium
  • Tuesday, December 5 – Seattle, WA – McCaw Hall
  • Wednesday, December 6 – Spokane, WA – Bing Crosby Theatre

About Entertainment One

Entertainment One Ltd. (LSE:ETO) is a global independent studio that specializes in the development, acquisition, production, financing, distribution and sales of entertainment content. The Company’s diversified expertise spans across film, television and music production and sales, family programming, merchandising and licensing, and digital content. Through its global reach and expansive scale, powered by deep local market knowledge, the Company delivers the best content to the world.

About Round Room Presents

Round Room Presents is a live entertainment firm that specializes in the production and promotion of live arena shows, concert tours, theatrical performances and touring exhibitions. Round Room are currently the Executive Producers for Exhibitionism: The Rolling Stones blockbuster exhibit.

So, did you find a tour location near you? Let me know.


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We Have Some Really Super PJ Masks News To Share

PJ Masks fans it is time to rejoice! I have big news! This fall, for the first time ever, Catboy, Gekko and Owlette are hitting the stage in PJ Masks Live! This brand-new musical production based on the hit animated TV series from eOne, kicks off across North America in September 2017. More info and dates to come soon! Fans are encouraged to sign up now at www.pjmaskslive.com in order to get to the front of the line for pre-sale tickets when the tour goes on sale this spring.

That is not all, I have more super news, the PJ Masks mini-album, “Here We Come,” is now available for digital download! The new release features ten songs from the TV show and official music videos for you to enjoy with the little heroes in your life. The mini-album is available for iOS and Android platforms. Click HERE to download it in your preferred format.


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Go Back In Time For Dinner & Tournament at Medieval Times #

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I have heard good things about Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament for years and yet we have never been there. I think it is about time to change that. We are planning a trip there in the next few weeks. We will be going to the one in Lyndhurst, NJ.

The kids were really excited when we told them about it. We will be sharing all the fun with our readers through live posting while we are there and a full rundown on everything that happened when we get back.

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I have been studying up on what happens during the performance to get myself ready for the action. Did you know the Knights perform with real metal weapons and wear authentic armor? They do, and during battle scenes, real titanium swords create sparks. I also learned that Medieval Times is the #1 breeder of pure Spanish horses in North America.

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When jousting, the Knights charge at speeds of approximately 15 to 20 miles per hour and reach an impact velocity speed of about 30 to 40 miles per hour. This must all make people crave soup because 125,000 gallons of soup are served each year!

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In case this is making you want to go, I have an exclusive offer for Mommy Ramblings’ readers.  You can save on tickets with our exclusive discount code. Adults $36.95 and children (12 and under) $29.95 with the code MT3629 through 2/28/17. Click HERE to take advantage of the special offer.


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How To Save on Things To Do with #Groupon

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine.

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Kids grow so fast, it seems time is racing and we are trying to create as many lifelong memories as we can before they leave  home. You may feel that it will be ages before that happens but I can tell you, it happens in the blink of an eye. I was blessed to be able to start all over again after my first three were in their teens. So now, with 2 little ones, I know how fast it truly goes. I have not discovered a way to stop time or travel back in time, so I am just trying to treasure the moments we have.

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Some of our favorite ways to make great memories are to do things together as a family. That is why I love Groupon so much! Their site is my go-to when looking to do things in the area. When I find something I want to do or a place I want to go to and I can save big with Groupon, I feel like a champion. The money we save, means our dollars go farther and we can do more for less. Who doesn’t want to save these days?

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Have you ever checked Groupon out? If you haven’t, you need to! Just go to Groupon-Things To Do and see what that brings up. You will be amazed at all the great deals on all kinds of activities. You can browse through all kinds of events near you like; Concerts, Museums, Live Shows, Festivals, Sporting Events, Comedy Clubs, Tours and so much more.

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Give it a try and let me know how you make out. If you are a seasoned Groupon user, let me know some of the best deals you were able to take advantage of. I would love to hear all about it.


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Step Back In Time at The Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid

We had a very fun and exciting summer and visited many great places. Toward the end of August we went to Lake Placid.  Even though we live in New York State, we had never been  to Lake Placid. Living in the Catskill Mountains, I was under the impression that the Adirondack Mountains were more or less  the same. Living on a lake myself, I just never felt an urgency to travel up that way. I am so glad we did though because it is so very different.

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I was truly amazed at how traveling a few hours in my home state brought us to a place that we were  in awe of. As my husband and I started getting closer to Lake Placid we were so moved by the beauty of  the majestic mountains. I think as we get older, we appreciate the beautiful landscape  of our great country more and more. My husband had me snapping photos on the highway. Don’t worry I was not the one driving.

We made our way through the shop lined streets of town to The Mirror Lake Inn. Family owned since the 1930’s this resort has been owned and operated by Ed and Lisa Weibrecht since 1976. Their son Andrew’s Olympic medals hang behind the front desk. The Inn overlooks Mirror Lake and every room has a lake view. There are always freshly baked chocolate chip cookies in the lobby along with coffee and tea.

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The staff at the Mirror Lake Inn were so nice. Sandy Caligiore the PR Representative for the resort made sure everything was set up and ready for our arrival and helped us plan our getaway.  The staff was there to assist us with anything we needed and were always around to greet us with a smile. We were so grateful for the warm welcome, luxurious accommodations and world-class dining they provided for us during our stay.

Our room was comfortable with a nice sitting area overlooking the lake. Waiting in our room for us  was a nice fruit, cheese and cookie plate and 4 Saratoga sparkling waters.

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We had dinner at the Taste Bistro our first night and it was fabulous. The menu is full of comfort foods infused with French, German and Italian elements. We started with their signature Fried Brussels Sprouts served with fresh lemon and sea salt. Our boys had the Kilcoyne Farms Burger which is of a half-pound of local beef served on a house-made kaiser roll with house smoked bacon, caramelized sweet onion, lettuce, tomato and NY sharp cheddar cheese.

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I had the marinated and Seared Tenderloin Beef Tips served with mashed potatoes, farm vegetables and balsamic onions. My husband had the Kilcoyne Farms Pot Roast made from pasture-raised local beef, caramelized root vegetables, and local potatoes. The atmosphere, food and service was astounding. The boys had Shirley Temples and my husband and I had fresh lemonade. We even shared some chocolate cheesecake with fresh berries for dessert.

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The boys wanted to swim in the indoor pool so we made our way down to the pool inside them main Inn on the lower level. It was nice and warm and had a very large whirlpool tub and large pool with a waterfall and bridge feature. There were nice chairs and lounges around to relax on as well as loads of soft fluffy towels for drying off.

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They were pretty exhausted after swimming and we made our way up to our room where they promptly fell asleep. In the morning we had the Adirondack Breakfast Buffet at The View restaurant and it was so good. A very nice assortment of eggs or omelets cooked to order, french toast, bacon, sausage, cereals, fruit, yogurt and so much more.

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After breakfast we had to go to Plattsburgh to get a battery charger for my camera. I have never left a charger home and this was a first. I could have kicked myself but we had to make the drive since there was nothing available any closer. When we returned we went down to the lake and the boys swam and then collected rocks that we are going to put in a jar as a memento.

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After that we had a dinner reservation at The View restaurant, a 17 time winner of the Wine Spectator’s Dining Guide Award.

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For appetizers, I had the Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail that consisted of wild caught white shrimp, Marie Rose sauce, fresh horseradish, chardonnay vinegar, gelée and mustard greens.
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My husband had the Wheat & Greens Salad with Freekah green wheat, artisan greens, local fresh chevre and walnuts, shaved vegetables and raspberry-dijon vinaigrette. They were also doing tastings between courses. One of our little guys had the Italian Boboli Crust Topped Pizza with house marinara, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese and topped with pepperoni. Our other little guy had the 7 oz. Black Angus Strip Steak char-grilled  and served with french fries and bordelaise sauce.
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My husband and I had the Prime Beef Filet grilled and finished with Maldon sea salt, potato pavé, baby vegetables, glazed cipollini onions, tarragon butter and pinot noir reduction. The filet was exceptional, my husband said it was the best he has every had and I have to agree.

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We both had Cappuccino and Cheesecake for dessert and the kids had Ice Cream.

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After dinner we all went swimming in the indoor pool.

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We had the breakfast buffet in the morning again at The View and enjoyed it just as much!
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Afterward Seth Dow, an account manager for Mirror Lake Inn took me on an informative tour of the Inn and all the different rooms available for guests. He was a very personable and knowledgeable, young man who provided me with a tremendous amount of  information about the inn as well as the area. I was surprised to learn that the inn actually burnt nearly to the ground in the 1980’s and the only things that were saved were the murals that were cut out of the wall and the grandfather clock. You would never know though because it was rebuilt to look exactly as it originally had when it was first built.

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The entire inn is full of wonder, from the stuffed bear and other animals that are situated around the library to the memorabilia, books, games and more that fill the shelves and tables. The lovely traditional Tea Time is at four o’clock and is served in the inn but can be enjoyed on the rocking chairs on the porch overlooking the lake or in one of the parlors or library.
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We went down to the lake, swam and then took a family paddle boat ride. Mirror Lake is lovely, if you are not used to the temperature of lakes in New York State you might be shocked but even though it is colder in Lake Placid than on our lake the water was only a tad colder. I appreciated that as on the lake I live on, they do not allow gasoline powered watercraft. This makes the lakes so much cleaner and nicer to swim and play in. There is a sandy beach area for kids to play, lots of lounges, fluffy towels and paddle boats and kayaks you can take out.

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After the lake, the boys decided it was time to go to the outdoor pool, so we ventured up and spent some fun time in there. There are plenty of lounges, tables and chairs around the pool and the view of the lake from the pool is beautiful. It is very peaceful and serene all around.

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The grounds of the inn are gorgeous with lush landscaping, beautiful flower gardens and great views. There have a huge, outdoor checkers set and plenty of relaxing Adirondack chairs to sit and take in the breathtaking views of the lake and mountains.
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The charming town is foot steps away and filled with nice shops, restaurants and a movie theater. A very popular attraction is Whiteface Mountain. We had a blast and a great workout climbing to the top of  Whiteface which is 4,867 feet above sea level. We took the elevator that is inside the mountain down. If you go to Lake Placid do not miss the opportunity to climb this spectacular mountain.
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The Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid is a beautiful resort and destination any season of the year! If you love to ski,  you will want to visit in the winter. The Olympic Ski Jumps need to be seen and they are training on them even in the summer. In the fall the turning of the leaves draws visitors as well. Anytime you go, you are bound to be as impressed as we were.
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There is a spa downstairs for full pampering as well as a gift shop where I picked up a Mirror Lake mug to reflect on our time spent there whenever I enjoy my coffee or tea. Our days at The Mirror Lake Inn were truly a grand experience that we cannot wait to repeat very soon. Next time we want to go with all of our kids to make some great memories!

Let me know if you have ever visited The Mirror Lake Inn or Lake Placid? If not, is it a destination you are considering? Feel free to answer in the comments, I love to read your thoughts. You can book a reservation on their website or connect with them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

 


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Filed under Attractions, Family Fun, Outdoor Fun, recreation, Travel

Discover The Experience of Skytop Lodge

Skytop Lodge

My family and I recently returned from Skytop Lodge and I cannot say enough about the awesome days we spent there. Skytop Lodge is a stunning piece of history that sits upon 5,500 majestic acres atop the picturesque Pocono mountains.

Although this resort is only a 1.5-hour drive from our home in the Catskill Mountains of Upstate New York, I never heard of it before this summer. Even though I have traveled to the Poconos more times than I can count, this was an entirely different experience. From the moment we arrived, until the moment we left, we could not look at the old world charm of the stone lodge without being in awe.

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Vacationing at Skytop means taking a step back in time. While they have all the modern conveniences we have come to rely on, it is the 4 pm afternoon tea time you look forward too.

Tea time is served in the main lobby or Pine Room and features an assortment of large, fresh-baked cookies, ice-cold lemonade and an assortment of teas. Once you have made your selections you can choose to enjoy your treats in the main lobby or as we did sitting in rocking chairs on the porch overlooking the grounds.

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My boys loved the little chipmunk that decided to join us for tea and cookies. He was very polite and ate a small piece of whatever cookie you gave him.

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Downstairs the arcade really takes you back to a time when families were unplugged and played games of ping-pong or went to the malt shop AKA the Tea Room where you will find an old-fashioned luncheonette counter reminiscent of an old-time soda fountain. Order up an egg cream or one of the “World’s Greatest Milk Shakes.”

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The halls are peppered with photos and artwork of the Lodge and the many events that have taken place there since 1928. The dog shows, sled races, golf tournaments, tennis matches and so much more. All around you will find pieces from the rich history of this historic resort.

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Climb the stairs of the Lodge all the way to the Skytop Observation Post  which was used for spotting and reporting enemy aircraft during WWII.  It was manned around the clock by volunteer staff, guests, cottagers and townspeople. for the duration of the war. The observation tower has views of Skytop’s 5,500 acres as well as the Delaware Water Gap and beyond. It is a great place to take photos and just imagine what it must have been like to be a lookout during the war.

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Skytop lookout view

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Spending time out in nature is something I think a person should do every day, whether it is a morning walk, having coffee admiring the birds in the feeders or a challenging hike, it is good for your mind, body and soul! Skytop has trails throughout the estate property that let you embark and gaze upon the peace and beauty of nature at its finest.

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All kinds of trails are available, guided tours, self-guided tours, trails suitable for strollers and trails that are much more challenging. They take you to crystal clear waterfalls, pristine lakes, mountain vistas, ancient forests and more.

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The forests are alive with all kinds of wildlife, downstairs there is chart where people list what they saw that day. While we were there, someone spotted a black bear on hole 11 on the golf course, a family of otter swimming under one of the falls and so much more. Beyond that there are blueberries and huckleberries galore.

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Downstairs in the lodge there are wildlife exhibits of live snakes and turtles, booklets about wildlife and guides you can take if you are brave enough to venture off on one of the trails yourself.

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reptiles

One of the highlights of our time at Skytop was the time we spent with their naturalist Rick Koval. Rick took us on a tour of the butterfly house and a guided tour of falls. The butterfly house is new and you can take a tour where you will learn all kinds of interesting facts about butterflies and get to feed them. It is utterly informative and absolutely amazing. There are many great photo opportunities too! Check out the caterpillar that looks like he is smiling in the collage below.

Skytop Butterfly Collage Jpeg

The hike with Rick was a real treat. After your first hike with him, you will be scanning the activities’ sheet to see when the next walk or hike with him is.  Rick kept parents and kids engaged with his wealth of knowledge about the trees, flowers and wildlife found in the northeast Pennsylvania region and hands-on learning and tasting along the way. Who knew sassafras smelled and tasted like Fruit Loops?

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He showed us some of the most poisonous mushrooms, we did not taste test those but took his word for it. We all got hands on with nature and wildlife like the adorable newts we met along the way. The highlight was the beautiful waterfall we all stopped to admire and as we reach the end of our hike we immediately wanted to know when and where the next one was.

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waterfalls

After a nice hike it was time to hit the pool. Choose the outdoor or indoor pool or do both since they are connected. Relax and unwind on a chaise while your kids and maybe your husband if he is like mine, cannonball to their hearts desire. Then swim laps in the lap lane of the indoor pool. There is a kiddie pool and large hot tub for adults to soothe sore muscles in.

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outdoor pool

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There are plenty of choices for dining. In the morning there is complimentary coffee and tea in the lobby along with fresh fruit and some fresh-baked goodies. If you are looking for a full breakfast, you can eat at the Windsor Dining Room.

The Windsor Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their cuisine is innovative and supports local farmers and ranchers. Everything is served in a classic setting. Be aware that no jeans, t-shirts, hats or shorts are permitted. On Saturday evenings, jackets are required for men. Ladies and children are also required to wear proper attire.

We really enjoyed the Tap Room, it is more casual and nice for families. They serve a full menu of traditional pub fare including lunch, sandwiches and dinner. I had a BBQ brisket sandwich that was so good my husband could not wait until I said I was too full to finish it! There serve large portions and the food is amazing.

The Inn-Between Deli is conveniently located in the Inn at Skytop between golf holes 9 and 10. The deli serves a light sandwich and salad menu. We found the Inn-Between Deli to be very convenient when we were at the lake and beach with our kids.

Also located at the Inn is the Lakeview Dining Room. Enjoy your meal in a relaxed setting overlooking one of Skytop’s lakes and award-winning golf course. The menu is extensive and offers something for everyone. Jackets are not required but jeans, t-shirts, hats or pool attire is not permitted. The front desk staff can assist with any questions about dining options and make reservations for you.

At night enjoy a marshmallow roast around the campfire or have fun playing Bingo with the other guests, movies are also shown in the afternoon and evenings. There is even a Camp in the Clouds for kids and so many other activities.

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Even though in our first few days we had quite a bit of rain it was not constant and in the times of clearing we still were able to do so much. The last couple of days the weather was beautiful and while we did not believe the place could be more beautiful it was. Every time we went about we discovered something new and yet there was still so much we have not experienced.

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walking in the rain

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Besides The Lodge there are other choices for accommodations on the property like the Inn at Skytop, The Cottages and the Stream Side Cottages. We chose the Lodge because we wanted the full, rich experience that only staying in the Lodge can provide.

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The Lodge guest rooms were newly renovated in 2015 and the inspiration for their design was Skytop’s history, traditions and the natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains. Incorporating that rich history with today’s modern conveniences led to the three signature designs of the Lodge guest rooms: Water, Garden and Mountain. There are also individually designed suites inspired by Skytop historical figures.

Our Garden theme room was gorgeous with a view overlooking the gardens, outdoor pool and the butterfly house.

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Three dormer windows let in the natural light and let us peer down on everything below. In the closet were 2 large umbrellas, 2 handcrafted walking sticks and 2 luxurious robes. Waiting for us when we arrived was a plate of fruit and cheese along with flatbread crackers and a note from the staff.  The housekeeping service was excellent and made sure we did not want for anything.

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The valets were so accommodating and friendly it really was like coming home every time we came back from an activity, hike or trip into town. Shay at the front desk is a real treasure and always had a smile on his face, upon check in he remembered speaking to me the night before and went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect for our stay. Christy, director of group sales worked her magic to make sure we had everything we needed. The smiles were genuine as was the desire to really help guests have the best possible experience.

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Down by the Inn, a short walk from the Lodge is a lake with a beach area. There is a large inflatable island of fun out in the lake that my kids just loved. There is a sandy beach area that is filled with lounge chairs, tables, beach umbrellas and more.

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Nothing is overlooked at Skytop, the pool area has stacks and stacks of soft, fluffy, cabana striped beach towels. Down by the lake there are sand toys galore kids can use as well as more stacks of soft, fluffy towels. There are ample lounges, chairs and tables at both pools and on the beach. In the pool area they have fun noodles, diving rings, balls and other pool toys.

The grounds are impeccable and off the porch you will find a nice large playground for kids, a lawn chess set, a kid size golf course and so much more. All kinds of lawn games are available like crochet, volleyball, badminton, lawn bowling and more. If you are the competitive type, there are tournaments you can take part in.

skytop playground

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If you are a golfer, you will love the award-winning golf course with spectacular views and the ability to see a variety of wildlife as you are teeing off.

Among the beautiful perennial flowers the gorgeous butterflies and birds. A white gazebo adorned with flower boxes filled with vibrant, red and white geraniums awaits. Take a seat in one of the comfortable rocking chairs and spend some time listening to the calls of area birds like the Northern Cardinal.

gazebo

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The SkyLites Activity Newsletter informs you about all the different activities happening each week. There are daily activities, 7 days a week and an activities desk to register for the things you want to do.

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For the adventurous, the Adventure Center has a 3-hour treetop adventure course with challenging obstacles including elevated bridgeways connecting tree platforms, logs hanging from ropes to walk across, ladders, a cargo net and 7 different zip lines. This is not for the little ones, you must be a height of at least 5’11” with your hands above your head and must have a waist size of less than 41″ to participate. Other activities include paintball, rock wall climbing, archery and more.

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Skytop Stables in on the property and you can take a western style wilderness ride to the top of the west rim tail for a picture perfect view of the property. The horses are well-natured and there are professional guides to make sure everyone has a great experience.  Pony rides are available and you can also go on a hay ride.

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If you are in need of pampering, look no further than the Skyview Spa. The Spa offers a wide selection of stimulating, healing, and innovative spa services that will leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to take on the world.

Bring your dancing shoes because every Saturday night following a tradition from the early 1940’s, children and adults of all ages celebrate the tradition of the Grand March accompanied by the Doug Smith Orchestra. An elimination dance is held right before the Grand March.

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Shuttles are available to take guests to different activities and hiking trails from the North Porch.  A beautiful gift shop will let you take home memories in the form of a beautiful pottery mug, silver-plated Christmas Ornament of the Lodge, Skytop logo clothing and more.

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Skytop truly is a hidden jewel atop the Pocono Mountains just beckoning to be discovered. Spending time at Skytop is not a vacation it is more than that, it is an extraordinary experience that I feel blessed to have discovered. I know why people return every year to Skytop, it is the perfect blend of past and present where you will create memories to last a lifetime. I know we will be back, next time with the whole family!

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If you would like to make reservations at Skytop you can right on their website You can also stay in the loop with them on Facebook and Instagram. If you have any questions please ask in the comments and let me know if you have experienced Skytop, I would love to hear all about it.


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Filed under Attractions, Family, Family Fun, Nature, Reviews, Summer, Travel