Mom of Mamony

11/06/2023

Ready for a family adventure? Come explore Cleveland with us the next few days!

I didn't intend to take a break, but I needed to deal with some deadlines. I'm back to tell you about a quick trip we took to Cleveland recently. Cleveland, it turns out, is a fantastic weekend getaway from Washington, DC.

A 5 1/2 hour drive will give you a taste of the Midwest. Cleveland has something for everyone, from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to the interactive exhibits at the Great Lakes Science Center. My daughter and I had a blast discovering all of the hidden gems that this vibrant city had to offer.

What are some of your favorite family-friendly destinations? Share in the comments below!

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03/04/2023

✨ BLOG POST ALERT ✨

This one is long overdue! Check out our favorite kid-friendly things to do in DC

Washington DC is one of the most family-friendly cities in the country. Find out the best 20 activities geared towards children.

11/11/2022

You haven't experienced Big Sur until you've experienced Garrapata Beach. This beautiful stretch of sandy beach has some of the bluest waters I've seen. Although swimming there can be dangerous due the dangerous surf, it's still fun to stroll along the beach and explore the little caves, nooks and coves along the rock 🏝 🌊

𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐓𝐎 𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄:
📍 35500 Cabrillo Hwy, Carmel
🏷️ Free access
🅿️ Garrapata Beach has two parking areas along the shoulder of Highway 1 at gates 18 and 19
🚫 No swimming
🚻 No restrooms

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11/11/2022

Looking for a wildflower adventure in California? Calla Lilly Valley in Big Sur is the coastal California version of wildflowers 🪷

𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐓𝐎 𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄:
📍Directly off Highway 1, the closest signage is mile-marker 63 not far from gate 19 in Garrapata State Park
🅿️ Park along the road then follow the Garrapata Trail
🥾 0.2 miles hike through guided wires and patches of wildflowers, then down wooden steps into the ravine
🪷 The white calla lilies bloom from January to April
🌊 A small creek runs throughout the valley and flows into the ocean. Follow its path to Garrapata Beach

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08/11/2022

Have you ever been to Solvang?

This charming Danish village nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley is only 45 mins from Santa Barbara. The town is filled with shops, wine tasting rooms, breweries, bakeries, and restaurants. Whatever you do, just make sure to stop by Solvang Restaurant and grab some Aebleskiver, a popular Danish specialty.

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25/06/2022

Cruising down Santa Barbara 3-mile waterfront bike path in a surrey is a guaranteed fun family adventure.

For those unfamiliar, a surrey is a four-wheel "bike" with a canopy and steering wheel and comes in 2 sizes. Best place to rent them is . They also carry regular bikes, e-bikes, mokes, roller blades, and beach gear.

After a quick tutorial on how to maneuver the surrey, we were on our merry way. I much prefer the surrey to a bike because (1) the canopy is helpful on a hot sunny day, and (2) it's easier to carry on a conversation and laugh with your friends and family than individual bikes.

All in all, I highly recommend this experience. It is a fantastic way to spend a couple of hours in Santa Barbara.

Have you ridden a surrey before?

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24/06/2022

When in Santa Barbara, wander through the streets of the city and let yourself be inspired by the Spanish heritage that is reflected in its architecture. From red-tile clay roofs, whitewashed exteriors, to the vibrant tile work and intricate wrought iron details, you will be charmed by this picturesque coastal town that draws visitors from all over the world.

𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐓:
🔸County Courthouse
🔸Old Mission
🔸El Andaluz
🔸El Zapato
🔸Ablitt Tower
🔸El Jardin
🔸Vera Cruz (not in video)
🔸El Presidio (not in video)

Which building is your favorite?

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11/05/2022

Want to see the iconic Hollywood sign up close without hiking?

Head to Lake Hollywood Park, which is in my opinion, the best viewpoint to see the Hollywood Sign. It is a large park nestled in Hollywood Hills, tucked in a quiet residential area. The way there takes you up a steep, narrow and winding road.

𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍
📍 3160 Canyon Lake Dr
🎟️ No park fees
🅿️ Free street parking (on an incline)
🛝 There is a small playground for the little ones to enjoy
🧺 Handful of picnic tables available (some shaded)
🚻 No bathrooms
🐶 Dogs allowed (on a leash)
🛑 Be mindful of the neighborhood (no speeding, park only in allowed spots)

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30/04/2022

Where to stay in Los Angeles?

𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒂 𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕, 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏

Amid all the many (many!) accommodation options in LA, I decided on the Sonder Lüm hotel and it definitely exceeded all our expectations!

I took a risk with this hotel as the reviews were slightly below what I'm used to. Nevertheless I decided to give it a try as it was a lot more affordable than anything else in LA. And boy, am I glad we stayed there.

The property is new, modern and very stylish. Our room was clean and comfy, the bathroom quite spacious. I really appreciated having free and secure parking on site, and of course the pool was so inviting. Note: there is heavy construction in the area but it didn't bother me too much.

The location can't be beaten: it is 15 mins from LAX, across the street from SoFi Stadium, half a mile from a multitude of stores and 10-min walk from many restaurants.

I especially enjoyed the local restaurants in the area: Tomato Market, Mi Mercadito (awesome breakfast burritos and Mexican pastries) and I had the best oxtail stew of my entire life at Lee's Carribean Restaurant.

So when you find yourself in Los Angeles, do give this hotel a try.

28/04/2022

There is so much to explore in LA but Beverly Hills is definitely a must stop

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26/04/2022

Greetings from the City of Angels!

We've been taking a little break from IG and roadtripping across California. I've enjoyed seeing all your spring break pictures and can't wait to share ours. California content and travel inspiration coming at you soon 😊

📍 Urban light, LACMA Los Angeles County Museum of Art

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15/04/2022

Friends, shop General Mills products at during Earth Month and help save the planet!

Earth Month is a month-long emphasis on the planet, sustainability, and how we can make the world a better place. During this period, General Mills is pledging $5 to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation when you spend $15 and upload your receipt!

Shopping at Giant makes it so easy to grab our favorite snacks and cereals like Nature Valley™, Annie's™, Cascadian Farm™, Honey Nut Cheerios™, and Oui™ French Style Yogurt by Yoplait. Now you can receive a free Stasher reusable bag with your purchase.

To redeem:
🔹Buy $15 worth of General Mills products
🔹Upload your receipt to https://www.goodforthefuture2022.com/ and get your free Stasher bag*

Shop now at your local Giant Food store.
https://www.giantfood.com/?999=SplashPage&997=quo-gm-earth-month&996=id&001=10012&002=149

15/03/2022

Prepping for a road trip at with Mobil™ Full Synthetic motor oil [AD].

As a family who loves to travel, we are often on the go road tripping across the country. But before we hit the road, I always make sure the car is in good driving condition by topping off our oil.

Recently, I've upgraded to using Mobil Full Synthetic motor oil in my vehicle as it provides guaranteed protection for up to 7,500 miles between oil changes and Mobil™ is a brand I can trust. Picking this up at Dollar General is so convenient and affordable.

Dollar General is one of my go-to stores. I am confident I can always find my household essentials at great prices.

Find Mobil oil at your nearest Dollar General location today. https://www.dollargeneral.com/?storeLocator=open

22/02/2022

The colder months are keeping us indoors, but when we do venture out, we keep practicing good hand hygiene. PURELL® Advanced Hand Sanitizer is a great alternative when we don't have access to soap & water.

Safe, effective and always a high-quality experience, the PURELL brand is America's #1 most trusted brand in hospitals, schools and homes – giving you the confidence and peace of mind to connect and enjoy more of what life has to offer.

I love that PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer doesn't dry the skin out or leave behind a sticky residue. Plus, it has a clean fragrance that's not too overpowering

We always make sure to grab a bottle during our Target runs. We also keep a bottle in the car – very handy for keeping little (and big!) hands germ-free on our weekend outings.

If you don't yet have PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer in your arsenal to fight germs, head to the nearest store to grab a bottle.

Shop now! https://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=purell

PURELL

05/02/2022

Today we are taking you on a tour of the Alaska Sealife Center in Seward, AK. More than an aquarium, the Center is dedicated to marine research and education, and also serves as a marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation facility.

Visitors have close encounters with puffins, octopus, harbor seals, sea lions, and other Alaska marine life while learning about the work of the Center.

𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐁𝐄𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐓
🎟️ Tickets available online only
🏷️ Adults: $29.95 and Kids: $17.95 (free 3 and under)
🅿️ Plenty of free parking available

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03/02/2022

Seward Harbor 🛥️

This picturesque harbor sits at the end of a fjord and is surrounded by pine forests and towering hills. Although buzzing with activity, it is pretty common to find wildlife.

A stroll along the shops and restaurants lining up the waterfront is a must. As a bonus, if you come later in the afternoon, you can watch local fishermen returning with their catch.

Picture dump:
1️⃣ Boats in the lagoon
2️⃣ "Caught at Seward Alaska" sign
3️⃣ Mural at Harbor 360 hotel

What's your favorite coastal town?

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31/01/2022

Alaska is filled with hidden gems, some of them by the side of the road (literally!) This small yet beautiful lake is located in the city of Seward.

📍 The Lagoon, Seward, AK

𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐓𝐎 𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄
✨Park at the Benny Benson Memorial (mile marker 1.4 of Seward Highway)
✨From the parking lot, there is a nice boardwalk that will take around the many vantage points.

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27/01/2022

Kenai Fjords National Park 🏔️

A stunningly beautiful park, Kenai Fjords consists of a group of fjords and inlets that border the Gulf of Alaska. It is home to a vast array of wildlife: whales, puffins, orcas, seals, otters, eagles, moutain goats, bears and much more. All against the backdrop of incredible landscapes such as jagged cliffs, tumbling glaciers and lush forest.

𝐓𝐎𝐏 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐃𝐎 𝐈𝐍 𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐈 𝐅𝐉𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒 𝐍𝐏
🔹experience Exit Glacier
🔹attend a Ranger-led program
🔹explore the Fjords on a boat tour
🔹kayak in the Fjords
🔹watch wildlife
🔹camp in public use cabins
🔹become a Junior Ranger

Would you visit this park?

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20/01/2022

One of the best thing to do at Kenai Fjords National Park is to hike to Exit Glacier. There are 3 trail options depending on your hiking abilities. We chose to do the Glacier Overlook Trail and despite the elevation, it is kid-friendly.

𝑺𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕

🏔️ GLACIER OVERLOOK TRAIL
Distance: 2.2 miles
Level: easy
Elevation: 308 ft
Kid-friendly

🏔️ GLACIER VIEW LOOP
Distance: 1 mile
Level: easy
Elevation: 85 ft
Wheelchair accessible
Kid-friendly

🏔️ HARDING ICEFIELD TRAIL
Distance: 8.2 miles
Level: hard
Elevation: 3,641 ft

𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐅𝐄𝐄𝐒:
🚫 None

𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐓𝐎 𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄:
🚘 15 min from Downtown Seward
🅿️ Parking is limited (best to arrive before 10:30 am)
🚐 Shuttles available in Seward

𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄𝐓𝐘 𝐓𝐈𝐏𝐒
🛑 Do not step onto the glacier without a guide
🛑 Bring bear spray
🛑 Do not underestimate elevation and keep hydrating

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14/01/2022

🎊 Happy 2022 🎊

As we are starting to plan our trips for this year, I wanted to revisit our top 5 National Parks:
🗻 Denali
🦬 Yellowstone
🌄 Zion
⛰️ Yosemite
🏔️ Grand Teton

Cannot wait to start adding to our list.

And you, where is this year taking you?

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31/12/2021

Another year full of adventures coming to an end 🎊

We are so thankful to have added 2 new states to our challenge: Hawaii and Alaska. We are now exactly halfway through visiting all 50 states.

Stay tuned to see where the new year will take us

13/12/2021

This Holiday tradition is back at the 🚂💨

𝑺𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕

𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖
♦️ FREE entrance
♦️ No timed-entry needed
♦️ Open 10am to 5pm every day until January 2 (closed on Christmas Day)
♦️ Window displays featuring DC landmarks lit from 4-11pm
♦️ No restrooms
♦️ Street parking

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23/10/2021

Are you familiar with the Sparkling Ice Rewards program? This program offers you the opportunity to earn different point levels with your purchase when you upload your receipt to sparklingicerewards.com. Points can then be redeemed for some cool rewards.

Shop at your local Giant Eagle through 11/1 and earn double rewards points with any Sparkling Ice product purchase PLUS a chance to win a $250 Giant Eagle gift card.

27/07/2021

Shop , the BIGGEST Belk sale now through August 1st. Shop the best Back 2 School looks at a Belk store or online at belk.com.

As a bonus, Belk is bringing back special event KidFest '21 on July 31, so make sure to stop by your local Belk store. You won't want to miss it!

When do you start shopping for Back to School?

26/07/2021

The McKee-Beshers sunflowers are blooming 🌻🌻🌻

Big changes to fields locations! Read more in the link below:

https://www.momofmamony.com/washington-dc/sunflowers-mckee-beshers/

19/07/2021

847 Likes, 37 Comments - Farrah | Family Travel Writer () on Instagram: “Molokini Crater 🤿🐟🐠 Did you know that Molokini Crater is such an unique snorkeling spot, it is…”

17/06/2021

A little travel inspo to get you going today. For more on the famous Road to Hana, click on the link below :)
https://www.momofmamony.com/across-the-usa/road-to-hana-maui/

What are your travel plans this summer?

12/01/2021

New on the blog: all you need to know before a visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando

https://www.momofmamony.com/theme-parks/universal-harry-potter/

https://www.momofmamony.com/theme-parks/universal-interactive-wands/

13/11/2020

Instilling a love of the outdoors in my daughter always ranked high in my parenting book. This is why I am so excited to partner with Campspot and continue making lifelong memories outdoors ⛺

Campspot is a search engine for RV resorts, campgrounds, cabins and glamping. They have over 100,000 sites in their inventory and are adding more everyday.

Stay tuned to see where our next adventure will take us ✨

05/10/2020

You are on a trip to visit the Utah's "Mighty 5" National Parks. However after spending several days in Zion, you come to realize you can only spare one day at Bryce Canyon. You ask yourself if it's even worth it to stop at the park. Fret not! I will show you in this guide the best hike at Bryce Canyon National Park. [ 1,446 more word ]

https://www.momofmamony.com/national-parks/best-hike-at-bryce-canyon/

Everything you need to know about the best hike to the world-famous hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park.