The Lollipop Road

It’s deal day again and this weeks deal is a Disney of a deal! Disney Cruise Line is offering its Kids Sail Free promotion for Verandah cabins only on the Disney Magic sailings between January 3 and March 5, 2011. If you’ve never sailed with Disney, this might be a great time to explore what Disney Cruise Line has to offer. Check out our review for more information.

Starting with the 5 night Bahamas sailing on January 3, 2011, you can sail in a Verandah cabin from only $2765 for a family of four - this one still isn’t listed on their website, so take advantage of the secret savings on this sailing while it lasts. The less expensive verandahs on the 7 night Caribbean sailings are drying up quickly (cabins on the February 19th sailing were gone before the sale started), but you can still hop on board the January 22, 2011 sailing from only $3,341 for a family of four. To obtain this special pricing, use booking code KFO.

Let me say again that when Disney launches these promotions, cabins sell fast. If you follow us on Twitter, you noticed that we tweeted this deal yesterday morning, before it even hit the Disney website. So, if you want to stay on top of these deals make sure that you follow us on Twitter!

Now it’s your turn…share your best travel deals, discounts tips or secrets with us by adding your link below. Read the Rules of the Road before posting.

 

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On one of our visits to Nassau earlier this year we ventured out to the Pirates of Nassau Museum in downtown Nassau. An easy three block walk from the cruise terminal, the museum is conveniently located near the British Colonial Hilton at the corner of King and George Streets. The walk and museum are stroller friendly so long as you can make a few fancy maneuvers and have a partner for some heavy lifting on and off curbs and up and down a few stairs (there is a lift in the main part of the museum).

At a hefty $12 admission fee for adults and a more reasonable $6 for kids 4-17, this museum is a bit overpriced for what you get. As you enter, the mood is set by the dark, spooky atmosphere and a life sized pirate ship that acts as the first backdrop for the self-guided tour through the history of pirating in the Bahamas. Again, the museum is very dark, so a little light won’t hurt if you have young kids or want to read the placards without straining.

Winding through the museum will take less than 30 minutes. Each “room” showcases a piece of pirate life, life onboard a pirate ship and pirating history in and around Nassau. The highlight of the tour is a pitch dark curtained room with a pirate show (highlighted by lightning and the obligatory moaning) that might scare younger kids – although our four year old thought it was cool. The self-guided tour ends in a small room exhibiting a few artifacts from the era.

For kids under the age of 6, the best part of the entire museum just might be the courtyard. With a stockade, larger than life pirate and cannons to climb on, the kids spent as much time here as they did in the entire museum. There are tables where you rest and have a small snack and restrooms are conveniently located nearby. Making your way to the small gift you’ll find a disappointing and pricey selection of “piratefinalia”.

For a family with young kids (under the age of 6) or teens, this museum isn’t going to be the highlight of your trip to Nasaau. For those in between, it is a good (albeit pricey) way to spend a hot or rainy afternoon. Set your expectations low and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9AM-6PM and Sunday 9AM-Noon. Be sure to check their website for holiday closures before heading out.

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• Just committed to #PwP If you're a blogger – check it out! http://bit.ly/9zctvW #
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Cruising as a family requires special considerations. Although the cruise selection process is similar to that of other groups, families will need to employ entirely different criteria when selecting nearly every aspect of a cruise. For example, when you’re cruising with kids you’ll probably have a different criteria for selecting a cabin than someone who is cruising alone. When you’re cruising as a couple, the late-night entertainment might be important, but perhaps not so much when you’re cruising with young kids – you get the idea. When looking for the right cruise, we recommend concentrating on the following six areas and considering the answers to each of the questions carefully before booking your next family cruise:

Cruising with young kids isn’t the same as cruising with teens. Cruising with a larger group isn’t the same as cruising as a single family. Should you cruise to Alaska, Europe, the Caribbean or Mexico? Which cruise line is best for your family? All ships aren’t created equal, so which ship is best for your family? These are all questions that you’ll have to answer before booking your family cruise, so make sure that you read our cruise line reviews and other cruising resources before contacting a travel agent – you’ll be glad that you did!

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Since our launch in November of 2009, we’ve shared travel deals, discounts and tips with our readers every Wednesday in what we’ve dubbed deal day. Beginning this week, we’re asking other bloggers/writers, travel agents and travel providers to join us in submitting their best travel deals. Please read how it works and The Rules of The Road before posting your link.

Our pick for the best family travel deal of the week is being offered by Expedia. Book a minimum 3-night Bahamas vacation package (air and hotel) now through September 15th for travel August 15th-December 22nd and get $300 off! With a minimum $600 required spend (before taxes and fees), you can save up to 50% and at many hotels kids stay and eat for free! Use promo code BAHFALL.

Here are a few of the bargain prices that we’ve found (prices include air and hotel after all discounts including taxes and fees):

• 3-nights at the British Colonial Hilton from just $224pp for a family of 4. Conveniently located in downtown Nassau, this property has a great pool and wide sandy beach and the Nassau Pirate Museum is just a block away!
• Paradise awaits – 3-nights at the Comfort Inn and Suites on Paradise Island offers free breakfast and unlimited use of the Atlantis facilities from just $233pp!
• Looking for an all-inclusive resort – try the Paradise Island Harbor Resort from just $243pp for a family of 4!

Going to the Bahamas? Be sure to check out the following resources:

• A Day at Blue Lagoon Island in Nassau
• Family Friendly Excursions in Freeport
• Lucayan National Park – Grand Bahama Island
• Finding the Right Bahamas Tours

Share your best travel deals, discounts tips or secrets with us by adding your link below. Read the Rules of the Road before posting.

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Since our launch in November of 2009, we’ve shared travel deals, discounts and tips with our readers every Wednesday in what we’ve dubbed deal day. Beginning this week, we’re asking other bloggers/writers, travel agents and travel providers to join us in submitting their best travel deals. We recognize that we cannot possibly list every deal we come across, so we’re hoping that you can help us to help our loyal readers.

Here is how it works:

Bloggers/Writers

1. If you are a blogger/writer, choose an article or post that you have authored involving discount travel, current travel deals or tips for receiving free or discount travel. This can include a post or article describing a free attraction that you visited or a free activity that you participated in. All posts and articles should be G-rated as this is a family friendly website.
2. In the first box, enter your deal or article/post topic followed by your website or blog name in parenthesis (). In the second box, enter a valid e-mail address. In the third box, enter a direct link to your post or article (do not link to a general page or your homepage as those links will be removed). An example form is included below.
3. Include a link back to our blog (http://www.thelollipoproad.com) in your post or article so that your readers can find other deals and tips for traveling on the cheap. (Ex. For more travel deals and tips on reducing your travel costs, check out deal day at The Lollipop Road)
4. Limit one link per author, blog or website each deal day.

Travel Agents & Travel Providers

1. If you are a travel agent or travel provider, choose a single deal or a group of deals that represent an excellent value for travelers. Since our focus is on families, it would be most appropriate to provide a family friendly travel deal whenever possible. If you are providing a group of travel deals, they should be related (ie Carnival cruise deals or Disney hotel deals). We understand that many travel agents and travel providers also author websites or blogs. Submissions linking to articles or posts should adhere to the requirements for bloggers/writers above.
2. In the first box, enter your deal title followed by your website or company name in parenthesis (). In the second box, enter a valid e-mail address. In the third box, enter a direct link to your travel deal (do not link to a general page, contact page or homepage as those links will be removed). An example form is included below.
3. Include a link back to our blog (http://www.thelollipoproad.com) on your linked page so that your readers can find other deals and tips for traveling on the cheap. (Ex. We think this is such a great deal that we’ve submitted it as part of  deal day at The Lollipop Road) Alternatively, you may place a link to our blog on your website homepage, which will allow you more flexibility when posting your link.
4. Limit one link per travel agent, company or travel provider each deal day.

We reserve the right to remove any links that we deem to be inappropriate. Please review the other links that have been posted before posting your link so that you are not duplicating a deal posted by another reader. Thank you for participating!

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It sounds so quaint, so New England and everything about it is so simple; it will take you in and make you feel like you’ve been a part of the community for years. Old Home Days began in 1899 when the then Governor of New Hampshire came up with an idea to invigorate the state and its economy. While thousands of wealth seekers were trudging westward in search of their feast or folly, the small New England towns were in much need of infrastructure. With a surge in manufacturing activities and a decline in farming, New Hampshire sought to lure former residents back to their state or at the very least, entice them to help build the infrastructure that was sorely needed as the state grew. Perhaps new found riches would be used to purchase a summer home, build roads, a school or library. This was a national undertaking, which would be unique and unprecedented. Invitations were sent out to former residents around the country, inviting them back to New Hampshire for Old Home Days each year.

Today, the tradition carries on in much the same way that it did over 100 years ago. Small towns solicit their former residents to return to New Hampshire each year to participate in a celebration of traditional values and family friendly activities and entertainment. Surprisingly, former residents still flock back for several days each year to share their talent, dedication and love of their birthplace with the families and residents who currently reside in the towns where these (now) world travelers grew up. Of course, these festivities attract plenty of tourists and visitors alike – maybe they too will be lured in by the homey atmosphere of these quaint New Hampshire villages.

In Hancock, New Hampshire, the tradition started 20 years earlier in 1879. What began as a family picnic soon blossomed into a reunion of town folk, past and present. Almost 10 years before New Hampshire would officially adopt the tradition, Hancock had its own annual picnic that drew hundreds of residents. Drawing over 10,000 attendees in 1929, even former first lady Grace Coolidge returned to enjoy the festivities. Although she did not reside in Hancock, her family had ties to the town and her fond childhood memories drew her back.

In 2010, the celebration began on a Friday evening with an ice cream social in the church vestry, a magic show for kids on the common, followed by the 18th annual Hancock Has Talent show. This year, the old meetinghouse was packed as one of Hancock’s finest musical talents (now living in New York), Abbie Gardner of bluegrass band Red Molly performed a selection from her album and a surprise selection (yet to be named) from an upcoming album (she is also an award winning songwriter). So far, Old Home Days had lived up to its promise.

Saturday was an activity packed day. A kids fun run kicked off the family activities, followed by a small, but interesting parade down Main Street. There was face painting, crafts, and even a kids market where local children had the opportunity to share their talent by crafting items that they then could sell. A rock climbing wall on the common, pony rides on Norway Hill, synchronized swimming in the pond and a pie eating contest and tug-o-war on the beach kept kids entertained and laughing all afternoon long. Adults could enjoy an exhibit by local artists, historical photo exhibits, a huge book sale at the local library and shopping at the craft market.

Hungry? Fresh cut french fries and onion rings, a traditional chicken BBQ, free kettle corn and watermelon and deep fried Snickers were just a few of the offerings. Of course, a bake sale also offered tasty treats that you could take home. Spreading out on the common for a picnic, you could listen to the upbeat tempo of the American Legion Band or the soothing bluegrass melodies of Hot Mustard.

Sunday brought several new activities to round out the weekend. Old Home Days had delivered on its promise. Traditional family fun, neighbors meeting neighbors and residents past and present coming together to unite in celebrating the traditions of New Hampshire. Every summer throughout New Hampshire, everyone can enjoy Old Home Days. You don’t need to be a resident to join in the festivities, but you too may be lured in forever. Check with each town for specific dates each year.

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Kids love going to the bakery. I remember when I was a kid; I used to sneak behind the counter and help myself to a cupcake. Of course, I’d be mortified if one of my kids did that…ahh how our perspective changes. While visiting grandparents recently, we had the chance to go to a bakery – or farm – or both – oh, they’re the same place. Wright’s Farm & Bakery in North Smithfield, Rhode Island offers a unique experience – a working dairy farm combined with a yummy bakery. We’re so there!

The farm maintains a herd of approximately 150 cows that produce lots of milk that is sold in their store every day. And if you go to the farm between the hours of 3 and 5 PM any day of the week, you can see them being milked.

As we made our way down a short trail to the big red barn, we weren’t quite sure what to expect. The trail is filled with wooden signs that tell you about lesser known and sometimes strange cow facts. There is also a group of picnic tables nearby where you could sit and have lunch, a snack or perhaps, a pastry? Once at the milking barn (aka the big red barn), there is a little viewing area set up for onlookers. It is quite small and can only accommodate a couple of kids or 2 adults comfortably, but it does get you up close and let’s say…utterly personal. The farm hand doing the milking that day didn’t interact with us while we were there, which was slightly disappointing, but I suppose they may have been able to answer questions if asked, but I didn’t.

After a few minutes of watching the cows at the milking machines, the kids grew restless, so we headed over to the other barn where most of the cows were penned. There were goats and chickens on the way, but I think my oldest son had cake on his mind because he didn’t seem too interested. When we arrived at the other barn, we were startled by a cow who came “galloping” around the corner of the pen! In fact, I think she may have been more frightened than we were because she almost lost her footing before finally catching herself and racing away. I had never seen a cow running up close before, so that was pretty exciting, although I did feel badly for both the cow and my youngest son, who was crying hysterically. “Not to worry”, I thought; I know how to quickly “fix” this situation.

A short walk later and we had arrived at the bakery. Ahhh, every child’s delight (and adults too)! People who haven’t been here in awhile will notice that it has been remodeled. With beautiful hardwood floors and lots of wood shelving, you take a small step back in time once you step inside. The kids, of course, ran directly to the glass enclosed pastry counters, filled with lots of yummy looking treats. While I was looking around at all of the breads, honey and specialty products, I suddenly had a vision of my 22 month-old peering at me through the other side of the bakery case. Thank goodness it was just a fleeting illusion.

After collecting our goodies, we said goodbye to the cows and thought about what tasty treats would await next time we visited. All in all, it was a fun trip for everyone. The kids enjoyed seeing the cows and who doesn’t enjoy going to the bakery? This is not a teaching farm, so don’t expect too much in terms of learning all about milking, but it is fun to be reminded about where your milk and dairy products come from once in awhile.

Wright’s Dairy Farm and Bakery is located in North Smithfield. The bakery is open M-Sat 8-7PM and Sunday 8-4PM. The cows are milked at 3PM daily.

If you’ve enjoyed these photos, please visit Photo Friday at Deliciousbaby for more.

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This deal day, we have a couple of unusual deals that have popped up and a big announcement that will hopefully take deal day up a notch…with your help.

First, the deals…I haven’t been this excited about a deal since I flew to Singapore for under $300! Both JetBlue and Sun Country have launched an all-you-can-fly deal for travel this fall. Just how much could you possibly fly?

• JetBlue is offering a 30-day All You Can Jet pass for $499 (Friday and Sunday excluded) or $699 (travel any day). The best part is that taxes and fees are included for all domestic flights. If you want to venture to Puerto Rico, you’ll pay departure and arrival taxes of about $32 RT. Other International destinations will set you back up to $170, but hey, how else could you possibly fly to South America, Bermuda, Mexico and a dozen Caribbean destinations for as little as $499 plus taxes and fees? You must reserve your pass by Friday, August 20th (supplies are limited, so don’t dawdle) and travel is valid from September 7 – October 6. Be sure to read the additional restrictions before buying.
• Sun Country has also jumped on the all-you-can-fly bandwagon with its Fall Free For All pass for $499. The upside is that it allows you to travel for 37 days without blackout days (September 7 – October 13), but on the downside their network is much more limited and taxes and fees are not included, even for domestic flights. However, if you’re in the Midwest and want to squeeze in a trip to Cancun, Vegas and a couple of other weekend jaunts, this might be a great deal for you.

So, where will you be going?

Okay, now for the announcement. Beginning next week, deal day will take on a bit of a personality. We’ll be offering our readers the opportunity to share their own deals with other readers. You’ll be able to post a link to your favorite travel deal, travel deal website or a post or article that you have authored that focuses on budget related travel. Check back next week for full details and information!

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