Located at the Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Kidani Village, Sanaa is a full-service restaurant specializing in a blend of African and Indian cooking. Because we were staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for our anniversary trip, I wanted to try all three restaurants, Jiko and Boma at Jambo House and Sanaa at Kidani Village.
Doubletree Pittsburgh Airport: My Favorite Park and Fly Hotel
We live in an area where the two closest major airports are approximately 80 miles away (an hour and a half in Ohio terms). Because of this, we often look for park, sleep, and fly hotels, especially when we have an early morning flight. One of our favorite park and fly hotels is the Doubletree Pittsburgh Airport.
Dennis and I have stayed at the Doubletree at least three times in the last two years and are planning to stay again before our next trip. Since we rotate between three different cities (Cleveland, Akron-Canton, and Pittsburgh) for flights, this is quite a few times for us. Actually, we’ve stayed there every time we’ve flown from Pittsburgh since we got married.
There are several hotels near Pittsburgh Airport, and many of them advertise Park and Fly packages. So, why do we keep going back to the Doubletree Pittsburgh Airport? There are several reasons.
Continue reading “Doubletree Pittsburgh Airport: My Favorite Park and Fly Hotel”
Twelve Tips for Visiting a Christmas Tree Farm
The Christmas tree is the central decoration in many homes this time of year. Â Although the real vs. artificial debate reigns supreme each year, I admit to being a fan of the real tree–I’ve never had or wanted anything else. A real tree, if cut fresh and kept watered, will last the entire season, filling your home with a wonderful aroma. Visiting a Christmas tree farm is a fun activity for family members of all ages.
As many of you know, my parents own Storeyland Christmas tree farm in Northeastern Ohio. I spend A LOT of my time there in November and December. Because of that, and my 30+ years working on a Christmas tree farm I’d love to give you some tips for cutting down your own Christmas tree.
Continue reading “Twelve Tips for Visiting a Christmas Tree Farm”
Donald’s Dino-Bash!
On our last trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we were pleasantly surprised to stumble upon some new character experiences. Located in Dinoland U.S.A., these new meet and greets celebrate Donald Duck and friends. Donald’s Dino-Bash allows guests to meet up to eight different characters, including Donald, Daisy, Pluto, Goofy, Chip and Dale, Uncle Scrooge McDuck, and Launchpad McQuack.
Animal Kingdom was scheduled for the first day of our six day trip, and Donald’s Dino-Bash was Miss Ady’s first experience meeting characters. We literally found the first meet and greet by accident on the way to Dinosaur! The line was short, so we decided to go for it. Continue reading “Donald’s Dino-Bash!”
Chicken Pot Pie: The Ultimate Comfort Food
I have to admit that autumn is my favorite time of year. I love to watch the trees as their leaves change into vibrant shades of golden yellow, orange, and scarlet. As the leaves fall and the weather grows colder, it’s the perfect time for one of my favorite comfort foods: homemade chicken pot pie.
You may be used to the little chicken pot pies sold in the freezer section of your local grocery store. This recipe is nothing like those. There’s a lot less sodium and much more flavor! Continue reading “Chicken Pot Pie: The Ultimate Comfort Food”
Hartford Optimist Club Fall Hayride
There’s been an autumn tradition in my hometown for as long as I can remember, an experience whose proceeds benefit the children of the community. This annual event is the Hartford Optimist Club’s Haunted Hayride.
The hayride takes place on select weekend evenings in October each year. It originally took place at Hartford Orchards in the center of town, but moved to Storeyland Christmas Tree Farm in neighboring Burghill, Ohio, nearly twenty years ago. Continue reading “Hartford Optimist Club Fall Hayride”
Hartford Orchards
As many of you know, I spent most of the first 40 years of my life living in a little town in Northeast Ohio called Hartford. Located right on the Pennsylvania border, that little town, or township, rather, was known for its apple orchards. As a small child, I remember elementary school field trips to the orchard (such a far walk across the road), youth group pick-your-own parties, apple festivals, trips to the nearby cider mill, and more. Through the years, many of the orchards have closed down or been sold, and last year, the last orchard went up for auction and shuttered its door. However, I’m happy to say that Hartford Orchards opened again this fall.
We stopped in at the newly reopened Hartford Orchards on Apple Festival weekend and were impressed with all they had to offer.
Amazing Apple Crisp
Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. I can’t wait for the apples to ripen and the leaves to change color. Living in an area known for its apple orchards, I have a few favorite apple recipes. This simple and easy-to-make apple crisp recipe is the perfect seasonal treat. The best part? You probably already have all of the ingredients at home!
Hartford Apple Festival Traditions
Fall is finally here, and along with it, comes one of my favorite weekends of the year: Apple Festival! This year, for the first time, we were privileged to share this long-standing community tradition with our grandchildren.
*Update: The 2019 Hartford Apple Festival Dates are September 20, 21, and 22, 2019.*
Magic Bands: Your Key to the World
Hooray! Today’s the day we’ve been waiting for since we scheduled our Disney trip eight long months ago–our Magic Bands arrived in the mail!
While not quite as exciting as hopping in the car or getting on the plane, Magic Band day does signify that our vacation is coming soon. It’s actually exactly 22 days away.
