Places to Go: Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Gatlinburg, Tennessee

May 31, 2018 By Diana Leave a Comment

I’ve just returned from a fabulous trip to East Tennessee. How I ended up there is a story unto itself. Regardless of that, and keeping in mind my reticence to go in the first place, I was very pleasantly surprised by–well, pretty much everything. If you are thinking of some athletic personal challenges, or if you just need a great place to consider for a family vacation, this little corner of the world is ground zero for everything you could want.

East Tennessee is nestled betwixt Kentucky and West Virginia to the north, North Carolina to the East and the hill country of northern Georgia to the South. I learned about all this from my flight companion on the one hour or so plane ride from Reagan National ($300 on to McGhee Tyson Airport on American Airlines). He wore a “Make American Great Again” hat, and sported an unashamedly southern drawl. His last name was Armstrong, pronounced Ahhmstrong, as in from the Scottish Armstrongs who came over the Treaty Line in the mid-1700’s. When he told me he was a “rabid right wing policy wonk activist fighting for the rights of unborn babies at all stages of life”, all I could manage was a polite “Oh. Well how do you enjoy DC?”.

Having discovered a sort of common ground in our mutual love for history, I soon learned about his great excitement for the Starz TV Show Outlander. He watches each new episode with his wife (Who would’ve thought? I blushed thinking about this elderly gentleman taking in some of the scenes Outlander is so famous for, but then thought to myself “Kudos Mr. Armstrong. Kudos!”. There is alot of history depicted in the show. I get it….) We shared an animated conversation from take off to touch down that had little to do with ’45 and everything to do with how the Scots made themselves at home in the American heartland.

It was Mr. Ahmstrong [sp] who taught me the proper way to pronounce “Appalachia”, and who schooled me in the culture and geography of Tennessee. Tennessee is divided into three distinct regions. There is the comparatively flatter side of the state, with Nashville at it’s center, called West Tennessee. There is Middle Tennessee, an obvious situation. And then there is heaven-on-earth, East Tennessee. These are official terms, written into state law. You need to know them.

East Tennessee, the land of beautiful mountain mornings.

East Tennessee, anchored by Knoxville but perhaps best known as Dolly Parton’s birthplace and the location of her namesake Dollywood, as well as Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is characterized by the most unusual and beautiful mountains. Steep, with deep hollows and sharply outlined ridges, the endlessly rolling hillsides are covered with a soft blanket of leafy deciduous trees. The color of the trees marks the change of seasons, and by association, the flow of tourism: acres upon acres of mountainside covered with pink and purple blooms in spring, a thousand shades of green in summer, a million shades of red, orange, yellow and brown in autumn.

The forest floor is a fairy’s emerald kingdom: wild rhododendrons, mountain laurel, ferns, trilliums, and grasses appear everywhere, as if spread in a magical carpet of soft green. Huge ancient rocks and twisted roots protrude as if fortresses and battlements. Waterfalls spring from hillsides as if the mountains are weeping. Rivers and “criks” rush down the hollows, singing their timeless songs of peace and tranquility.

What struck me most about the Smokies during my recent visit was that their glory, their beauty, is superfluous. In fact, (as should be the case in our everyday lives) the beauty of just one flower, one tree, one river, one facet of any given view, is secondary and even relatively meritless compared to the complicated, interwoven majesty of the forest as a whole.

Roots cling to rocky riverbeds. Limbs bend with the wind. Forest creatures creep and crawl in an endless parade of color and texture. Flowers blooming in impossible places are the most stunning reminder of rebirth and renewal. How anyone can walk into these forests and not want to conserve and protect them is beyond my comprehension.

Nevertheless, two years ago, Smoky Mountains National Park and especially Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, were threatened by a terrible fire. A deadly blaze, it killed 14 people, injured scores more, damaged more than 2000 structures and burned through 16,000 acres. It was reportedly caused by two boys dropping lit matches along Chimney Tops Trail during a period of extreme drought. The reason I mention this fire is because this region of Tennessee is 100% reliant on tourist dollars. In fact, visitors to the area bring in around $700 million in revenue annually. The people who live here largely work in the service industry. They are the waiters, the servers, the hotel clerks, the amusement park operators who feed their families on an hourly wage. When news of the fire hit, tourism dropped off and these families suffered.

Chimney Tops, the site of a deadly fire caused by juveniles playing with matches. Please, don’t play with fire in the woods. This photos was taken in May-you can see the miles upon miles of charred forest.

But guess what! Dollywood was untouched. Gatlinburg was untouched. Only a small percentage of the park was burned. There is so much to see and do here, that fear of a lack of amenities shouldn’t hold anyone back! The cities of East Tennessee are working hard to make sure folks know they are in business and ready to welcome visitors. During my visit, hotels were sprucing up, new ones are being built, the airport was humming right along and everyone was primed for a successful summer.

If you haven’t been to East Tennessee, especially with kids, here are some good reasons to visit:

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park– I have already mentioned how beautiful it is. Take my word for it, you NEED to go. Listed as the most visited park in the USNP system, Great Smoky NP still doesn’t feel crowded, especially if you don’t mind getting off the beaten path.

2. The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens, Hollywood Star Cars Museum and of course, Cooters Place (home an indoor family fun center, putt putt golf, go-karts and a General Lee, may she never die) and the Arts & Crafts corridor between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinsburg: these are just a few of the unusual things to see in Gatlinburg. Don’t be afraid to try something new and unusual. At worst, you may groan. At best you might learn something new. I guarantee you will make memories for a lifetime!

3. Dollywood– How can you not? Perhaps Tennessee’s most famous attraction excepting Nashville, Dollywood offers amusement park rides, a waterpark, fantastic music festivals and besides all that, the opportunity to support the local economy. Dolly Parton herself frequently visits, you never know, you might get lucky enough to hear her sing. Her version of #Jolene with goddaughter Miley Cyrus is something indeed!

4. Take a hike- If you can get through East Tennessee without taking even a short walkabout, you are made of steel. If you are in the Gatlinburg area, I suggest Porters Creek Trail. At about 5 miles roundtrip if you go to the waterfall, it is flat, well groomed and has plenty of points of interest for the entire family: a gorgeous creek with stops for picnicking, a historic homestead, two hundred year old foundations of former farm sites, swarms of swallowtail butterflies, log bridges over rushing water, bowers of blooming rhododendrons and fairy kingdoms for miles. A tougher and equally beautiful hike is Chimney Tops. A bit tougher and longer still is Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in the park and highest mountain in Tennessee (elev 6,643). You can drive to that one, if you must.

5. Dip your toes- As already mentioned at least five times, there are many places to simply sit, relax, dip your toes to cool off or settle down. Porters Creek where it meets the Parkway is perfect for this activity, as is the Chimney Tops trailhead, the picnic area at Cades Cove (very popular), the Little River Trail near the Elkmont campground and Deep Creek, where you can also go tubing.

6. Take Flight– There are twelve zipline companies doing business in the Gatlinsburg area. It’s a popular past time. I recommend Smoky Mountain Zip Lines, a US Navy vet owned small business that’s long on good humor. Seriously, some of the funniest jokes I’ve ever heard, and they don’t stop for the entire 2 hours you are up in the trees. They work hard to create an experience that is fun, comfortable, and hospitable. ($70 pp, coupons available online).

7. Eat a pancake- there are approximately 1 million flapjack houses in the Gatlinburg area. Highly rated is Crockett’s (doesn’t it seem appropo to eat at a place called Crockett’s whilst in the area? I think this is half the panache. There are always long lines at this campy spot). There are so many pancake houses, I guess it would be tough to tell you where to go. In this case it’s best to ask a local.

8. The cabins, hotels and resorts- Look, Gatlinburg, and the surrounding towns, are not fancy. I jokingly referred to Gatlinburg as Ocean City in the Mountains and my friend Mr. Armstrong warned me it would feel like a carnival. Forego an expensive spa for a reasonably priced independent hotel or motel that’s been owned by the same family for generations. I stayed in a rented home for the week, and believe that is the way I will always visit the area. There are multiple rental companies for this option. Our cabin was managed by Cabins For You and I was happy with our choice. There are numerous resorts, RV parks, mobile home parks, VRBOs/AirBnBs, and tent camping spots.

9. The drives– There are many glorious drives in our great country, but few are so grand as the Parkway through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Traffic is often slow on the Parkway–people are gawking, jockeying and stopping at overlooks. Speaking of overlooks, don’t miss the steep drive to Clingman’s Dome. Driving through the Blue Ridge and Smokies are a favorite past time of bikers and bicyclers. Please be cautious and polite while sharing the road.

10. The gateway towns– I would be remiss to not mention nearby towns like Maryville, Sevierville and Bryson City. Often times, you can find more lodging options at these outliers. My favorite is Cherokee, Tennessee. Located on the Cherokee reservation, this little town has numerous educational attractions like Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Oconoluftee Indian Village and the Unto These Hills outdoor theatrical production.

11. I have to add an 11. Sorry. It’s the music. Classic country, new country, mountain music, R & B, roots. Dolly, Roseanne, June (well, that’s a short bit away in West Virginia, but still…) Chet, Aretha, Dottie. So much music here. So many places and festivals where you can find it. The bonus of this area is colleges in Knoxville and Maryville where you can hear great acts before they ever hit the big time. Check out the Bijou Theater and Scruffy City in Knoxville. Also the Rhythm and Blooms Festival and the Sugarlands Mountain Festival. If you are in town in early May, check out the fierce competition between school aged musicians at Smoky Mountain Music Festival.

Getting There

There are multiple ways to drive to the Gatlinburg area from Maryland. Most of them are about 8-11 hours travel time and all of them end up off the main highway on gorgeous, twisting roads. I especially like the drive via Asheville, NC, preferably with a stay at the Biltmore on your way home, just to bring some posh into your mountain vacation.

You can fly from Reagan Airport in Alexandria, Virginia into Knoxville. Parking at Reagan was $25 per day. There are limited airlines and flights to Knoxville from the Chesapeake region, so be sure to research your options. Knoxville is a small, friendly, efficient airport that is very easy to get in and out of. There is a Hilton attached to the terminal if you need a place to stay coming or going. You can also fly into Atlanta and drive through the lovely hills and mountains of northern Georgia. The cheapest option may be flying into Nashville and driving East. You will definitely need a rental car to get around if you fly in, and you should plan for slow, twisty roads that invite extreme caution and manners.

Summary

OK, this post has been a long one, but as I am sure you can tell, I was thrilled with my time in East Tennessee. I am planning a return trip in July and will let you know the difference between a spring and summer trip. Have you been to the Gatlinburg area, or do are you looking for information you don’t see here? Let me know in the comments!

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Gun Violence in the News: How to Talk to Your Kids

May 30, 2018 By Diana Leave a Comment

Many of us have watched with horror as gun violence in America has erupted across our television screens. The student shooting at Great Mills High School in St. Mary’s County and the recent March four Our Lives has brought the issue of guns and gun violence squarely to our backdoor, indeed into our living rooms or wherever the news can follow us.

While adults are able to understand and process terrible events in peer conversations, on the radio, in the news and online, our children are not. As a parent, you might struggle with the idea of talking to your child about guns and gun violence. Despite the uncomfortable nature of the discussion though, it has never been more important for parents to lead by example, to help their children feel safe and to mitigate the natural distress and anxiety we all feel.

Dr. Tim Herzog is a counselor practicing in Annapolis, Maryland and the father of a nine-year-old public school student. He says that foremost, parents need to gauge what their children actually know about what they’ve heard or seen on the news. This can be difficult to analyze especially for children already reticent to talk much or younger children who may not understand what they’ve seen or heard. He suggests asking open-ended questions that allow children to express for themselves what they know and what they think and feel about it. “Try not to “plant seeds” to guide your conversation one way or the other. Letting your child express their own thoughts and really being a guide will help you as a parent learn more,” he says.

1) Ask open-ended questions. Let your child know you are interested in their reaction and feelings without stamping the conversation with your own viewpoints and opinions.

2) Get your child talking. Don’t interrupt, and be respectful of their point of view.

3) Identify what they are trying to communicate Define aloud what you hear your child saying so they know you are listening and relating.

4) Confirm what they are feeling and let them know you are available to talk or to find help.

5) Don’t try to be your child’s therapist. If they need more help than you can provide, reach out to your school’s social worker, a counselor or physiologist specifically certified in working with children and incident trauma.

Dr. Herzog says questions that both promote communication and create a channel to help your child alleviate anxiety might look like: “So what have your heard?” “Oh really, where did you hear about it?” “Huh, well tell me more about what you are thinking and feeling.” Then “If I hear you right, you are saying….” “Well you say that when you hear this stuff on the radio and even when you are away from the radio its really got you worried. Lets talk about how we can help take that away.”

It’s important to listen to your child’s fears and concerns. But it’s even more important to remember that our children look to us to make them feel safe. This is true whether you have a toddler or a teenager. Once you’ve established what your child knows and how they feel about it, you may find that your family needs outside help to manage irrational fears or anxieties. “If your child’s worries have mounted from “I feel scared about guns” to “I am not going to school because I might get shot”, or if your child is exhibiting unexplainable and atypical behaviors like withdrawal, nightmares or outbursts, its time to contact a counselor or psychologist”, says Dr. Herzog. To find a professional near you, visit www.psychologytoday.com or www.marylandpsychology.org. If you think your child needs help, but you can’t afford a therapist, visit http://probonocounseling.org/.

For more information from Dr. Herzog and additional ideas about how to talk to your kids about gun violence, visit www.foragingforflavor.com and search “Gun Violence”.

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Blue Angels in Annapolis: The Details

May 16, 2018 By Diana Leave a Comment

The following information is courtesy USNA and my own experience attending these performances for the past 15 years. Learn more information about where to watch the show and what to bring at my blog post here.

The Blue Angels fly past the USNA’s Hospital Point in Annapolis.

May 16, 2018- The Blue Angels will perform above the Severn River, Tuesday, May 22, 2018 and Wednesday, May 23, at 2 p.m. as part of the Naval Academy’s Commissioning Week. The Tuesday event is a practice day. The Wednesday event is the performance day. Viewing of these events is free and open to the public.

The Blue Angels are the U.S. #Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron and fly a team of six Navy #F/A-18 Hornets. Two Naval Academy graduates are part of the Blue Angels team. Lt. Andre Webb is a graduate of the Class of 2008 and will be the show’s narrator and Cmdr. Matt Kaslik, Class of 1995, is the team’s executive officer.

The Blue Angels flight demonstration exhibits the choreographed refinements of Navy-trained flying skills. The audience will see the graceful maneuvers of the four-jet Diamond formation, in concert with the fast-paced, high-performance maneuvers of the two Solo pilots. The team concludes the demonstration with a performance of maneuvers together in the well-known Delta formation. The team will perform a variety of high-speed, aerobatic, precision-maneuvers during their approximately 45-minute long, narrated air show.

Viewing areas for the show are noted on this map.

Tuesday, May 22, the Blue Angels will perform circle and arrival maneuvers between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. followed by a rehearsal of their flight demonstration between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Wednesday, May 23, the Blue Angels performance and flight demonstration will begin at 2 p.m. Spectators in the Ingram Field viewing areas will be able to hear the show’s narration. Spectators in other viewing areas can tune-in to WNAV radio on 1430AM and 99.9FM to hear the broadcast of the narration.

Pedestrians

Pedestrians are invited to walk through USNA Gates 1, 3 or 8. All persons 18 years of age or older are required to present a valid Government-issued photo ID for entry into the Naval Academy and all personnel and vehicles are subject to search.

Guests are permitted to bring daypacks, diaper bags, camera cases, and purses. Larger bags and large coolers are prohibited. Also, they are not needed, as the demonstration is about 1 hour long. Delays at security are exacerbated by checking multiple and large bags and purses. Please minimize what you bring onto the yard for this reason. Oftentimes, people with no bags will be separated into a separate, much faster moving line. All bags are subject to search; weapons and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Car Drivers

Drivers without Department of Defense ID cards or Midshipmen Parents Passes are not permitted on the Naval Academy grounds. Vehicle access may be further restricted to staff and residents during limited time frames in support of special Commissioning Week events; notice will be promulgated separately.

Handicapped visitors may bring vehicles onto #USNA with handicapped plates or placards and they must be present in the vehicle; vehicles will be searched before access is granted.

Parking is available at the blue side of the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium for a $5 fee for cars, $10 for RVs. There is a free daily shuttle between the stadium and the academy; shuttle buses are not wheelchair accessible.

During the Blue Angels flight rehearsal May 22, and the flight demonstration May 23, the only drop-off and pick-up point for the shuttle bus on the grounds of the academy will be in front of Alumni Hall from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Please note that traffic leaving the event is extremely congested throughout the Academy, downtown Annapolis, Route 450 and NAS Annapolis, especially along Prince George, Route 450, Taylor Avenue and Annapolis Street.

Naval Academy Gate Closures for Vehicular Access:

Naval Academy Gates 1 and 3 will be closed to vehicular traffic (except for emergency vehicles) Tuesday, May 22 and Wednesday, May 23 from 11 a.m. until the completion of the flight demonstration rehearsal (approximately 4 p.m.). During these times, Gate 8 will be open only to USNA residents, staff and faculty, and shuttle buses. Gates 1, 3 and 8 will remain open for pedestrian access. Please note that all times are approximate and dependent upon weather.

Traffic, Parking and General Rules:

Parking on the Yard is very limited. Parking restrictions are strictly enforced in red curb zones. Only official vehicles may park by white curbing. Speed limit on USNA is 15mph or as posted. All traffic must yield to midshipmen marching in formation and pedestrians in crosswalks. Seat belt usage is required at the Naval Academy. Drivers may not use a cell phone unless the vehicle is safely parked or the driver is using a hands-free device. Only service animals may be brought on Academy grounds during Commissioning Week. Possession and consumption of alcohol on Academy grounds is prohibited, except at USNA-sponsored events. Picnicking on the Naval Academy’s ceremonial grounds is prohibited. The USNA Cemetery located on Hospital Point should not be used as a transit or viewing area for Commissioning Week events.

Bridge and Water Restrictions:

The Naval Academy Police, Maryland State Police, U.S. Coast Guard and the Natural Resources Police will enforce the following vehicular and marine safety zones, and boating traffic restrictions during practices and performances by the Blue Angels:

Naval Academy Bridge (Md. Rt. 450) Closures:

The Naval Academy Bridge (Md. Rt. 450) will be closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic at the times listed below. Vehicles entering and leaving Annapolis should use Rowe Boulevard or other alternate routes.

TUESDAY, May 22: closed 10:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. and from 1:45 p.m. until the completion of rehearsal (approximately 4 p.m.).

WEDNESDAY, May 23: closed 1:45 p.m.- 4 p.m. or conclusion of flight demonstration.

*** In the event of inclement weather Tuesday, May 22, the Naval Academy Bridge (Md. Rt. 450) will also close from 10:45 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 23.

Tuesday and Wednesday, Gate 8 will remain open to staff, faculty, residents, and high priority case-by-case delivery vehicular traffic. Gates 1 and 3 will remain open for pedestrian traffic, but will be closed to vehicular traffic.

Severn River: Marine Restrictions:
At the times listed below, boat traffic and anchoring will be restricted from the following areas on the Severn River and its tributaries. The southern boundary will be established by Naval Academy Yard Patrol craft, which will mark a line drawn from the quick flashing light at the south end of the Naval Academy seawall to Greenbury Point.

The northern boundary is marked by the U.S. Rt. 50 Severn River Bridge. Both boundaries will be patrolled by the Coast Guard, Department of Natural Resources Police, Coast Guard Auxiliary and Annapolis Police and Fire Rescue boats.

Anchoring Restrictions:

TUESDAY, May 22: No anchoring 9:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. or conclusion of flight rehearsal.

WEDNESDAY, May 23: No anchoring 9:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. or conclusion of flight demonstration.

Boating Restrictions:

TUESDAY, May 22: No boating 9:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. or conclusion of flight rehearsal.

WEDNESDAY, May 23: No boating 9:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. or conclusion of flight demonstration.

Mariners are urged to transit the area with caution while the Naval Academy Yard Patrol craft are anchored in position. The portion of the Severn River defined by the boundaries below will be closed to all boating traffic during the times listed below.

Severn River: Marine Restrictions:

During periods of restricted boating on the Severn, shoreline residents’ boats moored to a permanent dock in the affected area may remain secured to their docks. However, by order of the commander, 5th Coast Guard District, a special local regulation has been issued which closes the river to all other boats — either underway, anchored or on mooring buoys — during practices and performances by the Blue Angels. (Please call Coast Guard Activities Baltimore at (410) 576-2693 for additional details.)

For more information about May events at the Naval Academy, visit http://www.usna.edu/CommissioningWeek/. For more information about the Blue Angels, visit www.blueangels.navy.mil.

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How to Enjoy Blue Angels Performances during Commissioning Week

May 16, 2018 By Diana Leave a Comment

Photo courtesy Prop Talk. Learn more about anchoring your boat to watch the show here.

To my mind, the Blue Angels Commissioning Week practices and Wednesday performance are two of the best days of the year in Annapolis. But maneuvering through traffic, figuring out where and how to watch the show and of course, finding parking, can be confusing if you are visiting or new to the area. Here’s a primer that might help you out. As always, please leave questions or helpful advice in the comments: this is simply a hastily-written, top-line How To.

What Is It?

The United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, also called The Blue Angels, was founded 72 years ago, in March 1946, as a way to showcase naval aviation and naval air power, as well as to boost morale. Since that time, the team’s performances have become a great source of pride, not only for the Navy and Marine Corp, but for anyone who turns out to marvel at the pilots’ spectacular skill and bravado. The Blue Angels visit Annapolis during Commissioning Week. Typically, they practice on Tuesday, perform on Wednesday and give one quick, loud, thrilling flyover of the stadium during the graduation ceremony on Friday.

What Does This Mean for Me?

The Naval Academy Bridge that connects downtown Annapolis to Route 2/Arnold is closed during practice and performance. This means you will face increased traffic along Prince George, Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis Street and Taylor Avenue. When I say increased, what I mean is nearly standstill. You may also find difficulty parking in the downtown and West Annapolis areas. When I say difficulty parking, I mean you will probably have to park blocks further away than you are used to. You will find long lines for security at Gate 8 and the Main Gate. What I mean is from the security booth all the way to 450 and down Prince George.

Where is the Best Place to Watch the Practice and Performance?

Everyone as a favorite place to watch, but the core of the show is on the Severn River, in front of the Academy. Ground Zero is on the Academy yard in the Superintendent’s Tent near the Sailing Center/Dewey Field. The tent and immediate area is closed off for private parties on Performance Day. Anywhere close to the river is ideal, including:

Riverfront homes in West Annapolis or Ferry Farms
Hospital Point, on the Yard
Farragut Field, along the concrete walkway facing the Severn
NSA Annapolis Marina
Lincoln Military Housing’s park at Arundel Estates off Badger Road
Grassy knoll at the Severn Inn end of the Naval Academy Bridge
Atria Manresa– Open to the pubic for this special day, this former mansion’s sprawling lawn slopes toward the Severn River, parking is ample and vendors sell snacks
Severn Inn (reservations required in advance)
World War II Memorial on Route 2/450 overlooking the river and bridge
Note you can see the demonstration, which is obviously aerial, from many points around town, but there is nothing like getting close to the action.

Where Should I Park?

First, it important to keep in mind that the USNA bridge may be closed early in the day (usually around 10:45-11:00, for inclement weather issues) and definitely at 1:45 pm to around 3:00 pm for the show. The Route 50 bridge will be slow as drivers gawk at the performance. This is very important to take into consideration when making your plans.

Let’s take this question according to location:

If you want to watch the show on the Route 2 side of the bridge (i.e. Grassy Knoll, Jonas Green Park, WW2 Memorial areas), you can arrive ridiculously early and hope for a spot in the Jonas Green Park or (better plan) park parallel to the road all the way up Route 2/450. You cannot park on or near the bridge.

Pros: Free, easy to park, easy to exit, great view.

Cons: have to arrive early (11:30-12:00)

If you want to watch the show from NSA Annapolis Marina, you can park by the Commissary and walk down to the marina, or you can try to park at NSA or the marina, which will be crowded. If this is your plan, keep in mind crowds, security checkpoints and the bridge closing. I would plan to arrive by 12:30.

Pros: Free. Amazing view. Midshipmen selling snacks. Great vibe. Did I mention view?

Cons: access, security checkpoint means if you don’t have a DOD sticker you will have to park at the Commissary and walk. Difficult to exit.

If you want to watch the show from Arundel Estates, there is a small cul de sac parking lot at the end of the road. Do not park along that road, as it is for residents. You won’t be ticketed, but its rude. The homes are technically owned by Lincoln Housing, but are de facto base housing and you should keep in mind that you are in someone’s community. You can also park in West Annapolis and easily walk through Shiley Park to this location. Once you arrive, head toward the water, away from the playground.

Pros: Free. Great view. No security checkpoint. Playground. Plenty of parking. Neighborhood vibe. Not crowded.

Cons: Your kids will want to play in the water or on the playground (not necessarily a con). Difficult Exit.

If you want to watch the show from Hospital Point/the Yard, you can park in West Annapolis on Annapolis Street or Melvin Avenue, in downtown Annapolis at Hillman Garage or at USNA Stadium and walk or take the $5 shuttle. I don’t recommend downtown parking because it is ridiculously crowded. You can plan for this by arriving around 10am and making a day of it. I also don’t recommend the shuttle (unless you are arriving before 11:30), because the distance is about 1/2 mile and you can walk it faster than you could ever shuttle it.

Pros: Free. Best public view in the area. Plenty of space to move around. Nice crowds, great vibe. Kona Hawaiian ice truck.

Cons: nearly impossible to enter/exit/park in a car, even with DOD sticker. Security checkpoints mean long lines of 1/2 hour to 45 minutes. To avoid these lines, arrive around 12:30.

What Should I Bring?

Most everyone packs snacks, plenty of liquids and a picnic blanket or chairs. Many also bring footballs, frisbees, etc. But you don’t have to worry about these items. The show is at 2 pm–after lunch and before dinner. It’s only an hour. And you have to pack all that with you, not to mention wait in line for security to check every single bag of chips (if you are going onto the yard). Its just a great fun, relaxed day for the entire family, so dress casual, relax, and enjoy. Some groups do make a themed party day or a picnic of it, which is always fun. That of course changes the following list of what to bring:

Water–its usually hot, and by the time you arrive, park, watch the show and leave, you are in it for about 3 hours.
Money for snacks (i.e. the Kona truck), usually $5-$10 per person
Camera (check your batteries and memory card)
Phone (check your battery and available storage space)
Sunscreen
Beach blanket (if the grounds aren’t wet).
Life jackets should be worn at all times if you are anchoring
Noise cancelling headphones for little ones or sensitive ears. Expect this show to be low to the river and VERY loud

Summary:

The Blue Angels Demonstration Day is among the best of events for the city of Annapolis. While this event can cause crowds, it is nothing but positive. Many families take their children out of school for the event, so it is very family friendly. Even if the weather isn’t ideal, expect a fun-filled day that you won’t want to miss.

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Helping Our Kids Feel Safe

April 10, 2018 By Diana Leave a Comment

A father on the immigrant route from Syria to Europe plays with his daughter in their makeshift home in a train station in Budapest, Hungary. September, 2015. This is how parents play an active role in helping their kids feel safe in an unsafe world.

If you’ve read my post on listening and talking to your kids about what they see on the news or read online, then you are probably looking for steps on how to alleviate your kids exposure and response to worry and anxiety. It’s important to listen to your child’s fears and concerns. But it’s even more important to remember that our children look to us to make them feel safe. This is true whether you have a toddler or a teenager. I reached out again to Dr. Tim Herzog, a licensed professional clinical counselor in Annapolis, Maryland with specialized training in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, for some advice on how to create mental and emotional safe zones for modern kids as relates to learning and talking about current events.

Keep routines as normal as possible. That means keep dinner, exercise, sports, church and play dates as you would normally. Children gain a sense of safety from the predictability of routine, including attending school.
Consider your own reactions.Your kids will look to the way you handle the news to determine their own approach. If you stay calm and rational, they will, too. If you spend your time scouring the news, chances are they will be doing that too, even if its just overhearing what you are listening to.
Limit exposure to television, radio, and smart devices. Listen, we know how sensationalized TV can be, and how the more grisly the images that come across our screens, the more captivating they can be. Constant exposure to scary images may actually heighten anxiety and fears. This means, of course that you need to monitor your own intake of the news. Use the chance to take a break form technology to spend time with your children doing something carefree and loving.
Monitor. If you let your kids use the Internet, go online with them. Use this guide from Common Sense Media to Monitor where your kids are going, and set your URLs to open to non-news-based portals.
Keep home a safe place.Home should be a safe haven. Remember to make it a place where your children find the comfort they need, even when its just a hug or an extra long cuddle.
Remind them of situational safety. Try not to minimize or discount concerns and fears about immediate safety, but do try to reassure. Remind your child of all the layers of protection that exist from home, to community, to school (from home alarms to outdoor cameras, to police and firemen, to drills they are doing in school, to teachers receiving extra training). Now is a good time to remind your kids about age-appropriate etiquette for personal security (being with an adult, holding mom or dad’s hand, keeping away from police activity, listening to teachers and administrators, etc.).
Watch for signs of stress, fear or anxiety. After a traumatic event, it is typical for children (and adults) to experience a wide range of emotions. Dr. Herzog says that anxiety is a natural human emotion, one we have to learn to live with; if we can accept it first, then it is easier to mitigate it. “The trend for people in general, including parents, is to desperately work towards avoiding anxiety. If you always shield yourself or your kid from negative emotions, if you don’t learn how to sit with it, to let it come and let it go rather than giving it power, you (or your child) ultimately won’t learn how to manage anxiety or negative emotions as a natural part of life.”
Distraction is a way of coping. Keleti Train Station, Budapest, Hungary.

Find Healthy Coping Mechanisms. If your child seems worried or anxious, Herzog suggests finding tangible ways to get comfortable or cope with the feeling. Go for a walk, cuddle a pet, adjust your thinking or simply breathe in and breathe out. Your child might experience trouble sleeping, difficulty with concentrating on school work or changes in appetite. According to the American Association of School Psychologists, this is normal and should begin to disappear in a few months.
Rebuild and reaffirm attachments and relationships. Remind your child how beautiful the world is, how wonderful people can be and about all the acts of goodness you (and they) have experienced.This could be a great time for you to turn sorrow into power by doing something nice for a friend, neighbor or your community.
Take action. Find a productive way to channel your family’s energy by committing to help those affected by the news. Kids can write postcards to politicians expressing their opinions; families can attend meetings or protests; kids can help assemble care packages or donate a portion of their allowance to a rescue/humanitarian effort. Check out websites that help kids do good.

Once you’ve established what your child knows and how they feel about it, you may find that your family needs outside help to manage irrational fears or anxieties. “If your child’s worries have mounted from “I feel scared about guns” to “I am not going to school because someone might be there”, its time to contact a counselor or psychologist”, says Dr. Herzog. “Parents are not, and should not try to be, their child’s counselor. It’s just not a role that parents are trained for or should try to play”.

To find a professional near you, visit www.psychologytoday.com or www.marylandpsychology.org. If you think you can’t afford a therapist, visit http://probonocounseling.org/.

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My Gear Addiction: 10 favorite toys for mobile fitness

April 5, 2018 By Diana Leave a Comment

Believe me, I have made every excuse in the book for not getting a workout in. It’s too late. I’m tired. Too sore. Back’s out. Did it yesterday. On the road. Need some quiet time to myself…the list goes on.

When Resolution Season came around this year, I took a good hard look at Me– inside and out. What I found in the mirror was a somewhat lumpy, mostly out of shape 40-something mom who was very uncomfortable in her own skin and altogether too comfortable in a steady diet of baggy sweatpants. But I knew, looking at myself that day, that I had absolutely no good excuse for not getting healthier. Cancer treatments done ✔︎. Back and hips in place ✔︎. Know how to eat right ✔︎. Support group in place (MPC had 10,000 fellow Peakers in place at that time, so that’s like elimination station right there!)✔︎.

The one box not checked: Ready (and Willing) To Do It.

The truth is that checking the Ready & Willing box hadn’t happened because admitting that I was perfectly capable of getting fit and healthy was a commitment I wasn’t sure I was ready to take. It was that action– that little flick of the wrist–that gave me pause, and that pause became a failure to act. A wise friend reminded me that in truth that pause was a failure to assume responsibility for my own destiny. And she is right. The only person in control of me….is me.

Photo credit: Color 5k

And so I decided to get to work. I can’t say that I exercise every day. I don’t have that kind of time, energy or drive. But I am making exercise a greater priority. In fact, its one of my top 5 priorities. Whether its walking the dog our full 3-4 mile circuit, going for a run, heading to the gym or chrome casting my favorite Beachbody workout, I am checking that box way more often than I did last year. And guess what? It feels great! I am doing it with joy. I am doing it with a sense of determination and accomplishment. Its a fantastic mental release. I am a better person from the inside out. In fact, it feels so great that both me and my muscles are bummed on the days I don’t get some form of exercise.

Its especially easy to not prioritize exercise when you are too busy to get out of the house, the weather stinks or you are on the road. Don’t let that stop you–in fact, you might just find that your living room, hotel room or local park becomes your favorite way to burn some calories and break a sweat.

Here is a list of workout toys we can’t live without:

They are totally effective, totally fun and perfectly portable, even in a carryon. With these accessories, and a little self realization, you too really don’t have an excuse.

Resistance Bands Use them to stretch. Use them in place of weights. Use them for PT. They weigh just ounces and travel in a purse. And they are very cheap on Amazon or in the exercise gear section of Marshall’s. There are a gazillion tutorials about using bands, but I used Autumn Calabrese’s 80 Day Obsession workouts to learn my way with a band, and I spoke with my genius Physical Therapist Stacey Fletcher, DPT about some key moves. Here are 33 resistance band moves you can try.
Jump Rope This little gadget you remember from Jump Rope for Heart in elementary PE is one of the best cardio exercises you can do. Low impact, heart rate raising, calorie burning, full body exercise that is mentally and physically challenging. T0 make it even more so, consider buying the bands with the weighted handles. Some systems offer severa different interchangeable weights. Just Do it!
Suspension Trainer (with Door or Fence anchor) My kids and I love our TRX system, which we attach to doors at home or in hotels and even to fence posts or trees at the park. The suspension system allows for an endless variety of moves that use your own body weight to build strength, flexibility, mobility, and cardio endurance all at a level of intensity that works for you
FitDeck Its been a long winter with a lot of indoor time. When the kids are restless and I need to work out, we sometimes reach for our Fit Deck, a stack of cards with different exercises on each. Its great fun to see what each unique card will entail–what will be easy, what will be hard, where we cruise and where we are challenged. What we love most is that no equipment is needed, you can do it anywhere (we’ve even done them in airports) and inevitably we end up laughing a lot. There are SuperMan fit decks for kids, military style cards, body weight, vertical jump, core and just about every other specialty area you can come up with. Again, no excuses. If you can’t buy a deck of these super cool cards, just make your own!
Slide Board or Core Discs Like the resistance bands and a jump rope, the slide board or discs go everywhere and work on any hard or carpeted surface. And they are so much fun! If you want abs and booty of steel, or a total body workout you can do on your living room floor that is hard on your muscles but easy on your joints, then consider the sliders. Your hamstrings, quads and glutes will scream. Your core will be rock hard. And when finish, you will have this intense self satisfaction and pride that you made it! Along the lines of a slide disk is my 5a. choice, the ab wheel. Love it!
Wobble Cushion for Core Stability. The wobble cushion is a tool I first used in PT, but now I have one at home that I frequently use for making squats, lunges, plies and other basic moves even harder. Again, whether you are exercising alone or with your kids, the wobble cushion makes your workout that much more challenging and that much more fun. You can find cushions that deflate for travel on Amazon.
Super Feet– these are shoe inserts, typically purchased at a running, ski or sports store. I absolutely cannot live without them. I first discovered Super Feet years ago when I worked in a ski shop and customers bought them for their ski boots. Then last April I acquired acute foot pain and the general sense that my feet seemed so tired I couldn’t take another step. Around the same time, I was diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis and my podiatrist suggested an insert to support the arch of the foot. Seriously, Super Feet changed my life. Use them even if you don’t have foot tiredness or pain now, because they can help prevent foot, ankle, calf and back problems later. There is a Super Feet insert for every occasion (athletics, dress, flats, etc.), but I use the running type and switch them into different shoes. ($50 at Fleet Feet Sports in Annapolis Harbor Center)A curb, bench, chair or playground slide
Strassburg Sock– this sock is not the sexiest thing you are ever going to wear. In fact, its dreadful. But if you have foot, ankle or calf pain, its your new best friend. Especially if you have plantar fasciitis, or if you even think that you do, go out and get this sock! Look at the palm of your flat hand. Put two fingers on the heel of your hand, near the wrist. Then curl your fingers. You can feel the tendons tightening as you curl your fingers. Well this is the same thing that happens to the tendons in your foot when you have plantar fasciitis or weak arch muscles. At night, your toes curl (as do the fingers) and the tendons tighten, causing pain when you first get out of bed, and throughout the day. The Strassburg sock holds the toes in place so they can’t curl. Above all, if you have foot pain, don’t forget to stretch your calves as often as possible throughout the day.
Foam Roller or The Stick I am not a fan of the foam roller, mostly because it hurts, and I’d rather have a massage. But it is essential. Most hotel gyms will have at least one. Regular gyms will have many because they know how important it is to work the lactic acid, tightness and soreness out of large muscle groups. The Stick is an ingenious little tool found at running stores that you press against a muscle. Essentially the same idea of a foam roller, but a little less painful. You could always use a tennis ball for these self massages too.
My Fitness Pal An online site or a free app on your favorite device, My Fitness pal is a convenient hub for keeping track of what you eat, what you burn and what you do. You can sync it to your favorite fitness tracker (i.e. Fitbit, Garmin, etc) and your favorite tracker apps (i.e. Map My Run, Stravo, etc). You can pay to access information, but I’ve found the free version to be perfectly fine for tracking calories, macros and more. The act of tracking what you do and what you eat is one of the easiest and effective ways to maintain your Peak Streak. Whether you write it in a journal, take notes on your phone, or use a ready made tool like My Fitness Pal, find something and commit to doing it. www.myfitnesspal.com

So with these tools, and a little motivation, here is your Peaker (Remember, a Peaker is A Person Who Peaks) thought for the day:

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5 Reasons to not go to DC for the Cherry Blossoms

March 19, 2018 By Diana Leave a Comment

Cherry Blossoms at Historic London Town & Gardens, Courtesy photo.

Tidal Basin is so out. Not fighting traffic, parking and crowds is so in! Here are five local cherry bloom alternatives, in order of our affection for them.

Pack a picnic and head to Historic London Town & Gardens in Edgewater. They have a stunning ancient cherry tree, plus short 1-or-so miles of meandering trails through bunches of tulips, daffodils, and other blooming gardens along the South River waterfront. The kiddos will enjoy the Sound and Sensory Garden, in fact you might not be able to drag them out of there. If you like London Town, you might also like Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis -its bigger, with multiple playgrounds. You trade intimate blooms for more space, I guess.
United States Naval Academy Take a stroll along the USNA grounds to find a number of blooming trees. We especially enjoy a stroll around Hospital Point, which features a stroller friendly walkway and is lined with gorgeous trees. The field itself is perfect for a picnic. Bring some balls or just let the kids run ’til they tucker out. Little ones will need to take care of the abrupt edge of the concrete along the water.
We absolutely love our country’s National Arboretum, a treasure that we think is not on the radar of many families. Located just outside of Washington DC, (conveniently near the closet Costco with a liquor store) this huge park is full of all sorts of Spring Blooms. Because the arboretum boasts impressive waterfront, rolling hills, stroller-friendly walking paths, short trails and a variety of interesting exhibits, I think it may actually be first in our hearts if not on this list. The only reason it isn’t is for that wicked U Turn you have to make off New York Avenue onto the service road. Parking is ample and free. Pet friendly. BYO food and drink.
Cherry Trees at the National Arboretum. Photo courtesy Wikipedia Commons
Centennial Park in Columbia, Maryland may be an ideal Cherry Bloom destination for suburban families: Plenty of parking, proximity to a large mall and many restaurants, and the fact that you can do your grocery shopping and see some spring beauty all in one trip make a visit a very attractive proposition. Columbia is about 40 minutes from Annapolis.
Meadowlark Botanical Garden, in Vienna, Virginia might be a drive, but we say its worth it, especially on a quiet Sunday morning when there isn’t much traffic. There is a small fee to enter the park, but plan to stay for a few hours and you won’t mind the $5 or so. Nearby is Reston Town Center, with a Whole Foods Market and other suburban shops, and on the way home is Tyson’s Corner, which I avoid like the plague but my daughter adores.

Where is your favorite place to view springtime blooms? Let me know in the comments- we are always curious to try new and exciting adventures!

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Blackwater Eagle Festival

March 15, 2018 By Diana 1 Comment

A Ranger talks about birds of prey at the Blackwater Eagle Festival

If you want to get away from the St. Patrick’s Day hype, but don’t have the time, energy or funds to go far, consider a trip to Dorchester County, Maryland. Whether you’re a wanderer who likes to get off the beaten path, a foodie, a nature lover or simply a mom or dad who craves a day at the spa, Dorchester has something for you and your family.

One of our favorite Dorchester attractions is Blackwater Wildlife Refuge. Founded in 1933 as a waterfowl sanctuary for birds migrating along the Atlantic Flyway, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is just a few miles outside of Cambridge. Well off the beaten path, but also well worth the drive, Blackwater boasts more than 28,000 acres of marshland, streams, and forests, as well as numerous opportunities for recreation and natural beauty.

A great time to visit Blackwater is for one of their major events, including the Annual Eagle Festival, held every year in March.

Blackwater Wildlife Refuge Eagle Festival

Planned as an anniversary celebration of the founding of the national wildlife refuge system, the Eagle Festival coincides with the migratory return of birds of prey and songbirds to the sanctuary. In fact, Blackwater is a major resting stop for birds along the Atlantic Flyway. Peregrine falcons, eagles, hawks, osprey, waterfowl, herons and many other creatures make their seasonal home amongst the marsh grasses and mud flats where food, shade and natural habitat help them recuperate from the long flight north.

The Eagle Festival has a strong focus on wildlife and nature, and includes everything from guided tours to visits from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Scales and Tails program.

What You Need to Know

Date: Saturday, March 17^th

Time: 9am to 4pm

Location: throughout the refuge, but especially at the Visitor’s Center

Parking: Free, see below

Fee: FREE

Reservations: not required

Getting There

Blackwater is about an hour from Annapolis via Route 50 East. There is a $4 toll over the Bay Bridge, but no other tolls. Turn right just past Wal-Mart and across from the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay entrance onto Church Creek Road, and then follow the signs to the event.

Note if you are using GPS, you must enter the physical address of the refuge. Do not use “Blackwater Wildlife Refuge”.

2145 Key Wallace Drive
Cambridge, Maryland 21613

For major events, parking is limited to the maintenance office lot and traffic is diverted along a back road. Simply follow the event signs past farm fields and forests about five miles until you get to the marked parking lot. A shuttle bus takes visitors to the hub of activities, about one mile away. There are 70 parking spaces at the refuge Visitor’s Center reserved for handicapped access, emergency vehicles and employee parking. These spaces are open to the public on non-event days.

Things to Remember:

This event is great when the weather cooperates. Rainy or foggy weather would not be fun for little ones.
There are no restaurants in walking distance: pack a picnic or rely on the burgers, hot dogs and candy snacks provided on site by a local Boy Scout Troop Pack 532.

Gemma taking a turn on the bow with expert help

What To Do

Venture indoors: The Visitors Center features a shop and two floors of educational exhibits. Upstairs there are four powerful telescopes and access to the RaptorCam, which streams live video of an osprey nest.

Venture Outdoors: The small but beautiful native garden faces the loop drive and is perfect for bird watching, a seat in the sun, butterfly gazing or a picnic. The nearby Loop Drive offers five miles of bird and creature watching at your leisure.

MDNR Scales to Tails: Get up close to owls, eagles, hawks and osprey through this great state-sponsored rescue and rehabilitation program.

Talk to a Ranger: See large birds of prey in person as you listen to a ranger from the DNR talk about native species. Not your typical boring presentation, even children sit mesmerized by the birds and the ranger’s information.

See exhibits from regional wildlife organizations. Note that some of these exhibits are do-not-touch, but who can resist identifying scat or fur samples or getting nose to nose with a turtle?

Make a craft: three to four child-friendly, take-home crafts are inside weather proof tents and managed by volunteers.

Make your own bird house. What kid, let alone parent, doesn’t want to take up hammer and glue to make a DIY birdhouse? If your kids get bored waiting in line, there are sand pits for little ones to play in on either side. Keep this in mind when deciding what to wear.

Take a Selfie with an (mascot) Eagle

Go on an Eagle Prowl: join a ranger to spot eagles and falcons throughout the refuge.

Learn how to shoot a bow-and-arrow. Kind and patient professional instructors show Robin Hood wannabe’s the right moves for hitting the target every time.

Shoot a Daisy BB gun. Brave the line, don the goggles and aim for the targets. Managed by professional Daisy representatives who have safety as their Number One priority. Each participant gets their target to take home.

Nearby:

Beyond the festival is the refuge itself, a marvelous and beautiful example of Maryland’s Eastern Shore long before development.
If your children aren’t adequately tired out, stop off at Sailwinds Park in Cambridge, located near the Dorchester County Visitors Center on the south side of the Choptank River bridge. The park features a faux lighthouse, plenty of green space for running and kite flying, a playground, swings overlooking the charming river and public bathrooms.
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay, a large resort and marina perfect for all ages, with an indoor pool, all season golf course, fine dining and spa.
Harriott Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park
City of Cambridge historic downtown

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New York for Christmas

December 7, 2017 By Diana 1 Comment

If there is a better place in America than New York City for Christmas, I need to know about it. Yes, there are beautiful small towns lit up to light the way from ski slope to bar in the West, and there are cute little Santa sand castles in the South, but really, there’s nothing like an entire island lit up in a million different ways to get you into the holiday spirit.

If you are planning a trip to NYC this Christmas season, here are some things not to miss. A couple of tips: dress in layers and carry a bag in which to put all those layers. Be smart about carrying valuables. Bring tissues for runny noses. Eat. Be patient.

The Exploring

If you want to get in some steps, burn some of the calories you’ve been ingesting, or just see the sights at ground level, pack your walking shoes and hit the High Line. Running along the West Side (the sunset side along the Hudson) from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues, the High Line is an elevated park that used to be railroad tracks. Other walks include a stroll from Times Square to Central Park and through SoHo.

The Windows

New York is famous for holiday displays in department store windows. These are easy to find with a stroll from Macy’s Herald Square (34th Street) over to Fifth Avenue and up to Central Park. En route you will find the shops around Rockefeller Center, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel, Tiffany and Co. and over on Lexington, Bloomingdale’s. NYcurbed.com provides a handy map and a description of the different display themes. This plan allows for some fabulous shopping and the added plus of taking you off Broadway and out of Times Square (always crowded) as you walk through midtown.

The Lights

Nothing says holiday like a good lights display and New York knows just how to do it. One of the more famous displays is the Dyker Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn. Time Out New York magazine has a great guide for out-of-towners. When I lived in NYC, I would take the bus from Manhattan, an easy ride, and I still suggest this for transportation. A taxi will be extremely expensive, the subway drops you off several blocks away and parking your own car will be a nightmare. If the weather is mild, then, by all means, take the subway and enjoy the stroll. Do plan ahead by bringing comfortable shoes, because the lights are spread throughout the neighborhood–not just on one street. You might opt for a tour, but at about $50 per person this is an expensive option compared to free, and anyway, these tours sell out very quickly.

Other great options to view the Christmas lights are:

take a river cruise around the island of Manhattan
walk over the Brooklyn Bridge (bundle up!)
take a bus over to nearby neighborhoods in the Bronx or Queens
take a walk through Hell’s Kitchen under the lights of Fifth Avenue (or see above store displays, which are lit at night for even better viewing, without the crowds)
walk Park Avenue between 54th and 87th–there are plenty of bars and restaurants, or skip over to 3rd Avenue for even more.
warm up in the foyer of the shops at Columbus Circle (enter near Whole Foods Market). Also see the markets mentioned below.

The Christmas Markets

Nowhere in the world does a Christmas market like Europe, but New York is quickly making strides, in their own unique (albeit very commercial) way. The biggest and most developed market is the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. Enjoy shopping the stalls for local goods then grab some hot chocolate or enjoy a bit of time on the ice.

Other markets include:

Union Square
Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Station
Columbus Circle

Rockefeller Center has every holiday delight you could want: lights, sparkle, skating, shopping, and plenty of good cheer. No food or drinks worth your $$$ though. If you are desperate, try The Dean & DeLuca cafe or a tucked away pizza shop.

The Dancing

A classic and beloved holiday season performance is the Radio City Rockette’s Christmas Spectacular. This show particularly appeals to children, since it features plenty of seasonal characters and even live animals, but is equally endearing for adults. If you prefer the ballet, then you must see George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker performed by the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center. One of my favorite Nutcracker performances is in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, home to thousands of Russian immigrants. If you need your Nutcracker with a twist, you can have it served up just about any way you like, including with some hip-hop. Red Tricycle has a list of most of the local performances.

If you could do without this ubiquitous tradition, why not consider Isaac Mizrahi’s Peter and the Wolf at the Guggenheim (limited run), or a Broadway show such as Anastasia, the great story of Russia’s lost then rediscovered Tsarina.

Photo by TripSavvy

The Trees

What would the holiday season be without the tree? The most famous tree is of course in Rockefeller Center. But there are many others worth viewing.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Children’s Tree and Neopolitan Baroque Creche
The New York Botanical Garden–be sure to view the trains as well.
The New York Stock Exchange (near the 9/11 Memorial)
South Street Seaport (a stopover en route to Brooklyn)
Washington Square Park Arch
Lotte New York Palace on Madison
Lincoln Square
Cathedral of St. John the Divine Peace Tree

The Music and Theater

What would the holidays be without music? Some of the best sounds to come out of Manhattan are found for free in subway terminals and on street corners. Other great performances can be found at Carnegie Hall, The Blue Note, where Chris Botti’s Holiday Residency showcases a suite of jazzy favorites, and Woody Allen and his jazz band at the Carlyle. If you prefer a theater performance, check out this post about family friendly events on the New York City Theater’s website.

The Skating

There are plenty of opportunities to skate for a reasonable price in New York. The most touristy is, of course, Rockefeller Center. It isn’t my favorite because it is located at concourse level, which means everyone at street level is looking down at your performance. On the other hand, you might catch a special skate performance by professional skaters here. Other locations include:

The Rink at the Winter Village in Bryant Park
The LeFrak Center, an indoor rink in Brooklyn
Sky Rink, an indoor rink at Chelsea Piers
Riverbank Rink on the West Side- I love this rink for its views over the Hudson to Jersey.
Wollman Rink in Central Park

There is so much to do in New York for the holidays, I could go on and on. If ever there was a good time to rent a carriage for a ride through Central Park, this is it. Have a hot chocolate at The Plaza before or after. Go to St. Patrick’s Cathedral or any other church you’ve ever wanted to visit for a holiday service. See the worlds largest Menorah in Brooklyn. Embrace your status as a tourist and get a picture in your Ugly Sweater at Top of the Rock, where you can get a meal ($$$) and a drink, or at the Empire State Building, lit especially for the holiday.

The Lobbies

There are few things better than walking the streets, all bundled up, with the wind blowing briskly off the river, and ducking into a favorite little spot for something to warm you up. Hotel lobbies are fantastic for this. I particularly love the Standard Hotel in the Meat Packing district (it has a tiny little ice rink), but also the St. Regis, the Plaza, and Bemelman’s at the Carlyle.

Well, suffice it to say, New York is a great city and I hope you have a wonderful time! That’s a lot of superlatives because I love New York that much!! If you have any questions or want to let us know your favorite places, please do comment here or on the Facebook page.

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16 Books to Gift the Young Reader

December 6, 2017 By Diana Leave a Comment

Gemma’s idea of a fine afternoon in Paris: 3 hours lost in the Galignani bookstore

As a voracious reader, I think that books might just be the ideal gift: they are a rendering of our affection for the recipient. Think about it: a book, wisely and carefully chosen, reflects just how well you know a person, how well you understand them, what you might hope for them, what you think they will or will not like.

My daughter is also a voracious reader. By this, I mean that like me she will read every sign, every label, every ad, every magazine cover, any word she can get her eyes on. We both read quick and dirty. By this I mean we are fast readers (for example, I read Diana Gabaldon’s 640-page Outlander in 2 days and I can tell you every detail in this incredibly detailed book) we immerse ourselves in the story. We linger on every word, every phrase; we ingest. We become a part of the story. We are perfectly content to while away an entire day with a good book, our minds and dreams carried away from wherever we are, like a leaf on the breeze.

So, if you have a young reader in the family, or if you are encouraging your young reader to read more, we thought we might compile a list of books that would make nice gifts this holiday season. These books are notable in that they are great for any gender, they are “clean” and generally speaking, they have something to offer in the way thinking about life in a new and fresh way. Gemma compiled and wrote this list, so keep in mind, these are the thoughts of a ten-year-old. She notes that they are not in any kind of order.

1. RoofToppers by Katherine Randall

Sophie was found in a cello case floating on the English channel when she was only one year old. Orphaned by the shipwreck, Sophie swears that she remembers seeing her mother waving for help. Since there are no other female survivors of the wreck, this vision of her mother must be a dream. Although her guardian, Charles, tells Sophie it’s almost impossible, Sophie still believes her mother lives.

When the adoption agency threatens to take Sophie away, she and Charles head to Paris to find her mother with only the address of the cello maker, printed on the case. When Sophie finds a secret network of orphans in hiding on the rooftops, her chances of finding her mother seem to get even better. As Sophie and her friends race against time, hilarious and heartfelt moments and incidents occur.

I also read The Explorer and The Wolf Rider by Katherine Rundell. I found them in a bookstore in Paris. The Wolf Rider is amazing and I highly recommend it. So is The Explorer, which is about a group of kids who have to survive a plane crash into the Amazon. The children find a map, which leads them to a secret and to many great adventures.

2. Julie of the Wolves by Jean George (author) and John Schoenherr (Illustrator)

Review by Emilie Coulter from Amazon.com:

Miyax, like many adolescents, is torn. But unlike most, her choices may determine whether she lives or dies. At 13, an orphan, and unhappily married, Miyax runs away from her husband’s parents’ home, hoping to reach San Francisco and her pen pal. But she becomes lost in the vast Alaskan tundra, with no food, no shelter, and no idea which is the way to safety. Now, more than ever, she must look hard at who she really is. Is she Miyax, Eskimo girl of the old ways? Or is she Julie (her “gussak”-white people-name), the modernized teenager who must mock the traditional customs? And when a pack of wolves begins to accept her into their community, Miyax must learn to think like a wolf as well. If she trusts her Eskimo instincts, will she stand a chance of surviving? John Schoenherr’s line drawings suggest rather than tell about the compelling experiences of a girl searching for answers in a bleak landscape that at first glance would seem to hold nothing. Fans of Jean Craighead George’s stunning, Newberry Medal-winning coming-of-age story won’t want to miss Julie (1994) and Julie’s Wolf Pack (1998).

3. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

This amazing book tells the tale of AnneMarie Johansen, a young girl in Nazi-occupied Denmark in World War 2. AnneMarie’s family takes in her best friend, a Jew, and attempts to rescue her by smuggling her across the sea disguised as AnneMarie’s sister, who died in the Resistance. When Ellen’s father loses an important package, AnneMarie must risk her life to return it to him. The package contains a handkerchief covered in a special formula that makes it so the dogs used to hunt for escaping Jews can’t smell them. Ultimately, this story is about good and evil and how even children can be courageous when they know that good must win.

Review by Amazon:

The evacuation of Jews from Nazi-held Denmark is one of the great untold stories of World War II. On September 29, 1943, word got out in Denmark that Jews were to be detained and then sent to the death camps. Within hours the Danish resistance, population and police arranged a small flotilla to herd 7,000 Jews to Sweden. Lois Lowry fictionalizes a true-story account to bring this courageous tale to life. She brings the experience to life through the eyes of 10-year-old Annemarie Johannesen, whose family harbors her best friend, Ellen Rosen, on the eve of the round-up and helps smuggles Ellen’s family out of the country.

4. Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby

Trapped in a hidden ice fortress for protection, Solveig, her brother the Crown Prince, her older sister and an army of boisterous warriors await news of their father, who is away at battle. But when no news is delivered, and treacherous activities begin to occur, the children begin to wonder if their friends could be traitors. Solveig and her siblings must choose their allies wisely. This book has suspense, fantastic descriptions of life in a medieval Nordic landscape, wonderful characters and plenty of opportunities for Solveig to prove her courage and strength. If you like Nordic mythology or tales of kingdoms and danger, you will like Icefall.

5. The Fellowship Of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

“One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them. One ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.”

Sauron, the dark lord, made a powerful ring that could decide the fate of the world. But when he lost it, the ring passed through many generations until Bilbo Baggins, wins it in an intense contest for life or death against an evil creature called Gollum.

When Bilbo realizes the ring’s potential to wreak havoc and evil, he gives it to his young nephew, Frodo, who sets off to the cracks of doom with his faithful friends to destroy the ring once and for all to foil Saurons dark plot. This timeless classic written by J. R.R. Tolkien will live on forever as one of the greatest books ever written.

6. Island Of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell

This is the story of the story of Karana, a Native American girl living alone on the Island of Blue Dolphins. When a terrible tragedy strikes her tribe and many of the members, including Karana’s father, the Chief, die, a boat comes to rescue survivors. When Karana misses the boat, she is forced to find a way to live, to find food, clothe herself, and build a home on the beautiful island. This is a Newberry Award winning book that every 4th or 5th grader should be required to read. It is a classic.

7. Hazardous Tales: One Dead Spy, The Donner Dinner Party, Alamo All Stars and Treaties, Trenches, Mud, and Blood (A World War I Tale) by Nathan Hale

These graphic novels use a mix of facts, humor and a clear grasp of the interesting facts and personalities that define moments in American history. One Dead Spy follows the real Nathan Hale, a schoolteacher turned spy in the American Revolution. The Donner Dinner Party tells the story of how the Donner Party attempted to cross the Continental Divide en route to California in the years of the Gold Rush. Alama All Stars showcases the larger-than-life men who barricaded a small fort against a large Mexican army. Each of these books reveals who lived, who died, who helped (or didn’t) and other well-researched exploits of American heroes. There are seven books in the Hazardous Tales series, and my brother and I love them all. The drawings are as good as the story. There are bibliographies at the end if you want to learn more.

8. Refugee by Alan Gratz

This is an excellent book. Josef is a Jewish boy living in 1930s Nazi Germany. When he must join his mother and young sister to escape extermination in the concentration camps, he and his family board a ship for America. Isabel is a Cuban girl in 1994. When her family experiences the hunger, riots, and danger of life in her country, she and her family set out on a raft, also hoping to find safety in America. Mahmoud is a Syrian boy in 2015. With his country destroyed by war, he and his family begin a long trek to Europe. Each of these children will face dangers that children my age in America will never imagine as they try to find a safe place to live. This novel is action packed, and although you might wonder how these three characters from different times will relate to each other in the end, believe me, it all comes together in a way that helped me better understand what it means to simply want to find a home.

9. The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare

When Daniel bar Jamin sees his father executed by the Romans in New Testament era land of Israel, he devotes himself to avenge his father’s death. He joins a group of other young boys to spy on the Romans and to plot their demise. Daniel learns of the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, but is turned off by the message of forgiveness, which leaves no room for his brooding hate. As Daniel lets his hate overcome his closest friendships, his love and even the needs of his own sister, who has struggles of her own, he heads toward disaster, only to learn in the end how to accept and understand love. This book is another Newbery Medal winner.

10. The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

When her grandmother dies and a much older man tries to force her into marriage, young Kit Tyler leaves her home in Barbados for New England. As she travels on a boat upriver through Connecticut, a child accidentally loses her favorite toy overboard, and Kit jumps into the water to save it. When the other passengers see her swimming so strongly, they begin to wonder if she is a witch.

Life in her new home is difficult: the weather is cold compared to her island home, Kit wants to teach girls to read and write but is prevented from doing so, her aunt and uncle’s family is not exactly welcoming and Kit fears the townspeople’s growing suspicions against her. During these hardships, Kit develops a deep friendship with Hannah, an outlawed Quaker. The story peaks when Kit is accused of being a witch when a practice book filled with the letters of a local child is found. This book is a tale of friendship, of love, of caring for others and of what it means to be strong and smart, even when people tell you that you can’t be.

11. Edgar Allan Poe’s Tales of Mystery and Madness, Illustrated by Gris Grimly

This book contains four classic Edgar Allen Poe stories, all of which will scare you, make you wonder, and sometimes make you laugh: The Black Cat, the MAsque of the Red Death, Hop-Frog and The Fall of the House of Usher. My mom gave me this book for Halloween, but I’ve read it several times. In fact, I love to hear her read it out loud, as she makes things like a dead cat coming back to life at the exact moment that the police give up searching for the murdered woman the cat is hidden with seem believable…in a good way. Edgar Allen Poe was no Sherlock when it comes to smart murders, but he sure does make scary stories alot of fun. Another book full of scary, but great stories is Grimms Fairy Tales.

12. Jim Thorpe’s Bright Path by Joseph Brushac and Bright Path: Young Jim Thorpe by Don Brown

These books tell the story of Bright Path, better know as Jim Thorpe, the “Greatest Athlete in the World”. Most kids my age have heard of Jim Thorpe but don’t know the story of how he overcame a difficult life to become a champion athlete. Jim lost his twin brother to pneumonia and later, his mother as well. His father was killed in an accident. As a Native American, he was sent away to an Indian school where he couldn’t speak his language and where the white people tried to make him forget his Native traditions. Although Jim wanted to study electricity, he was recruited to attend a school in Pennsylvania, where he grew to love football, track and field, and many other sports. These two books tell Jim’s tale. Combined they tell a more complete story of Jim’s life before and after his trip to the Olympics, where he set longstanding records in track and field events. These books are great for younger readers as well.

13. National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry

I love poetry, and wish my school would spend more time learning about different styles of poems and why they are as important as books. I love to write poetry too. This book looks like its for little children–I received it as a gift when I was 5–but it is good four older kids too. The poems include classics by Robert Louis Stevenson, Emily Dickinson, Rudyard Kipling and others, as well as many haiku, nursery rhymes and more recent authors. The pictures of the animals are amazing. This books makes me want to read and write poetry every time I open it. My brother who is 9 loves it too.

14. The Dragon Charmer Series by Laurie McKay

These books follow Caden, eighth-born prince of Razzon, who has been waiting his entire life to finally slay a dragon. When he finally gets the chance, he is magically and mysteriously transported from his home to Asheville, North Carolina. Please see my note below about The Serafina Series. I think I really need to get to North Carolina soon.

15. The Serafina Series: Serafina and the Black Cloak, Serafina and the Twisted Staff, Serafina and the Splintered Heart by Robert Beatty

These are some of my favorite books of all time. These stories follow Serafina, a young girl in North Carolina who lives in the basement of the Biltmore with her father. It turns out, Serafina is half catamount and has special powers. She uses these powers in the fight against evil. Serafina is truly the hero of all the people and creatures of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

16. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

Amazon review:

Once a year in the Protectorate there is a Day of Sacrifice. The youngest baby is taken by the Elders and left in the forest to die, thus appeasing the witch who threatens to destroy the village if not obeyed. Unbeknownst to the people, Xan, the witch of the forest, is kind and compassionate. When she discovers the first baby left as a sacrifice, she has no idea why it has been abandoned. She rescues the infants, feeds each one starlight, and delivers the shining infants to parents in the Outside Cities who love and care for them. On one occasion, Xan accidentally feeds a baby moonlight along with starlight, filling her with glowing magic. Xan is smitten with the beautiful baby girl, who has a crescent moon birthmark on her forehead, and chooses to raise her as her own child. Twists and turns emerge as the identity of the true evil witch becomes apparent. The swiftly paced, highly imaginative plot draws a myriad of threads together to form a web of characters, magic, and integrated lives. Spiritual overtones encompass much of the storytelling with love as the glue that holds it all together. VERDICT An expertly woven and enchanting offering for readers who love classic fairy tales.—D. Maria LaRocco

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Getting There

Summary

Pedestrians

Car Drivers

What Is It?

What Does This Mean for Me?

Where is the Best Place to Watch the Practice and Performance?

Where Should I Park?

What Should I Bring?

Summary:

Here is a list of workout toys we can’t live without:

Blackwater Wildlife Refuge Eagle Festival

What You Need to Know

Getting There

Things to Remember:

What To Do

The Exploring

The Windows

The Lights

The Christmas Markets

The Dancing

The Trees

The Music and Theater

The Skating

The Lobbies

My Photos