Food is an essential part of any vacation plan; yet sometimes we don't give it enough consideration when planning a trip. That could end up costing us a lot of time and money. Since most families eat about three meals a day, that equals about 21 meals on a week-long trip. Let's say that instead of planning your meals ahead of time, you decide to just eat out wherever you find a place. If an average restaurant meal is $12/person (and unless you eat fast food every meal, that is a conservative estimate), then you are looking at $144/day for a family of four. That works out to over $1000 spent on food for a week-long trip. For most families, that is a sizable chunk of their vacation budget.
Now consider the time it takes to eat out. If you eat fast food, it might only take half an hour each meal. However, if you choose a nicer restaurant, you are looking at one hour minimum per meal; and that isn't counting the time you spend trying to decide where to eat, and wait time for popular restaurants - especially in "touristy" areas on a weekend. Those meals could take over two hours each - which is another sizable chunk of your vacation spent on food.
Of course, there are several ways in which you can save time and money on meals with a little advance planning. As most people know, many hotels offer a complimentary breakfast included in your price. These can range anywhere from donuts and juice to buffets with fruit, eggs, bacon, sausages, waffles, toast, cereal, oatmeal and pastries. Even if you don't normally eat breakfast, it is always a good idea to take advantage of this service since it is free and will keep you from needlessly spending money on mid-morning snacks. However, since not all hotels offer free breakfasts (especially abroad), and the styles vary so dramatically from hotel to hotel, I recommend that you find out ahead of time what to expect so that you aren't unpleasantly surprised. That not only includes asking the hotel what is included, but reading the reviews. If you can't find what you're looking for, another option is to choose a hotel with a kitchenette (or at least a fridge). That way you can plan ahead of time to purchase breakfast foods that your family will enjoy and prepare a quick meal before heading out on your adventures.
Another reason for getting a room with a fridge is to save money on lunch. When we go on trips, we usually only eat out once a day. We typically plan on having a large, sit down meal in the late afternoon, before the evening rush. Therefore, we carry around a cooler with sandwiches and snacks to tide us over from breakfast to dinner. It cuts down on time and money, and allows us to occasionally try unique restaurants that we might otherwise consider to be too pricey. In fact, we often include a few restaurants in our itinerary that we feel will make our vacation experience more memorable.
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Spotlight: West Virginia - Harpers Ferry NHP
Spotlight: With a population of 286 (2010 census), you wouldn't think that Harpers Ferry would have a storied past. However, due to its strategic location at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, Harpers Ferry played an important role in our nation's history during the mid 1800's. What started as a ferry stop across the Potomac River grew into a small town. George Washington, who was familiar with the area, proposed it as the location of the United States Armory and Arsenal. Between 1801-1861, the armory produced more than 600,000 muskets, rifles and pistols. It's importance grew with the construction of the C&O Canal (linking it with Washington DC) and a year later the B&O Railroad (think Monopoly).
On Oct. 16, 1859, John Brown led a group of 21 abolitionists on a raid of the Harpers Ferry Arsenal in hopes of using the weapons to arm a Slave revolt in the South. When news of the raid reached nearby Charles Town, the local militia pinned down Brown's forces inside the engine house which was adjacent to the armory. A force of 86 marines was sent up from Washington DC under the command of Army Lieutenant Colonel Robert E. Lee (assigned as impromptu commander while on leave). When negotiations failed, they stormed "John Brown's Fort" and captured most of the raiders. John Brown was tried for treason, convicted and hung in Charles Town. The incident, which stirred up bitter feelings in both the North and the South, served as one of the catalysts of the Civil War.
During the Civil War, possession of Harpers Ferry changed 8 times, suffering critical damage each time forces plunged through the area invading enemy territory. The most extensive damage to the town occurred during the Battle of Harpers Ferry which was fought between Sept. 13-15, 1862. It ended with the surrender of 12,419 Federal troops - the largest single surrender of U.S. troops until the Battle of Bataan during WWII. Following the war, the U.S. government decided not to rebuild the armory, causing the town to lose much of its importance as a linchpin between the North and South.
Location: Harpers Ferry is located at the confluence of 3 states: West Virginia, Maryland & Virginia. The main parking lot, Visitor Center and shuttle bus stop to Lower Town are located at 171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.
Cost: $10/vehicle (excludes groups of 7+); $5/person (on foot or bicycle)
Time: The Park is open from 9 am - 5 pm daily; unless you are there for one of the special events, you will probably spend about 1-3 hours here.
Description: John Brown's Fort was erected in 1848 as the Armory's fire engine and guard house. John Brown and his followers barricaded themselves in this building during their 1859 raid of the Armory. During the Civil War, the building served various functions as a prison, a powder magazine, and a quartermaster's supply house. It was dismantled and shipped to Chicago for the World's Colombian Exposition before being shipped back several years later, but rebuilt on a different site. It was purchased by Storer College, which used it as a museum. Eventually, it was purchased by the NPS and moved rebuilt 150 east of its original location (which is covered by a railroad embankment).
The Lockwood House was originally constructed as the home of the Armory Paymaster in 1848. During the Civil War it was used as a hospital, and then as the headquarters of Brig. General Henry Lockwood as well as Major General Philip Sheridan. It served other purposes as well - a bivouac, a prison, and even a ballroom (Thanksgiving 1863). After the war, it was used as a school for former slaves, and eventually became the nucleus of Storer College.
Loudoun Heights are located on the second highest mountain at Harpers Ferry. In 1861, Col. Thomas Jackson ordered three infantry blockhouses built on the summit. During the Battle of Harpers Ferry (Sept. 1862), the Confederates were able to bombard the Union troops from atop the Heights while avoiding return fire.
Maryland Heights are located on the highest mountain at Harpers Ferry. They hosted the first battle between Union and Confederate troops in Maryland. It was also the key target of southern troops in the Battle of Harpers Ferry. When Union troops were obliged to abandon its summit, the southerners were able to cut off the Union's escape route and secure the surrender of the U.S. garrison on Sept. 15. Having learned the importance of retaining the high ground the hard way, the Union later built forts on top of the mountain that played a major role in forestalling the Confederacy's third invasion of the north.
Jefferson's Rock is located along the Appalachian Trail between Lower Town and Camp Hill. From this spot, Thomas Jefferson, traveling to Philadelphia, is said to have gazed upon the valley and declared it "perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in nature." Visitors are not allowed to climb on the rock itself since it is unstable and is protected as a cultural resource.
The Point refers to the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, which also forms the dividing lines between the three states. This was the site of the Ferry Lot Reservation which became a bustling commercial area for the growing town of Harpers Ferry. It's location became even more prosperous with the completion of the famous B&O Railroad viaduct across the Potomac River. During the Civil War, however, the bridge was blown up by Confederate troops, and the buildings were burned down by Union troops. During the war, the bridge was rebuilt and destroyed nine times before the completion of the Bollman Bridge in 1870. This bridge eventually fell victim to the great flood of 1936.
Rating: 2 1/2 stars (out of 5)
Things You Should Know: - I strongly recommend visiting during one of the many special events that occur throughout the year since it will enhance your visit. Below are links to several of the various events that will occur throughout the year.
- Harpers Ferry hosts several different Living History Event Weekends throughout the year. Visit the National Park's website calendar for specific dates.
- 2017 marks the 150th anniversary of Storer College. To see the special events marking this anniversary, click here.
- To participate in Cultural Resources Programs throughout the year, click here.
- Harpers Ferry has a variety of hikes you can take. For details, click here.
- Historic trades workshops are given on select dates.
- Harpers Ferry was a supply stop by Lewis & Clark on their famous expedition of 1803.
Nearby: Gathland State Park, Catoctin Creek Park and Nature Center, South Mountain State Park, Washington D.C.
On Oct. 16, 1859, John Brown led a group of 21 abolitionists on a raid of the Harpers Ferry Arsenal in hopes of using the weapons to arm a Slave revolt in the South. When news of the raid reached nearby Charles Town, the local militia pinned down Brown's forces inside the engine house which was adjacent to the armory. A force of 86 marines was sent up from Washington DC under the command of Army Lieutenant Colonel Robert E. Lee (assigned as impromptu commander while on leave). When negotiations failed, they stormed "John Brown's Fort" and captured most of the raiders. John Brown was tried for treason, convicted and hung in Charles Town. The incident, which stirred up bitter feelings in both the North and the South, served as one of the catalysts of the Civil War.
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| Civil War relics |
Cost: $10/vehicle (excludes groups of 7+); $5/person (on foot or bicycle)
Time: The Park is open from 9 am - 5 pm daily; unless you are there for one of the special events, you will probably spend about 1-3 hours here.
Description: John Brown's Fort was erected in 1848 as the Armory's fire engine and guard house. John Brown and his followers barricaded themselves in this building during their 1859 raid of the Armory. During the Civil War, the building served various functions as a prison, a powder magazine, and a quartermaster's supply house. It was dismantled and shipped to Chicago for the World's Colombian Exposition before being shipped back several years later, but rebuilt on a different site. It was purchased by Storer College, which used it as a museum. Eventually, it was purchased by the NPS and moved rebuilt 150 east of its original location (which is covered by a railroad embankment).
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| John Brown's Fort |
Loudoun Heights are located on the second highest mountain at Harpers Ferry. In 1861, Col. Thomas Jackson ordered three infantry blockhouses built on the summit. During the Battle of Harpers Ferry (Sept. 1862), the Confederates were able to bombard the Union troops from atop the Heights while avoiding return fire.
Maryland Heights are located on the highest mountain at Harpers Ferry. They hosted the first battle between Union and Confederate troops in Maryland. It was also the key target of southern troops in the Battle of Harpers Ferry. When Union troops were obliged to abandon its summit, the southerners were able to cut off the Union's escape route and secure the surrender of the U.S. garrison on Sept. 15. Having learned the importance of retaining the high ground the hard way, the Union later built forts on top of the mountain that played a major role in forestalling the Confederacy's third invasion of the north.
Jefferson's Rock is located along the Appalachian Trail between Lower Town and Camp Hill. From this spot, Thomas Jefferson, traveling to Philadelphia, is said to have gazed upon the valley and declared it "perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in nature." Visitors are not allowed to climb on the rock itself since it is unstable and is protected as a cultural resource.
The Point refers to the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, which also forms the dividing lines between the three states. This was the site of the Ferry Lot Reservation which became a bustling commercial area for the growing town of Harpers Ferry. It's location became even more prosperous with the completion of the famous B&O Railroad viaduct across the Potomac River. During the Civil War, however, the bridge was blown up by Confederate troops, and the buildings were burned down by Union troops. During the war, the bridge was rebuilt and destroyed nine times before the completion of the Bollman Bridge in 1870. This bridge eventually fell victim to the great flood of 1936.
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| Remains of destroyed bridge |
Things You Should Know: - I strongly recommend visiting during one of the many special events that occur throughout the year since it will enhance your visit. Below are links to several of the various events that will occur throughout the year.
- Harpers Ferry hosts several different Living History Event Weekends throughout the year. Visit the National Park's website calendar for specific dates.
- To participate in Cultural Resources Programs throughout the year, click here.
- Harpers Ferry has a variety of hikes you can take. For details, click here.
- Historic trades workshops are given on select dates.
- Harpers Ferry was a supply stop by Lewis & Clark on their famous expedition of 1803.
Nearby: Gathland State Park, Catoctin Creek Park and Nature Center, South Mountain State Park, Washington D.C.
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Spotlight: Virginia Beach - Captain Jack's Pirate Ship Adventures
Spotlight: Captain Jack's Pirate Ship Adventures is a fun, swashbuckling adventure for young families. Young buccaneers dress up in their pirate duds, add a few tattoos, eye-patches, plastic swords, etc. and join Captain Jack aboard the Lost Pearl in hunting down the treacherous Blackbeard to recover the treasure Blackbeard stole. The Lost Pearl was custom built to the dimensions of a Spanish galleon, while adhering to modern Coast Guard requirements.
Location: Captain Jack's Pirate Ship moors at 308 Mediterranean Ave. in the port of Inlet Station Marina at Virginia Beach.
Cost: $27/adult, $23/child (3-15), $25/senior (65+) or active military
Time: Approximately 75 minutes. Cruises start up in the middle of May and go through September. Since cruises are only offered on select days and times, make sure you check the schedule.
Description: While on board the cruise, the youngsters are entertained with pirate songs and games (such as the Limbo) organized by the animated pirate crew while cruising up and down the harbor.
Once they find Blackbeard, they help man the water cannons to overpower the cunning pirate with a deluge of waterworks. Once they recover the treasure chest, they each get to share the booty - plastic coins, jewelry, etc. Although some youngsters might get scared, they won't get bored. The entire cruise is packed with non-stop entertainment directed by the engaging crew; and they might even spot dolphins sailing alongside the ship.
Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)
Things You Should Know: - The traditional cruise is geared toward younger kids. Our girls (ages 8 & 13 at the time) were probably the two oldest kids there; but they still had fun. There are other cruises available for other target groups (such as school groups, Scouts, or the Club 21+ cruise).
- A special Fireworks Cruise is given on July 4.
- Captain Jack's boat can be rented out for birthday party excursions.
- Group rates are available for large groups.
- Plan to arrive early. We had trouble finding the designated parking area and almost missed our cruise.
- If you go to Virginia Beach from the Yorktown area, the shortest route is under the ocean. The freeway travels several miles under this branch of the Chesapeake so that you don't have to drive all the way around.
Nearby: Grommet Island Park, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Naval Air Station Oceana, Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Yorktown
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| Captain Jack |
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| The Lost Pearl |
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| Pirate Erika |
Cost: $27/adult, $23/child (3-15), $25/senior (65+) or active military
Time: Approximately 75 minutes. Cruises start up in the middle of May and go through September. Since cruises are only offered on select days and times, make sure you check the schedule.
Description: While on board the cruise, the youngsters are entertained with pirate songs and games (such as the Limbo) organized by the animated pirate crew while cruising up and down the harbor.
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| Pirate Crew |
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| Pirate History Lesson |
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| The Limbo Stick (evidently a popular pirate game) |
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| The famous pirate Blackbeard |
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| Battling Blackbeard with H2O cannons |
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| Dividing up the pirate booty |
Things You Should Know: - The traditional cruise is geared toward younger kids. Our girls (ages 8 & 13 at the time) were probably the two oldest kids there; but they still had fun. There are other cruises available for other target groups (such as school groups, Scouts, or the Club 21+ cruise).
- A special Fireworks Cruise is given on July 4.
- Captain Jack's boat can be rented out for birthday party excursions.
- Group rates are available for large groups.
- Plan to arrive early. We had trouble finding the designated parking area and almost missed our cruise.
- If you go to Virginia Beach from the Yorktown area, the shortest route is under the ocean. The freeway travels several miles under this branch of the Chesapeake so that you don't have to drive all the way around.
Nearby: Grommet Island Park, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Naval Air Station Oceana, Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Yorktown
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Spotlight: Virginia - Manassas (Bull Run)
Spotlight: Manassas National Battlefield Park is the site of two important Civil War battles. While the Union referred to the battles as the First and Second Battles of Bull Run, the Confederacy named them the First and Second Battles of Manassas. Although the first shots of the war were fired at Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, the First Battle of Bull Run is considered the first major engagement between Union and Confederate troops. The battle took place on July, 21, 1861, pitting the Union troops under the command of Brigadier General Irvin McDowell against the Confederate troops under the command of Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard. The Union's goal was to overwhelm the Confederates, opening up a clear path to Richmond. They felt that if they could capture the Confederate capital, they could bring a quick end to the war. Both sides were initially ineffectual, hampered by a lack of cohesiveness and communication. Although the Union forces initially drove back the Confederate soldiers, reinforcements allowed the Confederates to carry the day. When Colonel Jeb Stuart led the Virginia cavalry in a charge against the massed Union troops, the rout was on. The Union soldiers fled in confusion toward the horrified bystanders who had come down from Washington to watch the battle while eating picnic lunches on the hills overlooking the battlefield. It was during this battle that Confederate Colonel Thomas Jackson earned the nickname "Stonewall."
The Second Battle of Manassas was fought from August 28-30, 1862. After General Stonewall Jackson and his troops torched Union supplies at Manassas Junction, he was pursued by Gen. John Pope. Jackson's troops attacked a division of Union forces at Brawner Farm on the evening of Aug. 28th. Trying to keep the Confederate forces from escaping, Gen. Pope attacked Jackson's position throughout the day on Aug. 29. Although several of the attacks pierced Jackson's line, each one was eventually repulsed. Gen. Robert E. Lee arrived with General Longstreet's command on the 29th, blocking the arrival of Union reinforcements under the command of Fitz John Porter. On Aug. 30th, Pope continued his attempts to break the Confederate line. This time, however, Lee and Longstreet launched a major counterattack. The counterattack stalled after Union forces mounted a staunch defense on Chinn Ridge, buying Pope enough time to shift enough troops onto Henry Hill and stave of disaster. After dark, Pope's forces retreated, ending the battle, yet another victory for the Confederacy.
Location: Manassas National Battlefield Park is located at 6511 Sudley Rd. in Manassas, VA.
Cost: free, but donations are accepted
Time: The battlefield is open from dawn to dusk. The Henry Hill Visitor Center is open from 8:30 - 5:00. Plan on spending 1-3 hours depending on your level of interest.
Description: Guided tours of the battlefield start at the Henry Hill Visitor Center. Tours alternate between sites from First Manassas and Second Manassas. Even without an official tour, visitors can explore the battlefields at their leisure, reading the interpretive signs along the way.
The current Brawner Farmhouse doesn't appear to be the one that was there during the Civil War. Archaeologists have discovered the remains of an older building underneath the current one, which is probably the one that existed at the time of the war. Nevertheless, the current structure underwent heavy restoration to restore it to its early 1900's appearance. Inside, the house is used as an interpretive center.
The Stone House was built in 1848 as a stop on the Fauquier and Alexandria Turnpike. Due to its strategic location, it played a role in both battles, including being used as a hospital for northern troops. It underwent reconstruction in the 1960's to restore it to its Civil War era appearance and is used as an interpretive center for visitors to the park.
The Stone Bridge was originally built in 1825 to serve travelers along the Fauquier and Alexandria Turnpike. It played a role in both battles since it was the easiest way to cross the stream. In the First Battle of Manassas, Union troops forded across the stream since it was rumored that the bridge had been rigged with explosives. The Confederate forces used it throughout 1861, but blew it up in 1862 after evacuating their winter camps in Centreville and Manassas. A temporary wooden bridge was built by Union troops in 1862, but eventually a new (similar) stone bridge was constructed on the spot in 1884.
Rating: 3 stars (out of 5) - although potentially higher since we were limited on time
Things You Should Know: - Living history actors perform infantry and artillery demonstrations at Chinn Ridge on select dates throughout the year including Memorial Day and the anniversaries of the battles.
- Brawner Farm Interpretive Center and the Stone House are closed in the winter.
- When you see a statue of a mounted commander on a battlefield, the horse's legs will indicate what happened to the rider. If both legs are in the air, the rider died in battle. If one leg is in the air, then he died of wounds suffered in the battle. If all legs are on the ground, the rider survived the battle.
Nearby: Ben Lomond Historic Site, Fountainhead Regional Park, Shenandoah National Park, Arlington National Cemetery
The Second Battle of Manassas was fought from August 28-30, 1862. After General Stonewall Jackson and his troops torched Union supplies at Manassas Junction, he was pursued by Gen. John Pope. Jackson's troops attacked a division of Union forces at Brawner Farm on the evening of Aug. 28th. Trying to keep the Confederate forces from escaping, Gen. Pope attacked Jackson's position throughout the day on Aug. 29. Although several of the attacks pierced Jackson's line, each one was eventually repulsed. Gen. Robert E. Lee arrived with General Longstreet's command on the 29th, blocking the arrival of Union reinforcements under the command of Fitz John Porter. On Aug. 30th, Pope continued his attempts to break the Confederate line. This time, however, Lee and Longstreet launched a major counterattack. The counterattack stalled after Union forces mounted a staunch defense on Chinn Ridge, buying Pope enough time to shift enough troops onto Henry Hill and stave of disaster. After dark, Pope's forces retreated, ending the battle, yet another victory for the Confederacy.
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| Monument to honor those who died at Manassas |
Cost: free, but donations are accepted
Time: The battlefield is open from dawn to dusk. The Henry Hill Visitor Center is open from 8:30 - 5:00. Plan on spending 1-3 hours depending on your level of interest.
Description: Guided tours of the battlefield start at the Henry Hill Visitor Center. Tours alternate between sites from First Manassas and Second Manassas. Even without an official tour, visitors can explore the battlefields at their leisure, reading the interpretive signs along the way.
The current Brawner Farmhouse doesn't appear to be the one that was there during the Civil War. Archaeologists have discovered the remains of an older building underneath the current one, which is probably the one that existed at the time of the war. Nevertheless, the current structure underwent heavy restoration to restore it to its early 1900's appearance. Inside, the house is used as an interpretive center.
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| Brawner Farmhouse |
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| The Stone House |
Rating: 3 stars (out of 5) - although potentially higher since we were limited on time
Things You Should Know: - Living history actors perform infantry and artillery demonstrations at Chinn Ridge on select dates throughout the year including Memorial Day and the anniversaries of the battles.
- Brawner Farm Interpretive Center and the Stone House are closed in the winter.
- When you see a statue of a mounted commander on a battlefield, the horse's legs will indicate what happened to the rider. If both legs are in the air, the rider died in battle. If one leg is in the air, then he died of wounds suffered in the battle. If all legs are on the ground, the rider survived the battle.
Nearby: Ben Lomond Historic Site, Fountainhead Regional Park, Shenandoah National Park, Arlington National Cemetery
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