Travel

Our 4th Trip to Woodloch: Why This Award-Winning Family Resort Will Always Be Our Happy Place

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This is a sponsored post. All opinions within are my own.

If you’ve been following Realm of Vibes for a while, you know that Woodloch Resort in Hawley, PA is one of our all-time favorite family vacation destinations. We’ve visited four times now, and every time brings new experiences and entertainment. Our most recent trip was packed with activities, relaxation, amazing food, and the kind of family memories we’ll be talking about for years.

For this stay, we checked into the Springbrook One Bedroom Suite, which is perfect for families needing extra space, easy access to activities, and a comfortable home base. It’s become our go-to room category, and if you’re planning a Woodloch trip with kids, consider this your sign.

Family Activities at Woodloch: Something for Everyone

One of the reasons we keep coming back is the huge list of family-friendly activities Woodloch offers. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a full week, you’ll never run out of things to do.

Pro tip: bring a highlighter for the daily activity sheet to prioritize what activities are important for your family

On this trip, our family enjoyed:

  • Jewelry making
  • Painting and arts & crafts
  • Storytime and reading
  • Marshmallow roasting (a must!)
  • Bumper cars — twice, because the kids insisted 😂
  • Indoor pool, hot tubs & splash area (we spent 5 hours here on Saturday!)
  • Lakeside walks
  • Mini golf
  • Outdoor and indoor playgrounds
  • Teaching the kids bocce ball
  • And yes… Mom and Dad even snuck in sauna time 🙌

If you’re looking for a Poconos family resort with nonstop activities, Woodloch is genuinely unmatched.

The Iconic Woodloch Horse Races 🐴

A highlight of this trip? The Woodloch horse races, which are a longtime resort tradition. You “bet” on wooden horses, cheer with your table, and get way more competitive than you’d expect. It quickly became a new family favorite — fun, silly, nostalgic, and uniquely Woodloch. Emilia and Nicholas loved shouting their horses number and listening to Scooter call out the dice numbers. Although we didn’t win, we had a really fun night out and the kids were thrilled to be out past bedtime.

Dining at Woodloch: Don’t Skip Dessert

Meals are included at Woodloch. Every meal is delicious, comforting, and kid approved. I always love the delicious salads, seasonal soups, homemade breads, and entrees that I wouldn’t typically make at home (i.e. pork shank). The kid’s menu is always available, and you can order your meals to go, like we did for lunch on Saturday. Eating poolside is a vibe! If you’re planning a visit, here are two must-dos:

✔️ Order the Mud Pie for dessert (even if it is not featured, they always have it!)
✔️ Order baked goods to bring home

We went home with cookies, blueberry bread, and crumb cake. Zero regrets.

If you love all-inclusive family resorts with great food, this is your place.

Why Woodloch Continues to Be Our Happy Place

Woodloch has earned countless awards for a reason. The staff, the activities, the dining, the traditions — everything is designed to help families relax, reconnect, and actually enjoy time together.

From the giggles on the bumper cars to the concentration during crafts, the peaceful moments by the lake, and the wild energy in the indoor playground… every moment feels special.

For us, Woodloch is our happy place, and it continues to deliver unforgettable family getaways year after year.

Planning Your Family Trip to Woodloch?

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive family resort in the Poconos, a place where everything is taken care of and memories practically make themselves, Woodloch is it.

👉 Ready to plan your own Woodloch getaway? Book here using code VIBES25 (applicable stays only) to get 10% off your stay! Drop a comment or send me a message — I’m happy to help you choose the best room, best time to visit, and top activities for your family!

Be sure to check out our Ambassador page and visit Woodloch on Instagram!

Family Fun Weekend at Roscoe Campsite Park, Roscoe, New York

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Fall in the Catskills is pure magic—and this year, our family found the perfect way to soak it all in with a Family Fun Weekend at Roscoe Campsite Park. Jason and I have been to Roscoe before and usually stay at the River House at Trout Town Farms, just down the road. But this trip was extra special: it was our first time bringing Emilia (7), Nicholas (3), and our 11-year-old rescue pup, Gino, for a true camping adventure. Spoiler alert: everyone had the best time.

Our Luxury Tent Stay

Forget what you know about “roughing it.” Our luxury tent at Roscoe Campsite Park felt more like a boutique cabin in the woods. With a king-size bed for us and bunk beds for the kids, there was plenty of space for the four of us to spread out. The kids thought the bunks were the coolest thing ever, while Jason and I loved sinking into the king bed after busy days of exploring.

The tent came with a full bathroom (yes, a clawfoot tub in the woods!) and a shower, which made things so easy with kids. Outside, we had a picnic table, a grill under a gazebo, and even a cozy egg chair on the patio where we enjoyed slow breakfasts and lunches together. At night, the space transformed into our own little sanctuary under the stars.

Of course, no trip to Roscoe is complete without a stop at Grizzly Bagels in downtown Roscoe. We always recommend their famous Jalapeño Cheddar bagel with scallion cream cheese, lox, tomato, and capers—it’s our go-to breakfast every single visit. The kids love the cinnamon raisin bagels with cream cheese. Fresh, flavorful, and the perfect fuel for a day of family adventures in the Catskills.

Another tradition whenever we’re in town is stopping by Roscoe Beer Co. to grab a few of their locally brewed favorites. Jason and I especially love the Streamside Pilsner—crisp, refreshing, and the perfect pairing with a classic campfire hot dog fresh off the grill. There’s just something about sipping a cold local beer under the stars while the kids run around that makes camping feel complete.

First Night Magic ✨

The moment we arrived, the weekend kicked off with one of my favorite camping traditions: roasting s’mores around the fire. Emilia and Nicholas were in heaven toasting marshmallows, sticky fingers and all. As the sun set, the whole campsite gathered to watch Hocus Pocus on the big screen—pure Halloween season vibes. It was the perfect way to start our getaway.

Farm Fun at Trout Town Farms 🐐🐓🦙

On Saturday, we joined the farm tour at Trout Town Farms, and it quickly became one of the kids’ favorite activities. They got to feed alpacas and goats, pet Gloria, the resident turkey, collect fresh eggs from the chicken coop, and even enjoyed a honey tasting. Their faces lit up as they learned where food comes from—Nicholas proudly carried his egg like it was gold, while Emilia loved feeding the alpacas.

During the tour, we also got to peek at the new Mountain Pool Trout Loft property, another unique place to stay in Roscoe. Jason and I immediately added it to our list for a future trip—it’s such a cool option for anyone who wants a mix of comfort and nature.

Pumpkins, Play, and Pure Joy 🎃

Later that day, we went pumpkin picking at Trout Town Farms, and the kids carefully picked out “the perfect ones.” Back at Roscoe Campsite Park, they decorated and carved their pumpkins during Wine & Cheese Night, while Jason and I enjoyed local wines, cheeses, and a live band. The kids danced their hearts out to the music, did arts and crafts, wore glow bracelets, and even got goodie bags filled with nostalgic toys like spinners and candies. Seeing their joy was everything.

Outdoor Adventures 🚴‍♀️🏀🐕

One of the best parts about staying at Roscoe Campsite Park is that there’s something for everyone. We spent time walking along the riverbanks, skipping rocks, and splashing in the water. Being in nature was such a reset for all of us—it really does feel good for the soul.

The kids also got plenty of time to run free. Emilia and Nicholas loved the playground, raced each other down the slides, and made new friends. We all shot hoops at the basketball court, and Gino had the time of his life exploring the dog park—his first official camping trip, and he was so happy.

We even learned how to press apples into cider. Emilia cranked the press with all her might while Nicholas cheered her on, and together they made apple cider that tasted even sweeter because they worked for it. Those little moments are what make family trips so special.

Why We Loved This Trip ❤️

Looking back, this trip was more than just a weekend getaway. It was about watching Emilia and Nicholas live their best lives—running, playing, laughing, and experiencing new things. It was about Jason and I slowing down, unplugging, and enjoying the simple joys of being together as a family. And it was about Gino finally joining us for a trip he could enjoy too in his golden years.

Plan Your Family Camping Trip in the Catskills 🏕️

If you’re looking for family camping in the Catskills that combines the beauty of nature with the comfort of home, Roscoe Campsite Park is the place. Whether you’re in a luxury tent like us, an RV, cabin, or another rental, you’ll find endless ways to make memories.

👉 Book your stay at RoscoeCampsite.com. Don’t forget to use code REALMOFVIBES15 to save 15% off your stay!

Trust me—you’ll want this experience too.

See my carousel and highlight reel on Instagram for a detailed look into our trip. Be sure to visit Roscoe Campsite Park and Trout Town Farms on Instagram, too.

Below is a Pin for you to save to your travel board.

Beach Days, Balconies & Beyond: Staying at Turtles Up in Surfside Beach, South Carolina

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When we plan a family getaway, we’re always looking for a place that feels like home, but with just the right amount of vacation magic. On our recent trip to Surfside Beach, South Carolina, we found that sweet spot at Turtles Up, a spacious 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom beach house that checked all the boxes for relaxation, comfort, and fun.

The House: Room to Relax & Reconnect

Walking into Turtles Up, we were instantly struck by how much space there was. With five bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms, everyone had their own little corner to recharge. No waiting in line for showers, no bumping elbows—just plenty of room to spread out. We loved the full kitchen with coffee from Sheepdog Java.

Turtles Up has three balconies, each offering a different view and vibe. Whether sipping coffee in the morning, enjoying a quiet evening breeze, or sneaking away for a little “me” time, the balconies quickly became some of our favorite spots. I personally loved sitting on the balcony journaling and reading my book club selection.

And then there was the private in-ground pool, which was a total game-changer. The kids loved splashing around while Jason and I could lounge poolside, and it was the perfect way to wind down after a day at the beach. Speaking of the beach, it was just a short walk away, so we had the best of both worlds, saltwater and sand or private poolside lounging, depending on our mood.

Turtles Up makes beach and pool days completely effortless by supplying all the gear you could possibly need—no need to pack anything from home. Just outside by the pool, there’s a convenient closet stocked with everything for fun in the sun, so you can simply grab and go. The outdoor space itself is a retreat, featuring a picnic table perfect for poolside dining, cozy Adirondack chairs set under a fan for comfort, mood lighting that makes evenings feel magical, and even an outdoor television so you don’t have to miss the game while you’re enjoying the fresh air.

Be sure to visit my Highlight Reel on Instagram, and catch my reel on Turtles Up!

Getting Around: The LSV

Another highlight of our stay was renting a 6-seater Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) from RDR4Carts with the Journee Rentals app. The LSV, a sleek model from Star Electric Vehicles, made getting around Surfside Beach a breeze. It was perfect for quick trips to grab food, explore local shops, or cruise to the beach without having to worry about parking, or lugging all of our beach gear. Plus, the kids loved riding in it which added a fun twist to our daily adventures.

Dining Out: Hard Rock Café, Crabby George’s and Bojangles

No beach trip is complete without some good eats, and Myrtle Beach delivered.

Dinner at Hard Rock Café Myrtle Beach was a total hit. Jason went all in with the Tampa Burger, while I treated myself to the Cowboy Ribeye—so flavorful and perfectly cooked. The kids were happy campers with their cheese pizzas, Nick pairing his with fries and Emilia opting for fresh red grapes. We kicked things off by splitting a plate of buffalo wings (my personal favorite), sipped on a signature Hurricane cocktail and an ice-cold draft beer, and finished with the ultimate sweet treat: a fudge brownie sundae that disappeared in no time. Beyond the food, we loved walking around and soaking in the incredible rock ’n roll memorabilia, from Jimi Hendrix to Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Macklemore, Miley Cyrus, and Trent Reznor. Between the fun atmosphere, the flavorful dishes, and the unbeatable vibe, it was a night to remember. Check out more from that night here.

We also ventured to Crabby George’s Seafood Buffet, where we happily loaded our plates with seafood favorites. It was one of those meals where everyone found something they loved—whether it was endless crab legs, buttery garlic shrimp, or all the classic sides that made it impossible to stop at just one plate. I especially loved trying my very first South Carolina crab, Jason couldn’t get enough of the shrimp, and while Emilia and Nick played it safe with their go-to pizza and fries, they surprised us by trying—and loving—the hush puppies. To top it all off, the kids were thrilled with the self-serve ice cream machine, making dessert just as exciting as dinner. Crabby George’s truly had something for everyone and made for a fun, family-friendly night out. Check out a peek at our experience here.

No trip to the South is complete without trying some local fast favorites, so we made sure to stop at Bojangles for the very first time. Famous for their fried chicken and biscuits, it did not disappoint. The kids devoured the seasoned fries, Jason went straight for the chicken sandwich, and I couldn’t resist the macaroni and cheese and sweet tea. It was quick, flavorful, and definitely one of those “when in the Carolinas” experiences we were glad to check off our list.

Family Adventures: Huntington Beach & Ripley’s Aquarium

Beyond the house and the food, we made time for family adventures that made this trip extra special.

At Huntington Beach State Park, we got to slow down and soak in the natural beauty of South Carolina. We started with a visit to Atalaya Castle, then let the kids run off some energy at the playground before treating ourselves to ice cream at Snowbill’s. Along the way, we spotted alligators basking in the sun, colorful birds, and even made a stop at the wildlife center, where we watched a turtle chomp on a worm and learned about the different bird species that call the park home. Between the trails, the wildlife, and plenty of snacks to keep little hands busy, it was the perfect way to balance out the busier parts of Myrtle Beach with a slower, quieter, and more nature-filled day.

We also spent time at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, which was an absolute hit with the kids. Emilia was over the moon seeing a real-life axolotl—her absolute favorite—while Nick couldn’t get enough of the bearded dragon and the massive hammerhead and sawtooth sharks. Jason kept pointing out all the vibrant, colorful fish, while the kids bounced between the interactive exhibits and touch tanks, loving the chance to get hands-on with marine life. They could have spent hours in the goldfish realm, and honestly, I don’t think any of us wanted to leave. Watching their curiosity light up was one of those core memory moments that makes family travel so worth it. It was truly the perfect blend of fun and learning for the whole family. Check out a peek at our visit here. Be sure to also check out their Instagram.

Why Surfside Beach is Perfect for Families (and Everyone Else)

Whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a couple’s escape, or looking for a place to reconnect with friends, Surfside Beach has something for everyone. Turtles Up gave us the comfort and convenience we needed, while local dining and attractions gave us plenty to explore.

This trip gave us the perfect balance of rest, adventure, and togetherness; the very thing we were hoping for. If you’re searching for a destination that blends relaxation with fun, Surfside Beach delivers every time, and Turtles Up is the home base that makes it all unforgettable. We can’t wait to return!

Be sure to follow Turtles Up on Instagram and Facebook and pin the image below to your travel Pinterest board!

Great Wolf Lodge – Perryville, MD Snowland Experience

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Hosted stay. All opinions within are my own. May earn commissions from links. Thank you for supporting my blog.

It was very difficult for me to go back to work today after a weekend experiencing Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge in Perryville, MD.

Let’s say I was daydreaming about watching my kids boogie at the pajama dance party with snow falling from the ceiling, playing mini-golf, eating pizza, drinking margaritas in the cabana, and jumping waves in the wave pool.

We arrived and unloaded our belongings into the Wolf Den Suite which had a Queen bed, sofa, table, and den space which included a bunk bed. There was enough room in the den to set up Nick’s pack-n-play. The fridge was stocked with water and sodas and a box of cookies and brownies were enjoyed by all. The bathroom had a tub shower which was helpful with having two small children. We also used the coffee maker. Our room was right across from the ice station, which had a microwave.

Snowland activities included crafts (coloring a photo frame and coloring pages), taking pictures with Santa, a Snowland scavenger hunt, and a family pajama dance party where snow fell from the ceiling as the kids danced their hearts out. My kids had an absolute blast. We also took some amazing pictures in front of the Christmas tree in the spacious lobby.

Insider tips: Get a Wolf Pass to have included extras like a scoop of ice cream, a small candy cup, a round of golf, a game of bowling, a mirror maze entrance, a ropes course admission, a wand, and a game of MagiQuest at a discounted price. Make sure you grab a pair of complimentary wolf ears in the gift shop.

Em and I stayed up late and went mini-golfing, navigated the mirror maze, played arcade games, and ate a scoop of ice cream from Wood’s End Creamery. We also went to the gift shop and made a Build-a-Bear.

The next day we went to The Watering Hole, the waterpark bar, to gain access to our cabana. Having a cabana with food and drink service made the experience exceptional. (Thank you, Kari!) Our pizza lunch, drinks, and kids slushies were brought directly to us and we also had two couches, a lounge chair, and a table with chairs. We also had a ceiling fan, a safe, and a flat-screen television. I loved not waiting in lines and having a space to call home for the nine hours that we were at the water park. Yes, 9 full hours. (I have two water babies and I love waterparks!) We loved the wave pool, tube slides, splash pad, lazy river, and basketball/rock climbing pool. Em went on her first couple of tube slides and I am so proud of her! She also went down some big girl slides that went super fast! The waterpark is seriously for all ages and was a lot of fun.

There are many dining options at Great Wolf Lodge – Perryville, MD. We enjoyed the on-site Dunkin’ where we ordered breakfast every morning. The first night we went to Barnwood where J and I both got the Smokehouse Burger with fries and the kids split Rigatoni pasta and fries. The following day, we ordered pizza from Hungry as a Wolf for lunch. For dinner, J and I went to Campfire Kitchen where we got carne asada and chicken bowls. The kids wanted more pizza, so we went back to Hungry as a Wolf and got them personal pizzas. We loved the food options; there was truly something for everyone, including our picky cherubs.

None of us wanted to leave Sunday morning. We all had so much fun. Between the entertainment, activities, attractions, and waterpark, we laughed, smiled, and enjoyed each other’s company outside of our normal rat race. It was a welcomed break from reality.

Emilia asked me when we’d be returning. I’d love to go back to Perryville, MD — and I would also like to venture to the GWL closest to me in the Poconos. When the Connecticut GWL opens in 2025, I would also love to venture there. And, I will definitely look for Great Wolf Lodges when we travel to different states because the memories made this past weekend will last a lifetime.

Thank you to everyone who made our trip spectacular!

Woodloch Part II – Hawley, PA Couples Trip

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Woodloch Pines in Hawley, PA is our happy place. We visited earlier in 2023 with our cherubs in tow, and it was absolutely amazing. As one of my friends stated, Woodloch Pines is like a cruise ship on land. It has activities that cater to everyone and anyone. The food is absolutely phenomenal. The accommodations are comfortable and cater to families with thoughtful floor plans. Woodloch staff go above and beyond to make you feel welcomed, included, and happy. Woodloch has all-inclusive options where meals can be included with your accommodations, or you can opt out of the meal plan and cook in your suite. We love Woodloch Pines.

Our most recent trip was a couples trip. Yes, we actually got away from our kids for an entire weekend. For those of you who don’t know, we were unable to go to Barbados in 2020 due to the pandemic and we had to cancel Jason’s 40th Birthday Nashville trip because both kids had strep. And, when we were up in Roscoe, NY, Nick was sick and Em had an embedded tick and spiked a fever. So, needless to say, it wasn’t very relaxing. Some luck, right?

So we needed Woodloch to reconnect — to have a hot cup of coffee, to drive over to the Woodloch Springs Sports Complex and get a workout in the full gym, sit in the steam room, and then take a dip in the pool and hot tub. I read a chapter of my book on the balcony. We ate our meals in complete silence. We saw an amazing production, California Dreamin’, and laughed heartedly at NYC Comedian Wali Collins. I got ten, uninterrupted, hours of sleep. Yes, I wrote and meant ten. We went on Go Karts, took some swings in the batting cages, and went for a leisurely walk along the water. We took a hayride to the Haunted Walk where I was totally spooked and totally screamed, but had such a fun time celebrating Halloween. I shopped until I dropped in the gift shop. Did I mention, that we love Woodloch Pines?

I got a really great question on Instagram; “What is the best time to go?”

My answer: Any time. In January, with the kids, we went to the splash pad, and the pool on the Woodloch Pines complex, explored the indoor play place, and bumper cars, and did kids’ activities. Read more about that post here. This time, we went as a couple during the fall, and there were still so many indoor and outdoor activities to see and do. My hope is that we can eventually go during the spring and summer so that we can enjoy warmer weather and be able to enjoy the lake. It is such a quick drive from NYC or Philadelphia, and truly a place where generations of families can gather to make memories year after year.

I would also tell you to plan a trip WITH your kids, and then plan a trip WITHOUT your kids. Woodloch Pines is a family resort. It is the #1 family resort in the United States of America and it truly and wholeheartedly deserves that title and recognition. I would live at Woodloch. Speaking of living at Woodloch, when we went to the Woodloch Springs Sports Complex, we were looking at real estate within the community. Jason and I always thought that we would move South when he retires in a few years. We both looked at each other and I stated, “What if we retired here?” Woodloch Springs is a few miles from Woodloch Pines and is its own community situated on a golf course with a library and on-site dining and the Sports Complex. The Lodge at Woodloch is the spa. We have yet to go, but it is on my to-travel list. Woodloch Springs has houses to purchase or rent; for our trip, we wanted to be happily situated at Woodloch Pines which was close to everything. Bring your kids and enjoy everything that Woodloch Pines has to offer, then plan a trip without your kids to do all the things that you weren’t able to do when you brought your kids… just like we did!

It was a harsh reality driving home and going back to work on Monday. Luckily, we ordered and brought home chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin bread, and banana bread to take pieces of Woodloch Pines home with us. As I dunk my cookie in the milk, I savor the time spent at Woodloch and encourage you to book a trip in the near future. You won’t regret it.

[[Side note: I want to tell you that if you aren’t following me on Instagram, make sure you head over there and check out both of my Woodloch highlight reels.]]

Book a room at Woodloch right through my link.

Though this was a hosted trip, (thank you, Woodloch), all opinions expressed within are my own. Be sure to visit Woodloch’s website and Instagram.