Travel

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!

LippyClip Review

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Sponsored post containing affiliate links. All opinions within are my own.

I used to struggle to find chapsticks in my purse as I often carry around way too many things. Now our family has the LippyClip!

Em sporting the Pink Leopard LippyClip

LippyClip is designed to perfectly hold standard-sized lip balm, such as Chapstick, Blistex, standard-sized Burt’s Bees, Carmex, etc.  Some squeeze-type lip balms will also fit, as well as any 0.15 oz lip balm. LippyClip was invented in 2012 by founder and CEO, Amy Gabriel. All LippyClips are made in the USA, by women working from home. We are a 100% women-owned and operated business. As you know, Realm of Vibes prides itself in working with women-owned, small businesses, so please check them out and refer to your friends and family!

Also offered is LippyClipKISS, which is a larger version to carry around bigger lip balms and essential oil rollers.

LippyClips are great gifts! They come ready to be wrapped or added to cellophane or a bag!

One of the best features of LippyClip is that there are so many solids & patterns to choose from! New products are released on Fridays. (Make sure to follow LippyClip on Instagram and Facebook.)

You can also shop sets of LippyClip, LippyClipKISS, and SaniClips. The SaniClip is perfectly designed to hold hand sanitizer. SaniClips are most commonly used on purse hardware and backpack pulls. However, every day we see new ways our customers choose to use the SaniClip, such as diaper bags, children’s backpacks, strollers, gym bags, belt loops, and more. Working in healthcare, and having small children, I always have my hand sanitzer with me and putting it in the SaniClip keeps it handy! (I also have one on my diaper bag!)

I have given teachers, therapists, co-workers, friends, and family LippyClips for birthdays, holidays, and gifts. As a winter gift, I got Em’s bus driver a LippyClip with buses on it, a Chapstick, and scratch-off lottery tickets in a cellophane bag.

LippyClip keeps your essentials nearby; I hook my LippyClip into my purse and I can always find it, especially in times when I need my chapstick most during the dry NJ winter months.

Do you have a LippyClip? Which pattern or solid would you pick? Who would you gift one to? Let me know in the comments!

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.

Cartoon Network Hotel – Lancaster, PA

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Hosted trip. May contain affiliate links. All opinions within are my own. May receive a small commission if you purchase something through an affiliate link. Thanks for supporting my small business.

I grew up watching the Powerpuff Girls, so I felt nostalgic vibes when I stayed at the Cartoon Network Hotel in Lancaster, PA.

The Cartoon Network Hotel has themed rooms, an outdoor pool with a slide, a Powerpuff Splash pad, an indoor pool, campfires, an outdoor movie screen, on-site dining at the Cartoon Kitchen and Bearista Cafe, an arcade, and a play area for the kids. (The coffee was really good at the Bearista Cafe). Em was able to create her own Powerpuff Girl, play interactive games on a big screen, color a design then have it come to life on another big screen.

I loved the convenience of having everything in one location. The kids had a blast in the pool and Powerpuff Splash pad. The Cartoon Network Store also had really cool shirts, mugs, stickers, toys, stuffies, etc.

We also enjoyed Dutch Wonderland, a family fun amusement park geared towards younger children (ages 1-8). (Perfect for Em and Nick!)  We loved the rides; especially the train, carousel, and trucks. There are many places to take pictures. We also got a Dutch pretzel with beer cheese and mustard, which was delicious.

Dutch Wonderland is a very quick walk from the Cartoon Network Hotel and a short drive from NYC, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and DC!  

A fun time was had by all! Make sure you check out the Cartoon Network Hotel and Dutch Wonderland on Instagram, too! (Also — I have a Cartoon Network highlight reel, so you can see more of our stay and the rides at Dutch Wonderland!)

Our Mystic, CT Adventure

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Although this post contains sponsored/hosted/affiliate material, all opinions within are honest and my own. Thank you for your continued support!

We prepared for our trip to Mystic, CT by watching Mystic Pizza. If you haven’t seen it, make sure you do so for it’s a classic. (Julia Roberts, Lili Taylor…I mean, c’mon!)

When I told Jason I landed a #hosted trip at Hilton Mystic, he looked at me with his sly smile and said, “Well, Danielle, you know what I always say…’You can never go wrong with a Hilton.’” He has literally said that statement since I met him almost 13 years ago. (As a quick aside, before Jason met me, he has been to only a handful of places; I have dragged him to the Caribbean, Europe, and around the USA; he quickly realized he married a woman with a thirst for adventure. When in doubt, book a Hilton.)

We arrived at the Hilton Mystic and checked into our double bedroom. (Thank you to CC & Christine for an easy check-in/out process). Our room was spacious and tidy. The bathroom had a tub shower, which is always helpful for a preschooler. Hilton Mystic has a gym (that I actually got to use), a pool (that plays a movie at 7 PM every weekend), an arts and crafts room (shoutout to Annie & Betsy, you both were so patient and kind to Em), and an on-site restaurant The Irons, which served an amazing breakfast buffet. Hilton Mystic also has a fire pit area and several areas to take pictures. We had our picture taken with the infamous ship’s wheel and pirate.

The first night in Mystic, we went to Mystic Pizza and grabbed a whole pie with meatballs, and two Mystic Pizza lagers. Em had a 6″ kid’s plain pie. Em finished her entire pizza and J and I housed the meatball pie. The dough was sweet, the sauce flavorful, and the meatballs homemade. The brews were ice cold and refreshing after a 3+ hour drive.

Then, we went back to Hilton Mystic and made a sensory bag and some artwork in the craft room, and then watched a movie while splashing in the pool. Pool towels are provided, which is a huge plus. There is a variety of seating options; chaise lounges, tables, and comfortable sofas. The pool water was crystal clear and heated.

Downtown Mystic was the quintessential New England town, filled with restaurants, bars, shops, and ice cream parlors. We got some chocolate and Oreo fudge for dessert. Downtown Mystic has lots to see and do.

The following day, our first stop was the Mystic Aquarium, followed by the Mystic Seaport Museum. Both venues are indoors and outdoors, so if it rains the entire time like it did during our stay, make sure you pack your raincoats, rain boots, and umbrellas.

The Mystic Aquarium was super fun and located right across the street from the Hilton Mystic. Emilia enjoyed watching the beluga whales, learning about different types of jellyfish, and viewing Stretch the snapping turtle. She also got to touch string rays and hermit crabs in the touch tanks. We learned so much about the different sea creatures.

The Mystic Seaport Museum blew us away, both figuratively and literally. We loved exploring different ships. (the pictures don’t capture the size of the ships relative to our heights; trust me, they are humungous). Emilia enjoyed the Children’s Museum where she got to play with all of the toys. We also learned historical tidbits about how sails were made, how boats were built, etc. The on-site tavern was a great place to enjoy some local brews and gave us adults a place to kick back and relax and study the map.

Red 36 was our sport for a late lunch/early dinner. I opted for the hot lobster roll and clam chowder. Delicious.

Sift Bakery was where we stopped for dessert and splurged on a cookie and macarons. I understand why Sift came highly recommended. I will be back for more goodies.

Then we took a drive and wound up on DuBois Beach. It was magical. The sea breeze paired with some sunshine was the perfect ending to a day of exploration. Emilia collected rocks. Jason sat on the rocks. I paced the beach in deep thought. It was perfect. I am so lucky to have had this experience with my family.

We scurried back to the Hilton Mystic where Em made a penguin with Annie in the arts and crafts room. Then, we enjoyed another movie in the pool.

The nice part about our Mystic trip was that at the end of a long day, Hilton Mystic was there to entertain Emilia (arts and crafts and the pool) and add comfort to our stay. The beds and pillows were fabulous; I slept like a rock. The on-site restaurant, The Irons, serves breakfast and dinner, perfect for families with littles that need added convenience. The fire pits would have been a great place to sit and enjoy a glass of wine. (Darn rain!) I got an amazing workout in the gym. As most of you know, Jason is a stickler for cleanliness, and our room was cleaned thoroughly, as well as the communal spaces (arts and crafts room, pool, elevator, lobby).

Bottom line: We need to return to Mystic. A weekend was just a taste of all that Mystic, CT has to offer and I am itching for more adventure. Be sure to book your stay at the Hilton Mystic through my link.

Have you been to Mystic, CT? Let me know in the comments!

Please, make sure to share this post and Pin it to your travel board!

If you haven’t already, view my Highlight Reel of Hilton Mystic on my Instagram.