Helen, Georgia – a Taste of Germany here in America

I very seldom watch PB stations but I happened to tune in a few years ago and watched a show called “The Georgia Traveler”.  They were doing a segment on Alpine Helen, Georgia which is a small town in the north-eastern Blue Ridge mountains.  

Entering Helen, Georgia doesn’t require a passport but you will think you entered Germany!  You will be in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Northeast Georgia with amazing views and lots of activities to choose from.

As soon as the segment finished I literally ran to the computer and did a Google search.  Yes, it truly did exist and I wanted to go.  When I read about the German Bakery and some of the restaurants, I knew a trip was in our very near future.

Reservations were made through VRBO and we had a nice pet friendly, two-bedroom 2-bath cabin about 20 minutes outside of town.  We did learn one lesson early on; Sunday, which is the day we arrived, is extremely busy.  Traffic was just short of horrible!  You see, Helen is a short ride from Atlanta and the good folks from the city head to Helen on Sunday to get away from it all.

Things were much better during the week.  We rode through town many times without much delay.  It was easier to get seated in restaurants during the week also. Speaking of food, if you click on this link you will find a listing of restaurant in Helen. 

Paul’s Steakhouse was one of our choices for dinner and it was a good one.  Good food, fast service and a view of the River!  We went with the Prime Rib of course, but they have a nice selection of entrees.

Our last night in Helen we ate at a very authentic German restaurant called the Hofbrauhaus Restaurant which is located on Main Street and it also sits on the banks of the Chattahoochee River.  We had the Prime Rib and it was out of this world.

Whether you are looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner there is something for you in Helen.  If you are into cakes and pies, oh my, then head to Hofer's of Helen Bakery & Café and see what they have.  Be prepared to wait in line as their heavenly creations draw crowds!  During our trip to Helen we stopped at Hofer’s at least 4 times in 3 days and managed to bring home a sufficient supply of sweets and treats!

When you head out of your cabin or motel be sure to search out Betty’s Country Store right in town.  It is a step back in time and you will find unusual items on the shelves.  You can also stock up on groceries or souvenirs at Betty’s.

Alpine Helen, Georgia – a fun place to spend an afternoon or a week! 

"Southern Charm" Restaurant, Blue Ridge, Georgia

During our recent visit to Blue Ridge, Georgia we ate at one of our favorite restaurants, Christy Lee’s Court Yard Grille.  I can’t say a thing bad about that restaurant except I wish it was in my backyard!

We almost went back to Christy Lee’s our last night of vacation, but I decided to try to find something new, something different, a place we had not tried before.  I have no clue why my restaurant searches didn’t pick up Southern Charm until that day.  My husband and I both wish I had found it sooner!

I was also curious as to why I hadn’t heard of Southern Charm during our previous visits to the area.  That’s easy, it didn’t open until 2013 and the last time we were there was 2011.

This place is loaded with "Southern Charm"

I saw the photo of the restaurant on their website, and thought how adorable it was!  Just my kind of place so I read the menu and was happy to find out their menu held several items that I would like.  My husband is easy; I knew he would get a burger if nothing else caught his eye or his taste buds!

Off we went to find this new taste treat…

Once seated we were hand menus and we ordered our drinks.  I usually avoid sweet tea at a restaurant as I have never had a really good glass of it out.  I had read some reviews and knew I would be happy with it at this restaurant – and I was.  It was served in a mason jar and it was the absolute best sweet tea ever. 

I love a good pot pie and guess what they had on the menu – Grandma’s Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie!  It isn’t your typical pot pie with a bottom and top crust.  It was more like a bowl of pot pie filling with two southern biscuits in the bowl also.  It was the perfect item for me to order and I couldn’t have been happier.  I choose a baked sweet potato (served with butter and brown sugar on the side) and steamed broccoli as my two sides.

Grandma's Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie

My husband did order a Burger and Cole Slaw. He declared it was a better burger than he has had at several restaurants recently.  See, I knew that’s what he would get!

Great burger says my husband!

Let me back-track a little, while waiting for our dinners they served two Southern Biscuits with a small dish of the best apple butter (warm) that I’ve ever tasted.  I should have bought some to bring home….darn!

The atmosphere was great, the service was fast, the prices were reasonable and the food was excellent.  If you plan a trip to Blue Ridge, Georgia make sure you check out Southern Charm’s website and read their menu and their specials.  I know you will find something you like and once you visit you will want to make a return trip.

PS:  We ordered a slice of Grandma’s Coconut Cake to-go.  It certainly was a southern charmer of a cake…be sure to ask about it.

Southern Charm

224 W. Main St.

Blue Ridge, GA

Photos belong to AbbyG

Whitestone Inn: a perfect getaway

Whitestone Inn is among the most beautiful places where I have ever stayed. My husband's church shocked us for Pastor Appreciation Month by giving us a gift to Whitestone Inn. We used it to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary in April. It could not have been more perfect.

The world was left behind when we pulled through the large red barn that marks the entrance. A stop at the schoolhouse and staff had us checked in with lightening speed. We were given chocolates as a surprise.

Our room was in the Farmhouse. Soft music played throughout the inn. We were in the Blue Heron room. A control was in our room so we could adjust the volume. The stained glass window above the door displayed an artistic rendering of the bird. The effect was charmingly peaceful.

It was hard for us to lift our heads from the cloud-soft pillows at Whitestone Inn. Tantalizing us with the promise of a scrumptious breakfast and hot coffee was what got us going, and I have to say that the meal beat our high expectations.

Some Smoky Mountain campgrounds remain closed

Did you know that some Smoky Mountain campgrounds are closed? Thanks to the sequester there are not enough funds to keep all of the park operations going. I was reminded of this when looking into camping options in the Smokies. Picnic areas near some of the campgrounds are also effected.

Three closures are:

Look Rock and picnic areas
Abrams Creek is reported to be closed by WATE but the NPS website isn't reflecting the information.
Balsam Mountain (Also reported at the above link.)


Almost all of the TVA and Tennessee State Parks have campgrounds, you don't have to worry about admission fees and they are usually staffed with friendly people. Another plus is that most of the state park campgrounds offer electricity. Here is an article that I wrote on the national park alternatives a few months ago.

There are campgrounds in the Smoky Mountain National Park that are still open. Cades Cove is one of them and Elkmont is another. The best way to find information on available camping is to search the national park website at nps.gov.

Our national park campgrounds and picnic areas are treasures. Hopefully the sequester will be over soon so we can go back to enjoying all that the Smokies have to offer. Camping is a good budget summer vacation for college students and a great getaway for the family.

How to find Walt Disney World deals and packages

Just because Walt Disney World is the most magical place on earth doesn't mean that it has to be the most expensive. There are ways to whittle down the cost that can help make it more affordable. One of the best ways to do that is to find Walt Disney World deals and packages.

Walt Disney World Pop Century

It's no secret that the best hotels rates can be found during off-season travel. This generally means traveling when the kids are supposed to be in school and avoiding holidays. That can be pretty unrealistic for most families. That makes finding Walt Disney World deals important for most families. Don't worry. The deals are out there.


Walt Disney World has its own vacation club. Members purchase points to use toward future vacations but sometimes aren't able to use them. These are sometimes sold through Disney Vacation Club resellers at a fraction of the original cost. Buyers should always be careful to buy points through reputable outlets. Online searches and checking with the BBB before purchasing can be helpful.

Another place to check for Walt Disney World deals and packages is at the park website. My husband and I have been able to get a free dining plan and discounts directly through Disney. Copy and paste this link into your browser to get to to the special offers page.  http://bit.ly/XUkD2B

Check discount sites like Priceline or Expedia for Walt Disney World deals. They sometimes have packages or hotel discounts that can save you money.

Don't assume that it's cheaper to say off the property. I've found Disney Resorts to be competitively priced. Off property locations can have hidden costs in terms of transportation and parking. However; that's not always the case. A hotel can be worth considering if it has a free shuttle or free breakfast.

I love it when companies like Walt Disney World offer deals to our military. Retired and active military members can purchase a 4-day ticket with park hopper option for $156 each (plus tax) in 2013. Tickets must be purchased at by a member of the military or a spouse and can only be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets. Compare that to the cost of a non-discount ticket and this is one of the Walt Disney World deals that you can really appreciate. http://bit.ly/13lx6uw

Before you head to the parks, there is another article that you should read. How to survive Walt Disney World with whiny teens can help families and adults have a better time at the parks.

Top travel options for college students

Spring is the time of year when student travel groups are making summer plans. Never before have college travel options for students included such a broad expanse of opportunities. Only a few years ago, students who went to backpacking through Europe were the norm. Now, there is literally a world of options.

The mix usually breaks down into three general types of student travel.

School related trips
These are usually put together through EF Smithsonian Student Travel,  or other student travel company. This is one of the travel options for college students that typically involve course credit. Outside course work may have to be completed. Check with student services or with your favorite professor. ACIS and STA travel

Free printable coloring pages for kids on vacation

Sail the high seas of your next rainy vacation with these free printable coloring pages. The pages fight the boredom jitters and are a parent's best friend. Print the coloring pages off at home, staple and bring them with you on vacation. Coloring books were my secret travel weapon when the kids were small. Too bad the freebie coloring sheets weren't around then!

Don't shy away from coloring pages for fear of melted crayons in the backseat. Put the crayons inside a plastic bag and store in the cooler. They'll be ready when your traveling artist is ready for the coloring pages. Colored pencils and waterproof markers are melt-free alternatives that kids can use on the getaway.

There are free printable coloring pages for almost every vacation possibility. I'm including them here because they look interesting and not because we're affiliated in any way. The links are offered with hope that they will rescue parents from bored children and have more fun on vacation. Click

How to choose laptop bags, backpacks or a duffel for travel

Selecting the right duffel bag, backpack or laptop bag for your travel needs can be intimidating. We talked previous about how to choose luggage and suitcases. Now let's look into duffel bags, backpacks and laptop bags.

Duffel bags
Small duffel bags that fit under airplane seats can also be good on road trips. They come in lightweight or heavy varieties. Always think about seams, straps, sturdiness of the cloth itself and the overall empty weight of the bag.

Wheeled duffel bags have hit the market and have taken off.  The problem is that they are easily overstuffed. I have seen them packed with everything from rappelling equipment and first aid supplies to clothing (and a combination). It can wreak havoc on airline size requirements.

Make sure that your duffel bag fits within the requirements before heading to the airport or bus station. I personally witnessed a group be left at the bus stop because their wheeled duffel bags exceeded the allowable weight and size. 

Backpacks
Again, durability is king. Think about how you will use the backpack before making the selection. That lightweight pack may be great for holding a laptop and lightweight items in an airport or road trip. The same backpack will probably fail miserably on a hiking trail. If you are in doubt about which type you need, visiting a camping supply store for help.

Laptop bags

How to choose luggage,bags or packs for travel

When it comes to how to choose luggage, bags or packs for travel the "one size fits all" doesn't apply. Different types of luggage are designed to meet certain needs. Choosing the best suitcase or bag for your needs depends on your vacation destination, method of travel and your vacation activities.

The type of luggage that you choose need not be expensive but it does need to be durable. My favorite three piece luggage set is an inexpensive no-name brand. It consists of a carry-on bag and two wheeled suitcases. The set is made of cloth and has been going strong for well over a decade.

If you're in the market for luggage, bags or packs for travel, then the section below will help.

How to pack light for a vacation

Packing light for a vacation means different things to different people. Taking a road trip with children requires more items. From dealing with the TSA to checked baggage fees, flying brings on its own challenges. Airline customers can have an easier time navigating lightweight bags through airports than heavier ones. Students and backpackers have to pack light for a vacation because of size limitations.

The good news is that you don't have to be overwhelmed. No matter what your destination or circumstance, these tips can help you pack light for a vacation.

Not an example of packing light.

Make a list
And check it twice. This will help you eliminate unnecessary items and pack light for your vacation.

Toiletries
Pack medications first and then everything else comes second. Does your family of four really need four bottles of shampoo? Take a small bottle or sample sizes. The same goes for body wash, lotion or other personal items. Follow the TSA rules when flying and plan similarly for road trips.

Choose wisely

Choosing which camper project to tackle first

A friend remarked to my husband that the best we could hope for with our pop-up camper was a slight cosmetic makeover. I would like our project to be a little more comprehensive than that. A remodel may not be easy. I just keep telling Hubby that since the camper was built in the first place, then it can be remodeled. The challenge is to get him on board.

Interior of my pop-up camper

We don't know anyone who has done a camper remodel, so it's almost as if we're blazing a new trail. The photo shows that we have a lot to do. So, which project would you start with?

Curtains

Camper makeover sites are few and far between. Internet searches yielded the sites that are linked from my post on camper makeover ideas. The camper curtains that we have are a dingy beige. They're functional, but they have to go.

Flooring
New laminate will give the pop-up camper a clean fresh look, but is it really something that we want to tackle? One company has said to visit us for flooring in iowa. Visiting them from Tennessee is out of the question. Local availability, price and ease of installation will be the deciding factors.

Cabinets

This is where Hubby gets nervous. I am all about replacing the doors. Hubby isn't. We may work out a compromise where we only replace the cabinet knobs in the camper.

Camper cushions

Our cushions are faded but functional. I'm going to recover them and replace the curtains at the same time.

Hooks

There is no place near the sink to hang a towel. If we keep the sink, adding hooks around it is one of the first things that we will do. However, the sink is next to the stove. Chances are pretty high that I'll chuck the whole thing and install a bench there. We'll see.

Preparing for summer

We have to get the camper ready for summer before we do any remodeling. If the weather cooperates, I'd like to get started on that tomorrow. We'll see how it goes.

How to finance a getaway, vacation or road trip

Financing a getaway, vacation or road trip can be intimidating. These tips show you how to finance a getaway or vacation so you can hit the road without worry. (Click here to read more about how to finance a vacation.

4. Layaway
Some companies are allowing you to put your vacation on layaway. Sears is the biggest but other companies are  getting in on the act. Check reviews carefully before using a layaway plan or financing a trip from any business that you are unfamiliar with.

5. Bank or credit union loan
A lot of people finance a vacation with a loan. Home equity and signature loans can look attractive. You go into your finance institution and fill out the paperwork for the travel loan just as you would for other credit. If you qualify, the institution will let you know in a day or two. Funds can often be transferred directly into your checking account for instant access. It's not my favorite way to finance a vacation but it does seem to be gaining popularity.

6. Credit cards
The thought of putting an entire getaway on a credit card gives me chills. Swiping that plastic is an easy way to finance the trip but the high interest rate can be a deal breaker. I suggest paying for the trip up front or self-financing. The credit cards can be used as an emergency reserve or to hold hotel rooms instead of being used to finance a vacation. (This article covers more about using credit cards on vacation.)

Finance your vacation without breaking the bank

I have been asked how to finance a vacation by several people. The advent spring means that summer is right around the corner. This means that the time to plan your spring break getaway, road trip or summer vacation is now. Some folks prefer to "wing it" but I always feel better once the I've figured out how to finance the vacation.

These tips will get you on the road without breaking the bank.

Click here to buy this card.

1. Self-financed vacation
The easiest trip to pay for is a one-payday getaway. Add up your bills and decide how much you realistically can spend out of one paycheck. This is your budget. Next, look for ways that the money can go farther. What travel deals are available? Are any hotels offering discounts or incentives? Do whatever you must to stay within budget.

2. Develop a savings account
One way to finance a vacation is to develop a savings account. Clip coupons, pack lunch instead of eating out, car pool to work...You get the idea. Putting aside $5 a week will give you $260 at the end of the year, $10 gives you $520 etc. Expand your budget by combing your savings with the self-financed vacation that I talked about above.

3. Make advance payments
One of the things that I like about Walt Disney World vacations is that you can make payments to finance the vacation in advance. The last payment is due about two weeks before you arrive. Signing up for the meal plan or going during a free dining period leaves very little to pay for at the park.

Vacation planning starts now for best deals

Summer vacation planning starts now. This gives you time to choose a destination, plan a budget and figure out how to pay for it all. I always feel like vacation planning gives me something to look forward to during the cold weather months. Time also seems to go faster when you're planning something fun.

Welcome to California sign

Spring break beach trips have become a tradition. Families and groups who wait to book may find themselves out in the cold. Researching rates and booking hotel rooms can land spring break deals that others will envy.

Use Expedia, Travelocity or another booking sites easily help you search for name brand hotels and lesser known places. Vacation planning now may be the only way for you to get a prime oceanfront room.

My husband's favorite getaway destination is Walt Disney World. Specials, campground sites and value resort rooms can go quickly. I just checked and guests can receive 30% off through March 23. Walt Disney World specials move fast. Keep watching
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/ for the latest updates.

Cruises are popular. Although you can reserve your room online, I prefer to speak with a travel agent. The one we talked with provided us with information on the best times to go, vacation deals and packages.

Hotel rooms, cruises and theme parks aren't cheap. A week's stay at a campground is usually cheaper than a hotel room but costs still add up. Starting early gives you time to work out financing your getaway. Do you need to have a yard sale, cut back on household spending or takeout a vacation loan?

If vacation planning starts now, then you have plenty of time to work out the details. When the time comes to get away all you'll have to worry about is lounging by the hotel pool or taking a great camping trip like we did. Isn't leaving stress behind what you want for any vacation?

Riding Megabus overnight this weekend

This weekend will be my first overnight trip on Megabus. Look for me to be tweeting on the way to the destination! This bus line is always an interesting one to be on. The Wi-Fi is helpful and the electrical outlets are great. Other trips have been fun. There's little doubt that I'll have a good time on my first Megabus overnight run. Photos will be posted on RedGage.

I appreciate the suggestions on what to bring (and what to leave at home). My daughter has ridden overnight on Megabus several times but this is my first experience. It is always helpful to have input from friends and readers. Does the list look complete to you? Is there anything else that needs to stay at home or hit the road with me?

So far the list of what to bring includes:
Bottled water and a snack
Small flashlight
A blanket that fits into a backpack
Usual trip necessities

What not to bring on an overnight Megabus trip includes:
Anything noisy
Anything with a bright light
Large blanket and pillow (People really do that?)

Several people have cautioned me to turn the cell phone ringer down. Wearing comfortable clothes but not pajamas was suggested. It was also stressed that I leave the pink bunny slippers at home. I'm tempted to use them anyway. I have plenty of travel tips for summer but not for overnight. Suggestions are always welcome. What do you think above overnight on Megabus?

Hot tips for camping during fall break

Camping trips for fall break help students get away for relaxing adventure. This article has a few tips that will add to the experience. My family never fails to enjoy being next to nature. Camping provides that and more.

Weather
Do some research before you head out the door. What will the weather be like? Depending on where you camp, you can expect cool nights and warm days. It can turn cold on a moment's notice during fall break. Pack and prepare for each weather type. Short sleeves overlaid with a flannel shirt or light jacket will keep are good daytime choices. When camping at night, you will generally want something warm and soft to sleep in.

This overlook is near a park campground.

Staying warm
No matter how warm the campfire is, you may want a blanket. A blanket or quilt is almost a necessity. Inexpensive fleece blankets are easily picked up  at places like Wal-Mart or Target. I have also seen them near the checkout at Walgreens.

There is no substitution for warm bedding when camping. Sleeping bags have different ratings. If yours isn't rated for cold weather, then bring an extra blanket or comforter. A space saving step is for the cover to do double duty for sleeping and the campfire.

Commercial campground or park
College students on fall break often choose parks. Parks put you in the great outdoors and give some of the comforts of home. They cost less than a commercial campground but can still let you plug-in to electricity.

Commercial campgrounds cost more than parks. Depending the interests of your family they may be worth the extra money. Some have heated swimming pools, mini-golf, easily accessible camp stores and onsite breakfast that you won't get from camping in a park. Families who are on fall break may appreciate these extra touches.

Usual camping supplies
Fall break camping trips still need all the usual gear. Bug spray, sunscreen, cookware and utensils are  always needed. Unless you purchase firewood, then a small hatchet is needed. Scavenge from the great outdoors or buy it. Bundles of firewood are almost always available at the campgrounds for only a few dollars. Buying instead of collecting frees up time to do something else.

Tent or cabin
Tents are rated by season. Three season tents are rated for use for everything except cold weather. One season tents are for summer or warm weather use and a four season tent can be used year round. Again, consider the area and weather for where you are going camping. Choose appropriate equipment.

If you aren't sure that your tent is up to the job, then opt for a cabin at a national park. Many campgrounds in national, state and local parks rent cabins. It's a given that commercial campgrounds have them. A little online research will help you find them.

These tips for fall break camping can help you have more fun. Relaxing and being in the great outdoors can be just what you need after midterms or a hectic school year. Enjoy!

My Alaska mission trip experience

Summer may be winding down but some people are looking into mission trips for next year. I'm always happy to share about my last adventure and encourage others to venture forth. The mission trip I went on Alaska taught me skills that would otherwise have never hit my radar screen. Who would have imagined that I would learn about vapor proof barriers, flooring or how to install insulation?

Here we are with the vapor barrier.

When we journeyed to Alaska, our mission trip team went to help build a parsonage. Preventing vapor intrusion meant having to install huge sheets of heavy plastic.

Everything that our team did was done under the watchful eye of an on-site contractor. His job was to see that our missions trip group did a good job and followed safety precautions. (More about testing and installing the barrior can be found online at www.vaporintrusion1.com.)

The parsonage we worked on.

Foreign or domestic mission trips open doorways into new languages and gives the participant an expanded view of the world. Because you are deeply immersed in a culture, this type of travel can be addictive and life changing.

Our mission trip included some free time at the end of the day, the first day and on the last day. We took time to visit Talkeetna, Hatcher Pass and pick up supplies in Wasilla and a couple of other places.

Denali National Park

Our fearless mission trip leader arranged for our team to take a bus ride through Denali National Park at the end of the trip. The thick verdant forest protects both predators and prey.

From the safety of the bus, we witnessed a wolf pack make a kill and watched a mother grizzly playing with her cub. Vast and remote, the vistas will be forever etched into my memory. It was the perfect ending for the last days that our team was together.

Since my daughter and I drove to Alaska for the mission trip we had a car at our disposal. Hubby was picked up at the airport with the rest of the team and made the drive back home with us.

Having a car made it possible to visit Fairbanks, Seward and parts of Anchorage that we missed by getting lost. We were able to see Prince Rupert, Canada and the isolated Cassiar Highway on the way back home. Learning about these towns and cultures would not have been possible without the mission trip.

Sometimes the mission trip was frustrating. We survived a major car repair that threatened to end the trip, a small rock slide in Montana, a 5.7 earthquake, forest fire in Canada, problems finding a hotel (and then a campground). I would not have traded the Alaska  mission trip experience for anything. It truly was the experience of a lifetime.

There articles may be useful:
Alaska travel tips for driving
Tennessee to Alaska and back in 11,754 miles

Holden Beach in Brunswick, NC is an ocean of fun

My daughter's wedding has left me exhausted so I'm trying to figure out if I can go back to the Brunswick Islands of North Carolina this summer. Holden Beach is residential and quiet. It doesn't have the overgrowth of commercialization that can ruin coastal areas and may be perfect for recuperating from the wedding frenzy.

It took us around an hour to get to Holden Beach from Wilmington. It's an easy, slow paced drive down Highway 17. Exit at Highway 211 and follow the signs into Holden Beach. Or, you can stay on Highway 17 (Ocean Highway) and pass near Shallotte and through Carolina Shores. A few minutes farther and you come to the town of Calabash which is known for its popular method of cooking shrimp.

In Brunswick, NC you can choose between visiting the Intracoastal Waterway or the ocean. The island may be narrow but it offers plenty of attractions. Just don't let the quietness fool you.

My family enjoyed learning about the estuary at the Oak Island Nature Center and walking on the beach. Fishing charters are popular and people enjoy the local restaurants. It's a soothing place to visit that's away from crowds and chaos. This website of www.ncbrunswick.com has videos and information that show you more of what I'm talking about in Holden Beach and Brunswick, North Carolina.

Spring break vacation Knoxville staycation ideas

Are you looking for spring break vacation ideas for a Knoxville staycation? I have heard several people talk about staying home this year instead of traveling. Everyone is feeling the pinch of high gas prices. When my friends talk about staying home instead of going away for spring break vacation, gas prices are the number one reason.

Reasons like this make me glad to live in Knoxville. There is no shortage of staycation ideas for this town! We can take advantage of greenways, blueways and parks that are in our front yard.

If we want to go a little farther from home the Great Smoky Mountains provide a number of recreation opportunities for a spring break vacation. Getting there takes a little more gas but the cost is offset by a picnic lunch versus eating out.

Here are some sample one day itineraries for Knoxville. These locations might not have been on your spring break vacation radar screen.

1. Make it a museum day!
In the morning, head over to the Knoxville Museum of Art and peruse the exhibits. (Depending on your level of interest this can take about 1.5 hours!) Eat your picnic lunch at the adjacent World's Fair Park and then head over to the Frank H. McClung Museum on the UT campus. Your spring break vacation staycation is incomplete without seeing the East Tennessee Historical Society downtown at 601 S. Gay Street. Drive home for dinner or try any of the restaurants in Market Square Mall.

2. It's a bird! It's a plane! It's outdoor art.
Drive and walk through Knoxville to take a gander at the outdoor art pieces. There are more than you might think. Visit the statues in Market Square Mall and walk over to Krutch Park. Eat your lunch at one of the benches and people watch. The next statute on your spring break vacation might be the Alex Haley Statue in Morningside Park on Dameron Avenue or the Treaty of the Holston Statue in Volunteer Landing Park.

3. Dogwood trails
Schools are usually out for spring break vacation in April. This coincides nicely with the Dogwood Arts Festival. Take a drive along any of the Dogwood Trails in Knoxville. Follow this up with lunch out or a picnic in one of the parks that you find on the route. A full list of trails is online.

For these reasons and more, a spring break vacation in Knoxville might be the answer your family is looking for.

Want other ideas?

Try the Appalachian Trail for Spring Break or Vacation
Simple tips for budget travel

Walt Disney World package includes free dining

One of Hubby's most favorite places on earth is Epcot. The Walt Disney World free dining plan helps make the vacation more affordable. I also like it because everything has to be paid in full 45 days before the trip. Knowing that everything is paid for before arriving at Walt Disney World removes much of the stress. There is no need to watch every penny when you are in the theme park.

I just checked and Walt Disney World has the offer available now when you book a 5 night/6 day Walt Disney World package. Book by May 18 for most arrival dates between August 25 to September 29, 2012. Most of the restaurants in the park and some at Downtown Disney participate.

Two different plans are available.

The Walt Disney Dining Plan is offered for non-discounted rooms at any moderate or deluxe resort or villas. This is the plan that Hubby and I prefer to book. At the end of the day, we enjoy a quiet and relaxing sit down dinner. This plan comes with a snack, quick service meal and a table service meal per person, per day.

However, we visit as a couple and not as a family. When our kids were with us our wants and needs were completely different. Lunch, dinner and snacks were an 'eat and run' variety. Walt Disney World offers the Quick Service Dining Plan for customers who stay at any of the value resorts.  It includes two quick service meals and one snack per day. (Use the above link for details on both plans.)

Quick service meals are the Walt Disney World version of fast food. This doesn't mean that the meals aren't healthy. Each of the restaurants that we have tried have included salads and lighter options on each menu   I think that this the best option in the world for families who may not want a table service experience. It might also be idea for youth groups or college students at Walt Disney World.

More articles
How to survive with whiny teens
5 cheap things to do at the parks