What We Love Right Now July 20, 2011:Road Trips

Back-to-school time might be lurking around the corner for many of us, but there is still time to squeeze a little bit of fun out of the last few weeks of summer vacation. What better way to get away with your kids for a few days than a good, old fashioned road trip. Load up your car, fill up the tank, and head out for a great adventure!

1. Edisto Beach, SC

If you’re close to the east coast, this is a beach worth visiting. Serene and secluded, this is one beach town that is still just that. Full of nostalgia and quaint beach cottages, great eateries, a golf course, and of course a lovely beach. There’s a great serpentarium for your reptile lovers, spend a day at sea with chartered boat tours, or grab a bite to eat at the infamously popular Sea Cow restaurant. For more information, visit Edistobeach.com.

2. Kansas City, MO

Near the Mid West? Hit up Kansas City. There’s a great zoo…The Kansas City Zoo. See some Polar Bears or go on an African Safari! Too hot for the zoo? Beat the heat at Oceans of Fun, a great water park with slides, rides, and fantastic lazy river. This place is great for all ages. After your adventures you’ll have to eat. Try lunch or dinner at the Crayola Cafe, where you kids can color to their heart’s content on their placemats while they eat! (open Monday to Wednesday 11am to 6pm, Thursday and Friday 11am to 9pm, Saturday 11am to 6pm, Sunday 11am to 5p).

3. Chicago, IL

Ah, we love the windy city! It’s a big city with a great feel. There’s plenty to do with your kids. Try Navy Pier and take ride on the Ferris Wheel. Then stroll around Millenium Park. You can always spend some time at The Field Museum. Take the kids to eat at the Rainforest Cafe (Wednesday Night is family night)

4. Nashville, TN

If you leave in the southeast, but don’t feel like taking another beach vacation, head the music city! Get tickets to the Grand Ole Opry where there’s always a good show playing. Visit the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens where a great Family Night is hosted. Bring your picnic blanket and enjoy puppet shows, musical acts, and more! Forget dinner at a restaurant, try it aboard a dinner boat cruise on the Cumberland River!

5. San Diego, CA

If you’re remotely near the west coast, then a trip to San Diego is a must. There is so much to do: Legoland, Sea World, The San Diego Zoo, and La Jolla Beach. If you make to to one or two of those places your trip will be a memorable one for sure! There are also lots of great family-friendly dining spots, like Wahoos and the Corvette Diner.

Have you been on a great family road trip? Tell us about it in a comment below!

End of Summer Getaways

Labor Day is around the corner, which means summer is officially coming to an end. If you ‘re lucky, you may have a few days to squeeze in an end of summer vacation. SharpMoms has some suggestions for you if you are looking for quiet, family oriented beaches on the east coast. Skip the hustle and bustle of Florida and pack up your family for a trip to the beaches of South Carolina, where memories will be made to last a life time.

First stop: Folly Beach, South Carolina. With Folly Beach rentals and a hotel right on the water, this small beach town packs a big bag of fun for the whole family. The beach is quiet, the peir is great for fishing, and the restaurants are super. SharpMoms suggests you stop by Rita’s for a super meal before you head back home. For more information on this beach, visit www.follybeach.com.

Next up, Edisto Island, South Carolina or Edisto Beach as it is also called. With serene beaches and a golf course right on the island, everyone is sure to stay happy during your stay! Edisto Island is a great family vacation destination and there are many beach homes and condos for rent at reasonable rates. For more information on where to stay and what Edisto has to offer, please visit www.edistoisland.com.

The best news? You are just minutes away from historic Charleston, SC if you stay at Folly Beach, and just a few more if you stay on Edisto!

Why does SharpMoms love these beach picks? Both are uncrowded and offer a wonderful family atmosphere. After your visit, let us know what you think! SharpMoms would love to hear about your stay!