Seven Ways to “Fall” for Frankenmuth, Michigan

Karyn Locke
Seven Ways to “Fall” for Frankenmuth, Michigan

Frankenmuth, Michigan is beautiful any time of year (they spend nearly $250,000 a year on flowers alone!) but, visit the quaint Bavarian-inspired town in autumn and you’ll find yourself “falling” for it. Yeah, I couldn’t help myself on that one. From decorations to indoor and outdoor activities, here’s seven Bavarian-inspired ways to “fall” for Frankenmuth- Michigan’s Little Bavaria. Roll on a River Put me on a boat and I’m a happy gal. Put me on a boat when there’s  wine and chocolate to sample and I’m vying for first seat!…

2017 WDW Magazine Wall Calendar: A Regal Year in Photos

Karyn Locke
2017 WDW Magazine Wall Calendar: A Regal Year in Photos

It’s a happy day in my mailbox when I see a return address from WDW Magazine. As one of its monthly contributors, I drool over the photos that are added into my stories and have often thought about framing photos from calendars of years past. The 2017 WDW Magazine Wall Calendar is extra special this year (and just as frame-worthy!) as it features only one photo subject: the iconic Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom– yay! Want a sneak peek for 2017’s edition? You got it! What’s Inside? Gorgeous, high resolution photos…

Three Lodging Options in The Finger Lakes that You Need to Book Now

Karyn Locke
Three Lodging Options in The Finger Lakes that You Need to Book Now

I know, I know. When you head to The Finger Lakes, New York, you’re headed there for the stunning scenery, fun outdoor activities, and maybe (alright, probably) the adult beverages. You’re also visiting for its amazingly delicious restaurants and quaint small towns. But you’ve gotta sleep, right? And you need a restful sleep so you’re raring to go for every day of your visit. Last week I had the pleasure of visiting the Finger Lakes region and rested my head on comfy pillows, enjoyed a home-cooked breakfast, and spied breathtaking…

How to Christmas at Walt Disney World

Karyn Locke
How to Christmas at Walt Disney World

Mickey and Minnie Mouse at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Photo Courtesy of WDW News. As  soon as Halloween is over, we begin thinking about the next big holiday at Walt Disney World: Christmas. The Disney elves work a ton of overtime during the winter holiday season and literally overnight the parks are transformed from autumn to Christmas fun. Planning a trip or just want the scoop on the fun and merriment that goes on in the parks? Here’s how to Christmas at Walt Disney World. Magic Kingdom Most of these revolve…

11 Important Things to Know for Your first Walt Disney World Trip

Karyn Locke
11 Important Things to Know for Your first Walt Disney World Trip

If I only had learned one single lesson from my family’s first vacation to Walt Disney World it’s this: we were not prepared for it. Even with all of the research I’d done for months ahead of time I was still pretty much clueless once we stepped foot into the parks. Maybe I had done too much scouring for information and it was all a jumble or maybe I felt I didn’t need to read any more of it, Honestly, it was probably a bit of both. Either way, I’m happy…

Luxury AND Adventure in Niagara Falls USA? You Betcha!

Karyn Locke
Luxury AND Adventure in Niagara Falls USA? You Betcha!

This might sound a little kooky, but I’d driven through Niagara Falls USA dozens of times on the way to other destinations. And while I’m not proud of the fact, I do own up to it. Truth be told, I’d never really thought of it as a vacation destination- until I began researching just how many activities it has to offer families. There’s a luxurious side that I never knew existed and an adventurous side that will have you high-fiving folks over your accomplishments. But here’s the question: can you…

Five Things to Love about Better Things on FX – and Swag Giveaway! #BetterThingsGiveaway

Karyn Locke
Five Things to Love about Better Things on FX – and Swag Giveaway! #BetterThingsGiveaway

Sometimes there are TV show premieres that make me cock my head to one side and think, “huh?” you know those shows, they’re the ones that, even though you’ve watched the first show in its entirety you still aren’t sure if you’re going to like it. Better Things from FX is not one of them. 30 seconds into the pilot episode I was hooked. Just from that first episode (and a couple of small clips that I watched afterwards) here’s five things to love about Better Things on FX Thursdays at…

Fearless with JORD Wood Watches- and Giveaway!

Karyn Locke
Fearless with JORD Wood Watches- and Giveaway!

Last week, the fam and I headed to a spot we’ve passed through dozens of times but never stopped to check out: Niagara Falls USA. Sure, we’ve visited the Canadian side a ton of times, but the location was never on our radar- until I began researching the exhilarating and exciting activities that it offers its guests. More and more we’re becoming thrill junkies and love trying things we’d never even considered before- and I’m loving my new favorite word, fearless. It’s a word I chose for myself for a…

Walt Disney World Rides that Are Even More Magical at Night

Karyn Locke
Walt Disney World Rides that Are Even More Magical at Night

Truth be told for my family, any time of day that we can hop on a Walt Disney World ride or attraction is magical, but there’s just something even more beautiful about riding them at night. The vibe is different, the air is cooler, and the all over ambiance has an extra sprinkling of pixie dust that we adore. With the changing of the seasons it’s getting darker earlier- and that’s the perfect time to hit our nine favorite attractions! Here’s our list of top Walt Disney World rides that are…

Why Burr Oak Lodge Is The Perfect Melding of Relaxation and Activity

Karyn Locke
Why Burr Oak Lodge Is The Perfect Melding of Relaxation and Activity

Our third and final stop on our giant Great Ohio Lodges road trip (Hueston Woods and Shawnee came before it!) found us headed back towards home- and to Burr Oak Lodge & Conference Center. Centered around Burr Oak Lake, the views of the Ohio State Park and so many family-friendly activities that we were kept pleasantly occupied, the lodge is a perfect respite for folks looking to have a laid back vacation with the opportunity to get out there and enjoy nature. Disclosure: I was graciously hosted by Shawnee Lodge…