Last summer, I was with my cousins heading out from Raleigh for a day at Carolina Beach, North Carolina. Upon arriving at Carolina Beach, we could not find any parking, so we kept heading south until we stumbled up the cutest beach town called Kure Beach. The beach was picture perfect (like straight out of the Caribbean), and the houses were so cute! This town is totally out of an HGTV beach show! Right then and there I said, “Next summer we are renting a house here” and last week, that’s exactly what we did!
What to Bring to a Vacation Rental House
I love a good hotel or resort, but renting a beach house is a fabulous way to spend a vacation. We have done so in Maui, Kona, Hana, the Outer Banks, Virginia Beach, and most recently in Kure Beach, North Carolina. A beach house can afford you more space to stretch out, and can be large enough for big groups. Having a kitchen to cook meals, and a washer/dryer to do laundry can also be an added convenience. But knowing what to bring, and what not bring to your beach house rental can be a little stressful! So here are my best tips on how to pack for your beach vacation rental house.
What to Bring to Your Beach Vacation Rental House
Rail Explorers – A Unique Catskills Experience
As many of you know, we LOVED our recent trip to the Emerson Resort and Spa in upstate New York. Honestly, it was the perfect mid-summer getaway that our family needed! With so many great amenities, we probably could have stayed at the resort the entire trip, but we did want to get out and explore what the local area had to offer! We were so excited to be invited to check out Rail Explorers – and yes, it did clock in as our #1 thing on this trip! As a family, we always name our trip top 3 – anyone else?
Momma To Go would like to thank Rail Explorers for hosting us. As always, all opinions are my own.
Rail Explorers Catskills
The Perfect Family Getaway at the Emerson Resort and Spa
As my loyal readers know, I am a beach girl through and through. Honestly, most of our trips are pilgrimages to warm weather destinations, although last summer we did a city trip to Montreal and this September we are heading to Italy for the first time as a family. And even though the beach is my preferred vacation spot, I like to explore everything! Which is why I was so excited to visit the Emerson Resort and Spa, located in the Catskill Mountains of New York State! I knew this would be a different and unique experience for my kids, visiting a mountain resort! And the Emerson did not disappoint! We had a beyond fabulous time and I strongly encourage any family looking for some rest & relaxation, to consider a stay at the Emerson!
Momma to Go was invited to the Emerson Resort and Spa and hosted for two days for purpose of this review. As always, all opinions are my own.
The Perfect Family Getaway at the Emerson Resort and Spa
The Ultimate Guide to Epcot Dining
On our recent one day trip to Disney, I was reminded what awesome food there is to eat in Epcot. For dinner we chose Via Napoli (See my review below) and on a past trip we ate at Marrakesh, which we also loved. So upon my return home, I asked some fellow bloggers to help me put together this ultimate guide to Epcot Dining (and to give me a bit of a check-list for our next Epcot trip!)
Momma To Go would like to thank Walt Disney World for providing us with two media passes. As always, all opinions are my own.
The Ultimate Guide to Epcot Dining
Chester Minima: The Best Hardside Luggage
I got my first real grown-up luggage set for my wedding back in 2007. And those suitcases have served us well for MANY years – but the carry-on size suitcase busted a wheel and has been on the fritz for a while. The big one busted a zipper and I had to replace it on short notice. I had been in the market for a new carry on suitcase, but with SO MANY options I was kind of stymied about making a new purchase! I was so excited to be introduced to Chester Travels, the ultimate brand in hardside luggage. Today I am so excited to share my review of the Chester Minima, a hardside carry on suitcase that I know you all are going to love!
Momma To Go received a Chester Minima Carry-On Spinner Suitcase for purpose of this review. As always, all opinions are my own.
Chester Travels : The Best Hardside Luggage
AR Workshop Bellmore: DIY Home Decor
Have you ever seen cute home décor at the store and thought – I wish I could make that?
Well now you can, right here on the South Shore of Long Island! I was so excited to recently check out the new AR Workshop in Bellmore, New York. At their preview night, dubbed the “Aqua Carpet,” I made an awesome rustic looking sign that now hangs in my office. The whole project took only about two hours and I love the piece I created.
Photo Credit: Mommy Poppins Long Island
Momma To Go would like to thank AR Workshop Bellmore for inviting me to their Aqua Carpet Preview night. I attended a complimentary class for purpose of this review.
AR Workshop Bellmore: DIY Home Decor
What to do in NYC with Kids: Pip’s Island
Summer is upon us, the kids will soon be out of school, and families will be looking for fun things to do in NYC with their kids. Obviously, the city that never sleeps has so many great experiences for little ones of all ages, but for the 10 and under set, you must add a visit to Pip’s Island on your NYC to-do list!
Momma To Go received complimentary tickets to Pip’s Island for purpose of this review. As always, all opinions are my own.
A Visit to Pip’s Island: Interactive Theatre in NYC
Where to stay in Clearwater Florida: Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key
In 2018 Trip Advisor ranked Clearwater Florida as the #1 most beautiful beach in the United States, and I can understand why! This area, located west of Tampa and north of St. Pete Beach is such a hidden gem of a vacation destination. In Clearwater Florida, there are lots of great places to stay, but if you are looking for an amazing resort – check out the Marriott in Sand Key!
Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key
Nat Geo Encounter Ocean Odyssey in New York City
Spring Break is finally here and we are heading out of town soon. But for these few days we are home, I wanted to try some new stuff and explore NYC a bit more. My kids are finally old enough to spend the day walking around Manhattan – without too much complaining! They love visiting new exhibits and attractions – especially anything that involves science or animals! We were super excited to be invited to visit the Nat Geo Encounter Ocean Odyssey in Times Square and include that in our spring break plans. If you are heading to Manhattan, this should for sure be on your to-do list!
Momma To Go would like to thank the National Geographic Encounter for hosting our visit. As always, all opinions are my own.