Branching Out

Branching Out to Chattanooga, Tenn.

Sarah Christine Bolton

Just southeast of Nashville, Chattanooga is nestled in the beautiful mountains of East Tennessee and features lots of attractions perfect for families on the go. Located about seven hours from St. Louis by car, Chattanooga offers a wide range of outdoor and indoor activities, delicious restaurants, and great lodging opportunities for the ultimate road trip.

Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel
1400 Market St., Chattanooga, Tenn.
1-800-TRACK-29 (872-2529)
www.choochoo.com
For a unique lodging experience, consider a stay at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel where you can sleep in a Victorian-era train car. The hotel offers 48 rooms aboard restored Victorian-era train cars. Each car includes a queen size bed, and some cars also have a daybed with a pull-out trundle bed. There are also suites and regular hotel rooms available. Grab breakfast at the nearby Café Espresso, and enjoy the hotel’s indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, gardens, and onsite shopping.

Tennessee Aquarium
1 Broad St., Chattanooga Tenn.
800-262-0695
www.tnaqua.org
Cost: $24.95 for adults; $14.95 for children
The award-winning Tennessee Aquarium is a must-see destination (and a great place to hang out if the summer afternoon heat gets a little, well, too hot). Featuring both freshwater and saltwater marine life, the aquarium offers several cool packages for a truly unique experience. For a special behind-the-scenes look at the aquarium, check out their new Backstage Passes, which allow families to touch and feed aquarium animals. Or consider the Aquarium’s “Sleep in the Deep” program. Tour the River Journey and Ocean Journey, end the night with a snack, and bunk down alongside the largest exhibits, where you can literally “sleep with the fishes.”

Photo courtesy of Todd Stailey, Tennessee Aquarium

Creative Discovery Museum
321 Chestnut St., Chattanooga, Tenn.
423-756-2738
www.cdmfun.org
Cost: $10.95
The Creative Discovery Museum has several hands-on permanent exhibits, Riverplay, Inventor’s Clubhouse, and Bee Garden, as well as temporary exhibits. Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body is at the museum this summer through Sept. 6. Kids will learn about all the slimy, oozy, and stinky aspects of the human body. The exhibit is based on the best-selling children’s’ book, "Grossology," by author Sylvia Branzei. Parents who prefer to not get grossed out can grab lunch at Café Dino-Mite, open 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
St. Elmo Station
3917 St. Elmo Ave., Chattanooga, Tenn.
423-821-4224
www.ridetheincline.com
Cost: $14 for adults; $7 for children and seniors; children 2 and under are free
Journey to the top of Lookout Mountain on the famous Incline Railway, the steepest passenger incline in the world. Originally built in 1895, the railway has been ridden by millions of residents and tourists. The original train cars were made of wood and were powered by huge coal-burning steam engines, but today, the train is run on electric power. Soak in the breathtaking views on the way up, and spend some time on the observation deck at the railway’s top deck. On a clear day, you can see the Smoky Mountains, more than 100 miles away!

Photo courtesy of Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Rock City Gardens
1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, Ga.
800-854-0675 or 706-820-2531
www.seerockcity.com
Cost: $17.95 for adults; $9.95 for children ages 3-12
Rock City is just a short 6-mile drive from Chattanooga, on top of Lookout Mountain, Ga. The park features massive ancient rock formations, gardens with more than 400 native plant species, and breathtaking panoramic views that let visitors see seven states. Kids will enjoy the magical Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village, and the regional gift shops and Big Rock Grill will fulfill all your souvenir and hunger needs.

Ruby Falls ZIPstream Aerial Adventure
1720 S. Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga, Tenn.
423-821-2544
www.rubyfallszip.com
Cost: Varies between $16.95 to $30.95
Looking for a little high-flying adventure? There is a new kid in town, and it’s called a zip line. Ruby Fall’s Zipstream Aerial Adventure courses are perfect for some family excitement and feature a series of fun and progressively challenging tree-to-tree activities. Ruby Falls ZIPstream Aerial Adventure includes 30 highwire challenge elements including ladders, nets, walkways, bridges, tunnels and zip lines. The Green and Blue Diamond courses are for ages 11 and up, and an Orange Diamond is perfect for children ages 6-10.

Ruby Falls
1720 S. Scenic Highway, Chattanooga, Tenn.
423-821-2544
www.rubyfalls.com
Cost: $16.95 for adults; $8.95 for children ages 3-12
Ruby Falls is the nation’s largest and deepest waterfall open to the public and has been a destination for travelers for more than 75 years. The waterfall itself is 145 feet tall, and is located more than 1,120 feet beneath Lookout Mountain. The journey to the waterfall will take visitors through twists and turns of deep underground caverns, where kids will be fascinated by ancient rock formations like stalactites, stalagmites, columns, drapery formations and flowstone. At the end of the tour, you can enjoy the view from the top of Lookout Mountain.

Photo courtesy of Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park
1730 Lakeview Drive, Rossville, Ga.
877-525-3946
www.lakewinnie.com
Cost: Admission is $5; unlimited rides for $21
Tucked away in nearby Rossville, Ga., Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park offers thrills and chills for every member of the family. The first rides at the park were the antique Carrousel, built in 1916, and the Boat Chute, constructed in 1927. Both still operate today. Most recently, the park added the OH-ZONE!, a free fall ride where visitors plummet toward the ground. For the less daring, the new Stay & Play Hideaway is a great place for visitors of all ages to play and refresh.

The Blue Plate
191 Chestnut St., Unit B, Chattanooga, Tenn.
423-648-6767
www.theblueplate.info
Refuel with some comfort food with a classy twist at The Blue Plate. Just like the name suggests, this diner-inspired restaurant puts a new perspective on some old favorites and offers a menu that will please any taste buds, small or large. With appetizers like the Loaded Blue Plate Potato Chips (fresh-cut potato chips with black bean queso, cheese sauce, mixed cheese, and pico de gallo) or the fried green tomatoes with cheese grits and remoulade, you might get full before the main course arrives. The kids can choose from options like all-natural beef hotdogs or black forest ham and cheese. And if you happen to have any room left, try a special Blue Plate shake. The Blue Plate is open Tuesday through Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Photo courtesy of Eric Brice Swartz

Sarah Christine Bolton has more than 10 years experience as a freelance writer, editor and photographer. She has published work in various publications, including Dance Magazine, Edible Memphis, Memphis Flyer, Memphis Parent, Romantic Destinations, and Memphis Business Journal. She has a BA in dance and creative writing from Belhaven College and an MA in journalism from the University of Memphis. Find her blog at thesocialnetworkisalwaysgreener.wordpress.com.

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Branching Out to Branson

Jessica Pupillo

Just four hours southwest of St. Louis, and nestled in the rolling Ozark hills, Branson offers an enjoyable and easy-to-plan vacation for St. Louis families. From amusement parks to fishing, hiking to shopping, Branson has something for every member of the family.

Still Waters Resort
www.stillwatersresort.com
For a resort experience, complete with multiple pools, a marina and tons of activities for kids, you can't beat Still Waters Resort on the shores of Table Rock Lake on Indian Point (close to Silver Dollar City and minutes from the Branson Strip). The property features updated condo- and hotel-style accommodations, three pools, a marina with boat and jet ski rentals, free kayaks and bicycles, a playground, game room, and plenty of open space for exploring. The kids will love the Island Oasis, a zero-entry pool with cool features, including a bridge and swim-through waterfall. The more adventurous can "Zoom the Flume" on the resort's waterslide. A stay at Still Waters Resort is literally a vacation unto itself.

Branson Landing
www.bransonlanding.com

With its upscale shops, refined and tasteful architecture and modern entertainment, at Branson Landing, you'll feel like you're at a big-city plaza rather than along the peaceful banks of Lake Taneycomo.

There is literally something for every age at Branson Landing, a playground for the little ones, street performers for the school-aged bunch, shopping for teens and adults, and a first-of-its-kind water and fire spectacle. The fountain features 120-foot geysers of water, fire cannons, lights and music. Fountain shows occur on the hour throughout the day and more frequently in the evening. The Landing also has a variety of special events, including musical performances and fireworks shows. Check their calendar for details.

If you'd like to stay at the Landing, there are two hotels: the Hilton Promenade and the Hilton Branson Convention Center.

Ride the Ducks
branson.ridetheducks.com
Climb aboard an endearing "Duck Boat" for a Branson sight-seeing experience by land and lake. The tours last about an hour and sightseers can choose a Lake Taneycomo experience or a Table Rock Lake experience. Captains point out places of interest, tell historic stories and generally make sure all passengers have a ducky good time.

Silver Dollar City
www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com
For 50 years, Silver Dollar City has been catering to families with festivals, rollercoasters, exhibits and more. This summer, Silver Dollar City has opened a new ride, Tom & Huck's RiverBlast, in which riders participate in an interactive water battle to soak each other. This year, the annual KidsFest, June 5 - Aug. 8, features a Stunt Dog Experience, and character interactions with SpongeBob and Patrick, Shaggy and Scooby Doo, the Jetsons, the Flintstones and the Backyardigans. KidsFest also features The Magic of Peter Gossamer, with comedy and tricks from the world-famous illusionist. While Silver Dollar City is an Ozark hot spot, it can also be a traffic nightmare. While some congestion has been alleviated, allow ample time to find parking especially during peak hours.

The Track
www.bransontracks.com
No trip to Branson would be complete without a stop at one of several go-kart tracks that dot the strip. Perhaps the ultimate track is Wild Woody with its four-story wooden track with spirals, hills and karts that just don't slip, even with the accelerator pedal to the metal. Little drivers will enjoy being strapped next to mom or dad, and those that can reach the pedals can man their own karts.

Tell us about your family's favorite Branson destination. Leave a comment below!

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9 Tips for Enjoying the Wonderful World of Disney

Jennifer Brown

Four theme parks, two water parks and 32 resorts can add a lot of stress to planning a dream trip to Walt Disney World! With careful planning, you can ensure a trip that will be memorable for your entire family.

Before You Arrive
1. Plan your itinerary in advance. Park hours vary daily, and parades can only be viewed on certain nights. Park hours and a special events calendar can be found on the Walt Disney World website to help you prepare.

2. Make dining reservations in advance. Disney restaurants book up fast, and if you don't make reservations in advance, you may be out of luck. Make an advance reservation for at least one restaurant per day (this can be done 180 days prior to resort check-in if you're staying on Disney property).

3. Rent a stroller in advance from Magic Strollers. Magic Strollers will deliver single or double strollers to your room at a Walt Disney World Resort for your use throughout your vacation. These strollers are not only more affordable, but they're also more comfortable than those rented within the theme park, and you can take them in and out of theme parks.

4. Book a Magical Tour and Experience. See the Disney parks in a whole new light during Magical Tours and Experiences. Tours range from behind-the-scene tours of the Magic Kingdom, private fireworks viewing and Scuba Diving in Epcot.
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While You're There
5. Take a clear photo of the back of your Disney tickets. If tickets are lost, Guest Relations can reissue tickets using the numbers located on the back of each ticket. While you're at it, take a photo of the aisle marker where you parked so you can remember where you left your car.

6. Use Disney’s FASTPASS. FASTPASSes cut down your wait time at the most popular rides. However, the park only distributes a limited number of passes each day, they go fast. Stop by the FASTPASS kiosks as soon as you enter the park.

7. Celebrate a family member's birthday at Disney. Disney treats their guests extra special when they visit on their birthday. If someone in your group is celebrating a birthday, inform the cast members making your hotel reservations and assisting you with dinner reservations. Also, visit Guest Relations to request a free birthday button. Cast members go out of their way to recognize your special day and may even surprise you with free birthday desserts! Buttons can also be picked up if you are celebrating an anniversary, a honeymoon or if you are a first-time visitor to Walt Disney World.

8. Take advantage of mobile applications. Applications are now available that allow you to see FASTPASS return times and attraction wait times, locate character greeting areas and view restaurant menus. Check with your phone provider or search the internet for the latest and greatest "apps."

9. Leave the theme parks behind and explore Disney's resorts. Some favorite family dining locations include dinner at O'Hana’s (Polynesian Resort), The Hoop-De-Doo Revue (Fort Wilderness Campground), and the breakfast buffet at Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge).