Tag: travel

Take A Walk in My Flip Flops:Travel Blog

Why You Should Visit a North Carolina Aquarium

Krystle Kitchen

Winter is here and it is tempting to stay inside during the cold weather. There are plenty of places to get out though during the winter and keep warm at the same time. One of the places that I enjoy to go visit is aquariums. Aquariums are perfect to visit no matter the season because of being climate controlled and no matter how many times I go (even to the same aquariums) there is always something different to see and do. As someone who has both scuba and snorkeled many places in the Caribbean, Mexico, and abroad visiting an aquarium gives me a quick underwater fix.

Outside the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knolls Shore

There are four North Carolina Aquarium locations and even though I do not live in North Carolina I find myself in North Carolina quite a bit. North Carolina Aquariums are located on Roanoke Island (OBX), at Fort Fisher (Kure Beach near Wilmington, NC), Pine Knoll Shores (Beaufort and Atlantic Beach area), and Jeanette’s Pier (OBX). All of the locations are in areas that also, have plenty of other things to do and see around them. It is easy to make a day trip, weekend getaway, or week-long vacation around visiting one of these aquariums.

North Carolina Aquarium-Roanoke Island

On the pier overlooking the sound at the North Carolina Aquarium-Roanoke Island location

Out of the four North Carolina Aquariums, I visit the Roanoke Island location the most because my husband and I visit the Outer Banks of NC frequently. One of my favorite things about this location is the beautiful views of the Albemarle sound from the pier going out behind the aquarium. During certain times this location even has opportunities to fish and learn about crabbing from this pier.

Sea turtle rehabilitating at the North Carolina Aquarium

I also, like the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center at the aquarium. Typically the area where the sea turtles are rehabilitating can even be seen or walked through. Another cool feature of this aquarium is an interactive area that replicates what veterinarians and rehabilitation workers go through to help the turtles rehabilitate. I think this area is especially cool for children as it allows a hands-on look at how rehabilitation efforts are done.

Learning about sea turtle rehabilitation and virtually checking my (plastic) turtle’s shark bite.

The interactive rehabilitation exhibit starts with picking out a (plastic) turtle from a bin and then taking it to different stations to find out what is wrong with it and to learn about how a turtle with that particular ailment would be rehabilitated. Hopefully, an activity like this will encourage young minds to become curious about sea turtle rehabilitation and helping sea creatures. Sea turtles are one of my favorite sea animals because they are so majestic. Being able to see one up close can be very memorable.

A lion fish at the North Carolina Aquarium-Roanoke Island
Beautiful views of the Albemarle sound from the pier going out behind the North Carolina Aquarium-Roanoke Island

This aquarium also offers a touch tank which always seems to be a favorite of visitors. This Sea Senses area allows touching of stingrays and invertebrates. Like the sea turtle rehabilitation area, I hope that by allowing people to see sea creatures up close they are more likely to want to preserve and care about the ocean.

Shark tank at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island featuring a replica of the

The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island has many beautiful exhibits of fish and an area with reptiles as well. One of the neatest exhibits unique to this location is the replica of the S.S. Monitor. This replica is submerged inside the shark tank and is very thought-provoking to look at. For history buffs and lovers alike, the Ironclad Sanctuary is a must-see. The aquariums offer information on the history of the S.S. Monitor as well as other ships and wrecks in the Graveyard of the Atlantic exhibit.

From being able to get up close to sea turtles, to seeing a replica of the S.S. Monitor and all the well-designed fish displays the Roanoke Island location has a lot to offer. The Roanoke Island and the Outer Banks area in general have many things to do, some of which I featured in another travel post.

North Carolina Aquarium-Pine Knoll Shores

Sand sculpture exhibit during the summer at Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium

Another location for the North Carolina Aquarium is at Pine Knoll Shore. This location also has a very unique feature which is a replica of the U-352 German submarine. This submarine is very special because it is the first U-boat sunk by the U.S. Coast Guard. There is information about this submarine outside the display. This tank is very interesting to watch and often has divers inside to answer questions. I like that this tank has a nurse, sand tiger, and sandbar sharks along with other fish and a green sea turtle.

Divers with in the shark tank. The replica of the U-352 German submarine replica inside the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores can be seen behind them.
Standing in front of the replica of the U-352 German submarine replica inside the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

In addition, this aquarium also has an area dedicated to loggerhead sea turtles and their journey. Seeing hatchlings that are being rehabilitated at the aquarium is a cool experience. This exhibit also offered information about helping efforts to save loggerhead turtles and prevent pollution on our beaches. Plastic straws and plastic pollutants are especially deadly to these fragile creatures.

Baby loggerhead sea turtle being rehabilitated at the North Carolina aquarium Pine Knoll Shores

The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is a close drive to Atlantic Beach, Fort Macon, Beaufort, and Emerald Isle. If you have never been to this area of North Carolina I highly suggest a trip. It is an area of North Carolina I find myself going back to again and again.

North Carolina Aquarium-Fort Fisher

Standing on the second level in front of the Cape Fear Shoal exhibit at the North Carolina Aquarium Fort Fisher

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fishers is in the Kure Beach area of North Carolina close to Wilmington. My favorite exhibit at this location is modeled off the Cape Fear Shoal and can be seen behind me in the picture above. I also, like that this aquarium location has both an upper and lower level. This North Carolina Aquarium location has a white alligator that was fascinating to see too. Luna, the white alligator is located inside the Cape Fear Conservatory exhibit along with snakes and other reptiles.

Luna, a white alligator at the North Carolina Aquarium Fort Fisher

The jellyfish exhibit at the North Carolina Aquarium Fort Fisher is one of my favorites as well. This exhibit is well lit and it is easy to capture detailed photos of the jellyfish even with a cellphone camera. I like using pictures of jellyfish as my background on my tablet and Apple Watch. Jellyfish always look so peaceful and they remind me of my love of the water.

Jelly fish at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Jelly fish at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Puffer fish at the North Carolina Aquarium Fort Fisher

North Carolina Aquarium-Jennette’s Pier (Nags Head, NC)

View walking up to Jeanette’s Pier

The North Carolina Aquarium at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, North Carolina is a unique and interesting site to check out when visiting the Outer Banks. The original pier was built in 1939 and had to be rebuilt in 2011 after a hurricane. The 1000-foot-long concrete fishing pier offers numerous informative signs talking about the rich history of the pier and fishing in the Outer Banks.

Inside the building at the pier, there are a couple of tanks with fish on display and information about them. A walk on the pier is only $2 for adults and $1 for children (free to North Carolina Aquarium members with a card). Even if you’re not interested in visiting the pier to fish it is worth it for the views. The pier also has a North Carolina Aquarium gift shop with some items themed for Jennette’s Pier. I love their vintage pier postcards.

Fishing from the pier is $14 for adults and $7 for children and includes a one-day admission. Other options are available for multiple days and annual passes. A NC fishing license isn’t required in addition to this fee to fish from the pier as the fee covers a person for the paid period (on the pier only). Information on different types of fish that can be caught as well as citation information can be obtained from the visitor’s desk.

One of the coolest features of this North Carolina Aquarium location is the public beach access and free parking! Jennette’s Pier also offers Summer Camps and learning experiences for schools (including free programs for Title 1 schools) and children. In addition, the pier is a beautiful rentable venue for events, special occasions, and weddings.

Do your part to help save the ocean! 🦈🦦🐬🐳🐠🐢

In conclusion, each of the North Carolina Aquarium locations is different and offers its own unique exhibits. Each location also has its own gift shop with a nice collection of souvenirs, jewelry, books, and plush animals. I am a big fan of the aquarium’s Adopt a Sea Creature/animal program allowing guests to donate money towards specific sea creatures and symbolically adopt the animal. The aquarium has different donation levels and I think it can make the perfect gift for an animal lover.

One thing all the North Carolina Aquariums have in common is the commitment to preserving our oceans for generations to come. I highly recommend visiting any of these locations if you get a chance as well as becoming an Aquarium Society member. My husband and I decided to become members of the North Carolina Aquarium Society a couple of years ago and we have enjoyed all of the benefits that come with the membership. The work the North Carolina Aquarium does to rehabilitate and foster sea creatures and animals is very noteworthy and commendable.

I appreciate that the North Carolina aquariums contribute a lot of their resources to conservation and research. Plastic is causing many issues for ocean life. We can all do our part to reduce, recycle and reuse! Consider buying a reusable straw or skipping one altogether. Each little part can add up to something big. I carry one of these straws in my wallet and use it almost every day.

Save a sea turtle….say NO to plastic straws❤️🐢

Take A Walk in My Flip Flops:Travel Blog

Don’t Let Your Inner Grinch Steal Christmas

Krystle Kitchen

Don’t Let Your Inner Grinch Steal Christmas

Holiday travel often brings a mix of excitement and stress, making it easy to let our inner Grinch surface as we navigate crowded airports, busy roads, and family gatherings. Amid the hustle and bustle, it’s tempting to feel overwhelmed or resentful, overshadowing the joy of the season. While we may encounter delays, packed schedules, and the pressure to please everyone, it’s crucial to focus on nurturing our holiday spirit and approaching the season with a sense of gratitude and openness.

Many people are familiar with the holiday classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas or the catchy song about him. As a child, I found the movie amusing and entertaining. However, as an adult, this beloved childhood favorite offers deeper reflections on our behaviors and emotions, especially during the often chaotic holiday season. If you haven’t seen the original cartoon or its various remakes, here’s a brief synopsis: The Grinch is a foul, green character created by Dr. Seuss, first appearing in a 1957 poem titled The Hoobub and the Grinch. A hermit living high above the town of Whoville on Mount Crumpet, he is accompanied only by his loyal dog, Max.

The Grinch is particularly irked by the Whos’ extravagant Christmas celebrations, which become even grander each year. When their enthusiasm reaches a fever pitch, he hatches a plan to impersonate Santa Claus and steal Christmas from them. However, no matter how hard he tries, he discovers that he cannot take away their Christmas spirit. With the help of a young Who, he ultimately experiences a change of heart, rediscovering the themes of happiness, love, and the true meaning of the holiday season.

Is the Grinch Relatable?

We all have our inner Grinch, especially during the hectic holiday travel season. Long lines, flight delays, and chaotic family dynamics can easily transform holiday excitement into frustration. The term “Grinch” is often used to describe those who shy away from communal celebrations, and we’ve all encountered that person (perhaps ourselves) who seems to radiate negativity during what should be a joyful time.

In the story, the Grinch’s difficult childhood shaped his adult demeanor. Similarly, many of us carry emotional baggage into the holiday season, which can sometimes cloud our ability to enjoy the moment. Not everyone has had a picture-perfect Christmas, and for those who have lost loved ones or experienced major life changes, this time of year can be especially poignant.

Tips to Keep Your Inner Grinch at Bay During Holiday Travel

To prevent your inner Grinch from ruining the season as you travel, here are some helpful strategies to maintain your holiday spirit:

  1. Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that travel plans might not go smoothly. Delays and unexpected detours are part of the journey, so try to approach hiccups with a sense of humor rather than frustration.
  2. Prioritize Self-Care: Amid the chaos, carve out time for yourself. Whether it’s a peaceful moment with a holiday beverage or a quick walk, make sure you recharge your energy.
  3. Unplug from Technology: Taking a break from social media or distracting screens can help ease stress. Disconnecting can give you more time to enjoy the present moment and connect with those around you.
  4. Embrace Flexibility: Allow yourself to go with the flow. Be open to altering your plans if things don’t unfold exactly as you expected. Sometimes the unplanned moments create the best memories.
  5. Focus on Connection: Remember that the core of the holiday season is about spending time with loved ones. Shift your focus away from frustrations, and enjoy the moments shared with family and friends, whether in person or virtually.

If we aren’t careful, our inner Grinch can surface during the holiday season, overshadowing the joy of connection and celebration. It’s important to embrace the true spirit of Christmas, which lies in love, gratitude, and finding moments of peace amidst travel stress. Approach the season with an open heart, and you just might find that, like the Grinch, you can rediscover the magic of the holidays, even through the chaos of travel.

Perhaps we all have a little bit of an inner Grinch in us and if we aren’t careful it can steal Christmas!
Take A Walk in My Flip Flops:Travel Blog

Christmas at Gaylord National

Krystle Kitchen

There is something magical about holiday decorations and this time of the year. The twinkling lights, the smell of cookies baking, and the cozy feelings that come with the holidays. Not everyone wants to put up an elaborate display of their own though and going to visit a holiday light display is a great way to enjoy beautiful decorations without the stress.

A list of some of the holiday activities this year at Gaylord National. This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of them, and make a purchase I’ll receive a commission at no charge to you.

The Gaylord National is one of my favorite holiday displays to visit. Not only is the atrium always beautifully decorated and full of Christmas lights, but the hotel also, has many themed activities. Some of the holiday activities for purchase this year include the I Love Christmas Movies walk-through, holiday Build-A-Bear popup, Sweet Shoppe, Tree Lot bar, a rendition of the Christmas Story, and a holiday light show in the atrium (free).

I Love Christmas Movies Experience

Some of my favorite Christmas movie props

One of the new activities this year is the I Love Christmas Movies features a unique walk-through. This experience emerges the visitor in some of the classic Christmas Movies sets such as Year Without a Santa Clause, Christmas Vacation, Christmas Story, The Polar Express, and Elf. In the experience, one can walk into areas with backdrops and props from these movies. Santa’s workshop from Elf, the train from Polar Express, the house from Christmas Vacation, and the town from Year Without a Santa Clause were my favorites of the experience.

Outside the Snow Factory the Build-A-Bear popup shop has many holiday plush to choose from.

Outside the walk-through is a gift shop featuring many products from classic Christmas movies and the Snow Factory area which has many fun holiday-themed activities. Some of the activities this year include an ice hill for tubing, snowball fight games, a Build-A-Bear popup shop, Gingerbread house decorating, a scavenger hunt, and other activities like ice bumper cars. There is enough to keep young and young at heart entertained for the day.

Sweet Treats and Food Options

The Holiday Sweet Shoppe had Hot Cocoa and Eggnog plus the choice of additional alcohol for that extra kick and lots of yummy treats.

The hotel restaurant Old Hickory Steakhouse is a great option if you have time to sit down and enjoy a meal during your visit. I would suggest making reservations in advance if you want to dine there though. Other food options include a marketplace for quick service eats and a popup pizza place in the atrium. There are plenty of options for festive holiday drinks and treats as well in the atrium.

The Tree Lot bar had lots of choices for seasonal holiday drinks.

At the popup Holiday Sweet Shoppe, I tried eggnog with a choice of fireball for an extra kick. The Shoppe also, contained gingerbread houses, holiday treats, Yule log cakes, and desserts to tempt. There was a popup-themed Tree Lot bar in the atrium that had some delicious seasonal drink options as well. I tried the Home for the Holidays cocktail there featuring rum and clove. Both drinks and the macaroon cookies I had at these locations were delicious.

The light show inside the atrium is a must see!

Visiting Gaylord National kicks off our Christmas season and I can highly recommend going to the Gaylord National to celebrate the holiday season. We have made coming to Gaylord National part of our holiday traditions and our first Christmas activity each year. My favorite part of the night is grabbing a drink and watching the light show inside the atrium each year. If you’re local to the National Harbor area the Gaylord National is perfect for a day trip and if you’re a few hours away like me booking an overnight stay extends the fun of this wonderful holiday experience. This would be the perfect place to start a holiday tradition.

Take A Walk in My Flip Flops:Travel Blog

Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Va-Adults Only Trip Review

Krystle Kitchen
Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia Adults only Review

I have heard a lot about Great Wolf Lodge since it was built in Williamsburg, VA and it has been one of my places to visit for a while. As an adult in my mid-30s with no children, I kept looking over many reviews, comments, concerns, and complaints dealing with topics related exclusively to people with children. I was hesitant to book a stay at Great Wolf Lodge because of the lack of reviews about adult-only visits. I wasn’t sure if there would be enough for adults to do or if it would be too noisy for us.

Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia a break from adulting
Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia a break from adulting!

Make no mistake Great Wolf Lodge’s main focus is on children, but we found there was plenty to do to keep us (adults) entertained as well. I felt that a review of the lodge from an adult without children was due. I should mention we are kids at heart and love theme parks. From the time we arrived at Great Wolf Lodge, we honestly had a blast! For our first visit, we chose to go during Halloween. We figured a lot of people might take their children out and maybe not as many people would be vacationing. During our visit, we found the lodge to be busy, but not packed. (Note: The resort did have Halloween activities for children including trick or treating for Halloween.)

Outside the entrance of Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Va
Outside the entrance of Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Va. Wolf ears hey why not!
Inside the lobby of Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia
Inside the lobby of Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia
Outside Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia
Outside Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia
Great Wolf Lodge is beautifully laid out and definitely has a rustic feel to it.

Upon arrival, I was shocked at the homey feel of the lodge and the lack of a smell of chlorine from the water park. In the lobby when we arrived was a group of children on the floor in front of the fireplace doing a staff-led craft. We used the mobile self-check-in on the app and when we arrived our room was ready for us. Upon check-in in we received an envelope with our wristbands for our stay. We opted to link our credit card to our wristbands putting a $100 hold on the account for charges. This is something to consider if you don’t want to lug around a credit card while you’re at the water park.

Lodging at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia

Family Fireplace Suite at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Va
Family Fireplace Suite at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Va

The wristband is also, your room key and will unlock the door outside the lodge going to the parking lot as well (this feature is not on the children’s bands). The lodge was busy, but it wasn’t overwhelming. We easily located our room. The family fireplace suite was spacious with 2 queen beds, a full-size bathroom with a shower/tub combo, a kitchen area with a microwave and mini fridge, a sofa, 2 TVs, and a fireplace which we especially. The lodge has many types of rooms including themed rooms too with cabin bunk areas for children.

Spring Breakout at Great Wolf Lodge Willamsburg, Virginia and a tour of the Majestic Bear Suite

Dining at Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia

Food Options at Great Wolf Lodge
Williamsburg, Virginia

There are several dining options at Great Wolf Lodge without having to leave the lodge. I liked being able to stay on the property and relax with some bar drinks, not having to worry about taking an Uber or taxi. The Loose Moose is off of the main lobby and is a buffet-style restaurant with a bar. They are open for breakfast and then close and reopen at 5 for dinner. We ate here twice during our stay for dinner and enjoyed our food and our bar drinks. Great Wolf Lodge has a frozen Jack and Coke that is good by the way!

Bar menu at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia
The bar menu and some of the food options we tried while eating at the Loose Moose inside Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia. Themed food (like these for Halloween) are normally on the buffet.

I was most impressed at their concern for dietary restrictions. A staff member came out and went over items that didn’t contain any meat for me and addressed any concerns I had on vegetarian or vegan choices. The salad bar area was full of delicious fresh veggies, pasta salads, potato salad, and a variety of greens. They had a great selection of side dishes too including veggies and an area for main dishes/meats (fish was an option too). Everything we had here was flavorful and tasted fresh.

Other choices for food include pizza and take-and-go salads/sandwiches downstairs from the lobby called the Hungry as a Wolf. There is also, a walk-up restaurant in the water park area called Buckets, a waterpark bar, and an ice cream parlor beside Hungry as a Wolf. In addition, the resort has its own Dunkin’ Donuts in the lobby and we had donuts from there one morning. I enjoyed the ability to place an order on my phone from the resort dining and then pick up my food. It made it hassle-free even to order from our room by using the app.

food options great wolf lodge williamsburg, va
Turkey and avocado sandwich with Cajun fries from Buckets. They also, have salads and snack options like Bavarian pretzels.
Dunkin’ Donutsinside the lobby at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia
Dunkin’ Donuts inside the lobby at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia
Fresh fruit and Greek yogurt from Buckets at Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia
Fresh fruit and Greek yogurt from Buckets

During our time inside the water park, we enjoyed food from Buckets as well as drinks from the bar inside. The bar also had the football games showing on two TVs on Sunday. Just outside the parking lot of Great Wolf Lodge is another food option in the form of a non-lodge restaurant called Sportsman’s Grill. The restaurant is within walking distance of Great Wolf Lodge and stays with the wilderness theme.

Sportsman’s Grill Williamsburg, Virginia
Frog legs at Sportsman’s Grill Williamsburg, Virginia
Frog legs at Sportsman’s Grill Williamsburg, Virginia
Venison stew Sportsman’s Grill Williamsburg, Virginia
Venison stew Sportsman’s Grill Williamsburg, Virginia
Steak and potato at Sportsman’s Grill Williamsburg, Virginia
Steak and potato at Sportsman’s Grill Williamsburg, Virginia
Tuna fish sandwich with fries Sportsman’s Grill Williamsburg, Virginia
Tuna fish sandwich with fries Sportsman’s Grill Williamsburg, Virginia
The menu at Sportsman’s Grill is unique with items such a frog legs and venison stew. They also, had generous cuts of beef and seafood options such as a tuna fish sandwich.

Sportsman’s Grill is similar to a game lodge and the walls are covered in taxidermy animal trophies. The menu is unique too with items such as frog legs, venison stew, and alligator gumbo. They also had a nice beer/wine list. We enjoyed having lunch there during our stay.

Things to do at Great Wolf Lodge (Paid Activities)

In addition to the water park, there are many fun activities to do at Great Wolf Lodge. Most are geared directly towards children like the MagiQuest game which has a spot to buy a wand and play an interactive game through the resort. However, as adults, we enjoyed several of the other activities. The lanes at Ten Paw Alley were shorter and it was similar to duckpin bowling with smaller balls and short pins. This bowling was a bit more challenging than normal bowling and we had fun playing.

Playing laser tag at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia
Playing laser tag at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia
bowling at Ten Paw Bowling inside Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia
My Mom bowling at Ten Paw Bowling inside Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia
Halloween at Build a Bear Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia
Halloween at Build a Bear Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia
Enjoying some of the (paid) activities inside Great Wolf Lodge including Build a Bear, the Northern Light’s Arcade, Ten Paw Alley and Laser Tag during Halloween at Great Wolf Lodge.

We also visited the Build a Bear during our stay where I stuffed my wolf plush to take home. I’m already a Build-a-Bear fan and was excited about the exclusive options only offered at Great Wolf Lodge. We enjoyed playing a game of laser tag and even had the whole game to ourselves one night. For late-night fun, the Northern Lights arcade is open late, is adult friendly and has many fun traditional-style games that bring back nostalgic feelings.

The price of the tokens was typical of arcades and with $50 worth we enjoyed chasing each other on motorcycles, racing each other in cars, and playing skeetball and basketball against each other. Many of the arcade games give out tickets to redeem for prizes and several of the claw machines allow for play until a prize is won. I felt like a kid again playing some of the games all while enjoying drinks we had gotten from the Loose Moose bar.

Great Wolf Lodge Water Park in Williamsburg, Virginia

Inside the waterpark at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia
Inside the water park at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia

On our first day, we didn’t go into the water park until around 4. They were open from 9-7 the days we visited. On our first time inside we walked around and visually checked out the area. Though the water park was busy we didn’t feel overwhelmed by the foot traffic or by children enjoying the fun.

We opted to go to bar and get some tropical drinks and then go into the 21+ hot tub. The adults-only hot tub is huge and near a family hot tub for people who want to sit with their children. It’s a cozy area and we enjoyed relaxing and having a few drinks before going back to our room when the water park closed.

For those not staying at the lodge there were ample lockers to rent to store belongings, a small necessities shop for things one might have forgotten to bring, and showers/changing rooms. The layout of the park has multiple restrooms too and I never saw people having to wait.

Buckhorn Exchange gift shop inside Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia
Forget something or want to take home a souvenir? Visit Buckhorn Exchange gift shop inside Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia

On our full day at the water park, we rode all of the rides and enjoyed the Howlin’ Tornado the most. Though the rides are inside the water park doesn’t skimp on the size of the tubes and slides with many going outside of the building and looping back in. We liked that there were areas just for smaller children to play, areas geared towards teens/adults, and things families could ride or enjoy together like the wave pool all under the same roof. The Crooked Creek lazy river was one of our favorites and between it and visits to the hot tub, we felt relaxed. We enjoyed being able to ride things together in a double tube.

Review of Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia

We don’t live far from Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia so we didn’t venture out during our stay and are familiar with the area. However, for adults that haven’t been to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, or nearby Yorktown this could be the perfect hotel to use as a base. The lodge rooms can be accessed without going into the children’s areas or the water park for a quieter stay. The rooms are very spacious and clean. The location of the Great Wolf Lodge would make the lodge great for conferences.

Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia
I would highly recommend a trip to Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Va. We are kids at heart and we can’t wait to go back!

Overall we enjoyed our stay at Great Wolf Lodge and would go again. If you’re looking for a quiet couples weekend this might not be the place for you, but if you love adventure and feeling like a kid again I would highly recommend a trip to Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Va. I didn’t see anyone else visiting without children or grandchildren, but I don’t feel like people without children are excluded from the lodge. This was a perfect staycation for us as adults and we were glad we tried Great Wolf Lodge out. This trip was a good break from adulting and who couldn’t use more days like that?

Return Visits to Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia

Valentine Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia
Valentine’s treats during a February visit to Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia
New updated stage area for the children’s events at Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia (2023)

Since first writing this blog we have returned to Great Wolf Lodge five times and even went to check out the holiday decorations for Snowland. I honestly like going in the off-season when the lodge is less crowded. During our most recent trips, I have noticed staffing issues have affected Great Wolf Lodge like many establishments. I have seen some ride and amenity closures like the bar running on limited hours or closing down some rides to alternate staff. Guests still get a quality experience but have to be patient with the staff of Great Wolf Lodge.

On our latest visit I liked how the entry to the lobby at Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg had been updated. The lobby was always very crowded during the children’s event times with people checking in/being at the front desk and parents watching their children. Now a designated area with a stage has been made for the children’s programs in the lobby and it is not blocking the entryway to the resort. This lobby update was very much needed. I hope to see Great Wolf Lodge continue to improve and renovate the lodge.

Spring Breakout 2023 at Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia
Spring Breakout at Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia

If you have any questions about my visits to Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia drop me a comment.

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Take A Walk in My Flip Flops:Travel Blog

Let’s Go Camping

Krystle Kitchen

Sponsored| In May 2021 I started a remodel on an almost 30-year-old Sunline Saturn. With lots of paint and patience the “Lilly Pad”, was finished and took its first journey to the OBX for Memorial Day weekend. In the first year, we went on a few trips and went on our first multi-state trip leaving Virginia and going to Gettysburg, Pa. There is so much to learn about camping and to figure out along the way. I am not an expert by any means, but have found things that help make camping easier I will share.

Camping Fort Story, Virginia Beach
Grilling and enjoying a cold beverage in Virginia Beach’s Fort Story Campground

Types of Campgrounds: National Parks, HipCamp and Resorts

I think the most important thing to remember when looking at sites is finding a camping location that works for you and your family. Make sure to figure out first what you’re looking for in a site and then match your needs/wants to the amenities offered. In our first year of camping, we camped at a National Park in the OBX, a military MWR campground in Virginia Beach, a camping resort in Williamsburg, and a Hipcamp site outside Gettysburg, Pa. All of these sites were very different and each offered some unique pros and cons to them.

Oregon Inlet Campground, Nc National Park
Hipcamping outside Gettysburg, Pa
Fort Story Virginia Beach, Va
Anvil Campground in Williamsburg, Va
Each type of camping site offers their own unique pros and cons so be sure to do your research before you decided on booking.

Camping at a National Park offers the perks of direct access to nature, clean basic bath houses, park rangers if needed, typically a dumping station, and potable water. The cons to some might be limited amenities as National Parks are basic and don’t always offer resort-type amenities.

From beach locations to mountains you can always find somewhere to park your RV, travel trailer or pitch a tent. Shown above (left) camping outside Gettysburg, Pa and (right) Fort Story Beach in Virginia Beach, Va

Camping at a resort offers all the bells and whistles with beautifully manicured grounds, fire pits, BBQ areas, gravel sites, access to pools, recreational areas, games, cable TV, wifi, laundry, full hookups (water, sewage, and electricity) and much more. The con to this type of camping for some might be the higher prices or crowded areas during peak season.

Camping on a military base is similar to a resort in my opinion. Base camping is terrific if you have access to it and is VERY discounted/cost-effective compared to other resorts. The amenities at many bases are very nice. As a con, these campgrounds aren’t available to everyone.

Hipcamp Review
Camping off the beaten path using Hipcamp

Camping using HipCamp is not your typical site and allows access to private land and individuals who choose to host outside their homes, or on their farmland or woods. Some HipCamp sites might solely give you access to a place to park or pitch a tent. The cons are there might not be any electricity, sewage, cable, or potable water on these sites.

Some HipCamp sites also, don’t allow fires or the use of generators so you’ll need propane or battery power. All details should be read thoroughly for HipCamp sites as each site and the host is different. If you’re confused about a listing contact the host. The perks of HipCamp include being cost-effective, camping in secluded areas, meeting new hosts, and going off the beaten path.

Hipcamp Review
Basic campsites might only be a flat, cleared off spot in the woods. Do your research before hand and make sure you know what you’re getting. For me I am ok with the seclusion of basic wooded sites.

Some of the Hipcamp sites require dry camping. I think the key to camping in an RV or travel trailer without typical hookups is to first make sure you have enough potable water or water in your freshwater holding tank for showers etc. to last the amount of time you’re camping. When I was looking for a site on HipCamp it was important to me to locate a site this time with electric hook-up and potable water. This might not be a necessity for others, but we were looking at multiple days and I knew we wouldn’t have enough battery power for the whole trip.

Tips for a Great Camping Trip

1992 Sunline Saturn
Camping is an amazing way to relax, unwind and connect to nature!

We always make sure to have our fresh water holding tank full when we leave home. Our refrigerator and oven both run off propane so we also, make sure to have enough of it as well. If you use propane I suggest making sure to know where you can refill it if necessary when camping.

Laundromats like this can help you pack less and to quickly get everything washed so you can get back to your vacation or business.

Mapping out things like grocery stores and even hardware stores is also, something I find that helps our camping trips go smoothly. Depending on how many days we are going to be away I also, like to locate laundry services like using Madison Heights laundromat when camping. Planning to use a laundromat can ease the load of packing. The Clothes Spin is a great option for a way to clean your clothes while camping.

Get Outside and Go RVing

1992 Sunline Saturn Remodel
Inside my little beach house on wheels the Lilly Pad an almost 30 year old renovated Sunline Saturn.

Camping is an amazing way to relax, unwind, and connect to nature! Getting outside and away from the hustle and bustle of the world can be very liberating and relaxing. Each type of camping site mentioned offers its own set of pros and cons, so be sure to do your research before you decide on booking. Whatever you choose just get outside and go RVing!

Let’s go camping!

Know someone planning a camping trip please share my article with them ☺️ Check out my other fun Take A Walk in My Flip Flops travel articles too.