The Green Cabin has a loft bedroom

At the Hocking Hills Canopy Tour near Logan, Ohio this past Saturday, a couple in my group seemed happier than happy. They seemed as if they were still in the romantic phase of their relationship. The signs were there. The sweet pecks on lips, light rub on backs and lots of smiles.

The Blue Cabin sleeps 4

Cabins are fully furnished and equipped with all you need for a cozy getaway of solitude and relaxation, although you do need to bring your own charcoal and lighter fluid for the grill.

The owners suggest you might want to bring a beach towel if you use the hot tub, as well as personal toiletries. The property also has a stocked fish pond and hiking trails.

Check out the website’s link for last minute deals and specials. Right now there are spring package discounts.

Interior of Red Cabin

Frontier Log Cabins
18381 Thompson Ridge Rd.
Laurelville, Oh 43135
1-888-332-6747

Photos courtesy of Frontier Log Cabins

Post by Jamie Rhein, member of Midwest Travel Writers Association

When in Santa Monica, California, you have to visit Santa Monica Pier

Are you visiting Santa Monica for the first time? Below is a list of “Insider Tips” for things to see and do in SaMo.

When I have a visitor from out of town, I take them to the  Shore Hotel.  The location is within walking distance to all of the Santa Monica attractions (Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, restaurants, shops, etc).  Not to mention it’s right on Ocean Ave and offers views of the Pacific Ocean. For an added bonus, Shore Hotel has a partnership with Tikkun Spa so anyone who stays at the hotel can use their facilities free of charge.

Don’t miss Santa Monica Pier or Annenberg Community Beach House if you have kids traveling with you.

Blue Plate offers fresh California cuisine (and Carrot Cake) with laid-back Santa Monica atmosphere.

Where to Eat in Santa Monica

If you are looking for typical Santa Monica cuisine, I recommend Blue Plate on Montana Ave.  This local Santa Monica restaurant offers fresh California cuisine with the typical laid-back Santa Monica atmosphere.

I recommend any of the sandwiches, wraps or salads with the house roasted turkey; Montana Club, Turkey Club Wrap or Cobb Salad.

Looking for cheap food in Santa Monica? Go to Border Grill during happy hour. Fantastic Mexican at a great price.

The V-Lounge is the spot for late night dining.

To spend the big bucks, go to The Lobster at the Santa Monica Pier or Boa Steakhouse on Ocean Ave.

Go to Jinky’s Cafe for a great breakfast treat or coffee. You might even spot Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie eating here with their kids.

Just outside of Santa Monica you can visit Malibu, have lunch at Moonshadows.

Go to Border Grill during happy hour for good Mexican food at great prices

Eco-friendly and athletic Santa Monica

Seeing a lot of green and eco-friendly businesses? Santa Monica is best known for their commitment to the environment.

When you come to Santa Monica, get your picture taken on the beach with the Santa Monica Pier in the background.

The best vantage points are taken by walking to the top of the Santa Monica bluffs

The Shore Hotel offers great views and is the best place to watch or experience the LA Marathon finish line.

The Shore Hotel offers great views of the beach and is eco-friendly

Santa Monica from inside out

In Santa Monica, outdoor enthusiasts will want to walk or bike to get around within the city.

Looking for a little exercise? Walk along the beach or Ocean Ave if you don’t want to get sandy!

The Museum of Flying is the newest museum in Santa Monica.

Night life in Santa Monica? For a night of dancing, go to 31Ten. You might also enjoy the Twilight Dance Series on the Pier.

The Santa Monica Mirror or Santa Monica Daily Press will keep you posted on what’s happening in Santa Monica.

If you happen to be visiting Santa Monica in the spring, check out Cirque du Soleil’s Ovo show at the Santa Monica Pier

In the summer you should attend Santa Monica stairs for a good work out.

Did you know that Santa Monica is known for being one of the most progressive beach cities in terms of the green movement?

Shop Santa Monica

Plan a visit to Santa Monica Place Mall in the fall for great sales and back to school shopping.

Come to Santa Monica for Rose Bowl pep rallies. My son and husband got a taste of Santa Monica pep rallies first-hand while attending the University of Oregon Rose Bowl Game. Go Ducks!

The Santa Monica outdoor ice skating rink is worth a spin in the winter.

Insider Tip: Check out the often over-looked Montana Street in Santa Monica.  There are tons of great shopping and restaurants options and it is less crowded than Third Street Promenade.

What are your favorite things to do in Santa Monica?

Article by Nancy D. Brown

Related Post:

Things to See and Do in Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Monica

The Disney Fantasy

Imagine a vacation where mom and dad can relax in a seaside spa, while the kids enjoy fun activities and interactions with Disney characters.  On the Disney Cruise Line’s latest ship, the Disney Fantasy, it’s all possible.

I had the chance to check out the Disney Fantasy on a three-day media preview trip, and I’m already planning to visit next year with my whole family.  Although I’ve never cruised before, I was so impressed with how well the Disney Cruise Line operates.  They really think of everything that families need.

There are loads of things for families to do on board, including two different kids clubs, Broadway-style shows, a water coaster, a full-service spa, three family sit-down restaurants, and a movie theater.  In addition, the ship stops at several different ports in the Caribbean, depending upon the 7-day itinerary you choose.  On my trip, we only stopped at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay in the Bahamas, which is a fun spot with gorgeous views of the Caribbean.

Castaway Cay

The staterooms on the Disney Fantasy are a good size based upon cruise standards (which are small), and my stateroom with verandah had absolutely gorgeous views of the ocean.  I enjoyed ordering breakfast from room service in the morning (included in your cruise fare) and eating it on the verandah.  The food quality is average to above average for the included meals.  There are two high-end restaurants (for an additional fee) which I did not have the chance to try.

Insider Tip for the Disney Fantasy:

Arrive early on your first day.  While you won’t be allowed in your stateroom right away, you can bring on a day bag with essentials.  The earlier you arrive, the longer your first day on the ship is

This is a guest post by Jodi Grundig of Family Travel Magazine. Photos are courtesy of Jodi Grundig. Follow Jodi on Twitter.  This cruise was provided at no cost for purposes of review.

Related Posts:
Princess for a Day on Princess Cruises Crown Princess

Environmental Impact of Cruise Ships