A Trip to Willamette Valley Wine Country

Age appropriate: 21 and up

Moms need some time off, too!  Not only does it give you a break but it makes those left behind more appreciative of your efforts!  As much as I love Napa Valley, it is an expensive trip for Travel Mommies on a budget. A great wine tour alternative that is often overlooked because of is west coast location is Willamette Valley in Oregon.  This 100 mile long valley named after the river that flows through it contains a number of charming towns and over 300 wineries. Cities such as Newberg in the valley offer a number of charming Bed and Breakfast inns such as The Dreamgiver's Inn, University House and Chehalem Ridge. 


Take a Tour

A hot air balloon scenic flight over the wine country of Newberg is an excellent way to view the area and enjoy the countryside. Most flights last an hour but are often combined with a catered breakfast and post flight celebration. Another fun way to enjoy Oregon's premier wine country is by bike. Bike tours will take visitors on an easy paced ride through picturesque country lanes past stunning landscapes, hillside vineyards, and century old farmhouses. Many tours will include wine tastings at local vineyards and a picnic lunches. For the truly adventuresome try taking the 132-mile Bikeway which starts at Champoeg State Hertiage park and winds through a number of picturesque Willamette Valley towns and ends at the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge.

For more Information visit the Willamette Valley Tourism Page.

Art, Gems & Rocks at the Lizzadro

Age Appropriate for mature 6 and up 

I was ten years old the first time I visited the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art and I had not been back for years until I decided to share my fond memories of this hands on museum with my Geo crazy daughter. Her love of art, Gems, gold and rocks made the perfect combination for this small but amazing museum.

The Lizzadro hosts two levels of exhibits. The first floor highlights a series of natural dioramas ranging from a prehistoric scene, created with stone palm trees and ferns with jade carved dinosaurs, to jungle scenes with elephants carved from ivory. Between the glass case exhibits on the walls, one notices beautiful scenes of the Italian countryside.  These realistic scenes are a part of the Lizzadro’s Roman mosaic stone collection created between 1780 and 1850.

 

Other exhibits include a real ten-panel screen once owned by the Chinese Emperor Qianlong. Each screen panel depicts the seasons of the year using precious gems, stones and other materials such as ivory and mother of pearl to create each scene.  Lizzadro Museum holds many examples of fine Chinese art.

Of the many marvels to see at the Lizzadro, the most precious exhibit is the 18k Gold Castle created in memory of James Lizzadro. This breath-taking castle combines the art of lapidary and goldsmithing to create a fairy castle where any royal would love to live.

The downstairs floor of the Lizzadro holds an exhibit called the Rock and Mineral Experience that any child interested in gems and geology will love. Each exhibit allows a hands on experience and girls will especially marvel at the ability to touch uncut Gems.  

Located at 220 Cottage Hill in Elmhurst Illinois the museum is located just off Wilder Park. Parents wishing to save some money can pack a picnic lunch to eat in the park and visit the museum on Fridays when admission is free. 

 

Retro Fun in West Allis, Wisconsin

Age recommendations: Mature 6 and up

I love to take kids on retro trips to areas where they can get a feel for what it was like to grow up in the later part of the 20^th century before mobile phones, cable TV, and computers. West Allis, located near Milwaukee, offers visitors that kind of nostalgic trip. Allis’ mature tree lined neighborhood streets create a vibrant canopy of colors in the fall and a cool green forest during warmer days while Allis’ main street area maintains its postmodern charm.

West Allis offers a few good restaurant choices, which are influenced by its predominately-Italian residents. For the best garlic bread and lasagna in the Milwaukee area, visit Mama Mia Italian Cuisine at 8533 W Greenfield Avenue. It is a bit pricey for young children but if you are trying to introduce young foodies to fine Italian cuisine this is the place to start.

After your meal, try a Milwaukee’s most popular sport, bowling. It is not surprising that a retro bowling alley is located on West Allis’ main street. Introduce your children to a bye-gone era at the Riviera Lanes bowling alley on Greenfield Avenue. This retro place is an excellent place to teach children that people can have fun without electronics.

A shopper’s visit to West Allis is not complete without a weekend visit to the West Allis Farmer’s Market at 6501 S 65th Street. Started in 1919 this market is a fun way to introduce youngsters to America’s first shopping malls. They will marvel at the wide and diverse selection of items and tastes offered here on weekends including antiques. The best part is that prices are not set so super shoppers can negotiate for the best price.


West Allis is located close to Milwaukee. As a result, visitors can stay at Ambassador Hotel on Milwaukee Avenue. This retro Art Deco style hotel provides immediate access to the heart of downtown Milwaukee and to Milwaukee’s museums and parks. Just do not forget to visit one of West Allis’ many bakeries for a taste experience that will take you back to grandma’s kitchen.  

Up Coming Events

May-  Memorial Day parade

The Memorial Day Parade is supported by the City of West Allis and is coordinated The Allied Veterans' Organizations of West Allis. The parade takes place each Memorial Day at Veterans’ Memorial Park located at South 69th Street and West National Avenue. The Memorial Day celebrations start with the parade and end with a memorial service. Check the West Allis home page news and calendar for more details.

 June - The West Allis Ala Carte Street Festival

The West Allis Ala Carte street festival is held along Greenfield Avenue between 70th Street to 76th Street. It is traditionally held during the first Sunday in June as a showcase the Downtown West Allis’ business district. Activities at the fair include children’s activities such as face painting, live music, and a variety of West Allis food vendors. 

June through August - Summer Music in the Park

West Allis hosts summer concert series at Veteran's Park located at 70th Street and National Avenue. Live music concerts are held on Tuesday and Thursday night in the park. Bring a blanket and lawn chairs to enjoy these free, family-friendly concerts. The concert schedule is updated on the West Allis website. 

July-  Independence Day Fireworks & Parade

West Allis prides itself on how it goes all out for Independence Day. Celebrations last for several days with activities including the Breakfast of Champions that honors both West Allis’ high school students for their achievements and its veterans. The Independence Day parade starts at 77th Street and Greenfield Avenue and proceeds from Veteran's Park to 70 Street and National Avenue where post parade entertainment provides fun for all. The Grandstand Show, features kids from throughout Wisconsin and fireworks continue the celebration into the evenings at State Fair Park. Check out the West Allis home page news and calendar for more details. 

July - National Night Out

National Night Out is an annual crime prevention event sponsored by the Aurora West Allis Medical Center. This community event is designed to strengthen neighborhood West Allis’ neighborhoods and to promote crime and drug prevention awareness. National Night Out activities include a community festival with many family friendly activities and neighborhood block parties. 

August - Wisconsin State Fair

To experience the ultimate fair event visit West Allis for the Wisconsin State Fair they host each August for 11 days. Just make sure to plan ahead to book your rooms. Hotel near West Allis fill up fast for this summer event. More information visit the Wisconsin State Fair website. 

August-  Settler's Weekend

The City of West Allis’ Historical Commission hosts Settler’s Weekend. It is held at on the Historical Society’s grounds at 84th Street and National Avenue. The weekend event highlights the history of West Allis up to becoming a city in 1906. Costumed mountain men, trappers, and Civil War re-enactors regale visitors of life prior to 1906 while local craftspeople offer their wares. Enjoy food, live entertainment and a tour of West Allis’ first school - an old log schoolhouse. The best part of this event is that admission and parking are free. For event information, visit the West Allis Historical Society website. 

October - Classic Car Show

If you are a fan of retro events then the Classic Car Show held along Greenfield Avenue is the place to be in October. This car show features hundreds of classic cars and racers for people to view. Events include a Hot Wheels race and live music. If your youngster begins to suffer from electron game withdrawal at this event then introduce them to the various carnival games offered. Food, fun, music, and games start the first Sunday in October from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the Downtown West Allis Business Improvement District website. 

December -Tree Lighting Ceremony & Christmas Parade

On the first Saturday of December, the holiday season in West Allis is kicked off with Christmas on Greenfield Avenue between 76th and 70th Streets. Events include a Christmas parade, ice sculpting demonstrations, live music, and games. Youngsters can have breakfast with Santa while crafters enjoy the annual craft fair. End of this fun filled day by watching West Allis’ Tree Lighting Ceremony at Centennial Plaza located at 7525 West Greenfield Avenue. The tree lighting ceremony is followed by the Christmas parade down Greenfield Avenue from the State Fair Park to 66th Street. Check out the West Allis home page news for a calendar and more information about dates and details.

TSA Survival Tips

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Going through TSA is no longer just for flying anymore. TSA security checkpoints are now found in train stations, cruise departure terminals, and in bus stations. This makes traveling with kids a challenge, but if you prepare before you go makes the whole security process easier. It would let me do TSA. The key is to make your checkpoint experience a smooth one by doing a few things before and while you pack. Most important thing to remember is to be as polite as you possibly can. TSA agents can and do make processing a misery with travelers who are unwise to complain about their treatment or are rude to TSA agents. It is not TSA policy to cause trouble for these people, but it is a reality of travel security checkpoints throughout the world.

Pack Light

Each person in your party is allowed one carry-on bag. The key to this is to pack light and easy to wash clothes. That way you can wash clothes hotel sink using just plain soap. After the clothes are wrung dry, they can be hung in the shower if the hotel does not have a laundry facility. Try to pack clothes that can be used for multiple days I know this is hard when your children are younger and may require more than on outfit a day but pack only two pairs of PJs (one to wear while the other is drying) will save your sanity while going through TSA.

Before you take your trip, make sure the hotel you are staying at has laundry facilities so that taking fewer clothes is not as much of a burden. Avoid brings unnecessary products if traveling in the US. Buy things at the nearest drugstore when you land. (Bring coupons to save money) or ship items to the hotel such as diapers and formula. Once while taking a tri you p with my three month old I shipped two weeks worth of formula and diapers via UPS to a hotel. Just check with the hotel to see if they are willing to accept packages for their guests.

Metal Scanners

Going through TSA small children in nightmare when removing jackets, shoes, and jewelry so it is important to dress everyone as simply as possible. I am a big fan of crocs because they slip on and off the easily. Crocs are excellent shoes for travel, because they dry quickly when wet and are easy to remove. In addition, they come in children's sizes and so the whole family can wear them. I usually start taking off my shoes when I am about second person to the conveyor belt. Jackets have already been removed and are ready to be placed in a grey bin. Make sure everyone is wearing socks for safety. Airport floors are filthy.

I also recommend that the only jewelry you wear is 100% gold because that does not set off the metal detector. Pack your belt, mobile phone, wallet, and keys in the front pocket of your carry-on or in your purse for faster processing. Just make sure to keep an eye on your bags as you walk through so no one steals your bags.  

Body Scans and Pat Downs

If you or your children are one of the unlucky few must be subjected to a body scan please know that you can refuse and request a pat down. It will slow down your processing through TSA but avoiding the radiation exposure from the body scan is well worth it. Women who are pregnant should definitely refuse advice and request a. If you then exposed to radiation or being medically treated with radiation the exposure from a body scanner. If you have a medical condition, no matter how small, told the agent giving the. Some pat downs can be forceful to the point of hurting so letting them know you have a sore back or knee will save you some pain. Small children might let the TSA agent might be ticklish in certain areas.