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Hello, I just want to thank my readers for saying with me as I finish the last edits on my first Fiction mystery novel called “Murder in the Stacks.” I will return to posting new blogs in the coming weeks. Your suggestions on the topics you are interested in reading are always welcome

Local Theater for a Night Out

Travel moms know that it is not always possible to take trips outside your own area. Thankfully sometimes entertainment opportunities such as local theater is as close as the nearest city.

Many local theater groups offer special discounts for season tickets. For example , the Paramount Theater in Aurora Illinois offers a buy two shows get two free shows package. This season offers such shows as Cats and Mary Poppins. 

Offers such as this helps create a memorable evening out without breaking the bank.  Look to your local theaters for an evening of fun

Exploring Tropical Travel in Belize

Belize is located on northeastern coast of Central America and is often referred to by divers as one of the seven wonders of the underwater world. The Great Barrier Reef that runs parallel to the coast of Belize is the second largest reef in the world rivaled only by Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. This dotted chain of cays shelters an astonishing amount of marine life and with a visibility of over 100 feet; it is considered a divers and snorkelers paradise.

For moms looking for a water travel adventure, Belize is the perfect place to enjoy pristine beaches and the ocean's natural wonders. Travel choices to Belize offer trips for any type of traveler. Travel moms can visit with their children using one of many guided family tours available in Belize. 

Very adventurous travel moms can also book their own trips and stay at resort hotels such as the Sunbreeze Hotel in Ambergris Cay. 

Most flights going to Belize land in Belize City but most recommend that vacationers take the time to travel to the more tourist friendly San Pedro. This city serves as a Belize tourist base for deep-sea fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling tours. An example of such a tour is a visit to Shark Ray Alley within the Hol Chan Aquatic Nature Reserve where visitors can snorkel in an aquarium like setting along with nurse sharks, stingrays and a variety of other local tropical fish species.

Tourist friendly San Pedro boasts a laid-back atmosphere where golf carts, bicycles and walking are the preferred methods of transportation. In addition, many of the San Pedro hotels offer services to help visitors book guided Belize tours. 

Guided tours are the best way to explore Belize for first time travel moms. One tour that should not be missed when visiting San Pedro is the nearby archaeological site called the Marco Gonzalez Ruins. Over 2000 years old, these ruins are believed to be part of an important Mayan trading center. 

Travel to Belize can be found throughout the internet at reasonable prices, but make sure to check reviews and references before booking a trip.There is a high amount of crime in Belize City so a reputable agent with personal references is important.  

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.