Summer is right around the corner. Get excited with these fun ideas for a great family vacation, including road trip inspiration, educational attractions, and outdoor activities.
Take a ride on this giant indoor roller coaster in Missouri
Town scene on the Fire in the Hole coaster – courtesy of Silver Dollar City
The largest family roller coaster in the Heartland, Fire In The Hole, is now open at the internationally awarded Silver Dollar City theme park, in the heart of the Ozarks.
At over 32,000 square feet, Fire In The Hole represents the 1880s theme park’s single-largest attraction investment to date — a nearly 3-minute long ride retelling an account of the night the real town Silver Dollar City now sits on was burnt to the ground. Integral to the ride’s story, “volunteers” are asked to board their very own “pumper” — an 1880s steam-powered, firefighting wagon — and save the burning town from notorious vigilantes, the Baldknobbers. 14 iconic show scenes are paired with 3 gravity-driven drops, while the journey ends with a surprise, quick water-splash finale. The final product is a result of years of collaboration with Idaho’s Rocky Mountain Construction and Herschend Creative Studios.
“Fire In The Hole is truly one-of-a-kind,” said Duane Marden, founder of the Roller Coaster Database, a worldwide database with statistics on over 10,000 roller coasters and counting from around the world. “The ride combines a family coaster experience all can enjoy with indoor elements illustrating the history of this area, all in a massive building that ends with a water splash. There’s nothing like it anywhere and will be an absolute must-ride every visit.”
True to the theme park’s 1880s roots, the new coaster recounts the story of a real night in Ozark Mountain history when the mining town of Marmaros — the once-real town Silver Dollar City now resides on and inspiration for the park’s theme — was burned to the ground by the Baldknobbers. This new coaster follows in the legendary footsteps of the original Fire In The Hole, a 51-year-old coaster that held final rides on Dec. 30, 2023, after hosting over 25 million riders since 1972. Now, housed in a 5-story, temperature-controlled building, the new family coaster will always be open regardless of the day’s weather and temperature.
“Fire In The Hole is a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of the men and women who work here at Silver Dollar City,” said Brad Thomas, President of the Silver Dollar City Company. “Work on this massive addition started back in 2021, with planning much before that. They have poured tens of thousands of hours into this project, and their craftsmanship can be seen in every nook of this ride, from the queue line and coaster building, all the way to the hand-painted backdrops and lush foliage.”
Effectively doubling the size of one The City’s most popular areas, Fire In The Hole is the new centerpiece in the newly incorporated Fire District. Additionally located in The Fire District is Sadie’s Pretzel Cafe, an all-new restaurant serving handmade pretzels, pretzel dogs and pretzel sandwiches. Plus, just across the street, the new Flanders Dry Goods offers a line of “Flanders-branded” merchandise, connecting the store location back to Fire In The Hole’s rich lore.
“This new Fire In The Hole continues our mission of creating memories worth repeating, as we look to always improve the experience for our guests and towards the future of our park,” said Thomas. “This coaster, just like the original, ensures the whole family makes lasting memories for the foreseeable future, and the only place you can ride something like this is Silver Dollar City.
Fire In The Hole marks the beginning of an action-packed summer this year at Silver Dollar City, with the park’s Summer Celebration kicking off June 8, with extended nighttime hours starting July 13 with Summer Nights, all the way through August 4. And, there’s plenty of fun between now and then, too, as this spring The City celebrates the final year of Street Fest from April 11-29. Then, Bluegrass & BBQ from May 2-27, awarded “Top Bluegrass Event” by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA).
Enjoy inshore and ocean fishing Florida
Fishing in the waters of St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and The Beaches – courtesy fo Florida’s Historic Coast
Spend a leisurely day casting a line into the surf with toes in the sand or wrestling a sport fish out of the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, it’s easy to understand why fishing is Florida’s favorite pastime. And there’s no better place than St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches, where there’s a myriad of backwater honey holes, guided charters, challenging tournaments, and passionate fishing experts.
Saltwater fishing is king here—kingfish, that is. St. Augustine is home to the Southern Kingfish Association, which sanctions more than 100 tournaments throughout the Southeast. The ocean waters are also home to blackfin tuna, tarpon, flounder, wahoo, mahi mahi, sailfish, cobia, and king mackerel. Hop on board one of Sea Love Charters’ public trips for a deep-water adventure or charter a fishing boat from the Conch House Marina or the Nix Boat Yard Road Marina.
The ever-popular fishing tournaments are on. If you want to put a little more on the line, enter one of the many tournaments hosted on Florida’s Historic Coast. Kingfish tournaments lure in large crowds of fishermen and fisherwomen after big fish and even bigger cash prizes. St. Augustine Kingfish Mayhem kicks off on May 30th and Old School Kingfish Tournament follows on June 8th. The Ancient City Game Fish Association hosts the Kingfish Challenge on June 28th and 29th.
Go from the big water to the backwater with any number of guided fishing charters that explore the marshes, creeks, and bays that vein Florida’s Historic Coast. The area is known for its local redfish, as well as flounder, tarpon, black drum, and speckled sea trout. The aptly named Drum Man Charters and Fishardy Charters can navigate St. Augustine’s inland waters and venture 30 miles offshore, while First Coast Inshore Fishing, Chips Coastal Charters, and Prime Time Charters specialize in Ponte Vedra’s inland waterways.
Bringing your own boat? Get bait, gear, hot local tips, and tie-up overnight at Devil’s Elbow Fishing Resort or Genung’s Fish Camp.
Along Florida’s Historic Coasts 42 miles of pristine beaches, Surf fishing at sunrise is a must-do. Cast past the waves during the warm summer months and land speckled sea trout, pompano, or jack crevalle. Vilano Beach, St. Augustine Beach, Crescent Beach, Matanzas Inlet, and South Ponte Vedra Beach Recreation Area are all perfect places to surf cast – just remember to be respectful of other beach-goers!
Anglers also have tremendous fun fishing from the area’s piers and bridges. Most well-known is the St. Johns County Ocean Pier on St. Augustine Beach. The $6 fee to fish includes a fishing license! There are also Lighthouse Park on Anastasia Island, the Vilano Beach Pier and Usina Boat Ramp Fishing Pier on Vilano Beach, Vaill Point Park in St. Augustine South, and the Rose of Sharon Pier just north of the Bridge of Lions. Give bridge fishing a try at the Matanzas Inlet Bridge on A1A or the May Street Bridge.
Having fun on the water is key, but remember, these waters are very sensitive ecosystems that can easily be damaged. Help preserve the natural environment for future generations by following a few simple rules. Don’t discard any fishing materials or refuse in the water; discard used fishing line in designated receptacles, where it can be safely recycled; stay off the dunes; and boat at safe speeds.
Fishing, fresh air, and the water are sure to stoke the appetite. Grab some delicious bites packaged to enjoy in the great outdoors from Kaiser’s Deli on Anastasia Island, the Floating Food Company on Vilano Beach, Stir It Up on St. Augustine Beach, or Trasca and Company in Ponte Vedra Beach.
Fishing is just the beginning of the adventure on Florida’s Historic Coast. Be sure to take advantage of the unforgettable stays and deals available on Florida’s Historic Coast this Spring and summer.
Explore outdoor recreation in the Laurel Highlands
Visitors enjoy the rivers in the Laurel Highlands – courtesy of GO Laurel Highlands
The Laurel Highlands is home to excellent outdoor recreation on the Youghiogheny and Stonycreek rivers as well as eight state parks (Keystone, Kooser, Laurel Hill, Laurel Mountain, Laurel Ridge, Laurel Summit, Linn Run and Ohiopyle) and two state forests (Forbes and Gallitzin).
Architecture aficionados flock to the Laurel Highlands to see Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater – a UNESCO World Heritage site – as well as Mantyla and the Duncan House, both of which are located at Polymath Park, and Kentuck Knob. History lovers are drawn to Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Fort Ligonier and the Flight 93 National Memorial.
Family vacations are especially popular in the region, which is home to Idlewild and SoakZone, Laurel Caverns, Jennerstown Speedway and Seven Springs Mountain Resort.
Ann Nemanic, executive director of GO Laurel Highlands – the official destination marketing organization of Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland counties – said the region’s diverse range of activities and experiences make it the perfect summer getaway. “Summer is a season filled with anticipation,” she said. “Three months filled with dates circled for family gatherings, celebrations, parades, and vacations simply are not enough.
“The Laurel Highlands has always been a summer destination because the region checks many boxes for visitors,” Nemanic said. “An entire week could be filled with outdoor experiences alone – hiking numerous trails, biking the Great Allegheny Passage, floating a kayak on calm water, or screaming excitedly over Class IV rapids on the Yough. A blend of history and cultural assets is appealing to many, with museums and artist studios scattered throughout the landscape. For little tots, Idlewild and SoakZone create memories for their first amusement park experience. Pepper in farmers markets for fresh-grown ingredients to take home, and you have yourself one tremendous escape this summer.”
Recently, Ohiopyle Borough, which has about a dozen year-round residents captured the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Award as the Best Small Town in the Northeast. The popularity of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands has been showcased multiple times by USA Today 10Best: Keystone State Park was named the Best Destination for Fall Foliage in the U.S., and the Foggy Goggle at Seven Springs Mountain Resort was chosen the Best Apres-Ski Bar in North America. Ohiopyle outfitter Wilderness Voyageurs was voted one of the 10 Best Whitewater Rafting Tours last year, and Greensburg’s El Diablo Brewing Co. was one of the nation’s top new breweries. The Great Allegheny Passage was recently in a contest for the top recreational trails in the U.S., and Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Mill Run – just a few miles outside of Ohiopyle – is currently a nominee for Favorite RV Campground.
Save on sight-seeing in San Antonio, Texas
The Alamo by Gower Brown – Unsplash
As of March 1, admission to The Alamo’s – Exhibit and Church is now included in San Antonio CityPASS® tickets. CityPASS tickets, the first-ever bundled attraction tickets in North America, offer substantial discounts on combined admission to iconic attractions in 16 North American destinations. The Alamo, part of Texas’ only UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Lone Star State’s top tourist destination, is a fantastic addition to the already impressive San Antonio CityPASS lineup of attractions.
Renowned worldwide for its significant role in American history, the Alamo offers a unique and immersive journey through 300 years of history. While first established as a Spanish mission in the 1700’s, the Alamo is best known as the site of a tragic battle during Texas’ quest for independence from Mexico. It was during this 1836 Siege of The Alamo by Mexican General Santa Anna that every last Texas defender, including famed frontiersmen David Crockett, William B. Travis and James Bowie, perished while fighting for freedom. That tragic event transformed the site into a sacred place to which travelers have paid homage for nearly 200 years.
One of the most iconic of the historical buildings at the Alamo is the Church, dating back to the site’s Spanish Mission era. The Long Barrack, located near the cherished Alamo Church, houses exhibits detailing the Alamo’s history and the events leading up to the famed Battle of the Alamo. Visitors can engage in interactive demonstrations of early 19th–century daily life, military drills and other activities in the Living History Encampment.
While entry to the Alamo grounds and Church is always free to the public, admission is charged for the Alamo Exhibit located inside the Ralston Family Collections Center. San Antonio CityPASS tickets cover this admission fee.
The Alamo Exhibit offers a state-of-the-art curatorial environment dedicated to the preservation of the Alamo. Here, visitors can view priceless artifacts gifted to the State of Texas by musician and historian Phil Collins (yes, that Phil Collins!), including the Battle of the Alamo Diorama featuring his narration. Additional period pieces are showcased in the Donald and Louise Yena Spanish Colonial Collection among the many displays and interactive exhibits.
Perfect for budget-conscious travelers, the San Antonio CityPASS program bundles discounted prepaid admission into one easy-to-use mobile ticket. Visitors can now save 39% on combined admission to four of the following must-see San Antonio attractions:
Go Rio San Antonio River CruisesSan Antonio ZooThe Tower of The AmericasThe DoSeumSan Antonio Botanical GardenWitte MuseumSan Antonio Museum of ArtNEW The Alamo — Exhibit and Church
Visiting is easy with a San Antonio CityPASS mobile ticket. The tickets cost $59 (value $92), for adults and $49 for children ages 3-11. Once scanned at the first attraction visited, CityPASS tickets are valid for nine consecutive days starting with the first day of use. (Should travel plans change, a 365-day refund is available for nonactivated tickets.)
Tickets can be purchased online at citypass.com or at one of the participating attractions. Customers can use the My CityPASS app to access their tickets, make reservations, and find entry instructions, directions, special offers, and more for each attraction.
Experience the iconic Route 66 in Illinois
Sprague’s on Route 66 in McLean County, Illinois – courtesy of Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Nestled in the heart of Illinois, McLean County invites travelers to embark on an unforgettable adventure along Route 66. As the legendary Mother Road weaves through the county, it leaves a trail of history and nostalgia, offering a personalized travel experience. With a multitude of attractions, dining, shopping, and events capturing the essence of Route 66, McLean Countyensures a memorable journey for all. What sets McLean County apart is its commitment to personalized travel, without the hustle and bustle of big city travel. Discover the cultural heritage and create lasting memories in McLean County, where warmth and hospitality await all travelers.
For travelers venturing into McLean County, step back in time at Sprague’s Super Service station in Normal. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places and meticulously restored to its former glory, this landmark, now known as Ryburn Place, serves as a poignant reminder of Route 66’s storied past. This location is great for photo taking and has a popular route 66 gift shop. Bloomington offers travelers a huge array of dining and shopping opportunities along Route 66.
Exploring the Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitor Center in Bloomington to get your passport stamped, shop and discover the local area. Spend time at the McLean County History Museum in Bloomington, where exhibits chronicle the region’s pivotal role in shaping the American landscape. Stroll through the charming streets of Downtown Bloomington, where there’s something to delight every palate and preference.
Funks Grove in Shirley beckons travelers with its idyllic scenery and warm hospitality. Visitors can explore Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup, a family-owned maple syrup farm that has been producing delicious syrup for generations. Visitors can’t miss Memory Lane in Lexington or the thrill of Dead Man’s Curve in Towanda. And for those seeking great photo locations, the Route 66 Monuments in Bloomington, Normal, Lexington, Chenoa, and McLean stand as the perfect backdrop for your travel photo taking.
The adventure continues with a lineup of Route 66 events that promise excitement and camaraderie. From the annual Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festivals hosted in many communities in McLean County to the adrenaline-pumping 11th annual Get Your 6.6 on Route 66 run/walk from Funks Grove to McLean, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the spirit of the Mother Road.
Check out the new EV charger at Miller Park pavilion in Bloomington that highlights the region’s commitment to sustainability and accessibility along Route 66. Looking ahead, the eagerly anticipated Route 66 Murals slated for Cruisin’ with Lincoln on Route 66 Visitor Center, Downtown Bloomington, Lexington, and McLean promise to captivate and inspire visitors starting June 2024.