J Chickery

October 10, 2021 by J Chickery Leave a Comment

Outer Banks West / Currituck Sound KOA (Coinjock, North Carolina)

We had a wonderful week at this fabulous campground! The Outer Banks West / Currituck Sound KOA Holiday is located on the Currituck Sound. This stay was sponsored, but our love of this KOA (and desire to return soon) is genuine! Located about 45 minutes from the busy beach towns of the Outer Banks, it’s peaceful & quiet with a ton of activities. We kayaked, walked on the nature trails and boardwalks, sampled local beer and wine by the water, and enjoyed sunsets by the campfire. Our son, daughter-in-law, and grandson joined us for the weekend. They loved it too!

Watch the video review below to see all this campground has to offer. Then continue reading for more details.

Sites

We love KOA’s because they offer so many different types of sites to suit any budget or preference, and this one was no exception. In fact, the Outer Banks West / Currituck Sound KOA Holiday had some of the most beautiful sites we’ve seen.

Deluxe Patio Sites – These wide full hook-up sites had sturdy dining tables, rocker seats, charcoal grills, and stone fire rings. The tall dining table and chairs are on a raised platform.
Standard Sites – There were also standard full hook-up sites that come with a picnic table and fire ring.
Both the patio and standard sites are available waterfront or inland.

The Outer Banks West KOA has several different site types including this Deluxe Patio site.

No RV? No problem! They have tent sites and KOA cabins to enjoy.

The Outer Banks West KOA has several different site types including this camping cabin.

Amenities

This campground is uniquely located on the Currituck Sound and has five piers for fishing and swimming, kayak & SUP rentals, nature trails with two fishing ponds, a huge dog park, a very nice playground with a large open field for the kids to run around in, and an acade.

Another great amenity was the camp store. It was one of the biggest we’ve seen and also had a snack bar with ice cream. The camp store sold souvenirs, basic food items, and camping gear. Best of all, they had a license to sell alcohol and featured local beer and wine.

Local Area

There was so much to do at the campground that we spent the bulk of our time there. However, we did enjoy visits to local farmer’s markets, the Weeping Radish Farm Brewery, and Sanctuary Vineyard. Morris Farm Market was a special treat. Not only does it have a large store with produce, baked goods, and crafts, but on the weekends it has live music and prepared food.

We also drove out to Kitty Hawk in the Outer Banks. It was about 45-minutes of driving time, but as Air Force veterans we felt it was important to visit the Wright Brothers National Historic Site.

See the path of the first powered flight at the Wright Brothers National Historic Site. — These large boulders marked the first powered flights at the Wright Brothers National Historic Site.

Book Your Stay Now

Whether you are looking for a quick getaway or family vacation, you can’t go wrong with this amazing KOA campground! Click here to make reservations and don’t forget to sign up for the rewards program to get 10% off every KOA stay. We love the rewards program because you also earn points to use towards discounts on future stays. We were able to get $50 off our weekend here using accumulated rewards points.

Interested in learning more about what KOAs have to offer? Click here to listen to Sean & Kenny’s interview with the President and CEO of the company.

September 25, 2021 by J Chickery Leave a Comment

Things To Do And Places To See In Lancaster Pennsylvania

Lancaster is a cultural oasis in Pennsylvania’s heartland. This quaint city boasts more than its fair share of history and culture, which can be seen and experienced all around town. So whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or something to do indoors, Lancaster has it all!

Top Attractions

Some of Lancaster’s top attractions include Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park, Sight & Sound Theatres World-Famous Amphitheatre, and the Strasburg Railroad. In addition to these big names, some lesser-known gems make up this extraordinary area as well! Take a walk through Talen Energy Stadium. The home to Major League Soccer team Philadelphia Union and the Women’s National Team USA Rugby Team for an unforgettable sports experience. Or get in touch with nature at David W Hershey Memorial Park or Elizabethtown College Arboretum. No matter what you’re looking for, Lancaster has a little something for everyone!

One of my favorite stops was the Lancaster Central Market, the oldest, continuously running public farmers’ market in the country. Open three days a week, more than 60 local vendors call the beautiful 1889 Market House home. A step inside is sure to highlight all that Lancaster County has to offer. A walk through its aisles will find an abundance of produce from the deeply nutrient-rich soils native to the local landscape; an array of prepared foods representing the proud cultural diversity of the county; and locally sourced meat, poultry, cheeses, and more.

Lancaster will surprise visitors from near and far with its diversity of culture and interests within such a small town. Outdoor enthusiasts and art-lovers alike will find plenty of activities to keep them entertained, making Lancaster an ideal destination for weekend getaways or family vacations!

Cultural Tours

Lancaster County is rich in cultural heritage and history. The city of Lancaster itself has several great places to visit, which are especially popular with visitors who want to learn more about the region’s unique Amish culture.

For a closer look into Amish life, travelers can do Amish Country Tours in Lancaster. These tours offer a close-up look at the Amish community by riding on scooters in Strasburg. They provide visitors with opportunities to meet local residents and experience their culture firsthand.

Take a step back in time at Nolt Emp-Try Museum or King Spice House, which offers visitors the chance to learn more about how Lancaster’s earliest settlers lived and worked.

I especially enjoyed the Amish Country Homestead & One-Room School in nearby Bird-in-Hand, PA. In addition to the indoor tours, they have a corn maze if you time your visit for the early fall.

2 children walking in a corn maze at the Amish Country Store and one room school house in Bird-In-Hand, PA

If you’re interested in joining one of these tours, it’s essential to book your visit well in advance as both attractions can get quite busy during peak season.

Outdoor Adventures

Lancaster is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise with plenty of activities to keep you busy all year round! For those who love the great outdoors, two state parks make for great day trips during any season; David W Hershey Memorial Park and Elizabethtown College Arboretum. Both destinations offer activities for adults, families, and children, including hiking trails, fishing ponds, and even geocaching!

There are also several great places to go horseback riding in Lancaster. The Green King Stables offer guided trail rides through the woods, providing you with peace of mind knowing that your trip is being led by an experienced guide who knows the area well.

Lancaster has pleasant weather, friendly residents, and numerous things to see and do. This makes it an ideal place for people who want to visit an exciting destination within the USA. Remember to plan your schedule ahead of time to make bookings before the peak season rush takes place. Alternatively, if you have time in the low season, you’ll be having a more exclusive experience.

Where to Stay

The Lancaster / New Holland KOA is a fabulous campground in the heart of Lancaster County overlooking 10 miles of the beautiful Amish countryside. It doesn’t have a pool or some of the amenities of an RV resort, but it has plenty of tranquility and serene views. It is also a great base for your local touring. Choose from Deluxe Cabins, spacious pull thrus, level terraced sites, and wooded sites.

September 3, 2021 by J Chickery Leave a Comment

Top 8 Free Must-see Places to Visit in the USA

Who says you have to break your bank to visit new places and attractions within the US?

While the world is still in a pandemic, most people want to delay their international travels, so what’s better than a little domestic vacation within the states, and better yet, full of free attractions and exciting adventures?

Here are the 8 top free places everyone should visit while traveling the United States.

1. Washington, DC

Washington DC is home to world class Smithsonian museums with free admission.

Among the Smithsonian Museums, you can visit The National Zoo, National Museum of Natural History, and National Air and Space Museum, among the city’s most popular attractions. And don’t forget about all the monuments located around the city commemorating our founding fathers, war veterans, and more. Learn about some of our favorite attractions including great hikes that are easily accessible, yet outside the hustle and bustle of the city.

2. New York City, NY

Despite being America’s most expensive city, you can still find great free places to visit and enjoy. Ride the Staten Island Ferry free 24/7 to enjoy amazing views of the Statue of Liberty, downtown Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Jersey City. Another great attraction in NYC is the High Bridge, the oldest bridge in New York City. It originally opened as part of the Croton Aqueduct in 1848 and reopened as a pedestrian walkway in 2015 after being closed for over 45 years.

No visit to New York City would be complete without a visit to the National September 11 Memorial. Located at the former twin World Trade Centers, you can visit the September 11 memorial and pay your respects to everyone who died during the tragedies of September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993. Keep in mind that admission is free, but you need to book an in-advance reservation.

3. Chicago, IL

No visit to Chicago would be complete without a visit to Millennium Park. Over 25 acres, the park boasts an outdoor collection of architecture, landscape design, and art. Of course, you have to take a selfie in front of Cloud Gate, the official name for the massive, stainless steel structure that’s become Chicago’s signature landmark. It is affectionately known as “the Bean.”

Cloud Gate, the official name for the massive, stainless steel structure that’s become Chicago’s signature landmark.

Another popular free attraction in Chicago is the Lincoln Park Zoo for everyone, including children and adults. From play days at the farm to the seal training event, you won’t be bored for a second.

4. Atlanta, GA

No visit to Atlanta would be complete without a stop at the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Park. Tour the home of his birth and hear his voice in the church where he moved hearts and minds. From there, you can walk or bike the trail that leads to the Carter Center. While there is an $8 fee for adult admission to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum, you can always take a free stroll through the grounds to see the Circle of Flags from all 50 states, a rose garden, Japanese garden and koi pond.

Being married to a scientist, I think a visit to the David J. Sencer CDC Museum is a must-do when in Atlanta. You’ll learn about the history of the Centers for Disease Control and how scientists work to crack the cases of mystery diseases. Admission and parking are free on weekdays.

5. Birmingham, AL

Over 12,000 different plants, 25 themed gardens, and 30 outdoor sculptures are spread out over 67.5 acres at the , Birmingham Botanical Gardens. While your kids can enjoy the free science activities, you can visit the traditional Japanese teahouse and a vegetable garden where you can test your gardening knowledge a learn a thing or two along the way.

Be sure to walk the Birmingham Civil Rights Heritage Trail. This is a free, self-guided tour through downtown Birmingham. Learn about significant locations along the Civil Rights march route which are marked with informative signs and maps. Top it off with a visit to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Admission is FREE from 1 PM to 5 PM every Sunday.

6. San Antonio, TX

A popular stroll in San Antonio is along the city’s famed River Walk. A 15-mile urban waterway, the River Walk, or Paseo del Rio, is the largest urban ecosystem in the nation. Tucked quietly below street level and only steps from the Alamo, it provides a serene and pleasant way to navigate the city.

Another great outdoor activity is at the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park where you can see the largest concentration of Spanish colonial missions in North America. Explore the Missions the eight-mile stretch of recreational trails, pedestrian bridges, pavilions, and portals to four Spanish colonial missions—Concepción, San José, San Juan, and Espada.

7. Los Angles, CA

There are many free attractions to enjoy in Los Angeles beginning with one of our favorites, the Griffith Observatory. Visitors may look through telescopes, explore exhibits, see live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, and enjoy spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.

Of course, one of America’s most iconic attractions, and not to mention the hub of tourists, is the Hollywood Walk of Fame. You can’t really visit LA without strolling along the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard.

Finally, stop by the Getty Center to see an impressive European and American art collection, including Vincent van Gogh’s famous Irises. Among other exhibitions, you can also ride the tram from the main parking area to the top of the hill, and enjoy the amazing view.

8. San Fransisco, CA

Probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of San Francisco is the Golden Gate Bridge. Join one of the twice-weekly free walking tours or explore on your own. Be sure to wander through the Plaza just outside the Welcome Center and follow the pathway into an old bunker that houses some of the exhibits. This is where you can learn about the history, science, and engineering of the Bridge’s construction.

San Francisco’s Cable Car Museum teaches you all about this marvel of transportation. From its inception in 1873 until the present day, you can learn about the inventor, the technology, the builders, the quick expansion, the near-loss, and the ongoing efforts to save and repair San Francisco’s cable cars.

Bottom Line

To travel across states, you don’t have to save for years and tap into your money. Traveling by RV allows you to visit so many fabulous destinations that will satisfy your adventurous spirit while also saving you money.

Who knows, maybe you’ll fall in love with the place so much that you’ll want to hire a moving truck and relocate to the city altogether. You can visit Mybekins.com to get answers to all your moving questions.