Blog

As East Coast natives, one of the most difficult things to get used to while stationed in Monterey, California, was the warm winter months. It was not unusual for the temperatures to reach near 70 degrees in November, December and January while we were there. So looking for Christmas activities was a little challenging when trying to recreate the winter chill and cheery atmosphere. Luckily, a quick trip up to Gilroy Gardens provided just the Christmas feeling we were looking for. Almost an hour away in Gilroy, California, a former botanical gardens turned amusement park, is transformed into a... read more

If you’re moving to Washington, you need to know one thing. The rainy rumors are TRUE! From late October to mid-June, Washington is a pretty wet place. If you have kids, they will get stir-crazy, and you WILL need a plan to get them out of the house to run off some of that energy! Here are my Top FIVE Rainy Day Activities Around Naval Base Kitsap 1. Play Kitsap now Ahoy Kitsap Playland (Bremerton) A great choice for kids 10 and under! With four different moon bounces, a ball area, and 4 pretend play areas from grocery shopping to train stations, Play Kitsap is a great place for kids to run, p... read more

Halloween Trick or Treat at Hersheypark What is better than trick or treating at Chocolate World, Hersheypark? Pretty much nothing except for celebrating Christmas with Hershey’s hot chocolate in hand as you wander through a winter wonderland! With proximity to so many military families in the Washington D.C. area, Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is a perfect overnight getaway any time of year, but particularly during the fall and winter months. The crowds are thinner and the festivities make the park extra special. Plus the park offers preview hours the night before you choose to enter... read more

When we lived in Monterey, we ate a lot, often. I think this is where I found the majority of the 15 pounds I brought to Northern Virginia (NOVA). Even with all of the extra gym time the weight loss required, sampling as much of California’s central coast’s culinary scene was an integral part of our stay there. Although there were plenty of high end, trend setting and expensive places in our area, we had a kid and needed better than average food served with a side of crayons on the menu. Happily these two local institutions fit the bill and we were repeat customers. The Best Family Friendly R... read more

Fall in Washington can be beautiful, and if pumpkin patches, haunted houses, and fall festivals are on your Bucket List, then you’re in luck! Check out this guide to Fall Fun in Kitsap County ! Top Fall Activities in Kitsap County, WA FARMS, PUMPKIN PATCHES, AND CORN MAZES Pheasant Fields Farm (Silverdale) – The farmers at Pheasant Fields Farm put on quite a show in October! Activities include pumpkin picking, a corn maze, apple slingshots, farm tours, photo opps, and, of course, a fully stocked farm stand for all your fresh produce needs! Military discounts offered on all ticketed events. Fr... read more