Play your Staycation with IHG
Plan Your Staycation with IHG
*Disclosure: This is a sponsored post from IHG properties. All opinions are our own.*
I’ll admit it.
Our family has never been to Disney. We have never taken a trip down South. We have not even taken the family to visit their relatives in England.
Our family loves to go away for mini-aways, or staycations.
We tend to travel close to home, stay overnight in a hotel, and explore all there is to see and do in that area, right here in our own backyard.
It’s cheaper. We get to go away more often. We are supporting local businesses. And, we are having a lot of fun exploring the sights and sounds close to home.
Every Christmas, since before the kids were born (10 years ago), my husband and I have stayed over night in Halifax the week before Christmas. It’s now our annual tradition.
There is nothing more exciting for kids than to stay in a hotel, especially if it has a pool. Because we don’t have a TV at home, it’s also a grand treat for the kids because they get to watch cartoons all evening and then so we can sleep in, they can watch them in the morning, too! Kids’ paradise.
So, when we were selected to participate in the IHG staycation program, we jumped at the chance!
The timing was perfect.
It was the weekend of my 40th birthday. Definitely a milestone worth celebrating, so we decided to make it into a full weekend in Halifax.
Our first stop was the Discovery Centre to visit Sue the Dinosaur!
This is always on our list of places to visit in the city, because we have the Rural Family Pass. This is an incredible deal for anyone who lives in the Valley as it pays off after just 2 visits!
We had an hour to spare before our next adventure so we walked up to the Halifax Central Library.
We spent some time reading books together. We also got a Halifax library card. The great thing is that you can check out the books there and return them at any Valley library! What an awesome system!
Our final stop in my action-packed birthday adventure was the Grafton Street Dinner Theatre in Halifax.
I love going here, but none of my family had ever been there before. This show was all about talk show hosts (yes, that’s my dirty secret. I used to be a HUGE talk show fan!) featuring the music of the 1980s!
The food was fabulous
the atmosphere so much fun, and we all had a great time.
I even got a special birthday serenade. It’s definitely a great place to take kids!
By this point, it was 10pm and we were all tired after an incredibly action-packed day in true Churchill Duke style!
We were so thankful to have a hotel room nearby to crash at.
We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Halifax – Bedford at the Kearney Lake exit near Bayers Lake. I was at first confused, because the Holiday Inn had been across the street, and it is now on the other side of the road where the Quality Inn was.
But, now, it’s better than ever. The Holiday Inn has been completely renovated and it is so bright and shiny when you walk in, and it has a pool and waterslide. At the time of writing, the waterslide wasn’t completely ready for opening, but it will be soon.
15 minutes from downtown Halifax and only 5 minutes from Bayers Lake, it’s the perfect location for resting our heads after a day of family fun. It’s right off the highway, making it easy to get in and out.
The room was completely redone. So bright and spacious. A gorgeous welcome basket awaited us as well, plus the staff were superb. It was actually hard to settle the kids down as they wanted to explore every nook and cranny of the room.
The next morning, there was a huge complimentary breakfast buffet. I think the boys ate for 2 hours straight… before and after swimming!
I should also mention the TV. One of my pet peeves in hotels is that you have to have a degree in rocket science to work the TV. I’m serious. I’ve called the front desk SO many times asking how to turn it on! Not here. With the remote there was a list of stations, and when I turned on the TV and entered the channel, it worked.
The beds were so comfortable, and anal me loves how the pillows are labelled soft or firm. I’m a sleep princess and need to know this.
After a filling meal and a morning at the pool, we headed home from another family adventure.
Last Christmas we also had a fun family staycation adventure at another IHG Holiday Inn. This one was in Dartmouth right across from the Dartmouth Sportsplex. Read about that family adventure here.
IHG properties are located all across Canada and most places have a pool and complimentary breakfasts included! Kids eat for free in the hotel restaurants, too. Find more IHG properties in Nova Scotia
Places to Visit on your Halifax Staycation
If you are looking to have a staycation in Halifax, here are some of our favourite places to check out.
Discovery Centre
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Glow in the dark mini golf at the Putting Edge, Bayers Lake
Heart Shaped Pond Walking Trails in Bedford
Mongolie Grill restaurant, Halifax
Deep Sky Eye Observatory
Deep Sky Eye Observatory and Star Tours
Tim Doucette’s Deep Sky Eye is an amazing amateur observatory, set up in the beautiful dark-sky community of Quinan near Yarmouth.
The centrepiece of the observatory is a huge 14-inch reflecting telescope which shows the observer beautiful views of star clusters, our solar system, and deep-sky objects like galaxies.
Tim’s Story
But more amazing than the observatory is the astronomer: Tim Doucette was born blind and, despite childhood surgeries to enhance his eyesight, he still possesses only 10 percent sight.
Through his astronomy, Tim has discovered that the surgery gave him an astronomy super-power as well!
Normal sight is restricted to the rainbow-colour part of the spectrum (the famous ROYGBIV that we all learned about in elementary school). But the universe pumps out light across a much wider range – from X-rays to Radio Waves. Just past the violet end of the ROYGBIV spectrum is the ultraviolet zone, in which hot, high-energy objects glow brightly. And, because of his childhood surgeries which altered the structure of his eye, Tim can see in the near-ultraviolet part of the spectrum.
What to you and I would look like a faint blob through the eyepiece of his telescope comes alive as a bright-blue galaxy in Tim’s eyes. This has led to a very active part-time career as a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, tireless campaigner for dark-sky protected zones, and backyard teacher of astronomy for many years in Moncton and now in Quinan.
Planning our Trip
I first learned about the Deep Sky Eye Observatory through an article in the newspaper. Knowing how much my husband and kids love astronomy, I ripped it out to show David. He immediately said he wanted to go!
So, when David’s birthday rolled around this April, I knew what to get him. I contacted Tim asking if I could put together a package for my husband for his birthday, and he said, “come down this weekend!”
Because he’s there almost every clear night, he was happy to give us a tour!
You have to be flexible.
We planned to go on Saturday night, but it was raining, so it was moved to Sunday night. Because of the long drive to Yarmouth, we decided to book the Comfort Inn in Yarmouth. It was a late night (there till almost midnight) so we let the kids sleep in and dropped them off late to school the next morning.
This was an educational opportunity of a lifetime, so we couldn’t miss it!
Our Experience
Tim and his wife Amanda met us at the observatory.
This observatory was built over the course of the previous year.
Deep Sky Eye Observatory has both a outdoor viewing platform and an indoor 9 foot dome that houses a Celestron 14″ Edge HD telescope on a CGE Pro mount.
What makes this telescope so special is not its size, though, but its location. Quinan is located in one of the only truly dark skies left in Eastern North America, with hardly any stray light coming from urban or other artificial sources, and this allows the telescope to reach its maximum potential.
Faint objects that would be impossible to see in light-polluted areas come alive in the darkness above Quinan, providing a truly unforgettable experience.
On our evening we saw cloud bands on the planet Jupiter, together with several of its moons; we saw the beautiful jewel-like open star cluster called “the Beehive”; we saw deep-sky objects including the famous Sombrero Galaxy (so named because it looks like the Mexican hat!), and we were even able to see the lanes of interstellar dust in its spiral arms; and we saw much, much more besides!
The other great thing is that we could bring our dog! They have a puppy post provided where we could tie her up!
What a great service! (and the Yarmouth Comfort Inn also allowed dogs, so we were really set for the weekend!)
The first part of the evening was inside the observatory. On the bottom floor there is a seating area with a projector.
Tim gave us some background on his personal story, on what we would be doing that night, and also about the trouble with light pollution. This was so interesting, and Daniel (9) was busy taking notes about everything he learned!
From there, we went outside and with a laser pointer, Tim pointed out various constellations.
Because the moon was coming up shortly and would have cast too much light into the sky, we went back into the observatory, and headed upstairs where we could start to look at things through the telescope.
The Moon
The technology was amazing. Using his Ipad, Tim could pick what we were going to look at, and the telescope would rotate there and lock in position! Object located!
There were 8 of us there that night so we each had a turn looking through the telescope at globular clusters and then Jupiter! We could see the blue gas lines across the planet so clearly.
We ended by looking at the craters in the moon like we had never seen before.
Tim hooked David’s phone up to the lens and took some pictures for us.
These photos were taken using David’s budget phone, with its even-more budget camera. The views we saw were much more impressive than this!
The whole night the kids were in awe. “This is so much fun!” “I can’t believe what we can see!” They will not soon forget this experience!
Getting There
The Observatory is located at 338 Frotten Rd, Quinan, (B0W 3M0)
In other words, in the middle of nowhere! But, it has to be so that the skies are dark enough to see the sky without light pollution getting in the way.
The road leading to Quinan is off the 103 highway between Yarmouth and Shelburne, but is much closer to Yarmouth.
Take exit 33 on the 103.
Turn towards Quinan (308 North).
You will drive through several villages and really think you are lost. But, you are not. Drive at least 20 minutes and Frotten Road will be on your right.
At the end of the driveway, watch for the Deep Sky Eye sign. You will see the observatory from the road.
Booking your Tour
If you are interested in astronomy, or would like to learn more, we highly recommend booking an evening tour with Deep Sky Eye Observatory!
There are several packages available, but much will depend on the weather and what is in the sky that night.
Cost and Rates can be found here.
Payment
Payment is due upon arrival. They accept cash and all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
How It Works
Decide when you would like to visit. The calendar on the website lists the possible dates when the experience will be offered.
Important:
• Please remember to dress in layers as the temperature drops quickly. Gloves and a tuque are a must.
• Tours are Weather Dependent and as such, MAY BE Cancelled on short notice.
• Alcohol or smoking is not permitted on the grounds.
On-Site Accommodations
Since our visit, Deep Sky Eye has expanded and now offers on-site accommodations!
They now have a cabin on site, or you can sleep under the beauty of the night sky in the comfort of a heated Sky Bubble.
Deep Sky Eye is definitely worth the drive to Yarmouth area!
If you are making a trip of it, here are some other things to check out while you are in the area.
Go and enjoy this Deep Sky Experience with a local entrepreneur who has turned his passion into a small business. Like my family, you will literally be over the moon!
Mandarin Orange Cake
Mandarin Orange Cake
This cake recipe is always a huge hit.
It’s made in a 9×13 pan so it feeds a big crowd. The original recipe came from a wonderful lady from my home community who died a few years ago.
Although called an orange cake, I also call it a sugar cake, which is why it is so good!
Serve warm for ooey-gooey goodness!
- 2 Cans drained mandarin oranges (or peaches)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 2 C white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 C flour
- 1 1/2 C brown sugar
- 6 Tbsp butter
- 6 Tbsp milk
- Beat together in an electric mixer.
- Pour into a greased 9x13 pan
- Bake 35 mins at 350
- Remove from oven. While cake is baking, mix sauce in a pot.
- Boil the sauce in a heavy saucepan for 3 minutes.
- When cake is done, poke holes in the warm cake with a fork (make lots!)
- Pour sauce over.
- Eat warm.
- Good reheated, too.
#NoBiteisRight Protecting our pets from ticks and fleas
Protecting our pets from ticks and fleas
#NoBiteisRight
*This post is sponsored by No Bite is Right and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network TM. I am being compensated to help create awareness about Summer Safety and Protecting Pets against fleas and ticks
but we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. The blogger is responsible for the contents and not the sponsors mentioned above.*
Ticks.
We know all about them in this house. And, we know the effects that a tick bite can have.
Three years ago my husband was bitten by a tick and now has Lyme disease.
Although they caught the disease in its early stages, he still suffers from fatigue and joint pain. We’re not sure if this will ever fully go away.
Lyme is a borreliosis caused by borrelia bacteria, which commonly infects woodland animals like mice or deer. Ticks pick up the bacteria by biting infected animals, and then pass it on to their human hosts.
The No Bite is Right™ campaign is working hard to educate pet owners about the importance of flea and tick prevention.
Fleas and ticks are a rising concern across Canada and can spread many different harmful diseases.
It’s time for us pet owners to get educated and protect our pets.
According to Canadian researchers, tick populations have grown 10 times over in the past two decades within Canada
Researchers also estimate that if you draw a line marking tick territory across Canada, that line moves 45 km farther north every year.
There are a variety of different types of fleas and ticks that can bite your pet and spread many types of diseases, some of them very serious and life threatening.
Lyme disease is one of the most well-known diseases transmitted by ticks.
It is possible for our pets to get Lyme disease.
When infection leads to disease in dogs, they become lame because of inflammation of the joints. There may also be a lack of appetite and depression. More serious complications include damage to the kidneys, and rarely, heart or nervous system disease.
This is scary stuff. Our family is living the first-hand effects of a tick bite.
According to a recent survey of Canadian pet owners, their #1 concern is avoiding the BITE. People want protection for their pets.
According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, although dogs and cats can get Lyme disease, there is no evidence that they spread the disease directly to their owners. However, pets can bring infected ticks into your home or yard. Consider protecting your pet, and possibly yourself, through the use of tick control products for animals.
A few things you should know about treatments:
However, with non-systemic products, when the pest lands on the pet, it becomes uncoordinated, allowing time for the medication to kill the flea or tick. These products greatly reduce the ability of fleas and ticks to bite, attach and feed from your pet, thereby reducing the chance of disease transmission.
The clock is ticking… flea and tick season is around the corner.
Ticks love milder weather, so we typically see an increase in flea and tick bites during the spring and the fall.
With milder winters, like the one we just had, flea and tick seasons are extended longer than normal, so pet owners need to be more aware of proactive measures.
Flea Facts:
Fleas can live up to 100 days and can lay up to 50 eggs a day and a single flea could bite up to 400 times per day.
Dogs can be allergic to flea saliva and can result in bald spots from scratching and chewing their fur.
Fleas don’t just cause itching, discomfort and open sores from flea allergy dermatitis, they can also be a source of tapeworms, and cause anemia and household infestations.
Pet owners are concerned about their pets suffering from flea bites and the inconvenience and impact on their home and family.
No one wants to have to deal with this, let alone your pet!
Speak with your vet about what flea and tick treatment is best for your pet. Ask about how to reduce the chance of your pet even being bitten.
Follow Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund on the Campaign!
Photo Courtesy of Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund
Follow the #NoBiteIsRight tour at www.NoBiteIsRight.com and come meet Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund. Enter to win an appearance by Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund at your vet’s clinic!
Tweet #NoBiteIsRight, your vet’s city, the name of your vet’s clinic, and tag @Celeb_Dachshund between April 18 – May 6, 2016.
Each tweet is one vote with a limit of one vote per person per day. For an extra vote, tag a friend!
For more details, check out…
www.NoBiteIsRight.com.
www.cureantipiqure.com
Facebook: facebook.com/crusoedachshund/
Twitter: @Celeb_Dachshund
Instagram: crusoe_dachshund
#NoBiteIsRight #CureAntipiqûre
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Bayer, Inc. The opinions and text are all mine.
Monster Jam Halifax 2016
Monster Jam Halifax: May 28-29, 2016
**Disclosure. I am receiving tickets for our family to attend this event. But, let’s face it, I would have gone anyway, because it’s so super cool!**
They are big. They’re loud. They’re powerful! They’re Monster Jam and They’re Back!
Monster Jam 2016 is coming to Scotia Speedworld (across from the airport) on May 28 & 29, 2016!
Monster Jam is roaring into Halifax for three huge shows. Featuring eight Monster Jam trucks at Scotia Speedworld, including Grave Digger, Northern Nightmare and Monster Mutt.
Monster Jam has always been a huge deal in our house. We’ve gone to see the show for the past 2 years, and each year, it is just as fun.
Details on the Halifax show:
Monster Jam is coming Saturday, May 28th and Sunday, May 29th with shows at 1pm and 7pm on Saturday, and a show at 1pm on Sunday.
Ticket Prices
Advance Tickets: $14 – $34
Kids’ Tickets are $10 for the Sat. 7pm show and $15 for both afternoon shows
Ages 2-12. Limit of two (2) kids’ tickets with purchase of a full-price adult ticket. Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply. Subject to availability.
*all tickets $5 more day of show
Purchase Tickets HERE!
Please note: It is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance for the Sat. 1:00pm show, which is likely to be a sold-out event. Day of show tickets are more likely to remain available for the Sat. 7:00pm and Sun. 1:00pm show
Party in The Pits
One of the most exciting ways to get close to the stars of the show is at the pre-show Party in the Pits.
Party in the Pits 10:30am – 12:00pm (Pit Passes $15) on both Saturday and Sunday.
At the Party in the Pits, fans have unparalleled access to collect autographs from the superstar drivers and take photos up close with the Monster Jam trucks!
Located on the track prior to both 1pm shows.
Pit Party tickets and event tickets are both required for entry.
Because we’re so close in the Valley, we can easily go down for a day trip to enjoy the show! No excuses not to go!
Our Tips!
Based on our experience from the last 2 years, here’s what you need to know:
Bring ear protectors (or plugs) for everyone in the family. It’s really loud, and you’ll enjoy the show more fully if you have them! You can buy them there, but it’s cheaper to bring your own.
If you are going to the evening show, dress warmly. The bleachers are out of the sun, and it gets chilly. Bring a blanket and sweaters.
Park near the exit. It makes for a bit of a longer walk to get in, but it’s much quicker getting out through the traffic!
COUPON to Book by May 6
Learn more about Monster Jam at their website
And LIKE them on Facebook
Win 4 tickets to Monster Jam 2016
Enter daily to win 4 tickets to the Saturday, May 28, 7pm show of Monster Jam at Scotia Speedworld. Draw will take place on May 18.
Each of these activities will earn you 1 extra ballot (one time per activity)
– Share this post
– Leave a comment here on the blog or on the Valley Family Fun Facebook page to tell me who you would take to the show
Breakfast Tortilla French Toast
Breakfast Tortilla French Toast
Wow! What an easy and fun breakfast treat!
I got this tip from my friend, Carla, who said it was a big hit at family breakfasts.
Besides serving them on their own for breakfast, these deep fried tortillas would be great to use with a fruit dip.
- Oil for deep frying
- Cinnamon sugar mixture
- Tortillas, any size
- Cut the tortillas into pie shapes.
- Heat oil in frying pan.
- Put in tortillas. Fry until golden, and flip and fry on the other side. Watch carefully, because depending on how hot the oil is, it may only take 2-3 minutes!
- Remove from oil and place on a plate with a paper towel to absorb any of the extra oil.
- Sprinkle with a cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve warm.
