Cub Run Cave: Cub Run, Kentucky

With all the traveling our family has done, we've been in a number of caves. Cub Run Cave is one that we've visited recently that we thoroughly enjoyed. Although you go deep into the cave and see plenty of amazing formations, it didn't seem to have quite the amount of stairs and steep climbs as others we've been in. The inside of the cave was amazing. I didn't realize until our tour was finished that I'd had my camera on the wrong setting, so many of the pictures were blurry. Here's a few that weren't too bad that give you a glimpse of the cave's beauty.

Tours at this cave or a fairly new thing. It was first discovered in 1950 and open for tours for a short time. Then it was shut down for 55 years. It re-opened in 2006 with modern lighting and a newly constructed wooden walkway.

One great thing about caves is that they are not a seasonal attraction. The temperature underground is steady throughout the year. It feels the same inside the cave whether it's July or January. Prices are reasonable and tour guides friendly and knowledgeable. Visit cubruncave.net for more information.

John Hancock Observatory

Last weekend we were heading into downtown Chicago to check out the Christmas scenery and do some shopping. Since we'd be on the Mag Mile, I suggested to my husband that we visit the John Hancock Observatory. I had never been up to the observatory on the 94th floor, but I had been to the 95th floor to dine at the Signature Room. It's a cool experience, especially at sunset. 

One hint for anyone who drives a huge van like we do - you won't fit into the parking garage! It had a 6 ft. 7 clearance, which we learned wasn't enough as we scraped as we headed in. We found a garage a couple blocks over with the 7 ft. 7 clearance and we were good to go. They were even offering a rate of $14 for 5 hours for the holidays. Wouldn't you know it, we got back to the garage after 5 hours and 12 minutes and our parking fee shot up to $31. Gotta expect that in the city.

Anyway, to enter the observatory, you actually walk down a floor from Michigan Avenue. I had checked out prices online in advance at www.jhochicago.com. General admission was $17.50 for adults and $11.50 for kids. The Total Tower Experience was $27 for adults and $21.50 for kids, but there was an online coupon I printed off for $5 off, so we did the Total Tower Experience  which ended up being $22 for adults and $16.50 for the kids. The main reason I did this is because I wanted to be able to do the open-air Skywalk and it didn't appear to be included in the regular admission. "Chicago's only open-air skywalk" wasn't quite what I expected. It was a small section of one wall where the windows are covered with screens so that you get to feel the outside air. It turned out that you could enter and exit at will and the Total Tower Experience wasn't required, but for about $5 more, we got to check out the interactive telescope (regularly $2.99) and got a t-shirt (a $19.99 value). So, the extra $5 was still worth it.

The kids loved getting a scoop of gelato from the cafe and we also got a free picture with Santa, free face painting and free balloon art. By the way, we also took the fastest elevator in North America up to the top. It was such a smooth ride that we didn't even realize at first that we were moving.

If you're in the city, this is a fabulous activity. It was easily accessible and right across the street from Water Tower Place. The views are great (I happened to be there on a clear day) and it's loads of fun!

Ten ways to celebrate Christmas in July in Santa Claus

One of our family's favorite vacation spots is Santa Claus, Indiana. For couples who aren't at the stage for an exotic getaway on a tropical island, but who want to find a family friendly spot with lots of activities for all ages, they'll find it in this little Midwest town. Santa Claus really sparkles with celebration in the height of summer when water if flowing and roller coasters are whizzing and the town's biggest attraction, Holiday World Amusement Park and Splashin' Safari Water Park. There's also lots of other fun to be had in the area and here's a list I put together. (This article originally appeared at http://www.examiner.com/article/10-ways-to-celebrate-christmas-july-santa-claus)

Ever wonder where Mr. Kringle goes to relax and get away from the North Pole? He has his own vacation spot and it happens to be in Indiana – Santa Claus, Indiana that is.

In the small town in southern Indiana named for the big man in red, signs of Christmas are all over from the strip mall to the golf course to the little town diner to the Holiday World theme park. Looking to get into the Christmas spirit in the heat of summer? Here are some ways to do just that:

1) Get some sweet treats at Santa’s Candy Castle. Once part of “Santa Claus Town” with a workshop and toy village, the candy castle was renovated in recent years and is a great place to stop for some sweets and learn a little more about the town’s interesting history.

2) Watch the light show in front of the Santa Claus Christmas store at Kringle Place Shopping Center each evening. Classic holiday tunes play with coordinated dancing lights shaped into a tree in the parking lot.

3) Pay a visit to Santa’s Lodge. This Christmas themed hotel features king and double family suites. The sights of Christmas can be found all over the lobby and grounds.

4) Frosty’s Fun Center. Enjoy some pizza and play a game of mini-golf on a course where you’re supervised by a large snowman.

5) Play on a real, full-sized golf course at the Christmas Lake Golf Course.

6) Camp out at Lake Rudolph. The RV resort is full of family fun with the Blitzen Bay family pool and kiddie pool, fishing lake, game room, outdoor movies, playgrounds, basketball courts and more.

7) Mail off a letter to Santa to get your wishes in early. Drop off your letter at the Santa Claus Post Office.

8) Stop by the Santa Claus Museum, a free attraction that takes you back through the town’s 150+ year history.

9) Pick out some ornaments, lights, wreaths or other seasonal decorations at the Santa Claus Christmas Store.

10) Lastly, what draws most to Santa Claus is Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari, now in its 64th season. Santa can be found at the park all season long along with thrilling rides, musical acts and a massive water park.

For more information on the area, visit  www.LegendaryPlaces.org, www.holidayworld.comand www.LakeRudolph.com

The Summer Bucket List

Ok, I've been absent from this blog for a while as I'm much more active on my other blogs - Chicago Foodie Sisters, which has daily posts and Adventures in Motherhood, which has new posts usually one to three times a week. I'm hoping to get in a regular posting routine on here, so I can share lots of my favorite summer spots. There's what -- 92 days in summer? If I really get with it, I can post something for each of those days.

It's not officially summer, but I am in full summer mode now that the kids are out of school and I'm planning out some summer fun. I just thought I'd share my summer bucket list that I made up today. My goal is to do at least half of the 50 items listed. I'm already off to a good start. Everything listed is pretty local - within an hour or so and I've got a few checked off already. I'll have to make another list for some of the places I'd like to travel to this season. What's on your summer bucket list?

Summer Bucket List

Pool visit (maybe get passes)

X                     Sand Ridge Nature Center

Zig E’s Funland

Albanese Candy Co.

Deep River Water Park

XX                   Library visit

Chelberg Farm

Wicker Park Splash Pad

Calumet City Fun Center

X                     Indiana Dunes

Frozen Yogurt Express in Munster

X                     Free Movie at Lansing 8

                        Zoo (Broofield or Washington Park)

                        Picnic at a local Park

                        Kite flying

X                     Berry Picking (strawberries)

                        Downtown day via Metra train

                        Roller Skating (free passes from school)

X                     Tyler’s Tender (free kid meal from birthday club)

                        Mini Golf

                        Wihala Beach

X                     49-er Drive In

                        Berry Picking (blueberries)

                        Green Lake Aquatic Center

                        Zoa Island

X                     Cubs game

                        Splash Pad (either Homewood or Valpo – one we haven’t been to)

                        Tyler’s Tender (take report cards – 5 tokens for each A)

                        Hollywood Park

                        Car Show

                        Out for a family breakfast

                        Boat ride                     

                        Find a new park to visit

                        Fishing

                        County fair

                        Minor league baseball game

                        Chinatown

                        Try Dairy Belle in Hammond

                        Hoosier Theatre

Try a new restaurant

                        Movie in the Park

X                     Attend a parade

                        Ribfest

                        Overnight at a campground

                        Farmer’s Market

                        Summer Concert

X                     Dairyville

                        Vintage Base Ball Game

                        Navy Pier

                        Cruise Night

Fun for all in Kenosha

So, as I was thinking back to all the winter trips we've taken that have included indoor water parks and an amusement rides or outdoor winter fun, another place I thought of that I've been to at all seasons of the year is Kenosha, Wisconsin.

While the summer months are the ideal time to visit when it's more practical to enjoy the lakefront and the nearby Bristol Renaissance Faire is in full swing, there are several indoor attractions to enjoy. If you like to shop, if you like dinosaurs, if you like history or if you like jelly beans, you're in luck. With several museums, there's plenty to occupy young and old.

If you're a foodie, there's also much to delight you. Some favorites of mine are the Brat Stop, Frank's Diner and House of Gerhard. And one of the coolest attractions is these awesome streetcars that wind around the lakefront and run year round. For more info, visit http://www.kenoshacvb.com/. There's a listing on the site of 101 things to do for under $10. Kenosha is a very affordable place to visit with many attractions that are free.

Chula Vista in Wisconsin Dells offers winter specials

Chula Vista is a charming resort. We visited for a late summer last minute trip before the boys were all back in school. So, while it's chilly outside, you can stay warm inside and enjoy some splash time. Or combine it with a ski outing. A Sunday through Thursday special is running through the end of February. Find more information here:

http://www.chulavistaresort.com/specials-packages/current-specials/?NCK=facebookprofile

I'm back!

Hi, blog readers!

The last half year saw me busy with the publication of two books. So, this blog kind of got neglected. No, it was totally neglected. But, since it's a new year, I am getting back to one of my favorite writing topics - travel. I'll plan to post more frequently in the new year. At least a couple times a week. I was putting a lot of pressure on myself by committing to posting just lengthy reviews. Sometimes short and sweet is better. So, look for more posts on some of the great spots to visit in the Midwest or posts on some of the deals and discounts you'll find. I'm all for saving a buck when on the road.

Also, keep up with me on Facebook at Midwest Family Traveler or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/travelmidwest. Feel free to leave comments or post to share some of your favorite spots.

And, if you're interested in checking out the two latest books - Mom Moments: A Compilation of Columns from the Northwest Indiana Times or my children's book, Old 104 Rides Again, here's a link to Amazon to get more info:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=carrie+steinweg&x=0&y=0