A Change of Venue: Off to Boston

Being as I love adventure (of the travel kind) and I'm not one to pass up an opportunity when my husband began commuting to Boston every week I looked into a way for the girls and I to join him. First, it was hard on all of us for him to fly out on Sunday afternoon and fly back late Friday night. Second, I worked the numbers and realized that his company could save so much money if they
a) rented a small vacation house for a longer period instead of a hotel weekly
b) rented the car for a long period instead of weekly
c) Doug had a kitchen instead of eating out 3 times a day
d) didn't have to fly him back every week

And that is how we came to the decision to pack up a few things and transfer ourselves to Boston for 7 weeks. Corporate approved it last week (of course they did- it's saving them thousands!) and we leave Saturday. As in two days from now. Which is why I should not be on the computer right now.

But before I sign off, a few facts.

• We are staying here. A lovely 3-bedroom house with a sunny dining nook that we found on HomeAway.
• We are driving from central Iowa to Boston. We had actually planned to take the train but Amtrak isn't very user friendly- not one of the Iowa stations allows you to check bags and we would have had to get two sleepers.
• We'll spend three days driving, arriving Monday, February 16, in Scituate. I'll do my best to fill you in along the way.
• We haven't completely decided on a route yet, but are considering crossing a bit of Canada and re-entering the US at Niagara Falls.
• My daughters have never taken a car trip this long. Things could get really interesting as my youngest is potty training (her decision, not mine)

Because we'll be exploring for the next 2 months I am sure to have new destinations, tips and stories to share!

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Des Moines, Iowa: There's More Here Than You Might Think

I recently spent the weekend in Nashville meeting bloggers from across the country (and even a few from Canada). It was an amazing experience but I was surprised at the "What can you do in Des Moines" questions.

A Great Place to Live and Work
First I want to let you in on a little secret: Des Moines is the #1 spot for US insurance companies to do business and is home to ING Group, Aviva, Principal Financial Group, Nationwide, Holmes Murphy and others. Banking is also big here with Wells Fargo recently building a 176 acre, $250 million campus in West Des Moines. In fact, Meredith Publishing (Better Homes & Gardens, American Baby, Parents, Family Circle & many more) is headquartered right downtown. So we are very popular with businesses.

Des Moines is also becoming quite the popular place to live as noted by Kiplinger #9; ArticlesBase.com #6; and Forbes . And the suburb of Ankeny (my home) was touted as one of the 10 Best Towns for Families by Family Circle.

But what good are jobs and great communities if there's nothing to do? Well, as Des Moines has grown in business it has grown in substance. Take a look at these offerings:

Downtown
It wasn’t long ago that downtown Des Moines seemed to roll up its sidewalks at night. The revitalization of downtown has changed that. With new condos and lofts replacing vacant buildings the downtown area has responded with great restaurants and activities.

If you’re looking for funky charm the East Village, which sits just below the state capitol, provides an eclectic atmosphere for retail therapy and amazing dining.

For night life and more food head over to Court Avenue and take your pick from dozens of amusements. A family friendly atmosphere can be found at Spaghetti Works, Court Avenue Brewing Company and the Royal Mile (best fish & chips in town).

For dining and gaming fun head to AllPlay, formerly InPlay, for food, mini bowling and two floors of games for the whole family.

Des Moines has culture, too. The Civic Center features Broadway plays and musicals, Hoyt Sherman Place and the Temple of Performing Arts host more intimate performances. Des Moines even has a ballet, a symphony and a Dance Theater. You can also explore a couple of art galleries and every summer brings the Des Moines Arts Festival which is quickly becoming a "must do" for artists from all over the world.

For sports fans we have the Barnstormers minor league arena football, the Iowa Cubs minor league baseball, the Iowa Chops AHL hockey, the Des Moines Buccaneers US Hockey League, and the Iowa Energy NBA Developmental League basketball. Want to get out and be active yourself? Explore the Riverwalk or the Gray’s Lake area.

More kid friendly activities include the wonderful Science Center with play and learn displays and the Blank Park Zoo, which isn’t really downtown but is mighty close.

If you happen to be in Des Moines on a Saturday between May and September Court Avenue closes to traffic and is filled with vendors for the Downtown Farmer’s Market. Fresh produce, food stalls and crafts line the street. The months of November and December bring an indoor version just in time for the holidays.

Out from Downtown
If you’re searching for history you’ll want to head west out of downtown on Grand Avenue. As you crest the hill you can’t miss our governor’s mansion, Terrace Hill, overlooking the city. Terrace Hill was given to the state in 1971 and has been home to our governors, who live on the 3rd floor, since that time. Tours are available Tuesday- Saturday from March thru December.

As you continue west watch for the signs for Salisbury House, modeled after the King’s House in Salisbury, England. Built from 1923-1928 this majestic building was a family home and now houses amazing collections of swords, art and books. The house is available to tour March through December, Tuesday through Friday and Sunday. Many events also take place here including weddings, classical concerts, teas, Shakespeare of the Lawn and the Salisbury Classic Auto Show.

Historic Valley Junction is just a bit farther west and offers dining, unique shops, art galleries and a look back at Des Moines history.

If you want to take a “step back in time” be sure to visit Living History Farms in the suburb of Urbandale. See how life was “in the olden days” from the native Indians to the settlers that farmed the rich soil.

The Suburbs
For upscale shopping and dining head to West Des Moines’ Jordan Creek and West Glen areas. Jordan Creek Town Center houses stores like Sephora, Godiva, Barnes & Noble, Build-a-Bear and many others. It also has a large theater and dining at restaurants like the Cheesecake Factory, Champps and Panera.

Surrounding the mall is the Lake District and the Village, home to more shops (like DSW and Ulta as well as the new Aveda school) and restaurants like Joe’s Crab Shack, Fleming’s Steak House and PF Chang’s.

The West Glen Town Center, just off Interstate 35, brings exclusive shops, scrumptious dining and urban living together with a small town feel.

In Altoona you’ll find Adventureland, an amusement park for all ages. Nearby is Prairie Meadows for more adult entertainments like horse racing, casino gaming and live music.

Though it's not really a suburb I must mention Newton, a bit farther to the west, and the Iowa Speedway for NASCAR enthusiasts.

The remaining suburbs- Ankeny, Waukee, Norwalk, Grimes, Johnston and others- provide parks, pools, libraries, golf, summer festivals and other year round amusements.

Iowa State Fair
I can’t really talk about Des Moines without at least mentioning our great state fair . The setting for movies, songs and Broadway musicals the fairgrounds sit on Des Moines’ east side. The Iowa State Fair runs for 10 days in mid-August and brings people from absolutely everywhere in the world.

How to Get Here
Des Moines is located in the center of the great state of Iowa. It is serviced by the Des Moines International Airport. Des Moines is also the meeting place of two main interstates- I-80 & I-35, making it an easy destination to get to.

Where to Stay
Des Moines and it's suburbs have hundreds of hotels. Choose your favorite; chances are it's here.

It's funny how I can say I'm from Iowa and practically everyone has an Iowa story. Come make your own. And be sure to let me know. I may be able to take you to a real farm with live animals. And, a big thanks to reader Melody (who commented) who supplied this link to Agritourism Farms in Iowa.

Things To Do
Des Moines

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Free Weekend Day Car Rental from Hertz

Straight from the Hertz website:

Now through March 31, 2009, you can enjoy one free weekend day, when PC#127595 is included in your reservation of Economy through Full-size class cars. Only one redemption per month is permitted.

With this deal you could technically get two free days: one in February and one in March.

Of course this doesn't include SUVs or minivans... But it's still a great deal!

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Have Kid Will Travel Contest Winners!

Wow! What a great Bloggy Giveaway Carnival! I had so many great comments and so many great items!

First, the Janine King Passport Purse. Just an FYI: Janine has many of her bags on sale so even if you didn't win you can get a wonderful bag at a great price on her etsy site!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

60 

Timestamp: 2009-01-31 20:37:29 UTC

Tiffany819 said...

I would choose the FRONCE TOTE with adjustable strap (extra large hobo market bag) in CAMILA. I need lots of room for lots of stuff, so extra large suits me! lol Thanks for the giveaway!

Next, the Baby Sherpa Diaper Bag:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

13 

Timestamp: 2009-01-31 20:45:28 UTC

Beth said...

Subscribed to their newsletter...still need to but the Kids Car Organizer XL!

baileypoo@XXXXXXX

And now the Talus XL Backseat Organizer:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

184 

Timestamp: 2009-01-31 20:49:58 UTC

Tiff said...

It's definitly toys, goldfish, sippy cups, The kids organizer is perfect!

A HKWT favorite, the Snack & Play Travel Tray:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

47 

Timestamp: 2009-01-31 20:54:22 UTC

nape said...

Great giveaway! I learned that The Boston Globe Travel section gave Family Travel Gear a positive review.

Thanks!

And finally $25 to spend at Tika Kids on their great crayon bags and magnetic boards:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

38 

Timestamp: 2009-01-31 20:58:42 UTC

Chantelle said...

i would get a bag and the red board! What a great prize! Thanks for sharing.
chantellesabino@XXXXXXX

Thanks to everyone for entering and congratulations to the winners!

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24 Hour Sale at Family Travel Gear!

If you've been eying the great giveaways I have from Family Travel Gear you definitely want to know about their "24 Hour Madness" sale today only: January 29, 2009!

Customers must use the coupon code; 124HR09, at checkout to get the 15% discount. If customers have created an account prior to the sale they can get an additional 5% off by logging in to the site before shopping.

That's 20% off if you created an account like I asked you to this week! Woo-Hoo! I'm heading over RIGHT NOW to buy another CARES safety harness for our upcoming travels!

Click the badge below to get there quickly!

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Tika Kids Makes a Great Take Anywhere Bag: Review & Giveaway

Sometimes keeping organized can be a lesson in futility. Especially when it comes to drawing and coloring supplies and children. When I was crusing etsy one day I found a great shop called Tika Kids that makes Crayon Bags. These fun and hip little bags have little "pockets" on the outside of the bag- specially designed for a couple of pencils and 8 crayons.

The bags are made of heavy weight cotton and vinyl so they will hold up. The strap is short (17.5") which makes it ideal for tots to tote. And, possibly the most essential fact, they are machine washable!

You can see that it is nicely sized for children (bag measures 11” x 10.5” x 2”) and the vinyl adds a nice bit of shine to the bag (which my daughter noticed right away... "Oooh, Mom,it's shiny!)

We tucked dry erase markers in our bag because inside is a wonderful magnet/activity board. This multi-functional board is edged with fabric (ours is matching vinyl) to cover any sharp edges and can be used as:
**a drawing with dry erase markers - it wipes right off! (SRX makes a great mini dry erase marker and they look much more attractive than the tall markers I had on hand this morning!)
**a surface to draw on paper
**a travel board for Magnetix®
**a magnetic puzzles and games board
** Tika Kids also sells magnetic puzzles and dry erase marker/eraser combos

Don't feel left out if you have boys, either! There are lots of bags featuring dinosaurs, frogs, golf and nautical designs.

The slogan at Tika Kids is "creative items to keep your children quiet as mice". Not only will this be a great item for any travel we do but we will also take it along to restaurants and doctor appointments and use it during "quiet time" when my daughter doesn't want to nap but I must have a bit of time to myself. Oh, yes, these little items will be getting a lot of use!

(edited to add: this was so popular we bought another set for my youngest daughter. We absolutely love these bags and get so many comments/compliments on them wherever we go!)

Pricing: bags are $15, magnetic boards are $10, puzzles and other items begin at $4.50.

This contest is closed

Want to win one?
Tika Kids is offering $25 to one lucky reader to spend on her etsy shop. That's enough to buy a bag & board! Plus she has some stuff on clearance! To qualify visit Tika Kids and leave a comment telling me what you would spend the $25 on.

For an extra entry subscribe to Have Kid Will Travel via email (you can do this near the top of the page in the right column). Leave another comment telling me you did so.

For a third entry either blog or twitter this contest. Leave another comment with the blog link or your twitter id so I can confirm this entry.

US entries only, please.

Only three entries per person, please. Make sure I can easily find an email to contact you; I will not search for one. Contest ends January 30 at 11:59 pm. I will draw the winner Saturday, January 31. The winner will be contacted via email and will have 3 days to respond. If I do not hear back from the winner within that time another winner will be drawn.

** Note: The TSA agent at my airport said they wouldn't let the board on a flight. But when I asked Tika Kids I was told that her niece had flown with one... I suppose it depends on your agents. Take it on a flight at your own risk.

This giveaway is part of the Bloggy Giveaways Carnival. For more great giveaways click the button below.

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Snack & Play Travel Tray Giveaway

One of the most mentioned products when I refer people to Family Travel Gear is the Snack & Play Travel Tray. And for good reason- this is not only a product that works but it's a product that is safe.

I reviewed this product almost a year ago and love it just as much now as I did then. Here is part of my review:

The tray itself can attach around a car seat, stroller or the child so it does not have to be steadied on the lap (therefore avoiding being dropped numerous times which may be a fun game for your little ones but not so much for you). There are big mesh pockets on both sides to hold crayons and small coloring books, toys or drinks. It also has foam sides to keep everything on the tray, which is great for on-the-go snacking. And since the tray is nylon it is easy to clean.

Because you can find out all you need to know about this product from my previous review I want to tell you about Family Travel Gear.

I've had a wonderful relationship with Family Travel Gear for close to a year now. I can't say enough about the personal attention to detail every order receives. The shipping is super fast, too. Family Travel Gear isn't a big enterprise, but is a Mom & Pop online store. I would love it if you would take a minute to read about Linda and her beautiful family. I've been lucky enough to see this little dream of theirs grow and develop. In fact, they just debuted their new website last week. With easier to use searches and a single page check out it's quicker and easier to get just what you need. Family Travel Gear has earned their spot as one of my recommended companies. I urge you to take the time to check out their website and sign up for their newsletter.

This Contest is Closed

And, thanks to the generosity of Family Travel Gear I have a Snack & Play Travel Tray to give to one lucky reader. Please take a few minutes and visit Family Travel Gear. Come back and tell me something you found or learned from their site. It cannot be the same as the comment above you- that will disqualify your answer.

For an extra entry subscribe to Have Kid Will Travel via email (you can do this near the top of the page in the right column) or the Family Travel Gear Newsletter. Leave another comment telling me you did so.

For a third entry either blog or twitter this contest. Leave another comment with the blog link or your twitter id so I can confirm this entry.

US and Canadian entries only, please.

Only three entries per person, please. Make sure I can easily find an email to contact you; I will not search for one. Contest ends January 30 at 11:59 pm. I will draw the winner Saturday, January 31. The winner will be contacted via email and will have 3 days to respond. If I do not hear back from the winner within that time another winner will be drawn.

This contest is part of the Bloggy Giveaways Carnival. For more amazing giveaways click the button below.

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