travel
Family travel is complicated. And sometimes fun.
Brockport, New York
What can I say about my little upstate town in western New York? I was born and raised in Brockport and raised my children here. I don’t believe I’ve ever understood the value of this little hidden gem, before now. This historical little storybook college town nestled along the Erie Canal looks like a scene out of the movies. Its Victorian buildings give it the charm of something magical.
By Kristen Viscardi5 years ago in Families
Hometown Vibes
The Gulf Coast will forever be my home. My hometown vibes are full of fun, peace and relaxation. Whenever heading back home from a road trip, those green FL signs on the highway always make me smile. I’ve never been a fan of cold weather, so starting over and moving to FL made total sense. Although it’s not where I actually grew up as a child, it’s where I grew up as a young adult. There’s always something to check out or get into throughout the year. Call me corny but I love being able to tell people, “I live where you vacation.” Ha! Here are a few visuals of my hometown vibes along the Florida Gulf Coast.
By Shante’ Hill5 years ago in Families
What Makes Smethport, PA Great
Hamlin Lake Smethport, Pennsylvania My 1997 Graduation Picture From Smethport Jr. Sr. High School Smethport, PA What can I say about Smethport, Pennsylvania? Well, its a very small town in Northeastern Pennsylvania near Erie, PA and Bradford, Pa and 2 hours south of Buffalo, NY. I was raised in this beautiful quaint town in a farming community part called Farmers Valley, PA as my paternal great grandparents, my paternal grandparents, my paternal uncle and aunt and my parents all lived there since the early 1900's and my father and my uncle and my cousin still live right beside each other. My maternal grandparents lived in the town of Smethport. I was raised there with my 4 siblings Heather, Kathleen, Colleen and Thomas Jr. and my parents Thomas Sr. and Noressa (my mother passed away in 2018) my father was a supervisor for the local gas company and my mother was a secretary for the local refinery (the refinery was first oil company, then made a piece for thermostats and now International Waxes which makes the wax for a popular candle company). My siblings and I attended Farmers Valley Elementary School in Farmers Valley until I was in 3rd grade and the new Smethport Elementary school was established in 1988 if my memory serves me correctly and my whole family and my paternal grandfather a janitor (in the 1970's) at Smethport Area Jr. Sr. High School, we were known as the Smethport Hubbers, as we were the wheel hub (hence HUBbers) of the region and other towns were the spokes of the wheel of the region. Our town of Smethport is very proud of are athletic sports and the athletes of SAHS and my family was in sports from the 1950's to 2005 and I, myself, was in Girls Golf, Weightlifting Club and Track n Field (field events) this town though is most proud of the Smethport High School Football Team. Whats around our little town? Our courthouse (pictured) was first established in 1807, however, it burnt down 3 times the current courthouse has been there since 1942 and has luckily has not burned down. There was a famous case in the 1800's about Ralph Crossmire that is now making this Pennsylvania's 6th most haunted place at the old Smethport Jail which was behind this courthouse, he had killed his parents, got tried but before sentencing he hung himself in the jail and promised to haunt the old jail forever, its now a museum with ghost tours. The other famous place of Smethport is the former Christmas Store (now a different business) but it was so loved by the community it had the best Christmas items! We have a lake? Yes, it is called Hamlin Lake! It's the beauty that makes Smethport! (pictured) My maternal grandparents had their house near the lake and it was great going to the park and have picnics! There are also, so many great churches in the community and they are so helpful to the community! There is sparcity to job availability unless you travel to your job for 30 minutes or more and most people do travel for their jobs. But that's the least of the spectacle of Smethport, they have the best restaurants, especially what is called The Tasty Freeze which has been there since the 50's and still loved for its hoagies, french fries, sundaes and milkshakes, its been a staple for people living there and traveling through. One last thing that's great is we have the McKean County Fair and its the most joyous time and great activities to see and participate in especially the Monster Truck Show, Racing and Amusement Rides and our great farming animals! I best not forget to mention and pay homage t0 Smethport's Wolly Willy!! This is what makes Smethport, PA so great to travel to or live in and I now live in Grand Island, NY but I really miss my hometown and the great things about it, especially the people who live there, its like a hometown family!
By Danielle K. Murphy5 years ago in Families
My Hometown Legacy
Just like everyone else, their hometown has special meaning to them, for me…it is and always will be my heart and soul. It is not only where my whole existence started but where my family legacy will always be. You see, my mother made history in our small town. She ran for political office and became the first woman to become a city official in our town and actually made the Congressional Records when she passed away.
By Always Amy XOXO5 years ago in Families
The nightmare of an elderly person flying with IBERIA
I want to tell this story because I hope by sharing it we can help to avoid other families to face such nightmare in the future. We are originally from Costa Rica, a family of 5 (mom, dad and 3 kids jajaja) Due to worked I was relocated to Europe 2 years ago. After the sudden passing of my mom in 2020 we decided that will be good for my Dad to come and spend sometime with me and my daughter here.
By Francine Gonzalez5 years ago in Families
Home Is Where The Heart Is
We as humans take so much for granted. I hate to start this out negatively, but I do not mean it negatively; I mean it nostalgically. I grew up in the beautiful country of Germany. My dad was in the Army for longer than I have been alive, and that is where he met the love of his life. Luckily, my dad was in a position where he could choose his work assignment, and I got to spend most of my childhood over there, and one year in New Jersey and two other years in the lovely country of Italy. I have been in the United States for sixteen years now, from Washington State, Idaho, California and now Illinois but Germany seems like yesterday and nothing compares.
By Trina Ferry Bateson5 years ago in Families
The Tide
I don't have many memories from when I was a very young child. I remember things from the past here and there at random. A lot of times, they are trivial things like what toy I got in my Burger King kid's meal in 1999. It was a gold plated Pokémon card by the way. However, there are a few memories I will always remember and cherish. This one is about a small good deed that meant a lot to me.
By Amanda Cermeno5 years ago in Families
Home is Where the Heart is
To many when you hear the word home you think of a house, you get a very distinct image in your mind of what you expect a home to look like. I was raised with the belief of the white picket fence, a dream. Although this image for me has changed over time as it has for many others, however for me the image is not one of walls and a roof.
By Lilo Dallas5 years ago in Families
How to Prepare to Go on a Vacation
Those who are planning to go on a holiday should make the necessary preparations to enjoy their time away from home. While it may seem as simple as booking a hotel and heading out the door, leaving home for a significant period does require some planning and forethought. From paying what's owed to re-stocking the fridge, here are some practical and easy to follow tips on how to make your next vacation a smooth experience.
By Gabriel Anthony5 years ago in Families
How to Enjoy Your Family Holiday in Desaru
Desaru Malaysia is always a top choice for a family holiday. A fabulous destination with loads of fun activities for the entire brood, a range of mouth-watering cuisine and affordable rates all around, to enjoy a family vacation without breaking the bank. From the time at fun parks to exploring pretty farms and where to eat in the city, here is a guide on how to enjoy your family holiday in Desaru.
By Aurora Gianna5 years ago in Families
