There’s nothing I love like hitting the road to see a new place, and it’s even better when my husband can come along.  This weekend’s destination?  San Antonio, Texas, home of the Riverwalk, the Alamo, and a brand new Home2 Suites, Hilton’s newest brand.

We arrive in San Antonio for a long weekend and head straight to our hotel host for the weekend, Home2 Suites by Hilton.  The property opened only one month ago, meaning that everything at this property is fresh and eye-popping fun. In the urban neighborhood of downtown San Antonio, this adaptive reuse project has breathed new life into a local historic landmark building to create the latest hip and humble hotel.

Built inside the Beaux Arts style South Texas Building (originally a bank), the 14-story, 128-suite hotel is located in San Antonio’s central business district, next to the San Antonio Children’s Museum and just a few minutes’ walk from the Riverwalk.   The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the hotel made it a priority to maintain the integrity of the historic and beautiful structure throughout the construction process.  Says General Manager Andy Rodriguez, “We preserved the exterior and only made a few minor modifications to the interior  . . . The building is a pier and beam structure, which we incorporated into our design, and we were able to salvage all of the original windows and elevator doors.”

The property is decorated in lime and orange, with fun, funky furniture and up-to-date styling, even on a budget.  It features an indoor saline swimming pool and six different room layouts, with 96 king studio suites and 32 queen studio suites. Included in the reasonable room rate?  Free wi-fi and printing, access to bright, inviting community spaces, and the “Inspired Table” complimentary breakfast.

After we settle in and check out the room’s amenities (huge, walk-in shower, flat screen TV, and kitchenette), we head down to the Riverwalk for dinner on a barge.  While a tour guide explains the history and development of San Antonio’s crown jewel, we feast on Caesar salad, prime rib, and lemon pie.  When the evening cools, the lights come on along the river, and the staff offer us wool ponchos to wear.  It’s romantic and unique, the perfect introduction to this Southwestern city.

Dinner Barge on the Riverwalk (photo credit: Richard Nowitz)

Day 2 breaks sunny and cool, perfect weather for northeasterners escaping from a mid-October blizzard (what was up with that?).  Our first stop?    The four beautiful missions (San José, San Juan Capistrano, Espada and Concepción) that make up the National Historic Park established by the Catholic Church’s Franciscan Order in the 1700s. They feature diverse architectural styles and Spanish colonial art;  our tour guide does a great job of explaining the history of the relationship between the native peoples and the Spanish settlers.

Mission San José

Our tour also offers a sneak peek at the River Walk’s new Mission Reach, an eight-mile section extending from Mission Concepción to Mission Espada.  The project restores riverine features, reintroduces native plants and reconnects the river’s cultural/historical features.

After touring the missions, we’re starving – good thing, because Mi Tierra serves up enormous portions of Tex-Mex to its hundreds of lunch guests.  The famous landmark is popular with hometown regulars for its authentic Mexican food and warm Texas welcome, complete with festive décor on the ceilings and walls.  I order the tamale plate, and, even though I’m more than full, I eat the whole thing – it’s that good.  My husband can’t quite make it through his deluxe Mexican meal; he comments that it’s a sin to leave the excellent guacamole unfinished.

After heaving ourselves up from the table, we head just outside to the Farmers’ Market and El Mercado.  It’s the largest Mexican marketplace outside of Mexico, and it offers great bargain-hunting and unique shopping and food opportunities that combine the cultural, artistic and ethnic influences of the Southwest and south of the border.  We pick up a few souvenirs – a straw cowboy hat for me, a couple of ornaments for the kids, and a painted animal for our mantle.

The Alamo (photo credit: Stephanie Colgan)

Last stop of the day?  The Alamo, the city’s first mission (est. 1718).  It was the site where 189 Texan heroes including Jim Bowie, William B. Travis and David Crockett bravely battled General Santa Ana’s army in March, 1836.  Probably most interesting about seeing the Alamo up close and personal is learning about the efforts to restore it and its beautiful painted decorations; we watch as conservationists slowly wash the plaster of the oil and dirt that has accumulated over the years, exposing the original plaster and frescoes.

After the Alamo, it’s back to the Home2 for a much-needed nap.  I snuggle in the huge, comfy bed while my husband watches Texas sports on TV.  Then it’s time for our last big Texas tradition:  a good steak.  We walk two doors down to Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood, where Executive Chef Mark Bohanan brings the famed Texas steak experience to the highest fine dining level with Japanese Akaushi Steaks and mesquite-grilled prime aged center cuts of Midwestern corn fed beef, an array of fresh seafood and flaming table-side desserts. My filet is grilled perfectly, needing no sauce or enhancement to make that great Texas beef flavor come out; Steve’s ribeye is just as good, although he sneaks bites of my filet when I’m not looking.

Dining on the Riverwalk (photo credit: Stephanie Colgan)

We wake up on our last day in San Antonio to a warm and cloudless morning and take a stroll down to the Riverwalk, where breakfast at the Original is the perfect end to a wonderful weekend.  It’s quiet on a Sunday morning, but the ducks swim by on the river, and joggers pass with their dogs.  We read the paper, toss some tortillas to the ducks, and plan our next visit to San Antonio.  It’s not adios for us – just hasta la vista, until we see you again.

A View of San Antonio (photo credit: Dennis Cox)

 This trip was sponsored by Home2 Suites by Hilton and the San Antonio Convention and Visitors’ Bureau.

Affordable hotels and great travel deals aren’t too hard to find around the theme park areas of Florida. One destination that gets overlooked is Kissimmee, which practically borders Disney property. We’ve put together a list of lodging alternatives that are similar to many Disney resorts, yet the price is just right!

• Instead of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, check into Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center. Gaylord Palms offers luxury lodging and a wide array of amenities, complete with lush grounds and an onsite spa. Gaylord Palms offers packages and seasonal specials and sits on 63 acres and is only five minutes from Walt Disney World Theme Parks.

• Instead of Port Orleans Resort, check into Quality Suites Royale Parc Suites – Not only does Royale Parc Suites offer a French Quarter feel, but you’ll also have FREE breakfast, FREE shuttles to area theme parks, and FREE internet.

• Instead of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, check into Star Island Resort and Club. Star Island is more upscale and spacious that the Moderate Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Accommodations begin with mini-suites and can go up to a 1400 sq ft three bedroom suite. Similar to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Star Island Resort offers family friendly amenities and activities, including a game room, themed resort pool, restaurants, and a lake.
• Instead of Disney’s All Star Movies Resort, check into Seralago Hotel and Suites. Seralago Hotel and Suites is a budget-friendly family hotel that offers similar amenities as Disney’s All Star Movies. With two olympic size pools, arcade, kiddie play areas, and activities such as free nightly family movies at the in-hotel theater, you might night want to leave the resort. Families on a budget will appreciate the in-room microwaves and refrigerators and the complimentary resort shuttles.
• Instead of Disney’s All Star Music Resort, check into Celebration Suites at Old Town. Celebration Suites at Old Town are basic accommodations with plenty of space for a family. This all suite property offers apartment style lodging with full kitchens in each unit and is located next door to Old Town entertainment center. Be sure to take advantage of the FREE shuttle to Walt Disney World Resort.
• Instead of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Cabins, check into the Kissimmee/Orlando KOA Campground Kottages. The Kissimmee/Orlando KOA Campground not only offers campsites for tents and RVs, but also KOA Lodges for those wanting the cabin feel. The lodges sleep six and provide a full kitchen area for mealtime.

If you’re looking for affordable luxury lodging inside Walt Disney World’s gates, be sure to take a look at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Don’t forget to check out our fun tips for planning a Disney vacation and our list of top sites for Disney deals and tips.

I was in love with Venice before we even met. I was obsessed, watching Venice virtually through webcams and reading every story and blog about her. And then my opportunity to meet Venice in real life became a reality. We were able to have a brief affair, with only 24 hours together.

Venice has a reputation for being expensive. However, once you get to know her, you’ll never want to leave her embrace. Our time together was limited, but somehow we managed a bit of quality bonding. If you should ever get the chance to visit Venice, there are a few things you must do while you’re there, especially if it’s your first time.

I was there for only one day before our cruise on the Carnival Magic, and brought my parents along. I had this well-meaning list of free and cheap things to do, but once we arrived in St. Marc’s Square, all the planning went out the window. Heck, we only had one day to squeeze in all we could and who knew if any of us would get the chance for a return visit?

We were frugal in the beginning, opting for the free things. As the day progressed, we spent a few Euros here and there. Then my mother and I left my dad sitting in the square while we went exploring for a bit. By the time we returned to my dad’s sitting area, his mood regarding a gondola ride had gone from the I’m not spending that much money on a ride in a canoe to Your mom wants to ride in a gondola and I’m probably never coming back, so I’ll spend whatever it takes to make her happy.

Our day was coming to an end and it was also a major holiday in Italy. My dad paid well over 100 Euros for a quick, 20 minute gondola ride that ended at Harry’s Bar. I’m glad my dad splurged for the gondola ride, because I wouldn’t pay that much, but it was pretty darn cool experience.

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Venice

Piazza San Marco – This is the center of activity in Venice, and is usually full of tourists. Napoleon called this “the drawing room of Europe.” I loved watching the pigeons. And there are tons of pigeons in St. Mark’s Square. If you are more of a people watcher, then grab a drink somewhere and have a seat.

Basilica di San Marco – St. Mark’s Basilica is free to tour, however there are long lines to get in. Once inside, there are smaller museums tucked in corners that do require a small fee. I went through them all, and if you are short on time and Euros, but still want to see a museum, then you’ll want to visit the Museo San Marco, which you’ll enter through the steep stairway to the right of the Basilica doors. At the time of my visit, the charge was around 4 Euros. This upper level area offers one of the best views of St. Mark’s Square. Be sure to dress properly (modest, knees covered). Backpacks and large bags are not allowed inside.

Riding the Venice Vaporetto Route No. 1 – This water bus option is an affordable way to experience the Grand Canal. Fare is around 6.50 Euros one way and has various stops along the Grand Canal. You can purchase tickets at the main ticket counters or machines at major stops. I enjoyed watching the locals get on and off the water bus, from a family heading to a wedding, to little old ladies staring back at me.

Walk Around – Many websites suggest getting lost in Venice, which is a fun and interesting way to see the city. However, if you are on a time limit, don’t get TOO lost! Mom and I walked a few of the streets while enjoying a gelato. I loved looking in the windows of the shops. Venice was everything I imagined it to be.

Celebrate with Prosecco – Prosecco is Italy’s sparkling wine, and while I just HAD to have a Bellini at Harry’s Bar, at 15 Euros it definitely wasn’t cheap. Especially since I bought a round for my parents after that expensive gondola ride. An affordable and more authentic way to celebrate being in Venice is with a Spritz (pronounced spriss), which is a Prosecco based drink that won’t deplete all your spending money.

Have you been to Venice? Do you live there? What are some of your favorite and affordable things to do in this romantic destination?

For more Venice, Italy resources check out:

WhyGo Italy

Europe for Visitors

We all need a bit of travel inspiration at times, even a traveling mama such as myself. Bing Travel invited me to New York City to chat about travel experiences with Dhani Jones, NFL player and former Travel Channel star of “Dhani Tackles the Globe”. I was looking forward to hanging out with a few travel writing friends and the opportunity to meet some area TravelingMamas.com readers, in addition to learning about Dhani’s new projects.

The setting was the Hotel on Rivington, a chic hotel located in Manhattan’s historic Lower East Side. A few of us gathered in the penthouse space before the Bing Travel event, catching up on each other’s adventures and planning new ones. I sat down with Dhani for a few minutes as I picked his brain about learning how to tie his trademark fashion statement, some of the inspiring trips he’s taken, and how he arrived at this one particular moment in his life.

Dhani Jones isn’t just an athlete, he’s The Sportsman, as revealed in his newly released memoir. After our interview, a large crowd gathered to learn about Bing Travel as the sun set in New York City, providing an awe-inspiring setting for this gathering of like-minded individuals. We all share a love of one thing – travel. And even after all these years of my own amazing experiences, I was inspired to dream once again of visits to far off lands in the not too distance future.

Special thanks to Bing for the opportunity to attend the event and the story development support services. At TravelingMamas.com we use Bing’s Price Predictor before making airfare purchase decisions. Be sure to check out our post on how to find cheap airfare, full of tips and tricks to save you money when you travel.

Summer is here in full force and for many of us, the school summer break is coming to an end. There’s still time to take a family vacation or weekend getaway before classes begin again. Or, if you’re a mom like me who’s had the kids home all summer, you might be in the mood for a girlfriend getaway.

Fun Summer Activities

New York City’s Central Park – RollingMama shared with readers that families visiting New York City can take a ride and roll through Central Park thanks to The Plaza Boutique’s Tricycle Garage.

Houston Mother/Daughter Getaway – Houston’s Derek Hotel is offering special packages for mother/daughter back to school shopping trips to the Houston Galleria.

New York City Shopping Trip – RollingMama also uncovered a fun and fabulous package for shopping in the Big Apple.  Check out the Hilton hotel brands in New York City offering this travel deal.

Lake Mohonk – At Mohonk Mountain House children stay, eat, and play for just $50 a day throughout July! Lauded by Travel + Leisure as one of the “World’s Best Hotels for Families” and one of the “Best Hotel Kids’ Programs” in the nation for its Mohonk Kids’ Club, this National Historic Landmark resort provides fun, enriching experiences tailored to children of all ages.

Contests:

San Antonio Family Vacation -We’re one of 13 blogs hosting a SAVE San San Antonio Summer Family Vacation Giveaway. Be sure to enter for your chance to win a visit to San Antonio, Texas.

Las Vegas Trip – Express Car Rentals in Las Vegas is holding a Facebook Las Vegas Sweepstake that includes roundtrip air to Las Vegas, 3 nights hotel, car rental, and $500 in spending money. Be sure to check out the Express Car Rentals Facebook contest.

$500 Gas Card – BestMidwestTravel.com is treating some lucky travelers to a FREE $500 gas card. Fill out the online form for your chance to win through September 15— Best Midwest Travel giveaway form.

We hope you’re enjoying the summer and making family memories that last. Know of any good deals or contests this week? Be sure to leave them in the comments.

Summer will be over before you know it.   Indulge in some special mother-daughter bonding at the oh so hip Hotel Derek in Houston, Texas. The hotel offers complimentary transportation to the Galleria–a shopping center with more than 350 stores, restaurants and yes, an ice  skating rink!

The Back to School! Package includes: free manicure or pedicure for two, free valet parking at the hotel, free discount coupons to the Galleria, free breakfast for two and deluxe accommodations for two starting at $199 per night.

Visit Hotel Derek or call 866-924-883 for details.

I haven’t taken the train for travel since I was a kid and on a recent Amtrak rail adventure, it was just as fun for me today as it was back then. I traveled on Amtrak’s City of New Orleans line, which starts in Chicago, Illinois and ends in New Orleans, Louisiana. There are numerous stops along the route, in a few major cities and also in small towns. I made a few overnight stops in Memphis, Tennessee and Jackson, Mississippi with my travel group.

Traveling by train was such a relaxing experience. I normally fly to destinations, because it’s faster and seems more convenient. However, after experiencing The City of New Orleans, I’m rethinking my mode of transportation. Train travel with Amtrak is what travel by air used to be like. I realize traveling by train is the alternative to driving, but with the craziness of the TSA over the past decade, paired with the airline’s nickel and dime shenanigans, train travel should be the alternative to flying. Yes, it will take you longer to get to your destination, but if you factor in layovers, missed connections, and cancelled flights, Amtrak is where it’s at.

Boarding – I hopped on The City of New Orleans in Hammond, Louisiana. The parking was free, checking my luggage was free, and I was able to wait on a bench (enjoying the free wifi) with a cool breeze and fresh air. When the train pulled up, we boarded the train and were given assigned seats in coach. A few passengers boarded with small ice chests filled with drinks and sandwiches.

Seating – I sat in my coach seat and couldn’t believe how much room was available. I extended my legs completely and still had room between myself and the seat back in front of me. There are also ample power outlets at each seat and I found the interior of the coach car to be much cleaner than airplanes in general. The seats recline pretty far back and pillows are provided free of charge. For passengers wanting privacy or those traveling longer distances, the sleeping cars offer roomettes (for 2) all the way to a family room. Passengers with sleeping car bookings have their meals included in the fare.

Dining – If you don’t bring your own meals, there are two dining options on Amtrak’s City of New Orleans. The dining car is open by reservation for dinner (make the reservations when you board), and also there is a seating list for breakfast. I enjoyed both meals onboard the train. Breakfast is the more affordable meal (less than $10/person), and they do offer a children’s menu. Dinner is a bit more, but definitely worth the experience. The dinners were from $17 -$24 each, but was a delicious three course meal. If you are traveling as a family, the sleeping car upgrades are the best buy, since meals are included. Wine, cocktails, and beer is available for purchase. If you are looking for a light snack or a sandwich, the lounge car offers all types of beverages, along with an upper viewing level.

The Ride – While my coach seat was comfortable and roomy, I enjoyed the observation deck of the lounge car the most. This is the part of the train ride that really made it for me. I was able to sit in a lounge chair, glass of wine in hand, watching the back yards of America pass by. At a nearby booth, a family sat playing Uno, while at another booth, a group of friends traveling to New Orleans for a Rush concert was mixing Bloody Mary’s from their small ice chest. An older gentleman in the corner of the car sat reading the latest spy novel. For me, I could hear the strains of  Steve Goodman’s City of New Orleans in my head as I rediscovered the love of the journey.

If you have a bit of extra time to spare, I’d definitely recommend taking Amtrak trains for your next trip. They offer numerous routes around the US with weekly deals highlighted on Amtrak’s website. You’ll see a side of the USA that you can’t see from the highways or an airplane window.

Arlo Guthrie singing City of New Orleans

Disclosure: This trip on Amtrak’s City of New Orleans was part of the Southeast Louisiana Gumbo Express Tour, where I accompanied representatives from area Louisiana parishes to share the food and hospitality of our state. The purpose was to meet with local media and travel planners to encourage visitors to the Baton Rouge and surrounding areas. To learn more, visit www.SELAGumbo.com.

When my children were younger, we would drive down to the levee in Baton Rouge and claim a space for the Fourth of July fireworks that would explode over the Mississippi River. The Baton Rouge Community Band would play patriotic tunes and blankets with families would dot the grass near the USS Kidd.

These days we prefer to relax at home on the back patio, grilling out and enjoying libations. We still play with sparklers (shhh) and throw poppers in the driveway. Fireworks are actually illegal in East Baton Rouge Parish, without a special permit, but there are always neighbors who light up the sky with colorful explosions, giving us a free show with minimal effort. Plus, by staying at home (if we aren’t on a trip somewhere), we’re staying off the roads. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the Fourth of July holiday:

Visit Washington, DC: A few years ago, my son’s high school band was invited to march in the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, DC. It was an amazing experience to visit my nation’s capitol during such a patriotic time of year. We visited a few of the Smithsonian museums, took a tour of The Capitol Building, walked past The White House, and after the parade itself, we enjoyed fireworks and a concert on the grounds of The Capitol Building.

Check out: Top 5 Planning Resources for a Washington, DC Trip

Find a Hotel near a fireworks show: If you aren’t up for being a homebody, then take a quick trip to a local hotel that offers a Fourth of July Fireworks package. Here in Baton Rouge, The Hilton Capitol Center is offering a package that offers a fabulous viewing spot from the pool that overlooks the Mississippi River. Near Washington, DC, The Gaylord National Harbor offers a fireworks package with views of fireworks over the Potomac. Do you know of any fireworks shows and deals near your home?

Check out: Tips on how to photographs fireworks.

Visit Out-of-Town Relatives: Sometimes, we’ll travel to Huntsville, Alabama, where my grandmother, aunt, and her family live on a few acres. Since they have an amazing swimming pool, they always host a Fourth of July cookout with good food, swimming, and fireworks for the kids. We can’t make it there every year, but when we do, it’s always a relaxing good time. Plus, visiting relatives is an inexpensive way to take a trip and still get quality time with those you miss.

Take a Camping Trip: Most campgrounds offer Fourth of July games and events onsite for families camping during this holiday. Many campgrounds are located near lakes or streams and some even have water slides and swimming pools. Families grill at their campsite while the kids make friends with each other.

Check out: Camping with Rayovac Outdoor Lights

Relax at Home: I prefer not to travel during Fourth of July, only because it is one of the busiest travel weeks of the entire year. Sometimes, I’m scheduled to work at my full time job on this holiday, but this year I happen to be off. Little CajunMama is currently visiting relatives, but the rest of our family unit will be relaxing on the back patio, grilling a variety of meats, and enjoying cool libations in the comfort of our home.

How will you enjoy this Fourth of July Holiday?

When researching hotels for a family vacation, what do you look for? Most moms I talk to put price at the top if the list, but there are some “extras” in hotel stays that could be worth paying a higher price per room night. Here are five things you may want to look for:

1. Bed quality

The most important thing you are going to use that hotel room for on your family vacation is sleep, right? So if the beds at your hotel are uncomfortable, it doesn’t matter what you paid. Many hotel brands offer the same bedding across their brands, so if you are choosy about beds, find one or two you like and stick with them. Or go with a hotel that offers adjustable beds. The Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach has Garden Sleep System beds that allow you to make the bed firmer or softer to your liking.

2. Breakfast

Is it free? Paying $20 more for a hotel that offers free breakfast is likely a money saver. But check the quality, too. If your family expects a hot breakfast, a hotel that puts out cereal, yogurt and toast probably won’t cut it. If you choose a hotel that doesn’t offer a free breakfast, ask about packages where you can add breakfast into your room rate. The Holiday Inn Select Downtown in St. Louis, Missouri frequently offers packages that include a hot breakfast buffet that would cost $10 per person otherwise.

3. Spa treatments

When you search for a hotel room, do you grab the “Best Available Rate” in the listings on the hotel’s Web site without reading down through the package offerings? You could be missing out on a real steal for spa treatments for mom and dad. Many hotels with spas offer package deals that include a treatment with a room rate. The Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek often has room rates available that include spa treatments at the Guerlain spa in the adjacent Waldorf Astoria at steep discounts.

4. Transportation

Could the transportation offered at your hotel save you the price of a rental car? Many hotels offer free shuttle service that goes above and beyond a simple airport trip. The Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach will shuttle your family to LEGOLAND, the Flower Fields, outlet malls and a myriad of local dining options for free, 24 hours a day.

5. Pools and playgrounds

If the hotel pool is part of your vacation plans, it may be worth a few dollars a night more to go from the basics to beautiful. The Wyndham Orlando Resort has a large resort-style pool (and a pool bar for mom and dad), as well as a nice outdoor dry playground, and it’s often priced competitively with discount hotel chains in the area.

During a visit to the island of Oahu in Hawaii, I rented a car and drove around exploring. I was in search of fun family activities in Hawaii outside of the resort experience. I decided to stop in at the Dole Pineapple Plantation while driving from Ko’ Olina to Oahu‘s North Shore. I love pineapples, but never really gave thought to how they arrived in the grocery store. My knowledge of pineapples consisted of it’s symbol of hospitality in antebellum days to it’s placement on Sunday hams baked by my mom. I’m a pineapple purist, enjoying this fruit freshly slice or as a singular flavor in a snack.

No one knows exactly when the first pineapple was introduced to Hawai’i, but it has become a profitable agricultural product that has gone from that American symbol of hospitality to a staple in households today. That’s why I was intrigued by Dole Pineapple Plantation and drove across Oahu to historic Wahiawa Town, Hawai’i. Plus, a visit to the Dole Pineapple Plantation is free.

The entire property isn’t free to visit, as there are charges for some of the onsite activities, but it is a great stop for families or any visitors to Oahu. You might want to plan on spending most of your day exploring the Dole Pineapple Plantation.

The Pineapple Express – This fun and relaxing train ride around the Dole Pineapple Plantation provides an overview of the history of the pineapple in Hawai’i and how agriculture in the islands have grown to what it is today. This 20 minute ride costs $8 adults. $6 childres ages 4-12. Kids under age 4 are free.

Plantation Garden Tour – This guided walking tour takes visitors through four different gardens. Your guide highlights that various plants being grown and even talks about the various uses of the pineapple plant. Visitors even get the chance to plant their own pineapple in the fields, which really excited the kids in our group. Adults are $5. Children ages 4-12 are $4.25, Military is $4.40.

World’s Largest Maze – In 2008 this was designated by the Guiness Book of World Records as the World’s Largest Maze. The fastest finishers of the maze get a prize at the end and also have their name added to the entrance sign. I was hot after riding the train and touring the gardens, so I skipped out on this one and went in search of something cool and tasty inside the Plantation Store. Adults $6. Children ages 4-12 are $4. Military $5.

Plantation Grille -The Plantation Grille serves burgers, hot dogs, fries, and even an island favorite – Loco Moco. There’s also a kid’s menu. I went for the ever famous Dole Whip, which was ambrosia after walking around the plantation all day. A regular Dole Whip cone is $3.95.

There’s no charge to visit the Dole Pineapple Plantation and those who love to shop could get lost in the Dole Plantation Store. I know I did!

Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:00PM Daily. Closed on Christmas Day.

How to Get There

Driving

From Waikiki, hop on H-1 West, then transfer to H-2 North (Exit 8B). Continue to Kamehameha Highway (99). Dole Plantation is located at 64-1550 Kamehameha Highway, about a 40-minute drive from Waikiki.

Bus Transportation from Waikiki

From Waikiki, take bus 8, 19, 20, 47, or 58 (which run every few minutes) to Ala Moana Shopping Center. Ask for a transfer—you’ll get a slip of paper that’s good for the rest the ride up to Dole Plantation.

From Ala Moana, transfer to bus 52 (the “Wahiawa-Circle Island” route) and get off at Dole Plantation. The bus ride takes approximately an hour and forty-five minutes.
One-way fare: $2

Website: www.Dole-Plantation.com

Special thanks to the Hawai’i Tourism Authority who assisted with my visit to Oahu.