This week on Pack the Kids, we’re talking all about unique places to stay when traveling with kids—because sometimes the hotel is part of the adventure.

From glamping in a luxury dome in the Blue Ridge Mountains to staying in a converted train station hotel in Chattanooga, we’re sharing our real experiences with creative, family-friendly accommodations across the U.S.

In this episode, we cover:

•  What is glamping?! And how is it different to traditional camping
•  Staying in a dome with mountain views, trails, and a tree net playground
•  Sleeping in a train hotel with vintage railcars and a walkable entertainment area
•  Why unique stays aren't always more expensive
•  Future stays we’re planning (including a yacht, treehouse, and even a grain silo 👀) 

We also play a round of Truth or Trash featuring some of the wildest places you can stay around the world—including a giant potato and a giraffe hotel.

If you’re looking for family travel ideas in Georgia, Chattanooga, or unique stays in the U.S., this episode will give you inspiration to think beyond the typical hotel.

🌄 Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia

• Glamp Blue Ridge
  https://www.glampblueridge.com/
• we stayed at the "Terracotta Dome" 
  
   (Luxury dome glamping experience with trails, fire pits, and mountain views) 

🚂 Chattanooga, Tennessee

• The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo
  
  (Boutique hotel in a historic train station with restored train car stays) 

🚐 Previous Trip Mention

•  Camper van stay (Yellowstone trip – referenced in earlier episode)

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This week on Pack the Kids, we’re diving into what we ate on our spring break trip through Blue Ridge, Georgia, Helen, Georgia, and Chattanooga, Tennessee—and let’s just say… this was NOT your average road trip food.

From German food in a Bavarian-style town in Georgia to Appalachian-inspired fine dining, over-the-top brunch, and homemade meals while glamping, this episode covers the real-life food experiences of traveling with kids in the U.S.

We talk about:

•  Trying schnitzel, spätzle, and German comfort food in Helen, Georgia 
•  Ice cream chaos at a busy small-town creamery 
•  Cooking our own burgers and brownies while glamping 
•  A full Italian multi-course dining experience (with kids!)
•  Ordering quail for the first time (and actually liking it) 
•  A cozy Appalachian bistro with steak, oysters, and yucca fries 
•  The BEST biscuits and chicken and waffles we’ve ever had 

We also play a round of Truth or Trash featuring food history—from Southern desserts to Appalachian cooking—and learn something along the way.

If you’re planning a family trip to Chattanooga, Blue Ridge, or the Southeast U.S., or just want to know what kids will actually eat on vacation, this episode is packed with ideas, laughs, and real experiences.

🍽️ Chattanooga, Tennessee

• Elsie’s Daughter
  https://www.thehotelchalet.com/dining/elsies-daughter
  •  (Appalachian-inspired bistro with French/Belgian influence) 
• Click here to Stay at the Choo Choo Hotel - The Chalet, a remodeled Train Station with real trains to sleep in!

• Milk & Honey
  https://www.milkandhoneychattanooga.com/
  
  (Brunch spot known for biscuits, chicken & waffles, and breakfast dishes)
• Alleia https://alleiarestaurant.com/ 
  • (hand crafted Italian Food Using Local Ingredients)

🇩🇪 Helen, Georgia (German Food Experience)

• Bodensee Restaurant
  https://www.bodenseerestaurant.com/
  
  (Traditional German food including schnitzel, wurst, and spätzle) 

🍦 Blue Ridge, Georgia

• Blue Ridge Creamery
  https://www.blueridgecreamery.com/
  
  (Popular ice cream shop in a walkable downtown area)

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In this episode, we recap our spring break focused entirely on activities, starting in Atlanta and moving into the Blue Ridge Mountains (Georgia) and Chattanooga, Tennessee.

We share:

•  What surprised us (looking at you, Ruby Falls 👀) 
•  First-time experiences (horseback riding) 
•  Unexpected highlights (Gibbs Gardens + Rock City) 
•  What the kids loved most 
•  How everything tied together into one full, multi-stop trip 

🌸 Georgia / Blue Ridge Area

• Gibbs Gardens
  https://gibbsgardens.com/
  
  (Massive garden known for millions of daffodils and seasonal blooms) 
• Cowgirl Up Stables
  https://www.cowgirlupstables.com/
  
  (Horseback riding experience in the mountains) 
• Brasstown Bald
  https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/conf/recarea/?recid=10458
  
  (Highest point in Georgia with optional shuttle to the top) 
• Helen
  (Bavarian-style mountain town) 
• Georgia Mountain Coaster
  https://georgiamountaincoaster.com/
  
  (Alpine coaster where riders control speed) 

🌄 Chattanooga / Lookout Mountain

• Rock City
  https://www.seerockcity.com/
  
  (Gnome-filled trails, caves, and “See 7 States” viewpoint) 
• Ruby Falls
  https://www.rubyfalls.com/
  
  (Underground waterfall discovered in 1928) 
• Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
  https://ridetheincline.com/
  
  (One of the steepest passenger railways in the world) 
• Tennessee Aquarium
  https://tnaqua.org/
  
  (Two-building aquarium with freshwater + ocean exhibits) 
• Walnut Street Bridge (mentioned)
  (Pedestrian-only bridge—closed during our visit)

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This week we’re talking about bucket list trips — what they are, why they matter, and what’s actually on ours.

We’re officially just two downloads away from 200 🎉 and we may or may not be keeping our spring break location a secret (we’re flying into Atlanta… but that’s all you’re getting for now).

From Japan dreams and Pokémon-themed airplanes to jungle hotel fantasies with flamingos and hydrangeas, this episode is full of imagination, goals, and figuring out how to actually make dream trips happen.

We talk about:

• What a bucket list really is (and why Mom feels bad she doesn’t have one 😅)
• Why having travel goals helps you work toward something exciting
• Japan, Kyoto, Italy, and Pokémon Air ✈️
• How “point hacking” might get us there
• Small, doable adventures like backyard camping and fishing trips
• What we’d do with $100 
• A Truth or Trash game featuring Japan, Paris, and the Maldives

Plus:
 Otis' "would you rather" gets weird.)

Parents: It doesn’t have to be expensive to count.
 Kids: Dream big. Then make a plan.

And as always — don’t forget to pack the kids.

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In this week’s Pack the Kids, we’re back in New York City — Part 3, and this time it’s all about how NYC feels for kids! From the magic of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway, leaping in giant ball pits, sniffing walls and confetti disasters to scaling the Empire State Building, this episode is packed with playful chaos, family memories, and the truth about kid‑friendly city life.

We also hit:

• 🪄 Broadway merch, Patronus AR magic, and jelly bean taste tests
• 🎨 Immersive exhibits like Color Factory and the Lego store fun
• 🧱 FAO Schwarz nostalgia, sensory art rooms, and Lego taxis
• 🏙️ Empire State Building with wind, views, and interactive exhibits
• 🎲 Truth or Trash NYC trivia you didn’t know you needed
• 🐯 A dramatic Would You Rather (mountain lion vs chihuahua)

Whether you’re planning a NYC trip with kids or just curious if a big city can keep little people entertained, this one’s for you!

📍 Places Mentioned 

🎭 Shows & Entertainment

• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Broadway)
  🎟️ https://harrypottertheplay.com/
  
  

🏙️ NYC Attractions & Experiences

• Empire State Building — Iconic observatory with history & views
  ⭐ https://www.esbnyc.com/
  
  
• Color Factory NYC — Interactive multi‑sensory art experience
  🎨 https://www.colorfactory.co/new-york/

🧸 Stores & Kid Stops

• Lego Store (Rockefeller Center) — Giant Lego figures & Lego tree
  🧱 https://www.lego.com/en-us/stores/rockefeller-center
  
  
• FAO Schwarz (Rockefeller Center) — Iconic toy store & giant piano
  🎹 https://www.faoschwarz.com/

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We want to hear about your adventures too and will choose a few to shout out on the show!

🍕 This week, we hit Part 2 of our New York City food adventure — featuring famous frrrozen hot chocolate, a best pizza award, and a family debate that sparked controversy.

Come with us back to NYC for who ate what and where and let us know what you would try!

📍Places Mentioned 

• 🍕 John’s of Bleecker Street Pizza
• 🍔 Sailor in Brooklyn 
• 🍦 Serendipity 3 - Upper East Side Location /Times Square
• 🍞 Balthazar Bakery – SoHo

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This week on Pack the Kids, we're diving into all the delicious stops we made on our recent New York City adventure—from the iconic to the quirky! 🍕🥯🍰

We’re sharing what it’s like eating your way through Manhattan with kids and without kids menus. Plus, you’ll hear which place totally surprised us, who ate the most candy, and the best way to get into NYC hotspots.

📍Places Mentioned

Here’s a full roundup of our NYC eats—with links so you can plan your own tasty trip:

• 🍕 Filaga Pizza at Chelsea Market
  – Sicilian-style slices in a fun food hall
• 🍣 TAO Uptown
  – Fancy family sushi dinner in a nightclub-like setting
• 🧁 Dylan’s Candy Bar at Hudson Yards
  – Over-the-top sweets
• 🍝 Eataly NYC Flatiron
  – Fresh pasta, Italian eats, and groceries
• 🐓 Coqodaq
  – Korean fried chicken and caviar nuggets 

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We want to hear about your adventures too and will choose a few to shout out on the show!

In this episode of Pack the Kids, Sarah, Nash, and Otis get ready for an upcoming trip to New York City by talking all things airport packing, flying with kids, and whether city trips or mountain camping are more fun.

The boys share their best airport tips, debate city vs outdoor travel, and play a round of Truth or Trash about airport rules and Central Park wildlife.

It’s a lighthearted conversation about independence, early flights, family travel routines, and why letting kids pack their own bags might actually be the secret to smoother trips.

If you want to go see Harry Potter on Broadway, and yes, it's in the SPLURGE category, here's the link! 

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This week, we’re back in one of our favorite food cities—Chicago! 🍴 Otis and Nash join in (hot cocoa in hand) to share laughs, messy bites, and family memories from the Windy City. We dig into the real difference between a Chicago-style hot dog and every other dog on the planet, plus how to properly order an Italian beef sandwich (there’s a trick). Whether you’re all about mustard and sport peppers or just here for the drippy meat napkin vibes, we’ve got you.

You’ll hear:
 🌭 What it means when a hot dog is “dragged through the garden”
 🥖 Why “dipped” matters when ordering Italian beef
 😂 Nash’s sushi food review… 
 🧼 Otis pranks Dad

📍 Chicago Suburbs Food & Restaurant Links

🍕 Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

You can order deep‑dish pizzas to your house 
 Website: https://www.loumalnatis.com/
 

🍔 Portillo’s Restaurants

legendary chocolate cake (often made into a chocolate cake shake by blending cake right into the milkshake).

https://www.portillos.com/order/
 

🍣 Bistro Wasabi (Lake in the Hills / Hoffman Estates, IL)

Website: https://thebistrowasabi.com/
 

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This week, we’re in Chicago — and it’s full of flavor, fun, and freezing wind.

Join us as we:

• Sip homemade sparkling cherry soda with a DIY syrup recipe 🍒
• Tour the Balloon Museum where air is art (yes, there’s a giant floating charcoal balloon) 🎈
• Debate our NYE plans (spoiler: sushi wins over parties) 🍣
• Drop kid-approved tips for crushing laser tag at Battle House
• Play Truth or Trash with surprising Chicago facts (why IS it called the "Windy City?")

This episode is part party-prep, part city adventure — perfect for anyone ringing in the new year with snacks and style.

🍒 Cherry Sparkle Syrup Recipe 

DIY Cherry Soda Syrup

• 1 cup frozen cherries
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Boil together until soft, blend with immersion blender, and simmer until thick like syrup. Cool and taste. Spoon 2–4 tsp into sparkling water or soda. Add more for sweeter!

➤ Makes NYE sparkle without the champagne.

📍Places Mentioned

🎈 Balloon Museum Chicago – “Air Is Art” exhibit with charcoal balloon, ball pit, and immersive light rooms
🎯 Battle House Laser Tag – where Nash says to move a lot and wear dark colors
🍒 Your Kitchen – for cherry soda adventures and “Would You Rather” debates

BIG News! You can text us now!

Follow Us on Instagram! @MarnellFamilyRoadshow

Watch us on You Tube @PackTheKidsPodcast

Email us! [email protected]

We want to hear about your adventures too and will choose a few to shout out on the show!