Andrea Guthman, Midwest TravelingMom, Author at Traveling Mom

Taking the Kids: 5 Best Things to Do in Door County, Wisconsin

Posted by Andrea Guthman, Midwest TravelingMom | Jul 3, 2018 | 0 |

It’s been decades since Wisconsin’s Door County was the shipbuilding capital of the United States. Yet many things haven’t changed in this region of the Midwest. Door County’s villages seem straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Old-fashioned ice cream and fudge shops, independently owned boutiques, and Mom and Pop diners are just some of the kid-friendly things to do in Door County Wisconsin. Looking to disconnect from the cell phones, computers and jammed schedules that occupy most of today’s families? While you can’t put everything on hold, you can certainly live life at a slower pace for a...

Chicago Children’s Theatre: Best 2018 Shows

Posted by Andrea Guthman, Midwest TravelingMom | May 25, 2018 | 1 |

There are some 250 theaters in the Chicago region, from small storefront community theaters to established Tony award-winners like Steppenwolf. There are also a great selection of Chicago children’s theatre. If you’re visiting the Windy City, make sure and leave one evening to enjoy a live theatre performance. Pick a dazzling downtown Broadway production, like Hamilton, or world-class children’s theatre production. When it comes to great theatre, Chicago, nicknamed the Second City, is second to none. Putting on good theatre for kids isn’t child’s play. It requires talented actors, a clever script and imaginative set design that can keep restless...

8 Things to Do in Jupiter, Florida

Posted by Andrea Guthman, Midwest TravelingMom | Apr 29, 2018 | 0 |

The sleepy beach town of Jupiter, Florida, is home to only 60,000 people. An hour north of Fort Lauderdale, it feels like a world away from the bars and spring break shenanigans of its naughty southern neighbor. Another reason why Jupiter is notable? It’s home to the largest cluster of professional golfers in the country. Perfect weather, quiet beaches, and magnificent golf courses. It’s no wonder 35 PGA Tour pros live there, including Tiger Woods. But you don’t have to be a professional golfer or millionaire to enjoy this family friendly hot spot, 20 miles north of Palm...

Best Kids Summer Reads of 2018

Posted by Andrea Guthman, Midwest TravelingMom | Apr 4, 2018 | 1 |

Familiar with the term “summer slide”? It’s not something you’ll find at a playground. It’s what teachers know happens to their students’ academic progress during three months of vacation. Motivate your kids with great summer reads. But remember, kids don’t need just any book. They need the right book list. A book list that matches their reading skill level and is exciting enough summer reads to compete with the video games, iPads, apps, phones and daily digital distractions. I admit it: I was a book nerd growing up. I spent summers hanging out at my local library doing summer...

Visiting the American Writers Museum in Chicago

Posted by Andrea Guthman, Midwest TravelingMom | Mar 19, 2018 | 0 |

Known as the birthplace of the skyscraper, Chicago’s home to some of the USA’s most prized cultural treasures. From the Art Institute to the Field Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium, Chicago’s museums are some of the best in the world. Now the City of Big Shoulders, nicknamed that by poet Carl Sandburg, is opening its arms to the nation’s first museum dedicated to American writing. Visiting Chicago’s American Writers Museum is the newest must-see stop for lit lovers. Visiting the American Writers Museum in Chicago If you were walking from Chicago’s Mag Mile to...

Travel Hack: Experience Chicago’s Luxury Hotels by Booking a Spa Treatment

Posted by Andrea Guthman, Midwest TravelingMom | Feb 15, 2018 | 0 |

Chicago, birthplace of the skyscaper, has some of the highest-end luxury hotels in the U.S. Although an overnight luxury hotel stay may be too pricey, a luxury hotel spa treatment allows you to spend the day there, enjoying many of the amenities of a guest. Here’s an insider’s travel hack to Chicago’s luxury hotel spas. It’s premium pampering that’ll have you feeling calm, refreshed, and ready to tackle all the shopping, museums, theater and world-class dining Chicago has to offer. If you like affordable big city travel with a side of luxury, this travel hack’s for you. Hotels like The Peninsula...

6 Tips for Planning a College Tour Family Vacation

Posted by Andrea Guthman, Midwest TravelingMom | Jan 27, 2018 | 0 |

If you have a teenager in high school, your family travel plans likely have a new focus: college tours. If you’ve got college-bound teens, it’s time to start adding campus visits to your vacation itineraries. Do your research and those campus visits can go from required trips to fun getaways. Here are TravelingMom’s tips for planning a college tour family vacation. With one kid in college and a senior in high school, college tours have dominated our family vacations for the last few years. Visiting a college can give you a feel for the school’s culture. That’s the...

Plan the Perfect Chicago Weekend Shopping Trip

Posted by Andrea Guthman, Midwest TravelingMom | Dec 12, 2017 | 1 |

The stretch of Chicago’s Michigan Avenue north of the Chicago River is nicknamed the Magnificent Mile, or the Mag Mile to locals. Known as a shopping mecca, it’s the Rodeo Drive of the Midwest. Attention shoppers— although there are plenty of pricey options… your Burberry and Bulgari, Coach and Cartier… there are also affordable alternatives in store. Places where you can find the perfect dress or souvenir without busting the bank. Here’s what you need to know to plan a perfect shopping weekend in Chicago. For many Midwesterners, a girls shopping weekend in Chicago is an annual tradition. But it’s...

Cruising to Cuba Aboard Norwegian Sky

Posted by Andrea Guthman, Midwest TravelingMom | Nov 29, 2017 | 1 |

Since President Obama lifted the ban on travel to Cuba, the forbidden fruit of the Caribbean is now within reach for American tourists. If Havana’s high on your bucket list, a cruise may be an easy and economical way to get there. Ships of all sizes are setting course for Cuba, including Norwegian Cruise Line, which started sailing to Havana in May of 2017. Whether you’re wondering about a family cruise to Cuba or are already on board with the idea, here are tips to ensure smooth sailing for your whole crew. Despite new travel restrictions imposed by President Trump...

See the Best of Kid-Friendly Chicago in Just 3 Days

Posted by Andrea Guthman, Midwest TravelingMom | Nov 11, 2017 | 0 |

Known as the birthplace of the skyscraper, Chicago is home to award-winning restaurants, top sports teams, and prized cultural treasures. Called “the Windy City” both for its blustery weather and long-winded politicians, the third largest city in the U.S. has plenty to offer kids and families. See the best of the city in this 3-day itinerary for Chicago created by our Midwest TravelingMom, who calls Chicago home. Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and buy, TravelingMom will get a commission. Thanks for helping support TravelingMom. What You’ll See on a 3 Day Itinerary for Chicago...