Judy Antell, Vegetarian TravelingMom, Author at Traveling Mom

Quirky Fun in Nashville: 21C Museum Hotel, Nashville

Posted by Judy Antell, Vegetarian TravelingMom | Aug 10, 2017 | 1 |

From GooGoo Clusters to Piggly Wiggly, Tennessee offers much to giggle about. Vegetarian TravelingMom Judy Antell found that same sensibility at the newest 21c Museum Hotel, in Nashville. The hotel provides rubber ducks in all rooms, and scatters giant plastic penguins around the hotel. The hip boutique hotel is also family friendly. Nashville, Tennessee has all the components of a city designed for a family getaway. There is a large zoo, plenty of free activities and a booming food scene. Nashville also has a new boutique hotel, the 21c Museum Hotel. This is the latest iteration of the hip family friendly chain...

Exploring Nashville with the Luxury Infiniti Q50

Posted by Judy Antell, Vegetarian TravelingMom | Aug 4, 2017 | 0 |

Nashville and the new Infiniti Q50 are designed for each other. Vegetarian TravelingMom explored “Music City” while listening to tunes on the premium Bose audio system. Leather seats, superb safety technology and refinements inside and out made the drive enjoyable, for Music City travel or further afield. Music City Travel in the Infiniti Q50 Nashville is well known for its live music scene, and most visitors to the city spend time at several music venues when they hit the town. I was in Nashville to check out the new Infiniti Q50, which was perfectly in tune with the music...

Free in Tennessee: 7 Free Fun Activities in Nashville

Posted by Judy Antell, Vegetarian TravelingMom | Jul 31, 2017 | 0 |

Nashville, also known as Music City, is gaining a reputation as a foodie destination. Vegetarian TravelingMom found she saved her money to spend on food by taking advantage of the many free things to do in Nashville. If you love live music, head to Nashville, Tennessee. Music City is known for its music venues, and for its burgeoning food scene. [And that includes vegetarian options.] What may be lesser known is that the city is also great for bargain hunters. Here are 7 free things to do in Nashville. Tennessee State Museum The subterranean Tennessee State Museum has interactive...

Lexus NX 300: Ideal for Family Adventure in NYC and Beyond

Posted by Judy Antell, Vegetarian TravelingMom | Jul 22, 2017 | 0 |

Is the Lexus NX 300 the best SUV for family adventure? Vegetarian TravelingMom Judy Antell spent a week driving in NYC and was impressed with the luxury crossover’s sweet spot: big enough for a family for five, but small enough the maneuver through city streets. In New York City, every inch matters. Sub Zero refrigerators come in slightly smaller versions to fit into apartment elevators and through brownstone doors. Bikes fold up. A longer car can’t be parked as easily on the street, or requires an extra large parking spot in a garage, with an extra monthly charge. So the...

A Quick Chicago Trip: Hotel Allegro Review

Posted by Judy Antell, Vegetarian TravelingMom | Jul 14, 2017 | 0 |

Want to make the most of limited time in Chicago? If you have a quick Chicago trip, Vegetarian TravelingMom Judy Antell suggests a stay at the convenient and amenity -loaded Kimpton Hotel Allegro. From free bikes and evening wine hours to an El stop a block away, this hotel in the Loop has it all. On a recent trip to Chicago, Illinois, my husband and I hit the ground running. We arrived on a Saturday morning, took a quick trip into the loop on the El and checked into the Kimpton Hotel Allegro. We had lunch reservations at a vegetarian...

Foodies on the Fly: Sampling Chicago’s Best

Posted by Judy Antell, Vegetarian TravelingMom | Jul 12, 2017 | 1 |

Chicago offers an embarrassment of riches culturally, architecturally, in sports, and most of all, in food. If you have limited time, like Vegetarian TravelingMom, a great way to sample a wide variety of what this city has to offer is to take a food tour. Chicago Food Planet provides a way to taste Chicago’s best, with tours that include local history and insight. And the walking tours let you burn a couple of calories to boot. Chicago for Foodies On my last trip to Chicago, I had only 48 hours to cram in as much local color as possible....

Luxury Hotel Review: Rancho Valencia, San Diego

Posted by Judy Antell, Vegetarian TravelingMom | Jun 23, 2017 | 0 |

Did you know you can experience luxury and family friendly at one place? The ultra-luxe Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa has all the hallmarks of a five star, five diamond resort. Then it adds family-friendly touches. Oh, and it takes dogs. Vegetarian TravelingMom Judy Antell found the fitness classes challenging, the food healthy and delicious, and the rooms, with private outdoor hot tubs, over the top spectacular. What is better than an ultra-luxurious resort? Staying at one for free. I was invited by Mazda to test drive the new Mazda Miata and CX-5, and had time over two and...

The Yin and Yang of Mazda: A Convertible and an SUV

Posted by Judy Antell, Vegetarian TravelingMom | Jun 16, 2017 | 0 |

When Mazda invites you to test drive two of its newest cars, it’s hard to wipe the grin off your face. Vegetarian TravelingMom had an added bonus, a couple of days at the sweet Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa, near San Diego. She drove the 2017 Mazda CX-5 and the 2017 Mazda Miata RF. Along the way, she learned about the Mazda design aesthetic and emphasis on fun. Many of us parents see ourselves as two different people: moms and our ‘old’ selves. Mazda has cars that fit this duality, but it turns out, the difference between the cars isn’t...

Westminster Luxury Hotel Stay: Conrad London St. James

Posted by Judy Antell, Vegetarian TravelingMom | Jun 13, 2017 | 0 |

To prepare for a bike trip in Italy, you need to take several long bike rides. You should also spend a couple of days in Europe, acclimating to the time change and relaxing. Stopping in London on the way from the U.S., you can break up the trip, rejuvenate and spend a few days touring the city. The Westminster luxury hotel Conrad London St. James is the perfect spot. Westminster Luxury Hotel Stay: Conrad London St. James On a recent trip to London, before a bike trip in Italy, our main requirements for a hotel were comfort and...

Free in New York City: Swimming Year Round

Posted by Judy Antell, Vegetarian TravelingMom | May 26, 2017 | 0 |

Love the water? In New York City, you can find plenty of places to cool off, year round, for free. There are even free swimming programs, best suited for residents. But visitors to New York can go to free city beaches (they are clean!) and free public pools (also spotless) throughout the five boroughs. So pack your bathing suit when you come to the city. In NYC, you can buy a day pass to swim at Le Parker Meridien for $100 or you can swim in one of the seasonal outdoor pools for free. I say, save the $100...