Southeastern US Archives

Taylor Family Sponge Shopping in Tarpon Springs Florida 2

Easy Florida Weekend Getaway Ideas on the Gulf

Florida is full of fun and relaxation. If you’ve not explored beyond the big cities like Orlando, Jacksonville or Miami, you might not know how diverse and chill it is. Speaking of Miami (said Mee-ahh-mee), it’s a completely different world when you head to the Gulf Coast from Miami and

Taylor Family in Seuss Landing Universal Islands of Adventure Orlando 5

Making the Most of Two Days at Universal Orlando Resort

While we could easily spend a week at the Universal Orlando Resort, most families are only going to get a few days to explore and enjoy the parks. We brainstormed and polled the kids on what their favorite activities were and came up with this fool-proof plan for making the

Hogwarts at Night Wizarding World of Harry Potter Islands of Adventure Universal Orlando 9

Universal Orlando with Small Kids: how to make sure everyone has a blast

We’ve been really fortunate to get to partner with the Universal Orlando Resort this year. With so many fun trips to Orlando, it’s given us loads of insight into how to visit Universal Orlando with small kids and have an amazing time doing it. We’ve got tips for having the

Family Universal Orlando Resort Spring Break travel journal

Family Universal Orlando Resort Spring Break travel journal. Tips and pics of a full family experience at the Universal Orlando Resort. Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Cabana Bay Resort and Volcano Bay water park. We are so excited to share our family trip to the Universal Orlando Resort! This

As a day trip added onto an Orlando vacation, a day with Paddleboard Orlando is ideal to explore Blue Spring State Park and the Wekiva River. Hundreds of manatees flock to Blue Spring in Central Florida and Wekiva is teeming with alligators and turtles. 2traveldads.com

Paddleboard Orlando: nature adventures just beyond the city!

So, you know how we’re all about kayaking and do it all the time? Well, after many attempts I’ve had an incredible time Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) and it’s going to be my new favorite activity. After spending a whole day with Ned, the owner of Paddleboard Orlando, I can

Rob Taylor and Friend at Universal Cabana Bay Resort Orlando 4

Universal Blog Squad: Harry Potter and scouting for future fun

Hooray! We get to be a part of the Universal Orlando Resort Blog Squad! This is going to be a crazy and fun experience. What does this mean? It means that throughout the year we’ll be taking several trips to Universal Orlando for fun events, new experiences and just generally

Reflecting Pool and Crypt at Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site Atlanta 1b

MLK National Historic Site with kids: learning about civil rights in Atlanta

Something that we always try to do with our kids, particularly since we are worldschooling, them is visiting historical sites. We visit Atlanta Georgia quite frequently and I’ve gotten the chance to go to Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site a couple of times. Oliver, our oldest is starting

Jekyll Island in Georgia's Golden Isles is the place for every kind of relaxation under the sun. Beaches, biking, and history make Jekyll Island a perfect coastal getaway. 2traveldads.com

Jekyll Island, Georgia: a weekend of family fun and relaxation

It’s been two years since we first fell in love with the Golden Isles of Georgia. Our first experience was on St Simons Island when we visited the King and Prince Resort. From the food to the Spanish moss, we were hooked. And now we’ve gotten to explore another of

Crystal clear water at Blue Spring State Park Daytona Beach 11

Blue Spring State Park: Florida’s most beautiful spot

Enough people have asked us about Blue Spring State Park after seeing the pictures we’ve posted on Instagram and such that we just have to write about it and share our tips. Florida has over 1000 natural springs and they’re all a little different. Some are in high traffic areas

Big Cypress National Preserve borders Everglades National Park in Florida and is just as amazing and worth visiting. Beautiful nature, alligators, and family friendly exploring. 2TravelDads.com

Big Cypress National Preserve: exploring with kids

On the northern border of Everglades National Park there’s a pretty cool Florida landmark. No, we’re not talking about the Tamiami Trail, even though Highway 41 is fun to drive, but we’re talking about Big Cypress National Preserve. Big Cypress is a part of the National Parks Service and it’s

Historic Homes and Wrought iron balconies in Mobile Alabama historic district 2

Mobile, Alabama: top 5 ways to celebrate a surprising gem of a city

Most random place I’ve visited in a long while: Mobile, Alabama. When I first found out that I got to go I was neutral in my excitement. And then I started researching; and then I got there; and then I fell in love. Mobile, Alabama’s theme for the city is

Taylor family kayaking Ripple Effect Ecotours at GTM Reserve St Augustine 1

Ecotours in Florida: making a difference by playing tourist

One of the primary reasons we travel with our kids and show them as much of the world as we can is because we want them to grow up to be educated stewards of our world. One way to do this is by participating in ecotourism, and in Florida there

Beach at Fort De Soto Park Pinellas County Florida 7

Florida Gulf Coast Beaches: how to rock the sandy shores of the Sunshine State

We’ve shared all kinds of non-beach things to do in Florida because we just love how different Florida’s nature is from that of our local Pacific Northwest, but we certainly love the beaches too. From the edge of the Everglades to the start of the Panhandle, the Florida Gulf Coast

Beyond Daytona Beach: exploring Daytona as a family

We always love to visit places we’ve heard about but never been before. We especially love finding the unknown side of a city or area…. like Daytona Beach. The first thing that comes to mind when you hear Daytona is either NASCAR racing or spring break, but we were just

Egrets on Pier at Fort De Soto Park Pinellas County Florida 2

The best of Florida camping: Fort De Soto and its beauty

By now you know that we’re head over heals in love with Florida (#LoveFL). St Augustine caught us with its charm and history. The Everglades stole our hearts with the gators and one-of-kind landscape. Rainbow Springs left us speechless with its crystal clear water and endless fun. St Pete Beach

Taylor Family Matanzas River kayaking Ripple Effect Ecotours St Augustine 4

Outdoor activities around St Augustine: nature on Florida’s historic coast

We are so fortunate! We’ve gotten to visit St Augustine and Florida’s Historic Coast a few times now and each time we love it more and more. On this most recent visit we got to spend a lot more time exploring the nature of the area and we’ve got some

Taylor Family in Rainbow River at Rainbow Springs State Park 2

Rainbow Springs State Park: Florida’s magical back-country getaway

Most of what we share is National Park-centric, but we’re going to stray just a bit to share one of the most shockingly beautiful sights we’ve ever seen. Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon, Florida is the type of place you’ve seen in fantasy movies or whimsical paintings. Seriously pretty

Plantation on Crystal River from water 1

The Plantation on Crystal River: in the heart of Florida fun

We have a solid appreciation for staying in a nice hotel in the middle of a long camping trip. On our recent Florida Gulf Coast road trip we enjoyed an awesome experience trekking up and down the coast in an Escape Campervan, but halfway through we were treated to a

Everglades National Park is home to alligators, flamingos, manatees and more. Florida's greatest swamp is beautiful, interesting and fun for family travel! 2traveldads.com

Everglades National Park family guide: how to visit Florida’s coolest swamp

Bucket list item: Everglades National Park. Done. Can’t wait to go back. Must explore more. The end. Just kidding, we have much more to say. So, the Everglades is the coolest area and we’ve never been anyplace else like it. Everglades National Park and the surrounding area will leave you

Taylor Family on Nature Trail at Biscayne National Park 6

Biscayne National Park: an easy Miami day trip or perfect weekend escape

So often we see people asking questions in online forums about how to add a land portion to a cruise they’re going on or what they can do with just a day or two someplace. We have a thousand answers for those questions. I mean, if you’re cruising out of San

A Florida Gulf Coast road trip is full of unique nature, beautiful beaches and wildlife unlike anywhere. Manatees and pristine springs make unforgettable family travel moments. 2traveldads.com

Florida Gulf Coast Road Trip Itinerary: gators, manatees and pristine waters

Since the first time we visited Florida as a family we’ve wanted to see more and more of the Sunshine State. Florida offers a variety of family road trip options ranging from beach vacation, island hopping in the Keys, to exploring the one-of-a-kind nature on the Gulf Coast. We just

There are tons of holiday activities in Atlanta, from Christmas lights to fundraisers. 2traveldads.com

Chistmassy Holiday Activities in Atlanta, Georgia

Christmas is such a hoot. We love getting to do Christmassy, holidayish things and especially love traveling during the holidays. We just returned from Atlanta where we were visiting family and did a few fun, special holiday activities there. In addition to visiting the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, we also

Taylor Kids at Ocean Journey Tennessee Aquarium 1

Chattanooga’s Tennessee Aquarium: the best family fish-perience

We often return to places that we have really enjoyed in the past, especially when it’s a place of learning and science that completely fascinates the kids. The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tennessee is just that: engaging, fun and perfect for family travel. Fyi, I just want to apologize in advance because

Cannon at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield 2traveldads.com

A day at Kennesaw Mountain: Georgia history and nature

We’ve been to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield a few times now. It’s one of those places that has both historical significance and modern day appeal. What? What sort of appeal is there to a battlefield, particularly with kids? Well, we’ll tell you. There’s more the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield site

Rob Taylor feet at Jacksonville Beach Florida 1

Jacksonville Solo Travel: relax in Jax

One of the best family travel trips we’ve done was our visit to Jacksonville Beach and St Augustine. Experiencing Florida’s Historic Coast with the kids was so much fun and we did SO MANY THINGS. So, I got to do some Jacksonville solo travel and it was totally different.

MisterBnB bungalow Avondale Jacksonville Florida 2traveldads.com

How MisterBNB saved my solo travel weekend

You know that we’re all about family travel and experiencing everything together or having the random weekend as a couple. Well, I (Rob) just did the unthinkable: solo travel. Whaaattt?!?!?! Yes, it’s true. I spoke at WordCamp in Jacksonville, Florida (#WCJAX) and made the journey all by my lonesome. Thank

Our Non Complete Guide to Lighthouses in the USA

Why in the world are we making a non complete guide to lighthouses in the USA?? Simple: there are so many lighthouses that one could not possibly hope to visit them all… but we are trying to, so as we add more and more to our roster, we’ll share them

Rob Taylor and Dudes at Jax Beach Casa Marina Sunset 1 header

Family Travel in the South…as an LGBT family

Originally written for GaysWithKids.com When people ask us where our favorite places to return to for family travel are, we’re pretty quick with our answers: Cabo San Lucas, Disneyland, Georgia/Florida… Georgia and Florida? Like, the South? Yes, it’s true. We’ve written before about how the South is changing and how

Confederate Relief at Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta Georgia 4 header

Um, What’s up with Stone Mountain?

Georgia, ooohhh Georgia… Yep, it’s on our mind a lot because we love it. Or at least we love most of it. And we always think it’s hot in the South. Like, always. It’s not though. Did you know they can get snow and frost and stuff? OMG! Okay, that’s

Dudes Getting Ready for Biking St Simons Island GA 1

Biking St Simons Island: riding through Georgia’s Golden Isles

By now you know that we’re in love with St Simons Island, Georgia. It’s nautical, historical, beachy, covered in Spanish moss. Perfect. So, what’s the best way to see and get a good feel of the island? Biking St Simons Island from end to end is just awesome. Family travel

Dudes with Spanish Moss at Fort Frederica Natl Monument St Simons GA 2traveldads.com

St Simons Island: an ideal family escape

The southeastern United States is a really fascinating area. It’s got the colonial and Civil War history; it’s full of tidelands, swamps and interesting wildlife; and its own past is a varied collection of maritime lore and people. As you stroll through the village area of St Simons Island, it’s

Taylor Family at the Top of St Simons Island Lighthouse Georgia 1

St Simons Island Lighthouse: nautical family fun

And our lighthouse obsession continues… On St Simons Island, the largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles, there stands a picturesque beacon just off the boardwalk. It’s surrounded by palm trees, oaks and green grass. It’s not too tall, but clearly breaks the skyline: the St Simons Island Lighthouse. You know we love

LittleMan running towards Fort Frederica St Simons Island GA header

Where’d Fort Frederica go?

Historical sites rock for family travel. Well, most of the time. No, all of the time. Here’s why: they’re a snapshot of a moment in time that we’ll never experience again. Sometimes those sites are really well preserved and you can step back in time with little use of the

The St Augustine Lighthouse: not just a pretty lamp

If there’s one thing that’s iconic of a coastal vacation or anything maritime, it’s lighthouses. They’re tall, striking, weird buildings that really bring the feel of the ocean directly onshore. In the Pacific Northwest we have them every 100 meters (total exaggeration) because it is so stormy and foggy all

Rob Taylor and LittleMan in Stocks at Pirate Museum St Augustine Florida 2

Strolling Historic St Augustine: a perfect family day

A town like St Augustine, Florida is great to explore with kids because there are so many sights and fun things to do around every corner. We didn’t do half of what we could have, but we still did a ton. Every town or city has its must-see sights. In

5 Reasons We’re in Love with Jacksonville Beach

Our family is all about the beach and you know we #LoveFL. At home, we live across the street from the beach. We go on weekend trips to the beach. We go walking on the beach even if it’s a freezing cold day and there’s not a chance of getting

Fort Matanzas: worth the drive, walk, boat ride and climb

You’ve been in St Augustine all day and are ready to end it on a high note. The town is wonderful and it’s so calm and relaxed everywhere, but you’ve been walking so much because every narrow street is just taunting you to head that way. You’re tired. What can

LittleMan with Peach French Toast at Echo Restaurant at King and Prince Resort St Simons GA 1

Echo Restaurant and the Best Thing We Ever Ate

Before we had kids we’d relax each night by watching HGTV or the Food Network and dream about renovating our kitchen or maybe dining out every night. And then kids happened and we realized that we’d rather build with blocks and eat grilled cheese sandwiches. But then we travel and

Sunset at King and Prince Resort St Simons GA

The King and Prince Resort: can we just live here?

When we first heard about the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort, we’d never heard of St Simons Island, Georgia. To us, the Georgia coast consisted of Savannah and maybe Tybee Island… wait, is that in Georgia? Oh yes, it is. Anyways, we peeked at it and were like,

LittleMan on Alligator at St Augustine Alligator Farm 1

The St Augustine Alligator Farm: it’s no croc

Beyond pirates and forts, we were excited to experience alligators in Florida. One reason we knew we’d #LoveFL is because gators are our favorite animal…next to sharks. When we found out about the St Augustine Alligator Farm we just had to go. Without researching it at all we added it

Category: Southeastern US