amw

Contest

What Does Being Canadian Mean to You?

June 30, 2015

Hockey, poutine, cottage country, being polite, and saying “eh” without even noticing, these are the things that I love about being Canadian. What does being Canadian mean to you?

To me, being Canadian means embracing winter, loving the great outdoors, and feeling a sense of pride and wonder of our vast and changing landscapes from coast to coast. From the Rocky Mountains to the fishing villages of Prince Edward Island and in between, Canada has one of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes in the world. Canada’s national parks are also a part of our country’s pride – they represent our natural environment, protecting our wildlife and ecosystems.

Bring a little bit of the Canadian wilderness home with the Air Wick® Canadian Parks Series™, a limited edition fragrance collection from Air Wick. This fragrance range was inspired by the national parks of Canada, and specially crafted to reflect the scents of three parks: Jasper, Banff and Cape Breton Highlands. Each fragrance is available in two formats: Freshmatic™ Automatic Spray and Scented Oil Electrical Plugins.

Jasper: Inspired by the park’s pristine waters and rare lilies, we crafted a fresh clean fragrance, accented by soft touches of evergreen, green moss and floral notes for a light, captivating scent.

Banff: Inspired by the untouched beauty of the Banff waterfalls, we crafted a scent with notes of wild strawberries and infused with soothing mists of mountain rain for a wonderfully sweet and unique scent.

Cape Breton Highlands: Find yourself in the idyllic Cape Breton Highlands National Park and uncover the delightful scents of wildflowers in bloom.

I’ve visited the Prince Edward Island and Point Pelee National Parks but would love to travel to Canada’s oldest national park, Banff National Park. Now a lucky Canadian can possibly win a trip to a National Park of their choice!

Contest

Between June 15 and August 9, enter and share the Moment of Canada (#MomentofCanada) summer contest hosted by Air Wick® in collaboration with Parks Canada.

Grand Prize

Win a Parks Canada Discovery Pass and a VIP trip for a family of 4 to a National Park of your choice. The Grand Prize winner will able to choose between Banff, Jasper or Cape Breton Highlands National Parks.

Try the Air Wick^® Canadian Parks Series™ fragrance products FREE by downloading the mail-in rebate. “Try Me Free” offer.

This summer, reconnect with the breath-taking Canadian outdoors through Air Wick^®& Parks Canada. Enter the Moment Of Canada contest at http://www.facebook.com/airwick and you could win a free VIP Trip to Jasper, Banff or Cape Breton Highlands National Park! Secondary Prizes of Parks Canda Discovery Passes will also be awarded.

Experience the rare essence of nature in your very own home with the Limited Edition Air Wick^® Canadian Parks Series™. Try It FREE today at http://www.airwick.ca/media/2025/aw-nature-webcoupon-form_jn9-e.pdf.

What does being Canadian mean to you?

Disclosure: This post was brought to you by Air Wick^® Canada via Mode Media Canada. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Air Wick^® Canada .

Travel

Must-See Things to Do in Prince Edward Island

June 29, 2015

Whether you arrive by air, boat or bridge, you’ll feel a sense that you’re entering a new country when you visit Prince Edward Island. With a population of just 150,000, Canada’s smallest province swells to over 1.3 million visitors in the summer.

The pace of life is slower and much more relaxed in PEI… I’d say the rolling hills, terre rouge or red earth, and the gorgeous beaches are the reason. Add the ocean and seafood, and the fact that you’re still in our glorious country, I’m ready to move tomorrow.

There are many things to do in Prince Edward Island, but here’s what’s on my must-see list:

Must-See Things to Do in Prince Edward Island

Greenwich Beach

When your feet hit the sand on Greenwich, you feel like you’re in another world. The red sand and the beaches are just as you’d see in postcards. That said, even postcard photos don’t do it justice, as the beauty is only truly appreciated by the naked eye.

Trailside Café & Inn in Mount Stewart

Located in Mount Stewart, close to the Confederation Trail bike path, the Trailside is a charming restaurant and inn. Aside from its mouth-watering menu, the Trailside is an intimate venue for musical performances, seating about 50 people. We happened to be in luck and caught Juno-award winning singer-songwriter Catherine MacLellan perform. Owners Pat and Meghann Deighan make you feel right at home. I devoured the haddock and salmon fish cakes with PEI potatoes, of course! Bonus – they are gluten-free.

Culinary Institute of Canada

Under the guidance of Island Ambassador Chef Ilona Daniel, the Culinary Institute offers half- and full-day cooking classes in their popular “Island Flavours” Bootcamps. Pick up your fresh ingredients at the local farmer’s market before returning to the Culinary to create locally-inspired dishes you can enjoy later… with wine!

I threw on my chef’s hat and jacket, and went to work! I prepared Chef Ilona’s gluten free pull-apart rolls, and PEI Lobster Mac & Cheese recipe using local Avonlea Clothbound Cheddar and Glascow Glen Gouda. Both recipes turned out wonderfully. From someone who shouldn’t eat dairy and has never tried lobster before, I indulged without regret!

Anne & Gilbert, The Musical

Playing at The Guild in Charlottetown, Anne & Gilbert is a delightful musical based on the Anne of Green Gables series of books by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Based on Anne of Avonlea and Anne of the Island, and adapted by Jeff Hochhauser, Nancy White, and Bob Johnston, the musical is charming and humorous. By the second act, I was hooked on the characters, including Anne, Gilbert, and the hilarious Josie Pye. I choked up when Anne’s adoptive mother, Marilla Cuthbert, read the letter to Anne about the man she loved. Some of the songs are forever embedded in my memory, including this one:

Cavendish Beach

Cavendish Beach is everything you’d imagine – its beautiful scenery is breathtaking. Fronting the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the broad natural sand beach stretches for eight kilometres from the entrance to New London Bay in the west, to the red sandstone cliffs at Cavendish East in the east. The opportunities for postcard-perfect photographs are endless.

Pearl Eatery in North Rustico

For an upscale, eclectic dining experience, you must visit Pearl Eatery located between the picturesque fishing village of North Rustico and Cavendish Beach on PEI’s North Shore. The menu is divine and the setting is intimate and charming. Owner Maxine Delaney shows her love of detail in her food, as well as the Pearl’s ambience. The pan-seared halibut with carrot butter, fennel caper jam, crisp chorizo, spring vegetables and roasted potatoes offered a burst of flavours.

Anne of Green Gables

You can’t visit Prince Edward Island without visiting Green Gables in Cavendish, about a 30 minute drive from Charlottetown. Enjoy a guided tour at the Green Gables Heritage Place, take a walk in the Haunted Woods and stroll down Lover’s Lane. You might just bump into Anne Shirley herself! Green Gables is open May 1 through October 31.

Charlottetown Tour

Stroll through downtown Charlottetown with Confederation Players who will take you on a historic walking tour of Great George Street, including St. Dunstan’s Basilica, Province House, and Confederation Centre of the Arts. Follow the path of the original sidewalks of the city where Canada’s founders walked… sometimes crookedly after a few drinks!

Learn about the Island’s fascinating history – Prince Edward Island was first inhabited by the Mi’kmaq. The Island began to be settled in 1720 as part of the French colony of Acadia, and then later, by New Englanders. In September 1864, Prince Edward Island hosted the Charlottetown Conference, which was the first meeting in the process leading to the Articles of Confederation and the creation of Canada in 1867.

Where to Stay: Holman Grand Hotel

The Holman Grand Hotel is in the heart of downtown Charlottetown, minutes from Victoria Row and within a few blocks from Peakes Wharf. The room was spacious and the bed was so comfortable, I haven’t had such great sleep in a hotel while travelling. The Aveda products were a lovely touch. I also enjoyed having a deck with a view of Charlottetown, though I wish the weather would’ve been warmer to enjoy!

Although I was “from away,” while visiting PEI, I left feeling like an honourary islander. I’d love to go back to visit with my family. We probably wouldn’t want to leave.

Whether it’s a day on the beach, an evening at the theatre, or the best seafood you’ve ever tasted, the memories you make last longer on Price Edward Island. It’s an island filled with fun and unique adventures. No matter what experience you’re searching for, it’s easy to find when you add a little island. Start planning your PEI getaway today onlyinPEI.com.

This post was brought to you by Tourism PEI via Mode Media Canada. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Tourism PEI.

activities

5 Rules for a Healthy Summer

June 26, 2015

Summer has arrived which means things are about to get hectic! The kids are home from school, vacations or staycations are underway and it’s time to get outdoors to enjoy the sunshine.

With all the summer activities and commotion, it can be hard to find the time to take care of yourself. Remember, having fun this summer also means staying healthy! So here are 5 rules for a healthy summer to follow.

5 Rules for a Healthy Summer

Stay Hydrated

Drinking lots of water will keep you hydrated and help cool you down on those hot, humid days. It’s important to refuel your body so you can keep your energy levels up. Try making a batch of cold iced tea (real iced tea, not the packaged kind!) or freshly-squeezed lemonade, sweetened with stevia or honey. Save the sangria for after the kids go to bed.

Sunny Days (in Moderation)

Throughout the long (brutal) winter months, we often find ourselves craving the warm embrace of the sun—but too muchsun exposure can lead to sun damage. Wear sunscreen, rock a stylish sun hat and some cool shades while outdoors to protect you and your kids from the harmful rays. During peak sun hours (10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.), stay inside to cool off with a refreshing glass of your homemade iced tea.

Don’t Forget your Vitamins

In the winter, we always make sure to take our daily vitamins to keep ourselves as healthy as possible, but it’s just as important to maintain a routine during summer. Spend those glorious sunny days at your optimal health.

Eat Lighter

Summer is the perfect time to lighten up your diet. Ditch the comfort foods for lighter fare, including seasons, fresh salads and juicy fruits. Strawberry season is happening right now in June, so make it an event for the whole family and go strawberry picking. Then, enjoy the fruits of your labour – pun intended!

Stay Active

The cold months of winter make it hard to get motivated to exercise regularly outside, or even at the gym. During the summer, there is no excuse! Get outside and go for a jog, hike or even a leisurely walk. Make it a family affair – take the kids for a walk through trails, a bike ride, and even gardening in your backyard – there are so many ways to head outside and get active. Another fun activity we like to do is slap on our rollerblades and play a game of road hockey!

This summer, remember to stay healthy and have fun!

Motherhood

Another School Year Complete 2015

June 25, 2015

Another school year complete! Goodbye Grade 2 and Grade 5. It’s the last day of school for 2015.

Looking back at their first day of school, and comparing it to their last day, I can see how much they’ve grown – both physically as well as mentally and emotionally. In just a short school year, they’ve changed so much and reached new heights.

My kids both had wonderful years with their classmates, teachers and extra-curricular activities. We struggled a little bit with homework, especially math and science. But I think we’re on the right track for next year. Both will do EQAO assessment tests next year – it will be interesting to see how they score. While I know it’s just a glimpse into their learning abilities, it’s a good indicator to see where we need to focus their studies.

We’ll see huge developments in Grade 3 and 6. My eldest is close to reaching a new milestone, one that I will be forced to deal with while in complete and utter denial. My youngest is still at the stage where I can pick him up in my arms and carry him, but I know soon enough, I won’t be able to handle his weight any longer.

I feel as though we’ve been so comfortable into our routine and it’ll be tough to let it go! Don’t you find it bittersweet to look back at the past year and all of the accomplishments reached and memories made?

Off to a new summer adventure, one to write home about, and then time to prepare for a whole new year of fun and learning. So while the children scream, “Woohoooo! School’s out for summer”, mom is reaching for the Pinot Grigio.

lifestyle

Leave Your Money at Home: Pay with UGO Wallet Mobile Payment App

June 24, 2015

When I go shopping, I lug around my purse, keys, cell phone, wallet, and loyalty cards. I’m usually the one holding up the line, scrambling to make a payment! A rewards card will slip out of my card carrier, loose change will fall out of my purse, and I’m all flustered by the end of a trip to the grocery store.

That is until I tried UGO Wallet. UGO Wallet is a free mobile app that allows you to store credit cards and loyalty cards within your smartphone. You can quickly pay for items, collect and redeem rewards points without fumbling through your wallet or purse.

How many times have you made a purchase and forgotten a loyalty card at home? Now you don’t have to miss out on the chance to collect points again, thanks to this convenient mobile app. Even better – any transaction where you could use a tap and pay credit card, you can use UGO – usually up to $100. And it’s as secure as paying with your credit card.

It’s fast and convenient to use, since most times you’re going out with your phone. Running to the store to pick up an item, I can quickly bring my keys and phone and pay with my credit card, without having to pull it out of my purse! Having the app on your phone is a great idea for the summer months when you’re on the go and want to pack light, say at an amusement park or outdoor music festival. UGO Wallet is a smart way to get your purse organized and de-clutter your wallet.

How does it work?

Downloading the app is easy and takes minutes. Then, add your loyalty cards—travel, retail, grocery store, hotel loyalty and more—to your UGO Wallet by just scanning the card’s barcode.

Loyalty cards can be added instantly. Credit cards take about 5 to 10 minutes to add after processing. You’ll have to add a mobile PIN number to the app as well for security purposes.

Then, when you go shopping, pull up the barcode on your phone and have the cashier scan the barcode. For merchants that have a tap and pay system, simply open the credit card on the app, and scan – just as you would with your credit card.

Where can I use UGO?

You can use UGO Wallet to make a payment at any merchant who supports contactless payments. Merchants may set their tap and pay limit under $100. Please check with the merchant about their limit. You can also use UGO Wallet to get or redeem reward points wherever the merchant has the appropriate technology at point-of-sale.

The app has a Store Locator so you can quickly see where you can use the app. Make sure your GPS location on your phone is turned on.

Which credit cards can I use with the app?

You’ll need a participating TD Credit Card, or PC Financial MasterCard (with Rogers Wireless and TELUS Mobility). You can tap to pay at any terminal with Visa payWave or MasterCard PayPass. If you’re a PC Plus member, you can add a PC Plus card along with the participating credit card, tap your phone to pay, and get and redeem PC points. Paying with UGO Wallet is as secure as paying with your credit card.

What do you need to use the app?

UGO requires an NFC SIM to support payments with eligible credit cards on Rogers, Bell, Telus, Koodo and Virgin Mobile. UGO is working on adding more supported networks so stay tuned. What you need to use UGO Wallet and make payments:

a compatible NFC-enabled phone (see list below). The app doesn’t work on rooted phones
an enhanced NFC SIM card (get it from your mobile carrier)
the Rogers Wireless, Bell Mobility, TELUS Mobility ,Virgin Mobile or Koodo Mobile network for your phone

Is the app free?

UGO Wallet is free to download.

Which phones are compatible for payments?

HTC One, One M8
LG Optimus G2
Motorola Moto X (2014)
Samsung Galaxy Note 2, Note 3, Note 4
Samsung Galaxy S3, S4, S5, S5 Active, S6, S6 edge
Samsung Galaxy Mega
Samsung Galaxy Alpha
Sony Xperia T3
Sony Xperia Z1, Z2, Z3

The UGO Wallet app is the first in Canada to combine both payment and loyalty cards in a single digital wallet. Additional partners, loyalty programs and product offers will be added to UGO in the future. Right now, iPhone users don’t have access to NFC payments, but they can use the other features on UGO. If you have any questions, contact UGO Wallet through their app, or by phone on UGO’s toll free number.

So next time you go shopping, you can leave your wallet at home and just bring your phone and use UGO Wallet. The UGO Wallet app is convenient and easy to use, and love how lighter my purse feels!

Happy Shopping!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by UGO Wallet. My opinions are, as always, my own.

activities

How to Budget for Kids’ Summer Activities

June 23, 2015

School is officially out in less than a week! Have you made plans to keep your children busy during this summer? Summer activities can be expensive! How to budget for kids’ summer activities?

Every February, I begin the process of enrolling my kids into various summer activities, including soccer, swimming, language school, and hockey clinics. The costs can quickly add up!

While some parents have lined up activities for their kids, others are scrambling to pay for additional expenses that come up while school is out. According to a recent TD survey, 55% of Canadian parents with children under the age of 18 take on additional costs during the summer including summer programs such as camps and activities. In fact, 71% of them spend up to $999 per child!

Where are Canadians spending their money during the summer? The most popular additional activities or programs parents sign their kids up for during the summer include:

Family vacations (55%)
Classes – e.g. swimming, dance (53%)
Day trips – e.g. zoo (51%)
Summer camp (49%)
Sporting activities (46%)

How can Canadian parents budget for kids’ summer activities? Here are some tips on how to budget for kids’ summer activities from TD Canada Trust experts, Linda MacKay, Senior Vice President, Retail Savings and Investing and Shirley Malloy Associate Vice President, Acquisition & Sales Management.

How to Budget for Kids’ Summer Activities

Budget and start saving early

While it may be too late for some camps and activities, saving ahead of time to account for the extra costs incurred over the summer is crucial. Save a little money each month and put into your TFSA; online budgeting tools, like visiting tdcanadatrust.com, can also help you determine how much to save each month. In my kitchen, I have a sealed jar with a teeny tiny slit for coins and bills – this is our “fun activities/ vacation” jar so we can save money throughout the year to spend during summer.

The early bird gets the worm

Some camps offer a discount on early registration; check the sign up dates and sign up in advance to save a few dollars. While some activities offer early bird rates, others offer discounts if siblings are enrolled. Some camps even offer payment plans to pay over course of the year rather than in one lump sum. Mark January in your calendar as a time to begin scheduling summer camps and activities – it’s never too early to start.

Shop around

Municipally run activities through community centres or the parks and recreation department often offer lower cost programming. There are also some wonderful free programs offered – check online or through your town or public library. My son came home from school the other day asking me to sign him up with the book club through TD Canada Trust and our local public library. The prizes are great incentives to motivate reluctant readers during summer.

File your receipts

Some summer costs could be tax deductible as a child care expense or under the child fitness tax credit on your tax return. I save all of my sports receipts in a file folder so that come tax time, I already have copies ready to go.

Check your rewards balance

Redeem some of your loyalty rewards, such as points from your First Class Travel Credit Card, to help fund activities and travel. For example, you can use your loyalty rewards to redeem certain theme park passes or tours and excursions.

Need help planning your finances? The TD Planning Tools site is a great start.

Stay safe and have a happy summer!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Savvy Mom and TD Canada Trust. As always, the opinions stated herein are my own.

amw in the city

Gluten Free Pancakes with Nutella: Nutella Summer Tour

June 22, 2015

How do you add a little joy to your day?

My kids like to start off theirs with a little Nutella on their waffles or toast. It’s a very European thing to do! A nice spread of the hazelnut goodness on a slice of Parisian toast… yum. One jar of Nutella is sold every 2.5 seconds throughout the world – isn’t that an amazing statistic?

What better way to add a little joy to your breakfast than with pancakes with Nutella! Since I’m gluten free, this gluten free pancake recipe is delicious – you won’t even notice that they are gluten free. Swap out the gluten free flour with regular flour if desired.

To kick off Nutella’s Truck Tour starting June 27, 2015, I’m sharing my gluten free pancakes with Nutella recipe, and a chance to win a personalized Nutella jar, along with details of the summer tour (see below).

Gluten Free Pancakes with Nutella

1 1/3 cup gluten free flour – you can substitute with regular flour

1 tablespoon coconut palm sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 egg

1 cup milk

1 tablespoon butter, melted

½ teaspoon vanilla

Pinch salt

Nutella to top

Fresh strawberries

Method:

In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, salt and baking powder.

Make a hole in the centre, a ‘well’, and add the egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir together.

Pour in the milk and mix until batter is smooth.

In a griddle or frying pan, melt butter on medium to high heat. With a large spoon, pour batter into rounds. Flip when pancake is bubbling.

Remove from heat and transfer onto plate. Spread Nutella on top, and garnish with cut strawberries. Add bananas, or other fruit on top as well.

The Nutella Truck Tour

The Nutella Truck Tour is going to be adding a little joy to the mornings of Canadians by sharing fresh samples of waffles and fruit skewers with Nutella at major events across the country! The tour runs from June 27 to August 12, 2015 and will visit Toronto, Quebec City, Edmonton, and the Montreal Area.

Details can be found online at addjoy.nutella.ca or on Nutella’s Facebook page. The Nutella Truck Tour will also feature Chef Stefano Faita who has specially crafted five new Nutella breakfast recipes.

Toronto: June 27 – July 2 at the Toronto Zoo

Quebec City: July 10 – 12 at the Festival D’ete

Edmonton: July 23 – 26 at K-Days

Montreal: August 8 – 12 at Balloon Canada

Try fresh samples, pick up a coupon and get your own personalized Nutella label! You’ll also be able to participate in some fun games with instant prizing. Of course, all activities will be kid-friendly, including a fun personalized photo experience.

Enter to Win

I’m giving away four personalized Nutella jars to four lucky readers! To enter this giveaway, use the Rafflecopter below. Open to Canadians only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

Books & Music

Inside Out’s Brilliant Look at the Mind

June 19, 2015

Inside Out is a refreshing take on the inner workings of a pre-pubescent girl’s mind. The film delves to emotional depths with such colour and imagination. Inside Out’s brilliant look at the mind will entertain children and parents alike.

The latest from animation powerhouse Disney/Pixar, Inside Out takes us inside the mind of Riley (Kaitlyn Dias), an 11-year-old girl whose life gets uprooted when their parents (Kyle MacLachlan and Diane Lane) move from Minnesota to San Francisco.

We take a close look at how this life-changing experience transforms Riley’s mental state, using five important emotions:

Joy (Amy Poehler)

Fear (Bill Hader)

Anger (Lewis Black)

Disgust (Mindy Kaling)

Sadness (Phyllis Smith)

All of Riley’s emotions are harnessed in Headquarters, her brain’s “control room”, with memories stored in small, glass-like balls, sent through mazes and tunnels for short and long-term storage. Connected by bridges are a series of “islands of personality” built of core memories, with such titles as Friendship, Family, Goofball and Honesty.

Because Riley isn’t happy about the move, Sadness keeps touching the “happy” memory balls, turning those memories into sad ones. Joy and Sadness are then on a mission to save Riley’s core memories, leaving Fear, Anger and Disgust in charge.

Inside Out is both simplistic and complicated, but the message is straightforward: it’s okay to feel sad, angry, scared or disgusted. Without those strong powerful emotions, especially sadness, you wouldn’t be able to experience joy. Whether my 8 and 10 year old understood some of the messaging in the film, I’m not sure. But the main theme is family and love.

The concept is refreshing and wonderful, and the execution – brilliant. Two thumbs up!

Family Travel

10 Fun Activities to Do Outdoors in the Outer Banks

June 18, 2015

The Outer Banks, or OBX, is a 200-mile long string of narrow barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, beginning in the southeastern corner of Virginia Beach on the east coast of the United States. The stunning barrier islands are home to some of the largest undeveloped beaches on the East Coast, making OBX a popular beach vacation destination for families.

There are six towns and 12 coastal villages to explore in The Outer Banks. The area, with a population of about 35,000 year round, swells up to 250,000 people during the summer months.

While visiting the Outer Banks, there are a variety of things to do outdoors. Here are just some of the fun activities to do outdoors in Outer Banks.

10 Fun Activities to Do Outdoors in the Outer Banks

Wright Brothers National Memorial

In December 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright changed the world forever after they achieved the first successful airplane flights. Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, and the flight museum which still has exhibits from the First Flight Centennial Celebration.

Upon entering the National Park grounds, make your way up the grassy hill to the top where the monument lies. After the climb, head over to the main visitors’ center and museum which features a full scale reproduction of both the 1902 glider and the 1903 flying machine, as well as an engine block from the original 1903 flyer, and a precise reproduction of the wind tunnel that the Wrights used to conduct their early experiments.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Standing at 208 feet tall, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest brick lighthouse in North America In 1999, the spiral-striped landmark was moved a half mile inland, to save it from high tides. The Lighthouse is now as far from the ocean as when originally constructed in 1870, even after the move. The lighthouse is open for climbing mid-April to Columbus Day. Walk up the 257 steps to the top of the lighthouse where you have a spectacular view of the OBX. There are night tours, full moon tours as well as guided tours.

Horseback Riding with Equine Adventrues

My favourite outdoor adventure in the Outer Banks was horseback riding on the beach. The experience with Equine Adventures takes you through a forest to the beach and back again. The ride is about 2.5 hours, so be prepared and wear proper clothing and bug spray – and make sure to bring a camera – the photo opportunities are aplenty.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

This 426-acre park has the tallest and largest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States. There are two self-guided trails and nature programs available year-round at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Bring out your adventurous side by hang gliding or kite flying over the sand dunes – I’m definitely going to try this next time! There is visitor center, museum and picnic facilities for families to enjoy.

Kitty Hawk Kites

For all of your outdoor water adventures, Kitty Hawk Kites is your best bet. Kitty Hawk offers a ton of water adventures including hang gliding, kite boarding, parasailing, kayas, stand up paddleboarding, wakeboarding, paragliding, water-skiing, tubing and more. I tried stand up paddleboarding for the very first time – make sure to have someone take your photo as you’ll be falling into the water plenty! First-timers, make sure to pack protective swim gear and water shoes. If not, you can always buy gear at the adjacent Kitty Hawk shop.

Nor’Banks Sailing and Watersports

Nor’Banks Sailing is the only sailing in the Outer Banks. Nor’Banks offers sailing school and program for kids 7+, as well as other water sports and activities. Located in Duck, the Currituck Sound is a great place to sail with steady breezes, low boat traffic and 5-8 feet of water with a sandy bottom.

Duck, NC

For a lovely Outer Banks town experience, you must visit Duck, NC. Take a stroll on the almost-mile long boardwalk, see what’s happening at the town park, feast on a scrumptious fresh seafood platter at the delicious Red Sky Café, and indulge in a sweet treat at Duck Donuts for dessert.

Rodanthe Pier and Rodanthe House

Relive the romance of the major motion picture, Nights in Rodanthe starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane, based on the bestselling novel by author Nicholas Sparks. The film was shot on location in Rodanthe, and the house is available for rent!

Be sure to visit the Rodanthe Pier, a landmark on the Outer Banks, which has been damaged due to high seas and near hurricane force winds. Rodanthe Pier is a favourite spot for many locals and visitors.

Hatteras Village Marina

Hatteras Village is the southernmost community on Hatteras Island, and is still a large fishing community.

In 1958, Mr. and Mr. Cleveland booked Capt. Bill for a week of marlin fishing. Once catching a blue marlin, he asked Capt. Bill to let the marlin go and in doing so, he became the first captain to ever let a billfish go on purpose in North Carolina which started a trend, a trend that grew and grew an eventually became the norm.

Watch the fishermen, women and boys bring in their catch of the day. Grab a bite at the charming Dinky’s Waterfront Restaurant.

The Elizabethan Gardens

Located within Fort Raleigh National Historic Site next to The Lost Colony’s Waterside Theatre in Manteo, The Elizabethan Gardens encompasses ten acres of botanical and sculptural delights. The garden was created as a living memorial to the time when Sir Walter Raleigh’s lost colonists over 400 years ago.

Give Dad an Experience for Father’s Day

June 16, 2015

What to buy dad for Father’s Day? Rather than a power tool, bottle of vodka or a new tie, why not give him a life experience instead?

Choose the perfect gift this year – give Dad an experience for Father’s Day. He can drive an Indy-style Formula 101 race car, a round or two of golf, or even a spa treatment. Dad deserves pampering too.

When you don’t know what to buy for dad, and he already has everything he needs, give dad an experience for Father’s Day instead. LifeExperiences.ca offers an array of featured experiences for gift givers. Not sure what he’d like? Choose from various categories including adventure, dining, hotels, family, golf, lifestyle, spa, romance, and VIP experiences. Or you can simply purchase a gift card and let those Dad create his own unique experience himself.

Enter to Win

One lucky amotherworld reader will win a $100 gift card to LifeExperiences.ca. Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter this giveaway.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

About

Hi I'm Maria! I'm an author, lifestyle and travel writer, rock-concert-goer & gluten-free foodie. Oh Baby! A Mom’s Self-Care Survival Guide for the First Year: Because Moms Need a Little TLC, Too! is available at Chapters/Indigo, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon!
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Grand Prize

Must-See Things to Do in Prince Edward Island

Greenwich Beach

Trailside Café & Inn in Mount Stewart

Culinary Institute of Canada

Anne & Gilbert, The Musical

Cavendish Beach

Pearl Eatery in North Rustico

Anne of Green Gables

Charlottetown Tour

Where to Stay: Holman Grand Hotel

5 Rules for a Healthy Summer

Stay Hydrated

Sunny Days (in Moderation)

Don’t Forget your Vitamins

Eat Lighter

Stay Active

This summer, remember to stay healthy and have fun!

How does it work?

Where can I use UGO?

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How to Budget for Kids’ Summer Activities

Budget and start saving early

The early bird gets the worm

Shop around

File your receipts

Check your rewards balance

Gluten Free Pancakes with Nutella

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10 Fun Activities to Do Outdoors in the Outer Banks

Wright Brothers National Memorial

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Horseback Riding with Equine Adventrues

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Kitty Hawk Kites

Nor’Banks Sailing and Watersports

Duck, NC

Rodanthe Pier and Rodanthe House

Hatteras Village Marina

The Elizabethan Gardens

More on the Outer Banks, NC:

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