Pack the Kids

WILD Hotel Stays: Sleeping on a Yacht, in a Treehouse, a Train, or a Bubble in the Forest?!

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. 📍 PLACES MENTIONED (WITH LINKS) 🌄 Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia * Glamp Blue Ridge https://www.glampblueridge.com/ [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 [https://expedia.com/affiliate/ZOiwcwf] (Boutique hotel in a historic train station with restored train car stays)  🚐 Previous Trip Mention *  Camper van stay (Yellowstone trip – referenced in earlier episode) BIG News! You can text us now! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2551068/fan_mail/new] Follow Us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/marnellfamilyroadshow]! @MarnellFamilyRoadshow [https://www.instagram.com/marnellfamilyroadshow] Watch us on You Tube @PackTheKidsPodcast [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJvzkMubEyb1As2Kr7pBjRQ] Email us! packthekidspodcast@gmail.com We want to hear about your adventures too and will choose a few to shout out on the show!

NASH EATS on a Southern Road Trip - Would You Put Maple Syrup on CHICKEN? Eat Quail? What is Späetzle Anyway?

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. 📍 PLACES MENTIONED (WITH LINKS) 🍽️ 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, [https://expedia.com/affiliate/bhIJpLL] a remodeled Train Station with real trains to sleep in! * Milk & Honey https://www.milkandhoneychattanooga.com/ [https://www.milkandhoneychattanooga.com/] (Brunch spot known for biscuits, chicken & waffles, and breakfast dishes) * Alleia https://alleiarestaurant.com/ [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) BIG News! You can text us now! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2551068/fan_mail/new] Follow Us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/marnellfamilyroadshow]! @MarnellFamilyRoadshow [https://www.instagram.com/marnellfamilyroadshow] Watch us on You Tube @PackTheKidsPodcast [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJvzkMubEyb1As2Kr7pBjRQ] Email us! packthekidspodcast@gmail.com We want to hear about your adventures too and will choose a few to shout out on the show!

Wonderfully Weird Spring Break: Gnomes!?, Mountain Coaster, Underground Waterfall and Who would win: Snake vs. Frog

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  📍 PLACES MENTIONED (WITH LINKS) 🌸 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/ [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/ [https://georgiamountaincoaster.com/] (Alpine coaster where riders control speed)  🌄 Chattanooga / Lookout Mountain * Rock City https://www.seerockcity.com/ [https://www.seerockcity.com/] (Gnome-filled trails, caves, and “See 7 States” viewpoint)  * Ruby Falls https://www.rubyfalls.com/ [https://www.rubyfalls.com/] (Underground waterfall discovered in 1928)  * Lookout Mountain Incline Railway https://ridetheincline.com/ [https://ridetheincline.com/] (One of the steepest passenger railways in the world)  * Tennessee Aquarium https://tnaqua.org/ [https://tnaqua.org/] (Two-building aquarium with freshwater + ocean exhibits)  * Walnut Street Bridge (mentioned) (Pedestrian-only bridge—closed during our visit) BIG News! You can text us now! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2551068/fan_mail/new] Follow Us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/marnellfamilyroadshow]! @MarnellFamilyRoadshow [https://www.instagram.com/marnellfamilyroadshow] Watch us on You Tube @PackTheKidsPodcast [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJvzkMubEyb1As2Kr7pBjRQ] Email us! packthekidspodcast@gmail.com We want to hear about your adventures too and will choose a few to shout out on the show!

What is a Bucket List? Flamingos, Japan and Pokemon Planes

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. BIG News! You can text us now! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2551068/fan_mail/new] Follow Us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/marnellfamilyroadshow]! @MarnellFamilyRoadshow [https://www.instagram.com/marnellfamilyroadshow] Watch us on You Tube @PackTheKidsPodcast [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJvzkMubEyb1As2Kr7pBjRQ] Email us! packthekidspodcast@gmail.com We want to hear about your adventures too and will choose a few to shout out on the show!

NYC: Sniffing Walls at the Color Factory, King Kong, & Harry Potter on Broadway

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/ [https://harrypottertheplay.com/] 🏙️ NYC Attractions & Experiences * Empire State Building — Iconic observatory with history & views ⭐ https://www.esbnyc.com/ [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/ BIG News! You can text us now! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2551068/fan_mail/new] Follow Us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/marnellfamilyroadshow]! @MarnellFamilyRoadshow [https://www.instagram.com/marnellfamilyroadshow] Watch us on You Tube @PackTheKidsPodcast [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJvzkMubEyb1As2Kr7pBjRQ] Email us! packthekidspodcast@gmail.com We want to hear about your adventures too and will choose a few to shout out on the show!