Fresh Ideas

Now I’m no stranger to Ludington, far from it. I spent endless days camping, hiking, and watching my parents run road races as a child. I’ve taken the historic S.S. Badger across the lake, tasted every option at The House of Flavors, and climbed up the Big Sable Lighthouse. Admittedly, I haven’t been to Ludington in over a decade, so I figured a lot had changed. I found that, yes, a lot had changed, but also, a lot hadn’t changed and that’s part of the appeal.

The S.S. Badger Car Ferry Is A National Historic Landmark.

Take a look at the city’s main street, Ludington Ave. Despite years of main streets dying off in towns like this, Ludington’s is thriving. I heard locals sing the praise of the Sandcastles Children’s Museum, which is approaching two decades of operation. There’s a steakhouse, Timber’s Prime, which I dined at and walked away impressed. Off Ludington Ave there were multiple breweries, a staple of Michigan these days, and they were growing quickly. I tried both Ludington Bay and Jamesport and I can say they’re growing with good reason. Multi-story condos and new buildings going up right in front of me left me speechless.

There’s no sign of the main street dying in the best small historic town.

These were all things that didn’t exist the last time I was here, but perhaps more importantly there are quite a few things that still exist decades on.

Can’t Beat A Classic

The aforementioned House of Flavors is a legend in the state. They hold a Guiness World Record, a seriously ridiculous one, and claim to be the inventor of Blue Moon ice cream, a mid-west must try. There’s also Ludington State Park, one of the most visited in Michigan. Thousands of campers stay there every week in the warmer months. Ludington even has a local newspaper, the Mason County Press, that’s avidly supported by the locals. The same is true of miles long public beaches, all easily accessible.

Susnset from one of the massive public beaches. The best historic small town offers up some of the best sunsets.

It seems unbelievable that any town of that size still has a newspaper, but it’s true. Its existence is emblematic of the spirit of the area. The people of Mason County know how special their small slice of Earth is. They know it’s not perfect, but it’s worth preserving and updating simultaneously.

Historic White Pine Village, operated up by the Mason County Historical Society, is akin to Greenfield Village, albeit smaller, and features fun seasonal events. There’s a new program run through Ludington State Park where you can go on a lantern lit snowshoe hike. Trust me when I tell you that walking through the state park at night, in the snow is a magical experience.

Yes, you can climb up the Big Sable Lighthouse in Ludington State Park.

Cartier Mansion, a wonderful bed and breakfast for adults, harbors a little-known history that connects the lumber barons of Michigan to Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Harvey Firestone. Just west from that are multiple public plazas and parks that host festivals all summer long, including a road race that’s been taking place for more than forty years!

Make A Trip This Summer

Ludington blends old and new together, preserving the past and planning for the future. It’s a place where new business thrives in historic buildings, where old traditions are preserved and updated so we can still enjoy them. Whether you want to hike endless miles of trail or sink your feet into perfect sandy beaches, Ludington has you covered. Contact us now to book a stay up there.

The post You Need To Visit The Best Small Historic Town appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

• I’ve spent a lot of time in Ludington, MI, recently named The Best Small Historic Town, and the Cartier Mansion brings something special.
• A 21 and older policy makes for a relaxing and mature environment.
• It’s not a party establishment though. This is a modern bed and breakfast for guests that like a little independence with some “old school” flair.

Before we dive into the review, I’m going to be 100% clear that we were invited to stay here by the owners. Our rooms were complimentary, and we received some additional hosted meals at local restaurants for the purposes of collaboration with the owners of Cartier Mansion.

With that in mind, I did my best to keep in mind the real cost of booking a night in the room we stayed in and the value of the overall experience. As I wrote, I have spent a lot of time in Ludington and am very familiar with the available lodgings, their quality, and prices.

Basics

Let’s get a few important and straighforward things out of the way.

Parking at Cartier Mansion is easy. They have a dedicated parking lot and side street parking is also available. Moreover parking in Ludington is easy and often plentiful.

It’s only two blocks away from downtown Ludington and they are easily walkable blocks. The city itself isn’t too big, so walking it is what you do once you’re down there. There’s a massive public beach just down the road and the whole area is peppered with big and small parks.

The view to downtown from the Cartier Mansion. Just two blocks away from the town center.

There’s electric car charging stations at the mansion which, although updated in technology, are in keeping with the history of Cartier Mansion. Kate Dempsy, Warren Cartier’s wife, had an electric car in 1917 that she bought on the advice of her friend Clara Ford.

The busy season is the warm months, obviously, and the building itself is right on the main street, Ludington Ave.

The last, but still important point, Cartier is not pronounced like the famed jewelers, it is said with an American “er” ending.

Adults Only

Cartier Mansion has a policy of 21 and older, meaning that it’s an adults only environment. As a married couple with no kids (yet), Nichole and I understand the value of spaces like these. Since the 1980s, there’s been a strong shift in the world of travel toward catering to families, and it makes sense why. Many, many people have kids and either want to, or need to, travel with them. That’s why cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Disney are so popular, as well as resorts like Universal Studios.

However, if you don’t have kids, then you probably don’t want to vacation with them and because of that aforementioned shift in travel offerings, it can be hard to do that. So, like with Virgin Voyages, finding a place that offers 21 and older policies is a breath of fresh air. This is doubly true in a growing vacation town.

The Cartier’s were lumber barons and the house is filled with rich, warm woods. Some from species impossible to obtain now. It needs a little extra care.

There’s more behind the policy than just having a child free environment. Remember, Cartier Mansion is more than 100 years old and much of it is original. Children often don’t mean to damage something, but they often don’t understand how rambunctious they might be at any given moment. When a historic site has irreplaceable things in it, I get the policy even more. After all, there’s a reason that museums have things behind glass.

Charming Hosts

The phrase “B&B”, or now “bnb”, has gotten muddled in recent years. With the advent of Airbnb, lot’s of folks don’t even know what B&B means anymore. If you do know what B&B means, then you probably have an idea about how they work, which likely brings to mind very involved hosts.

Let’s clear a few things up then. For the younger folks in the audience who may only know “bnb” when following “air”, it means bed and breakfast. This describes the lodging arrangement fairly succinctly. You book a bed and the host provides breakfast with it. Done. It was a very common way to stay in a town, especially small ones, but has become less common over the years.

As for those who have an idea of a B&B in their heads, The Cartier Mansion wants to shift away from the more, shall we say, fuddy duddy aspect of the abbreviation. They do so quite successfully in my experience.

This was our room. Cartier Mansion may be more than 100 years old, but it’s full of modern amenities.

First, you don’t need to check in with the hosts when you arrive. They’ll greet you if you want to meet them, but you can choose to go straight to your room. The whole mansion, both buildings and each individual room, have key coded doors. You will be given a code to use that’s unique to you and it can only open only the doors that you should be able to access. It’s a modern approach and one that most Airbnb users will have encountered.

There’s also Wi-Fi in the rooms, good Wi-Fi at that, and smart TVs to use. Having stayed in a few true bed and breakfasts, the Wi-Fi is not always reliable in them so it’s nice to find it here.

Fortunately, that’s not the only place that Cartier Mansion has updated the old B&B feel – the breakfast is also a step up. Chris, one of the owners, cooks the food himself and is very talented in the kitchen. Each morning every guest is served the same meal (they do ask about food allergies and will adjust as needed) and it was delicious. I particularly loved the pancakes served on our second morning with a lemon ricotta glaze! The breakfast really is next level, but if you don’t want to partake in it, no problem.

Pancake with lemon ricotta glaze.

Jenna (the other owner) and Chris both believe that today’s guests want a little more hands-off experience than the old school bed and breakfast. I think that’s a good bet to make. I watched them with other guests, and they provided a variable amount of attention to each one based on what the guest seemed to prefer. If the guest erred towards more interaction, they would engage with them more. The same was true in the other direction. If you want more independence, they are happy to give it to you.

The pair are simply charming and warm. Chris gives a wonderful busy energy in the mornings; he seemed very happy being host. There was a glee in his eyes when he could see a guest enjoying the food he just prepared. Jenna is calm and collected, able to read a guest’s needs as easily as you would read a post-it note. The way she greets you in the morning makes it feel like home – casual and familiar. Neither stand on ceremony from what I saw, preferring to keep the atmosphere relaxed and welcoming.

While that approach to hosting isn’t unique to them, it’s nonetheless wonderful.

A Different Place To Stay

During our stay, Chris and Jenna made it clear that the history of property was what drew them to it. That history is on display and you get to partake in it. Although they have updated the rooms to be quite modern in ways that matter, you still get to experience things of the past that we don’t have any longer.

The King suite, for example, has the following personal bathing systems. A deep soaking tub, a Jacuzzi tub, the original 1905 rib cage shower, and a dedicated foot bath. Again, that’s all in one bathroom. Warren Cartier really had a thing about cleanliness.

The Cartier Mansion King Suite

Downstairs, the dining room is where breakfast is served and elegant doesn’t begin to describe the space. The floors and walls of each room were designed and decorated with their intended purpose in mind. In the dining room there is a still functioning radiator with a food warming cavity integrated into it. It’s original to the home and I’ve never seen the like in any other building. They still use it today!

Staying here affords you an opportunity to step into history in a way that very few places can. The Cartiers were friends with the Fords, the Firestones, and Thomas Edison – they even vacationed together. They were among the most prominent families in the country and the home that Warren designed and had built reflects that. Staying here is unlike any place I’ve been before and, as a history major, it made it just that much better.

The furnishings and linens are lovely all on their own, and the included toiletries are nice as well. I was happy with the shampoo and conditioner, not something that I usually get to say about hotels. You’ll sleep very comfortably on the beds, which were softer than I personally like, but I still slept soundly. One of the best benefits of staying in a building that old is that they were built just a bit thicker back then. That meant that outside noise was nearly inaudible once you’re tucked in.

Perhaps most fascinating are the many, many, black and white photos in the building. They were all taken by Warren Cartier himself and left in the mansion as it changed hands. He was an avid photographer and because of this, we get to have a glimpse into their lives today. I particularly loved a photo of one of his children dressed up as a cowboy that hangs in the library, right next to where it was taken.

Cartier Mansion Library

Look again at the first photo. See! It’s the same spot!

When you put all this together, the Cartier Mansion is truly unique but also, very reasonably priced. Rates vary based on date, as with everywhere, but rooms are available for $175/night. The room we stayed in books for $250/night, and we found that to be in line with pricing for the area (accounting for amenities) and a bit cheaper than similar properties in other vacation towns.

Worth A Trip

It’d been quite a few years since I last got to spend a few nights in Ludington. When the owners reached out to us, I jumped at the chance. I love the city and I always will. Ludington holds a special place for me. I’m glad that the Cartier Mansion has owners that clearly care for it and appreciate its history.

The Ludington area is among the prettiest places on Earth and this mansion measures up to the scenery. Yes, my stay was complimentary, but to be clear, they never asked for, pressured, or suggested I review the establishment. They also have not had any hand in writing this review. I believe in transparency when reviewing, so I try my best to deliver that to you.

All that being said, I really do like this place a great deal. It’s charming and warm, yet modernized and sleek. The story of the building and its occupants is captivating to hear when told by experts. Without a doubt in my mind, I recommend this place to anyone that is a public radio supporter, a history lover, and anyone that likes something just a bit off the beaten path.

If you are interested in staying at the Cartier Mansion you can contact us and we can book it for you, or you can book with them directly online.

The post Cartier Mansion – A Unique B&B In The Best Small Historic Town appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Fort Pulaski is a must visit for anyone with an interest in Civil War or African-American history. We visited recently. We hope you enjoy this guide to Fort Pulaski National Monument 2023. Visit our National Park post for information on Fort Pulaski National Monument tickets and other basics.

Fascinating History

Fort Pulaski National Monument, between Savannah and Tybee Island, Georgia is a must visit for every Civil War buff. A Union attack in April 1862 on Fort Pulaski turned the tide of the Civil War in Georgia.

The Fort was built in the 1830s at the mouth of the Savannah River.  Designed to protect the City of Savannah from naval attack, it is a massive five-sided edifice with seven-a-half foot thick masonry walls. It was named to honor Count Casimir Pulaski, a Polish immigrant who fought during the American Revolution.

Robert E. Lee and Fort Pulaski

Robert E. Lee, then a young lieutenant, oversaw the early construction of Fort Pulaski.  He chose the site and designed the drains and dikes that supported the huge walls. By 1847, Fort Pulaski could mount 146 cannons. You can still see several dozen cannon and their mounts.

Later, Lee visited again in 1861 after Georgia joined the Confederacy.  He decided that among the forts in the area only Fort Pulaski could turn the tide of the Union advance. Lee saw that the closest point of attack was a mile away over water and swamp.  The very thick walls looked impenetrable. Famously, he told the commander of the Fort “Colonel, they will make it very warm for you with shells from that point, but they cannot breach at that distance.”

Lee was proven wrong. On April 10, 1862 the Union began a bombardment.  As Lee expected, the mortars and smooth bore cannon barely scratched the Fort’s walls.  But in less than thirty-six hours the Fort surrendered.  A new weapon, the rifled cannons aimed at the southeast angle of Fort Pulaski turned the tide of the battle.  Highly accurate at long range, the cannons breached the wall and threatened the magazine. You can still see the scars from the impacts and an unexploded shell embedded in the wall.  

General David Hunter and Emancipation

General David Hunter became commander of Fort Pulaski after the attack.  Within days, on April 13, he issued General Order Number 7.  The Order stated that all slaves in the areas under his command, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina were now free.  President Abraham Lincoln  rescinded that Order saying only the President could do this.  But Lincoln soon issued his own, the national Emancipation Proclamation. Some say that Hunter’s action at Fort Pulaski turned the tide for nationwide emancipation.  Under Hunter many enslaved people would make their way to Fort Pulaski.  There they became free.  The Fort became one of the most southern points on the Underground Railroad.

Interestingly, Hunter and Lincoln remained friends. In fact, Hunter served as one of the pall-bearers at Lincoln’s funeral.

Visiting Today

Fort Pulaski is much as it was after the Civil War.  There is a very informative movie in the Visitors’ Center.  You can see examples of the weapons used and many original artifacts. The fig tree on the grounds is as old as the Fort. You can view the soldiers’ quarters. From the ramparts you can see where the attack was launched from over a mile away.  Outside of the Fort you can see the scars of the battle.

The park is well-situated between Savannah and Tybee Island Georgia.

We have shared more information and ideas in our Guide to U.S. National Parks.  You can learn more about park passes here.

For More Stories About Our National Parks

Flying to Your National Park Visit? Check out our 6 Tips for Getting the Best Airfare

Ready For More Great Travel Tips?

We share our favorite travel tips and information every week. You can see them all here.

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As travel advisors, we know that there is no shortage of travel deals and sales out there. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We take the time to sift through all the offers and select only the best deals that we think are worthy of your consideration. These sales offer the best vacation values and provide amazing experiences at unbeatable prices. So if you’re looking for an unbeatable deal on your next getaway, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d be more than happy to help you find the perfect travel sale for you.

Read on for this month’s travel specials:

• The Best of Italy Guided Vacation for under $1200
• Princess cruises for under $100 per day
• Fantastic small ship expedition cruising all over the world for half price
• You can cruise Alaska this summer at some amazing prices

Amazing small ship expedition adventures

Half Price Expedition Cruises

Are you looking for an unforgettable experience that will last a lifetime? Look no further than an expedition cruise on a small ship! We know the perfect line that can make it happen. Plus, for a limited time you can take advantage of an exclusive offer – two can share a cabin for the price of one, and single travelers can still get a 50% discount!

You can choose sailings in Antarctica, Alaska, the Canary Islands, the Galapagos, Greenland, Iceland, or West Africa. Naturalists and expedition crew will be there to make your trip both educational and unforgettable. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to make lifetime memories – contact us today for more information on this exclusive offer!

This sale is not being advertised to the public. This amazing travel deal is only available through select travel advisors. The offer ends June 25.

Princess sails the Panama Canal

Princess Cruises Travel Deals For Under $100

Sail away to breathtaking beaches in the Caribbean, embark on a journey through the Panama Canal, explore the vibrant colors of Canada & New England in the fall, and much more—all for as little as $100 per person per day! In fact, some sailings are less than $60 per person per day.

Cruise with Princess for unbeatable prices, and enjoy accommodations, food, and entertainment all included in the price. Don’t miss out on this incredible offer, available only until July 5th! Contact us to see which voyages are included in this great travel deal.

See the Collosseum, the Vatican, the Tower of Pisa and ride a Venetian Gondola

A Great Vacation Value: A Week In Italy: Rome, Pisa, Florence and Venice

This is the perfect way to explore Italy without having to worry about the details! Starting at just $1,182 per person, this incredible tour package includes 6 nights’ accommodation, 6 breakfasts, 2 dinners, and transportation. Plus, you’ll get to experience a canal cruise in Venice, one of the world’s most romantic cities! You can also opt to add optional excursions or explore on your own – the choice is yours. Don’t miss out on this amazing value – book your dream Italian vacation today!

While you are thinking about all the best travel sales, don’t forget to check out our advice on getting the best deal on airfare, our tips on ocean cruising and more cruising tips. Thinking of a river cruise? Don’t miss our Value Guide to River Cruises.

Alaska On Sale

If you can cruise this summer, there are some amazing last minute Alaska cruise specials available. You can sail Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth for ten nights, including Glacier Bay, for just $899 per person. Or try a seven-night Celebrity cruise for a crazy $299 per person. Princess also has sailings for as low as $299 per person.

What’s the catch? These fares are for interior cabins, based on two people in the cabin. The fares do not include port fees or taxes, air, insurance, shore excursions, etc. However, they are great deals. There are sailings in July, August and September.

And here’s our favorite–On September 6, you can sail the Sapphire Princess with Jeff Corwin on board as your guide for $299 per person.

Be sure to contact us for more information on these great specials.

Ready For More Great Travel Tips?

We share our favorite travel tips and information every week. You can see them all here.

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Regent Seven Seas

Regent Seven Seas just might be it the most all-inclusive luxury cruise line in the world. Currently they offer several great travel discounts.

First, on select voyages worldwide, you can sail for up to a 40% discount.

Destinations such as Alaska, the Mediterranean, Asia, South America, Canada, and New England are available. Looking for a family journey to Alaska? Book by May 31 and kids under 17 sail free.

Regent also offers another great travel sale: free land excursions in Tokyo, Singapore, Buenos Aires, and Lima before or after your cruise.

Regent’s 2 for 1 pricing includes, airfare, unlimited shore excursions, unlimited beverages, unlimited wi-fi, valet laundry service, pre-paid gratuities, all specialty restaurants, and transfers between airport and ship. It is truly all-inclusive. Also, Regent offers solo travelers 0% single supplements on select cruises.

Most these specials expire May 31, 2023.

AMAWaterways

If you have ever considered a river cruise, now is the time.

We consider AMAWaterways to be the best river cruise experience. They offer several terrific travel discounts right now.

First, if you book select sailings in Europe or Egypt by June 30, you can receive a free land tour pre or post cruise. With a variety of travel sales, you can stay extra nights, with free tours in Paris, Barcelona, Zurich, and a lot more. Certain Christmas Market sailings qualify for this great travel sale.

Even better, you can combine this offer with excellent airfare rates on select 2023 Europe sailings through AMA: Economy Air at a fixed rate of $899 per person, Premium Economy Air at $2,299 per person, Business Class Air for $4,299 per person.

Do You Know A Front Line Hero?

AMAWaterways offers FREE cruises on select sailings to active medical professionals (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, hospital staff, lab technicians) and active first responders (Emergency Medical Services/paramedics) with valid ID. This limited time offer is valid through December 31, 2023. Contact us to take advantage of this incredible offer.

Oceania Cruise Line

Oceania Cruises is highly regarded for great food and luxury experiences. If you book by June 30, there are travel sales with prices are as low as $899 per person for select cruises around the world.

With the over 600 sailings with OLife Choice, you enjoy 2 for 1 Cruise Fares, Free Roundtrip Airfare with Airport Transfers plus one free amenity: up to 8 Shore Excursions, Beverage Package, or up to $800 Shipboard Credit.

Finally, solo travelers have not been forgotten with reduced single supplement rates.

In Conclusion

Don’t forget to check out our advice on getting the best deal on airfare and our tips on ocean cruising and more cruising tips. Thinking of a river cruise? Don’t miss our Value Guide to River Cruises. And need luggage recommendations? We’ve got them.

The post Current Travel Sales We Love – May 2023 appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Did you know that there are over 2,000 U.S. national parks and recreation sites? And you can visit them all with a national park pass, one of the best values in travel. To help you, here is our guide to the basics of U.S. National Parks.

Because this guide is an overview, look for our upcoming deep dives into specific parks such as Yellowstone National Park in 2023 and the Grand Canyon. We’ll be covering a number of our favorites.

First, we all owe a debt of gratitude to the eight U.S. presidents who developed, shaped and expanded our incredible U.S. national parks system. In fact, Yellowstone is the first national park in the world.

U.S. National Parks: There’s One Near You

Regardless of where you travel in the United States, there is almost certainly a national park, monument, or federal recreational land close by. To help you find them all the National Park Service has a great search by state function on its main page.

U.S. National Parks: Park Passes

We consider a park pass a travel essential. One pass can gain you entry to over 2,000 destinations. Most of these can be purchased online before a visit, or just pick one up at your first park visit.

The basic annual pass is $80.00. We think it is a remarkable value given all that it covers.

A pass covers entrance, standard amenity fees and day use fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle at per vehicle fee areas (or up to four adults at sites that charge per person). Children aged 15 or under are admitted free.

But there is even more value with a number of special discounts, including:

• There is a free pass for fourth-grade students.
• Any travelers over age 62 can obtain a lifetime senior pass for only $80.00.
• The Access Pass is free for US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities.

For a full list of the different national park passes click here.

Finally, a few parks now require reservations as well, depending on the time of year you visit. Be sure to check ahead of time as you may now need a reservation for popular parks such as Glacier, Arcadia, Rocky Mountain, and Arches. Previously, Yosemite required a pass but does not at this time.

U.S. National Parks: Special Tips

Of course, we have some special tips for you.

• Be sure to download the National Park app to your phone. It is incredibly informative and useful. If you have kids, check out the Junior Ranger program.
• Bring hats, snacks, and most importantly WATER.
• Get a map at the park entrance. Depending on the park, you might not be able to rely on cell phone coverage.

Smokey Bear Fun Fact

By the way, the Park Service insists that his name is Smokey Bear. We are all wrong when we add “the” to his name.

Guide to U.S. National Parks: Lodging

Probably like most people, you think about camping and hiking when you think of U.S. national parks. That is not wrong, as opportunities for both are everywhere in the parks. But don’t forget the magnificent national park lodges.

For campers, the National Park Service has this very helpful search engine.

And of course, you can make a visit much more memorable by staying at one of the grand old national park lodges. But if you want to do this at the most popular parks, plan ahead as the reservations fill quickly. Park lodging is managed by various concessions with differing systems.

Hawaii?

Remember, one of the best U.S. national parks is on the Big Island of Hawaii. Why? Volcanoes! Learn more here.

History?

Read about historic Fort Pulaski National Monument, an important Civil War and Underground Railroad site.

Alaska?

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, without the cruise ship

Yellowstone?

A personal take on Yellowstone National Park

So Which U.S. National Parks Are Mainly Underwater?

The ironically named Dry Tortugas National Park is our wettest park, as it is 99% underwater. Biscayne National Park is 95% underwater. For obvious reasons, both are popular dive locations.

Flying to Your Visit to U.S. National Parks? Check out our 6 Tips for Getting the Best Airfare

Looking for More Travel Ideas?

You can find our tips and ideas here.

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