Two Great Wolf Lodges, Twice the Adventure

When planning a family getaway, Great Wolf Lodge is consistently at the top of our list. This year, we decided to try two locations: Williamsburg in June, followed by Perryville in July. Each lodge offered its own flavor of family fun, making our choice far tougher than expected.

Williamsburg: Making Waves with Waterpark Wonders

The Williamsburg waterpark immediately felt like an inviting aquatic playground. The standout feature for our family was the expansive wave pool. It felt deeper, giving even older kids plenty of room to dive, float, and splash. Seating around the pool was abundant, comfortable, and well-placed, offering perfect sightlines for watchful parents.

Yet the true highlight was Williamsburg’s gigantic tipping bucket. Its colossal splash turned waiting moments into pure excitement. Our kids stood eagerly each time, squealing as gallons of water cascaded down, creating lasting memories of pure joy.

The layout of the water attractions felt natural and easy to navigate. From lazy rivers to thrilling slides, everything flowed smoothly, allowing maximum enjoyment with minimal stress.

Perryville: Dry Adventures and Magical Quests

Perryville surprised us with its impressive collection of dry activities. Our kids couldn’t stop talking about the indoor rope course. Suspended high above, it challenged their courage and boosted their confidence. We also spent hours in the mini ten-pin bowling alley, where friendly competition made for lots of laughter.

MagiQuest in Perryville offered a little extra magic, too. Wandering through enchanted hallways with interactive challenges kept the kids entertained well into the evening. The mirror maze provided an additional unexpected delight, as we navigated endless reflections and playful confusion.

One downside: Perryville lacked laser tag and virtual reality, two activities our kids loved in Williamsburg. Still, the activities here were more than enough to keep everyone busy and happy.

Dining Delights at Both Lodges

Food at both locations was consistently tasty. We appreciated the variety—from quick snacks to sit-down dinners. Williamsburg had one small advantage: slushies were included with the soda sipper cup, whereas Perryville charged extra. This small detail became a notable perk during hot afternoons.

Detailed Family Fun Ratings

Activity	Williamsburg	Perryville	Winner
Wave Pool			Williamsburg
Giant Bucket			Williamsburg
MagiQuest			Perryville
Rope Course			Perryville
Bowling			Perryville
Laser Tag		N/A	Williamsburg
Virtual Reality		N/A	Williamsburg
Mirror Maze	N/A		Perryville
Overall Layout			Williamsburg

Williamsburg emerged as our slight favorite due to its unmatched water features, but Perryville made a compelling case with its engaging dry adventures. Both locations offer frequent discounts and specials, ensuring a fantastic family vacation without overspending.

Our Top Tips for a Perfect Stay

• Always check for online discounts before booking your lodge stay.
• Opt for MagiQuest at either location. It’s a memorable experience your family won’t regret.
• Williamsburg’s soda sipper cup with included slushies is a must-have for families.
• Pack swimming goggles for the wave pool. We almost forgot ours but found these great goggles on Amazon at the last minute, and they saved the day: Best Family Swim Goggles.
• Don’t miss story time and dance parties—these unexpected moments made our evenings extra special.

Ultimately, whether your family prefers waterpark adventures or dry-land excitement, both Williamsburg and Perryville promise fantastic memories.

Does your family lean toward splashing in Williamsburg’s wave pool or conquering Perryville’s ropes course?

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This spot is small, fun, and surprisingly delicious. The Pink Dinghy in Virginia Beach leans into seasonal ingredients, bold flavors, and coastal vibes. It’s built around shared plates, but delivers far more than you’d expect from its unassuming size.

What We Ordered

We kicked things off with three small plates that set the bar high:

• Brussels – Roasted and tossed with chorizo, crème fraîche, orange, and golden raisins. Sweet, smoky, citrusy, and impossible to stop eating.
• Focaccia – House-baked and served with whipped seasonal butter. Warm, airy, and dangerously good.
• Potato Croquettes – Crispy on the outside, creamy inside, topped with ranch labne, chili honey, and pistachio pesto. Possibly the best bite of the night.

Drinks: We tried the Thai Iced Tea cocktail and a Pineapple Daiquiri (off-menu special). The Thai tea leaned heavily on lime and ginger—interesting, but not our top pick. Still, both were refreshing alongside the food.

Main Dishes

• Smash Burger & Fries – Classic and satisfying, served with shredded lettuce, Duke’s mayo, and pickled onions. Fries were golden and crisp.
• Shrimp Pasta – A rotating special with garlic-lemon butter sauce and fresh herbs. Shrimp were tender, pasta perfectly cooked, and every bite packed with flavor.

Final Thoughts

While the cocktails didn’t blow us away, the food more than made up for it. Every dish felt fresh and intentional, with flavors that surprised and delivered. Bonus: the menu changes regularly, so every visit is a new chance to try something different.

The Pink Dinghy is a must if you’re into creative food, coastal charm, and small plate dining done right.

Been there? Drop your favorite dish in the comments—we’d love to know what you tried!

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Hidden Gems in Virginia: 7 Underrated Spots for Your Next Adventure

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Atlantic City has always been a name synonymous with excitement, entertainment, and the vibrant boardwalk culture that has defined the East Coast for decades. As we spent this weekend exploring both its legendary past and its lively present, it became clear that AC isn’t just a relic of the past—it’s a destination that continues to reinvent itself, offering something for everyone.

From the iconic casinos that have long drawn those seeking a taste of luck, to the newer attractions aimed at families and casual visitors, Atlantic City is more than just a gaming hub. It’s a city that balances the glitz and glamour of its heyday with modern touches that appeal to all ages. Strolling along the boardwalk, you can feel the echoes of the past while enjoying the fresh energy of today’s attractions.

Family-Friendly Fun:

the casinos remain a major draw, Atlantic City is working hard to show that it’s also a fantastic spot for families. From the interactive exhibits at the Atlantic City Aquarium to the playful vibes of Steel Pier with its amusement rides, there’s plenty to keep the little ones entertained. The boardwalk itself is a treasure trove of activities, including arcades, candy shops, and beachside relaxation.

Grown-Up Getaways:

For those looking to indulge in the more traditional Atlantic City experience, the options are endless. From world-class dining and luxurious spas to thrilling nightlife and, of course, the casinos, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy a getaway. We found the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement, whether lounging at the pool at Harrah’s or trying our luck at the tables.

What’s New and Next:

Atlantic City isn’t resting on its laurels. With new developments, shows, and restaurants constantly popping up, the city is as dynamic as ever. Staying at Harrah’s and Oceans gave us a firsthand look at the blend of old and new—traditional gaming floors alongside sleek modern rooms and innovative dining options.

Whether you’re visiting for the nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, Atlantic City offers a unique mix of past charm and present-day appeal. It’s a destination that truly caters to all, making it perfect for a family weekend or an adults-only escape.

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