ICE! at Gaylord is the Hottest, Chilliest Ticket in Town

The Frugal Socialite slid down the chilliest ride in town! Ice! has a slide made entirely of ice that was the slickest, quickest, cold bottomed plummet I've ever done. From the parka fitting at the front door to the angelic wrap up at the end, this is so worth it! Preview and launch night at the Gaylord Thursday was amazing. It is the best ticket indoors for a holiday transformation. Fireworks and Christmas trees? Who knew? You should! www.christmasonthepotomac.com

Travel with baby but leave some gear behind...Choose good hotels!

Why lug toddler gear? Many hotels have it covered!




Moms, don't get discouraged about travelling because the baby's stuff is an extra suitcase and a half. When planning a trip consider the hotel. Even if it's a quick overnight in your own city, make it easy! My 2 year old has been on over 40 trips in his lifetime due to my career. I take him and hubby along as much as I can. I KNOW about hauling gear from 2 months of age to now.



These are some of the hotels that have made home-away-from-home a breeze. Check with each individually, but in general they've stocked: bedrails, bottle warmers, microwaves or access to them, baby toiletries, extra Lysol or hand sanitizer, certified babysitters, pack-n-plays, extra sheets for playtime and more---



The Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C. (check with all InterContinental Hotels)

All Disney resort hotels within Disneyworld

The Swan and Dolphin Hotel in Orlando at Disney (www.starwoodhotels.com)

Great Wolf Lodge (I was at Williamsburg, VA, but check their whole national chain)

The Millenium Hotels in New York City

The Hyatt Hotel and Resort in Cambridge,MD (www.hyatthotels.com)



Many more, but these stood out for their quality and willingness to make baby and family happy!

Just made a Mint Julep, courtesy nightcap I found in my room, at The Willard Inter-Continental in D.C. The housekeepers here are on top of it all!  The tray is placed discreetly beside the magazines and almost hides out, until you notice the TV is tuned to Jim Hewes, bartender at the Round Robin bar downstairs. Jim tutors on how to make a Mint Julep.  After seeing it run over and over, it's time to crush some ice and mix that drink up!  I'm enjoying historic luxury at the building I drive by weekly. The Frugal Socialite has to figure out how to have a stay-over in my own town more often...

Ocean City Maryland's Frugal but Fabulous Finds

Ocean City is more than the main strip! If you drive just one block or two off the main street you'll find many places that aren't the normal beach fare. Some of The Frugal Socialite's favorite finds:

Fagers Island
Francis Scott Key Resort
Afternoon tea at the Dunes Manor Resort