Our trip to Huntington Beach State Park in March 2010 was the best part of our vacation to the Myrtle Beach area. We ended up returning during the summer. I'll include tips for visiting in the winter and summer.

Visiting in winter (or average temps below 55 degrees). This is an ideal time to visit the Park because the alligators, who are not restricted to certain areas!, are in a type of hibernation stage. They are very still and not easily agitated (even by my youngest child screaming to the top of his lungs). We saw several alligators and many other types of wildlife including weasels, fish and birds. The tide was out when we visited during the winter. It was an excellent time to watch the pelicans, sandpipers and herons fish for oysters and other small fish. We were able to get some amazing pictures. It was too chilly to visit the beach, but we had a lovely time walking around the park.

In the summer time, the alligators are obviously active, so stay on the paths and sidewalks and be mindful of what is around. The old adage applies "They don't bother you if you don't bother them". Again, the birdwatching is spectacular. Migrating species return to the park. The tide was out this time, so we didn't see as many birds on the ground. The beach was gorgeous, clean and there were not many people there. We were able to take excellent pictures of our family. Late afternoon or dusk is the best time for pictures on this particular beach. Caution - do not step on the dunes that are intended to protect the beach. A park ranger can issue a $1000 fine for stepping on a dune, even during a picture!

The visitors center offers a backpack for children to borrow (it's free but must be returned) while they are at the park. The backpack includes child's binoculars and a bird guide. What a great idea, and what fun.

Bicycles are allowed and a wonderful way to tour the park. There is an old house there, built by the couple who established the park, and now owned and operated by the state. We did not tour the house as we arrived to the park too late on both occasions. There are good bathroom and changing and wash-off facilities.

***Books to read before you go***
The Burgess Bird Book by Thornton W. Burgess
The Burgess Animal Book by Thornton W. Burgess

We are a homeschool family. We love to read books that will prepare our children to experience fully the history, wildlife, culture, religion, and even architecture of our trip destinations. If you have any reading suggestions for this destination, will you send me a note with the title, author and why you love this book for this destination?

We have been to three productions by the Columbia City Ballet, all via their Educational Outreach Program. The tickets are moderately priced and are available to any parent, teacher or school that desires to take children to the ballet. The EOP is an excellent means of introducing children to the "arts." The dancers are often from all over the world, and while they are not as skilled as those I have seen in New York and Washington, DC, they are passionate about their work and eager to share their gifts with children.

Performances are offered 2 to 3 times a year and are usually themed (Christmas, Spring or Children's Story). Examples include Aladdin, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Beauty and the Beast or Midsummer's Night Dream. Often the EOP programs are a 45 minute version of a longer production that is offered to the general public at nighttime performances.

Performances are held at Columbia's Koger Center, a wonderful theater with a large stage that enables to the viewer to see from any seat. Visitors must pre-book tickets through the CCB office. I recommend that visitors arrive 30 minutes early, particularly if you have long children. A CCB performance is not recommended for children under 5 years, because it is often dark and quiet in the theater and young children could be frightened by various scenes.

If you have the flexibility, there are two times of the year to visit Biltmore - spring during the festival of flowers and winter during the Biltmore Christmas (Candlelight Christmas). In some cases, you will pay more for admission to certain gardens or at a certain time of day, but Biltmore's staff is second-to-none in preparing an unforgettable experience for your family. It is extremely expensive to visit Biltmore, so arrive early and spend every last minute there if you can!

I say a great trip every 4 years or so because it is so darn expensive. One really has to plan well-ahead to afford Disney. We have found that the Magic Your Way Plus Dining Plan is the way to go. We actually save more money prepaying Disney for dining than trying to save money eating in the park.

It is an unforgettable experience, walking through the Magic Kingdom's main drive the first time with your kids. The music, the smells, the whole environment has been engineered to engender feelings of nostalgia and happiness. I confess I feel like a kid when I walk toward Cinderella's Castle.

MK is well-laid out. Keep your map handy though. Make sure you have a PLAN with your kids as to what to do if you get separated. Fortunately their staff is well-trained to handle lost children. Go directly to a park police officer or staff member if you cannot find your child.

Nursing moms: bring a lot of water. Plan to visit the nursing station often in the summer. It is air conditioned and clean and usually stocked with items if you need to buy baby essentials. Bring your stroller or definitely pay to rent a stroller. In the summer, strollers sell out early, so arrive early if you need to rent one.

The 5,300 acre Chickamauga Battlefield, scene of the last major Confederate victory of the American Civil War, contains numerous monuments, historical tablets, wayside exhibits, and trails.

Your first visit should be to the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor's Center. Here you will be informed by many exhibits regaling the history of this battlefield, which is the first and largest NMP in the United States. If your child is interested in the Junior Ranger program, plan for 2-3 hours to complete the program. You will find the 7 mile car-audio tour to be very valuable. There is a movie available in the visitor's center as well.

Study ahead for the trip using the National Park Service's website, which has a great summary of what led up to the battle and the battle itself.

There are picnic areas all around the battlefield, so a picnic lunch is a great idea.