We've been staying at the Astronaut for 5 years now and really enjoy it. For the price and location, you can't beat it. It's got a great pool complete with small kiddie section, slide and diving board.

They offer many different types of rooms, from effeciencies, queen-sized and double rooms. The best part is that it's right on the beach.

Keep in mind that this motel is one of a dying breed of old-fashined "Doo-Wop" motels that were once common place in Wildwood way back when. The motel is old... and it does show in some of the rooms. However, the cleanliness is outstanding and the staff is very friendly.

Kids will love the pool and the beach, which is just a few steps away.

We will be booking our annual trip here in a few weeks!

When I moved to Richmond 12 years ago, one of the 1st things I did was to take in a minor league baseball game at the Diamond (the stadium's name), which is where the then Richmond Braves played. (They are the triple-A team for the Atlanta Braves). I've been a baseball fan all my life and had been to a few minor league games before. I wasn't at all impressed with the atmosphere of the stadium or the team's involvement w/ it's fans or the crowd at the park that day. It seemed very boring and humdrum. The team moved to Atlanta a few years back.

However, when the Flying Squirrels moved into town last season that all changed! We took in 4 games last year and had so much fun. The team has turned the Diamond around with renovations, and has infused new life into a once lifeless stadium. I think the new owners have a great plan to make the community involved in the team and genuinely care about Richmond and the people who live here.

They offered many promotions for fans last season and many of them were devoted to kids, which we loved. After every home game, they allow kids to run the bases on the field. Their mascot, Nutsy, roams the stands and has fun with everyone in sight.

Tickets are very affordable... in fact I think we paid $25 for 3 seats last year. Food is very reasonable as well and seriously tasty! Our favs are the hotdogs and they go on sale after the 5th inning for $1!

Needless to say, we will be attending many Squirrels games this up coming season. GO NUTS!

My family has been making the 2 hours trek from Richmond to Carter Mountain ever since one of my co-workers reccomended it to me 7 years ago. It is well worth the travel time because not only does it provide great farm fun for all of us, but then Dad and I have an excuse to visit Charlottesville afterwards for dinner at one of our favorite places.

The orchard sit atop the mountain and it gives you some amazing, breath-taking views. We like to sit on the "observatory" deck after we're done picking and relax with a refreshing cup or cider and an apple doughnut, which is a MUST HAVE!

They have many varieties of apples there, including pumpkins and wine (they make their own as well) for the grown-ups. Also, they have hay-rides for the entire family for a small fee.

Admission is free and the farm is open until sunset.

I've been going to The Playroom in Chester for over 2 years now and love it. My friend told me to give Monkey Joe's a try, as it's recently opened in Midlothian. It has some pretty cool inflatable slides, jumps, and obstacle courses that were different then the ones my son has played on before. He was very impressed.

The same saftey and cleaniness rules apply in this place: socks only, which I love. I also saw the staff clean the inflatables multiple times throughout out 2 and 1/2 hour visit. Another plus.

I also like the "frequent user card" and wish The Playroom offered something along those lines.

If you are looking for something to do outdoors on a nice warm day, look no further than a trip to Van Saun Park. Growing up in New Jersey, this was the fun spot families visitied that offers great picnicing and a small zoo. There are other attractions, such as pony rides, a bug exhibit, and train ride. (There is a fee for these, but entrance to the park is free)

Another plus to Van Saun is the 4 different play areas, seperated by appropriate age group. One area is under 24 months, another area is for 2 - 7 year olds, the next area is for kids over 7 years old, and last is for kids that are in wheel chairs. The play areas offer swings, slides, tunnels to climb through and wall climbs.