Journeys and Jaunts

12/02/2025

People always ask me where I got my name. I was born in Villennes-sur-Seine, a tiny village outside of Paris. I was named after my mother’s best friend. Laurence is a common girl’s name in France (Lawrence is the male version) but here it is more common for a man. My Mom and I tried to recreate this photo of us walking through her garden. The same family who bought the house from us all those years ago still live there and they are very patient when the Van Atten’s show up at their doorstep wanting to relive our childhood.

30/01/2025

If you’re heading to New York City with kids, FAO Schwarz is a must-visit—and inside this iconic toy store, you’ll find the whimsical Jellycat Diner. This charming experience brings Jellycat’s signature plush food characters to life, allowing kids (and kids at heart!) to “order” their favorite treats and watch as the staff “cooks” them up in an adorable, interactive way. But before you go, here’s everything you need to know about securing a spot at this coveted attraction.

The Jellycat Diner is more than just a place to buy toys—it’s an immersive experience where kids can see their stuffed food items "prepared" in a retro diner.

29/01/2025

Visiting New York City for the first time can feel overwhelming, with its towering skyscrapers, buzzing streets, and endless attractions vying for your attention. However, with a little planning, you can create an itinerary packed with unforgettable experiences. To help you get started, here are 15 must-do activities to make the most of your inaugural visit to the Big Apple.

Visiting New York City for the first time can be overwhelming. These are the top iconic experience you should not miss on your first visit to NYC.

08/01/2025

Trying to figure out how to get from the Orlando Airport to your Resort? This is our favorite service for stress-free travel.

Sunny Luxury Transportation is the best option for getting from Orlando Airport (MCO) to your resort. They are safe, reliable and offer the best prices.

07/01/2025

Traveling to Disney soon? Here is what you NEED in your park bag.

Discover the ultimate Disney park bag essentials! From tickets to weather-ready extras, this guide ensures you're fully prepared for a day at Disney World.

03/01/2025

Sedona, Arizona is so magical and would make an amazing family trip. These are my favorite things to do there!
https://www.journeysandjaunts.com/things-to-do-in-sedona/

26/12/2024

The holiday season can be stressful and hectic but I’m so grateful for the time spent with friends and family. These are the memories I’ll hold onto long after the decorations come down.

Here’s to savoring the little things this season and finding joy in the midst of it all! Happy holidays!

18/12/2024

🌴✨ Four Seasons Orlando: Where luxury meets family fun! ✨🌴

We had an unforgettable stay at the Four Seasons Orlando, and here’s what made it extra special:

🌊 Explorer Island: The lazy river, splash zone, and pools were a huge hit with the kids (and us too!). Plus, those poolside popsicles? 🏖️🍦 Yes, please!

🎡 Theme Park Views: Watching the Disney fireworks from the comfort of our balcony? Pure magic. 🎆

🍽️ Incredible Dining: From poolside tacos to gourmet dinners, every bite was a treat. Don’t miss the gelato at **Lickety Split**! 🍧

🌸 Relaxation Bliss: The adults-only pool and serene spa gave us some much-needed downtime. 🛀

✨ Disney Perks: Early park access + the Disney planning concierge made our theme park days a breeze. 🏰

Four Seasons Orlando isn’t just a resort—it’s an experience that perfectly blends family fun with luxury. We’re already planning our next visit! 💕

28/10/2024

🎃🍂 October in Salem, MA 🍂🎃

There’s no place like Salem in October! Whether you’re a fan of history, magic, or classic Halloween vibes, this town has it all. Here’s our top must-do’s for an unforgettable visit:

📸 Essex Street Characters: Snap some photos with the costumed characters strolling around Essex Street, bringing that iconic Salem energy!

🧹 Hocus Pocus Movie Sites: Relive the magic by visiting filming spots from Hocus Pocus! It’s like stepping into the movie.

🧪 Potion Making at The Good Witch of Salem: Tap into your inner witch and make potions at this magical shop—perfect for the whole family.

🎭 Cry Innocent: Step back in time with this interactive performance, where you get to be part of the Salem Witch Trials.

🛍️ Shop at Harrison’s: Pick up unique Salem souvenirs, from quirky trinkets to spooky memorabilia.

✨ Wands at Wynott’s: A must for any budding wizard! Head to Wynott’s for a handcrafted wand of your own.

🧙‍♂️ World of Wizardry Quest: Embark on a magical quest filled with puzzles and enchanting surprises. Kids (and adults) will love it!

🕊️ Salem Witch Trial Memorial: Take a moment to pay your respects and reflect on the real history that makes Salem so powerful.

Salem in October is truly a one-of-a-kind experience—every street is brimming with spirit and history. If you go, tag us so we can see all your adventures!

14/10/2024

Lizzie & Harry’s first concert! Celebrated Lizzie turning 8 with great friends and great music. G Love even FaceTimed with Harry to say hi! This weekend was one for the books!

04/09/2024

Visiting Plymouth soon? This is our pick for the best hotel in the area. The John Carver Inn & Spa has an epic pool and great location!

The John Carver Inn is the best option for families visiting Plymouth, MA. Kids will love the themed pool while parents will enjoy the convenient location.

02/07/2024

Thanks, Journeys and Jaunts(and family) for playing guest at our iconic hotel this summer. It was our pleasure to play host - we're grateful for this quintessential resort review! https://ow.ly/pT4k50StILx

30/06/2024

Cousin visits are the best visits ❤️

11/06/2024

If you are looking for the perfect Father's Day gift, check out this freestanding bike rack at StoreYourBoard.com!

The Teal Triangle Freestanding Bike Rack is a versatile and stylish solution for bicycle storage that combines practicality with aesthetic appeal.

27/05/2024

I finally brought my mother to Pickity Place and it was like stepping into a storybook. The food was almost too pretty to eat. Check out our experience here:

Pickity Place is a mecca for foodies, serving five course meals featuring fresh herbs and edible flowers harvested daily from their culinary garden.

10/05/2024

Spent the afternoon exploring books with the kids. From classics to new favorites, there’s something for everyone here. Beacon Hill Bookstore has the most magical children’s section with a child-size door, train circling overhead and cozy corners to sink into. Here’s to fostering a love for reading early on! 📖💫

10/05/2024

Spent the afternoon exploring books with the kids. From classics to new favorites, there's something for everyone here. Beacon Hill Bookstore has the most magical children's section with a child-size door, train circling overhead and cozy corners to sink into. Here's to fostering a love for reading early on! 📖💫

05/05/2024

Step into a world where imagination knows no bounds! 🎨🌟 We embarked on an unforgettable journey to the WNDR Museum in Boston, and let me tell you, it was an adventure unlike any other! 🚀💫

From interactive exhibits that spark creativity to mind-bending optical illusions that leave you in awe, every corner of the is a playground for young minds.

Watching the kids explore, experiment, and marvel at the wonders around them was a joy. It's moments like these that remind us of the magic of childhood and the power of curiosity. 🌟🔍

But it wasn't just about having fun; it was about fostering a sense of wonder and discovery. Because when we encourage our children to ask questions, to explore, and to think outside the box, we're nurturing the innovators and dreamers of tomorrow. 🌱💡

So here's to embracing the magic of curiosity, to sparking imagination, and to creating memories that will last a lifetime. Let's keep wandering, wondering, and dreaming together! 💖✨