Alison Major 8/29/25 Alison Major 8/29/25

Beyond the Fudge: Mackinac Island’s History and Hidden Gems

Mackinac Island may be famous for fudge and carriages, but its history runs far deeper. From Native American roots and fur trading posts to Victorian tourism and tucked-away corners most visitors miss, here’s how to discover the island’s quieter side.

Alison Major 5/16/25 Alison Major 5/16/25

Gratitude on the Great Loop: What This Trip Teaches You About Enough

Cruising the Great Loop shifts your relationship with space, stuff, and the pace of life. Here’s how living on a boat taught us to notice the little things, appreciate simple joys, and redefine what “enough” really means.

Alison Major 5/14/25 Alison Major 5/14/25

Why We Had the Kids Journal on the Great Loop (and What I’d Do Differently)

Journaling helped our kids remember and reflect on our Great Loop adventure—but it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Here’s what worked, what didn’t, and why I created prompt journals to make it easier for other families.

Alison Major 5/12/25 Alison Major 5/12/25

5 Simple Prompts to Help You Remember Your Great Loop Journey (Even if You’re Not a Journaler!)

No time for journaling? No problem. These five short prompts make it easy to capture your Great Loop adventure—whether you’re writing in a notebook, app, or one of our kid-friendly travel journals.

Alison Major 5/10/25 Alison Major 5/10/25

How to Play: Going to Boston

Discovered at a maritime museum in St. Marys, Georgia, Going to Boston is a fast, sailor-approved dice game that’s easy to play on board. It builds math skills, keeps kids engaged, and connects your crew to cruising history—with just three dice and a bit of friendly competition.

Alison Major 5/2/25 Alison Major 5/2/25

Looping with a History Buff: Visiting America’s Capital by Boat

If you’re cruising the Great Loop with a love of American history, the Potomac River leg offers more than just access to D.C.—it’s a winding journey into the heart of the nation’s story. Here’s why this stretch is a must for history buffs afloat.

Alison Major 4/30/25 Alison Major 4/30/25

Free & Family-Friendly: Smithsonian Museums Worth Docking For

Washington, D.C. is packed with incredible, free museums—but if you’re cruising in with kids in tow, where should you go first? Here are our top family-friendly picks worth the trip up the Potomac.

Alison Major 4/28/25 Alison Major 4/28/25

Side Trips Worth Taking: Cruising the Potomac River to Washington, D.C.

If you’re cruising the Great Loop and debating whether to detour up the Potomac River—this is your sign to go for it. From national treasures and quiet anchorages to bustling waterfronts and historic neighborhoods, the trip to D.C. by boat is packed with unforgettable moments. Here’s what we loved and what you should know before heading upriver.

Alison Major 12/9/24 Alison Major 12/9/24

Cruising the Great Loop with Kids: Safety, Costs, and Community

Curious about what it’s like to live on a boat with your family? In this post, we share why we chose this adventurous lifestyle, how we handle safety, meet other families, and manage costs. Discover practical tips and inspiration for making the leap into a life of adventure on the water!

Alison Major 11/13/24 Alison Major 11/13/24

How to Play: Klondike Solitaire

Recently, my kids discovered Klondike Solitaire on an old iPod, and it’s quickly become one of their favorite go-to games on the boat or when there’s downtime! Here’s a guide to help you (and your little card sharks) get started with this classic game, whether you’re on the water, in a camper, or cozied up at home.

Alison Major 9/23/24 Alison Major 9/23/24

Discover the Top Educational Stops for Family Adventures

Traveling with your family isn’t just about the adventure—it’s also about the incredible learning opportunities you encounter along the way! Whether cruising America’s Great Loop, exploring new towns by RV, or setting out on a family vacation, every stop offers a chance to learn something new. The world becomes your family's classroom, from wildlife encounters to rich historical landmarks.

Alison Major 9/16/24 Alison Major 9/16/24

Sharing Work & Parenting Responsibilities While Cruising the Great Loop

Whether navigating the boat, homeschooling the kids, or juggling remote work, finding the right balance between responsibilities can be challenging. We’ll explore clear communication, time management, and teamwork strategies to help you and your partner stay productive, reduce stress, and create a smoother experience for the whole family as you cruise.

Alison Major 9/9/24 Alison Major 9/9/24

Navigating the First 30 Days on the Loop: A Family’s Guide

The first 30 days on the Great Loop are crucial for setting the tone of the journey because they lay the foundation for how you and your family will adapt to life aboard. How you handle these early experiences can influence your enjoyment and success on the Loop. Let's explore what the first 30 days of life on the Great Loop are like for a family.

Alison Major 9/2/24 Alison Major 9/2/24

5 Ways the Great Loop Will Transform Your Family Life

Imagine setting sail with your family on a journey that combines adventure, education, and quality time while exploring some of North America's most beautiful and diverse locations. That’s what the Great Loop offers—a unique, life-changing adventure that brings families closer together in ways you might never have imagined.

Alison Major 8/8/24 Alison Major 8/8/24

Back-to-School Preparation on the Loop

If your family travels on America's Great Loop, homeschooling is likely on your radar. The Loop offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse states and regions along the eastern part of North America, providing countless educational experiences.

Alison Major 8/2/24 Alison Major 8/2/24

How to Play: Pass the Pigs

We love the game Pass the Pigs! This is a very compact game that I usually keep in my bag. If we’re waiting at a restaurant or need a little time to sit and rest, it’s easy to pull out and practice some basic addition skills without the kids even realizing it.

Alison Major 8/1/24 Alison Major 8/1/24

How to Play: Pig

“Pig” is a dice game that requires very few supplies: a 6-sided die, paper, and pencil. The game encourages math skills like addition and probabilities, social skills, fine motor skills, and critical thinking.

Alison Major 7/24/24 Alison Major 7/24/24

How to Play: Slap

The card game Slap (more commonly known as Egyptian Ratscrew) is one I learned in high school and played in between games at our water polo tournaments. It’s a bit more… energetic (some might say violent?!)… There is high-speed deck-slapping involved!

Alison Major 7/16/24 Alison Major 7/16/24

How to Play: 4-Card Golf

We recently learned the card game Golf, which was easy to teach to a group. It requires mostly luck and not a lot of skill. Despite your score mainly being out of your control, the game encourages math skills, social skills, and fine motor skills.

Alison Major 7/16/24 Alison Major 7/16/24

How to Play: Spoons

The card game Spoons has been a go-to when visiting new friends on another boat or hanging out with a group. This game is great for math skills, social skills, fine motor skills, and focus. Our kids love the fast pace, using sneaky strategies, and the excitement of getting a spoon before none are left.