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 8/27/25 Alison Major 8/27/25

Mackinac Island for Families: Kid-Friendly Fun by Boat

Mackinac Island is a dream stop for cruising families. From safe biking paths and horse-drawn carriage rides to hands-on blacksmithing and endless fudge tastings, kids light up in this car-free wonderland. Here’s how to make the most of your family visit by boat.

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

A Looper’s Guide to Mackinac Island: What to See and Do by Boat

Mackinac Island is a highlight for many Great Loopers, offering a blend of history, natural beauty, and one-of-a-kind experiences. From docking tips to family-friendly activities (yes, even fudge-making and horseshoe blacksmithing!), here’s what cruisers need to know before they drop anchor at this iconic stop.

Alison Major 5/23/25 Alison Major 5/23/25

Family Locking: How to Involve Your Kids Without Losing Your Cool

Locking through with kids aboard? It can be a fun and rewarding experience—if you go in with a plan. Here’s how to safely involve your kids, avoid chaos on deck, and make each lock-through a family learning moment.

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 5/9/25 Alison Major 5/9/25

How to Connect with Other Cruising Families on the Loop

Cruising the Loop is even better when your kids find other boat kids. Learn how to spot family boats, use tools like NoForeignLand and AGLCA, and make kid-friendly meetups part of your cruising life.

Alison Major 5/7/25 Alison Major 5/7/25

Top 10 Kid-Friendly Stops on the Great Loop

Cruising the Great Loop with kids? These 10 stops are packed with museums, playgrounds, treats, and adventures your crew will actually remember—plus a few bonus detours worth the miles.

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

Boat Schooling on the Great Loop: How We Made It Work

Curious how to homeschool while cruising full-time? Here’s how we approached boat schooling on the Great Loop, with flexible routines, a patchwork curriculum, and a whole lot of learning from the world around us.

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 4/11/25 Alison Major 4/11/25

Instagram vs. Reality: The Truth About Cruising Full-Time

Social media makes full-time cruising look like a dream—gorgeous sunsets, endless adventure, and carefree days on the water. But what’s the real story? Let’s take a fun, side-by-side look at the expectations vs. reality of life aboard.

Alison Major 4/9/25 Alison Major 4/9/25

How to Stay Positive When Things Go Wrong on the Water

Setbacks are inevitable on the Great Loop, but they don’t have to ruin your experience. From mechanical failures to bad weather days, here’s how to shift your mindset and handle challenges with grace—so you can enjoy the journey, no matter what comes your way.

Alison Major 4/7/25 Alison Major 4/7/25

Behind the Scenes of Loop Life: The Hard Days You Don’t See on Social Media

The Great Loop is full of breathtaking views and unforgettable moments, but what about the days that don’t make it to Instagram? Let’s talk about the maintenance struggles, weather challenges, and unpredictable realities that come with life on the water.

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

Overcoming the ‘What Ifs’: Addressing Common Fears About the Great Loop

Worried about storms, breakdowns, or feeling isolated on the Great Loop? You’re not alone. Let’s tackle the biggest fears about Looping and how to manage them so you can embrace the adventure with confidence.

Alison Major 4/2/25 Alison Major 4/2/25

Finding the Right Boat for a Reluctant Partner

The right boat can make or break the Great Loop experience—especially for a hesitant spouse or partner. Here’s how to choose a vessel that balances comfort, safety, and ease of cruising so both of you can enjoy the journey.

Alison Major 3/31/25 Alison Major 3/31/25

Easing the Transition: How to Make the Great Loop Feel More Like Home

Moving onto a boat—even temporarily—can feel like a big adjustment. But with a few intentional choices, you can create a space that feels comfortable, familiar, and homey, even while cruising.

Alison Major 1/10/25 Alison Major 1/10/25

How to Continue Doing the Things You Love While Cruising the Great Loop

Discover how to continue doing the things you love while cruising the Great Loop! From paddleboarding at anchorages and finding pickleball courts at local parks to participating in music jam sessions with fellow boaters, this post shares practical tips for keeping your favorite hobbies alive. Don’t let the cruising lifestyle hold you back—embrace your passions on the water!

Alison Major 12/27/24 Alison Major 12/27/24

Activities to Enjoy While Living Afloat

Looking for fun activities to enjoy on a boat? From reading 📚 and game nights 🎲 to snorkeling 🐠 and stargazing 🌌, boat life offers endless adventures for all ages. Discover creative ideas to make your time afloat memorable and full of joy!

Alison Major 12/23/24 Alison Major 12/23/24

Staying Connected With Family While Living on a Boat

Living on a boat and traveling the Great Loop is an incredible adventure, but one of the challenges of this lifestyle is staying connected with family and friends. Whether it’s keeping in touch with loved ones or ensuring our kids have a sense of community while on the move, we’ve found creative ways to maintain our relationships. Here are some of the ways we stay socially connected while cruising.