We have a running joke, that it’s not a vacation if I don’t some how, some way end up sick, or get something like poison ivy, sprain an ankle, well….you get the picture.

Yes, the end (note the END) of my trip got me once again. I actually felt great and had a nice time through 95% of my vacation, so I’m not complaining too much. This time bronchitis, a sinus infection and a bronchitis induced asthma has decided to come home with me….some people get t-shirts or hats - me I pick up other crap.

Anyway, the plan was to do Orlando for 2/3’s of the trip, and the Keys the last 1/3. We made the 7 hour drive to the Keys, and turned around and left the next day. There was a bug problem at the place we booked, and I wasn’t interested in switching rooms at that point. It was a NICE hotel, but ya know what? Bugs happen….This was a well known, top expensive brand chain…so it wasn’t like I chose a dive of a place to save a few bucks. I’m actually a hotel snob, so that would never happen….

So I called the hotel we were booked at for the last portion of our stay before catching the AutoTrain home, and booked with them for 3 extra days…I wasn’t thrilled to do two 7 hour drives back to back, but I did feel better once we got to the new hotel and settled in.

Some of the highlights of our trip:

Blue Man Group (Universal) - we both really enjoyed this experience, which is a rare treat when your 15yo likes the same things you do!

Boggy Creek Airboat Ride - This was so cool. I didn’t care about seeing gators and all that, though we did see a mom gator watching out for her eggs…..but just seeing the ecosystem at such close proximity - really a neat experience…I also saw some great birds that you just don’t see up here in Jersey

Saw a snake slither across the road on our drive home from the airboat area…it was neat, because I was safely in my car doing 50 mph! He was in front of us, but we got to see him cross the entire roadway…he was FAST!

We did all the regular parks at Disney, and since we’ve been there a few times, it’s nice because we don’t feel like we have to fit it all in. We just pick a few of our favorites and take our time.

Of course Rock N Roller coaster at MGM (now called Disney Hollywood Studios) is our favorite, so we did that one a couple of times.

No matter how much fun you have, it’s always a great feeling to come home, and I am happy to be back. Ooh, there were two tornadoes about 30 mins away on two separate days. You don’t see that too often up here, though my husband said there was a funnel cloud over Clinton and there were warnings on the weather channel about it…crazy, summer weather!

Oh, and what a surprise to pick up a USA Today that was delivered to my hotel room in FLORIDA to see NJ all over the front page! The big ole corruption story was front and center.

Do you love Wildwood, NJ? Did you know you can keep up with the latest happenings in Wildwood? Head on over to the Wildwood Summers blog, and you can get the scoop on upcoming events. Whether it’s the St Patrick’s Day parade, or the Wildwood Boardwalk Kennel Club dog show, I’m updating information on a regular basis.

I also keep current info on LBI happenings. For example, today at dusk, they’ll be relighting Ole Barney, the Barnegat Lighthouse. You can find more information on LBI happenings here.

Now that you know where to check out events, don’t forget to make your plans for summer! I like to think about warmer days ahead. Yesterday’s crazy wind was enough to make me long for summer days again!

Have you heard? Long Beach Island Summers is growing. It’s now offering a monthly newsletter on “All Things LBI”. You can find the sign up form on the front page of the site. This month the newsletter will be discussing some deals during the first annual Chocolate Week which will be taking place in February, from February 8th through the 15.

If you’re looking for Valentine’s Day plans, this is perfect timing. You’ll find a couple of great ideas.

The Long Beach Island Summers newsletter goes out during the first week of each month. Hurry up and sign up now, so you don’t miss out on January’s issue. It will be mailed out January 3rd.

You can find all sorts of LBI information at LongBeachIslandSummers.com

Get to know LBI, and see a little more of it! This is my favorite place at the Jersey Shore.

New Jersey Tourism is alive and well! If you’re looking for ideas, head over to VisitNJ.org and they’ll get you started.

I live over in the Skylands, and there’s plenty to do here. Whether I want to visit Mountain Creek Resort, hit the outlets in Flemington, or visit Duke Farms, there’s always choices in this gorgeous area. The Skylands includes: Sussex County, Warren County, Hunterdon County, Morris County and Somerset County.

The Gateway offers a great little town in Hoboken, Jersey Gardens and the Meadowlands. The Gateway area includes: Passaic County, Bergen County, Hudson County, Essex County, Union County and Middlesex County.

If you’re in the Delaware River area, you can enjoy places like Princeton, the Cowtown rodeo, Grounds for Sculpture, or the Trenton War Memorial. The Delaware River area includes: Mercer County, Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County and Salem County.

My favorite place is the shore, so the Shore Region is one I’m fond of! Ocean County and Monmouth County make up the Shore Region. That includes favorite places like LBI, Seaside and Island State Park, along with Point Pleasant.

Of course the Southern Shore region brings us Wildwood and Cape May, two favorites of many Jersey Girls! Cape May County and Cumberland County offer us boardwalks, Doo wop, Victorian charm and farmland. So whether you’re a bird watcher or a sunbather, the Southern Shore Region is right up your alley!

New Jersey Tourism is alive and well! If you can’t find anything to do, you aren’t looking hard enough!

The New Jersey Aquarium, now called the Adventure Aquarium is located in Camden, across the river from Philadelphia. They have a new great hammerhead shark they’ve added to their aquarium, so you’ll want to head over and check that out! I think they have such unique head’s, with their eyes on the sides, it’s just odd! There are only 2 aquariums in the country that have Great Hammerhead sharks on exhibit!

The New Jersey Aquarium also offers other fascinating exhibits like the West African River exhibit, Irazu Falls, Penguin Island and more. It’s a great rainy day activity for the entire family to enjoy together.

Don’t forget the 4D theater which has a Spongebob Squarepants movie/ride thrill.

The New Jersey Aquarium (Adventure Aquarium) is open from 9:30 to 5pm daily. You can find a visitors guide and map here.

Tickets run under $20 a person, currently at $18.95 for adults, and $14.95 for kids 2-12. Prices are subject to change, and you can also order tickets online to avoid waiting once you get there.

If you’re looking for something fun this weekend, why not stop by the New Jersey Aquarium?

As September falls away, and October sneaks up on us, be sure to set your calendar for the Chowderfest on Long Beach Island. This is a huge event that you’ll want to attend. On Saturday, October 4th from 10am-2pm, there’s a giant end of the season merchant mart. Over 80 retailers put their wares out at deep discounts. They have music, food and good bargains!

Then on Sunday the Chowder Cook-Off takes place. This is the 20th Annual Chowderfest features both New England (White) Chowder and Manhattan (Red) Chowder. Which will be your favorite? Be sure to join the fun so you can vote and taste them all.

This is a rain or shine event.