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AUSTIN FAMILY ADVENTURES
Hi! My name is Marissa! I am originally from Southern California. I joined the US Army when I was 18 and proudly served 9 years. We are a military family and currently stationed in Maryland. We have lived in Maryland for 7 years. Prior to Maryland, we have lived in Washington and Hawaii. As a family of four we have been to 22 out 50 of the states. Follow along as we hike, camp and explore the DMV area. If you find this blog helpful, please subscribe so you will be up to date on all of our adventures!
Meet the Family
King is 11 years old, he loves baseball, video games, reading, camping, the beach and summer time!
Kaliah is 10 years old, she loves unicorns, dance, camping, the beach, snow and hot cocoa!
Yes, you read that right, King and Kaliah are 11 months apart!!
Kyla (Newest Addition) is 1 year old! She loves playing with her toys, singing, and running around a playing hide-and-seek.
Gerrold is currently in the US Army and very hardworking. He enjoys fitness, reading, camping, fishing and hiking!
Last but not least, some of my hobbies include caring for my plants, photography, hiking, camping and my favorite place in the world, is the beach!
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Swingers Crazy Golf DC Review: Family-Friendly Mini Golf & Dining in Washington DC
If you’re searching for fun, family-friendly activities in Washington DC, Swingers Crazy Golf is one spot that’s worth putting on your weekend list. Located just off 14th Street NW, this indoor mini golf venue combines creative courses, quality dining, and a lively atmosphere for both adults and families. We recently visited Swingers DC and had a great experience here’s what you can expect. What Is Swingers Crazy Golf in Washington, DC? Swingers Crazy Golf DC is an indoor min
Austin Family Adventures
Jan 163 min read
Check out this Maryland Holiday Light Guide!
The holiday season in Maryland shines brightest with dazzling light displays that bring communities together and create magical experiences for all ages. Whether you want to take a leisurely drive, enjoy a festive walk, or find the perfect spot for family photos, Maryland offers a variety of holiday light attractions that brighten up the winter nights. This guide highlights some of the best places to enjoy holiday lights across the state, making it easier to plan your festive
Austin Family Adventures
Dec 17, 20252 min read
Exploring Boar's Head Resort's Enchanting Winter Wander Trail of Lights
Boars Head Resort📍200 Ednam Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22903 Boar’s Head Resort is a sprawling countryside resort perched on a 600-acre estate just outside Charlottesville Vireginia, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It offers 168 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, combining classic southern charm with modern comforts many feature fireplaces, balconies or patios, and plush furnishings. Guests at Boar’s Head enjoy a wide range of amenities: from a top-r
Austin Family Adventures
Dec 5, 20253 min read
Fall things to do in Northern Virginia- Fall Fun at Plants & More in Alexandria, VA
Looking for the perfect family-friendly fall activity in Northern Virginia? 🍁 Plants & More , located at 5937 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22315, is a hidden gem where you can celebrate the season with pumpkins, hayrides, fall décor, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Even better? Admission is completely FREE! 🎃 Pumpkins, Plants & Fall Décor Whether you’re searching for the perfect pumpkin to carve, seasonal flowers to brighten your porch, or autumn décor to bring fall vi
Austin Family Adventures
Oct 4, 20252 min read
Swinging Into Summer with America's Pastime: AFA x Washington Nationals
Hi! I hope you had a great day! Hopefully, you’re following Austin Family Adventures (AFA) on all socials and getting inspired with ideas for your family to enjoy this spring and summer. Although we’ve been extremely busy 😅, we build our adventures around our homeschool schedule and our kids’ extracurricular activities, one of those being baseball. Our son, King, loves baseball, and we spend most of our time at practices and games throughout the spring, summer, and fall. O
Austin Family Adventures
Jul 18, 20251 min read
Discover the Hidden Gem Locations to See Cherry Blossoms in DC, Virginia, and Maryland
Spring is a time of renewal, and nothing welcomes the season like the delicate cherry blossoms. These stunning pink and white flowers draw thousands of visitors eager to witness their beauty. While Washington, D.C. is renowned for its cherry blossoms, neighboring Virginia and Maryland have their own breathtaking spots waiting to be explored. Let’s set out on an adventure to uncover the best hidden gems for cherry blossom viewing! 🌸 Where to See Cherry Blossoms in D.C. Tidal
Austin Family Adventures
Apr 15, 20254 min read
Happy New Year from Austin Family Adventures
Over the past few weeks we have had time to reflect on all our adventures, activities, and experiences that we have shared with all of...
Austin Family Adventures
Jan 14, 20243 min read
Mercer County, West Virginia
We recently traveled to Mercer County, West Virginia for a weekend getaway! Mercer County is located in Southern West Virginia approximately 5 hours from Washington DC and 5 and a half hours from Baltimore, Maryland. Mercer County is the perfect destination for outdoor adventure. Mercer County offers fishing, hunting, mountain bike riding, hiking, skiing and they are known for their ATV trails. We spent a total of 3 days in Mercer County as part of our paid partnership with
Austin Family Adventures
Jun 27, 20235 min read
Graffiti Pier
During our two-day trip in Philadalphia, Pennsylvania, we made an effort to see some popular sites among the locals, one being Gaffitii Pier. After lunch, we drove out to the old Conrail Pier which is located along the Delaware River in Philadelphia. Graffiti Pier is an pier (no longer in use) where local artist have come to display their talents. A lot of the art is free-hand drawn using various tools. The old pier has pillars all the way out to the water decorated with ar
Austin Family Adventures
Jun 6, 20231 min read
Patterson Park
After we had lunch at The Papermoon Diner , we headed over to Patterson Park to enjoy the beautiful day. We took a little stroll and stopped Dr. Levi Watkins JR Memorial Fountain. We learned that Dr. Levi Watkins JR was a cardiac surgeon and also a civil rights activist who participated in the Montgomery Bus Boycott in Alabama in 1955. We also checked out the Patterson Park Observatory also known as the Pagoda. The observation deck is currently not open to the public while t
Austin Family Adventures
Apr 22, 20231 min read
The Papermoon Diner
Looking for the most unique dining experience in Baltimore? Look no further, The Papermoon Diner is the most electric restaurant I’ve ever seen! This restaurant features a pez collection, mannequin dolls, trinkets and a collection of pop culture paraphernalia. The Papermoon Diner serves breakfast all day! They have a list of unique shakes including a bacon milkshake and a Captain Crunch milkshake! Kaliah had the Hot Cocoa Milkshake, King had the Peanut Butter Madness Milkshak
Austin Family Adventures
Apr 22, 20231 min read
Haviland Hens Farm
We visited Haviland Hens Farm last year in April, 2022 and truly enjoyed ourselves! Deb, the owner and her husband were incredibly sweet and knowledgeable about the animals. They had many animals but we hung out with the baby goats, lambs, bunnies, chicks and ducklings. You are able to hold the baby animals and there are back drops for photographs! They have a mini playground area and a zip line. All the kids took turns using the zip line. There is also a fire pit with chairs
Austin Family Adventures
Apr 19, 20231 min read
Theodore Roosevelt Island
While visiting Washington DC, you don't want to miss this perfect escape from the busy city! The Theodore Roosevelt statue is about a quarter of a mile from the bridge but there’s a trail that loops around the island. Most of the trail has a boardwalk and I have seen a few strollers along the trail. It is a super easy trail! The full trail is 1.8 miles. Directions to the statue: After crossing the bridge there is a trail on your left and right. Go right, then it splits again
Austin Family Adventures
Mar 19, 20231 min read
Workhorse Rescue and Exotics
Visit this hidden gem located in Denton, Maryland! We recently visited and had the best time visiting the Workhorse Rescue and Exotics Farm! This place was so fun and we will definitely be back! There is so many details I need to add. ▪️ They are only open on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm. You can book online! They close for the winter and reopen in the spring. (And specific dates for the seasons ) ▪️It costs $15. ▪️When you arrive, there is a farm gate. You must open it
Austin Family Adventures
Mar 19, 20232 min read
Rock City Gardens
Rock City Gardens in located in Lookout Mountain, Georgia, just 6 miles from Chattanooga, Tennesse. Once you enter Rock City Gardens, you walk through different rock formations, caves and gardens to get to the top, where you see 7 different states including Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina and Alabama. Once you make it to the top there are restaurants to grab food. From there, you follow the path back down through caves and will see the 9
Austin Family Adventures
Nov 11, 20221 min read
Alabama Safari Park
The Alabama Safari Park is located in Montgomery, Alabama. We had the absolute best time at the Alabama Safari Park. We drove our vehicle through the Safari drive-thru and could not stop laughing. There are so many animals to feed including zebras, camels, alpacas, emus, buffalo, banteng, antelope, Scottish highland cows and many more. Who knew camels were so aggressive? We should have known since they were the only animals fenced off. We drove next to the camels to feed them
Austin Family Adventures
Nov 10, 20221 min read
Noccalula Falls
Noccalula Falls is a 90-foot waterfall located in Gadson, Alabama. The name of the waterfall comes from the Native American legend of Princess Noccalula who fell in love with a villager. Her father banished the villager from seeing Noccalula and arranged a marriage for her. On her wedding day, she jumped to her death from the falls. Noccalula Falls is a campground. They offer, cabins, rv spots and tent spots. This campground offers a ton of amenities including mini golf, a bo
Austin Family Adventures
Nov 10, 20222 min read
Little River Canyon National Preserve
Little River Canyon Falls is located off of highway 35, next to a bridge in Gayesville, Alabama. The bridge is the boundary between Gaylesville and Fort Payne. You will see a “Little River Canyon State Park” sign, this is not it. Drive past that sign, over the bridge and the parking lot will be on your right. There are several trails that you can do at Little River Canyon Falls, some which will even take you to the bottom of the falls. We did the 0.6 paved trail from the par
Austin Family Adventures
Nov 10, 20221 min read
DeSoto Falls
This last summer we drove to Montgomery, Alabama from Maryland! We made a fun road trip out of it and made several stops along the way to see some sights. Our first stop was DeSoto Falls in Fort Payne. DeSoto falls is a 104 foot waterfall. DeSoto Falls is located in Desoto State Park. Once you enter DeSoto State Park, there are signs that point you in the direction to get to the falls. Admission to DeSoto State Park is free but we did pay $4 to park near the falls. We only d
Austin Family Adventures
Nov 10, 20221 min read
Puro Gusto
We recently visited Puro Gusto in DC and loved it! This modern authentic Italian cafe was so adorable and clean! They also bring you your food to the table! They have a 4 part menu served all day. They have a bakery, paninis, pizza and salads. They are famous for their cornetto. We had the nutella cornetto, ham and cheese and the bacon, egg and cheese cornetto. All were amazing! We also had the egg bites which were really good. My son tried the grilled chicken parmesan sandwi
Austin Family Adventures
Oct 3, 20221 min read
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