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www.FredericksburgParent.NET 13 It's vacation season. Parents every- where are thinking about the com- plexities of getting everyone to their fun-fi lled destination safely and sanely. Whether you take a two-hour plane trip or a 14-hour car ride, traveling with kids can be stressful. While a family vacation is a great way to spend time together, relax, and make memories, you must make the journey there fi rst. Here are some tips for making travel- ing with kids a little more enjoyable. FIGHT HUNGER Hunger can aff ect kids' behavior and attitude. During travel, pack easy snacks for the car like grapes, smoothies, and crackers. This is a great time to purchase those indi- vidually wrapped snacks you usually don't. They are easy for the adults in the car and seem like a treat for the kids. Stephanie Pratt, mother of two girls, suggests planning lunch stops that allow kids to burn off energy like a restaurant with a play area "Much like you need to stretch your legs, kids need to more.' she says. Packing a picnic for a rest area or park along the way lets them have some fresh air and lots of open space to play. TIMING Timing is everything when you are trav- eling with little ones. Try to plan travel around normal nap times or bedtimes so that kids will rest during most of the drive. Also, plan breaks often enough that kids can get out and stretch and burn off energy. Mother of fi ve, Rachael Kennedy, says, "When we are driving on the interstate, we stop at rest stops and the boys do races to get energy out." Recognize that a trip with kids is going to take longer. Leave extra time in your travel schedule for impromptu stops, as well as planned ones. Websites like www.roadtripra- dar.com can help you fi nd attractions and hidden gems along the way. The key to traveling with kids is to plan ahead, but also be fl exible. With its scenic views and unique buildings and landscape designs, Staunton's Main Street was once honored by Architectural Digest as one of the "Most Beau ful Main Streets Across America." The Historic Staunton Founda on off ers guided architectural walking tours each Sat- urday April through October, or you can explore the area on your own with Traipse, a free phone app that will provide you with informa on about various sites in the historic business district. Recommended stops for your family during your visit include Puff erbellies, a children's toy and bookstore; Yelping Dog Wine bar, which specializes in gourmet grilled cheese; and The Split Banana. "Who doesn't like grilled cheese?" says Kathy Moore, a public rela ons representa ve for Staunton. "The Split Banana is also a great place. They have fresh, homemade gelato in great fl avors. There is always a line out the door." The Staunton Music Fes val, focusing on classical music, returns in-person in August. The central loca on of Culpeper, the intersec on of Davis and Main Streets, has been home to a lunch counter and café since 1928. "Today's Frost Café s ll uses the counter and soda fountain from the original Gayheart Drug Store and Luncheone e," says Paige Read, director of Economic Development & Tourism. "Set out from Davis and Main to explore shops that off er an ques, refurbished furniture, old- me sweets, fresh-baked treats and a whole lot more." Read recommends stopping by La Bee Da Loca, where Felecia Chavez shares her experiences as a beekeeper. Upstairs, the shop is dedicated to telling the story of the honey bee, while downstairs, guests can buy honey and bee-related products as well as pieces from local ar sans. "Kids love seeing the hives hard at work," Read says. Meanwhile, one of Culpeper's popular dining establishments is actually three restaurants in one: It's About Thyme, off ering European cuisine in a casual atmosphere; Thyme Market, which carries an extensive list of market style selec ons; and The Cooper Fish, which serves custom prepared fresh catch seafood. Follow that up with a scoop of ice cream at Scoop on Davis, an old- me ice cream dip shop. More adventurous families might want to consider heading over to State Climb for some rock climbing, or Rockwater Park, where you can hike or play disc golf. The park also has an obstacle course, a climbing boulder and a splash pad for li le ones. WRITTEN BY SARAH LYONS Travel Tips for Family Trips continued on pg 14 continued on pg 15 STAUNTON CULPEPER