Dawn Miller

I am a freelance writer, blogger, and author. Please check out my website http://www.closettraveler.com/ and my new mystery, Secrets, Lies, and Trash. You can find it on Amazon.

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Ten Things to do in Annapolis, Maryland with Kids

Ten Things to do in Annapolis, Maryland with Kids

Even though Annapolis is the capital of Maryland, it often gets overshadowed by the larger nearby travel destinations of Baltimore and Washington D.C. Yet, the charming city is a fabulous off-the-beaten-path place to visit. Founded in 1649, Annapolis sits along the scenic Chesapeake Bay and Severn River. A stay here is a history lesson every member of the family can appreciate. Take a look at…

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Very excited to have a travel post up on Scary Mommy. Please check it out especially if you love the #jerseyshore! #capemay

http://www.scarymommy.com/articles/things-to-do-with-kids-in-cape-may-new-jersey?section=the-travel-guide&u=ON7Ep878FB

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Favorite Summer Vacation Destinations

Favorite Summer Vacation Destinations

Sunset at the Jersey Shore by Joe Matzerath

Summer is prime time along the Jersey Shore. From Sandy Hook to the Cape May, New Jersey offers visitors fabulous vacations spots whether you are coming for a day trip or a longer stay. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Jersey Shore is a major draw. However, for many residents and beach lovers, the lure of the shore is a year-long affair. When…

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The Vacation Blues

School has finally let out and the mercury is on the rise. The question on everyone’s tongue is where are you going on vacation this summer? Facebook and Instagram are chock full of people’s holiday plans and their happy postings once they arrive. However, what if your bank account can’t finance your wanderlust? Are you left to sing the vacation blues this summer or can you still carve out a…

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Searching for New Jersey Summer Hot Spots

Searching for New Jersey Summer Hot Spots

With the school year countdown in its final days in New Jersey, summer vacation stretches in front like a lighthouse beacon in a storm. It’s certainly not a well-kept secret that I love New Jersey. After all, I am a Jersey girl and hope that we will continue to never have to pump gas because I don’t know how. Reader feedback from a recent post that I wrote on the ‘top ten things to do in the…

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Ten Places to Love in New Jersey

Ten Places to Love in New Jersey

Photo by Joe Matzerath

We have heard all the “exit” jokes as well as the late show fodder about smells along the New Jersey Turnpike and dead bodies courtesy of the Sopranos and we won’t even talk about the Real Housewives of New Jersey or Snooki and the Jersey Shore crowd who by the way were not actually from the state. However, the picture painted about New Jersey could not be father from the…

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Ride the Rails to the Jersey Shore

Ride the Rails to the Jersey Shore

Jersey Shore

When the temperature rises and the calendar inches towards summer, something happens along the Jersey Shore. The population triples. Yes, it is a top destination along the East Coast and for good reason. It’s fabulous. However, with the joy of the feeling of sand between your toes comes the sweat of sitting in endless traffic along the Garden State Parkway and the seemingly futile…

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Pay Forward the Kindness of Strangers

Pay Forward the Kindness of Strangers

Pittsburgh Skyline

I fully confess to relying on the hubby when traveling. After all, I do the packing for five, so I need a break once we leave the familiarity of home. However, on a recent trip to Pittsburgh, I found myself on my own with the two older ones. A ten-hour train trip is a true test of patience and an eye-opener about people.

The Kindness of Strangers

As parents, you teach your…

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What is not to Love about Spring Lake, New Jersey?

What is not to Love about Spring Lake, New Jersey?

Spring Lake, New Jersey

With the longest non-commercial boardwalk along the beautiful New Jersey shore line, Spring Lake is the quintessential village by the sea. However, calming views of the Atlantic offer just a small piece of the town’s allure. Sandwiched between two lakes with an idyllic downtown in between, Spring Lake is the ideal summertime destination regardless of the season.

A Seat by…

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Make Time to Explore the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park

Make Time to Explore the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park

Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park

The calendar says spring even if the temperatures do not. However, even if there is a slight chill in the air, make a plan to explore the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Parkin New Jersey.The 70-mile path has long been a popular spot for runners, bikers, and hikers. A walk or a ride through treats visitors to fabulous views as well as a quiet retreat into…

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Hop into Spring with a Ride on the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad

Hop into Spring with a Ride on the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad

New Hope and Ivyland Railroad

The warmer weather along the East Coast this week signaled great relief amongst residents who were finally able to shed some layers, if only for a couple of days. However, with the arrival of spring only a couple of weeks away, people are anxious to get outside and celebrate.

Scenic Railroads

A ride on an old-fashioned train ride where you can kick back and savor the…

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No Need to Wait for Summer to Savor Sandy Hook

No Need to Wait for Summer to Savor Sandy Hook

Sandy Hook Lighthouse by Joe Matzerath

With one of the coldest February’s finally exiting, can spring be far behind? The calendar says it is only weeks away even though more snow is expected to blanket New Jersey in the upcoming days. However, whether you can shed the layers or not, the Gateway National Recreation Area in Sandy Hookremains a spectacular place to explore with each season…

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Red Bank is a New Jersey Hot Spot

Red Bank is a New Jersey Hot Spot

Red Bank, New Jersey by Joe Matzerath

Like most towns, Red Bank, New Jersey experienced some growing pains over the years. Back in the day, like its urban counterpart Asbury Park, Red Bank began a downward spiral thanks in part to the recession. Businesses closed and the town built on the banks of the Navesink Riverfaded into obscurity. However, the early Nineties signaled a turnaround for Red…

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Don't Miss the Chance to Experience Ice Skating Outdoors

Don’t Miss the Chance to Experience Ice Skating Outdoors

Time to Enjoy Ice Skating Outdoors

Perhaps the East Coast grew spoiled by a mild December. However, Mother Nature certainly made up for that with a frigid January and February. Even Elsa thinks the negative wind chills are a bit much. However, the nippy conditions are treating certain areas to a winter activity long absent from their recreational calendars-outdoor ice skating.

The joy of taking a…

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Enjoy Winter at the Skytop Lodge

Enjoy Winter at the Skytop Lodge

A Winter Wonderland at Skytop Lodge

Winter along the East Coast appeared relatively mild until the calendar switched to 2015. Just ask the people of Bostonhow miserable it is; they are buried under eight feet of snow with two more storms on the horizon. While the rest of us count the days until spring and chip away the coating of ice on everything, Mother Nature keeps reminding us what time of…

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Embrace Winter at the North Pole

Embrace Winter at the North Pole

North Pole, New York

Winter is in full swing, so why not head up to the North Pole? No, you don’t have to head to the Arctic. North Pole, New York is a delightful village scenically nestled in the Adirondack Mountains just steps away from fabulous skiing on Whiteface Mountain. It is also the place where holiday lovers can embrace the true spirit of Christmas any day of the year!

Santa’s Workshop

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Vacation Ideas for the Hockey Lover

Vacation Ideas for the Hockey Lover

Hockey is more than a sport for those who lace up the skates. It is a lifelong passion where participants share a love for the game that is passed down from generation to generation. While a vacation during hockey season may be blasphemy to families with travel players in their midst, there are some must-do destinations that nourish the love of the ice.

Lake Placid, New York

Lake Placid, New York

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