🎙️ Episode 179: Wallace, Idaho – History, Adventure & The Center of the Universe

Show Notes:

Looking for your next unforgettable family getaway? In this episode of The Family Vacationer, Rob and Traci head to the historic and quirky town of Wallace, Idaho—a place where silver mining history meets outdoor adventure, small-town charm, and even a claim to being the "Center of the Universe."

Our guest, Shauna Hillman joins us to share what makes this mountain town a hidden gem for family travelers. From biking the famous Route of the Hiawatha, to hiking historic trails like the Pulaski Tunnel Trail, and discovering fascinating local museums, Wallace offers something for every age group.

Shauna gives us a full picture of Wallace’s evolution—from surviving a devastating downtown fire in 1972 and preserving its historic identity, to thriving today as a family-friendly destination surrounded by 600 miles of national forest.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• What makes Wallace a “teacup town” and why its mining roots are still central to the community
• Activities for younger kids, teens, and active families
• The story behind the town’s “Center of the Universe” status
• Must-do experiences like the Route of the Hiawatha bike trail and local festivals
• Unique food and lodging options, including huckleberry treats and historic hotels
• Tips for visiting in all seasons, including winter sports and snowshoeing
• Where to find more info and plan your trip

Featured Attractions:

• Route of the Hiawatha – A scenic, family-friendly bike trail through tunnels and over trestles
• Pulaski Tunnel Trail – A hike honoring heroic firefighting history from the 1910 Great Fire
• Wallace District Mining Museum & Sierra Silver Mine Tour
• Annual Events – Huckleberry Festival, antique car shows, Statehood Day Parade & more
• Local eats – Pizza, ice cream, huckleberry shakes, and family-friendly menus everywhere

Useful Links:

• Wallace Chamber of Commerce: www.wallaceid.fun
• Facebook: Wallace Idaho Chamber
• Sign up for the Wallace Wednesday newsletter at the Chamber site for updates and events.

Subscribe & Connect:

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Family Vacationer, leave us a review, and follow us on Instagram and Substack for even more family travel tips and destination inspiration.

“Remember to keep your hearts and your passports open. Safe travels, everyone!”

🎙️ Episode 178: How to Travel More for Less with Karen Dawkins

Guest: Karen Dawkins, Family Travels on a Budget

Series: Smart Family Travel

If you’ve ever said, “We’d love to travel more, but it’s just not in the budget,” this episode is for you.

Rob sits down with family budget travel expert Karen Dawkins, the creator of Family Travels on a Budget, to share smart, stress-free strategies for getting the most out of your vacation dollar — without sacrificing joy or quality. Karen's no-nonsense, realistic approach has been featured in USA Today, HuffPost, and more.

🎧 In This Episode:

• Why budget travel isn’t about spending the least — it’s about getting the most value
• The #1 mistake families make when trying to save money on vacation
• How to avoid hidden costs like parking, resort fees, and baggage fees
• When and how to book flights and accommodations for maximum savings
• Favorite destinations that are big on fun and low on cost (spoiler: Chattanooga!)
• Travel rewards, loyalty programs, and hacks to stretch your dollars further
• Creative ways to save on food without skipping great meals
• The best places to find free and low-cost activities
• All-inclusive resorts vs. cultural immersion: how to choose what’s right for your goals
• Why Karen swears by Brits Donuts in Carolina Beach 🍩

🧭 Resources Mentioned:

• Family Travels on a Budget
• Instagram hashtags like #FreeThingsToDoIn{CityName}
• National Park Passes
• City attraction passes (like GoCity or CityPASS)
• Home2 Suites (cat-friendly & family-friendly)
• Costco Travel
• VRBO (transparent pricing & family space)

💬 Final Thought:

“Plan with your goal in mind, not just your destination. Let the experience guide the budget — not the other way around.”

👉 Subscribe, review, and share this episode with friends or family looking to make travel part of their lifestyle — even on a budget.

🎒 Keep your hearts and your passports open — and safe travels from The Family Vacationer!

🎧 Episode 177: Hidden Gems of the South: Family Adventures Off the Beaten Path

Looking for your next unforgettable family getaway without the airport hassle or a sky-high price tag? This week on The Family Vacationer, Rob and Traci welcome Lesli Peterson, founder of 365 Atlanta Traveler, to uncover the best underrated destinations across the Southern U.S. perfect for families seeking flexibility, fun, and meaningful travel experiences.

From hiking Georgia’s hidden canyons to exploring the unexpected charm of Huntsville, Alabama, Lesli shares her favorite off-the-beaten-path destinations, travel tips for every age, and why you don’t have to leave the South—or spend a fortune—to have a memorable vacation. Plus, she reflects on her own family’s epic year-long RV adventure and the power of traveling with your kids while they still want to hang out with you.

🎒 In this episode:

• Why traveling with kids when they’re young matters more than you think
• Favorite lesser-known destinations like Martin County, FL and Henry County, GA
• The surprising magic of places like Columbus, GA and Huntsville, AL
• Family-friendly festivals you won’t want to miss (yes, even Dragon Con!)
• Top tips for planning budget vacations using state parks
• How to stay flexible and intentional when travel plans go sideways
• The real reward of travel writing: helping families make memories

🧭 Mentioned in this episode:

• 365 Atlanta Traveler – 365atlantatraveler.com
• Little St. Simons Island
• Okefenokee Swamp and Georgia State Parks
• Wire & Wood Songwriters Festival (Alpharetta, GA)
• Dragon Con Parade (Atlanta, GA)
• Hot Air Balloon Festival (Helen, GA)
• Martin County, FL
• Columbus, GA dining + outdoor rec scene
• RV travel tips and national park highlights

👤 Guest:

Lesli Peterson is a mom, writer, and founder of 365 Atlanta Traveler, a leading site for family-friendly travel inspiration across Georgia and the Southeast. Her mission is to help families make the most of their time together through meaningful, flexible, and affordable adventures.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review wherever you listen!

📸 Follow us on Instagram @thefamilyvacationer

📰 Get bonus content and episode extras on Substack

🎒 Remember to keep your hearts and your passports open. Safe travels, everyone!