A Full Day in Flip Flops

A Full Day in Flip Flops The best in touristy travel destinations with a gluten-free angle. Free weekend… Where we going?

05/27/2026

We dig deeper into our upcoming road trip and each of us gives our top 5 things we are looking forward to as we prepare for our massive road trip. After thoughtful research we all have things that we can’t wait to experience at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, The Cincinnati Zoo, Kings Island, Cedar Point, and The Columbus Zoo.

While this is mostly a return trip for Derek with a few notable exceptions, this is a brand new adventure for both Lindsay and Anabelle.

So what is on our lists? Watch to find out and follow us to see if these things made the cut as we bring you along on this 8 day road trip through the Midwest and Ohio Valley to some of America’s best Theme Parks and Zoos.

05/24/2026

We preview our upcoming road trip and lay out the plans we have for this 8 day mega trip through the Ohio Valley. Join us to see what we are looking forward to at each stop along the way including - Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Cincinnati Zoo, Kings Island, Cedar Point, and the Columbus Zoo.

We touch on all of our plans including some lesser known stops along the way to find tasty food. That being said, we are looking for your recommendations. If you have made this trip before and have something that we shouldn’t miss add a comment and let us know.

We are beyond excited to be hitting the road for this trip and can’t wait to bring you along with fresh new content highlighting our favorite moments from this good old fashioned family road trip.

05/24/2026

We make a quick stop at the Buc-ee’s Convenience Store in Springfield, Missouri for some BBQ, snacks, and to take in the atmosphere in this bizarre American mega gas station that people seem to not get enough of.

We answer the important questions, such as are the BBQ sandwiches worth the hype, what snacks might you find here that are unique and tasty, and can you do all of this in under 20 minutes.

Plus Lindsay goes on a quest to find out what Gluten-Free options she can find. (Spoiler alert - they aren’t great.)

Join us for a quick stop at Buc-ee’s to see if you need to make a pit stop at this massive station on your next trip through the Springfield, MO area on your next trip from Kansas City to Branson.

Address -
3284 N Beaver Rd
Springfield, Missouri 65803

05/21/2026

I visited the future site of the Mattel Adventure Park and Destination KCK to see what is happening on the grounds based on the recent news that construction will be starting soon.

As part of this coverage we dive into some of what is known and what is still up in the air as we try to determine if this future development is going to actually happen and if so what timing looks like for the key milestones that are hopefully upcoming.

Join us for this first look and stay tuned to the channel as we cover future progress in what could be a game changer for the area and Kansas City in general.

Subscribe for future progress and to see this park go vertical and get track on site.

05/21/2026

We take a short trip from Kansas City to Topeka, Kansas to check out the Topeka Zoo and see if this is worthy of a weekend day trip or a stop if you are passing through.

This small zoo offers an affordable option without all of the steps of some bigger zoos we have gone to such as the Kansas City Zoo. With a friendly staff and exhibits that may be more than you would expect for a zoo this size we enjoyed our time exploring the grounds.

Highlights include Liana’s Forest featuring Orangutans, Camp Cowabunga with Lions, Cheetahs, and Porcupines, The Tropical Rain Forest with giant bats and a sloth, and the Black Bear Woods.

Prices for adults is $10, Kids 3-13 - $8.50, Seniors - $9.00, and Children 2 and under are free. This zoo is also accredited by the Associated of Zoos and Aquariums and offers a 50% discount for friends of the zoo members from other zoos around the country.

Join us as we take a leisurely stroll through the zoo on a beautiful spring day to see how this stacks up compared to other zoos we have visited.

05/21/2026

We visit Sea Life aquarium in Kansas City, on a busy Saturday to determine if this is worth your time and money.

This attraction is located near several other local attractions including LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, Union Station, and the National WWI Museum and Memorial, and the Crown Center Shopping center. This location makes this an easy stop if you are in the area.

This aquarium is rather small, but is very well done with tons of interactive exhibits for kids and adults alike, including touch tanks, a scavenger hunt, projection mapping, and fun facts that keep this both entertaining and educational.

For more information and to look at ticketing options visit the website below.

05/20/2026

The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona is often at the top of lists in places to see or things to do when looking at attractions in the area. We spent an afternoon exploring the stunning landscapes, looking for desert wildlife and even grabbing a cocktail during our time here.

From the beautiful Desert Entry Garden, to the five distinct trails - The Desert Wildlife Trail, The Desert Discovery Trail, Center for Desert Living Trail, The Sonoran Desert Nature Trail, and Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert Trail - this attraction offers some of the most beautiful landscapes you will find anywhere.

The experience is an extremely family friendly adventure that is great for all ages including those with strollers, a date night, or just a peaceful day taking in the beauty that is abundant on a daily basis.

With special events and art installations which change throughout the year, there is always something new to see here and the website will help you discover what you might see on your next trip.

You can beat the heat with a stop by the award winning Gertrude’s by Tarbell’s which offers a fresh menu with an emphasis on local ingredients from farmers in the Arizona area and is inspired by legendary PBS television host and James Beard-nominated chef Mark Tarbell.

If you aren’t hungry, the bar offers hand made cocktails, as well as local craft beers that make for a nice stop to break up your visit, or to enjoy after a stroll through the gardens.

Check out this video to see why we think the Desert Botanical Garden is a must on your next trip to the Phoenix or Scottsdale, Arizona region.

05/20/2026

For 45 years Manny’s Mexican Restaurant has been serving up Mexican favorites and Cold margaritas on Southwest Boulevard in Kansas City.

This family friendly restaurant has been a staple on the boulevard offering a relaxed atmosphere, and traditional mexican favorites making it one of Kansas City’s most famous dining spots.

Delicious burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and nachos are just the beginning. The large menu offers up Mexican comfort foods like these, as well as traditional family recipes offering a wide variety that is sure to satisfy your cravings.

From their roots, starting as just a small 50 seat establishment (what is currently the bar space) the Lopez family have worked to expand to a capacity of 350 while keeping the same quality and feel over the years.

Join us as we dine and determine if Manny’s Mexican Restaurant is worthy of a stop for lunch or dinner on your next trip to Kansas City, Missouri.

Address

3284 N Beaver Road
Phoenix, AZ
65803

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