**Show Notes: Episode 169 – Holiday Magic in Owosso and Shiawassee County, Michigan**

Join *The Family Vacationer* as Rob spotlights Owosso and Shiawassee County, Michigan—a perfect blend of small-town charm, history, and festive spirit. Whether for a holiday getaway or a year-round family destination, this area delivers unforgettable experiences.

### **Why Visit?**

- Explore rich railroading history, vibrant arts, and Curwood Castle, a landmark tied to James Oliver Curwood.

- Enjoy a welcoming community and beautiful Midwestern heritage.

### **Holiday Highlights**

- **North Pole Express:**

- Historic train rides (mid-November–Christmas) by the Steam Railroading Institute.

- Features the Pere Marquette 1225, inspiration for *The Polar Express*, and Ashley’s North Pole-themed village.

- **Christmas at Durand Depot:**

- Over 250 decorated trees, Santa story hours, and holiday photos.

- **Shiawassee Arts Center:**

- Weekly art exhibits and local handmade gifts.

- **Community Events:**

- Perry, Vernon, Byron, and Laingsburg host festive parades and celebrations.

### **Special Guest: Kim Springsdorf**

Kim Springsdorf, Executive Director of the Shiawassee County CVB, shares insider tips on holiday traditions and local attractions.

### **Family-Friendly Attractions**

- **Parades & Lighting Events:**

- *Owosso Glow Parade* (Nov. 29): Santa, tree lighting, and fireworks.

- *Durand Holidays in the Depot* (Nov. 30): All-day festivities and a lighted parade.

- *Corunna McCurdy Park Parade* (Dec. 6): Holiday lights in a historic setting.

- **Unique Spots:**

- McCurdy Park Historic Village: December Festival of Trees.

- Curwood Castle: Michigan’s only castle in a scenic park.

- **Small-Town Festivals:**

- Elsie Winter Fest: Holiday markets, music, and parades (Dec. 1, 7, 8).

- Perry Christmas Fantasy (Dec. 14): Parade and family fun.

### **Dining & Lodging**

- **Dining:** Local favorites include Don Felipe’s, Durand Union Smokehouse, and The Twig.

- **Lodging:** Family-friendly hotels like Comstock Inn and Quality Inn with pools.

### **Year-Round Activities**

- **Outdoor Adventures:** Hopkins Lake, Green Meadows, and Debree Nature Conservancy.

- **Historic Charm:** Downtown Owosso and McCurdy Park.

### **Plan Your Trip**

- **When to Visit:** Holiday events run late November through December.

- **Don’t Miss:** The Polar Express train and Durand Depot displays.

- **Explore:** Downtown Owosso and nearby towns for unique finds.

### **Resources**

- [Shiawassee County CVB](https://www.shiawassee.org)

- [Steam Railroading Institute](https://www.michigansteamtrain.com)

- [Curwood Castle](https://www.curwoodcastle.com)

Plan your visit to Shiawassee County for an unforgettable holiday experience. Happy holidays from *The Family Vacationer*!

Episode 168 Highlights:

1. Introduction to Woodstock, Vermont

• Discover this charming town in central Vermont, near Lebanon, NH, and Rutland, VT.
• A brief history of Woodstock’s New England character and why it’s a great holiday destination.

1. Wassail Weekend Preview

• A glimpse at the 40th Annual Wassail Weekend, held December 13–15:
• Wassail Scavenger Hunt: Start your holiday adventure at the “Town Smiler” with a town-wide scavenger hunt.
• Christmas at Billings Farm & Museum: Enjoy Victorian holiday traditions, including candle-dipping and sleigh rides.
• Rare & Vintage Book Sale and Story Hour at Norman Williams Public Library.
• Woodstock Town Hall Theatre: Live performances and holiday music in a historic setting.

1. Saturday’s Main Events

• Artisan and Food Market on the Village Green: Local crafts and treats.
• Wassail Parade: Horses decked out in festive regalia for an iconic holiday parade.
• Luminary Lighting and Caroling: Caroling, tree lighting, and a cozy bonfire to end the day.

1. Family-Friendly Sunday Activities

• Billings Farm Victorian Traditions: Another chance for old-time holiday charm.
• Skate with Santa at Union Arena: A holiday skating experience with Santa.
• Snow Maiden Puppet Show at Town Hall Theatre.
• Messiah Sing at Our Lady of the Snows: A community sing-along of Handel’s Messiah.

1. Tips for a Great Visit

• Dress Warmly: Layers are key for Vermont’s cold winters.
• Plan Ahead: Reserve tickets and dinner reservations early.
• Shuttle Service: Park at Woodstock Union High School and take the free shuttle.

1. Dining and Lodging Suggestions

• Dining: Enjoy a cozy meal at local spots like Worthy Kitchen and Mon Vert Café.
• Accommodations: Stay at The Woodstock Inn & Resort for a memorable holiday getaway.

1. Year-Round Attractions and Festivals

• Woodstock is great all year! Explore other events, outdoor activities, and arts festivals that make this town a family-friendly destination.

Social Media & Hashtags:

Share your Wassail Weekend photos with #WoodstockVT and tag @TheFamilyVacationer to be featured!

Links and Resources Mentioned:

• Wassail Weekend Information
• Billings Farm & Museum
• The Woodstock Inn & Resort
• Norman Williams Public Library
• Pentangle Arts at Woodstock Town Hall Theatre

Episode Title: The Lasting Power of Family Vacation Memories

Episode Description:

In this heartfelt episode of *The Family Vacationer*, Rob opens up about a recent personal loss and how, through creating a memorial slideshow for his dad, he discovered the profound impact family vacations had on their lives. With photos and memories bringing laughter, adventure, and cherished moments flooding back, Rob shares how these trips have become priceless pieces of his family’s legacy. Join us as we explore why family vacations are more than just getaways and how they shape and strengthen family bonds that stand the test of time.

Episode Highlights:

- Why Family Vacations Matter – More than just a break, family vacations create moments that last a lifetime and help shape family identities.

- Capturing the Real Moments – The importance of candid photos that capture the spirit of a trip rather than just picture-perfect poses.

- Building Strong Family Connections*– How shared experiences during family trips build resilience, empathy, and connection.

- The Priceless Value of Memories – Reflections on how these memories gain value over time and become treasures that connect us with loved ones who have passed.

- Tips for Memory-Making on Your Next Family Trip – Practical advice on how to be present, create meaningful moments, and document the special moments that bring a trip to life.

Tune in for a reflective conversation on the true value of family vacations and how making time for these experiences can bring families closer together, one memory at a time.

Connect with Us:

- Follow us on Instagram: [@TheFamilyVacationer](https://instagram.com/thefamilyvacationer)

- Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen!

- Share your favorite family vacation memories with us by tagging #TheFamilyVacationer