Best Beach Towns: Newport, Rhode Island

It's time to start planning beach vacations! Our series of best beach towns for families is constantly building. Our latest addition: Newport, Rhode Island.  For a New England beach feel, plenty of shopping and seafood, and quaint lodging, Newport can't be beat. Its location along Narragansett Bay is ideal during the summer months, but Newport has much to offer families in the 'shoulder seasons of … [Read more...]

Uncrowded Yosemite: backpacking Yosemite National Park with kids

Would you believe that in July, in the center of Yosemite National Park, we enjoyed an entire day where we never saw another soul? It's possible, provided you depart from the usual tourist destinations in the valley and explore Yosemite backcountry. Backpacking Yosemite National Park with kids: We chose to hike a portion of The John Muir Trail, a 211 mile path between Happy Isles in Yosemite … [Read more...]

5 Western mountain lodges for family summer stays

We love mountain lodges! Whether your family enjoys hiking, mountain biking, fishing, or just swimming in a cool mountain lake, a stay at one of the following Western mountain lodges for families will provide much needed summer time R&R. 1. Lodge at Suttle Lake, Central Oregon: Whereas much of Central Oregon is surrounded by high desert, the small town of Sisters is located in the heart … [Read more...]

Touring Oregon Wine Country with Grape Escape wine tours

Not long ago, I wouldn't have thought of spending a full day during a Portland Oregon vacation touring the Oregon wine country. I simply wouldn't have realized it was an option. In fact, the region directly around metropolitan Portland is ripe with wineries, and has been for several decades. During a recent parents' weekend away in Portland, I spent an early spring Saturday in wine country with … [Read more...]

The Allison Inn and Spa: Willamette Valley wine country pick

Tucked into the green hillside just outside the quiet Portland bedroom community of Newberg, The Allison Inn and Spa somehow feels like both a destination and a detour. Turning up the long drive, you clearly feel as if you've arrived, but the location is just close enough to the bustle of downtown Portland that you feel only slightly away. When you're looking to get away for a peaceful weekend, … [Read more...]

Portland happy hour picks: Where to go for happy hour with or without the kids in Portland

If you're visiting Portland without the kids, have older kids with discerning tastes (as mine have become as they get older) or have younger children who appreciate great dining atmosphere over crayons and chicken nuggets (not mine at that age!), you'll want to try one (or all!) of the following Portland restaurants with happy hour deals, lively ambiance, and a true Portland city feel. 23 … [Read more...]

No rain dance required: three soggy days on the Olympic Peninsula

According to the middle-aged waitress in Hoquiam, Washington's only coffee shop, it had already been raining on the Olympic Peninsula for two days straight when we drove through en route to nearby Lake Quinault Lodge. And the forecast was not promising to get any better. "Can't imagine why you're visiting in March," she observed, pouring my coffee into a brown ceramic mug. "It'll still be … [Read more...]

Atlanta History Center with kids

During a family vacation to Atlanta, absolutely do not overlook the Atlanta History Center, located well out of downtown in the neighborhood of Buckhead. This sprawling museum on 33 wooded acres is tucked into the heart of a beautiful Atlanta neighborhood and is both peaceful and thought-provoking. For families visiting from outside the South, it's especially fascinating to learn about local Civil … [Read more...]

Atlanta with kids: visiting the CNN Center

The CNN Center is an impressive family attraction in Atlanta, and because it's located conveniently adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park attractions, it's definitely worth a visit. If you have young kids, it will be enough to walk into this vast building, take in all the international flags and large globe, and stop by the fun stores, such as a Cartoon Network store and Atlanta Braves store. … [Read more...]

Family attractions in Atlanta: Georgia Aquarium with kids

We visit a lot of aquariums, so I say this on pretty good authority: the Georgia Aquarium is one of the best we've experienced in the country. What makes it so great? Fully immersive exhibits and an easy-to-navigate layout. The Georgia Aquarium is designed in a way to resemble a hub and spokes. Instead of cavernous rooms that link together, making it hard for families to make sure they tour … [Read more...]