Where to stay on Orcas Island: a review of Doe Bay Resort and Retreat

Popular Orcas Island, WA can get busy during the summer season, and lodging on this less developed San Juan Islands vacation destination can fill up fast. Families will find they don't have too many options: only a few established hotel resorts, lots of B&Bs (not all of them kid-friendly), and two campground choices exist. Camping at Moran State Park and Doe Bay Resort fill up as fast as the … [Read more...]

Five things to do with kids in Moran State Park, Orcas Island WA

Orcas Island is a great destination for families in the San Juan Island network. Kids will enjoy kayaking or exploring the numerous farmer's markets and two public beaches, but the highlight for us was Moran State Park. Located on the Doe Bay section of the island, Moran includes two lakes, numerous hikes, beautiful cascade waterfalls, a wonderful nature center, and swimming beaches. What … [Read more...]

Best travel experiences of 2015: Our top family trips

In the travel industry, there are a lot of articles and advertising messages that tell parents to hurry up and see it all. Go before they grow up. See it before they're out of school. You only have X number of years left. While I appreciate the effort to get families out their front door, I urge parents to remember that primarily, travel is about time together, sharing experiences and new places, … [Read more...]

Mount Rainier National Park two-day itinerary

On the right day, Mount Rainier National Park can rival the scenery beheld at National Park greats such as Glacier and Canada’s Banff or Jasper. Often hidden in cloud, the mountain framed by blue skies is nothing short of breathtaking, and on clear days, the views from the Paradise end of the park reach from Mt. St. Helens to Mt. Hood to Mt. Baker. The day we arrived, looking from volcano … [Read more...]

Exploring Mukilteo, WA with Kids

We partnered with Staybridge Suites on the post below. While sponsored, all opinions are our own. Seattle, Washington is a well-known vacation destination for families, and for good reason! But venture just a bit further north and parents will find a wonderful outdoor playground in Mukilteo, north of the city near Everett, Washington and Whidbey Island. This past June, we were able to … [Read more...]

Downtown Spokane and Hotel RL Spokane at the Park

After moving to Oregon from Spokane, Washington over 10 years ago, we try to get back to the Inland Empire every few years. This year, we spent two different weekends in Spokane, both of which at the Hotel RL Spokane at the Park, with lots of time to explore downtown with our (now) teen kids.   What's so special about downtown Spokane? Spokane is one of those lucky cities that … [Read more...]

Suncadia Resort review with kids

Suncadia Resort, located right off I-90 in the Wenatchee National Forest southeast of Snoqualamie, WA, is your quintessential four-season, multi-activity contemporary resort. We stopped by for two nights during a long summer road trip through Washington State, and compared it to Bend Oregon’s Sunriver Resort or Redmond Oregon’s Eagle Crest.  Suncadia boosts the same offerings, including … [Read more...]

Where to stay on San Juan Island with kids

If you read our post last week, you're all set with your San Juan Island with kids itinerary! Now, where to stay on San Juan Island with kids: while it's true that the San Juan Islands are known as a destination for B&Bs, other options do exist. Read on for our top lodging experiences on San Juan Island, with a wide range of options for your family.   Lakedale Resort: Kid-heaven … [Read more...]

Multi-day kayaking in the San Juan Islands

Families will always see more detail of the area they’re traveling by car rather than by plane, and even more by bicycle than by car. In the San Juan Islands, there’s no better way to explore this vast network of islands than by kayak. On our previous trips to the San Juan Islands, we arrived by ferry, then visited two islands: Orcas and San Juan. This time, we decided we were ready for the … [Read more...]

Visit Whidbey Island with kids: Exploring Coupeville

Whidbey Island may be small, but it's tall, as my sons have noted after a map study. When families come to visit Whidbey Island with kids, it's useful to stay in the center of the island, within easy access of attractions such as Deception Pass to the north, and the Clinton ferry landing to the south. The best home base: Coupeville. Coupeville WA is located within the boundaries of Ebey's … [Read more...]