Amy Hagstrom - Pitstops for Kids

Five haunted hotels worth visiting this Halloween…if you dare

October 28, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

My kids tend to be frightened by kid-friendly haunted houses, let alone a haunted hotel, but if yours are made of heartier stock, a stay at one of the following haunted hotels might be just what you need for a memorable Halloween vacation.

The Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC:

Rumor has it that the ghost known as the Pink Lady has been haunting the hallways of the historic Grove Park Inn for more than half a century. If you happen to catch a glimpse ghost-hunters’ style, you’ll know her by her flowing pink gown. This young woman was a guest in Room 545 in the 1920’s before either jumping or being pushed to her untimely death in the Main Inn’s Palm Court five floors below. Sightings of the Pink Lady still occur, most often by children.

The Homestead, Hot Springs, VA:

One of the top family resorts in Virginia, the Homestead enjoys a long history since opening in 1766. Reportedly, the 14th floor remains haunted to this day after a jilted bride took her own life in the early 1900s. Look for her waiting for her husband-to-be’s return while not enjoying the Homestead’s many recreational family activities.

Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods, NH:

The Omni Mount Washington is known for its fantastic mountain scenery and outdoor activities, but indoors, the ghost of the wife of railroad tycoon (and resort builder) Joseph Stickney haunts the hallway surrounding Room 314. Visitors to this room have reported seeing the woman sitting on the edge of the bed. To play upon this haunted theme, the Omni is offering a Haunted Canopy Tour in late October, during which families can fly above the trees in the dark, dodging what may be more ghosts…and a goblin or two?

The Peery, Salt Lake City, UT:

The historic Peery Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member, is a Salt Lake tradition. Built in the late 19th century, the hotel is the oldest in the city and offers a rich history with Prairie-style architecture. Recently remodeled into a luxury boutique hotel this year, the hotel offers modern amenities but the past still haunted the hotel today. Guests have reported saying an old hotel guest still hasn’t checked out and still haunted the elevators. Some guests have even reported hearing bangs and seeing things slide across the floor. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, the hotel is the perfect place to stay in Salt Lake City where you’re near Temple Square, Capitol Theatre and within walking distance of downtown.

Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego CA:

A famed San Diego landmark, the Hotel Del Coronado is know for more than just luxury family vacations. As the story goes, the ghost of Kate Morgan, still haunts the hotel in the form of cold spots and breezes. Morgan checked into the Coronado to meet with her estranged husband, then shot herself on the nearby beach when he never showed. When not seeking out her ghost, families will want to take advantage of the Southern California sunshine and less traditional Halloween activities such a surf lessons and sandcastle building.

Have you stayed in a haunted hotel? Did you check out immediately, or enjoy the thrill of it?

5 haunted hotels to visit this Halloween

Where to eat in Breckenridge (in any season)

October 22, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Breckenridge, Colorado is not just a ski town. It’s also a hiking town, a mountain biking town, a fall leaf peeping town, and yes, a foodie town. Here’s where to eat out, whether you’re in town for the snow or the trails.

With the kids:

Need apres-ski or hiking spots big on fun, deck-space, brews for mom and dad, and a casual ambiance? Here’s where to go in town.

Breckenridge Brewery:

Located at 600 S. Main Street, Breck Brew is one of the nation’s top micro-breweries. It’s also very kid-friendly. While mom and dad enjoy a flight, kids can get down with great burgers, sandwiches, and other pub fare.

Motherloaded Tavern:

This cozy spot at 103 S. Main Street is both casual and sophisticated. Foodies will like the irony of comfort foods going gourmet, and kids will just be happy to recognize nearly everything on the menu. Think homemade mac and cheese, chicken and waffles, and pot roast…need I go on?

Crepes a la Carte:

This one’s a no-brainer. Located at 307 S. Main Street, Breckenridge’s famous crepe cart has friendly outdoor seating (with fire pit in winter) and fast service. A crepe is a full meal here, and comes in an easy-to-carry paper cone. Best ‘street food’ in Breck, hands down.

Giampietro Pasta and Pizza:

This casual, small dining establishment at 600 South Park comes personally recommended by a Breck local with kids of her own. Get calzones large enough to split, and mom and dad, check out the tequila menu.

Downstairs at Eric’s:

Eric’s has pub-style food with a large arcade area for kids. Perfect for holing away on a chilly winter evening, it’s easy to lose track of time at Eric’s!

Without the kids:

Twist:

This foodie heaven at 200 South Ridge offers a modern take on comfort food. We had a seasonal salad with a beet and goat cheese ravioli, but other menu offerings included a meatloaf, a mac and cheese, and a kabob. The menu here changes four times a year, and Chef Matt Fackler personally sources ingredients, picking the best of the best, whether they come locally or from further afield.

Modis:

Best cocktails in town! Modis’ mixologists create one-of-a-kind craft cocktails that pair wonderfully with their dinners. We went at happy hour (3 pm to 6 pm during our visit) and sat up on the rooftop deck. The lettuce wraps and sliders are divine! Find Modis at 113 South Main.

Breakfast in Breck:

Cuppa Joe:

Located at 118 South Ridge, Cuppa Joe is a local institution. Arguably, they serve the best coffee in town, but don’t leave without getting one of their massive breakfast burritos or a granola bowl.

Amazing Grace Natural Foods:

Find Amazing Grace tucked away in a friendly older house at 213 Lincoln. Sit on the back deck in summer, or duck inside for great breakfast sandwiches and egg dishes made with only quality natural ingredients.

Where do you like to eat in Breckenridge? Favorite foods on the mountain? Let us know!

5 fun yet creepy places to spend Halloween

October 20, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re a wimp about the supernatural like me and my family, you’ll be content to spend Halloween safely at home, carving a few jack-o-lanterns and calling it a night. If however, you and your kids are made of heartier stock, read on to find five of the most fun, yet creepy places to spend Halloween this year.

1. Gettysburg, PA:

Don’t get me wrong…we love Gettysburg, but it can feel creepy after dark, no matter the season. If that’s your thing, stay at the Federal Pointe Inn, Gettysburg, PA, located right in town. The historic boutique inn was once a school in 1896. Today, the inn has been beautifully restored to complement its rich past and the history of the town. The inn is located within walking distance of downtown Gettysburg where you can take a candlelight walking tour. Find more tours and haunted offerings in our guide to the town of Gettysburg.

2. Virginia City, Nevada:

Want to spend Halloween in a lovely yet slightly creepy mining boomtown? Of course you do! Virginia City is a great place to teach kids about early pioneering and mining history in the Sierra Nevada, but in autumn, the area’s somewhat seedy past–filled with gunfights and card sharks–takes on a delightfully ghoulish air.

Affectionately called ‘Hauntober’, families can use the Virginia City Comstock Adventure Pass to gain entry into the town’s many museums, living history houses, and mine tours. There’s even a very frightful (yet also highly educational) cemetery in town. Step inside a dark mine, just as early miners did over a century ago, and if you’re brave enough, take one of the town’s many ghost tours (many take place in saloons but are still teen-friendly).

3. Salem, Massachusetts:

Want to be super creeped out this Halloween? Go to the epicenter for hauntings, Salem MA. Best known as the location of the infamous Salem Which Trials, this region plays up their place in history with psychic walks, dark tours, and haunted trolley rides, none of which is for the faint of heart. If you have kids who can handle the dark chapter in history, take a visit to the Witch House museum on the corner of North and Essex Streets. Want something a bit more tame? Salem also hosts a fun costume parade for children and plenty of harvest foods and street foods. Plan your trip to Salem here.

4. New Orleans, Louisiana:

Combine a scary Halloween night with some outdoor adventure and excitement with a visit to New Orleans’ eerie Manchac Swamp, where ancient trees and wispy Spanish moss cast an air of mystery and intrigue. If the hair on the back of your arm is standing up when you visit, there’s a reason: hundreds died in this swamp during a tidal wave, earning it the nickname ‘haunted swamp’.

In the city, plenty of evening walks, ghost tours, and lantern-light costume dramas vie for attention to creep you out. Then there’s the city’s love of voodoo…adding to the ghostly and otherworldly atmosphere. Check out Haunted History Tours in the French Quarter. Need somewhere to stay? Consider a stay at a New Orleans hostel.

5. Estes Park, Colorado:

Estes Park makes the list thanks to the town’s creepiest hotel, also known as one of the most haunted in the nation. The Stanley Hotel is known for two things: its ideal views and location near Rocky Mountain National Park, and being the inspiration behind Stephen King’s The Shining. Multiple witnesses (aka guests) have declared the hotel haunted, as well as the hotel’s founder, F. O. Stanley.

Of course, after braving a night in the lovely Stanley Hotel, take some time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, which is breathlessly beautiful in the late fall. You might even forget how frightened you were.

Check out five more haunted hotels to visit this Halloween.

5 fun yet creepy places to spend Halloween

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Grown-up Getaway: What to do in Breckenridge in fall

October 18, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Why would you go to Breckenridge in fall? As one local resident, mountain bike pro, and chef put it, “Why wouldn’t you?” Autumn is a special time in this Colorado mountain town.

When I arrived in mid-September, I half-expected a ghost town: after all, Breck is known for skiing. Instead, I found a town alive with a quiet, happy hum of activity: tourists and locals alike were enjoying the fall weather while hiking, biking, and enjoying special events only found in Breck in fall. Here’s what to do with a weekend getaway with or without the kids:

Go hiking:

Leaf peeping is at its peak in September! For a challenging hike, head up Spruce Creek Road (just a few miles out of town off Hwy 9) and park at Spruce Creek Trailhead. The Spruce Creek Trail takes hikers through alpine forests for just over two miles, then connects with the Mohawk Lakes Trail. This final 1.7 mile section gets steep, past snow melt waterfalls and the remains of mining structures en route to Lower and Upper Mohawk lakes…well worth the effort. Look for mountain goats and plenty of fall color on the slopes opposite.

Need more ideas for local hikes or want to hike with an expert? Contact CBST Adventures in town and go with a pro!

Get a massage:

While in Breck, I had the best massage of my life at Harmony Health Massage and Wellness Spa. What made it so special? Owner and massage therapist Inanna Hall, who took on the task of getting travel day stress out of my shoulders and neck from a holistic, almost spiritual approach. Her philosophy is to approach any massage from an intuitive angle, and it showed. I had one of her synergy massages, and added a session with oxygen for only $30. This is a smart thing to do while adjusting to Breckenridge’s high altitude.

Get on a mountain bike:

There’s more mountain biking in and around Breckenridge than you’ll know what to do with. Pick up a hiking and biking trail map when you arrive, and use the universal green (easy), blue (intermediate), and black (expert) color coding to pick your routes. Most of the marked trails around town are single or double track, though dirt roads can be tacked on for good measure. As a beginner-intermediate mountain biker, these are the trails I tackled:

Lower Flume: Access the Lower Flume trail directly from town via the recreational bike path (more on that below). From the Breckenridge Recreation Center, follow the path out of town to where it connects with Lower Flume. Or, follow Main Street down to the 7-Eleven, turn right, and access from the recycling center.
Betty’s Trail: Find this intermediate trail right off Reiling Road. It’s just under one mile, and parallels the road most of the way (you won’t get disoriented). While it goes up and down, it’s not too rocky, though you’ll want to take care on the sharp turns.
Turk’s Trail and Reiling Drudge Trail: Further up Reiling, a parking lot offers access to a wider network of trails, including intermediate Turk’s and easy (and short) Reiling Drudge. Turk’s has quite the incline and tends to be rocky, but intermediate to advanced riders will love that it connects to more in the blue category, or can be looped with easy B&B.The Reiling Drudge Trail is fun because of the historical plaques marking remnants of mining history in the area.
XLOU8: My favorite intermediate trail I experienced, XLOU8 can be accessed from the same Reiling Drudge parking lot, and connects to Minnie Mine trail. It’s up and down, fairly free of rocks, and has an interesting mine to ride past.
Pence Miller: This intermediate trail can be accessed directly from Mountain Thunder Lodge via a short access trail. It winds above the resort area at the bottom section of the ski runs.

Pick up a mountain bike to rent for the day or multiple days at Avalanche Sports, located on North Main. They’ll give you a helmet, which is essential. Also bring water, a snack, and a layer or two for any ride. While it’s easy to return back to town fairly quickly from most easy and intermediate trails, it’s still good to be prepared for any weather. Find trail maps here.

Not sure you want to mountain bike? Take the recreational bike path through town instead. This paved path runs almost to Keystone!

Take a distillery tour:

The Breckenridge Distillery has a tasting room on Main Street, but also a full factory tour offered at their distillery on Airport Road. This tour is fascinating…and yes, it includes samples. Each tour is 30 minutes, and takes guests from a tasting area to the distilling rooms and barreling rooms. Our tour guide knew the business inside-out, and answered all our questions relating to both the distilling process and the variety of spirits created (which include vodka, bourbon whiskey, bitters, and seasonal specialties). Tours are free! Must be 21 or over.

Stroll around town:

Main Street runs from the ski resort village all the way down to the far end of town, and is chock full of great dining and shopping. And no, it’s not dead in the fall. Instead, it’s intimate, with locals emerging after a busy tourist summer season. Check out the shops, eat a crepe at Crepes a la Cart, grab a craft cocktail at Modis, and just take in the scene. While walking downtown, consider taking a historic walking tour from the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance.

Need dining recs? We have them!

Take in the Breck Film Fest:

The Breck Film Fest takes over town one week every September, and is a fun opportunity to see Hollywood in the mountains. Come for opening night, and grab affordable tickets to the opening show or opening night party. We were lucky enough to see the feature film for the festival’s Adventure Reel, Snowman. The atmosphere is relaxed, casual, and ultra-cool.

What do you like to do in Breckenridge? In what season?

Where to hike in Breckenridge with kids

October 15, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Think Breckenridge, Colorado is only a winter ski destination? No way! This mountain town is a great pick for summer and fall travel as well, offering historical significance, museums and culture, great dining, and, our personal favorite, excellent hiking for families.

When families arrive in Breck, they’ll find maps with literally dozens of hiking trails accessible right from town. Many of these hikes will include mining history built in, either the form of signage explaining historical significance or historical structures or mining equipment that remains behind. Here’s where to hike in Breckenridge in multiple categories:

Easy hikes:

Burro Trail: Accessed directly in town, the Burro Trail has a gentle grade (it was literally the trail burros used to haul gear). The first half mile is easy-breezy, perfect for young kids, and then it keeps going for miles, all the way out of town to high elevations. Families can connect to the Spruce Creek Trail and Wheeler Trail further afield.
Sawmill Creek: This 1.5 mile loop starts just below and west of Snowflake Lift, which is close to Four O’Clock Road and Kings Crown Road. It has minimal altitude gain, and there’s plenty of shade along the way. The trail leads up to a beautiful reservoir: bring a picnic lunch!
Reiling Drudge Trail: This trail, located at the top of Reiling Road, connects to several top-notch mountain biking trails. It’s multi-use, but an easy, short hike to the Reiling Drudge. This remnant from the mining era is impressively intact, and shows how this type of mining impacted the environment (you can see the piles of rock and ore still left behind, though the scenery is still very pretty). Historical markers tell hikers more about the site. If you want a longer hike, continue from the drudge trail to the Minnie Mine Trail. Here, you’ll see more plaques and remains of mining buildings.

Kids don’t want to hike? Head to River Walk Park, where kids can wade in the Blue River in summer and fall and play on the playground in all seasons.

Harder hikes:

Mohawk Lakes: This series of alpine lakes can be tackled in an eight mile loop, or families can simply hike to the first few. From the trailhead, it’s just over three miles to Lower Mohawk, which sits in a bowl with Upper Mohawk just out of sight above it. They’re followed by several more lakes along a chain. The path can be steep at times, but the way is broken up by lots to look at: kids will love the historic mining remnants still cluttering the landscape, and snow melt waterfalls such as Continental Falls. Get to the trailhead by heading out Hwy 9 and turning right on Spruce Creek Road. Park at the trailhead 1.2 miles up.
Bakers Tank Loop: While most of this five mile loop trail is intermediate, there are a few climbs to be had. The trail follows an historic railroad line and has Western mountain views. Start at the Bakers Tank Trailhead on Boreas Pass Road. The first three miles are along Boreas Pass Road, heading south.
Black Powder Pass: At 3.4 miles (roundtrip) with an elevation gain, this hike is solidly in the intermediate range. From Boreas Pass Road, go up to the top of Boreas Pass, and take the trail just before the Section House. Families get above the tree line without a long hike, but remember, you’ll be at over 12,000 feet, so take your time. Look for views of the Tenmile Range.

Hardest hike:

Crystal Lakes: Get above the tree line hiking to the Crystal Lakes. These small, high alpine lakes sit at over 11,000 feet, and the way is very steep in places, and mostly exposed. Access these lakes from the Burro Trail or drive partway up Spruce Creek Road or Crystal Lake Road (4×4 driving essential). Look for picas (like small rabbits that make a high pitched call) and mountain goats.

Tip: Want to get a taste of mining history in the area without hiking to it? Head to the Country Boy Mine, where kids can go inside mine shafts and pan for gold. This historical site has very good, though realistic, tours. Young kids may be frightened when the lights are turned off and hydraulic machinery is turned on to stimulate how it would have felt and sounded like in the mine in bygone eras.

Note: No matter where you hike in Breckenridge, you’ll feel the significant elevation. Get tips on dealing with high altitude!

Have you hiked in Breckenridge? Where do you recommend?

Spooky Pit Stops: Salem Massachusetts

October 8, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

If you have kids who laugh in the face of fear, this pit stop is for you! (And if you don’t, keep reading anyway; there’s something here for the fainter of heart as well!) The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 placed Salem, Massachusetts on the map as one of the spookiest places in the U.S., and while thankfully, superstition and ignorance have gone the way of pilgrim hats, the town still does a great job of scaring you silly throughout the weeks leading up to Halloween.

Located off I-95, Salem is an easy detour during road trips, and you can easily enjoy their haunted attractions in a few hours. Throughout the month of October, enjoy their Haunted Happenings, which run daily and include pumpkin festivals, harbor cruises (highlighting Salem’s rich pirating history), a street fair and carnival, and trick-or-treating. The truly scary stuff starts after dark, with witch trial reenactments and candlelit walking tours such as the Terror Trail and Witch Trial Trail (not for young kids).

If you have school-aged kids who can handle the dark subject matter, the Salem Witch Museum (19 1/2 Washington Square North) is one of the best of its kind, with life-sized replicas of the key players in the witch trials, audio/visual displays, and reenactments. (Young kids can enjoy the autumn weather and play with an adult on the beautiful grounds nearby.) The Haunted Neighborhood at the Salem Wax Museum (288 Derby Street) is also excellent, but again, not for anyone frightened easily.

Dates offered: Now through October 31st

Distance off the interstate: Several minutes off I-95.

Hours: Most attractions open daily. See daily itinerary and schedule below for details.

Dining options: A comprehensive list of family-friendly dining choices can be found here.

Website: This site has a calendar of events for the town and community.

Admission: Varies by activity. Nightly walking tours are $12 for adults and $5 for kids under age 17. If you think you might do it all or a bit of everything, combination tickets are available. Ask at any single museum or attractions, or at the visitor’s,tourist center.

Directions: Slight left at MA-128 N. Take exit 25A to merge onto MA-114 E/Andover St toward Salem.

Exploring the Acropolis area of Athens

October 5, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Likely at the top of your must-do list for Athens, the Acropolis isn’t just one stop. Make a day of it by getting a thorough tour of the entire Acropolis area, dedicating your morning to the museum and your afternoon to the outdoor sites. Here’s how to go about your day at the Acropolis area of Athens:

Acropolis Museum:

The Acropolis Museum is where you’ll learn what, exactly, you’re about to see and why it matters. We suggest doing it first, even though the outdoor sites are likely to be cooler in the morning, because of the cruise ship schedule: try to walk around the ruins of the Acropolis in the morning and you’re likely to find yourself in long entry lines.

The museum makes a great first impression: you’ll walk right over impressive ruins, once upon a time a neighborhood of baths, markets and houses under modern-day Athens. They’re now under glass, so you walk right over archeological sites that date back to the fifth century BC. After entering the museum, the first collection in the wide glass-floored gallery displays artifacts from the slopes of the Acropolis. Basically, you’re going to see the things that used to be on the hill, in the Parthenon. In antiquity, the slopes of the Sacred Rock was the transition zone between the city and its most famous sanctuary, where large and small sanctuaries existed alongside private houses. Yes, there were private residences that close to the impressive Acropolis.

Definitely make a stop in the Parthenon Gallery on the third floor for the video presentation about the Parthenon. This will give kids, especially, better background before they ascend the slope.

Acropolis:

Time to see the actual Acropolis! At this UNESCO site, you’ll see arguably the greatest architectural endeavors of Greek Antiquity. A tiny bit of background: in the second half of the fifth century BC, thought and art flourished in Athens, and artists, under the inspired guidance of the sculptor Pheidias and the help of a lot of slaves, no doubt, transformed the rocky hill into a unique monument to the arts. We suggest seeing this sprawling hillside with a guide, but if you go it solo, get an audio guide, at very least. There’s a lot to see, and not too many signs or markers to help you out.

Give yourself at least two hours to ascend the hill, walk around the top to see the structures dedicated to Athena and Nike (among others) from every angle, then back down, stopping to see a few of the lesser buildings.

The Hills of the Muses:

Next, go back to the cobbled pedestrian walkway at the base of the Acropolis and ascend a lesser hill, leading to the Hills of the Muses Philopappos, Pnyx, and Nymphs. This archeological site has over a dozen points of interest, including the old gate to the city and the site of the birth of democracy, where citizens first embraced this style of government (minus, of course women and slaves, who continued to have no rights or voice). Don’t miss the ‘prison of Socrates’, incorrectly named; it was not a prison at all, but rather the hiding place for many Greek antiquities during the second world war. Even under torture, the Greeks did not reveal where they’d hidden the treasures that are now enjoyed by the world in museums.

You’ll also see some of the best views of the Acropolis and the surrounding city from these hills, and there are outcroppings of rocks and interesting terrain for kids to explore. Even on a crowded day, you can feel quite away from the crowds in this section, and it’s well shaded in many areas.

Athens public markets:

There are three Agoras in downtown Athens. We visited the Ancient Agora where the Thission building is, below the Acropolis and the hill of Areospagos. It’s an easy exit point after doing the hill area described above. You’ll find a lively flea market just past the ruins of the Agora, and the narrow streets here are fun to poke around in. (Just be on alert for pickpockets.) You can also find quite a few dining options in this part of town with inviting sidewalk seating and shaded patios. Alternatively, you can head to the Athens Dimotiki Agora (Public Market) for meat, seafood and produce, as well as nuts and seed and dried fruits.

Bonus: after visiting the Acropolis area, learn more about the daily lives of ancient Athenians at the Museum of Cycladic Art. While it’s known for its Cycladic collection, of course, the entire fourth floor is devoted to day-to-day Greek antiquity. The exhibit is designed to let you follow the life of an Athenian male from birth until death, with panels and artifacts depicting an ancient Athenian wedding, school and social life, funeral, and more. The short film recreating the Athenian’s life is well worth watching (it’s about 10 minutes long).

GENERAL TIPS:

We found Athenians to be a friendly, welcoming people, and everyone we interacted with had a smile for us. There is a metro system throughout the city, but we took taxi cabs exclusively, which proved to be plentiful and quite quick. There is no separate Uber/Lyft system in Athens, but the Uber app will work, connecting you to city cabs so you can forgo using cash. If you opt to use the metered cabs instead, just know that they only take cash. We never felt cheated by a cab driver during our stay.
If you like strong coffee, try the Greek coffee treat known as a frappe or ‘nescafe’, available everywhere hot or iced. They’re a rich, frothy brew, in a size more in-line with an American coffee to go, as opposed to a espresso.
The Greek language is tough, and no one will expect you to speak it, but knowing a few greetings can go a long way. The phonetic spelling for ‘hello’ is YAH-soo, and ‘good morning’ is kah-lee-MER-ah. Both ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ is para-kah-LOE.

Want tips on where to stay in Athens? We have our Athens hotel picks here.

25 travel blogger-approved road trip itineraries

September 21, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Ready to hit the road this summer with your crew? The open road awaits, and nothing beats a good road trip. If you’re not sure where to go, or simply want a vetted and approved itinerary to follow, read on! I asked travel bloggers across the US and Canada for their top summer road trip itineraries.

Western US:

The western states are prime road trip territory if you’re seeking nature, the outdoors, national parks, and adventure! Below are our two favorite national park road trips through the western US, as well as additional itineraries from other travel bloggers.

Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Zion National Parks road trip: This trip from yours truly at Pit Stops for Kids can be started in Portland, OR or Spokane, WA, and takes families through Washington, Montana, Wyoming, and Utah to some of the most breathtaking national parks in our country. Plan to camp along the way, or look for historic lodging inside the parks.

Great Basin, Arches, Mesa Verde, and Grand Canyon National Parks road trip: This Pit Stops for Kids trip through the Southwestern US takes families from Nevada to Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. We ended in California, but where you go after touring the parks is up to you!

National Park to Park Highway road trip: If you want the ultimate national park road trip, follow this seven week wonder from Mountain Mom and Tots! It follows the original 1920s national parks driving route and visits 16 parks! What an adventure!

Colorado road trip: This road trip from Denver to Redstone Colorado takes families on the scenic path, with stops in Buena Vista and Aspen. It’s been approved by Traveling in Heels. If you have a few extra days, head five hours to Sand Dunes National Park as well.

Oregon-Northern CA road trip: This 11-day road trip from Wild Tales Of features my hometown! It takes visitors from Southern Oregon’s forests and valleys to California wine country and back again!

California coastal road trip: This Pit Stops for Kids trip along scenic Highway 1 on the California coast starts and ends in San Francisco, and takes families along windy roadways, through wine country, and to historic stops like Hearst Castle. If you’re looking for an iconic road trip that combines beauty with culture, this one’s for you!

Grand California road trip: For a more, well, grand trip down the California coast, Trekaroo‘s itinerary includes luxury digs and educational stops all down the coastline. It’s ‘bucket list worthy’, for sure!

Arizona road trip: This multi-day itinerary from Mira Terra Travel Blog touches upon all the national parks and national monuments in Arizona, with break taking scenery and desert landscapes dominating your days.

Pacific Northwest coastal road trip: This trip from Family Travels USA takes road trippers through Oregon and Washington follows the coastline and major interstates, like I-5, and hits major cities like Seattle and Portland, plus scenic regions like Crater Lake and the northern WA coast.

Four Corners road trip: Have you ever wanted to stand on the four corners (of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah)? It’s a fun family activity that always revolves around a larger road trip!

Midwest:

Ohio Learning Vacation road trip: Brought to us by Family Travels on a Budget, this Ohio road trip takes families on a tour of history through the state, from Amish country to Cleveland and everything in-between. Plan to spend about a week, and good news for kids: they can consider this summer school!

Tennessee family road trip: This road trip from Crazy Family Adventure goes from Nashville to Gatlinburg to Chattanooga with kid-friendly attractions at every stop. It features Ruby Falls, which was a favorite with our Midwest writer’s family! Find nature and city sights in one compact road trip.

Iowa/Nebraska/South Dakota road trip: This road trip ends up in the Black Hills, but it takes its time getting there…in the best way possible. If you’re starting from the eastern or southern side of South Dakota’s Black Hills, Oh My Omaha has the route for you!

Black Hills road trip: This outdoor adventure road trip through Black Hills country in South Dakota is tested and approved by Tips for Family Trips. It covers the Black Hills exclusively, including Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Devil’s Tower, and the scenic towns dotting the region.

Eastern US:

American Colonial and Revolutionary History road trip: An epic Pit Stops for Kids road trip ideal for school-aged kids and teens, this trip through Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia spans US history from early settlement to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The Best Ever East Coast road trip: If you want to see a little of everything, the title of this road trip, from Flashpacker Family, says it all. It spans from Maine to Florida, with all sorts of cities, historic sites, theme parks, and nature trails in-between.

New York to Florida road trip: For those not needing to start at the top of the country, this road trip along I-95 from New York to Florida is explained in clear steps by Kids Unplugged. I love that it includes useful tips on where to stop to stretch legs along the way. If you’ll be flying into NYC to start your trip and have a family larger than four, consider arranging for a limo with a service such as Limo Find to make the ground transportation much smoother.

Virginia road trip: This road trip from We3Travel covers highlights in the entire state, from Hampton to Shenandoah to Newport News. It takes families from history lessons in Jamestown to soft serve and museums in a two-week timeframe.

Vermont Leaf-Peeping road trip: The folks at Back Road Ramblers have the ideal, ready-made road trip itinerary for nature lovers in New England. From state parks to quaint towns to miles of autumn glory, you can easily fill 3-5 days!

Connecticut road trip: This quintessential East Coast road trip from Road Trips for Families takes families from riding roller coasters to enjoying New England charm. Centered around Litchfield Hills, it can be driven in just a few days, making it ideal for a long weekend.

Florida Keys road trip: One of the most scenic road trips in the USA, perfect for a summer adventure, is undoubtedly along the overseas highway from Miami to Key West. Couple Travel The World outlines the key stops to make along the way with everything from eating key lime pie in Key Largo, visiting the Turtle Hospital in Marathon to feeding giant tarpon in Islamorada included. If you decide to hire a red convertible mustang to complete the trip, even better!

All the way across!

Cross-Country road trip: If you want to do it all, or at least see a little bit of everything, this road trip from Walking On Travels starts in Seattle and ends in Maryland. It emphasizes national parks and off-the-beaten-path stops.

Epic Cross-Country trip: Readers will find several great road trip itineraries in this post from Flashpacker Family, but their cross-country trip takes the cake, with stops along Route 66 as well as national parks.

Park-to-park trip: Families can hit 16 major national parks in one trip in this post from Mountain Mom and Tots!

Canada:

Families could spend all summer road tripping through Canada! With incredible wildlife and natural beauty and lots of open road, Canada offers outdoor fun combined with city and cultural offerings on both coasts.

Vancouver Island adventure road trip: This trip was one of our all-time favorites at Pit Stops for Kids. Starting in the city of Vancouver, BC with a ferry ride to the island, this road trip includes kayaking, whale watching, hiking, and beach combing.

Ontario and Quebec road trip: On the other side of the country, We3Travel offers up an eight-day road trip starting in Niagara Falls and ending in Montreal. What a perfect way to combine nature with culture!

Nova Scotia road trip: From Mira Terra Travel Blog, this road trip spanning Nova Scotia’s eastern shore is all about wild, sandy beaches and untamed scenery.

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Oregon Farm stay with kids: Willow Witt Ranch

September 16, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

A farm stay with kids is an amazing way to experience a destination! Not only are farm stays often affordable, they allow families the opportunity to meet locals, learn about sustainable agriculture, and have plenty of space to play and roam. Many farm stays are located within easy driving distance of wonderful family travel destinations.

This summer, we’ve had the opportunity to experience two farm stays, each on opposite ends of the continent. Right after Memorial Day Weekend at the start of summer, we stayed a night at Southern Oregon’s Willow Witt Ranch. Willow Witt is located only 30 minutes from Ashland, Oregon, perfectly situated for any family visiting the area for its river rafting, mountain lakes, or Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Tip: use Farm Stay US to find kid-friendly farm stays on your travel route.

Willow Witt sits on a high mountain meadow in the heart of the Siskiyou Mountains, and is a working high altitude goat, pig, and chicken farm. Willow Witt’s two owners are passionate about being stewards of the land they’re lucky enough to live and work on, and their diligence is evident in the care of their animals, their dedication to organic, free-range, and pasture-fed ranching, and their friendly, hands-on approach.

Staying at Willow Witt:

Families have their pick between farmhouse accommodations at Willow Witt’s Farmhouse Studio (sleeping six), the three-bedroom Meadow House (sleeping 10), or campground accommodations a short walking trail away. The indoor accommodations both include full kitchens, and farm-fresh breakfast. The campground offers tent camping sites or walled canvas tents. The camping sites are rustic; while some spaces are cleared, others are not well marked. We likened the campground to backpacking spaces. Willow Witt lists 12 sites, which is accurate, though some are very close together; I would venture the campground would serve 3-4 separate groups well, or one large group.

Willow Witt’s walled tents are nearly ‘glamping’ status: they come furnished with beds, linens, and other furniture, and a wood stove. All camping families (walled or tent) have the use of an amazing outdoor kitchen (run with propane gas) and outdoor wood stove. Onsite bathrooms with full plumbing (flush toilets, sinks, and showers) are clean, light, and comfortable, and for the more adventurous type, outdoor showers are also onsite.

There’s no electricity at the camping area, but the Willow Witt owners have thoughtfully outfitted the bathrooms and kitchen with lanterns, and the kitchen is stocked with dishes, cups, cooking utensils, and pots and pans. Several tables and chairs sit outside the covered kitchen area. The campground is located just up the hill from the ranch site, approximately a quarter mile from the barn. We enjoyed the Willow Witt ranch dogs keeping us company at the campground.

Farm activities and service projects:

We were lucky enough to experience Willow Witt with my son’s 3rd grade class. Willow Witt is known for their educational projects, and during our stay, we were able to help owner Suzanne with a wetlands project. We helped protect the watershed by working in the meandering creeks in the ranch meadows for a few hours. We also experienced an extensive farm tour. Families visiting the farm solo are also given a tour, and can opt to help with morning chores as available.

Three loop trails depart and return to Willow Witt, and additional hiking is a short drive away at nearby Grizzly Peak. Families can drive into Ashland in 30 minutes, or to boat or swim at Emigrant Lake in 20 minutes. Serious bird watchers come from all over for the birding at Willow Witt, and mountain biking is available nearby as well.

If you want to have time to enjoy the peacefulness of the ranch as well as enjoy local activities, I suggest booking at least a three night stay. If you’re staying a shorter period of time, plan to plant yourself at the ranch and take full advantage of your immediate surroundings!

Willow Witt as a working ranch:

Willow Witt does have a ranch store, where their organic, sustainable, and cruelty-free CSA meat and dairy products are sold. They are also represented weekly at the Ashland and Medford farmers markets. Willow Witt also books packing excursions in the mountains, using their own pack goats.

Rates:

Camping starts at $40 per night, which is an amazing bargain when you consider the use of the outdoor kitchen and clean bathrooms. Walled tents are $125 per night (May through October) and sleep up to four. The studio and farmhouse rent for $180 and $225, respectively, in the high season. They are available year round. The value for all accommodations is astounding.

Directions:

Willow Witt is located off Oregon’s Dead Indian Memorial Road by Grizzly Peak. From Ashland, visitors take Highway 66 to Dead Indian Memorial to Shale City Road. Do not use GPS, but rather follow these directions. GPS will lead you astray!

Five fall weekend getaways to take on a budget

September 14, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

School’s in session, and magically, travel costs have dropped! Resorts and theme parks across the U.S. are offering discount packages to entice autumn travelers, but what if you only have weekends free? Try any of the following give fall weekend getaways that won’t break the bank. Bonus: not a crowd in sight!

1. Visit a local farm

We can’t say enough good things about farm stay vacations. Most states have farm stays within a half day’s drive from urban areas, making it easy to get away from it all and still leave Friday night after school and work. The best farm stays offer the chance to get your hands dirty (we love feeding time at dusk and herding sheep…harder than it looks!), but plenty are hands-off if you’d rather hike, bike, or sit on a porch swing, taking in the views. Farm stays are affordable, include breakfast (and sometimes additional meals), and include built-in entertainment of the outdoorsy sort. Be aware that many farm stays book rooms ‘B&B style’, which means there may be a fee for more than two people in a room. If you’re unsure whether a farm is kid-friendly, call and ask: almost all farm stays are small businesses, ensuring you can easily connect with the folks right on the property with one phone call. Can’t get away overnight? Make it a day trip, patronizing a U-Pick orchard or berry patch.

2. Stay the night in a yurt or fire tower

Fire lookouts (functional and retired) are enjoying a period of rebirth as exotic sleeping quarters, and they’re not just for the summer months. In fact, fire towers, coastal yurts, and other unique camping accommodations often remained booked solid from June-August, making the autumn months ideal for families with more flexibility. In fact, our favorite fire tower trip took place in February! Bring plenty of warm clothing, but rest assured that unlike tent camping, you’ll have a roof over your head and usually electricity and heat. Fire towers cost less than $75 per night, making them the cheapest ‘motel’ you’ll find with views like these! Bring card games, books, and plenty of hot chocolate. Find additional northwest yurts, towers, and cabins.

3. Ride the rails

Amtrak vacations are expensive…but not in the fall! We priced a ride on the Cascades line through Oregon and Washington, and found fares to be 65% lower in September than in June. And there’s no need to book the pricier sleeper cabins: plan an itinerary that takes you 4-6 hours from home, book one night in your destination, and return home the next day. The kids won’t mind the travel time: while on Amtrak, it’s fun to check out the views from the panoramic cars, eat in the dining or cafe car, and play games in the parlor car. Parents can relax instead of drive, or plan out the day’s itinerary at the destination.

4. Take a city field trip

Remember those hotel discounts I mentioned? You’ll want to take advantage of those! Autumn is our favorite time of year to tour major cities: their museums are less crowded (and school field trips haven’t amped up yet), restaurants have less wait time, and hotel pools are frequented only be the occassional business traveler…and you. Grab CityPass booklets when you go, as we did in San Francisco: you’ll likely have time to actually see all the attractions on a quiet fall weekend!

5. Sleep in a national park lodge

Remember how those fire tower stays get booked fast for summer? That goes double for national park historic lodges. Take advantage of America’s national parks’ off-season and stay in comfort. We especially love Oregon’s Crater Lake Lodge, and Montana’s Many Glacier Lodge. Fall is a great time to spot wildlife, hike trails without summer heat, and canoe across lakes. Just be aware that some seasonal activities, such as horseback stables or swimming beaches, may be closed until spring. Tip: now’s the right time to book your national park lodge stay for next summer, too!

Still not seeing what you’re looking for? Check out more fall getaways!

5 fall weekend getaways to take with the kids

Where do you plan to go this autumn? Tell us about your trip in the comments!