Amy Hagstrom - Pitstops for Kids

10 tips for using ferries for Northwest travel with kids

October 6, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

If you travel extensively throughout the coastal northwest, your route will eventually necessitate using Washington State (WSDOT) ferries or BC Ferries. Both are well-run ferry transportation options, but can seem intimidating to the occasional Northwest traveler. My family and I learned the ropes (at least, most of them) the fun way on a 10 day trip throughout coastal BC and Washington islands. What we found families need to know before traveling by ferry with kids in the Pacific Northwest:

10 tips for using ferries:

1. Know which ferry passages can be reserved in advance.

Most BC Ferry routes can be reserved ahead of time (though not all…more on that below), whereas most Washington State ferries cannot. If you’re traveling during peak tourist season (summer), reservations are at very least helpful, and sometimes crucial. BC Ferry schedules are listed clearly, and travelers can create an account on the BC Ferry website to make reservations for most routes. Reserving ahead of time is helpful not only because it ensures your passage, but also because it allows you to use the website to receive email alerts for any schedule changes to your route. Smaller routes, such as the ‘most scenic short-cut in the Northwest’ from Mill Bay, BC to Brentwood Bay, BC, are not reservable, but the heavily traveled routes, such as Vancouver to Nanaimo, always are.

Schedule your ferry passages at the time you plan your travel itinerary.

Ferry passages (and their schedules) just might change your plans. For instance, I was surprised to find out that my preferred route of travel from the San Juan Islands straight to Seattle was not possible, despite being geographically close by, nautically-speaking. Neither was my plan to traverse from Victoria to Friday Harbor. No worries: once I’d seen where offered ferries do travel, I was happy to adjust my plans. After all, there’s really no bad place to be along the Pacific Northwest coast.

3. Be on time.

And by on time, I mean at least 1 hour early, if you’re driving a car onto the ferry. Yes, even if you have a reservation. And yes, even on the small ferry routes. This seems inconvenient, but on our recent trip throughout Vancouver Island, Washington, and Vancouver BC, we didn’t mind. Once you’ve queued, you’re free to turn off your engine and get out of your car. At every ferry terminal we encountered, restrooms were available at minimum. At maximum, we enjoyed restaurants, scenic views, gift shops, and more.

4. Consider purchasing a Waves2Go or Experience Card if you’ll be using ferries for an extended time (or numerous passages).

Waves2Go is WSDOT’s monthly pass, and the Experience Card is BC Ferries convenient swipe card that can be preloaded with fare (at a discount).

5. Budget in the cost of bringing your car along for the ride.

The most expensive passenger on any ferry ride is your car. On our BC Ferry passage from Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) to Nanaimo, our car cost us $75, and our Washington ferry ride from Sidney BC to Friday Harbor, WA cost us $45 in car fare. (Passengers are typically around $15 on longer passages, and as low as $7.50 on shorter passages.

6. Consider your ferry passage as both transportation and a scenic tour.

Northwest ferry passages are downright beautiful, and often wildlife can be spotted. (We saw jelly fish swimming on our shorter passage, and harbor seals in the San Juans.) In poor weather, most viewing decks have covered areas; go outside rain or shine!

7. Get out of your car as soon as you’re given the go-ahead by ferry personnel.

We quickly learned that there’s precious real estate on every ferry: window seats. The sooner you’re up from the car decks, the better your chances of snagging some. A few seats do have outlets, so don’t forget to bring any devices that need charging from the car. The ‘get out of the car early’ rule goes double on large BC Ferries if you’re planning to purchase a meal (at mealtime) onboard. Lines at breakfast and lunch go long.

8. Entertainment on board a Northwest ferry varies.

On large BC Ferries, you can expect gift shops, child play spaces (similar to what you’d find in airports) and even small arcades. Inter-island and Anacortes ferries in Washington will have snack shops and viewing decks, but little else. Tip: look for partially completed jigsaw puzzles on random ferry tables…they’ve been left for the next passengers. See how many pieces you can contribute before disembarking.

9. Remember to convert your money before leaving BC for Washington, or vice versa.

Washington ferries no longer take Canadian currency for on-board purchases, and shops and restaurants on the Sidney, BC side will not take American as a rule.

10. Don’t forget your passports.

Crossing the border by sea requires the same documentation and immigration process as crossing by land. All adults will need a passport, and kids will need a passport or birth certificate. If you’re traveling without one custodial parent, a letter of consent is required. (We didn’t have one from my husband, who was not with us, and we were allowed to enter Canada anyway, but the officer let us know it is needed.)

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

October 4, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

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 rest!

Doe Bay Resort is located right on Doe Bay, and resort grounds directly overlook the bluff. The whole property has a friendly, communal feel, from the general store selling organic local produce, vegan snacks, and sundries to the small restaurant to the group fire pit surrounded by an eclectic mix of cabins, yurts, and camp sites. In fact, the resort is known locally for their music scene: supposedly, they played host to a number of successful alternative bands in recent years. Most of the cabins and yurts are listed as two-person accommodations, so we chose a drive-in camp site (walk-in sites are also available, and if you don’t have too much stuff to cart, would be worth it: sites sit right on the bluff). If you have young kids, I’d opt for something on lower ground.

On resort grounds, families will find a nice grassy area, a restaurant serving breakfast and lunch, and friendly lounge with plenty of games, books, and free wifi, a nice playground, views of the bay (we saw a harbor seal enjoying a morning swim) and most interestingly, natural springs soaking tubs and sauna. Note: the latter is clothing-optional, and they mean it. Children are only permitted in the tubs during certain hours (at the time of our visit, it was 11 am to 5 pm) and they should be prepared to see nudity. In fact, every adult enjoying the tubs were in the nude (apart from me, should you be wondering). I felt it was a good travel experience for my kids, but should you feel differently, you’re now aware. There is a beautiful view from the tubs (with deck area) and a lovely waterfall adjacent, next to which our boys loved climbing and playing.

A word on Doe Bay campsites: Families should be aware that some sites are very small. We were given ‘Antelope’, which was large enough only for a 2-3 person tent, and situated dangerously close to a sharp decline overlooking the common grass area and fire pit. Had we not arrived at the resort after midnight (due to ferry schedules), we would have avoided a very uncomfortable night. Instead, we requested a change in the morning, and were given a far more adequate location for our size party. In general, sites on the right-hand side of the camping loop are larger and flatter, while sites on the left-hand side are smaller and higher up.

Rates and reservations:

Get reservations well ahead of time, particularly for summer weekends. At the time of our visit, we paid $45 per night for a tent site. Yes, this is high, but nearby Moran State Park has similar pricing, and is very hard to get into without far advance reservations.

Amenities:

A laundry room is available for a charge, and camp sites are near a full bath house, which has showers, wash rooms, and flushing toilets. A communal kitchen is also available adjacent.

Dining options:

Families can use the communal kitchen to cook meals (individual fire pit are not available and families are not permitted to make fires. We didn’t eat in the Doe Bay cafe, but it is available (and boosts stunning views in a very relaxed setting). The store also offers some necessities.

Directions:

From the ferry terminal, take Orcas Road toward East Sound. From there, take Olga Road through Moran State Park, then Pt. Lawrence Road to Doe Bay. You’ll see a sign for the resort on the right.

Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich Vermont

October 2, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

The Montshire Museum of Science is considered one of the best children’s museums in the US, and for good reason. The museum has some wonderful exhibits inside, but perhaps the best (and most unique) part of the museum is the outdoor water park and nature trails. The Montshire is so full of exhibits and activities that we couldn’t hope to get to all of them in a single morning, so we settled for some highlights.

The museum is organized by subject, with exhibits on air and weather, creatures, astronomy, sound, and more. My kids were most fascinated by the creatures exhibit, especially the turtle hatchlings and leafcutter ants. We also spent a long time at the air and weather exhibit, specifically at the air cannon that can shoot a puff of air across the room into a wall of reflective discs.

We could have spent all day inside the museum, but the best part of the Montshire is outside. The museum is surrounded by 100 acres of trails, nature exhibits, and (according to their website) “the most intelligent water park in New England”. I couldn’t agree more. The Science Park, where the water exhibits are located, is an entire playground with man-made springs, creeks and waterfalls. Here kids can design fountains with plastic tubing, build dams, float balls down the stream, and best of all—learn about water in our environment and how it moves above and below the ground.

Tip: Bring towels and even swimsuits for the kids!

The museum offers a variety of programs for children and families, some of which are free with museum admission. If you live locally, the Montshire offers summer camps for kids in preschool all the way through middle school.

Date last visited:

July 15, 2012

Distance from the interstate:

The Montshire is less than a mile off of I-91 in Norwich, VT.

Hours of operation:

10am–5pm, 7 days a week, open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas

Admission:

$16 for adults, $13 for children 2–17. You can also buy a two day pass (valid for two visits during a 10 day period) for $18 for adults and $15 for children. Children under 2 are free.

Food services:

Picnickers are welcome, and there is a sandwich stand in the Hughes Pavilion (by the water park) during the summer.

Directions:

Montshire is located at 1 Montshire Road, Norwich, VT. Find full driving directions to Montshire.

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

September 28, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

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 to do with kids in Moran State Park:

1. Start by orienting yourself with a view from Mount Constitution: Families can opt for a long hike to the top of Mount Constitution, but driving is also available. From the base of the state park, drive up to the summit and park at the educational outreach center (more on that in a minute). From there, it’s only a short walk to the observation tower, which affords visitors with incredible 360 degree views of the San Juan Islands in fair weather. Kids enjoy climbing the many stairs in the tower, and it’s safe at the top for little ones. Along the way up, displays teach about the early history of the island.

2. Check out the Friends of Moran educations outreach center: At the base of the tower on Mount Constitution, a great little nature and science center teaches kids about local wildlife (including newts) and island history. Best of all, families can ‘check out’ a fully-stocked backpack with binoculars, wildlife and plant life guidebooks, and more. A deposit is taken, and returned upon return of the pack at end of day.

3. Hike the Cascade Falls Trail: This easy quarter mile trail leads families directly to a coastal rain forest waterfall. The hike is easy, and the base of the falls makes for fun exploration (beware of nettles though). If you’re up for a longer hike, the Cascade Creek Trail takes you from the falls down to the Mountain Lake picnic area.

4. Swim at Cascade Lake: On nice days, the picnic and swimming area at Cascade Lake is perfect for a long afternoon. Kids can swim in the designated swim area, and a snack shack (open seasonally) offers treats and drinks. There’s a nice playground, and a fishing dock. Small watercraft can also be rented.

5. Take a side trip to Obstruction Pass: This 80-acre park a short drive from the main Moran State Park campus offers Orcas Island’s largest public beach and another interpretive center and more trails.

Date last visited:

July 2012

Lodging information:

Camping is available at Cascade Lake, nearby Mountain Lake, and Obstruction Pass (the latter is primitive). Sites at the lakes have water and bathrooms, and some have hook-ups. Expect to pay more than typical for standard state park sites, and reserve early for the summer season!

Dining options:

Besides the snack shack, no dining exists in the park. The nearby town of East Sound offers more, and has a large market for supplies to make your own meals at a camp site.

Directions:

From the Orcas Island ferry dock, drive up Orcas Road toward East Sound. From there, take Olga Road into the state park.

Estes Park with kids: What to do in downtown Estes Park

September 27, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

While you’re in Estes Park with kids enjoying the mountains, be sure to carve out some time to explore the downtown area of this fabulous destination.

Fun City:

I would be remiss if I didn’t start with Estes Park’s ultimate kid-friendly attraction; it was the place my kids remembered best from our first trip, and the place they most wanted to return to. With burlap sack and 3-story twisty slides, miniature golf, go-karts, bumper boats, and more, this is a place you won’t want to miss. And trust me, you couldn’t miss it, even if you wanted to. It’s right next to the highway on the way to Bear Lake. Pricing is per attraction, and you load a swipe card in advance. Take advantage of the value cards—$57 worth of rides for $50, or $120 for $100.

Feeding the Family:

For low-fuss, fast-service food, try Bob & Tony’s Pizza (124 W. Elkhorn). The pizza is decent and the atmosphere is fabulous, with walls of signed bricks and an arcade with pool, air hockey, foosball and racing games at the back. You order and pick up at the counter, so it’s very low-fuss and family-friendly.

If you’re more in the mood for burgers, go for Penelope’s World Famous Burgers, which really are pretty scrumptious, though you’ll pay more for the quality. It’s a fun, old-fashioned place with small tables and a modern version of a jukebox. (229 W. Elkhorn)

Sugar Rush:

What downtown tourist area would be complete without a slew of sweet shops? The Danish Cone factory makes waffle cones on site; several others offer big, soft cookies and candy-making. There’s also a taffy shop, and don’t forget the old-fashioned candy store, which sells bulk candy by the piece or by the pound, including some you haven’t seen since you were a kid. (Candy cigarettes, anyone?)

Shopping:

Kitschy t-shirts, pens, mugs, wind chimes, blown glass, Disney figurines, bohemian clothes, toys—you name it, you can probably find it in downtown Estes. Naturally, this means Downtown Estes Park gets very busy in the summertime, with foot traffic on the sidewalks competing with the stream of cars headed to the Beaver Meadows entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. There’s lots of free parking, but prepared for slow traffic. Estes Park has a free shuttle; take advantage of it if you can. One thing I liked was the fact that the city has officers directing traffic at the major intersections in the downtown, and every cycle of the lights, they stop vehicle traffic so that pedestrians can cross—diagonally, even!

Free with kids:

Let’s be honest: with kids, ‘free’ is an important consideration.

Pikas in the Park: Keep the kids active and entertained trying to puzzle out the clues that help them complete this downtown scavenger hunt for bronze statues of the tiny mammal known as a pika.
The Riverwalk: Lining the back side of the main shopping drag, you’ll find this lovely pathway, with sculptures, fountains, and places to sit and watch the rushing mountain stream tumble past rounded rocks. You’ll also find a small play structure, too.
Performance Park: Just west of the downtown strip, this lovely amphitheater sits alongside Fall River. During the high season, there are free concerts on Thursday nights here. Bring blankets and lawn chairs.
The Birch Ruins inhabit an outcropping above downtown, with gorgeous views of Lake Estes and both the major corridors into the national Park. The walking trail, accessed from the parking lot behind the police station, takes you through a small nature preserve and then up the hill to the ruins.

Doing ‘grownup stuff’ with kids in tow:

For the most part, even the adult attractions in Estes Park are refreshingly kid-friendly. To wit:

The Slab, a no-frills, good-food outdoor pub which offers lawn games, Bingo, and Jenga as well as live music and adult beverages.
Snowy Peaks Winery, just a stone’s throw from Fun City, which lets kids do juice tastings while their parents taste the more fermented variety. They also have a play room in one corner and a lounge area with tons of board games. If you get rained out, take the family, buy a glass of Colorado wine, and spend a couple of hours together.

What are your “must-do” items in Estes Park?

Where to eat in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama

September 25, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

A decade ago, families visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama could expect baskets of shrimp and fries on the beach, bushwhackers in the bars, and not much else. Today, the culinary scene on the Gulf Coast of Alabama has changed significantly, with elevated dining in multiple venues. Here’s where to eat in Gulf Shores during your next beach vacation:

Awesome with kids:

The Hangout:

Right on the beach, The Hangout feels like a place you might have bumped into the Beach Boys in the 1960s. Famous for its three-day music festival held in May, the Hangout has a permanent stage outside in its large outdoor place, which also has a huge sand pile for kids to play on, plus oversized Connect Four and checkers, outdoors swings, and other entertainment for all. Even if you sit outside, be sure to peek inside to check out all the cool memorabilia on the walls, including a vintage lunchbox collection and toy collection.

GT’s:

Short for Good Times, GT’s in Orange Beach has a similar vibe to The Hangout, with a large outdoor space in addition to its indoor space. GT’s sits on the bay side, not the ocean side, and is a great place to come for lunch then paddle board with Gulf Coast Paddle Company (GT’s built a dock out back just for this service).

Note: While I didn’t experience it personally, I’m told Lulu’s is an other excellent option for families, with a large outdoor space to play in, and careful attention given to diners with any sort of dietary allergies. They take orders for patrons with allergies on a separate, red note pad, and orders go through a separate line in the kitchen.

The Yard Milkshake Bar:

My oh my. If you want to make your kids’ eyes pop out of their heads in delight, head to The Yard. The brainchild of a young local entrepreneur, this ice cream shop specializes in custom-made milkshakes. When you arrive, you can expect a line (even in the off-season), but that’s alright, because it will take you awhile to decide on your order anyway. Use the order forms available on clipboards to select your ice cream flavors, add-ins, and toppings. To give you an idea, you could top your milkshake with the likes of cupcakes, donuts, bananas, cotton candy, and cookie dough. These milkshakes are artistic masterpieces, and yes, you should definitely skip lunch to have room to eat these! Milkshakes start around $6, and go up from there depending on what you top it with, but each comes with a souvenir mason jar that you keep. The reason: this establishment is so popular and busy, the staff doesn’t have time to wash them!

Soul Bowlz:

Locally owned (like many Gulf Shores establishments) Soul Bowlz operated out of a surf shop until just recently, and now is expanding to several locations. You’ll find it tucked into a strip mall, but don’t let its lackluster location deter you…I’ve never had such a good Acai bowl! They also make smoothies kids will love, that are very healthy (no added sugar).

Beach-casual yet upscale:

Big Wave Dave’s:

Located near the ocean, Big Wave Dave’s has taken beach fare such as fried shrimp and poboys with fries to a new level, with lobster rolls inspired by their Fire Island, New York location (which is owned by the same family). Their catch of the day plate is to die for, and the portions are huge here.

Cosmo’s:

It won’t take you long at Cosmo’s to realize this restaurant is owned by a dog lover…and cat lover. Cosmo’s is named after the owner’s labrador retriever, and yes, dogs are welcome here for patio seating (the server will bring Fido a dish of water, too). Definitely peek into the adjacent gift shop, Maggie’s (named after another family dog), grab a pint at Luna’s (yes, named after another dog) and to BuzzCatz, the cat-themed coffee shop and bakery. We had the best lunch of our stay here (the ahi tuna Asian salad is fabulous). Cosmo’s speciality is their banana leaf-wrapped fish, which has won awards, but won its way into my heart when our server told us that after tasting it while dining here, he marched directly into the kitchen to ask for an application…he wanted to work for the chef that made that dish.

Big Beach Brewing Company:

Kid friendly and dog friendly, the indoor-outdoor Big Beach Brewing Company is new to the Gulf Coast scene. Started as a hobby, Big Beach quickly outgrew its small basement operation, and now has 12 taps featuring craft brews. When I visited, they had a honey ale on tap that was delicious. Get comfortable in the tree swings, hammocks and outdoor tables and listen to the live music on the weekends.

Bill’s by the Beach:

If you want to eat somewhere you can walk to from the beach, head either to The Hangout or Bill’s. There’s outdoor seating, and older kids can play ping-pong in the lower elevated space below the first floor. (Young kids welcome, but a busy street is located adjacent and they will need parental supervision.) Bill’s has great salads and appetizers, and a wide selection of cocktails, with mimosas and Bloody Marys available most of the day.

Coast at the Beach Club:

Located in The Beach Club out by Fort Morgan, Coast has a beautiful atmosphere, with soft pastel colors and coastal decor. There’s a large outdoor patio with ocean views, and a very ‘elegant Southern beach house’ feel indoors. The daily catch is always a sure bet, and there’s full sushi bar in the evenings by the bar (they can coordinate with the dining staff and kitchen to have sushi orders come out with the rest of the meal or separately). I recommend the Caesar salad, sushi, and scallops. If you want a more casual meal outdoors, the Beach Club features a food truck pod made of Airstreams out front…ideal for dining with kids.

Just for grown-ups:

Flora-Bama:

You have to see Flora-Bama to believe it. This bar on the Florida-Alabama state line is like nothing I’ve ever seen. The closest I can come to describing it: Disney’s Frontierland meets Wild West meets Vegas meets Hooters. While kids are welcome during the day, I’d reserve Flora-Bama for adults only: it’s raucous, crowded, and loud. During peak season, this huge complex of multiple rooms and stages boasts 21 different bars; during my visit, there were ‘only’ about ten. Legend has it Flora-Bama used to be a more understated affair, until Hurricane Ivan damaged it; when it was rebuilt, rooms were added wily-nilly. What stands today is a hodgepodge of hallways, rooms, and bars, with outdoor areas covered in tents with wood and sand floors (yes, it’s right on the beach). Live music plays, there’s a mechanical bull (and a full rodeo outside once a year), and apparently, women take their tops off a lot. Have a bushwhacker (Alabama’s favorite drink, as far as I can tell), and people watch!

Have you been to Alabama’s Gulf Coast? Where do you recommend eating?

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Outdoors and wellness in Gulf Shores Alabama

September 22, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

I love it when a destination surprises me. Before visiting Gulf Shores Alabama, I pictured pretty white sand beaches, a party scene of high rises and beach bars, and plenty of greasy fried seafood in paper-lined plastic baskets. And I’m told that up until about ten years ago, my impression would have been correct. The Gulf Shores and adjacent Orange Beach of today, however, offers so much more. Thanks to the preservation of natural land through state parks, wildlife refuges, and coastal preserves, the Alabama coast boasts plenty of undeveloped forests and coastline waiting to be explored by foot or bike, and a burgeoning culinary scene is elevating the dining opportunities. Whereas a decade ago, I would not have thought of Gulf Shores Alabama as a wellness or outdoors destination, I stand corrected today. Here’s what not to miss:

Paddle boarding:

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach lie on the Alabama coast, situated with the gulf on one side and the bay (and intercostal) on the other. This means families looking for an active vacation have a variety of water conditions to choose from. We paddle boarded on the bay, since it’s calmer and less crowded than the ocean, which is known for some currents. Rent a paddle board for the week, or for an hour…or even get a lesson or guided tour with Gulf Coast Paddle. Their ‘office’ is mobile (it’s their board trailer) and the owners are experts in waterspouts and water safety. They’ll bring a board to you to your condo or vacation rental for longer rentals, or meet you on the bay for some calm paddle boarding near the intercostal. Their primary location is at the dock built for their use at GT’s restaurant in Orange Beach.

kayaking: GoGo Kayks takes paddlers to Little Lagoon to kayak on the coastal waterways. www.gogokayaks.com

Hiking and biking:

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail and Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge both offer pedestrian and cycle-friendly trails in an undisturbed coastal barrier habitat. What does this mean? Birding! Sand dunes! Pristine, empty beaches! If you decide to rent bikes, Beach Bike Rentals is a good bet; get hybrid bikes if you plan to bike the dirt and sand roads of the refuge and trail, or road bikes if you want to ride along the flat paved roads along the beach (but note that while there are bike lanes, there are not dedicated bike trails along the main roads).

For hikers and bikers, there are several entry points for Bon Secour, but whichever parking lot you arrive to, you’ll find a posted map of the various hiking and biking trails. We took Pine Beach Trail past Little Lagoon to end up at a beautiful beach (bring a picnic and swimsuit!). It was only 2+ miles, but absolutely empty. On a busy weekend during peak season in the gulf, this is the way to escape other people. Get to Bon Secour by taking Highway 180 six miles and following the signs.

Yoga, running, and cross-fit on the beach:

Alabama’s sugar sand beaches stretch wide and flat along the gulf, which make them ideal for long-distance running, yoga (try a beach-side class with Glow Yoga), and any other exercise you may want to pursue. I recommend an early morning workout, to watch the sun rise and avoid the heat of the day. Later in the day, beach umbrellas and chairs will dot the white sand beaches, making it harder to get your workout in. Note that dogs are not allowed on the public beaches in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach (but are permitted in nearby Fort Morgan). While this is a bummer for dog owners, the upside is that Alabama’s water is rated as some of the cleanest in the U.S.

Wondering where to eat? We have healthy options here!

Where to stay: Turquoise Place

Run by Spectrum Resorts, Turquoise Place rises in four sleek, tubular towers to overlook the gulf. It sits directly on the beach, so you’re steps from the sand, but many Gulf Shore accommodations will put you near the water. Turquoise Place shines in its recreational and wellness amenities: families get multiple pools (indoor and outdoor), hot tubs, a lazy river and tennis courts sitting on the roof of the fourth floor, and well-equipped exercise rooms, with cardio and weight training equipment, steam rooms, and saunas.

Share a Turquoise Place condo with another family, or make it a multi-generational affair: their 3-5 bedroom condos are huge, and ideal for large family units. You get a full kitchen, which, after poking around, I noticed came with just about all the pots and pans and utensils you’d need (but not spices or pantry staples), plus a wine fridge and large ice machine. As an added bonus, during our stay at Turquoise Place, a complimentary continental breakfast was offered most mornings in the spacious lobby (this amenity was inconsistent, however, so ask when booking). Each condo as a huge balcony with an outdoor kitchen of a built-in BBQ, outdoor sink and counter space, and outdoor table that seats six, and a hot tub.

If your family would prefer more of a resort feel than a cond0-vacation house feel, consider Beach Club, another Spectrum Resorts property located near Fort Morgan. It’s also directly on the water, but in a more rural location with more dining options and outdoor recreation adjacent.

Disclosure: I experienced Gulf Shores and Orange Beach as a guest of the destination, but all opinion remains my own.

Five best ways to tour New York City

September 20, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

New York City is one of the most famous places in the world. Millions of tourists visit the city every year just to see the world-famous Big Apple. There’s little surprise in learning that tours are the most popular way to see the sights; after all, it can be difficult to see them all by yourself. However, there are many different tours of New York that you can choose from; how would you know which one to pick? These five options are all wonderful for those who want to see the sights and enjoy the city. Read on for five best ways to tour New York City:

From the Sky

New York is a city full of towering skyscrapers, making it seem as though the buildings that you’re so interested in seeing are just looming above you. For the best way to see them, why not try a bird’s-eye view? Helicopter tours of the city are a great way to get a good look at everything as a whole as opposed to one indecipherable building after another. The Big Apple Tour is a great choice here. Tours last between ten and fifteen minutes at a time.

Cruise the City

Are you most interested in seeing the world-famous landmarks in the city? Then, you might want to try to get a look from the water. The famous Circle Line Cruise will take you to some of the most important and beautiful landmarks of New York City, and you’ll be able to see it without worrying about traffic, either on the streets or the sidewalks. This tour will take you around the tip of Manhattan, to the Full Islands, or even to the most famous spot in New York: The Statue of Liberty.

Bike the Park

Central Park is probably the most famous park in the entire world. This, as well as the beauty of the place, makes it a sight that you can’t leave off of your itinerary when planning a trip to New York. And, of course, the best way to see the park is by getting out and about in it! The Central Park Bicycle Tour offers you the chance to ride around Central Park, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air and sights while also learning about the historical significance that it holds.

Try a Photo Tour

What’s a trip to one of the most famous cities in the world if you don’t take any pictures while you’re there? Thankfully, there are tours that are designed specifically around being able to take photos of the more famous places in the city. Citifari is a great tour for those who are interested in capturing the feeling around Manhattan. You’ll get the best vantage points for the iconic New York landmarks available as well as tips for the best photographs all from your guides.

The Classic

Do you want to tour around New York in the most classic way? And, are you hoping to see the most in the most convenient way possible? Then, the Midtown Bus Tour is likely the best choice for you. With this tour, you’ll hop on a red, double-decker bus and be given the “grand tour” of the place. You will be shown major sites and landmarks in Manhattan and will be given a fun history lesson on everything. Each bus tour lasts about three hours.

New York City is truly one of the most fantastic cities in the world. Not only is it iconic, but it is steeped in history that helped define the entire United States. For those wanting to experience it, there is a tour for you!

Australia with kids: Night Fire at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park

September 18, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

The following is a guest post from reader Heather Hoeffling.

While in Cairns, Australia, looking for something “different” for dinner and a way to learn about Aboriginal culture, our family of four (including two boys, age 12 and 16) decided to try Night Fire (think Hawaiian luau) at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Our evening began with getting our faces painted in an art gallery by members of the Bama tribe, indigenous people of the rainforest, in traditional warrior paint and costumes.

We then moved through four more locations around the gallery complex. Three of the locations are outdoors, so if you go in August, like us, wear a jacket. We followed torch-carrying warriors to a fire pit where appetizers were served, emu or kangaroo on crackers served with sparking wine or fruit juices. The food was all very good (and I was glad we tried them because dinner wasn’t served until 8:30). Aboriginal stories, music, and traditional dances were performed around the fire. We followed dancers and musicians by torch light to the next location. This location turned out to be a dance theater, where guests were encouraged to participate or just enjoy the performances. Didgeridoo demonstrations, dance lessons, fire making lessons, and more tribal stories were all part of the next two locations. At each location, we were also taught words or songs from the Bama tribe.

The last location was a dining room, with a stage for more entertainment, which is where the buffet was set up. Many different salads and breads accompanied choices of prawns, roasted lamb, crocodile, kangaroo, pork, fish, and chicken. Roasted pumpkin, other vegetables, a few Asian dishes, and a variety of desserts were all available. The food was good and my family of picky eaters all found things they liked. A full bar was available, but drinks beyond water, tea, coffee, and juice were extra.

Don’t rush out through the obligatory gift shop at the end of the evening, as performers move back outside to answer questions and pose for pictures with guests. All in all, we felt this was a great experience for the whole family.

If you go:

Reservations aren’t required, but highly recommended. Remember seasonally-appropriate clothing, as many of the activities are outside. The cultural park is open during the day as well, for families who’d prefer to tour the sites without the dinner experience. This may appeal to families with younger kids. Shuttle transfers are available from local lodging as well.

Cost:

Adult- $123.00

Child- $75.00

Family-$321.00

Location:

Caravonica, Australia: Find directions from Cairns here.

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Estes Park with kids: Hi Country Stables review

September 15, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Rocky Mountain National Park is spectacularly beautiful, but with kids, there can be limits to the distance and elevation you can reasonably expect to cover on foot. Fortunately, there’s another way to get up to the heights: a trail ride with Hi Country Stables.

Hi Country Stables review:

Hi Country Stables, which is part of Estes Park’s Sombrero Stables family, operates two locations inside the national park. We worked with Moraine Park Stable, near the Cub Lake Trailhead. Hi Country offers guided trail rides lasting from two to eight hours. We were given the two-hour option, which was perfect for a family with kids ages 5 to 12. Our route went up over the ridge and down into Beaver Meadows before looping back. It actually took us about 2 hours and 15 minutes, and it was one of the highlights of our entire week in Colorado.

The corral at Hi Country Stables holds several dozen horses, and we were amazed at the number of guides on hand to keep the process running smoothly. With their help, we mounted our horses from a wooden deck alongside the trail. We were told our horse’s name and instructed on how to use the reins, but as the ride progressed, we realized we didn’t have to direct the animals too much; they’re very well trained

The trail ride itself carried us up a narrow, rocky path above the Moraine Park Campground, with a spectacular view of Long’s Peak and the Continental Divide that only got better as we ascended. It took us along rocky, steep mountainsides, beneath the shade of aspen and pine groves, and through grassy meadows. Our guide, Evan, took the opportunity to share interesting information about the park’s trees, plants, and wildlife.

A family friendly outing:

Hi Country Stables does a great job of accommodating families. We had told them in advance that we had a daughter with Down syndrome; although it was an offhand comment, meant to reassure them that she was cleared to ride, they responded by planning around her. They chose a horse specifically for her and put her up front, right behind Evan, who kept hold of her lead rope whenever we were in motion. Evan was infinitely patient with all our kids but especially with Julianna, who can be difficult to understand and loves to talk. The adults were placed in the back so we could keep an eye on the kids at all times.

Our horses were extremely well-behaved, requiring only occasional direction from the rider. In fact, our 8-year-old, who did have to convince his mount he couldn’t stop to nibble on the grass, had more fun than anyone else, because he actually got to interact with his horse more! The child who had the most trouble was our five-year-old, who kept sliding off-center on the saddle because his legs were short.

Preparing for your trail ride:

You’ll definitely want to make arrangements in advance, because like most things in Rocky Mountain National Park, spaces fill quickly. Rides in the national park are scheduled by phone rather than online, and cancellations and schedule changes need to be made at least 24 hours in advance. If you don’t get an answer right away, try again in a few minutes; the office for Hi Country Stables is a short horse trailer hooked up outside the corral in Moraine Park, and although the phone rings there, the manager is often called out to work with customers or receive loads of feed. Without exception, everyone we met at Hi Country Stables was extremely friendly and accommodating.

Trail rides go on even in the rain, and every saddle has a rain poncho hooked to it. Hi Country Stables loans out saddle bags to carry phones, keys, and water bottles. Wear long pants for greatest comfort. Helmets are provided. Sunscreen is a must, as you burn much easier at high elevations. Age restrictions are outlined here.

Photography tips:

I took our DSLR on the ride, but if I were to do it again, I’d stick to the camera phone. Horseback riding is very bouncy and not particularly conducive to fiddling with zoom and settings, and we only stopped for one photo op; otherwise we were in motion.

Locations and pricing:

Sombrero runs stables in Estes Park as well as from Moraine Park and Glacier Creek inside the national park. They also have stables in other popular destinations around the state of Colorado. See the website for all the many interesting options. A two-hour trail ride from the Moraine location costs $60 per person and goes up for longer rides.

Parking is available at Moraine Park, but can get crowded, so be sure to leave plenty of time. You can also get to the stables by riding the national park shuttles.

Our family was offered a complimentary trail ride in exchange for an honest review.

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