Amy Hagstrom - Pitstops for Kids

A family trip through historic Virginia

April 10, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Located in the South Atlantic region of the United States, Virginia offers a wealth of American history and heritage that will fascinate as well as educate, making it an ideal location for a family outing. Also known as the “Old Dominion” and “Mother of Presidents”, Virginia’s nicknames result from an historic association with the British as a dominion of the English Crown and from the fact that it is the birthplace of a substantial number of presidents of the US, respectively.

Origins and early beginnings

Several indigenous groups of Native Americans first inhabited the area, including the Algonquian and Powhatan peoples. The Powhatan eventually became the lead influence for a number of tribes that collaborated in order to protect trade networks. As early as the sixteenth century, Western influences began, with expeditions to Chesapeake Bay by Spanish Jesuits. Many historians have speculated that the name Virginia came from the first exploration by Walter Raleigh in 1584, sanctioned by Elizabeth I of England, who was known as the “Virgin Queen.”

Today, you can retrace some of the fascinating key developments in Virginia’s history, particularly relating to the colonial period from 1607 to 1776, through visiting the family-friendly attractions that bring the heritage alive. Here are a few of the significant attractions you should be sure to look out for:

Famous sites and hidden gems

Old Town in Alexandria was home to the nation’s early leaders, including Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, who strolled its streets and were known to enjoy supping at Gadsby’s Tavern. The inn first opened in 1749 and today you can still dine here and enjoy a selection of early American menu options, including glazed duckling, said to be Washington’s preferred dish.

Besides eating out, visitors can also visit a small museum in two adjacent buildings, with varied exhibits including a portrait of Englishman John Gadsby, the founder of the tavern. It may be worth reminding the kids that Lieutenant-Colonel George Washington (as he was then) was an important and loyal soldier and that he led the Virginia Regiment on behalf of the British during the French and Indian War, which finally became part of the famous Seven Years’ War from 1756 to 1763.

Charlottesville has the distinction of being hometown to two US presidents – Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, while another president, James Madison, came from nearby Orange in Orange County. You and your family will join about half a million annual visitors if you decide to take the opportunity to view Jefferson’s mountaintop home, Monticello, which is a UNESCO heritage site, as is the nearby University of Virginia.

Despite being relatively small, there are an impressive number of popular tourist events for visitors to the area, including entertainment at one of the four large venues, hot air ballooning and hiking, to name a few.

Fredericksburg was the boyhood home of George Washington and James Monroe, who also lived here before moving to Charlottesville. Almost a generation later in 1807, Robert E. Lee, the great Confederate leader, was born close by at Stratford Hall Plantation in Westmoreland County. Fredericksburg has more significant battlefields than any other Virginian town and in just one day, you can visit the battlefields in the town, as well as at Chancellorsville and the Wilderness.

Mount Vernon was home to George Washington in between his military and presidential duties. He resided at a plantation some eight miles south of Alexandria. Today you can take the family to see one of the most visited historic homes in the US at Mount Vernon, which has been completely restored to replicate Washington’s Georgian mansion. Enjoy viewing George’s dressing table and the china tea service belonging to Martha. Extensive additional visitor facilities are also nearby – a treat not to be missed.

Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown offer what must be the finest examples of colonial America, in terms of architecture and (in museum settings) furniture. Known as the Historic Triangle, Williamsburg alone boasts a multitude of famous buildings to explore, include 88 dating from the eighteenth century. You can check out the workplace of Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry, the Governor’s Palace, the former home of John D. Rockefeller Jr., Bassett Hall and the King’s Arms Tavern, where the Revolution’s most important people were known to eat and drink. If you’re a fan of social media, check out Outdoor Traveler on Twitter you’ll find information on their Williamsburg resort among others and links to book excursions in and around Virginia.

It seems that no matter where in Virginia you choose to go, you will find a warm Virginian welcome and a taste of colonial history and heritage that you simply won’t find elsewhere. Enjoy a great family trip through the Old Dominion.

Hotel Vintage Portland: Portland hotel review

April 10, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

I first visited Hotel Vintage Portland a few years ago, when it was known as the Hotel Vintage Plaza. If it was cool then, which it was, it’s even cooler now. This Kimpton hotel has undergone a major redesign, completely remodeling its common spaces and rooms.

On our visit to conduct a Portland hotel review a few days after the relaunch, the Vintage Portland was pleasantly busy on a Saturday night with a young, urban (dare I say hipster?) crowd, yet our family fit in perfectly as well. Maybe that’s the magic of Portland at work, where various crowds seem to blend with ease, but I think it’s also thanks to Kimpton hospitality and charm.

Where the new Vintage Portland shines: the lobby has always been hip and modern, sharing its space with the friendly Bacchus Bar attached to Pazzo Ristorante, but now, the second floor business meeting room spaces have been remodeled to offer leisure space filled with comfortable yet trendy couches, bean bag chairs, flatscreen TVs, and and shuffleboard and pool table.

Instantly deemed ‘way more cool’ than a teen club or kids’ play room by our kids, they spent a happy hour here, sharing the space with a few 20-somethings playing pool and sipping craft cocktails (the 20-somethings, not the kids). My husband and I settled ourselves right downstairs at the bar, where we could catch college basketball on the TV and still hear the kids, separated only by an open staircase.

As a family of five, we were put in a king suite, which features one bedroom with a king bed, plus a large living area with a corner couch that pull out to another bed. Due to the shape of the couch, it actually comfortably slept three (kids), which saved us from needing a rollaway (which was available should we have needed it). The bedroom was perfect for Mom and Dad, and in the spa king suite, the spa tub is big enough for most kids to swim in (seriously…young kids will scream with glee).

In true Kimpton style, our room was decorated in fun and trendy artwork that reflected the local area. It immediately said ‘Portland’ to me, which made me happy, even though we were in the city only one night before flying out of PDX in the morning. For families not needing a suite for five, standard rooms are also redecorated and roomier than most. All rooms feature the famous Kimpton bathrobes and free wifi for Kimpton members (join for free).

Room rates are in the higher range by Portland standards, around $375 for a room or $425 and up for suites. But a Vintage Portland stay is a value if you’re seeking a full immersion in Portland flare during your stay in the city. Most downtown venues are in walking distance, and MAX lines are available. For a special occasion or to earn Kimpton rewards, it’s absolutely a great pick.

Dining:

This is the category where Kimpton Hotels don’t fare as well for families; how I wish they offered some sort of complimentary breakfast! While the elegant Pazzo Ristorante is located on-site, it’s spendy for families (though excellent for a date night). However, families are within a few blocks of many dining options from Vintage Portland, including fast food and coffee shops. In the mornings, Vintage Portland has a nice coffee spread of their own in the lobby. If you stop in the lobby bar as we did, try the Pear Sidecar cocktail; it uses local pear brandy, giving you a taste of Oregon to go with your Portland decor.

Parking:

You will pay for parking at Vintage Portland, as you will at any downtown Portland hotel, so budget accordingly. If you’re headed to the airport as we were, and will not have a car, you have the affordable option of riding the MAX (station is just around the corner) or taking a cab. Our flight was early enough that we opted to reserve a town car to ensure we stayed on schedule; the front desk staff was able to make this arrangement for us.

Want to read about more Kimpton Hotel options in Portland? Check out our reviews of Hotel Monacco Portland and RiverPlace (look for this one to be updated soon).

Distance from the interstate:

Located just five minutes from I-5 and 405.

Directions:

The Hotel Vintage Portland is located at 422 S.W. Broadway, Portland OR.

As we disclose whenever applicable, we were hosted at Hotel Vintage by Kimpton Hotels, for the purpose of reviewing their remodel.

Leave No Trace principles every family needs to know

April 6, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

With Earth Day coming up later this month, April is the perfect time to talk about caring for our public lands. My kids have heard the Leave No Trace mantra since early childhood, but it’s always good to brush up on best practices for preserving the wilderness we love.

This season, Leave No Trace launches a multi-year, Leave No Trace in Every Park campaign. Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers will be visiting ‘hot spots’ across the country (severely impacted areas), giving them attention and helping educate the public. I was lucky enough to sit down with one of them to ask top questions most families have about leaving a lesser impact on the wilderness.

Q: I am aware of the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Is there a ‘crowning’ principle in particular families would bear in mind while in the outdoors?

We encourage people to think of the cumulative impact as a crowning idea for the principles. Over one billion people visit federal and state lands each year. If one person leaves an impact such as litter, feeds wildlife, takes an item out the environment, or walks on a non-durable surface it will not impact the outdoor area significantly, but the cumulative effect of these impacts happening repeatedly over time would have a dramatic impact.

Q: How does trail cutting or ‘bush-whacking’ hurt the wilderness environment?

We encourage people to walk in the middle of the trails even when they are muddy. If you walk around the mud you will erode the sides of the trail making it wider and you could crush vegetation on the edge of trails.

As trails widen vegetation diminishes and eventually land management agencies will have to fix the trail. Along the same lines, we encourage people to not cut switchbacks since it can result in the hillsides between the trail to erode.

If a group of people wants to hike off trail we encourage them to disperse, rather than hike in a single file. By dispersing people won’t step on the same spot, which can cause a new undesignated trail to form.

Q: Could you describe best practices for finding a suitable campsite in backcountry situations when established sites are rare?

If established sites are rare and the land management agency does not have designated spots that are provided for campers to use we recommend the following considerations. Camp 200 feet (the equivalent to 70 adult paces and 100 kid paces) away from water, trails, and other campsites. Find the most durable surface available such as rock, sand, snow, or dry grass to camp on. If you find a site that is showing some signs of impact, such as significant soil compaction, stay there, but if it is only showing small signs of impact leave it alone for the area to recover. Move on to another more durable site that is showing no signs of impact. Bonus: dish washing tips and car camping tips!

Q: What’s the best way to completely put a fire to ash and ensure it’s safely out before leaving?

Fires are a great part of camping; they give us light, warmth, and s’mores! Making sure that we are responsible with our fires ensures safety for you, other visitors, and wildlife.

Before having a fire, ensure that they are allowed in the area you are camping in.

Ensuring that your campfire is out completely before you leave or go to bed is a very important part of camping. First, choose firewood that is no larger than your wrist as it will burn to ash more easily than larger wood. Check local firewood regulations as some areas do not allow wood not from the area to be brought in as it may harbor invasive insects.

Be sure to burn all wood to ash. Then, you want to guarantee your campfire is out cold. First, use plenty of water and sprinkle it over the ashes: to help the process use a stick to stir the ashes while pouring the water. If the fire area is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave or go to bed. Bonus: how to build a mound fire.

Q: Tips for carrying out all trash? For instance, our family always unwraps food items as much as possible before departure, so there’s less trash to carry out later.

We encourage people to take a trash bag along with all of their other essential items for any outing. Repackaging food before heading to the trail helps decrease the amount of trash you will have to pack out. We also encourage people to even pack out all food scraps. Human food is unhealthy for wildlife; they become dependent on humans for food and become attracted and conditioned to human food and trash. Which is unhealthy for both the wildlife and humans. Fruit peels can take up to 2 years to biodegrade and most are not native to the areas they are left.

We like to say, if you weren’t there would it be there?

Q: Young kids naturally enjoy making forts, rock dams, or other ‘structures’ at backcountry campsites…how can they channel this desire to create and explore in line with Leave No Trace practices?

We get this question all the time. It is important to educate children on the importance of Leave No Trace while still inspiring creativity and fostering a sense of adventure to connect kids to the outdoors. We still encourage children to play in nature and still follow Leave No Trace. Kids can still build forts or structures at campsites and then before leaving they can simply dismantle the structures.

If kids want to collect items, first make sure to check the rules and regulations of the area to make sure it is ok to collect something.

We encourage only taking one item instead of several, this generally also makes that one item more important to the child as they often attach a special memory to one item they have really given some thought to during an adventure.

Q: A nitty-gritty bathroom-related question: Leave No Trace has always stated that human waste and soap or shampoo should be 100 feet from water sources. What about rafting companies’ ‘dilution is the solution to pollution’ method?

Usually in the backcountry, we want to be 100 feet away from any water sources, trails, and campsites when doing dishes or bathing.

However, western river corridors sometimes have different recommendations for human waste and gray water. In river corridors, the river is usually the most durable surface. The rivers in deep canyons present difficulties for the normal recommendations because you usually cannot get 100 feet for gray water or 200 feet for human waste disposal away from the water.

Leave No Trace recommends packing out all solid human waste with a reusable, washable toilet system. Always follow local regulations as some areas allow the use of bag-type systems to pack out human waste. Often, urine and strained gray water are required to be deposited directly into the river.

The old saying goes, “dilution is the solution to pollution.”

Thank you, LNT, for helping educate Pit Stops for Kids families!

Facing serious concerns when traveling with kids: how to get past the ‘fear factor’

April 1, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Any parent traveling with kids off the beaten path has fielded questions from nay-sayers:

“Are you sure it’s safe to travel to Mexico?”

“You’re taking your kids how far along what trail?”

“How long will you be gone?”

“Solo, you say?”

As a parent who makes her living encouraging people to travel with their kids, I bristle at these fear-based inquiries. They are not grounded in research, but are rather knee-jerk, emotional responses to individualized worries. The good news: traveling parents need not listen to them.

However, we all know that as beautiful as the world is, terrible things do happen. They happen at home, they happen at school and work, and yes, they happen to families when they’re on vacation. Even though I believe strongly in the power and wisdom and sheer, live-altering joy of travel, my heart and stomach lurch just as quickly as any other mother’s when I read or see reports of tragedy while traveling.

There are risks we all assume when we step outside our front door, whether to go to the grocery store or another continent. Airplanes do crash. Cars do, too. Terrorists attack. Civil unrest, political strife, and diseases are sadly, alive and well on our planet, and awful things do happen. Which risks to assume and which to avoid can only be made on a personal level.

It can be hard to make these decisions with healthy perspective when tragedy strikes close to home. I can clearly remember learning of the death of a child on an amusement park ride days before visiting the same park with my own family, and of an accident on a cruise ship just before embarking. Most recently, I was made aware of this news story, in which 15-year-old Tyler Madoff was accidentally killed at sea during a Bold Earth trip.

A Pit Stops for Kids reader brought it to my attention, with the question, ‘why didn’t this story get more attention? What can we do to travel safely with our kids?’

My own 15-year-old son had just returned from a very smilier trip, an adventure service trip to Costa Rica, and the terrifying thought, familiar to all parents, passed through my mind: it could have been him. It sent a shudder right through me, and for weeks, I struggled with how to address this question and the larger issue of keeping our kids safe while traveling.

How do you accept tragedy, and keep exploring?

First, my heart and thoughts go out to Tyler Madoff’s parents, and all others who have experienced such a tragedy. And then, I do my best to separate logical safety concerns from generalized fear. Some accidents are just that…freak occurrences no one could avoid…abroad or at home. Was this the case in Tyler Madoff’s situation? I can’t be sure without knowing more details…more safety considerations may have been prudent, but the travel operation in question does have a good reputation. Things simply do happen which are out of our control. But what about the rest of the time? What about all the travel decisions we make or place in others’ hands which could factor into the overall safety of our trip?

My reader offered some guidelines, parent-to-parent, that she hoped would help. I saw wisdom in them, and would like to list them here, expanding where I feel I can offer insight. There are simple measures parents can take to make sure children are in the safest care.

1. Research destinations before you book a trip. There are no shortage of travel websites and handbooks. A few useful sites are TripAdvisor and Fodors, Camp Ratingz and Choice Camps. Checking out the travel company’s Facebook profile (and any related groups) is always helpful as well.

Certainly, it’s worth taking the time to check up on a tour operation or destination via social media. Poll your own friends or followers, or send a general inquiry into the Twittersphere. While reviews on sites such as TripAdvisor should not always be taken at face value, reading through at least a dozen reviews should give parents a general sense of guest satisfaction. Of course, the absolute best recommendations come from people you know. In the case of international travel, always—always—be up-to-date on the political temperature of a foreign country. Check travel advisories via your home government pages. If in doubt whether a fear is legitimate or not, talk to people who have traveled to your destination within the last few months, not people who have ‘heard’ something is unsafe via a friend of a friend or Fox news (sorry, I couldn’t resist).

2. Ask the right questions. Before booking a travel tour, ask what isn’t included in the cost, and why. Is there travel insurance, or should you purchase that on your own? What kind of risk management policies are in place? What are the training qualifications of the tour guides?

It’s surprising to me how often this last question is not asked by parents, especially when leaving children in the care of others.

I am a generally trusting person, but trusting a care giver or tour operation based on trust of a brand is simply not enough. Yes, reputable destinations and resorts will absolutely strive to have the highest standards and using a brand you already trust is a great start, but ultimately, the responsibility is the parents’ to check credentials and qualifications.

3. Make sure your kids are prepared! If your child knows what to do in case of emergency, you’ll feel a lot more confident. CPR training, swim lessons, or simply informing them where to go or to whom they should speak if they feel like they’re in danger can go a long way when they’re on their own, as this Daily Beast article displays.

I love this tip. While parents need to be empowered, kids do too. Because we spend a lot of time in the outdoors, and I have outdoor safety training, my kids are very up-to-date on wilderness safety. They know what to do if lost, when encountering wildlife, and if they need basic first aid. We’ve started to ski more aggressively in the backcountry, which means I’ve been researching avalanche safety courses we can take together. We will not be exploring in snow country until this is done.

When it comes to international travel, my kids know how to contact us and family at home in other countries, and we always go over safety rules and back-up plans before entering crowded areas.

Basically, all the suggestions above follow one key guideline. Use common sense. Take reasonable precautions. Keep valuables in a safe place, have copies of important documents at all times, and use reliable, reputable transportation and services while traveling. Follow signage and heed posted warnings, and don’t take unnecessary risks.

Will you be embarking on an excursion to a particular tidal pool, bay, trail, or landmark? Do your own research about this place, instead of relying 100% on guides.

I’m not suggesting going it alone…we believe strongly in hiring local experts…but don’t follow blindly.

Your safety, and the safety of your children, is ultimately your responsibility, in so far as this is possible to control. The example that comes to mind is the dangerous yet exhilarating Angel’s Landing knife-edge trail in Zion National Park. People die there annually, mostly due to not listening to their own internal guidelines, knowing their own abilities, and trusting blindly that if there’s a trail maintained by a government agency, it’s for them. Not always. Again, even in our lawsuit happy world, I believe parents are ultimately responsible for their own wellbeing and their children’s wellbeing.

As for the risks you cannot control, you’re every bit at the whim of fate while in your own home as while traveling. Explore this beautiful world, share its people and sights with your children, and enjoy life!

Many thanks to reader Sue J. for taking the time to email her concerns to Pit Stops for Kids. Photo credit: Amy Whitley, Flickr/xlibber, and Brisbane City Council.

Exploring Dallas History with Kids

March 30, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Dallas isn’t just cowboys, the Cowboys, and Texas BBQ. As one of the oldest cities in the state, Dallas is steeped in local history. Best of all for parents, most exhibits in and around Dallas honoring the region’s history are free or low-cost for all.

See Founders Plaza: Located downtown in a unassuming park area, Founders Plaza showcases a replica of Dallas founder John Neely Bryan’s original settler’s cabin. Kids can see a map of the county circa the 1800s here, and in Pioneer Plaza, families can view a monument of bronze steer, representing the many animals driven along the Shawnee Trail during the 1850s.

Spend an entire day at Dallas Heritage Village: Located in Old City Park, this 19th-century Texas ‘town’ an historic Main Street surrounded by almost 40 beautifully restored buildings, dating from 1840 to 1910. Families can walk through Heritage Village on their own using self-guided tours, stopping to take in living history presentations by costumed staff. We love the doctor’s office (always interesting to see how injuries and illness used to be treated!), the train depot, and of course, the schoolhouse. Kids can go inside buildings, talk with re-enactors, and even dress up. A petting zoo is included in the ‘local’ farm just outside the town proper, and the general store encourages play, allowing kids to try the cash register (watch out…you’ll need to do calculations in your head instead of on a phone!). Purchases come in brown paper tied with string, and candies and soda pop for sale are all the old-fashioned favorites. While in the village, be sure to stop in at the old Millermore Mansion for a tour. Kids will see how ‘the other half’ lived a century ago.

Learn about Kennedy at Dealey Plaza: For some of us, only one generation stands between us and the event of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. To kids, it’s ancient history, which is one reason to take school-aged kids through this national historic landmark district. Located at the site of the assassination, Dealey Plaza and the rest of this district is home to several sites, including the Texas School Book Depository, Sixth Floor Museum (located within the depository building), and Pillars of Unity. The Sixth Floor Museum tells the story of Kennedy with the most details, but is still appropriate for most kids. There is a fee for the museum, but the district itself, including the park, is free to tour; pick up a self-guided map.

Step inside a cathedral: Teach kids about history and architecture at the same time while touring the Cathedral Shrine of Our Lady Guadalupe. This gothic building stands out in Dallas, as one of the last examples of high Victorian gothic design. Admission is free, and tours are self-guided when the cathedral is not in session for worship (this is a working church with congregation).

See a very old cemetery: Not many kids have walked the grounds of a pre-Civil War cemetery. Instead of creepy or disturbing, cemeteries can be good historical tools, if parents present them as such. The Freedman’s Cemetery Memorial, located downtown, pays homage to former freed slaves, buried in what was called a ‘freedman’s town’. Parents can teach kids the ground they stand on was once a community, and explain how this memorial honors the people who did not get the recognition they deserved during their lifetime. Admission is free.

Where do you go in Dallas to learn about history?

Photo credit

Five unusual outdoor lodging picks for families

March 27, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Ever wanted to stay the night in a yurt, overlooking the ocean? How about a rustic cabin in the mountains, a tree house in the woods, or even a fire lookout with sweeping views? All of the above are easily accessible to all travelers – no wilderness experience necessary! Extend the camping season with these year-round lodging experiences, and learn where and when to book them.

Yurts: Comfortable Camping Without the RV

Yurts are not just in rural Mongolia anymore! These canvas-sided circular shelters have been popular additions to many state parks across the U.S. and Canada, offering four-season lodging for those without an RV or camper. Perfect for families with young children, yurts come in rustic or deluxe models, all with electricity, beds (bring your own bedding), and heat. Arriving late to the campground? No need to hassle with tent setup! Want to experience the outdoors without sleeping on the ground? Yurts are the perfect solution.

How to book: Search for yurt lodging by state park on ReserveAmerica.com.

Top yurt: Harriman State Park, an Idaho nature reserve outside Yellowstone National Park, offers a select few deluxe yurts, complete with wood-burning stoves inside. Families can bask in solitude, just miles from Yellowstone crowds.

Source: Fix.com

Cabins and Huts: Cozy Wilderness Lodging

Channel your inner Little House on the Prairie when sleeping in cabins in private campgrounds like KOA Kampgrounds or state parks and reserves. Like yurts, cabins range from simple shelters to “glamping-style” cottages with one to three rooms. Some, such as select KOA cabins, offer full bathrooms and kitchens in their deluxe models. State park cabins typically offer a room, beds, and a porch or balcony, plus a fire pit and picnic table for cooking and dining. Campers wanting to get further afield can opt for a hut-to-hut hiking experience. Run by private companies on both coasts, hut-to-hut operations allow backpackers to hike anywhere between three and ten miles to various backcountry huts. Depending on the operation, huts can include hot meals, full bedding, or simple shelter.

How to book: Reserve KOA Kampground cabins via their official website or by phone, and reserve state park cabins on ReserveAmerica.com. For hut-to-hut lodging, reserve directly through each private operation, such as Outdoors.org or Cascadehuts.com.

Top cabin: For an upscale cabin experience in a resort setting, stay in a KOA deluxe cabin in Jackson Hole/Snake River, Wyoming.

Top hut-to-hut: Appalachian Mountain Club’s network of AMC lodges and huts offers pristine hiking without the heavy packs in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

Have we whet your appetite for more? Find three more outdoor lodging ideas in our article on fix.com.

Source: Fix.com

The Riverhouse, Bend: a moderate hotel option

March 23, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Bend Oregon is a four-season destination ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. We love to visit in winter to ski Mt. Bachelor and Hoodoo, snowshoe, and cross-country ski, and in summer to hike, mountain bike, and river raft on the Deschutes. Usually, a trip to Bend necessitates a 2-3 night stay, for which we recommend one of its top-tier resorts such as Sunriver, Black Butte Ranch, or Brasada Ranch. However, for a one-night stay, families don’t always need the extra amenities that add up, such as full kitchens, condos, and on-site activities like bike trails and golf courses.

For a one-night stay in Bend for a moderate price, try The Riverhouse. Located right on Highway 97 very close to the Historic Mill District and right on the Deschutes River, Riverhouse offers families standard hotel rooms large enough to accommodate a rollaway bed and lots of included perks. The location is ideal and scenic, though not secluded, and while there are not extensive grounds, families will find a nice indoor, heated pool and hot tub, plus an outdoor pool and hot tub for summer months.

We stayed at Riverhouse for one night at the end of January for a weekend ski trip, and were only 16 miles from Mt. Bachelor Ski Area. In summer, it would be just as convenient to travel to the Cascade Lakes are for kayaking or hiking. There was enough space in our room for our boot bags and other ski gear, we had a nicely sized fridge, and while it was too chilly to use the large balcony, it’s good to know it’s there for summer visits.

When we checked in, we received a welcome amenity of $4 off two drinks at the hotel lounge (one per adult in the party), which we used while our (older) kids checked out the pool. The lounge, located in the Crossings Restaurant, was friendly and cozy, and also offers a full menu. Included in your room rate is a complimentary breakfast, which is also located at Crossings. The breakfast is highly rated online, and didn’t disappoint. For a hotel breakfast, it was very well done, with hot stations to include eggs, bacon, hash browns, and oatmeal, plus waffles, breads, fruit, yogurt, and granola. We definitely filled up before our ski day!

In addition to the pools and hot breakfast, Riverhouse room rates also include free WiFi and free parking. For a single night stopover or vacation during which lots of space and extra on-site amenities are not needed, why pay for them?

Distance from the interstate:

Right on Highway 97. Approximately 20 minutes from Mt. Bachelor and within easy driving distance to Crater Lake National Park.

Room rates:

At the time of our visit, we paid $134 for a single room with two queen beds and a rollaway. Check for exact rates. Bear in mind that Riverhouse is also a convention center, so it may fill up with groups from time to time.

Directions:

River house is located at 3075 US 97 Business, in the heart of Bend.

Photo courtesy of Riverhouse.

Five budget travel hacks you thought you’d outgrown

March 20, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

You traveled extensively as a young adult, but now you’ve settled down with a job and kids. Think your budget travel days are behind you? Think again! The following budget travel hacks can still be implemented with kids in tow. All that’s needed is a little flexibility, nostalgia, and sense of adventure!

1. Take the bus or train:

Train travel is admittedly less convenient in the US than many points abroad, but great deals and experiences can still be had. Get out of the ‘road trip by car’ mindset and save on gas money on your next trip by booking Amtrak or VIA Rail (in Canada). Reserving sleeper compartments is a blast, but often more expensive than flying to your destination. Instead, use the Amtrak Fare Finder to locate Saver and Value coach seat fares for day time rail journeys. Stay the night in cities in-between for a road trip on rails. On VIA Rail, rail passes can be bought for youth, perfect for regular routes (such as to Grandma’s house). Plus, the scenery on VIA Rail cannot be beat. Grab a seat in an observation car and soak in the views for a fraction of the price of airfare. Read an entire post on affordable rail travel.

2. Stay in a KOA:

Have you visited a KOA Campground recently? They’re no longer you mom’s budget campground. KOAs are designated as Journey, Resort, or Holiday campgrounds now, making it easier to discern before booking what might be in store. What’s a Journey campground? It’s a pit stop…a place to stay near major roads and interstates while you’re traveling. Given the choice between a basic roadside motel room or a campground with a cabin and plenty of outdoor space, we choose the latter every time. Want to ‘glamp’ instead of camp? Try a KOA Destination or Holiday property. They’ll be located near major attractions and have plenty of on-site activities. We think there’s a time and place for both types of KOA resorts, and you’ll save money every time.

3. Eat at farmer’s markets:

Remember your bohemian days, when you ate and drank your way around new cities, soaking up the culture and learning about its people and history through tactile experiences and carefree exploration? You can still do this with kids…er, sort of. While the ‘carefree’ aspect of your trip may be lost to nap time schedules and early bedtimes, families can still find the heart of any city’s personality in farmer’s markets and street fairs. Instead of stopping at a fast food restaurant en route, seek out the area’s farm-to-fork offerings. On weekends in cities and agricultural areas, this will likely be in the form of a farmer’s market. On weekdays, look for food trucks or natural grocery stores. Buy the makings of a picnic, and eat at a public park, historical site, or designated nature area. The food is likely to be fresher, healthier, and cheaper, and everyone will burn off energy.

4. Stay cheap on a farm or ranch:

Farm stays are the very definition of family travel chic…they’re adventurous, ultra-local, and an absolute blast for kids. The nightly rate at most farm stays may not be cheaper than your standard B&B or hotel, but all those extras you usually have to buy when traveling with kids will disappear, like entertainment and food. Kids are content to roam the farm, help with chores, and play in a hayloft instead of requiring expensive admission tickets to museums and attractions. Farms and ranches offering stays range considerably, so do your research before pulling in. While some farms offer complete cabins or condos for families, others provide single guest rooms. The best will cater to families with included interaction with any animals on premises.

5. Backpack:

Have you been reminiscing about that summer you backpacked around Europe? Kids can certainly accompany you, though in some cases, hostels that charge a price per ‘head’ won’t be as economical as they were when you were single. Instead, look for European campgrounds located just outside major cities (some of the best we’ve seen are located in Croatia and Slovenia). If you’re craving a wilderness adventure, don’t shy away from backpacking in national parks or national forest service land with kids. Families who are prepared for a backpacking trip, and remain flexible en route, can have a very rewarding and low cost adventure the kids will remember for years. Learn how to plan a multi-day backpacking trip.

What are your best budget travel hacks? What ways does your family save money while traveling?

Ashland Centennial Ice Skating Rink

March 18, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’ll be traveling along I-5 this winter season, you’ll need a festive place to stop and let the kids play. Our pick: Ashland Oregon’s Rotary Centennial Ice Skating Rink, located outdoors adjacent to lovely Lithia Park.

Located near the Oregon/California border, Ashland is a vibrant town best known for its Shakespeare Festival and university campus, but families will find much to enjoy outdoors as well. In addition to the cheery, community-centric ice rink, Lithia Park (located just past the Plaza on the main strip), is beautiful at any time of year; the extensive walking trails and playground are accessible in winter as well as summer. Purchase hot cocoa and other snacks at the counter next to the rink, and plan on a great meal at one of the town’s many restaurants before or after. Definitely spend a whole afternoon between the ice skating rink and the adjacent playground and park, followed by a nice meal out. Be sure to bundle up!

Distance from the nearest interstate: Three minutes from I-5.

Hours: Open seven days a week from mid-November through March. View a complete schedule listing specific skating times.

Ticket Prices: $4.00/adult, $3.25/children (skate rental $2.50 extra per person)

Dining options: Dining options in downtown Ashland abound; our favorite for families is Martolli’s pizza, located just blocks away at the end of the Plaza.

Website: Centennial Ice Skating Rink

Phone: 541-488-5340 (best way to contact rink personnel during business hours)

Directions: From I-5, take exit 19 toward Ashland, merging onto S. Valley View Rd. Turn left at OR-99 S/Rogue Valley Hwy 99 N, then continue to follow OR-99 S (Main) to Wilburn Way. Turn right onto Wilburn and follow it past the Plaza to Lithia Park.

Things To Do
Ashland

Family-friendly Vegas hotel: Marriott Vacation Club Grand Chateau

March 13, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Is Las Vegas a family-friendly destination? While I believe there are better vacation choices for families, there are plenty of reasons families find themselves here, from conventions to shows to sport tournaments. And when you do go, you’ll need a family-friendly Vegas hotel.

We just returned from Marriott Vacation Club Grand Chateau, and let me tell you: we’ll never stay anywhere else in Vegas. This non-gaming, non-smoking hotel right in the heart of the action felt like an oasis for our family, with a quiet ambiance, high-end decor, and excellent customer service. Even better, the value is unparalleled.

What you get when you stay at Marriott Vacation Club Grand Chateau:

a family-friendly suite, with real rooms (not just ‘areas’) and a full kitchen
complimentary valet parking
free wifi
two outdoor pools and hot tubs
the best exercise facility I’ve seen in a hotel in a long time

We stayed in a two-bedroom suite, which could have slept 8. We had two complete bedrooms and two bathrooms (one of which had a jacuzzi tub and walk-in shower, the other of which had a walk-in shower). Our living space (in a third room) consisted of a living/sitting area with couch, a full dining room table, and a full kitchen, with oven, stovetop, dishwasher, and all kitchenware needed. There was nothing we were lacking; we had pots and pans, dishes, plates, silverware, utensils, bottle openers…even a tiny salt and pepper shaker.

Every unit at Grand Chateau includes a full washer and dryer (yay!) and free wifi connection. Parking is free and very convenient.

We were one block from the South Strip, which meant we were a five minute walk from the pedestrian paths up and down the Strip and a 10-minute walk to New York New York and the Aria. The Miracle Mile shops (with good fast food options) are a two minute walk away, at best.

Hotel amenities:

Upon check-in, families receive a full page of activities scheduled during their stay. Buckle up…there’s a lot on there, from arts and crafts to tequila tasting. In addition, there are two pool complexes at Grand Chateau. The first is on level 5, with a larger outdoor pool, lounge areas, hot tubs, and a bar and grill open during daytime hours. The second pool is on the rooftop, adjacent to Sky Bar 38. This pool is also kid-friendly, and there’s an additional hot tub here. Both have towels and changing rooms on-hand. Even if you don’t grab a cocktail at the bar, take a peek at the amazing views of the Strip!

The exercise facility is located on level 1, and is the largest I’ve seen in a long while. You have the full range of cardio equipment here, as well as extensive weight training and stretching areas. I worked out during the ever-popular 7 am-8 am time period, and had no trouble getting the machines I needed.

The valet parking is located right out front, of course, and there are ample valets on-hand to take your car immediately. Getting your car out is easy too: just hang onto your slip and have the valet desk scan it. We never waited more than five minutes for our car (and we visited during the busy Valentine’s Day weekend). We tipped our valets daily, but parking is complimentary.

Dining at Grand Chateau:

Grand Chateau does not offer a full restaurant. Rather, you’ll find a lobby bar, Sky Bar 38, and the Pool Bar and Grill. There’s a marketplace with convenience foods, which also serves as a coffee bar in the morning and has treats and ice cream available any time. We utilized this amenity quite a bit. If you plan to prepare most your meals in your kitchen (by far the most economical way to visit Vegas with kids), stop en route at a grocery store and stock up. However, we easily grabbed a carton of milk and a box of cereal, plus snacks and drinks, at the Marketplace.

From the hotel, the Miracle Mile shops are directly across the street, where you’ll find plenty of healthy fast food options, like Chipotle and Earl of Sandwich.

Room rates:

You’ll probably be surprised at how affordable full suites for your family can be at Grand Chateau. While this hotel is a Marriott Vacation Club, you don’t have to be a member to stay here. At the time of our visit, our two-bedroom unit was listed at just over $200/night. Single room units were well below this. Check for current rates.

Overall, it’s hard to define the worth of being able to step inside your Vegas hotel lobby and not be accosted by the smell of lingering cigarette smoke or hear the buzz and clang of gaming machines. To me and my family, this is priceless. Of course, gaming can be found within easy walking distance of the hotel, but you’ll be isolated from it once ‘home’. We valued this ‘amenity’ above all else, and we’ll be back!

For another hotel pick that may fit your family, check out our review of Desert Club Resort.

As we disclose whenever applicable, we stayed at Grand Chateau as guests of the resort, for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own. After three Marriott Vacation Club location reviews to date, we were not surprised to love Grand Chateau!