Amy Hagstrom - Pitstops for Kids

Open letter to the airline industry

June 8, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Dear Airline Industry,

I know you’re hurting. I know money is tight these days (trust me), and I know new ways of ‘packaging’ airfare is required in this economy. I also know that I’d like to ride out the turbulence of these tough times with you. I’ve been in love with air travel since I munched my first honey-roasted peanut at 10,000 feet at the age of seven, and like many, many other families, sharing my love of air travel with my own children is important to me.

But you’re making it hard to stick by you. At a time when luxury resorts and cruise ships across the world are rolling out the red carpet for kids (I have personally worked with Expedia.com, Omni Resorts, and Preferred Hotels in their efforts to create family-friendly programs and offerings), you’re making it increasingly difficult for families to arrive at their destination. I’d say that traveling families are the ones suffering, but the truth is, airlines are shooting themselves in the foot.

How so? Let’s start with this month’s headliner: airlines charging for ‘premium’ coach seats. Premium…coach? Isn’t that an oxymoron? Before you hold families hostage in this manner, follow the trail of logic: who typically pays for airline upgrades? Business travelers. Solo travelers. Couples celebrating a special occasion like a honeymoon. Not family travelers, I can assure you. When I shop flights for my family of five, I’m looking for the best deal, and nothing more. After all, I still need to shelter, feed, and entertain my motley crew all vacation long.

So let’s apply this logic to an actual scenario: Business traveler Joe has upgraded his coach seat to premium level. (I’m trying not to laugh, really.) He’s happily sitting in his aisle seat for which he’s paid an extra $44. Single Traveling Parent Jane, her preschooler, and her toddler walk down the aisle to find their seats. Because Jane has not (and would never) pay to upgrade her seats, she has two middle seats and one window, necessitating a separation from at least one small child. As this is logistically ridiculous, the call to action falls on poor Business Traveler Joe, who has two choices, neither of which are attractive: 1. vacate the seat he just paid extra for, to allow Jane’s family to stay together, or 2. hold his ground, and entertain an unaccompanied toddler for the duration of the flight. Airline, you’ve accomplished two things here: you’ve angered Joe, who’s probably a frequent flyer and loyal customer, and you’ve upset Jane (who probably tweets). But wait, you have your $44, so you’re good.

There’s more. Because you’re charging for premium seats, Airline, and separating family groups, family travelers now have to pack more carry-on luggage. And you know you already think we pack too much! As a family travel writer, I’ve long advocated packing carry-on only or one carry-on per family (you’re welcome), but because I now have to plan for the contingency that my school-aged children will sit apart from me, each child needs his or her own backpack full of entertainment (and food…don’t get me started on that). More carry-on bags mean a greater burden on the already overloaded overhead luggage compartments (which, of course, is due to fees placed on checked luggage, but we won’t go there, either). So in this second scenario, in which I’ve boarded your plane with five carry-ons instead of one, what you get is increased stress, chaos, and crowds in your already over-stressed cabin. Not only are your overworked flight attendants negotiating my seats with disgruntled business travelers, but they’re now also trying to stuff my backpacks into bins. Backpacks that would not have existed had you not 1. charged me for checked bags (whoops, I went there) and 2. charged me to sit with my kids.

Airline, I’m not mad. Really. Some family-friendly airlines I love quite dearly. Mostly, I’m worried for you. You can run all the flashy promotions you’d like (some of your kids fly free deals are excellent), but at the end of the day, families won’t remember what deal you’re running on your website. They won’t care how convenient you made online check-in or how shiny your homepage is. They’re accustomed to the ordeal of security, and they’re even planning on you losing their luggage. What they will remember: the seven circles of hell you did or did not put them through in order to get from Point A to Point B.

Family travel is only gaining in popularity. The industry brands I work with every day, from eco-tour operations to luxury resorts, know this. But the travel industry cycle we’re all a part of only works if we can get where we’re going.

Please get on-board. We miss the family-friendly skies.

Sincerely,

A Family Travel Writer

Expedia Kids in the City: Portland Oregon

June 7, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Today, Pit Stops for Kids is proud to participate in Expedia.com’s fantastic Kids in the City summer series. For 12 days, 12 American cities are featured by 12 travel bloggers. Each day, readers of Expedia experience a different city, all perfect for family summer vactions. Today, Pit Stops for Kids is presenting the final city of Portland, Oregon.

As an Oregon resident, it’s hard to imagine a better city to explore with kids than Portland. Small enough to navigate easily, yet big enough to host all the excitement families want in a city vacation, Portland is a fun, stimulating mix of beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and often-alternative (yet always free-thinking) urban culture. Read on to see our favorite ways to enjoy Portland, then head to Expedia to view our Portland Fact Sheet, containing all the logistical information you need to plan your own Portland summer visit.

Get outside.

Portland is famous for its outdoorsy, sporty mentality. Everywhere you go in Portland, you’ll see cyclists heading to work, joggers on the river front, and crew teams skimming down the Willamette. There are abundant natural areas for families to explore. Kids will love walking the river front at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, where they can spy docked ships and watch the working drawbridges lift and fall. Book a cruise on the Portland Spirit to see more of the Willamette, or if you have babies and small children, spend a day in the slow lane at Mt. Tabor Park, where the walking trails meander amid leafy trees and the playgrounds provide hours of fun.

Older kids will love biking the many family-level bike trails, and everyone will enjoy a day trip driving the Columbia River Gorge, located just miles outside the city on I-84. There, families can see the same view as early pioneers at the Cape Horn Overlook, feel the spray of stunning Multnomah Falls, and watch salmon jump up the fish ladder at the Bonneville Dam. And myth buster alert: it rains far less in Portland than you might think, but if a downpour catches you by surprise, you can always stop at the REI anchor store or original Nike store (both downtown) for the latest rain gear.

Learn a thing or two.

Located downtown, families simply must stop at Powell’s City of Books. A Portland institution, Powell’s consists of multiple rooms (and stories, no pun intended) of new and used books. An entire room is dedicated to children’s books, where readings are often held around the squishy chairs and kid-sized tables. School-aged kids and teens enjoy their own spaces as well, and adult book-lovers will have to be pulled out against their will! Be sure to grab a store map at the entrance to get around!

Across the Willamette from Powell’s lies OMSI, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. OMSI boasts a full-scale hands-on museum, with permanent exhibits on earth, life, and chemical science, a baby and toddler area, a fun logistical puzzles and brain teaser section, and working science labs for school-aged kids. Everyone will love the IMAX and planetarium shows, and past visiting exhibits have included headliners like Sue the dinosaur and Richard Scarry’s Puzzletown.

A short MAX ride away (more on Portland’s public transit to come), Portland’s Washington Park houses the Oregon Zoo and Portland Children’s Museum. Small enough to be manageable and yet big enough to feature all the animals families want to see, the Oregon Zoo remains one of our favorites for its friendly, knowledgeable staff, great shows, and park-like atmosphere (feel free to bring in a cooler on a wagon and picnic on on the center green spaces). On rainy days, the Children’s Museum can’t be beat. Featuring three stories of interactive fun, young kids will love the tree fort, working grocery store, vet clinic, and waterworks, but the museum’s most unique exhibit is its pottery art studio and ‘recycled art’ lab. Open during select hours and fully staffed, these spaces allow kids to create freely, using real art equipment, supplies, and tools. My kids have spent literal hours inside!

Minutes outside of the city, families will find countless Oregon farms and vineyards, many with you-pick opportunities and country entertainment, and in McMinnville (45 minutes away), kids will go crazy for the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum and adjacent Wings and Waves indoor water park. Plan to spend the better part of a day at this highly educational (yet completely entertaining) complex, which will teach families about WWII aviation history, space program events, and even the science of water. The water park is as big and comprehensive as any we’ve seen, and includes attractions for everyone from toddlers to teens.

Eat like a local.

Portlandians love their local, whole foods, which are abundant at the Portland Saturday Market and at downtown’s many Portland food carts during the summer months. During a weekend walk along the water front or downtown blocks, food trucks are available at every corner, offering everything from gourmet grilled cheese to escargot. Our favorite trucks include The Honey Pot, selling slices of pie, and Herb’s Mac and Cheese, featuring delicious, farm-to-table–you guessed it–macaroni and cheese. If you want to sit down for a meal, a McMenamins is likely nearby. A chain of restaurants in Oregon, McMenamins are always converted from historic or fated-to-be-demolished buildings, ranging from old schools to fire stations to train terminals. For a morning treat, head to Voodoo Doughnut, located near the Burnside Bridge downtown, for some of the world’s most unqiue doughnut creations.

Stay in the heart of it all.

Families centralized in the downtown area will have little use for their car, due to Portland’s efficient and simple-to-navigate public transit system. Both the Hotel Monaco Portland, which caters to kids, and the Embassy Suites Portland, which offers a fantastic free breakfast, lie within Portland’s ‘Fareless Square’, where rides on the MAX lightrail are free. The Hotel Monaco also rents out free bikes to families, so they can explore downtown on wheels. Within the downtown area, families can spend time at Pioneer Square, Portland’s signature shopping and eating mecca, and in the adjacent Pearl District, where antique shops and speciality stores invite families to poke around.

Whether you spend a day or spend a week, you’ll fall in love with Portland. While you’re planning, don’t forget to check out our Fact Sheet and video at Expedia.com. While you’re there, check out the other cities represented: Philadelphia, San Francisco, Denver, New York, Chicago, Boston, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Seattle, San Diego, and Minneapolis.

Pit Stops for Kids was compensated to support the Kids in the City summer-travel campaign.

A stay at the Morgan Hotel, San Simeon CA

June 5, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

I discovered the wonderful value for families at Broughton Hospitality boutique hotels during our stay at Mill Valley CA’s The Acqua, and our experience was equally positive at The Morgan Hotel, a San Simeon hotel for families.

The Morgan can be found just five minutes from Hearst Castle and the Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon, and is only 45 minutes from the California wine country near Paso Robles, but the appeal for families is in its amenities, not its location (as there are plenty of motel choices in the area, some with better beach access). Like other Broughton hotels, the Morgan is the perfect hybrid between a economy motel and a boutique hotel: it looks pretty standard from the outside, but inside, it’s clear that this is no run-of-the-mill motel.

The lobby is very well decorated, with soft couches and an oversized checker board, and features a sunken dining area for the morning breakfast buffet (more on that later). The rooms are oversized (deluxe fireplace rooms are only marginally more per night) and nicely decorated, and free wifi is included throughout the hotel, including in guest rooms. Parking is free, as is the breakfast buffet, which was pretty standard (cereal, oatmeal, packaged pastries, and a variety of toast and bagels) but perfectly adequate. The real draw for kids is the lovely outdoor heated pool. It’s located in a walled courtyard behind the lobby, and best of all, it’s protected from the wind off the ocean. (If you want beach access, it’s only a few blocks away, behind the Best Western. We found fun tide pools there in addition to a nice, wide flat beach to play on.)

Our only complaint about the Morgan was that it’s showing its wear here and there: some of the bathroom fixtures were less than sparkling (due to age), and dust did accumulate behind dressers and the like. It takes a lot to bother me in this regard, so I was content, but pickier families might take issue. (Of course, for me, free wifi beats out almost anything!) There’s a decent Mexican restaurant located next door, but we drove three miles to Cambria, CA, where we had a nice pizza and burger dinner at J B J’s Round-Up Pizza.

Date last visited:

May 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Right off Highway 1.

Room rates:

Standard rooms (double or king) were listed at $109 at the time of our visit, while deluxe rooms (large, with canopy beds and fireplaces) were listed at $119. We found either rate to be a very good value for the amenities offered. Add ons can be made at the time of reservation, like wine selections, cookies and milk delivered, or an in-room massage by certified massage artist.

Directions:

The Morgan is located at 9135 Hearst Drive. From Highway 1, turn onto Vista Del Mar to hotel.

As I disclose whenever applicable, the Morgan hosted our family at no cost, for the purpose of review. While we appreciate this hospitality as it allows us to bring relevant information to readers, it came with no expectation of a positive review.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

May 31, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Families looking for things to do in Monterey, CA or en route along Highway 1 to Big Sur should definitely stop at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Located just a few miles outside Monterey on Highway 1, Point Lobos offers great hiking with kids in Monterey, with miles of hiking trails, scenic vistas, hisorical sites, and picnic grounds in some of the most beautiful acreage I’ve ever seen. We started at Whaler’s Cove, where a posted sign instructed us to speak in quiet voices…the seals were using the nearby beach as a pup rookery. We could see the mother seals and babies from the parking lot. Nearby, families can view the historic Whaler’s Cabin, and a steep staircase takes you to the bluff overlooking the bay and the network of hiking trails.

The trails are easily navigated, though parents will want to remind kids to stay on the trail. There are steep areas, and during certain seasons, poison oak is in bloom. (We saw a lot when we visited in May.) We opted to take the 1.4 mile North Shore Trail, which connects with the Seal Point parking area and trailhead. Along the North Shore Trail are numerous overlooks where seals, otters, and even whales can be spotted, and at Seal Point, tide pools are visible in low tide. The nearby Cypress Grove Trail tours the oldest Monterey Cypress grove in the world, and is a great option for famlies not quite up for the longer hikes. Guided walks and nature talks are also scheduled throughout each week.

Note: Dogs are not permitted in the reserve, even if they stay in the vehicle.

Date last visited:

May 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Right on Highway 1.

Admission price:

Admission the the reserve is $10 per car. You’re buying a state park pass, so if you’re visiting any other state parks on your trip, it will be good for those, too!

Hours of operation:

8 am to 7 pm during Daylight Savings, and from 8 am until 1/2 hour after sunset in winter.

Food services:

None, but picnicking areas are throughout the park.

Directions:

From Monterey, head out Highway 1 three miles south. Look for the posted signs.

A stay at Monterey’s Portola Hotel and Spa

May 29, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Stepping into the spacious lobby of Monterey CA’s Portola Hotel and Spa, you just might think you’ve taken a wrong turn and stepped back outside instead. The wide, open space is canopied with lush, live trees giving way to bright skylights, and the front desk staff is equally sunny. Upon arrival, my kids (and the adults!) were offered warm chocolate chip cookies, and the kids were ushered into the Portola Pirate Program, a fun and inventive perk including a goodie bag of pirate treasure and an interactive scavenger hunt around the hotel grounds. The boys immediately departed to scour the lobby for their first clue (an impressive pirate ship model), while my husband and I left the car with the valet service and trailed after them.

The Pirate Program serves a duel purpose that parents can appreciate: it gets the kids moving after time in the car, introduces parents to the amenities of the resort (the treasure hunt includes stops at the hotel’s two restaurants and adjacent candy shop), and emphasizes the hotel’s policy of valuing kids and family. We really appreciated how welcome our boys were to literally have the run of the place.

After settling into our courtyard-view room (which was very nicely decorated, and included welcome, if not fairly standard) amenities like a mini-fridge, ample closet space, and spa robes as well as extra touches like slatted blinds and chic decor, we checked out the outdoor heated pool (adjacent to the spa, which sadly, I didn’t have opportunity to try out). We did enjoy taking a glass of wine to the hot tub while the kids splashed in the pool before dinner. We were tempted by the outdoor fire pit and fresh California cuisine at the hotel’s Peter B’s Brew Pub, but in the end, the kid-friendly offerings on Fisherman’s Wharf (only steps away) won out. Note: Jack’s, the hotel’s main restaurant, looked a bit too dark and stuffy for our taste, decorated more like an old-school nautical club, though the staff was friendly and kid-welcoming.

We ate in our room in the morning (easy with the mini-fridge and plenty of counter space), but plenty of coffee and cafe-style breakfast spots are in walking distance (including a coffee shop right at the hotel). Also on-site: a candy store, a great bike and outdoor equipment rental shop, Adventures by the Sea, and a fitness center. I loved how close Monterey’s Historic Walking Tour was (the historic custom house was right outside the resort), and how easily families could connect with the many bike and walking paths. We could easily walk to the Coast Guard Pier to see the seals, and all the way to Cannery Row, should we desire. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and Carmel’s 17 Mile Drive are only minutes away by car. All in all, the Portola is a great home base for visiting Monterey with kids.

Distance from the interstate:

Five minutes from Highway 1.

Room rates:

Rates at the time of our visit varied from $225 for a standard (courtyard view) double room to $309 for a harbor-view room. We experienced a courtyard view, which was still lovely…upgrading is not necessary for a peaceful, pretty view. The Portola offers valet parking for $20 a night or self parking for $17.

Included amenities:

The Portola’s nightly rate does not include a complimentary breakfast, but does include a heated outdoor pool and spa, fitness room, and kids’ Portola Pirate Program. Free wifi is available in the spacious (and comfortable) lobby area, and available in-room for an additional fee. Room service is also available.

Directions:

The Portola Hotel and Spa is located at 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA. From downtown Monterey, it’s an easy few blocks to the hotel (right outside the busy Cannery Row area and adjacent to the Historic Fisherman’s Wharf.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced the Portola Hotel and Spa as guests of the hotel and Monterey County. Though their hositality is appreciated, as it allows us to review amenities for traveling families, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

The Acqua Hotel: kid-friendly boutique hotel in California’s Bay Area

May 24, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

I’m pleased to announce I’ve found a new (to me) hotel brand favorite for traveling families: Broughton Hospitality’s boutique hotel collection, with properties across the west. On our recent California road trip with kids, we had the pleasure of spending a night outside San Francisco at Mill Valley’s Acqua Hotel, which served our family’s needs perfectly.

What made the Acqua, and the other Broughton hotels we’ve experienced, so well suited? These boutique hotels fall right in-between the price point of a economic motel and a high-end luxury hotel, while including a host of hotel amenities families need. The Acqua, perfect for bay area travel, is priced only marginally higher than a standard motel, and yet offers large rooms, plenty of outdoor space to play, adjacent biking and walking paths, an ideal location to Sausalito and Muir Woods National Monument, a full breakfast, free parking, and wifi. The value for amenities cannot be beat.

We checked into the Acqua Hotel just in time for their complimentary wine and cheese reception hour (from 5 pm to 6 pm), which we enjoyed in the sunshine on the expanse of lawn overlooking the bay. The kids played touch football on the grass while we sipped a nice pinot noir, and we all snacked on grapes, cheese, and crackers…perfect to fend of hunger pre-dinner. We were minutes away from Mill Valley, where we ate a fun dinner at Joe’s Taco Lounge (recommended by the hotel staff), and once we returned to our room, we had enough space to stretch out for a family movie night. Our corner room (a junior suite) boasted a nice view with patio (though sizes vary), and slept five very comfortably, and the style was chic, fresh, and modern. The bathroom was very large with a huge tub and shower, and the hotel’s unique, airy layout makes you feel like you’re always outside.

The following morning, we ate our fill at the far-above-average complimentary hotel breakfast buffet, laid out in the Acqua’s second floor breakfast room with outdoor patio overlooking the back bay. “Finally, a hotel breakfast buffet with enough seating,” my husband noted, and he was right: there was more than enough room…no jockeying for a table in the morning rush. The buffet featured highly decent coffee and tea options, fresh sliced fruit, gourmet danishes (nothing out of the package here), cereals and oatmeal, and your standard breads and bagels (topped with artisan jams and jellies). We were very impressed (and trust me, we’ve seen our share of free hotel buffets).

For what you get, I can’t stress the Acqua’s value for families enough: it’s perfect for exploring the Bay Area, and close enough to the city (five miles or so from the Golden Gate Bridge) to make for a good home base for city excursions (though note: you’ll pay for tolls and parking in the city). The hotel does boast free bike borrowing (for use on the nearby bike paths), but at the time of our visit, they only had two adult-sized bikes. My single recommendation for the Acqua is to offer child-sized bikes as well, so a family could enjoy this amenity.

Distance from the interstate:

Right off Highway 101 (though we couldn’t hear street noise at night).

Room rates:

Our junior suite was listed at $169.00 a night, and deluxe king and double rooms are generally under $150 a night. Check with Acqua’s reservation system for exact rates, of course.

Included amenities:

In-room wifi, parking, breakfast, wine reception, all-day coffee and tea service, plenty of outdoor space for kids.

Directions:

The Acqua is located at 555 Redwood Highway. From the San Francisco Airport, take Hwy. 101 North/I-380 West ramp en route for I-280 North toward San Francisco. Continue on I-280 North, and stay to the left as it turns into 19th Ave. Exit. Follow 19th Ave. all the way to and over the Golden Gate Bridge (approximately 7 miles), then continue on the 101 North. Take the Seminary Dr. exit, and turn right at the first light at the bottom of the exit, which is Seminary Drive/ Redwood Highway.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced the Acqua as guests of Broughton Hospitality. While we appreciate this opportunity to review the property for our readers, all opinions are our own, and I was under no obligation to write in a particular view point.
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Muir Woods National Monument

May 21, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Nestled in the lush hillside just minutes from Mill Valley, CA, Muir Woods National Monument is a must-do for families visiting San Francisco’s Bay Area. Only minutes outside of the city, it makes for a perfect pit stop en route to San Francisco or a nice day trip to escape city crowds.

Called a ‘tree lover’s monument’, Muir Woods is a very accessible park of walking trails and visitor information on California redwoods. Visually breathtaking, the paths take families through groves of redwoods, past creeks, and among ferns. Because multiple loops are available, families with kids of all ages and abilities can enjoy Muir Woods. On our visit, our seven-year-old was only up for the 1/2 hour loop, while my older boys wanted to go farther, so we easily split up with one adult on each trail, meeting up at the visitor’s center later. The longest route only took us approximately 45 minutes (the map calls it 1 hour), and takes visitors on a trail above the forest floor for a different perspective. Families who want even more hiking have many additional trails to choose from just outside Muir Woods proper.

Whatever route you take, it’s well worth the effort to make it as far as the Cathedral Grove, where the towering trees replicate the sanctity of a cathedral dome. (Quiet is requested as you walk through this area, and the effect is very peaceful, even with a gang of kids in tow.) The rangers stationed at the various information stations are very helpful and during our visit, engaged the kids with birding books and tree charts. There is a gift center with lots of tempting souvenirs, and a small cafe. Families can also picnic. Tip: This park gets crowded. On days when the parking lot is full, be prepared to walk some distance from street-side parking spaces, or take the shuttle, running from Mill Valley.

Distance from the Interstate:

Just off Highway 101.

Admission price:

The monument is only $7 per adult and free for kids under 15 (yes, 15!). A national park annual pass will also get you in.

Hours of operation:

Park hours vary by season, but generally, is open at 9 am and closes at sunset.

Food services:

A cafe is on-site, as well as picnic areas. Families can’t bring food (other than water) onto the Muir Woods trails, but food is permitted on the additional trails outside the park.

Directions:

Muir Woods is 11 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Take Highway 101 to the Highway 1/Stinson Beach exit. Follow signs to Muir Woods. Warning: the road is very windy! RVs are not permitted. The shuttle, running during the busy summer season, is a great way to go, to avoid parking hassles. Pick up the shuttle from Mill Valley (operated by Marin Transit).

Note: Muir Woods has a Kidscore of 84. Learn more about Kidscore.

Portland Saturday Market, Portland Oregon

May 10, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Often, one of the best ways to get to know a city is to experience one of their seasonal festivals or street markets. From March through December of every year, the Burnside Bridge area of Tom McCall Waterfront Park and Ankeny Park in Portland Oregon comes alive with the Portland Saturday Market.

One part artisan vendor market, one part touristy festival, and one part foodie heaven, the Portland Saturday Market is entertaining for everyone from fussy babies to grandparents. Families will want to spend a couple of hours here, tasting local farm-to-market food cart fare, watching (and listening to) the many street performers (including one-man bands, drum circles, magicians, and jugglers), and shopping for everything from handmade jewelry to clothing to wood carvings. Our boys’ favorite booth featured hundreds of varieties of pocket knives, but you’ll also find children’s toys, fine art photography, hand-stitched hats and scarves, and beading. Special events are scheduled throughout the summer, with featured bands and entertainers on the main stage every Saturday.

Note: One aisle of stalls on the far side of the market do feature smoking paraphelia and marajuana use promotion predominently. It’s easy to avoid if you should desire, but is there.

Distance from the interstate:

You can reach the market area within 15 minutes of I-5, but you’ll have to stop somewhere along Naito parkway for parking.

Hours and admission prices:

There’s no admission to the market (though you’ll pay for parking). The hours are generally 10 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and 11 am to 4:30 pm on Sundays.

Food options:

There’s plenty of food stalls at the market, but should you want something a little healthier than traditional ‘fair food’, head up to Oak and 2nd for lots of Portland food truck choices.

Note: market-going receive two hours of free parking validation at Smart Park locations with any market food purchase of $25 or more.

Directions:

From I-5, exit at 299B to take 405 North toward City Center. Exit 1A to Naito Parkway. Park at the Smart Park on NW Naito and Davis Street.

Wildlife Safari

May 7, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Every once in a while, a potential pit stop surprises me. We’d traveled Oregon’s I-5 stretch countless times before we took the opportunity to visit Wildlife Safari outside Winston, Oregon. Why the delay? I tend to be suspicious of roadside animal attractions: as a card-carrying PETA member, I want to be sure the zoos and preserves I support are in the best interest the animals. I’m glad to say that Winston’s Wildlife Safari is a first class operation and a truly fantastic zoological park.

Located just a few miles off I-5 south of Roseburg, colorful billboards will direct you to the park (don’t be fooled by the somewhat less classy looking animal ‘ark’ attraction located nearby…this is a separate operation). Upon entering Wildlife Safari, you have two options: begin with the driving tour of the safari grounds, where you’ll cruise slowly through various sanctuaries housing free-roaming zebras, giraffes, elephants, and everything else you can imagine (lions and tigers and bears oh my!), or park and walk through the center safari square, where you’ll find the gift shop, surprisingly decent food, and some smaller animals, like reptiles, turtles, a very loud monkey, and a small train ride. Intuition would tell you to start there–get out and release your own monkeys from the confines of the car–but my suggestion is the driving tour, because with admission, you get to go through twice. It works well to drive through, park and visit the walking grounds, then drive through once more on your way out.

Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours here to see it all (1.5 to drive through, and at least one more to tour the grounds).

Tip: If you have very small children, they’ll probably only have the ability to sit in the car for one drive through the grounds. Depending on how crowded the tour is, this loop can take as long as an hour. We let our kids unbuckle to see better (you’re only driving 5-10 MPH), but of course that’s a parental preference.

Pets: If you’re traveling with your pets, they are not allowed in the park, but very nice kennels are available on-site for only $5. This is a great option to avoid leaving your pets in a potentially overheated or cold car.

Distance from the interstate:

Ten minutes from I-5.

Admission cost:

Adults are $17.99, and kids (ages 4-12) are $11.99. Depending on the size of your family, a family (annual) membership might be a better option. The membership is only $99, and gets two adults and up to five children into the park and drive-through safari for unlimited visits. This is also a great choice if you think you might traverse I-5 more than once a year.

Hours of operation:

Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. The cafe closes slightly earlier (usually 4:30 pm).

Food services:

There’s a nice cafe on-site, which serves the usual burger and fries, but also healthy sandwiches and veggie burgers. It’s not cheap (think theme park pricing) but the kids’ meals are a good deal. Families can also picnic in an designated area.

Directions:

Wildlife Safari is located at 1790 Safari Road, Winston Oregon. From I-5, visitors will take Exit 119 west onto Highway 42 to Lookingglass Road. Follow signage from there!

Photo credit: SpringfieldHomer.

Guide to Portland food carts with kids

May 3, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Ever since getting my first taste of food cart eating in Vancouver last June, I’ve sought out food trucks and carts while in cities. I’ve found great food cart fare in Boston and traditional hot dog cart fare in New York City, and given Portland, Oregon’s foodie bent, I wasn’t surprised to find the food cart craze had hit the City of Roses as well.

During an overnight at downtown Portland’s Hotel Monaco this April, we hit the pavement in search of the best food carts in Portland.

Our favorite Portland food cart finds:

A Taste of Greek: Located on SW 2nd and Oak, A Taste of Greek has, in my 12-year-old’s opinion, ‘the best gyros he’s ever had’. My falafel was tasty too. And we fed two people for under $10.

Starchy and Husk: Also on Sw 2nd and Oak (this is food cart mecca), Starchy and Husk has gourmet mac and cheese kids and adults will love, with add-ins like sweet potato and pancetta. Best of all adding a side salad and corn bread is only $1.

Fuego 1: If you crave Mexican fare, you have lots of options (our favorite, Fuego, has three locations alone). The burritos are great here, and you can find lots of vegetarian options. Fuego 1 is located at 6th and Yamhill.

The Honey Pot: For dessert or an afternoon snack, head to The Honey Pot, located at 43rd and Belmont. They serve slices of pie that will please everyone in your group from the artisan foodie to the pickiest kid. Our favorite: The Boyfriend, which is peach pie made from coconut milk. Plus, they sell pre-made pie dough for only $2.50 if you want to bake at home.

How to find Portland food carts:

Walking through the downtown blocks of Portland guarantees running into one or more ‘pods’ of food trucks, but if you want to find that particular cart you’ve been hearing about, we’ve found Food Carts Portland to be most helpful for pre-trip review reading, and the Portland Food Cart Directory most useful on the fly. Food carts group together on downtown parking lots, and a sure bet is the Burnside Bridge area near the Portland Saturday Market. Keep in mind that most food trucks are seasonal, so hit ‘food truck and cart season’ from April through October for the most variety.