Amy Hagstrom - Pitstops for Kids

Best Beach Towns: Puerto Vallarta with kids

March 22, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Puerto Vallarta offers a bit of everything for families enjoying a Mexican vacation, from beaches to city life to mountains, all touched by the warmth of the sun. While accommodations are an important aspect of any family vacation, no matter how great the resort, I always advocate getting outside hotel grounds to explore your destination further. During our recent stay, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to depart hotel grounds to explore the culture, wildlife, and landscape of the area.

Puerto Vallarta’s downtown and famed Malecon boardwalk:

The downtown district and boardwalk are a 5-10 minute taxi cab ride from the Marina Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta beach resort areas (and will only set you back 80-100 pesos). While the area is unapologetically touristy, it makes for a fun taste of the city, and families armed with a sense of adventure can easily detour from the main drag onto more side streets for a more genuine experience.We started at the north end of the Malecon, where you’ll find bike rentals (and fun push car rentals for little ones), plenty of eateries, and, during the holiday seasons, amazing sandcastle works of art along the beach.

After poking around in the shops, we headed south to the other end, where we posed by Malecon’s arches, then veered up several blocks from the ocean. There we found the beautiful Church of our Lady of Guadalupe (open to the public most hours), quaint courtyards, and less touristy shops (including a candy store perfect for kids to sample traditional Mexican sweets). Continuing south would have taken us to the main flea market (located next to the Rio Cuale), housing several stories of art, food, and traditional craft vendors. Even if you’re only browsing, the area is a feast for the senses!

Puerto Vallarta’s public beaches:

North and south of downtown, Puerto Vallarta’s public beaches span from one end of the resort district to the other, offering an array of beach and water sports, more vendors, and fun in the sun. We were lucky enough to access public beaches right from the Velas Vallarta resort, but if you’re staying off the beach, follow public beach access signs. Once on the sand, it’s easy to walk from cove to cove. Right from the sand, extreme sports operations will ply you with offers for sports fishing excursions, parasailing rides, and the like; I recommend booking such extensive excursions through your resort conceirge instead. We did, however, rent a kayak from a vendor at the Malia resort desk (located in front of the Malia Vallarta resort north of the city center). For $15 (US) a hour, we could paddle out (with provided life jackets) to explore the ocean on our own. Even departing straight from the resort zone and not venturing far, we saw schools of fish, water birds of prey, and were told to expect dolphins.

Puerto Vallarta’s neighboring mountains:

When you’ve tired of the beaches (I know, right?), head for the hills. Puerto Vallarta is sandwiched between the Pacific and the Sierra Madre mountain range, which plays host to a number of hiking, horseback riding, and jungle canopy excurions offered by reputable tour operations. (Again, we recommend inquiring about these at your resort’s concierge or activities desk.) A hike-and-snorkel combination excursion can offer the best of both worlds, of course, but the more leisurely pace of a horseback ride can give families a glimpse of not only the mountain vistas but the rural lifestyle of Puerto Vallarta’s regional ranches and farms. We loved that Rancho el Charro offers rides from their family-owned ranch, provides lunch, and, in the case of their Wild Tour, takes guests to a breathtaking waterfall deep in the mountains.

Whatever your interests, don’t be afraid to venture out from the grounds of your resort to explore. Families will find Mexican residents of Puerto Vallarta to be friendly, fun, and happy to tout the many beauties of their city.

How to prepare for a Disney cruise

March 14, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

At Pit Stops for Kids, we cover all modes of family travel. However, there’s one major category of family travel we’ve neglected (until now): family cruising. On March 26th, the Pit Stops kids and I will be embarking upon the brand new ship in the Disney Cruise Line, the Disney Fantasy. We’ll be reporting on our experience here and for Expedia.com.

There’s only one problem: we don’t know what the heck we’re doing. We’re complete cruising newbies at Pit Stops for Kids: while we love the open road, cities, and National Parks and wilderness, we’ve yet to tackle the high seas. How do we prepare for something we’ve never experienced?

Learn what to expect.

Preparation is key to any family vacation, so from now until departure day, I’ll be following my own advice and researching our destination(s) extensively. To prepare for our trip, I turned to the same resources I hope you’re all using to plan vacations: family travel bloggers. The Disney Fantasy has yet to embark upon its first public sailing, so I read up on coverage of its sister ship, the Disney Dream. Hip Travel Mama offers a great overview of what to expect on-board from a parent’s perspective, and Ciao Bambino lists their top ten surprises on the ship. Also incredibly helpful are these tips on getting the most out of a Disney cruise. This video of the AquaDuck water roller coaster from The Vacation Gals was enough to get my kids jumping up and down, and for specific questions, I’ve always found the Disney Moms Panel to be a useful resource.

Identify concerns, then be proactive.

We have the following concerns (all of which we’ll be addressing post-cruise, in case you do, too):

1. Will the ship feel too crowded for our tastes?
2. Will Calvin, notorious for losing his lunch in both cars and on planes, suffer from seasickness?
3. Will our outdoor-adventure loving style of travel be stifled on board a ship?
4. Will a large-ship cruise be ‘green’ enough to appease our eco-conscience?

To ensure a good vacation experience, I’ve purchased Sea Bands, researched the Disney Cruise Line green initiatives (more on that to come), and learned as much as I can about any itinerary stops ahead of time (internet connection is notoriously unreliable onboard, so last-minute research may be frustrating). This way, we can get off the ship and explore the way we prefer to.

Lastly, I want help from you!

If you’ve taken a family cruise, please share a tip in the comment section below, on the Pit Stops for Kids Facebook page, or on Twitter @pitstospforkids! I’ll be retweeting one suggestion per day up until the day we embark, and after our trip, I’ll be featuring the top ten reader suggestions in a video on Expedia.com!

Photos courtesy of Disney Cruise Line.

What you need to know about health insurance while traveling

March 11, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Spring break family travel is just around the corner, but unfortunately, cold and flu season is not yet over! If you’re planning a family vacation, will your health insurance cover you on the road? Should you add holiday health insurance to your vacation budget? What other steps are necessary to ensure emergency medical treatment for your family?

As we’ll be in Florida and the Bahamas in a few weeks, and my youngest son Toby is currently being monitored for a (non-threatening) heart condition, I’ve been asking myself all the above questions in preparation. Here’s what I’ve learned about travel health insurance, including steps to take before traveling to ensure you and your family are covered:

1. Check your current health insurance coverage.

Health insurance plans vary greatly in the U.S. (I probably don’t need to tell you that!). Don’t assume yours will cover you while traveling outside the United States. (Medicare will definitely not.) Make sure care providers are available at your destination. To expedite medical visits (whether foreign or in the U.S.), bring along insurance cards and doctors’ contact information for all members of your family.

2. Consider buying travel insurance.

If your primary insurance is not comprehensive on the road, consider buying extra travel health insurance, or when applicable, group health insurance. Meant to supplement your primary coverage, keep in mind that travel insurance will usually cover emergency visits only. Be sure to ask specifically about deductibles and read the fine print! Usually, you’ll be expected to pay costs out-of-pocket and submit for reimbursement. If longer care is needed, bring back documentation to reimburse to your primary care provider.

3. If you’re a frequent traveler or staying in a single country for an extended time

, consider purchasing global insurance or temporarily gaining universal insurance in the country you’re visiting. This is easier than it sounds (again, it’s hardest in the U.S.!) Note: if your travels take you to at-risk countries your medical insurance will likely not be honored, unless you buy supplemental coverage.

4. If you do need medical attention while traveling

, utilize hotel concierge services or front desk personnel to find the best medical facility for your needs. If it’s not a life threatening emergency, it can be helpful to place a call to your at-home care provider to ask for referrals in an unfamiliar city, and it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with local emergency contact numbers.

Hopefully you’ll never need medical care while on vacation, but with preparation, most situations can be cared for quickly, allowing everyone to return to vacation fun!

Photo credit: Fiona Brown

Disney Done Right: a spring break review of Lots to Do in Line

March 8, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

If your family is headed to the Disneyland Resort this spring break, you’re not alone. That’s the bad news! The good news is, there’s a brand new way to help kids handle long wait times in the Happiest Place on Earth.

When author and mom Meredith Lyn Pierce sent me Lots to Do in Line: Disneyland for review, I wasn’t sure I could endorse anything geared toward coping with long lines at Disney–after all, I’m a broken record in my instance that no matter the season, families need not wait in Disney lines at all. But then I read through Pierce’s book (also available in an app) and I changed my mind. (Not about Disney lines being avoidable–I stand by that!–but about the inherent value of Lots to Do in Line.)

I really like this book for two reasons:

1. It captures the playful and fantastical essence of Disney. Look around you in any Disney line, and you’ll see incredible detail, artwork, and creativity. Sometimes, the line is almost as fun as the ride! (But only for a few minutes.) Lots to Do in Line recognizes what Disney has done, and runs with it, creating ‘I Spy’ games, treasure hunts, and trivia for literally every ride at Disneyland and California Adventure. Even while sitting in our own living room, my kids instantly loved this idea: they were quizzing each other on ride lines based on past trips alone!

2. There are several ways to use and adapt it. I’m impressed enough that Pierce researched and wrote about all 63 ride lines in the parks, but I’m doubly impressed that she’s included ‘FP’ symbols to utilize when enjoying the Fast Pass line, rather than the Standby line (because not to beat a dead horse, but yes, yes, yes you should be in the FP line!). Plus, kids can earn points and keep track of scores with Lots to Do in Line (a huge plus for my family) and there are several ways to play (including individual rounds and team rounds). She didn’t mention challenging Disney Cast Members to trivia about their own line, but I totally would.

3. Sometimes, just sometimes, you really do have to wait. And when you do, this book is easy to pull out of a backpack or even pocket. The app is even better, as it includes occasional audio clues and prompts. Even if you’re not waiting in line for long, Lots to Do in Line is a great conversation starter (I bet those around you in line will want to weigh in!) and way to keep your entire family engaged in the Disney experience.

If you’re headed to Disneyland Resort this spring or summer, buy Lots To Do In Line: Disneyland
at Amazon or download the app at iTunes!

Note: Lots to Do in Line now has a Cars Land supplement! Download lots to do in line in Cars Land!

As I disclose whenever applicable, I received one copy of the Lots to Do in Line book and app for the purpose of review.

A stay in a KOA Kamping Kabin

February 24, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Full disclosure: I dislike purposeful misspellings (like ‘k’s replacing ‘c’s), and I haven’t stayed in a KOA Kampground (there we go again) in a very long time. That said, when we needed a no-frills overnight accommodation en route to the Mt. Hood wilderness, I’m really glad I gave their Kamping Kabins a try.

We stayed in a two-bedroom cabin at the Culver-Redmond KOA in Central Oregon, which sleeps six. Also available at this location were several one-bedroom (4-person) cabins, in addition to their usual RV and tent camping sites. The cabin was new and comfortable, reminding us of the yurts provided by the Oregon state park system. All cabins are equipped with beds and mattresses (bring your own bedding) and electricity (with outlets). Ours also had space heaters (fans and air conditioner units in the summer) and a decent-sized mini-fridge. Outside, you get a porch with porch swing, BBQ grill, and fire pit. Best of all, a KOA overnight means your kids get the run of a fun place (no more yelling to stop running in motel hallways). The Culver KOA had a nice playground, a basketball court, and a seasonal pool.

What you don’t get: the Kamping Kabins do not have kitchens (there’s no cooking allowed inside) nor bathrooms (though some of the deluxe Kamping Kottages and Lodges do have both). The bathrooms at the Culver KOA were about 40 yards away, heated, very clean, and included showers.

Check out our Facebook video of the cabin interior!

Why it makes for a great overnight pit stop: KOA Kamping Kabins cost between $45 and $70 per night (depending on size and season), making them significantly less than what you’d expect to pay at a budget motel or roadside inn. What you miss in creature comforts (or is that kreature komforts?), you more than make up for in kid-friendly extras and a relaxed, fun setting. KOAs may not serve as our personal choice for a final destination (we prefer a more remote setting for our camping adventures), but as an overnight pit stop, it’s right up our alley. You can be sure we’ll be booking their cabins again when we’re on the road.

Thanks to KOA for hosting our stay in a two-bedroom cabin at the Redmond KOA.

Smuggler’s Notch with kids: guide to skiing for adults

February 21, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

I grew up skiing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, so I have a healthy skepticism of New England skiing. The mountains aren’t as big, there’s not as much snow (although there also aren’t as many giant Manzanita bushes to get stuck in…just saying), and there’s too much ice. Well, I still can’t ski on ice, but I’m coming around to New England ski resorts, and Smuggler’s Notch is one of the best spots I’ve seen. There are plenty of sections of intermediate trails (especially on Morse Mountain), but two of the three mountains (Madonna and Sterling) are full of legitimate black diamonds and double black diamonds. Smuggler’s Notch also boasts New England’s only triple black diamond, but it was closed on the weekend we visited (and from the look of it, I wouldn’t have tried it had it been open!).

If you like to go off-trail, Smuggs is the where you want to be! During our stay, I experienced a great session with an instructor who teaches adult lessons, and we barely touched a groomed, marked run the entire time. Off-trail bumps and tree runs are everywhere, and the rule is thus: if you ski off-trail but are able to return to a marked run, you haven’t gone out of bounds. Meaning almost everything is fair game! We even hiked a little bit above the top of Sterling to the Long Trail, and skied down a tree run that finally (and legally!) linked back up to one of the marked runs.

Even if you’re a very good skier, it can be a lot of fun to take a lesson, because it’s a great way to get an insider’s view of the mountain. There were all kinds of great trails I never would have found on my own. I have to say that I haven’t had that much fun skiing in years! It didn’t hurt that it snowed 3–4 inches the night we got there, and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky all weekend!

Skiers will also appreciate the way the mountain is set up. The Village Center, condos, swimming pool, etc. are all located at the base of Morse Mountain. This is also where you’ll find the kids’ programs and Treasures (child care). To get over to Madonna and Sterling, where the big skiing is, you have to ride up the Morse Mountain lift and ski over to the other lifts. At the base of Madonna and Sterling, there is a small base lodge, and not a lot else. (You can also drive directly to Madonna and Sterling, but if you’re staying in the condos, it’s easier to ski over.) This configuration minimizes traffic and congestion at the most popular lifts, so you feel like you’re at a small, funky hill with a lot of great terrain.

Tip: The fact that both Madonna and Sterling lifts are pretty slow doubles really enhances the funky old resort feel, and it’s also why it’s great to come on a day that’s not too crowded. Lift lines can take a while when it’s busy.

Smuggler’s Notch offers morning and afternoon adult lesson sessions, lasting two hours. Afternoon sessions are small (lessons are limited to five skiers), but during both my vacation days, I happened to be the only one signed up, and had a private lesson! If you have older kids (ages 6–17), you can sign them up for morning or afternoon lessons to coincide with your own. This would work well for kids who are independent skiers and don’t want to sign up for an all-day program, but are looking to learn some new skills.

Smuggler’s Notch with kids: programming for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers

February 17, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re like a lot of families with very young kids (think pre-K), the prospect of a ski vacation is tempting, but overwhelming. Who wants to spend precious vacation dollars taking endless runs on the bunny hill with a toddler while your partner is stuck in the lodge chasing a baby determined eat every French fry she finds on the floor? Family ski resorts like Smuggler’s Notch understand this, and provide age-appropriate programming to help families take (and actually enjoy!) ski vacations with young kids. To put Smuggs’ legendary family-friendliness to the test, my husband and I set out from our home in Massachusetts with Homer (3) and Greta (1) for a three-night stay.

Homer was just old enough to enroll in their Discovery Camp (included in most packages), and Greta spent some quality time at the TREASURES child care center (ages six weeks to three). And what did TJ and I do? We skied all day, ate lunch at the lodge, and lounged in the hot tub. Heaven!

The Discovery Dynamos program is for kids aged three to five, and accommodates all ability levels. Homer had already been skiing a few times this winter, so he was bumped up to a group that uses the beginner chair lift, but a lot of the younger groups use Sir Henry’s Learning Hill. This is a nice, wide bunny hill serviced by a magic carpet (it is also where the Burton Riglet Park for beginner snowboarders is located). Also, much to Homer’s delight, the program uses a tractor and wagon to haul kids to the upper slope-side condos, where they can enter the run and ski down without having to use the lifts (easier on the instructors, too!). The camp starts at 9 am, breaks for lunch around 11:30, then goes back out to ski until about 2:30 pm. In the afternoon, the kids come back inside for some indoor entertainment (on Homer’s days they had a science show and a movie). Needless to say, they sleep well at night!

The instructors are friendly, very focused on the kids, and seem to be really excited about reaching a new generation of skiers. If at all possible, I recommend that your child spend a few consecutive days in the program. Homer had the same teacher every day, and became a little more confident and outgoing every day. If your kids are older, keep in mind that there are similar all-day programs for kids up to 15 years of age.

Tip: Though all ski and board ability levels are welcome at the Dynamo level, kids must be potty trained!

While Homer ripped it up with his instructor, Greta spent her days at TREASURES. The facilities are beautiful, and the staff is extremely helpful and accommodating. They even have their own magic carpet lift in the adorable outdoor play area for the older toddlers to try some skiing (refer to the Little Rascals on Snow program)! They specialize in non-recurrent childcare, meaning that they are good at making your child feel comfortable in a new environment, with unfamiliar adults and children. Snacks and meals are provided, but you can bring your own if there’s something special that you know for child will like. They also ask you about mealtimes and naptimes, and really do their best to stick to your normal routine. At the end of the day, you’re given a card detailing everything your child ate, when they slept, and an overall impression of their day.

TREASURES is located right on the trail coming down into the Village Center, so you can easily ski in/ski out to check on your little one. One of the best features of the baby room (0–16 months) is the two-way mirror by the door that allows you peak in without being seen (and thereby causing a meltdown!). But the proof is in the pudding—Greta, who isn’t in any formal, regular childcare at home, had two and a half great days at TREASURES, which equated to TJ and I having two and a half great days of adults-only, guilt-free skiing!

Smuggler’s Notch Resort: planning your winter ski vacation with kids

February 15, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re planning a ski vacation at one of the resorts in Vermont with young kids this winter, then Smuggler’s Notch, Vermont is the place for you. We recently got back from a great weekend at Smuggs with Homer (3) and Greta (1), and the convenience and accessibility of the resort made the weekend not just possible, but so much fun!

When reserving Smuggler’s Notch lodging, it’s important to note that the resort is comprised of five distinct ‘communities’ of condos, each with their own pros and cons. We opted to stay in a Village East slope-side condo (Hakone) that was just steps away from the Morse Mountain lift and the Village Center (which is complete with restaurants, a rental shop, and even a small grocery store, well-stocked with Ben and Jerry’s, of course!). We highly recommend staying this close to both amenities and the lifts with young kids; parents know just how important it is not to have to lug skis in and out of the car, pack lunches and backpacks to leave in the base lodge, and wrestle kids in and out of car seats every morning and afternoon! If you’re staying in one of the communities a little farther away from the action, however, there are shuttles going to and from the Village Center and Madonna/Sterling Mountains all day.

All Smuggler’s Notch condos are well-equipped with linens, dishes, pots and pans–basically everything but the groceries. You have the option of choosing anything from a studio to a five-bedroom condo (descriptions and layouts of which can be found at the Smuggs website), making it easy to find the perfect fit for your family.

When you make your condo reservation, you’re given the option of signing up for a Club Smuggler’s package (Base, Classic, or Summit). Packages include lodging, lift tickets, and the use of many amenities. With the Classic and Summit packages, Treasures childcare (six weeks to three years) and the all-day Discovery Camp (ages 3–5) are included. Be sure to take advantage of this: when you break down the per-day expenses of child care and lift tickets, you’ll see that these packages are a great deal!

There are several great dining options at the Smuggs Village Center, but we mostly stuck to the groceries we brought from home (all condos have a full kitchen) and the Morse Mountain Grille in the nearby lodge. Travel Tip: the Morse Mountain Grille has a take-out option. Great for after a long day of skiing, and even better when you have two tired toddlers on your hands!

In the Village Center you’ll also find some bad-weather entertainment options like a heated indoor pool and hot tubs and the Fun Zone, a big indoor arena with a bounce house, all kinds of slides and games, and even a fenced-off area for babies and toddlers. For older kids (13¬18), Teen Alley and Outer Limits are supervised centers with Internet access, Xbox 360, and other activities.

Seasonal Tip: Keep in mind that the fun doesn’t stop when the snow melts. Smuggler’s Notch is a year-round resort with lots of kids’ programming all summer long. Activities for kids and grownups include swimming, hiking, climbing, tennis, and lots more.

Date last visited: February 3–6, 2012

Distance from the interstate: Smuggs is about 40 miles off I-89 in Vermont. Check out www.smuggs.com for directions; search engines like googlemaps or mapquest might try to send you to Smuggs via VT-108, a portion of which is closed between Stowe and Jeffersonville in the winter!

Rates and reservations: Rates vary by condo size, location, and time of year. Rates (including Club Smugglers Base, Classic, or Summit packages) range from $109 to $209 per person for adults, and from $79 to $199 for kids.

Directions: Smuggler’s Notch is located at 4323 Vermont Route 108 South in Jeffersonville. The most reliable directions are on the Smuggs website. Check-in is located in the Village Center by the main parking lot as you enter the resort.

As I disclose whenever applicable, Smuggler’s Notch hosted our stay for the purpose of review. While we appreciate such Vermont hospitality, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

Best ski towns: Ashland, Oregon

February 13, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

A friendly community with a small-town yet academic atmosphere, Ashland, Oregon makes our list of Best Ski Towns despite the fact that it’s a full 20-minute commute from the slopes. What it lacks in proximity to powder it more than makes up for in charm, family-friendly shops and restaurants, and seasonal events, making it impossible to exclude. Located directly off I-5 in Southern Oregon and known for its vineyards, organic culinary scene, and Shakespearean festival (more on that below), Ashland is the most mild-weathered, cultured ski town we know.

Where to ski: I’m biased, as Mt. Ashland Ski Area is our home ski resort, but due to its small size and refreshing price point, it truly is a wonderful place for families. Mt. Ashland’s motto is, ‘It’s steeper here’, and they mean it! The runs are steep, but they’re not too long, allowing families to feel comfortable letting older kids and teens do some exploring. Mt. Ashland’s historic lodge is old school: the roaring fires and wood-cut benches are the real deal. (Sack lunches are welcomed, though the counter service restaurant serves a mean veggie burger, too.) You’ll find a ski and board rental shop and repair shop next to the lodge, reasonably priced (that seems to be a theme) lessons, and kids six and under ski or board for free.

Where to stay: Mt. Ashland doesn’t boast overnight accommodations, but thanks to Ashland’s world-famous Shakespearean festival, the town has no shortage of wonderful places to stay. If you plan to spend most of your time on the slopes, stay at the base of the Mt. Ashland access road at Callahan’s Mountain Lodge, but if you plan to spend any length of time exploring Ashland proper, I recommend staying in walking distance at boutique (and historically preserved) Ashland Springs Hotel or more economically at the Best Western Bard’s Inn, one of the nicest of its brand. Many B&B options also line the streets, and home rentals are usually available via HomeAway.

Where to eat: If you opt for a hotel room, no worries: given the culinary fame of this town, you won’t mind the lack of a kitchen! With kids, I recommend the filling (and innovative) breakfast options at either Dragonfly or Munchies. For an apres ski dinner, head to the cozy fireside dining room upstairs at Alex’s.

What to do when not on the slopes: Right in town, you’ll want to stop at the Ashland Centennial Ice Rink for a spin around this outdoor arena (across from gorgeous-in-all-seasons Lithia Park), before warming up at ScienceWorks Hands’ On Museum. You’ll also want to set aside time for some quaint shopping; even the kids will enjoy it, given the number of great toy and book stores. If your kids are old enough to appreciate great theater (and are able to stay awake after a day of skiing) evening tickets to a show at Ashland’s Oregon Shakespeare Festival (ongoing in their Globe and indoor theaters) are a must.

How to get here: From either CA or WA, take I-5 north or south. If flying, fly into Medford International Airport (MFR), located 15 miles north of Ashland.

Read more Best Ski Town picks!

Northstar-at-Tahoe with kids: dining on and off the mountain

February 10, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Let’s face it: feeding a hungry family at a ski resort can be pricey! Northstar-at-Tahoe is no exception, but with a thriving village scene and the addition of a brand new mid-mountain lodge, guests have more choices than ever. And we all know that more choices mean greater food freedom for families. Plus, with most lodging options including kitchens or kitchenettes, it’s easier than ever to bring groceries and eat in-suite for convenience.

On-mountain: We loved to see rehydration stations dotting the top of lifts, and quick snacks to be had at the several EuroSnacks kiosks (we never slowed down long enough, but I’ve heard the waffles are to die for). We ate two lunch meals at the brand new Zephyr Lodge, which offers a quick but extensive salad bar, full grill, pizza kitchen, and Asian bowl station (which, with teriaki shrimp and soba noodles, was my ten-year-old’s favorite). More dining can be had at both the Day Lodge and Summit Grill, both of which offer Mexican food choices in addition to grab-and-go sandwiches, burgers, and the like. Best of all for those of us who hate fighting crowds, the addition of the Zephyr Lodge has ensured that even when stopping for a break in the middle of lunch hour, on a weekend, we didn’t have trouble finding a table. Plan to spend approximately $15 per adult for a regular meal, and $10 per child, plus drinks (use those free hydration stations!). In our experience, kids’ meals were generously portioned. Brown bag lunches are permitted in the Day Lodge (at the base of the mountain), but consider there to be a $10 surcharge: the cost of a locker to store your food.

In the Village: Families must eat at Rubicon Pizza Company (my husband swears the Thai Red Curry Chicken pizza will change your life). Not only does this family-friendly restaurant bring games and toys to the table (without having to be asked) and serve gourmet pizza and salads (well-earned after a day of skiing), but it’s located directly adjacent to the village ice skating rink, Cabana Bar, several sweet shops, and outdoor fire pits. In addition to the aforementioned Thai Curry, we loved the Apple-Pecan salad (big enough to share, not that I did) and wings. For dessert, don’t pass up the chance to have the Out of the Oven Chocolate Chip Cookie, which is just that. Baked after you order, it’s served with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. After eating at Rubicon, plan to spend the rest of the evening soaking up the village fun! (If you’re needing a night in, however, Rubicon does offer take-out!)

Directly before the shuttle drop-off and pick-up area at the edge of the village, families will find TC’s Pub, which offers a great pub atmosphere for the adults while still catering to kids. Watch the latest ball game (or winter sports) on the multiple flatscreen TVs over the bar, and try the Cadillac margarita. Our server, Michael, was as friendly as he was knowledgable, and steered us right toward the burgers, BLTs, and deep-fried everything.

At either family dining option, plan to spend $7-9 per kid and $13-20 for adults, not including appetizers or drinks (individual pizzas at Rubicon are $13). And we can guarantee: your kids will want to roast marshmallows afterward in one of the many outdoor fire pits! S’mores kits can be purchased from True North (across from the ice skating rink), but a word of warning: the store closes up at 8 pm. Nearby EuroSweets is open later, but sells fancier marshmallow creations that just might be too cute to roast!

If you’re planning to take advantage of Tahoe Mountain Resorts lodgings’ full kitchens, or are staying in a rental home or condo nearby, stock up on groceries in either Reno or Truckee for the best prices. If you’re flying into Tahoe and don’t want to hassle the expense of a taxi for groceries, the Tahoe Mountain Resorts concierge can direct you to several companies who will shop for you and deliver. We ate every breakfast in our kitchen, and loved the convenience and savings!

Thank you to Northstar-at-Tahoe, Rubicon Pizza Company, and TC’s Pub for providing our meals during our time exploring the village and resort.