Tucked into the green hillside just outside the quiet Portland bedroom community of Newberg, The Allison Inn and Spa somehow feels like both a destination and a detour. Turning up the long drive, you clearly feel as if you've arrived, but the location is just close enough to the bustle of downtown Portland that you feel only slightly away. When you're looking to get away for a peaceful weekend, … [Read more...]
Portland happy hour picks: Where to go for happy hour with or without the kids in Portland
March 15, 2013 By
If you're visiting Portland without the kids, have older kids with discerning tastes (as mine have become as they get older) or have younger children who appreciate great dining atmosphere over crayons and chicken nuggets (not mine at that age!), you'll want to try one (or all!) of the following Portland restaurants with happy hour deals, lively ambiance, and a true Portland city feel. 23 … [Read more...]
A stay at Grand Hyatt Seattle with kids
January 11, 2013 By
On our last trip to Seattle, we stayed at both the Hyatt Olive 8 and the Grand Hyatt Seattle. How do they compare? You can read in our review of the Hyatt Olive 8 that the 8 is extremely eco-friendly, and its indoor pool and hot tub make it a hit with kids. While the Grand Hyatt does not have a pool, its location is (slightly) more central to Pike Place Market (only four blocks), and it's even … [Read more...]
Pacific Science Center in the Seattle Center
January 9, 2013 By
Families visiting Seattle WA are drawn to the Space Needle like moths to flame, and there's nothing wrong with that: it brings them straight to one of the city's best attractions for kids: the Pacific Science Center. Pacific Science Center is showing some age on the surface, but inside, it's as vibrant as ever (or more so). In addition to its permanent exhibits on life science, natural … [Read more...]
Seattle’s Pike Place Market with kids
January 7, 2013 By
Any itinerary for Seattle Washington should include a family visit to Pike Place Market. Particularly bustling on weekends, the market is great to visit almost any day of the year, and is open all day, making it perfect to fit into anyone's travel plans. The market is best experienced during the morning, when produce stands (and vendors) are at their freshest. Right after 10 am is great, … [Read more...]
A stay at Disneyland Resort’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa
December 24, 2012 By
The best Disney theming never seeks to replace what you know and love. It simply taps into it to touch you on an emotional or visceral level. Disneyland Resort's Grand Californian does this for me. A lover of wilderness lodges (the real ones), I know what they should look like, feel like, and smell like. While the Grand Californian is clearly the romanticized version, its magnificent six-story … [Read more...]
Seattle’s Museum of Flight with kids of all ages
November 15, 2012 By
For most visitors, Seattle WA is synonymous with Boeing and aero-engineering. For airplane and space lovers, there's no better stop than at the Museum of Flight. A huge, multi-building complex, the Museum of Flight can feel intimidating at first, especially if you have small children. For true fans, a full day is needed, but the highlights can be hit in a few hours if needed. On our last visit, we … [Read more...]
Portland Saturday Market, Portland Oregon
May 10, 2012 By
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 … [Read more...]
Wildlife Safari
May 7, 2012 By
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 … [Read more...]
Wings and Waves Water Park
April 26, 2012 By
After lunch would be a good time to move from the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum to the Wings and Waves water park. (The exception to this rule would be during peak holiday weekends, when the lines for rides at the water park escalate by mid-day. This, however, is not the norm.) You can't miss the water park, which is adjacent to the museum buildings and topped by an Evergreen commercial … [Read more...]
