Interstate - Pitstops for Kids

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.

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

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.

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!

Lookout Pass Ski Area: Idaho skiing with kids

March 2, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

There are only two ski resorts where kids can span two states while on the slopes, that we know of: Heavenly in Tahoe, which straddles Nevada and California, and Lookout Pass, which encompasses both Idaho and Montana. Skiing Lookout Pass is a friendly, low-stress affair: unlike large ski resorts, this hometown resort in Wallace, Idaho is very accessible, affordable, and welcoming.

Located in the Idaho panhandle near larger Silver Mountain Resort, Lookout Pass offers 540 acres and 34 named runs, with plenty for every ability level. The lodge is steps from the parking area, and everything is in one place, from ski lockers to dining to lift tickets and rentals…a nice perk for families with young kids. Lookout is very much a local mountain, but visitors to the area will find it to be a hidden gem, much like Oregon’s Hoodoo, situated near larger Mt. Bachelor. Consider these smaller resorts a ‘ski vacation travel hack’ that helps you save money and ski a more manageable mountain.

Right away, we loved how Lookout Pass is laid out: three main chairs rise from different slopes, all meeting at the top in one wide off-loading area. This means that various family members can separate to have very different terrain experiences, but still ‘meet at the top’. This top-side meeting area makes it next to impossible to miss meeting back up with your independent skiers. We have expert skiers in our family, and siblings like to ski together when possible without the grown-ups, which is definitely possible at Lookout.

The front, Idaho side of Lookout Pass offers a nice ‘face’ with moguls and long groomers. This is accessed from the base lodge via Chair 1. Chair 2 is located on the backside of the mountain, on the Montana side, and Chair 3 is located on what is called the ‘North’ side (I believe this is Idaho). This chair was not open during our visit, so we’re less familiar, but Chair 2 offers very nice long intermediate runs as well as great glade skiing. We spent most of our time here. There’s a fourth chair, which is the beginner/learning chair, and it’s located on the front side near the lodge.

A reminder about time zones: Just to keep in mind, when you’re skiing on the Montana side of the resort, you’ll be in Mountain time, and when on the Idaho side, in Pacific time. This can be confusing when people want to know what time to meet for lunch. In the lodge as well, families will find an ‘Idaho side’ and ‘Montana side’ for seating. One kid can sit in Idaho and another in Montana, and yes, this is as fun as it sounds!

Dining is fairly basic, cafeteria-style in the base lodge, and we found it to be perfectly adequate, if not sophisticated ski-day fare. We happily noshed on burgers and fries. Far too many fries, actually! Expect to pay approximately $6-8 an entree, plus additional for drinks. A pub is located upstairs, and we heard they have good food, but alas, it’s only available to those 21 and up.

Distance from the interstate:

Right off I-90, about 20 minutes from Kellogg and one hour from Coeur ‘d Alene.

Lift Tickets:

Tickets are reasonable at $40 for adults, $29 for kids 17 and under. Kids six and under are free. See full lift ticket pricing.

Directions:

Located at Exit 0 off I-90. From Kellogg or Spokane, it’s a scenic drive past several idyllic mining towns, including historic Wallace.

As we disclose whenever applicable, we experienced Lookout Pass as guests of the resort. All opinions are our own. (And all French fries were at our expense.)

Northstar California: a guide to the mountain for kids, by kids

February 4, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

After multiple trips to Northstar California resort with my kids, I asked them what, in their opinion, kids shouldn’t miss on the slopes. Their top picks:

Cat’s Face, the 22-foot half-pipe: Built for Olympic medalist Shaun White (who recently selected Northstar as his home resort), this intimidating half-pipe (with vertical sides 22 feet tall) is used by Shawn for training purposes…but open to the public when he’s away (which is nearly all the time). The kids (and parents!) dared go down it…and had a blast once our hearts stopped dropping into our stomachs!

The Northstar Terrain Park off Vista chair: When snow depth allows, this huge terrain park splits into both medium and small sections, but the groomers and designers in charge of the various features are such masters (Northstar is known for this) that no matter how much (or little) snow the resort has to work with, there are a variety of options for everyone from beginners to experts.

Mom Tip: if you have young kids who are not terrain park experts, but still love to spend time tearing it up there, go in the morning. The park will be far less crowded, ensuring that your kids don’t get hurt by other riders and skiers (and also don’t get in the way of more serious athletes).

Lookout Link: This poma bar lift serves as a quick transfer to Lookout Mountain (which is great for glade skiing, by the way) and is located right below the new Zephyr Lodge. The novelty of a poma bar is fun for those who haven’t tried it (even beginners can do it) and a bit of nostalgia for those parents who grew up with them!

Sawtooth Ridge: For expert skiers and riders, this glade with gated opening to the far side of Backside is a great place to play. Check whether it’s open before embarking on this off-piste section! Additional off-piste terrain on Backside that’s open more often: from the top of the Backside Express, take a left along the ridge to find several gates with tree skiing.

The Stash: The Stash, located toward the bottom of the Zephyr Express lift, is an inspired wonderland of natural elements and features, such as logs to slide along, tunnels, and even a cabin skiers and boarders can ride off the roof of when snow levels are high enough! Consider The Stash an all-natural terrain park, with tree skiing added in! (Smaller ‘Adventure Parks’ are located throughout the mountain for younger skiers, too.)

Mom Tip: Since terrain can change drastically, even during the course of a single vacation, we love that the Northstar grooming team always lets guests know which runs have been groomed overnight. Just check for the orange symbol on trail signage!

The Woods route back to the Village: This (not so) secret route back to the Northstar Village is a great alternative to the super crowded Village Way. (In the late afternoons, that route can become downright congested.) Find the entrance to The Woods run at the end of the Cat’s Face super half-pipe.

Powder Bowl off East Ridge: From the top of the Comstock chair, cruise along the East Ridge to Powder Bowl. If you have advanced skiers and riders, take the black diamond Powder Bowl chute, and if you have intermediate abilities, take the Powder Bowl trail. Either option will drop you into a fun, open bowl with multiple tree glade trails, jumps, and bumps. Kids can make their own path, or stick to wider open intermediate terrain, and meet parents by the Rendezvous chair (all routes lead in this direction).

For moms and dads (and kids): Check out Tost, offered on the East Ridge off Comstock Express at 2 pm daily. This fun Northstar event includes complimentary champagne for adults and sparkling cider for kids. In sunny weather, sit on bean bag chairs or Adirondack chairs.

Tubing! Don’t forget about tubing! Located mid-mountain right above the Day Lodge (look for the Tubing Yurt), the tubing track at Northstar is faster than most (and these kids have tried many!). Tubing tickets are sold separately (buy them for $30/hour in the Village where you buy lift tickets…you won’t need more than one hour). It’s a great choice for non-skiers who still want to spend time on the mountain. Kids can go in a ‘train’ of two or more tubes (at the operators’ discretion), which makes it even more fun. We opted to tube during our day off skiing, and it made for an entertaining morning activity. Parents who don’t want to purchase tickets can easily watch hill-side.

How did the Pit Stops kids’ know where all this cool stuff was? They started their vacation with a private family lesson, during which their instructor, Jon, showed them all over the mountain. Not only did the kids get great instruction, but they got their own private tour guide while enjoying fast pass line access! Families can add up to six people to one private lesson, making it a very good value. And I hear (though I wasn’t allowed to see for myself) that there’s a secret kids-only lodge for lesson attendees, where the hot chocolate and marshmallows flow freely!

Want to see some of the action for yourself? Time for a Pit Stops for Kids’ Kid Cam!

The kids thank Northstar for allowing them to experience the mountain with both a private instructor, and later, with boring old Mom and Dad.

Great Wolf Lodge review: New England

January 28, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Northeast families ready to escape the cold weather and live in their bathing suits for a few days are in luck: the new (ish) Great Wolf Lodge New England is in a prime location just one hour from Boston and Providence. And it comes packed with even more activities than Great Wolf Lodge Grand Mound (our fave West Coast location). Read on for our Great Wolf Lodge review:

The New England location is newly acquired, and still going through some growing pains. Rest assured it has all the new activities offered at GWL across the brand, including the ropes course and mini golf areas in the Howlin’ Timbers Play Park, but during our experience (during a busy holiday time period), there was some confusion and customer service could have been improved. Primarily, this was most notable around the dining venues, not the water park. No one wants to get all the kids dressed and bundled up for a New England winter to brave outside restaurants, however, so hopefully we just caught GWL at a bad time.

The ‘dry’ play areas, such as the ropes course, are a very nice addition to the offerings at GWL, perfect for kids less sure about the water play activities or those who just need to dry out (but don’t want to play the MagiQuest game). There’s also a fun laser course, which, instead of tag, is more of an obstacle course, where kids avoid brightly colored lasers. Channel your inner spy and try it out! Also on offer: mini golf, though be advised: you’ll need to pay extra for this activity. We wish GWL (across the brand) would charge one room rate and make all activities all inclusive, but until that time, come prepared for some activity costs on-site.

Kids who are wild about MagiQuest, like mine, will find slightly less in this department at New England than in some GWL locations. They do have MagiQuest, of course, but not the extended games, such as CompassQuest or ShadowQuest. What they do have is plenty for newbies to get on with, but seasoned GWL patrons will miss the additional games. Get specific MagiQuest tips here.

You can get a standard room, suite, or Wolf Den or KidCabin suite, both of which are fun for kids and get families more space to spread out. These lodging offerings are in line with what’s offered at GWL everywhere; nothing new here.

Great Wolf Tips:

Book midweek or on non-holiday weekends to get those coveted ‘under $199/night’ deals.
Skip the packages that include wands or meals…they’re usually ‘padded’ with fairly useless stuff like plush animals and water shoes (aka, things you weren’t intending to buy).
Don’t try to do it all at GWL New England: some kids will want to spend more time in the ‘dry’ play area than in the waterpark, and there’s rarely time for the laser game, bowling, mini golf, the ropes course, and MagiQuest.
Check out all our GWL tips on our dedicated page!

Date last visited:

January 2015

Room rates:

Room rates vary greatly at GWL, depending on season and room type. A good deal is to find a standard room for $199 or less. In peak seasons, expect to pay 3x as much for a themed room (kid suite). Do you need this? No, but if the price difference is not substantial during the time of your visit, a kid ‘cub’ suite or ‘camping’ style suite does enhance the stay for young kids.

Dining:

There are multiple dining options onsite, ranging from buffets to sit-down dinners (similar to Friendly’s or Red Robin) to counter service in the water parks. We recommend enjoying the buffet on one occasion, then eating out (outside the lodge) or bringing food in. Food is not permitted inside the waterpark, but it’s simple enough to walk up to the room for snacks or meals.

Directions:

GWL New England is located at 150 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg, MA. From Boston, take I-93 N toward Concord NH. Merge onto I-495 S exit 44B toward Lowell. Merge onto Rt-2 W exit 29B toward Leominster. Take exit 28 for MA-31 S, turn left onto Princeton Rd, and right onto Great Wolf Drive.

Photo credit: Shawn Collins and Flickr/Vox Efx

Hometown ski resort: Badger Pass Ski Area

January 9, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Ever wanted to downhill or nordic ski in Yosemite National Park? How about a morning of skiing followed by an afternoon of hiking on the valley floor? I spent a day at Badger Pass Ski Area, located in the center of Yosemite National Park, to see what it was like. What I found: wonderful ski culture, local enthusiasm, and lots of love for the outdoors. I guess that should come as no surprise!

Badger Pass boasts just 10 runs and four lifts (plus one rope tow). It features one lodge (two stories), a rental shop, and a nordic center. All the downhill runs funnel down to the same general base area by the lodge, and the entire feel is friendly, welcoming, and relaxed. This is hometown skiing at its best: just like at the tiny ski resort I grew up skiing in the Sierras, Badger Pass is all about the outdoor experience. Kids were skiing solo the day I visited, their parents content with the knowledge they really couldn’t get lost. Newbies were trying out the sport in first-timer lessons, and telemark skiers were almost as ample as downhill skiers.

The nordic center was bustling: with over 350 miles of cross-country trail in the park, most of which starts at Badger Pass, this is a hot sport! The nordic center staff will get you completely outfitted (downhill and snowboard rentals are available as well, in the adjacent downhill rental shop). Grab a trail map, and decide how far and fast you want to go.

Badger Pass offers one small terrain park, and the majority of the runs are intermediate, with a few black diamond runs. I was told tree skiing and backcountry skiing was abundant, given the correct snow conditions. In the lodge, visitors will find lots of lounge space, a nice big sun deck on both levels, and friendly food service where you can order standard ski fare: burgers, wraps, and a burrito bar. I recommend the homemade veggie burger and fries.

Lift ticket costs:

Downhill lift tickets are currently $48 for adults, $43 for youth, and $25 for kids (all day). XC ski rentals are available, as stated, as are Pulk sleds if you want to bring the younger kids along for the ride. Ski rental pricing.

Directions:

Badger Pass is easy to find from Highway 41 by the South Entrance to the park, or from the Valley Floor. From Wawona Road, take Glacier Point Road.

As I disclose whenever applicable, I experienced Badger Pass Ski Area as a guest of the resort, for the purpose of review. I hope my firsthand knowledge helps you plan a better trip!

Omni La Costa Resort and Spa

January 5, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

A wellness resort that works for family travel? Yep, we’ve found one. Carlsbad California’s Omni La Costa is one part golf and tennis resort, one part spa retreat, yet somehow, 90% family-focused. Those familiar with the Omni brand will understand how we arrived at this conclusion, but for everyone else, let’s break it down.

The Omni La Costa is a sprawling resort located in the hills about three miles from the Pacific. (If you want to be closer to the beach, opt for the for the Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront.) With beautifully landscaped gardens and walkways and waving palms rising above artfully situated hammocks, I felt as though I was in Santa Barbara or even in the tropics. Only the mission-style architecture shouts San Diego county. It has an award-winning spa and a full fitness center, including a yoga studio, plus tennis courts and a gold metal golf course. With extensive conference facilities, the La Costa certainly has a thriving business travel clientele…until school holidays and summer hits.

Because La Costa is an Omni, you can count on kid-friendly touches, even amid definite luxury. Like with all Omnis, kids get a welcome backpack upon reception, which will include activities to do (save these for restaurant waits), things to know about the area, and little treats. On site, the La Costa Splash Pool and Sandy Beach Family pool offer tons of kid-friendly water play features, including splash pads, zero-depth entry, and yes, a sandy beach. There are some serious waterslides for older kids (height requirements are in place), and hot tubs and cabanas to keep parents happy. If you have older kids, you can certainly escape to the adults only pool complex, which includes no fewer than four hot tubs and an outdoor pool, surrounded by fire pits, more cabanas, and a full bar.

Speaking of fire pits, they’re all over the property, along with those aforementioned hammocks. Plus kids have a full activity schedule to peruse, a game/arcade building, and Kidtopia, which offers kids’ club activities throughout the day.

What could be more kid-friendly:

My list of downsides are short, but it has to be mentioned that you’ll pay a premium for meals at La Costa (we’ll be bringing our own breakfast items to our room next time). In the La Costa Marketplace area, a coffee bar serves Starbucks coffee and lighter fare, but sit-down meals will set you back. Along this line of thought, the mini fridges in the standard rooms are for minibar items only, which is a bummer if you’re bringing snacks and milk with you. With three growing boys, we need to bring breakfast and snack supplies to keep everyone happy, and we always appreciate the use of a mini-fridge.

Rooms:

I stayed in both a standard room and a suite during my La Costa stay. Standard rooms are larger than most, likely due to the historic nature of the hotel (it’s been in existence, though not as an Omni, for many decades). Bathrooms are spacious as well, though my standard room only had a walk-in shower, not a tub. There’s room for a roll-away in standard rooms, and some do have balconies. Even my room without a balcony featured windows that open, letting in a nice breeze during the day.

Omni La Costa suites are very spacious, and their two-bedroom sleeps eight, with a pull-out couch in the living room area. There are two bathrooms, both with tubs and separate vanity areas. You’ll find the same issue with the mini-fridge, but there’s certainly room for a regularly-sized cooler in the rooms. For whatever reason, my kids always love bathrooms that have open windows into the bedroom area (which can be shuttered)…if yours have the same affection for this feature, they’ll be happy.

Room rates start as low as $199 in the off-season (come during late fall through early spring for the best deals).

Parking and getting around:

The La Costa is huge, which means you’ll want to ask for a room in the 100-200 block if you want to be close to the Marketplace and pools. The 800 block isn’t too far either. Rooms in the 900 block are far enough away from the main complex that the Omni offers complimentary golf cart rides to and from. Honestly, your kids will count this as another plus. You can self park or valet park your car, and parking costs upward of $40/day. Budget this into your room rate! Everywhere I went onsite, Omni staff was there to greet me, give me a smile, and ask if I needed help with anything; service is at a very high level here.

Dining:

The Blue Fire upscale dining experience at La Costa is not stuffy; families can sit outside on the patio and enjoy live music and those great fire pits. Bistro 65 is even more casual, and situated on the lower level, near poolside. As mentioned, both are higher priced, but families wanting to save some cash for other aspects of their trip can find lots of family-friendly dining all over Carlsbad. I’d start with these dining reviews from Trekaroo.

In the area:

No matter where you stay in Southern California, you’ll be utilizing your car and driving from attraction to attraction. Omni La Costa is a good home base, located in Carlsbad, which is between Disneyland to the north and San Diego to the south. You’re about 10 minutes from the beach, five minutes from Legoland, and 30 minutes from the many attractions in downtown San Diego.

Directions:

The Omni is located at 2100 Costa del Mar in Carlsbad.

As I disclose whenever applicable, I experienced Omni La Costa as a guest, for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.