Interstate - Pitstops for Kids

Northstar California with kids: an Aspen Grove mountain condo stay

January 3, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Families visiting Northstar California have a dizzying array of lodging options. If you’re staying a week or more, or have a large group, we recommend a home rental in one of Northstar’s mountain neighborhoods. If you want luxury and ski-in, ski-out pampering (recommended with small kids or short visits) or want to be close to the action, book a stay in the Northstar Village with Tahoe Mountain Lodging: start by reading our review of Big Horn Lodge. However, if something in-between is just right, Northstar’s mountain condo options are close to amenities, affordable, and manageable in size.

During a weekend visit with our family of five (three school-aged kids, plus mom and dad), we stayed in one of Northstar’s Aspen Grove condos. We were only 1/4 mile from the village, had three bedrooms, a full washer and dryer, a ski locker, two bathrooms, and a full kitchen, and plenty of space for the kids to play and explore. One of the more affordable Northstar lodging options, our Aspen Grove condo included just what we needed, and no more. Tip: condos and village lodging at Northstar can also be booked through VacationRoost.

Amenities:

Northstar’s condos are run by Northstar Lodging, the same folks who book their mountain homes, and therefore, include use of the Northstar Property Owners Association recreation center, pools, hot tubs, and exercise facility. This is a huge plus, as there are no hot tubs or pools in the Aspen Grove condo area. In summer, you can easily walk to the rec center (nice for teens who want to use the exercise rooms or the arcade), but in winter, you’ll want to drive or call the Northstar shuttle. The rec center is $2 per person to use, and worth every penny (we love the triple outdoor hot tubs!).

In Aspen Grove, you get the washer-dryer in your unit, plus the full kitchen, which makes meal planning easier and saved us a lot of money on our weekend at Northstar. You also have use of the free shuttle system, which we love. Simply call for the shuttle from any phone, and it will be there faster than you can find your missing glove, I promise. Shuttle stops are close by in the Aspen Grove parking lot, and the trip to the village to catch the gondola up the mountain takes fewer than five minutes. Ditto for the ride home, which means you can skip the crowded public parking areas or paid parking.

Condo configuration:

Our Aspen Grove condo included two bedrooms on the bottom level, plus a bathroom and the entry hallway. This hallway included lots of hooks for winter gear, and a ski locker out front. The washer and dryer were also in this level. Bedrooms had two beds (a double and a single) in one, and a queen bed in the other, plus plenty of closet space. Upstairs on the mid-level, we had the kitchen (with full-sized appliances and stocked with dishes, cooking utensils, etc) and living space (complete with TV and DVD player and wifi). On the third floor sat the master bedroom and bathroom. The second and bottom floor both featured a deck. We had more than enough space (we could have made due with a two-bedroom) and never felt far from the action.

Date last visited:

November-December 2013

Distance from the interstate:

10 minutes from I-80.

Rates:

Rates vary by season and bedroom number. One to three-bedroom condos range from approximately $259-459.

Directions:

Northstar is located 30 minutes from Reno, NV or three hours from Sacramento, CA off of the Highway 267 exit on Interstate 80 (I-80). Take an immediate right after entering Northstar Drive to check in at Northstar Lodging.

Disclosure: Our Aspen Grove stay was hosted by Northstar, for the purpose of review. While hospitality is always appreciated, our opinions are our own. The above post is also written in partnership with VacationRoost.com.

Black Butte Ranch: home base for Central Oregon outdoor recreation

December 30, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Every time we visit Central Oregon, we discover yet another family-friendly resort. While some resorts are best for golf vacations, and others ski or luxury vacations, Black Butte Ranch just may come out on top for all-around outdoor recreation amid family-friendly conveniences.

Located just outside Sisters, Oregon (approximately 40 minutes from Bend), Black Butte Ranch is comprised primary of vacation homes and cabins, though there are some condos to be had. This large community is set on two golf courses, with a lovely lodge (housing dining), a rec building, an outdoor activity rental shop, renting bikes in summer and snowshoes and cross country skis in winter, and three pool and sport complexes. Bike paths traverse the entire property, and an on-site stable offers horseback riding in the summer months.

Without even leaving Black Butte Ranch, families can keep their days filled with outdoor activities ranging from bike riding to tennis, golf, swimming, and walking. (This may be ideal for families with young kids.) Off property, excellent mountain biking trails can be found in nearby Sisters in the Deschutes National Forest, as well as hiking trails, lake swimming and kayaking, whitewater rafting, and cave spelunking. Families can explore all of the above on their own, or use one of several tour operators in the region (our pick is Wanderlust Tours).

While many Central Oregon resorts are adjacent to outdoor recreation, Black Butte offers the most in close proximity, outside the metro area of Bend. If you’re looking to be close to Bend and Mt. Bachelor, Black Butte is not the most convenient, but if you plan to spend full days in the Deschutes National Forest and have less need for an easy commute to Bend, this is the place!

We visited in early winter, and while we brought our snowshoes, the necessary six inches of snow wasn’t yet on the ground to permit the sport on Black Butte property. Good thing Hoodoo Ski Area is only 13 miles away. When Hoodoo isn’t up and running (this resort does not make its own snow, and depends on Mother Nature), Mt. Bachelor is less than one hour away by car. We spent one day enjoying the pool and walking paths of the resort, and the other at Mt. Bachelor at our visit, with evening entertainment ranging from dinner and a movie in Sisters (more on that below) and a quiet evening in our vacation home.

Vacation Houses:

We stayed in a beautiful three-bedroom home in Black Butte Ranch that backed right up to national forest service land, allowing our boys plenty of room to play. Our home had a full kitchen, of course, as well as a full washer and dryer, lots of storage space for our skis (or golf clubs in summer), a private hot tub, a wide deck overlooking the forest, and a cozy fireplace. It served as the perfect home base for outdoor recreation, and when we wanted to stay ‘closer to home’, swimming and exercise facilities were a five minute drive away.

Resort amenities:

There are no fewer than three recreation centers at Black Butte. The biggest is at Glaze Meadow, which includes tennis courts, a fitness facility (with exercise classes), a large outdoor pool and toddler splash pad area (open in summer), a large indoor pool with slide (open year-round), hot tubs, and steam room. The Black Butte spa is also located on-site. Also at Glaze Meadow is a large children’s playground with a fun rock climbing structure.

The Black Butte Stables are open during the summer months, and at the main lodge area, summer offers bike rentals. A basketball court is located near the main lodge (as is a rec barn with small arcade). A small general store is also on-site, plus sports shops at Glaze Meadow and the golf clubhouses.

Dining:

We loved breakfast at the Black Butte Ranch Lodge dining room! Eat around 9 am, and you’ll be full until dinner! From blueberry pancakes to salmon and dill omelets, breakfast is served in the lodge dining room overlooking the lake for wonderful views in every season. The dining room is also open for lunch and dinner year-round. Tip: Call the dining room and order take-and-bake pizza, which can be picked up and baked in your vacation home. Pizzas are $11-15, large in size, and very convenient!

During the summer months, several additional dining options exist at the golf clubhouses, and in winter, guests can opt between the lodge dining room and the Glaze Meadow Golf Shop. Families will most likely cook most of their own food in vacation home kitchens (grab groceries at the Ray’s in Sisters), but good family-friendly dining also exists off-property. Our picks: the dining room at The Lodge at Suttle Lake (10 minutes away) and Bronco Bill’s in Sisters (10 minutes in the other direction). If you head into Sisters for dinner, consider buying tickets to the Sisters Movie Housefor an unique movie experience. This intimate theater serves high-quailty snacks and even IPA brews and local wines.

Rates:

Nightly rates vary greatly at Black Butte Ranch (depending on the size of your vacation home or condo). Start by perusing Black Butte’s great package deals. We sampled the ’Pray for Snow’ package, which included lift tickets to Hoodoo, movie tickets to Sisters Movie House, and a Black Butte Ranch credit (which we used for pizza). Deals abound in every season.

Directions:

Black Butte Ranch is located on Highway 20 ten minutes outside of Sisters, Oregon. It is 45 minutes from Bend and 2 hours from Salem, Oregon.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced Black Butte Ranch as guests of the resort, for the purpose of review. All opinions remain our own.

Educational Travel for kids: Orlando beyond the theme parks

December 17, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

When most families think of Orlando, two words come to mind: theme parks. We understand; after all, we offer Disney World tips for families and reviews of Disney attractions. However, families looking for educational travel ideas, whether as pit stops en route elsewhere on Florida vacations, or during an Orlando vacation, will find much to engage kids’ minds. At the following Orlando attractions, Mickey may be absent, but fun is present and accounted for.

Orlando Wonderworks:

The building of the Orlando location for the Wonderworks chain of kid zones is upside-down…a sure sign that kids rule at this indoor play-and-imagination-mecca. Kids will immediately think Wonderworks is all about fun, but with over 100 interactive exhibits on science, perspective, and technology, they’re learning more than is let on. When they do catch on that lessons are being imparted, there’s always laser tag for ‘recess’. Admission is $24 ($19 for kids) but is not all-inclusive…be prepared to spend more. Located centrally on International Drive.

Orlando Science Center:

It’s tough being a science center in the theme park capital of the world…Orlando Science Center has steep competition for kids’ attention. However, once here, yours will most likely not want to leave. With an interactive Sesame Street exhibit for toddlers and preschoolers and science labs and a science ‘park’ for older kids, everyone will be occupied. Located on 777 E. Princeton Street, admission is $19 for adults and $13 for kids…a tad lower than your standard theme park admission costs. Read reviews of the Orlando Science Center.

Orange Country Regional History Center:

Need a new perspective on Orlando after too much stimulation, creative landscaping, and ‘experiences’? The History Center shows kids what Orlando looked like before Disney, starting with natural history and native plants and animals, then progressing through First People, First Contact, and pioneering history. And yes, there’s a permanent exhibit on Walt, too. The building is big and bright, and families get the feeling of being out-of-doors while still enjoying the A/C. Located at 65 East Central Blvd, the museum does close at 5 pm daily. General admission is $12 for adults and $9 for kids.

Gatorland:

Orlando’s Gatorland is more than just a thrill for families who like to get up-close and personal with huge reptiles. Kids learn about swamps, alligator breeding programs, and alligator habits. Their Adventure Hour takes kids even closer to the action, and is only $10 per person more. Yes, there are also zip lines, making Gatorland more like a theme park than a zoo, but families spending a half-day here will come away with a decent education. Admission is $27 for adults (13 and up) and $19 for kids, and the park closes at 5 pm. Parking is free. Read reviews of Gatorland.

Not staying on theme park property? Find Orlando accommodations at Trivago.com.

Photo credit: Brian Marshall and Jim Moore

Vermont farm experience for kids: Retreat Farm

December 9, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

The Retreat Farm in Brattleboro, VT is a great stop for families of all ages. Its 450 acres include hiking trails, a petting farm, and even an artisanal cheese shop (cheddar, of course!). The farm was originally part of the Brattleboro Retreat, a private mental hospital built in the 1840’s. The Retreat Farm provided milk, meat, and vegetables for the hospital and even served as a mental health program for patients who worked on the farm. Today, the farm is managed by the Windham Foundation, a Vermont-based organization whose mission is to promote the vitality of rural communities and institutions in Vermont.

The Retreat Trails are 9 miles of trails with public entry points at the Retreat Farm and other locations in Brattleboro. This is a great place for hiking or biking in the summer, and cross country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter!

For our kids (ages 3 and 5), the petting farm was the main attraction. The Retreat Farm has more than 50 animals that kids can pet, hold, and feed, all while learning about animal care and New England farming. The biggest hits were the chick room—an entire room filled with newly hatched chicks that the kids could pet and pick up (it’s actually helpful for farmers if chicks are handled a lot when they’re young, so your kids are having fun AND providing a service to the farm!), and the goats. Kids can go into the goat corral and see these friendly and social animals up close. Be careful, though—we loved those goats so much, we thought about trying to take one home! Most importantly, the animals at the farm are very well cared for and loved. The stalls are clean, the food is fresh, and the animals are all healthy and happy. Overall, this is our favorite farm experience, and a great place to spend a day.

Travel tip:The Retreat Farm is open in the colder months, so don’t stay away! Bundle the kids up and tackle the hiking trails year round!

Travel Gear We Use: Stonz Wear hatz
Stonz is a children’s outerwear and boot company homegrown in Vancouver, BC. Pit Stops’ kids is partnering with Stonz this fall to help families get outfitted for winter travel. Yes, our kids wear Stonz on our own adventures! Why Stonz hatz? These soft, fleece hats are fun for kids, and are sized to actually fit babies through school-aged kids. Plus, they’re reversible, which makes our hard-to-please preschooler feel in control of her wardrobe choices. Buy Stonz Reversible Hatz
at Amazon, or find more Travel Gear We Use.

Date last visited:

September 2013

Distance from the interstate:

The Retreat Farm is located just outside of downtown Brattleboro, off I-91 in southern VT.

Hours of operation:

The petting farm is open from Memorial Day weekend through October. Fall operating hours are Friday and Saturday 10–4, Sunday 12¬–4. Retreat trails are open year round for hiking, biking, horse-back riding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. No motorized vehicles!

Admission or ticket prices:

Kids ages 2–11: $5, 12 and over: $6. Season passes are also available.

Food services:

Bring a picnic! There are tables near the barn and the setting is beautiful!

Directions:

The Retreat Farm is located at 350 Linden Street, Route 30, Brattleboro, VT.

Winter at the Utah Olympic Park with kids

December 4, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

While exploring Park City Utah with kids, families will want to reserve time to visit the Utah Olympic Park. This half-day excursion is only minutes from Park City Utah, and 25 miles from Salt Lake City.

The Utah Olympic Park is the site of several winter sports in the 2002 Winter Games, and is still home to several Olympic teams and hopefuls. Most days, visitors can see training in process on the high jump or luge, bobsled, or skeleton events.

What to do at Utah Olympic Park:

Start at the Olympic museum, where you’ll learn about general winter sport Olympic history as well as the details behind the Salt Lake City games. The museum is free for all, making it a great introduction to the park. If you have very young kids, you may want to simply walk around outside the museum area to watch skiers on the jumps and practicing their flips and spins.

If you have older kids or teens, it’s worth paying for the guided tour, which takes you in a van up to the top of the high jump slopes and to view the luge and bobsled track. Both are very impressive facilities…and looking down the ski jump course is enough to give you deep respect for the athletes who brave it! The tour can include to ride on the ski lift chair up and down from some sites.

For those extremely daring (and 16 or older), a ride down the bobsled course behind a professional driver is a major thrill. I’d consider it a once-in-a-lifetime activity: while I enjoyed the experience, I don’t need to do it again! The bobsled team will warn all visitors that this activity is extremely physical: if you have any healthy issues, it’s not for you. Unlike many ‘extreme’ activities that are pretty tame, the bobsled trip is the real deal: expect a bumpy, intense, and possibly unsettling ride! I recommend it wholeheartedly for those up for the challenge. Family members who wish to watch can do so along several points of the track. This activity is costly, but worth budgeting for on special occasions.

In summer months, families can also try the zip line, adventure course, and exhibition shows every weekend. We love the deal on the zip lines and high ropes courses: there are numerous lines and courses, all for one price of $40 for kids. Go all day! Read our summer review.

Date last visited:

March 2013

Distance from the interstate:

Minutes from I-80.

Admission:

Free

Hours of operation:

10 am to 6 pm daily

Directions:

The Utah Olympic Park is located at 3419 Olympic Pkwy. From Park City or The Canyons Resort, easily follow well-marked signage.

Five kid-friendly attractions in Ogunquit Maine

November 26, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Sometimes, looking for the perfect vacation destination can get a bit hectic, especially if you have a family and are searching for a kid-friendly spot. With rising prices in theme parks like Disneyland, Six Flags and Universal Studios, parents across the U.S. are now looking for cheaper vacation alternatives that don’t sacrifice fun over price.

Highlighted in an article by Trip Advisor, many families in the East Coast are considering going north to Maine instead of driving down south to Florida’s amusement central. In the past few years, many coastal towns in Maine have undergone radical visitor-pleasing changes in efforts to boost tourism.

One town that’s garnering mass interest is Ogunquit, Maine, a small, resort town located on the southern tip of the state. Ogunquit has been generating substantial interest because of its family-centered attractions, top tier resort commodities, pristine lobster-rich coastline and golden beaches. If you’re looking to take a family vacation in the next few weeks, here are five kid friendly-attractions that’ll make you want to consider making it your next family destination.

Marginal Way

If you’ve ever seen the scenic beach panoramas that grace the silver screen, you may find that they have nothing on historical Marginal Way, a famous beach strip just off the coast of Ogunquit. Marginal Way has been described as beautifully pristine and fun for the whole family. Marginal Way is definitely a hidden beauty of Maine, secluded and free from hordes of tourists. Marginal Way is the perfect destination for families that want to have a calm, family beach day.

Perkins Cove

Perkins cove is a small community at the edge of Ogunquit that brings beauty and quaintness to the town. Perkins Cove is known as a fishing district, famous for its lobsters and assortment of fruits. This small commercial district is perfect for a family outing or dinner. There’s simply no better seafood in all of Southern Maine than at Perkins Cove.

Mount Agamenticus

If you’re the kind of parent that lives an active lifestyle, a trip to Mount Agamenticus may be just what you’re looking for. This forested monolith is located near Ogunquit–not hard to spot from the town square. Mount Agamenticus provides visitors with miles of hiking trails, ranging from beginner to advanced. Mount Agamenticus is perfect for an outdoor excursion with your kids.

Ogunquit Playhouse

If you think Ogunquit is all about attractive natural settings, think again. If you want to get a good dose of culture, you may want to make your way to downtown Ogunquit to attend a local theater production at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Shows range from locally written productions to national shows, like Legally Blonde or Les Miserables. If you enjoy attending theater productions, why not watch a show at the famous Ogunquit Playhouse?

Ogunquit Museum of Modern Art

If you don’t get your fill of local culture, you may want to head to the Ogunquit Museum of American Art. Though small compared to the Met, this museum houses an extensive collection of American art that dates back to the American colonial era. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art also features pieces of local art, giving visitors a feel of the local artistic scene. The setting of the museum is panoramic, located beachside on historic Shore Road.

The accommodations in Ogunquit are very family friendly just like the other attractions it has to offer. This pleasant seaside town is an excellent choice if you want to break free from the idea of a trip down to tourist-packed amusement park central but still have a family vacation worth remembering. You won’t regret it!

Travel Gear We Use: Stonz Wear Bootz

Stonz is a children’s outerwear and boot company homegrown in Vancouver, BC. Pit Stops’ kids is partnering with Stonz this fall to help families get outfitted for winter travel. Yes, our kids wear Stonz on our own adventures! Why Stonz winter bootz? These rugged, waterproof boots are incredibly lightweight. Kids won’t mind wearing them in slushy, wet, and snowy conditions while traveling, and they won’t weigh suitcases down, either. We love: the traction of the boots, plus the easy velcro and buckle closure, so we can get a tight fit even while getting boots easily on and off. Buy Stonz Winter Bootz
at Amazon, or find more Travel Gear We Use.

Distance from the interstate:

10 minutes.

Directions:

Find Ogunquit from I-95 in Maine. Take Berwick Road or Captain Thomas Road from the interstate.

The above post is written in partnership with Stonzwear.com. Photo credit: Flickr.com/Yatmandu

Bouldering with kids: Mill Creek and Avenue of the Boulders OR

November 25, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

When I say ‘bouldering’ I don’t exactly mean the sport catching on among the outdoorsy type from Colorado to New Mexico. I mean ‘clambering’ or maybe ‘scrambling’, as we really weren’t climbing high enough to need mats or helmets. However, I have learned that if you tell kids they’re going bouldering, they hike much faster! Any way I can add some excitement to a nature walk or hike, I do so! Tip: another great way to get kids to enjoy the outdoors is geo-caching.

Bouldering with kids is easy in Southern Oregon, where many volcanic rock formations await. Tobias (age 8) spent the day bouldering and hiking with his grandpa in Prospect, Oregon, which is located on Highway 62 en route to Crater Lake National Park. This part of the drive to the lake is a great place to stop and stretch legs with a moderate hiking/climbing experience.

Mill Creek Falls and Avenue of the Boulders

These falls are a short hike from the parking lot, but from the falls you can hike further to the Avenue of Boulders at the base. This veritable ‘city’ of boulders fall in a neat row, then in a group, looking like a skyline from afar. Between the boulders are calm pools of water, sandy beaches, and lots of opportunities to climb around, up, and over. If you plan to do serious bouldering here, definitely bring mats and helmets, but kids can get pretty adventurous and still be safely close to the ground.

Natural Bridge

Next, head over to Union Creek, Oregon, just up the road along Highway 62. This area offers a trailhead at Natural Bridge Trail to a series of lava tubes that wind under and through the often fast-flowing Rogue River. Not only are the tubes beautiful, but they’re fascinating for kids. Challenge kids to find hollow lava rocks and see if they’ll float in the calmer water at the end of the hike. Families can take a 2.4 mile loop, or just walk across two bridges to observe the lava tubes and the rapids. There’s a primitive campground adjacent, and bathrooms with pit toilets. In the summer months, you’ll want to picnic. Tip: grab a piece of pie or a berry smoothie after your hike at Beckie’s, world famous for their food (or at least world famous in Southern Oregon!).

Travel Gear We Use: Stonz Wear Rain Bootz and Linerz:
Stonz is a children’s outerwear and boot company homegrown in Vancouver, BC. Our Pit Stops’ kids wore Stonz rain boots on our Mill Creek adventure. Stonz rain boots are made of natural rubber, and parents can buy them with optional soft, fuzzy liners that kids love. They slide on easily, but stay put while exploring creeks, muddy river banks, and other outdoor destinations. Best of all, they can be sprayed down with water after you get home, and the liners are machine washable. Buy Stonz Rain Bootz on Amazon or Zappos, or find more Travel Gear We Use.

Directions: Once on Highway 62 (grab this from I-5 in Medford, Oregon), follow marked signs to all the above destinations.

Also nearby: Take a hike along the Upper Rogue River.

The above post was written in partnership with Stonzwear.com. Photo credit: flickr.com/AlaskanDude

Outdoors with kids in MA: Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary

November 20, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Looking to get outdoors with kids in MA no matter the season? Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary is an accessible, kid-friendly sanctuary in Easthampton, Massachusetts. Arcadia has all sorts of things to keep the family busy, including a network of easy trails, a wetland boardwalk, and an observation tower. Near the parking lot and visitor center, there is a nature play area, complete with a tepee and “stump jump”. For the bird enthusiast, Arcadia is host to a variety of wildlife including bald eagles, red-tail hawks, and blue herons.

We got to know Arcadia through their wonderful kids’ education programs: both of our children have attended (or currently attend) the Arcadia Nature Preschool. In addition to its preschool and summer camps, Arcadia hosts a variety of programs with local schools, scout groups, and home-school programs. It’s a wonderful organization with the objective of fostering a love of nature and conservation in young kids. Check out their website before you visit for maps, information packets, and a nature bingo card!

Travel Tip: One word of caution: the vernal pool directly behind the visitor center and the proximity to the Mill River and the oxbow of the Connecticut River means that Arcadia can be a haven for mosquitoes in the summer. Bring your bug spray!

Travel Gear We Use: Stonz Wear Booties and Mittz
Stonz is a children’s outerwear and boot company homegrown in Vancouver, BC. Pit Stops’ kids is partnering with Stonz this fall to help families get outfitted for winter travel. Yes, our kids wear Stonz on our own adventures! See our own Greta in Stonz booties and mitts at Arcadia in the photo above. Why Stonz booties? These easy-to-slip-on-and-off boots for toddlers and preschoolers feature water-resistant nylon uppers and sherpa fleece liners. They tighten and loosen with a toggle, and yes, they have soles that can actually go outside! Stonz Mittz are just as little-kid friendly: these rugged mittens are also adjusted by toggle, and reach all the way to the elbow for full coverage. Buy Stonz booties
and Stonz Mittz at Amazon, or find more Travel Gear We Use.

Date last visited:

Every week!

Distance from the interstate:

About 3–4 miles from exit 18 off I-91.

Hours of operation:

Trails (and bathrooms!) are open daily, from dawn to dusk. The visitor center is open Monday–Thursday and Saturday, 9–12; Friday 9–3:30.

Admission or ticket prices:

Free to members of Mass Audubon, non-member adults $4, children 2–12 and seniors 65+ $3.

Food services:

Bring a picnic! There are tables near the visitor center and nature play area.

Directions:

Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 127 Combs Road, Easthampton, MA. Directions can be found on www.googlemaps.com When you get close, blue and white Mass Audubon signs point the way!

Deer Lodge Lake Louise: Where to stay near the lake

November 18, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

When arriving at Lake Louise, it’s impossible to overlook massive Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise planted directly at the lake shore. However, en route to the lake, you’ll drive directly past the much more modest, historic, and beautiful Deer Lodge, operated by Canadian Rockies Mountain Resorts. This is where you want to be.

Why? Deer Lodge is fits its surroundings perfectly: its log-hewn buildings nestle against a backdrop of evergreen, its wooden deck overlooks the single road to the lake, and its stone chimney puffs woodsmoke, reminding visitors that just inside lies a cozy sitting room with stone fireplace. And it’s still lakeside: guests can walk to Lake Louise in under five minutes.

It’s the lodge that should sit on the lakeshore, calling to mind the storied mountaineering history of the Banff Lake Louise area. During summer, guests can sit out on the deck under shade umbrellas, and in autumn or winter, the craggy mountain views from the rooftop hot tub absolutely cannot be beat. The hotel is aged, to be sure (expect the usual quirks of an old building, including creaks and temperamental heating and plumbing), but with age comes charm you won’t find elsewhere in small Lake Louise.

Amenities:

The Deer Lodge sitting room is the place to be in the evening before dinner; sit by the fire with a good book, or play a game of chess or checkers by the windows. There’s also a smaller sitting room with a piano guests are permitted to play, and a game room downstairs featuring a pool table and the lodge’s only TV (complete with couches and DVD library).

The best feature of Deer Lodge has to be its hot tub: situated on the roof, it’s nothing fancy, but its simplicity is breathtaking. The views of the surrounding mountains are amazing, and the crisp air feels great as you soak. Guests will find hooks to hang their towels on, and changing rooms downstairs below the hot tub access. During our autumn visit, the hot tub was open 10 am to 11 pm; seasonal hours apply.

Rooms:

Rooms at Deer Lodge are modest, but there is a newer addition to the building with larger floor plans. Either way, expect a lack of TVs in the rooms, though guests do enjoy free wifi. Our room featured a shower with tub and plenty of counter and sink space in the bathroom, and a nicely sized balcony. The only amenity I wished we had was a mini fridge; I didn’t mind the lack of a TV, but could have used the ability to store leftover food and snacks.

Dining:

The dining room at Deer Lodge is excellent. We loved the atmosphere in the evening–cozy yet elegant–and the food is outstanding. It’s also expensive, so look for the lounge menu, which is available even when dining in the main dining room. Breakfast is served as well, though still pricey; out of practicality, families may opt to walk the short distance to the Fairmont to pick up muffins and other bakery goods at their quick service coffee shop. (It’s also possible to pick up sandwiches here to take with you for a picnic.)

From Deer Lodge, hiking at and around Lake Louise is only steps away (don’t bother with your car) or Banff is only a 30-45 minute drive.

Distance from the interstate:

Deer Lodge is located just minutes from Highway 93 (Icefields Parkway).

Room rates:

At the time of our visit, room rates for a standard room were listed at approximately $125. Rates vary by season.

Directions:

From 93, take the Lake Louise exit and stay on Lake Louise Drive. The lake (and Deer Lodge) is approximately 4 km up the road.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced Deer Lodge as guests of the resort, for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

Using the Lake Placid Olympic Region Passport with kids

November 6, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

On a recent trip to Lake Placid, NY, we got to check out a piece of Olympic history with the Olympic Sites Passport. Our group included some pretty little kids (2 and 4), but there was still plenty for them to do and see using the Lake Placid Olympic Region Passport. I’m a huge fan of the Olympics (any season, any sport!), so it was fun to pass some of that excitement on to my kids. Even off-season, and well after hosting the games, the Olympic facilities at Lake Placid are impressive.

Whiteface:

We started out at Whiteface, the ski resort just outside of Lake Placid. We drove up the Veterans Memorial Highway, which goes to the summit of Whiteface Mountain. It’s a beautiful drive, and at the top you walk through a tunnel to get to an elevator to the summit. At the top, there are lots of places to explore, take in the view, and even rock scramble (obviously, this was a big hit with the kids!).

After driving back down to the base of the Whiteface ski area, we rode the Cloudsplitter Gondola to the top of the ski hill. There are some beautiful views at the top, but unfortunately for us, a thundershower chased us back into the gondola just after arriving!

Olympic Jumping Complex:

Our next stop was the Olympic Jumping Complex. If you only make one Olympic stop during your Lake Placid trip, this should be it. I had only seen the jumping towers on TV, and to see it on site was truly impressive. To tour the jumps, you take a chairlift to the base of the tower (our two-year-old’s favorite part by far!), then a 26-story elevator to the top. Once you’re up there, you can go outside to the top of the jump to get the ski jumper’s perspective. The kids were amazed that someone could really do that (especially our 4 year old, who has some skiing experience). Our two year old volunteered on the spot to strap on some skis and go…maybe next year!

After touring the jumps, you’ll want to check out the freestyle pool. We lucked out on our visit, and got to watch some jumpers practicing all sorts of flips and twists. Check their calendar for the Summer Jumping Series when planning your visit, and you’ll get to see some of the best jumpers in the world, and maybe even meet the athletes.

The Olympic Sites Passport also gets you into the Olympic Sports Complex, where the sliding (bobsled, skeleton, etc.) facilities are located, and the Olympic Center, where you can tour the Olympic museum and the skating rink (site of the 1980 Miracle on Ice). Ours were a little young for these activities, but if you have any winter sports fanatics in your group, it’s a can’t-miss!

The Olympic Sites Passport is also a great deal. It’s only $32 per person (kids 6 and under are free), and gets you in to all the sites listed above (Whiteface, Olympic Jumping Complex, Olympic Sports Complex, and Olympic Center). There are all sorts of additional activities (at additional cost, but at a discount with the Olympic Sites Passport), including nature treks, mountain biking at Whiteface, and bobsled rides. The ORDA (Olympic Regional Development Authority, the organization that manages the Olympic facilities) website isn’t terribly helpful, but all information can be found on the Whiteface site.

Date last visited: August 29-30, 2013

Distance from the interstate:

Lake Placid is pretty remote, and is not really on the way to anything, but it’s still worth a visit! It’s about a 2 or 2 ¼ hour drive from Albany, about 30 miles off Interstate 87. Wondering where to stay? Our pick is Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort.

Directions / Contact:

Site locations can be found on the Whiteface website. Tickets can be bought at the ORDA store at 2426 Main Street, Lake Placid, NY 12946; tel. (518) 523-1420.

As I disclose whenever applicable, our family experienced the Olympic Region as guests of ORDA for the purpose of review.