Interstate - Pitstops for Kids

What to do in Park City in the summer with kids

June 20, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Park City, Utah is truly a year-round resort town. It’s one of our Best Ski Town picks, but that doesn’t mean families shouldn’t visit during summer months: on our visit in June 2013, Main Street was bustling, and parking was challenging to find. Restaurants and bars were hopping, and some shops were open late. Summer in Park City offers much more than just town life, however. Read on to learn what to do in Park City in the summer with kids:

1. Mountain biking:

Mountain bike single track trails can be found throughout the Park City area and surrounding mountainsides, but Canyons Resort sports the only gravity-based, lift-accessed bike park. Novices through experts will be challenged here with rollers, jumps, and switchbacks on downhill trails of every level. Bike rentals (and costs) can be found at Canyon Mountain Rentals. Read our full review of mountain biking at Canyons.

2. Hiking and fishing:

At Canyons Resort, well-marked, designated hiking trails take ambitious hikers as high as Ninety-Nine 90 Peak; on the Fantasy Ridge trail (access from Tombstone trail) or beginners can easily trek to Alpine Lake on the Alpine Lake trail. (Paddleboats can also be rented on Alpine Lake, but don’t let the name deceive you: this body of water is more like a large pond. Kids will enjoy seeing the large trout in the waters, however.)

3. Utah Olympic Park activities:

The site of the bobsled, ski jump, and additional winter Olympic sports during the Salt Lake City games, the Utah Olympic Park has lots for non-Olympic hopefuls to do as well. Families can tour the free museum, take a tour of the facilities (which includes the chance to stare down the distance of the ski jump), and watch Olympic training in progress. There’s also three zip lines, a three-level high ropes course, and an alpine slide. Parents can buy experiences a la carte, or give kids access to all three activities for $40…a great deal! In the busiest summer months, expect some wait times, but staff and instructional support staff are very friendly here.

4. Exploring Park City’s Main Street:

Shopping is fun even for the kids in Park City, with ample touristy t-shirt shops to check out, bookstores, and candy stores. Adults will find gallery-quality art and collectables as well. Have dinner at our favorite, Main Street Pizza and Noodle Company, then stop at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for ice cream or a caramel apple for dessert.

5. Mini Golf or Disc Golf:

Do both in one day at The Canyons: mini golf is located at the base and open from 10 am to 5 pm in summer, and disc golf is located at mid-mountain, starting at the Red Pine Lodge. Get tickets to either in the base area, and plan to wear sunscreen for either high mountain outdoor activity!

Wondering where to stay in Park City? Check out our reviews of Hyatt Escala, Westgate Park City, and The Grand Summit, all of which offer great outdoor pools and on-site recreation.

Central Oregon golf resort pick: The Lodge at Eagle Crest, a Holiday Inn Resort

June 19, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Forget what you thought you knew about the Holiday Inn brand. Holiday Inn Resort has reinvented the name with properties like the Lodge at Eagle Crest in Eagle Crest Resort, which serves as a great home base for families who enjoy both golf and other outdoor activities.

There are no shortage of golf resorts in Central Oregon. We’ve been to most of them, and they certainly all have high standards and individual strengths. Eagle Crest Resort‘s strength lies in its casual, family-friendly vibe and competitive pricing. It’s a very large resort (comprising mostly of vacation rentals and private homes), but no matter where you go, you’re greeted with a smile from staff and residents alike. Located in Redmond, Eagle Crest is only minutes from Bend, where families can river raft and mountain bike in summer and ski in winter. And if you’re a golfing family, you’ll be in heaven with three 18-hole courses on-site.

When we arrived on a typically sunny day in June, we certainly noticed the three 18 hole golf courses first: golf is king here. However, we almost immediately learned that there’s much more to Eagle Crest than chasing little white ball around in the grass (is it clear my kids are the golfers in the family, not me?).

Eagle Crest Recreation:

Bring your bikes! Eagle Crest is divided into two main areas: Resort and Ridge. And it’s large…very large. We like to park our car and leave it, so having bikes meant we could ride to the sports centers (more on that later) and dining. If you can’t bring bikes, they can be rented at the Resort Sports Center by the hour or day, and there are many great bike paths throughout. We like the long loop skirting the whole property, which dips in and out of high desert scrub area and residential neighborhoods and fairways. If you’re up for it, mountain bikes can be rented, and single track trails can be accessed not far from property, right off Cline Falls Road.

Bike rentals start at $8/hour for kids’ bikes to $20/hour for specialty bikes, and yes, your kids will want to try these. They have surrey bikes for two, plus high intensity trikes and fun scooters. There are regular cruiser bikes as well, and tag-alongs and trailers. Our kids most enjoyed trying the novelty of Longe Boards, which are little stand-up paddle boards for the pavement. Don’t rent these specialty items for longer than 1 hour: they are simply too hard to pedal for much longer, though they are fun. Rent regular bikes for the main trails!

In addition to biking, there are no fewer than three sports and recreation centers in the resort. The Resort Sports Center has an outdoor pool and hot tub, tennis and racquetball courts, and ample bike rentals (for the extra fee), and the Ridge Sports Center on the opposite side of the resort offers the only indoor pool, indoor basketball court, and full spa. The third center–Westview–is located well away from the others near the stables, and includes a children’s spray park and outdoor pool. All centers have exercise rooms and classes.

Horseback riding at Ikiutan Stables is one of the most enjoyable resort riding experiences we’ve tried. We loved that our guide listened to our description of our ability level and let us trot our horses and have more freedom than usual. Our hour ride took us across high desert without a house in sight. When I learned that Ikiutan is owned by the same ranglers as at neighboring Brasada Resort, I wasn’t surprised; we had a fabulous ride there as well. At $50 a person for a 1 hour ride, prices are on par with other area resorts, and definitely worth the expense. Pony rides are available for young kids, though kids as young as five are welcome on regular group rides.

Eagle Crest Golf:

You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy Eagle Crest, though it certainly helps. As mentioned, the resort is very casual and friendly, and this extends to the courses. Kids are welcome, and nine holes are available to play instead of 18 on at least one course. We had a great nine hole experience at the Ridge course (even on a crowded day in June): the course was challenging but accessible…the kids did not feel frustrated, even though it was clear this was no kiddie course.

A great way to get started is a visit to the putting course. 18 well-designed holes on the course include sand traps, water hazards, and beautiful landscaping. It looks just like a little version of the real thing, and kids can practice chipping and putting. The course took us about 1.5 hours, and was a highlight for the kids. In fact, Calvin kept asking if ‘we could make one of these in our backyard’. No way: it’s way too sophisticated! The putting course is affordable too: only $6 for kids and $10 for adults. Our crew all thought it was much better than a miniature golf course.

Lodging:

As mentioned, the Lodge at Eagle Crest is a Holiday Inn Resort. Rooms are standard, but very well appointed. Beds are very comfortable with ample pillows and new duvets. Rooms include a mini fridge, and suites with kitchens are available. For our family of five, we had a standard room adjoining with a one-bedroom suite, which was perfect for preparing meals and spreading out. Lodging guests can access the sports centers with day passes. (There is also an outdoor pool and hot tub, as well as playground, right at the lodge, and kids eat dinner and breakfast free at Aerie when staying with an adult.)

Dining:

Dining is a bit limited at Eagle Crest, likely due to how many homes and vacation homes are on property (reducing need for multiple restaurants). Bring food and cook in your kitchen! Alternatively, we ate most our meals at Aerie, located in the lodge lobby. This small casual service restaurant has good basic meals (think sandwiches, salads, pizzas, omelets and waffles) during breakfast and dinner hours. A few seats are available outside on the patio overlooking the Resort course. Kids eat free off the kids’ menu here if you’re staying in the lodge, which is a great deal, but be advised that kids’ meal portions are fairly small. Older kids will probably want to eat off the adult menu. Equally casual dining is found at the Ridge course, and for finer dining, Niblick and Greene’s serves steak, seafood, and pasta.

Spa:

The Ridge Sports Center houses the only spa, which is small but reasonably priced. I loved the convenience of having it in the rec center too: I was able to drop the kids off in the pool with Grandma while I enjoyed a 90-minute relaxation massage. The massage was heavenly, or at least I think it was…I may have fallen asleep at one point! The spa is low on frills like infused water and calming ambiance, but high on actual value: the service was great and the rate was the best I’ve seen in a long time. I definitely recommend taking advantage of this while at Eagle Crest.

Room rates:

At the time of our visit, standard lodge rooms started at $144 per night. Vacation rentals are also available, and are undoubtedly the better deal if staying for a full week.

Distance from the Interstate:

Only 15 minutes from Highway 97 in Bend.

Directions:

The lodge is located at 1522 Cline Falls Road in Redmond. From Bend, take Highway 20 West toward Sisters. Follow this approximately five miles to Tumalo, where you will take a right on Cline Falls Road (also called Cook Avenue). Follow this for approximately nine miles to the resort entrance.

Disclaimer: We were guests of Eagle Crest for the purpose of review.

Eagle Crest on Dwellable

A stay at Central Oregon’s Kah-Nee-Ta Resort and Spa

June 3, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Located on the Warm Springs reservation (home of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs) in the high desert of Central Oregon, Kah-Nee-Ta Resort and Spa offers a blend of tribal culture and family fun. This is not a luxury resort, but rather a family-friendly getaway that delivers on the simple pleasures of sunny skies, hot springs-fed swimming, outdoor recreation, and camping. There’s lodging for every budget at Kah-Nee-Ta, and varied vacation experiences can be had. Families can opt to simply play the days away in the sunshine, or, with the inclusion of an excellent museum, tribal dances, and seasonal tribal events, the culture of the Warm Springs, Wasco, and Paiute people can be felt here.

We opted for a combination of both playtime and cultural education when we visited on a spring weekend in May. (Central Oregon is known for their 300+ days of sunshine, but we landed one of the few rainy ones…clearly drew the short straw.) Even so, we spent hours at a time swimming in the hot-springs fed pool, hiked several on-site trails, golfed, enjoyed a spa treatment, and tasted authentically cooked salmon…all in two days. Had we more time, we could have rented kayaks, taken a whitewater rafting tour, or ridden bikes around the resort. Families can certainly make Kah-Nee-Ta a day trip from Portland or Bend, but an overnight is well-justified, especially during the warmer summer months when camping is most comfortable.

On-site recreation and activities:

The pool: The biggest draw at Kah-Nee-Ta is the hot springs-fed pool system. The Village Pool includes what amounts to three pools in one: a shallow end with small slide, room for inflatables and water sprays, a middle pool into which the larger slides feed, and a very large deep end. Adjacent are a kiddie pool and two hot tubs (one of which is adults-only). Hot springs water is piped into all pools, and while the resort varies the temperature by season, it’s decidedly warm. On our cool May visit, jumping into the main pool felt like jumping into a warm tub. The water is so comfortable, in fact, that we swam for hours without getting out. The two larger tube slides are several stories high (if not higher) and have a height restriction of 48″ and up. Note: guests of Kah-Nee-Ta receive Village pool passes for the length of their stay, but this does not include access to the slides. Slide passes are $4 extra. This fact is a negative in our book: it felt like nickel-and-diming resort guests. Our advice: buy slide passes for the kids, but skip them for yourselves.

Horseback riding: The Kah-Nee-Ta stables are adjacent to the Village, and offer trail rides multiple times per day. We opted for a one hour ride, which we enjoyed with one guide and one assistant. The stables are owned by a local tribal family, and their horses are broken mustangs from the region (fun fact: wild horses still roam here). Our ride took us along the Kah-Nee-Ta trail system along the bluffs overlooking the resort and surrounding plateaus. The experience was more casual than most resort trail riding tours, but priced very reasonably.

Golf: The Kah-Nee-Ta 18-hole golf course is well-maintained and challenging (without being impossible for families). The course is visually appealing, and even on a busy weekend, it was not crowded. We rented a cart and played just the back nine for an afternoon activity.

Hiking trails: Kah-Nee-Ta maintains a series of three trails starting from the property (grab a color-coded trail map when you check in), which guests can hike. If up for adventure, an unmarked but worn trail from the road across from the Village takes hikers up to a large cave in the nearby bluff. We accessed the cave from the bluff overhead during a longer hike, but it can be more easily accessed directly from below as described.

Spa Wanapine: The Village spa is the place to slip away from the family for a massage or treatment. While not as posh as high-end resort spas, it’s certain relaxing, quiet, and comfortable. Unique to Kah-Nee-Ta is the addition of a 20 minute mineral soak with treatment (for a fee). Guests are led pre-treatment to a private jacuzzi tub filled with hot mineral water from the adjacent hot springs. (Despite loving hot water, I did cool mine down considerably.) 20 minutes proved enough time to soak before treatment.

Museum at Warm Springs: On the way in or out of Kah-Nee-Ta if traveling through Madras and Bend (and only 11 miles out of your way if traveling to and from Portland), the Museum at Warm Springs is a must-do. This award-winning museum takes visitors through the history of the tribes at Warm Springs, from early days to present day. Most interesting for kids are the videos and explanations behind tribal dances still danced today, and the hands-on displays within the museum, including a place to play with hoops used in the dances. Most interesting for adults may be the history of how three distinct Native American tribes came to be located together at the reservation at Warm Springs, and the history of the museum itself, which was built with intertribal cooperation and great grassroots effort nearby 20 years ago.

Casino: Yes, there is a casino associated with the resort; however, it’s located 11 miles away on Highway 26. Because we are not casino-goers, and actually dislike casinos, this was a plus in our book. However, the casino used to be on-site, and website advertising still lists it as such. If you’re planning to patronize the casino, be advised.

Lodging options:

Kah-Nee-Ta is divided into two distinct sections 1/2 mile apart, so pay attention to which you book. The Village is where the kid-centric action is based. The Village rooms, teepees, and RV sites are located here, along with the larger Village pool and water slides, miniature golf course, basketball and volleyball courts, snack bar, store, and spa. The Lodge overlooks the Village from up the highway, and includes tennis courts, the golf course, an additional spa, the only on-site finer dining, and a smaller Lodge Pool (open to Lodge guests only). Where to stay? This depends on what you’re looking for, but a few things to note: 1. due to the RV sites being located at the far end of the Village and the motel-style Village rooms sitting back from the teepee area, we did not find it to be very noisy or overly crowded (on a somewhat busy May weekend) 2. the Village pool and miniature golf course open as late as 10 am, whereas the lodge pool is open by 8 am, so if you have kids who get up early, it may be nice to have the earlier-opening pool at your disposal.

Village rooms: These motel-style rooms are spacious, can include kitchens in some units (we got a Murphy Village Queen with kitchenette adjoined to a standard double queen room for our family of five), and have large enclosed decks/balconies. They are located against the base of the hill within easy walking distance of all Village recreation. While we were perfectly comfortable in our Village rooms during spring, we’d recommend camping during the warmer summer months for a more economical option. (For what you get, Village rooms are overpriced.) Tip: if you want the comfort of a room but don’t want to reserve more than one per night, bring camping pads and sleeping bags and set the kids up outside on the patio…it’s big enough for 2-3 people!

Teepees: Teepees book up fast, so reserve early in summer months! These canvas teepees are large, have a concrete floor, and include an indoor cooking/fireplace space. Families bring their own bedding, mattresses, and other camping gear. Teepees are set fairly close together (not as much room as with traditional camping sites) and are adjacent to the pool.

RV camping: RV camping is furthest out, but still in walking distance of all Village fun. There are 51 sites in grassy, shaded areas.

Lodge rooms: Located in the lodge, lodge rooms vary from standard rooms to suites with kitchens.

Dining options:

If teepee camping, RV camping, or staying in kitchen-equipped Village rooms, families will largely want to bring their own food to cook. Do your grocery shopping before you arrive, but note that necessities can be bought at the store next to the pool. The counter-service cafe adjacent to the Village Pool serves burgers, salads, hot dogs, and fries for around $8 per plate. The food is good, and there are BBQ pits and picnic tables in the Village area for additional picnicking. The Lodge offers sit-down dining at Chinook NW Grille, open seasonally. If your visit coincides with one of Kah-Nee-Ta’s Salmon Bakes, it’s well worth the $20 ticket price. Arrive early to watch the salmon cooked in the traditional way outside (at the Lodge), then stay for a full buffet and tribal dancing. We learned more about drum circles and the various tribal dances here than at any other time during our stay or before. The dancing team and drumming circle take the time to educate and include the audience.

Room rates:

At the time of our visit, Village double rooms cost $225 per night on weekends, and $155 on weeknights. Teepees started at $69, and RV sites $49. Standard lodge rooms started at $149 on weeknights.

Directions:

Kah-Nee-Ta is located at 6823 Highway 8 on the Warm Springs reservation in Central Oregon. From Portland, travel I-5 to I-84 to Hwy 8. From Bend, take Highway 97 to Highway 138 through Madras to South Warm Springs. Turn right at the Kah-Nee-Tah sign.

Disclaimer: We experienced Kah-Nee-Ta as guests of the resort, for the purpose of review. While appreciated, this generosity came with no expectation of a positive review.

Cliff Creek Cellars: family-friendly vineyard and tasting room

May 29, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Located in the heart of Southern Oregon’s wine region, Cliff Creek Cellars is a family-friendly vineyard that makes for a great stop for families vacationing in Ashland Oregon or enjoying fishing, hiking, or rafting along the Rogue River. Surprised? Don’t be! More and more wineries are becoming family-friendly destinations, and Cliff Creek is a prime example.

What makes Cliff Creek great for families?

Location:

Cliff Creek is easy to access from I-5, making it a great alternative to a road-side rest stop. And if you’re not traveling I-5 en route elsewhere, it’s easily woven into the fabric of a family day outdoors in Southern Oregon. As part of the Upper Rogue Wine Trail, Cliff Creek is situated adjacent to the base of Table Rock outside of Gold Hill, making it the perfect post-hike rejuvenation spot. Or perhaps you’ve rafted the Upper Rogue (meandering nearby) or fished the morning away. No matter what your outdoor fun in this picturesque valley, Cliff Creek is nearby as an end-of-day oasis.

Setting:

Cliff Creek’s low-key atmosphere, partnered with plenty of outdoor space, makes it naturally family-friendly. When we visited on a sunny Sunday afternoon in May, we were far from the only patrons. However, because we could spread out along the casual picnic tables dotting the tidy lawn, no one else cared that we’d brought along two energy-filled kids. In fact, we were greeted with smiles from Cliff Creek’s staff and a wag from Max, the resident dog. While the kids ran out into the open space adjacent to the tasting room to explore the water feature and pond, sculptures and vineyards, we settled nearby to enjoy Cliff Creek’s tasting flight.

The wine is excellent, but truth be told, we’d come for the scenery and ambiance. Cliff Creek sets out lawn games for kids (and adults) to enjoy, and if the kids get bored, someone is on-hand to bring out corks so they can have ‘Cliff Creek cork races’ down the small creek leading from the water feature. Kids are welcome to explore the vineyards (you can easily see them from the lawn), and additional entertainment comes in the form of chasing the very willing Max around the property.

Snacks and drinks:

While Cliff Creek is certainly a full-scale winery, the emphasis here is on a social experience. Groups enjoying tastings happily mingle, and for the kids, root beer or water is always on-hand. We ordered one of Cliff Creek’s cheese plates, and were happily surprised by a house-made charcuterie spread that fed all of us. Guests are welcome to bring picnics to the winery; it’s a great place to eat and sip some wine after a family hike.

Distance from the interstate:

15 minutes from I-5.

Cost:

A flight of tasting wine is $10 per person. Cheese and charcuterie plates range from $8-$11. Bottles of wine, at the time of our visit, ranged from $15-$35.

Hours of operation:

Thurs-Mon from 12 pm to 5 pm

Directions:

Cliff Creek is located at 1015 McDonough Road Gold Hill, Oregon. From the Gold Hill I-5 exit, take OR-234/Sams Valley Highway. Turn left on Ramsey Road, then right on Sams Valley Road, and finally another left onto McDonough Road to the vineyard.

The Coeur d’Alene Resort: a lakeside Idaho Preferred Family destination

May 13, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

With its white towers and castle-esque peaks, the Coeur d’Alene Resort is easy to spot along the lake shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. When we lived in neighboring Spokane, Washington, our family would retreat to the Coeur d’Alene Resort for family escapes, summer play, and its annual Holiday Light Show. Now that we live further afield, it’s a destination resort worth the drive.

This Preferred golf and spa property is truly a four-season destination: in summer, the lake and mountains beckon with hiking, biking, jet-skiing, and swimming. One of our favorite children’s parks, Fort Sherman Playground, is located within walking distance of the hotel, and the swimming beach is steps away. In winter, skiing is spectacular at Silver Mountain Resort. We love braving the cold while strolling the boat dock pier in winter, and checking out the snowshoe and nordic ski options on lakeside trails.

Seasonal Activities:

In winter, the resort’s Holiday of Lights Show gives the property a magical glow (which extends beyond Christmas) and the Fantasy Cruise to the North Pole is one of those family events that truly makes the holidays come alive.

Outdoor Recreation:

The Coeur d’Alene’s golf course is one of the best in the region, featuring the only ‘floating green’ we’ve seen, where golfers have to bridge a section of Lake Coeur d’Alene to make par. (Tip: have a meal at the Floating Green Restaurant.) This resort is about more than just golf however: situated within reach of Idaho’s most pristine national forest land, it serves as a home base for river rafting expeditions, hiking, camping, and horseback riding. While in Coeur d’Alene, families have all the conveniences of a large town (including high-end shopping), but also enjoy access to the wilderness. An outdoor pool compliments lake swimming, and Silverwood Theme Park offers a family-friendly, small-town theme park experience.

On-property, families can enjoy an indoor pool and wading pool for toddlers, complete with pool toys, an outdoor playground, bike rentals, crafts, and a game room. Add to that all of Idaho’s outdoor recreation, some hours swimming in the lake, and a run through Sherman Park, and you’ve got some tired, happy kids.

Room rates and amenities:

What makes this hotel Preferred Family certified? The Coeur d’Alene features standard guest rooms ranging from tower fireplace rooms to partial view rooms, and kids 17 and under are always free in their parents’ room. All rooms have the standard amenities: coffee makers, mini-bars, and internet access, and families can request high chairs, pack-n-plays, booster seats, car seats, strollers, and the list goes on. Many rooms have full kitchens, so families can eat in easily. A top-of-the-line fitness center is available to all guests. At the time of our latest visit, room rates ranged from $125-$330 per night.

Dining:

Dining options abound, both in the resort and the surrounding area. My husband claims Tito’s Italian Grill serves the best spaghetti, bar none, and the kids and I especially love the abundance of ice cream and candy shops along the main vistas of Coeur d’Alene in summer. Several chain grocery stores are nearby as well. In the resort, Beverly’s offers fine dining with an excellent wine cellar. Plan on visiting here at least once if you have a babysitter!

Directions:

From Spokane (and Spokane International Airport), take I-90 east straight to the Coeur d’Alene Resort. From Kellogg, take I-90 west. Yes, it’s that simple!

Photo credit: Blake Handley. This post is published in partnership with Preferred Family.

Brasada Ranch for families: what to do with kids at this Preferred Family resort

April 1, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

It’s no secret that the Pit Stops for Kids crew loves Central Oregon. With approximately 300 days of sunshine per year, lakes and rivers to swim in, raft on, and fish from, trails to hike, and volcanoes to behold, what’s not to love? And we’ve found our top family-friendly Central Oregon resort in Brasada Ranch.

What makes Brasada Ranch great for families:

1. Lodging: During our first visit to Brasada, we stayed in one of their two-bedroom cabins overlooking a fairway of The Canyons. Not only was our cabin luxurious in every way, from the full-sized, gourmet kitchen to the two bathrooms, living room with fireplace, and large deck with hot tub, but we could truly relax, knowing that we were able to spread out, eat meals in, and allow the kids to play. We loved watching for rabbits to poke their ears out from the sage brush in the evenings (and spot them by surprise on the fairway after dusk). At night, we were spoiled by the quiet (cabins are set decently far apart), the star-studded sky, and our crackling fire.

2. On-site activities for kids: Brasada Ranch is not an all-inclusive resort, but the array of activities that are complimentary with your stay is impressive. The Athletic Center houses all of the following: two outdoor pools (including a current-driven lazy river), outdoor hot tubs, an indoor pool, an indoor toddler pool, The Hideout (an indoor kids’ play area with a revolving climbing wall, Xbox games, toys, and outdoor recreational equipment), an outdoor basketball court, a playground, and outdoor tennis courts. All the above is open to all resort guests, right down to tennis racket rentals and basketballs.

What you’ll need to pay extra for: Brasada is home to incredible golfing at Brasada Canyons and scenic horseback riding from their on-site stables. You’ll want to budget for at least one or the other. And don’t be afraid to let the kids tee up: even though the Canyons course is challenging, there are tee off options for kids as young as my then-seven-year-old. For the grown-ups in the group, a trip to Spa Brasada will not disappoint.

3. Central Oregon recreation: Families can hike directly from Brasada Ranch (as for information at the Athletic Center desk), or can hit the trails in the nearby Deschutes National Forest in Sisters, Oregon. The Braised Family Concierge can set you up with volcano hikes, cave spelunking, river rafting, or kayaking in summer, and skiing, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing in winter.

4. Peaceful, friendly, and kid-approved dining: During our stay at Brasada, we ate at both the casual Ranch House and the upscale Range with kids. Both afforded amazing sunset views of the mountains and valley, both offered farm-fresh, often local cuisine, and both came with family-friendly service. Though Range is pricier, don’t assume it’s a no-go for kids: ours loved sitting by the bonfire adjacent to our outdoor seating while waiting for their entrees, wrapped in cozy wool blankets and sampling homemade s’mores.

Brasada Ranch is a Preferred Family hotel:

What does this mean? It means that Preferred Hotels, a stickler for quality on all travel fronts, ensures that Brasada is convenient, fun, and comfortable for families. How so? If you’re staying at Brasada with young kids or babies, there will be a crib or port-a-crib waiting, high chairs and booster chairs will be available, and you’ll find kid-friendly fare in Brasada’s restaurants. There’s no extra fee for children staying in guest rooms or cabins, and children’s programming is available, as well as babysitting services, should you need it.

Looking for more family-focused Preferred hotels?

We’re picky about our endorsements of family travel tip sites, but Preferred Family makes the cut. Not only will you find a full database of family-friendly certified Preferred hotels worldwide, but Preferred Family’s blog section offers travel tips, hotel reviews, and travel industry news from families just like yours. Look for us while you’re there…we feel so strongly about Preferred Family that we contribute there!

Read Pit Stops for Kids’ full review of a Brasada Ranch stay with kids!

This post written in conjunction with a partnership with Preferred Family.

Atlanta with kids: Stone Mountain Park and Atlanta Botanical Garden

March 28, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

After touring the city of Atlanta with kids, get into nature and spend a day out of doors! Visitors don’t have to venture far to experience the Atlanta Botanical Garden (it’s minutes from the city center), and Stone Mountain Park is only a short drive outside of Atlanta.

Stone Mountain Park:

What is Stone Mountain? It’s not quite a theme park, and not quite a state park, but a hybrid of both. Home to the world’s largest single piece of exposed granite, Stone Mountain is now a destination for families seeking nature and thrills. Kids can try 4-D rides and carnival-type attractions, but the big draw for most is the SkyHike multi-story ropes and agility course and Geyser Towers, a water play structure intense enough for older school-aged kids.

Families can catch a Stone Mountain laser show and other nature and history-themed entertainment, hike on nature trails, and even indulge in a round of golf (or mini golf).

Atlanta Botanical Garden:

There are few cities that bloom as beautifully as Atlanta, and at the botanical garden, families are in the center of this action…and worlds away from everything else. Located in Piedmont Park, the garden serves as an oasis where kids can play, adults can decompress after sight-seeing, and everyone can learn about the flora and fauna of Georgia. With multiple garden areas, including a rose garden, edible garden, and aquatic plant pond, and indoor spaces (including a Garden House and Day Hall), you could certainly spend the better part of an afternoon.

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The highlight of the garden for kids is definitely the Children’s Garden, which includes two acres of themed gardens, play spaces, and educational exhibits on plants and flowers. Food is available on-site, or bring snacks to enjoy in the garden. We suggest allowing for at least 2-3 hours in the garden; more if you visit while they’re showcasing a temporary exhibit, or if you plan to eat on-site.

Photo Credit.

Touring Oregon Wine Country with Grape Escape wine tours

March 25, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Not long ago, I wouldn’t have thought of spending a full day during a Portland Oregon vacation touring the Oregon wine country. I simply wouldn’t have realized it was an option. In fact, the region directly around metropolitan Portland is ripe with wineries, and has been for several decades. During a recent parents’ weekend away in Portland, I spent an early spring Saturday in wine country with Grape Escape Tours, and it was certainly time well-spent. And if you are enjoying Portland with kids, good news: Grape Escape welcomes children on their winery tours, and yes, there’s actually things for them to do.

We started our experience with Grape Escape before we even arrived in Portland. As soon as I reached out via their website, owner Ralph Stinton gave me a call to find out where my party’s interests in wine lay, what we hoped to see during our day in wine country, and logistical details about our group. On our scheduled tour date, Ralph met us in the lobby of our Portland hotel where we chatted further about our expectations, our wine knowledge (or lack thereof), and the like. Following our phone conversation, Ralph had designed a personalized itinerary, which he handed out to us. Included on the itinerary were the three wineries we were scheduled to visit, plus our lunch plans and a paragraph of background information on each winery. Right away, we knew we were in good hands.

We loaded into a Grape Escape 12-passenger van, and Ralph told us more about Oregon’s wine country and the wineries we were scheduled to visit as we drove the approximately 30 minutes outside the city. Our customized tour began with smaller boutique winery Alloro Vineyards, located in the Chehalem Mountains. We met owner Dave Nemarnick, who planted the vineyard then built his beautiful Mediterranean inspired winery. It was obvious that Ralph and Grape Escape enjoyed a good working relationship with Alloro and the other wineries we toured; everywhere we went, he was greeted by name, and able to tell us detailed information about the location, the wines we were tasting, and the differences and similarities between Oregon wines and those elsewhere worldwide.

We lunched at The Allison Inn and Spa in the nearby Willamette Valley, which we had arranged ourselves; had we not, Ralph would have arranged lunch for us. We headed from there to nearby Domaine Serene, a larger winery situated in the Red Hills of Dundee. We were also scheduled to taste at Archery Summit, but Ralph was able to adapt our itinerary when we opted to spend extra time touring The Allison.

Grape Escapes booking tips:

Grape Escape vans comfortably hold up to 12 guests, but caravans are possible if you have a larger group. (Grape Escape has six vans in their fleet.) Ralph is one of several qualified guides, and founded the company 19 years ago. In his words, they ‘grew up’ with the Oregon wine industry, which explains their excellent relationship with the various vineyards.

Rates start at $80 per person for a partial day tour. The tour we enjoyed lasted from 10 am to after 4 pm, and runs $175 per person (the price lowers the larger your group). You’re paying for the transportation, but also for the expertise Grape Escape adds to the experience. The best way to get started is to fill out the form on the website, or call: 503-283-3380.

Oregon wine tasting with kids:

If you’re wine tasting with kids in tow, I’d recommend a half-day tour. I know my children would have gotten restless with a longer day. Ralph and his team know which wineries will be most kid-friendly, such as Stoller Winery, which sports a playground outside. All the wineries we saw included spacious outdoor seating, long rolling lawns, and usually a friendly dog or two. Kids will enjoy being out in the Oregon countryside and will be welcomed by Grape Escape. They’ll also sip sparkling juices and enjoy the same cheese and cracker plates as the adults. Ralph recommends bringing your own car seats, which can be fitted in any of the Grape Escape vans.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced Grape Escape at a media rate, for the purpose of review.

The Allison Inn and Spa: Willamette Valley wine country pick

March 21, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

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, this is the perfect combination.

Light, airy, and expansive, The Allison is harmonious with the nature surrounding it, from the span of vineyards curving over the hillside to the leafy trees and gardens. Warm wood and highly efficient and eco-friendly features (this is a LEED Gold certified property) combine with bubbling water features, open space, and locally-sourced building materials to create a visually impressive and calming property. I literally sighed with relaxation upon entering the high-ceilinged, bright lobby.

The Allison is very much a labor of love, with owners who believe in drawing in the natural world, leaving a small eco-footprint, and treating guests right. Room rates reflect the luxurious nature of The Allison, but include everything, including things you usually pay extra for, like organic and healthy mini-bar snacks and wifi.

Most guests are here to enjoy the area’s expansive wine tasting (over 200 of the state’s approximate 400 wineries are located in this region), but you could just as easily spend your time on-property, enjoying the Allison Spa (which was too fully booked for us to even tour, a great testament to its popularity), eating gourmet cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients at Jory Restaurant, swimming in the indoor pool, or relaxing with a book on one of the many terraces or heated decks, or walking the grounds.

With kids, The Allison is within easy driving distance of McMinnville Oregon’s Air and Space Museum and adjacent Wings and Waves water park, and families could easily head to Portland for the day or even the Oregon coast. Jory has a full (and reasonable) kids’ menu, and the pool and grounds are kid-friendly.

Allison room amenities:

Hands down, the best room option for families is the double queen room, of which The Allison only has approximately a dozen (so book early). This room option is very spacious, with plenty of room for a rollaway and additionally includes a window seat/day bed perfect for toddlers or small children. The lovely bathroom includes a deep tub for fun baths, and every room has a balcony, fireplace, and the aforementioned free snacks.

The Allison does have suite and junior suites, though for the much higher price point, families don’t get a great deal more than is already provided in their queen rooms. Suites include a limited mini-kitchenette (best for entertaining…not for cooking full meals), and a nice dining table, and additional privacy for parents with a separate bedroom. All rooms, suites and standard rooms alike, include local artwork on the walls which are rotated frequently and always stunning.

Jory Restaurant:

Our meal at Jory was possibly the best food I’ve ever had in Oregon (and I’ve had many excellent meals here). Kids enjoy seeing the open kitchen from much of the dining area, and the kids’ menu is healthy while still being very appealing for little ones. Jory chefs use local ingredients, including their meat, of which they use the whole animal for less waste and in-house, fresh options. In fact, The Allison produces so little waste in general that they are not on a regular waste removal pick-up; they call when they need one. Their breakfast options are as excellent as their dinners (try the signature eggs benedict), and even their compotes, syrups, and butters are made from scratch.

There is an impressive chef’s table at Jory should your party want to indulge; I’m certain the experience would be memorable.

Allison fitness center and spa:

The Allison Spa is beloved among guests and locals alike, but I appreciated that the pool, hot tub, and fitness center is for hotel guests only. The Allison pool is not extremely large, but it’s as lovely and peaceful as the rest of the property, with natural light saturating the water from the glass ceiling and wall (which can retract in warm weather). There’s a hot tub as well as the pool, plenty of lounge chairs, and an outdoor space where you can still keep an eye on kids for summer stays.

The fitness center, adjacent to the pool, is also not large, but again, light and spacious and does not feel cramped as some smaller centers can feel.

Date last visited: March 2013

Distance from the interstate: 20 minutes from I-5.

Directions: The Allison is located at 2525 Allison Lane in Newberg Oregon.

Portland happy hour picks: Where to go for happy hour with or without the kids in Portland

March 15, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

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 Hoyt:

Located at 529 NW 23rd Avenue, 23 Hoyt is in the heart of the quaint Northwest district of Portland and offers a cozy atmosphere in winter and open, bright atmosphere in summer. Their happy hour (ending at 6 pm at the time of our visit) is one of the best deals in the city, offering extensive cocktails for as little as $3. My blood orange martini was stellar. After happy hour, stay for dinner to enjoy a casual but lively environment that’s still tame enough for the kids.

Pazzo Ristorante:

A Kimpton restaurant located adjacent (and attached to) the Kimpton Hotel Vintage Plaza at 627 SW Washington Street, Pazzo Ristorante is a moderately-priced Italian restaurant with far from moderate food. Their bar area is separate from dining seating, so if you have kids in tow, you can order drinks at the table. Otherwise, soak up the ambiance of this warm, inviting interior at a bar table overlooking the street. The food at Pazzo is stellar: try the butternut squash ravioli as well as the peppered bread brought to each table. Read more about Pazzo Ristorante following our recent Pazzo giveaway.

Special offer for Pit Stops for Kids readers: now through March 31, mention that you saw our recent Pazzo Ristorante dinner giveaway when making your reservation, and receive 20% off your meal!

Thirst Bistro:

Located at 0315 SW Montgomery St #340 along the RiverPlace Escalade, Thirst Bistro is small and intimate, and a great place to pop into during happy hour while walking along the river front. Grab drinks and tapas here, then stay for a light dinner, or walk a few doors down to RiverPlace hotel’s Three Degrees Waterfront Bar and Grill for a family-friendly meal that will satisfy the adults as well as the kids. Children can watch the boats on the river, and parents can always take restless kids for a short walk to see goose and ducks while waiting for food.

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