Pit Stops - Pitstops for Kids

National parks of Canada: Jasper National Park, Alberta

May 13, 2022 By Amy Hagstrom

Parks Canada calls Jasper National Park the ‘gentle giant of the Canadian Rockies’, but it seems pretty mighty to us. A gateway for outdoor adventure in all seasons, Jasper is known for backcountry backpacking and skiing, but also plays host to a number of family friendly destinations of the less extreme variety. Here’s what to do in Jasper National Park with kids:

Start at visitor’s centre.

When you arrive in Jasper, head to the information and visitor’s center in the heart of town, across from the VIA Rail train station. The Parks Canada staff here can point you in the direction of area hikes and any closures at the time of your visit (such as campgrounds or picnic areas). Pick up maps and ask questions, because we found Jasper National Park to be less well marked than its neighbor Banff.

Maligne Canyon:

Our favorite destination in Jasper National Park is, hands-down, Maligne Canyon. This hike takes visitors through a deep gorge through which Maligne River flows, and thanks to its network of interconnecting looped trails, can be as long or short as you need it to be. Start at the trailhead and tea house, and hike to a series of marked bridges spanning the river (we went as far as number 6), then either retrace your steps or loop back via a horse trail. The views are stunning–you’ll see waterfalls and pools, as well as places where the water disappears underground. The path can be slippery, but there are rails in place to keep young kids safe. Bring a camera!

Maligne Lake:

Above Maligne Canyon lies Maligne Lake, a summer playground with boat rides, canoe rentals, and restaurants. Picnic here in the autumn, or set out for a short hike from the adjacent trailhead.

Miette Hot Springs:

Miette Hot Springs is open May through October and is located just a short drive from Jasper in the eastern mountain range. The outdoor pool offers towering peak views while you soak in the naturally heated waters. Pair this destination at the end of a day of hiking!

Watch our Jasper and Banff National Parks video:

Where to stay in Jasper: the Tonquin Inn:

The Tonquin Inn lies just a few blocks from downtown Jasper, within 2-3 minutes by car from area destinations. A perfect blend of old school mountain motel charm and modern upgrades, the Tonquin has everything parents need: a great indoor pool and hot tub complex (complete with changing rooms), two additional outdoor hot tubs, spacious rooms with free wifi, and an excellent complimentary breakfast buffet in their attached restaurant.

Our standard room was large enough for a couch and seating area in addition to beds, and had a large TV and spacious bathroom. We were steps from the pool building and dining, and we could walk into town if desired. In the morning, we woke to elk grazing outside.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we were hosted at Tonquin Inn for the purpose of review. While we appreciate the hospitality, all opinions are our own.

Plan your next family trip to Houston

May 12, 2022 By Amy Hagstrom

Houston is a vibrant city with a lot to do and see. But, what you might not know is that Houston is a great place for family vacations.

Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or looking for something to do since you just moved into your Apartment in Houstin, Houston, Texas has been taking the country by storm in recent years. It’s been ranked as one of the top cities in America and has been attracting tourists from all over the world.

Planning your next family trip to Houston? We’ve put together some of our favorite things to do when visiting this amazing city in Texas.

The Rodeo

The Houston rodeo is one of the most popular annual events in Texas. More than one million people attend this event every year.

Rodeo has been a part of Texan culture for more than a century now and it has become a tradition to go to this rodeo as soon as it starts even if you live outside Texas.

The rodeo typically happens in the Spring with some major country music stars also performing. If you don’t get a chance to see the rodeo, you can still experience live bull riding which happens in Houston and throughout Texas often.

Catch a Sporting Event

Houston has a variety of major sporting events that can provide you with unforgettable memories. One of these is the Houston Astros.

Houston is the perfect place for sports. With multiple professional sports teams and a lot of local and international events, it’s easy to find a game to watch while in Houston.

If you’re an NFL fan you can catch a Texans game, if you’re a baseball fan you can catch the Astros, and if you’re a basketball fan you can grab some tickets to the Rockets.

Kemah Boardwalk

Kemah Boardwalk is a good place for people who want to experience old-fashioned American family fun.

The Boardwalk has a popular water park with a roller coaster, live music, food and drinks. It’s also a great place for people to bring their families and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

Even if you live in Houston permanently or temporarily, you won’t mind coming back to the Kemah Boardwalk again and again.

Fun Happens in Houston

Houston is one of the best places to visit in the United States. From museums to parks, there are plenty of things to do for everyone.

Houston is a great place for travelers because it has a diverse selection of activities and attractions that will appeal to all types of people. Whether you want an adventure or something relaxing, there is always something fun to do in Houston.

Lisbon with kids: What to do and where to stay in Portugal with the family

May 12, 2022 By Amy Hagstrom

Lisbon Portugal is a city of friendly people, colorful cobbled streets, breathtaking overlooks and fresh, delicious cuisine. There’s a castle, a marina, trolley cars and tuk tuks, dining can be casual and affordable and children are welcomed almost everywhere. In other words, Lisbon with kids is a no-brainer. It’s the perfect kid-friendly European city. Here’s how to spend 2-3 days in the City of Seven Hills.

Getting your bearings in Lisbon with kids:

Often compared to San Francisco, California for its hilly city streets, strikingly similar bay bridge and trolley (cable) cars, Lisbon doesn’t seem to have just one central district or downtown. Rather, several neighborhoods make for a good home base, within walking distance of many attractions. From the Chiado neighborhood, the historic Alfama neighborhood or the Bairro Alto neighborhood, you’ll be central to most sights.

Taking a tuk tuk tour through Lisbon’s winding, narrow streets can be a great way to get your bearings and have fun doing it. A good hotel concierge can reserve a tuk tuk tour for your family, or you can simply head to any attraction or square in the city and easily find one for hire. Most tuk tuk drivers act as tour guides, pointing out landmarks along the way, or families can request for tours of particular neighborhoods. Prices seem to be negotiable but for most, you’ll need cash (Euros). Opt for a tuk tuk marked ‘eco’ to reduce your carbon footprint as you tour. (Most can fit up to six people.)

If you’d rather explore on foot, head of one of the city’s many scenic overlooks to get the lay of the land. The easiest way to find one: simply start walking uphill, and look for the wide pedestrian-friendly squares at the tops of the hills. Our favorites overlooked the Castelo de San Jorge (more on that in a minute) at the top of Chiado, and the Tagus River at the top of the Alfamo neighborhood. Expect each overlook to present perfect photo opportunities, and some to have stall-style food vendors and even artisan marketplaces.

What not to miss in Lisbon with kids:

Castelo de São Jorge:

Kids and castles tend to go nicely together. Since your kids will spot this one from most overlooks, they’ll want to go sooner rather than later. And it’s easy to do so: Lisbon’s castle is an archaeological site with the ruins of the former Alcáçova palace on the grounds, and again, you can find great views of Lisbon here. Leave time to play in the gardens too, especially on a hot day…the shade will be welcome.

Elevator de Saint Justa:

Not to be confused with the da Gloria or do Lavra elevators (which are steep trolley car routes), this historic elevator located in the Chiado district at Rossio square is exactly that….a vertical elevator by which to observe the city. The line can get long to buy tickets and enter, so if you don’t feel like waiting, just walk up the stairs to view the elevator from the various sides (it’s an impressive, ornate structure) and then explore the high-end stores and souvenir shops in the immediate vicinity.

Trolley 28 tour:

A trolley is a main form of transportation in Lisbon, and you’ll see trolley tracks criss-crossing most city streets. The trolley system is part of the local metro/public transit system, and multi-day tickets can be purchased for all the busses, trolleys and metro. However, if you just want to try the trolley for fun, you can use Trolley 28 as a hop-on, hop-off tour opportunity. One ticket gets you unlimited on and off privileges during the day. Think of Lisbon’s Trolley 28 like San Francisco’s cable cars…as much an attraction as a means of transport.

Parque das Naçoes:

This ultra-modern site of the 1998 World Exposition is a nice place to relax with kids after city exploration. You’ll find the Oceanario de Lisboa here, as well as plenty of open space for play. If you want another activity, the Telecabine Lisboa (cable car) is located here, which runs above the river at Parque das Nacoes to offer a panorama of the whole Nation’s Park area.

Belém:

Located along the water just west of the city center (about a ten minute or 15 Euro cab or Uber ride), Belém serves as the museum capital of Lisbon. The highlight is the Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an example of Manueline architecture, but if you ask kids, the real highlight is probably Pastêis de Belém, the original seller of Lisbon’s most delicious custard tart treat. The line can look imposing at the shop, but there are both indoor and outdoor seating/ordering counters, and even a long line tends to take less than 15 minutes. Next to the monastery is Lisbon’s museum of archeology, worth a visit in its own right. However, if the line is long to enter the monastery (when we visited during Europe’s spring break period, it stretched hours long), get in the much shorter line at the museum instead. You can buy tickets for just the monastery or combined tickets inside (this line was only 30 minutes). Inside the monastery, you’ll find a few exhibits, but mostly, it’s an opportunity to stroll through the beautiful grounds (well worth doing). At the time of our visit, combined tickets were 12 Euro per adult.

Time Out Market:

Also known as the Mercado da Ribeira, Time Out Market is housed in a beautiful historic building near the water at the edge of the Cais do Sodré neighborhood and Chiado neighborhood. Right behind it, you’ll find the famous Pink Street (which is worth a quick look in the daytime but is somewhat seedy at night…think strip clubs and dive bars). The Time Out Market, however, is one of the city’s main food courts that holds everything from traditional meals to trendy treats and bakeries. Communal tables line the middle, and bottles of wine can be purchased at some stalls to share with the family (or new friends). Kids will find just about any type of food on offer here, from traditional Portuguese cuisine to soups and sandwiches. Pasteis de Nata sells Lisbon’s favorite pastry here, and while it’s not the original shop, we actually found their pastries superior to those in Belém.

Tip: Consider the Lisbon pass if you think you’ll be visiting most attractions in the city, as you’ll save money and gain some transportation options on the metro as well. We found getting around by foot or Uber easiest, but the Lisbon Pass can pay for itself for the ticket entries alone.

Sintra:

If you have time to explore this medieval town outside of the city, go! It was a highlight of the trip for many. From central Lisbon, it’s easy to get to Sintra by train (head to the main train terminal by Rossio), then by Uber or taxi. Plan to spend most of the day here, and it really helps to have a guide (your hotel’s front desk or concierge can arrange this, or you can book ahead of time). The narrow, winding streets are fun to explore, and kids love the crazy caves, grottos and underground walkways located within a large garden, Quinta da Regaleira. Read a full article on Sintra.

Alfama:

This Lisbon neighborhood is the oldest in the city, and worth exploring as a destination in its own right. Start at the Museum de Fado on the waterfront, and take any of the narrow, twisting roads uphill. You’ll discover tucked away shops, cafes and souvenir stores, as well as cathedrals and overlooks. Stop for a cold drink (a pitcher of sangria is always a good idea for the grown-ups) and take your time. You’ll be stopping often to take photos.

Tip: Have time for a date night? Head to Bairro Alto, the hilly Bohemian neighborhood walkable from the Chiado area. The young, hip scene here is decidedly trendy but very accessible. You’ll find any number of wine bars and rooftop bars (we recommend Park Bar, located at the top of a parking garage with excellent patio views) and dining options ranging from street food to upscale restaurants. If you want to listen to fado (traditional Portuguese guitar music), Laia Fado in Bairro Alto requires reservations and will be a late night out (starts around 9 pm and was still going strong when we left at midnight) but has no cover charge (but a minimum 50 Euro order per customer).

Additional fado bars and restaurants with earlier music offerings can be found all over the Alfama; we saw some with 7:30 pm start times. In Chiado, By the Wine offers excellent ambiance and an impressive wine selection (though you won’t be left wanting a most Lisbon wine bars). Nearby, Mesón Andaluz Restaurant and Tapas offers an equally lovely atmosphere for a nice evening out.

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Family vacation destination: San Diego

May 1, 2022 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re looking for a family vacation destination, why not consider San Diego? The southern California city is known for having great weather and beaches, along with a laid-back atmosphere.

There are a few downsides—for example, San Diego is one of the most congested cities in the country as far as traffic and roadways. San Diego is also a pretty expensive destination, which is true for most of California.

If you can avoid roadways during rush hour and set a budget, San Diego is a great travel destination when you have kids.

The following are a few things to know about San Diego, especially when it comes to travel.

The Basics

San Diego is a beautiful city, with plenty of hotels and other options geared toward tourists. There’s a lot of history in addition to the things you might first associate with the city, like the beaches.

The weather is one of the best parts of visiting. San Diego has one of the best climates in the country. It’s sunny throughout the year, and in the winter, you can expect temperatures in the upper 70s, while in the summer, the highs are usually mild and in the upper 70s.

Much of the culture and activities in San Diego revolve around the water. For example, San Diego is home to the Star of India, which is the oldest sailing ship still active. You can take the San Diego SEALS tour on a hydra-terra vehicle that will take you from the street to the water.

There are around 70 miles of shoreline in the city, and most are beautiful beaches.

The History

We don’t often think about San Diego as being rich in history, but in reality, it is. San Diego has centuries of history you can enjoy. If you visit the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park, you can learn a little more. This is a 1,200-acre cultural park in an urban area. There are 2.5 million images in the exhibit and 45 million pieces highlighting the history of San Diego.

Kid-Friendly Attractions

There are so many kid-friendly attractions in San Diego that it would be hard to name them all here, but some options include:

Old Town, California, is the birthplace of modern California. Old Town is where the original Spanish settlers arrived in 1769, and they built the first of the missions in the state. There are 15 historic buildings in Old Town, and you can take a narrated trolley tour.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve has eight hiking trails to choose from, including Beach Trail, with cliff views of the Pacific. There’s also an easier option, which is the Guy Fleming Trail, ideal if you have young children.
La Jolla cove has designer shopping and high-end dining, but you can also enjoy the outdoors, and there’s often live music on Scripps Parkway. There are sea cliffs to walk along, and you can see the California Harbor Seals on the beach at Children’s Pool. Children’s Pool is a small cove protected by a breaker.
The Birch Aquarium at Scripps is ideal for learning more about sea life and conservation efforts, and you can get up close with sea creatures, including petting some of the sea stars.
You can’t miss the San Diego Zoo on a trip to the city. It’s one of the world’s most famous zoos, and you can take a double-decker bus tour to get a lay of the land. You can learn more about conservation efforts happening at the zoos, and if your budget allows, you can sign up for a private tour.
The Fleet Science Center is in Balboa Park, featuring exhibits on various topics, and is also home to a massive IMAX theater.
Legoland California is in San Diego, and so is Sea World.
Don’t miss the beach. We’ve talked about it a few times, but the beaches are perfect for families and free.

When you’re planning a family-friendly trip to San Diego, make sure you think about the season. If you go during the low season, you’re going to get better rates and smaller crowds. In San Diego, October is usually the off-season.

There’s also so much to do that it can be a good idea to plan ahead before your trip, to make sure you get to everything you want to do. If you buy tickets to attractions in advance, you’ll be able to skip the lines and save some money.

Lake Geneva with kids: What to do in in Lake Geneva Wisconsin

April 29, 2022 By Amy Hagstrom

My introduction to Lake Geneva Wisconsin was with the US Postal Service. Why? Because many of the elegant vacation homes hugging the lakeshore were once only accessible by boat, and some still request mail service by mailboat. Visitors can tag along, joining a Mailboat Tour with Lake Geneva Cruise Lines (for about $27 for adults and $15 for kids) for a perfect overview of the lake and its unique history as a playground for Chicago’s wealthy.

Once onboard, you’ll see why this lake region is the perfect place to escape if you’re a Midwesterner. As a bonus, families can watch ‘mail jumpers’ at work while on the cruise: these young adults and high school kids jump from the side of the mailboat to resident docks and back again, delivering mail while the boat stays in motion. It’s a talent you have to see to believe. Along the way, you’ll gawk at mansions owned by the likes of the Wrigley family, Maytag family and more. Even the boathouses and docks of these mansions are impressive.

After disembarking from your mailboat tour, an array of lakeside activities await. Here’s what else to do in Lake Geneva with kids:

Walk the shore path:

What could be tame of somewhat boring for kids is made fun by the variety of terrain and sights along Lake Geneva’s Shore Path. Running continuously the circumference of Lake Geneva (21+ miles around), the Shore Path takes you past all those mansions you glimpsed from the water, along with hundreds of additional elegant homes and gardens. The path is public all the way around, but as each home is responsible for maintaining their stretch of the path, what you encounter varies greatly. One section might be brick and the next dirt, or you may encounter stepping stones and then pavement.

Families must stay on the path (no playing in millionaires gardens or on their docks) and due to the sometimes rugged terrain, strollers and bikes aren’t a great idea. Several public access points are available to walk a section, including Lake Geneva Public Library, Fontana, Williams Bay and Big Foot Beach State Park. Walk a section and get picked up by the mailboat, or park a car on each end of your section (or just retrace your steps). Kids like seeing what type of path will come next, and parents enjoy taking in the mansions.

Tip: Go to the LakeGeneva.com and download the free Shore Path app. It will give you ideal sections to walk (describing the terrain encountered) as well as history on most of the mansions along the way.

Go to Tristan Crist’s Magic Show:

Maybe you think you don’t like magic shows. Or maybe you think they’re silly or boring. Trust me, you’ll like this one. Everyone in the family will. Tristan Crist is the most talented magician I’ve seen, and I’ve seen them in huge venues everywhere from Miami to Vegas. Tristan’s showmanship is highly entertaining, and his sleight of hand is awesome. His performs in Lake Geneva in order to own his own small theater, and the result is a truly intimate performance. It’s only 60 minutes long, so it works for families with all aged kids.

Zip line and climb with Lake Geneva Canopy Tours:

Lake Geneva Canopy Tours offers eight zip lines, five sky bridges, four spiral staircases built into trees and a 1200 foot long racing zip line. The ropes course is in a separate area, with the usual obstacles and nets. Each ‘side’ of the park starts at $55 admission. I’ve experienced canopy tours and zip lines everywhere from Mexico to Canada, and this one is on par with the best.

Boat on a lake:

Many people don’t realize that the Lake Geneva area actually includes three lakes: Geneva, Como, and Delavan. Geneva is spring-fed, which gives it its crystal-clear quality. However, Como and Delavan are both less crowded and quieter (and I’m told Delavan is the place for fishing). We got on Lake Geneva with Marina Bay Boat Rentals which is very conveniently located in downtown Lake Geneva (by the historic Riviera building). It’s BYO everything when you rent, from food to beverages to ice, but then the lake is yours. We rented a pontoon boat so we could cruise around near the shoreline to do more mansion gawking.

During the time of our visit, pontoon rentals were around $455 for four hours (they also offer two and three-hour rental prices, but four hours gives you time to stop for lunch along the lakeshore, tying up at a dock and perhaps pausing in a bay for some swimming. I did note that on quieter Delavan Lake, the same type of pontoon boat was a little less at $375 for four hours. Both lakes (as well as Como) also offer wave runners, ski boats, and other lake toys.

Ride a scooter:

This is one for families with teens 16 and up (who have drivers’ licenses) or grown-ups on a solo outing. Scooters (like Vespas) can be rented from Scoot Jockeys in Lake Geneva for a very reasonable $59 for two hours (or $69 for three hours). Or, you can join a tour for $109 (Fridays and Saturdays only). If you haven’t ridden a scooter before, don’t worry: the women who instructed us gave us lots of great tips and made sure we knew how to operate and ride our scooters before we left the parking lot.

If you want to embark on your own, Scoot Jockeys has several suggested routes (with maps), but there is some navigating of state highways and downtown traffic to access the best quiet country roads. If you don’t know the area at all, I suggest a tour. I felt much more comfortable with a local leading the way. Once we got out of downtown Lake Geneva, we found gently rolling, gently winding roads to explore. You do have to be comfortable on a Vespa-type vehicle to enjoy this activity, and if you have teens, they do need to be licensed drivers (and not too wild and crazy on these things!).

Rent a paddleboard or kayak:

If you don’t need a motorized means of zipping around the lake, almost all the marina areas around all three lakes offer rentals of SUPs (stand-up paddleboards), kayaks, inflatables and even pedalboards (think of a Stairmaster/surfboard combo). More affordable than renting a boat, adding a few toys to your beach day on the lake can go a long way. Our favorite marina for ‘toy’ rentals was Lake Lawn Resort on Lake Delavan (more on Lake Lawn below) but you’ll find fun toys everywhere.

Where to eat in Lake Geneva:

Popeye’s: Located downtown, this is the place to go for your typical ‘vacation’ food of fried fish, baskets of fries, and burgers.
Oakfire: nearby, Oakfire offers wood-fired pizza in an authentic Naples, Italy method. Their individual 12” pizzas can easily feed two.
Sopra: Our pick for date night if you manage to get an evening out alone without the kids (though certainly kids are welcome). Sopra offers elevated Italian-American cuisine and excellent cocktails in downtown Lake Geneva. Come a bit early and do some window shopping in town.
Pier 290 and Boat House: Located on Lake Geneva, both Pier 290 and Boat House offer boat-in diving (just boat right up to the dock) and lakeside seating. The Boat House is where to go to catch the sunset.
Rushing Waters: This unique dining experience is located on an 80-acre fish farm. Lovingly tended by self-proclaimed ‘fishmonger’ Nell and her team, this sustainable fish farm offers public fishing from one of their ponds. This is a great opportunity to teach kids about food sources as well as give them the chance for near-instant fishing success. How it works: for $9.50 per pound, kids can fish using Rushing Waters’ equipment. The catch will be cleaned and served at a $12.50 (additional) shore lunch, which includes side dishes at their restaurant on-site.

Where to stay at Lake Geneva with kids:

I stayed at Lake Lawn Resort on Delavan (about a 10-minute drive from downtown Lake Geneva). This resort is ready-made for families, with multiple outdoor pools, a large indoor pool complex, two miles of shoreline (with lawns and marinas), a small beach area, the aforementioned marina rental area (with the best prices we saw), golf, mini-golf, a playground area and tennis and basketball courts. There’s a mid-sized spa with reasonable prices, too.

The resort sprawls over the 250 acres (we found that most area resorts are designed similarly), but of note is all the interior hallways and walkways. It’s possible to go almost everywhere within the resort without going outside…a nice perk in the winter or when the wind picks up. There are eight different lodging sections. I stayed in Lakewood, which offers spacious suites (just be sure to ask for a water view, or you’ll be looking at the parking lot) and its own outdoor pool and hot tub. It’s also closest to the marina. The other sections are closer to the restaurants and indoor pool and hot tub, however.

The main restaurant is Frontier (full service) but there’s also a sports bar, a pizza and sandwich counter-service restaurant, and a poolside dining area. Though the aesthetics are dated (with a dark wood ‘North Woods’ type of feel) the grounds are beautifully tended and the lake couldn’t be closer.

If you want to be on Lake Geneva instead, I recommend The Abbey Resort, which also has indoor and outdoor pools, plus a virtual reality gaming room. They’re on a larger marina and harbor area.

Tip: Headed to Lake Geneva without the kids? Without a doubt, stay at The Geneva Inn, https://genevainn.com/ located right on the lake on the Shore Path, offering floor-to-ceiling lake views from their dining room and bar area. We enjoyed a meal here with excellent wine and cocktails.

Disclosure: I experienced Lake Geneva as a guest of the destination, for the purpose of review. All opinions remain my own. Photo credit: Amy Whitley and Walworth County Visitors Bureau.

San Juan Island with kids: a two-day itinerary

March 27, 2022 By Amy Hagstrom

We love the San Juan Islands, situated north of Seattle at the very last reaches of Washington State. The San Juans are ideal to visit in summer and fall, but can make for a great (and affordable) winter or spring retreat as well. If you haven’t visited these islands and don’t know where to start, we recommend a two-day itinerary on San Juan Island with kids.

Base yourself in picturesque Friday Harbor, with lodging and dining just steps from the ferry landing. From here, you’ll be set for a day of exploration of this quaint town, followed by a wider tour of the island on your second day. Ready?

Day 1: Friday Harbor sights and history

From the outside, Friday Harbor looks like the perfect tourist town: pretty and filled with shops and dining picks. It is all that, but it’s also so much more. This town harbors (pun intended) a lot of history. After arriving on the ferry, grab a bite to eat, then walk into the heart of town. By all means, stop to poke around the art galleries and shops, but make your way up the hill as you go.

Whale Museum: You’ll encounter the Whale Museum on 1st Street (right up from Spring Street). This small yet very well-done museum is ideal for all ages. Its exhibits are playful and accessible for young kids, and each room offers deeper exploration for older kids. The emphasis of the Whale Museum is not on whale hunting, but rather on whale conservation. There’s a strong eco-friendly message. Best of all, the Whale Museum is open year-round, and affordable for families at only $3-$5 admission.

San Juan Historical Museum: This museum and historical complex is just a bit further up Spring Street, on the 1894 James King farmstead. The museum itself is open seasonally (summer hours), but the grounds remain open for families to visit. Each outdoor exhibit is well-marked, and include a historical shipwreck, an 1891 log cabin converted to a replica schoolhouse, and a county jail. The Museum of History and Industry within the San Juan Historical Museum has two wings currently open, and work is progressing on the Farming and Fishing sections.

Whale watching: We went with Spirit of Orca, and saw whales from two of the three pods in this region, J, K & L—the Southern Residents—and some transients that can be seen year round, as well as Steller sea lions, harbor seals, bald eagles, and more. Captain Ken was fantastic! Another option is to try to see orcas from the shore, or while on kayak tours. The orca whale population in the San Juan Islands is suffering, and it can be harder and harder to spot orcas on tours. It’s important to be respectful of the best standards of practice while whale watching in this area, which includes keeping all boats a required distance away. Always go with an operator following these practices.

By this time, the kids may be tired of walking and you all may be ready for some downtime. Head back to the pier where kids can check out the totem poles recently commissioned to display overlooking the bay, and watch the many boats coming and going. Families can book a whale watching tour, or take a ride in a historic ship.

For dinner, stay down by the water, and grab a bite at any one of the seafood restaurants. You really can’t go wrong!

Where to stay: Get our top picks!

Day 2: Roche Harbor and the Pig War

Any kid would be interested in learning about something called the Pig War, right? Start your day at Roche Harbor, a short drive from Friday Harbor. Here, families can check out the historic site where a lime and cement company once reigned, causing the population of this sleepy area to boom. On the way, stop at the sculpture garden for a nice walk.

Kayaking Roche Harbor: See the harbor and adjacent islands up close on a kayak tour with San Juan Outfitters. This company operates right off the pier (as well as at Friday Harbor) and offers 3-hour tours perfect for family outings. Our guide Alex kept us all entertained with interesting stories of kayaking adventure, and was able to point out marine life and nautical knowledge along the way. We made our way to giant bull kelp beds, where Alex showcased his talents as a bull kelp musician. (You had to be there!)

After kayaking, you’ll be hungry, so stop at the Lime Kiln Cafe for sandwiches. The lines can get long, which is how you know it’s worth it!

Exploring English Camp: After lunch, it’s time to learn about this Pig War business. Every San Juan Island school child knows the story: in short, the English and Americans co-occupied the island in the first half of the 19th century. In 1859, an English citizen killed an American’s pig, prompting a stand-off regarding who had control over the island. It was settled peacefully, which means this story has a happy ending. Families can visit both English Camp and American Camp (located at separate ends of the island). Our pick is English Camp, which is a national historic site. Hiking trails criss-cross the park, and families can make their way from the bluffs where the English officers built their homes to the bay, where a garrison still stands. Kids can see what herbs might have been grown in the gardens, and earn Junior Ranger badges (weekends only in the off-season).

Where to eat:

With the kids, you can’t go wrong along Front Street by the ferry terminal in Friday Harbor, because there’s always something to see. We loved our dining experience at Downriggers, which offers a very nice selection of cocktails, beer and wine and has deckside seating overlooking the ferry.

For a nice dinner out (perhaps without the kids, though they’re welcome), Duck Soup offers a rustic island ambiance with outstanding cocktails and entrees using foraged edibles and the freshest seafood. Be sure to try a white wine from San Juan Vineyards during your stay on the island, as well!

How to get here:

Getting to San Juan Island is half the fun! Families will most likely want to have their car, so a ferry ride on Washington State Ferries from Anacortes, Washington is the way to go. Should you not need a car, it’s possible to take the Victoria Clipper from Seattle or the Puget Sound Express from Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula, during the summer months.

Have you been to San Juan Island? What do you recommend?

Where to find authentic cajun food in SW Louisiana

February 24, 2022 By Amy Hagstrom

In much of Southwest Louisiana, alligators outnumber people, residents still live off the land to an impressive degree, and local cuisine is well-loved and much applauded. In fact, the Lake Charles, Louisiana area features a type of southern cuisine not experienced anywhere else. From cracklins to boudin to crawfish boils, SW Louisiana’s authentic cajun food is truly an attraction in its own right, and worthy of your time during any trip to the region.

Start on the Boudin Trail:

My part of the world has wine trails. Lake Charles as a boudin trail. Without this resource, visitors will surely miss some of the best of this local specialty. What is boudin, you ask? It’s a local sausage made with a variety of meats and seafood (pork seems most popular, but shrimp and crawfish isn’t unusual), mixed with rice and signature spices. Boudin is usually in links, but sometimes served in boudin balls, which can even be stuffed with cheese. Below, we list some of our favorite stops along SW Louisiana’s Boudin Trail:

B&O Kitchen and Grocery: This roadside stop has been in the family since it began 35 years ago, and used to be a one-stop mercantile. Now, they specialize in their family recipes. Visitors can pick up boudin, of course, but can also find guadidaun sandwiches (a pulled pork type meat with boudin ball on the bottom, in a bun), smoked meats, jerky, and cracklins (fried pork rinds with meat still on the skin). Location: 3011 E. Burton Sulphur, LA

LeBleu’s Landing: Get hot cracklins here, as well as meat ranging from gator to headcheese. Location: 202 Henning Drive Sulphur LA

Restaurants serving authentic cajun food:

Restaurants serving authentic cajun food in SW Louisiana can be found in all price ranges. We found great cajun fare in both Lake Charles’ top resorts and in roadside dives…and everything in-between. Here’s where to go:

Pat’s of Henderson: Pat’s is located in an unassuming building by a car lot. Don’t let this dissuade you! Owner Pat is from, you guessed it, Henderson, Louisiana, where her family has been in the cajun cooking game for generations. In fact, our server was the daughter of Pat’s head cook, who has been cooking for the family since Pat was a girl. Prepare to leave Pat’s well-fed: we recommend the stuffed red snapper (it’s stuffed with shrimp and crawfish, of course) and the catfish bites, but the gumbo is out of this world as well! In fact, at Pat’s, visitors can take home a starter kit of their own roux, which is made to create their classic gumbo. Location: 1500 Siebarth Dr Lake Charles LA

T-Boys (on the Creole Nature Trail in Creole, LA): This roadside diner looks a little rough, but the women who run it are friendly and welcoming. We loved the fried fish and shrimp here, and the crab cake po-boy was great, too. They make great fries and onion rings, and all their seafood is locally sourced.

Seafood Palace: You can tell Seafood Palace is a local favorite by the packed parking lot just about any day of the week. Their specialty is probably their boiled crawfish baskets in season (spring, primarily), but they also serve boudin, oysters, shrimp, catfish…you name it.

Jack Daniel’s: Located inside L’Auberge, one of Lake Charles’ two premiere casino resorts, Jack Daniel’s looks like an upscale Texas roadhouse-type chain. However, the young, talented head chef here enjoys creative control over his dishes, and does a great job blending more traditional Texan foods like burgers with cajun specialties like crab cakes and red snapper. Location: 777 Avenue L’Auberge, Lake Charles LA

Disclosure: I experienced the above restaurants as a guest of Lake Charles, for the purpose of review. All opinion remains my own.

Where to eat in Breckenridge (in any season)

October 22, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Breckenridge, Colorado is not just a ski town. It’s also a hiking town, a mountain biking town, a fall leaf peeping town, and yes, a foodie town. Here’s where to eat out, whether you’re in town for the snow or the trails.

With the kids:

Need apres-ski or hiking spots big on fun, deck-space, brews for mom and dad, and a casual ambiance? Here’s where to go in town.

Breckenridge Brewery:

Located at 600 S. Main Street, Breck Brew is one of the nation’s top micro-breweries. It’s also very kid-friendly. While mom and dad enjoy a flight, kids can get down with great burgers, sandwiches, and other pub fare.

Motherloaded Tavern:

This cozy spot at 103 S. Main Street is both casual and sophisticated. Foodies will like the irony of comfort foods going gourmet, and kids will just be happy to recognize nearly everything on the menu. Think homemade mac and cheese, chicken and waffles, and pot roast…need I go on?

Crepes a la Carte:

This one’s a no-brainer. Located at 307 S. Main Street, Breckenridge’s famous crepe cart has friendly outdoor seating (with fire pit in winter) and fast service. A crepe is a full meal here, and comes in an easy-to-carry paper cone. Best ‘street food’ in Breck, hands down.

Giampietro Pasta and Pizza:

This casual, small dining establishment at 600 South Park comes personally recommended by a Breck local with kids of her own. Get calzones large enough to split, and mom and dad, check out the tequila menu.

Downstairs at Eric’s:

Eric’s has pub-style food with a large arcade area for kids. Perfect for holing away on a chilly winter evening, it’s easy to lose track of time at Eric’s!

Without the kids:

Twist:

This foodie heaven at 200 South Ridge offers a modern take on comfort food. We had a seasonal salad with a beet and goat cheese ravioli, but other menu offerings included a meatloaf, a mac and cheese, and a kabob. The menu here changes four times a year, and Chef Matt Fackler personally sources ingredients, picking the best of the best, whether they come locally or from further afield.

Modis:

Best cocktails in town! Modis’ mixologists create one-of-a-kind craft cocktails that pair wonderfully with their dinners. We went at happy hour (3 pm to 6 pm during our visit) and sat up on the rooftop deck. The lettuce wraps and sliders are divine! Find Modis at 113 South Main.

Breakfast in Breck:

Cuppa Joe:

Located at 118 South Ridge, Cuppa Joe is a local institution. Arguably, they serve the best coffee in town, but don’t leave without getting one of their massive breakfast burritos or a granola bowl.

Amazing Grace Natural Foods:

Find Amazing Grace tucked away in a friendly older house at 213 Lincoln. Sit on the back deck in summer, or duck inside for great breakfast sandwiches and egg dishes made with only quality natural ingredients.

Where do you like to eat in Breckenridge? Favorite foods on the mountain? Let us know!

Grown-up Getaway: What to do in Breckenridge in fall

October 18, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Why would you go to Breckenridge in fall? As one local resident, mountain bike pro, and chef put it, “Why wouldn’t you?” Autumn is a special time in this Colorado mountain town.

When I arrived in mid-September, I half-expected a ghost town: after all, Breck is known for skiing. Instead, I found a town alive with a quiet, happy hum of activity: tourists and locals alike were enjoying the fall weather while hiking, biking, and enjoying special events only found in Breck in fall. Here’s what to do with a weekend getaway with or without the kids:

Go hiking:

Leaf peeping is at its peak in September! For a challenging hike, head up Spruce Creek Road (just a few miles out of town off Hwy 9) and park at Spruce Creek Trailhead. The Spruce Creek Trail takes hikers through alpine forests for just over two miles, then connects with the Mohawk Lakes Trail. This final 1.7 mile section gets steep, past snow melt waterfalls and the remains of mining structures en route to Lower and Upper Mohawk lakes…well worth the effort. Look for mountain goats and plenty of fall color on the slopes opposite.

Need more ideas for local hikes or want to hike with an expert? Contact CBST Adventures in town and go with a pro!

Get a massage:

While in Breck, I had the best massage of my life at Harmony Health Massage and Wellness Spa. What made it so special? Owner and massage therapist Inanna Hall, who took on the task of getting travel day stress out of my shoulders and neck from a holistic, almost spiritual approach. Her philosophy is to approach any massage from an intuitive angle, and it showed. I had one of her synergy massages, and added a session with oxygen for only $30. This is a smart thing to do while adjusting to Breckenridge’s high altitude.

Get on a mountain bike:

There’s more mountain biking in and around Breckenridge than you’ll know what to do with. Pick up a hiking and biking trail map when you arrive, and use the universal green (easy), blue (intermediate), and black (expert) color coding to pick your routes. Most of the marked trails around town are single or double track, though dirt roads can be tacked on for good measure. As a beginner-intermediate mountain biker, these are the trails I tackled:

Lower Flume: Access the Lower Flume trail directly from town via the recreational bike path (more on that below). From the Breckenridge Recreation Center, follow the path out of town to where it connects with Lower Flume. Or, follow Main Street down to the 7-Eleven, turn right, and access from the recycling center.
Betty’s Trail: Find this intermediate trail right off Reiling Road. It’s just under one mile, and parallels the road most of the way (you won’t get disoriented). While it goes up and down, it’s not too rocky, though you’ll want to take care on the sharp turns.
Turk’s Trail and Reiling Drudge Trail: Further up Reiling, a parking lot offers access to a wider network of trails, including intermediate Turk’s and easy (and short) Reiling Drudge. Turk’s has quite the incline and tends to be rocky, but intermediate to advanced riders will love that it connects to more in the blue category, or can be looped with easy B&B.The Reiling Drudge Trail is fun because of the historical plaques marking remnants of mining history in the area.
XLOU8: My favorite intermediate trail I experienced, XLOU8 can be accessed from the same Reiling Drudge parking lot, and connects to Minnie Mine trail. It’s up and down, fairly free of rocks, and has an interesting mine to ride past.
Pence Miller: This intermediate trail can be accessed directly from Mountain Thunder Lodge via a short access trail. It winds above the resort area at the bottom section of the ski runs.

Pick up a mountain bike to rent for the day or multiple days at Avalanche Sports, located on North Main. They’ll give you a helmet, which is essential. Also bring water, a snack, and a layer or two for any ride. While it’s easy to return back to town fairly quickly from most easy and intermediate trails, it’s still good to be prepared for any weather. Find trail maps here.

Not sure you want to mountain bike? Take the recreational bike path through town instead. This paved path runs almost to Keystone!

Take a distillery tour:

The Breckenridge Distillery has a tasting room on Main Street, but also a full factory tour offered at their distillery on Airport Road. This tour is fascinating…and yes, it includes samples. Each tour is 30 minutes, and takes guests from a tasting area to the distilling rooms and barreling rooms. Our tour guide knew the business inside-out, and answered all our questions relating to both the distilling process and the variety of spirits created (which include vodka, bourbon whiskey, bitters, and seasonal specialties). Tours are free! Must be 21 or over.

Stroll around town:

Main Street runs from the ski resort village all the way down to the far end of town, and is chock full of great dining and shopping. And no, it’s not dead in the fall. Instead, it’s intimate, with locals emerging after a busy tourist summer season. Check out the shops, eat a crepe at Crepes a la Cart, grab a craft cocktail at Modis, and just take in the scene. While walking downtown, consider taking a historic walking tour from the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance.

Need dining recs? We have them!

Take in the Breck Film Fest:

The Breck Film Fest takes over town one week every September, and is a fun opportunity to see Hollywood in the mountains. Come for opening night, and grab affordable tickets to the opening show or opening night party. We were lucky enough to see the feature film for the festival’s Adventure Reel, Snowman. The atmosphere is relaxed, casual, and ultra-cool.

What do you like to do in Breckenridge? In what season?

Where to hike in Breckenridge with kids

October 15, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Think Breckenridge, Colorado is only a winter ski destination? No way! This mountain town is a great pick for summer and fall travel as well, offering historical significance, museums and culture, great dining, and, our personal favorite, excellent hiking for families.

When families arrive in Breck, they’ll find maps with literally dozens of hiking trails accessible right from town. Many of these hikes will include mining history built in, either the form of signage explaining historical significance or historical structures or mining equipment that remains behind. Here’s where to hike in Breckenridge in multiple categories:

Easy hikes:

Burro Trail: Accessed directly in town, the Burro Trail has a gentle grade (it was literally the trail burros used to haul gear). The first half mile is easy-breezy, perfect for young kids, and then it keeps going for miles, all the way out of town to high elevations. Families can connect to the Spruce Creek Trail and Wheeler Trail further afield.
Sawmill Creek: This 1.5 mile loop starts just below and west of Snowflake Lift, which is close to Four O’Clock Road and Kings Crown Road. It has minimal altitude gain, and there’s plenty of shade along the way. The trail leads up to a beautiful reservoir: bring a picnic lunch!
Reiling Drudge Trail: This trail, located at the top of Reiling Road, connects to several top-notch mountain biking trails. It’s multi-use, but an easy, short hike to the Reiling Drudge. This remnant from the mining era is impressively intact, and shows how this type of mining impacted the environment (you can see the piles of rock and ore still left behind, though the scenery is still very pretty). Historical markers tell hikers more about the site. If you want a longer hike, continue from the drudge trail to the Minnie Mine Trail. Here, you’ll see more plaques and remains of mining buildings.

Kids don’t want to hike? Head to River Walk Park, where kids can wade in the Blue River in summer and fall and play on the playground in all seasons.

Harder hikes:

Mohawk Lakes: This series of alpine lakes can be tackled in an eight mile loop, or families can simply hike to the first few. From the trailhead, it’s just over three miles to Lower Mohawk, which sits in a bowl with Upper Mohawk just out of sight above it. They’re followed by several more lakes along a chain. The path can be steep at times, but the way is broken up by lots to look at: kids will love the historic mining remnants still cluttering the landscape, and snow melt waterfalls such as Continental Falls. Get to the trailhead by heading out Hwy 9 and turning right on Spruce Creek Road. Park at the trailhead 1.2 miles up.
Bakers Tank Loop: While most of this five mile loop trail is intermediate, there are a few climbs to be had. The trail follows an historic railroad line and has Western mountain views. Start at the Bakers Tank Trailhead on Boreas Pass Road. The first three miles are along Boreas Pass Road, heading south.
Black Powder Pass: At 3.4 miles (roundtrip) with an elevation gain, this hike is solidly in the intermediate range. From Boreas Pass Road, go up to the top of Boreas Pass, and take the trail just before the Section House. Families get above the tree line without a long hike, but remember, you’ll be at over 12,000 feet, so take your time. Look for views of the Tenmile Range.

Hardest hike:

Crystal Lakes: Get above the tree line hiking to the Crystal Lakes. These small, high alpine lakes sit at over 11,000 feet, and the way is very steep in places, and mostly exposed. Access these lakes from the Burro Trail or drive partway up Spruce Creek Road or Crystal Lake Road (4×4 driving essential). Look for picas (like small rabbits that make a high pitched call) and mountain goats.

Tip: Want to get a taste of mining history in the area without hiking to it? Head to the Country Boy Mine, where kids can go inside mine shafts and pan for gold. This historical site has very good, though realistic, tours. Young kids may be frightened when the lights are turned off and hydraulic machinery is turned on to stimulate how it would have felt and sounded like in the mine in bygone eras.

Note: No matter where you hike in Breckenridge, you’ll feel the significant elevation. Get tips on dealing with high altitude!

Have you hiked in Breckenridge? Where do you recommend?