Pit Stops - Pitstops for Kids

Gettysburg with kids: where to eat and tour in town

August 27, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

The heart of the Gettysburg experience is undoubtedly the National Military Park battlefield sites. However, Gettysburg with kids isn’t complete without spending time in and around town. Because Gettysburg in 1863 was much smaller than the Gettysburg of today, what is now town space featuring motels and restaurants was once farmland and battlefield. Throughout the town, houses sport plagues and flags marking them as Civil War homes, and unmarked graves of Confederate soldiers still inhabit the land in town. Here’s what to do (and where to eat) in Gettysburg to round out your historical experience.

Shriver Museum:

The Shriver House shriverhouse.org is located on Baltimore Street within walking distance of most motels and B&Bs, and shows children what life was like for the civilians of Gettysburg during and after the battle. On this guided tour, I learned about the Shriver family (a typical family living in Gettysburg) and their actions and experiences during those three fateful days in July. The house has been totally restored to the period, and kids can walk through each room, seeing the kitchen, parlor, and bedrooms as they would have appeared. Admission is under $10 for adults and under $7 for kids. Plan on the tour taking 30 minutes. Location: 309 Baltimore Street.

General Lee’s Headquarters Museum:

This free museum civilwarheadquarters.com highlights the battle of Gettysburg, particularly the buildings located at 401 Buford Ave, which served as Lee’s headquarters during the battle. Families can see artifacts and exhibits, and check out the museum store, which has many books about Lee and the war. Location: 401 Buford Ave.

Civil War History Store:

This shop, and many others along Steinwehr, feature an eclectic mix of interesting historical souvenirs, books, replica uniforms and hats, and straight up junk souvenirs. The mix is too much to resist, and we spent a full evening browsing the shops and checkout out shell casings, musket balls, t-shirts, and toy rifles.

Gettysburg Eddie’s:

This family-friendly restaurant is named for baseball Hall of Famer Eddie Plank. No, it has nothing to do with Civil War history, but it’s a fun diversion, and the food is great. Fare ranges from fish and chips and burgers to pasta and sandwiches. Try the beer on tap, or get a plate of onion rings to share. Location: 217 Steinwehr Ave.

Farnsworth House Inn:

This upscale eating establishment appeals because of its inviting front patio, which is shaded and peaceful. But the real treat is the Dutch Pennsylvania food. Entrees come with pickled watermelon rinds, spoon bread, bread and apple butter, and a pick of sides like pumpkin fritters or slaw. We were full before our main course came! Location: 401 Baltimore St.

Sleepy Hollow of Gettsyburg Candlelight Ghost Tours:

The Sleepy Hollow of Gettysburg www.sleepyhollowofgettysburg.com tour was very fun for all of us, and informative. Our guide Phyllis was a natural storyteller, and set the mood of this 1.5 hour walking tour with her enthusiasm and friendly personality. Phyllis took us to various homes in a 3-4 block radius and told us stories about their inhabitants during the battle of Gettysburg, including details about possible hauntings or paranormal activity. The tour was not scary to our kids (youngest is nine), but just intriguing enough to keep their watchful eye on the houses and their attention on Phyllis. The tour is not recommended for kids under age 7. There are many ghost tours in Gettysburg, but we recommend Sleepy Hollow for its historic vibe and city tour-focus. A few others take place in one location only, where participants sit in one house or basement waiting for ‘spirits to come’. That sounded too intense to us! The cost is $8 per person. Buy tickets online or at the Farnsworth front desk. Location: Farnsworth House Inn.

Where to stay:

There are multiple historic B&Bs and economy motels in Gettysburg. We stayed at Quality Inn Gettysburg Motor Lodge, which is located within two minutes of the battlefield and visitor’s center, and within walking distance of most Gettysburg town attractions. The Quality Inn has some quirks: outdated decor, older locks and fixtures, and a very unique saloon on-site (which was never noisy), but offers perks that outweigh any negatives: free parking, free wifi, and free breakfast in an adjacent cottage, serving continental hot and cold breakfast items. Some rooms feature three double beds, fitting a family of five or six, another big plus. The Quality Inn also has an outdoor pool with diving board for summer visits, and an indoor pool for winter. Our room was outdated and dark, but the location, amenities like a microwave and fridge, and the pool made up for it.

As we disclose whenever applicable, our stay at Gettysburg was hosted, for the purpose of review. Without the hospitality of hotels and destinations, we would be unable to bring up-to-date reviews to Pit Stops for Kids.

Gettysburg National Military Park with kids: how to plan your trip

August 25, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Gettysburg is a sobering, powerful, amazing, and vast destination, and definitely worthy of a trip with kids. We recommend dedicating at least 1.5 days to the Gettysburg National Military Park with kids, plus another for attractions in town.

We always preach researching destinations ahead of time, and this advice goes double for Gettysburg: kids who have been given some background information on the three day battle (either at school or at home) ahead of time will get much more out of the experience. We planned our trip to coincide with our sons’ Civil War and American History studies in their respective grades of 10th, 8th, and 4th.

What to do at the military park:

The National Military Park is located just outside Gettysburg (about a five minute drive from town). The battlefield is 25 square miles in size, segmented into several sections and divided in places by private land and homes. There is a self-guided auto tour, but navigating the roads can be confusing. There’s also an impressive (and again, vast) visitor’s center with many programs on offer.

Car tour with Licensed Battlefield Guide:

There are many ways to tour the battlefield, including the self-guided auto tour mentioned above, plus a group bus tour ($30 per adult, just under $20 per child), horseback riding tours, Segway tours, and bike tours. By far the best way to tour the battlefield: hiring a Licensed Battlefield Guide to take you on a private two-hour tour. The guide meets you at the visitor’s center, then drives you in your vehicle along the route of your choice. Sounds indulgent? Not so! Booking a private tour is only $65 per car (1-6 people), making it the most affordable option for most families. And it’s phenomenal. I cannot emphasize enough: booking a Licensed Battlefield Guide is the way to go.

Our guide, David Eisenhart, asked us what we wanted to see (we wanted a basic overview of all three days of battle), and gauged our level of knowledge (we were traveling with my father, a retired history teacher specializing in the Civil War, but also with our three school-aged kids who needed more basics). David did an excellent job tailoring our tour to all our needs. Our two-hour tour extended to almost three hours due to its thoroughness, and while an extension should not be expected, we heard other firsthand accounts of guides doing the same. When it ended, our teen son said, “I wish it had been four hours.” Our other kids agreed.

Guides drive families throughout the battlefield, giving a very easy-to-understand timeline to the battle. If you have special requests, such as to see specific sections of the field or specific monuments, these can be granted. During our tour, in each location, we were able to get out the car, stand on the land David was currently discussing, and actually see what was there: cannons, stone fences used for defense, where each regiment stood, and more. David brought history to life, and we were all enraptured.

Parents can book tours at the visitor’s center, but will be limited to tour times available day-of (witch are rare). It’s best to book ahead of time online for the date and time you want. Tips are welcome (we tipped our guide $20). Tip: Battlefield Guides are self-employed and tested by the National Park Service, and can be booked via the center or the Gettysburg Foundation. Families can save $5 on their tour by booking directly through the foundation website.

Museum, Film, and Cyclorama:

In the visitor’s center, families can buy tickets to the museum, film, and cyclorama. One ticket gets you into all three. The film and cyclorama is by timed ticket, but getting these day-of is fine. The film, entitled ‘A New Birth of Freedom’ is approximately 30 minutes and gives a very good overview of the three day battle and aftermath, including Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Directly after viewing the film, the audience is directed upstairs to view the cyclorama, a multi-media display featuring an impressive 360 degree oil painting of the battle with audio and visual effects. After this, the museum awaits. The museum is not by timed ticket, so families can come back and do it anytime. It’s massive, and incredibly informative, so you’ll want to budget several hours. Very young kids may want to go through more quickly.

Ranger talks:

Throughout the day at the visitor’s center, ranger talks are on offer in two large outdoor tents on the center grounds. We joined one on ‘battlefield first aid’ which was very interesting and keep our group entertained for the full hour. Others included ‘a day in the life of a soldier’ and a kid-focused talk on ‘what it took to enlist’. Small kids may learn more at these talks than in the museum. Tip: if you have even more time, a short (free) bus trip from the visitor’s center takes you to the site of a farmhouse pressed into service as a field hospital during the battle.

Gettysburg National Cemetery:

Adjacent to the visitor’s center is the national cemetery dedicated by Lincoln in November of 1863, where thousands of Union Civil War soldiers rest today. It’s also the final resting place of other war veterans, especially from WWI and WWII. The Gettysburg civilian cemetery is next to it. There’s a monument and flag marking the place Lincoln gave his address, and docents on-hand to answer questions.

How to plan your day(s):

Here’s what we recommend:

Book a battlefield tour for 10 am (book this from home).
Arrive at the visitor’s center when it opens (usually 8:30 am). Pick up your tour tickets, and buy tickets to the museum, film, and cyclorama, opting for an immediate film time.
Watch the film and see the cyclorama. Save your tickets to get into the museum later.
At 9:30 meet your guide and take your tour. Afterward, grab lunch picnic-style or at the visitor’s center cafe.
Tour the museum after lunch. See a ranger talk if there’s time afterward.
Later that evening (or the next day) return to the battlefield by yourself in your car, stopping at any sites you didn’t get to see with your guide. Then tour the cemetery. We took this time to check out the views from one of the battlefield observatories, and to walk some trails around Little Round Top and Devil’s Den, both sobering locations of devastating casualties that provided a strong historical narrative to our visit.

I recommend touring in this order because the museum is heavy on detailed information on logistics for each day of the three-day battle. Had we not just returned from our tour, where this information was already presented to us in a manageable way, we would have gotten overwhelmed trying to read it all. Instead, by the time we hit the museum, we had a very good grasp on the battle logistics, enabling us to spend more time on the artifacts and personal letters in the museum. Certainly, you can do the day in reverse, but we were very glad we were fresh for our tour with our Battlefield Guide.

Date last visited:

June 2104

Hours of operation and admission:

The battlefield is open until dusk each day, and the museum is open until 5 or 6 pm, depending on season. Museum and film tickets are $12.50 for adults and $8.50 for kids (6-12).

Directions:

The museum and visitor center is located at 1195 Baltimore Pike (Route 97) with a back entrance from the Taneytown Road (State Rt. 134). From North or South, follow US 15 to Gettysburg and watch for signs to direct you to the National Park Service Museum and Visitor Center.

Our day at Gettysburg was hosted in part by the Friends of Gettysburg, for the purpose of review. We’re grateful for their hospitality, but all opinions are our own.

Valley Forge National Historic Park

August 22, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

After three days sightseeing in Philadelphia, I have to admit that I didn’t think Valley Forge could possibly compare. In fact, we nearly skipped this stop en route to Gettysburg, PA. We were so glad to stayed the course! We ended up spending almost three hours at Valley Forge, and could have used more time.

The way this national historic park is set up, visitors start at the Visitor’s Center, see a short film, then set out to see the rest of the (large) site either by driving tour or bicycle. I supposed you could also walk it, but it would take quite a bit of time. As it is, if you have a few hours, you should drive, and only bike the tour if you have a full half day to devote to it. Note: if you go this option, bike rentals are available in the parking lot of the Visitor’s Center.

We opted to drive, so we picked up a map and headed out after checking out the exhibits in the center. By following the self-guided tour (well marked en route), families see nine major sites, including replicas of the wood-hewn huts inhabited by Washington’s army during the long winter of encampment, Washington’s headquarters in a historic farm house, and canons and other trappings of the war. You also see the inner and outer defenses of the camp, and a few ‘new’ additions from the early 20th century, like a stone chapel and several statues.

The drive is beautiful, but bear in mind: it’s easy to get off-course. Follow the brown tour route signs religiously, and you’ll be ok. The whole loop takes approximately 30 minutes if you drive it without stopping, but you’ll want to stop at at least 2-3 locations. We took two hours.

Valley Forge is a good location for families with kids of any age: the drive between sites is short, and every area has plenty of space to run on the grass, explore a creek, or just run a bit. Living history docents in period costume were present at two of the stops we made (on a summer weekday).

Date last visited:

June 2014

Distance from the interstate:

Two minutes off I-76

Dining:

We saw one snack shop by the bike rentals in the main parking area; otherwise, there are plenty of picnic areas. We ate our picnic lunch near the Visitor’s Center because we thought it would be our only chance. Not so: excellent picnic spaces are on offer throughout the driving tour. If we had it to do over again, we would have picnicked at any of many scenic spots overlooking the encampment.

Admission and Hours of Operation:

This national historic site is FREE, and open from sunrise to sunset.

Directions:

The Visitor’s Center is located at 1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, PA. From I-76, take Exit 328 A and US 422 West, then Valley Forge Exit to Route 23 West. Follow signs.

Where to eat with kids in Philly

August 18, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Philadelphia is a lively, exciting city with a vibrant night life and food scene. Sometimes, a foodie city doesn’t translate to good eating with kids, but Philly is the exception. The fun, flavorful, and sometimes funky eateries adults rave about in the city are often kid-friendly, too. Here’s where we like to eat with kids in Philly.

City Tavern:

This historical tavern serves food from the colonial period, using, in some cases Benjamin Franklin’s own recipes. During the late 18th century, City Tavern was at the heart of the American revolution, playing host to many political talks and news. Now, the wait staff sports Colonial garb, and the food’s still excellent. The bill will be high for this tourist favorite, but it’s well-worth budgeting for a meal here. Our favorites: the pot pie, corn chowder, and raspberry shrub (infused soda water drink).
Location: City Tavern is located at 138 S. 2nd St., within walking distance of all Old City hotels..

Mrs. K’s Koffee Cup:

We loved Mrs. K’s Koffee Cup for its no-frills air, rock-bottom prices, and fun diner atmosphere. We felt very ‘in the know’ sitting next to business men and women grabbing a bagel before work. All seating here is at the counter, and we didn’t pay more than $6 per meal at breakfast. Mrs. K’s was a short walk from our hotel, so it quickly became our go-to breakfast spot. We liked the simple egg and hash brown breakfasts, omelets, and French toast. The wait staff is friendly and fast, and the ambiance is high-energy.
Location: Mrs. K’s is located at 325 Chestnut, right down from the Omni Hotel and Hotel Monaco.

Jones:

Jones Restaurant is a well-known establishment at the heart of the historic center. While this restaurant specializes in omelets and brunch dishes, it’s not just for the morning hours. We ordered omelets for dinner, and enjoyed the chance for eggs and tater tots (which come with every egg dish) very much. Jones also serves pot pies, burgers, and sandwiches, as well as specialty dishes. The menu prices are a bit hefty, but this restaurant is a solid hit. Note: we ordered take out at Jones, and it took an unusually long time. After waiting 45 minutes, the restaurant manager gave us our meal free of charge. I am still happy to give Jones a good review for two reasons: the manager was quick to do what she could to correct the mistake, and I asked around: this restaurant gets consistently good reviews. I think we just hit it at the wrong time.
Location: Jones is located at 700 Chestnut Street.

The Franklin Fountain:

Ready for an old-fashioned ice cream experience? Franklin Fountain features ‘soda jerks’ instead of cashiers and counter service ice cream scoopers, and a full menu that includes egg creams, phosphates, and a dizzying array of ice cream flavors, sundaes, shakes, and malts. Be prepared for a line out the door on weekend evenings, and bring cash: Franklin’s doesn’t take cards or checks. We loved the Franklin Lemonade (a mixture of sherbet, fruit, and soda water) and the honeycomb ice cream.
Location: Franklin Fountain is located near Penn’s Landing at 116 Market Street.

Shane Confectionary:

Located a few doors down from The Franklin Fountain, Shane Confectionary is even more sweetly old-fashioned (pun intended). Selling old-school candies such as licorice, gum drops, and even—gasp—bubble gum cigarettes, Shane’s also offers fudge, chocolates, and salt-water taffy. Entering the store, the eye is dazed by all the glassware, bottles, and pretty paper packaging; plan on plenty of time to decide what you want. We love that they weigh and sell Shane’s candy in little paper cones just like in the old days.
Location: Shane’s is at 110 Market Street.

Reading Market:

Located approximately 8 blocks from the historic part of town off 11th, the Reading Market is absolutely worth the detour. Go for breakfast to grab local, homemade donuts, pastries, egg dishes, or pancakes for under $10, or pick out a fruit salad and freshly squeezed juice. Half the fun is walking through the stalls of this massive indoor farmer’s market, which also features herbs, meats, handmade goods, and other wares. The market is open until 4 pm daily, so it’s best for breakfast or lunch. The walk to this part of town is pretty, and it’s an easy jaunt back to historic sites along Market Street.

Want itinerary advice for a two-day Philly trip? Start with our post on historical sites for kids in Philly!

What about the cheese steaks? We ate famous Philly cheese steaks at several downtown and Old Town food trucks, and didn’t fall in love with any of them. Feel free to enlighten us as to the best cheese steak in the city in the comments.

Philly with kids: how to plan for a two-day historical itinerary

August 15, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Philadelphia has so much history in their many museums, exhibits, and attractions, families could easily be here 3-4 days. We only had two, so we had to make some tough decisions. We did manage to tour all the following Old City attractions in Philadelphia over the course of a day and a half, plus visited the Philadelphia Museum of Art and enjoyed some good eats

Independence Hall:

There’s no cost to tour Independence Hall, the site of the meeting of the first congregational congress and signing of the Declaration of Independence. You do, however, need to reserved timed tickets for entry. This can be done day-of at the Visitor’s Center one block away, but on busy summer days, we highly recommend doing this ahead of time online (there’s a small service fee of $1.50 per ticket). Arrive at the hall 30 minutes before your tour time to go through security (you can bring bags in) and then queue up in the back courtyard. The tour is only 30 minutes long, but is fantastic: our National Park guide kept all the kids’ attention and conveyed her obvious passion for history with all the adults. The whole process will take an hour. Tip: Remember, many sites, such as Independence Hall, are run by the National Parks service. Kids can earn Junior Ranger badges here. Get a booklet at the Visitor’s Center.

Visitor’s Center and Liberty Bell:

I’m lumping these two attractions together because of their proximity to each other. Start at the Liberty Bell first thing in the morning, as the line does get crazy long, crazy fast. Tip: if you just can’t wait in the line, there is a glass window at the very front where people can glance in at the bell (and you’re not cutting in front of anyone). What you miss: the exhibits explaining the significance of the bell that unfold as the line continues). Head to the Visitor’s Center next and see one of two 20-30 minute movies continuously running in the theater. This is the time to grab those Junior Ranger booklets. There is no cost for either attraction.

Betsy Ross House:

We really enjoyed touring Betsy Ross’ house. Before the self-guided tour through her little home, I had no idea what her life had been like, other than the fact that she sewed the first flag. The tour gives you a great overview of what life was like for average citizens in the late 18th century, but also gives more details of Betsy’s life. Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for kids, and there’s an audio tour option. Definitely worth the cost of admission.

Christ Church and church graveyard:

Christ Church is stunning, and there’s a particular wow factor to sitting in George Washington’s pew. This is a living, working church (with a congregation today) so entry is free, and docents are on-hand to point out where Betsy Ross sat, Washington sat, and more. The church graveyard is located a few blocks away, and costs $2 to get in. Inside, most of the signers of the Declaration of Independence are buried here, including Ben Franklin. It’s possible to see Franklin’s grave from outside the gates through an opening in the fence, if you don’t want to go all the way in. We really enjoyed touring through the old gravestones.

Elfreth’s Alley:

Near Christ Church is Elfeth’s Alley, the oldest neighborhood in the US that has been continuously occupied by residents. Walking down the narrow alley is free, but remember that people live here…it’s not ok to look in windows, etc. A small museum is open part-time. Be sure to walk all the way down and turn left though another small alley to the end: there’s an interesting board that tells about the residents from the 18th century.

National Constitution Center:

The National Constitution Center is a larger museum on Arch Street and houses the Museum of We the People, plus America’s Town Hall and many civic exhibits. Kids can vote in a voter’s booth, see a replica of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, take the oath of office as President of the US, and learn about the Constitution. There’s a lot of reading in here, so we recommend skipping it if your kids are all under age five. Definitely start with the multi-media theater production; it’s fantastic.

Franklin Court:

This small court behind the row of Market Street buildings Franklin once owned features the Franklin Museum and the site of Franklin’s house. The house has long since been torn down, so a metal frame has been erected in its place, marking where it once stood. Exhibits talk about the house and show original bricks and the original basement. We didn’t get a chance to see the main museum; tickets had been sold out for the day. Hit this spot by at least lunchtime and you should be ok. The courtyard is quiet and cool, which is another plus.

Franklin Square:

Not to be confused with Franklin Court, Franklin Square is located at the end of the Old City district and features a working carousel, playground, and miniature golf course. The golf course’s features are all replicas of Philly historical landmarks. Play a game for about $25 for a family of four. This area is nice for a break from historical touring, but would be the first thing we omitted from the itinerary if time were an issue.

Philly Duck Tours:

A fun way to get an overview of any city is through a Duck Tour with Ride the Ducks! We take advantage of these in any city in which it’s offered: the amphibious ‘duck’ vehicle is operated by a funny, entertaining tour guide and takes guests over the land and water of Philly. The tour is 90 minutes, and by the end, adults are oriented to the city and kids have a grasp on what they’ll be seeing later that day. We book our Duck Tour for morning of our first day.

Where to find all the above attractions: Maps are available at the Visitor’s Center. Definitely pick one up. All the above attractions are within walking distance of each other.

What you need to know about touring Philly with kids

Philly trip with kids: Philadelphia Museum of Art

August 13, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Philadelphia surprised us with one of the best art museums in the country. The Philadelphia Museum of Art building itself is impressive: located in Fairmont Park (not downtown), the historic building towers over the adjacent Spring Garden neighborhood. While planning a Philly trip with kids, families will want to start out by running up the imposing museum steps a la Rocky (the movie was filmed here). I hear many visitors come only for this, which is ridiculous: the museum houses over 2,000 years of art ranging from sculpture and photography to painting and tapestry.

We started on the 1st floor to hit the biggies before the kids faded: here, you’ll find van Gogh’s Sunflowers and several works by Picasso in the European Art galleries. In the American Art gallery, Winslow Homer is the biggest draw (no pun intended!) but we ended up spending a great deal of time here looking at the various contemporary art pieces and 20th century art. We found this section of the museum to be particularly kid-friendly.

Save the upstairs for after you’ve seen what you want to see as a parent, because once kids get into the Arms and Armor wing, you may never leave. Honestly, I was fascinated, too. This impressive gallery features full knight armor, knights on horseback, armor from just about every period, and weaponry of all kinds. Our kids played a game of picking out what they’d want for battle during various periods of European and Asian history (a made-up game of their own), which took the better part of an hour. When you finally pull the kids away, the Asian Art wing waits, and an impressive section of early European Art featuring full rooms from various periods (we liked the English drawing room).

Date last visited:

June 2014

Distance from the interstate:

A few seconds from I-95.

Admission:

Tickets are $20 for adults, $14 for youth (13-17) and free for kids 12 and under.

Dining:

There is a museum cafe, located at the bottom level, as well as Granite Hill, a critically-acclaimed restaurant. Outside the museum, Fairmont Park offers space for picnics, and food trucks are often in the vicinity (though at the time of our visit, we only saw ice cream trucks).

Hours of operation:

Open Tuesday through Sunday 10 am to 5 pm. Late hours Wednesday and Friday nights (until 8:45 pm, with ‘pay what you wish’ starting after 5 pm).

Directions:

The museum is located at 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

As I disclose whenever applicable, our visit to the museum was complimentary, for the purpose of review. Without complimentary entry, we wouldn’t be able to bring as many reviews to Pit Stops for Kids.

Flayvors Ice Cream at Cook Farm

August 11, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Flayvors Ice Cream at Cook Farm is made on-site, at a family dairy in Hadley, Massachusetts. Located in the heart of the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, the dairy and ice cream parlor are in good company; this region is well-known for its farm-to-fork efforts. What we love: driving up to the ice cream shop, families first see the actual barns and cows that contribute to their ice cream cones. You can even eat your cone or sundae sitting outside by the green pastures, in petting-distance of the cows.

When you arrive, a huge board on the front porch announces the regular and seasonal flavors. We couldn’t decide between a salted caramel and pretzel concoction or the limited batch of asparagus ice cream (we didn’t take a chance on it, but heard it’s quite good!). While we’ve seen as many flavor options at a few shops elsewhere, the originality of the flavor combinations can’t be beat at Flayvors!

You order inside at the big ice cream counter, and can take your shake, sundae, cone, or cup of ice cream outside, or eat inside in the combination dining room/country store. Before you head out, be sure to peek behind the counter to see the Emery Thompson ice cream making machines in the kitchen! We opted to take our cones outside, as it was a beautiful June day. The kids walked through the pasture to see the cows, and we sat at picnic tables nearby. The highway is adjacent, but far enough away that we didn’t worry about the young kids in our group.

Lunch is also served, if you want to make a full meal of it, and raw milk and meat can also be purchased directly from the farm. The immediate area is peppered with farm stands, U-pick fruit options, and the like, so it’s entirely possible to make a full day of the farm experience in Western Massachusetts. We think a trip to Flayvors is a nice stop after an afternoon of strawberry picking at local berry patches, or after swimming in nearby Mill Creek or the Deerfield River. On the day of our visit, we combined our trip with a morning at Retreat Farm in Brattleboro, Vermont. The distance was about an hour between stops, through scenic countryside.

Date last visited:

June 2014

Hours of operation:

Sunday to Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm

Directions:

Flayvors is located at 129 South Maple Street in Hadley.

Mount Tom Reservation and Ice Cream

August 6, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Ready for the perfect summer outing in Western Massachusetts? Mount Tom Reservation is located between EastHampton and Mt. Holyoke, and offers fishing, hiking, picnicking, and a play area, plus skating and cross-country skiing in winter.

Mt. Tom:

Mt. Tom offers the best view of the Connecticut Valley, the Berkshire mountains, and the Pelham hills. It meanders over 2,161 acres at the top of Mt. Tom (rumored to be the inspiration behind Seuss’ Grinch mountain) and features 22 miles of trails.

We enjoyed the new, creative play area located in the center of the park. (Eying the tree canopy, we wouldn’t mind coming back in autumn someday, too!) The play area includes manmade ‘cliff’ and rock formations that lead to slides, swings, and the like. There’s also a large grass area adjacent and picnic areas nearby. Port-a-potties and a drinking fountain are on-site, as is a covered group area.

Mt. Tom is one of a network of Massachusetts reservations; you can pay $2 per car at the entrance, or buy a pass for all the state reservation properties.

Directions:

Head east on I-90 E. Take exit 4 for I-91 toward Holyoke/Springfield – 0.6 mi. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for I-91 and merge onto I-91 N – 3.9 mi. Take exit 17A to merge onto Easthampton Rd toward Holyoke – 0.5 mi. Turn left at Northampton St/US-5N – 4.0 mi. Turn left at Reservation Rd. Park will be on the left 0.7 mi.

Mt. Tom’s Ice Cream:

Mt. Tom’s Ice Cream offers homemade ice cream in a dizzying array of creative flavors, plus an old-fashioned candy shop (where candy can be purchased by the 1/4th pound). Located at at the base of Mt. Tom in EastHampton, this shop seems to be equally popular with families and singles, offering free wifi and located next to a trendy record/music store. It’s a definite stop before or after a trip to Mt. Tom to hike or play.

We opted for the salted caramel and Mexican chocolate varieties (it’s got a kick to it!) and they do offer ‘kiddie’ sized cones in addition to regular and large. Also on offer: gourmet coffees, shakes, malts, and sundaes. There is limited seating inside, but several small tables are also available outside, plus families can always take their ice cream across the way to sit by the pond.

Directions:

The shop is located on the edge of Nashawannuck Pond in EastHampton. The address is 34 Cottage Street (Rt 141), in the heart of town.

The north shore of Kauai with babies and toddlers

August 5, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

The north shore of Kauai, Hawaii, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on earth for a Hawaiian holiday, but it can be tricky to manage a kid-friendly family vacation without a few insider tips! Kauai is a small island, but indirect, winding, two-lane roads and local traffic can slow families down, making outings longer than they appear on the map. We’ve put together a brief list of some of our kid-tested favorite beaches and attractions to help you chose activities that will cater to your babies and toddlers, and help you get a little relaxation while you’re at it!

Note: family travel with small kids is just easier when staying at a vacation rental, with room to spread out and a kitchen in which to prepare meals. Check out Kauai vacation rental options from VacationRoost.

Anini Beach (Anini Road, Kalihiwai, HI): As any guidebook will tell you, Anini Beach is one of the best beaches for very small kids. The beach is narrow, but there is a grassy lawn for ball games, and the water is more like a zero entry pool than a beach. No waves, soft sand, and some decent snorkeling make this a great beach for the younger set.

Ke’e Beach (HI 560, just past Ha’ena): This one surprised us—it’s not listed as being particularly kid-friendly in any of the guidebooks, and from the parking lot, it doesn’t look like much. It’s at the trailhead of the famous Kalalau Trail, at the start of the spectacular Na Pali Coast. We didn’t notice the beach until we were at the first lookout along the trail and looked down at a beautiful, sheltered beach with clear water and a protective reef about 100 yards off-shore. After our hike, we returned to stop at Ke’e Beach, and it was probably the calmest, most picturesque beach we visited during our vacation. It might be rougher in the winter months, but in late summer the water was calm enough for swimming with a baby!

Hanakapi’ai Beach and Kalalau Trail: About two miles in on the Kalalau Trail (trailhead located at Ke’e Beach, literally at the end of the road that travels across the north shore) is picturesque Hanakapi’ai Beach. Although not recommended for swimming (strong currents and a remote location make swimming extremely dangerous), this is a spectacular beach, with a freshwater creek and shallow caves to explore. The hike was steep and muddy in places, but we were able to arrive at our destination (Hanakapi’ai Beach) in the morning, eat a snack and explore, and make it back to Ke’e Beach in time for a midday lunch. The hike is extremely beautiful, but tough and often dangerous for kids, and I wouldn’t recommend it for the very young without a carrier of some sort (strollers are definitely not an option on the trail!). Keep in mind: a trip to Kauai isn’t complete without seeing the spectacular Na Pali Coast!

Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge (Kilauea Road, Kilauea): At the northernmost point of Kauai, the Kilauea Lighthouse sits on a bluff with views of the north shore all the way to the Na Pali Coast. There is a short walk from the parking lot to the lighthouse, with great views for bird, seal, and even whale-watching (in the right season). This is a fun toddler activity: everything is fenced in, and the walk is easy, so you can let the kids loose. There is a little information center at the lighthouse that even has coloring paper and crayons for the artists in your group! Note: Kilauea Lighthouse has a $5 entry fee for adults 16 and over; those under 16 are free.

Lydgate State Park (Nalu Road, accessed via Leho Drive off Route 56 in Kapaa): I was surprised to find that there were not many playgrounds on or near the beaches in Kauai. Of course, the beaches and hikes alone are enough entertainment for most of us, but for the very young (who might be too young to swim or hike in their own right), nothing beats a good old-fashioned playground. Kamalani Playground at Lydgate State Park is a huge wooden maze-like structure with slides, swings, and ropes to climb. It’s actually on the eastern shore of the island, but is only about a 20-30 minute drive from the north shore, and is by far the best playground around. We spent a blissful afternoon letting our three-year-old run wild while the baby happily watched from the swing. The only down side to this park is that the beach directly across the street from the playground is too rough for inexperienced swimmers, although heading north through the parking lot will reward you with a more sheltered swimming area. Tip! Be sure to stop for some shave ice in Kapaa on your way back to the north shore!

General information: All beaches in Kauai are public, and therefore free. The above (unless otherwise indicated) are located just off the main road that travels along the coast from Kapaa to Ke’e Beach (Rt 56/HI 560). Food services vary: none of the locations above have food available, but there are places to eat in the towns throughout the north shore. The Kilauea Fish Market and Foodland in Princeville are some that we enjoyed for lunch and dinner.

Kalihiwai on Dwellable

Summer in the Berkshires: Jiminy Peak summer activities

August 4, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

We love summer fun at ski resorts! In the Berkshires of Massachusetts, we’ve reviewed the summer activities at Bousquet, and now, can review in detail all that’s on offer in summer at Jiminy Peak.

Located in the heart of the Berkshires, Jiminy Peak is a well-known ski resort. In summer, it’s transformed into a full-scale outdoor playground, with mountain biking trails, hiking, and an array of kid-friendly only-in-summer activities. Jiminy Peak’s Mountain Adventure Park includes:

a mountain coaster
an alpine slide
the Soarin’ Eagle ‘roller coaster’
a giant swing
bouncy houses
a climbing wall
a bungee trampoline
a kids’ climb

Most of the above activities have a height restriction of 38″, which means that most three-year-olds are old enough to enjoy most of it. The exceptions are the Soarin’ Eagle (42″) and the giant swing (48″).

In addition to all this, Jiminy Peak also sports an entire additional complex of high ropes courses (no fewer than seven!) and zip lines. This Aerial Adventure Park is geared toward the older set, with courses ranging from ‘green’ to ‘black’ and various height and age requirements. A height of 48″ is required to get you in the door (so to speak). All participants start with the easier level courses, and move up. A height restriction of 5′ is required for the black course (because kids have to reach the cables). There’s also an age restriction of six years old at the lower level and 16+ for the black course, but we found the ages to be suggestions…it’s the height that matters.

We spent the day at Jiminy Peak with kids ranging in age from 3-12. We got our three-year-old and five-year-old passes to the Mountain Adventure Park and our 12-year-old a pass to the Aerial Park. Our nine-year-old opted for the full pass to both, so he could split his time between attractions. The Aerial Park pass give you access to all the courses you’re allowed to try, and the Adventure Park pass gives you access to all the rides listed above, plus scenic chair lift rides and hiking trails. The Aerial pass is good for two hours, but as far as we could tell, the Adventure pass was good all day. You’ll want to spend at least two-three hours.

We loved that both parks were adjacent to one another, so the kids could spend time watching each other and cheering each other on. The grandparents or parents can walk from park to park easily. We found all the attendants to be courteous, professional, and safe. As my sister put it, “visiting Jiminy Peak in summer is like going to the carnival…only classy, and in a beautiful setting.”

We didn’t eat on site, but did notice a quick-service snack bar open with the regular fare of hot dogs, ice cream, and the like. Other than the ticketing booth and lodging options, we didn’t notice much else open that the resort, but we did visit in early summer.

Date last visited:

June 2014

Admission:

Passes range from $43 to $65 for All Parks passes, and $29-$49 for Aerial Park passes or Adventure Park passes. Single tickets are also available for $6 each. Check current pricing here.

Hours:

Check summer hours.

Directions:

Jiminy Peak is located at 37 Corey Road, Hancock, MA.