Parks or Natural Areas - Pitstops for Kids

Tips for making the most of Knott’s Berry Farm

November 8, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California is, in many ways, the OG of Southern California theme parks. Originally created around an actual berry farm, where the Knott family sold boysenberry jam and homemade desserts and comfort food, Knott’s has retained many of its quaint characteristics, from its famous fried chicken restaurant to its marketplace of artisan shops and holiday-themed decor.

Knott’s Berry Farm tips:

I appreciate that Knott’s still attempts to educate guests on California history, from information on the Pony Express outside its Pony Express ride to pioneer history in Ghost Town and Calico Park, as well as exhibits to explore such as an authentic frontier school house and displays throughout the park depicting the California mission system.

Over the years, thrill-type attractions have been added, allowing Knott’s to essentially become a hybrid of Six Flags-ike roller coasters and the slower-paced fun more aptly represented at Silver Dollar City.

Compared to Disneyland and California Adventure, or even to Universal Studios or Sea World San Diego, Knott’s is a smaller-sized park, easily tackled in one day. Because of its size, the park can feel crowded easily, but unlike Disney, Knott’s still enjoys an off-season: when I visited on a Sunday in October, practically no wait times existed.

Want to fuel up for Knott’s in the morning? Stop at Porto’s, a Southern California institution with a large location adjacent to the park. Plan to get there early and wait in a line at this Cuban bakery, but the crew here has crowd efficiency down to a science, and the prices cannot be beat for homemade pastries and roasted coffee.

Making the most of Knott’s:

1. Arrive at park opening, but there’s no need to rush to rope drop in the off-season.

2. Try to park in the South Lot, to avoid the need to ride a shuttle to the ticket booths, saving you time.

3. During peak season, upgrading to Fast Lane wristbands is worth the cash. That said, this $60 per ticket upgrade is NOT necessary outside the peak summer season. Fast Lane works essentially the same as Universal’s Front of the Line Pass (except it can be used on any ride offering a Fast Lane, as many times as desired, making it a better value). Most Fast Lane return gates are located at the attraction exit, which is a bummer: I dislike looking like a ‘VIP’ or special guest…I’d far rather merge into the regular line. However, during my visit testing the pass, it worked smoothly.

4. Start at the back of the park, and move forward, to avoid crowds that bottleneck near the entrance, where a few of the bigger coasters await. Additional top attractions are further back, and remain empty for longer.

5. Don’t neglect to take in the shows. Get a show schedule at the entrance along with your map, and make a plan for your day around at least a few offerings. Knott’s does a good job with performances.

6. Young kids will enjoy Camp Snoopy the most, with rides suitable for all ages, as well as some offerings in the Boardwalk section.

7. During the Halloween season, Knott’s transforms to Knott’s Scary Farm after 5 pm, requiring a separate ticket, and truly is very scary. I don’t recommend bringing young kids to Scary Farm, but the good news is, you can’t accidentally remain in the park after the transformation.

8. Knott’s Merry Farm, however, during the holiday season, is worth bringing the kids back to, and parents will enjoy the holiday decor, too. (During fall, some of the fall decorations are a bit scary, even in the daytime…be advised.)

9. If you think you may return to Knott’s Berry Farm at least one additional time during the year, consider Annual Passes. APs at Knott’s are only about $15 more than regular admission, making them a deal. Buy your day tickets online instead of at the window, for a big savings (as low as $45 instead of $75).

10. Use the Knott’s app to track wait times and show times.

Have you been to Knott’s Berry Farm? Share your tips!

Five things to do with kids in Moran State Park, Orcas Island WA

September 28, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Orcas Island is a great destination for families in the San Juan Island network. Kids will enjoy kayaking or exploring the numerous farmer’s markets and two public beaches, but the highlight for us was Moran State Park. Located on the Doe Bay section of the island, Moran includes two lakes, numerous hikes, beautiful cascade waterfalls, a wonderful nature center, and swimming beaches.

What to do with kids in Moran State Park:

1. Start by orienting yourself with a view from Mount Constitution: Families can opt for a long hike to the top of Mount Constitution, but driving is also available. From the base of the state park, drive up to the summit and park at the educational outreach center (more on that in a minute). From there, it’s only a short walk to the observation tower, which affords visitors with incredible 360 degree views of the San Juan Islands in fair weather. Kids enjoy climbing the many stairs in the tower, and it’s safe at the top for little ones. Along the way up, displays teach about the early history of the island.

2. Check out the Friends of Moran educations outreach center: At the base of the tower on Mount Constitution, a great little nature and science center teaches kids about local wildlife (including newts) and island history. Best of all, families can ‘check out’ a fully-stocked backpack with binoculars, wildlife and plant life guidebooks, and more. A deposit is taken, and returned upon return of the pack at end of day.

3. Hike the Cascade Falls Trail: This easy quarter mile trail leads families directly to a coastal rain forest waterfall. The hike is easy, and the base of the falls makes for fun exploration (beware of nettles though). If you’re up for a longer hike, the Cascade Creek Trail takes you from the falls down to the Mountain Lake picnic area.

4. Swim at Cascade Lake: On nice days, the picnic and swimming area at Cascade Lake is perfect for a long afternoon. Kids can swim in the designated swim area, and a snack shack (open seasonally) offers treats and drinks. There’s a nice playground, and a fishing dock. Small watercraft can also be rented.

5. Take a side trip to Obstruction Pass: This 80-acre park a short drive from the main Moran State Park campus offers Orcas Island’s largest public beach and another interpretive center and more trails.

Date last visited:

July 2012

Lodging information:

Camping is available at Cascade Lake, nearby Mountain Lake, and Obstruction Pass (the latter is primitive). Sites at the lakes have water and bathrooms, and some have hook-ups. Expect to pay more than typical for standard state park sites, and reserve early for the summer season!

Dining options:

Besides the snack shack, no dining exists in the park. The nearby town of East Sound offers more, and has a large market for supplies to make your own meals at a camp site.

Directions:

From the Orcas Island ferry dock, drive up Orcas Road toward East Sound. From there, take Olga Road into the state park.

Outdoors and wellness in Gulf Shores Alabama

September 22, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

I love it when a destination surprises me. Before visiting Gulf Shores Alabama, I pictured pretty white sand beaches, a party scene of high rises and beach bars, and plenty of greasy fried seafood in paper-lined plastic baskets. And I’m told that up until about ten years ago, my impression would have been correct. The Gulf Shores and adjacent Orange Beach of today, however, offers so much more. Thanks to the preservation of natural land through state parks, wildlife refuges, and coastal preserves, the Alabama coast boasts plenty of undeveloped forests and coastline waiting to be explored by foot or bike, and a burgeoning culinary scene is elevating the dining opportunities. Whereas a decade ago, I would not have thought of Gulf Shores Alabama as a wellness or outdoors destination, I stand corrected today. Here’s what not to miss:

Paddle boarding:

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach lie on the Alabama coast, situated with the gulf on one side and the bay (and intercostal) on the other. This means families looking for an active vacation have a variety of water conditions to choose from. We paddle boarded on the bay, since it’s calmer and less crowded than the ocean, which is known for some currents. Rent a paddle board for the week, or for an hour…or even get a lesson or guided tour with Gulf Coast Paddle. Their ‘office’ is mobile (it’s their board trailer) and the owners are experts in waterspouts and water safety. They’ll bring a board to you to your condo or vacation rental for longer rentals, or meet you on the bay for some calm paddle boarding near the intercostal. Their primary location is at the dock built for their use at GT’s restaurant in Orange Beach.

kayaking: GoGo Kayks takes paddlers to Little Lagoon to kayak on the coastal waterways. www.gogokayaks.com

Hiking and biking:

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail and Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge both offer pedestrian and cycle-friendly trails in an undisturbed coastal barrier habitat. What does this mean? Birding! Sand dunes! Pristine, empty beaches! If you decide to rent bikes, Beach Bike Rentals is a good bet; get hybrid bikes if you plan to bike the dirt and sand roads of the refuge and trail, or road bikes if you want to ride along the flat paved roads along the beach (but note that while there are bike lanes, there are not dedicated bike trails along the main roads).

For hikers and bikers, there are several entry points for Bon Secour, but whichever parking lot you arrive to, you’ll find a posted map of the various hiking and biking trails. We took Pine Beach Trail past Little Lagoon to end up at a beautiful beach (bring a picnic and swimsuit!). It was only 2+ miles, but absolutely empty. On a busy weekend during peak season in the gulf, this is the way to escape other people. Get to Bon Secour by taking Highway 180 six miles and following the signs.

Yoga, running, and cross-fit on the beach:

Alabama’s sugar sand beaches stretch wide and flat along the gulf, which make them ideal for long-distance running, yoga (try a beach-side class with Glow Yoga), and any other exercise you may want to pursue. I recommend an early morning workout, to watch the sun rise and avoid the heat of the day. Later in the day, beach umbrellas and chairs will dot the white sand beaches, making it harder to get your workout in. Note that dogs are not allowed on the public beaches in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach (but are permitted in nearby Fort Morgan). While this is a bummer for dog owners, the upside is that Alabama’s water is rated as some of the cleanest in the U.S.

Wondering where to eat? We have healthy options here!

Where to stay: Turquoise Place

Run by Spectrum Resorts, Turquoise Place rises in four sleek, tubular towers to overlook the gulf. It sits directly on the beach, so you’re steps from the sand, but many Gulf Shore accommodations will put you near the water. Turquoise Place shines in its recreational and wellness amenities: families get multiple pools (indoor and outdoor), hot tubs, a lazy river and tennis courts sitting on the roof of the fourth floor, and well-equipped exercise rooms, with cardio and weight training equipment, steam rooms, and saunas.

Share a Turquoise Place condo with another family, or make it a multi-generational affair: their 3-5 bedroom condos are huge, and ideal for large family units. You get a full kitchen, which, after poking around, I noticed came with just about all the pots and pans and utensils you’d need (but not spices or pantry staples), plus a wine fridge and large ice machine. As an added bonus, during our stay at Turquoise Place, a complimentary continental breakfast was offered most mornings in the spacious lobby (this amenity was inconsistent, however, so ask when booking). Each condo as a huge balcony with an outdoor kitchen of a built-in BBQ, outdoor sink and counter space, and outdoor table that seats six, and a hot tub.

If your family would prefer more of a resort feel than a cond0-vacation house feel, consider Beach Club, another Spectrum Resorts property located near Fort Morgan. It’s also directly on the water, but in a more rural location with more dining options and outdoor recreation adjacent.

Disclosure: I experienced Gulf Shores and Orange Beach as a guest of the destination, but all opinion remains my own.

Five free things to do in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

September 4, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Sioux Falls is a surprising city in many ways: it’s larger than most visiting families would guess, and is well-stocked with family friendly activities and historical sites…many of them cheap or free. Read on for our top five cheap or free things to do in Sioux Falls.

1. Ride the Sioux Falls Trolley

This trolley system works its way from downtown Sioux Falls to the falls themselves at Falls Park. Along the way, families can use the system to access Washington Pavilion, the Old Courthouse Museum, and the downtown shopping district. Hop on the trolly at the Pavilion at :10 after the hour or :40 after the hour, or at the falls on the hour and half hour.

2. View the Light Show on the Falls

Any evening during the summer months, find a comfortable spot on the grass lawn and await twilight, when Sioux Falls’ Light Show guides viewers on a light display storytelling of Sioux Falls’ history, narrated in audio and punctuated by changing colors on the falls themselves. Before the show begins, climb Falls Park’s five-story viewing tower to get a great view of the city and falls.

3. Take the SculptureWalk

SculptureWalk is an exhibit of outdoor sculptures (available for purchase, should you want to make this event considerably less ‘free’!). Most interesting is the fact that the sculptures are rotated out annually, always featuring different artists. From May to September, cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award.

4. View European art

Believe it or not, Sioux Falls is home to Michelangelo’s David and Moses…or at least perfect replicas of them. For kids (and adults) who haven’t seen the real thing, this public exhibit serves as a great educational tool, and is fun for kids to discover for themselves. You can find David at Fawick Park, and Moses at 29th Street and Summit Avenue.

5. Go on a bike ride

Sioux Falls is surrounded by a full loop, easy-access bike and walking path with views of the Big Sioux River, downtown, and more. The Big Sioux River and Recreational Greenway literally wraps around the city. Bring bikes, or take a walk along a potion of the path before or after dinner.

Have you visited Sioux Falls? What family-friendly activities do you recommend?

Southern Illinois pit stop: Jeremy Rochman Memorial Park

May 10, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Southern Illinois is an area with many beautiful natural parks, forests, and lakes to explore. Just south of Carbondale, Ill., home to Southern Illinois University, you’ll find a park you won’t want to miss if you’re traveling through the area. Online, you’ll find it listed as “Dungeons and Dragons Park,” or by its more official name, Jeremy ‘Boo’ Rochman Memorial Park. My kids, however, call it “Castle Park,” and it is at the top of their to-do list whenever we visit the area.

Southern Illinois pit stop:

Boo Rochman Park is a privately-owned park dedicated to the memory of the owners’ son, who died in a car accident in 1993. Because of his interest in fantasy gaming, they developed the park around that theme. Within its borders are hidden a host of surprises, from the obvious—a huge dragon to climb on, life-sized dueling wizards’ circle, and sea serpent benches—to the fantastic figures peeking from perches hidden in the crook of trees.

The main attraction, of course, is the castle itself—an enormous play structure that doesn’t just look like a medieval fortress; it practically is one. There are hidden passages, trick doors, thrones, towers, dungeons (monsters included)—kids can spend hours there, literally. Even older kids who are too old and “cool” for playgrounds will find this place hard to resist. It is without exception the most imagination-encouraging play area I have ever seen. Parents will want to explore it, too.

Bonus points: the grounds around the castle are mostly shaded by mature trees, and the sculptures tucked into every nook and cranny ensure that you’ll find something new no matter which way you turn. Also, the entire park is fenced in, with only one open entrance by the parking lot.

Come with friends, if you can. Bring a picnic to share under the trees—but whatever you do, make sure to bring water. Southern Illinois is very hot in the summertime.

Jeremy Rochman Memorial Park is open from 9 a.m. to dusk. It is located at 31 Homewood Drive, Carbondale, IL. From Main Street/Highway 13, take Giant City Road (Highway 12) south 3 1/2 miles. The park is on the left at the intersection of Giant City Road and No Name Road (no kidding!). Admission is free, but donations are accepted to keep the park in good shape.

Day in the Ozarks with kids: Dogwood Canyon

April 26, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

A day in Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is a great way to get an introduction to the beauty of the Ozarks with kids. Privately owned and operated as a non-profit by Johnny Morris, the owner and founder of Bass Pro Shops, my first impression of Dogwood Canyon was that 1. it’s beautiful enough to be a state park or otherwise preserved by the US government, and 2. that Morris is doing a pretty good job of preserving it himself.

The park is managed by the Johnny Morris Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the canyon’s natural plant and wildlife environment. Because private ownership comes with an entry fee, I was prepared to dislike it based on the principle that lands such as this should remain accessible to all. However, the cost to enjoy the area is minimal (or can be, anyway…see pricing information below), and the benefit of private ownership is evident in the pristine nature of the park.

The paved and unpaved paths, signage, and structures of Dogwood Canyon are distinctly ‘Disney-like’ in my opinion. What I mean by this: everything is polished, pretty, and accessible. For an ‘enjoy right out of the box’ nature destination, it works very well. The 10,000 acres can be used for hiking, biking, and fishing, with optional tram and even Segway tours adding a bit of ‘theme park’ ambiance.

There are several ways for families to enjoy a day here, and yes, I do recommend reserving a whole day to the experience. The more affordable way to tour the park is by hiking or bringing your own bikes. There are 6.5 miles of paved paths for biking (or hiking), plus additional dirt trails for hiking. The canyon winds slowly upward on a very gentle slope along Dogwood Creek, and every quarter mile or so, there’s another beautiful vista, waterfall, or pool to stop and admire. Truly, it’s very lovely. There are picnic areas, fishing pools, and quaint stone bridges…even a wedding chapel. The mowed lawns on either side of the main paved path, as well as benches and sign posts give the canyon more of a ’manicured’ feel than I typically like in a nature setting, but once I acclimated, I was able to enjoy the area on its own terms.

The tram tour, which families will certainly see winding its way through the park, takes visitors the length of the 6.5 paved trail by guide, then continues past the point cyclists and hikers must turn around and ascends out of the canyon to an upper area of the park. Here, Morris’ herds of American buffalo (bison), elk, white-tailed deer, and long-horn cattle roam. This wildlife park aspect of Dogwood Canyon is worth the price of the tram tour if seeing these animals up close is important to you. I really enjoyed it, even though I’ve been through wildlife ‘safari’ parks in the past. The animals come right up to the sides of the tram (a feeding lends to their cooperation) and our guide was very personable and knowledgable. The whole tram tour takes a few hours, so plan accordingly…after we were done, I wished I had saved some time to walk along the unpaved trails, too.

With a whole day, a family could certainly hike or bike most of the day, stopping whenever and wherever to picnic or play, then take the tram tour before departure. This map of the hiking and biking trails can help in the planning process.

New at Dogwood Canyon:

Dogwood has undergone an extensive expansion, which is now complete. In addition to all of the above, families will find new activities in the park, such as horseback riding and organized wilderness walks, as well as the following attractions:

Working Mill – featuring live demonstrations with head miller Blake Adams
Canyon Grill Restaurant – a rustic-elegant destination restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking Indian Creek and stunning rock formations with a 120 foot waterfall
Education Center – educates guests about the importance of protecting, conserving and preserving the great outdoors through offerings including Kids Adventure Clubs, interactive displays, and live wildlife demonstrations
Treehouse – this majestic two-story treehouse was built for the “Treehouse Masters” TV show on Animal Planet and offers a hands-on approach to conservation and wildlife education for kids and kids-at-heart.
Little Indian Stables – the beautiful new barn features 24 stalls that allow riders to walk through and visit horses as part of their experience.
General Store & Outfitters – one-stop shop for everything you need before heading out into the park, including segways, bikes, fly fishing gear and more. Also offering a variety of logo’d apparel and goods such as ground cornmeal from the Dogwood Mill.

For the best overview of the park each month, to help you plan your day, check their Adventure Guides. Here’s an example for May 2017.

Distance from the interstate:

Dogwood Canyon is located about 45 minutes from Branson, spanning Missouri and Arkansas.

Admission:

Admission to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park provides access to the Mill, Canyon Grill Restaurant, Nature & Conservation Center and Treehouse for $10 per adult and $5 per child. If you live nearby, a season pass may be a better deal.

Families can get hiking and biking admission (if bringing own bikes) for $14.95 for adults and $9.95 for kids. Admission with bike rentals included is $22 for adults and $15.95 for kids. From my day in the park, I believe this is a good value.

The wildlife tram tour is $25 for adults, and about $12 for kids. As mentioned, Segway tours are also offered, as well as fly fishing classes and horseback rides. Fishing is permitted in the park for another fee, based on whether you need to rent gear and plan to catch-and-release or keep your catch.

Check the admission page for current pricing.

Dining:

There is dining at the entrance of the park, in a smaller building that was a one-time military post. Families can get sandwiches, wraps, and other casual fare here, but I recommend bringing a nice picnic.

Directions:

Dogwood Canyon is located outside Branson at 2038 West State Hwy 86 in Lampe, Missouri.

As we disclose whenever applicable, Pit Stops for Kid experienced Dogwood Canyon as a guest of the nature park, for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.

Florida Caverns State Park

April 24, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

State parks make some of the very best pit stops, as fans of Florida Caverns State Park well know! One of the few state parks with dry (air-filled) caves, Florida Caverns is the only Florida state park to offer cave tours to the public. Accessible to all ages, the cave has dazzling formations of limestone stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones, and draperies. The park is also popular for camping, swimming, fishing, picnicking, canoeing on the Chipola River, boating, hiking, and bicycling.

Jen of Two Kids and a Map sung its praises in a recent review of attractions along I-10 on Trekaroo: The kids will love the stalactites and stalagmites and the fact that it is dark and spooky! We were a little disappointed in the amount of trash and graffiti at the entrance of the cavern site. I do not know if it has been cleaned up since. The campsites are set in a beautiful part of the woods. The bathroom facilities and the campsites are clean. Make sure you grab the Florida Passport and get it stamped while you are there! Distance off the interstate: 4 miles

Hours and Admission Prices:

8am until sunset. Cave tours are closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. $5 admission fee per vehicle. Camping fee is $20 per night. Cave tour fees are as following:

$8.00 per person, plus tax, age 13 and older
$5.00 per child, plus tax, 3 to 12
Under age 2: free

Food Services:

The park’s concession is located below the historic Visitor Center. Refreshments and souvenirs are available. This is also the location where you can purchase your tickets to go on a cave tour. The Gift Shop is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Website: http://www.floridastateparks.org/floridacaverns/
Phone: 850-482-1228. If you plan on a cave tour, it’s recommended that you call ahead to the Ranger Station before departure to ensure they’re not all sold out!

Directions:

Florida Caverns State Park is located 3 miles north of Marianna, off of U.S. 90 on S.R. 166. From Tallahassee: Take I-10 west to exit 142, turn right on Hwy 71 N to Hwy 90, turn left. Follow brown park signs. From Pensacola: Take I-10 East to exit 136, turn left on Hwy 276 N to Hwy 90, turn right. Follow brown park signs.

Bonus Pitstop:

Nearby in Chipley, Florida is Falling Waters State Park (home of Florida’s tallest waterfall and plenty of cool fern and moss-covered sinkholes)!

Photo credit

Outside the box budget Seattle vacation

April 4, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

There are many wonderful cities worth spending a vacation in, and Seattle is certainly high on the list of cities where you have the ability to really tailor-make your experience based on what your idea of a great urban weekend is. Budgets can be tricky, but if you’re willing to take advantage of good deals on Apollo RV rentals and think outside the box a little bit then you can absolutely enjoy an amazing Seattle vacation even on a fairly strict budget. Read on to learn how to put together a great Seattle adventure.

Budget Seattle vacation:

‘Suggested Donation’ Is Your Friend:

There are many museums, art exhibits, concerts, and other cultural entertainment that is suggested donation. While you should never take advantage of these by leaving absolutely nothing, there’s also no reason to feel obligated or strong-armed into a $30 suggested donation. Put in $5 for the museum, enjoy the exhibits, and if it was a really good experience that made you enjoy a few hours of time, put in another $5 if you feel it is warranted. This not only gives you control over what you spend but keeps you from making big donations at places you then don’t really enjoy.

Olympic Sculpture Park:

This park was actually designed and created by the Seattle Art Museum and aside from being a stunning outdoor exhibit, on clear days it offers some incredible views of Puget Sound and Mount Olympia. This park is also free during peak hours, which is as budget-friendly as it gets.

Pike Place Market:

The longest continuous running farmer’s market in the United States, you’ll want to hit Pike Place early to beat the massive crowds but watch the fish tossers, buy a cheap bouquet of flowers, find cheap fresh food, and enjoy the expansive setup.

Tip! Another excellent way to enjoy Seattle’s magnificent sites is to experience them through a challenging yet exciting scavenger hunt. Companies like cityHunt provide friends, families, and colleagues a variety of scavenger hunts that not only allow them to enjoy the Coffee Capital of the World but also helps them strengthen relationships while doing it. It truly is one of the best ways to explore Emerald City.

Free Walking Tours:

There are plenty of great walking tours that are either free, or donation based. What better way to get to know a part of a city than with a local guide? Several walking tours are famous and many are customized by niche. There are general walking tours, downtown tours, and even ones based around best food trucks, best dive bars, and best underrated music venues. In other words, you can find the tour that will have you filling out all your plans for later!

Legendary Happy Hour Tradition:

Can you deal with having a really late lunch? Seattle has a solid Happy Hour tradition with most bars and bar & grills starting Happy Hour specials at 3 p.m. – which often include heavily discounted food, as well. If the morning was spent at free or discounted sites and the late morning to early afternoon was all about some of the outstanding walking tours then at this point you should have quite an appetite for drinks and heavily discounted food.

Take a look around. Specials range from $3 to $10 and may be three tacos or an entire plate absolutely overloaded with deep fat fried foods, all at those major discounts. Choosing to go with the late lunch can help you save while still enjoying the best that the city and their bar and grill businesses have to offer.

Seattle can be an expensive city, but by getting creative and thinking a little bit outside of the box you will save on the budget while still having the full city experience!

Massachusetts with kids: Purgatory Chasm

September 5, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

A unique natural landmark, Purgatory Chasm State Reservation runs for a quarter of a mile between granite walls rising as high as 70 feet. Popular with picnickers and rock-climbers alike, the Chasm is believed to have its origin in the sudden release of dammed-up glacial meltwater near the end of the last Ice Age, approximately 14,000 years ago.

Trails lead to a wide variety of rock formations, with such romantic names as The Corn Crib, The Coffin, The Pulpit, Lovers’ Leap and Fat Man’s Misery.An adventurous playground, equipped with a play structure, swings and a merry-go-round, is now located near the visitor center.

Please be aware chasm rocks and slopes are slippery and deceiving. Wear rubber soled shoes or hiking boots. Please stay away from the edges of the chasm. It is not recommended to hike the chasm after or during inclement weather due to extremely slippery rocks.

Note: Well behaved dogs are welcome, but must be leashed at all times.

We stopped by the Chasm for lunch on our way out to Narragansett Beach, Rhode Island, during a summer getaway. It is about an hour from Northampton, Massachusetts. It is a large state reservation park with lots of hiking trails, picnic spots, a visitor center, bathrooms and parking. But the main attraction is the ½ mile long “chasm” where kids can climb on, over, under all kinds of rocks and boulders. There were even some rock climbing classes going on when we were there. The chasm is right across from the visitor center and has a trail marker. You can hike it in a loop by exploring the rocky chasm and then returning along the ridge above the chasm. It was the perfect pit stop on the way to the beach. Or it could be a destination for a picnic and afternoon of adventure.

There are no food services in the park area, but it is right off the highway.

Rates:

No fee. There is a daily parking fee of $5 for MA vehicle, $6 non-MA vehicles.

Directions:

Purgatory Chasm is off route 146 about an hour south-west from Boston.

Pin it for later!

Photo credit: Flickr/Matt Runkle

What to do on Mt. Hood in summer: a three day itinerary

August 15, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

Mt. Hood Oregon is a winter playground, but it’s an amazing outdoor destination in the summer months as well. Located just an hour from Portland, Mt. Hood National Forest offers stunning mountain vistas for hikers, backpackers, campers, and kayakers. The central ‘town’ is Government Camp, which is a smaller community of outdoor-focused shops and dining, but the actual towns of Welches and Rhododendron are nearby and have more options. Families can fill their days walking in the woods, swimming in alpine lakes, and enjoying the fun of Mt. Hood’s ski areas in the off-season. Here’s what to do on Mt. Hood in summer!

Spend a day at Trillium Lake:

This stunning lake sits beneath Mt. Hood, allowing families to view the mountain from just about all points. You can camp here, though most of the sites are away from the water in the woods, but the best feature is the day use area, which offers picnic areas lakeside around the whole far side of Trillium. Bring the water toys, including stand-up paddle boards and rafts…but no motorized craft. Plan to come early to get your pick of day use spots! You can also hike around the lake, which is a two mile loop.

Go hiking:

Best hiking in the Mount Hood National Forest:

Paradise Park: An eye-popping wildflower meadow lies about five miles west of Timberline Lodge via the Pacific Crest Trail. We saw blooms as late as early August. The route dips in an out of several of the southwest side’s big glacial stream canyons.
Cooper Spur: This hike starts from Cloud Cap on the mountain’s northeast side. Take the Timberline Trail, then veer off toward Mount Hood on the well-trod path along Cooper Spur. When you get to Tie-In Rock, at 8,600 feet, it’s time to turn around.
Mirror Lake: Always popular with day hikers, this hike begins on the south side of U.S. 26 about one mile west of Government Camp. It leads to a lake that reflects Mount Hood, and is a great place to sample local huckleberries in late August/early September.
Tamanawas Falls: This five mile loop is easy to moderate along the east fork of the Hood River, and starts off Hwy 35 past Government Camp. You can scramble up the back of the falls if you’re daring.
Ramona Falls: You cross the Sandy River and follow along the PCT for this seven-mile loop to and around Ramona Falls, arguably one of the most scenic of falls in Hood River National Forest. This is a fantastic hike…see photo below!
Timothy Lake: Start at Little Crater campground south of Mount Hood, which is a wonderful sight in its own right…this tiny lake is very deep and has an incredible blue color, much like its big sister, Crater Lake. Then tour around Timothy Lake for a 13 miler, with places to swim along the way.

Go mountain biking:

Families can try gravity-based mountain biking (lift-served) at Mt. Hood SkiBowl, one of Mt. Hood’s three local ski resorts. If you’re looking for something less steep but just as challenging in terms of exertion, Mt. Hood National Forest is criss-crossed with free mountain biking trails as well. We opted for SkiBowl mountain biking, at the West entrance of the resort.

It involved a $39 day lift ticket to ride the chair up with our bikes, and all-day access to their single track and dirt roads. If you need to rent bikes, they start at $15 for one hour, or up to $45 for all day. I rented for four hours for $35, and having a quality bike with shocks and sturdy tires was well worth it. Of course, you can bring your own bikes, too.

If you bike at SkiBowl, be aware that Monday through Friday, only one chair is operating, giving access to the front face of the mountain with one main intermediate run and one black diamond run that ends in a bike park with various elements. To find more trails, simply go left at the top of the chair and access several additional green and blue single track runs via High Road or Low Road (dirt roads). You’ll be given a map when you get your lift ticket. On weekends, even more of the mountain is open.

Note: I would say it would be good to be at least an intermediate mountain biker to safely navigate even the green runs here.

Play at Mt. Hood SkiBowl:

Not sure if you want to mountain bike? SkiBowl’s East Entrance has all sorts of fun summer activities, ranging from mini golf to go-karts to a bungee jump and bungee trampolines. There’s a canopy walk that’s similar to a ropes course, but much more low-key, and those ‘human hamster balls’ where you get into plastic balls and roll around. In other words, lots of fun to be had. You can get a day pass for all of it for around $40 a person, or pay for things a la carte. If you want to try the alpine slide, that’s over on the West entrance by the mountain biking. Go early if you want to really open up the track and go fast, as it gets congested later in the day, slowing everyone down. Disc golf is also located on the West side.

Where to eat:

First and foremost, opt to eat one breakfast at Timberline Lodge’s famous breakfast buffet. It’s $15 per person, and worth every penny. Plus, you get to explore this historic lodge located right at the base of Mt. Hood. It’s stunningly beautiful, with gorgeous mountain views, and a great starting place for a shorter hike around the base. Their breakfast buffet is served in their historic dining room, and includes numerous egg and meat dishes, huckleberry pancakes, house-made granola, fresh pastries and fruit, and even a Bloody Mary bar.

Rathskeller Alpine Bar and Pizzeria is located in the town of Government Camp, which is a small community built around the ski industry. In summer, it’s sleepy but quaint. The pizza joint in town has great slices, but also a friendly atmosphere with an arcade/game room for the kids.

High Mountain Cafe: this sandwich shop is located in Government Camp, and has the best sandwiches we’d tasted in a long while (but maybe we were just really hungry!). It’s counter service, so it’s quick!

Volcano Cone is a little kiosk ice cream place in Government Camp. The ice cream is nothing amazing, but the staff is very friendly and it’s an easy place to grab a nice dessert. Also look for various food trucks in Government Camp during the day, including Asian cuisine and gourmet hot dogs.

Where to stay:

Cabin rental: We rented this HomeAway rental cabin in Government Camp via Vacasa. It was a rustic A-frame with a wood-fired stove and an outdoor fire pit, plus sleeping for eight. While small, this cabin was just what we needed, and no more. We could walk into Government Camp or to Ski Bowl.

Local campgrounds: numerous Mt. Hood National Forest campgrounds are located in the Mt. Hood area. All of them are rustic, with pit toilets and no showers or plumbing. They are are very pretty and in wooded areas.

Resorts: A few resorts are in the area, though Mt. Hood is better known for camping and rustic rentals. Stay in Welches, just a few miles from Mt. Hood, at Resort at the Mountain, or at Collins Lake Resort closer to the action. Both are good options if you want a more pampered experience.

Have you been in the Mt. Hood area? What do you like to do there?