Restaurants - Pitstops for Kids

Where to eat with kids on Kauai North Shore

May 22, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Eating out is one of the most expensive aspects of any family vacation, right after airfare and lodging. When your vacation is in the Hawaiian islands, the cost can be even higher.

Wondering where to eat with kids that won’t break the bank? We have plenty of picks for Kauai, particularly on the North Shore. If you’re staying in a vacation rental, all the better…you can make meals at home, and supplement with these fun eats:

Best lunch to-go or dinner pick-up:

North Shore Country Store:

Grab a great plate lunch here, or pick up a pizza to go to eat at home after a fun beach day. This store is right by the gas station at the entrance of the Princeville resort community, near the Foodland store and other convenience stops.

Kilauea Fish Market:

This cute hole-in-the-wall near the Kilauea Lighthouse is located in a small shopping center (go around back). They have a limited menu with only what’s most fresh and available, and offer plate lunches with fresh fish, rice, and potato-mac salad. There’s also fish tacos, and people rave about the mahi mahi wraps…we tried the plate lunches only, and loved them. Order ahead and pick up to take back to your vacation rental or to the beach, or eat at outside picnic tables.

Puka Dog:

Located in Hanalei, Puka Dog has to-die-for hot dogs topped with relishes like pineapple relish, banana relish, or mango relish, plus mild to hot garlic sauce and Hawaiian spicy-sweet mustard. Veggie dogs are also available. Grab dogs to go for the beach, and be sure to try the homemade lemonade, too!

Sunshine Markets:

Look for these open-air farmer’s markets across the island, on designated days and times. We found the Hanalei one on Saturday morning, with acai smoothies, lots of fresh produce, juice bars, and handcrafted items. Pick up produce for dinner and treats for your morning.

Moloaa Sunrise Fruit Stand:

This small dining space along the highway between Princeville and Kapa’a is so much more than a fruit stand, but still looks just like one, which is part of its charm. When you pull up into the dirt parking lot, the first thing you see is fresh fruit lining the front counter in baskets, with a list of prices by the pound. At the counter, grab a menu and pick out a fresh fruit smoothie or freeze, or opt for a full meal. They serve amazing breakfasts and sandwiches here. Try the Ahi sandwich or the breakfast burrito. Eat at the open-air counter or take it to go.

Note: many readers also seem to love Bubba’s, in Hanalei, for their great burgers. We didn’t get a chance to try this counter-service establishment ourselves, however.

Best nice dinner out:

Dolphin Restaurant:

Located in downtown Hanalei, the Dolphin features an open-air dining room, outdoor ‘garden’ seating, and a fish market. Come at night to eat in the glow of tiki torches, and be sure to try the sushi. We had a nice meal out with the adults only during our trip, but we saw plenty of kids, too. Dolphin manages to be casual but also upscale, a rare but beautiful quality in a restaurant. They have a nice wine list and lots of fun cocktails. I loved the Skinny Chi Chi with coconut vodka. Plan to spend about $25-$35 per entree for adults…a bit overpriced, in my opinion, but off-set by the friendly service and nice ambiance.

Postcards Cafe:

We didn’t get a chance to eat here, but my sister and brother-in-law did, and reported that the food was as tasty as at Dolphin, in a more intimate, cozy setting. You’ll get excellent service at Postcards, and enjoy your meal in a quaint Hawaiian plantation house. The restaurant is located right across the street from Dolphin in Hanalei, and does require reservations on most evenings.

Best Shave Ice:

Let’s get serious: the most important meal of the day is your daily shave ice on Kauai, right? We enjoyed several shave ice stands in Hanalei, but the lines get very long in this resort area. Instead, head up the road toward Princeville to the shopping center. Directly across from the North Shore General Store, you’ll see Kauai Shave Ice. This hole-in-the-wall stand uses natural syrups, without any corn syrup and non-GMO. Hang onto your cone though, because the cups used can topple over.

We found the shave ice with the best price in Kapa’a, at Ono Ono Shave Ice. It’s in a parking lot, so we took our shave ice here to go, but prices start at just $3.50 instead of the usual $4 for four flavors. Add a scoop of ice cream to the bottom for just a $1 or $1.50 more.

Note: for a healthier option, try an acai bowl. This smoothie-type treat comes with fresh cut fruit and granola on top.

Best Luau:

Smith’s Tropical Island Paradise:

An evening at Smith’s is a full schedule of food and entertainment. Get there right when it opens (at 5 pm in the spring and summer) to walk the grounds before the excitement begins. When you arrive, you’ll be handed shell leis and a map of the gardens; either take the tram on a loop tour, or explore on your own. We took the tram, then wandered back to our favorite spots. Be sure to buy bird feed for the kids to throw to the many peacocks, chickens, and ducks!

Dinner is served following a ceremonial uncovering of the roasted pig (which is optional to watch), and is served buffet-style. There was plenty to eat and drink, and the kids had fun trying Hawaiian dishes such as poi and shredded pork. There’s an open bar for the adults, with Mai Tais, wine, and beer, but we found out the bartenders will make you whatever you want. During dinner, you’ll be entertained by dancers and a band.

Check out the kids, or ‘keikis’ learning the hula:

After dinner, head to the amphitheater for the luau show. It lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes, and everyone in our group, from the four-year-old to the grandparents, enjoyed it. It was very professionally done, though the length was a tad long after a full day (we wouldn’t have minded a one hour show). The whole evening was well organized and relaxing, and we recommend it as a first luau for newcomers to the islands. Smith’s is affordable for families with kids (they’re only $19 each) but you’ll pay over $78 for each adult. Consider it a full scale evening out…dinner and a show.

Where do you like to eat on Kauai?

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.

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.

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.

Where to stop in Medicine Hat, Alberta

July 28, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Driving along the Trans Canada Highway 1 through Medicine Hat? Stop for lunch or dinner at Tino’s and stretch your legs at the Tallest Teepee in the World!

Tino’s Drive In is located at 860 14 St. SW (right off the highway). You’ll spot it by the castle exterior. Why stop? We’ll give you over 100 reasons…we counted 120 milk shake flavors on offer! This old-school drive-in has every kind of creamy ice cream treat imaginable, and their burgers, hot dogs, and fries are great, too.

Be ready for a wait during weekends and nice weather! We were told the locals would line up for Tino’s, and during a Saturday afternoon visit, we found out this was no exaggeration! Tino’s is worth the wait, and you can eat at picnic tables outside on-site or take your food to one of the many parks and nature areas along the South Saskatchewan River.

After eating at Tino’s pause for a stop on the Trans Canada Highway at the Medicine Hat teepee…don’t worry, you can’t miss the Saamis Teepee from the road! This huge teepee was bought by a local after the Calgary Olympic Games and brought back to the city. When standing inside, families can see the true scope of the structure, and on the trails beside it, kids can venture along the coulees (hills) and see the place where aboriginal residents of the area once drove bison off the hillsides to their deaths.

Have more time? Check out our review of where to stay in Medicine Hat, and what to do with kids indoors.

We toured Medicine Hat as part of our Great Coast Road Trip with Coast Hotels. Read more about our road trip through the Wild West of Alberta!

What to do in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

January 15, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Wondering what to do in Playa del Carmen? Our family loves outdoor excursions, but we like fun city adventures as well. While in Riviera Maya, we wanted to give our kids a taste of local city life as well as geological wonders, so we spent an evening on Playa del Carmen‘s safe 5th Avenue. This pedestrian-only street spans approximately 10 blocks and is lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and souvenir stands. You can find everything from authentic Mexican handicrafts to cheap touristy t-shirts along 5th Ave, plus glimpse plenty of local color, street performers, and live music.

Have your cab driver drop you off at the beach and playground area at the top of 5th Avenue (any driver will know to take your there), and start with a snack of fruit kabobs or watermelon spears from a vendor while admiring the sand sculptures on the beach and watching the cruise ships off the shore. Kids will enjoying playing on the large beach play structure, and teens can poke around the open-air shops lining the beach.

Continue down 5th Avenue stopping in stores along the way. Our sons used the experience to souvenir shop with their own money, which meant a lesson in bartering with street vendors. After some successful purchases, we headed into some of the high end shops lining the avenue to window shop as well. Look for ‘fish spas’ where tiny fish nibble at your toes for $15 (didn’t try it for that price!) and avoid posing with exotic animals (their handlers will try to persuade you to buy photos of your kids with them, and the practice perpetuates illegal animal trafficking).

Throughout 5th Avenue, you’ll find street performers such as Mayan dancers and magicians, and plenty of restaurants vying for your patronage. For the most authentic Mexican cuisine, head all the way down the avenue to the end (you’ll know the block by the large fountain in the center of the intersection) and eat at La Cueva del Chango.

La Cueva del Chango is tucked away down a side street at Calle 38 and known (and loved) by locals. The ambiance of the restaurant is as big a draw as the food: diners enter a lush garden setting where they’re seated either in the shade of beautiful vegetation or under the open-air thatched roof building of the main restaurant. With only a few dozen tables, the location is intimate. The open kitchen is fun to view, and the wait staff is bilingual, the better to help you make your selections.

They offer breakfast all day (a good option for kids who may be pickier eaters) but our waitress was excellent about steering us toward good options for the kids on the dinner menu, too. (Kids can also order amazing smoothies.) I ate the most delicious halapeno cream soup, then finished with grilled tuna steak. The kids settled on a Mexican specialty: molletes. This dish is simply grilled cheese with pinto beans, which can be topped with salsa and/or guacamole. Everything we ate was amazing, and in the glow of candlelight in our (seemingly) own Mexican garden, we felt worlds away from lively 5th Avenue.

Date last visited:

August 2013

Directions:

Getting here is easy. Hire a cab for about $10 from any Playa del Carmen or Playacar location, and pick up another from any of the many taxi stands located at cross-streets along 5th Avenue.

Disclaimer: as I disclose whenever applicable, our family ate at La Cueva del Chango as guests of the restaurant, for the purpose of review. This hospitality came with no expectation of a positive review.

Photo credit: Homeaway.com

Cody Wyoming restaurants: where to eat on Sheridan Street with kids

August 12, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Visitors to Cody, Wyoming will quickly see that this authentic cowboy town has a lot to offer in rich history, touristy shopping, and outdoor recreation. It also has a lot of saloons and bars, but family-friendly restaurants in Cody do exist in ready supply! Below, our top five picks for where to eat in Cody Wyoming for breakfast, lunch, and dinner:

Adriano’s Italian: For a nice dinner out, Adriano’s offers both delicious Italian fare and Western charm…a combination you may not have known could exist! Rodeo memorabilia, photos, and trophies line the walls of this cozy restaurant, and while the wait staff was overworked the night of our visit, the manager was friendly and attentive. Of special note: the garlic bread is to die for. Find Adriano’s at 1244 Sheridan Ave.

Peter’s: If you’re looking for a mid-day meal or sweet snack, Peter’s does not disappoint with counter-service burgers, hot dogs, and fries and a wide-variety of ice cream treats. There are tables for in-restaurant dining, or you can take your snack to go and eat while strolling the streets of Cody. Peter’s does offer breakfast as well. Find Peter’s at 1219 Sheridan Ave.

Irma Hotel patio dining: The Irma Hotel on Sheridan Ave is the scene of the nightly gunfight skit (every night at 6:30). It’s also an historic building, first built as a hotel by Buffalo Bill Cody for his daughter Irma. The dining room inside is a bit spendy and stuffy (and adjacent to a fairly loud bar), but outside on the shaded patio, a casual menu offers burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Come for the show and stay for the meal. Find Irma’s at 1292 Sheridan Ave.

Rocky Mountain MoJoe: Located closer to the west end of town, MoJoe’s serves the best coffee drinks in town, plus killer breakfasts that include saysage-stuffed pancakes, cinnamon-encrusted french toast, and egg sandwiches. They’re open for all meals, and have both indoor and outdoor casual seating. Find MoJoe’s at 1001 Sheridan Ave.

Granny’s: If you want to eat where the locals eat, head to Granny’s. Located on the east end of downtown across from the Buffalo Bill Village, Granny’s serves homestyle breakfast entrees like biscuits and gravy, egg scrambles, and sweet rolls the size of your kid’s head. On weekend mornings it gets quite crowded, but the wait staff is fast and friendly, and tables turn over quickly. Granny’s is located at 1550 Sheridan Ave.

A walk through Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market

July 10, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

The historic St. Lawrence Hall houses the St. Lawrence Market, a farmer’s market nirvana teaming with the freshest local produce, fruits, berries, and homemade jams, syrups, and crafts. Families will also find stalls selling local meats, desserts and pastries, fresh sandwiches, and just about anything else you can imagine. The St. Lawrence Market is a great place to spend a rainy or cold day in Toronto, or the best spot to pick up a picnic or to-go lunch to eat along the Waterfront or over on Centre Island.

There are two levels within the market building, plus tents selling wares in nice weather outside. If you get there early (before 8 am), you can usually see trucks dropping off the day’s produce from Ontario farms. The main floor level sells aisle after aisle of produce, berries, fruits, and meats, as well stalls with bakery goods and ethics foods (we saw Indian, Thai, and Chinese foods while we were there). Seating is scarce, so you’re better off taking food to go.

While you could certainly spend the better part of an hour sampling the fruit, veggies, hams, bacon, and cheese upstairs, don’t leave without checking out the downstairs section. This part of the market is primarily reserved for rare or speciality items, making it both educational and fun for kids (and adults). Check out row after row of exotic spices (most of which you may never have heard of!), gourmet cheeses and meats, speciality candies, and local homemade goods such as pure maple syrup. There are a few fabric and toy stalls as well, and random offerings of trinkets here and there, but St. Lawrence is primarily about the food!

Hours of operation:

Check the website for up-to-date hours, as they change seasonally. During the time of our visit (early summer), St. Lawrence is open weekends from 5 am to 3 pm.

Directions:

The market is located at St. Lawrence Hall at the corner of Front Street and Jarvis.

Toronto on Dwellable

What to do in Park City in the summer with kids

June 20, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

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

1. Mountain biking:

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

2. Hiking and fishing:

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

3. Utah Olympic Park activities:

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

4. Exploring Park City’s Main Street:

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

5. Mini Golf or Disc Golf:

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

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