Grown-up getaway: Ashland Hills Hotel

Now that school has started, this is a great time to get away with your partner to toast another great summer. Autumn travel has the advantages of providing less crowded hotels and restaurants, and off-season hotel deals are the norm. Recently, my husband and I enjoyed a getaway to Ashland, Oregon for a romantic, yet still adventurous, stay at Ashland Hills Hotel. For us, this getaway was a … [Read more...]

Where to stay in Santa Fe: Inn and Spa at Loretto review

Santa Fe, New Mexico is a fun town for parents, and can be surprisingly kid-friendly, too. Whether you're planning a parents-getaway or a family vacation, the Inn and Spa at Loretto offers an authentic feel, proximity to just about everything, and an upscale but relaxed vibe. This boutique AAA four-diamond hotel has made Travel + Leisure's World Best list, and houses an award-winning spa, but … [Read more...]

Grown-Up Getaway: Salt Lake City weekend

A Grown-Up Getaway in Salt Lake City? Absolutely! If you haven’t visited Utah’s capital city in a while, you’re in for a surprise. The culinary scene here has exploded, with top chefs from all over the US planting their flags in the city. Craft cocktails are alive and well in watering holes all over Salt Lake City (yes, really) and visitors have a variety of downtown lodging to choose … [Read more...]

A stay at Seattle’s Hyatt at Olive 8

I love finding new kid-friendly gems in destination cities! I've said it before, but I'll say it again: families don't have to settle for cheap hotels in the suburbs while city touring. Family-friendly, downtown hotels do exist. Our latest find: the Hyatt at Olive 8. Located in the heart of Seattle's downtown, the Olive 8 is just steps from the impressive convention center. One would assume this … [Read more...]

What to do and where to stay in Knoxville Tennessee

Knoxville Tennessee is a small city with a lot going on. Known affectionately as the 'cradle of country music' (after all Dolly Pardon got started here), Knoxville is now also gaining a reputation for its dining scene, urban wilderness and vibrant downtown. Whether you've come to Knoxville with the kids to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding countryside, or are enjoying … [Read more...]

Grown-Up Getaway: What to do in Orange County without the kids

What? Go to Orange County, home of Disneyland, without the kids? Yep! And here’s why you need to go with the fellow grown-up of your choice (and what you need to do): Orange County without the kids: Orange County has recently surprised me with mixed use buildings, a more urban flare, and a departure from the beach-and-theme-park vibe I’ve long been used to. Here’s what not to miss in four … [Read more...]

Where to stay in St. Louis: Drury Inn-Forest Park

St. Louis, Missouri is known around the Midwest as a great family destination because of the many free attractions it offers. You'll need a few days to do justice to all the city has to offer. Wondering where to stay in St. Louis? While you're in town, make the Drury Inn-Forest Park your home away from home. With its its proximity to a number of major attractions, the Drury-Forest Park offers much … [Read more...]

Panama City hotel review: What to expect at the Bristol Panama

Before we began our epic Uncruise adventure through Panama and Costa Rica, we arrived in Panama City exhausted after 24 hours of travel. The Bristol Panama provided for us a very soft landing. Primarily a business hotel located in the heart of the financial district, the Bristol has pros and cons for pre-cruise tourists. I'll do my best to explain these in this Panama City hotel review. What we … [Read more...]

Airport hotel tip: Red Roof PLUS+ review

While destination resorts and luxury properties may be fun to write about (and read about), it's just as important to know about quality hotels for road trips and airport layovers. We have our go-to brands we trust, which now includes Red Roof PLUS+. You've heard of Red Roof Inns...the Red Roof PLUS+ category is just that...a Red Roof Inn with more. They include amenities you won't see at many … [Read more...]

Grown Up Getaway: Portland Alberta Arts District and Tiny House Hotel

Whether you’re intrigued with the idea of building or buying your own tiny house one day, or simply want to sample the tiny house lifestyle for a few nights, a stay at the nation’s only tiny house hotel should definitely be on your radar. Caravan, a tiny house hotel, is located in Portland’s up-and-coming Alberta Arts District, making it an ideal overnight during a grown-up getaway. Caravan Tiny … [Read more...]