End of summer getaway: Alhonna Resort on Lake of the Ozarks

Tucked into the side of a shady peninsula in a quiet corner of the Lake of the Ozarks is a homey, friendly resort that combines comfort and convenience with a low-key, no-fuss atmosphere. Alhonna Resort is a great place to get away from the crowds while still being in easy reach of tourist attractions and golf. Read on for all you need to know before booking Alhonna Resort on Lake of the Ozarks:

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Accommodations:

Alhonna offers a mixture of cabins, motel rooms, and condos, all non-smoking (smoking permitted on decks and porches), with one to four bedrooms. We were given a three-bedroom condo with a king, two fulls, and a twin bed, which offered our family of six ample room to spread out. It had simple but tasteful furnishings, with a spacious kitchen counter with four chairs, a microwave and dishwasher, and a separate dining area. The two full bathrooms were stocked with soap, but be sure to bring your own shampoo. We had a comfortable couch and as a bonus, a day bed that the kids adopted as their favorite spot.

Our condo had a porch that overlooked the lake, where we could sit at the picnic tables and watch speed boats go by. We also got better wifi reception outside, so when we needed to use the internet, the porch was our go-to place. (We found wifi and cell signal to be sketchy in many parts of the Lake area because of the geography.)

Accessibility & Amenities:

The Lake is inherently hilly, but some of the lower units at Alhonna are accessible by ramp. The property is compact, so you’re never far from where you want to go. Housekeeping staff does not come in daily; this is really a home away from home, so if you need replacement towels and linens, visit the housekeeping area, across the street from the office. Note: you need to bring your own beach towels for use at the pool or on the boats. Alhonna does provide coin-operated washers and dryers next door to the housekeeping unit.

On site you’ll find two fire pits (wood available for purchase at the office), a sandbox and small beach, a fishing dock, both indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, and a small playground.

If you own a boat, you can bring it and dock it at the resort during your stay. If not, you can rent a variety of craft from the resort, from large-deck pontoons to fishing pontoons and bass boats, as well as ski boats, skis and tubes. They also offer a paddle boat, kayaks, and paddle board. It’s a point of pride with Alhonna’s owners that their boats are kept in tip-top condition. We made use of a beautiful pontoon for two hours’ cruising the lake and swimming in a small cove, then took out the paddleboat and a kayak in the quiet cove around the resort. Rentals start at 8 a.m. and all boats are due back in the dock by 6 p.m.

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Dining:

Bobber’s Cafe and Lounge carries on the theme of comfort without fussiness. The atmosphere isn’t fancy but the food is fabulous. The sweet vanilla pancakes were out of this world, and the fried French toast made it onto someone’s plate every morning of our stay. You can get salads if you’re feeling healthy, or fried anything—pickles, green beans—if you feel like indulging. It’s a nicely rounded menu, with all the usual suspects and a few interesting gems like a tomato stuffed with chicken salad. You can dine inside or out on the veranda overlooking the pool and the lake. The lounge is adjacent to the cafe and has a billiards table and a couple of video games.

Rates & Details:

If you need more details, Alhonna has one of the best FAQ pages I’ve ever seen. Come during the week if you can, as weekends are always much busier at the Lake and crowds tend to be rowdier. Off-season rates start as low as $75; in-season rates range from $80-90 for the smallest units to $390 for the largest. One final point of interest: Alhonna resort will soon be featured in a new Netflix series called “Ozark,” with Jason Bateman.

Alhonna Resort is located at 677 Outer Drive, Lake Ozark, Missouri, just a few miles past the Lodge of the Four Seasons.

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Our family enjoyed Alhonna as guests of the resort, in exchange for an honest review.

Oregon lake resorts off the beaten path

Last month, our teenager hiked the Oregon section of the Pacific Crest Trail. As we followed along on his journey through Oregon, assisting with food drops and other needs, we discovered a new side of our home state we hadn’t yet explored! Throughout the rural mountain regions of the Beaver State, many Oregon lake resorts are located far off the main interstate or even paved highways. They offer tranquility, beauty, and rustic yet comfortable amenities. Here are our favorites!

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Shelter Cove Resort

Located on beautiful Odell Lake near Willamette Pass, Shelter Cove Resort offers a marina, cabin rentals, a friendly camp store, and a pretty campground. It gets busy during the summer months with fishing derbies and other outdoorsy events, but when we visited during a crowded weekend, it still felt relaxed and peaceful. There’s boating on this lake, but mostly of the fishing variety, so there’s not a lot of noise. To get to Shelter Cove, take Highway 58 from Eugene or Highway 97 to Highway 58 from Bend.

What to do nearby: Adjacent to Shelter Cove is the Oregon Skyline Trail, which connects the lake to Windigo Pass, above Crater Lake. A five mile hike up the OST from Shelter Cove takes hikers along lovely Whitefish Creek to Diamond View Lake, a tiny alpine lake accessible only by trail. It’s a tough hike (and a round-trip of 1o miles), but well-worth the long day. Just bring a picnic lunch!

If you are a PCT hiker or assisting one: Shelter Cove is PCT-friendly, offering a designated area for hikers with outlets, WiFi, and water. You can also get a PCT campsite in the campground for $10.

Elk Lake Resort

Like Odell Lake, Elk Lake is tucked away in the heart of Oregon, this time north of Mt. Bachelor. The resort offers one of the best day use and swimming beaches of the Oregon lake resorts we visited, and a great little restaurant that serves the best pulled pork sandwich my son says he’s ever eaten! There are camping cabins, full-sized cabins (more like condos) and a rustic campground. There is a marina, and boat rentals are available, as well as water ‘toy’ rentals like stand-up paddle boards. To get to Elk Lake, take Century Drive north of Bend.

What to do nearby: Take time to check out all the smaller Cascade lakes along Century Drive, north of towering Mt. Bachelor. Or, rent mountain bikes and hit the trails in and around Bend in the Deschutes National Forest.

If you are a PCT hiker or assisting one: Definitely have your hiker stop for a meal here, and you can send packages here if you need a food drop. Elk Lake isn’t far from Bend, so friends can meet you pretty easily.

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Hyatt Lake Resort

Located in Southern Oregon above the Greensprings, Hyatt lake Resort is a large, boater-friendly lake with several campgrounds and a rustic resort. Easily accessible from Ashland Oregon on Highway 66, Hyatt Lake’s small restaurant and cabin rentals are located on the west side of the lake, which is quieter than the day use and camping areas on the east. This is definitely a sleepy place, which is just the way most people who visit like it. The restaurant also sells take-out pizza, so if you get a cabin, you’ll be set for the night!

What to do nearby: Check out the historic Greensprings Inn, just down the road, and learn about the early automobile road that winds through the mountains here. Drive down Highway 66 to take a short day hike on Grizzly Peak, or head all the way to Ashland to spend a day at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival or at Lithia Park. You’re only about 30 miles away.

If you are a PCT hiker or assisting one: There are walk-in tent sites at the campground across the lake from the resort, if you’re not staying there. And the Hyatt Lake Resort restaurant will give out free ice cream cones to PCT hikers!

Ollalie Lake Resort:

Located in a very remote part of Central Oregon and accessible only by forest service road, Ollalie Lake Resort is where to go for a completely tech-free stay. There’s no cell service or WiFi anywhere at the lake. To get there, it’s easiest to start at Salem, and take Highway 22 to National Forest Road 46. Once there, get a cabin or yurt and plan to simply stay and enjoy your wilderness surroundings. There is a small store, and boat rentals.

What to do nearby: You can easily access the PCT here and get to a few more remote lakes such as Jude Lake and Head Lake, but since Ollalie is already so remote, the best thing to do is take in the view!

If you are a PCT hiker or assisting one: There is no ability to mail food packages here, and no accommodations for PCT hikers (though you can check on cabin availability). This is best as a ‘hit the store and keep going’ spot!

Lost Lake Resort:

Located above Mt. Hood, Lost Lake is one of the most beautiful in an area teeming with beautiful lakes! Owned by the same folks who run Cascade Huts (which we loved during a winter visit), Lost Lake Resort offers downright upscale amenities compared to the other lakes featured here, but has prices to match. Their cabin rentals are very nice, but on the expensive side, and they have lodge rooms as well as a store filled with essentials. Like on the other lakes, you can rent boats and other water toys. From I-84 in the Columbia Gorge, head south on Highway 201/281 to the lake.

What to do nearby: Lost Lake Resort is within easy driving distance of Mt. Hood and Government Camp, which has fun summer activities offered in and near the ski resorts, such as mountain biking. Day hiking is also popular in this area.

If you are a PCT hiker or assisting one: Most PCT hikers don’t stop here, since Government Camp is so close (and has more amenities). But Lost Lake Resort is a great place for PCT trail angels (or people assisting hikers) to stay, if you book early!

Do you have a favorite Oregon lake resort?

Photo credit

Experiencing Oregon ranching at Aspen Ridge Resort

Located in south-central Oregon in the heart of ranching country, Aspen Ridge Resort is one of those tucked-away gems begging to be discovered by families. With cabin-style lodging, a relaxed atmosphere, and plenty of low-tech, low-cost activities right at its doorstep, Aspen Ridge is the type of place parents can take their kids for a true getaway that won’t cost a fortune or run you ragged.

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Aspen Ridge’s 14,000 acre spread is a working cattle ranch, and guests are invited to feel part of the dude ranch vibe. Families can horseback ride, or explore on their own, utilizing hiking and biking trails right on the property. Note that the resort is not all-inclusive, as many dude ranches are; rather, it’s dining and horseback riding is added a la carte. 

Resort lodging:

The resort offers lodge rooms and suites, and individual cabins. We recommend the latter for families, as cabins include full kitchens and sleep six. They have cozy front porches and plenty of room to spread out. Plus, kids can step right off the porch and find themselves in wilderness and pasture.

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Tip: the closest grocery stores to the ranch are in Klamath Falls and Lakeview, Oregon, both an hour’s drive away. Plan to pick up groceries for your stay en route!

Activities:

Horseback riding: Most people want to experience horseback riding while at the ranch. Owner Karen Simmons assures me they are accustomed to riders of all experience levels, from the complete novice to those who have horses of their own. Since Aspen Ridge is a working cattle ranch, their livestock are the focus of every ride they take. Guests can join wranglers as they monitor animal health, doctor sick animals, check moms and babies during calving season, sort, gather or simply scatter cattle around the ranch. For young children unable to control an animal, they offer a riding experience in a round corral or horse pasture. Adult horseback rides are $45.00/person/ride (approximately two hours) and child horseback rides are $30.00/hour/horse.

horseback-ridingAdditional on-site activities: Families can play tennis, hike and ride bikes (trails are on-property). The resort lake has swimming and catch-and-release (it’s stocked). Fishers just need an Oregon fishing license which can be purchased at many retail locations or online through the Oregon Fish & Wildlife Department.

Note: Aspen Ridge is off the grid – internet reception is limited to the main lodge and cell service is non-existent. It’s excellent!

Off-site activities: Guests can discover turn-of-the-century homestead remains, enjoy bird watching and wildflower hunting (both especially plentiful in the spring and early summer), or check out our many lakes and streams within easy driving distance. Outside the ranch the Corral Creek Trailhead to the Gearhart Wilderness is approximately a forty-five minute drive. From there, it’s an easy mile hike to the Palisades, an area with spectacular rock formations and a big view of the valley below.

Dining:

Families will likely cook most meals in their cabins, but won’t want to miss the lodging dining for at least a few meals. The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and offers options for the whole family. The dinner menu consists primarily of USDA Choice steaks as well as chicken and children’s portions. Entrees are BBQed over mesquite charcoal on the lodge’s back deck.

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The menu is available online here: http://www.aspenrr.com/menu.htm. Reservations are required for dinner, but guests are welcome to walk-in for breakfast and lunch.

If you go: be sure to ask what ranching activities will be happening during your stay. For instance, kids love being at the ranch during calving season, when they can accompany ranch hands to check on newborn calves.

Cost:

Cabins start at $180/night (see this page for full pricing). Be sure to budget extra for horseback riding and a few lodge meals, but otherwise, ranch activities are free.

Directions:

Aspen Ridge Resort is located in Bly, Oregon, about one hour from Klamath Falls. Full directions.

South Lake Tahoe lodging for families: Aston Lakeland Village

I might as well admit it: I’m a North Lake Tahoe girl. I grew up near North Tahoe, and because of this, I simply know the area better. While I do love skiing at Sierra-at-Tahoe and Kirkwood on the South side, my heart–usually–belongs to the North. Why ‘usually’? Because until a spring skiing visit last year, I didn’t know Aston Lakeland Village existed.

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Aston Lakeland Village is exactly what you want in winter ski or summer lake fun accommodations with the family: its townhouse give you room to spread out, you can cook in, you have pools and hot tubs at your disposal, and it’s affordable. Plus, in winter, you get a complimentary breakfast daily. Comped breakfast…in a townhouse? What?!

My beef with South Tahoe is the constant energy of the downtown ‘strip’. Because of its location in Nevada, South Tahoe has gambling, and a lot of it. Now, I know some people enjoy this energetic ambiance, but when I’m on a mountain getaway, I want tranquility. Even though Lakeland Village is only about half a mile from the casinos, it’s completely quiet, in a wooded setting right on the lake shore.

Did I forget to say Lakeland Village is, indeed, lakeside? This was the view from our room.

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I get excited when I talk about family ski lodging with true value, because it’s hard to come by. Enjoying a ski vacation, or a summer lakeside vacation in Tahoe, is an expensive endeavor. That fact is not lost on me, trust me. At Lakeland Village,  you get a swimming beach right on the lake, big townhouses with full kitchens, free breakfast (in winter), two pool complexes, free parking and wifi, and…wait for it…comped ski lift tickets with certain packages.

We tried this out at the end of March 2016, receiving lift tickets to Sierra-at-Tahoe (Lakeland Village also offers tickets to Heavenly). It was so convenient to get our tickets at check-in, put them on our jackets, and go straight to the lifts upon arrival at Sierra. Check Lakeland’s package deals before you book; it may be well worth it to opt for a lift ticket package. Discounted lift tickets are also available.

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Our townhouse at Lakeland Village had a living space with TV and fireplace, a large outdoor deck overlooking the lake (with table and chairs), two full bathrooms, and three bedrooms (plus an additional bedroom considered a ‘sleeping loft’). Um, we had more room than we knew what to do with. You could easily sleep 10 in this type of townhouse, which means Lakeland Village qualifies in my favorite type of ski lodging category: perfect for multigenerational groups.

We literally stepped off our deck to reach the beachside swimming complex, where we could dip into the hot tub. (Pools are closed in winter, but an additional pool and hot tub, both open year-round, are located near the reception area and lodge.) In summer, I can imagine BBQing from the deck while the kids swim in the lake (there’s a roped-off swimming area).

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Townhouse pricing:

Lakeland Village offers standard lodge rooms all the way up to five-bedroom lakeside townhouses. We had a ‘lake view’ townhouse (which meant it was 50 steps from the beach instead of 30), and during the spring season, it was listed at $359/night. Split between a couple families, that’s downright budget-friendly, right on the water in South Tahoe. Prices will vary by season, of course, but with multiple deals offered every day, this is an option families should look into when searching for South Lake Tahoe lodging.

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Included in the price was the free breakfast and full maid service daily (rare in town homes). The lift ticket deal is a separate package; just call when booking if you don’t see the option online. The only thing missing was a washer and dryer, which is so helpful for skiing families. There are coin-operated laundry facilities in the main lodge, but boy did I wish we had them in the townhouse.

When we go to South Tahoe, we ski at Sierra-at-Tahoe, because of its low-key vibe, great ski school, and expert terrain. Read our full review of Sierra-at-Tahoe here.

Disclosure: We stayed at Lakeland Village as guests of the resort, for the purpose of review. Without these stays, we would be unable to provide our readers with honest reviews.

Idaho vacation pick: Hotel McCall review

We really enjoy vacationing in Idaho, both in summer and winter. Like Wyoming and Utah, this state continues to surprise us with awesomeness. Most recently, we took a six-day vacation rafting the Salmon River with O.A.R.S. rafting, which put us in scenic McCall, Idaho pre and post-trip. I’ve visited McCall many years ago while in college, and remembered a fun and lively lake town. McCall is still all that, but in addition to the energy that pumps through this vacation town in summer, there’s a dignified, peaceful side that will appeal to parents.

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Hotel McCall Review:

We stayed at the Hotel McCall, located directly downtown one street from Payette Lake. While we were right in the heart of things at Hotel McCall, our suite itself (as well as the general hotel grounds) was quiet and spacious. We had a one-bedroom condo, which overlooked the lake and included a large master bedroom and bathroom with shower and jacuzzi tub, a full kitchen, and a living room with pull-out couch. The unexpected surprise: our rooms included a large outdoor balcony with table and chairs with a town and lake view; we were able to sit outside with a beverage or meal and see the tourist town at it’s best without being in the midst of it.

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The layout of the Hotel McCall is unique: in addition to the main building with understated but upscale lobby area, another building is connected by a sky bridge and/or elevator. We stayed on this side, but it was an easy walk to the lobby. There’s a courtyard directly below and behind the hotel, which includes shops and dining, including a great bistro and wine bar, and green space where families can spread out and play a game of bocce ball.

There’s a saline pool for swimming year round (in summer, you’ll want to head to the lake, too), and included parking and WiFi. Our boys loved the DVD players in each room, with access to a long list of DVDs which could be checked out of the Hotel McCall library. For winter guests, ski lockers line the hallways, tucked away unnoticed in summer.

Onsite is a spa room where massages can be booked (if only I had time for this!) and a fitness facility. Nearby, Legacy Park is just across the street, with access to the lake, and there’s golf, hiking trails, and mountain biking within a few miles.

Dining:

We loved that Hotel McCall offered a continental breakfast set up from 7 am to 10 am each morning. This is such a value to busy and hungry families who don’t have time to cook in the kitchen or booked a room without one. There’s also Rupert’s, a casual dining restaurant with lake views and a bar. As noted above, additional restaurants are within very easy walking distance.

Room options:

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We stayed in a one-bedroom condo which books for approximately $250-$300/night. Other options include regular 2-queen or king bed rooms for $149 to $160, a two-bedroom condo for $350, or a one-bedroom suite for $249. The condo we experienced was nicely decorated with a fresh, modern feel. We loved the deep tub!

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This hotel is on the more expensive side, but for the amenities and location, we felt the value was there. Families wanting to be steps from everything, with space to settle in and make some meals, will be very happy here!

Directions:

Hotel McCall is located at 1101 N. 3rd Street, McCall Idaho. It’s easy to find on the main drag through town.

As I disclose whenever applicable, our stay at Hotel McCall was complimentary, for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.

A week stay at Three Bars Ranch, British Columbia

There are beautiful resorts and vacation properties all over the world. The best start with a stunning destination, then add experiences, dining, and activities in a way that feeds both a sense of adventure and the need for relaxation. Then there are a few truly special, tucked-away places that manage to do all of the above, plus add a certain something that take them over-the-top for family travel. What is this secret sauce? It’s hard to say, but you know it when you experience it: it’s genuine, organic, and rooted in excellent guest service. These magical places make our top 1% of destination reviews.

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The Three Bars Ranch in the Canadian Rockies of British Columbia is one of these places. One of the top 1% ones. One of the cream of the crop ones. They don’t get this rating from us by offering the most luxurious accommodations we’ve ever seen (we’ve seen nicer). They don’t get it from serving gourmet food. They don’t get it with a Michelin rating or a bunch of diamonds after their name in the guidebooks. They get it by being themselves, which is an authentic guest dude ranch with a long-standing family history, and by doing for guests: if it’s on your bucket list and can be done in the Rockies, they’ll make it happen.

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We’ve now reviewed multiple dude ranches, and our standard advice continues to be: know what you want before you book, then book accordingly. Some dude ranches we’ve experienced focus almost exclusively on their riding program, and are best for experienced riders. Others are more like B&Bs or farm stays. Three Bars Ranch wins in the ‘all-round best for everyone’ category, but after staying for a week, I urge families not to think of it as a dude ranch.

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Instead, think of Three Bars as an all-inclusive Canadian holiday, or as a family camp. With rafting, mountain biking, sport shooting, tennis, swimming, fly fishing, hiking, and golf in addition to its riding program, Three Bars truly does have something for everyone. But it’s more than that: remember the secret sauce? Three Bars manages to offer all of the above, and do so seamlessly, in a way that makes families feel relaxed, welcome, and comfortable both with the ranch staff and with each other. Trust us: not all dude ranches achieve this.

What to expect at Three Bars Ranch:

Like most dude ranches, families typically book at week at Three Bars. We arrived on a Sunday in late June, pulling up to the ranch house, barn, and other structures at about 4 pm. We were greeted by two of our wranglers at the main lodge, and shown to our cabin, one of about 20 circling the lodge on a grassy court. We settled in, and explored the grounds.

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Three Bars is situated on over 1200 acres of pasture, forests, and mountainsides, plus uses an additional 60,000 acres of leased land in the heart of the Canadian Rockies along the St. Mary’s River. The ranch property includes the main lodge where we checked in, the cabins, tennis courts, an indoor swimming pool and hot tub, an activities barn with mountain bikes, and the horse padlocks and barns. Right away, it was clear that we were to consider this property ‘ours’ during our stay, and immediately, the kids felt comfortable wandering (as did we). They found the ping-pong and foosball tables, the pool table in the bar (open to youth players), the cozy gazebo, and the petting ‘zoo’, which is a true manaserie of animals all in need of lots of petting and holding (including a donkey, pigmy goat, pony, chickens, kittens, and goats).

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After a Sunday evening meet-and-greet, welcome dinner, and orientation, daily life at the ranch settles into a routine. Every day, a bulletin board will list the day’s schedule, which will always include a morning and afternoon horse ride, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and an evening activity. Alternative afternoon activities are always offered: whether it be a scheduled rafting trip or a specifically arranged fly fishing trip, ATV ride, or mountain bike trip. Every morning, head wrangler (and ranch owner) Tyler Beckley comes around to each breakfast table to arrange the day’s activities for each family. This is the time for families to choose which type of ride to go on, or what alternative activity to schedule. As the week wore on, we, like many families, met friends and arranged to ride and play together, asking for teen rides, group rides, and ladies only rides. All were easily arranged.

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Our typical day (Mon-Fri at the ranch) started by barely waking up in time for 8 am breakfast (unheard of for us, early-risers!), taking a morning ride of our choice (usually a fast ride while the kids rode with friends, or a family ride), coming back for lunch and a little break, an afternoon activity, which alternated between another ride or a different activity (one afternoon we went target shooting, another we went rafting), then down time in the late afternoon.

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We filled this time by swimming in the pool, playing ping-pong or tennis, riding a bike along the trails, or just sitting on the porch of our cabin with a glass of wine.

Our family especially love riding bikes along the single track horse trails and many dirt roads and ATV trails around the ranch; bikes are available in the activities barn (the smallest being 17″ during our visit…a good size for a 10-year-old or up). From the barn area, trails can be accessed easily, either from the pastures or the trails past the large reining barn. We also swam and played tennis, and other families went fly fishing (equipment is available to use) and ATV riding (extra fee).

The ranch bar opens each day at 5 pm, and families tend to gather there to compare notes on the day. Kids order smoothies and play pool, and adults relax over a beer or cocktail. Dinner is at 6:30, followed by an evening activity, always with the wranglers, who also eat meals with guests and socialize naturally with everyone.

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Evening activities during our stay ranged from a reining horse demonstration by horse trainer Jessie Buckley to a volleyball match and a cowboy guitar entertainer. Because it doesn’t get dark in summer in this part of the world until almost 11 pm, the kids tended to play on the lawns or soak in the hot tub until well after 9 pm, with lights out for our crew of school-aged and teen kids well past bedtime.

The Three Bars riding program:

If I had to pick one part of the Three Bars Ranch that is at the heart of the stay, it would be the riding program, though I want to emphasize again that this ranch is about so much more than riding. That said, compared to riding programs at dude ranches we’ve visited that have more of a ‘riding is everything’ attitude, Three Bars is still very much on par.

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The riding is incredible. The horses are very well trained and responsive, and to a person, the wranglers were friendly, competent, and helpful. During our visit, there was a very even mix of ability level on horseback, with about 1/3 of the riders considering themselves novices, 1/3 experienced riders who don’t ride often, and 1/3 frequent riders. On Day 1, everyone was introduced to their horse, pre-selected based on a questionnaire asking for experience level. Every one of the 30+ guests were happy with their horses during our stay.

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The first day, everyone I spoke to began by walking only, with wranglers keeping a careful eye on ability level and horse/rider compatibility. We didn’t mind, even though we were eager to trot and lope our horses, because the first ride was a great opportunity to get to know the area and see some of the scenery away from the ranch proper. By our second ride (afternoon of Day 1), our family was trotting, and by Day 2, we were loping (by request…this is not necessary). At another ranch we’d visited, rides started out fast and furious…great for experienced riders but uncomfortable for those who ride only occasionally.

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On subsequent days, we verbalized what type of ride we wanted during the morning check-in with Tyler, whether it be a walking ride, ride with plenty of breaks and play time for kids, medium ride (with trotting and some loping), or fast ride (with more bouts of loping). We rode with our family unit and also with new friends. I absolutely love riding, so I greatly enjoyed the riding program, but individuals who would rather pursue other actives could absolutely do so. My kids loved having their ‘own’ horses for the week, and bonded with them quickly. In fact, even though 13-year-old Calvin, who liked riding fast, ended up with a very slow horse, he didn’t want to switch…he’d learned to love slow Chico!

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Dining at Three Bars:

Meals are served at 8 am, noon, and 6:30 pm at Three Bars, and the food is always good. Occasionally during our stay, it was only ok, and sometimes, it was amazing. Full disclosure: I’m not a foodie. Especially during a vacation where we work up such an appetite, I’d honestly rather have good food, and plenty of it, than great food, in tiny, fancy portions.

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At Three Bars, you get the former. We had no complaints, and always had our fill. The dining staff did an excellent job accommodating my pescetarian dietary needs, as well as others’ gluten-free needs. They can accommodate any type of need, with advanced warning. Breakfast included staples such as egg dishes, hash browns, pancakes, and granola, and there was always cereal, fruit, yogurt, and toast. Coffee was average (if you’re a coffee connoisseur, bring your own!) and water, tea, and coffee was always set out during the day.

Lunch ranged from sandwich fixings to make-your-own-burrito bars, always with freshly-baked cookies and side salads. Dinners ranged from ribs to herb chicken to Italian pastas, always with something for everyone. If you come expecting gourmet fare, you’ll be disappointed, but if your primarily goal is to be served hearty fare, you’ll go away happy. We had brought snacks for our room, but never needed them.

Lodging at Three Bars:

The cabins at Three Bars are very comfortable, visually beautiful, and convenient. Each has a TV with plenty of channels (though we hardly ever turned ours on), coffee service, a full bathroom with tub, WiFi (a godsend since I had to work during the stay), and very cozy beds with high-end linens.

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There are different cabin configurations, but we ended up with two connecting rooms (one with three beds for the kids and a queen bed for me), giving us two bathrooms. Rooms have mini-fridges and cabinet space for snacks, plus plenty of closet space for riding gear and outerwear. Each cabin has a porch with table and chairs out front, all overlooking the main lawn and lodge.

What to know before you go:

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  • Everyone will need riding boots. The good news: boots can be rented from the ranch for $30/stay. This is a great value if you have older kids, as boots are expensive.
  • Everyone will want a cowboy hat. They have them for sale in the store for a reasonable price. We had our ahead of time.
  • Kids under 12 must wear a riding helmet. I felt great about this rule.
  • Remember you’ll need passports or copies of the kids’ birth certificates to get across the Canadian border.
  • Once at the ranch, you don’t need cash other than gratuity. All extra charges will go on a room charge. Tip should be 5-10% of the cost of the vacation, and can be given at the end of the stay.
  • The activities that are not all-inclusive include ATV-riding, shooting, fly fishing, golf, and alcohol from the bar.
  • All riding levels are accommodated. Don’t worry about lack of experience, or having too much experience.
  • The wrangler staff are primarily young people from Canada and Australia. All are wonderful, and will make your kids feel special.
  • Activities such as mountain biking, fishing, golf, and ATV riding can be scheduled at any time. Shooting sports and rafting are scheduled for set times.
  • Kids can participate in shooting sports, regardless of experience. As non-gun-owners, we felt the experience was very safe and positive, with an emphasis on respect for guns.
  • Bring several pairs of jeans per person, and plan to do laundry!
  • Expect to miss your horse when you leave!

We experienced Three Bars Ranch as guests of the ranch, for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.

Where to stay on San Juan Island with kids

If you read our post last week, you’re all set with your San Juan Island with kids itinerary! Now, where to stay on San Juan Island with kids: while it’s true that the San Juan Islands are known as a destination for B&Bs, other options do exist. Read on for our top lodging experiences on San Juan Island, with a wide range of options for your family.

san-juan-islands with kids

 

Lakedale Resort: Kid-heaven on three lakes

If the kid-friendly factor is #1 in your book, but you don’t want to sacrifice quiet and tranquility while you enjoy island life, head to Lakedale. This island resort is located inland on a network of three small lakes, but is still only 4.5 miles from Friday Harbor. Entering Lakedale feels like entering summer camp: past the lodge and cabins is the general store, a crafts tent (usually with tie-dye t-shirts hanging to dry), and a swimming beach plus multiple docks with kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, and paddle-boards. Lodging includes log cabins, ‘glamping’ tent cabins, a retro Airstream, and a full campground. (There’s also a lodge with lodge rooms, but these are for guests 16 and up.) The Lakedale log cabins include kitchens and separate bedrooms, and their glamping tents include full beds, luxury linens, and even room for four (instead of the usual two per tent).

lakedale-canoe

We stayed in a cabin, and had plenty of room for our family of five. With the full kitchen, we were able to make meals in-house (though a grocery run pre-arrival is important…the general store is limited). We loved the back porch with lovely shaded views of the woods and lake, plus the space to start our own campfire in our fire ring. We also had a BBQ and lots of space for the kids the play. Listening to the bird song in the trees on the back porch in the evenings couldn’t be beat, even by ocean views.

lakedale-cabin

Kids have the run of the place at Lakedale; there’s a very comfortable, friendly atmosphere here. We rented paddle-boards for our kids, gave them ice cream money, and didn’t see them until dinner time. (Note: they were old enough to play unsupervised, but young kids do need an adult, of course.) The resort is located lakeside, but is also within easy drive of both Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor.

Location: 4313 Roche Harbor Road

Island Inn: Friday Harbor ‘city’ life

Want to stay in the heart of it all instead? Located in Friday Harbor, right across the street from the pier, Island Inn is self-described as ‘off the coast of ordinary’. This boutique-style hotel has a forward-thinking approach to room rental: singles and couples can reserve small, view-less ‘euros‘ (private rooms), which include access to a ‘view share’: communal room with windows looking out over the harbor, kitchenettes, and living space. These rooms are available for families, too, but kids must be 16 and up.

island-inn

Families with younger kids can opt to reserve ‘sweets’ or ‘penthouses’, with up to nearly 1500 square feet. In all Island Inn lodging options, families can cook their own meals and relax in a home-like setting. Plus, those views? Are out of this world. Nightly rates range widely depending on season and room type, but in the off-season when we visited, they started under $200/night.

Location: directly on Front Street!

Roche Harbor Resort: Family-friendly, lively atmosphere

If you’re interested in all the amenities kids love, from an outdoor pool to lawn games and lots of space to play, but also want to be in the thick of things, you’ll want to head to Roche Harbor Resort. Many options exist for families here, ranging from a stay in the historic Hotel de Haro or historic cottages to village homes with 2-3 bedrooms. The lodging ranges drastically from new to old, but all are within easy walking distance (and view) of the harbor or bay.

roche-harbor

Roche Harbor is a busy marina, with lots of kids to see and do, and several dining options. Families will need to have a car, however, to explore Friday Harbor and the rest of the island.

Location: Rueben Memorial Drive, Roche Harbor

Snug Harbor Resort: Graceful, gorgeous, and welcoming

Snug Harbor Resort is one of those rare losing options that manage to be all things to all people. At first glance, it appears this sleek all-cabin and suite resort nestled on the tucked-away cove of Mitchell Bay would be suited only for yoga enthusiasts, cyclists, or couples seeking peace and quiet. This is perfectly true, but with its communal fire pits, complimentary kayak and paddle-board rentals, and green spaces, it’s also ideal for families with kids.

snug-harbor-resort

The cabins themselves have been newly remodeled and are absolutely beautiful. I stepped inside ours and sighed with utter contentment. Each has wood accents throughout, a gas-powered stove for heat, ample windows facing the bay, and a full kitchen. Ours had two bedrooms plus a pull-out couch, perfect for our family. We kayaked, paddled, ate s’mores, and yes, I practiced yoga on my porch overlooking the Salish Sea in the morning.

paddle-board

There’s even a coffee shop on-site for your java-fix, and Roche Harbor is only about five minutes away by car, should you want an evening out.

Snug Harbor Resort is located at 1997 Mitchell Bay Rd.

The Kirk House: the place to book for a couples-only getaway

Located just a few blocks from the heart of Friday Harbor, The Kirk House is owned by Doug and Roxy Kasman, who are warm, welcoming, and as far from the ‘fussy’ B&B type as you can get. Their property is a beautiful bungalow with a comfortable sitting room with four bedrooms leading off of it. Each has their own bathroom. While family groups can reserve the whole house (Doug and Roxy live off-site), this lodging experience is best without the kids.

kirk-house

Each room at the Kirk House has its own character and own amenities. If booking just a few rooms (not the whole house) it’s recommended kids are 14 and up, as rooms are not baby-proofed, etc. Definitely call before booking to see which will be best for you. Some have tubs, others have large walk-in showers. All have wifi, and comfortable robes and heavenly beds. The neighborhood is quiet, even though the high school is across the street. The house features a lovely wraparound porch with rocking chairs, and some grass out front and gardens out back.

kirk-house

Breakfast is included at the Kirk House, and it was fabulous. We started with yogurt and fruit parfaits with local berries and homemade granola, which would have been enough to fill me up! We were then served a delicious upside-down apple cake (again, locally sourced) and a honey-baked ham. Coffee, tea, and juice are available, and throughout the day, little snacks and goodies are set out. Call for room rates, and consider visiting in the off-season, when rates are lower and town is quieter!

kirk-house

Location: 595 Park Street, Friday Harbor

Where do you stay on San Juan Island? Check out our related post on nearby Orcas Island!

Five unusual outdoor lodging picks for families

Ever wanted to stay the night in a yurt, overlooking the ocean? How about a rustic cabin in the mountains, a tree house in the woods, or even a fire lookout with sweeping views? All of the above are easily accessible to all travelers – no wilderness experience necessary! Extend the camping season with these year-round lodging experiences, and learn where and when to book them.

Yurts: Comfortable Camping Without the RV

Yurts are not just in rural Mongolia anymore! These canvas-sided circular shelters have been popular additions to many state parks across the U.S. and Canada, offering four-season lodging for those without an RV or camper. Perfect for families with young children, yurts come in rustic or deluxe models, all with electricity, beds (bring your own bedding), and heat. Arriving late to the campground? No need to hassle with tent setup! Want to experience the outdoors without sleeping on the ground? Yurts are the perfect solution.

How to book: Search for yurt lodging by state park on ReserveAmerica.com.

Top yurt: Harriman State Park, an Idaho nature reserve outside Yellowstone National Park, offers a select few deluxe yurts, complete with wood-burning stoves inside. Families can bask in solitude, just miles from Yellowstone crowds.

Unusual Campsite Booking Schedule
Source: Fix.com

Cabins and Huts: Cozy Wilderness Lodging

Channel your inner Little House on the Prairie when sleeping in cabins in private campgrounds like KOA Kampgrounds or state parks and reserves. Like yurts, cabins range from simple shelters to “glamping-style” cottages with one to three rooms. Some, such as select KOA cabins, offer full bathrooms and kitchens in their deluxe models. State park cabins typically offer a room, beds, and a porch or balcony, plus a fire pit and picnic table for cooking and dining. Campers wanting to get further afield can opt for a hut-to-hut hiking experience. Run by private companies on both coasts, hut-to-hut operations allow backpackers to hike anywhere between three and ten miles to various backcountry huts. Depending on the operation, huts can include hot meals, full bedding, or simple shelter.

How to book: Reserve KOA Kampground cabins via their official website or by phone, and reserve state park cabins on ReserveAmerica.com. For hut-to-hut lodging, reserve directly through each private operation, such as Outdoors.org or Cascadehuts.com.

Top cabin: For an upscale cabin experience in a resort setting, stay in a KOA deluxe cabin in Jackson Hole/Snake River, Wyoming.

Top hut-to-hut: Appalachian Mountain Club’s network of AMC lodges and huts offers pristine hiking without the heavy packs in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

Have we whet your appetite for more? Find three more outdoor lodging ideas in our article on fix.com. 


Source: Fix.com

Exploring Port Townsend with kids

Located at the very tip of Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula, Port Townsend has a lot to offer families. From the quaint waterfront town with its lively history to a storied military presence, exploring Port Townsend with kids includes hiking trails, fort batteries, ice cream shops, and touch tanks! Here’s what’s in store (and where to stay):

port-townsend

Downtown Port Townsend:

It’s easy to see the charm of this small town as soon as you enter, whether via road from elsewhere on the peninsula or by boat (more on that later). The shipyards are open to the public, which means boat-loving kids can see dry-docked vessels up close and personal, and Union Wharf offers great views of the ferry.

Start on Water Street, where kids will want to view the wooden boat outside the NW Maritime Center, then head across the street to City Hall Museum run by the Jefferson County Historical Society. We would have overlooked this museum had I not been taken there by a local: inside the historic courtroom, visitors can get an overview of the town’s history, then go downstairs to see old jail cells (Jack London is rumored to have spent a night inside) and exhibits on the region’s pioneering, Japanese, and native cultures.

port-townsend-history

 

Right nearby is Dogs-a-Foot, a hot dog stand with every type of hot dog desired. It’s a perfect lunch pit stop, with tables outside. Afterward, continue your stroll down Water Street for a stop at Elevated Ice Cream. This locally-owned and operated ice cream shop offers unique, locally-sourced flavors, and has a chocolate shop and candy store located next door.

Stop into any other shops that interest you; you’ll find a great local bookstore and numerous galleries. Note the historic architecture; Port Townsend has some of the best preserved buildings in the NW. If you have your car with you, don’t forget about ‘uptown’: historic Port Townsend built on both the wharf and in the hills, and families will find the best Victorian architecture overlooking the downtown region. This area features a lot of the town’s B&Bs, but you’ll also find wonderful bakeries, diners, and shops.

elevated-creamery

Note: If you’re in the downtown/shipyard area for breakfast, you’ll want to head to the Blue Moose Cafe on Haines for an authentic home-cooked meal. This local hangout is right in the shipyards, and has been overseen by the current cook (not chef!) for decades.

Fort Worden State Park:

fort-worden

We’re pretty sure Fort Worden State Park is the heart of Port Townsend as far as kids are concerned. This sprawling park is located just outside of downtown on the coast, with beach access, hiking trails, and picnic grounds. The central feature of Fort Worden is the fort, which served as defense against invasion during WWI. The invasion never came, but the many fort batteries remain, with platforms for artillery, ammunition storage rooms, and many more intriguing spaces for kids to explore. The batteries are open to the public, which is a very welcome feature in a world that has increasingly shut doors on historical sites. Kids will love climbing on them, running through their creepy, dark tunnels and hallways, and generally playing soldier. Parental supervision is absolutely needed, of course; small children could fall or get lost. Don’t worry, you’ll want to explore the batteries just as much! Prepare to spend hours here!

marine-science-center

In addition to the batteries, Fort Worden is home to the Marine Science Centerlocated right on Battery Way. It’s open from April through October, with innovative saltwater touch tanks. The center staff bring sea life into the tanks in the spring, and release all the creatures in the fall. Daily, fresh salt water from the ocean adjacent is flushed into the tanks. Kids can touch many marine animals, and see more in additional aquariums. Across the street, the education building houses a whale skeleton and other educational exhibits with a conservation theme.

marine-conservation

There are numerous walking trails through Fort Worden (grab a trail map when you enter) and some take kids to additional batteries (less crowded than the one near the beach). There are several campgrounds, and yes, the beach has swimming access. The Point Wilson lighthouse makes for a great backdrop to your Olympic Peninsula beach day!

Inland from the beach, the campus of Fort Worden remains, though quieter than in its active days. Currently, buildings and rooms can be rented for vacation stays, allowing families to further immerse themselves in the area’s history.

Yes, you can stay the night in Fort Worden!

fort-worden

Rentals include full homes on Officers’ Row, units in the Non-Commissioned Officers’ Row, or dormitory rooms. I checked out an Officer’s Row house, where I stayed the night overlooking the campus and ocean. Officers’ Row houses include 1 and 1/2 bathrooms, four bedrooms, a parlor and a dining room, and a full kitchen. It’s fun to see firsthand how officers and their families lived during WWI. These houses are not newly renovated, but are comfortable and very spacious. Kids can play outside, and everyone can walk to the beach, the light house, and the batteries. There is no wifi, but in the check-in building (which is newer), there is a sitting room and a coffee counter where your java and wifi needs can be met.

fort-worden

Beyond Port Townsend proper, the Olympic Discovery Trail weaves 120 miles between the town and La Push, on the western coast, and of course, the rest of the Olympic Peninsula beckons with Olympic National Park and numerous additional hiking trails and beaches. Read more about Olympic National Park with kids!

How to get here:

puget-sound-express

Port Townsend and Fort Worden are located on Highway 20, which connects with Highway 101. Families can also take Washington State ferries directly to town from Whidbey Island (Coupeville) or take the Puget Sound Express from the San Juan Islands. We recommend booking a whale watching trip with this company, even if you don’t need them for transportation to the peninsula. On our trip with Puget Sound Express, we saw humpback whales, porpoises, and harbor seals.

Port Townsend

Family dude ranch vacation: a stay at Triangle X Ranch

There are many family dude ranch vacation options to choose from, and the time to book for next summer is…now. Dude ranches fill up fast, as many families book repeat visits. What sets Triangle X Ranch apart?

Let’s start with the family history. And I’m not talking about the Turner family history, even though this Wyoming family has owned and run the ranch for five generations (and counting). I’m talking about the guests’ family histories. During my time at the ranch, I talked to not one, not two or three, but the vast majority of guests who told me they’ve been coming to Triangle X for years, some decades. Parents brought their children, who now bring their children. Grandparents bring the grandkids. Children grow up coming, from age six up.

triangle-x-ranch

And yes, this is your view daily. When I asked one guest how he’d heard about the ranch, he explained that his parents had met here, and that none other than Harold Turner, current patriarch of the ranch, had been their best man. Triangle X may be owned by the Turner family, but longtime guests consider it pretty much theirs, and treat it with the appropriate care, bordering on devotion.

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Is all this history intimidating to new families, exploring Triangle X for the first time? It can be. The first day of our week-long visit, we watched multiple ‘Triangle X reunions’, as families embraced after a year apart. It felt as though everyone else knew where to sit in the Main House dining room, where to gather for a game of cards, and each others’ names. But it didn’t take us long to notice something else: everyone was welcoming. Without exception, every guest was quick to introduce themselves, and offer a tidbit of information about the ranch.

triangle-x-ranch

Due to communal dining and recreation, we quickly met other families who were at Triangle X for the first time. Our kids blended quickly and easily into groups where many children already knew one another, and thanks to social mixers, dances, and multiple riding options, we adults did the same.

triangle-x-ranch

Most people seem to hear about Triangle X by word-of-mouth, but those who find it through research learn that it’s the only dude ranch operating inside the boundaries of Grand Teton National Park. It’s all-inclusive, focused primarily on horseback riding, and structured with a ‘family camp’ vibe. The setting cannot be beat—the Tetons are your backdrop for the entire week—and the children’s programming is at once intensive and casual. What you get is great riding in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Triangle-X-Ranch

It’s all about the riding.

While families can certainly take days or half-days off to hike, raft, or relax, the primary focus of Triangle X is definitely horseback riding. It’s a dude ranch in the traditional sense: on the Monday morning of each weeklong stay, each guest is paired with a horse who will stay with him or her through Saturday. Two rides per day are scheduled, with multiple options for all riding levels. Guests let the ranch know their riding abilities and experience pre-stay, and on check-in day (Sunday evening), head wrangler Megan comes by each cabin to introduce herself and answer any questions.

riding-at-triangle-x

During our stay, the following dizzying array of ride options were offered morning and afternoon: fast ride, medium ride (sometimes a fast-medium ride), scenic walk ride, lesson ride, kids’ ride, and teen ride. Within the lesson ride category, rides were organized into walking lessons, trotting lessons, and loping lessons. Not sure where to start? Ask Megan.

triangle-x-ranch

Tip: If you have little or no experience on a horse, a lesson ride is a great idea. Start slow: the week is long, and you’ll get plenty of time to step things up. In my experience, lesson rides are the only place to get instruction. All other rides will proceed assuming you know the basics. For kids and teens with little experience, the kids’ ride starts out slow, then divides into several smaller groups based on experience level. Parents can ride with kids and teens on their rides, but not vice versa; no kids on adult rides.

dude-ranch-vacations

Daily rides start from the ranch, and follow one of many trails in the national park boundary. My favorites meandered along the banks of the Snake River. Depending on the ride you select, the group may be loping long distances, forging streams, or navigating narrow trails. On every ride, a wrangler oversees the group. Safety is important, but only discussed on Monday morning, so as noted above, a lesson ride will help those with less experience. Rides depart at 9 am and 2 pm, and last a few hours each. On select days, additional or different rides are offered, such as a sunset cookout ride, an all-day ride high into the mountains, and a family ride. Guests can, of course, opt out of any scheduled ride, and do something else instead.

Kids and teens:

triangle-x-ranch

At Triangle X, kids and teens have their own distinct programs, and are separated from adults most of the time. This, of course, can be viewed as a positive or a negative. While we usually experience vacations as a family, I have to say my kids loved their uninterrupted friend time on the ranch. Kids age 6-12 eat in their own dining area, and ride together morning and afternoon. Teens 13-17 do the same. Both groups have their own dedicated wranglers. The kid and teen program is not as structured as a ‘resort program’, where kids are checked in and out and multiple activities are offered; rather, it’s an organic experience that seems to hold together like glue. Expect wranglers to be supervising during rides, but not during time around the ranch. At times, adult rides or activities would be scheduled during kid free time; you’ll want one adult to be on-hand to check in on your ‘free range’ kids. Children share cabins with their families, of course, and in the evenings and between rides, can opt for family time or friend time (they have the run of the ranch).

Lodging:

triangle-x-cabins

I’d describe the Triangle X cabins as ‘upscale rustic’. Our ‘Berry’ cabin slept six, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, but most were smaller, with 1-2 bedrooms. Each has a covered porch with chairs, electricity, heater, and a small refrigerator. It’s worth noting that cabins do not have wifi, phones, or TVs. Maid service is available, or families can opt for fresh towels only. We were perfectly comfortable. Most cabins have views of the Tetons, with the exception of the few at the far end of the first row. These have wooded views, which I found just as charming.

Dining:

triangle-x-dining

Expect ‘camp’ or ‘ranch’ fare, and you’ll go home happy. We were completely satisfied with the dining service, but foodies should note: it is not gourmet. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served communally in the lovely dining room, with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water available at all times. Beer and wine are BYO, and can be brought to the table. When away from the ranch, sack lunches can be requested (the night before). We were never hungry, but we were also never wowed. Since we hadn’t expected to be, we were perfectly content. All food is kid-friendly, and allergies or special preferences are accommodated.

Other activities:

snake-river

If (or rather, when) you need a break from riding, Triangle X also offers guided fishing trips and float trips. The Turner family knows their stuff, so you’re in good hands. The ranch is also only 10 minutes from excellent hiking, swimming, and and kayaking in Grand Tetons, and approximately 45 minutes from Yellowstone National Park. Jackson Hole is 30 minutes away, where most families plan to attend the weekly rodeo.

snake-river

During our stay, we hiked directly from the Triangle X property, drove to Jackson Lake and String Lake in Grand Tetons, and enjoyed Jackson. On one day of the week, the teens head to town for a movie, and on another, the kids enjoy their own float trip down the Snake.

Cost:

Triangle X is an all-inclusive vacation, and the weekly rate ranges from about $1800-$2200 per person, in the peak season. See rates for full details.

Why consider a dude ranch vacation:

family-dude-ranch-vacation

After experiencing Triangle X, I favorably compare it to other low guest ratio inclusive vacation experiences like small-ship cruises, adventure travel operations, and boutique all-inclusives. You can unpack once, stay a week, and parents have nothing to worry about, from planning recreation to planning meals. Yes, you’ll need to enjoy horseback riding, but that’s stating the obvious. (You wouldn’t take a ski vacation if you didn’t like—or didn’t want to try—skiing, right?) After a week with Triangle X, we left saddle sore, but happy, relaxed, and ready to tackle the rest of our summer with renewed energy.

wildflowers

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced Triangle X as guests of the ranch. Despite the fact that my kids wanted to move in, all opinions remain our own.