Outdoor or Wilderness Resorts - Pitstops for Kids

The Coeur d’Alene Resort: a lakeside Idaho Preferred Family destination

May 13, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

With its white towers and castle-esque peaks, the Coeur d’Alene Resort is easy to spot along the lake shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. When we lived in neighboring Spokane, Washington, our family would retreat to the Coeur d’Alene Resort for family escapes, summer play, and its annual Holiday Light Show. Now that we live further afield, it’s a destination resort worth the drive.

This Preferred golf and spa property is truly a four-season destination: in summer, the lake and mountains beckon with hiking, biking, jet-skiing, and swimming. One of our favorite children’s parks, Fort Sherman Playground, is located within walking distance of the hotel, and the swimming beach is steps away. In winter, skiing is spectacular at Silver Mountain Resort. We love braving the cold while strolling the boat dock pier in winter, and checking out the snowshoe and nordic ski options on lakeside trails.

Seasonal Activities:

In winter, the resort’s Holiday of Lights Show gives the property a magical glow (which extends beyond Christmas) and the Fantasy Cruise to the North Pole is one of those family events that truly makes the holidays come alive.

Outdoor Recreation:

The Coeur d’Alene’s golf course is one of the best in the region, featuring the only ‘floating green’ we’ve seen, where golfers have to bridge a section of Lake Coeur d’Alene to make par. (Tip: have a meal at the Floating Green Restaurant.) This resort is about more than just golf however: situated within reach of Idaho’s most pristine national forest land, it serves as a home base for river rafting expeditions, hiking, camping, and horseback riding. While in Coeur d’Alene, families have all the conveniences of a large town (including high-end shopping), but also enjoy access to the wilderness. An outdoor pool compliments lake swimming, and Silverwood Theme Park offers a family-friendly, small-town theme park experience.

On-property, families can enjoy an indoor pool and wading pool for toddlers, complete with pool toys, an outdoor playground, bike rentals, crafts, and a game room. Add to that all of Idaho’s outdoor recreation, some hours swimming in the lake, and a run through Sherman Park, and you’ve got some tired, happy kids.

Room rates and amenities:

What makes this hotel Preferred Family certified? The Coeur d’Alene features standard guest rooms ranging from tower fireplace rooms to partial view rooms, and kids 17 and under are always free in their parents’ room. All rooms have the standard amenities: coffee makers, mini-bars, and internet access, and families can request high chairs, pack-n-plays, booster seats, car seats, strollers, and the list goes on. Many rooms have full kitchens, so families can eat in easily. A top-of-the-line fitness center is available to all guests. At the time of our latest visit, room rates ranged from $125-$330 per night.

Dining:

Dining options abound, both in the resort and the surrounding area. My husband claims Tito’s Italian Grill serves the best spaghetti, bar none, and the kids and I especially love the abundance of ice cream and candy shops along the main vistas of Coeur d’Alene in summer. Several chain grocery stores are nearby as well. In the resort, Beverly’s offers fine dining with an excellent wine cellar. Plan on visiting here at least once if you have a babysitter!

Directions:

From Spokane (and Spokane International Airport), take I-90 east straight to the Coeur d’Alene Resort. From Kellogg, take I-90 west. Yes, it’s that simple!

Photo credit: Blake Handley. This post is published in partnership with Preferred Family.

5 Western mountain lodges for family summer stays

April 8, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

We love mountain lodges! Whether your family enjoys hiking, mountain biking, fishing, or just swimming in a cool mountain lake, a stay at one of the following Western mountain lodges for families will provide much needed summer time R&R.

1. Lodge at Suttle Lake, Central Oregon:

Whereas much of Central Oregon is surrounded by high desert, the small town of Sisters is located in the heart of the Deschutes National Forest, where pine trees shade lakes, streams, and even cinder cones. The Lodge at Suttle Lake is located about 15 minutes from town, on the shore of Suttle Lake. It’s easy for families to hike around this small lake, or kayak or canoe straight from the marina.

Fishing is good at Suttle Lake, or families can mountain bike from Sisters. Lodging ranges from lodge rooms to multi-family cabins, and dining is lake side near the marina. We love the complimentary happy hour and peaceful gazebo where we can spot eagles and paddle boarders alike while rocking in rocking chairs.

Read our full review of the Lodge at Suttle Lake.

2. Gray Eagle Lodge, Northern California:

Truly ‘away from it all’, Northern California’s Gray Eagle Lodge is tucked away deep in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range above the town of Graeagle, California. While visiting, families are at least one hour’s drive from the nearest McDonald’s, or even a traffic stop light, and are instead surrounded on all sides by mountain lakes, forests, and streams.

We love that families can book one of over a dozen lodge-side cabins, all of which are within feet of Graeagle Creek and nearby waterfall. Families can embark on hikes to remote, foot-access-only hikes directly from the lodge, and can return at dusk for gourmet meals in the dining room.

3. Many Glacier Hotel, Montana:

Located in the heart of Glacier National Park, the Many Glacier Hotel just may be the most stunning location in which you’ve laid your head. It certainly may have been for us. The hotel sits right at the edge of Swiftcurrent Lake, which sports a backdrop of, you guessed it, glaciers. The hotel’s expansive upper story deck draws a crowd every evening for the sunset, and afterward, star-gazers linger. We loved that we could hop on a guided boat and nature walk directly from the hotel dock, and were steps away from local hikes.

The best rooms in the Many Glacier offer a view of the lake, but even if you have a rear-facing room, such as we did, you’ll still look out upon mountains and woods…not bad! We liked sitting out on our small wooden balcony, or setting up a board game at a table in one of the lodge’s many public spaces.

Read our full review of the Many Glacier Hotel.

4. Timberline Lodge, Oregon:

For an experience that’s 100% Pacific Northwest, Mt. Hood Oregon’s Timberline Lodge will not disappoint. Yes, if you visit in winter, you can ski the slopes of Timberline, but in summer, hiking reigns…as well as wildflower blooms. Families will be wowed by the large beams and high ceilings of the lodge’s main lobby; we always appreciate the authenticity of the creaking stairs and worn wood. The fireplaces are just as cozy in summer, as well as the outdoor hot tubs.

Rooms at Timberline lodge are cozy (read, small), and a family of four or five may need to book two rooms. This is definitely a downside, but the meals in Timberline’s Cascade Dining Room, especially the hearty breakfasts, will more than make up for this. Plus, Timberline is almost always running a family vacation deal that includes food and lodging, or activities.

Read our full Timberline Lodge review.

5. Redfish Lake Lodge, Idaho:

At Redfish Lake Lodge, it’s all about lakeside living. The life of the lodge is centered around the lake shore, where the Redfish Marina offers fishing boat rentals, canoe rentals, and stand-up paddle boards. You can fish, boat, horseback ride, or swim directly from the lodge, and within a short driving distance, families can try mountain climbing in the Sawtooth Mountains or hiking in the White Cloud Wilderness Area.

Dining at Redfish Lake is both rugged and upscale…at the same time. The dining room is decidedly country and comfortable, and yet the Northwest cuisine served is anything but everyday. Best of all, for large party events, your $250 deposit for lodging is applied as a dining credit in the dining room. Lodging ranges from rustic cabin stays to very comfortable lodge rooms, and all options are affordable for families.

Brasada Ranch for families: what to do with kids at this Preferred Family resort

April 1, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

It’s no secret that the Pit Stops for Kids crew loves Central Oregon. With approximately 300 days of sunshine per year, lakes and rivers to swim in, raft on, and fish from, trails to hike, and volcanoes to behold, what’s not to love? And we’ve found our top family-friendly Central Oregon resort in Brasada Ranch.

What makes Brasada Ranch great for families:

1. Lodging: During our first visit to Brasada, we stayed in one of their two-bedroom cabins overlooking a fairway of The Canyons. Not only was our cabin luxurious in every way, from the full-sized, gourmet kitchen to the two bathrooms, living room with fireplace, and large deck with hot tub, but we could truly relax, knowing that we were able to spread out, eat meals in, and allow the kids to play. We loved watching for rabbits to poke their ears out from the sage brush in the evenings (and spot them by surprise on the fairway after dusk). At night, we were spoiled by the quiet (cabins are set decently far apart), the star-studded sky, and our crackling fire.

2. On-site activities for kids: Brasada Ranch is not an all-inclusive resort, but the array of activities that are complimentary with your stay is impressive. The Athletic Center houses all of the following: two outdoor pools (including a current-driven lazy river), outdoor hot tubs, an indoor pool, an indoor toddler pool, The Hideout (an indoor kids’ play area with a revolving climbing wall, Xbox games, toys, and outdoor recreational equipment), an outdoor basketball court, a playground, and outdoor tennis courts. All the above is open to all resort guests, right down to tennis racket rentals and basketballs.

What you’ll need to pay extra for: Brasada is home to incredible golfing at Brasada Canyons and scenic horseback riding from their on-site stables. You’ll want to budget for at least one or the other. And don’t be afraid to let the kids tee up: even though the Canyons course is challenging, there are tee off options for kids as young as my then-seven-year-old. For the grown-ups in the group, a trip to Spa Brasada will not disappoint.

3. Central Oregon recreation: Families can hike directly from Brasada Ranch (as for information at the Athletic Center desk), or can hit the trails in the nearby Deschutes National Forest in Sisters, Oregon. The Braised Family Concierge can set you up with volcano hikes, cave spelunking, river rafting, or kayaking in summer, and skiing, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing in winter.

4. Peaceful, friendly, and kid-approved dining: During our stay at Brasada, we ate at both the casual Ranch House and the upscale Range with kids. Both afforded amazing sunset views of the mountains and valley, both offered farm-fresh, often local cuisine, and both came with family-friendly service. Though Range is pricier, don’t assume it’s a no-go for kids: ours loved sitting by the bonfire adjacent to our outdoor seating while waiting for their entrees, wrapped in cozy wool blankets and sampling homemade s’mores.

Brasada Ranch is a Preferred Family hotel:

What does this mean? It means that Preferred Hotels, a stickler for quality on all travel fronts, ensures that Brasada is convenient, fun, and comfortable for families. How so? If you’re staying at Brasada with young kids or babies, there will be a crib or port-a-crib waiting, high chairs and booster chairs will be available, and you’ll find kid-friendly fare in Brasada’s restaurants. There’s no extra fee for children staying in guest rooms or cabins, and children’s programming is available, as well as babysitting services, should you need it.

Looking for more family-focused Preferred hotels?

We’re picky about our endorsements of family travel tip sites, but Preferred Family makes the cut. Not only will you find a full database of family-friendly certified Preferred hotels worldwide, but Preferred Family’s blog section offers travel tips, hotel reviews, and travel industry news from families just like yours. Look for us while you’re there…we feel so strongly about Preferred Family that we contribute there!

Read Pit Stops for Kids’ full review of a Brasada Ranch stay with kids!

This post written in conjunction with a partnership with Preferred Family.

The Allison Inn and Spa: Willamette Valley wine country pick

March 21, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Tucked into the green hillside just outside the quiet Portland bedroom community of Newberg, The Allison Inn and Spa somehow feels like both a destination and a detour. Turning up the long drive, you clearly feel as if you’ve arrived, but the location is just close enough to the bustle of downtown Portland that you feel only slightly away. When you’re looking to get away for a peaceful weekend, this is the perfect combination.

Light, airy, and expansive, The Allison is harmonious with the nature surrounding it, from the span of vineyards curving over the hillside to the leafy trees and gardens. Warm wood and highly efficient and eco-friendly features (this is a LEED Gold certified property) combine with bubbling water features, open space, and locally-sourced building materials to create a visually impressive and calming property. I literally sighed with relaxation upon entering the high-ceilinged, bright lobby.

The Allison is very much a labor of love, with owners who believe in drawing in the natural world, leaving a small eco-footprint, and treating guests right. Room rates reflect the luxurious nature of The Allison, but include everything, including things you usually pay extra for, like organic and healthy mini-bar snacks and wifi.

Most guests are here to enjoy the area’s expansive wine tasting (over 200 of the state’s approximate 400 wineries are located in this region), but you could just as easily spend your time on-property, enjoying the Allison Spa (which was too fully booked for us to even tour, a great testament to its popularity), eating gourmet cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients at Jory Restaurant, swimming in the indoor pool, or relaxing with a book on one of the many terraces or heated decks, or walking the grounds.

With kids, The Allison is within easy driving distance of McMinnville Oregon’s Air and Space Museum and adjacent Wings and Waves water park, and families could easily head to Portland for the day or even the Oregon coast. Jory has a full (and reasonable) kids’ menu, and the pool and grounds are kid-friendly.

Allison room amenities:

Hands down, the best room option for families is the double queen room, of which The Allison only has approximately a dozen (so book early). This room option is very spacious, with plenty of room for a rollaway and additionally includes a window seat/day bed perfect for toddlers or small children. The lovely bathroom includes a deep tub for fun baths, and every room has a balcony, fireplace, and the aforementioned free snacks.

The Allison does have suite and junior suites, though for the much higher price point, families don’t get a great deal more than is already provided in their queen rooms. Suites include a limited mini-kitchenette (best for entertaining…not for cooking full meals), and a nice dining table, and additional privacy for parents with a separate bedroom. All rooms, suites and standard rooms alike, include local artwork on the walls which are rotated frequently and always stunning.

Jory Restaurant:

Our meal at Jory was possibly the best food I’ve ever had in Oregon (and I’ve had many excellent meals here). Kids enjoy seeing the open kitchen from much of the dining area, and the kids’ menu is healthy while still being very appealing for little ones. Jory chefs use local ingredients, including their meat, of which they use the whole animal for less waste and in-house, fresh options. In fact, The Allison produces so little waste in general that they are not on a regular waste removal pick-up; they call when they need one. Their breakfast options are as excellent as their dinners (try the signature eggs benedict), and even their compotes, syrups, and butters are made from scratch.

There is an impressive chef’s table at Jory should your party want to indulge; I’m certain the experience would be memorable.

Allison fitness center and spa:

The Allison Spa is beloved among guests and locals alike, but I appreciated that the pool, hot tub, and fitness center is for hotel guests only. The Allison pool is not extremely large, but it’s as lovely and peaceful as the rest of the property, with natural light saturating the water from the glass ceiling and wall (which can retract in warm weather). There’s a hot tub as well as the pool, plenty of lounge chairs, and an outdoor space where you can still keep an eye on kids for summer stays.

The fitness center, adjacent to the pool, is also not large, but again, light and spacious and does not feel cramped as some smaller centers can feel.

Date last visited: March 2013

Distance from the interstate: 20 minutes from I-5.

Directions: The Allison is located at 2525 Allison Lane in Newberg Oregon.

Appalachian Trail eco-lodge: AMC’s Highland Center Lodge with kids

February 4, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Ready to get your family into the great outdoors? The Highland Center Lodge at Crawford Notch, New Hampshire is the perfect place to start—this family-friendly eco-lodge is a big step up from camping, but a welcome step away from hotels packed with amenities that you’ll never use (think day spas and formal dinners). The Appalachian Mountain Club is known for its network of hike or ski-in huts, but these can be too rustic or inaccessible when you’re traveling with very young kids. The Highland Center Lodge is a great base camp for exploring all the hiking and skiing in the White Mountains, while enjoying the amenities that are so crucial to families: a hot shower, comfortable beds, and simple but delicious food served in a family-friendly style.

Situated on the Appalachian Trail, a primary goal of the AMC is to promote a love and understanding of the outdoors. At the Highland Center, they believe that getting kids outside and educating them about the environment is an important first step to raising a generation of conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts. I couldn’t agree more. Crawford Notch was chosen as the site for the Highland Center because it’s at the gateway to the White Mountains and offers plenty of breathtaking scenery (it’s a leaf peepers’ paradise, I’m told!), but the terrain surrounding the lodge is mild enough that most hikes are easy or moderate, making it very accessible to young kids.

Need to be back in time for nap? No problem. Many hikes around the lodge are short enough to be done in a morning or afternoon. On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for a little adventure, there are plenty of more challenging hikes at your doorstep. There are also many activities organized for kids and adults at the Highland Center. We enjoyed a cross country ski tour at nearby Bretton Woods, a tutorial on snow shelter building (a favorite of our 4 year old!), and a guided tour on a relatively easy hike to nearby Gibbs Falls. Without a doubt, no one is bored at the Highland Center!

The Highland Center caters primarily to young families and empty nesters looking for moderate hikes, friendly service, and a casual atmosphere. No need to dress for dinner—just ditch your boots and come as you are! The rooms are set up for families too—there are a few configurations to choose from, but most include a double bed and some bunk beds for the kids. Downstairs you’ll find a game room for kids and the L.L. Bean room, which offers free gear for guests. For me, this was one of the most thoughtful aspects of the lodge, and is a testament to the mission statement of the AMC. At the Highland Center, there’s no need to break the bank buying outdoor gear that your family will only use once: clothes, outerwear, boots, packs, sleeping bags, snowshoes and more are all available free of charge for guests to check out during their stay. You know the saying: in New Hampshire there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes!

The Highland Center Lodge is a vacation your family can feel good about. By visiting the Highland Center, you’re not only giving your family a great vacation and an opportunity to learn more about the outdoors. You’re also supporting an organization that promotes conservation, education, and fosters a love of the outdoors in young people all over the northeast.

Date last visited:

January 11, 2013

Distance from the interstate:

The Highland Center Lodge is about 20 miles off I-93 at exit 35 between Lincoln and Franconia, NH.

Seasonal information and lodge availability:

The Highland Center is open year round, and offers something for every season. There is hiking, swimming, and kayaking during the summer; leaf peeping in the fall; snowshoeing and skiing (cross country and downhill at nearby Bretton Woods) in the winter; and, umm…probably a lot of mud in the spring.

Room rates:

Prices start at $82/night, per adult and go up to about $142/night, per adult, depending on whether or not you’re an AMC member, and the setup of your room (private vs. shared bath, for example). However, breakfast and dinner are included in all rates. Also, the Highland Center offers discount tickets for cross country and downhill skiing at Bretton Woods. These can be included in a package with accommodations.

Dining:

Breakfast and dinner are included with all lodging, and lunch is offered on site for a modest price. Vegetarian and kids’ options are available. The food is hearty, simple, and delicious—just what you’ll want after a day on the trails.

Directions:

Directions and driving times from nearby cities are listed on the website, and are also available on YahooMaps and GoogleMaps.

As I disclose whenever applicable, my family and I experienced the Highland Center Lodge as guests of the AMC, for the purpose of review. As always, this offer came with no expectation of a positive review.

A stay at Brasada Ranch: a Central Oregon family golf resort

September 6, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

If your image of Oregon consists of only evergreens and rainy days, it’s time to visit Central Oregon’s high desert. One of our favorite regions for Oregon family vacations, Central Oregon offers beautiful mountains, lakes, and rivers for whitewater rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding, golf, and every snow sport you can think up. It’s also home to a number of family resorts, including Bend Oregon’s Brasada Ranch, a Preferred hotel and spa.

Brasada Ranch is a year-round destination resort on 1,800 scenic acres, much of it wilderness. We visited in late summer, in time to experience the first crisp mornings and cool evenings. Our days were packed with activities, but families could just as easily do nothing but lounge on their sun-kissed deck, swim, and dine in one of Brasada’s two family-friendly restaurants.

It’s hard to describe the beauty of Brasada until you’ve seen it with your own eyes. The lodge and recreation buildings fold gracefully into their natural surroundings; everywhere you look, you’re greeted with restful earth tones and understated architecture that showcase the surrounding buttes and peaks and never-ending sky. Lodge rooms are available, but families will want to book one of Brasada’s Sage Canyon Cabins tucked along the Brasada Canyons golf greens and between sage-covered hills. Our cabin was a two bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom unit, and included a full gourmet kitchen, living room, dining space, and deck with hot tub. We had more than enough room to spread out (and larger cabins are available for bigger family groups). We were able to make our own meals, sit around our fireplace at night, and come and go as we pleased (covered parking makes winter visits easy, too).

Recreation at Brasada Ranch:

Brasada Ranch has, hands down, the best included recreation options of any Central Oregon resort we’ve reviewed. Their Athletic Center includes exercise equipment and classes, but also three pools (with additional wading pools and hot tubs), an excellent kids’ space called The Hideout with ping-pong, XBox Kinnect, Wii games, a rotating climbing wall, air hockey, and a toddler space, plus an outdoor playground, basketball court, beach volleyball court, and tennis courts. (Balls and rackets are available at the Athletic Center front desk for at charge.) Families could spend all day here and never encounter extra fees (unless you charge drinks or lunch to your account from the on-site grill).

In addition to the above pool, Brasada’s second pool is calmer (yet still kid-friendly). Also on-site at the Athletic Center is a full indoor pool (with bay windows that rise to keep the heat down in summer) and wading pool with water squirters and splash area. A plunge waterfall cools kids down, and a full waterslide is great for younger kids.

Additional resort activities:

If you can tear your kids away from the Athletic Center, families have many other options during a Brasada Ranch stay. Miles of hiking and mountain biking trails are accessible right from the resort, and Brasada’s two ponds are stocked with fish. During our visit, we took a horseback trail ride with Wrangler Chris at the Brasada Equestrian Center. Our kids had trail ridden before, so they knew what they were talking about when they declared their high desert ride their ‘favorite part of our Brasada vacation’. What made it special? The attention to each rider (groups are kept small), the beautiful scenery, and the fact that they were allowed to trot their horses along the trail.

Off ranch, Brasada’s recreation center can arrange for fly fishing excursions, helicopter tours, whitewater rafting, or bird watching, and can direct families to the best off-site hiking trails. In winter, families can snowshoe or cross country ski, or take Brasada’s van service to Mt. Bachelor for downhill ski and snowboarding. Brasada excursions, horseback riding, and golf (below) come at an additional (significant) charge; if you’re working within a budget, as most families are, we recommend picking your favorite 1-2 to experience as a family, and spending the remainder of your time busy enjoying the many included recreation options.

Brasada Canyons Golf:

If Brasada’s crown is the natural beauty of the high desert, then its crown jewel is Brasada Canyons. I don’t even golf, but still considered my accompaniment of my husband and kids on the course as one of the most enjoyable parts of my Brasada stay. While Brasada Canyons is certainly challenging, it’s family friendly: just explain that you’ll be golfing with young children or beginners (as the case may be) and the pro shop will be happy to help you book an appropriate tee time and show you the five levels of tee boxes to choose from. We opted to golf only nine holes with our two beginners, and found it easy to manage with golf carts well-stocked with ice water, bathrooms on-course, and friendly staff.

Brasada dining:

It’s relaxing to eat in your cabin, but families can’t leave Brasada without experiencing at least one high desert sunset on the Ranch House or Range deck. The Ranch House features more casual fare: think burgers, wraps, and salads, while Range showcases Oregonian farm-to-fork cuisine that’s truly exquisite. Expect a leisurely dining experience of at least a few hours at Range if you order several courses; while waiting, let the kids play on the lawn or gather around the communal fire pit if eating outdoors. At either restaurant, don’t leave without trying the homemade s’mores.

Brasada Spa:

The Spa Brasada is located adjacent to the Athletic Center building, making it easy for moms (or dads) to step away for a treatment. I don’t often spend time in spas during family vacations, opting for group activities instead, but if you have the time, a visit to this spa is well worth it. I loved the infusion of the natural surroundings brought indoors: the spa’s signature oils and scents are lavender and sage. If you book a treatment, plan to come early or stay late to take advantage of the relaxation room and private pool and hot tub.

Date last visited:

August 2012

Distance from the nearest interstate:

15 minutes off Highway 97.

Room and cabin rates:

Two-bedroom cabins such as the one we enjoyed range from approximately $299-399 depending on season and date. Lodge rooms can be had for less, but either way, book early: Brasada fills up fast in the prime months. Brasada Ranch packages are always offered, and are worth checking!

Directions:

Brasada Ranch is located at 16986 Brasada Ranch Road, Powell Butte, Oregon. It’s only 15 minutes from Bend, Oregon off Highway 97.

As I disclose whenever applicable, my family and I experienced Brasada Ranch as guests of the resort, allowing us to review it for our readers. This hospitality came with no expectation of a positive review.

Bend on Dwellable

Where to stay in Ucluelet, BC: Black Rock Oceanfront Resort

August 13, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

What everyone needs after an active day hiking, kayaking, or touring Vancouver Island’s west coast: a plunge pool and hot tub, rain shower, and cheery fire waiting at their resort. Families vacationing in Ucluelet BC get all that and more in Black Rock Oceanfront Resort. What, precisely? Try heated bathroom tiles, dramatic views, and fine dining, but more importantly to parenting traveling with kids: full kitchens, free bike rentals, and oversized tubs.

Located on the far western coast of Vancouver Island, Black Rock Oceanfront Resort is an outdoor-loving family’s dream. Not only do you get plenty of space (this resort is suites-only), but Black Rock was designed with nature at the forefront: the contemporary architecture only accentuates what’s already there, allowing for breathtaking and dramatic views. These views don’t come cheaply, but what families get in return cannot be measured in a room rate. During our visit, we felt as though we were outside near the crashing surf and rugged coastline the whole time, even when we were indoors.

Our family of five had adjoining suites (one studio and one one-bedroom), which included two huge bathrooms (both with rain shower and tub), a full kitchen and living area, plus an extra kitchenette, two bedrooms, sleeping for eight, and even a washer-dryer. We also enjoyed complimentary wifi (standard) and two spacious decks past our floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the Pacific.

The resort boasts a full fitness center and spa, with kid-friendly access to the outside plunge pool and two hot tubs. When I think of the term ‘plunge pool’, I think deep and cold; this one is neither: it’s only 3 meters deep and heated, but still significantly colder than than hot tubs, making it fun to jump from one to another in chilly weather. Families can cook full meals in the kitchens, but we opted to only prepare breakfast, the adults eating dinner out at Black Rock’s Fetch Restaurant. They do have a kids’ menu that looked pretty tempting (and only $10 per plate Canadian), but we ordered a pizza for our kids. The ambiance of Fetch is half the draw (it’s located right next to the coastline view), and we wanted to enjoy it in peace.

While staying on-site families have free use of cruiser bikes to use around Ucluelet, as well as the option to join in for various family-friendly area activities, such as hiking in Pacific Rim National Park, kayaking with nearby Majestic tours, or clamming, whale watching, or surfing (lessons available!).

Date last visited:

July 2012

Distance from the Intestate: a few minutes from the Pacific Rim Highway (4).

Room Rates:

Rates vary widely by season; check the Black Rock website for the latest information. Approximate pricing for the week we were on-site (in the height of the summer season) was $300 Canadian.

Dining options:

In addition to Fetch, Black Rock is adjacent to the town of Ucluelet, which offers dining in every price rage.

Directions:

Black Rock Resort is located at 596 Marine Drive, Ucluelet. It’s a 2.5 hour drive from the ferry terminal in Departure Bay (for travel from Vancouver) or a 20 minute drive from Tofino.

A family lodge stay: The Lodge at Suttle Lake, Sisters Oregon

July 23, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

A mountain lake lodge that’s equally appealing to adults and kids isn’t easy to find…unless you’re in Oregon. (It must be something about my home state’s laid-back, outdoorsy atmosphere.) The Lodge at Suttle Lake, located just outside of Sisters, Oregon, is one of them. Easily accessed from Highway 20 (30 minutes from Bend, Oregon on Highway 97 or two hours from Salem, Oregon on I-5), the Lodge at Suttle Lake is a breeze to get to, but still isolated in the Deschutes National Forest on Suttle Lake.

First built in the 1920s, and experiencing several set-backs (mostly of the wildfire variety) since, the newest version of the lodge and adjacent cabins were built in 2005, giving the entire property a very new look. The main lodge is beautiful (fans of woodwork will especially appreciate the ornately carved front entrance) and offers a great room lobby with towering fireplace, large outdoor deck, bar and seating area, and sunny gazebo overlooking the lake. The guest cabins are nearby, and all have easy lake access.

We stayed in a lofted lodge room, which sleeps 4-5 and boasts a fireplace and upper sleeping loft. Cabins on the property sleep 4-8 people, and all but the historic cabins have every possible amenity families could ask for. The cabins are designated as waterfront or creekside, but all are steps from the lakeshore.

Guests of the lodge rooms and standard cabins enjoy an evening wine and cheese reception (perfect for unwinding by the lake before dinner…kids can play on the large expanse of lawn), and a full marina is available for non-motorized boat rentals of all sorts. (Motorized boats are allowed on some parts of Suttle Lake.) There’s a nice beach area in front of the lodge for families to swim, and a 3.5 mile trail loops around the circumfrence of the lake, making for a nice (but not challenging) hike.

Within driving distance of Suttle Lake is Camp Sherman (only a few miles away on Highway 20) where more hikes await, and the quaint resort town of Sisters, where families can rent bikes at Blazin’ Saddles and mountain bike on the Peterson Ridge Trail system. The lodge is open year-round, making it a great choice for snowshoeing and skiing in the winter.

Distance from the interstate:

The lodge is located right off Highway 20. In fact, this is its only drawback: you do hear street noise.

Room rates:

At the time of our visit, lofted lodge rooms like the one we stayed in start at $199/night. Standard rooms are the same price. Cabins are approximately $269 (pricing varies between cabin and season).

Dining options:

The lodge has a nice restaurant, The Boathouse, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Families can eat out on the dock overlooking the lake, and the full bar serves fun specialty drinks. There is a kid menu, but the dinner menu is fairly pricy for family dining. I recommend renting a cabin so that you can prepare your own meals, and plan to eat only a few special meals at the Boathouse.

Directions:

From Bend, depart Highway 97 for Highway 20 at Sisters, then follow it to 13300 Highway 20. From Salem, follow Highway 20 from I-5. It’s easy to find!

As I disclose whenever applicable, we stayed at the Lodge of Suttle Lake as guests of the lodge, as part of a freelance travel assignment. While we appreciate the chance to experience Suttle Lake, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

Sisters on Dwellable

A stay in a KOA Kamping Kabin

February 24, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom
Full disclosure: I dislike purposeful misspellings (like ‘k’s replacing ‘c’s), and I haven’t stayed in a KOA Kampground (there we go again) in a very long time. That said, when we needed a no-frills overnight accommodation en route to the Mt. Hood wilderness, I’m really glad I gave their Kamping Kabins a try.

We stayed in a two-bedroom cabin at the Culver-Redmond KOA in Central Oregon, which sleeps six. Also available at this location were several one-bedroom (4-person) cabins, in addition to their usual RV and tent camping sites. The cabin was new and comfortable, reminding us of the yurts provided by the Oregon state park system. All cabins are equipped with beds and mattresses (bring your own bedding) and electricity (with outlets). Ours also had space heaters (fans and air conditioner units in the summer) and a decent-sized mini-fridge. Outside, you get a porch with porch swing, BBQ grill, and fire pit. Best of all, a KOA overnight means your kids get the run of a fun place (no more yelling to stop running in motel hallways). The Culver KOA had a nice playground, a basketball court, and a seasonal pool.

What you don’t get: the Kamping Kabins do not have kitchens (there’s no cooking allowed inside) nor bathrooms (though some of the deluxe Kamping Kottages and Lodges do have both). The bathrooms at the Culver KOA were about 40 yards away, heated, very clean, and included showers.

Check out our Facebook video of the cabin interior!

Why it makes for a great overnight pit stop: KOA Kamping Kabins cost between $45 and $70 per night (depending on size and season), making them significantly less than what you’d expect to pay at a budget motel or roadside inn. What you miss in creature comforts (or is that kreature komforts?), you more than make up for in kid-friendly extras and a relaxed, fun setting. KOAs may not serve as our personal choice for a final destination (we prefer a more remote setting for our camping adventures), but as an overnight pit stop, it’s right up our alley. You can be sure we’ll be booking their cabins again when we’re on the road.

Thanks to KOA for hosting our stay in a two-bedroom cabin at the Redmond KOA.

A stay at Central Oregon’s Pronghorn Club

August 24, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom
An unique and beautifully luxurious oasis in the heart of Central Oregon’s high desert, Pronghorn Club offers families the comfort and convenience of vacation homes, the fun of a family resort, and the excitement of a full-scale outdoor adventure outfit.

The primary draw of the Pronghorn Club is its signature Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and (private) Tom Fazio course. Charlie (the Pit Stops’ dad and an avid–and pretty darn good–golfer, could only say ‘wow’ following his tour; both courses were that beautiful, and that challenging. The resort offers world-class instruction; the kids and I took part in their PGA TOUR Academy program, where we spent an hour with head instructor Mike Palen, learning the basics of swing and follow through. The program includes one-on-one time with the instructor, time to hit balls on the academy range, and high tech video analysis, allowing us to see our swing (and compare it to Tiger Woods’) Not bad for the kids’ first golf experience!

If you’re not a golfer (or only part of your party wants to hit the links), there’s plenty more to do. The resort’s Trailhead building houses Camp Pronghorn, a wing dedicated to kids with games, arts and crafts, ping-pong and foos-ball tables, and a full media center with all the video game consoles a kid or tween could ask for. (Open to all overnight guests.) Down the hall is the concierge desk for Pronghorn Adventures, where a concierge is ready to book family day trips with local second-party excursion partners. We spent one afternoon rafting the thrilling Big Eddy on the Deschutes River with Sun Country Tours before returning to the Trailhead to visit the resort’s outdoor pools: one a zero-depth entry with waterslide, one free-form, and two hot tubs (one for adults only). We loved that a huge basket of pool toys beckoned, and that we could order lunch or dinner from the Trailhead Grill (located beside Camp Pronghorn) and be served our meal poolside.

Tip: Camp Pronghorn is much more than an on-site play area: the staff runs a full-day kids’ program (9:30 am-4 pm) program five days per week, three of which feature off-site excursions. Depending on the day, kids will experience the Paulina Plunge bike tour, whitewater rafting, cave spelunking, zip-lining, fishing, and more; a huge value. During our visit, we departed Pronghorn with club leader Beau Kelly, a Central Oregon native, professional educator, and expert on local attractions. We experienced a private zip line followed by a picnic lunch and area cave tour; the kids had so much fun, they fell asleep on the car ride back (transportation and lunch is included).

On-site, bike rentals are available (and complementary for the first two hours) outside the Trailhead, and in the Clubhouse (directly across the way), families will find the spacious decks, a snack bar, a full-service spa, and the Casada Restaurant, which offers both cozy indoor dining and stunning sunset views on the deck.

The accommodations at Pronghorn are five star (be sure to click on the slideshow for more interior photos). The resort is comprised of ‘Resident Club’ condo-style homes, villas, and estates; overnight guests enjoy the former. Our Resident Club home was immaculately decorated in warm earth tones, boasted two fireplaces AND and outdoor fire pit, a full luxury kitchen, dining area with table for six, a comfortable living area (great room) with home theater system, three bedrooms, three bathrooms (including a master bath with jacuzzi tub), a single-car garage, extra parking, a back deck and balcony overlooking the golf course, an outdoor BBQ, and an office media space (with WiFi throughout the house). (And I’m sure I’m forgetting something!) A Pronghorn Resident Club condo would be the perfect place for a family gathering; I’m already envisioning returning for Christmas!

Date last visited: August 14-16, 2011

Distance from the interstate: 15 minutes from Hwy 97.

Room rates: Call the reservation desk at 866-372-1003 for room and vacation home information. Because Pronghorn is an unique member-driven vacation community, resort stays for overnight guests are completely customizable. Their front desk personnel are highly trained to meet the needs of your individual family. Be sure to ask about seasonal packages, such as stay-and-ski and stay-and-golf, both of which are good values.

Dining options: The resort offers two full casual-style restaurants ideal for families: the Trailhead Grill and Casada in the Clubhouse, where entries are between $10-25 ($7-10 on the kids’ menu). A fine dining restaurant, Chanterelle, is open on a limited basis. We enjoyed both the former, and also brought along groceries to make use of our gorgeous kitchen! Many dining options also exist in nearby Bend, Oregon (15 minutes).

Camp Pronghorn rates: Daily rates for Camp Pronghorn excursions (9:30 am to 4 pm, supervised and off-site) are $75 per child, per day.

Directions: Pronghorn Club is located at 65600 Pronghorn Drive. From Bend, OR, take Hwy 97 to Hwy 20. Take Hwy. 20 East (Greenwood Avenue) approx. 5 miles -Turn Left on Powell Butte Hwy. Continue past the Bend Airport on your right, then turn left on Pronghorn Club Drive.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we were guests of the Pronghorn Club during our three-day visit, and were provided with accommodations, food and beverages, golf, and family excursions at no charge. While we appreciate their hospitality, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.