Resort or Hotel - Pitstops for Kids

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 Parksville, BC: Tigh-Na-Mara Resort and Spa

September 4, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

The first thing my kids noticed upon entering the grounds of Parksville BC‘s Tigh-Na-Mara Beach Resort was the pool house. Then the kids’ club space. Then the playground and the basketball and tennis court. Finally, they spotted the beach access leading to one of Parksville’s famous warm sand beaches. The first thing I noticed was the Cedars restaurant and Grotto Spa. To say Tigh-Na-Mara has it all is a true understatement, however, because what they don’t have on-site, they bring to their guests in the form of off-site activities and family excursions.

Our accommodations at Tigh-Na-Mara consisted of a two-bedroom log cabin adjacent to the tennis courts and playground (and just steps from beach access). The cabin was bigger than I expected, with a nice living room area with fireplace and flat screen TV, full kitchen with a dining table for four, and a futon-bed in addition to the queen bed in the first bedroom and two twins in the second. We also had a nice porch and picnic table. Other cabin loops are more secluded, but farther from the beach and playground, so families will need to assess priorities.

Parksville beaches are a phenomenon, or at least seemed so to us, used to beaches in the states: the tide varies by full kilometers here, so at low tide, the. Tigh-Na-Mara beach is over a kilometer in length from the resort to the water (bring something to haul your stuff, and chairs…the sand is constantly damp), but at high tide, the water laps the shore steps from the path, and is incredibly warm for the Northwest. Both high and low tide make for fun beach-going.

When not at the beach, Tigh-Na-Mara offers a drop-in kids’ club for no additional charge (a huge value) and an entire schedule of family off and on-site activities families can sign up for (additional charge). We participated in Twilight Golf, which was held at Morningstar Golf Course nearby. This activity, fully set up by the resort, included a private golf lesson for the family members with a Canadian PGA pro and plenty of time on the driving range. A Tigh-Na-Mara recreation staff member drove us to and from, and had the adults wished to spend the time in the spa (more on that to come) or the Cedars Restaurant, a rec staff member would have stayed with the kids (we opted to stay and watch). Adults are welcome to join the lesson, too! At $39 per person, Twilight Golf is a good value, and would be a perfect evening before setting up a full nine or 18 holes the next day.

The following morning, we consulted our resort schedule again and my mom (along with us for the trip) joined the kids for Tigh-Na-Mara’s Underwater Exploration of nearby tide pools with a marine expert while I enjoyed a day pass at the Grotto Spa. While they learned about intertidal wildlife in the sunshine, I treated myself to BC’s only mineral spa pool and hot tub (heavenly, if you’re wondering) and an hour in their relaxation room with complimentary tea, coffee, and fruit.

Tip: Check the resort’s activity schedule online when you book to sign up for popular activities beforehand. The kids’ club can be more spontaneous, but advanced notice is useful. Kids have to be potty trained to attend the club and activities without a parent, but can attend at any age with an adult. One on one babysitting is also available.

Date last visited:

July 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Only minutes from Canada’s BC-19.

Rates:

At the time of our visit, rates for a two-bedroom log cabin started at $380. Packages and deals abound, however, especially in the non-peak season of summer.

Dining options:

The Cedars offers fine dining, but kids eat free with adults from 5-6 pm, and they offer pizza delivery as well. In the morning,a pancake breakfast is $7.95 per person. We ordered a few pizzas during our stay and made use of our kitchen. Additional Parksville dining is only minutes away by car.

Directions:

Tigh-Na-Mara is located at 1155 Resort Drive in Parksville. From BC-19, take Island Highway to Resort Drive.

As I disclose whenever applicable, I experienced Tigh-Na-Mara and the Grotto spa at no charge, for the purpose of review. While I appreciate this opportunity (and the opportunity to share it with my readers), it came with no expectation of a positive review.

Parksville on Dwellable

Where to stay in Tofino BC: a review of MacKenzie Beach Resort

August 24, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

As you might guess, the outdoor excursion, storm-watching, and surfing mecca of known as the west side of Vancouver Island offers more lodging in Tofino than anywhere else we visited on our July 2012 Vancouver Island trip. Families can choose from B&Bs, five-star resorts, vacation home rentals, and our favorite, beachfront resorts with individual cottages for let.

We made the MacKenzie Beach Resort our home base while exploring Tofino, and loved its laid-back atmosphere, can’t-beat-it beach access, and comfortable cottages. Located directly on MacKenzie Beach, the resort is the oldest in the Tofino area (though is now joined by several more along the same strip of sand). Families can choose between campsites or cottages, some of which are directly on the sand. We stayed in Cottage 3, which is a two-bedroom unit with a living room area, wood-burning stove, full kitchen, bathroom with whirlpool tub, and two bedrooms (one of which has bunk-beds). It slept five comfortably, and while the decor is not new and the furnishings have seen a few summers, we found the cottage to be just perfect for a relaxed stay.

MacKenzie Beach itself offers constant entertainment for busy kids: when the tide is low, it’s one of the best for Tofino tide pools, and families can even walk out to a small island to spot literally hundreds of sea stars and sea anenome. MacKenzie Beach does get some waves, though the south end is protected. In addition to beach activities, MacKenzie Beach Resort offers an indoor heated pool and hot tub (great for warming up after a dip in the ocean) and grass space for outdoor activities. There’s a small corner of the office that’s been made into a bit of a convenience store, but for most things, you’ll want to head into town (5 minutes away).

We loved experiencing Tofino during the day, and returning in the late afternoons for long evenings on the beach. At night, camp fires can be built on the sand, and the Tofino sunsets are amazing.

Date last visited:

July 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Right on Highway 4.

Rates:

At the time of my visit, peak summer rates were $399 for a two-bedroom cottage. In winter, families can certainly snag a deal. I found it interesting to note that rates for comparable cottages in the resorts adjacent to MacKenzie Beach Resort were listed as approximately $25 less per night. This is not significant, but does bear mentioning. Expect accommodations at MacKenzie Beach to be comfortable, but nothing fancy. Note:: maid service is not included in a stay. Fresh linens and towels are available.

Dining options:

Cottages have full kitchens (but no dishwashers) and a communal BBQ pit outside. Guests are expected to clean the kitchen up before departure.

Directions:

From Highway 4 heading into Tofino, follow signs to MacKenzie Beach. A large sign will point the way!

As I disclose whenever applicable, I experienced MacKenzie Beach Resort free of charge, for the purpose of review. While I appreciate this opportunity to bring a review to my readers, it came with no expectation of a positive review.

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.

Where to stay in Vancouver BC: Coast Plaza Hotel and Suites

August 9, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Vancouver, BC may be one of the best cities to tour with kids. It’s full of outdoor experiences active kids crave–biking, beaches, parks and suspension bridges–while retaining the sophistication parents enjoy and seek to introduce to their children. And all within a stone’s throw of the action (but please don’t throw stones) is the Coast Plaza Hotel and Suites Hotel.

Located in Vancouver’s vibrant West End neighborhood just three blocks from English Bay and beaches in one direction and five blocks from the entrance to Stanley Park in the other, the Coast Plaza is largely a suite hotel, which means that families will enjoy plenty of room and a full kitchen in affordable units. According to Vancouver bloggers I asked, the Coast Plaza’s perfect layout for families used to be something of a local secret. (The hotel was traditionally known as a business hotel.) I’d say the word is out, because we encountered many families enjoying the hotel during our July 2012 visit.

During our two night visit in a 1-bedroom suite, we used the kitchen to prepare all our breakfasts in-room, as well as pack our lunches for each day on-the-go, which means we saved a bundle on dining out. (We could have easily made dinner in our rooms as well; there’s a nice Safeway down the street and a beautiful produce market right on the block.) Garage parking is on-site, and includes unlimited in-and-out privileges. Because we were so close to the attractions we wanted to see, however, we kept the car parked most of our visit. The one exception: we took it out for a trip outside the city center to Capilano Bridge and Grouse Mountain.

The only metro Vancouver area the hotel is really too far from is Canada Place: we walked, but it took us the better part of an hour and was tough on little feet. If you decide to head that direction (and you should), ask the concierge (on-site) for the Coast Plaza shuttle schedule. This complimentary shuttle runs to Canada Place and elsewhere in the city several times a day, but we were told we needed to reserve a spot 24 hours ahead. If you don’t plan that far out, a taxi to Canada Place from the hotel is approximately $12 Canadian.

Date last visited:

July 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Just a few blocks from BC-99.

Room and hotel amenities:

In-suite, families can expect to find full fridges, ovens, dishwashers, and all the dinnerware, cups, utensils, and cooking pots and pans you might need. The bathroom in our one-bedroom suite was spacious and included both a tub and shower, and the beds were deliciously soft. Even the pull-out couch was comfortable. There are TVs in both the living room area and bedroom, and a coffee maker for the morning (with coffee, creamer, and sugar provided).

The Coast Plaza offers free wifi (a huge plus) and a full fitness club. Kids will love the heated indoor pool and hot tub. A restaurant is located on-site (hotel guests receive a discount) and there’s a full room service menu. Upon check-in, guests receive a ‘cookies and milk card’ from room service, which they can redeem for complimentary chocolate chip cookies and milk for everyone in their party. Honestly, the hotel has all the amenities families could ask for.

Compared to other Vancouver hotels I’ve enjoyed, the Coast Plaza is older and showing its wear, but what it lacks in cosmetics, it more than makes up for in amenities and perks for families. If your plans include plenty of time in Stanley Park and English Bay, it’s the clear choice.

Room rates:

At the time of our visit, rates started at a very affordable (for city rates!) $199 for a standard room, and approximately $299 for a one-bedroom suite. Rates vary by season and date.

Directions:

The Coast Plaza is located at 1763 Comox. From BC-99, take W. Georgia to Denman, then turn left onto Comox.

As I disclose whenever applicable, my family and I enjoyed a stay at the Coast Plaza at no charge, for the purpose of review. While we appreciate the opportunity to experience what they offer, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

A stay at the Westin Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage, CA with SPG Kids’ Pass

August 2, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

The desert oasis of the Westin Mission Hills is located adjacent to Palm Springs, CA in Rancho Mirage, CA. While it may seem slightly on the crazy side to visit this part of the California desert in summer, we had a wonderful stay here, even in July. Our plan of action: tackle Palm Springs family attractions in the morning, then spend every afternoon near the pools! The Westin Mission Hills is a Starwood Preferred Hotel, which means families can earn SPG points here and kids can take part in the Starwood Kids’ Pass program during their stay.

SPG Kids’ Pass:

The Starwood Kids’ Pass eases parent vacation stress by putting the kids on an all-inclusive dining plan for the duration of their stay. Kids 6-12 are eligible (kids under age 6 usually eat free anyway), and for one daily price (which varies by property), they are entitled to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks and drinks throughout the day. At the Westin Mission Hills, we found the program to run smoothly for the most part, with hotel employees understanding how it works. The only confusion came at poolside, where we’ were told Kids’ Pass requests of smoothies or sodas needed to be accompanied by a food purchase (not so). It was straightened out easily. At the Westin Mission Hills, the Kids’ Pass price is $29/day. After some calculations, I concluded this is a good value for families planning to eat three meals per day on property.

Family-friendly activities on the Westin Mission Hills property:

The Westin Mission Hills hosts a handful of outdoor pools, including a few adult-only and their Las Brisas Family Pool, located adjacent to the main dining and lobby spaces. This pool features a waterside (kids need to be 48″), two hot tubs, and a free-form pool with volleyball net, plenty of floaties, and organized poolside games. Food service is available from the snack bar and bar, and if families are overheating, they can dip into the Oasis Den, a sports-TV media room broadcasting the latest games as well as foosball and pool.

While you’re enjoying the Kids’ Pass at Westin Mission Hills, also consider entering kids ages 4-12 in the Westin Discovery Room. This kids’ club is open in three-hour segments throughout the day (usually a morning and evening session), but parents can pay less for one hour sessions as well. The club utilizes an interior space filled with games, arts and crafts, and computer games, and occasionally ventures outdoors as the warm weather permits. Toby (age 7) and Homer (age 4) enjoyed an hour in the club while we packed up and sat poolside sans kids, and weren’t ready to leave when we returned to pick them up!

Golf and tennis at Westin Mission Hills:

The Westin Mission Hills is a golf resort, though you certainly don’t need to golf to enjoy the property. If you do golf on the Gary Player Signature Course, you’ll want to make an early morning tee time during the summer months (it can be uncomfortably warm by noon even as early as March in the Palms Springs area). Tennis lessons and court time are also available, and a full-scale fitness center is located near the lobby.

Date last visited:

July 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Right off I-10.

Room rates:

At the time of our visit, rates for our 1 bedroom suite started at a reasonable $159 (depending on season). Suites include kitchenettes to allow for in-room dining. Villas are also available, as are standard hotel rooms. When making reservations, bear in mind that buildings spread out from the main lobby, dining, and pool areas: you’ll want to snag rooms in Buildings 1-5 to walk to the main pool (more distant buildings are connected to the main hub by free shuttle).

Dining:

The Bella Vista restaurant is open for all meals. We ate a wonderful (but pricey) dinner and breakfast here (the breakfast buffet is included for kids in the Kids’ Pass). The staff is very family-friendly, and it’s lovely to eat out on the warm patio with views of the mountains and golf course. Should you want something more casual, the Season’s Grill and Fireside Lounge are open for lunch and dinner, and the poolside snack bar has some nice (and healthy) dishes to see you through the day.

Directions:

The Westin Mission Hills is located at 71333 Dinah Shore Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA. It’s only a few miles from Palm Springs on I-10, or two hours from Southern CA beach cities.

Rancho Mirage on Dwellable

Downhill mountain biking with Northstar Bike Academy

July 25, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

In the process of soaking up all the summer ski resort activities on offer at Northstar California this July, the whole family took part in the Northstar Bike Academy Bike 101 package. Bike 101 includes a full day lift ticket, half-day bike and protective equipment rental, and Bike 101 lesson, and is perfect for families new to the sport of downhill mountain biking.

Families sign up for Bike 101 at Plaza Bikes in the Northstar Village (reserving ahead of time is recommended). We arrived at Plaza Bikes at 9:30 am the day of our adventure, and were outfitted with full protective gear before meeting with our Bike 101 instructor Luke Sheppard.

Note: there isn’t a set minimum age for Bike 101, but size does matter. Toby, age 7, was able to participate, but just barely…meaning that he barely fit onto the smallest available bike, and he was too small for the protective chest plate and full-face helmet. He was outfitted appropriately to participate, but kids must be able to maneuver their bike, listen to instructions, etc.

We rode Northstar’s Big Springs Gondola up to the Bike Academy, where we picked up our bikes and got started. First up was an orientation on our bikes: these aren’t your average dirt bikes you’re used to! Less than 10 minutes later, we were on our way. Luke took us up to the top of the Zephyr lift, which the boys loved: straight to the cool stuff! The trails are marked as easy (green circle), intermediate (blue square), and expert (black diamond) just like during ski season, so we were able to cruise along easy runs for our lesson period. The terrain was challenging, but Luke stopped us often to give technical advice, point out different elements in the terrain, and watch us handle our bikes (again, just like a ski lesson). The session was part instruction, but part mountain tour: had we not joined Luke for Bike 101, we would have never found lots of fun elements and trails that were perfect for our ability level. (Though the trails are marked, it’s possible to start out on one thinking it looks easy, only to become quickly overwhelmed.) Did we fall? Yes, a few times (Toby more than the rest, given his smaller size). The protective gear did its job, however, and mostly we had dusty clothes and dirty faces to show for it by the end of the day. While we were riding the chair or resting off to the side of the single tracks, we loved watching the expert riders bump their way down the mountain; just be sure to yield to them! By the end of our 2 hour lesson, we had ridden all the way back down to the village, where we were given the option of upgrading our package to a full day rental. I like that this option is offered at this point in the day: families don’t need to decide whether they’ll want to ride all day until after the Ride 101 lesson. In our family, Toby decided he was done by lunch, but Nate (13), Calvin (11), and Charlie and I wanted to continue. After a quick lunch at Big Springs Day Lodge, we were off again, armed with our helmets and Luke’s advice on new trails to try. (Tip: you’ll want to pick up a trail map and refer to it!)

We had a blast exploring the bike trails all afternoon, and didn’t call it a day until almost chair closing time. Of particular fun for the boys was the small elements on the ‘bike terrain park’ (our words…I think mountain bikers call it a jump park) and the intermediate single track runs (of which there are many). Is it tough? Yes! Downhill mountain biking is much harder than it looks. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that if you can ride a bike, you can downhill mountain bike. New mountain bikers definitely need Bike 101. For return visits, or if you’re already experienced, the Bike Academy also offers ‘Bumps and Bends’ for the intermediate to expert rider.

If you have young kids not ready for mountain biking: consider buying a hiking lift ticket for the adults in your group (just $10, kids are free) and try one of the hiking-specific trails at the top of the lifts. Young kids will enjoy watching the expert riders along the single tracks while they hike.

Rates:

The Bike 101 package is $80 on weekdays and $139 on weekends. This is actually a very good deal, as half-day bike rentals alone are as much as $112. If you already own your own bike, Bike 101 is an even better deal at just $15.

Hours of operation:

Read up on Northstar summer lift and park hours. Generally, the Bike Academy Bike 101 package and other lesson offerings are available while the lifts operate: June 29-August 19.

Directions:

To reach Northstar-at-Tahoe, take I-80 to Highway 267 to Northstar Drive. Drive up to the village, then find Plaza Bikes in the center of the village by the skating rink.

As I disclose whenever applicable, Northstar hosted our Bike 101 experience, as well as bike rentals for the remainder of the day, for the purpose of review. While we appreciate this opportunity to inform our readers, it came with no expectation of a positive review.

Northstar on Dwellable

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

5 things to do at Northstar California in summer with kids

July 20, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom
Think ski resorts are only for winter? Families can get great ski resort lodging deals in the summer, and pair them with outdoor seasonal activities perfect for all ages. We spent a sunny three days at Tahoe, CA’s Northstar this July, where we were faced with enough recreational and event options to last any family a month. How did we pick the best summer activities at Tahoe? We turned to Northstar and their innovative summer activities concierge service to help us have three perfect days on the mountain. Here’s what we loved at Northstar California in summer (and what you should do, too):

1. Rip it up on the Northstar Resort Mountain Bike Park:

Who knew you could ‘ski’ in the summer? A day in the bike park makes use of three lifts and over 44 trails, from wide ‘green circle’ paths to challenging ‘blue square’ and ‘black diamond’ single tracks. For about half the cost of a winter lift ticket, adults and kids can bike all day, making use of the Northstar Bike Academy for Bike 101 lessons and the Lodge at Big Springs for meals and breaks. It’s just like skiing Northstar in the winter, only you’ll be looking for shade at lunch instead of a place by the fire. And if you don’t own mountain bikes and protective gear of your own, rent everything at Plaza Bikes (pair it with a lesson for the best deal), just as you would rent skis and boards in winter.

2. Star gaze with Tony Berendsen, President of the Nevada Science Coalition (and poet):

The Northstar Tahoe Star Tours program is popular: on the night we attended this 2 1/2 tour of the night sky, over 25 other guests joined us. Offered most nights at 8 pm, this interactive session includes an educational talk and exploration of the night sky by use of impressively high powered telescopes. Kids are included (and encouraged to ask questions) by expert Tony, and everyone in our group, from age 7 to 37, were entertained. We learned about super novas and constellations and viewed Saturn and Mars from the telescopes. The Tahoe night sky was amazing…the stars literally pop here.

The program meets at 8:15 at the top of the Highlands gondola, takes place just below at the Lodge at Big Springs, and ends at 10:30. Northstar shuttles stop running at 10 pm in summer, and the Highlands Gondola stops at 10:30, but a shuttle specially called to pick tour participants up right at the program venue, so there’s no need to worry about time.

Tip: The 10:30 shuttle does take some time to weave its way back down the mountain and drop off all passengers: we didn’t get back to our Northstar vacation rental until almost 11:30 pm. If you have young children who don’t want to be out that late, it’s also possible to leave the program at 10:15 pm, walk back up the hill to the Highlands Gondola, and take it back down before it shuts down at 10:30. (To make use of this option, however, you need your own transportation in the Village.)

3. Hike or geo-cache with a hiking pass:

For only $10 per adult (kids are free), families can ride the Big Springs Gondola and hike all day. If kids want to try their hand at geo-caching, GPS units can be rented at the NorthFace store in the Village. (This is a fun way for kids to turn hiking into a game, and there are tons of caches to be found!) Hiking trails are clearly marked on maps, and all filter back down to the gondola and lodge, where everyone can ride back up and do it again.

4. Enjoy a Northstar-at-Tahoe festival or music concert:

Nearly every summer weekend, something is going on at the Village at Northstar. During our visit, we were lucky enough to time our vacation with the Beer and Bluegrass Festival, which didn’t have much for kids, but the village atmosphere is always kid-friendly. While parents are enjoying an event, kids can spend some time on the ropes course and bungee trampoline run by Tahoe Apex Adventures. Northstar is a great music venue as well: check their Northstar summer concerts page for event information.

5. Swim in the lake or the pools (or both):

Northstar is only 6 miles away from the stunning north shore of Lake Tahoe, where kids will love swimming and renting watercraft at Kings Beach. If you don’t want to venture that far from your Northstar ‘home’, all lodging guests have access to one of two swim and fitness recreation centers. Both have outdoor pools and hot tubs, as well as games and recreational equipment.

Tip: Families are given an events and recreation schedule upon check-in to Northstar-at-Tahoe (it has useful information about the current weather conditions and pertinent phone numbers, too, such as the dial-a-ride for the free Northstar shuttle. If you’re still a bit overwhelmed, make use of the Northstar concierge service.

A stay at Omni San Francisco with kids

June 14, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom
When we first stepped into the opulent lobby of the Omni San Francisco with our three excited kids, lots of luggage, and a cooler of snacks, I thought, ‘Uh oh.’ It was so beautiful, and so peaceful, and somehow smelled so good (citrus?) I couldn’t imagine this elegant San Francisco hotel could be a good fit for families. I was completely wrong. From the moment of check-in, my boys were greeted with smiles from everyone from the doorman to the valet, offered fresh fruit and herbal tea (the former was welcome after a day in the city, though the latter was a bust) and gifted Omni Kids lunch sack-style backpacks filled with goodies. No sooner had we arrived in our adjoining rooms, than a tray of freshly baked cookies and milk arrived.

We found out both perks come as part of Omni’s Sensational Kids program, which is their way to welcome children to the hotel. The kids’ packs contained frisbees, hacky sacks, candy, and a map of the city with fun activities to complete, like crosswords, word searches, and puzzles. (They’d come in handy while waiting for food in restaurants, but I would have traded them in a second for a complimentary continental breakfast bar.) The rooms were spacious, and included all the nice touches you’d expect from a high-end hotel: high ceilings, window molding, nice views, and top-of-the-line fixtures. The oversized tubs were great for kids, and the coffee makers doubled nicely for us while making hot cocoa and instant oatmeal in the mornings.

The service at Omni San Francisco is fantastic, and what it lacks in extra amenities like the free breakfast I mentioned or free parking (a rare find at urban hotels), it makes up for in convenience. Located on California Street just steps from the TransAmerica Building, the Omni is directly on the California Street Cable Car line and only two blocks from a BART station. It’s also only steps from MUNI bus lines. Every day, we stepped outside and were on our way via cable car or bus within minutes. Chinatown is a block away, and Nob Hill is in easy walking distance. The on-site concierge was always happy to give us (and our itinerary) full attention, guiding us with routes and recommendations.

Could you book a cheaper room elsewhere in San Francisco? Absolutely. We spent the evening before our Omni stay at Fisherman’s Wharf, where the room rates were less but we hauled our own luggage, fought with slow elevators, and got lost a lot. What you’re getting at Omni is luxury, location, and service…amenities that come at a higher price point. For a beautiful hotel experience in the heart of San Francisco, it can’t be beat. While we encountered mostly business travelers during our stay, it was clear at all times that children are welcome.

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Date last visited:

May 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Minutes from Highway 101 (via the Golden Gate Bridge) or I-80.

Room rates:

At the time of our visit, room rates for standard and premiere rooms ranged from $300-339. Omni Kids Fantasy suites, which feature bunk beds, toys to use during the visit, and bean bag chairs (with a connecting room for parents) is additional, but a very nice set-up, and still less than the cost of two adjoining rooms.

Included amenities:

Kids are automatically welcomed into the Omni Sensational Kids program (with packs and cookies). Concierge service is also included in the room rate, and some room packages include valet parking. (Otherwise, valet parking is over $40 a night, and does include in and out privledges.) Self-parking at an adjacent garage is an option, but will still cost upwards of $35 a night. The Omni San Francisco does not have a pool, but room service is available, and high speed internet access is free for guests in the Select Guest Loyalty Program (free to join). Otherwise, wifi is $9.99 a night.

Dining:

Room service is offered day and night, and there is a restaurant on-site, though it seems a bit too spendy (and grown-up) for our family’s purposes. Within steps of the front doors, however, many options await. We ate in Chinatown one evening, and along Calfornia Street the next.

Directions:

Omni San Francisco is located at 500 California Street, at Calfornia and Montgomery.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced the Omni as guests of Omni Resorts, for the purpose of review. While their hospitality was appreciated, it came with no expectation of a positive review.