Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

The summer tourist crowds have left beautiful Northern California, leaving near-empty (and ever inviting) state parks and recreation areas behind. If you're looking to take an off-season road trip or family weekend getaway this autumn, consider a stay (or day trip) in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. We love this state park (located right along Highway 199 and not far from Highway 101 and … [Read more...]

Out ‘N About Treesort

Last weekend, the Pit Stops for Kids crew had the opportunity to stay in one of the most unique locations we've ever experienced: a tree house high in the air! At Out 'N About Treesort near Cave Junction, Oregon, guests have their pick of one of 15 tree houses, elevated yurts, cabins, and tree 'gazebos' in which to spend the night. Each one is different, offering different views, different … [Read more...]

Dreams Punta Cana Resort and Spa

Playas Uvero Alto Provincia La Altagracia Dominican Republic This review was submitted by Lindsay Aycan of Toronto, Ontario, who traveled to Punta Cana with her husband and two kids in July 2010. Punta Cana Resort and Spa, an all-inclusive property owned by Dreams, is located in the Dominican Republic, situated next to both the tropical jungle and the ocean. Recently named the Best … [Read more...]

Courtyard by Marriott Portland/Beaverton

8500 S W Nimbus Drive Beaverton, Oregon The Courtyard by Marriott in Beaverton makes for a nice, centralized home base while exploring the Portland area. While we'd normally stay downtown and take advantage of the MAX system, if you plan to visit the suburbs as well as the city center, Beaverton is a good option. We had a mixed bag of service at this location. Prior to arrival, I was … [Read more...]

Inn at Otter Crest

301 Otter Crest Loop Road Otter Rock, OR This pit stop submitted by Pit Stops for Kids reader Renea. Thank you for your support of Pit Stops for Kids, Renea! Touted as 'a place to play on the Oregon coast', the Inn at Otter Crest is comprised of condominium-style accommodations right on the Pacific in a perfect location for family fun. A 35-acre forested complex located between Lincoln … [Read more...]

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 23): Embassy Suites Sacramento

We spent our last night on the road at the Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade (100 Capitol Mall, Sacramento CA). Embassy Suites is a favorite hotel chain of mine due to their high quality amenities, top-notch service, and the extras they provide, such as made-to-order complementary breakfasts and manager's reception' hours with snacks and cool drinks on-hand in the late afternoon. … [Read more...]

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 17): Cliffrose Lodge and Gardens

After driving from Park City to Zion National Park, day 17 found us at Cliffrose Lodge and Gardens in Springdale, Utah, gateway to the park. Cliffrose Lodge and Gardens is located in the heart of Springdale, mere yards from the national park entrance. While all of Springdale enjoys an unexpected lushness of greenery and flowering plants (due to water from the Virgin River which flows through … [Read more...]

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 15): Westgate Park City Resort and Spa

On Day 15, we traveled down Hwy 89 from Grand Teton National Park to Park City, Utah to stay overnight at the Westgate Park City. The Westgate Park City is a beautiful resort nestled against the base of The Canyons ski resort about five minutes from downtown Park City. Winter is their peak season (no pun intended!), which makes it a great choice in the summer months to beat both high prices and … [Read more...]

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 12): Colter Bay Village, Grand Teton

Day 12 found us crossing the national park border from Yellowstone to Grand Teton to check in at Colter Bay Village Resort. Located within the park boundary and managed by Grand Teton Lodge Company (go through them when booking), Colter Bay Village Resort comprises of a campground, tent village, and cabin village clustered around the shore of Jackson Lake. The resort also includes a marina, … [Read more...]

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 8): Big Sky Resort’s Summit Hotel

After driving from Glacier National Park to Boulder Hot Springs, we were more than happy to end Day 7 and enjoy Day 8-9 at the Summit Hotel at The Big Sky Resort in Big Sky, Montana, our home base for family fun and a little R&R before continuing on to Yellowstone. I cannot say enough good things about Big Sky Resort in general and the Summit in particular. If you have kids in tow (or even … [Read more...]