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Day in the Ozarks with kids: Dogwood Canyon

April 26, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

A day in Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is a great way to get an introduction to the beauty of the Ozarks with kids. Privately owned and operated as a non-profit by Johnny Morris, the owner and founder of Bass Pro Shops, my first impression of Dogwood Canyon was that 1. it’s beautiful enough to be a state park or otherwise preserved by the US government, and 2. that Morris is doing a pretty good job of preserving it himself.

The park is managed by the Johnny Morris Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the canyon’s natural plant and wildlife environment. Because private ownership comes with an entry fee, I was prepared to dislike it based on the principle that lands such as this should remain accessible to all. However, the cost to enjoy the area is minimal (or can be, anyway…see pricing information below), and the benefit of private ownership is evident in the pristine nature of the park.

The paved and unpaved paths, signage, and structures of Dogwood Canyon are distinctly ‘Disney-like’ in my opinion. What I mean by this: everything is polished, pretty, and accessible. For an ‘enjoy right out of the box’ nature destination, it works very well. The 10,000 acres can be used for hiking, biking, and fishing, with optional tram and even Segway tours adding a bit of ‘theme park’ ambiance.

There are several ways for families to enjoy a day here, and yes, I do recommend reserving a whole day to the experience. The more affordable way to tour the park is by hiking or bringing your own bikes. There are 6.5 miles of paved paths for biking (or hiking), plus additional dirt trails for hiking. The canyon winds slowly upward on a very gentle slope along Dogwood Creek, and every quarter mile or so, there’s another beautiful vista, waterfall, or pool to stop and admire. Truly, it’s very lovely. There are picnic areas, fishing pools, and quaint stone bridges…even a wedding chapel. The mowed lawns on either side of the main paved path, as well as benches and sign posts give the canyon more of a ’manicured’ feel than I typically like in a nature setting, but once I acclimated, I was able to enjoy the area on its own terms.

The tram tour, which families will certainly see winding its way through the park, takes visitors the length of the 6.5 paved trail by guide, then continues past the point cyclists and hikers must turn around and ascends out of the canyon to an upper area of the park. Here, Morris’ herds of American buffalo (bison), elk, white-tailed deer, and long-horn cattle roam. This wildlife park aspect of Dogwood Canyon is worth the price of the tram tour if seeing these animals up close is important to you. I really enjoyed it, even though I’ve been through wildlife ‘safari’ parks in the past. The animals come right up to the sides of the tram (a feeding lends to their cooperation) and our guide was very personable and knowledgable. The whole tram tour takes a few hours, so plan accordingly…after we were done, I wished I had saved some time to walk along the unpaved trails, too.

With a whole day, a family could certainly hike or bike most of the day, stopping whenever and wherever to picnic or play, then take the tram tour before departure. This map of the hiking and biking trails can help in the planning process.

New at Dogwood Canyon:

Dogwood has undergone an extensive expansion, which is now complete. In addition to all of the above, families will find new activities in the park, such as horseback riding and organized wilderness walks, as well as the following attractions:

Working Mill – featuring live demonstrations with head miller Blake Adams
Canyon Grill Restaurant – a rustic-elegant destination restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking Indian Creek and stunning rock formations with a 120 foot waterfall
Education Center – educates guests about the importance of protecting, conserving and preserving the great outdoors through offerings including Kids Adventure Clubs, interactive displays, and live wildlife demonstrations
Treehouse – this majestic two-story treehouse was built for the “Treehouse Masters” TV show on Animal Planet and offers a hands-on approach to conservation and wildlife education for kids and kids-at-heart.
Little Indian Stables – the beautiful new barn features 24 stalls that allow riders to walk through and visit horses as part of their experience.
General Store & Outfitters – one-stop shop for everything you need before heading out into the park, including segways, bikes, fly fishing gear and more. Also offering a variety of logo’d apparel and goods such as ground cornmeal from the Dogwood Mill.

For the best overview of the park each month, to help you plan your day, check their Adventure Guides. Here’s an example for May 2017.

Distance from the interstate:

Dogwood Canyon is located about 45 minutes from Branson, spanning Missouri and Arkansas.

Admission:

Admission to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park provides access to the Mill, Canyon Grill Restaurant, Nature & Conservation Center and Treehouse for $10 per adult and $5 per child. If you live nearby, a season pass may be a better deal.

Families can get hiking and biking admission (if bringing own bikes) for $14.95 for adults and $9.95 for kids. Admission with bike rentals included is $22 for adults and $15.95 for kids. From my day in the park, I believe this is a good value.

The wildlife tram tour is $25 for adults, and about $12 for kids. As mentioned, Segway tours are also offered, as well as fly fishing classes and horseback rides. Fishing is permitted in the park for another fee, based on whether you need to rent gear and plan to catch-and-release or keep your catch.

Check the admission page for current pricing.

Dining:

There is dining at the entrance of the park, in a smaller building that was a one-time military post. Families can get sandwiches, wraps, and other casual fare here, but I recommend bringing a nice picnic.

Directions:

Dogwood Canyon is located outside Branson at 2038 West State Hwy 86 in Lampe, Missouri.

As we disclose whenever applicable, Pit Stops for Kid experienced Dogwood Canyon as a guest of the nature park, for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.

Florida Caverns State Park

April 24, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

State parks make some of the very best pit stops, as fans of Florida Caverns State Park well know! One of the few state parks with dry (air-filled) caves, Florida Caverns is the only Florida state park to offer cave tours to the public. Accessible to all ages, the cave has dazzling formations of limestone stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones, and draperies. The park is also popular for camping, swimming, fishing, picnicking, canoeing on the Chipola River, boating, hiking, and bicycling.

Jen of Two Kids and a Map sung its praises in a recent review of attractions along I-10 on Trekaroo: The kids will love the stalactites and stalagmites and the fact that it is dark and spooky! We were a little disappointed in the amount of trash and graffiti at the entrance of the cavern site. I do not know if it has been cleaned up since. The campsites are set in a beautiful part of the woods. The bathroom facilities and the campsites are clean. Make sure you grab the Florida Passport and get it stamped while you are there! Distance off the interstate: 4 miles

Hours and Admission Prices:

8am until sunset. Cave tours are closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. $5 admission fee per vehicle. Camping fee is $20 per night. Cave tour fees are as following:

$8.00 per person, plus tax, age 13 and older
$5.00 per child, plus tax, 3 to 12
Under age 2: free

Food Services:

The park’s concession is located below the historic Visitor Center. Refreshments and souvenirs are available. This is also the location where you can purchase your tickets to go on a cave tour. The Gift Shop is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Website: http://www.floridastateparks.org/floridacaverns/
Phone: 850-482-1228. If you plan on a cave tour, it’s recommended that you call ahead to the Ranger Station before departure to ensure they’re not all sold out!

Directions:

Florida Caverns State Park is located 3 miles north of Marianna, off of U.S. 90 on S.R. 166. From Tallahassee: Take I-10 west to exit 142, turn right on Hwy 71 N to Hwy 90, turn left. Follow brown park signs. From Pensacola: Take I-10 East to exit 136, turn left on Hwy 276 N to Hwy 90, turn right. Follow brown park signs.

Bonus Pitstop:

Nearby in Chipley, Florida is Falling Waters State Park (home of Florida’s tallest waterfall and plenty of cool fern and moss-covered sinkholes)!

Photo credit

Disneyland hotel pick: Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance

April 3, 2017 By Sharlene Earnshaw

The following guest post is written by Pit Stops for Kids contributor Elizabeth Bickford.

Need a Disneyland hotel pick? The Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance has one of the best locations and properties combined in the Disneyland resort area! We had a great stay with our two daughters ages five and seven. The property is within walking distance and is surrounded by several dining options which make it easy to keep your costs low when spending several days at Disneyland!

Check in at the Courtyard by Marriott:

I have to say this was one of the easiest check-ins ever! We even checked in during a rainstorm and were able to get in to our room within several minutes! The property offers valet only at a reasonable price of $20 per night – reasonable considering parking at the resort at Disneyland alone is $18! So for two dollars more you walk straight into Disneyland and you don’t have to break down any strollers or hop on any buses – I think it’s a great deal. As a bonus, in the lobby, while checking in was an interactive coloring station where the children could paint and play while we received our room keys. There was also a cute library and game center set up to occupy your family.

The room review:

I was extremely impressed with the size of the rooms as well as the furnishings. Each room sleeps six people! The room we stayed in offer two queen beds and a bunk bed! The children were delighted to have this option! We had a great view overlooking the water park and Disneyland resort – we were able to watch the fireworks here one night when the rain was too much to stay at Disneyland. We were so happy to be able to enjoy Disneyland from the comfort of our room.

Another great amenity at the Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance was our room came with the option of two showers! This was great for coming in from the pool. We were able to get both children quickly showered and dressed so we could head right back out and enjoy all the fun that Anaheim has to offer! The only negative was my children manage to both get soap in their eyes at the exact same moment which was quite comical I’m sure if you could see me running back-and-forth wiping children’s eyes as they bellowed for me. However, I think the likelihood of this happening to anyone else is extremely low!

The room also offered everything you would need for an extended stay; there was a mini fridge, coffee machine, and a microwave! The toiletries and complementary items were all of high quality and brand-name.

The property: What to expect at the Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance

Overall, this was one of the most child-friendly properties that we have stayed at in the area. Not only is there a giant water play structure but there are two waterslides, a full pool, Jacuzzi and a one foot splash pool for the kids! We found that many guests were able to find something for their children of all ages on the pool deck. We also saw that this was one of the best places to catch fireworks if your room did not have a direct view – remember to check out the times for the fireworks so you can plan to get a front row view along the fence over looking Disneyland.

The property also housed a convenient store, quick market, and a bistro. The restaurant was open for certain dining hours only and it was not open throughout the entire day. We had a late start one morning and missed the bistro hours – however, there are so many dining options just outside of the property that it did not cause an issue during our stay.

Additionally, guests can use the on-site exercise room and the valet service is exceptionally quick. For valet they recommend texting the valet desk and they should provide an estimated time of arrival for your vehicle. This worked great and even though it was raining throughout our stay we did not get a drop on us when heading to our car.

Suggestions for your stay:

If you are looking to stay on this property we highly recommend bringing a stroller for the young ones. The walk is extremely easy but, the stroller made it less stressful when crossing the main road. There is plenty of room in the entryway of the hotel room to store the stroller. Additionally, we recommend taking advantage of the in room amenities like the refrigerator by bringing some of your own items to offset the cost of Disneyland! Lastly, I would highly recommend Mimi’s café which is inside the same parking lot as the hotel – they offer all day breakfast which was great for the kids. It was one of the closest and most reasonably priced restaurants (other than McDonalds) in the area. We were even able to bring the food back and save it for the following morning.

I have to say, this was one of the best properties we have stayed at in the Disneyland Area. I highly recommend this property all year round as we were here in the rain and the water park was still heated to a nice temperature allowing the children to enjoy all that the property had to offer. Additionally, for the quality of the hotel – the location cannot be beat by an off property accommodation. We cannot wait to go back again – my daughter has already requested a stay here as your birthday present this year!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary two nights stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance in order to complete my review, however all opinions stated are my own.

Grown Up Getaway: Eureka California wine and cider weekend

March 15, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

A wine weekend in…Eureka? Yes, California’s rugged northern ‘lost coast’ can make for an ideal grown-up getaway, provided you know where to go. Parents will feel completely away from it all, with cell service cutting delightfully in and out with each curve of Highway 101. The scenery is spectacular, the shopping and art scene funky and fun, and the cuisine is original, yet suburb.

Eureka California wine and cider weekend:

Eureka, California is about five hours north of San Francisco, up the windy coastal highway, Highway 101. We approached it from the north; Eureka is about 1.5 hours from Crescent City, California and four hours from our home in Southern Oregon. Either way, it’s far enough to feel transported. (I think we felt truly relaxed as we left the Redwood Highway by the California/Oregon border and turned south along the coastline.)

Stay at Carter House:

Eureka is known for their oysters, not their wineries, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find 100 point wines in town. Carter House is touted as a bed and breakfast, but we decided we’d consider it a closer cousin to a boutique hotel. With over 30 rooms in three Victorian buildings in the heart of historic downtown Eureka, Carter House has a beautiful bar with a 90-page wine list, including offerings from wineries such as Silver Oak, LaFite, and George Latour, and a wine cellar on premises that guests can tour (actually three wine cellars). Their Restaurant 301 is well-known in the area for their philosophy of local sourcing and seasonal ingredients; in fact, they have their own gardens across the street.

Our room at the Carter House was small but beautiful, with a jetted tub and the tall ceilings you can expect in a historic building. Downstairs, the bar and lobby areas invite guests to mingle for complimentary appetizers and wine during happy hour, and again at 8 pm, where complimentary tea and cookies are set out by the fireplace.

We wished the check-in desk was located slightly apart from the sitting areas of the lobby, as it took away from the ambiance, but during a three-day stay, this was our only complaint. We made a reservation at Restaurant 301 our first night, and were not disappointed. (I recommend the French onion soup, made from scratch on premises.) Guests can order wine by the glass or by the bottle during dinner or in the bar, and can expect bottle prices to start at around $50-60 and top out at a stunning $12,000. While such a wine was beyond our means by about $11,950, we enjoyed pursuing the menu. Restaurant 301 also offers a five-course tasting menu with wine pairings, for about $100 per person. Our meal with wine, appetizers, and an entry each was just over $100 for two, so we opted for the a la carte menu, but were tempted by the pairings. The bar has happy hour food to sample as well, such as truffle fries or rolled tacos, if you’re not up for a full meal.

At Carter House, guests are within walking distance of the rest of historic Eureka, which showcases an impressive number of restored Victorian buildings hugging the waterfront. (Outside the historic downtown area, Eureka gets significantly more dingy; anyone familiar with small, isolated towns with struggling economies will relate. We never felt unsafe; we just preferred the historic center while on a weekend vacation.) Within the historic downtown, we found multiple additional restaurants, including an additional wine bar called The Wine Spot with great selection and a friendly staff. There are also several art galleries, specialty shops, and bookstores. We recommend Humboldt Bay Bistro, Cafe Nooner, and Oberon Grille, all located within walking distance. You can also walk easily to the marina, located just a block from Carter House.

What you get for your room rate at Carter House:

No matter which room you book, a Carter House stay includes breakfast (hence the B&B designation), which is excellent. Each day, breakfast included a generous and gourmet continental breakfast buffet with fresh juices, baked goods, and fruit and granola, plus a complimentary menu of oatmeal, yogurt, toast, and the like. One special per day is also included complimentarily; during our stay, it was eggs Benedict and French toast.

You also get the nightly appetizers and tea/cookies that are set out in the lobby, and one glass of complimentary wine in the wine bar (one per person per stay, not per day). WiFi and parking are free, and the ambiance is warm. The staff is helpful and welcoming, and we found the room rate (in off-season) of $200 per night to be a good value.

Taste wine across the Eureka area:

In addition to the impressive wine cellar at Carter House, there are a number of small, but up-and-coming wineries in the area. Recommended to us were:

Persimmons Garden Gallery & Wine Tasting This winery is also a nursery, art gallery, wine bar, and cafe. 1055 Redway Dr., Redway.
Riverbend Cellars Located on the Eel River, Riverbend is producing Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah. 12990 Avenue of the Giants, Myers Flat.
Elk Prairie Vineyard For a remote tasting room experience, Elk Prairie’s wares can be sampled, above Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

Sip brews for grown-ups:

Eureka is home to Lost Coast Brewing and nearby Humboldt Brewing, so beer lovers will be content, but we love finding unique cider breweries, and were very impressed with Humboldt Cider Co. It’s located east of downtown in a residential area near the Eureka fairgrounds, and actually hard to find from the street (you’ll find it off Harris St). You need to go inside the parking area just past the fairgrounds, where a few other businesses are located, and it feels like you’re going to the wrong place, but once you get there, it’s great. They have a small but cutely decorated tasting room, and during our visit, had ten ciders on tap. We opted for a tasting of all ten for $17, which we happily shared. Their ciders ranged from very dry, hoppy brews to sweet brews laced with local honey or candied pecans…. we loved the honey one so much we bought a growler full to bring home.

Note: If you’re willing to go a bit further afield, try Bittersweet Sea Cider in Arcata.

Hiking and nature:

Between sipping wine and cider, we made our way down the coast about 40 miles to the Avenue of the Giants, located within Humboldt Redwoods State Park. This large park has multiple entrances and exits along Highway 101, with the headliner being the Avenue of the Giants, a 30+ mile roadway through towering redwoods. The ‘Ave’ used to be the original Highway 101, before it was rerouted, and driving through can take just an hour or so or all day, depending on how many times to stop to hike through the various redwood groves. You really can’t go wrong picking a path to hike; we tried several couple-mile loops, then ended up at the visitor center, located at about the halfway point along the Ave.

If you go north instead of south from Eureka, Patricks Point State Park is located directly on the rocky coastline by Trinidad, and offers multiple hiking loops and beach walks. There’s also a small visitors center, though we didn’t check it out, and campgrounds. The Inn of the Lost Coast is located at the end of Patricks Point Road at Shelter Cove, and has a causal eatery with ocean views for lunch. The seaside town of Trinidad itself is a great stop, with an iconic lighthouse and cute harbor for small fishing boats. You can explore small but beautiful Trinidad State Park, or just head to the adjacent city beach to watch the surf.

En route back toward Eureka, we decided to stop at Loleta Cheese Factory (at 252 Loleta Dr.). We were expecting a large cheese operation in this sleepy coastal town, but instead, found the factory to be in a small house. We took a chance and checked it out, and are so glad we did. This little cheese factory has amazing cheeses (all available for sampling), and best of all, in the back resides a grilled cheese bar, serving inventive sandwiches headlining their cheeses. Guy Fieri has featured it in Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives (in fact, he’s recommended several establishments in the Eureka area, his home county). In the back of the grilled cheese bar area is a beautiful garden, which is inviting in the warmer months.

Tip: If you’re following this itinerary WITH kids in tow, this cheese shop would be a great stop; they even offer a fun scavenger hunt for kids when they arrive. Of course, all the hiking in Humboldt Redwoods State Park would be a excellent way to spend time as well.

During the summer months, it’s easy to rent kayaks or stand up paddle boards in Eureka or neighbor Arcata, and beach-going and picnicking is a popular pastime. Don’t be afraid of visiting Eureka during the off-season, however. We visited in February, and found the hotels to still be bustling, and the room rates to be slightly lower. While it rained during our visit, the chances of rain are significant during any time of year.

Have you been to Eureka or the Lost Coast for a weekend getaway? Where did you stay?

Photo credit: Unique Inns, Amy Whitley

Salt Lake City: Natural History Museum of Utah with kids

February 15, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Considering a visit to Salt Lake City’s Natural History Museum of Utah with kids? Absolutely go! This is one of the best natural history museums we’ve visited, with five stories of exhibits on earth and life science. The museum is located on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City, and families can easily spend a full morning or afternoon here.

If you’re visiting in the warmer months, allow time to explore the outdoor spaces, including terraces with views of the Wasatch Mountains and downtown, and hiking trails that lead from the museum. During my visit in winter, these areas were closed due to heavy snow, but this may not always be the case.

Natural History Museum of Utah with kids:

The building housing the museum alone is impressive; its copper exterior and LEED Gold certified features echo the message of the permanent exhibits: one of sustainability and eco-responsibility. Start on the second level (admissions is on level 1) and check out the topographic map in the lobby. Then start in Past Worlds, which houses an impressive dinosaur exhibit with a paleo lab.

In this area is the ‘backyard’ room for young kids; be sure to check it out with toddlers and preschoolers.

The Past Worlds section will lead seamlessly into the First Peoples and Land areas…just follow the sky bridges and pathways. In this way, this natural history section evolves from prehistoric times slowly to present day life, with sections on early humans and anthropology as well as geology and local Salt Lake climate studies. This leads to the large Life section, which has a working naturalist lab with glass walls so kids can watch scientists at work.

At the very top of the museum on Level 5, the Sky section offers amazing city views, an elevated outdoor terrace, and exhibits on the night sky. Past Sky, the circular Native Voices room showcases present-day Native American culture on the Wasatch Front and further, including beyond the Salt Lake basin.

Be sure to check out the current special exhibit, which is housed on Level 3. During my visit, it was an extensive exhibit on poison; both natural poisons found in nature as well as human myths, lore, and history of poison. It was very interesting and had something for all ages.

Admission and hours:

Admission information can be found here. At the time of my visit, adult admission was about $15, teens were $13, and kids 3-12 were $10. The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm. As with many museums, it is usually worth looking into a museum membership if you have a large family or plan to visit more than once a year. You can turn your day admission into a membership at the time of your visit.

Note: there is a cafe on site, as well as picnic lunch areas available.

Directions:

The museum is located at 301 Wakara Way, within the University of Utah campus. There is ample parking, and it’s easy to access from the TRAX public transit system.

Where to ski in Utah: Brian Head Resort with kids

February 13, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Deciding where to ski in Utah is a little like deciding which tropical island to buy…you really can’t go wrong, wherever you choose. That said, there are distinct differences between Utah resorts, and perhaps an even bigger difference between Salt Lake City and Provo area resort and Southern Utah resorts. For the first time, I explored the skiing options in Southern Utah, where I loved the friendly, relaxed, and sometimes almost eccentric vibe.

Brian Head Resort with kids:

Brian Head Resort has the highest base elevation in Utah (you’ll be at over 9000 feet at all times, and up to 11,000+ feet while skiing). It offers 650 acres with eight chairs. It’s not the largest Utah ski resort, and also not the most challenging in terms of expert terrain, but it has something distinct going for it that really plays in its favor: isolation.

Because Brian Head is pretty far from a metropolis (you’re 3.5 hours from SLC and 3 hours from Las Vegas), your closest neighbors during your stay are national parks and monuments. Brian Head has the distinction of being a Dark Sky location, which means you’re free from light pollution. All this isolation means Brian Head Resort makes its own fun. Events, apres ski dining options, live bands, and special programming seems to be scheduled for just about every night. Need proof? Just take a look at their event schedule.

Getting the lay of the land:

When skiing Brian Head resort with kids, it’s important to note Brian Head has two distinct base areas: Navajo and Giant Steps. They are separated by the highway, with a ski bridge that links them. Base lodges are at both locations. The simplest way to categorize them is to say that Navajo offers the beginner and intermediate terrain, and Giant Steps offers intermediate and expert terrain. There’s a meeting place for the winter sports school at both locations, but the kids’ camp is at Navajo. The two Brian Head hotel lodges are a couple minutes’ drive from the Navajo side, but there are many house rentals and condos available at both base areas.

You can absolutely ski between the two sides using the ski bridge, but it does take a few chairs and some traversing. There is also a free shuttle that connects the base areas, convenient if you have family members skiing at different levels but want to meet up for lunch or apres ski.

Skiing at Brian Head:

Brian Head is one of those resorts that seems to double its size on powder days…there are just so many open areas to ski. (The openness of the resort is actually due to the need to remove many trees during a beetle infestation years ago.) But of course, not every day can be a powder day. During my visit, we stuck mostly to groomed runs, which were plentiful and pleasant. There are a number of great chutes near the top of Giant Steps, and even after the fluffy powder is skied out, hidden stashes remain in the trees. On the Navajo side, the green beginner runs are some of the most interesting I’ve seen…think winding paths through forests and fun curves.

From both sides, skiers are rewarded with views of classic Southern Utah red rock, and glimpses of nearby Cedar Breaks National Monument. On clear days, it’s possible to see all the way to Great Basin National Park in Nevada. What you won’t see often are crowds. We visited on a Saturday in January, and it felt like a quiet Tuesday morning.

Other things to do at Brian Head:

Remember how close you are to Cedar Breaks while in Brian Head? If you want to take an afternoon off from skiing, you can actually take a snowmobile tour from the resort area to High Mountain, which offers incredible close-up views of the red rock of Cedar Breaks. Thunder Mountain Motorsports offers 1.5 hour, 3 hour, and all day rides. We found 1.5 hours to be just enough time to go through the backcountry of Brian Head to High Mountain and back, with time to play around in snow-filled meadows and learn about the natural history of the area. Our guide was fantastic: the perfect mixture of helpful and informative but also lighthearted and fun. Tours start at $85/machine, which families can ride double for only $15 extra. If you have it, you can even take your own machine and follow the tour for $20.

If snowmobiling isn’t your thing, you can also snowshoe or cross-country ski in Cedar Breaks. It’s best to call for up-to-date info on road conditions and where to start your winter exploration: 435-586-9451.

Brian Head also offers snow tubing, which I’m told is on a steeper track than most. (I didn’t get a chance to try it.) However, one of the best things I did at Brian Head was their free ‘Star Party’. Held once a month at Navajo base lodge, star parties are a fun and informative viewing of the night sky. Because Brian Head is a Dark Sky location, the view on clear nights is fantastic. They bring out ‘dark rangers’ (like park rangers) to lead short talks, in which they point out constellations and planets and give families time to look through telescopes. There are fire pits and hot chocolate as well.

Where (and what) to eat at Brian Head:

Remember how I said Brian Head was just a bit eccentric? This characteristic is most evident in their dining and entertainment scene. Brian Head was bought by a new owner a few years ago; owner John Grissinger has brought his love of Kansas City BBQ to the resort, and everyone benefits! At least once a week (and usually more often), families can find ‘John’s KC style BBQ’ on the events calendar. Held at Last Chair Saloon at Giant Steps base, this BBQ meal is not to be missed. You may get two choices on the menu, but don’t expect more. What you’ll get is amazing BBQ meat (usually ribs, catfish, or tri-tip) served with sides. It’s accompanied by live music, and the whole event is very family-friendly.

When you can’t get BBQ, you have other options: Giant Steps lodge and Navajo have your standard ski day fare, and if you want to dine out in the evening, the Grand Lodge offers a simple but solid menu at their Lift Bar and Grill. Cedar Breaks Lodge offers a restaurant as well.

Where to stay at Brian Head:

As noted above, there are many condo rentals and home rentals in Brian Head. If you opt for a hotel, you have the choice between the Grand Lodge and Cedar Breaks Lodge. We stayed at Grand Lodge, which has a great indoor pool and hot tub, plus an outdoor hot tub. Their spa was closed for the season, but it is on offer in summer months. They have a decent continental breakfast at the Lift Bar and Grill, which is convenient before your ski day, though it does cost extra (around $10 pp). I found this price to be too high for the standard fare; at some chain hotels, you can get a similar spread complimentarily). However, our waitress did charge less for those who were eating less, which was nice.

Rooms are standard, with mini fridges and microwaves, which is nice to have, and the lodge has fun live music and a pretty hopping bar on weekends. It’s a friendly, welcoming vibe. You’re about a one minute drive to the base of Navajo, or you can get on the free Brian Head shuttle.

Getting to Brian Head: Take I-15 to Parowan, then Highway 143 to Brian Head. It’s about 3.5 hours from Salt Lake City or 3 hours from Las Vegas.

Pin it for later:

Disclosure: I experienced Brian Head as a guest of the resort, for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

Foodie fun for families: Oregon Chocolate Festival with kids

January 27, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re in the Pacific Northwest, a family trip to Ashland, Oregon should be on your radar. With both the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) and Rogue River in its backyard, Ashland is known for its outdoor adventure. And of course, it’s also a theater destination, as home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. In recent years, Ashland has sprung onto the culinary scene as well, with brew pubs, wineries, and restaurants. Have a foodie family? Come in early March to enjoy the Oregon Chocolate Festival with kids.

The Oregon Chocolate Festival has always called Ashland home. Last year, it was held at the fun, retro-styled Ashland Hills Hotel and Suites, with over 30 chocolatiers and a total of 44 vendors. In addition to sweet samples from all the chocolatiers, located from around the state, the festival hosts dessert contests, auctions, and demos from local chefs.

How to plan your day at the Oregon Chocolate Festival with kids:

The festival runs three days, over a Friday-Sunday. We recommend attending on Sunday, which is a shorter, and therefore cheaper day. Start with the Willy Wonka 5K fun run. This low-key race includes a 1/2 mile sprint for kids and a traditional 5K for everyone in the family, strollers and dogs welcome. Stay afterward to peruse the vendor booths, taking at least a few hours to sample the chocolate from everyone! Yes, you will overindulge!

Grown ups: in addition to the chocolate booths, cider and wine booths are set up. For the kids, water stations are plentiful, and there’s usually some form of hot chocolate or liquid chocolate to try.

When you enter the festival (held indoors), you’ll be given a schedule. Pay attention to this information, because it tells you when and where to see chef demonstrations and other events. On the Sunday we visited, we watched a 30 minute demonstration on making a eucalyptus-infused chocolate dessert and the grown ups attended a beer and chocolate pairing class. These classes and demos are included in your ticket price.

After you’ve had enough chocolate (it DOES happen eventually!) head outside of the hotel to find Ashland’s best food trucks. This is a great opportunity for a low-cost and easy lunch!

Once you’ve ‘cleared your palate’, head back inside for more samples and to make some purchases of your favorites. All the booths we visited took debit and credit cards, so bringing cash wasn’t necessary. We ended up with several treats we couldn’t resist, as well as business cards so we could order from chocolatiers outside our area.

Tip: Be sure to vote for your favorite chocolate creation or business in the ‘people’s choice’ style awards. On Saturday afternoon, ‘official’ awards are given out as well.

Festival ticket prices:

Friday and Sunday are half-days and $15 each. Saturday is a full day, with $20 tickets. Multi-day tickets are available, but probably not necessary. Kids 8 and under are free!

Where to stay:

Combine a trip to the Oregon Chocolate Festival with a family getaway in Ashland. Stay at the site of the festival at the Ashland Hills Hotel and Suites with their package deal. In 2016, it was under $160 for a room and tickets for two (just add any youth tickets needed). Read a full review of this hotel. We’d plan to ski one day at Mt. Ashland Ski Area and attend the festival the next!

We received tickets to the Oregon Chocolate Festival free of charge, for the purpose of review. We thank the festival for their hospitality.

Russian Tea at the Heathman Hotel Portland

January 18, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

The historic Heathman Hotel in Portland has offered a holiday tea service for decades. New in 2016, chef Vitaly Paley brought Russian flare to the service with his festive, elegant Russian Tea. Within days, all available reservations for the service, offered between November 25 and January 1, were filled.

Due to the popularity of the holiday tea service, there will be two seatings on Saturdays moving forward. Folks should call for the most accurate times available and reservations for seatings at 503/790-7752 for Saturday teas through 2017.

The Russian Tea is beautifully presented in the Heathman’s tea room, adjacent to the new Headwaters restaurant. We sat near the big fireplace at a table adorned with an authentic Russian table and tea service. When I attended in December of 2016, we were given a choice of eight tea varieties, plus champagne or select cocktails. The teas ranged from a White Peony to classic black teas to an earthy green tea, all authentic Russian staples. I opted for the Bungalow, which is most similar to an English Breakfast black tea. The tea is presented in its own pot in loose leaf, with a delicate tea cup and strainer.

Alongside the tea comes a three-tiered tray of accompaniments ranging from savory options like khachapouri (Georgian cheese bread), open-faced buteubrodi sandwiches, and stuffed eggs. A favorite was the traditional blini, small pancakes served with house-cured caviar and sour cream. Among the sweet offerings were tort po kievski, a hazelnut meringue coffee buttercream with chocolate ganache, a Russian cheesecake, and Bird’s Milk Cake, with a shortbread cookie crust. The star of the show may have been the steopka, a sour cream and walnut cake that is Paley’s grandmother’s recipe.

Needless to say, this meal is an event you should plan to linger over, enjoying each delicate cake and small bite. That said, kids are definitely welcome.

The kids’ service includes child-friendly versions of the adult offerings, including deviled eggs stuffed with milder flavors, flaky cheese bread, and almond butter and house preserves sandwiches. During our mid-afternoon tea service, we saw several children dressed in their holiday best, enjoying the experience. The Heathman is definitely upscale, but not stuffy. Consider pairing this event with a holiday show at the nearby Keller Auditorium.

If you go, the 2017 prices are likely similar to the 2016 holiday price of $38/adult and $16/child. While expensive, I feel the experience is unique and the price is justified. Definitely book your reservation early, calling 503-790-7752 to inquire when reservations open for the 2017 holiday season. Reservations can be made for 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm daily during the holidays.

As I disclose whenever applicable, I experience the Russian Tea as a guest of the Heathman, for the purpose of review.

Boreal Mountain Resort with the M.A.X. Pass

January 16, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

If you read Pit Stops for Kids’ ski coverage regularly, you know we’re big fans of Lake Tahoe, CA skiing. I grew up in the area, skiing at resorts throughout Tahoe, and we try to visit our favorite resorts at least once a season. However, until our visit last month, it had been YEARS since I’d been at Boreal Mountain Resort.

One of the oldest and most established ski resorts in the Tahoe region, Boreal has always been known for its terrain parks, affordability, and easy access from I-80. I remember it best as the first Tahoe resort (to my knowledge) to allow snowboarding. Ever since, it’s been snowboard-centric. Because I’ve never been an avid snowboarder or lover of big jumps, Boreal hasn’t been on my radar for some time.

However, I now have three kids who love terrain parks (one of whom exclusively snowboards). I knew they’d love Boreal’s five terrain parks and half-pipe. But as one of the most affordable resorts in Tahoe, Boreal is on the small side. Before we arrived, I wondered whether its acreage would keep us occupied for a full day.

Enter Woodward Tahoe, located directly at the base of Boreal. This indoor action sport training facility is every kid’s dream: it’s filled with indoor trampolines, foam pits, skate parks, ramps, and more. With a Boreal OnePass, you get access to Woodward in addition to the slopes at Boreal (and nearby Soda Springs ski area if you’re interested). We got our tickets through The M.A.X. Pass, which is a 39-mountain season pass that includes Boreal (more on that below).

How Boreal and Woodward work together:

When you arrive at Boreal and get your Boreal OnePass, you have access to both Woodward and Boreal. Woodward is used in several ways: extreme action sport athletes use it for serious training, classes and camps are offered, and single use sessions are available to the public. To use Woodward during your ski day, you’ll want to make a reservation. Your OnePass gets you a three-hour session, which we found to be more than enough time. We opted to make a Woodward reservation for after lunch, then skied and snowboarded all morning, switching to indoors in the afternoon. Of course, you could do the reverse.

First-timers at Woodward need to take a 30 minute orientation session, in which instructors explain the equipment and show you the proper way to jump (and fall) safely. It’s easy and really helpful. After that, you’re let loose on all the trampolines, foam pits, ramps, and ropes. If you want to use a scooter (to jump off ramps into a pit), you can rent one by the hour. I believe it was $15/hour. Kids can also bring their own, as well as their own BMX bikes or skateboards. To skateboard and ride, helmets are required. We simply used our ski helmets. Check out our favorite Woodward video!

You’ll want to bring a change of clothes for anyone playing in Woodward before or after skiing or snowboarding; there are bathrooms to change in at Woodward, and cubbies in which to store your ski stuff. There’s a nice counter-service lunch and drink place upstairs, where there’s also a nice viewing and lounging area for anyone not participating.

What to expect on the slopes at Boreal:

As noted above, Boreal is known for its terrain parks, and it definitely delivers. We were there in late December, and not every terrain park was up and running yet, but there were still about four to pick from. As a parent, I appreciated the option of an extra-small park, where the jumps and ramps were beginner-sized. Sometimes, beginners and young kids can get in the way or even hurt on large terrain parks. From there, it goes up all the way to expert level. There’s a half pipe, and an additional park called Neff Land, which is sponsored by Neff and includes fun elements like tunnels and side walls.

For those not into terrain parks (like me), Boreal has a surprising amount of glade and off-piste skiing, which I found on the extreme far sides of the resort. The Cedar Ridge chair was especially lovely, with a ride up the mountain amid deep forests. While the overall ambiance at Boreal is still snowboarder-centric, I did find my own place there.

Using The M.A.X. Pass:

As noted above, I visited Boreal after so many years because it is one of the 39 resorts included in our M.A.X. Pass, which our family is trying out this year. Yes, you read that right: the M.A.X. Pass includes 39 different resorts across the US. Many are on the east coast, with a handful in Utah, Colorado, California, and the Pacific Northwest. I’ll be reviewing additional M.A.X. Pass resorts later this winter. For $749, M.A.X. Pass users get five days at each of the resorts, with no blackout dates. I buy a season pass at our local mountain annually, and I can tell you it’s not far off that $749 price just for one property. If your family plans to spend five days at a single M.A.X. Pass resort on vacation this winter, plus could use the pass for a day here and there throughout the rest of the season, the value is definitely there. Check out all the resorts offered on the MAX Pass.

I visited Boreal in partnership with the M.A.X. Pass, for the purpose of review. All opinion remains my own.

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

January 11, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

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

Caravan Tiny House Hotel:

Caravan is comprised of six tiny houses circled around a covered, outdoor fire pit and outdoor seating area, within a gated lot in the heart of the Alberta district. Parents can certainly bring kids to Caravan, as several of the houses sleep four or five, but given its location on Alberta Street, lined with upscale eateries, bars, and boutiques, we think it serves best for a couples-only or solo getaway.

The tiny houses at this tiny house hotel range in size, but all are from 120-170 square feet. They’re built by local builders, and have their own personalities. Inside each are design elements that are fun, funky, and creative. Each has a flush toilet and hot shower, electric heat, a sitting area, sleeping areas, and a kitchen (with sink, hot plate or stove top, microwave, mini fridge, and cooking utensils). We stayed in Skyline, one of the larger tiny houses with a queen-sized bed, loft area with couch (that transforms to another bed), kitchen, and bathroom. Skyline was made of 100% recycled materials, which we loved. We had warm linens and quilts at our disposal, as well as an Italian coffee maker and coffee (bring your own creamer if you need it). In the bathroom, fair-trade shampoo and body wash was provided, as well as big, fluffy towels.

The tiny houses are insulated, but since Caravan is in the heart of a busy urban area, there is some noise pollution. Earplugs are provided, as well as a noise machine in each tiny house. We couldn’t get ours to work quite right, so I’ll definitely bring my own sound machine if I make it back! It really wasn’t a big deal…we were in the tiny house on a weeknight, and the street noise settled down early. Out in the communal outdoor space, Caravan’s owners have thoughtfully provided everything guests need to make a fire in the fire pit and roast s’mores (including gluten-free graham crackers and vegan marshmallows). During our stay, only one other tiny house was occupied, so the communal area remained pretty quiet.

The tiny houses at Caravan are popular, especially on weekends (when there’s a two night minimum) so be sure to book well in advance if you want to pick your favorite. Rates are around $150/night, which is a great value. I’d definitely stay here again in lieu of booking a similarly priced standard hotel room in the suburbs. At Caravan, you get a boutique hotel feel with an artistic, creative ambiance in an excellent location.

Alberta Arts District:

Caravan is located at 11th Avenue and Alberta Street, in the northeast section of Portland. This area is across the Willamette from downtown, so couples staying at the tiny house hotel will probably want to leave the car parked and explore Alberta Street rather than drive back downtown for nightlife. And there’s plenty to do within a five block radius. We opted to spend our evening in the Alberta Arts District creating our own ‘progressive dinner’. We started at the Devil’s Den wine bar, where we sampled local and European wines with the assistance of the owner, Tommy. Devil’s Den is perhaps the most unpretentious, low-key wine bar I’ve been in. After a glass of wine, we walked further down Alberta Street, window shopping as we went. Past the Alberta Co-Op are numerous food truck pods, all of which tempted us. But we set our sights on a cocktail and appetizer at Knock Back, near Alberta and 20th. With heated outdoor seating and a killer cocktail menu, we settled in nicely here. If you go, opt for a bowl of their signature popcorn for $3…it’s worth every penny.

After drinks and appetizers, we headed to Bollywood Theater for dinner. This casual Indian restaurant serves full meals or small plates, with a fun, upbeat ambiance and Bollywood movies playing on the walls. Bonsai Sushi is also in the neighborhood (also a contender for our progressive dinner), and many other small restaurants and the aforementioned food trucks. Next to Bollywood Theater was our last stop: Salt and Straw ice cream. Well known throughout Portland and internationally, Salt and Straw makes their homemade ice cream with inventive, artisan flavors like honey and lavender, pear and blue cheese, and strawberry and balsamic.

Needless to say, we practically had to roll ourselves ‘home’ to Caravan after our evening of food and drinks. We made a cedar plank fire in the fire pit and settled in under the protective canopy outside Skyline. In the morning, I slept through the yoga class down the street I’d planned to attend, and we ate our final meal in the Alberta Arts District at Pine State Biscuits, which serves homemade biscuits on breakfast sandwiches, with fried chicken, or smothered in mushroom or sausage gravy.

If you go:

Book Caravan in advance, though you might luck out with an open tiny house at the last minute.
Know that room service is available from the Radio Room, located across the street.
Feel secure with locked gate entry to Caravan’s pod of tiny houses, plus a code on each house.
Expect free street parking anywhere in the vicinity.
Plan on a 10 minute drive from the Alberta Arts District to downtown.
Look for local events and things to do on an outdoor sign by the fire pit.

We stayed at Caravan as guests of the owners, for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

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