Shenandoah National Park: Nicholson Hollow hike

September 8, 2014 By

Shenandoah National Park is massive, and popular Skyline Drive necessities many hours in and out of the car. Everyone knows Old Rag Mountain offers one of the best day hikes on the East Coast, but it takes most of a day and is very strenuous…not the right fit for every itinerary or every family. However, few people know about the much shorter, much more kid-friendly hike of Nicholson Hollow, accessed right from Old Rag Mountain parking lot.

nicholson-hollow-hike

We got the inside scoop on Nicholson Hollow from the staff at Belle Meade Farm in nearby Sperryville. Instead of the tough uphill mileage of Old Rag Mountain, Nicholson Hollow follows a wide creek through the woods at a modest incline. It’s in shade, and during our June visit, the bugs weren’t bad. The trail starts 1/2 mile from the Old Rag Mountain parking lot (you follow the paved road to the sign post), then at 1.5 miles, you see a large boulder by the creek. Here, a great swimming hole spills from a short waterfall. The depth during our visit was enough for jumping off the big rock and others in the vicinity. If you continue up the trail, it leaves the creek and continues to a Y, where more trails convene. Go as far (or short) as you like.

old-rag-mountain

The first half mile of the trail is on private property; it’s fine to hike it, but remember there is no fishing allowed in this section. After that, you enter Shenandoah National Park.

Where to stay: Shenandoah National Park cuts a long path through Virginia. In order to be centrally located, it’s good to have a home base in the countryside surrounding it. Check out these options from VacationRoost.

Entrance Fee:

You will need to pay the national park entrance fee at the kiosk at the parking lot. The fee is $14 per car, or $8 per adult (kids are free).

Directions:

The Old Rag Mountain parking lot can be accessed from the Thorton Gap park entrance of Shenandoah National Park, or from the county road access off F.T. Valley Road outside Sperryville (follow signage). From the parking lot, walk up the paved road 1/2 mile to the Nicholson Hollow sign.

Disclosure: this post written in conjunction with partner VacationRoost.com.

Virginia farm stay with kids: Belle Meade Farm

September 5, 2014 By

We’d planned to tour Shenandoah National Park on our full day in Western Virginia; instead, on a sunny Monday in June, I found myself lazying on the dock of the inviting pond at Belle Meade Farm, the kids practicing their high dive from one of the pond’s wooden platforms. Earlier, we’d followed the advice of Belle Meade’s resident chef and explored a little-known trail at the base of Old Rag Mountain, leading to inviting swimming holes, and were now well-settled into a routine of swimming, canoeing, and reading. We’d made the right call.

virginia-farm-stay

Belle Meade Farm’s bed & breakfast focuses on sustainable living, hospitality, and farm life, and offers four rooms (with varied occupancy) on its 138 acres adjacent to Shenandoah National Park. For a Virginia farm stay with kids, it can’t be beat. The property plays host to streams, meadows, incredible views, and a holistic farm housing pigs, horses, cattle, and chickens. Guests can use the outdoor spaces, including a large outdoor pool and hot tub, patio, deck overlooking Old Rag Mountain, and a cozy living room and dining room. Owners Mike and Susan can point families in the direction of local activities and destinations, or direct kids to the on-site swimming pond with floating docks, diving platforms, a rope swing, and canoes. Yes, it’s heaven.

belle-meade-farm

We visited during the middle of a long tour of the East Coast between visiting historic Williamsburg and Washington DC. A stop at a farm stay with Susan and Mike was just the break we all needed to rewind, regroup, and relax before tackling more city life and history.

Farm stay component:

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belle-meade-farm-animals

belle-meade-farm

Like all farm stay destinations we review, Belle Meade is a working farm. We love getting involved, helping with chores and caring for livestock. However, like all farm stays, the amount of ‘work’ we do depends solely on what’s needed at the time, and at the farm owners’ discretion. During our stay at Belle Meade, the kids collected eggs, helped put the animals ‘to bed’ at night, and fed the pigs, rabbits, and horses. However, what’s on offer during another families’ stay may vary. I always remind my kids prior to any farm stay that ‘we’ll see’ what’s needed. Mike was generous with his time, and great about letting us know when an opportunity to help was at hand.

virginia-farm-stay

Bed and breakfast:

Think a B&B can’t be for kids? Well, sometimes (and some places) that’s true, but not at Belle Meade. Kids are welcome, but as with any B&B, I only recommend bringing kids who are old enough to be respectful of other guests. During our stay, we enjoyed the company of two other couples, so we certainly weren’t solo at the farm. A stay at Belle Meade includes a full cooked breakfast, made by talented chef Anna (who lives on-site). Anna inquired about any allergies or preferences, then surprised us each morning with a feast (many of the ingredients directly from the farm or locally sourced). Each morning, breakfast was fantastic.

belle-meade-bed-and-breakfast

Room amenities:

Each room at Belle Meade is different. We had a group of four (one teen, two kids, and one adult) and had two rooms. Rooms have modern, new bathrooms with showers and tubs, and comfortable beds with wonderful views out the windows. We brought a cooler for our lunch and snack foods, and the kitchen was able to keep us supplied with ice. We brought our own drinks, and eat dinner in town (the staff has great recommendations).

belle-meade-farm

What to do nearby:

As noted above, Belle Meade is located close to Shenandoah National Park. We drove to the Old Rag Mountain trailhead in 10 minutes (where there’s a small kiosk to pay park admission), and the larger entrance at Thorton Gap is only 20 minutes away. Ask about kid-friendly hikes nearby, or try Skyline Drive in the park. Families able to bring bikes can meander along the country roads, and dining choices are abundant in the nearby towns. For a casual meal, we recommend Burgers ‘N Things in Sperryville. Their burgers, fries, and shakes are great!

belle-meade-farm

virginia-farm-stay

Note: Belle Meade is far more than just a farm: it’s an educational community. In addition to teaching B&B guests about sustainable farming by example, it also runs a school, day camp, and many retreats and events. If you visit during the summer, expect day camp kids to be on the farm during weekdays. Beware: your kids will want to join in the fun!

More things to do in Virginia!

belle-meade-pool

Date last visited:

June 2014

Distance from the interstate:

Belle Meade is located within easy driving distance of I-66 or I-15.

Rates:

Room rates (for single or double) range from $160-$220 night, and include breakfast. Rates may vary.

Directions:

The farm is located at 353 F.T. Valley Road, Sperryville Virginia. Follow directions listed on the website.

As disclosed whenever applicable, we experienced Belle Meade Farm as guests of Mike and Susan. Without their hospitality, we’d be unable to bring farm stay reviews like this one to Pit Stops for Kids. All opinions are our own.

Best Ways to Enjoy New York with Kids in Tow

September 4, 2014 By

To some parents, traveling with kids is a daunting thought. There is so much you want to do, but when you have kids in tow, it’s not as easy to see the shows, visit the sites, and eat at the restaurants you enjoy. However, when you travel to New York with kids, remember that you can still have a great vacation.

New York

Go to the Zoo

If you want to see one of the best zoos in the world, don’t pass up the opportunity to go to the Bronx Zoo. You’ll see a number of unique animals and exhibits, and your kids will have a blast. You can even go for a reduced rate if you head to the zoo on a Wednesday. Wednesdays are the zoo’s suggested donation day, which means that you simply pay what you can afford for you and your family. This is a great way to have some fun on a budget.

Hit up a Museum

While you probably shouldn’t pack the entire trip with museum visits if you’re headed to New York with kids, visiting one or two museums is a great way to spend some time. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan allows both you and the kids a fun time. The museum offers exhibits that are interactive so your kids don’t get bored. You’ll have as much fun watching your kids play and learn as you will seeing the exhibits yourself. If you’re looking for a way to cut back on how much you spend on the trip, keep in mind that the first Friday each month is free.

museum-of-natural-history-NYC

Don’t Push Too Much

It’s important when you’re vacationing with kids to make sure that your trip isn’t too packed with adventures. Make sure that you take some time to just relax. When you’re planning your trip, check Gogobot for a hotel with a pool so that you and the kids can stay in for a while. This allows you all to unwind a little bit. When you’re not pushing to get everything done all at once, you’re all going to enjoy the trip much more.

Check Out Central Park

When you’re in New York, you need to take some time with the kids to check out Central Park where you’ll be able to sit back and relax outdoors. However, there is also a ton of things to do in the park, including renting bikes, going horseback riding, or checking out one of the many free concerts in the park. No matter what your interests or what entertainment your family is looking for, you’re likely to find something to please in Central Park. The best part is that there is something going on in the park year round, so you don’t have to worry about scarce activities in the winter.

Going to New York is a great experience for families. There are things to do for all interests and for families of all sizes. Plan your trip out ahead of time, but make sure that when you’re traveling with kids you’re ready for some flexibility.

Williamsburg Woodlands: where to stay in Colonial Williamsburg

September 1, 2014 By

So, you’ve planned your Williamsburg itinerary with kids, but don’t know where to stay in Colonial Williamsburg with kids? Official hotels of Colonial Williamsburg include options ranging from the luxury Williamsburg Inn to Colonial houses for rent, to family-focused hotel rooms. We found the perfect middle-ground for our family at Williamsburg Woodlands. This hotel is located directly adjacent to the Visitor’s Center, is within walking distance of Revolutionary City, and offers free parking, a deluxe free breakfast, and lots of included amenities and programs.

pool-at-woodlands-hotel

Room amenities:

We booked two standard rooms for our group of six. We had two queen beds and a pull out single bed (it comes out of a plush chair). The rooms were not overly large, but did include a shower with tub, separate vanity/sink area, and a mini fridge. Rooms are up-to-date, comfortable, and quiet. Wifi is available in all rooms at no charge.

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Hotel amenities:

Ready for the #1 reason we love the Woodlands? Free mini golf. This 18-hole course is set in their wooded area, and was our go-to evening activity. My kids love mini golf! The #2 reason: the outdoor pool. We just missed the opening of the new pirate themed splash park, but that will be open as of July 2014, next to the large pool.

breakfast-at-woodlands

The Woodlands also offers kids’ activities every evening starting at 5 pm. Activities range from face painting or crafts in the early hours to reenactments and historical activities in the later evening, at 7:30. Our first night, we took part in a military drill circa 1775.

woodlands-hotel

There is dining on-site: the Huzzah BBQ restaurant is a great option with family-friendly fare, many gluten-free options, and carry-out pizza. If you time your dinner right, you can sit outside on the patio around 7 pm and watch (or participate in) the 7:30 historical activities for the kids.

The hotel also has a small exercise room (it was adequate, but with only a few machines, could get crowded at key times) and coin-operated laundry facilities. Families can purchase Williamsburg tickets right on-site, or the walk to the Visitor’s Center is one minute.

woodlands-hotel

Transportation:

With your room key, you get free shuttle transportation to Colonial Williamsburg (the stop is at the Visitor’s Center). We used this option when our feet were tired after a long day! There’s also a walking path to the city, which takes about 25 minutes, and takes you right past the Great Hopes Plantation (a must!).

 

Date last visited:

June 2014

Distance from the interstate:

Just off I-64 in Williamsburg, VA.

Rates:

At the time of our (summer) visit, room rates started at $160 for a standard room. Rates are, of course, seasonal. Look for family-friendly packages: 3-4 night stay, play, and eat free packages start at $159!

Directions:

The hotel is located at 105 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, VA.

Colonial Williamsburg with kids: two-day Revolutionary City itinerary

August 29, 2014 By

There’s so much to do in Colonial Williamsburg with kids, prep work ahead of time is definitely essential. Luckily, planning a Williamsburg vacation is very user-friendly. It’s been called the ‘Disney of history buffs’, and I do see the similarity. Williamsburg’s Revolutionary City has a lot going on…at all times. Prepare for sensory overload!

colonial-williamsburg-with-kids

Like Disney, Williamsburg cannot be done in a day…at least not in our opinion. And like many destinations, Williamsburg is what you make of it. Come ready to participate and be open to its many opportunities. Families will want to stay ‘on-site’, and purchase two-day tickets to the city. Here’s how we do it:

Pre-trip prep:

revolutionary-city-with-kids

Ahead of time, book your hotel reservations and tickets to any programs or tours you want to participate in beyond what’s offered in the daily admission. We recommend staying at an official Williamsburg hotel; if you have a reservation number (or room card, once on-site) you save considerably on Revolutionary City tickets and other programs.

williamsburg-with-kids

Where to stay: Williamsburg official hotels range from luxury to colonial cottages to family-focused hotel rooms. We loved staying at The Woodlands, which is located directly adjacent to the visitor’s center and right on the walking path to Revolutionary City. The shuttle bus stops nearby as well. The Woodlands offers upscale rooms, and lots of included amenities, such as a pool, mini golf, free parking, and a deluxe free breakfast.

williamsburg-with-kids

Day 1:
With your Revolutionary City passes in-hand (buy the evening before or morning of, in the visitor’s center), head into Colonial Williamsburg. Don’t plan an itinerary for this day. I can’t believe I’m advising this, but trust me: the magic of Williamsburg lies in the reenactments, living history characters, and impromptu moments. Sticking to an exact itinerary limits your ability to be spontaneous. When we kept our plans open, we were able to linger a full hour participating in the storming of the Governor’s Palace and later make an unplanned stop at the bakery. Later, the kids played a Colonial stickball game in the streets with costumed characters, and we had a lively debate about the idea of a Constitution with a tradesman of the middling class. Keep yourself free to go where you feel led.

williamburg-with-kids

Walk Duke of Glouchester Street and adjacent blocks and stop at the various living history exhibits, pausing for programs as desired. Among our favorites: the Brickyard, where kids can stomp through the muddy clay; the Milliner, and the Military Encampment, where kids can be treated like newly enlisted soldiers (for better or for worse!). We also loved the 30 minute tour of the Governor’s Palace (be sure to try the maze in the self-guided portion at the end) and Great Hopes Plantation, located at the edge of the city on the walk in from The Woodlands or the Visitor’s Center. At the plantation, kids learn about rural living and the life of slaves. Everywhere you go, ‘citizen’s of the city are in costume (and in character). Ask them questions, and they’ll give answers relevant to their time period. It’s a lot of fun.

living-history

Day 2:

Day 2 is when you’ll want to make a more detailed plan. Check out things you missed on Day 1, or use the weekly program guide to make sure you’re in the right place at the right time to see reenactments. We especially enjoyed the reading of the Declaration of Independence on the capitol lawn and a fife and drum corp marching down Glouchester.

williamsburg-with-kids

Kids may also want to try RevQuest on Day 2. This high-tech scavenger hunt-type game uses any cell phone to send clues to kids. The quest takes you all over Revolutionary City, and prompts kids to interact with various characters at many locations. It’s easy to set up on your phone, but not easy to play, and does take quite a bit of time to do (some steps have to be completed at designated times). We don’t recommend it for the first day of your first visit, because it sends you from location to location without time for side trips or delays. Our middle grade and upper grade kids loved it as a final activity of our trip to Williamsburg, but our 4th grader got bogged down by it.

shields-tavern

During both days, we brought lunch food into Revolutionary City, and ate picnics. Picnicking is permitted in many places; we liked the tables behind the Bakery (after buying some cookies to end our meal)! We also saved money by bringing waters bottles in; drinking fountains for refills are abundant. Of the taverns, our favorite evening meal was at Chownings, which specializes in reasonably priced flatbread-style sandwiches and homemade root beer and cider.

Evening programs worth booking:

evening-programs-williamsburg

Life of a Jolly Pyrate: this dinner theater production at Shields Tavern combines good food with a fun colonial atmosphere and an intimate live theater production. The show’s acts take place between courses, and is family-friendly.

Pyrates Among Us: This nighttime tour takes visitors to three different Revolutionary City destinations. In each, a live actor tells a different part of the story of the infamous Blackbeard. It’s creepy, yes, but was not too frightening for our school-aged kids. We didn’t see any kids under age 8 at this event.

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Admission prices:

One-day admission is $43.95 for adults, and $22 for kids 6-12. Multi-day tickets are available (and the best deal).

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Hours of operation:

Hours vary by season, but most of the year, Revolutionary City’s interactive exhibits and reenactments take place between 9 am and 5 pm. The Visitor Center is also open until 5 pm.

colonial-williamsburg

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced some of our colonial experience as guests of Colonial Williamsburg. All opinions are our own.

Spokane family festivals: year-round family fun

August 28, 2014 By

Who says families need to go to Seattle or Portland to have a good time, see an up-and-coming band, or celebrate a quirky holiday? During the seven years we lived in Spokane, WA, we happily became family festival guinea pigs, trying out a little of everything. In the years since, here’s what we deem worthy of a return visit.

spokane-riverfront-park

Spokane festivals worth the trip:

Green Bluff Growers Apple Festival:

Held September 20 through October 26, Spokane’s popular Apple Festival takes place at Green Bluff, a collective of 28 farms a short drive from downtown Spokane. Expect the usual fall harvest offerings–hay bales, corn mazes, freshly-pressed cider, and U-Pick apples–multiplied by 28. At the entrance of the Green Bluff area, families can grab a driving map and choose which farms to patronize. Most vie for attention with colorful banners, inflatable bounce houses and slides, apple pie cook-offs, and live music. Best of all, the party continues for over a month, giving travelers flexibility.

green-bluff-apples

First Night:

It’s New Year’s Eve in Eastern Washington. Let’s spend it…outside? Sure! First Night is Spokane’s alcohol-free, family friendly, New Year’s Eve arts festival held in downtown Spokane. Come for the afternoon Children’s Festival, then grab a bite at any number of family-friendly downtown restaurants and stay for the Grand Procession; over forty downtown venues stay open for the night, offering live entertainment and art. If your little ones can stay up until midnight, they’ll be rewarded by a fireworks display in Riverfront Park, the 100 acre park originally created for the Expo of ’74 (remember the World’s Fair?).

Bloomsday:

Come to Spokane on the first weekend in May, and run in (or watch) Bloomsday, held annually on the first Sunday. Believe it or not, this 12K run is one of the largest running events in the world, with over 50,000 entrants (and counting). Families can opt to walk the course (strollers welcome in certain categories), or cheer on elite runners and wheelchair racers in the morning. The weather can be all over the map: I’ve run Bloomsday in hail storms, snow, and heat! Stay for the celebration in Riverfront Park afterward. Kids who have not tired themselves out on the race course can play on the world’s largest Radio Flyer wagon (yep, it’s here, in Riverfront Park). There’s a slide down one side.

Lilac Festival:

On the heels of Bloomsday, the Spokane Lilac Festival (second Saturday in May to third Sunday of May) is your typical small town celebration…in a big city. The Lilac Festival includes a torchlight parade, the crowning of a queen and her court, and fun activities in the park. Local businesses offer discounts and restaurants sport speciality drinks just for the occasion. Kids will like the parade and ongoing fun in Riverfront Park. Beware: there’s a lot of purple in evidence during this week!

Hoopfest:

spokane-family-festivals

Our favorite of all Spokane festivals, Hoopfest is the world’s largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament. What is it with Spokane and ‘world’s biggest’s? Hoopfest transforms downtown Spokane, closing off streets and covering 40 city blocks of on the last Saturday and Sunday in June. We usually come with a player (Pit Stops for Kids’ own dad!), but Hoopfest is equally fun to watch: grab a schedule and head to the center courts, where elite college basketball talent is on display, or hit the park, where a carnival-like atmosphere includes bungee trampolines, bounce houses, and even a ferris wheel (open all summer).

Plan ahead if planning to visit Spokane during any of the above festivals; Hoopfest especially has travelers scrambling for hotel rooms to book. And if your trip to Spokane doesn’t align with the dates above, have no fear: head to the Riverfront Park area any time of year to check out Spokane Falls, ride bikes, ice skate in winter, and enjoy carnival games and IMAX movies in summer.

Disclosure: the above post is written in partnership with Trivago.com.

Photo credit: Mike Tigas, Hugh Millward, Kelly Jones

 

 

Gettysburg with kids: where to eat and tour in town

August 27, 2014 By

The heart of the Gettysburg experience is undoubtedly the National Military Park battlefield sites. However, Gettysburg with kids isn’t complete without spending time in and around town. Because Gettysburg in 1863 was much smaller than the Gettysburg of today, what is now town space featuring motels and restaurants was once farmland and battlefield. Throughout the town, houses sport plagues and flags marking them as Civil War homes, and unmarked graves of Confederate soldiers still inhabit the land in town. Here’s what to do (and where to eat) in Gettysburg to round out your historical experience.

Shriver Museum:

shriver-house

The Shriver House shriverhouse.org is located on Baltimore Street within walking distance of most motels and B&Bs, and shows children what life was like for the civilians of Gettysburg during and after the battle. On this guided tour, I learned about the Shriver family (a typical family living in Gettysburg) and their actions and experiences during those three fateful days in July. The house has been totally restored to the period, and kids can walk through each room, seeing the kitchen, parlor, and bedrooms as they would have appeared. Admission is under $10 for adults and under $7 for kids. Plan on the tour taking 30 minutes. Location: 309 Baltimore Street.

General Lee’s Headquarters Museum:

This free museum civilwarheadquarters.com highlights the battle of Gettysburg, particularly the buildings located at 401 Buford Ave, which served as Lee’s headquarters during the battle. Families can see artifacts and exhibits, and check out the museum store, which has many books about Lee and the war. Location: 401 Buford Ave.

Civil War History Store:

This shop, and many others along Steinwehr, feature an eclectic mix of interesting historical souvenirs, books, replica uniforms and hats, and straight up junk souvenirs. The mix is too much to resist, and we spent a full evening browsing the shops and checkout out shell casings, musket balls, t-shirts, and toy rifles.

gettysburg-with-kids

Gettysburg Eddie’s:

This family-friendly restaurant is named for baseball Hall of Famer Eddie Plank. No, it has nothing to do with Civil War history, but it’s a fun diversion, and the food is great. Fare ranges from fish and chips and burgers to pasta and sandwiches. Try the beer on tap, or get a plate of onion rings to share. Location: 217 Steinwehr Ave.

Farnsworth House Inn:

farnsworth-house-gettysburg

This upscale eating establishment appeals because of its inviting front patio, which is shaded and peaceful. But the real treat is the Dutch Pennsylvania food. Entrees come with pickled watermelon rinds, spoon bread, bread and apple butter, and a pick of sides like pumpkin fritters or slaw. We were full before our main course came! Location: 401 Baltimore St.

Sleepy Hollow of Gettsyburg Candlelight Ghost Tours:

rupp-house

The Sleepy Hollow of Gettysburg www.sleepyhollowofgettysburg.com tour was very fun for all of us, and informative. Our guide Phyllis was a natural storyteller, and set the mood of this 1.5 hour walking tour with her enthusiasm and friendly personality. Phyllis took us to various homes in a 3-4 block radius and told us stories about their inhabitants during the battle of Gettysburg, including details about possible hauntings or paranormal activity. The tour was not scary to our kids (youngest is nine), but just intriguing enough to keep their watchful eye on the houses and their attention on Phyllis. The tour is not recommended for kids under age 7. There are many ghost tours in Gettysburg, but we recommend Sleepy Hollow for its historic vibe and city tour-focus. A few others take place in one location only, where participants sit in one house or basement waiting for ‘spirits to come’. That sounded too intense to us! The cost is $8 per person. Buy tickets online or at the Farnsworth front desk. Location: Farnsworth House Inn.

Where to stay:

gettysburg-quality-inn
There are multiple historic B&Bs and economy motels in Gettysburg. We stayed at Quality Inn Gettysburg Motor Lodge, which is located within two minutes of the battlefield and visitor’s center, and within walking distance of most Gettysburg town attractions. The Quality Inn has some quirks: outdated decor, older locks and fixtures, and a very unique saloon on-site (which was never noisy), but offers perks that outweigh any negatives: free parking, free wifi, and free breakfast in an adjacent cottage, serving continental hot and cold breakfast items. Some rooms feature three double beds, fitting a family of five or six, another big plus. The Quality Inn also has an outdoor pool with diving board for summer visits, and an indoor pool for winter. Our room was outdated and dark, but the location, amenities like a microwave and fridge, and the pool made up for it.

historic-cottage-gettysburg

As we disclose whenever applicable, our stay at Gettysburg was hosted, for the purpose of review. Without the hospitality of hotels and destinations, we would be unable to bring up-to-date reviews to Pit Stops for Kids.

Gettysburg National Military Park with kids: how to plan your trip

August 25, 2014 By

Gettysburg is a sobering, powerful, amazing, and vast destination, and definitely worthy of a trip with kids. We recommend dedicating at least 1.5 days to the Gettysburg National Military Park with kids, plus another for attractions in town.

gettyburg-with-kids

We always preach researching destinations ahead of time, and this advice goes double for Gettysburg: kids who have been given some background information on the three day battle (either at school or at home) ahead of time will get much more out of the experience. We planned our trip to coincide with our sons’ Civil War and American History studies in their respective grades of 10th, 8th, and 4th.

What to do at the military park:

The National Military Park is located just outside Gettysburg (about a five minute drive from town). The battlefield is 25 square miles in size, segmented into several sections and divided in places by private land and homes. There is a self-guided auto tour, but navigating the roads can be confusing. There’s also an impressive (and again, vast) visitor’s center with many programs on offer.

Car tour with Licensed Battlefield Guide:

licensed-battlefield-guide

There are many ways to tour the battlefield, including the self-guided auto tour mentioned above, plus a group bus tour ($30 per adult, just under $20 per child), horseback riding tours, Segway tours, and bike tours. By far the best way to tour the battlefield: hiring a Licensed Battlefield Guide to take you on a private two-hour tour. The guide meets you at the visitor’s center, then drives you in your vehicle along the route of your choice. Sounds indulgent? Not so! Booking a private tour is only $65 per car (1-6 people), making it the most affordable option for most families. And it’s phenomenal. I cannot emphasize enough: booking a Licensed Battlefield Guide is the way to go.

battlefield-tour

Our guide, David Eisenhart, asked us what we wanted to see (we wanted a basic overview of all three days of battle), and gauged our level of knowledge (we were traveling with my father, a retired history teacher specializing in the Civil War, but also with our three school-aged kids who needed more basics). David did an excellent job tailoring our tour to all our needs. Our two-hour tour extended to almost three hours due to its thoroughness, and while an extension should not be expected, we heard other firsthand accounts of guides doing the same. When it ended, our teen son said, “I wish it had been four hours.” Our other kids agreed.

gettysburg-battlefields

Guides drive families throughout the battlefield, giving a very easy-to-understand timeline to the battle. If you have special requests, such as to see specific sections of the field or specific monuments, these can be granted. During our tour, in each location, we were able to get out the car, stand on the land David was currently discussing, and actually see what was there: cannons, stone fences used for defense, where each regiment stood, and more. David brought history to life, and we were all enraptured.

Parents can book tours at the visitor’s center, but will be limited to tour times available day-of (witch are rare). It’s best to book ahead of time online for the date and time you want. Tips are welcome (we tipped our guide $20). Tip: Battlefield Guides are self-employed and tested by the National Park Service, and can be booked via the center or the Gettysburg Foundation. Families can save $5 on their tour by booking directly through the foundation website. 

gettsyburg-battlefields

Museum, Film, and Cyclorama:

In the visitor’s center, families can buy tickets to the museum, film, and cyclorama. One ticket gets you into all three. The film and cyclorama is by timed ticket, but getting these day-of is fine. The film, entitled ‘A New Birth of Freedom’ is approximately 30 minutes and gives a very good overview of the three day battle and aftermath, including Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Directly after viewing the film, the audience is directed upstairs to view the cyclorama, a multi-media display featuring an impressive 360 degree oil painting of the battle with audio and visual effects. After this, the museum awaits. The museum is not by timed ticket, so families can come back and do it anytime. It’s massive, and incredibly informative, so you’ll want to budget several hours. Very young kids may want to go through more quickly.

Ranger talks:

gettysburg-with-kids

Throughout the day at the visitor’s center, ranger talks are on offer in two large outdoor tents on the center grounds. We joined one on ‘battlefield first aid’ which was very interesting and keep our group entertained for the full hour. Others included ‘a day in the life of a soldier’ and a kid-focused talk on ‘what it took to enlist’. Small kids may learn more at these talks than in the museum. Tip: if you have even more time, a short (free) bus trip from the visitor’s center takes you to the site of a farmhouse pressed into service as a field hospital during the battle.

Gettysburg National Cemetery:

gettysburg-with-kids

Adjacent to the visitor’s center is the national cemetery dedicated by Lincoln in November of 1863, where thousands of Union Civil War soldiers rest today. It’s also the final resting place of other war veterans, especially from WWI and WWII. The Gettysburg civilian cemetery is next to it. There’s a monument and flag marking the place Lincoln gave his address, and docents on-hand to answer questions.

gettysburg-with-kids

How to plan your day(s):

Here’s what we recommend:

  1. Book a battlefield tour for 10 am (book this from home).
  2. Arrive at the visitor’s center when it opens (usually 8:30 am). Pick up your tour tickets, and buy tickets to the museum, film, and cyclorama, opting for an immediate film time.
  3. Watch the film and see the cyclorama. Save your tickets to get into the museum later.
  4. At 9:30 meet your guide and take your tour. Afterward, grab lunch picnic-style or at the visitor’s center cafe.
  5. Tour the museum after lunch. See a ranger talk if there’s time afterward.
  6. Later that evening (or the next day) return to the battlefield by yourself in your car, stopping at any sites you didn’t get to see with your guide. Then tour the cemetery. We took this time to check out the views from one of the battlefield observatories, and to walk some trails around Little Round Top and Devil’s Den, both sobering locations of devastating casualties that provided a strong historical narrative to our visit.

gettysburg-with-kids

I recommend touring in this order because the museum is heavy on detailed information on logistics for each day of the three-day battle. Had we not just returned from our tour, where this information was already presented to us in a manageable way, we would have gotten overwhelmed trying to read it all. Instead, by the time we hit the museum, we had a very good grasp on the battle logistics, enabling us to spend more time on the artifacts and personal letters in the museum. Certainly, you can do the day in reverse, but we were very glad we were fresh for our tour with our Battlefield Guide.

Date last visited:

June 2104

Hours of operation and admission:

The battlefield is open until dusk each day, and the museum is open until 5 or 6 pm, depending on season. Museum and film tickets are $12.50 for adults and $8.50 for kids (6-12).

Directions:

The museum and visitor center is located at 1195 Baltimore Pike (Route 97) with a back entrance from the Taneytown Road (State Rt. 134). From North or South, follow US 15 to Gettysburg and watch for signs to direct you to the National Park Service Museum and Visitor Center.

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Our day at Gettysburg was hosted in part by the Friends of Gettysburg, for the purpose of review. We’re grateful for their hospitality, but all opinions are our own.

Valley Forge National Historic Park

August 22, 2014 By

After three days sightseeing in Philadelphia, I have to admit that I didn’t think Valley Forge could possibly compare. In fact, we nearly skipped this stop en route to Gettysburg, PA. We were so glad to stayed the course! We ended up spending almost three hours at Valley Forge, and could have used more time.

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The way this national historic park is set up, visitors start at the Visitor’s Center, see a short film, then set out to see the rest of the (large) site either by driving tour or bicycle. I supposed you could also walk it, but it would take quite a bit of time. As it is, if you have a few hours, you should drive, and only bike the tour if you have a full half day to devote to it. Note: if you go this option, bike rentals are available in the parking lot of the Visitor’s Center.

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We opted to drive, so we picked up a map and headed out after checking out the exhibits in the center. By following the self-guided tour (well marked en route), families see nine major sites, including replicas of the wood-hewn huts inhabited by Washington’s army during the long winter of encampment, Washington’s headquarters in a historic farm house, and canons and other trappings of the war. You also see the inner and outer defenses of the camp, and a few ‘new’ additions from the early 20th century, like a stone chapel and several statues.

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The drive is beautiful, but bear in mind: it’s easy to get off-course. Follow the brown tour route signs religiously, and you’ll be ok. The whole loop takes approximately 30 minutes if you drive it without stopping, but you’ll want to stop at at least 2-3 locations. We took two hours.

Valley Forge is a good location for families with kids of any age: the drive between sites is short, and every area has plenty of space to run on the grass, explore a creek, or just run a bit. Living history docents in period costume were present at two of the stops we made (on a summer weekday).

Date last visited:

June 2014

Distance from the interstate:

Two minutes off I-76

Dining:

We saw one snack shop by the bike rentals in the main parking area; otherwise, there are plenty of picnic areas. We ate our picnic lunch near the Visitor’s Center because we thought it would be our only chance. Not so: excellent picnic spaces are on offer throughout the driving tour. If we had it to do over again, we would have picnicked at any of many scenic spots overlooking the encampment.

Admission and Hours of Operation:

This national historic site is FREE, and open from sunrise to sunset.

Directions:

The Visitor’s Center is located at 1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, PA. From I-76, take Exit 328 A and US 422 West, then Valley Forge Exit to Route 23 West. Follow signs.

Philly hotel review: Hotel Monaco Philadelphia

August 20, 2014 By

Need a Philly hotel review? We’ve got our pick! The minute we pulled up to Hotel Monaco Philadelphia on Chestnut Street in the heart of Philly’s historic center and met T, the hotel’s most lively and friendly doorman, we knew we were going to love our stay. T offered high fives all around, then challenged Tobias (age 9) to some air boxing on the sidewalk. Turns out, T is Hotel Monaco’s boxing expert, leading fitness classes weekly, so Tobias hardly stood a chance.

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Inside, we were met by more friendly faces at Hotel Monaco’s charming front desk (it’s shaped like a set of dresser drawers) and a glass of lemonade from the stand in the lobby’s ‘living room’. We’re no strangers to Hotel Monacos (a division of Kimpton hotels) and were glad to see Philly’s Hotel Monaco follow suit with the ones we love in Portland and Seattle: the decor is eclectic and fun, the staff warm, and the service outstanding.hotel-monaco-philly

We reserved two rooms for our two-night stay, and ended up with 414 and 814, both with stunning Liberty Bell and Independence Hall views. The hotel is literally steps from both attractions, and only a block from the Constitution Center. Local dining is in walking distance in all directions as well, which means you can give your car keys to the valet and forget about it.

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Tip: When booking at Hotel Monaco, be on the lookout for seasonal packages or promotions. We tried out the “Where the Wild Things Are” package, which included two tickets (per room) to the Philadelphia Duck Tour. Using the tickets was easy, and we would have bought them separately anyway!

Room amenities:

One of the biggest draws of Philadelphia Hotel Monaco may be the location, but room amenities abound as well. We love the high ceilings (a trademark of Kimpton and Hotel Monaco), the lovely structural design of the historic building, and the spacious bathrooms. We had two queen beds (both uber comfy) and both a shower and tub in the bathroom. We used the flatscreen TV to catch World Cup games (we visited in June 2014) and appreciated the mini fridge for storing leftovers. Note: the mini fridge does store minibar items, but there’s still room for your own snacks (or you can ask for the minibar items to be removed). We also appreciated the security measure in place for the elevators: guests must use room key cards to access all guest floors. Bonus: here’s our view…

hotel-monaco-view

Dining:

The Red Owl Tavern is located at the ground level of the Hotel Monaco. This upscale pub offers the usual fare: salads, burgers, and the like, and room service is available. Breakfasts here are especially good, but if it’s out of your budget, the doormen are happy to point you in the direction of additional Philly dining. Every morning, coffee, tea, water, and a treat (we had donuts) are served in the ‘lLving Room’, an inviting lobby space with couches, board games, windows, tables, and a fireplace. In the evenings, a complimentary wine service is available in the Living Room from 5 pm to 6 pm. When our son seemed bored during this ‘happy hour’, a front desk staff member quickly supplied him with a cup of colorful candy. It’s the small touches such as this that bring us back to Hotel Monaco again and again.

hotel-monaco-philly

Fitness Center, WiFi, and Parking:

Hotel Monaco does not have a pool, but the fitness center is the Kimpton standard; that is to say, excellent. WiFi is free for Kimpton InTouch members (membership is free, and I recommend joining). Otherwise, it’s $12 per day. Parking is expensive in cities, and unfortunately, there’s no exception at Hotel Monaco Philadelphia: valet parking is $40 per day. There’s an off-site self-park lot available for approximately $25-30 per day, but for the difference, we opted for the extreme convenience of valet parking.

Room Rates:

At the time of our visit, room rates averaged $199 per night for Liberty Bell center views. Check for current rates.

Directions:

Hotel Monaco Philadelphia is located at 433 Chestnut, directly adjacent to Independence Hall. It’s only five minutes off I-95 or I-76.

Do you have a favorite Hotel Monaco? Do tell!

As I disclose whenever applicable, our stay at Hotel Monaco was complimentary, for the purpose of review. Comped stays are essential to bringing up-to-date reviews to Pit Stops for Kids. All opinions are our own.