state - Pitstops for Kids

Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

March 29, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Are your children fans of The Very Hungry Caterpillar? Wait a minute, of course they are! Then come get up close and personal with storybook art—some new, and some familiar—at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, MA.

The museum is set up like a typical art museum, with three galleries displaying the work of Eric Carle and other artists. The main difference? The benches are kid-sized, and a little running and shouting is ok! The exhibits change throughout the year, so be sure you check the website so you don’t miss out on the exhibition of a favorite book.

There is also a well-stocked library with plenty of cozy chairs and rugs, but my kids’ favorite room in the museum is the art studio. There’s a toddler play area, and small tables with big, baby-friendly crayons for the younger set. At the bigger tables, there are more intricate art supplies for older kids.

Classes are offered at the museum, ranging in subjects from music, to book-making, to writing workshops. Depending on the class, the age range is from infant to adult, so there’s something for everyone at the Eric Carle Museum!

Date last visited:

March 17, 2012

Distance from the interstate:

The Eric Carle Museum is approximately 5 miles off Interstate 91, in Amherst.

Hours of operation:

Tuesday – Friday 10am–4pm
Saturday 10am–5pm
Sunday 12pm–5pm
Closed on Mondays

Admission:

Adult admission is $9
Youth (under 18), students, teachers, and seniors are $6
Family admission (2 adults and 2 youth) is $22.50
See the website for prices of the different classes offered at the museum. And remember, like most museums catering to children, family memberships are available!

Food services:

Pack a lunch! While there is no restaurant in the museum, there is a lovely café area with a vending machine and plenty of tables and chairs (and some great high chairs).

Directions:

The museum is located at 125 West Bay Road, Amherst, MA. Full directions are available!

Beneski Museum of Natural History, Amherst College

March 27, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re traveling to western Massachusetts and have a dinosaur-lover in your family, then the Beneski Museum of Natural History at Amherst College is a must-stop! The Beneski Museum is a small, but well-stocked natural history museum featuring a wide variety of dinosaur artifacts, including the skulls of a Triceratops and a T-Rex! The museum also has full skeletons of animals from the Pleistocene, including a mammoth, a mastadon, and a sabertooth cat.

There’s an entire room dedicated to fossilized dinosaur footprints, many of which were found in the surrounding Pioneer Valley. If this piques your child’s interest, it would be worth your time to stop over at Dinosaur Footprints in nearby Holyoke. This Trustees of Reservations site is home to over 130 dinosaur tracks imprinted in slabs of sandstone.

All in all, the Beneski Museum is a great (and free!) way to spend a few hours in the Northampton-Amherst area. I know my three year old is already begging to go back!

<h3:Date last visited:</h3
March 17, 2012

Distance from the interstate:

The Beneski Museum is approximately 6 miles off Interstate 91, in Amherst.

Hours of operation:

Tuesday – Sunday 11am–4pm
Additional hours on Thursday evenings from 6pm to 10pm

Admission or ticket prices:

Free for everyone!

Food services:

There are no food services at the museum, but Amherst College is a beautiful spot for a picnic. Alternatively, there are lots of good cafes and restaurants in the town center of Amherst.

Directions:

The museum is located at 11 Barrett Hill Road, Amherst College, Amherst, MA. Full directions are available.

The Dr. Pepper Museum

March 2, 2012 By Sharlene Earnshaw

The following pit stop has been submitted by guest reviewer and blogger Rebecca of RWeThereYetMom.com. Reach Rebecca @RWeThereYetMom on Twitter.

Texans are very proud of their Dr. Pepper. It’s a legendary soda, created in a small Texas town called Waco. Open to the public, one can learn all about its famous history at the Dr Pepper Museum.

Dr Pepper was created in 1885 in Morrison’s Old Country Store in Waco, Texas by a pharmacist, and no, his name was not Dr. Pepper. It was Charles Alderton and he made it out of 23 unique flavors. What are they? The museum never tells, as it is supposed to be a secret. However, my little friend Google shared with me that some of the 23 flavors are vanilla, black licorice, carrot, rum, and yes, pepper. Most people think that it has prune juice in it…nope, not a drop!

And why was it named Dr Pepper? They are a lot of rumors out there that involve young love of a girl with the last name of Pepper, but none have been proven. As the museum says, “we don’t know the true origin of the name; Mr. Morrison came up with it and it stuck.”

This great little museum is proud to have one of the world’s largest collections of soda pop memorabilia, including the original drugstore countertop where Mr. Alderton created Dr Pepper, the history of the bottling plant, and actually shows the deep well where the water was brought up to make the original Dr. Pepper. Adults and children alike can easily spend a fun hour here, and the best part? Getting a taste of the “original” Dr. Pepper in the downstairs Soda Shop!

Closest interstate: Interstate 35, in Waco, Texas.

Cost of admission: Adults are $8.00, students and children are $4.00.

hours: Mon-Sat (10 am – 4:15 pm), Sun (12 pm – 4:15 pm)

Dining: None.

Driving directions: Take I-35 into Waco and exit 4th and 5th Streets exit. Turn west on 4th street. Go to Mary Ave. Turn left on Mary. The museum is on the corner of 5th & Mary.

Photos are courtesy of RWeThereYetMom.com.

A stay in a KOA Kamping Kabin

February 24, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

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

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

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

Check out our Facebook video of the cabin interior!

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

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

Smuggler’s Notch with kids: guide to skiing for adults

February 21, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

I grew up skiing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, so I have a healthy skepticism of New England skiing. The mountains aren’t as big, there’s not as much snow (although there also aren’t as many giant Manzanita bushes to get stuck in…just saying), and there’s too much ice. Well, I still can’t ski on ice, but I’m coming around to New England ski resorts, and Smuggler’s Notch is one of the best spots I’ve seen. There are plenty of sections of intermediate trails (especially on Morse Mountain), but two of the three mountains (Madonna and Sterling) are full of legitimate black diamonds and double black diamonds. Smuggler’s Notch also boasts New England’s only triple black diamond, but it was closed on the weekend we visited (and from the look of it, I wouldn’t have tried it had it been open!).

If you like to go off-trail, Smuggs is the where you want to be! During our stay, I experienced a great session with an instructor who teaches adult lessons, and we barely touched a groomed, marked run the entire time. Off-trail bumps and tree runs are everywhere, and the rule is thus: if you ski off-trail but are able to return to a marked run, you haven’t gone out of bounds. Meaning almost everything is fair game! We even hiked a little bit above the top of Sterling to the Long Trail, and skied down a tree run that finally (and legally!) linked back up to one of the marked runs.

Even if you’re a very good skier, it can be a lot of fun to take a lesson, because it’s a great way to get an insider’s view of the mountain. There were all kinds of great trails I never would have found on my own. I have to say that I haven’t had that much fun skiing in years! It didn’t hurt that it snowed 3–4 inches the night we got there, and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky all weekend!

Skiers will also appreciate the way the mountain is set up. The Village Center, condos, swimming pool, etc. are all located at the base of Morse Mountain. This is also where you’ll find the kids’ programs and Treasures (child care). To get over to Madonna and Sterling, where the big skiing is, you have to ride up the Morse Mountain lift and ski over to the other lifts. At the base of Madonna and Sterling, there is a small base lodge, and not a lot else. (You can also drive directly to Madonna and Sterling, but if you’re staying in the condos, it’s easier to ski over.) This configuration minimizes traffic and congestion at the most popular lifts, so you feel like you’re at a small, funky hill with a lot of great terrain.

Tip: The fact that both Madonna and Sterling lifts are pretty slow doubles really enhances the funky old resort feel, and it’s also why it’s great to come on a day that’s not too crowded. Lift lines can take a while when it’s busy.

Smuggler’s Notch offers morning and afternoon adult lesson sessions, lasting two hours. Afternoon sessions are small (lessons are limited to five skiers), but during both my vacation days, I happened to be the only one signed up, and had a private lesson! If you have older kids (ages 6–17), you can sign them up for morning or afternoon lessons to coincide with your own. This would work well for kids who are independent skiers and don’t want to sign up for an all-day program, but are looking to learn some new skills.

Smuggler’s Notch with kids: programming for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers

February 17, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re like a lot of families with very young kids (think pre-K), the prospect of a ski vacation is tempting, but overwhelming. Who wants to spend precious vacation dollars taking endless runs on the bunny hill with a toddler while your partner is stuck in the lodge chasing a baby determined eat every French fry she finds on the floor? Family ski resorts like Smuggler’s Notch understand this, and provide age-appropriate programming to help families take (and actually enjoy!) ski vacations with young kids. To put Smuggs’ legendary family-friendliness to the test, my husband and I set out from our home in Massachusetts with Homer (3) and Greta (1) for a three-night stay.

Homer was just old enough to enroll in their Discovery Camp (included in most packages), and Greta spent some quality time at the TREASURES child care center (ages six weeks to three). And what did TJ and I do? We skied all day, ate lunch at the lodge, and lounged in the hot tub. Heaven!

The Discovery Dynamos program is for kids aged three to five, and accommodates all ability levels. Homer had already been skiing a few times this winter, so he was bumped up to a group that uses the beginner chair lift, but a lot of the younger groups use Sir Henry’s Learning Hill. This is a nice, wide bunny hill serviced by a magic carpet (it is also where the Burton Riglet Park for beginner snowboarders is located). Also, much to Homer’s delight, the program uses a tractor and wagon to haul kids to the upper slope-side condos, where they can enter the run and ski down without having to use the lifts (easier on the instructors, too!). The camp starts at 9 am, breaks for lunch around 11:30, then goes back out to ski until about 2:30 pm. In the afternoon, the kids come back inside for some indoor entertainment (on Homer’s days they had a science show and a movie). Needless to say, they sleep well at night!

The instructors are friendly, very focused on the kids, and seem to be really excited about reaching a new generation of skiers. If at all possible, I recommend that your child spend a few consecutive days in the program. Homer had the same teacher every day, and became a little more confident and outgoing every day. If your kids are older, keep in mind that there are similar all-day programs for kids up to 15 years of age.

Tip: Though all ski and board ability levels are welcome at the Dynamo level, kids must be potty trained!

While Homer ripped it up with his instructor, Greta spent her days at TREASURES. The facilities are beautiful, and the staff is extremely helpful and accommodating. They even have their own magic carpet lift in the adorable outdoor play area for the older toddlers to try some skiing (refer to the Little Rascals on Snow program)! They specialize in non-recurrent childcare, meaning that they are good at making your child feel comfortable in a new environment, with unfamiliar adults and children. Snacks and meals are provided, but you can bring your own if there’s something special that you know for child will like. They also ask you about mealtimes and naptimes, and really do their best to stick to your normal routine. At the end of the day, you’re given a card detailing everything your child ate, when they slept, and an overall impression of their day.

TREASURES is located right on the trail coming down into the Village Center, so you can easily ski in/ski out to check on your little one. One of the best features of the baby room (0–16 months) is the two-way mirror by the door that allows you peak in without being seen (and thereby causing a meltdown!). But the proof is in the pudding—Greta, who isn’t in any formal, regular childcare at home, had two and a half great days at TREASURES, which equated to TJ and I having two and a half great days of adults-only, guilt-free skiing!

Smuggler’s Notch Resort: planning your winter ski vacation with kids

February 15, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re planning a ski vacation at one of the resorts in Vermont with young kids this winter, then Smuggler’s Notch, Vermont is the place for you. We recently got back from a great weekend at Smuggs with Homer (3) and Greta (1), and the convenience and accessibility of the resort made the weekend not just possible, but so much fun!

When reserving Smuggler’s Notch lodging, it’s important to note that the resort is comprised of five distinct ‘communities’ of condos, each with their own pros and cons. We opted to stay in a Village East slope-side condo (Hakone) that was just steps away from the Morse Mountain lift and the Village Center (which is complete with restaurants, a rental shop, and even a small grocery store, well-stocked with Ben and Jerry’s, of course!). We highly recommend staying this close to both amenities and the lifts with young kids; parents know just how important it is not to have to lug skis in and out of the car, pack lunches and backpacks to leave in the base lodge, and wrestle kids in and out of car seats every morning and afternoon! If you’re staying in one of the communities a little farther away from the action, however, there are shuttles going to and from the Village Center and Madonna/Sterling Mountains all day.

All Smuggler’s Notch condos are well-equipped with linens, dishes, pots and pans–basically everything but the groceries. You have the option of choosing anything from a studio to a five-bedroom condo (descriptions and layouts of which can be found at the Smuggs website), making it easy to find the perfect fit for your family.

When you make your condo reservation, you’re given the option of signing up for a Club Smuggler’s package (Base, Classic, or Summit). Packages include lodging, lift tickets, and the use of many amenities. With the Classic and Summit packages, Treasures childcare (six weeks to three years) and the all-day Discovery Camp (ages 3–5) are included. Be sure to take advantage of this: when you break down the per-day expenses of child care and lift tickets, you’ll see that these packages are a great deal!

There are several great dining options at the Smuggs Village Center, but we mostly stuck to the groceries we brought from home (all condos have a full kitchen) and the Morse Mountain Grille in the nearby lodge. Travel Tip: the Morse Mountain Grille has a take-out option. Great for after a long day of skiing, and even better when you have two tired toddlers on your hands!

In the Village Center you’ll also find some bad-weather entertainment options like a heated indoor pool and hot tubs and the Fun Zone, a big indoor arena with a bounce house, all kinds of slides and games, and even a fenced-off area for babies and toddlers. For older kids (13¬18), Teen Alley and Outer Limits are supervised centers with Internet access, Xbox 360, and other activities.

Seasonal Tip: Keep in mind that the fun doesn’t stop when the snow melts. Smuggler’s Notch is a year-round resort with lots of kids’ programming all summer long. Activities for kids and grownups include swimming, hiking, climbing, tennis, and lots more.

Date last visited: February 3–6, 2012

Distance from the interstate: Smuggs is about 40 miles off I-89 in Vermont. Check out www.smuggs.com for directions; search engines like googlemaps or mapquest might try to send you to Smuggs via VT-108, a portion of which is closed between Stowe and Jeffersonville in the winter!

Rates and reservations: Rates vary by condo size, location, and time of year. Rates (including Club Smugglers Base, Classic, or Summit packages) range from $109 to $209 per person for adults, and from $79 to $199 for kids.

Directions: Smuggler’s Notch is located at 4323 Vermont Route 108 South in Jeffersonville. The most reliable directions are on the Smuggs website. Check-in is located in the Village Center by the main parking lot as you enter the resort.

As I disclose whenever applicable, Smuggler’s Notch hosted our stay for the purpose of review. While we appreciate such Vermont hospitality, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

Best ski towns: Ashland, Oregon

February 13, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

A friendly community with a small-town yet academic atmosphere, Ashland, Oregon makes our list of Best Ski Towns despite the fact that it’s a full 20-minute commute from the slopes. What it lacks in proximity to powder it more than makes up for in charm, family-friendly shops and restaurants, and seasonal events, making it impossible to exclude. Located directly off I-5 in Southern Oregon and known for its vineyards, organic culinary scene, and Shakespearean festival (more on that below), Ashland is the most mild-weathered, cultured ski town we know.

Where to ski: I’m biased, as Mt. Ashland Ski Area is our home ski resort, but due to its small size and refreshing price point, it truly is a wonderful place for families. Mt. Ashland’s motto is, ‘It’s steeper here’, and they mean it! The runs are steep, but they’re not too long, allowing families to feel comfortable letting older kids and teens do some exploring. Mt. Ashland’s historic lodge is old school: the roaring fires and wood-cut benches are the real deal. (Sack lunches are welcomed, though the counter service restaurant serves a mean veggie burger, too.) You’ll find a ski and board rental shop and repair shop next to the lodge, reasonably priced (that seems to be a theme) lessons, and kids six and under ski or board for free.

Where to stay: Mt. Ashland doesn’t boast overnight accommodations, but thanks to Ashland’s world-famous Shakespearean festival, the town has no shortage of wonderful places to stay. If you plan to spend most of your time on the slopes, stay at the base of the Mt. Ashland access road at Callahan’s Mountain Lodge, but if you plan to spend any length of time exploring Ashland proper, I recommend staying in walking distance at boutique (and historically preserved) Ashland Springs Hotel or more economically at the Best Western Bard’s Inn, one of the nicest of its brand. Many B&B options also line the streets, and home rentals are usually available via HomeAway.

Where to eat: If you opt for a hotel room, no worries: given the culinary fame of this town, you won’t mind the lack of a kitchen! With kids, I recommend the filling (and innovative) breakfast options at either Dragonfly or Munchies. For an apres ski dinner, head to the cozy fireside dining room upstairs at Alex’s.

What to do when not on the slopes: Right in town, you’ll want to stop at the Ashland Centennial Ice Rink for a spin around this outdoor arena (across from gorgeous-in-all-seasons Lithia Park), before warming up at ScienceWorks Hands’ On Museum. You’ll also want to set aside time for some quaint shopping; even the kids will enjoy it, given the number of great toy and book stores. If your kids are old enough to appreciate great theater (and are able to stay awake after a day of skiing) evening tickets to a show at Ashland’s Oregon Shakespeare Festival (ongoing in their Globe and indoor theaters) are a must.

How to get here: From either CA or WA, take I-5 north or south. If flying, fly into Medford International Airport (MFR), located 15 miles north of Ashland.

Read more Best Ski Town picks!

Northstar-at-Tahoe with kids: dining on and off the mountain

February 10, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Let’s face it: feeding a hungry family at a ski resort can be pricey! Northstar-at-Tahoe is no exception, but with a thriving village scene and the addition of a brand new mid-mountain lodge, guests have more choices than ever. And we all know that more choices mean greater food freedom for families. Plus, with most lodging options including kitchens or kitchenettes, it’s easier than ever to bring groceries and eat in-suite for convenience.

On-mountain: We loved to see rehydration stations dotting the top of lifts, and quick snacks to be had at the several EuroSnacks kiosks (we never slowed down long enough, but I’ve heard the waffles are to die for). We ate two lunch meals at the brand new Zephyr Lodge, which offers a quick but extensive salad bar, full grill, pizza kitchen, and Asian bowl station (which, with teriaki shrimp and soba noodles, was my ten-year-old’s favorite). More dining can be had at both the Day Lodge and Summit Grill, both of which offer Mexican food choices in addition to grab-and-go sandwiches, burgers, and the like. Best of all for those of us who hate fighting crowds, the addition of the Zephyr Lodge has ensured that even when stopping for a break in the middle of lunch hour, on a weekend, we didn’t have trouble finding a table. Plan to spend approximately $15 per adult for a regular meal, and $10 per child, plus drinks (use those free hydration stations!). In our experience, kids’ meals were generously portioned. Brown bag lunches are permitted in the Day Lodge (at the base of the mountain), but consider there to be a $10 surcharge: the cost of a locker to store your food.

In the Village: Families must eat at Rubicon Pizza Company (my husband swears the Thai Red Curry Chicken pizza will change your life). Not only does this family-friendly restaurant bring games and toys to the table (without having to be asked) and serve gourmet pizza and salads (well-earned after a day of skiing), but it’s located directly adjacent to the village ice skating rink, Cabana Bar, several sweet shops, and outdoor fire pits. In addition to the aforementioned Thai Curry, we loved the Apple-Pecan salad (big enough to share, not that I did) and wings. For dessert, don’t pass up the chance to have the Out of the Oven Chocolate Chip Cookie, which is just that. Baked after you order, it’s served with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. After eating at Rubicon, plan to spend the rest of the evening soaking up the village fun! (If you’re needing a night in, however, Rubicon does offer take-out!)

Directly before the shuttle drop-off and pick-up area at the edge of the village, families will find TC’s Pub, which offers a great pub atmosphere for the adults while still catering to kids. Watch the latest ball game (or winter sports) on the multiple flatscreen TVs over the bar, and try the Cadillac margarita. Our server, Michael, was as friendly as he was knowledgable, and steered us right toward the burgers, BLTs, and deep-fried everything.

At either family dining option, plan to spend $7-9 per kid and $13-20 for adults, not including appetizers or drinks (individual pizzas at Rubicon are $13). And we can guarantee: your kids will want to roast marshmallows afterward in one of the many outdoor fire pits! S’mores kits can be purchased from True North (across from the ice skating rink), but a word of warning: the store closes up at 8 pm. Nearby EuroSweets is open later, but sells fancier marshmallow creations that just might be too cute to roast!

If you’re planning to take advantage of Tahoe Mountain Resorts lodgings’ full kitchens, or are staying in a rental home or condo nearby, stock up on groceries in either Reno or Truckee for the best prices. If you’re flying into Tahoe and don’t want to hassle the expense of a taxi for groceries, the Tahoe Mountain Resorts concierge can direct you to several companies who will shop for you and deliver. We ate every breakfast in our kitchen, and loved the convenience and savings!

Thank you to Northstar-at-Tahoe, Rubicon Pizza Company, and TC’s Pub for providing our meals during our time exploring the village and resort.

Northstar California with kids: a stay at Big Horn Lodge

February 3, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

As with any large Tahoe ski resort, families have many lodging options at California’s Northstar-at-Tahoe, from rental homes to studio suites and condos, to hotel rooms. For our three-day weekend family getaway, we choose to stay in a luxury condo at Big Horn Lodge. Operated by Tahoe Mountain Lodging, Big Horn Lodge is located ideally in the heart of the Northstar Village. From our 5th floor balcony, we could watch the Big Springs Gondola whisk skiers and boarders up the mountain and eye the comings and goings on the lively village street below.

Last winter, our family enjoyed a week in an isolated vacation home on the south side of Lake Tahoe, so at first, the kids weren’t sure how much they’d like being so close to the action. They were won over by ‘village life’ almost instantly; they loved being steps away from the village ice skating rink (open afternoons and evenings and free to use), the hot tubs (directly across the village street from the Big Horn building), and most importantly, enjoying the novelty of grabbing their skis out of our assigned Big Horn locker and walking 35 steps (yes, they counted) to the gondola.

Our 1300 square foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom Big Horn condo included a full, gourmet kitchen (stocked with everything you’ll need except groceries), a dining area, living area (with fireplace), and sleeping space for six (two bedrooms, plus a quite comfortable pull-out sofa). The kids loved the deep tubs, and I appreciated having a full-sized washer and dryer…no more damp gloves! Our ski locker downstairs fit six pairs of skis, and the proximity to the lifts made getting three kids ready to go each morning very easy. Ditto for the reverse: it was so fun to ski right down to our door!

In the evenings, we stepped outside Big Horn (located at the end of the village next to the slopes) and walked just a few doors down to all village shops and restaurants, as well as the ice skating rink (rentals are $10, and run big), where the kids (and me!) loved roasting marshmallows on the big fire pits (surrounded by welcoming outdoor seating). Tip: S’mores kits are available for purchase at True North, directly across from the ice skating rink, but plan ahead…they close at 8 pm!

All Tahoe Mountain Lodging guests enjoy the use of fitness centers and hot tubs located within their properties (the closest to us was right across the street in the Catamount Lodge) and the heated outdoor pool (with lap lanes) in the Village Swim and Fitness Center (directly across from the village near the Hyatt). All amenities were within easy walking distance for our family.

Bottom line? Our condo at Big Horn Lodge was beautiful inside and out, but what guests are really paying for (and is it ever worth it!) is the location. At the end of our stay, I asked the kids again if they would rather be deep in the woods like last year, and they couldn’t decide! They truly loved both experiences, but if a relaxing stay for you, Mom and Dad, is paramount, go for village living! Our experience at Big Horn Lodge was the epitome of logistical ease: everything we needed was at-hand, and we never even saw our car again until we checked out!

Date last visited: January 26-28, 2012

Distance from the interstate: Several miles off I-80 near Truckee CA.

Rates and reservations: Rates vary by season and condo size. The rate for our two-bedroom, two-bathroom Big Horn condo was $425/night, at the time of our booking. Rates for a similar condo range from $300-900.

Directions: Northstar-at-Tahoe is located 30 minutes from Reno, NV or three hours from Sacramento, CA off of the Highway 267 exit on Interstate 80 (I-80). Follow signs from Big Spring Drive to the second loop (by the Hyatt), where you’ll see parking for Tahoe Mountain Lodging. Check-in is easy at their offices (open to 11 pm nightly).

As I disclose whenever applicable, Northstar-at-Tahoe and Tahoe Mountain Lodging generously hosted our stay at Big Horn Lodge. This compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

Northstar on Dwellable