state - Pitstops for Kids

Skiing in Utah: Eagle Point ski vacation planning

January 16, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

When planning a ski vacation in Utah, families are spoiled for choice. There are over a dozen major resorts in the Salt Lake City area alone, and many of them are probably on your radar. We love Salt Lake ski resorts, but before you make the decision to head to one of the big destination resorts of Utah, consider a little gem in the southern end of the state.

What is Eagle Point, where is it, and why should we go there?

Ready to get your Eagle Point ski vacation planning on? Eagle Point is a small, boutique ski resort just outside of Beaver, Utah. It’s about three hours’ drive from Las Vegas and Salt Lake City, depending on which way you’re coming on I-15, followed by a winding, steep access road that you’ll want to ascend in the daylight. I’m using the word ‘boutique’ in the sense that Eagle Point is small, personalized, and niche, not that it’s upscale…because it’s not. In fact, it’s delightfully rustic, with a rough-around-the-edges feel that makes me think of my childhood ski trips.

Why bring your family all the way to Eagle Point? The easy answer would be, price. Families can still ski Eagle Point for under $50 for an adult lift ticket (around $30 for kids), and the resort’s ski-in, ski-out condos are incredibly affordable. You could spend a week at Eagle Point for a fraction of the cost of a week at a larger ski resort. But an affordable price is not the full story.

Eagle Point is a resort that still retains the friendly, everyone-knows-each-other, hey-welcome-back atmosphere that’s been lost in many places. When you arrive at the check in desk at Canyonside Lodge, you might just be checked in by one of the resort’s enthusiastic owners, and the friendly waitress at the bar just might be your ski instructor the next day. The relatively small staff all know each other and seem to interact like family, and the small size of the resort means your kids will feel right at home in no time.

Lodging at Eagle Point:

I stayed at a condo in Wooded Ridge, which is one of the condo development options at Eagle Point. There are a few full houses to rent, but otherwise, Eagle Point is all condos, many of which are ski-in, ski-out, or close to it. A free shuttle goes back and forth between condos and both base areas every 20 minutes.

My condo slept at least five; we had a bedroom downstairs and a loft with bunk beds for three. It also had a full kitchen and living room with dining space, and ample storage space for ski gear. I loved the views of aspen trees from the outdoor balconies, and the fact that the kitchen was fully stocked with spices, cooking oil, all the pots and pans needed, a crock pot, a dishwasher with detergent, and a full-sized washer and dryer (also with detergent).

Tip: If you want to be close to Canyonside Lodge and its dining options and hot tubs, book a Canyonside area condo. You’ll be ski-in, ski-out on the Canyonside part of the resort. If anyone in your family is a beginner, however, you’ll want to start at Skyline, which will require a shuttle ride (this is explained in more depth below).

At Eagle Point, you’ll cook in your condo most of the time, so definitely stop in Beaver to buy groceries before coming up the mountain. There’s not much in the way of provisions once you’re at Eagle Point, with the exception of a small mercantile and a few dining venues (more on that in a minute). Condo renters have access to two hot tubs, which are outside behind Canyonside Lodge. There are bathrooms to change there, and a fireplace in the dining area where you can warm up after soaking.

Note: There is very limited cell service and no wifi at Eagle Point. I am told wifi is coming in 2018, but for now, plan to be off-line during your stay. Time to get out the board games!

Skiing at Eagle Point:

Eagle Point, like many Utah ski resorts, has two distinct sections, each with its own base area. The Canyonside Lodge, where you check in to your lodging, is the gateway to the expert terrain, served by Lookout lift, and a few miles up the road, the Skyline Lodge is where you’ll find the beginner and intermediate terrain, as well as the ski rentals and lessons. You’ll use the Skyline chair and Monarch chair on that side.

A ski tunnel connects the two sides, and there is a small amount of intermediate runs off Lookout chair, though not as many as we’d like. Everyone in your family really needs to be an expert skier or rider to have fun together for more than a few runs on Lookout. Gates off Lookout lead to backcountry terrain, in cooperation with the forest service, so that’s an option for expert skiers who are prepared to go outside the resort boundary.

Because the Skyline Lodge is at the TOP of the Skyline area and the Canyonside Lodge is at the bottom of the Canyonside area, getting from Canyonside to Skyline requires a shuttle ride. (You can, however, get from Skyline to the Canyonside Lodge on intermediate terrain, through the tunnel followed by a lift.) This would come in handy if the family divided up in the morning and wanted to meet for lunch.) From the Skyline side, it’s possible to ski down to most condos in the resort.

Note: Eagle Point is conservative about grooming runs. The Skyline area with beginner and intermediate terrain will all be groomed, but during my visit, only a few runs were groomed on Canyonside. This makes for a lot of non-groomed black diamonds.

Dining at Eagle Point:

For ski lunches and even breakfast, if you don’t prepare it in your condo, Skyline Lodge has the Skyline Cafe, which serves your basic ski fare. We found three options on the breakfast menu, plus coffee and drinks, and another handful of options at lunch. It’s counter service only. At Canyonside Lodge, the Outpost Grill has a full bar and dining room, with moderate pricing for burgers, wraps, and pizza, and slightly higher prices for steaks, salmon, and pasta dishes. It’s open both lunch and dinner. The food was good here, and I recommend eating out for dinner at least once during your trip, to save on the hassle of cooking in your condo.

Note: if you come back to Canyonside for dinner, remember that the free ‘mountain taxi’ shuttle only runs until 5 pm. You’ll need to drive your car or walk the short distance.

What you sacrifice in the name of low lift ticket prices at Eagle Point:

Great value in pricing comes at a cost, of course. It’s important that parents know what they WON’T find at Eagle Point, so they can make an educated decision for their family. Eagle Point does not have:

Wifi or much cell service: you can get a cell signal at Skyline Lodge area, but that’s it for most carriers. Bring DVDs to watch in the condo, because you won’t have Netflix. You may not even be able to make a call or send a text, so plan accordingly.
Fine dining: the Outpost Grill is friendly and has decently good food, but it is not gourmet.
Convenient access to hot tubs or any access to a health center: the hot tubs at Canyonside Lodge are stand-alone tubs in the snow out back of the building, with a fun, low-key atmosphere. Close to your condo they are probably not.
Terrain for advanced-intermediate skiers and riders. This is a biggie: Eagle Point has a wonderful array of beginner and easy intermediate terrain at Skyline and incredibly steep, ungroomed expert terrain at Canyonside…but not too much in-between.
Easy access from lodge to lodge. (See explanation above.)

What you WILL get is challenging skiing at a great price, with comfortable, mostly convenient lodging and a down-to-earth vibe.

Getting here:

Eagle Point is located 18 windy, steep miles off I-15 past Beaver. Take the access road slowly, as it can be difficult in ice and snow. The commute on I-15 is easy from both Las Vegas and SLC.

I was a guest of Eagle Point for the purpose of review. All opinion remains my own.

Photo credit: Amy Whitley and Paul Marshall/Ski Utah

Where to ski in Utah: Brighton Resort

January 2, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

If you just read my post reviewing Utah skiing at Solitude Mountain Resort, you know that Brighton Resort is its closest neighbor, nestled right next door in Big Cottonwood Canyon outside of Salt Lake City. Both resorts offer incredible ski terrain for experts and backcountry skiers and snowboarders, both offer a friendly, local vibe, and both have enough skiable terrain for a family to be happy for days.

Brighton Resort differs in that it does not offer on-site lodging, apart from private home rentals. There’s a big base area with a day lodge and a separate lodge with gear rentals and a snow sports shop, and a smaller lodge at an adjacent base area on the other end of the parking area. The resorts are only five minutes’ drive apart, so families can certainly stay in the Solitude village if they’re looking to stay in the canyon, and can even ski between the resorts with a resort hopper pass.

So who is Brighton Resort for?

Take a look at the Brighton mountain map, and you’ll see a sea of black diamonds. Like Solitude, Brighton is big and bold, with incredible pitches, glades, bowls, and backcountry for serious, expert skiers and riders. If you’re looking for challenge and seemingly endless skiable terrain during big snow years like 2017 has proven to be, you’ve found your place. But what if you’re a beginner or intermediate skier? The good news is that there are green circle runs even at the top of the resort, a nice touch for those who get tired of always being at or near the base while they’re learning. You’ll find green runs off the Snake Creek chair, and even off the Milly chair, which also has some of the steepest, deepest runs in the resort. Intermediate skiers and riders will want to focus on the blue-friendly Crest and Majestic chairs; this is also where you’ll find a surprisingly big selection of terrain park features.

If you’re an expert skier or rider:

Trust us, you could do laps all day on the Milly Express chair, and never get tired of the terrain. Your legs will, however, get tired. This chair was our favorite, with double-blacks on both sides of the chair, hike-to terrain along the ridge, and back bowls accessible for backcountry skiers with touring skis. Of course, all of this is dependent on conditions, and it’s essential to look at signage to see what’s open. This is big avalanche country, and the mountains should be respected.

Over on the Great Western chair, some of the steepest pitches take you down wide, mogul-filled black diamonds, and there are more tree glades with powder stashes along the far end of the resort. However, some of my favorite skiing all day at Brighton was found in what I deemed the ‘peaceful powder forest’, located near the top of Snake Creek and Crest. The woods here seemed to go on and on, with lots of powder between the trees and a more relaxing pitch.

If there’s less snow, you’ll definitely find less variety, but even then, the groomers along Crest and Big Western and Milly proved excellent. I loved the rollers and gentle curves to these runs, which got great sun throughout the day. We opted to break for lunch at the base of Milly, where the newest lodge of Brighton was far less crowded and offered excellent burgers and soups.

Planning your day at Brighton Resort:

As noted above, there is no overnight lodging at Brighton, so it will probably be a day trip for you. If you’re driving up Big Cottonwood Canyon (i.e., not staying at Solitude or in a nearby home rental), plan at least 25 minutes on an average day, and up to an hour on a holiday weekend…the traffic goes slowly on really great ski days.

Tip: Big Cottonwood Canyon is 15 miles of pretty curvy, mountainous roadway, and 4×4 drive or chains ARE required fairly regularly. You can opt to take a bus from the base of the canyon, where there’s a convenient park and ride parking lot for your car.

Because Brighton Resort is a day use resort, the parking lot does fill up on busy days. We skied Brighton on a holiday weekend after a big dump of snow, and were glad we arrived just after 9 am…by 11 am, the parking lot was completely full and people were parking on the road.

Lift tickets are under $80 per day per adult, which is relatively reasonable, by ski resort standards. Better yet, you can ‘reload’ your day pass the next day for $10 less. Kids 10 and under are FREE at Brighton, which is a fantastic perk. To save money, consider a Brighton pass if you plan to ski regularly there, because it includes free ski bus access, or, if you have a pass elsewhere, see if it’s a M.A.X. Pass resort and do a M.A.X. Pass add-on for the best value. You can get a Solitude-Brighton ticket for under $100, and ski between the two resorts, but I bet you’ll have enough to keep you busy right at Brighton.

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Disclosure: I visited Brighton as a guest of the resort for the purpose of reviewing M.A.X. Pass resorts. All opinions are my own.

Vail luxury ski hotel: Sonnenalp hotel review

December 16, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

I have been lucky enough to stay in many luxury ski hotel properties, from Whistler to Tahoe to points east. My stay at The Sonnenalp, a Leading Hotels of the World property in Vail, Colorado, met the expectations that properties like the Fairmont or the Ritz Carlton had set for me, but also exceeded those expectations in subtle ways.

What do I mean by this? The Sonnenalp Hotel, which is a true family-owned property, in the same family for four generations, has a very understated and timeless style of luxury and service. From the moment you drive into the porte-cochère and your ski gear is whisked effortlessly away by the ski concierge team to the simple yet thoughtful texts sent by the front desk staff, inquiring how your stay is going and whether there is anything they can do for you, at The Sonnenalp, it’s all about quietly and efficiently serving, while providing a timeless and lovely place to call home in the heart of Vail.

While beautiful, the Sonnenalp exhibits a cozy Bavarian elegance, not a flashy or sleek luxury vibe. Inside, the long halls with meandering staircases with wooden handrails call to mind a European ski chalet; in fact, in some parts of the hotel, I truly would mistake my location for the Alps. All the guest spaces of the hotel, from the small front lobby to the expansive King’s Club lounge (arguably the heart of the hotel) exhibit an understated but sophisticated elegance. You’d never make the mistake that you were in a budget hotel, by any means, but you are also spared any sort of stuffy or snooty ambiance.

Sonnenalp rooms:

Ever stayed at a five-star, very expensive property and looked around your hotel room and noted you were actually lacking a lot of useful items, like a fridge, table, or microwave? The Sonnenalp has 112 suites to its 15 rooms, with a focus on comfort. I stayed in one of their two-level mountain suites, which was laid out with a living room and wet bar space downstairs (with fireplace) and two bedrooms upstairs, with over 1300 square feet total space. Be sure to ask for a few room fans upon check-in, as we found the upstairs to get stuffy. I appreciated having a Nespresso machine, a minibar, a second fridge for storing our own things, a microwave, and two and a half bathrooms.

We enjoyed turndown service, lovely robes for use in the room and at the spa area, and eco-friendly bath amenities. The only thing I found missing: access to a washer and dryer, or even just a dryer, in the suites. When skiing with a family, a dryer is huge.

Sonnenalp European spa:

At The Sonnenalp, the European spa concept means that in addition to their luxurious spa, most of the spa’s 10,000 square feet is accessible for all guests, including children. What this looks like: when you enter the spa area, you are not stopped at a sign-in desk (though they have one). Instead, you’re invited into the large space that houses a 360 degree fireplace with sunken seating, a full bar (with oxygen bar), and the indoor pool and hot tub. Off of this room are the men’s and women’s locker rooms, sauna, steam rooms, and fitness center…open to everyone (though children under 16 are not allowed in the back locker rooms or fitness center of the spa). Out glass doors by the pool, the outdoor section of the pool and two additional outdoor hot tubs await.

While kids need to be respectfully quiet in this greater spa area, they are welcome, and what results is a very cozy, warm space for families to gather apres-ski or anytime. For adults, complementary yoga classes are held here almost daily, as well as personal training services. While the fitness center is not large, it has the cardio and weight training equipment needed.

While I love that most of the spa can be appreciated by everyone, I do recommend booking at least one spa treatment during your stay. My aromatherapy massage was one of the best I’ve ever had, made even more relaxing in the knowledge that the rest of my group could be having fun in the pools and hot tubs. A poolside/spa-side menu is available (though outdoor pool deck service is seasonal).

Sonnenalp dining:

The Sonnenalp has multiple restaurants onsite, and of course, you’re in the heart of the Vail village, so many additional restaurants are within walking distance. As noted above, the cozy King’s Club, with bar, a ‘living room’ type space, and even a library, is the place to start your evening with a drink during their happy hour. It’s also the place to return later in the evening for live music. A must do is Swiss Chalet, Sonnenalp’s nod to Alpine cuisine, with fondue and raclette, and for the most casual dining option, head to Bully Ranch, the hotel’s Western-themed restaurant (where you’ll instantly feel like you’re in Wyoming, not Germany).

While Sonnenalp may be best known for Swiss Chalet’s fondue dinner, their breakfast buffet, held daily at Ludwig’s, is in danger of outshining it all. There’s more than any one person could possibly eat at this gourmet buffet of hot dishes, granolas, fresh fruits, berries, cheese spreads, bagels and lox, smoked salmon, artisan breads, and more. The buffet is $35 per person (or $23 for the continental version), but don’t gasp just yet: with most reservations, it can be included in the cost of the stay as an add-on (well worth it). If you don’t add the buffet on and don’t want to pay that price, there is also an a la carte menu, as well as room service. By no means is Sonnenalp dining inexpensive, but it is part of the overall experience of the hotel.

Sonnenalp activities:

The hotel has a kids’ club, which is complementary with activities planned for kids daily, with drop-in options. At the time of my visit, the club was open from 4 pm to 6 pm, which was great: parents can enjoy happy hour while the kids are busy. This service is for kids three and up who are potty trained, but even if you have a younger one, stop by for a complementary box of sanitized toys to take back to your room. For older kids, there’s a game room adjacent. Get always updated kids’ club information.

The planned activities for adults, beyond the spa and fitness offerings, such as the snowshoeing treks aforementioned, were offered six days a week during my visit. Of course, a main activity for parents is simply relaxing. I recommend sitting in the library with one of their famous mudslides.

If visiting in winter, most families plan to ski. Here’s how the ski concierge services work at Sonnenalp:

Because the hotel is about three blocks from Gondola One (where you can upload for Vail skiing), Sonnenalp guests have access to nearby Gorsuch Ski Cafe. The ski concierge team will transport your gear there upon your arrival to the hotel. Guests walk the few blocks in comfortable winter boots, instead of ski boots, and grab their gear from the concierge there. The space has ample room for getting on gear and storing skis and boards. You can also apply sunscreen here and there’s seating for 40-50.

For summer season guests, Sonnenalp has their own private golf course, with a much large fitness center and pool complex, as well as on-site dining, Harvest. The fitness center and Harvest are actually open year-round, and shuttles can be arranged from the hotel. There is a daily fee for golf, but I was assured hotel guests have use of the fitness area complementarily.

Photo credit: Amy Whitley and Sonnenalp.

Disclosure: I stayed at Sonnenalp as a guest of the hotel, for the purpose of review. All opinions remain my own.

Tips for celebrating the holidays at Disneyland Resort

November 7, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

The holiday season truly is magical at the Disneyland Resort, bustling with special events, entertainment, and decorations. It’s also bustling with holiday crowds, which can certainly impact your experience. Here’s how to enjoy all the holiday magic while navigating the masses.

Tip 1: Know when to go

The holiday season at Disneyland and California Adventure officially launches in early November and continues through the beginning of January. The crowds will be lowest before December 20th, which is the week most kids are out of school.

Tip 2: Know what not to miss

The Festival of Holidays continues to be a hit at California Adventure, which celebrates the festivities of many cultures at kiosks offering multicultural crafts and holiday food, and performances showcasing music and dance. Families can even join in the fun during select performances, learning holiday dance moves. Think of the Festival of the Holidays as a cross between the Food and Wine Festival and a mini, seasonal World Showcase where you visit kiosks instead of full pavilions.

Tip 3: Know what to expect from nighttime entertainment

Families can expect a holiday-themed World of Color at California Adventure nightly. Over at neighboring Disneyland, Wishes is now Believe…in Holiday Magic, lighting up the night sky with fireworks, along with snowfall on Main Street. FastPass is available for World of Color shows, which are two-times nightly during the busy holiday season.

Tip 4: Know which attractions will be ‘dressed’ for the holidays

Three rides get holiday overlays during this time of year, including Haunted Mansion, which gets a Tim Burton Nightmare Before Christmas theme, It’s a Small World, which adds carols from around the world and magical lighting after dark. Lastly, the Jungle Cruise turns in to the Jingle Cruise during the holiday season, with special details in the already-detailed theming of the ride, and holiday jokes added to the script.

Bonus: Don’t forget to enjoy CarsLand during the holidays, with holiday ‘wraps’ on Luigi’s ‘Joy to the Whirl’ and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree.

Tip 5: Know where to see Santa:

In California Adventure, the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail has the usual offerings of fun hands-on activities for kids, but now includes a holiday-themed scavenger hunt where kids look for ‘presents’ along the trail (ask a Cast Member for a sheet to get started), and kids can visit with the main man of the season…Santa. Santa can also be visited in Disneyland park at Critter Country.

Tip 6: Know how to navigate parade routes:

To view the Disneyland holiday parade, Christmas Fantasy, plan to find seating in designated areas a full hour before parade time. Ask Cast Members where you can sit or stand to view; they rope off disabled viewing areas and won’t allow families to watch in certain high traffic spaces. Once the parade starts, Cast Members will move along foot traffic, so don’t plan to watch on the fly. You also cannot watch in store and restaurant doorways, so don’t try! However, if you’re within a store, you can usually still see quite well…this is a good option if you find yourselves caught without a viewing location.

Tip 7: Know how to view World of Color

If you’re staying in either park for the nightly Holiday Magic or World of Color shows, prime viewing areas will fill up about 1.5 hours beforehand. For World of Color show, get a FastPass to World of Color (available by Grizzly Rapids in California Adventure by about 9:30 am) or book a dining package at a California Adventure restaurant. If you plan to simply stake out a spot, look along the benches by California Screamin’ or Ariel’s Grotto, but get there early!

Tip 8: Know how to view Holiday Magic

To watch Holiday Magic in a prime location, plan to start queuing a full two hours early. You’ll need to wait for the rope to drop in front of the castle to view there (then you’re permitted to put down a blanket and sit), or you can find a curb along Main Street. If you want to exit quickly afterward, I recommend grabbing a spot (again, well in advance) at the train station platform by the entrance to Disneyland. There are no dining packages available for the fireworks.

The Wizarding World at Universal Studios Hollywood: What to know before you go

October 28, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

If you have kids who live and breathe all things Harry Potter, and you can’t take them on a trip to the motherland, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios is the next best thing. With the Wizarding World is now open on both coasts, we opted to check out Hogwarts and Hogsmeade in Hollywood. Read on for our best planning tips:

Don’t forget to budget time for one of the best things to do in Hollywood, the Museum of Illusions, plus additional fun in the greater Los Angeles area!

Rides at Wizarding World of Harry Potter:

There are two rides at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, both of which are pretty tame by theme park standards. However, here’s what you should know about each:

The Flight of the Hippogriff is Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor roller coaster. It is family friendly and appropriate for younger muggles over 36 inches tall.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal Studios Hollywood takes place inside Hogwart’s Castle. This 3-D adventure is perfect for diehard Harry Potter fans who can brave the Quidditch pitch, Whomping Willows, dragons and dementors. We loved it, but there’s a lot of twisting and turning, and some of us felt a bit queasy afterward. If you get motion sickness, know this in advance!

Shopping inside Wizarding World:

Normally, souvenir shopping wouldn’t get more than a cursory mention in one of my posts…after all, no one comes for the shopping. Not so at Wizarding World! Shopping for Harry Potter souvenirs is truly part of the fun at Wizarding World, and you’ll want to take time to do some browsing. Be sure to go into the various shops, such as Honeydukes candy shop for some chocolate frogs, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans, chocolate cauldrons and more. Inside the castle and as you exit the Forbidden Journey are where you will find Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods. I could have spent hours in there! You can purchase clothing, house crest banners, toys, games and replicas of the movie props.

If your kid (or you!) want to buy a wand, do it early. Why? You can use interactive wands (the ones with the specially marked sticker on the box) throughout the Wizarding World. It’s really fun to perform spells at any location with an emblem on the ground. There’s always a Universal employee stationed nearby to give you tips.

To get a wand, you can either go through a wand ceremony (where you wait in line to watch the ceremony where one person is picked to be the recipient, then buy your own if you weren’t picked), or you can go directly to the wand shop. If you want to watch the ceremony, we suggest making this your first stop.

The wand shop is usually crazy crowded, but it’s also jaw-dropping to see the wand boxes literally stacked floor to ceiling. Wands will set you back $50 each (yes, really!) but it’s one of those things you should probably just budget for, because once in the Wizarding World, they’re hard to resist!

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Food & drink of wizards:

Like shopping, eating is a big deal at Wizarding World. There are all kinds of edible treats from the candy in Honeydukes to the restaurant and pub, as well as Butterbeer. In the Three Broomsticks restaurant, you’ll find the Hog’s Head (bar), but also English fare for the whole family. You can snuggle up with a drink in a cozy booth or spot in front of the fireplace. We found it expensive but fun to eat a meal in the Three Broomsticks.

Wizarding entertainment:

On the Hogsmeade stage you will find some entertainment throughout your visit. Some of the Hogwarts choir students (one from each house) perform with their large croaking frogs. You can also cheer on the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students as they get the crowd excited for the Triwizard Tournament. After each performance, you can take photos with the singers and dancers.

Dealing with crowds:

Universal’s Front of Line pass will be worth your while if you’re visiting during peak season (summer) or just about any time in the first months of the park’s opening, even though there are only two rides in the park. The pass is good for both rides, and lines are definitely long. It also includes front access to shows, saving you time (as you won’t have to hold seats). These passes start at $199. There is a single rider line available for The Forbidden Journey. There’s a VIP pass as well, which gets you all the perks of the Front of Line pass, plus a guided tour, breakfast, and lunch, but at over $300 a ticket, we don’t see the value.

Buying tickets:

As with most theme parks, Universal Studios gives you an array of options for ticket purchase (in addition to the aforementioned Front of the Line pass). Always buy tickets online ahead of time if buying directly through Universal to save some cash, but if you plan to do anything else in the greater Los Angeles area, do as we did and use a Go Los Angeles card attraction pass. A 3-day card gives you a day at Universal Studios, which you can upgrade to a Front of the Line pass should you desire. We loved that we didn’t have to wait in the ticket line at all: cards are fully integrated with the Universal Studios Hollywood ticket turnstiles.

Where to stay: If budget allows, consider staying in LA style with luxury villa rentals Los Angeles. Or, staying at a Preferred Hotel gets you early admission privileges, and may even get you shuttle service to the park (in some cases). What we like: there’s a large selection to choose from, making it possible for families on all budgets to book a Preferred Hotel. Be sure to use hotel loyalty programs when you book to ensure you come away with points as well as a great vacation!

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Photo credit: Prayitno

Unique Oregon golf resort: Silvies Valley Ranch

October 17, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

Located on the Eastern Oregon frontier, Silvies Valley Ranch offers a vacation experience unique to anything I’ve done before. Guests enter the 220 square miles of this working cattle and goat ranch and make their way to the Retreat, Links and Spa…a tucked-away resort in the pines with unparalleled ranch views. Your first stop is at the Gate House, where you’re met by friendly resort staff, charcuterie and drinks, and the chance to surrender your car for the duration; from this moment forward, you’ll be exploring the ranch via your personally-assigned golf cart.

From the comfort of luxury cabin or lodge room accommodations, you can ponder your many options of activities while on-site. Silvies is not a dude ranch, with all-inclusive activities on the ranch, though it feels as isolated as one. And it’s not strictly a golf resort, because guests can explore the ranch grounds, too. It’s an interesting hybrid of both.

Perfect book-reading spot right out front of the cabins.

Dinners are fairly formal affairs with a nightly eight-course pre-set menu prepared by talented chef Damon Jones, eaten at the communal Ranch Table. Families, I’m told, have the option to eat a la carte during the summer season, should they not wish to spend so long at the meal. Definitely enjoy the Ranch Table experience at least once or twice during a stay, however, as this is where Silvies’ local, organic beef and chevon (goat) is featured best.

Before each nightly meal, we loved lingering at the impressively-stocked ranch house bar for a pre-dinner cocktail. The bartending and wait staff were all excellent, and I would challenge any guest to come up with any drink they can’t make.

Note: breakfast and lunch are also offered at the ranch house, as well as lunch at the Hideout, the golf clubhouse. There isn’t any other nearby dining option, due to the remoteness of Silvies, so plan accordingly. Breakfast could easily be made in the room or cabin.

Activities at Silvies:

The main attraction at the Retreat at Silvies is golf. We’re not avid golfers, but we could see at a glance that Silvies’ four courses were different than most. They’re located on a remote and rugged stretch of high desert; you’ll be instantly reminded of Scottish courses, if you’ve been. The courses range from 18 hole to a shorter Par 3 course over 600 acres, and thanks to the remoteness of Silvies’ location, crowds aren’t an issue. Families and beginners are welcome. Every guest we spoke to raved about their golf experience. Best of all, you are offered a ‘goat caddy’ when you golf here: yes, trained goats really do carry your clubs!

During our three-day stay, we wanted to learn a lot about the ranch side of Silvies, so we signed up for a ranch eco-tour. We were picked up in a Razor and escorted around the ranch’s 120,000 acres, learning about the scope of the cattle and goat business, the ranch’s multi-generational history, and the current owners’ plans for the future (the Campbell family has owned it for the last six years). Several historic homesteads are still in residence on the property, so we saw those, as well as cows getting ready to calve, antelope running, deer grazing, and even elk. We learned about the conservation that’s important at Silvies, such as the restoration of the land’s riparian landscape; slowly, the beavers that had been plentiful before the fur trapping industry of the 1800s are returning.

We also went shooting at the ranch’s firing range and ‘goat herding’ with a ranch hand. For the latter, we went out to find one of the three 1000-head goat herds on the property and walked among them for a while, talking to the Peruvian goat herder hired by Silvies and meeting the guard and herding dogs in residence.

Also offered: horseback riding, mountain biking, wagon riding, hiking and fishing. Hiking and biking trails are still limited, with plans to build out this part of the ranch.

Rocking Heart Spa at Silvies:

For us, our spa day was our favorite at Silvies. The spa is located directly across from the cabins and main lodge, and houses a lap pool, climbing wall, and exercise room in addition to spa services. Silvies is still in the process of fine-tuning this space, so hours are not always consistent, we found.

Spa services range from multiple massage offerings to facials and mani-pedis, plus a hair salon. We loved the facials we received, which were a relaxing 120 minutes of pampering. We enjoyed the relaxation room and spa and sauna in each locker room, too. Plan to spend a whole afternoon at the Rocking Heart Spa!

Lodging at Silvies:

We were situated in a two-bedroom luxury cabin, which included a kitchenette with a very well-stocked mini-bar, large ice machine, microwave, Keurig, and plates and cups galore. You also get an entire cupboard of snacks (for purchase) and a stocked wine fridge (with a wine list and prices). We loved the Western decor throughout, the cozy living room space with fireplace and a huge TV, and the spacious bathrooms (one off each bedroom). Best of all, a hot tub outside! Our only wish: we would have loved a porch or patio, though the views out the wide living room windows were amazing.

There are also one-bedroom cabins and cabin rooms, as well as ranch house rooms (which are actually located across the drive from the ranch house. Find rates here.

Getting to Silvies:

This Oregon golf resort really is remote. It’s about 45 minutes from Burns, Oregon, and it’s best to follow the directions on the ranch website; GPS will lead you astray. You’re about 2.5 hours from Bend or Boise, and about 5.5 hours from Medford/Ashland.

Disclosure: we stayed at Silvies as guests of the resort, for the purpose of review. All opinions remain our own.

Haleakala National Park

August 26, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

When I think of Maui, I think sun-kissed sand and stunning beaches…not ascending to 10,000 feet to hike amid peaks. But families vacationing on the island would be remiss to skip Haleakala National Park, where kids will learn about the natural landscape of this breathtaking area, and get a glimpse of a Maui not well-known.

Haleakala consists of both Haleakala Summit and the lower Kipahulu Coast, making it possible for families to hike through barren and beautiful terrain as well as lush vegetation, all while learning more about native Hawaiian ecology and species during one of several ranger-guided talks offered. I love that Haleakala is such a region of contrasts: kids learn about many types of natural beauty, from the high peak to the streams and waterfalls in the park’s Kipahulu area.

Tip: The night sky is so clear at the national park, that it’s home to the Haleakala Observatory. Haleakala is open 24 hours a day, so if you time it right, you can take in the Milky Way as you’ve likely never seen it before!

For one family’s take on Haleakala National Park and its junior ranger program for kids, visit Mary at The World is a Book for an extensive review.

Distance from an interstate: See directions below.

Hours of operation: The park is open year-round, 24-hours a day, seven days per week. Visitor center hours are as follows: Haleakala Visitor Center (9740 ft/2969 m) 5:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Kipahulu Visitor Center (sea level) 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Admission costs: Daily park passes are $10 per vehicle. For more information on park fees, see the Haleakala National Park site.

Directions: Getting to Haleakala National Park includes a beautiful drive through Maui’s ‘upcountry’ of ranches and farms. To reach the Summit Area, start at Kahului via Route 37 to 377 to 378. Driving time to the summit from Kahului is approximately 1.5 hours. To the coastal area (Kipahulu), take Route 36 to 360 to 31. Driving time from Kahului is approximately 3 hours.

Things to do on Channel Islands with kids

August 19, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

Channel Islands National Park is located right off the coast of Ventura, CA, but feels a million miles away from the rest of Southern California. The park has a different vibe than most: the main visitor’s center is located not in the park, but in the Ventura Harbor, where visitors depart for the islands, and the islands themselves remain remote, isolated, and almost completely undeveloped.

Don’t let the Channel Islands, and the logistics of exploring them, deter you: this national park is perfect for kids. Families simply need to know the best things to do on Channel Islands, how to get to Channel Islands National Park, and where to stay prior.

Which island?

All the Channel Islands are accessible, but the most easily accessed (and with the most to do for families) is Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the five. Protected coves allow for great snorkeling here, and the camping is easiest (on other islands, backpacking may be necessary). Santa Cruz Island is also the most affordable to travel to, making it ideal for larger family groups.

Camping or day trip?

The next thing families need to decide is whether to make their Channel Islands adventure a day trip or an overnight. Camping at Channel Islands is reserved by ReserveAmerica, and the most popular camping experience for families is located at Scorpion’s Cove on Santa Cruz. This campground is walk-in (meaning backpacking is not necessary) and the lower campground is only .2 mile from the beach. Running water and pit toilets are available, and each site has a picnic table and food storage box.

For families deciding not to camp, a day trip to Santa Cruz Island can be more than enough to experience the National Park. Santa Cruz (the most easily accessible island) is undeveloped; in addition to the campground, there are only a few ranger cabins (rangers are on-site), evidence of the island’s ranching history, and hiking trails. A dock exists at Scorpion’s Cove, where passengers disembark. For a day trip, we recommend taking an early boat (9 am) out to Scorpion’s Cove, and returning at 4 pm or 5 pm. This gives visitors enough time to experience the island’s snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking.

How to get there:

Island Packers is the official transportation to the islands. They’re located in the Ventura Harbor adjacent to the Channel Islands visitor center (follow the brown National Park signs to the end of the drive along the pier) and reservations should be made in advance. The boat ride over takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and is certainly part of the fun. We spotted dolphins during our passage, and when the water is choppy, as it was on our visit, the ride is downright exhilarating. Kids can stand at the deck and feel the spray of the ocean, or interior seats are also available. The Island Packers crew and staff are all friendly, laid-back, and fun. The cost of an Island Packers passage varies by island and whether your passage is a day trip or camping trip. At the time of my visit, day trip passage was $56 round trip for adults and $39 round trip for children (up to age 12). Overnight passage was $75 for adults and $54 for children.

Snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking on the islands:

Snorkeling at Scorpion’s Cove, we swam with harbor seals, and spotted multiple fish species, sea urchins, sea stars, and kelp forests. Snorkeling gear can be rented by the day at Ventura Sports, located in the Ventura Harbor, but be advised: they don’t have adequate sizes for kids under age 10. While their staff was friendly, they rented us a wetsuit that was far too large for our seven-year-old, with no warning that it wouldn’t work for him. (Wet suits are usually necessary in all seasons on Channel Islands.) In addition to snorkeling, kayaks can be rented in the harbor and transported for the day or the duration of your camping trip by Island Packers, or guided kayak tours are available on the island (reserve ahead of time). When not on or in the water, numerous hiking trails (of about 2 miles in length at most) are available on Santa Cruz Island, and offer beautiful vistas of the island and sea.

Where to stay in Ventura:

If you’re coming any distance to visit the islands, you’ll need to stay overnight in Ventura the evening prior. We recommend the Holiday Inn Express Ventura Harbor, which overlooks the Ventura Harbor and is less than a quarter mile from Island Packers. I call this Holiday Inn Express an ‘express plus’, because it’s directly tied to the Four Points Sheraton next door, and guests have access to their very nice outdoor heated pool and hot tub (hot tub for adults only). A pedestrian bridge connects the two hotels, and the Holiday Inn Express includes one of the best complimentary breakfasts we’ve ever experienced. Bottom line: the Holiday Inn Express Ventura is a great value for families, and you’ll be close enough to enjoy the Ventura Harbor prior to your Channel Islands trip.

One day in Badlands National Park itinerary with kids

August 8, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

We were blown away by the beauty and peacefulness of Badlands National Park! During our one day visit, we found ourselves comparing this dry, rugged, and dramatic park to other favorites: it has much of the same feel as Death Valley National Park and Joshua Tree National Park. However, Badlands adds another element: high prairie wildlife and terrain that will impress in a subtile, almost delicate manner. Here’s what to do with one day in Badlands National Park:

Allow me to explain: while the first thing visitors are likely to notice about the park is its dramatic rock formations and chasms (think of Grand Canyon in miniature, or as one fellow traveler put it, of being a giant hiking in the Grand Canyon), it’s quickly evident that beyond, and in some cases, above, these rock formations, lie plateaus, gulches, and lowlands blooming with sunflowers and wildflowers, harboring prairie dogs and rabbits, and opening up onto prairie grasses. The juxtaposition of dry, cracking rock and flowering plants is stunning.

The park is well-known for fossil finds dating to prehistoric eras, though we learned that dinosaur fossils are not found here. The region was underwater during that time period. Instead, early mammal fossils are found quite regularly, and dig sites can still be active.

How to spend a day at Badlands National Park:

Ready for your Badlands National Park itinerary with kids? Though the park area is quite large, most of the sites and hiking options are in a concentrated area, making this park do-able in a day, if needed. As we always suggest, start at the Badlands visitor center to get your bearings. Here, kids can see a well-made 20-minute video, then tour several rooms of exhibits on the park’s geological history, wildlife, and native history (this is Lakota territory). Stop at the desk and ask for a form on which to document any fossil finds. They can still be spotted in the rock throughout the park, and park scientists depend on visitor documentation to help their research. Cool, right?

After touring the visitor center, take the Badlands Loop Road. Backtrack to the Window Trail and Door Trail parking lot.

Tip: to do this itinerary as described, enter the park via I-90 Exit 131 instead of via Exit 110 near Wall. We suggest this direction because it places families at the visitor center early on.

The Door Trail offers an amazing vista of the canyons of the park, with half a mile of ‘trail’, which is actually rock hopping and free-form hiking from marked post to post (the rock bottom here doesn’t allow for a proper trail). The way is easy enough, but kids can make it more fun by climbing a few short rock formations along the path. The nearby Window Trail consists just of a boardwalk ending in a vista to see a very deep chasm in the canyon. Definitely do both. Note: we hit this trail at sunrise, which rewarded us with beautiful light against the stone.

Accessed from the same parking lot, the short Notch Trail is great for kids who want more climbing, as this 1.5 mile loop descends through the canyon then up a wooden ladder to follow a ledge to a great view of the White River valley. Only proceed on this trail if you’re comfortable with heights.

For those wanting a longer hike, The Castle Trailhead is located just across the street from the Door and Window trails. This trail is 10 miles long, and travels west all the way to the opposite end of the Badlands Loop Road at the Fossil Exhibit. Those wanting to hike 10 miles will need a car to pick them up on the other end. However, thanks to a very user-friendly trail system in the park, it’s possible to hike only a portion of the Castle Trail. Starting at the trailhead at Door, hike a short distance on flat terrain to the junction of the Castle and Medicine Root trails. At this point, families have access to a loop of 4 miles, making the hike around 5.5 miles total, or can opt for an out-and-back for less mileage, turning around at the junction.

Or, do what we did: after seeing Door and Windows, head back on the Badlands Loop Road in your car and stop at the Saddle Pass trailhead. This quarter mile trail connects you to the Medicine Root/Castle Trail loop for a hike of 4.2 miles. The short Saddle Pass section is severely steep as you climb from the valley floor to the top of the ‘wall’, but once there, the terrain is quite flat. Up on this wall while hiking the Medicine Root Loop, you’ll see prairie grasses, sunflowers, wildflowers, and, possibly, snakes and other small animals. There is no shade up here, so plan to accomplish this part of your day in the morning.

Further along the Badlands Loop Road, families will come to the Fossil Exhibit Trail. This boardwalk loop of about half a mile features well-done displays en route, which describe the various fossils found here, and whether these prehistoric animals ended up adapting, moving to a new region, or becoming extinct.

If you depart the park via the Badlands Loop Road toward Wall, you’ll come across many more roadside pull-outs with vistas of this area of the park. It seems to go on and on!

Where to eat:

During your day, definitely stop to eat at the Cedar Pass Lodge. This lodge is modern-looking and new, which didn’t quite seem to fit in with the setting of the national park, but inside, it has a very nice gift shop filled with handmade items and Lakota souvenirs, and a casual cafe that serves wonderful fry bread tacos. These native treats can be ordered with buffalo meat or black beans, and they are huge…two people can definitely share one. And yes, they are very fattening. Enjoy!

Where to stay:

The park does have lodging at Cedar Pass, in the form of very nice cabins overlooking the terrain (and the highway, but it’s no big deal). I did not stay the night on this trip, as the park can definitely be done in one day, but certainly this would be a good option as well.

The park is located along I-90 in South Dakota, near Wall. Make a stop at Wall Drug before or after!

Lodging near Joshua Tree National Park

August 5, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

The first time we visited Joshua Tree National Park, we stayed in Indian Cove campground and spent almost all our time within the park boundaries. We never regret spending time in parks; however, several unique lodging opportunities exist in nearby 29 Palms and by the unincorporated town of Joshua Tree. Looking for lodging near Joshua Tree? Here’s where to stay hear Joshua Tree National Park if you don’t plan to camp.

29 Palms Inn:

On a first drive through the desert town of 29 Palms, it may not be evident that there’s much to stop for. Not so. This gateway to Joshua Tree National Park has a lively, artistic community with fun dining options and an amazing resort at 29 Palms Inn.

Located on 70 acres, 29 Palms Inn is centered around the Oasis of Mara (acquired by the Southern Pacific Railroad during the railroad boom). Guests can still walk right up to the oasis (on site) and explore it. The 29 Palms Inn was established in the 1920s, and is now owned by the Grunt family, who run it locally along with the Roughly Manor. Everything about the Inn celebrates the desert landscape, with much of the resort property outdoors. The pool, office, and restaurant comprise the heart of the inn, with sandy walking paths leading around cacti and brush to multiple stand-alone adobe and wooden cabins, rooms, and studios. The dining area is indoor-outdoor, and there’s an outdoor living room space just beside the pool for relaxing in the shade.

Amenities:

We love that sleeping spaces are roomy (perfect for families!) and that breakfast is included. Every morning, guests will find a healthy, homemade breakfast served buffet style. During our visit, we found steel cut oatmeal with toppings, breads and coffee cake, fresh fruit, juice, and coffee.

Lunch and dinner are served (at extra cost) in the same poolside building, featuring produce from the inn’s very own organic garden, Faultline Farm. Picnic lunches are also available to go for $10 each, so you can leave to enjoy the park without stopping for groceries.

Yoga and nature walks are offered on the weekends, and the heated pool is available to guests every day. There are plenty of places for kids to explore and play outdoors, which I appreciate. Hammocks are hung by the garden, and the Creative Center artist studio is located within easy walking distance on site. Here, families can paint a canvas or pottery with artist (and Inn family member) Heidi Grunt.

Lodging options:

Lodging options range from a stand-alone adobe cottage with a complete kitchen, living space, and outdoor patio perfect for a whole family, to single rooms ideal for adults traveling solo. Rates are in the $150 range. Check for latest prices.

Roughley Manor:

Also owned by the Grunt family, Campbell House is very different than 29 Palms Inn, but has the same relaxed vibe and love for the outdoors and nature in common. Founded in 1925 as the Campbell’s Ranch (the Campbells have a history with the Oasis of Mara as well), Roughley Manor was turned into a bed and breakfast in 1994. The manor and grounds are designed in a serene English manor style, with gardens, shade trees, and stonework. While in stark contract to the desert landscape, Roughly Manor somehow just works, creating an oasis of its own for families exploring Joshua Tree.

Amenities:

The manor serves a full breakfast included in the room rate. There’s also an outdoor pool, and acres of landscaped flower gardens, fruit trees, and courtyards to relax in. Kids can play Bocce Ball in front of the manor, as well as chess.

Lodging options:

Most rooms are stand-alone cabins and cottages that dot the property, complete with kitchenettes (microwaves, mini-fridges, and sinks) and bathrooms with tubs. Most have a small porch. Some rooms also are offered inside the manor house, for a total of 12 options. Like the Inn, rates are around $150.

Bonus lodging option:

Families who are adventurous but also ready for a special, spiritual Joshua Tree lodging experience may want to consider the eco-friendly, sustainable earth bag built domes at Bonita Domes. Rented through AirBnb, two sleeping pods in the Bonita Domes ‘village’ anchor an outdoor kitchen, kiva pit, and shower pod. An additional unit is also for rent in the main home.

Bonita Domes are owned and operated by contemporary medicine woman and Joshua Tree resident Lisa Starr. Because Bonita Domes is also Lisa’s home, she rightfully asks for respect and reverence in this special space. We recommend bringing children who are ready for the experience of sleeping in a pod, being tuned with the outdoors, and can appreciate this special place.

Lisa also offers shamanic medicine sessions at the kiva pit, which I was lucky to experience. The session takes about an hour (sometimes more) and involves a rhythmic drum cadence and meditation. No experience is needed…just an open mind to enjoy the experience. Sessions are $150 each, and not required during the stay (but recommended for families with older kids).

Pit for later!

As I disclose whenever applicable, I experienced these lodging options and the drum medicine session as a guest, for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.