Where to stay at Squaw: Plumpjack Squaw Valley Inn review

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is one of our family’s favorite Tahoe ski resorts. We’ve recommended staying in a condo at the Village at Squaw in our guide to skiing Squaw Valley with kids, but there’s an additional village option you should know about.

Plumpjack Squaw Valley Inn review:

We’ve known about Plumpjack, located at the edge of the Village at Squaw, for its fantastic Plumpjack Cafe, serving the kind of fine dining meals you don’t forget about quickly. We love the ambiance here: the cozy restaurant is nestled behind a circular bar area with a large open fire pit. But until recently, we hadn’t stayed the night here.

The 60 or so rooms at Plumpjack vary from standard two-queen arrangements to suites, and are currently functional but fairly dated. We didn’t mind the ‘old-school ski lodge’ feel to Plumpjack at all; in fact, the location in the village (steps from the slopes) and the incredible value of free parking and a hearty included buffet breakfast more than made up for any dark interiors. There’s a pool and two hot tubs out back (the pool is closed in winter) and while there isn’t room service, you’re within a one minute walk to dining options in the village.

Plumpjack invites with a warm atmosphere; you feel like you’re in Europe, truly. It’s easy to find cozy nooks and crannies to settle in with a book and a warm drink, and the outdoor areas are inviting and private as well.

Room rates during our visit were around $225, which is a good value for the heart of the village and within steps of the slopes. In fact, if you’re looking for a hotel experience (as opposed to a condo) with an intimate feel, Plumpjack can’t be beaten. While the cafe is fine dining, families are very welcome here, and the breakfast has lots to offer. The bar area is kid-friendly, and serves excellent craft cocktails for Mom and Dad. Since our kids weren’t digging the idea of a nice dinner after a day of skiing, we set them up with take-out from the village and slipped away for a parents night at Plumpjack Cafe. Win-win!

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Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve

15101 Lancaster Road
Lancaster, CA

Think you can’t find rolling hills and wildflower habitats right outside of Los Angeles? Think again! If your southern California family vacation takes you down I-5 (especially from February to May, when the wildflower blooms are most vibrant), the detour to the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, part of the California State Park system, is worth the drive!

From the California State Park website: “Each spring, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve comes alive with the seasonal surprises of the Mojave Desert Grassland habitat…Eight miles of trails through the gentle rolling hills, including a paved section for wheelchair access, make the park a wonderful place to hike and explore any season. Benches located along the trails make good places to sit quietly and watch for wildlife, such as singing meadow larks, lizards zipping across the trail, gopher snakes and rattlesnakes. If you’re lucky, you may spot a coyote or bobcat.”

The park is open year-round, but you’ll want to visit in the spring to see the wildflowers (fall is also a pleasant time to visit). An interpretive center is also on-site, offering a short video, wildlife and plant displays and gift shop (only open during the wildflower season).

Date last visited: Reviewer visited in April 2010.

Distance off the interstate: 22 miles off I-5

Hours and Admission Prices: Open sunrise to sunset. $8 per vehicle.

Food Services: None. There are picnic tables located new the interpretive center which look out over the valley to the San Gabriel Mountains.

Bathrooms: Located on-site.

Website: Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve (Phone: (661) 724-1180)

Directions: From I-5, take Exit 207 onto CA-138 E toward Lancaster/Palmdale. Drive 22 miles, then turn right at 170th St W. Turn left at W Ave F-8/Lancaster Rd, then continue to follow Lancaster Rd for two miles. Turn left at 150th St W, then take a slight left to stay on 150th St W to the entrance to the State of California Poppy Reserve.

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