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Grown-up getaway: What to do in Fredericksburg Texas in Hill Country

August 20, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Haven’t considered Texas Hill Country for your next Grown-Ups Getaway? I hadn’t either, until checking out this pastoral oasis in the heart of Texas. Warm almost year-round and with much, much more to offer than it’s small 10,000 population suggests, the quaint German-Texan town of Fredericksburg beckons. Couples will find ample B&Bs, guest houses, and boutique hotels, prime shopping and dining, and exceptional wine tasting. Here’s what to do in Fredericksburg Texas in Hill Country:

Acclimate to Fredericksburg with a stop at the visitor’s center one block of Main Street on E. Austin. From here, you can take a trolley tour of the historic buildings in town, including the famous Sunday Houses (which German immigrant farmers would use on the weekends when they came into town for church and trading) and the kirche (fortress and central meeting hall, still at the heart of Fredericksburg today). I recommend this tour as a good way to orient one selves and get an idea of where you’d like to return to during your stay.

Wine tasting along Main Street:

The Hill Country is home to 50+ wineries. These wineries lie predominantly along Highway 290 (more on that in a minute) but many have tasting rooms right on Main Street in Fredericksburg. They are only open until 4 or 5 pm, so get there in the afternoon after a light lunch, but these tasting rooms are a great way to sample the best the area has to offer either before or after wine tasting along 290. You can’t miss them: literally, there are tasting rooms about every third or fourth storefront along Main Street. Enjoy!

Wineries:

The Fredericksburg wine scene is emerging and with a vengeance. Pick up a Texas Hill Country wine map at the visitor’s center or look at texaswinetrail.com or wineroad290.com but focus on 2-3 wineries you want to see most on and just off Highway 290. It’s nice that the wine scene in the area is so concentrated. I recommend Four Point Wine at 10354 E. US Highway 290 first, as this winery combines the best of three wineries in Texas, with options for wine tastings daily and even wine and cheese and wine and chocolate pairings scheduled most days (reserve in advance via the website).

Next, check out additional offerings along 290 before diverting off the highway to lesser-known but rare-find Narrow Path Winery. Narrow Path has a brand-new ultra-modern tasting room overlooking pristine Hill Country scenery, with charcuterie plates and some of the best wine I tasted in the Hill Country. It’s worth the detour.

En route back to town, make a stop at Das Peach Haus to taste some additional local wines and check out the many artisanal jams, jellies and marinades on offer at Fischer & Wieser Specialty Foods (on site). This historic fruit stand is now much more!

Shopping:

Fredericksburg is well-known as a shopping mecca. For a town of about 10,000, it has world-class boutique shopping, and even for the non-shoppers among us, you’ll want to carve out some time to stroll Main Street and the surrounding blocks. Why? Four words: Fairtrade and locally owned. You can’t really go wrong, but I especially recommend peeking into L.M. Easterling Boot Company if you’re considering custom-made cowboy boots (a process that takes several months and will set you back several grand) or just want to check out their off-the-shelf options for a fraction of that price. (Headquarters Hat on Main Street is also a fun choice for more economical boot shopping). Definitely make a stop at Raven + Lily too, where absolutely everything in the store is fairtrade. Owner Kirsten Dickerson sources her wares from marginalized communities of women worldwide, and every item for sale, from dresses to jewelry to leatherwoods, has a story. While there are several Raven + Lily locations nationwide and a robust online business, the owners live local and are likely in the shop.

Dip down a block to two to check out the antiques and eclectic mix of offerings off Main Street, then cross to Backchalk Home and Laundry for a delightful mix of home goods and furniture sourced from around the world by local owners.

If you didn’t take time to stop at their fruit stand, Fischer & Wieser has a tasting room on Main Street, too. This local jam and jelly business is so much more than that: it’s a truly local business that now incorporates a store with local jams, jellies, glazes and marinades. You definitely want to buy their blackberry chipotle marinade to take home. If you have time to reserve a cooking class, go to www.fwcookingschool.com.

Bike riding:

The Hill Country of Texas offers miles and miles of quiet country roads ideal for cycling. Rent bikes with Hill Country Bicycle Works on 702 E Main Street and enjoy suggested routes through the pastoral terrain. This is called Hill Country for the reason; don’t expect not to work for your evening wine or beer. However, you’ll be rewarded with lovely live oaks, pastures of cattle (and maybe a donkey or two) and goats and sheep. Hill Country Bicycle Works offers road bikes, hybrids, and even electric bikes for rent out of Fredericksburg or Kerrville.

Wildseed Farms:

Often a must-do for anyone visiting Fredericksburg, Wildseed Farms not only offers photo ops with bluebonnets and poppies but affords the opportunity to buy wildflower seeds for your region (the gardening for dummies equivalent, in my opinion!). Also onsite are casual lunch options and plenty of shopping (boutique and garden variety) and wine tasting at on-site Wedding Oak Winery. Are there better wineries to visit on 290? Yes, but the location sure is convenient!

National Museum of the Pacific War:

You can’t visit Fredericksburg and not visit the National Museum of the Pacific War. www.pacificwarmuseum.org This impressive museum is at the quality to belong in a world-class city, and yet it thrives in Fredericksburg, home of celebrated admiral Nimitz (born in Fredericksburg). This sprawling museum floored me, truly. I would expect no less in Washington DC, truly. Plan to devote most of a day here, with breaks (your ticket, only $15 for general admission) is good for 48 hours for a reason). If you ask at the front desk, they’ll tell you what not to miss if you only have a few hours, but I suggest spending the morning, then returning after lunch for at least an additional hour. This museum not only honors the life of Admiral Nimitz and celebrates the service of George W. Bush (Texas native) but primarily pays tribute to the many, many men and women who sacrificed so much during WWII. What I love best: this museum doesn’t erase. It shows the experience of both Americans and Japanese during the conflict in the Pacific in multiple galleries and interactive displays. Don’t miss the Pacific Combat Zone (a block away) with houses the garage for WWII vehicles and a reconstructed battlefield. Those who love WWII planes and boats will be in heaven.

Where to eat in Fredericksburg:

Der Linderbaum: Start with traditional German food to get a feel for Fredericksburg. Come hungry, because this is German food at its finest, and plan to linger to enjoy live music and soak in the ambiance.

Milagros: The live music and inviting patio are at the stars at Milagro’s, which serves a rather eclectic mix of traditional Mexican favorites like fajitas and enchiladas and Fredericksburg staples like sausage and sourkrout. Even on weekdays, live music can be found; on the night we visited, the country music duo sang a mixture of traditional country songs (think Kenny Chesney and Johnny Cash) to Tom Petty numbers and 90’s alternative. It was a delightful mix.

Tubby’s Ice House: Stop at Tubby’s for lunch after making your way through the National Museum of the Pacific War (yes, this is a must-do). Trust me, you need their frosé (frozen rosé) if the weather is at all warm (which it will be). Pair it with one of Tubby’s street taco options or burgers.

La Bergerie: This artisanal market specializes in fine wine, cheese and charcuterie (make yourselves a picnic to go). The wine is hand-picked from fun and affordable local bottles to rare finds, and tall charcuterie is cured at La Bergerie with heritage Texan meats. www.labergerie.com

Where to go for after dinner nightlife:

Elk Store Winery and Distillery:

Do yourselves a favor and head here after dinner, located right on Main Street. Long a reputed wine bar and beer bar, Elk Store now boasts a distillery, too, with made-on-site gin, whiskey, moonshine, and vodka. The bar staff will walk you through a tasting, or you can’t go wrong with their menu of prohibition-era cocktails. I recommend the pecan pie moonshine (straight up or mixed). You’ll want to linger here an hour or more, either in the cozy interior with walls of wine bottles or out back, on the attached patio with fire pit.

Luckenbach:

Have you heard of Luckenbach, Texas? Made famous by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, who penned an idyllic ode to the burg, Back to the Basics of Love. Luckenbach was once a trading post back in 1849, where Comanche Indians traded commodities with American settlers. In 1970, the entire town was put to sale, and bought by a trio of Texans who ‘didn’t want their bar to close’. It’s second life began as a bar, dance hall, and watering hole for locals. Today, Luckenbach has live music 364 days a year from 1 pm until closing. It’s eight miles outside of Fredericksburg, five miles south of the intersection of Highway 290 and FM 1376. Their bar takes cash only, so come ready!

Where to stay: Herb Farm

Stay where you won’t miss your kids…because kids aren’t even allowed. Fredericksburg’s Herb Farm is indeed a working herb farm with an attached restaurant in a historic Fredericksburg homestead. The current owners (who also own the unique Hangar Hotel that abuts the Fredericksburg airport) have added fourteen quaint guest cabins and a 15,000 square foot spa facility. This is the place to stay on the edge of town for rest and relaxation…and not a kid in sight. Pets are not allowed in the cabins either, and while not part of your stay, 90% of guests opt for a spa treatment during their stay. The onsite restaurant has a full bar and delicious breakfast menu, though breakfast is not included. Between cottages, the herb farm beckons with meandering trails between the lavender and thyme. Yes, it’s as idealistic as it sounds.

If you can’t get a cottage at Herb Farm, numerous apartments for rent along Main Street offer historic yet comfortable lodging right in the center of the action, which means you can leave your car parked for days.

Disclosure: I was invited to Fredericksburg Texas for the purpose of review. All opinion remains my own.

Two days in Joshua Tree National Park and Indian Cove Campground with Kids

July 3, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Joshua Tree National Park is a gem! With a higher elevation than our other favorite desert camping location, Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree offers a desert experience with more vegetation, wildflowers, and of course, Joshua Tree’s fabled rock climbing boulders. You don’t have to be rock climbers to enjoy it, though you’ll see plenty of that ilk. Our kids absolutely loved the freedom of scrambling and bouldering to their heart’s content directly from trails and campgrounds. Here’s how to do Joshua Tree National Park with kids!

Joshua Tree is definitely worthy of a day trip from Palm Springs, but we highly recommend making two days of it (either driving in or camping). Hiking in the park is not strenuous (almost all hikes are 3 miles or less), and for the non-hikers, there’s plenty of wildflower and cacti viewing, birding, and rock climber-watching (yes, I just made that a word). Here’s what not to miss with a few days in the park:

Split Rock nature trail:

Located a few miles past the North Entrance to the park, Split Rock is often overlooked by visitors, making it almost empty during our peak season visit. (If you’re unsure where to go, ask a ranger at the Oasis Visitor Center, which should be your first stop, anyway. Split Rock is a two mile loop that takes you through yucca, Joshua Trees, and most importantly, amid towering boulders. We stopped often to let the kids climb, but whether you want to keep it a traditional hike it up to you, of course. Hikers often spot mountain goats here, though our wildlife spotting was limited to lizards, ravens, and rock climbers.

Hidden Valley:

Hidden Valley is a mecca for rock climbers (and it’s fun to watch them here), but is also a great place for kids to scramble and explore. There’s a 1 mile nature trail loop that shows the natural bowl where cattle wrestlers brought stolen cattle to hide them, but kids will be more interested in jumping from rock to rock. This area gets crowded, but there’s room to spread out and most visitors don’t go further than the first quarter mile (in our experience).

49 Palms Oasis:

When you’re ready for a trail that doesn’t involve scrambling and bouldering, try the strenuous 49 Palm Oasis loop. It takes hikers up and down canyon ridges to a very welcome palm tree oasis deep in the canyon. The actual oasis area is off-limits due to restoration, but it’s fun to count the palms (we counted 46, so there probably are 49 in actuality), sit in the shade, and check out the green vegetation around the spring. Hike this one in the morning, as there’s little shade.

Where to stay:

Joshua Tree has no fewer than nine campgrounds, as well as motel-style lodging in the towns of 29 Palms and Joshua Tree. We highly recommend camping in Joshua Tree to get the full experience of this spectacular park. There are few things to note about the campgrounds: of all nine, only Black Rock and Cottonwood offer running water and flush toilets. The remainder offer no services except pit toilets. The only reservable campgrounds are Blackrock and Indian Cove.

We stayed two nights in Indian Cove Campground, and loved the experience. Every campsite is adjacent to Joshua Tree’s famous boulders, and the entire campground is located in a beautiful rock canyon. We stayed in site 90 which is located at the very end of the campground, and considered it as ideal as it gets for a car camping experience. We had no immediate neighbors, and had wilderness surrounding us. We had room for two tents—one quite large—which is not the case with every site.

Tip: If you have a large tent or want to set up two tents, call the ranger station and ask about the particular site you reserved. Pack accordingly! For family groups wanting two adjacent sites, we recommend 63-64 or 99-100. And if you really want some isolation from other campers, consider reserving two sites even for a small group. They’re only $15/night!

When to go:

Due to its higher elevation, Joshua Tree is bearable further into the warm weather months than other desert parks (such as Death Valley), but you’ll still want to visit between March and May for the best weather. At the time of our March visit, temperatures reached the 80s in the day, and the 40s at night.

Tip: for more information about Joshua Tree, check out this guide from Live Once Live Wild.

Directions:

Joshua Tree National Park lies 140 miles east of Los Angeles, 175 miles northeast of San Diego, and 215 miles southwest of Las Vegas. You can approach it from Interstate 10 and Hwy 62 (Twentynine Palms Highway).

Outdoors and wellness in Gulf Shores Alabama

September 22, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

I love it when a destination surprises me. Before visiting Gulf Shores Alabama, I pictured pretty white sand beaches, a party scene of high rises and beach bars, and plenty of greasy fried seafood in paper-lined plastic baskets. And I’m told that up until about ten years ago, my impression would have been correct. The Gulf Shores and adjacent Orange Beach of today, however, offers so much more. Thanks to the preservation of natural land through state parks, wildlife refuges, and coastal preserves, the Alabama coast boasts plenty of undeveloped forests and coastline waiting to be explored by foot or bike, and a burgeoning culinary scene is elevating the dining opportunities. Whereas a decade ago, I would not have thought of Gulf Shores Alabama as a wellness or outdoors destination, I stand corrected today. Here’s what not to miss:

Paddle boarding:

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach lie on the Alabama coast, situated with the gulf on one side and the bay (and intercostal) on the other. This means families looking for an active vacation have a variety of water conditions to choose from. We paddle boarded on the bay, since it’s calmer and less crowded than the ocean, which is known for some currents. Rent a paddle board for the week, or for an hour…or even get a lesson or guided tour with Gulf Coast Paddle. Their ‘office’ is mobile (it’s their board trailer) and the owners are experts in waterspouts and water safety. They’ll bring a board to you to your condo or vacation rental for longer rentals, or meet you on the bay for some calm paddle boarding near the intercostal. Their primary location is at the dock built for their use at GT’s restaurant in Orange Beach.

kayaking: GoGo Kayks takes paddlers to Little Lagoon to kayak on the coastal waterways. www.gogokayaks.com

Hiking and biking:

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail and Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge both offer pedestrian and cycle-friendly trails in an undisturbed coastal barrier habitat. What does this mean? Birding! Sand dunes! Pristine, empty beaches! If you decide to rent bikes, Beach Bike Rentals is a good bet; get hybrid bikes if you plan to bike the dirt and sand roads of the refuge and trail, or road bikes if you want to ride along the flat paved roads along the beach (but note that while there are bike lanes, there are not dedicated bike trails along the main roads).

For hikers and bikers, there are several entry points for Bon Secour, but whichever parking lot you arrive to, you’ll find a posted map of the various hiking and biking trails. We took Pine Beach Trail past Little Lagoon to end up at a beautiful beach (bring a picnic and swimsuit!). It was only 2+ miles, but absolutely empty. On a busy weekend during peak season in the gulf, this is the way to escape other people. Get to Bon Secour by taking Highway 180 six miles and following the signs.

Yoga, running, and cross-fit on the beach:

Alabama’s sugar sand beaches stretch wide and flat along the gulf, which make them ideal for long-distance running, yoga (try a beach-side class with Glow Yoga), and any other exercise you may want to pursue. I recommend an early morning workout, to watch the sun rise and avoid the heat of the day. Later in the day, beach umbrellas and chairs will dot the white sand beaches, making it harder to get your workout in. Note that dogs are not allowed on the public beaches in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach (but are permitted in nearby Fort Morgan). While this is a bummer for dog owners, the upside is that Alabama’s water is rated as some of the cleanest in the U.S.

Wondering where to eat? We have healthy options here!

Where to stay: Turquoise Place

Run by Spectrum Resorts, Turquoise Place rises in four sleek, tubular towers to overlook the gulf. It sits directly on the beach, so you’re steps from the sand, but many Gulf Shore accommodations will put you near the water. Turquoise Place shines in its recreational and wellness amenities: families get multiple pools (indoor and outdoor), hot tubs, a lazy river and tennis courts sitting on the roof of the fourth floor, and well-equipped exercise rooms, with cardio and weight training equipment, steam rooms, and saunas.

Share a Turquoise Place condo with another family, or make it a multi-generational affair: their 3-5 bedroom condos are huge, and ideal for large family units. You get a full kitchen, which, after poking around, I noticed came with just about all the pots and pans and utensils you’d need (but not spices or pantry staples), plus a wine fridge and large ice machine. As an added bonus, during our stay at Turquoise Place, a complimentary continental breakfast was offered most mornings in the spacious lobby (this amenity was inconsistent, however, so ask when booking). Each condo as a huge balcony with an outdoor kitchen of a built-in BBQ, outdoor sink and counter space, and outdoor table that seats six, and a hot tub.

If your family would prefer more of a resort feel than a cond0-vacation house feel, consider Beach Club, another Spectrum Resorts property located near Fort Morgan. It’s also directly on the water, but in a more rural location with more dining options and outdoor recreation adjacent.

Disclosure: I experienced Gulf Shores and Orange Beach as a guest of the destination, but all opinion remains my own.

Southern California pit stop: Pioneertown

July 6, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

Pioneertown, California is located in the Morongo Basin of southern California’s Inland Empire. If traveling from Joshua Tree National Park or Palm Springs toward San Bernardino or Los Angeles, Pioneertown will (almost) be on your way. And it’s worth the slight detour.

Located in the mountains overlooking the valley floor, Pioneertown began as an elaborate Hollywood set for Western movies. Complete with a main street lined with saloons, general stores, and liveries, Pioneertown can still be explored by anyone who makes the trip up the winding road.

At the heart of the Pioneertown experience is Pappy and Harriet’s, a sprawling saloon, Tex Mex restaurant, and music venue with ample indoor and outdoor seating. Popular with bikers and music lovers, Pappy and Harriet’s is definitely an adults only pit stop at night. However, during the day, bring the kids for lunch to still get a feel for the campy ambiance, then explore around the ‘town’ before continuing on your way.

There’s nothing much out here other than Pioneertown and the restaurant, although a few souvenir-type shops are sometimes open. Walking around and checking out the town is free. Take photos in the Western jail, sit on the saddle in the center of Main Street, and just enjoy this odd but fun pit stop for what it is…Americana at its best, with some history thrown in.

Directions:

Pioneertown Road at Route 62 in the town of Yucca Valley. The winding, 4-mile drive northwest to Pioneertown has been designated a California Scenic Drive.

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Wet ’n Wild Palm Springs with kids

May 14, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

In our experience Wet ’n Wild operations are largely the same wherever you go, but certainly, Palm Springs is an ideal location for one. Open in spring and summer, Wet ’n Wild Palm Springs includes all you could ask for in an outdoor water park and a sure-fire activity when in Palm Springs with kids: plenty of slides and tube rides, daredevil slides with sharp drops, small slides for the younger set, a large water clubhouse/play area, and most importantly for my kids: a lazy river and wave pool.

Note: Coming soon, Wet ’n Wild is adding a Wave Runner surf simulator. We saw construction ongoing during our visit, and wished very much it was already in operation!

Given Palm Springs hot, dry climate, it came as no surprise to me that this Wet ’n Wild location offered more than the usual cabanas with shade and misters (available for an extra rental charge) and ample shaded seating and lounger areas (free of charge). Still, I’d arrive early in the day to snag a good spot. We found the park to be generally clean, and the staff to be friendly and attentive to water safety.

Distance from the interstate:

An easy drive from I-10.

Admission and hours of operation:

General admission at the time of our visit was $36.99 for adults and $26.99 for kids 3-11. Hours vary significantly by season and day, so be sure to check the website for update information. Parking is $14 per day.

Dining:

Plenty of snack and quick-dining options abound in the park, including my kids’ favorite: Dippin’ Dots. Outside food is allowed at designated picnic areas just outside the main gate (get your hand stamped before exiting). We brought water bottles and small snacks into the park (our bags were checked and these items permitted).

Tip: Bring your own towels and sunglasses, or you’ll pay dearly for these items in the park.

Directions:

From Palm Drive, take Gene Autry Trail. Continue south for approximately 5 miles. Wet ‘n’ Wild is on left just past Mesquite Ave.
As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced Wet ’n Wild as guests of the park, for the purpose of review. Without compensated admission, many pit stop reviews would not be possible.

Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits

December 27, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

The La Brea Tar Pits has a Kidscore of 80. What’s a Kidscore?

If you have any natural history lovers in your family, you can’t miss a stop at the Page Museum (home of the La Brea tar pits) during a visit to the Los Angeles area. I’m going to go ahead and fill you in now, although you’ll hear it a hundred times at the museum: there are no dinosaurs in the La Brea tar pits! This is a common misunderstanding (Dinosaurs became extinct about 65 million years ago, and these tar pits formed about 40,000 years ago), and from the number of times this information is posted, it’s clear that many kids come to the museum hoping for dinos and are greeted instead by a woolly mammoth. Also very cool, but no dinosaur. You heard it here first.

The actual Page Museum is a nice, relatively small, natural history museum with some good exhibits, and a “fishbowl” window where you can look into a lab and watch scientists and volunteers working on the bones and fossils found most recently in the tar pits. The really interesting part of the museum, though, is outside at the actual tar pits. Walking around the grounds, you can see bubbling lakes of tar, smell the sulfur and methane, and even look into an actual dig site and see the current excavation work. This is the part that makes the Page Museum unique: you can move a sabertooth cat skeleton from one city to the next, but you can’t move a tar pit. And the fact that these huge pits are bubbling away right in the middle of downtown LA makes the whole experience even more fascinating!

Date last visited:

July 29, 2012

Distance from the interstate:

The Page Museum is about 3 miles off I-10 near downtown Los Angeles. The museum parking lot is located at the rear of the building, on the corner of Curson Ave. and 6th St. and is a flat rate of $7 (bring ticket in with you Monday–Friday for validation).

Hours of operation:

9:30am–5pm, 7 days a week. Open every day except July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Admission:

$11 for adults, $8 for youth 13–17, $5 for children 5–12, and children under 5 and free.

Food services:

There are no food services at the Page Museum, but across the grounds at the LACMA there was a café with breakfast/lunch items.

Directions:

The Page Museum and tar pits are located at 5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles.

A stay at the Westin Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage, CA with SPG Kids’ Pass

August 2, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

The desert oasis of the Westin Mission Hills is located adjacent to Palm Springs, CA in Rancho Mirage, CA. While it may seem slightly on the crazy side to visit this part of the California desert in summer, we had a wonderful stay here, even in July. Our plan of action: tackle Palm Springs family attractions in the morning, then spend every afternoon near the pools! The Westin Mission Hills is a Starwood Preferred Hotel, which means families can earn SPG points here and kids can take part in the Starwood Kids’ Pass program during their stay.

SPG Kids’ Pass:

The Starwood Kids’ Pass eases parent vacation stress by putting the kids on an all-inclusive dining plan for the duration of their stay. Kids 6-12 are eligible (kids under age 6 usually eat free anyway), and for one daily price (which varies by property), they are entitled to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks and drinks throughout the day. At the Westin Mission Hills, we found the program to run smoothly for the most part, with hotel employees understanding how it works. The only confusion came at poolside, where we’ were told Kids’ Pass requests of smoothies or sodas needed to be accompanied by a food purchase (not so). It was straightened out easily. At the Westin Mission Hills, the Kids’ Pass price is $29/day. After some calculations, I concluded this is a good value for families planning to eat three meals per day on property.

Family-friendly activities on the Westin Mission Hills property:

The Westin Mission Hills hosts a handful of outdoor pools, including a few adult-only and their Las Brisas Family Pool, located adjacent to the main dining and lobby spaces. This pool features a waterside (kids need to be 48″), two hot tubs, and a free-form pool with volleyball net, plenty of floaties, and organized poolside games. Food service is available from the snack bar and bar, and if families are overheating, they can dip into the Oasis Den, a sports-TV media room broadcasting the latest games as well as foosball and pool.

While you’re enjoying the Kids’ Pass at Westin Mission Hills, also consider entering kids ages 4-12 in the Westin Discovery Room. This kids’ club is open in three-hour segments throughout the day (usually a morning and evening session), but parents can pay less for one hour sessions as well. The club utilizes an interior space filled with games, arts and crafts, and computer games, and occasionally ventures outdoors as the warm weather permits. Toby (age 7) and Homer (age 4) enjoyed an hour in the club while we packed up and sat poolside sans kids, and weren’t ready to leave when we returned to pick them up!

Golf and tennis at Westin Mission Hills:

The Westin Mission Hills is a golf resort, though you certainly don’t need to golf to enjoy the property. If you do golf on the Gary Player Signature Course, you’ll want to make an early morning tee time during the summer months (it can be uncomfortably warm by noon even as early as March in the Palms Springs area). Tennis lessons and court time are also available, and a full-scale fitness center is located near the lobby.

Date last visited:

July 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Right off I-10.

Room rates:

At the time of our visit, rates for our 1 bedroom suite started at a reasonable $159 (depending on season). Suites include kitchenettes to allow for in-room dining. Villas are also available, as are standard hotel rooms. When making reservations, bear in mind that buildings spread out from the main lobby, dining, and pool areas: you’ll want to snag rooms in Buildings 1-5 to walk to the main pool (more distant buildings are connected to the main hub by free shuttle).

Dining:

The Bella Vista restaurant is open for all meals. We ate a wonderful (but pricey) dinner and breakfast here (the breakfast buffet is included for kids in the Kids’ Pass). The staff is very family-friendly, and it’s lovely to eat out on the warm patio with views of the mountains and golf course. Should you want something more casual, the Season’s Grill and Fireside Lounge are open for lunch and dinner, and the poolside snack bar has some nice (and healthy) dishes to see you through the day.

Directions:

The Westin Mission Hills is located at 71333 Dinah Shore Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA. It’s only a few miles from Palm Springs on I-10, or two hours from Southern CA beach cities.

Rancho Mirage on Dwellable

Desert Botanical Garden

May 4, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Just in time for Mother’s Day, the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix Arizona makes for the perfect pit stop or sun-filled family outing. (Or maybe I’m just suffering from a severe case of sun-envy here in Oregon!) But what makes Desert Botanical so great (in all seasons, but especially spring)? The new blooms, of course! In springtime, this 50 acre garden is positively alive with color, making for a beautiful contrast with its desert surroundings. What’s more, this Friday marks National Public Garden’s Day, during which entrance to Desert Botanical will be free of charge. No matter when you go, there are exhibits to explore, photography to admire, plenty of outdoor areas to play in and paths to walk, making for a great respite from the car or from the day’s usual grind.

Note: If you do go on Mother’s Day, get there in time for the Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch! It’s spendy, but Mom’s worth it, right?

Distance from the interstate: Ten minutes.

Admission fee: Adults: $15 Children: $5

Hours: 7am to 8pm, daily

Food services: None. Pack a picnic!

Website: http://www.dbg.org

Directions:The garden is located at 1201 N. Galvin, Phoenix, AZ. From I-10, take exit 147A to merge onto AZ-202 Loop E, then take exit 4 toward Van Buren St. Merge onto N. 52nd, then turn left onto E Van Buren St. Turn left onto N. Galvin Pkwy.

Naval Aviation Museum

January 13, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

Photo courtesy of Two Kids and a Map

1750 Radford Blvd., Suite C
Naval Air Station
Pensacola, FL

The National Naval Aviation Museum, located within Navel Air Station Pensacola, makes for a wonderful (and free!) pitstop along I-10. Parent reviewer Jen of Two Kids and a Map and Pensacola with Kids has written about this attraction in her hometown numerous times, and gives it her expert seal of approval. In one entry she writes: The Air Museum is great for all ages. There are so many exhibits, an IMAX theater that shows several movies a day, a small restaurant, a flight simulator, and lots of hands-on activities! Kids visiting the museum (and adults too!) can climb into the cockpit of several aircraft, watch a flight simulator, and get up close and personal with the famed Blue Angels.

Date last visited: Often!

Distance off the interstate: About 15 miles off I-10.

Hours and Admission Prices: FREE! The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week year-round, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days. The IMAX movie theater begins shows on the hour starting at 10 am and ending at 4 pm.

Food Services: The Cubi Bar Cafe, located within the museum, is both a restaurant and an exhibit!

Website: http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org

Phone: (850) 452-3604 or (850) 452-3606

Directions: From I-10: Take Exit 7 (Pine Forest Road, 297). Head south about 1.5 miles to Blue Angel Parkway. Turn right and drive about 12 miles to the west gate of NAS Pensacola. Museum is three miles ahead on left.

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

August 14, 2009 By Amy Hagstrom

Brick path leading to the Maclay house. Photo courtesy of Florida State Parks.

3540 Thomasville Rd
Tallahassee, FL

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is a wonderful place to get out and stretch your legs during a long trip. During blooming season, flowers paint the walk with beautiful colors and during the off season you can see every shade of green, says Jennifer of Two Kids and a Map, who brings us this review. I was on a road trip from Pensacola to Jacksonville, Florida with my two children by myself and we desperately needed a pit stop! The kids were getting hungry and anxious and I was tired of listening to the whining. Unfortunately, the exit I chose is awful for quick interstate stops. There are several lanes of traffic and it is difficult to turn around to get back on the Interstate. I spotted the trademark Florida State Park sign and followed it to the entrance. It was a perfect stopping place for us. The children got to run along the path of the gardens and burn off some steam. There was so much to look at: a hidden garden, a lake and a pond, and the beautiful home. The kids enjoyed looking for bugs and eating a picnic lunch on the grounds before we got back on the road.

Date last visited: July, 2009

Distance off the interstate: Approximately 1 half mile off of Interstate 10.

Hours and Admission Prices: $6.00 per vehicle to enter the park. During the blooming months, it is an additional $6.00 an adult and $3.00 a child to enter the gardens. However, during the off season (May through December) touring the gardens is free.

Bathrooms and Food Services: Bathrooms are available and there are picnic areas if you bring your own meal

Other tips: Be sure to get your Real Florida Passport stamped while you are there. You can walk down to the house and back in about 30 minutes if you do not stop too many times!

Website: http://www.floridastateparks.org/MACLAYGARDENS/

Directions: Located one half mile north of I-10 on U.S. 319
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