Mt. Hood Railroad Polar Express

November 26, 2010 By

A very special guest on the Polar Express!

110 Railroad Avenue
Hood River, OR

It’s that time of year…when everyday roadside attractions become magical! The Mt. Hood Railroad offers scenic tours through the Hood River Valley and the Columbia Gorge, and during the holiday season, they take a detour to the North Pole! Let your kids read along with the Polar Express story as the train makes its journey to the North Pole, meet Santa, and then enjoy caroling, hot cocoa, a treat and a special gift (for each child). Kids can wear their pajamas; be ready for some very cute photo ops! Everyone is dressed up to capture the feel of the story, and the train is beautifully decorated.

Distance from the nearest interstate: Right off I-84 in Hood River, Oregon. (Approximately 1 hour from Portland, OR down the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.)

Hours: Departures at 2 pm, 4:30 pm, and 7 pm nearly daily until December 23rd.

Ticket Prices: $26 per adult, $18 per child (age 2 and up).

Dining options: Cocoa and cookies are included in your ticket price, but no other food or drink are sold on the train. Passengers are welcome to bring their own bottled water and snacks. If you’re looking for a place to eat before or after your ride, I suggest either Hood River’s Andrew’s Pizza (107 Oak St), or, if time permits, a meal at the Multnomah Falls Lodge dining room in Cascade Locks on the way to or from the train ride.

Website: http://www.mthoodrr.com/Polar_Express/polar_mt_hood.html

Directions: From I-84, take the US-30 exit toward W Hood River/Westchill Dr. Turn right at US-30 E, then arrive at 110 Railroad St.

Coeur d’Alene Resort’s Fantasy Cruise to the North Pole

November 11, 2010 By

Photo credit: Coeur d\’Alene Resort

Bet you never knew the North Pole is in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho! Celebrate this holiday season while in the Eastern Washington/Northern Idaho area with a family Fantasy Cruise to the North Pole, hosted by the Coeur d’Alene Resort.

These 40 minute cruises offer spectacular views of the many floating holiday light displays decorating lovely Lake Coeur d’Alene. The most memorable point in the journey, at least for the kids, lies across the lake, as the boat momentarily pauses by Santa’s workshop, where the big man himself awaits amid a magical snowfall (although in Coeur d’Alene, chances are certainly good for the real deal)! Best of all, in the spirit of the season, children are FREE!

When my family and I attended this cruise several years ago, cookies and hot cocoa were served to all the kids in the boat en route, and holiday music was played. The atmosphere was festive, and my three-year-old had a great time!

Note: Be sure to bundle up! Even a mild night can feel chilly on the lake, and while the boat has an interior section, kids will want to spend time on deck to view the light displays. Expect wait time on the dock as well.

Distance from the nearest interstate: Right off I-90.

Hours: Departures are scheduled at 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm, and 7:30 pm nightly November 27th-January 2nd. (A special fireworks cruise kicks the season off on Nov. 26th!)

Ticket Prices:

Adults – $15.95
Seniors (65 yrs. & over) – $14.95
Children (12 yrs. & under) – Complimentary

Room rates: If you decide to make a trip to ‘Idaho’s North Pole’ an overnight (highly recommended!), The Coeur d’Alene Resort is offering several Fantasy Cruise packages, starting at $155.

Dining options: Our family’s favorite area restaurant is Tito Macaroni’s with their make-your-own-pizza for kids (210 Sherman Ave).

Website: http://www.cdaresort.com/activities/holiday_lights

Directions: Fantasy Cruises depart from the Coeur d’Alene Resort dock, located at the back of the resort (just ask in reception). The resort is located at 115 S. 2nd St., Coeur d’Alene. From I-90, take the Northwest Blvd. exit and drive into the city. Turn left on Sherman Ave. and right on 2nd.