Oregon - Pitstops for Kids

Grown-Up Getaway: Sunriver Oregon escape

December 6, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

We’ve written about planning a winter or spring getaway to Sunriver, Oregon with your family, and about skiing at Mt. Bachelor with kids and snowshoeing with teens in the Deschutes National Forest. Sunriver is an ideal playground for outdoorsy families, located just outside of Bend in the Central Cascades, but I’ll let you in on a little secret: Sunriver Resort makes for a great grown-up getaway as well. If you can fend off the parent guilt, head to Sunriver (in any season) and enjoy spa pampering, peaceful and inspiring nature walks, and plenty of good food and drink.

Where to stay in Sunriver:

When you have the kids in tow, we recommend renting a vacation home through Sunriver Resort. With the whole crew on vacation, you definitely need to kitchen and laundry facilities. However, switch gears for your grown-up getaway. Stay in one of Sunriver’s 245 guest rooms and suites, called the Sunriver Lodge Village. These accommodations offer luxuriously appointed guest rooms adjacent to all the resort amenities. You can get a single room, or upgrade to a suite, which includes a kitchen (with everything but an oven), fireplace, deck, and upstairs bedroom. You can even order room service to your door, even in the townhouse-like suites. Each section of the Lodge Village has their own outdoor hot tubs, but you can also use Sage Springs fitness center and spa (more on that below). What to upgrade, the River Lodges (similar name!) are more luxurious and located along the river, with wonderful views.

Where to eat:

When we come to Sunriver with the kids, we always seem to end up with a take-out pizza from the shopping center. I’m no food snob, but during a grown-up getaway, this won’t cut it. During my stay, I was lucky enough to time my visit with the Month of Chocolate, which was celebrated with specials in the spa, resort restaurant menus, and with special accommodation packages. Find chocolate-y goodness, plus amazing cuisine and ambiance any time of year at:

Carson’s American Kitchen: Sunriver’s newest restaurant is all about Pacific Northwest flavors in a casual setting. Hey, it’s Oregon…almost everything will be casual. The menu is seasonally-driven, which I always find makes for a more special experience. Try one of Carson’s salads…they’re a full meal and locally sourced when possible.

Twisted River Tavern: I love an upscale bar with great ambiance, and Twisted River delivers. Formally called Owl’s Nest in the main lodge, Twisted River has undergone a makeover for a lodgy-retro-sheek feel. Not only do they serve inventive craft cocktails, but the tavern menu is both satisfying and sophisticated. You definitely won’t feel like you’re at the kiddie table. On weekend nights, expect a DJ playing fun dance music (it does get a little loud after 9 pm).

What to do:

Obviously, you need to relish some ‘me’ time during a grown-up getaway, which means you need to head to Sage Springs Spa. If you’re staying at the resort, you get access to Sage Springs’ fitness center, lap pool, and whirlpool spas. You also get access to their locker rooms, which may not seem like a big deal…until you see them. These luxury locker rooms include jacuzzi tubs with nature soundtracks and starry night sky features, steam rooms, showers with full products to help you get ready for your day (or evening), and relaxation areas.

If you’re a spa guest, you also get access to the spa relaxation room, where you can sip tea and relax with a book or magazine. I got a facial during my stay, but made sure to stay extra to enjoy the ambiance in my spa robe and slippers. If you’re not utilizing the spa, still come by for the lap pool, indoor tennis courts, or state-of-the-art exercise machines. These machines were just replaced last year. There are also fitness classes and yoga offerings.

I can’t stand to be somewhere as beautiful as Central Oregon and not spend time in the outdoors, so during my grown-up getaway, I broke out my snowshoes and headed into the mountains. My favorite place for DIY snowshoeing and cross-country skiing is along the Cascades Highway en route to Mt. Bachelor. For snowshoeing, head to Dutchman Flat Sno Park, right next to the ski resort, or Swampy Lakes Sno Park (which has dedicated snowshoeing trails) and for nordic skiing, try Virginia Meissner. Don’t want to go it alone? We recommend Wanderlust Tours for any guided excursions. I’ve actually enjoyed the outdoors with Wanderlust three times now, and each time has been a joy, with kids and without. Wanderlust is based in Bend, but operates out of Sunriver, too.

Of course, downhill skiing abounds at Mt. Bachelor, or, a bit further afield past Sisters, Oregon, Hoodoo. And even in winter, the Deschutes River shines. Take a walk and go birding, or even biking if the grounds are snow-free. When there is snow, it’s possible to cross-country ski in the resort.

If the weather allows, Sunriver is criss-crossed with paved bike trails, so bring your road bike. Tennis courts are also available, as well as a full exercise facility. In summer, raft with Sun Country tours, or go low-key and enjoy the lodge pool. In season, there’s also golf, which is a huge deal in Central Oregon.

Or here’s an idea…just relax. Sunriver’s main lodge features the Living Room, an inviting space with gorgeous views and an oversized fireplace just waiting for you to curl up with a good book.

Tips for finding more activities at Sunriver:

Check for seasonal events and promotions. During our stay during the Month of Chocolate, we were lucky enough to enjoy a ‘Chopped’ style cocktail-making competition in Twisted River, in which four bartenders contended for a title. I was even called forward to judge! At the same time during our stay, Sunriver was hosting s’mores by the fire in the outdoor fire pit by the lodge, complete with story hour for adults and kids.
Take full advantage of the grounds. Along the bike and walking paths, not far from the lodge, visitors will find the nature center and observatory. Both operated independently from Sunriver, they are affordable, informative, and offer events you may not want to miss.
Act like a local. Don’t forget that Sunriver is a community as well as a resort. Ask about ongoing events and classes. Tennis tournaments are held regularly at the Sage Springs complex, and are open to guests if they register, and regularly-programmed culinary events take place monthly. For instance, the last Friday of each month, Sunriver hosts a winemaker’s dinner. We joined the dinner on the Friday of our stay, and met other guests, a few locals, and the wine distributor for the featured NW winery. In this case, the winery was aptly North by Northwest (King Estate).

As I disclose whenever applicable, I was hosted at Sunriver for the purpose of review. All opinions remain my own.

Best snowshoe tour in Bend: Wanderlust Tours

November 12, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Another day, another excellent outdoor experience with Wanderlust Tours! What makes Wanderlust the best snowshoe tour in Bend? My family and I first experienced Wanderlust during a kayak tour of the Cascade Lakes of Central Oregon, and loved our afternoon so much, we came back for a winter Cascade Mountain Snowshoe tour. Yes, Wanderlust gets our highest possible endorsement: a return visit.

What makes Wanderlust Tours great? Their access to areas off-limits to other tour operators, their expertise and professionalism, but more than anything, their guides. Wanderlust guides know their stuff—flora, fauna, and outdoor safety—but they don’t just spout it out. They teach it in a natural and enthusiastic way that gets even teens onboard. They meet their guests’ needs in the fullest extent possible, tailoring each tour to what people want to experience.

Before our Wanderlust snowshoe tour, my kids said they didn’t like snowshoeing. It’s an activity I enjoy, and drag them along for. The boys are adrenaline junkies who love downhill skiing and mountain biking: snowshoeing is too tame! However, the minute we met Wanderlust tour guide Danny, I knew their opinion was about to change. I was right: Danny met the challenge of creating snowshoe fans with enthusiasm. He understood and enjoyed kids—a crucial requirement in any guide—and treated them to an off-trail, deep powder snowshoe trek. Our tour included epic snowball fights, snow fort building, snowshoe jumping (and sort of landing) and races. Would this be everyone’s ideal snowshoe trip? Maybe not, but that’s the point: Wanderlust tailored the afternoon to us.

The nitty gritty:

We started at the Wanderlust Tours office in Bend, and drove approximately 25 minutes up Century Drive into the mountains. We stopped at Mt. Bachelor, where we donned snowshoes and took off into the woods. We weren’t restricted to trails, and while Danny guided our route, he was open to suggestions. Right away, he proved himself a good shot with a snowball, which intrigued all the kids. For the next two hours, we trekked, ran, jumped, and even dove through the snowy terrain, with short periods in which Danny reigned us in to point out various trees and moss, and to give us historical or geological lessons. We stopped mid-way for a hot chocolate break, and practiced building snow shelters just for fun. By the end of our tour, all our boys thanked me for booking the snowshoe tour, and admitted that now that they knew ‘how to make it so fun’, they’d snowshoe with me again. Win-win!

Snowshoe tours are offered by Wanderlust daily, and span half-days. This is the optional amount of time needed to gear up, get there, and return, with approximately two hours in the snow. Any longer, and we would have begun to feel the cold, and any less, and we wouldn’t have felt as though we’d gotten too far into the wilderness. Wanderlust also offers cave tours, moonlit snowshoe tours, and craft beer tours for adults. In summer, try a kayak tour!

Tips: As with all outdoor guided experiences, families will want to arrive prepared. For a snowshoe tour, wear waterproof pants and jacket (ski attire works well) and snow boots. Knitted hats and gloves are a must. If you don’t own snow pants or boots, they are available for rent. Snowshoes will be provided. We found it helpful to bring a small day pack to store extra layers and water bottles. We also brought granola bars for the van ride back down the mountain.

Date last visited:

March 2014

Distance from the interstate:

Wanderlust Tours is located in Bend, off Highway 97.

Rates:

During the time of our tour, snowshoe half-day tours were $60 for adults and $55 for kids. Children must be 8 years old and up to participate. Check the Wanderlust Tours website for specific tour date info.

Directions:

The Wanderlust Tours office is located at 61535 S. Highway 97 in Bend.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced Wanderlust Tours as guests, for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.

Grown-up getaway: Ashland Hills Hotel

September 3, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Now that school has started, this is a great time to get away with your partner to toast another great summer. Autumn travel has the advantages of providing less crowded hotels and restaurants, and off-season hotel deals are the norm. Recently, my husband and I enjoyed a getaway to Ashland, Oregon for a romantic, yet still adventurous, stay at Ashland Hills Hotel.

For us, this getaway was a staycation: Ashland is our hometown. But this small Southern Oregon town is full of character–and more importantly, great entertainment venues and dining options–making it an ideal grown-up getaway for anyone within driving distance.

You won’t lack for quality lodging options in Ashland, ranging from quaint B&Bs to luxury escapes. For our most recent getaway, we tried Ashland Hills Hotel, which hits upon a perfect middle ground. This elegant property used to be nothing special until bought by the same folks who run several top-notch Rogue Valley hotels, including one of my favorites, the historic Ashland Springs Hotel. Knowing this boosted my confidence that we’d be in good hands at Ashland Hills Hotel, and we certainly were!

The hotel is located on the south side of Ashland, placing it on the opposite side of downtown but adjacent to some of the area’s best hiking and outdoor recreation. From this location, it’s easy to get to Emigrant Lake, Mt. Ashland, and Crater Lake, and you’re still only about five minutes by car from downtown Ashland.

The renovated lobby is spacious, airy, and calming, and our king bed room overlooking the pool was also generously sized. We had the usual amenities, such as coffee and tea service, and a mini-fridge, plus there are additional on-site amenities that really up the value, such as tennis courts and free bikes to use. Free WiFi and parking was a nice touch as well, both of which I no longer assume will be granted at higher-end hotels. The entire feel of Ashland Hills Hotel is what I’d call ‘gently retro’. It’s not over-the-top, but the retro furnishings, colors, and woodwork are tasteful and appealing.

The continental breakfast set out on the Mezzzanine is standard…nothing amazing here, but a good value for a free breakfast and in a nice setting away from the lobby with plenty of seating.

What to do in Ashland:

Early fall is a great time to visit Ashland. The weather is still warm, which means couples can take full advantage of the many hiking and biking trails in and near the city limits, SUP or kayak on Emigrant Lake, or book a whitewater rafting trip. The downtown sector of Ashland is entirely pedestrian-friendly, with interesting shops and eateries lining Ashland Street and Main and the downtown square.

Walk through Lithia Park: this downtown park is vibrant in fall, and even in September, before the leaves change color, it’s a sanctuary of leafy green goodness. Walk among the ponds, and be sure to venture further up the park past the children’s playground to see the many acres beyond the lawns and formal gardens.

Hike or bike the White Rabbit: This network of trails and single track snake through the hills overlooking Ashland, and are accessible at the end of Ashland Loop Road or Park Street. Lots of signage within this hiking area ensures you won’t get lost (just stay on trails to avoid poison oak).

Take in an Oregon Shakespeare Festival production: Ashland is famous for its OSF, and tickets are often discounted after school starts. Take in a show (Shakespeare or otherwise) in the outdoor theater before the season is over. Note that many other smaller theaters churn out good productions in and around Ashland, too. Consider looking into what’s playing at the Caberet in Ashland or the Craterian in Medford.

Go wine tasting: The Rogue Valley boosts over 30 wineries, many of them award-winning. Venture north and drive along the Applegate Wine Trail or the Upper Rogue Wine Trail, or try some local Ashland area wineries like Weisinger, Bella Fiore, or Pebblestone.

Dine anywhere downtown: Seriously, you can’t go wrong. Our favorite dining options on the square or downtown include Amuse or Larks (fine dining), Standing Stone (brew pub), Liquid Assets (wine bar), Smithfields (locally sourced) or Brickroom (killer cocktails), and Sesame (Asian fusion). For brunch, look no further than Morning Glory.

Indulge at Waterstone Spa: Waterstone is part of the hotel group that runs several top-notch hotels in the area, including Ashland Hills Hotel, which means it’s easy to combine a stay with a treatment here. We opted for foot soaks for a quick but refreshing service following a short hike in the area as part of Ashland Hills Hotel’s Wild Pacific Crest Trail package.

Walk along part of the PCT: Speaking of which, the PCT runs right past Ashland near the Mt. Ashland recreation area and Pilot Rock. This is a great area to take a day hike, even if you won’t be trekking the trail from start to finish. We like to hike a few miles when we can, accessing the trail from the Mt. Ashland access road off I-5.

As we disclose whenever applicable, our stay at Ashland Hills Hotel was complimentary, for the purpose of review. All dining and activities in Ashland were at our expense.

Five favorite coastal campgrounds for families

May 21, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Families wanting to make the most of the camping season need to head to coastal, temperate zones to avoid temperature extremes (bonus if they can find yurts or cabins at the campground). Family camping is economical, easy to plan, and often close to home! We’ve compiled a list of our favorite coastal campgrounds for families in the Pacific Northwest and California. At each of the following state campgrounds, you’ll find miles of beach, shady trails, ample camping space, and programs for kids. Check the websites below for exact pricing, but on average, California and Oregon state park fees are very reasonable (under $20 a night for tent camping and under $30 for hook-ups). Don’t forget hot cocoa and most importantly, the s’mores!

Sunset Bay State Park OR: Located just outside Coos Bay, Oregon on Highway 101, it’s safe to say Sunset Bay is my family’s favorite coastal campground. The sites are nestled in a beautiful forest just steps from the beach, flat, paved loops allow for perfect bike riding around camp, the showers are heated and facilities up-to-date, and the beach itself is gorgeous. Best of all, yurts are available (reserve far ahead!), as well as two additional state parks within easy hiking distance.

Cape Blanco State Park, OR: The beacon of the Cape Blanco lighthouse welcomes campers to this windswept section of Oregon’s pacific coast, where rugged cliffs and high coastal plains lead from Highway 101 to the campground. The sites overlook the beach and light with lots of space for kids to play and explore. All sites are first-come, first-served at this park, but there are four rustic cabins that can be reserved ahead of time. I’ve never seen this park truly crowded, and love the stark beauty of the storm-battered coast along this exposed shore. In season, families can take a lighthouse tour, too!

Harris Beach State Park, OR: One of our favorite beaches for its natural beauty and natural playground qualities for kids, Harris Beach is located just north of Brookings, Oregon (again, on Highway 101). Kids love to explore the rock formations along the cliff sides of this beach, as well as the creek that feeds into it from the nearby campground. I love that the campground has plenty of sites, and is on the bluff overlooking the beach, giving campers wonderful views of the ocean (and keeping day crowds away from the sites). The town of Brookings is near enough to offer conveniences, but far enough removed that families truly feel away from it all. And like Sunset Bay, yurts are available to rent (but be sure to reserve early!).

Navarro River Redwoods State Park: This gorgeous state park just off scenic Highway 1 near Albion in Mendocino County boasts beachcombing, swimming, picnicking, and camping at Paul M. Demmick campground. The redwoods here are fantastic: in summer, you’ll be cocooned in a shady bower (when you’re not seeking the sunshine on the beach), and kids love playing in and around these massive trees while at the campground. For a fun way to spend the day, venture to the Russian river for a swim!

San Onofre State Beach, CA: This sunny California beachside state park near the city of San Cemente offers sunbathing, surfing, and boogie-boarding in addition to San Mateo Campground, which lies one mile away via sandy trail. The pros of this camping experience are many: think blue skies, warm evenings, and beautiful surf. There are, however cons: the proximity of both the freeway (I-5) and Amtrak train tracks are definitely annoying, and the beach can certainly get crowded in summer. With 3.5 miles of sand at your disposal however, you’re sure to find a place to lay your beach towels!

Bonus campground idea: Check out Hug Point State ParkHug Point State Park for a more economical beach trip near Cannon Beach, Oregon.

Want more camping info? Get Pit Stops for Kids’ camping gear list!

Women and wine: Mother’s Day wineries to visit in Oregon

May 7, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

The best Mother’s Day I ever spent wasn’t during an expensive vacation or at a fancy spa or restaurant. It was at a winery a few miles from our home. We packed up the whole family, and drove along the Applegate Wine Trail from Jacksonville, Oregon, stopping along the way to taste Southern Oregon wines, enjoy the spring temperatures, and let the kids play near the inviting Applegate River and in budding vineyards.

Wineries that welcome moms and kids in Oregon:

We love the trend we’re seeing toward family-friendly wineries. I’ve noted this shift everywhere from California to South Dakota, with wineries adding dining options, lawns to play on, games for kids, and even organized events and activities. By no means is this an exhaustive list, but a few of our favorite Oregon wineries that embrace the whole family include:

Willakenzie, Willamette Valley

Willakenzie is the place to be on sunny days in the Portland area, to use their outdoor paths and ample outdoor space. Let kids run around the estate looking for hawks and longhorn cows, walk through vineyards (ask first!) and talk to staff…they’re highly kid-friendly. The tasting room itself is large and the wines are excellent. Can’t get here for Mother’s Day? Willakenzie has food truck weekends not to miss, starting Memorial Day weekend.

Troon Vineyard, Applegate

I was introduced to Troon during their annual Easter Egg hunt and celebration…it doesn’t get much more kid-friendly than that! We’ve since returned for their Mother’s Day brunch, which is a must-do for Southern Oregon families. On any day, their tasting area spills from indoor to outdoor, with lots of seating, rolling lawns, outdoor games for kids, and room to explore.

Red Lily, Ruch

Red Lily is located in the Applegate Valley, not far from the quaint town of Jacksonville. The best thing about it: Red Lily is located on a creek, with space to wade and swim in the summer months! It’s also under the flight path of hang gliders, so kids can keep an eye on the sky while playing. Families can bring picnics to eat by the river, or enjoy a glass of wine in their casual but comfortable barn interior.

Abacela, Roseburg

At Abacela, not only are kids invited, but family dogs are, too! Owners are asked to pick up after their animals, of course. This winery is one of the very best in the region, in my opinion, and is situated in a lovely spot overlooking the surrounding countryside. Pick up a bottle to enjoy while the kids play, or do a tasting flight while they throw a ball for the dog!

Stoller, Dundee

At Stoller, you’ll find a Frisbee golf course, tire swing ready-made for the kids, and plenty of Adirondack chairs awaiting your family. The views stretch from Yamhill to Mt. Hood, and the winery boosts 100% estate-grown fruit. Don’t want to leave at the end of the day? Three houses are available to rent on the property.

How to celebrate the ‘Oregonian way’ from afar:

We’re lucky in Southern Oregon to live in a winery-rich region, but mothers everywhere can enjoy Oregon wines. Consider a Cellar 503 membership for Mother’s Day! We recently wrote about Cellar 503, explaining how this wine membership works and who can join. The short answers: Cellar 503 offers Oregon wine to members every month, and it’s for everywhere, everywhere!

Cellar 503 is known for celebrating women winemakers! Included in past wine club selections are the winemakers of EdenVale Winery in Medford, Day Wines and Maysara Wines of Willamette Valley, and Hip Chicks Do Wine of Portland. Cellar 503 selected the women who make wine at these wineries because of their skill and artistic expression and to elevate women in this traditionally male space. Congrats!

Oregon Cowboy vacation: Wilson Ranches Retreat

April 27, 2018 By Sharlene Earnshaw

Guest post by travel writer Sarah McCully-Posner.

Wilson Ranches Retreat is a really special place. It is an authentic, family owned, working ranch just outside of the small town of Fossil in Eastern Oregon. The ranch lies within the beautiful Butte Creek Canyon and on your drive in you not only see the cattle grazing lazily in the fields, but song birds flying above, and quail scurrying across the road.

We signed in at the registration desk and made our way to our lovely room.

Tip: if you don’t have a reservation when you arrive, pick an available room in the book and make yourself comfortable. Weekends get very busy, so reservations are recommended.

The Wilson Family takes “Pioneer Hosipitality” very seriously; your kids will be hugged and they love to tell funny stories that bring about big belly laughs. The family has an incredible sense of humor that we all enjoyed. They are available to the guests at all times and do their very best to help in every way possible.

Guest rooms:

Rooms are tidy and sweet and each offers a little something different than all of the rest. Each room had lovely, soft robes for guests to use and extra blankets for chillier nights. Rooms on the main and second levels have air conditioning for warm summer nights. Some rooms have TVs, but the main TV and VCR are in the living room and there is a large library of videos for people of all ages. Board games can be found in the day light basement for more entertainment and there is a lawn where we enjoyed throwing the Frisbee and football. There are 3 bathrooms in the house which are shared by everyone. BBQs, microwave, guest fridge, coffee makers and tea pot are always available.

Dining:

Breakfast in the morning is served at 8:00am. You will wake up to the sweet smell of fresh coffee and bacon being fried up. Nancy and Phil cook for all of the guests and everyone sits down family style to share the meal and lots of stories. Prepare to laugh! Farm fresh eggs, bacon, oatmeal, peaches, biscuits, gravy, juice and all of the toppings make for full, happy bellies which will sustain you throughout your ride and much of your day.

Activities:

Wilson Ranches Retreat offers horseback riding for adults and kids age four and older, which we were quick to take advantage of as we have a little city slicker with a big cowboy heart. We did an hour and a half ride, but ride times can vary. Just talk to your wonderful hosts and they will help you organize everything. The horses are calm and gentle and I had no worries about my six-year-old riding on his own. The horses are matched up to you based on your size and experience. If you do not have boots or hats, they have them for you to borrow for your ride. Rides for younger kids are scenic, although you might get a chance to ride among some of the cows. Families with older kids can enjoy cattle drives, checking fence lines or for strays, and taking part in pasture moves. Riders in groups of 1-3 are $45/hour each, riders in groups of 4 or more are $40/hour each.

There are so many other things to do off the ranch as well. You can dig for fossils of ancient flora on the hill behind the high school. Cost is $5/person, or $15/family of four. They have tools there for you to use and as you can dig as long as you like. This is like searching for treasure, but you always come away with something amazing! We also had a look at the Painted Hills National Monument. The hour drive each way is worth it for an incredible sight everyone should see. The intense colors and textures had our heads spinning. There is also rafting, fishing, hiking, biking, museums, fairs, rodeos, and more. Wilson Ranches Retreat is a great home base for all of it.

Rates:

This B&B house is not your standard B&B. We have never really considered staying in one as a family since most are usually set up for couples. Wilsons Ranches Retreat has six rooms that can accommodate anywhere from 1-6 people. Room prices start at $105/night for the cozy Wrangler Room (sleeps 1-2 people) and go up to $185/night for the massive Homestead Room (sleeps 1-6 people). The prices are based on a double occupancy and include breakfast. Each additional person (including kids) is $10 which includes their breakfast.

Directions:

The ranch is accessible from both I-84 and Highway 97, making the drive from Bend or Portland very easy! For full directions to Fossil, start here!

Sarah and her family stayed at Wilson Ranches Retreat as guests of the B&B, for the purpose of review. We thank them for trekking to Eastern Oregon to explore (and hope to do the same soon)!

How to experience boutique wine in the Northwest

March 19, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

With over 18 viticulture regions in Oregon alone, the Pacific Northwest has gained a reputation for growing wine grapes and producing great wine. To date, however, the vast majority of Oregon and Washington wine production is small-batch, grown on boutique estates. For wine aficionados used to frequenting large, well-known wineries in California, Tuscany or France, the difference in experience is significant. Those seeking out boutique wineries in the Northwest will discover a world of hands-on winemaking, with winemakers attached to their grapes and the land they’re produced on, will discover wines no one else knows about, and will have unaccustomed access to winery owners.

Where to go for Northwest wine:

With over 700 wineries in Oregon and over 800 in Washington, choices are plentiful, but a wine weekend is best focused on one of four regions. In Oregon, the best-known option is to head to the Willamette Valley, where Pinot Noir reigns king. The wineries here are among the oldest in the state, with heritage winemaking over several generations. Take a tour with Grape Escape to make the most of your visit, and stop for dining in Newberg or McMinnville and consider an overnight stay at the Allison Inn and Spa or a more relaxed yurt stay (yes, yurt!) at Bradley Vineyards.

A few hours down I-5, Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley has emerged on the wine scene in the past ten years, producing wines that do well in hotter, drier climates. Take a day to enjoy the Applegate Wine Trail or Table Rock Wine Trail, and consider a stay in Ashland or Jacksonville to round out your weekend. South Stage Cellars in historic Jacksonville offers an excellent selection of local wine, as does Old 99 Road Wine Shop in Medford. For sweeping views of the Rogue Valley, wine taste and dine at Dancin’ Vineyards or Kriselle Cellars.

In Washington State, Walla Walla plays host to some of the top wineries, with the Walla Walla Wine Alliance bringing them all together. Stroll the quaint downtown sector of this small city, poking into various tasting rooms and wine bars. Take a wine tour or pair your trip with a visit to Washington’s other major wine region, along the Columbia River Gorge. This wine region is ideally situated to pair with a city visit to Portland or a weekend away in Hood River.

Types of wine to look for at boutique Northwest wineries this coming year: counter-culture chardonnay, MRV, and Grenache Blanc (as opposed to blends).

How to find boutique wines during a city vacation:

Not heading to wine country, but want to discover boutique wine in Portland or Seattle? Start with urban wineries, which typically buy grapes from around the region, or consider joining a localized wine club. Cellar 503 is based in Portland and ships Oregon wine to its members monthly. Cellar 503’s tasting room in the city offers a place for members to taste, congregate to share wine news, and educate.

In Washington state, it’s possible meander along an urban wine trail right in Seattle, or taste the best the state has to offer at Bottlehouse or The Tasting Room.

Wine festivals and competitions not to miss:

Serious about wine tasting and want the biggest bang for your buck? Head to a Northwest-focused wine competition. Topping the list: The Oregon Wine Experience, held each August in Jacksonville Oregon. 65 Oregon wineries will congregate in one place during one week, with winemaker’s dinners, award competitions, tastings and wine university classes. The Northwest Food and Wine Festival, held in Portland, is another sure bet, as is Taste NW’s Seattle Wine Awards.

However you experience the Pacific Northwest boutique wines, you can expect to be greeted in tasting rooms by owners (and probably their dogs), shouldn’t be surprised if you’re invited to tour a barrel room or two, and will be delighted by low tasting fees and affordable bottle prices. Cheers!

The MaiZe at the Pumpkin Patch

October 30, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

A fun outing for kids of all ages, the MaiZe at The Pumpkin Patch consists of acres of twisting, turning stalks that kept our group of kids entertained (and lost!) for nearly an hour. Located on picturesque Sauvie Island about 10 minutes from downtown Portland, The Pumpkin Patch is just one of many area farms and organic produce markets that give this beautiful location its fall festival atmosphere.

This autumn, the maze is cut in the shape of the Portland Timbers logo in celebration of their inaugural year in the MLS; an additional haunted maze is open after dark, and suggested for only those over age five. (And unless you have a particularly brave child, I’d amend that to include up to around age 10.)

In addition to the maze, the farm hosts wagon rides, an animal barn that operates much like a petting zoo, a hay pyramid, a produce market, and, of course, a pumpkin patch. It gets very busy on weekend afternoons, so I’d advise arriving close to their 10 am opening time for parking and room to explore. Getting an early start also allows families to spend the remainder of the day perusing the many additional farms on the island.

Tip: Be sure to wear cool weather gear and rainboots if it’s recently rained. The ground gets very muddy!

Of course, the MaiZe is just one of many Portland area fall pit stops. To find more, and read about where other traveling families are heading this autumn, check out this discussion on fall festivals at the KOA Campfire community!

Date last visited: October 15, 2011

Distance from the interstate: 8 miles from I-5.

Hours of operation: Sunday through Thursday 10 am to 6 pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10 am to 10 pm. (Haunted corn maze open weekend nights 7 pm to 10 pm.) Hours are for the months of September and October only.

Admission costs: Adults $7, kids 6-12 $5, under age 6, free. Additional fees apply for pumpkin purchases, though animal barn and hay pyramid are free. Haunted maze is $10 per person, regardless of age.

Food Services: Vendors are on-hand with festival fare: caramel apples, hot dogs, cider, corn on the cob, and the like. We apppreciated the inclusion of a quesadilla vendor…untraditional, but welcome!

Directions: The Pumpkin Patch is located at 16525 NW Gillihan Rd in Portland. From downtown, take Hwy 30 west toward Mt. St. Helens for 10 miles. At the junction for Sauvie Island, turn right and over the bridge. Follow signs to the Pumpkin Patch one mile further.

Central Oregon activities: kayaking the Cascade Lakes with Wanderlust Tours

September 10, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re enjoying a Central Oregon vacation and wondering what to do with kids in Bend or the surrounding areas, Wanderlust Tours offers outdoor excursions that will introduce you to Oregon’s Cascade Lakes and other wilderness areas while everyone has fun. Located in Bend, Wanderlust offers a full range of outdoor excursions, including cave tours, kayaking Cascade Lakes, canoeing, volcano sightseeing, and brew bus excursions for adults. In winter, they also offer snowshoe trips.

We booked a kayaking tour of the Cascade Lakes during an autumn weekend stay at House of Metolius. Because our resort was located past Sisters, Oregon, we drove into Bend and met our Wanderlust guides in town. (If you’re staying at a Mt. Bachelor-area resort, they’ll pick you up at your door.) Our guides Courtney and Chris were friendly and eager to show us all the wilderness this area has to offer.

After a short van ride up Century Drive and past Mt. Bachelor ski resort to the Cascade Lakes, we unloaded at Hosner Lake. (Wanderlust Tours is the only operator permitted in this region.) It was chilly and raining lightly, but we had come prepared for weather (Wanderlust Tours depart rain or shine!) and the enthusiasm of Courtney and Chris kept us optimistic. We were right not to fret the weather: the serene lake with its mist of cloud and rain was spectacular, and we had the water nearly to ourselves. It was quiet and peaceful, and our kayaks glided nearly effortlessly over the still lake. Courtney was a book of knowledge on local flora and fauna: we loved learning about the different uses of moss and lichen, and the differences between the trees surrounding us.

She was great with the kids too. Toby, age 7, kayaked tandem with her, and even though he has a habit of talking guides ears off, she didn’t mind (or at least didn’t let on that she minded!). She sang songs with him, pointed out wildlife, and generally got everyone in our group enthused about what we were seeing and hearing out of the water. Our 11 and 13-year-olds were happy too, because they were allowed to kayak tandem together. We had only eight kayakers in our group in addition to the two guides, allowing everyone lots of attention and keeping us all safe.

We kayaked for over an hour (or until our hands were numb!) and Courtney assured us that Wanderlust Tours continues to operate their kayak tours as late into the season as possible, as long as there’s demand. While I’m sure a summer tour would have been enjoyable, I’d recommend an autumn excursion: we saw aspects of lake life that would have eluded us in a busier time of year.

We have been on many kayaking trips across the country, and my kids rated Wanderlust Tours as tops. Why? The fun they had with Courtney, and the uniqueness of seeing the lake in October. Courtney did an excellent job of showing us just how much life was out in the Cascade Lakes at this time of year, and her love of the outdoors was obvious.

If you’re coming from the Sisters area, you’ll want to allow for a full half-day for this tour, including driving time. If in the Bend area, it will take about four hours, from 9 am to 1 pm. Food is not included in the kayak tour, so bring a few snacks to store in the van…along with extra dry clothing or extra jackets. Note: kids generally need to be eight years old for this tour.

Tour rates: The kayak tour at Cascade Lakes is $55 per person, and includes all transportation, gear, and instruction.

Directions: Call Wanderlust Tours to schedule your tour, and they’ll pick you up or send you a pick-up location. They’re always available at 1-800-962-2862.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced kayaking in the Cascade Lakes as guests of Wanderlust Tours. This compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

Fall getaways: a stay at Central Oregon’s House on Metolius

September 6, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Autumn is a great time of year to get away with your family for a quiet outdoor weekend. Central Oregon’s House on Metolius is located a few miles from Sisters, Oregon along the banks of the Metolius River. While only 45 minutes outside of Bend, you feel completely away from it all once you’ve navigated the series of small highways and forest service roads leading to the House on Metolius property and Metolius River fly fishing. Families can choose to stay in the main lodge or, as we suggest, in one of the cabins nestled nearby. Either way, you’re only steps from the river and over 200 acres of pristine wilderness.

Cabins:

We stayed in the Gorge Cabin located above the Metolius River at the Gorge. (Guess that’s where it got its name!) The cabin has two bedrooms (one with a king bed, one with two doubles) and a living room with a pull-out sofa sleeper. Families can cook at home, utilizing the dining room and full kitchen. The Gorge Cabin has one bathroom (with shower and tub), and a full-sized fireplace which we took advantage of greatly. The large back deck overlooks the river and woods, and the front opens out onto a sloping lawn with additional cabins adjacent.

The other four cabins range in size and layout. Parking is nearby, and carts are available for moving luggage (and provided firewood). Our cabin had everything we needed stocked for preparing food (all dishes, silverware, and pots and pans). Coffee and tea is available in the main lodge on most mornings at 8 am for lodge guests. All cabins are a little different, so you’ll want to consult House on Metolius staff before deciding which one works best for you.

Take a tour of the property with us:

With school-aged kids, we felt comfortable allowing the boys to run down the lawn to the latched gate that led to the river and meadows beyond, but if we had smaller kids, we’d probably restrict them to the large lawn when not accompanied by an adult (parents of toddlers will appreciate the gate). Two bridges span the river for easy access, and crossing the closest one take you to the steps to the main lodge, where a comfy sitting room invites (and hot chocolate and coffee await).

Fishing and hiking:

We loved that we could fish right on the House of Metolious property, allowing for the kids to get up before breakfast and fish until they got too hungry, or fish after dinner until dusk. This stretch of the Metolious River is fly fishing only, however, so be sure to have the proper equipment. We rented our gear and bought our fishing license at the Camp Sherman store (which also has limited groceries and a very nice wine selection) only a few miles from the property. If fly fishing is new to you, consider hiring a guide, such as John Judy Fly Fishing. If you want to bait fish instead, you can do so seven miles up-river past the Lower Bridge. We did this in addition to fly fishing, and had a great time.

A nice hike from House on Metolius to the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery is 2.7 miles downstream; kids will love feeding the fish here (bring quarters for the machines). We spent about a half hour here before heading on. Also nearby is the around-the-lake hike at Suttle Lake, and hikers can summit Black Butte from the trailhead a few miles back on Highway 20. In summer, river rafting, kayaking, and golf are also within a short driving distance, and in winter, snowshoeing or downhill skiing at Hoodoo Ski Resort are nearby.

Date last visited: October 2012

Distance from the interstate: 5 minutes from Highway 20, or 45 minutes from Highway 97 (Bend).

Rates and amenities: At the time of our visit, lodge rooms listed at $149 and cabins ranged from $249 for a two-person cabin to over $400. The Gorge Cabin which fit our family of five listed for $299. Rates include a continental breakfast for lodge guests. Wifi is available in the cabins and lodge, though cell service is spotty. I happily turned off my phone (land lines are in the cabins).

Dining: Dinner is available most nights for an additional charge in the House on Metolius dining room, and nearby Sisters offers fun family dining. We recommend the Sisters Movie House, which shows movies in a barn and delivers burgers, wraps, and sandwiches to your seat!

Directions: Don’t bother bringing your GPS…it won’t help you find House on Metolius! Instead, follow the directions emailed to you after confirming your reservation. From Highway 20, you follow the road to Camp Sherman, then turn off on several forest service roads ending in a black gate requiring a key code (provided to overnight guests only). If you don’t follow their directions exactly, you may end up at the wrong black gate (yes, there are several of them!) and on the wrong side of the property. The good news: once you’ve arrived, you’re isolated from the ‘real world’ and ready to have a fabulous time away.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced House on Metolius as guests of the resort. This generosity came with no expectations of a positive review.