Search Results for: pit stop a day

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 23): Embassy Suites Sacramento

We spent our last night on the road at the Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade (100 Capitol Mall, Sacramento CA). Embassy Suites is a favorite hotel chain of mine due to their high quality amenities, top-notch service, and the extras they provide, such as made-to-order complementary breakfasts and manager's reception' hours with snacks and cool drinks on-hand in the late afternoon. … [Read more...]

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 22): Old Sacramento Historical District

We spent our last day, Day 22, driving from Laguna Beach to Sacramento CA on I-5, visiting Sacramento's historic Old Town and staying our final night on the road at the Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade. Sacramento's Old Town is a state historic park covering 28 acres along the Sacramento River directly opposite from downtown. Wooden sidewalks, false storefronts, and cobblestones … [Read more...]

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 20): Stops for Kids in Laguna Beach, CA

On Day 20, we drove from Zion National Park to Laguna Beach, CA, a route pretty devoid of pit stops! We were very glad to arrive in such a kid-friendly mecca of attractions, restaurants, and beaches! Having grown up in the area (and returning to visit relatives every year since), we are quite familiar with Laguna Beach and its surrounding areas, and we're convinced it's one of the best beach … [Read more...]

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 19): Hiking in Zion Canyon

We devoted Day 19 to morning hikes in Zion National Park and the afternoon to floating along the Virgin River behind our room at the Cliffrose Lodge. We began our day at the visitor's center, where we consulted the shuttle route (also found in the park newsletter) and planned our hike to the Emerald Pools on the Zion Lodge shuttle stop. The Emerald Pools is a great hike for kids because you … [Read more...]

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 18): Zion National Park’s The Narrows

On Day 18, we woke up in Cliffrose Lodge and Gardens with a full day of exploring in Zion National Park ahead of us. Our primary destination was Zion's 'Narrows', a hike up the Virgin River deep into the canyon. (Zion has many great hikes for families.) We walked the few yards from Cliffrose to the park entrance and visitor's center, where we paid our $25 park entrance fee (good for seven days) … [Read more...]

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 17): Cliffrose Lodge and Gardens

After driving from Park City to Zion National Park, day 17 found us at Cliffrose Lodge and Gardens in Springdale, Utah, gateway to the park. Cliffrose Lodge and Gardens is located in the heart of Springdale, mere yards from the national park entrance. While all of Springdale enjoys an unexpected lushness of greenery and flowering plants (due to water from the Virgin River which flows through … [Read more...]

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 16): Cove Fort, Utah

On Day 16, we reluctantly left the Westgate Park City behind to enthusiastically set out for Zion National Park. We needed a pit stop en route, and found it in Cove Fort between Fillmore and Beaver along I-15. At first, we thought Cove Fort was a self-guided tour, but after eating our lunch in their large picnic area, we were greeted by a fort guide (docent) and told that entrance to the fort … [Read more...]

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 15): Westgate Park City Resort and Spa

On Day 15, we traveled down Hwy 89 from Grand Teton National Park to Park City, Utah to stay overnight at the Westgate Park City. The Westgate Park City is a beautiful resort nestled against the base of The Canyons ski resort about five minutes from downtown Park City. Winter is their peak season (no pun intended!), which makes it a great choice in the summer months to beat both high prices and … [Read more...]

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 14): Grand Teton Horseback Ride

On Day 14, we treated Nate and Calvin to a horseback ride through the Tetons (something they'd been wanting to try since Glacier National Park). Luckily, Colter Bay Village has stables on-site, making it easy! We made reservations at the Activities Center near the Colter Bay Village store (be sure to sign up ASAP: we signed up the night we arrived and got the last three slots for the entire … [Read more...]

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 13): Hidden Falls Hike, Grand Teton NP

On Day 13, we set off from Colter Bay Village Resort to hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point on Jenny Lake. This two mile (each way) moderate hike culminates near the Jenny Lake ferry boat shuttle dock on the far side of Jenny Lake, where the trail climbs up from the lake, following swift-moving Cascade Creek to Hidden Falls. From there, hikers can continue .5 mile to Inspiration Point, … [Read more...]