A Southern Oregon gem, Wildlife Images is an animal rehabilitation center located off I-5 near Grants Pass. If you have an animal lover in your car, this is a pit stop that's not to be missed! Open year round, the facility is beautiful, peaceful, and very educational. Animals are viewed through scheduled tours only (more information on that below), but don't let that deter you, even if you have … [Read more...]
Little People, Big World’s Roloff Farms
October 9, 2011 By
If you're a fan of the TLC program "Little People, Big World", you'll want to make a stop off I-5 this fall season to tour Matt Roloff's very own family travel destination, The Roloff Farms, which he opened to the public earlier this month (to remain open throughout this pumpkin season). The Roloff Farm consists of a 34-acre farm near Portland, Oregon, and harbors a pirate ship, a three-story … [Read more...]
Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa: dining guide for families
October 6, 2011 By
During any resort family vacation, dining is a huge factor...both on the budget and in terms of enjoyment. While at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, I made it a point to try every dining option at least once in order to get the skinny (oh, don't I wish!) on taste, value, and ambiance, both for kids and adults. Because Aulani is not an all-inclusive resort, families will be making choices during … [Read more...]
The Oregon Vortex and House of Mystery
October 6, 2011 By
The Oregon Vortex, location of the House of Mystery is described as a natural wonder. A spherical field of force half above the ground and half below the ground, it amazes both kids and scientists alike. A guide takes visitors on a tour explaining the "vortex"; how it was discovered and what it actually is. She or he demonstrates the phenomena and it is quite interesting. In our group, we … [Read more...]
Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa: Adventures by Disney excursions
September 30, 2011 By
During a stay at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, families have the opportunity to participate in something very unique: authentic Hawaiian excursions run by Adventures by Disney. As a huge fan of what Adventures by Disney does--expose families to a region's culture and history in an adventurous way--I was eager to sample some of what they offer Aulani guests. I was fortunate to participate in … [Read more...]
Aulani, a Disney’s Resort and Spa: what’s included in the Aulani value
September 28, 2011 By
There's no doubt about it: Aulani, Disney's new Hawaiian resort on the leeward side of Oahu, is jaw-droppingly fabulous. Throughout my stay, I experienced first class service, amenities, and activities across the board. For the average traveling family, however, it's also jaw-droppingly expensive. Utilizing a quick room rate and availability search on Aulani's reservations page, I was hard pressed … [Read more...]
A stay at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa
September 26, 2011 By
I'll admit it: as my airport shuttle pulled up to Aulani, Disney's destination resort on Oahu, I expected to find Mickey front and center. I was prepared to greet that familiar pair of mouse ears from every angle: in person, in silhouette, in every scrap of signage and decoration. I was wrong. And while I have nothing against the guy, I'm so glad I was wrong. Throughout my four-night stay, … [Read more...]
Polar Caves Park
September 15, 2011 By
My favorite stop during our family trip through the New Hampshire lakes district was the Polar Caves Park in Rumney, New Hampshire. I admit I was skeptical at first: the park looks a little funky with giant (and somewhat weather-worn) polar bear statues and a cheesy gift shop at the entrance. But once we entered the park and started up the wooden walkway to the caves, I took back every … [Read more...]
One Tank Wonders: where to travel after school starts
September 12, 2011 By
Our family vacations extensively during the summer months, but by autumn, school and sport schedules once again reign. Do we stop traveling? Never! But our adventures do take place closer to home. In fact, some of our favorite trips have taken place less than one tank of gas away from our hometown. Shorter trips are less stressful, usually less expensive, and easier to plan. You can be in the car … [Read more...]
Exploring the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
September 9, 2011 By
Directly along Oregon's stretch of coastal Highway 101 lie the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area: miles of sandy hills and valleys awaiting exploration! Never heard of it? I'm not surprised...many don't realize these mammoth mountains of sand are so close at-hand for Northwest visitors! The biggest of these dunes are about 10 miles south of Reedsport near the town of Lakeside in Eel … [Read more...]
