The MaiZe at the Pumpkin Patch

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 … [Read more...]

Russian Tea at the Heathman Hotel Portland

The historic Heathman Hotel in Portland has offered a holiday tea service for decades. New in 2016, chef Vitaly Paley brought Russian flare to the service with his festive, elegant Russian Tea. Within days, all available reservations for the service, offered between November 25 and January 1, were filled. Due to the popularity of the holiday tea service, there will be two seatings on Saturdays … [Read more...]

Grown Up Getaway: Portland Alberta Arts District and Tiny House Hotel

Whether you’re intrigued with the idea of building or buying your own tiny house one day, or simply want to sample the tiny house lifestyle for a few nights, a stay at the nation’s only tiny house hotel should definitely be on your radar. Caravan, a tiny house hotel, is located in Portland’s up-and-coming Alberta Arts District, making it an ideal overnight during a grown-up getaway. Caravan Tiny … [Read more...]

Grown up getaway: Society Hotel Portland

Love unique properties, boutique hotels, and repurposed buildings? Portland has the motherload. It seems that every time I turn around, a new boutique property has opened in my favorite Northwest city. The latest: The Society Hotel, which we checked out on a rainy January weekend. No doubt about it, the Society Hotel is ideal for a grown up getaway, parent-child mini-vacation, or girls' … [Read more...]

Portland with Kids: Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel

If you're headed to Portland with kids, location is key: you want to be near the Willamette River and within easy walking distance of downtown and the MAX. The Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel puts families in the heart of the city, affords kids fun views of the goings-on along the river, and provides parents with a few perks of their own. RiverPlace is a Kimpton hotel, with Kimpton amenities. If … [Read more...]

Hotel Vintage Portland: Portland hotel review

I first visited Hotel Vintage Portland a few years ago, when it was known as the Hotel Vintage Plaza. If it was cool then, which it was, it’s even cooler now. This Kimpton hotel has undergone a major redesign, completely remodeling its common spaces and rooms. On our visit to conduct a Portland hotel review a few days after the relaunch, the Vintage Portland was pleasantly busy on a … [Read more...]

Three Oregon getaways to take without the kids

Yes, we’re all about traveling with kids, but let’s face it: sometimes, Mom and Dad need to get away…solo. If you’re looking for a parents-only getaway in the Northwest, it’s hard to beat Oregon. Not to toot my home state’s horn too loudly, but we do have it all: nature and outdoors pursuits, wineries and farm-to-fork restaurants, and city sophistication. If you’re ready to get away, pick a date, … [Read more...]

Educational Travel: End of the Oregon Trail Museum

Historic Oregon City marks the official end of the Oregon Trail. It's also home to the best Oregon history museum you've probably overlooked. Only minutes from downtown Portland, Oregon City and its End of the Oregon Trail Museum is easy to access via car or MAX, but often becomes overshadowed by other excellent Portland attractions for kids. The museum includes a wonderful indoor exhibit hall, a … [Read more...]

Portland Children’s Museum

The Portland Children’s Museum is one of the best places to spend a rainy morning or afternoon with young kids in Portland. For better or for worse, the word is out, and this excellent museum can get very crowded. Before describing any of the many reasons to visit, I have to start my Portland Children's Museum review by saying, ‘Get there early!’ Every time we stop by, we get there at opening at 9 … [Read more...]

Portland hotel review: Embassy Suites Portland Downtown

As a brand, I love Embassy Suites. We always find tremendous value for the money here. The Embassy Suites Portland Downtown is no exception. While there are many great lodging options in downtown Portland (check our Portland hotel review listings), including several with perhaps more character and historical interest, we’ve yet to find a Portland hotel that offers more kid-friendly amenities amid … [Read more...]