The moment we entered the elegant lobby of the Westin Chicago River North at the blustery, snowy start of our winter Chicago weekend, we felt awash in warm and hospitality. While our hands and feet warmed up quickly, that cozy feeling never went away. For the entirety of our two night stay, we were met with smiles, helpful staff, beautiful surroundings, and convenient amenities. Here’s why we’ll … [Read more...]
24-hour Chicago winter itinerary with kids
December 18, 2015 By
On a snowy November weekend, my youngest son and I found ourselves in Chicago. Our trip there was accidental; we had been en route to Savannah, Georgia when we became stranded at O’Hare during the first snowstorm of the season. After 30-plus hours trying to continue our planned itinerary, our flight was cancelled and rebooked two days later. Rather than sit around waiting to depart, we decided to … [Read more...]
Del Mar Racetrack: Fun for the whole family
August 25, 2015 By
The following guest post is written by family travel blogger Amber Mamian of www.GlobalMunchkins.com. Gorgeous weather, a nostalgic past, the season's top race horses, jockeys and trainers plus free kids activities. Yes please! I'm talking about where the "Turf meets the Surf" at the famous Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in sunny California. This past weekend I had the opportunity to check out the … [Read more...]
Portland with Kids: Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel
June 17, 2015 By
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
April 10, 2015 By
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
November 14, 2014 By
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...]
Washington DC with kids: International Spy Museum
October 15, 2014 By
If you have kids 10 and up, you’ll want to include the International Spy Museum in your Washington DC itinerary. We absolutely loved it. Even though there are many free museums to tour in DC, it’s absolutely worth the price of admission. Why we loved it: This museum is one of the most interactive we’ve seen. It was created by a 30+ year veteran of the CIA, and it shows. The first section … [Read more...]
Washington DC with kids: Touring Mount Vernon
October 3, 2014 By
While you’re in Washington DC with kids, a stop en route to the city (or on your way out) at Mt. Vernon is definitely worth your time. We visited Mt. Vernon on our way into DC at the start of our trip, and spent approximately three hours. It’s definitely possible to spend more time. Travel tip: If you'll be pairing your Washington DC itinerary with some time at the beach, consider a Virginia … [Read more...]
Washington DC with kids: When you have an hour or less
October 1, 2014 By
There’s so much to do in Washington DC with kids, families cannot possibly do it all in one visit. However, sometimes, you may find yourself with an hour or so free on our around the Mall. Here’s what we recommend: National Archives: Unless you plan to do some serious research on your family tree or a historical event, the main attraction in the National Archives is the original Declaration … [Read more...]
Washington DC with kids: How to take a White House tour
September 29, 2014 By
Going into the White House was one of the highlights of our Washington DC trip. Many families are unsure how to take a White House tour. It's not as complicated as most think! The tour is self-guided, and takes about one hour door-to-door. (In DC, ‘door-to-door’ to us means security check through exit.) The tour takes guests through a visitor entrance on the side, through a ground floor … [Read more...]
