For the Pit Stops for Kids family, writing about summer vacations in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and in particular, Plumas and Sierra counties in California, is quite literally like writing about home. My husband and I both grew up in this alpine area, and love sharing it with other traveling families. Plumas County is located one hour west of Reno, Nevada and 2.5 hours north of … [Read more...]
Nantucket with kids: guide to beaches and biking
July 18, 2011 By
The island of Nantucket, Massachusetts is well-known as a summer playground for travelers of all ages, but with so much to do in the immediate vicinity of the harbor, the further reaches (only a few miles in any direction!) are often overlooked. Ferrying your car to the island is expensive, rentals even more so, but that's ok: biking is more affordable, more fun, and easy to do on such a flat and … [Read more...]
New York City with kids: what to do in Central Park
July 7, 2011 By
Central Park is not only an iconic stop in New York City, it's a welcome respite from the noise, crowds, and outright stimulation of city touring. During our three days in New York, we ducked into this leafy green sanctuary more than a few times, and discovered something new with each trip. Since it can be hard to get your bearings while in the park, a good place to start (before you … [Read more...]
New York City with kids: a stay at Affinia 50
July 4, 2011 By
We chose to stay at Manhattan's Affinia 50 for our kids' introduction to New York City, and within moments of checking in, I knew we'd made the right decision. It was instantly made clear to me that Affinia 50 does things differently than standard big city hotel chains: they're small enough to be personal, but large enough to provide the amenities families need. First off, they deliver on … [Read more...]
Boston with kids: a stay at Marriott’s Custom House
June 28, 2011 By
Marriott's Custom House is hands down the most unique Marriott Vacation Club property I've ever seen. Originally built in 1847 as a--you guessed it--custom house for 1/5th of the world's wealth brought in at the busy harbor, the hotel is one of the most impressive historical buildings in all of Boston, and yet its one-of-a-kind features are seamlessly integrated with Marriott Vacation Club's … [Read more...]
Exploring Vancouver B.C.: Capilano Suspension Bridge
June 23, 2011 By
Only ten minutes outside of the city center, Vancouver offers family-friendly outdoor attractions kids will go crazy for in Capilano and Grouse Mountain. The first stop (and an easy free shuttle ride from Canada Place), is Capilano Suspension Bridge, an engineering marvel stretched 450 feet across a high river gorge in thanks to nineteenth century Vancouver settler and builder George Grant Mackay. … [Read more...]
Exploring Vancouver, B.C.: Granville Island with kids
June 20, 2011 By
When I set out to explore Vancouver's Granville Island on a sunny Monday afternoon, I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. Known best for its upscale public market and boutique shops, I certainly didn't think it would have much to entice kids. I was wrong. Granville Island began winning me over before I even got there: from the dock at the very end of Hornby Street, I waited (all of two … [Read more...]
The Four Seasons Vancouver: kid-friendly luxury
June 15, 2011 By
Last week, had I been asked to describe the Four Seasons family of resorts, I would have used phrases such as 'exceptional reputation', 'luxury accommodations', or 'famed attention to detail'. After spending three blissful days at the Four Seasons Vancouver, I can add: 'family-friendliness'. Surprised? You shouldn't be. The same qualities that make the Four Seasons Vancouver an outstanding … [Read more...]
Great Wolf Lodge water safety: why you don’t need to worry
April 10, 2011 By
As a family travel expert, I've experienced many family resorts with my kids, and can sum up Great Wolf Lodge's water park safety measures in one word: impressive. During our recent stay at the Grand Mound location, we enjoyed the water park under the supervision of literally hundreds of lifeguards during our three days at the resort, and observed only professional, polite, and friendly … [Read more...]
Lake Quinault Lodge, Olympic National Park
April 3, 2011 By
Built in 1926 on the south shore of Lake Quinault on the lush and beautiful Olympic Peninsula, Lake Quinault Lodge is one of the national park system's most beautiful and timeless historic lodges. Charming when approached from the street (South Shore Road), Lake Quinault's best side is to the north, where the back of the lodge opens upon a cheery deck and lush, sloping lawn to the lake … [Read more...]
