A rustic cabin stay at Silver Falls State Park, Oregon

A state park stay can be a great way to safely travel with the family during COVID-19. For up-to-date information on park closures and updates in Oregon, check here. Located approximately 25 miles east of Salem, Oregon off Highway 22, Silver Falls State Park is the largest in Oregon. With each site tucked away under the canopy of the temperate rain forest, however, you'd never know it. Silver … [Read more...]

Grown-up getaway: What to do in Fredericksburg Texas in Hill Country

Haven’t considered Texas Hill Country for your next Grown-Ups Getaway? I hadn’t either, until checking out this pastoral oasis in the heart of Texas. Warm almost year-round and with much, much more to offer than it’s small 10,000 population suggests, the quaint German-Texan town of Fredericksburg beckons. Couples will find ample B&Bs, guest houses, and boutique hotels, prime shopping and … [Read more...]

Grown-Up Getaway: Wine and dine in Lubbock Texas

Last spring, we outlined the perfect Grown-Up Getaway to charming Fredericksburg, Texas, in the Hill Country. Now we’re back with one more--perhaps unexpected--Texas getaway: Lubbock. Everywhere I went in Fredericksburg, I was told by winemakers that their grapes came from this city in the West Plains. So naturally, I had to go see Lubbock for myself. If you've driven through Lubbock, Texas … [Read more...]

Tips for Rocky Mountain National Park with kids

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the United States’ premier family destinations, a jewel in the national park crown. In the summertime, the weather is beautiful, the scenery spectacular, and the opportunity to interact with nature unparalleled. Here are some things to know to help you make the most out of visiting with your kids. Tips for Rocky Mountain National Park with kids: West side … [Read more...]

Jamestown Settlement and Colonial National Historical Park

While visiting Colonial Williamsburg with kids, definitely budget half a day to visit Jamestown. Learning about this first viable settlement of Virginia rounds out the historical understanding of the area (the residents of Jamestown later migrated 10 miles to settle Williamsburg). Jamestown is divided into two sections: the Historic Jamestowne Colonial National Historical Park is the National … [Read more...]

Two days in Joshua Tree National Park and Indian Cove Campground with Kids

Joshua Tree National Park is a gem! With a higher elevation than our other favorite desert camping location, Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree offers a desert experience with more vegetation, wildflowers, and of course, Joshua Tree’s fabled rock climbing boulders. You don’t have to be rock climbers to enjoy it, though you’ll see plenty of that ilk. Our kids absolutely loved the freedom of … [Read more...]

The way to see Grand Teton National Park with kids: OARS Jackson Lake 2-Day Trip

When I knew my family and I would be spending time in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Grand Teton National Park, I immediately looked for an OARS trip to take in the area. After our five-day Rogue River rafting trip with OARS, it was the easy choice. OARS is just that good at what they do. I’ve already talked about what sets OARS apart. In a nutshell, the guides are professionals but also become … [Read more...]

Family farm stays: a review of Leaping Lamb Farm

Eight-year-old Toby wants to be a farmer when he grows up. So instead of spending a few perfect days in May enjoying a traditional family vacation in a hotel or resort, we headed to Leaping Lamb Farm in the coastal range of Oregon, where we got to play farmer for two days. I'll admit that before arriving at Leaping Lamb, I half-hoped doing farm chores would cure Toby of his farm-love. Instead, the … [Read more...]

Guide to Las Vegas with kids: family-friendly Las Vegas vacation

There was a time when I didn't think of Las Vegas as a family-friendly trip idea, but in the past few years, Vegas hotels and attractions have made strides to be more kid-oriented. Whether your family trip focuses on Las Vegas entertainment, outdoor recreation, or dining (or all of the above), the following advice can help make your trip to Sin City much more wholesome. During this time of … [Read more...]

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and Mt. San Jacinto State Park

If you have a few days in Palm Springs, a trip to the Aerial Tramway  is well-worth your time. This ‘world’s largest rotating tram’ takes visitors from the desert floor to over 8,000 feet in elevation to Mt. San Jacinto State Park in just a few minutes. The tram ride itself is fun for everyone (even those who experience ski resort gondolas and trams often), but the real gem is at the top. Mt. San … [Read more...]