I'm pleased to announce I've found a new (to me) hotel brand favorite for traveling families: Broughton Hospitality's boutique hotel collection, with properties across the west. On our recent California road trip with kids, we had the pleasure of spending a night outside San Francisco at Mill Valley's Acqua Hotel, which served our family's needs perfectly. What made the Acqua, and the … [Read more...]
Muir Woods National Monument
May 21, 2012 By
Nestled in the lush hillside just minutes from Mill Valley, CA, Muir Woods National Monument is a must-do for families visiting San Francisco's Bay Area. Only minutes outside of the city, it makes for a perfect pit stop en route to San Francisco or a nice day trip to escape city crowds. Called a 'tree lover's monument', Muir Woods is a very accessible park of walking trails and visitor … [Read more...]
The Solar Living Institute
May 14, 2012 By
The following pit stop is submitted by guest reviewer Barbara Zaragoza. Barbara blogs about off-beat adventures in California at California Notebook. Everyone wants to save the earth these days, but do we really know how to do it? The Solar Living Institute in Hopland, California gives visitors a wealth of eco-living tips. A tour of their rustic property is free and plaques everywhere describe … [Read more...]
3 things to do with kids in Paso Robles CA
April 30, 2012 By
The following pit stop was submitted by Bay Area blogger and mom Whitney Moss of 510Families. Located exactly halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Paso Robles, California is an excellent pit stop if you want to get out of the car and feel like you’ve arrived somewhere special. (Pro tip: locals pronounce the town name Paso Robuls, not Paso Roblase.) Here are three things to do with … [Read more...]
Northstar-at-Tahoe with kids: dining on and off the mountain
February 10, 2012 By
Let's face it: feeding a hungry family at a ski resort can be pricey! Northstar-at-Tahoe is no exception, but with a thriving village scene and the addition of a brand new mid-mountain lodge, guests have more choices than ever. And we all know that more choices mean greater food freedom for families. Plus, with most lodging options including kitchens or kitchenettes, it's easier than ever to bring … [Read more...]
Northstar California with kids: a stay at Big Horn Lodge
February 3, 2012 By
As with any large Tahoe ski resort, families have many lodging options at California's Northstar-at-Tahoe, from rental homes to studio suites and condos, to hotel rooms. For our three-day weekend family getaway, we choose to stay in a luxury condo at Big Horn Lodge. Operated by Tahoe Mountain Lodging, Big Horn Lodge is located ideally in the heart of the Northstar Village. From our 5th floor … [Read more...]
Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Trail Museum
December 28, 2011 By
As Northern California natives and Oregon residents, we're well-versed in Oregon Trail pioneering history, and specifically, the Donner Party. We've taken the kids to Sutter's Fort State Park in Sacramento, CA, where they first learned about the ill-fated party, and when we found ourselves on Interstate 80 at the beautiful Donner Summit during our Thanksgiving break travels, we just had to make a … [Read more...]
Legoland California’s Star Wars miniland and water park
August 22, 2011 By
While we were in Southern California last week, I had the opportunity to stop by one of our favorite theme parks for the younger set: Legoland California. We love Legoland for their whimsical, primarily-colored theme, their young kid-friendly rides, and ample activities for the toddler and preschool set, but most exciting on this most recent visit was the showcasing of their new Star Wars … [Read more...]
San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina
August 19, 2011 By
The Marriott Marquis and Marina is located in the heart of San Diego, California's Gaslamp Quarter, situated directly on the bay. It does not include beach access, but the water is in easy reach via the harbor, where kids can watch the boats and parents will appreciate the family-friendly dining. A major convention hotel, families can count on plenty of business and conference traffic … [Read more...]
Disney done right: how to survive (and thrive!) in summer crowds
August 12, 2011 By
The first advice I offer any family asking how to get the most from their Disney theme park experience is to visit in the off-season. Of course, such a plan isn’t always realistic. If your only option is to visit Walt Disney World or the Disneyland Resort in the summer season, take heart! It is possible to best the crowds and the heat and have a fabulous time. During our three-day visit to … [Read more...]
