Search Results for: jackson

How to experience boutique wine in the Northwest

With over 18 viticulture regions in Oregon alone, the Pacific Northwest has gained a reputation for growing wine grapes and producing great wine. To date, however, the vast majority of Oregon and Washington wine production is small-batch, grown on boutique estates. For wine aficionados used to frequenting large, well-known wineries in California, Tuscany or France, the difference in experience is … [Read more...]

Planning a Family Ski Vacation: Where to Go for Snow

In the past few years, the ski scene has changed with changing weather patterns. For the many families who only take one major ski vacation per season, it’s more important than ever to know where to go for the best conditions. And yes, NOW is the time to book! Planning a family ski vacation: Where to go for snow While no resort or ski area can guarantee good snow pack when families book in … [Read more...]

What to expect on an O.A.R.S. river rafting trip

Earlier this month, we enjoyed our fourth multi-night rafting trip with O.A.R.S. If you do something four times, it's because you love it, and there are very few vacations we've loved as much as O.A.R.S. trips. This unique family vacation combines some of our favorite things: outdoor exploration, adventure, isolation and off-the-grid family time, and conservation. And it packages all these … [Read more...]

Travel Gear We Use: Winter jackets that pack down small

Winter is a tough time of year to pack light, but it IS possible to do so. The easiest solution: winter wear that packs down small. We love our 'puffies'! The best packable jackets keep kids and parents warm during winter travel, but fit well into suitcases for carry-on travel: What Pit Stops for Kids' Dad is wearing: Arc'teryx Atom LT: No one does lightweight, quality, technical jackets … [Read more...]

Vermont skiing with kids: Okemo Mountain Resort

For families itching to spend a weekend skiing in Vermont, but dreading a long car ride, Okemo Mountain Resort is the answer! It’s located only about an hour into Vermont, making it one of the state’s most accessible resorts. But don’t let its southern location fool you—it’s a big mountain with a lot of varied terrain. There’s plenty to keep the kids busy, while letting the more experienced … [Read more...]

Sanctuary One farm stay

The following review was submitted by Pit Stops for Kids grandmother Julie Hagstrom. Located on 55 acres in Oregon's beautiful Applegate valley, Sanctuary One was established in 2007 as the nation's first care farm. It provides a safe home to rescued farm animals and house pets. And that’s what makes its farm stay experience unique. Sanctuary One is a member of U.S. Farm Stay Association and … [Read more...]

Five unusual outdoor lodging picks for families

Ever wanted to stay the night in a yurt, overlooking the ocean? How about a rustic cabin in the mountains, a tree house in the woods, or even a fire lookout with sweeping views? All of the above are easily accessible to all travelers – no wilderness experience necessary! Extend the camping season with these year-round lodging experiences, and learn where and when to book them. Yurts: Comfortable … [Read more...]

Best of 2014: Best destinations for families you can book now!

Every December, we take time to reflect upon the past year of travel, and select five experiences---yes, just five!---that we crown the best of the year. Last year, our top travel experiences of 2013 took us from Alaska to the Caribbean. This year, we're focusing on the American West and MidAtlantic, showcasing everything from five-star city hotels to cabins. We stand behind these picks as … [Read more...]

Family dude ranch vacation: a stay at Triangle X Ranch

There are many family dude ranch vacation options to choose from, and the time to book for next summer is...now. Dude ranches fill up fast, as many families book repeat visits. What sets Triangle X Ranch apart? Let’s start with the family history. And I’m not talking about the Turner family history, even though this Wyoming family has owned and run the ranch for five generations (and counting). … [Read more...]

How to make a 5 item outdoor survival kit for $5

We love getting kids into the outdoors! At Pit Stops for Kids, we're fans of backpacking, camping, climbing, mountain biking, geo-caching...you get the idea. But as a one-time Search and Rescue volunteer who has spent countless hours teaching school kids how to stay safe in the woods, I want families to be prepared. Kids can occasionally get lost in the wilderness, but by heeding the following … [Read more...]