Search Results for: portland

Three Oregon getaways to take without the kids

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...]

Couples getaway: Oregon cycle tour with LifeCycle Adventures

At Pit Stops for Kids, we’re fans of adventurous travel for kids, so it will come as no surprise that when we want to get away for an adults-only vacation, my husband Charlie and I prefer an active, outdoorsy pursuit of our own. We also love wineries, outside-the-box local lodging, and farm-to-fork dining, indulgences absolutely possible to enjoy with kids, but— if we’re being honest here … [Read more...]

Spokane family festivals: year-round family fun

Who says families need to go to Seattle or Portland to have a good time, see an up-and-coming band, or celebrate a quirky holiday? During the seven years we lived in Spokane, WA, we happily became family festival guinea pigs, trying out a little of everything. In the years since, here's what we deem worthy of a return visit. Spokane festivals worth the trip: Green Bluff Growers Apple … [Read more...]

Philly hotel review: Hotel Monaco Philadelphia

Need a Philly hotel review? We've got our pick! The minute we pulled up to Hotel Monaco Philadelphia on Chestnut Street in the heart of Philly’s historic center and met T, the hotel’s most lively and friendly doorman, we knew we were going to love our stay. T offered high fives all around, then challenged Tobias (age 9) to some air boxing on the sidewalk. Turns out, T is Hotel Monaco’s boxing … [Read more...]

Educational Travel: End of the Oregon Trail Museum

Historic Oregon City marks the official end of the Oregon Trail. It's also home to the best Oregon history museum you've probably overlooked. Only minutes from downtown Portland, Oregon City and its End of the Oregon Trail Museum is easy to access via car or MAX, but often becomes overshadowed by other excellent Portland attractions for kids. The museum includes a wonderful indoor exhibit hall, a … [Read more...]

New attractions at Great Wolf Lodge: play ShadowQuest and mini golf

The following is a guest post written by Northwest parent and travel writer Carrie Yu. When the weather in the Pacific Northwest turns to rain (and even when the sun is shining), families in the region love to head to Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, Washington, for some serious fun. Just in time for indoor water fun this autumn and winter, new attractions at Great Wolf Lodge include … [Read more...]

The Museum at Warm Springs

While traveling between Bend, Oregon and the base of Mt. Hood at Government Camp along remote Highway 26, one might think there's nowhere worthy of a pit stop. Not so! The Museum at Warm Springs is nothing short of a high desert gem. Located inside the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs reservation, the museum is tucked on the side of the road near a gas station and across from the small Indian … [Read more...]

A stay at Central Oregon’s Kah-Nee-Ta Resort and Spa

Located on the Warm Springs reservation (home of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs) in the high desert of Central Oregon, Kah-Nee-Ta Resort and Spa offers a blend of tribal culture and family fun. This is not a luxury resort, but rather a family-friendly getaway that delivers on the simple pleasures of sunny skies, hot springs-fed swimming, outdoor recreation, and camping. There's lodging … [Read more...]

Touring Oregon Wine Country with Grape Escape wine tours

Not long ago, I wouldn't have thought of spending a full day during a Portland Oregon vacation touring the Oregon wine country. I simply wouldn't have realized it was an option. In fact, the region directly around metropolitan Portland is ripe with wineries, and has been for several decades. During a recent parents' weekend away in Portland, I spent an early spring Saturday in wine country with … [Read more...]

The Allison Inn and Spa: Willamette Valley wine country pick

Tucked into the green hillside just outside the quiet Portland bedroom community of Newberg, The Allison Inn and Spa somehow feels like both a destination and a detour. Turning up the long drive, you clearly feel as if you've arrived, but the location is just close enough to the bustle of downtown Portland that you feel only slightly away. When you're looking to get away for a peaceful weekend, … [Read more...]