Grown Up Getaway: Eureka California wine and cider weekend

A wine weekend in...Eureka? Yes, California's rugged northern 'lost coast' can make for an ideal grown-up getaway, provided you know where to go. Parents will feel completely away from it all, with cell service cutting delightfully in and out with each curve of Highway 101. The scenery is spectacular, the shopping and art scene funky and fun, and the cuisine is original, yet … [Read more...]

Hometown skiing at Homewood Mountain Resort

When families think of skiing at Tahoe, they usually think of big, expensive resorts with fancy hotels and all the latest in snow science and technology (apps that track your laps, anyone?). Tahoe skiing IS all this and more, but there are still a few Tahoe ski resorts that remain the same as when I grew up here in the '80s...and that's a good thing. Homewood Mountain Resort  is the very … [Read more...]

Southern California pit stop: Pioneertown

Pioneertown, California is located in the Morongo Basin of southern California's Inland Empire. If traveling from Joshua Tree National Park or Palm Springs toward San Bernardino or Los Angeles, Pioneertown will (almost) be on your way. And it's worth the slight detour. Located in the mountains overlooking the valley floor, Pioneertown began as an elaborate Hollywood set for Western movies. … [Read more...]

Exploring Shasta Cascade: Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Northern California hosts wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities for families, from Lassen National Park to Mount Shasta hiking trails and ski areas. If you only have a day, and want a taste of the area's lakes, trails, and mining history, head to Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, just outside Redding, CA. Whiskeytown is located just 20 minutes from I-5, and I'm ashamed to say I … [Read more...]

Shasta Cascade pit stop: Turtle Bay Exploration Park

If you've taken I-5 on a west coast road trip, chances are you've driven right through Redding, California. We had passed through numerous times before we had the opportunity to stop and check out this Northern California town. If you're looking for a place to stop with kids, it's a great choice! The Sacramento River runs through town, offering plenty of opportunity for families to cool off in … [Read more...]

Shasta Cascades: Mt. Shasta Ski Park review

In summer months, majestic Mt. Shasta is a climber's paradise, but during the winter months, this volcanic peak in Northern California becomes decidedly more family friendly. Mt. Shasta Ski Park offers up 425 acres of downhill skiing and snowboarding, plus tubing and cross-country trails. Mt. Shasta Ski Park review: The ski park is located about a ten minute drive from the quirky town of … [Read more...]

End of summer hurrah: Boat rental from Cruzin

Happy Labor Day! We hope you're having a fun, sun-filled, and relaxed day off, this unofficial last day of summer. We're spending our Labor Day in boating on a local lake. Do we own a boat? Nope! But as it turns out, it's easy to rent a boat for a day. Families can rent fishing boats, ski boats, sailboats, speedboats, and even houseboats from Cruzin, a boat rental website for boat owners … [Read more...]

Del Mar Racetrack: Fun for the whole family

The following guest post is written by family travel blogger Amber Mamian of www.GlobalMunchkins.com. Gorgeous weather, a nostalgic past, the season's top race horses, jockeys and trainers plus free kids activities. Yes please! I'm talking about where the "Turf meets the Surf" at the famous Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in sunny California. This past weekend I had the opportunity to check out the … [Read more...]

Weekend Guide to the CA Redwoods

We’re a family who loves spending our vacation days in the wilderness, and few places are as wild and beautiful as the Northern California and Southern Oregon Redwoods. However, we prefer hiking into isolated backcountry sites to campgrounds, and while the Redwoods feature some of the most stunning scenery I’ve seen, the trails are short in length, without ample backpacking options. Because … [Read more...]

Hometown ski resort: Badger Pass Ski Area

Ever wanted to downhill or nordic ski in Yosemite National Park? How about a morning of skiing followed by an afternoon of hiking on the valley floor? I spent a day at Badger Pass Ski Area, located in the center of Yosemite National Park, to see what it was like. What I found: wonderful ski culture, local enthusiasm, and lots of love for the outdoors. I guess that should come as no … [Read more...]