Mother's Day Travel Stories

By TravelSavvyMom

Before We Were Moms Series at TravelSavvyMom

2 comments | Posted on May 4, 2009 | Save to del.icio.us

Four Fun Pit-Stops between Portland, OR and San Francisco, CA

This is a guest post from Amy of PitStopsForKids. On her blog, Amy shares her favorite roadside restaurants, attractions, motels and more, and parents can also submit their recommendations. Amy was kind enough to share some of her favorite ideas for places to stop between Portland, OR and San Francisco - I wish I'd had this article a few weeks ago when my husband and E did their first father-son roadtrip along that exact route (hopefully he'll write up his story for us soon!)

By PitStopsForKids

Wildlife Safari in Winston, OR

Whether you're headed north to Seattle or south to the vacation Mecca of Southern California, I-5 is one loooong ribbon of road. Luckily for those of us with squirmy passengers in need of frequent potty breaks (husbands can be so high-maintenance), there's lots to stop and do along the way. The four attractions below are only a handful of the most tried-and-true for my own family.

Enchanted Forest, Salem OR

The first time my youngest son spied a hint of the Enchanted Forest from the freeway, he leaned forward in his car seat in excitement to shout: “Mom! I see fun!“ And so he had. But it's worth noting that what he had spotted was the infrastructure of a metal rollercoaster not actually part of the Enchanted Forest park, but rather of a long-defunct carnival-type attraction that sits adjacent to the property. Why its still there is anyone's guess, but never fear: the park that is operating is far superior, at least in the minds of younger children and adults. Imagine Disney's Fantasyland, and then scale it back in half. Then halve it again (and the crowds, too), but retain the charm. Now you have Enchanted Forest.

The park is small and therefore very manageable. You start at Storybook Lane, which winds its way up a fairly steep hillside. Every few yards, the kids come across a new attraction: Alice's rabbit hole, a crooked house, a long slide down a giant shoe.

At the top of the hill past Storybook Lane you'll also find Western Town and the English Village. Keep an eye out for the Indian Caves (again, picture Disney's Tom Sawyer's Island, then visualize it small enough to sit and watch your kids from a nearby bench). At the far end of the park, there are some actual rides--the log ride and the dragon-themed roller coaster are our favorites--but they do require extra tickets (the type you'd purchase at a fair) and have height restrictions.

You can see all of Enchanted Forest in a few hours, or you can spend all day. We usually stop for about three hours, then have to force our children to leave. Their only consolation? The obligatory routing of traffic through the gift shop (shoppe, actually, in keeping with the village theme) in order to reach the exit.

Wildlife Safari, Winston OR
As a card-carrying PETA member, I was dubious of the quality of Wildlife Safari…until I paid it a visit. It truly is a fantastic zoological park. It's located just a few miles off I-5 south of Roseburg, but don't worry…the colorful roadside signs will alert you of its proximity in plenty of time, and if they don't, any child in your car able to read will. Upon entering the park, you have two options: begin with the driving tour of the safari grounds, where you'll cruise slowly through various sanctuaries housing free-roaming zebras, giraffes, elephants, and everything else you can imagine (lions and tigers and bears oh my!), or park and walk through the center safari square, where you'll find the gift shop, food (pretty decent!) and some smaller animals, like reptiles, turtles, a very loud monkey, and a small train ride. Intuition would tell you to start there--get out and release your own monkeys from the confines of the car--but my suggestion is the driving tour, because with admission, you get to go through twice. It works well to drive through, park and visit the walking grounds, then drive through once more on your way out.

Castle Crags State Park, Dunsmuir, CA
For a more low-key, and certainly cheaper pitstop just miles over the California border, pull over at Castle Crags State Park. There's a day use fee of $6 per car, but that'll buy you a beautiful picnic area just across the river from the main entrance (that would be the upper Sacramento River), forest groves to explore, and hiking trails as short as one mile (or longer). If you plan ahead, you can stop a few miles back in Dunsmuir for sandwiches.

In the summer, Castle Crags is a much less crowded option than nearby Lake Shasta, and often your last cool pit-stop before entering the blisteringly hot Redding area and Sacramento Valley.

California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento, CA
You know those places you loved as a kid, then took your own children back to eagerly only to find them somehow lacking? This is not one of those places. The California State Railroad Museum is simply stunning, whether you first saw it in 1985 (like me) or are visiting for the first time in 2009. And you don't even have to be a train enthusiast to love it. The museum is primarily about California history, which is fitting, considering that it's situated in the center of Old Sacramento (worth walking through afterward).

The exhibit halls are cavernous and impressive. Young kids will love walking through the engines and cabooses and peeking into the cabins of sleeper and diner cars (there are always very well-informed docents on-hand) and the halls depicting the railroad's role in the early days of the California Gold Rush are amazing. There's a great IMAX-style video presentation as well. On spring and summer weekends, stream train rides are offered. We've never taken advantage of this (I think the 40-minute ride time dissuaded us), but if you have a real train-crazy kid on your hands, it might be worth the better part of an hour (and the extra cost).

Thanks to Amy of PitStopsForKids for this great guest post. Readers, take a moment to stop by Amy's website and recommend your own favorite pitstops.

Filed Under: roadtrips

6 comments | Posted on May 4, 2009 | Save to del.icio.us

Photo Friday: Freezer Shop in Paris

Picard "freezer shop" in Paris

When I think of food in Paris, my mind goes to markets filled with fresh fruit or bakeries packed with pastry that is as beautiful as it is delicious. The reality, though, is that most people don't eat the best of Paris every day. Freezer shops, like this one, sell frozen food exclusively (freezer shops are common throughout Europe, but I saw more in France than anywhere else). It might not be the height of French Gastronomy, but it's fun to wander through and see what's on offer. Instead of frozen Pizza and Lean Cuisine, you'll Sushi, Foie Gras, Artichoke Lasagna and of course all sorts of frozen pastry.

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Filed Under: eating-with-kids photo-friday

14 comments | Posted on April 30, 2009 | Save to del.icio.us

Alexandria, VA With Kids: A Charming Place to Stay outside of Washington DC

This is a guest post by Nancy Solomon of Ciao Bambino. Nancy has generously shared some of her favorite experiences from a recent stay in Alexandria, Virginia - a calmer alternative to the hustle and bustle of Washington DC.

Along with the inauguration, Washington DC has gotten a lot of recent press as a family destination, but located just 15 minutes outside “The District” is Alexandria, which is not to be overlooked. There are times when staying in the heart of the city works well, however, often I prefer being surrounded by the warmth and charm of a neighborhood with close and easy access to the city. This is where Alexandria fits in. This charming town, offers a low-key break from the urban chaos while still being just a 20 minute cab or Metro ride away from DC. The historic “Old Town” area is terrific for both parents and kids alike. Whether it’s unique shops, great restaurants, or fun activities that you are looking for, Old Town has it.

By Nancy Solomon

Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria VA

Shopping
The main King Street area runs from the waterfront to the King Street Metro stop. Towards the waterfront there are more tourist-focused shops. And although there is a Gap store in there, most of the shops are wonderfully unique and independently owned. Towards the Metro there are great antique and home shops. I loved Embelishments, where I picked up some fun household accessories. There are also great clothing and shoe boutiques. If you enjoy children’s’ boutiques stores, don’t miss Why Not (great toy selection as well) and Pink and Brown. Also, Hooray for Books is an excellent children’s bookstore, with a great selection for all age kids and frequent story hours.

If you wear your group out walking one way, look for the free trolley that runs from one end of the street to the other and will carry those tired feet where they need to go.

Restaurants
Old Town has delicious local restaurants, coffee shops and ice cream stores. Among the many, Brabo Tasting Room, by Robert Weidmaier, a local celebrity chef, just opened. This casual bistro-like spot welcomes your children while providing parents with amazing, cheese plates, soups, and mussels all coupled with tastes of wine. It felt like a little slice of Europe in Virginia. For a kid favorite try Hard Times Café. Chili is the specialty- they even serve it over Fritos. Finally, Five Guys is perfect if you’re in the mood for burgers, shakes and fries.

By Nancy Solomon of Ciao Bambino

Hard Times Cafe in Alexandria, VA

Activities
Head down to the Torpedo Factory, an old factory converted into artist shops. The history of the factory combined with the clay working and glass blowing makes for a wonderful destination. The boardwalk along the Potomac has entertainers on the weekends and provides enough space for the kids to run around. Being right on the Potomac allows for access to unique water activities such as, a water taxi that runs into Georgetown or to Mount Vernon and a sailing marina that rents boats for the day. If you’re looking for a tour, Alexandria Colonial Tours offer multiple kid-friendly tours like the Trail of the Pirates’ Treasure tour, the Scavenger Hunt (self-guided) or the Ghost & Graveyard tour. You can travel by foot, boat and let’s not forget bike to and from Alexandria. It’s located on the Mount Vernon bike path where you can take the 10 mile (each way) trip to Mount Vernon. Bikes are available for rent at Wheel Nuts.

Nancy Solomon is an avid traveler and writer for Ciao Bambino. She lives outside Boston and has four children 9,8,5 and 1 with whom she enjoys sharing the world.

Readers: Do you have a favorite kid-friendly activity, restaurant or hotel in the Washington DC Area? Share it with other parents by adding your recommendation to our kid friendly city guides.

Related Links
Alexandria, VA with kids
Washington DC with kids
Current Events in Alexandria

6 comments | Posted on April 29, 2009 | Save to del.icio.us

Winner - ChicoBag Reusable Shopping Bags

Reusable ChicoBags

I want to thank everyone who entered to my giveaway for a 4-pack of ChicoBag reusable shopping bags from TwoKnobbyTires, a website that sells outdoor gear for both kids and adults.

The randomly selected winner was Casey B who said:

The best place to learn about the environment here is Kansas City is at the Deanna Rose farm and petting zoo.

Casey, please email me your mailing address, and I will send you your prize!

Didn't win this time? I have another great giveaway starting soon. Be sure to check back (or subscribe so that you don't miss a thing).

Many thanks to TwoKnobbyTires for generously sponsoring this giveaway.

Filed Under: giveaways

0 comments | Posted on April 28, 2009 | Save to del.icio.us

Videos from Great Wolf Lodge

Here are a couple of videos from our visit to the Great Wolf Lodge to give a sense of what the experience might be like for older kids or parents with a few moments to enjoy the waterpark.

2 comments | Posted on April 28, 2009 | Save to del.icio.us

Great Wolf Lodge Hotel and Waterpark with Preschoolers

This article includes a review of a complimentary stay at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, WA (about 90 minutes south of Seattle by car). I received no other compensation besides the hotel stay and waterpark admission, and the hotel did not express any requirement that I express a particular point of view. I do not accept pay-per-post or pay-per-positive reviews, and on the rare occasion that I do accept a free service from a sponsor I will always let you know..

I'm not sure exactly what I imagined when I first conceived of the idea of visiting the Great Wolf Lodge a month before my due date. A kid focused destination in the middle of nowhere isn't our usual M.O. but somehow it seemed only fair to give my "big kids" a last chance at their own wild "babymoon" before boppy pillows, nap schedules and a sling slow us all down. Great Wolf seemed like an appropriate choice - the close location meant that we could drive instead of flying. With both kids more interested in being in the water lately, I imagined they'd love the opportunity to splash and play at an indoor waterpark for an entire weekend. I also envisioned sitting poolside with a book - a reality that didn't quite come to fruition, but more on that later.

Tot Wading Pool and Waterslides at Great Wolf Lodge, Grand Mound WA

Pulling up at the hotel was a totally different experience than winding our way down the path to the Four Seasons a few weeks before. With a parking lot full of SUVs and Mini-Vans, there was no doubt about who was in charge here.

As I waited in line Vegas-style to check in at the reception desk, my husband marched the kids to the back of the grand lobby where floor-to-ceiling windows showcased the indoor waterpark. A zero depth entry toddler pool (complete with mini waterslides) featured prominently in the foreground, with the larger slides and a wave pool in the background. Above the "big kids" area, an enormous bucket gradually filled with water. D watched the process with wide eyes, laughing riotously each time it tipped, dumping its contents on whoever was below. As I walked up with the wristbands that would admit us to both the waterpark and our room, she struggled to put her thoughts into words, "Mommy, look, it's a funny cup."

We dragged the kids away from the window and into the waterpark itself where we changed into swim gear in the locker rooms (our hotel room would be ready later in the day) and parked our clothing in a locker.

Lifejackets were readily available, and while they seemed like overkill at first in the shallow water, we quickly realized that D, (always willing to take risks when it seems like there's fun to be had) needed one in order to keep herself above the waterline on the slides and occasional slips.

Both kids were a little intimidated at first by all the activity - both from the splashing, spurting, water features and toys - and from the other kids. As we splashed through the water exploring spraying "waterskis," mini-waterslides and other water activities I remembered the simple wading pools (with complete sight lines from poolside chairs) of our last few vacations with fondness. Still, as the kids got comfortable, they started to really enjoy the activities, and the consistently warm air and water would be a true treat in mid-winter.

And the book I had packed with the hopefulness that only a soon-to-be mother to three can muster? Buried in the suitcase. At this age, even with the watchful lifeguards that were stationed around the tot area, my kids still needed to be within my sight (if not at arms reach) at all times - something the sightlines just didn't allow. Even with older children, the waterpark would be too noisy to focus on a book or grown-up conversation.

Though there are several kid friendly meal options right inside the hotel (including a Pizza Hut Express, a burger shack, a bakery and a buffet), we chose to head to nearby Centralia, for dinner. La Tarasca, a family run Mexican restaurant that served some of the most authentic sit-down Mexican food I've eaten outside of Mexico California or Arizona was everything I'd hoped for. Pork carnitas, the house specialty were flavorful and tender while the chicken with Mole sauce was juicy and just spicy enough that i needed to wrap each bite in a fluffy house-made corn tortilla. We wished we could try more of the menu, and our meal was good enough that La Tarasca is likely to become a regular stop on road trips down to Portland.

Carnitas at La Tarasca in Centralia, WA

After dinner, the kids put on PJs and headed to the hotel lobby for a "show" and story time. This was the perfect incentive to get the kids ready for bed without the usual drama, and it was easy to pick up their pre-bed milk cups at the lobby's Starbucks. The show itself was a modernized version of the shows I remember at Chuck-E-Cheese in my childhood, with animated forest animals singing about how lovely the forest is (a theme I found ironic given where we were). E cuddled on my lap, a little intimidated by the talking and singing animals, while D would have walked up on stage and doled out kisses if she could.

Completely exhausted, we headed back upstairs to our room for bedtime. Our "Wolf Den Suite", one step up from a standard room included an in-room "cave" complete with bunk beds for the kids. E, who has been begging us for a bunk bed for at least a year could not believe his luck, making even the "get into bed" part of bedtime easier than usual.

I've written before about the trials of getting both kids to sleep when we're on vacation, so I won't rehash the details - but suffice it to say that E was delighted to sleep on the top bunk and settled down fairly quickly (perhaps he was afraid that we'd remove that privilege) D on the other hand couldn't manage being in the bottom bunk alone with me so nearby, and I fell asleep moments after her, snuggled up in the grown up bed - an experience that was made bittersweet with my knowledge that in a few weeks someone else will take poor D's place as youngest and snuggliest at bedtime.

Filed Under: hotel-review travel-stories

5 comments | Posted on April 27, 2009 | Save to del.icio.us

Last Chance - 4 Pack of ChicoBags Reusable Shopping Bags

Earth Day may be in the past for this year, but it's never too late to make changes that help the environment. Today is your last chance to enter our free giveaway to win a 4-pack of ChicoBag reusable shopping bags .

Reusable ChicoBags

If you have already entered, but want to add your recommendations for kid-friendly activities, restaurants, or hotels to DeliciousBaby for more chances to win, now is the time! Each recommendation will earn five extra entries in the giveaway.

Just visit this article: Earth Day Giveaway: 4-pack of ChicoBag reusable shopping bags and follow the instructions.

Filed Under: giveaways

0 comments | Posted on April 27, 2009 | Save to del.icio.us

Photo Friday: Reading in Rome

Reading "Colori" an Italian board book about colors

For me, almost any outing can be an excuse to buy new books. That's never more true than when we travel outside of the US. Hundreds of children's books I've never seen before almost literally call my name, and I find myself in search of a good independent bookstore on every trip. Wordless books and early readers work particularly well, but if the pictures are good enough, I can make up my own story to go with almost any book. My suitcase might start out light, but it ends up heavy by the time we return home.

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Filed Under: photo-friday shopping-for-kids

13 comments | Posted on April 23, 2009 | Save to del.icio.us

Earth Day Giveaway: 4 Pack of ChicoBags Reusable Shopping Bags

For the past year, I've been carrying around a set of reusable shopping bags in my purse whether I'm at home or on the road. In addition to the obvious use at the supermarket, I've been surprised at how helpful they are when I'm out and about with the kids. I gave up my diaper bag and stroller long ago, so sometimes the kids snacks, discarded jackets, or found "treasures" grow past what I can carry in my purse. When that happens, I whip out one of these compact shopping bags, open it up, and stuff everything inside. So, I'm excited to announce my latest giveaway, just in time for Earth Day, a set of four reusable ChicoBags from TwoKnobbyTires, a website that sells outdoor gear for both kids and adults.

Reusable ChicoBags

This Giveaway is now closed. To learn about new giveaways as they become available, please  Subscribe to our feed

How To Enter
I will be giving the reusable shopping bags away to one lucky reader. If you would like a chance to win, leave a comment before 11:59PM PST on Monday April 27 2009 and tell me where the best place is in your city or town for kids to learn more about the environment. Please include your email address in the comment form (your email isn't shared with anyone, and I will not send you email unless you win).

1. Recommend a kid-friendly attraction, restaurant or hotel in our city guides to receive five additional entries. It takes only a few minutes, and it is a great way to share your favorite places with other parents. To make a recommendation, just Click Here
2. Subscribe to my RSS feed (either by reader or email) using the buttons on the top left-hand side of the page. Leave another comment telling me you did.
3. If you have a blog, write about this giveaway or any article you enjoyed on DeliciousBaby. Leave a comment telling me you did so and show me the link where I can find it!

Winners
We will choose a winner randomly and announce the results here on Tuesday April 28 2009. Many thanks to TwoKnobbyTires for generously sponsoring this giveaway.

Share This Contest
If you have family or friends who you know will love this giveaway, just click the "share this" link at the bottom of this (or any) post to email it to a friend.

Rules
Please, only one comment per person per giveaway post (except as outlined above where the comment is related to an extra entry). Duplicate comments and Anonymous comments will be discarded. Please make sure that the email address in your comment form is valid (email addresses are never public). Winners must claim their prize within three business days after the date of notification of such prize. A Sweepstakes winner's failure to respond to the prize notification within the specified three business days will be considered such Sweepstakes winner's forfeiture of the prize and an alternate winner may be selected from the pool of eligible entries. If an entrant is found to be ineligible, an alternate winner may also be selected from the pool of eligible entries. To enter, you must be a U.S. resident, age 18 or older. Employees, partners and vendors of DeliciousBaby and their immediate family members are not eligible to enter. We will disqualify any entries that we believe are generated by scripts and other automated technology. When applicable, the winner may be required to execute and return within five business days an Affidavit of Eligibility and a Liability and Publicity Release to be eligible for the prize or an alternate winner will be selected. All prizes will be awarded. No substitutions including for cash are permitted, except that DeliciousBaby reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater monetary value for any prize. Winners shall be responsible and liable for all federal, state and local taxes on the value of their prize.

Filed Under: giveaways

142 comments | Posted on April 22, 2009 | Save to del.icio.us