Palm Springs Eternal

Sometimes, it's important to stop and smell the flowers and enjoy the nature around us. It's important for  the little ones too. It's important for them to take a break from the over-stimulation-non-stop-commercial-media world for EVERYONE to refuel. You'll appreciate it and yes, your kids will enjoy it too. It doesn't have to be Disney Princesses/Batman/Spongebob/Barbie all day, all the time. The Palm Springs/Desert area is the perfect place to do just that.

Only about 2 hours away from San Diego and Los Angeles, the Palm Springs area offers you an opportunity to relax and take a breather, all the while keeping the family entertained thanks to the beautiful desert environment.

I've already written about the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs, but it truly is an amazing place to unwind.

The rooms are beautiful, the bed ultra comfy. Hip but still very family friendly. We got a room with a king bed and there was enough room for E to sleep in her trusty camping bed. The prices are generally very reasonable and if you visit this site you can usually find some amazing deals. We stayed for under 100$/night. The King's Highway restaurant in the hotel is also a great option. We had both breakfast and dinner there and both were great. Although there isn't a kids menu per say, they were also very accommodating in making special meals for kids. In the evening the restaurant also has Free theme nights. We all enjoyed Sissy Bingo with Linda Gerard, E thought it was great fun! I really can't say enough about this place, what I can say, is that you won't want to leave!

About an hour away from Palm Springs is Joshua Tree National Park. It's an amazing day to spend the day taking in the desert landscape. The parks service also has great recommendations for kids. We went on a few hikes and took in some great views. The Keys View will give you an opportunity to see a panoramic view of the Coachella Valley where you can see all the way to the Salton Sea.

Discovering the Salton Sea is also incredible and if you are interested in nature preservation, I would highly recommend doing it while you still can. Isreali born documentary film-maker Alma Har'el  made an amazing film about the Bombay Beach area. 

While you're near Niland, why not check out the zaniness of Salvation Mountain. Created by Leonard Knight, this incredible piece of outsider art is a 50 ft high and 150 ft wide tribute to his love for god.

Another place to see some amazing views is at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway where you will travel through 4 climate zones as you travel up the Chino Canyon of San Jacinto mountain. Sign up your little ones (ages 3 - 12) for the Tramsters Club for some discounts!

After seeing the great heights on the aerial tram head off to The Living Desert Zoo to take in animals from the North American and African continents. The kids will love grooming the dwarf African goat in the Petting Kraal of the African Village WaTuTu. There's a great Discovery Centre which offers some great interactive indoor activities if you need to get out of the sun for a little bit and a really awesome G scale model train which is sure to fascinate if not mesmerize the little ones! There's also a carrousel for all to ride. Note that summer hours are reduced as it gets too hot for the animals (and people), so if your visit is during the summer (June 1 - Sept 30) make sure that you plan your visit for the morning.

Lastly, the canyons were unfortunately closed when we were there, but next time we are in the area we will definitely be checking out the ranger-led hike of Palm Canyon.

California on my Mind (still)

Lots has happened since August and unfortunately, the blog was one of the things I just had to give up in order to make do. But I'm back! ...I think.


Really what happened is that I got pregnant last August and the three first months of my pregnancy hit me like a Mack truck and I just felt narcoleptic - all the time. Not the greatest time to have a family vacation planned... So here I am, with a blog on family travel and how great it is and I had, what I think my husband and I will forever remember as, the most difficult family vacation ever. There you go, even I have suck-y vacation sometimes. California, I love you, but last fall, you sucked. Or maybe rather, it was E that  just sucked all the fun out of it. Now don't get me wrong, there were lots of great times, and we did have some great times, but dragging your kicking and screaming child through Alcatraz and fantasizing about leaving her there, is not something I'd like to experience ever again thankyouverymuch.


That being said, it hasn't killed the desire for family travel in me. In fact, believe it or not, we're planning another trip to the golden state in September with E and now little G in tow. That's how much my husband loves the coastal landscape... or maybe we're just masochists asking for trouble. I'll let you know how it turns out this fall, but in the meantime, I thought I'd share one of the reasons which keeps pulling us back.


Nestled in the lush landscape of Marin County, about 45 minutes North of San Francisco lies the place where in my mind, i am most of the time... Tomales Bay and the Point Reyes Seashore is where, in my fantasy world, I would like to take off to and cash in Freedom 55 a little early... say Freedom 35. In the real world however, if you're on the west coast, it's a great place to spend a refreshing and relaxing family weekend.

Tomales Bay

Nick's Cove in Tomales Bay

The Red Legged Frog Cabin at Nick's Cove

E on the deck, eating apples from our breakfast
delivered to our room

Right on the waterfront, Nick's Cove has beautiful cottages and has the most friendly staff I've met in a long time. The cottages are all recently renovated and feel luxurious and homey at the same time. We stayed in the Red Legged Frog and suffice it to say, none of us wanted to leave. Breakfast was included in the room rate and delivered to our cabin every morning. When E woke up early, we had breakfast on the deck and let my husband sleep. The bed was a pure dream and there was plenty of space in the room for the 3 of us, with E sleeping in her camping bed. Nick's Cove also has beautiful cottages on stilts which are directly on the water which is why they are not recommended for small children, but truly amazing nonetheless. The restaurant at Nick's Cove also has some great food and a great children's menu for the small ones. I honestly can't say enough about this place and can't wait until our next visit.


If Nick's is all booked up, take a look at the Sea Mist Cottage which looks beautiful and is also right on the waterfront of Tomales Bay. It's always been booked when we've wanted to go, but hopefully we'll get the chance to check it out soon!

Sea Mist Cottage

Oyster farming is a major industry on the bay. The two largest producers are Tomales Bay Oyster Co and Hog Island Oyster Co, both of which retail oysters to the public and have picnic grounds on the east shore. For the best oyster lunch you have ever experienced, you will never get them as fresh as at The Marshall Store. A small shack on the side of the road, you can have your lunch right on the waterfront, overlooking the oyster farms where your lunch came from... that's how fresh it is!

Fresh oysters at the Marshall Store

Lunch at the Marshall Store

Hillsides east of Tomales Bay are grazed by cows belonging to local dairies. One of the best by far is the Cowgirl Creamery which has some of the best cheese you'll ever find. You can even book a tour of the farm, or simply buy some of their delicious products at the Tomales Bay Foods market in downtown Point Reyes Station.

Tomales Bay Foods

While in Point Reyes Station, there is a great little bookstore just around the corner from Tomales Bay Foods called Point Reyes Books. Celebrating their 10th year anniversary, they have a great selection of fiction and non-fiction and also have the cutest corner with children's books. They even have a small cubby with a gently used selection so you can share some of your out of print childhood favourites with your kids. Last time we were there we picked up some amazing photography books and cookbooks and a great non-fiction book about the benefits of eating locally. They also have many guest author and book signing events. E left the store with these two children's classics.


Stop for coffee and a delicious snack next door at the Bovine Bakery where you will find fresh hand-made organic coffee,  pastries and baked goods.

Chillin' outside the Bovine Bakery

The National Parks Service operates the Point Reyes National Seashore and wile we where there we were lucky enough to visit during the Tule Elk Season (form July - September) and the three of us took a lovely hike through the park and got to see the Elk roaming free and hear the sounds of their mating calls.

E and her dad walking through Point Reyes National Seashore

Tule Elk

The parks service also operates a great Visitors' Centre from where you can have your own Ranger-Guided tour of a Coast Miwok village during the Kule Lolko walk.

E in the Coast Miwok village

Entrance of a Coast Miwok sweatlodge

After a long day of hiking, enjoy a great Italian dinner at Osteria Stellina, where fresh delicious dishes are made from local organic products. We're still talking about the Bellwether Farms ricotta & toasted hazelnuts crostini... mmmm.


Point Reyes Weekend is a great source of information of what's happening in the area and if you're lucky enough to visit the area during Memorial Day weekend or Thanksgiving weekend, then do take in the local artists' Open Studios.


California, you will be on my mind for a long, long time...

Oh Canada! Ottawa with kids.

We go to Ottawa fairly often, as one of E's favorite cousins live there. It's also only about 1h30 away from Montreal. Canada's Capital region has quite a bit to offer no matter what time of the year, it seems that there's always something going on there, whether it's Winterlude, or the Tulip Festival in the spring or the Blues Fest in the Summer, it's a great place to go for the weekend with the family. If you do go, make sure you check out  Kids in the Capital for some amazing activity ideas, for things to do and places to go.

In the summer, take a walk with the family along the Rideau Canal, a Unesco World Heritage Site which also turns into the world's largest skating rink in the winter. Weather permitting, try to catch the changing of the guard at the Parliament at 10:00 AM. After that, check out Byward Market and grab a quick lunch (maybe on the go for a picnic) at one of my favorite spots, La Bottega known as much for its espressos as it's delicious paninis or, for an incredible food experience, try Sweetgrass Bistro, Canada's first Aboriginal bistro, showcasing First Nations foods with ingredients provided from local farms. For all the crafty mamas, check out Adorit  an amazing fair trade eco-fabric boutique.

Kayaking on the Rideau Canal

World's longest skating rink: The Rideau Canal in Ottawa

Changing of the guard on Parliament Hill

La Bottega in Byward Market

In the afternoon why not take a walk, or a bike ride in Gatineau Park, Canada's Capital consevation park where there's always loads of activities, no matter the time of year. It's also home to the Mackenzie King Estate site. Another beautiful outside park is at Petrie Island where the kids can see turtles, different kinds of birds and a whole variety of wetland wildlife. There's also a great beach.

Gatineau Park in the Fall

Petrie Island park 

Another great option is the Agriculture Museum, a working farm where kids will be able to see the breeds of dairy and beef cattle, pigs, sheep, horses, goats, rabbits and chickens, go on Tally Ho wagon rides, a tractors exhibit, and discover the essential role bees play in the pollination of many Canadian food crops. They also have different special events and activities throughout the year.

The dairy barn at the Agriculture Museum

The Farm at the Agriculture Museum

 If it's not so nice outside, don't worry, there's still tons to do. The Children's Museum is a truly amazing pace at the Museum of Civilization. There are changing temporary exhibits are 30 permanent exhibit spaces where kids will dress up in different costumes, have hands on activities and discover different traditions from different countries. You can easily spend an entire day there, and if not at least half a day. While you're at the Civilization Museum, if you're there before October 10, 2011, there's also a great exhibit on JAPAN: TRADITION. INNOVATION where five themes—travel, automation, social status, consumer culture and entertainment—demonstrate how traditional influences have shaped contemporary Japan and touched the world at large. Another classic favorite is the Science & Technology Museum where there really is something for everyone! Don't forget your astronaut ice cream! 4Cats Art Studios have an Ottawa location which provides some fun Art Studio workshops for kids, and the Reptile Zoo is sure to fascinate kids of all ages.


If you're looking to pick up some cute things for the little ones, why not stop by The Extraordinary Baby Shop, which really truly lives up to its name, 3 Little Monkeys, or Chick Pea who all have beautiful things for the babies. Nest is one of my favorite places to get wooden toys, but also for all the other beautiful stuff they have. If you have a young one (or not so young one) in your life who loves toy soldiers, try this place out, in Byward Market.


After all that, if you're still looking for things to do, take a look here!

Stroller + Diaper changing table = Abbie G2G Baby Deck Stroller

This new stroller is nothing short of amazing. Ever been walking around with your baby and realize you need to change his/her diaper? Only you realize that there is no changing table area in a 4-block radius... Or you're baby's just a little too big to be balanced on the back of the toilet (I had to do this once when E was really little...) in an insanely tiny toilet? Especially when travelling...

The Abbie G2G Baby Deck stroller is one of the best developments in strollers in a long time. Seriously?!? How did someone not think of this sooner? All I can say is that I'm sure glad they did. Now if only they could make it as a jogging stroller with real wheels...

An awesome roadtrip to be inspired by

The mavens behind one of my favorite travel blogs, Designtripper have detailed the highs and lows of their amazing recent road trip from Detroit to New Orleans, with 3 small children in tow, for the folks at Momfilter, another equally awesome site. You can also check out all of their blog entries for said trip here. Always nice to see people out there still roadtripping with young kids. Yes it is possible!!




A New England Mini-Vacation

Sometimes it's really important to get away, even if it's just for a few days. It's been quite a while since our last vacation and we have all been going stir-crazy, dying to get away. Here's a great plan for a New England mini family vacation which includes something for everyone, and some things, just in case (as it was for us) that the weather isn't what you hoped it would be.

Where to stay:


Sleepytown, in Wells, Maine is really a great place to stay with the family (or on a little couple getaway). Rooms start as low as $39/night and the also have cottages if you have a big family or are traveling with another family. They have an outdoor pool, a playground and the grounds are really gorgeous, peaceful and the people running the hotel are great. When we stayed there, our drive in took longer than expected and so we arrived after the office was already closed. A special note was left for us with instructions on how to get our keys and a phone number was left in case there was any problem or anything we needed. Well located, all places to go in this post are a short drive away.

Cottage at Sleepytown

Pond 

Pool

Playground

Beautiful grounds at Sleepytown in Wells, Maine

The Homewood Suites in Manchester, New Hampshire, offers a different style of accommodations than Sleepytown, but still great nonetheless. Offering suite style rooms, we discovered the definite advantage of staying in this type of room, in that after the small ones go to bed, you can still have a life. You don't have to go to bed when they do, as you would in a one-room scenario. They also have a 2 room suite (rates are as low as $120/night) which is great if you have a big family, or if you travel with another family, each family can have their bedroom and you can share the expenses for the accommodations. Buffet breakfast is included every day and so is dinner Monday through Thursday, which makes the rates even more affordable. There is a full kitchen in each room which allows you to fill your fridge and save $$ by dining in on the weekends. Wireless internet is also included and they have a great pool, hot-tub and workout room. The location in Manchester also is pretty good and most places to go in this post are also only a short drive away. The Pine Island Park is also right nearby.

2 bedroom suite

Bedroom 1 of 2 bedroom suite with 2 Queen Beds (The other has 1 King Bed)
and there is a pull-out in the living room area

lobby

Buffet Breakfast

Pool & Hot-tub

Workout room

What to do:

• Shopping. Okay... so I normally would never put this as the first option, but the outlets in Kittery, Maine (20 minutes from Wells, and about 1 hr from Manchester) are like shopping mecca. Seriously, prepare to spend the day, maybe even 2. There are loads of shops where you will be able to stock your kids closets full for the next year without spending crazy amounts of money, which means, that maybe, you'll be able to afford to get yourself to some new pieces to update the wardrobe.
• Discover a state park. Bear Brook State Park (1hr 20 from Wells, 27 minutes from Manchester) looks like a fabulous place to spend the day outdoors. Unfortunately, on our recent trip the weather was not exactly on our side, but it's definitely on the list for next time.

Beach at Bear Brook State Park

Playground at Bear Brook State Park

A view through the trees of Bear Brook State Park Pavillion

Fishing in Archery Pond in Bear Brook State Park

• Day at the beach. Ogunquit Beach (10 min from Wells, 1hr from Manchester) is really gorgeous and very family friendly. In summer it's the beach to go to on the Maine coast and in cooler weather, there are great walking paths which will bring you all along the coast. Marginal Way, the 1 1/4 mile walk brings you all the way to Perkins Cove, a really cute place to spend an afternoon on the Pier. If you do go to Perkins Cove, maybe try a deep sea fishing expedition on the Bunny Clark, but if you do, please take gravol before you go on the boat. Don't be a hero and learn form our mistakes, you don't want to end up spending the boatride puking like we did... Because, you will want to eat the freshest lobster roll you have ever had at Barnacle Billy's. Sitting on their deck on a gorgeous day, you may never want to leave! 
• Another great beach is Hampton Beach (45 min from Manchester 44 min from Wells). A cute vacation town with a great beach on the New Hampshire coastline they really cater to the summer crowd with all kinds of events, including fireworks, concerts and even a Children's Festival.
• Inside Activities if the Weather isn't so nice. Don't get discouraged, there's plenty to do. The See Science Centre in Manchester (1hr15 from Wells) offers a great way to spend a good half a day with the kids indoors. E loved their moonwalk simulation and watching her hair stand on her head during the static electricity demonstration. They also have the Lego Millyard project on display, containing 3 million Lego pieces in addition to some temporary exhibits. Although at 3, E was a little young to fully appreciate the whole place (6 - 8 would be the perfect age), she still really had a great morning. The Currier Museum, also in Manchester (1hr 12 from Wells) also has great exhibits and family programs for a rainy day and if you have children over the age of 7, go visit the Zimmerman House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright House open to the public.
• Visit Boston. (1hr 26 from Wells, 56 mins from Manchester) Rain or shine, this city offers lots of things to do with the family. Go visit the New England Aquarium if it's not so nice, where the kids can touch stingrays and shark in a touch tank or go on a whale watch. If it's nice out, spend the day in Boston Commons, take in Boston's Public Art, ride the Swan Boats or spend the day walking around in Faneuil Hall's Market Place. And if you didn't get all of your shopping done in Kittery, the folks at BabyBlackbird have put together an awesome list of childrens' shops in Boston.

Where to Eat:

• In Manchester: Famous Dave's BBQ really is legendary for a reason. They also have a great kids menu sure to satisfy the pickiest kids. For a more vegetarian friendly option, Republic Café offers fantastic organic & regional produce and farm fresh meats (they actually tell you what farm they are from). Not so child friendly (no kids menu, and not so accommodating to making a child's portion) there many menu options good for kids (E had fresh lamb Kefta, which she just assumed were regular meatballs).
• In Wells: MapleLeaves Gardens does not use MSG in their food and second to none, has some of the best Chinese food I've ever had. I can't wait to go back! Anello's Pastries unfortunately has closed, but look out to see if they will re-open. They make everything from scratch and are known for their gluten-free products.

Enjoy your travels!