-
13 iPhone Apps for Your NW Trip
Need ferry fares, Oregon traffic maps or the Spokane weather forecast? There’s an app for that. Need the kids to chill on the long I-5 drive? There’s a nap for that. Here are 13 apps to consider for your trip in and around Washington, Oregon and BC. You’ll find all in the iTunes Store. A caveat: If you plan to use a web-boosted app in a country not included in your iPhone coverage, find out how much it’ll cost you to use your data plan. ————————————– 1. Â BorderWait by RBJZ Post Industries |Â $0.99 This app displays times at the American/Canadian border, so you can decide which crossing to take. Locals…
-
Four Family Hikes Near Downtown Portland
Spectacular scenery is a fabulous reason to visit Portland, Oregon with kids. Portland is located just west of both the stunning Mt. Hood and the waterfall-rich Columbia River Gorge. Even if you’re in town for just a few days, squeeze in a quick family hike. Where should you go for your hike? To find out, I e-interviewed Paul Gerald, the Portland-based hiking expert and author of 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Portland: Including the Coast, Mount Hood, St. Helens, and the Santiam River. Q: If a family was visiting Portland and had a half-day for a hike, where would you send them? What’s a must-see, if you can only experience one hike?…
-
Farm Stays with Kids in Washington, Oregon and British Columbia
Reader Question: Where can I vacation in a family-friendly bed and breakfast — on a working farm — in Washington State, Oregon or British Columbia? – Juliana, mom of two kids (5 and 1), Seattle, Wash. ———————————————- Thanks for the great question! Here’s a quick rundown of what I found online. Unlike larger hotels, most bed and breakfasts do not allow children to stay free, but you’ll get a cool experience in exchange. Because few are listed on sites like Tripadvisor.com, I might call to speak with the owners, and ask for a reference if you’d like to hear from someone who enjoyed their visit. British Columbia family-friendly farm stay:…
-
The Whale Museum in Friday Harbor, Washington State
Recent news of whale shows gone horribly wrong may lead some families to avoid live sea shows. San Juan Island’s The Whale Museum, a respectful facility focused on mammal life in the Puget Sound, offers a solid alternative for inquisitive kids. Located on Washington State’s Friday Harbor, the 1,200-square-foot Whale Museum offers car-sized whale skeletons suspended in mid-air, seemingly just to wow little ones. Jarred whale brains and a nauseatingly long intestinal worm (jarred!) garner an ew yuck awesome reaction from bigger kids. Children can listen in on distinctive whistles and blurts in a “whale telephone booth,” and look for orcas in a mock research lab. The children’s room encourages kids…
-
10 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Portland
Lucky you, going to Portland, Ore., with the kids. So many amazing dining spots, and so little time. I’m giving you a quick rundown of my favorite Portland kids-welcome restaurants, from cheap to chic, granola to gut-busting. Kid-friendly restaurants in Portland, Oregon 1. Vita Café. Even meat eaters will devour the vegan vittles at this café. Take a seat at one of the booths, order off of the extensive vegetarian and meaty menu. Then head back to the waiting area, where you’ll find two small containers stuffed with table-ready toys (cars, plastic figurines, you know, all the stuff you mean to bring to the restaurant but forget at home). Kids’ menu…
