If you follow my social media it is no secret that we have been enjoying ALL that the PNW has to offer. Jay and have I have taken the kids a a few little road trips since March. We had quite a few spring and summer plans pre COVID but after those trips were cancelled we decided to open up a map and look up some places in the PNW. I wanted to share some of our favorite driving vacations. Today's list is going to highlight some kid friendly and no kid recommendations for fall and winter!
Sandpoint, Idaho
Sandpoint, ID (And Schweitzer)- While we all know Coeur d'Alene, but the unforgotten place is Sandpoint, which is so underrated. I love the charming little town and about a 1/2 hour away is Schweitzer ski resort. This ski mountain is a fun one but it isn't a great one for beginners I think there is only like 2 or 3 green runs (although it is a great learning mountain for kids).
While there are two options of places to stay, you can stay in town The Seasons at Sandpoint is our favorite place to stay in town. Views of the lake, nice condos, pool and hot tub and a short walk or drive to town. If you want to go shopping, go out to dinners or bars this is the place to stay.
With kids during the winter I prefer to stay on the mountain in a ski in ski out type of place. We have been lucky renting a condo at the White Pines through the resort so be sure to check out their site.
Next is my all time favorite winter wonderland! Sun Valley Idaho!
While there are two options of places to stay, you can stay in town The Seasons at Sandpoint is our favorite place to stay in town. Views of the lake, nice condos, pool and hot tub and a short walk or drive to town. If you want to go shopping, go out to dinners or bars this is the place to stay.
With kids during the winter I prefer to stay on the mountain in a ski in ski out type of place. We have been lucky renting a condo at the White Pines through the resort so be sure to check out their site.
Next is my all time favorite winter wonderland! Sun Valley Idaho!
Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley, ID- While SV is always on my list summer, fall, and winter. When in Sun Valley there are a million different places to stay. With kids we like to always stay in an Airbnb house or a condo. With kids I prefer to stay closer to Sun Valley itself and get a place that has the Sun Valley Resort amenities . I also think it is easy to throw the kids in the stroller and walk to get coffee, visit the toy store, or just go grab lunch in the lodge. Before kids I would always prefer to be in Ketchum where the "action" is. If you are staying in town I recommend the Limelight hotel. But if it is your first time to Sun Valley it would be a sin to not experience the Sun Valley resort itself.
Silver Mountain Kellogg, Idaho
Silver Mountain Resort- This place is mostly fun for the kids but is also fun for the parents as well. I mean who doesn't love waterslides? I have been here in the fall winter and spring. You don't even need to ski or do mountain sports to enjoy it. The condos are great and when we have been there we have cooked in for all of our meals but there are options for take out or dine in. The ski mountain itself is a great little mountain, Jay and I actually had our best powder day there on New Years Day in 2016. The only thing is the 1/2 hour gondola ride to get to the top of the mountain. At the end of a long ski day it is quite the trek to get down, especially with kids. (this might be a good time to bust out a candy bar or sucker)
Couer d'Alene
Couer d'Alene, ID- CDA is great, we all know that. While I love it in the summer I think CDA is my favorite at Christmas. They have Christmas dialed in with the boat ride to Santa and warm cookies and milk delivered to your room. While this has been one of our favorite Christmas traditions I don't know if it'll be one we will do this year. It is a boat ride (inside) with 200 people and that doesn't seem like the best COVID choice. But I highly recommend it is truly magical for the kids.
Trips WIthout Kids
Willamette Valley Wine Tasting
Willamette Valley OR- Oregon Wine Country is one of my favorite places in the fall to visit, grape vines changing color, the crisp fall air while sipping on a glass of Pinot Nior. Simply PERFECTION! There are endless wineries to visit in the Willamette Valley. We like the wineries outside of Dundee. My first stop is always Argyle for some bubbles. Our other favorite places to go is the hobbit house called White Rose. We also love Alexana, the wine caves at Archery Summit (call for tasting reservations), and end your day with beautiful views at Domaine Serene.
There are plenty of places to stay, people would recommend the Allison Inn, but I prefer the Black Walnut Inn. This is one of the most beautiful places in the PNW.
There are plenty of places to stay, people would recommend the Allison Inn, but I prefer the Black Walnut Inn. This is one of the most beautiful places in the PNW.
Hood River, Oregon
Hood River OR- Hood River is such a little gem. When we lived in Portland we often would leave the city and head there for hikes, lunch and just to cruise the cute little shops. If you are looking for a night away this winter head to Hood River. Get up early and drive past Hood River to Mt Hood Meadows for a ski day. As a kid we never skied there and I don't know why. It has a lot of terrain and I have had some of my best ski days on this mountain when we lived in Portland. After skiing head back into Hood River for dinner you can grab pizza at Solstice or Double Mountain Brewery. If you are looking for something a little fancier check out Celilo Restaurant, Riverside, or Three Rivers Grill.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth WA- While this can be a kid trip but if you are looking for the ultimate kid free trip head to the Post Hotel in Leavenworth. This hotel is like nothing I've seen before. While it does cost a pretty penny it is worth it. Hands down the best part are the steam rooms, pools, etc. I don't know the current status with COVID I know they are open. It is worth doing some research on your own to see their protocol. Nonetheless if you are looking for the ultimate relaxing night away this is your best bet in the state!
Next up for us....
We leave in a week or so for a 6 day Montana trip! We are excited to see some fall leaves, check out some new places and take Leo to the Museum of the Rockies to see some dinosaurs. We are first doing a few nights in Missoula then heading to Bozeman. We have some fun plans up our sleeve and I hope it isn't a bust! I can't wait to share out the trip went. Here is many more PNW road trips!
Cheers,
Jess
Cheers,
Jess
RSS Feed