Tag: Places to Go

Pier 39, San Francisco, California

Last weekend my sisters-in-law and I went for our first ever sister’s weekend to sunny San Francisco. The tots stayed home with Mountain Dad, while I went with the ladies to shop, eat, and play.
One of the best places for all of these activities was Pier 39, right on the water at San Francisco Bay. Shops line the boardwalk filled with souvenirs, and tasty sourdogh bread, just right to appreciate the well known landmarks of San Francisco, including Alcatraz Island, home to some of the nations most dangerous criminals until 1963.
The America’s Cup finals were going on, adding to the number of sail boats on the bay.

It was fun to see the boats flit about on the water while enjoying a baked treat from the street vendors.
Some of the shops on Pier 39 were typical tourist traps, but overall the vibe was exciting and uniquely San Franciscan.  It was a great spot, and don’t worry I brought the tots some special gifts to let them know I was thinking of them, even if they weren’t with me. Sometimes Mountain Mom needs some time off too.

Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, Orderville, Utah

Every year my little family of four meets up with aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents for an awesome family reunion. This year, the location was Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, just five minutes outside the East entrance to Zion National Park.
Lodging at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort ranges from camping locations and small private cabins to large vacation homes, like the Moose Lodge which easily slept our group of 42. The industrial kitchen was perfect for our large group, but for those of you less inclined to cook your own food while on vacation, a restaurant is available at the lodge.

What was most fun about staying at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort was participating in their Adventure Package. Big E loved the bungee trampoline, miniature golf, and swimming in the pool (complete with two slides and two hottubs). I loved the zip line and the barn dance.
But the real winner of the trip was Mountain Dad who spent as much free time as possible driving this Polaris Ranger Utility vehicle. It’s like a four wheeler that can seat the kids comfortably in back, while riding up gnarly rock trails to beautiful vistas.

Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort was a great gathering place near Zion National Park. My one complaint was that they do not have recycling facilities. Zion National Park supports going green so much, it no longer sells bottles of water to prevent waste, but Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort didn’t have even the basic recycling facilities available. I hope that changes soon.
If you’re looking for a fun getaway spot near Zion National Park, make sure to check out this one!

Goblin Valley State Park, Utah

In honor of National Trails Day yesterday, the tots and I visited Goblin Valley State Park in Utah. The white sandstone contrasted beautifully with deep red rock in the landscape around the park, evoking a welcoming yet desolate feel.
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Haverford Nature Reserve, Pennsylvania

I recently enjoyed a springtime stroll down Meadow Trail in the Haverford Reserve, near Havertown, Pennsylvania. My brother lives there with his wife and their three beautiful girls. On this particular day we spent the morning playing at the coolest park I’ve ever been to (Nice one Haverford!), before crossing the street to enjoy the wilderness for a while.
Haverford Reserve is a huge swath of land right outside of Philadelphia.  I was told by my sister-in-law that it used to be a private estate, but the owner gave it to the city to be used for recreational purposes. Some of the land was turned into a city park, some into sports fields, and some into well maintained hiking trails.

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