Do It in Telluride, Colorado

06 Monday Jun 2016

Tags

The snow may be melted, but that only means another prime season in one of the best mountain towns the state of Colorado has to offer. Telluride- phenomenal in the winter and just as enjoyable in the summer.

Our family has been vacationing in Telluride, Colorado a minimum of 1-2 times a year, for the last 16 years. My in-laws introduced me to this mountain paradise when I first started dating their son back in 1999. On a drive from Las Vegas to Denver to take my brother-in-law back to school at the University of Denver, they made a pit stop in a little mountain town they knew nothing about. They fell in love, invested in a property, and the rest is history. Their vision of spending snowy holidays and sunny summer days in their log cabin style home became a reality for us as our family started to grow. My children have been traveling to this mountain top town nestled in the San Juan mountain range at 10,000ft since they were born. My husband and I could never thank our in-laws enough for providing us the opportunity to get to share and make these memories with our kids throughout their childhood. Here are some of the reasons we love it, and what you should know before heading to this tucked-away town in the box canyons.

Where to Stay

There are two options of locations to reside in Telluride: the town of Telluride itself, and Mountain Village. Both areas offer plenty of options in the way of luxury home rentals, luxury and boutique hotels, quirky cottages and bed and breakfasts. My perception of where to stay when people ask sounds like this:

Telluride– you are in the midst of all the energy and action. Food, shopping, activities are all walking distance away. A car is not necessary, rent or bring or bike instead. If you are in town during one of Telluride’s more popular festivals, just know that the town will be busy and there will be people everywhere and parking is limited. Wherever you stay, make sure it comes with a guaranteed parking spot because parking can be tricky and frustrating. Nightlife is present with cool bars and locals. A huge farmer’s market takes over several streets in the summer offering everything from veggies, fruits, meats and breads to arts and crafts and handmade clothing.

Mountain Village– is based on a European ski village. Still lots to do, but not quite as busy as town can get. Food and shopping not as abundant, but there are decent options. Lots of activities set up for families and kids like Kids’ Nights, Movie Nights, Live Music, but not much of a night life after 9 or 10pm. There are two major hotels in Mountain Village, the Hotel Madeline and The Peaks Resort and Spa– both recognized for their luxury and well-appointed rooms and hotel amenities. Beyond that, I would recommend renting a VRBO, especially if traveling with multiple families, or if your family just happens to be big like mine.

My family of 6 just spent our Spring Break in Telluride. My in-laws house was unavailable (they rent it out when not in use) and my husband’s cousins have built this amazing mountain home, built specifically to cater to large groups and families. They invited us to stay there since it was not being rented during our week of vacation. We had spent a week in the summer with them the year before- 4 families in their newly built home and it was super comfy! Here’s why:

Petra Domus

3330 sq ft with a main floor, basement/bunk room and guest house
Restoration Hardware style decor
Luxury appliances + sound system for comfortable entertaining and relaxing
Kids Bunk Room on lower level (basement)
Hot Tub
Breathtaking views of the San Sophia Ridgeline
Guest house complete with kitchen space and bathroom

What I love about staying in a VRBO in Mountain Village is the convenience of it all. With lots of kids we can eat all of our meals at home if want, and we can bring less clothes and with a washer/dryer option. We can keep the kids entertained with board games, nature hikes, yard games, snowball fights, snow forts, hot tub and hot cocoa memories while my husband and our friends can relax on the deck with a cocktail, music and conversation warmed by the fireplace.

What is tricky about staying in a VRBO in Mountain Village is the idea that we are being budget friendly with our groceries and meals, but it’s hard to say. Groceries in Telluride can be and are very expensive. Think Whole Foods on major steroids, and they don’t always have the organic options to back up the cost. Shopping at the local grocer almost makes you wish you were paying Whole Foods prices. Groceries can also be sparse depending on the time of year. It all makes sense when you think about it- not easy to get fresh produce and meats delivered on a regular basis at 10,000 feet above sea level, and when it is delivered, it costs money. Since we usually drive to Telluride, we make Costco run for things like orange juice, meats, produce and alcohol, then buy the fillers when we get there. This time around we had Hello Fresh (meal delivery service) deliver us three complete meals to cook at home. This saved us cargo space and money and was super easy.

Getting Around Town

Let’s start by getting TO town. Depending on where you are coming from is really going to dictate your mode of transportation. We live in Las Vegas. We usually drive. It is a 10-12 hour drive for us, depending on how many times our kids make us stop. Like I said, they have been road tripping T-Ride since they were babies, and all 4 of them do remarkably well. Since there is such an extreme change in elevation, we plan on overnighting on our way there to begin adjusting. We love to stay in Moab, Utah but since the town has started to grow in popularity for mountain bikers, rock climber and just the general outdoor enthusiast, the hotel room rates can be kind of obscene. Also, the drive into Telluride from Moab can be a bit, shall we say, breathtaking? It is not for the novice driver- beautiful views but lots of switchbacks and high roads with a long way down. We started driving through Grand Junction, which is about a 2-hour addition to the drive, but a smoother drive and more affordable rates for motels like Courtyard by Marriott, Holiday Inns, and Comfort Inns.

There is the option to fly, however, it can be pricey, and depending on the season, flights may be hard to come by. Telluride does have its own runway and airport, but is used anymore these days for private jets. The closest airports are Montrose with a 1-hour drive time into town, or Grand Junction with a 2-hour drive time into town. Because getting into Telluride is no easy feat, being there makes it all that more exclusive.

Once there, you really don’t have to have a car to get back and forth and around town. There is an awesome service called Dial-a-Ride that will come and pick you up and drop you off for free. Yes, FREE. (As a courtesy, tip your driver.) You will also get to experience the only FREE gondola in the United States run mainly by solar power that will take you up and down the mountain, to and from Telluride to Mountain Village and back. So, you have that going for you. The gondola offers spectacular views of the San Juan mountains and valleys, showcasing the area for miles and miles. Definitely plan on a gondola ride at least once during your stay, though I bet you will take it more than you can count on two hands.

Where to Go, Eat, Play, Shop

This little mountain town is always full of new adventures and time old ones as well. Of course, the obvious is available each season: skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, biking, hiking, climbing, fishing- it’s all there and all very glorious and stunning with top of the line outfitters and guides. Telluride also offers the tourist the chance to live like the locals, which I always find to be very cool. Here are some of our favorite things to do when we are not being active outdoor adventurers! (Note: because Telluride’s economy is strongly based on tourism, sadly, sometimes not all shops and restaurants make it from season to season. Also, not everything is open in between seasons. Use this as a guide, but always grab a Daily Planet newspaper or Telluride Style magazine to confirm, or to find awesome new places to try!)

Dine

The Butcher and Baker Cafe: Kind of sort of reminds me of Joan’s on Third in Santa Monica on a much smaller scale. A walk-up to order off either a daily menu written on a big chalk board sign, or from the deli case full of fresh made salads, fruit bowls, and pastries. You can purchase some of the signature items like bloody mary mix, and their to die for baked goods (get their first thing in the morning if you want cookies). Kid’s options, handcrafted sodas, hand mixed lemonades, fresh ground coffee, cocktails and a wine list…need I say more?
Rustico: Consistently delicious Italian meals and pizza served by attentive and friendly staff and occasionally the owners will make the rounds to say hi and thank you for joining them. Try for the Alfresco dining in the summer months, and sit fireside inside during the winter. Incredible bar and great drinks. They have a sister property in Mountain Village called La Pizzeria, equally delicious and a little more casual. Outside dining also available, which I highly recommend during summer when festivals and live music happening on the green.
Allred’s: The only way to get into Allred’s is via the gondola, where you will get off at San Sophia Station. Do this for a classy dinner, apres ski drinks, or just for a cocktail to admire the view from their all-window wall that looks out onto the town of Telluride below. Allred’s is the restaurant for the ski and golf country club in Telluride, so it is only open to the public for Apres, Dinner or Cocktails after 5pm. The menu is always current with seasonal selections. And, there is a children’s menu!
Brown Dogs Pizza: Believe it or not, there are award winning pizzas on their menu! A hole in the wall situated right on Colorado Street, Brown Dogs is a totally kick it kind of locals sports bar with delicious grub like pizza and wings and an array of the latest in local brews. Don’t ask for anything mainstream on tap, they will laugh you right out of the place. Kids love it because they can make their own pizza!

Family Stuff

If you haven’t noticed yet from my story, Telluride is a very family friendly town. There is not much you cannot do without your kids. Of course, you can also do ALL of this without your kids, but if you are coming strictly to spend time with your family, then Telluride is certainly the place to be. Our favorites combine both action and relax time for both kids and parents.

Wilkinson Public Library: Offering both a children’s section and a teen section, there’s plenty to do here without sticking an iPad in your kids’ hand because you need a 10-minute refresh. Teen room offers latest and greatest in tech games and board games. They can also indulge in some music and group activities to keep them social and protect their reputation. The children’s library is a total unicorn- hands on toys and games for the kiddos, tech games, computer time, full of books and movies, story times, crafts and activities, a carved wooden story chair and indoor treehouse.
Telluride Historical Museum: This tiny mountain town was once a big part of the mining industry in the 1800’s, and the Telluride Historical Museum was established to tell the story. The museum is housed in a building built in 1896 that functioned as the medical facility and hospital of the time- Hall’s Hospital. Take a tour though the recreated rooms, observing artificats showcasing the way of life and the people who put Telluride on the map. It is well worth the visit. It is also associated with The Smithsonian Institute, proving the museum is well done. A nice historical and educational way to spend your time, and end your visit with my kids’ favorite thing to do…pan for gold! Or other rocks and minerals and gems found in the mountain range surrounding Telluride.
Mountain Village: Depending on the season, Mountain Village is a lively little ski village in the winter and bustling little mountain village in the summer. Kids’ activities are abundant around here- activities will be set up on the grand lawn (or in the convention area of it’s winter), concerts, outdoor movies, bungee trampolines and obstacle courses. There are food carts with yummies like Diggity Dawgs Hot Dogs, Crepes and the Grilled Cheese lady. And, there is a Dylan’s Candy Shop for special treats.
Telluride Gravity Works: Indoor Rock Climbing with Belay option for the bigger kids provides at least an hour of fun for everyone. A smaller beginners wall for the little ones and taller, more challenging walls with belaying for the more experienced or for those who want to learn. Staff has always been professional, friendly and helpful, and our kids ask to go every time.

With 4th of July right around the corner, the town of Telluride gets lively and patriotic with a town parade down Colorado Street, community BBQ at the park and fireworks to top off the night. It’s one of our family’s most favorite times of year!

Posted by Stefanie Van Aken (RSMLVTravel) | Filed under Featured, Travel Inspiration, USA

≈ Leave a Comment

Wet-n-Wild Las Vegas :: LV Summer Playground for 2016

28 Saturday May 2016

Posted by Stefanie Van Aken (RSMLVTravel) in Featured, Fun

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Family Travel, Las Vegas

Wet-n-Wild is Las Vegas’ summer playground for 2016! We were invited guests at one of the hottest water parks in town before the summer crowds make their way into the park. My family does not opt for Season Passes as Wet-nWild Las Vegas is across town from where we live, and we also have a pretty jammed packed schedule every summer between summer camp and traveling. But, we make the effort to take the kids at least one time over the summer. Here’s some ideas on how to utilize your time wisely at Wet-n-Wild this summer!

Option 1: The Cabana Route

The cabana worked great for us this visit because we brought the twins (5 years old) for the first time. I also had my son and his friend, both 12, and my daughter, 10, along for the ride. I was a little hesitant at first thinking we wouldn’t use the cabana as much because the kids would want to be on the rides. I was also worried all of our time would be spent waiting in the lines to get on the rides. I was wrong on both accounts. Since we were there mid-May, the park’s operating hours only happened on the weekends, meaning smaller crowds, meaning non-existent lines. The weather was a perfect 80 degrees, but honestly, a bit too cold for my littles, and they kept asking where the hot tub was. We walked right onto rides, several times, throughout the day. The only line we waited more than 2 minutes in was for the Royal Flush. The Tornado was not opened that day, or I suspect there would have been a line for that as well. I also requested a cabana by the Paradise Falls, which is the kid’s area- full of slides and water guns and a giant dumping bucket, all designed for the smaller set. I felt comfortable enough for my twins to go down the slides on their own while I watched at the bottom and their older siblings escorted them around. (They are also strong swimmers.) There is another area with much smaller slides and less excitement near the Paradise Falls cabanas, meant for toddlers, but the twins also enjoyed those slides, mainly because the water was the warmest. There are also cabanas located around Red Rock Bay (the wave pool), but I am not a fan of that attraction, especially when I’m the only adult present. We were quite happy with the location at Paradise Falls, and having the cabana was great to let them have some downtime and get out of the sun for a bit, and also warm up with towels and cuddles. Cabana Check-In Tips: Get there early. Cabana Check-in, Groups Check-in and Season Pass purchasing is all done in the same place. The line can be long and slow depending on how many employees they have working that area. We were there on a slow day, and we had two large groups ahead of us just buying their Season Passes. My kids were growing wrestless, especially the twins, and luckily, I was able to get assistance on a cabana ASAP because I asked. You will be given a small piece of paper indicating your cabana number, and each person in your party must have a wristband indicating permittance into the cabana area. Cabana amenities include a complimentary pitcher of ice water, cups and napkins and a little fruit container that fed all 5 kids. You can also order food and drinks to be delivered to your cabana. We did not, but, we did grab some of our fave treats, dipping dots, and brought them back to hang out. The twins enjoyed people watching from behind our cabana as floaters went along the Colorado Cooler (aka: lazy river). The cabana is set up with 2 lounge chairs, 4 chairs and a table, offers plenty of shade, and good service. We were checked on frequently by our Cabana host and there is also a button you can push to get their attention when service is needed. Towels, sunblock, and safe are not available in the cabana. The canvas closures only close about halfway in front, so there is not total privacy or security, but there are lockers and bathrooms/changing rooms available inside the park. I did not notice any ceiling fans and/or misters inside our cabana, and we did not need them that day. However, I can only imagine how hot it might get inside the canvas walls without some kind of ventilation or misting system to help keep it cooler during summer temps.

Option 2: Lockers and Express Bands

In summers past, I would take my two oldest to Wet-n-Wild. I would spring for the Express Bands and grab a locker. We would be in and out of the park within 4 hours. If we wanted to stay longer, we would, of course, but my kiddos were usually spent at about that time. I also did not have the twins with me, so this system worked well because it was convenient and fast. The Express Bands is one of the things Wet-n-Wild does right. Personally, I lose my patience quickly standing in the hot sun, on the hot concrete with my kids crying and complaining and hanging on me making me even hotter and sweatier while waiting the 20 minutes to get on a 1-minute ride. So, in my world, the cost for the Express Bands is well, well, worth it. There are two options of Express Bands; Standard Express ($20) and Premium Express ($30), the difference is in the amount of times you have to wait for each ride. They work much like the new magic bands at Disney World (not Land…they are still lame and only have Fast Passes). You walk up to a machine, pick the ride you want to go on, wave your Express Band, push a few buttons, and voila! You are now waiting in line without waiting in line. So, say you want to ride the Tornado. You use your Express Band to “get in line”. Your wait time pops up on your band, say, 8 minutes. During those 8 minutes, you can grab a snack, go potty, hit up the Red Rock Bay, Colorado Cooler, Paradise Falls, then, oh, look, our time is up! Head back over to the Tornado, walk into the Express Band line, and grab your float. See? So easy. The lockers are also super easy and quick and large enough to hold the three towels, sunblock, changes of clothes and water bottles we would need for the day. Depending on the size you need, the lockers range from $9-$12. Upon renting a locker, you will get a wristband that you wave in front of a sensor and like magic, your locker pops open. The locker area is shaded, and also located near the restrooms/changing rooms. I highly recommend this option if looking to get through the park in a few short hours.

Other Cool Stuff to Know

Wet-n-Wild Las Vegas offers a plethora of other family-focused activities during the season like Dive-In Movies and concerts, with plenty of reasons to make it a whole day and night time experience. There are half day entry fees as well for the late afternoons, Season Dining Plans and VIP cabana rentals. Season Pass holders also have lots of benefits like buddy passes and discounts on pretty much everything- I was asked the whole day every time we bought something if I was a VIP or Gold member. Great rides that also include the Slideboarding– an interactive gaming ride combining skills and thrills inside the Zip, Zap, Zoom slides (the green one).

Taking Littles and Ride Info

I thought the twins were the perfect age to start riding the rides. They tend to be little thrill seekers, one more than the other, but nonetheless, I figured they were ready. They met the day with excitement, but after their first ride, The Constrictor, they became nervous and a bit scared. They didn’t want to go “in the dark” or “too fast”. I’m not sure if it was the water element that threw them off, and also, the water is cold, really cold. After a trip in the Colorado Cooler and floating in Red Rock Bay, they were ready to tackle the rides again. The Desert Racers I thought they would love, but I had to go back and fetch them from the bottom, and the attendant at the top had to convince them to go down. I thought they went when I said, “Go!”, but that wasn’t the case. Just good to have in mind if you’re bringing first timers to the park. The water is cold, some of the slides are dark and fast which can be scary for newbies. The twins are 43″ tall, so they were able to ride most rides. Those under 46″ tall have to wear a life jacket in the Red Rock Bay, which I am totally fine with- in fact, I make my older ones wear a life jacket or instruct them to stay on a float (can you tell I’m a bit paranoid with this ride- I worked at the old Wet-n-Wild on the strip, I know the horror stories). The other ride factor most people don’t think about is the weight requirement, and let me tell you, it’s a total bummer when you walk a l l t h e w a y to the top of the ride to find out you and your riding partner(s) don’t weigh enough. It happens. There is a scale at the top, that blinks either green or red to indicate if you made it (no numbers!). Honestly, I think that scale should be at the bottom of the ride so there is no guessing. Fortunately, most rides with a weight requirement have an alternative ride on the same platform with no weight requirement in case you hit a red light. All of this is reminding to tell you about entering the park. There is a lifeguard on hand right at the entrance, along with a measuring stick determining who is tall enough for what. Once the height has been established, they will provide your child with the proper colored wristband. This makes it easier when getting in lines for the rides as the heights requirements are color coded to the wrist bands. One thing I love about the rides is they end on the slide…there is no deep pool to drop into, so when one of the twins had to ride with my daughter, I felt better knowing they could both easily stand up to exit safely.

OK! Enjoy your visit to the park, and hashtag your fun times with #LVSummerPlayground on Facebook and Instagram!

Disclaimer: My family and I were invited guests of Wet-n-Wild Las Vegas. We were provided a full day cabana and entry into the park in exchange for this review. All thoughts, word, opinions are always my own.

twincapades :: The Nanny Files

21 Saturday May 2016

Posted by Stefanie Van Aken (RSMLVTravel) in Lifestyle

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

babysitter, date nights, hired help, me time, mommy's helper, nannies

The biggest disillusionment of having family in town is the idea of help at the ready. Don’t get me wrong. Yes, I do have plenty of help when a much needed date night or weekend get away is in order. But, there are a few things that I have to be realistic about:

I have four kids. If you only have 1, even 2, and people are offering to help you out…take them up on it. If you plan to expand, keep in mind, the offers are fewer and further between.
My parents and in-laws have a life, too. They cannot always be at my beck and call when I need them to, or better yet, keep my kids as long as I need/want them to.
My own siblings have kids, and therefore, my parents are spread thin…rightfully so, they want to spend time with their other grandchildren as well, who also live in Las Vegas.
Did I mention I have 4 kids??

In order to keep my life sane and smooth, and our family running on a tight schedule (with variable hiccups), my husband and I agreed that we really do need to hire help. Of all people, my husband really does understand the anecdote, “If mama’s not happy ain’t nobody happy.” So in order to keep order, we have to look beyond our immediate family.

This in itself, is not easy to do. For starters, there are so many definitions these days about who these people are and what their actual job description is and for how much pay and how many hours, and so on. When I was working full time, we had hired help for just few hours a day because mine and my husband’s schedules overlapped. We needed someone to just be at home with the kids for like 2-4 hours during that gap. My son was in pre-school and kindergarten so there was no stress about getting homework done, or getting to bed on time, or getting dinner on the table, or doing laundry…all the things that make a home function beyond the dual incomes. When we learned about the twins, we decided then and there, someone to just fill a gap would not do. My son was entering 1st grade, and my daughter pre-K. There would be loads of laundry, dishes, messy rooms, homework, lunches, projects, after school activities, not to mention whatever attention the babies required, or the time off mommy would need as I was now a SAHM…I still needed me time. There was no way my mother-in-law or mother would be able to support us in the way we needed. I didn’t want to feel like I was spending all my time doing loads upon loads of laundry, or constantly unloading and loading the dishwasher. I had a different life in mind. And, yes, it was going to require compromising on budget and reworking things to fit it in, but it was something my husband and I agreed was important to our family structure.

Where to Start

Here is how my husband and I decided we were going to need additional help, and how much help we would actually need:

What is your regular day/night time routine like?
What do you need the nanny to do? Light housekeeping, laundry, pick up the kids, cook?
What is your budget? How many hours a week will you need someone and what can you afford to pay?

We agreed on 3 days a week, 4 hours a day. With the older kids in school 5 times a week, and the twins in school 3 days a week, if I managed my time right, I was able to get all my errands, house chores, etc. done without having to pay a nanny. My husband does not have a regular work week schedule, which helps with getting kids ready and dropped off at school in the morning. But, he does work late. I needed someone during that “Witching Hour” to come in after school and help with baths, homework, dinner and bed time.

Where to Hire

There are various ways to go about doing this. Over the last 5 years, we have had at least 10 nannies and/or babysitters. I explored many options when trying to find the right person for my precious entourage. The main ones being:

Word of Mouth
Agency
On-line Service (like Care.com)

Personally, our best nannies came via word of mouth, but many of my friends have had great luck using an agency or on-line service.

How To Hire

No matter which path you choose to find a nanny, always exercise caution when going through the interview process. For me, it didn’t matter if the applicant was my BFF’s cousin I had known for years, I needed the security to know she was professional, present and engaged with my children, and knew what to do when I wasn’t around. Do not falter in your decision, and if you have a gut feeling about something, stick with it. Good or bad. You are putting your babies in someone else’s care, make sure you feel confident in your choice.

Have a Check List ready of interview questions. Some important ones for us:
- What is your experience in working with children?
- Have you ever worked with twins?
- What is your philosophy on discipline?
- How do you keep the kids busy and engaged?
- Do you know CPR? First-Aid? What would you do in an emergency situation?
- How do you manage stress?
Background Check or Reference Calls
Ask for a Resume
15 or 30 Day Trial Period

If you are a parent of multiples, definitely consider what that is going to mean for you and the nanny. They demand attention. Even with two adults around, keeping an eye on 2 year old twins is very challenging, and we have two other children we need to look out for. If caregivers are not familiar with how much time, noise and attention multiples need, they may not be ready to take on the job. I also like a trial period. This gives me the opportunity to work closely with my potential new hire. They can shadow me, and I can observe them. I start with a few hours a week coming with me everywhere, seeing what I do, letting them take on some tasks. Then I will plan to be away for a few hours and a little more each time, until I feel like a trust there. If it doesn’t look like it’s going to work out, then you have the option to walk away, no strings attached.

How To Keep Your Nanny

Might sound funny now, but just you wait. Once you find an amazing nanny, you will pray everyday that she doesn’t leave. We have had our fair share of the good and the bad. If you have ever worked as a manager, it is good experience on how you run your family and treat your employees. Being a parent is a full time job beyond the parenting. There are many daily tasks that have to be completed as well. Our current nanny is fabulous. We have had her for almost two years and I have to start coming to the realization, that sometime next year she will probably leave. She is graduating from college and the twins will be 3. At some point, you have to let go. In the meantime, it is important to make sure you work together so your nanny wants to stay.

Communication is key.
Organization- have a family calendar that includes the nanny, chore charts so everyone knows their expectations
Weekly Meetings with the Nanny
Advanced notice on important dates or special events
Pay on time, as agreed
Allow room for vacation and sick days
Recognize special events in their lives

The secret to hiring a good nanny? Hire someone who has the passion and dedication to want to be with your kids all day. Someone who is mature enough and experienced enough to know what you need before you do. Someone who is proactive enough to see what needs to be done and does it. They are two steps ahead and yet, they walk easily behind without stepping on toes or forgetting they are not the parent. They are someone who fits easily into your family and your kids adore them, yet respect them because they know there are rules to follow. Though the nanny is there to make my life easier, I still function as mom first. That’s my job, and I would never give that up, to anyone.