Jeff and I started this blog to record and share our adventures....
Back in December, the Menge's loaded up our truck and drove off to Montana. We booked our timeshare in West Yellowstone for a week's adventure for us and Jeff's parents. Most people like to enjoy Yellowstone in the summer. But for us, it was all about less people and beauty the winter has to offer.
Needless to say, taking a one year old on a ten hour plus road trip had its disadvantages, but Hunter was a trooper! I think he enjoyed himself! We left in the evening, right at Hunter's bedtime, so that he would sleep most of the trip. Then we stopped when needed: food, restrooms, and stretching our legs.
Finally, we arrived in West Yellowstone at the World Mark West Yellowstone. It's a beautiful resort with pool, activity room, and centrally located. We were moments from main street and just blocks from the Yellowstone National Park Entrance. It was time to make some memories!
Jeff and I have traveled to West Yellowstone before and loved it. BUT we went during November and the roads from the West Entrance didn't have enough snow pack to be opened. This means the only entrance to Yellowstone was through the north or south. And thus we missed out on some of the best attractions. Although, because of the changed plans, we got to see some incredible sites as well. Needless to say, we were pretty excited to use the West Entrance and share this experience with our son and parents.
Because you cannot drive your own car into Yellowstone National Park during the winter, Jeff and I booked the family tours into the park. Through much research, I chose Buffalo Bus Touring Company. They had the tours we wanted at a reasonable price. We wanted to do two tours- the Old Faithful Explorer, and the Canyon Explorer, but the Canyon tour was full, so book early! Buffalo Bus gave us a discount through Wyndham, picked us up, gave us valuable information on West Yellowstone as well as the national park, were friendly, helpful, WARM, provided blankets and binoculars, and dropped us off. We would absolutely book with them again!
Our tour took us all long the Madison River where we got to see bison, coyotes, bald eagles, and more. our drive, our guide filled us in on the history of Yellowstone, the animals, hot springs, and what there is to see. Then we drove to the Fountain Paint Pots. Although it was a brisk morning, the views of the paint pots were stunning. Then off to the main attraction, Old Faithful. But as we headed that way, there was still lots to see and our guide stopped to point them out or let us out for a closer look.
Through out Old Faithful Visitor's Center is a must stop to learn all there is about the most reliable erupting geyser at the park. There is also the Old Faithful Inn, which began construction in 1903 and reached its current look in 1928. If you have time, there are plenty of hikes where you can see Old Faithful erupt from above!
There is also plenty to do in West Yellowstone. Since we now have a toddler, we went to check out the The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. Here, Hunter could get up close and personal (through glass or fenced area) with wolves and bears as well as learn about the history of these animals and others that live in the area. We even had the opportunity to hear a Yellowstone National Park Ranger speak about bison living in Yellowstone. It was certainly a must see, especially for Hunter.
For some much needed adult time, Jeff and I walked over toBig Gun Shooting Range . Because we are Californians, there are many guns that are illegal and can't shoot. So imagine Big Gun like a smaller one Las Vegas has. Needless to say, Jeff was excited. Jeff choose the Warriors Package (with one gun change), his targets (zombies, of course!) and even let me shoot! It was pretty awesome! With automatics, I forget how fast the ammo goes! Rest assured, Hunter was with his grandparents, and Jeff and I had all the safety equipment and our "guide" with us in the range. Safe fun is the best fun!
Many shops and restaurants are open in the winter in West Yellowstone, but I will only mention a couple of our favorites. By far our favorite is Serenity Bistro. Jeff and I ate here on our first trip to West Yellowstone for Thanksgiving. We had to eat here again. We were not disappointed. I made reservations early for our family Christmas dinner. There wasn't a special menu for Christmas, but there was a special plate, lamb. Delicious!
Another fun place is Slipper Otter Pub. Although its name says "pub" it is appropriate for families. Their pizza is truly something special-each madeby scratch. The atmosphere is casual with a large beer list, including lots of local favorites. It was the perfect eatery on a very cold evening.
Our last leg of our winter get-away was to Las Vegas. This was a last minute addition as by chance, our timeshare, the Grand Desert, was open! We had some friends meeting us for a New Year's celebration in Sin City! I know Vegas is known for "adult fun", but we found LOTS to do and eat for our family. One of the best was Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The weather was perfect and the views were unforgetable! Had we brought Hunter's carrier with us, we would have taken one of the many hikes available. Do note that if you want to go to the visitor's center, you have to go when you enter the park. The road is a loop from entrance to exit, with no in between.
We, of course, did the traditional "family" things in Veags , but I think we have the most fun finding new places to eat. One place we discovered and fell in love with (so much so, we went twice in a couple of days!) is Hash House A Gogo . Seriously, the food is AMAZING! They are award winning and even had Man vs Food over! Their pancakes don't fit on their plates, and a must have Andy's Sage Fried Chicken Benedict. Yes, you read that correctly. CHICKEN BENEDICT. You will not be disappointed! Plus, enjoy a cinnamon roll latte and you'll be all set!
Well, I think that covers our winter adventure. Other than New Year's. I spent it with Hunter; Jeff was with friendson the strip. Not a bad way to end the journey!
Next up for us was our Valentine's Day Pismo Beach adventure!
More to come!
Back in December, the Menge's loaded up our truck and drove off to Montana. We booked our timeshare in West Yellowstone for a week's adventure for us and Jeff's parents. Most people like to enjoy Yellowstone in the summer. But for us, it was all about less people and beauty the winter has to offer.
Needless to say, taking a one year old on a ten hour plus road trip had its disadvantages, but Hunter was a trooper! I think he enjoyed himself! We left in the evening, right at Hunter's bedtime, so that he would sleep most of the trip. Then we stopped when needed: food, restrooms, and stretching our legs.Finally, we arrived in West Yellowstone at the World Mark West Yellowstone. It's a beautiful resort with pool, activity room, and centrally located. We were moments from main street and just blocks from the Yellowstone National Park Entrance. It was time to make some memories!
Jeff and I have traveled to West Yellowstone before and loved it. BUT we went during November and the roads from the West Entrance didn't have enough snow pack to be opened. This means the only entrance to Yellowstone was through the north or south. And thus we missed out on some of the best attractions. Although, because of the changed plans, we got to see some incredible sites as well. Needless to say, we were pretty excited to use the West Entrance and share this experience with our son and parents.
Because you cannot drive your own car into Yellowstone National Park during the winter, Jeff and I booked the family tours into the park. Through much research, I chose Buffalo Bus Touring Company. They had the tours we wanted at a reasonable price. We wanted to do two tours- the Old Faithful Explorer, and the Canyon Explorer, but the Canyon tour was full, so book early! Buffalo Bus gave us a discount through Wyndham, picked us up, gave us valuable information on West Yellowstone as well as the national park, were friendly, helpful, WARM, provided blankets and binoculars, and dropped us off. We would absolutely book with them again!Our tour took us all long the Madison River where we got to see bison, coyotes, bald eagles, and more. There is also plenty to do in West Yellowstone. Since we now have a toddler, we went to check out the The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. Here, Hunter could get up close and personal (through glass or fenced area) with wolves and bears as well as learn about the history of these animals and others that live in the area. We even had the opportunity to hear a Yellowstone National Park Ranger speak about bison living in Yellowstone. It was certainly a must see, especially for Hunter.
For some much needed adult time, Jeff and I walked over to
Many shops and restaurants are open in the winter in West Yellowstone, but I will only mention a couple of our favorites. By far our favorite is Serenity Bistro. Jeff and I ate here on our first trip to West Yellowstone for Thanksgiving. We had to eat here again. We were not disappointed. I made reservations early for our family Christmas dinner. There wasn't a special menu for Christmas, but there was a special plate, lamb. Delicious!
Another fun place is Slipper Otter Pub. Although its name says "pub" it is appropriate for families. Their pizza is truly something special-each made
We, of course, did the traditional "family" things in Well, I think that covers our winter adventure. Other than New Year's. I spent it with Hunter; Jeff was with friends
Next up for us was our Valentine's Day Pismo Beach adventure!
More to come!
