The City of Prague by William Jeffery Prowse
I dwelt in a city enchanted,
And lonely indeed was my lot; . . .
Though the latitude's rather uncertain,
And the longitude also is vague,
The persons I pity who know not the City
The beautiful City of Prague.
The city of "golden spires" has captured the imagination of our family. It has the intrigue of the iron curtain era, an underground literary world, the velvet revolution and frozen in time appeal of a grand old European city. We came as close as Dresden this last summer, but to our great disappointment we could not manage to travel to Prague. Now I am more determined than ever. As a result I have been hunting down hotels that can sleep a family of five. Here is what I have found so far.
Ungelt Hotel: The Imperial Suite in this apartment/hotel can accommodate a family of 5, moderate price www.ungelt.cz
Pension Bob has 2 rooms that connect, moderate price, www.pensionbob.cz
Dum u Velke Boty has a suite on the third floor with two bedrooms, moderate to splurge, includes breakfast, www.dumuvelkeboty.cz
I'll be adding to the list as we go. In the meantime, I will be traveling vicariously at www.praguewelcome.cz/en/
Holly
Sleeps5.com
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Sleeps 5 on Roanoke Island-Manteo, NC - Tranquil Inn
We have been riveted here on the West Coast watching Hurricane Irene threaten our Eastern neighbors. Our family has especially been watching the charming little town of Manteo, North Carolina on historic Roanoke Island, where we vacationed just ten days ago. We have seen pictures of local denizens traversing the streets on boats instead of cars, boarded up windows of the shops, and the water surrounding the Full Moon Cafe where we dined al fresco--I can still taste the Shrimp and Grits and the chocolate Lava Cake. We are all aware of the damage wreaked on the Outerbanks of the North Carolina Coast, but that said, many of these picturesque and historic villages like Manteo will need tourism to resume as soon as possible.
To that end, I would like to give a plug to the Tranquil Inn (www.1587.com)located on the water right in the middle of town. Our family stayed in Room 35 which has two queen beds and a pull out sofa. This is one of the few establishments on the entire island that can house a family of five. Our room had lovely nautical views from each window. Complimentary continental breakfast was served each morning, a wine and cheese reception was provided in the late afternoon. The Tranquil Inn is also home to one of the nicest restaurants in the county. Overall, the name of the inn is accurate to the general feeling of the place and the town itself. We truly enjoyed the slow, friendly pace of life.
Local attractions include the Elizabethan Gardens (bring mosquito repellent or buy the little wipes in the gift store), the Lost Colony exhibit or see the Production of the Lost Colony against the picturesque back drop of Albemarle Sound. Walk the nature preserve boardwalk circumnavigating Roanoke Island Festival Park and as you cross the little bridge to reach the park look in the water for the blue needlefish swimming below.
As you make your plans consider checking the town's website at www.townofmanteo.com for updates on the conditions of the town post Hurricane Irene.
Holly Jacobsen
Sleep5.com
To that end, I would like to give a plug to the Tranquil Inn (www.1587.com)located on the water right in the middle of town. Our family stayed in Room 35 which has two queen beds and a pull out sofa. This is one of the few establishments on the entire island that can house a family of five. Our room had lovely nautical views from each window. Complimentary continental breakfast was served each morning, a wine and cheese reception was provided in the late afternoon. The Tranquil Inn is also home to one of the nicest restaurants in the county. Overall, the name of the inn is accurate to the general feeling of the place and the town itself. We truly enjoyed the slow, friendly pace of life.
Local attractions include the Elizabethan Gardens (bring mosquito repellent or buy the little wipes in the gift store), the Lost Colony exhibit or see the Production of the Lost Colony against the picturesque back drop of Albemarle Sound. Walk the nature preserve boardwalk circumnavigating Roanoke Island Festival Park and as you cross the little bridge to reach the park look in the water for the blue needlefish swimming below.
As you make your plans consider checking the town's website at www.townofmanteo.com for updates on the conditions of the town post Hurricane Irene.
Holly Jacobsen
Sleep5.com
Monday, August 22, 2011
Look! A Travel Contest for a Family of 5!
We're not so different now. There truly must be a trend toward having 3 children. In an earlier post, I linked to a travel news show that mentioned a "family of 5", and in magazines and on tv commercials I've been noticing product advertisements that include images of families with 3 kids.
But hotel and travel contests still usually specify airfare and/or accommodations for 4. I always imagine entering the contest and then winning and having to negotiate space for our 3rd child, or having to purchase an additional seat and paying to upgrade to a suite, or having to forego my prize altogether.
This week, the UK based tabloid, The Daily Mirror, and Aquafresh toothpaste are offering a contest for a family trip to London, but get this: the prize is for "one lucky family of 5"! I want to know which luxury London hotel is willing to accommodate a family of 5 for the overnight stay. That hotel needs to be included on Sleeps5, if it isn't already.
Sandy Nielsen
Sleeps5.com
But hotel and travel contests still usually specify airfare and/or accommodations for 4. I always imagine entering the contest and then winning and having to negotiate space for our 3rd child, or having to purchase an additional seat and paying to upgrade to a suite, or having to forego my prize altogether.
This week, the UK based tabloid, The Daily Mirror, and Aquafresh toothpaste are offering a contest for a family trip to London, but get this: the prize is for "one lucky family of 5"! I want to know which luxury London hotel is willing to accommodate a family of 5 for the overnight stay. That hotel needs to be included on Sleeps5, if it isn't already.
Sandy Nielsen
Sleeps5.com
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Sedona, AZ with our Family of Five
The Summer of 2011 is bittersweet for the Jacobsen family of five. Two of our members will be heading off to college in the Fall; leaving future family trips uncertain in their participation and consistency. Our children are not the little ones who once fit inside playpens meant for babies at some hotels. They are instead long and lanky, bigger than the parents who brought them into the world.
None-the-less, we packed all those teenage arms and legs along with us to Sedona, AZ where we stayed at the Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa. Our accommodations included a one bedroom with two queen beds and a pull out sofa. A breakfast buffet (including coffee and juice) is offered in the morning for $15.50. A children's buffet is also offered at a much lower price which includes cereal, fruit and juice. There are three different pools: a fun pool with a spouting cactus fountain, a lap pool and a quiet pool. Most families were at the first pool described. The spa had beautiful facilities including a work-out gym at no extra charge.
The town of Sedona is about 10 to 15 minutes from the hotel by car, but the trails and outdoor activities are all over the area. The hotel staff members were very helpful providing maps and making suggestions for hikes and parks. One family favorite is Slide Park, which consists of a narrow canyon with a shallow stream running through it. Kids and grown ups alike slide down the worn rocks under the shallow stream. Bathrooms are available. Parking is $20.00 which is also your entrance fee. The rest of the parks require a park pass which you attach to your car mirror. It is $5/day or $15 for a week long pass. It can be purchased at any gas station and the gift shop inside the Hilton Resort. They will also provide you a more detailed map of the various trails and so on. Sedona is magical, mystical and red red red. We hiked along various streams and drove up to the Chapel of the Holy Cross which provides beautiful views.
Holly Jacobsen
Sleep5.com
None-the-less, we packed all those teenage arms and legs along with us to Sedona, AZ where we stayed at the Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa. Our accommodations included a one bedroom with two queen beds and a pull out sofa. A breakfast buffet (including coffee and juice) is offered in the morning for $15.50. A children's buffet is also offered at a much lower price which includes cereal, fruit and juice. There are three different pools: a fun pool with a spouting cactus fountain, a lap pool and a quiet pool. Most families were at the first pool described. The spa had beautiful facilities including a work-out gym at no extra charge.
The town of Sedona is about 10 to 15 minutes from the hotel by car, but the trails and outdoor activities are all over the area. The hotel staff members were very helpful providing maps and making suggestions for hikes and parks. One family favorite is Slide Park, which consists of a narrow canyon with a shallow stream running through it. Kids and grown ups alike slide down the worn rocks under the shallow stream. Bathrooms are available. Parking is $20.00 which is also your entrance fee. The rest of the parks require a park pass which you attach to your car mirror. It is $5/day or $15 for a week long pass. It can be purchased at any gas station and the gift shop inside the Hilton Resort. They will also provide you a more detailed map of the various trails and so on. Sedona is magical, mystical and red red red. We hiked along various streams and drove up to the Chapel of the Holy Cross which provides beautiful views.
Holly Jacobsen
Sleep5.com
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Family of 5 in Portland, Oregon: Day Two, OMSI and Por Que No
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
After our filling breakfast at La Quinta (See prior post for a description of the many breakfast food choices, all included in the room rate.), we drove to OMSI, pronounced "AhmZee". It stands for Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Using our membership card to Seattle's Pacific Science Center, we received a discount on the admission fee to OMSI.
To check the worldwide partner science center/museum list for reciprocal member admission, see The Association of Science - Technology Centers Passport Program list. At the bottom of the web page, enter the country and city you'll be visiting to search for participating centers and museums, or download a pdf. The reciprocity only extends to general admission, not special exhibits, other features or store discounts. And, the program instructs members to call ahead to the place you will visit for that center's exact policy, as they differ. One might provide free admission, another only a discount, and so on. There are rules about distance from your membership center, too.
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| Rotating valves to direct air currents that move balls. |
Lunch in the cafeteria was easy to manage. There were multiple options, with selections of self-serve items such as fruits, yogurts, pretzels, and hot foods like burgers and entree plates. Collect your items on a tray, then pay at the register. Seating is plentiful and clean, with expansive windows overlooking the waterway. Well-designed signage instructs how to dispose of your compost, food waste and garbage in the appropriate containers.
Dinner - Por que no?
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| Older son took a photo of the rest of us after our yummy meal at Por Que No. |
My kids must be getting older - they all thoroughly enjoyed the complex flavors and authentic ingredients of this Mexican food, a departure from the simple refried beans and cheddar cheese versions we have had many times elsewhere (and in our own kitchen). The eclectic decor and all-ages casual crowd were interesting, too. The employees were friendly, though they do expect you to know the ordering procedure, so do read descriptions online at yelp or tripadvisor before you go. And, for such a noisy place, with tables close together, and being in the city of Portland, you'd think everyone there would be tolerant of others. Not so, as the man nearby was clearly annoyed with the TWO photos we took of us at our table on my BIRTHDAY. Sheesh. The good news: our total bill, including a generous tip hubby added to the credit card slip even though no one actually served us at a table, came to $76.25. Excellent!
Sandy Nielsen
Sleeps5.com
You may also like:
Family of 5 in Portland, Oregon: Day One
Portland, Oregon: 3 Days for Family with 3 Kids
Grand Ol' Dame in Portland Oregon, Embassy Suites review
Friday, February 18, 2011
Family of 5 in Portland, Oregon: Day One
In the minivan, we left Seattle and stopped for lunch in Centralia.
Lunch
Burgerville looks like a regular roadside burger place. But step inside, start reading the posters, signs, and menu, and you'll soon realize it is a fast-food eatery promoting values: fresh, local, sustainable. I recall big posters that tell the stories of actual people who provide the potatoes, cheese, and recycling services, descriptions of vegetarian-fed beef, cage-free chickens, and information on where the berries, salmon, and nuts come from. With all these special ingredients, it is surprising that you can still get a small cheeseburger for about $1.50 and a double cheeseburger with a soda and fries for $5.50 to $6.50. Our total for five quite delicious burgers and four beverages was under $26.00. I'm glad to hear there are plans for more Burgervilles beyond the 39 current locations in Washington and Oregon.
3D Center of Art and Photography
We arrived in Portland midday, checked in to our La Quinta hotel, and drove to an area very near the Pearl District.
We found free street parking near our first stop, the 3D Center of Art and Photography. Its website says it is "the world's only art gallery, museum and theater dedicated to the art and science of 3D!" We are not usually 'into' art museums, but I figured the science part would interest all of us, and I was right.
Check out this video that shows exactly what the museum is all about:
Greeted warmly by a museum board member, we paid $15 and entered a single-story small-retail-shop-sized space divided into rooms by partial walls. Though two other groups of visitors subsequently entered (along with a subtle aroma of marijuana), it was not crowded and I'd say there were under 20 people inside. It is rather quiet, and kids under 10 might quickly grow restless.
In the course of one hour, we used devices requiring two hands to view black & white photos on the wall, used paper glasses to look through 3D color books, and used plastic glasses to watch two 3D movies. We also read descriptions about how eyes and brain and camera lenses work together to create images, learned how anyone can create 3D photos with a regular camera and some free software, and marveled at the existence of pocket-sized cameras with two lenses that produce 3D digital photos.
Powell's City of Books
A bookstore of amazing proportions, and quite overwhelming. Free maps of Powell's are provided that diagram the many doorways, stairs, aisles, and subject rooms of this multi-story building. We selected the sections we each wanted to browse, then I accompanied the 12 year olds to the teen area, and hubby and our 15 year old went to the computer area (what a surprise. not.), then we all met up later and walked around the physics and other science books.
It is a must see just for the spectacle of it. The website proclaims it is "the largest used and new bookstore in the world". And the Washington Post called Powell's "perhaps the best bookstore in the world." Exciting!
Dinner
Bridgeport Brew Pub has a warm atmosphere, housed in an historic building with brick walls, and modern touches such as a metal staircase leading to the restrooms and additional seating. The brew pub has small outside signage, making it sort of hard to spot. See this wikipedia link for a photo so you'll know what to look for.
It was crowded on the Saturday night we were there with our kids, but we were seated quickly on wood stools at a high table near a wooden post with hooks for our coats and carry-alls. We shared the pretzel plate, and individually selected the Mediterranean plate with hummus and pita, a kids' menu pepperoni pizza (hand made, not frozen), a burger with bacon, a shepherd's pie, and the bratwurst plate with spaetzle. We all loved the food and eagerly tried each other's dishes. The service was friendly; our waiter had a tie-die tee shirt, and provided helpful recommendations with an upbeat, down-to-earth manner. He had to move around the table to speak with each of us, as it is noisy in that big room. The beer was tasty, and soda refills are free. Our total for the 5 of us, including tip was $85.25.
Comedy
I wasn't sure an 8:00pm live ComedySportz show could really be 'family-friendly' as the website describes, but it truly was. There were quite a few kids even younger than ours who clearly had been there before and knew the routine. Upon entering, we sat among 8 or 9 rows of chairs of the stackable variety, in a small, spare space facing a stage. Soon, the cast was milling around, creating merriment with corny jokes and puns and props, and then the real show began with game after game of hilarity. Think "Whose Line is it Anyway", with even more physical humor. The announcer encourages the audience to offer ideas and root for either team, while a brilliantly funny computer whiz punctuates the competitions with images and words on video screens. Our kids still quote a few of the witty lines spontaneously blurted by the comedic performers. Candy, soda cans, and beer are available. We bought tickets online for $12 each. It was a memorably fun time, and we can't wait to attend more evenings of similar comedy stages, including Theatresports in our own Seattle!
Note: Another family of 5 we know recently visited Comedy Sportz and reported "The comedy show was well-done. We all enjoyed it. Although, I think C. (8th grader) has just seen his future career. We could have left him there. He was still repeating various lines and laughing all the way home."
Next: Day Two, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Sandy Nielsen
Sleeps5.com
You may also like:
Portland, Oregon: 3 Days for Family with 3 Kids
Grand Ol' Dame in Portland Oregon, Embassy Suites review
Lunch
 |
| Burgerville |
3D Center of Art and Photography
 |
| 3D Center of Art and Photography |
We found free street parking near our first stop, the 3D Center of Art and Photography. Its website says it is "the world's only art gallery, museum and theater dedicated to the art and science of 3D!" We are not usually 'into' art museums, but I figured the science part would interest all of us, and I was right.
Check out this video that shows exactly what the museum is all about:
Greeted warmly by a museum board member, we paid $15 and entered a single-story small-retail-shop-sized space divided into rooms by partial walls. Though two other groups of visitors subsequently entered (along with a subtle aroma of marijuana), it was not crowded and I'd say there were under 20 people inside. It is rather quiet, and kids under 10 might quickly grow restless.
In the course of one hour, we used devices requiring two hands to view black & white photos on the wall, used paper glasses to look through 3D color books, and used plastic glasses to watch two 3D movies. We also read descriptions about how eyes and brain and camera lenses work together to create images, learned how anyone can create 3D photos with a regular camera and some free software, and marveled at the existence of pocket-sized cameras with two lenses that produce 3D digital photos.
Powell's City of Books
A bookstore of amazing proportions, and quite overwhelming. Free maps of Powell's are provided that diagram the many doorways, stairs, aisles, and subject rooms of this multi-story building. We selected the sections we each wanted to browse, then I accompanied the 12 year olds to the teen area, and hubby and our 15 year old went to the computer area (what a surprise. not.), then we all met up later and walked around the physics and other science books.
It is a must see just for the spectacle of it. The website proclaims it is "the largest used and new bookstore in the world". And the Washington Post called Powell's "perhaps the best bookstore in the world." Exciting!
Dinner
 |
| Bridgeport Brew Pub Bratwurst Plate |
It was crowded on the Saturday night we were there with our kids, but we were seated quickly on wood stools at a high table near a wooden post with hooks for our coats and carry-alls. We shared the pretzel plate, and individually selected the Mediterranean plate with hummus and pita, a kids' menu pepperoni pizza (hand made, not frozen), a burger with bacon, a shepherd's pie, and the bratwurst plate with spaetzle. We all loved the food and eagerly tried each other's dishes. The service was friendly; our waiter had a tie-die tee shirt, and provided helpful recommendations with an upbeat, down-to-earth manner. He had to move around the table to speak with each of us, as it is noisy in that big room. The beer was tasty, and soda refills are free. Our total for the 5 of us, including tip was $85.25.
Comedy
 |
| Waiting for ComedySportz to start. |
Note: Another family of 5 we know recently visited Comedy Sportz and reported "The comedy show was well-done. We all enjoyed it. Although, I think C. (8th grader) has just seen his future career. We could have left him there. He was still repeating various lines and laughing all the way home."
Next: Day Two, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Sandy Nielsen
Sleeps5.com
You may also like:
Portland, Oregon: 3 Days for Family with 3 Kids
Grand Ol' Dame in Portland Oregon, Embassy Suites review
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Portland, Oregon: 3 Days for Family with 3 Kids
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| Three boys and luggage, loaded in the Toyota minivan! |
The picture to the right shows the 11-year olds in the middle seats, ready to spot landmarks, and the 15-year old in the back, 'plugged-in'.
New tv comedy: Portlandia
I'm thinking about Portland lately because of the buzz around here regarding a new comedy tv show, Portlandia, co-created by Saturday Night Live's Fred Armisen. The 'ABOUT' page of the new show's website says Portland has "joyous eccentricities". Love that term!
Here is a clip where the creators explain their take on the city:
Spring Break
Last spring, we spent three nights in Portland, which is a three hour drive from Seattle. (I just noticed how many times I've typed the word 'three'. Three kids, three hours, three nights. A totally unplanned coincidence. Continuing on now...) Set along the wide Willamette River, Portland is beautiful, friendly, urban, laid back, and when we were there, rainy.
Getting there
During the trip planning stage, I did investigate taking the Amtrak train, but wow, for a family of 5 it is $300 round trip, a bit less for AAA members. Whereas, the cost of gas for the drive in our minivan, according to the AAA fuel cost calculator webpage is just $60 or so, round trip.
Added to either transportation mode, train or car, is the cost of many munchies. With kids in the 11-to-15 age range, we could easily go three hours without eating. But buying special snacks sure makes any trip more fun. The kids seem to remember vacations in relation to what they ate, and they especially like being able to pick out their own (special occasions only!) junk food item at a gas station mini-mart or truck stop.
(Helpful Hint: Do try truck stops when on a road trip. Hubby had the idea to buy gas at a large interstate truck stop -- boy, was it nice! It has larger, super clean bathrooms, and lots of munchies and good gas prices. It also had wide driveway entries and exits, and was close to the freeway for easy maneuvering. We've since tried a couple more truck stops while on other trips, and had similar positive experiences.)
Hotel for Family of 5
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| La Quinta room for 5, with a rollaway bed in the middle. |
I agree with some online hotel reviews for this La Quinta that the interior hallways were a bit musty. But the room was not musty, the beds were comfy, and we didn't feel overly crowded. The kids enjoyed the pool all to themselves a couple times. They reported that the water could be warmer, but it was warm enough to jump in and stay in for lengthy swims. The wireless worked great. The staff was friendly.
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| Raincoats and umbrellas - glad to be out of the rain! |
One unfortunate thing: we were out and about so much each day that we never got to taste the hotel's complimentary fresh baked cookies in the evenings. We did eat breakfast each day, though! The breakfast room was small, but we had no problem getting a table with enough chairs. There were two make-it-yourself waffle makers, cereal, biscuits & gravy, oatmeal, hard boiled eggs, yogurt, apples, bananas, English muffins, bagels, coffee, juice, tea, and milk.
A Starbucks and a Red Robin restaurant, among others, are in walking distance. The La Quinta front desk provided a map of surrounding streets with marked restaurants and coffee shops.
Next: Day One, Pearl District: 3D museum, Powell's book store, Bridgeport Brewpub, Comedy Sportz.
Sandy Nielsen
Sleeps5.com
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