Avila Beach Archives

Posted in Avila Beach, California, Collabs, Kid-Friendly Hotels, Travel

Review of Avila Lighthouse Suites, Avila Beach

Overall, this hotel is a must for hotel-scouting families looking for something kid-friendly. It’s perfect for children in the hotel amenities, setup, and location. But, it’s also special because not only are your kids’ needs accounted for (and who are we kidding – they’re the bosses anyway), but the adults also feel like they’re on a pampered beach vacation. The hotel is steps from the ocean, there are complimentary white fluffy towels in the pool area and there’s a free waffle bar with whipped cream in the morning.

51 Kids Birthday Party Places in San Luis Obispo County_Cover

Posted in Atascadero, Avila Beach, Indoor Places, Paso Robles, Places to Play

53 Kids Birthday Party Places in San Luis Obispo County

Fall marks the time of year when I start planning Clara and Wyatt’s dual December birthday party. Yep, totally combining it ’till they won’t let me anymore. #noshame.

In December, they will be 3 and 5. So I researched aaall the kids party places.

And as bonus of my annual crazy-mama birthday party scouting, I’ve decided to make my venue list public. And styled. With links. And prices! You’re welcome.

Posted in Adventures, Attractions, Avila Beach, Collabs, Places to Play

Review: Kid’s Birthday Party at Central Coast Aquarium, Avila Beach

Both of our kids have December birthdays, three days apart, less than two weeks from Christmas. Needless to say, our holiday season is a liiittle much. But a ton of that stress was alleviated when the kids turned 2 and 4 because we chose a destination birthday at Central Coast Aquarium In Avila Beach. And this is one venue that your guests will LOVE.

Posted in #MomTruths, Attractions, Avila Beach, California, Places to Play, Popular Posts

Getting Lost in the Hay Maze & Other IRL Holiday Crazy

Last year, it was my goal to go to as many pumpkin patches as possible. I was a mom of two kids now and we were going to ROCK THIS HOLIDAY.

Instead, I got …

The flu,
followed by hives,
followed by the stomach flu,
followed by SHINGLES.

Posted in Attractions, Avila Beach, California, Places to Play

Baby Goats at Avila Valley Barn, San Luis Obispo

Avila Valley Barn is a magical place where children are entertained by adorable farm animals and tractor rides – and there’s even homemade pie for you. But I’ll do a whole Avila Barn post later. For right now, you’ve got to get your butts over there to see the baby goats. Like, itsy bitsy teeny tiny newborn ones. And they’re reeeally adorable.

Hey, I’m Tonya

I'm a longtime journalist, former community government reporter, and PNW mom-of-two. I started this blog because sometimes you just need to get out of the house.

Writing makes me happy, and I’ve been involved in newspapers one way or another since high school.

I currently live in Gig Harbor, Washington with my husband Bowen; and our two kiddos, Clara and Wyatt. We moved here from SLO County (aka a sunny slice of coastal California definitely worthy of your next vacation!)

Now that we’re on the Puget Sound, I’m scouting out all the family-friendly things to do here. I don't post as many to the blog these days, but you'll find kid adventure articles from me twice a month in Gig Harbor Now, the best online news nonprofit in Gig Harbor, Washington.

Hope to see ya out there!