The Canyon is Grand

Linking up with Becca at R We There Yet Mom? for Friday Daydreamin'.

One of the highlights of our trip was seeing The Grand Canyon.

Keith and I had never been there before so it was a first for our entire family!

I was surprised to learn that you have to drive through a national forest to get there.  A two lane highway....through the mountains and your ears will pop.  Bring gum.

There was snow!

We arrived in Tusayan around lunch time and we were super hungry!  The kids saw a sign for pizza and we thought that sounded great! We Cook Pizza and Pasta is a great little spot to stop before you hit the park and they have a salad bar and booze too.

Keith and I were excited to try beer from The Grand Canyon Brewing Company.  They're based out of Williams Arizona and we liked both the Amber Ale and Pilsner very much.

The Canyon is spectacular! 

 There is lots of walking to do so don't be a dork and wear your wedges.  

Bring some water bottles so that you can fill them with the best tasting water you've ever had.  They have a pretty neat book store but the visitor center seems to be under construction.

Further into the park is a store and a restaurant or two.

I'd love to stay in the park sometime or take a train ride there!

Have you ever been to the Grand Canyon?

Bravo Farms and Cheese Factory

My in laws live in a tiny town near Fresno.  We left LA and google maps told us the most direct way was to take why 99 just outside of Bakersfield.  It ran slower than the interstate but it's really a pretty drive because now....you are in farm country!

We started seeing signs for Bravo Farms a couple miles out and it implored us to stop.  But we were in a hurry to see the grandparents so we decided we'd try to come back another day for lunch.

SO glad that we did!

From the outside, Bravo Farms just looks like a small restaurant in an old building.  You will be shocked when you step inside because you will be transported back in time!  This place has four wings that form a square with a big courtyard in the middle.   The courtyard is so freaking cool that you won't believe your eyes.

It has a multi-story treehouse.

There are antiques everywhere!

And chickens, a turkey and billy goats.

It also has a back porch with more antiques.

The kids loved this old milk truck!

One wing contains the restaurant and an ice cream shop.  We ate lunch on the front patio not realizing there were a bunch of picnic tables in the courtyard.  At this point....we had not yet found the courtyard!

The nachos were great!  And the salsa they bring to the table is spicy and fresh.

Another wing showcases the cheese that Bravo Farms makes.  I love cheese and this was some of the best I've ever had.  I selected the Cabernet Cheddar, Dutch-Style Gouda and White Cheese Curds.  Some of these cheeses can be ordered online.  For more about what we ate on our trip....visit The Rookie Foodie.

This little store also had chocolate, nuts, jam and other specialty food.  And it serves as a gift shop with toys, knick knacks, books and housewares.

Such a hidden gem and a definite highlight of our trip!

Bravo Farms
36005 Hwy 99
Traver, CA 93673
1-866-898-MILK


Hours:
The Shoppe and Cafe  7am-7pm daily
Cheese Factory  8am-5pm Mon-Fri

Linking up with Becca at R We There Yet Mom?

Firsts

I'm back!

Oh my gosh we had a great trip!  It feels like a dream....

I want to thank those of you that left me comments on the posts I threw up on my blog last week.  I didn't have a lot of time to respond or to visit blogs so I appreciate that you came by to share my excitement and irritation (damn bunny).

I'll be putting all of your names in a hat and sending one of you a Thank You Gift!

***

We had many firsts on this trip!

The first time that all four of us went to The Grand Canyon!

The first time my kids saw the ocean and played in the sand!

The first time I met Vivienne from The V Spot!  (I'll be sharing a house with her next month)

The kids first time at Disney Land.  And my second trip....I was last there 29 years ago with my family.

The kids first time on a roller coaster!

Keith's first bowl of Pho! 

 It was a trip I will never forget.....

Disneyland!

We are here today.

Blogged from the line for Peter Pan ride at Disneyland.

No Such Thing

I spent weeks planning this trip. Researching hotels, restaurants and attractions. I planned outfits, bought snacks, packed suitcases.

AND I packed the car.

My husband....only had to come home and get in the car.

And then he has the nerve to ask me why I'm so tired on our vacation!

Blogged from The Best Western in Kingman Arizona....next stop! Wally World!!