WHY BLACK BUTTE RANCH IS A UTOPIA FOR A FAMILY WITH DIFFERENT INTERESTS
By: Sarah Novitsky
I believe vacation is a time for family bonding. But for families that all enjoy different activities, traveling can lead to frustration. There’s one place, however, that offers a solution: Black Butte Ranch in Central Oregon. I’ve ventured there since I was six months old; it’s practically my second home. In my opinion, Black Butte offers something for the whole family. Don’t believe me? Well, as the resort says: “there is a place.”
KICKBACK AT THE LODGE POOL.
For the chillaxers of the group, there’s the Lodge Pool. When the sun’s at its highest, I grab a book and soak in the rays. After I start to melt, I dip into the water. Getting hungry from all the relaxing? Look to the Lakeside Bistro. My personal favorite is the “chicken on the stick.” The name always elicits a chuckle. But the plate, which is a long chicken strip attached to (you guessed it) a stick, makes me feel like a kid.
RALLY WITH PICKLEBALL
A few summers ago, my dad handcrafted our own pickleball racquets. “It’s all the rage right now!” he declared. Like the love child of tennis and ping-pong, pickleball is simple for anybody to learn. The courts are ripe for some family competition. I will never forget the look on my brother’s face after my dad responded to some trash talk with a serve that whizzed right between his legs.
TAKE ON THE BUTTE
And for the adventurers, I suggest hiking Black Butte itself. The hike is six miles round trip; perfect a family challenge. When my sister was younger, she trekked it in her Ugg boots. We still make fun of her for it to this day. The hike starts off shaded by trees until you finally emerge into a high desert. The only sounds are the crunch of dirt and the scattering of chipmunks. I always feel a newfound sense of energy standing at the peak. Earth is beautiful, and I can do anything.
I remember a day last summer. After a day filled with all of the above, my brother asked, “What are we doing tomorrow?” My mom shrugged. “Whatever you want, sweetie.” It was true. We could do anything we wanted, and you can too.