A couple months ago we started taking evening adventures right after dinner and before bedtime. We eat kind of early, at 5 or 5:30 so there is always this extra hour or two before bed that needs to be filled when we’re all antsy from being in the house for a few hours. It’s the only time of day when we’re all home, awake, and (usually) not working so it’s become our designated family time. Sometimes it’s a hike up in Marin or a pretty drive across the bridge to a lookout. Sometimes it’s as simple as hopping on our bikes and heading to our favorite ice cream spot or to Chrissy Field, which is just 5 minutes away and where we took pictures for this post today. No matter what we do, it’s worth it to spend time together as a family and take a deep breath of fresh air after a long day.

I’m partnering with L.L. Bean for this post about our adventure walks. They always have such timeless, quality pieces that don’t go out of style so they actually stay in your closet as the years go by. The older I get the more drawn I am to classic pieces like these. Keep reading to see details from my outfit and more about our evening adventures…

This post is brought to you by L.L.Bean. See why spring inspires us to get outside.

A little about my outfit from L.L. Bean:

The minute I put this Signature Poplin Dress in navy on I knew it would get plenty of rotation in my closet. So comfortable, flattering and with pockets! Also, I’m always nervous about sizes for dresses online but this fits very true to size (I’m wearing a size 2 here).

The French Sailor’s Shirt striped tee which I knotted over the dress is a classic piece. I have so many cheap ones, but this one is great quality and can be worn so many different ways.

The Boat and Tote bag is quickly becoming my go-to tote. It’s super sturdy, and not too huge but can still fit over my shoulder. There are so many colors and options to customize for this piece, but I love this natural color best.

Before daylight savings, it was always a race with the sun setting but now there’s plenty of time to explore before Edie’s bedtime at 7pm. It’s always worth the fresh air, inspiring scenery, discussions about the day, and wonderful family memories we make. Our favorite spots to go are (click on the links to see a few Instagram images): driving across Golden Gate Bridge and exploring up on Hawk Hill, watching the sunset on Ocean beach or Baker beach, exploring the caves and trails at Lands End, playing baseball at Chrissy Field, or a hike in the foothills hills up in Mill Valley over looking the ocean (my favorite).

Henry is always bouncing off the walls at home so it’s a great opportunity to get his energy out before bedtime. Sometimes he complains about the hike a bit, being a homebody, but the more we do it the more he realizes that we always has fun when we go (and sometimes it ends in a treat!).

Do you have any simple family traditions in the evening hours between dinner and bedtime? Where do you go when you’re looking for uninterrupted family time and inspiration?

Thanks to L.L.Bean for sponsoring this post and making classic pieces that I love!

Photography by Jared Stanley