International Women’s Day is coming up, so it’s the perfect time to highlight and support exceptional women-owned businesses in San Diego. These amazing females have built successful careers based on their passions, and our community reaps the rewards of their daily determination, creativity and desire to make the world a better place. Read on to be inspired by their stories and to support their businesses.
Talk about flower power! Natalie Gill established Native Poppy in 2015 to create joy by making art with her friends. She started her flower-arranging business in her backyard alongside Meghan Blancato who became a partner in the business in 2018. Their business grew into a brick-and-mortar flower shop with two locations: South Park and Solana Beach. In their own words, they “believe in taking care of the environment and drinking champagne, in stopping to cuddle and befriending every animal we see. We believe in singing while flowering and in always challenging ourselves and our peers to be better, all the while affirming each other for where we are today.” What a great place to bloom and find the best blossoms.
Game of pickle, anyone? It’s no secret that Pickleball is America’s sport du jour right now. In the past two years, you’ve either talked to someone who is raving about how much they love the game, or you’ve caught the bug yourself. Aubri Steele, mother of five, not only saw how the sport united her family and their community but also an opportunity in the marketplace. The game was hot, but the apparel needed an upgrade. Civile launched in early 2021 offers luxury high-performance athletic apparel for the modern ‘Pickler’ that is versatile and stylish.
3. Gluten Free Baking Company
Roanna Canete has a diverse background as a consultant turned self-taught gluten-free baker to Netflix star to bakery owner. She holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership and an MBA in entrepreneurship. Today, she owns and operates a dedicated gluten-free bakery in San Diego, California. In 2015, Roanna opened a Licensed Cottage Food Operation out of her home kitchen in Coronado, California. Word spread quickly and soon enough Roanna’s gluten-free baked goods were being sold to cafes, coffee shops and restaurants throughout San Diego. With wholesale business booming, Roanna moved the kitchen from her house to a production kitchen and in February 2020, she opened her first retail shop in North Park.
Owned by not one but two brilliant women, this San Diego-based marketing firm is dedicated to amplifying the social impact of non-profits doing good in the community by elevating their image and marketing. Angel Mason Broadus and Kristine Mason Broadus lead a diverse team that is strategically creating a ripple effect of good, positive change.
Azúcar is the fulfillment of a life-long dream for Vivian Hernandez-Jackson. She combines her classical French training with her Cuban roots to develop a unique product line of desserts and pastries that combines traditional favorites with new flavors and designs is her passion and it shows.
What do you get when you mix passion, purpose and purple? Kathryn the Grape! Kathryn Cloward, aka “Kathryn the Grape” to children, is a native San Diegan who made her childhood nickname into an integrated media series to help children have social and emotional personal development tools for understanding and expressing their feelings, making kind and compassionate choices and being brave in new life experiences. To date, Kathryn’s earned over 60 awards for her inspirational and creative work. She is a Contributing Editor of motivational content for Guitar Girl Magazine and relishes her role as a speaker and mentor for women in business—drawing from over two decades as an entrepreneurial trailblazer. She’s also the founder of Kandon Unlimited, Inc., a heart-centered mindful media company intent on creating and publishing positive and empowering media.
Lovely Leaps dance studio teaches love of movement and inclusion one leap at a time. Lovely Leaps owner Lisa McCabe, an African American engineer turned dance instructor, focuses on making dance fun and developing key motor skills for kids ages 10 months-10 years by growing their confidence and comfort in their own bodies. More than just a dance studio, Lovely Leaps is a movement of its own. Studio founders Lisa and Ricky McCabe started Lovely Leaps when their daughter was just five months old. Lisa's goal as a dance instructor is to offer a whole-child approach to help kids blossom. She believes dance should focus on fun instead of perfection and she stresses inclusion.
Katie Farina of Katie's Healing Kitchen offers award-winning vegan cooking classes in San Diego. When her mother was diagnosed with cancer, Katie took a special interest in evoking the healing power in healthy foods and nutrition. She graduated from the Natural Epicurean Academy of Culinary Arts, a Professional Chef Training Institute in 2013 and she has been a proponent of "harnessing the power of food to heal disease." She teaches cooking classes and in her own words, her "lifelong goal is to inspire others to make the connection between the food they eat and its effect on their body, the environment and the world." Be sure to check out Katie's amazing cookbook, and sign up for her cooking classes.
Sünje O’Clancy, MA, E-RYT, RCYT founded Yoga Rascals in 2007. She has been dedicated to enhancing children’s lives through yoga by creating a nurturing, fun environment while supporting development and learning so that they may realize their fullest potential. She shares, “I founded Yoga Rascals because of my love for children and my passion for yoga. Sharing the joy of movement, the calming effects of relaxation, and the many other benefits of yoga with children can have a big impact on how they develop their sense of self in a positive way." She adds, “I am very grateful to own my own business. It has allowed me to find balance between being a mom and raising my children while doing what I love professionally.”
Grace Martin founded Edens Garden as part of her dream to share high-quality, affordable essential oils and make them easily accessible to everyone. Edens Garden’s story is rooted in natural and conscientious living. As a woman and family-owned company, Edens Garden is inspired by their loved ones to put safety, quality and sustainability at the forefront of their goals. With customers always at the core of what they do, Edens Garden has expanded product offerings to include synergy blends and hand-crafted body and home care products.
Julie Rais Ellis is the mother of two and the founder of Rais Case, which started as a bags and accessories collection and has since expanded and grown into a movement. She's passionate about designing the highest quality products that cultivate community and culture around locally handmade goods. Ellis offers, "Our relationship with our community is where magic happens. Our mission is simple but focused. It is to make quality goods that create community & support well-being." Made with the highest quality materials available, all bags are designed, manufactured, and shipped from San Diego, CA.
Maya was looking for the perfect vegan cookie: crispy-on-the-outside and gooey-on-the-inside. Unable to find it, she created a cookie recipe herself. Soon, she was a local celebrity with moms and kids––which inspired her to open Maya’s Cookies. Voted San Diego's Best Vegan Baked Goods in 2017 and 2018, Maya's decadent cookie flavors range from chocolate chip and caramel pecan to funfetti and gluten-free s’ mores. You’ll love them all! Maya's Cookies is now America's #1 Black-owned vegan cookie company.
A trio of sisters, Martiza, Sativa, and Kaya founded Dirt Don't Hurt in 2017. These conscientious moms have six kids between them and during their pregnancies, they started to become more aware of what ingredients were in their personal care and cleaning products. Their line Dirt Don't Hurt was born when they decided to create the safe and natural beauty products they were looking for. Their plant-based products are 100% vegan and cruelty-free and include skincare and oral care. Try their popular All-Natural Activated Charcoal Tooth Powder.
Starr Edwards, founder of the delicious Bitchin' Sauce, a vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO almond dip available in a variety of flavors, started her company in 2004 at the young age of 16! She started selling her "creamy concoction" at local farmer's markets and it was a huge hit. Bitchin' Sauce became so wildly popular that she needed to open a commercial kitchen. Costco discovered her brand and now it is distributed nationally and sold in supermarkets, at Costco and Target. Bitchin' Sauce is headquartered in Carlsbad and is family-owned and operated.
There’s no denying Boston is home to more than its fair share of innovative local businesses. So during Women’s History Month, we thought we’d give a shout out to a few of our favorite women-owned businesses that call Boston home. From bakeries and art studios to skincare businesses and a new(ish) plant store, these women entrepreneurs are here to share their talents and passions with the community. Get ready to shop!
Green thumb or not, a trip to Wesleaf Designs & Decor’s Plant Studio is inspiring, especially with spring just around the corner. They’ve got everything your home needs to connect to nature, from hanging house plants to succulents and framed mosses. Plant consultation, design parties and plant sitting are also part of shop owner, Weslie Etienne Pierre’s expertise.
What Tzurit Or started as an at-home bakery in 2007 has grown into something of a local phenomenon over the past 15 years. Across the greater Boston area, you’ll find 19 different Tatte Bakery & Café locations, each with its own special feel. But each carries the delectable pastries and baked goods people crave, alongside tartines, sandwiches, salads and shakshuka to fill you up throughout the day. We’re loving the bake-at-home kits that make fresh-baked that much easier (and better) for busy families.
Parents love this charming “old-school neighborhood creative space” for kids in Brookline. Amy brings kids of all ages through the process of creating, be it painting, jewelry making or weaving. After school classes, camps and art project boxes means access for all, so kids can create at their own pace and in their own space.
Families can trust Tina Ramos, owner and founder of CrossFit Boston Iron & Grit, to get them in shape, no matter what their fitness goals. This Harvard-educated teacher brings her experience working with at-risk youth and her passion for fitness to work each day, with creative classes that cover everything from nutrition to Olympic lifting to classes just for teens.
Collette Divitto was born in 1990 with Down Syndrome. She grew up in Ridgefield, Connecticut, where she developed a passion for baking after taking classes in high school. After attending Clemson University and finishing a three-year LIFE program in just two years, Colette moved to Boston where she struggled to find employment. That's where Collettey’s Cookies was born. Knowing firsthand the struggles that people with Down Syndrome endure while looking for employment, Collette decided that her company would be not just a means of earning a living, but it would have a greater mission—to create jobs for other people with disabilities.
Parents in the know are familiar with Not Just Co.'s lineup of Not Just Caramel (sea salt-tahini), Not Just Pesto (tomato pesto), Not Just Salad Dressing (miso-lemon vinaigrette) and the kid-favorite Not Just Pasta Sauce. Find their products at a store near you and follow their blog for family-friendly recipes.
You'll love the vegan treats you can get from this woman-owned spot that offers weekly pickups in Dorchester. You can also find their treats in many spots around the Boston area. Get the vegan bourbon pecan pie, you won't regret it.
TRILLFIT hip hop-based classes foster community—a community that supports safe space to thrive and make long lasting positive health decisions. They are actively changing the face of the boutique fitness industry by modeling radical inclusion, acceptance, self love and shared support to transform attendees’ confidence, advance well being and ultimately promote “front row freedom.”
Founded in 2008, Lark Fine Foods is a women-owned and operated specialty foods company located north of Boston in historic Essex, Massachusetts. They offer a distinctive line of baked goods and specialty items inspired by “grown-up” consumers with sophisticated tastes, where every bite excites the senses with flavor combinations that are sometimes unexpected, but always delicious. Lark’s award-winning COOKIES FOR GROWN-UPS® and SAVORY BISCUITS can be purchased individually or as part of their thoughtfully curated gift boxes on their website, or individually at select retail outlets nationwide.
Brown and Coconut skin care is crafted with distinct blends of powerful plants, botanical extracts and clays that work in harmony to support our skin’s delicate balance. Founded by two Boston-based sisters who have suffered from acne and eczema, Brown and Coconut skin care is gentle on your skin, effective in tackling your skin concerns and simply delightful to use.
Petsi Pies (pronounced “peet-see”) an indie bakery and coffee bar serving up handmade pies and pastries in Somerville, MA since 2003. Founder Renee “Petsi” McLeod grew up baking pies in her grandmother’s kitchen and hasn’t stopped since. Everything is baked fresh daily using only all-natural ingredients and no fillers or mixes of any kind.
This Somerville business owned by Jo-Ann Keith offers cat and dog grooming by appointment as well as dog sitting. They also sell many different products for your animals to use at home.
At these themed restaurants in Boston, kids can play ping pong, bowl, or watch their food being made during an interactive dinner
Dining out with kids can definitely be a dilemma for parents. On one hand, you don’t have to cook. On the other, keeping kids entertained can be challenging, no matter how many crayons you’ve packed in the diaper bag. When it comes to fun restaurants for families in the city, we’ve found a few themed restaurants in Boston that fit the bill. These eateries will not only fill little tummies, but they’ll also keep kids entertained, so you might be able to grab a bite too.
You don’t have to be a ping pong wizard to appreciate this art-adorned restaurant in the Seaport District that puts play center stage. With 14 ping pong tables and a menu with plenty of kid-friendly options that are super shareable, it’s easy to see why this is a great spot for kids who can’t sit still during dinner. Tables are rented by the hour ($39/hr.) and reservations for parties as small as two (and as large as 20) can be made online. Kids are welcome before 9 p.m.
Another spot to play and eat, American Flatbread took over the beloved Sacco’s Bowling a while back. They’ve been pairing scrumptious flatbreads with candlepin bowling like pros ever since. It’s easiest for families to reserve a lane on a weekday, where parties of fewer than eight can reserve a spot. Or take your chances on the weekend with one of the walk-in lanes that are first come, first served.
Is it us or is there something super satisfying about watching someone cook a meal? Or maybe it’s the fact it’s not you doing it (for a change). That’s the theme at this spot where families choose their food, and then watch the chefs cook it up on the iconic circular grill, the centerpiece of this eatery. We love the variety of foods families can choose from—Asian, Italian, and Latin flavors are all on the menu—and the kids will be forever entertained by the cooking antics.
Even if your kids have never seen the movie for which this Allston restaurant is named, they’ll appreciate the kitschy feel of this ‘80s-themed diner. It’s everything you love about the ‘80s plus that hard-to-beat greasy spoon food that fills you up so you’re ready to play all day. The walls are lined with memorabilia that will surely generate conversations about your younger days. And you might find your kids asking you if you were a Jock, Princess, Basket Case, or Criminal over a hearty plate of eggs.
There’s something comforting about this restaurant that’s been serving traditional Polish dishes since 2002. The welcoming exterior looks like a European cottage, and the cozy interior will make you want to settle in for a bit. Order any of your traditional Polish faves from the menu, like pierogi, Kielbasa, or potato pancakes. Don’t forget the chocolate babka for dessert!
Historic places aren’t hard to find in Boston. In fact, they’re everywhere you turn. But if you’ve got out-of-town guests, or just want to play tourist for a day, the Warren Tavern in Charlestown should be on your visit list. The oldest tavern in the state, it has seen the likes of George Washington and Paul Revere through its doors. It’s an easy spot for crowd-pleasing dishes too. The clam chowder and lobster mac and cheese should definitely be on your gotta-try list.
More than a restaurant, this two-story Back Bay eatery will delight everyone in the fam. Whether you go to shop for fresh pasta, meat, or baked goods, or you want to sit down at one of their three restaurants, it’s a culinary experience that’s monumentally memorable. If you go with the kids, plan to stay for a while, and stop by the cannoli cart too.
Prudential Center
800 Boylston St.
Boston Online:eataly.com
8. Tiki Rock
Feel like you’re on vacation at this Polynesian-themed eatery with a diverse menu. Kids will love the just-for-them items that are comfortingly familiar. Or they can branch out with fish tacos, poke, or coconut shrimp that will leave leftovers. The over-the-top drinks are the draw here. We love that they have a few fun mocktails on the menu too, so you can be festive with kids in tow.
Discover the best candy shops in Chicago that will satisfy your sweet-tooth
Chicago is home to a variety of delectable candy treats, from the iconic Tootsie Rolls, Brach’s, Frango Mints, Wrigley Gum, Fannie May, and Mars Candy, so it’s no surprise that the Windy City also has a number of must-stop candy shops that are worth your time and money. Whether you’re looking for classic American treats, international flavors, or creative confections,Chicago candy stores are all guaranteed to have a memorably sweet treat for you (and your candy-loving kids).
The Best Candy Stores in Chicago
1. Margie’s Candies
Margie’s is one of the oldest candy shops in Chicago and has been serving up classic treats since 1921. The signature item here is the sundae, but the store also offers a wide selection of candies, from caramels to chocolates. Don’t forget to try the homemade fudge!
This family–owned bakery is known for its cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods, but it also has an impressive selection of candy. Try the malt balls, salt water taffy, and gummy bears as well as their mouth-wateringtruffles and candy bars.
The Fudge Pot is a family–run shop located in Chicago, that specializes in handmade fudge. Founded in 1980, Mary and John have been crafting traditional and unique flavors of fudge for over 40 years. The Fudge Pot has a wide variety of flavors to choose from, including the signature flavor, Vanilla Caramel Swirl, as well as Dark Chocolate, Pistachio, Peanut Butter, andmore, making it a favorite among Chicagoans.
This unique and fun candy shopoffers an eclectic selection of quality candy from around the world. Here you’ll find bulk items and sweet treats including gummies, sours, taffy, M&Ms in over 20 colors and over 30 flavors of Jelly Bellies. Add to that, Chicago’s first licorice bar.
This unapologetic shrine to sugar is complete with extravagant displays, over-the-top sweets, one-of-a-kind gifts, and immersive experiences. There’s even a TikTok-trending candy section. Be on the lookout for the 11-foot Ferris Wheel candy display and the Chicago skyline made entirely of Jellybeans. You can also find IT’SUGAR at the Navy Pier and in Gurnee and Schaumburg.
Family-owned and operated, Graham's Fine Chocolates in charming downtown Geneva is a must-visit. Their fine, hand-dipped chocolates and homemade ice cream are a draw year-round. Count on an assortment of unique caramel apples, rich hot cocoas, pretzels dipped in chocolate, and can't miss, chocolate-covered bacon. YUM.
At Dulcelandia, you'll find every Mexican candy and chocolate treat under the sun. Be adventurous and give some of the more interesting sweets a taste. We like Rollos de Cocco (jumbo milk coconut rolls) and chili-covered mango lollipops. Every kid (and adult!) will love the Obleas, wafers covered with creamy caramel.
See if you can squeeze into this teeny-tiny penny candy shop—actually, a storefront wedged into the small space between two larger buildings. Then, fill your little paper bag to the brim. Choose from old-fashioned (bullseyes and flying saucers) to new-fangled (pop rocks and sour patch worms) and be sure to take a giant bag of freshly hand-popped popcorn to go.
Go gourmet and pop into Katherine Anne Confections, a Chicago sweets shop that has an eye for delicious, locally and seasonally inspired sweets. The rotating selection of hand-dipped truffles, soft honey caramels and pillowy marshmallows are made with the best-of-the-best ingredients, and the seasonal flavors are to die for.
Forgo the ordinary and tour Asia via candy. At Aji Ichiban, you take your pick from thousands of candies and sweet and salty snacks from Asia. The shrimp and squid flavored treats are especially interesting, while the wide range of sweet gummies are sure to be gobbled up in a flash. Customers are encouraged to sample before buying, making shopping for treats here especially sweet.
Located in the heart of Chicago in the Historic Stockyard Industrial Park, Superior Nut & Candy is Chicago's go-to spot for sweets. The individual bags of trail mix and chocolate-covered peanuts are especially sought-after goodies, while the mini bags of yogurt pretzels and dried fruits offer a slightly healthier-ish option.
Ferrara Pan has been cranking out candy classics since 1908, and at the Ferrara Pan Outlet, you can buy his sweet candies fresh from the factory, with awesome prices to boot. You'll find all your childhood favorites—Lemonheads, Nerds, Sour Jack, Atomic FireBall, Laffy Taffy and more—packaged in their sweet retro boxes, perfectly sized for little ones.
Founded by Larry Burdick in 1987, and now continued by Chocolatier Michael Klug, L.A. Burdick Chocolates opened their first Chicago location in 2017. Each bonbon here is hand-piped, hand-cut, hand-garnished and hand-packed. You'll find all of the signature L.A. Burdick’s chocolates you adore, including their Signature Chocolate Mice, bonbons, seasonal offerings and vegan selections. In the fall and winter, L.A. Burdick warms the hearts of many with its beloved Drinking Chocolate.
Winter is the perfect time to grab a cup of hot chocolate that goes beyond the everyday from a Seattle cafe
Nothing says winter in Seattle like gliding down a slick chute on a snow tube, taking the kids for spin around an ice skating rink, or heading out on a winter hike. And nothing warms you up after a day of winter play in the Seattle’s nearby mountains than a cup of hot chocolate, Seattle families. So the next time you and the kids need a mug of rich and creamy hot cocoa, don’t reach for a mix. Pile in the car and head to a local cozy cafe where they’re getting creative with their hot chocolate choices. We’re talking real European drinking chocolate, homemade marshmallows, and secret spices that add a bite to your cup. But don’t take our word for it, check out our favorite hot chocolate Seattle shops while it’s still cold outside.
It's hard to go wrong at a shop that prides itself on serving warm chocolate lava cakes for a living. So the next time you've got a craving for a rich cup of hot chocolate, we're here to tell you there's nothing wrong with pairing it with cake. Turn up the heat with a spicy hot chocolate for parents (hint: they can also spike it if you wish) or keep it calm and creamy for the kids.
Among their four boutiques, the Fran’s U-Village locale displays chocolate like a jewelry store displays diamonds; but don’t let the fancy interior intimidate you. The chocolate displays are a testament to the love put into these delectable treats. If you can manage to pry yourselves away from the selection of truffles, place your order for Dark Hot Sipping Chocolate. With a 3 oz. and 5 oz. option, your petite connoisseurs are sure to enjoy a belly full of chocolate-y goodness. Each cup comes with a perfect mound of whipped cream and an additional chocolate square for the road.
Locations in Downtown Seattle, University Village, Georgetown & Bellevue.
If you're looking for a cup of hot chocolate that is thick and creamy and oh-so delicious, look no further than Chocolati. This popular cafe, with locations in Greenwood, Wallingford and Green Lake as well as the Downtown Library, doesn't serve hot cocoa made with water or milk. Nope. They serve what is technically known as "drinking chocolate." In addition to house faves like the Dark House Hot Chocolate with dark chocolate marshmallows, the cafe offers a robust menu of specialty hot chocolates. Get your chocolate-y cup infused with lavender, raspberry, Irish cream, peanut butter, peppermint, cayenne...the list goes on. Psst...be sure to save room for one of their delish truffles or add a slice of quiche or a croissant to your order to balance out all the sweetness.
Locations in Greenwood, Green Lake, Wallingford & Downtown Seattle
Sip scrumptious cocoa and support a great cause while you're at it at Bellevue’s Bellden Café. Located in the heart of Old Bellevue on Main Street, this café was a Reader’s Digest 2020 Finalist for Nicest Place in America. Serving tasty breakfast and lunch items, coffee, pastries, and of course, cocoa, this café has a unique mission. Bellden Café partners with non-profit organizations, creating signature drinks to highlight different organizations and donating a portion of the profits from the sale of the drink. It also operates as a community hub, especially during the pandemic, collecting donations and goods to support its neighbors in need. When you order from Bellden Café, you get wholesome, delicious food and drinks while giving back to the community. Definitely a win-win.
After tasting Chocolat Vitale’s traditional European drinking chocolate, you’ll never look elsewhere for cocoa. This Ballard café features traditional European hot chocolate that always receives rave reviews. The sinfully rich drinking chocolate is concocted from a blend of pure Swiss and Belgian chocolate. This decadent drink contains no cocoa powder–it’s made from 100 percent pure chocolate. The café serves hand-crafted drinks using its chocolate and Velton’s Coffee. You can also enjoy other eclectic food and beverages while shopping its thoughtfully curated selection of art and collectibles.
Nestled within the busy corridors of Pike Place Market you’ll find a chocolate paradise! Indi Chocolate offers a wide range of cacao-based products including teas, spice rubs, mixology kits and body care products, all created using small batch, single origin dark chocolate directly sourced from international farmers and cooperatives. Tantalize your taste buds with a cup of their single origin drinking chocolate. Or, for the ultimate chocolate-y experience, order the ultra-rich sipping chocolate. This beverage has an entire bar’s worth of chocolate in it and offers a thicker texture than traditional hot chocolate. All of their products originate from beans sourced from around the world, giving unique flavors and textures for every chocolate connoisseur.
Pike Place Market 1901 Western Ave., Ste. D Seattle Online:indichocolate.com
Bakery Nouveau knows chocolate—and just about every other treat under the sun. World renowned baker, William Leaman, opened the first Bakery Nouveau in West Seattle and has expanded to two other Seattle area locations. You might be in the mood for a delicious hot cocoa, but don’t forget to bring your appetite. The bakery’s expansive menu is filled with baked goods, sandwiches, pastries and of course, chocolate. Take home some of Bakery Nouveau’s handcrafted bars or chocolates, made fresh, in-house with its signature chocolates. Choose from a rotating selection of mouthwatering morsels, including favorites like salted caramel or coconut ganache. The bakery’s chocolates are truly works of art.
Located in Madison Park, Arosa Cafe has been serving up delish cups of espresso and hot cocoa to families for over 21 years. This warm and friendly neighborhood cafe uses a proprietary, microroasted blend from Fonte Coffee in their handcrafted cups of Joe, imported Swiss chocolate in their mochas and hot chocolate and organic milk (including soy, rice, and almond).
Good to Know: Arosa Cafe mixes fresh shaved chocolate into each steaming cup of cocoa and serves world famous Belgian Liege snack waffles that are so naturally sweet, you won't even miss the syrup. Don't forget about their grilled panini sandwiches, made with a tangy olive oil blend and only the freshest ingredients.
3121 E. Madison St., Ste. 101 Seattle Online:arosacafe.com
Chocolate can be very personal; a debate between whether dark or milk chocolate is better can polarize a conversation. This is why Dilettante made our list for best places to grab hot chocolate; you get to choose your favorite. With six (very difficult) choices; extra dark, Mexicano, dark, ephemere dark, milk and white, every visit to Dilettante is different. With melting pots behind the counter, each cup of hot chocolate is melted down to liquid perfection. This is the perfect place to bring your mini-chocolate lover to determine where their chocolate loyalties lay (nudge nudge – white chocolate).
Good to Know: The Kent Station Dilettante location has an enormous brick fireplace located directly outside the store that is a delightful place to cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate on a cool evening.
Locations in Seattle, Bellevue, Kent & SeaTac Airport
With four locations open in Seattle, Caffè Umbria offers the Italian take on hot chocolate. It’s a thicker, spoonable chocolate that’s served with whipped cream. In addition to a “moka bar,” drip coffees and number of traditional espresso-based Italian drinks served in colorful Italian ceramics, Umbria’s Ballard location offers baked goods from Le Panier and Macrina, light lunch offerings from Volterra, a Tuscan-inspired restaurant next door and a good selection of Italian wine and beer.
Locations in Pioneer Square, Westlake, Olive Way & Ballard
Take a trip a little off the beaten path and find your way to the Greenbridge neighborhood nestled in White Center. Dubsea Coffee is well worth the trek, and is settled comfortably among bright and colorful housing and the vibrant local community center. A cup of hot chocolate is filled with rich, deep flavors and is topped with a hazelnut whipped cream.
Snow has finally arrived, transforming Tahoe into a wintry wonderland. It’s time to hit the road and see (and ski) the famed mountain resort
After a stifling summer with heat and smoke, we are so excited for winter at Tahoe! If your family is ready for some winter fun, we have all the tips on how to turn Tahoe into your winter wonderland playground below. For snow play and non-skiing/boarding activities, make sure to check out our sledding and tubing hill guide and either way, get ready to hit the slopes!
Where to Stay in Tahoe: The North Shore
Christine Lai
For those who prefer the north side of the lake, the Village at Northstar boasts a ton of comfy lodging options for you and the fam and most rooms come with a mini kitchen so you can cook up your own hot cocoa. Dine at the Bourbon Pub in the Village and go ice skating at the on-site rink.
For an elevated experience, check into the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe mid-mountain at Northstar. Expect five-star Ritz-Carlton service, with ski-in-ski-out convenience, plus a spa worth bribing your significant other to take the kids for a couple of hours. Two- and three-bedroom luxury residences make for an easy family retreat or upgrade your hotel room to concierge level for all those benefits.
If being close to the action is what you crave, the Village at Tahoe Palisades plunks you and the fam just steps from the gondola, lifts, shops and great restaurants of the former Olympic Village. Condos come in all sizes from studios to three-bedrooms, so there’s room for all. Bonus: many have hot tubs!
Tahoe Getaways also offers some stunning homes perfect for groups or large families, including some homes within residential community Mountainside at Northstar, which offers everything from ski butler, to a communal club house with a fitness center and heated pool, to back doors that open up right to the runs on the mountain.
On the South side of the lake, there are sometimes better deals to be found, as well as some top-notch skiing. The Hotel Becket boasts gorgeous modern rooms and is located just across the street from Heavenly Village, which offers 4,800 acres of world-class skiing and snow boarding. The Landing Lake Tahoe Resort and Spa, a Destination Hotel, offers a popcorn cart, snowga (yoga in the snow!) and helicopter programming to take your visit the the sky! The all-suite Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel means extra room for families to spread out plus free breakfast (think: eggs and bacon!) is included in every stay so the family hits the slopes with full bellies.
If you’re looking to team up with another family or simply prefer more space, (plus have your own yard for snowman-building and snowball-hurling) the widest array of options are found on vrbo.com or airbnb.com.
Where to Ski in Tahoe
Christine Lai
Some of you may be itching to get the little ones up on skis for the first time. If they’re ready to go for it, most of the larger ski resorts have ski schools that are perfect for tiny beginners. Palisade Tahoe's program takes kids as young as three and these “Pioneers" learn on the flats, with about a 3-to-1 student to teacher ratio. Slightly older kids (4-6) learn with the Explorers group. Northstar-at-Tahoe’s youth ski/snowboard program takes three-year-olds and up as well.
Insider Tip: For first-timers, most resorts recommend starting off with a half-day, to keep their little legs from getting too tired, then checking them into day care so kids can have a blast while you go big on the slopes. Check out our full guide to kids' ski and snowboard lessons.
But if the real thrill is teaching your little shredder yourself, there are plenty of slopes perfect for learning. The Little Dipper sits right behind the Ritz-Carlton and even has it's own mini chair lift, which tends to make kids extra excited about the whole snowy endeavor. Closer to Northstar Village, there are two Kids' Adventure Parks with tiny terrain perfect for the beginner to practice on.
Snow Play in Tahoe: This outdoor adventure wonderland is perfect for families who have more on their wish list than skiing and snowboarding. While there are great options for downhill and cross-country here, we went nuts for the snow play area. Sledding (sleds provided!), tubing and even a snowball launch make this an all-in-one winter wonderland for kids (and grownups who may have forgotten the joy of coasting down a snow-covered hill on their butts). Ample parking and one ticket lets you play all day. There are fire pits, picnic tables and a food truck serving up sandwiches, hot cocoa and more.
Sledding in Tahoe: Bundled-up kids will enjoy a sleigh ride pulled by horses: there’s one at Sand Harbor Nevada State Park, a family-run outfit. Dog-sledding trips might thrill older kids who can stand to be on a husky-pulled sled for an hour. Also check out Running Creek Dog Sled Rides if you think this classic outdoors adventure is a fit for your family.
If your tot prefers to pull his own sled, there are dozens of options for sledding hills and tubing parks all around the lake. If you’re planning to ski at one of the major resorts, you’ll be glad to know that Squaw, Northstar, Kirkwood and Sierra-at-Tahoe all boast tubing parks where kids can slide in a giant doughnut for a small fee. And the smaller resorts have some pretty tricked-out sledding hills these days, too: Soda Springs lets tots as little as three take its tow ropes to the Tube Express, or, for a slower ride, the Little Dipper; Granlibakken rents saucers (no tubes or toboggans). For good, old-fashioned classic sledding, there are some hills around the lake that do it old-school: BYO sled, and best of all, no fee.
Ice Skating in Tahoe: And let’s not leave out that classic winter pastime: ice skating! The year-round rink at Northstar (roller-skating in the summer) is in the center of the village, so parents can sip a hot toddy while kids twirl away in their sightline on the ice. And the resort at Squaw Creek’s outdoor rink makes a perfect photo op, with its Sierra backdrop and hot chocolate on hand.
Pretty much any of the restaurants within the villages at Northstar or Squaw are perfect for filling up your snow covered crew any time of day. The Michael Mina Bourbon Pub is a great option for families looking for comfort food with all the beverages to go with it. But if you are venturing out to the towns, there are lots of family-friendly places to check out.
Dine in an old train car Jax at the Trax, which serves up thick milkshakes, sweet potato fries and even whipped cream topped Irish coffees for mom and dad. This Truckee favorite is almost always bustling, but the incredibly friendly staff will make sure you feel well taken care of. The menu is multiple pages long and even offers breakfast favorites served all day. Portions are large, so maybe pick a few favorites and go family style. Their chicken fingers are the real deal (as opposed to of the suspiciously shaped McNugget variety), so order 'em up.
For some special views, the lakeside dining at Riva Grill in South Lake Tahoe is surprisingly kid-friendly. Order up a Virgin Woody (the nonalcoholic version of their famous house cocktail) and soak up the scenery of that iconic lake.
For the best Frosty the Snowman pancakes in town, grab a table at Donner Lake Kitchen. It’s tucked behind the Donner Pines Market on Donner Pass Road. The service is as sweet as the M&Ms used for Frosty’s buttons, and the menu is extensive (we recommend the Bloody Marys for mom and dad). The portions are massive, but luckily they offer half sizes on the most monster-sized meals. They are only open for breakfast and lunch.
On your way in our out of town, be sure to fuel up at the Wagon Train Coffee Shop. Located in the heart of downtown Truckee, right on the strip, this place is a must visit for a taste of local flavor and fun. A model train runs on tracks suspended over the dining room and dozens of license plates and taxidermy trophy heads line the walls. The family business has been going strong for decades and their baked goods are out of this world. Just don’t try and ask what is in the biscuit’s sweet sauce—that’s proprietary. This place is a haven for thoughtful parents who want to let their partner sleep in, as they open up at 5:30 a.m. every morning and offer early bird pricing during those wee hours.
Tips for Driving to Tahoe
During the snowy season, always carry chains when driving to Tahoe (unless you are driving a four-wheel-drive with snow tires). But if you come empty handed, there are always chain services selling and installing on the side of the road, and you'll pay from $50 to $75 for the whole shebang, without ever having to get out of your car.
This MLK Day, explore King’s impact and legacy with the kids
On January 16 we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Not only is it a day to remember one of our nation’s most revered individuals, but it’s also a time to reflect on how we can all lead our lives with love, respect, and kindness for our fellow humans. It’s also a prime opportunity for parents to explore Black history in Portland. If you’re looking for a way to make this day off from school a day on, Portland has a variety of events scheduled throughout the month to commemorate Dr. King and his legacy. It’s a wonderful time for families to engage, learn, and give back to their community.
courtesy JCWC
1. MLK Day of Restoration and Reflection
One of the ways your family can reflect on Dr. King's work is to volunteer with the Johnson Creek Watershed Council and help restore habitat at Foster Floodplain. Not only will it be an opportunity for families to reflect in conversation, but they'll also have a chance to engage in environmental justice during the two hour event. Please remember to bring water bottles and wear rain gear and clothes that won't mind a little mud. Gloves, tools, and light refreshments will be provided. All ages are welcome.
Date & Time: Jan. 16, 10 a.m.-noon
Foster Floodplain Natural Area 10602 S.E. Foster Rd. Portland Online:jcwc.org
2. MLK Day Clean Up
Teach your kids the value of giving back to their community by volunteering with SOLVE Oregon. The event kicks off at Irving Park in Northeast Portland where volunteers will head out to pick up litter along MLK Boulevard to prevent it from entering the city’s waterways. All ages are welcome. Please remember to sign up in advance for this event.
Date & Time: Jan.16, 10 a.m.-noon
Irving Park 3498 N.E. 7th Ave. Portland Online:solveoregon.org
Start off the weekend of MLK remembrance early by heading to the University of Portland for a range of activities. This year, the university is inviting you to join in their theme of “Who is Our Beloved Community?” and involve yourself and the family in honoring MLK’s civil rights accomplishments. You'll find the full list of events online.
Dates: Jan. 16 & 17
University of Portland 5000 N. Willamette Blvd. Portland Online:up.edu
4. Keep Alive the Dream
The World Arts Foundation's annual tribute to King is back in-person this year. This event has been recognized as the largest community cultural event of its kind in Oregon. The 2023 lineup is still TBD, but you and the family can get inspired by watching the Foundation's documentary on Oregon's African-American communities.
Make environmental justice the center of your Martin Luther King, Jr. Day activity with the kids. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. The folks at Urban Forestry will provide all the tools you need to make it a Day On with the kids.
Date & Time: Jan. 16, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
9360 N. Columbia Blvd. Portland Online:portland.gov
6. Visit a nearby National Park
Families can visit nearby national parks like Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens for free on MLK Day. No passes are needed to park or stay and explore the mountains and trails of these two gorgeous parks that are just a short drive from the city. Or if you're up for a bit of a drive you can head to Crater Lake and make it day.
7. Celebrate Kindness & Community
With the long weekend, why not take a trip to Olympia and celebrate MLK Day at one of the best children's museums in the Pacific Northwest. Children's book readings, poetry, stained glass art, and writing kindness letters to your neighbors and friends are all part of the way you can walk in the footsteps of Dr. King with your kids on the day off.
Date & Time: Jan. 16, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Hands On Children's Museum 414 Jefferson St. N.E. Olympia, WA Online:hocm.org
Families with kids as young as 3 can participate in this community MLK Day event that's just over the bridge in Vancouver. Wear your best rain gear, and close-toed shoes, and head out to plant trees along Burnt Bridge Creek with the Watershed Alliance. You'll need to register in advance for this volunteer opportunity.
Run for justice by participating in the third annual “I Have A Dream” virtual race, benefiting the Equal Justice Initiative. Sign up for a 1-mile, 5K, 10K, half marathon, or a full marathon and run it wherever you are, whenever you want, and at your own pace. Not only does your registration fee includes a race medal and bib, but a portion of it will be donated to the Equal Justice Initiative, an organization “committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenging racial and economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American Society.” Just remember to complete your “I Have a Dream” race anytime in January 2023.
Museums, aquariums, bookstores, and more. These indoor activities Seattle kids love will keep them happy (and dry) all season
Seattle parents know that rain is no excuse if the kids need to play. Thankfully, Seattle offers a plethora of rainy day indoor playspaces for kids of all ages. From museums and aquariums to bookstores, art studios and trampoline parks, we’ve rounded up 30 Seattle rainy day activities for kids to keep you and your crew from going loco during the drizzly months.
Plan a DayattheMuseum
Sure, museums may be the go-to rainy day rendezvous places, but they are for a good reason. Kids love them; they’re educational; they get you and your kids out of the house; and Seattle is chock-full of fantastic ones. On the next drizzle or downpour, find an adventure-filled museums to help you conquer the day.
KidsQuest Children's Museum
1. KidsQuest Children’s Museum
Migrate out of the mist and head to the Eastside to enjoy this hands-on, interactive children’s museum. Located in downtown Bellevue, this area favorite is filled with fun and brightly colored exhibits, geared toward the 10 and under set. All the exhibits emphasize skills in science, technology, engineering, art, and math, but don't tell your kids—they'll just think they're fun. Kids love to play in the big rig, at the large train table, in the atrium climber, at the water gallery, or in the story tree. Check out the Museum's daily calendar for programs to fit your schedule (think art, engineering, and more), and remember to reserve your timed play session in advance. Trust us on this one, your wee ones won’t want to leave.
Run from the rainfall and take your little Einsteins to Seattle’s premier science center. PacSci not only offers a safe haven from the weather, but most importantly it gives your young scientists a day to explore the many wonders science, nature and culture PSC has to offer. Flutter about in the Butterfly House, take in the critters in the living exhibits, see how the body works, play in the Science Playground or stomp around with the dinosaurs. You will experience all that and more during your visit!
Sprint in from the sprinkle and make a rainy day visit to The Museum of Flight. Your tiny Earharts and Lindberghs will go gaga over the full size aircraft they get to tour, the space exhibits they get to explore and the kid’s aviation play area they get to conquer. This huge museum will keep you tied up for hours as your mini pilots and astronauts learn about all things flight and space. Psst...the Weekend Workshops are great for families.
Take a break from the torrent and pop over to MoPOP, Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture located next to the Space Needle. This museum is so full of wonders your minuscule inquisitive types won’t know what to check out first. Get the feel for various instruments in the Sound Lab, step through the intricacies of science fiction, or jump into the world of video gaming. MoPOP’s got all this and more.
Duck out of the wet stuff with more wet stuff at Seattle Aquarium. All the delights of our local underwater habitat are there to greet you and your mini marine biologists. Wonder at the huge Windows on Washington Waters tank (and learn about the PNW waters from a real scuba diver!), watch giant Pacific octopuses eat lunch, dab at the sea cucumbers and urchins in the touch pool and surround yourself with your water-faring friends in the Underwater Dome. The Seattle Aquarium is a great option to get you and your little fishies out of the house and into some seriously fun aquatic adventures.
Race out of the raindrops and add the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium to your rainy day, get-the-wiggles-out fun list. A zoo? In the winter? Why yes, because Point Defiance Zoo has two awesome indoor aquariums. Hightail it to the Pacific Seas Aquarium, a 35,000 square foot aquarium that was years in the making and now has its doors open to you and your nautical Nates and Nellies. Mingle with hammerhead sharks and sea turtles, touch sea stars, get a glimpse into the waters of the Puget Sound and be mesmerized by the moon jellies. You and your crew will be drowning in the wonders of the sea in no time. It’s indoor fun at its finest.
Yep, another great kid-centric spot next to the Space Needle is the perfect place to play the rainy day blues away. The Seattle Children’s Museum has over 22,000 square feet of play space with numerous exhibits to delve into as well as programs and activities that are free with admission cost. Send your tots around to figure out how gravity works in Cog City, hit up the play Eye Clinic (no pupil dilation required!), make art of all sorts, get your favorite munchies in the mini Metropolitan Market and more. This is yet another rainy day classic sure to occupy even your most rambunctious rascal.
Maybe a day at a museum or aquarium just isn’t your kid’s jam. No worries. Indoor play spaces abound in and around the city. And more than likely, there’s at least one near your neck of the woods that is worth a visit. From tunnels and slides to climbing nets and bounce houses, here are some solid ideas to wear your kids out.
8. PlayDate SEA
Looking for a place to park your bum while your lovely lads and lasses go loco? Then, saunter out of the showers and head to PlayDate SEA. With a huge play structure, ball launchers, fast slides and sky-high climbing options, this place is a mecca for happiness during the rainy months. Need another incentive to check it out? PlayDate SEA has a café at your disposal, and it's more than just popcorn and goldfish. They offer a full menu filled with kid and adult–friendly options such as pizza, salads, wraps, and paninis, plus apps like hummus and mozzarella sticks, as well as coffee and drinks.
Hop over those puddles and hit up this one-stop shop for indoor fun. Sure, it’s a place for indoor youth soccer leagues, but it’s also so much more. With locations throughout the area (Issaquah, Magnuson, Mill Creek, Redmond, SoDo), each Arena Sports has an Inflatable FunZone to get out those rainy day wiggles out, and some even have bowling, laser tag and arcades. Make sure and check the FunZone times before you head out as each location offers different hours. Really, what more could a cooped up kiddo ask for?
Insider Tip: The new Issqauah Family Fun Center is now open.
Locations in Issaquah, Magnuson, Redmond, SODO & Mill Creek Online:arenasports.net
Dave & Buster's
10. Dave and Buster’s
Dodge the droplets and head down to D&B’s for an afternoon filled with every arcade game your gangly little gamers can think of. Grab a family table outside of the bar area (you’re free to stay as long as you like, just keep a coat in your booth and you’ve claimed it 'til you leave!) and set your little ones loose, Pac-Man style, to devour as much video game time as they like (or that your prepaid card will allow!). There's also carnival-type games for your tiny Wreck-It Ralphs in addition to more sophisticated games for the bigger Donkey Kongs in your crew. Since you’ve got that table, take the opportunity for lunch, if you can wrangle the kiddos back into seats, that is.
The weekends aren’t exempt from the drizzles, so when it happens, you might find that you have more than your precocious preschooler to entertain. As you know, the big kids need outlets, too! Avoid that precipitation and cloudy day fatigue and let the energy escape at Elevated Sportz Trampoline Park. With 10,000 square feet of bounce habitat, including a foam pit, a ninja course and trampoline dodge ball area, you will have no problem wiping the kids out. And tiny tykes, you aren’t forgotten. There is also a Kidz Adventure area just right for pint-sized sprouts. No better way to get the jumping beans out!
18311 Bothell-Everett Hwy., Suite 140 Bothell, WA Online:elevatedsportz.com
12. Wunderkind
Another indoor play space fit for both parent and child? Seattle, you have our backs! Escape the elements and head to the 1,800 square foot Wunderkind facility, dedicated to kiddos and their vivid imaginations. You’ll first enter the DUPLO space with bins full of pieces, just waiting for little hands. This area is also filled with train sets and figures for your young conductors to create their own train world. The older set will also find an upstairs room full of LEGOs, train tracks and the hit of the second level—a remote control train! Best part? Think of Wunderkind as a safe space where you won’t have to live in fear of stepping barefoot on a forgotten LEGO piece in the middle of the night! Psst…the other half of Wunderkind is for you, parents! Complete with a café serving espresso and coffee concoctions as well as sammies, salads, kiddo foods, and, wait for it, local craft beers and wines if you want to unwind.
Looking for an indoor play place for your little Wiggle Wart, but you also need to get some shopping done? On a the next rainy day, kill two birds with one stone. Seattle is full of ways for your minis to get the cloudy day squirmies out and for you to hit that flash sale you’ve been eyeballing. Here are some of our favorite shopping malls with play spaces.
Jennifer B. Davis
13. Funtastic Playtorium
Definitely one of the more active, crowded and wild of play indoor spaces, the Funtastic Playtorium is a large, friendly, ready-to-romp spot in Factoria Mall (with an additional locations at the Alderwood Mall and Tacoma Mall). Don’t let the clouds keep you down. Head to this space to entertain your most climby-est, slidey-est adventurer. Within a huge meshed-in structure, kids up to 10 years old can tunnel, side, bounce, creep, climb, blast and ride. Unlike smaller play areas, it’s tough to keep an eye on junior the entire time, but the structure is sturdy enough for adults should you need to venture in and be a hero. Psst… bracelets are provided for adults and kids alike to monitor comings and goings.
Don’t just hang at the homestead. Check out Safari Place at Southcenter Mall, a prime play spot for kids under 52 inches. The facility is equipped with moving structures, padded surfaces, slides and a ball pit which are guaranteed to stimulate your sidekick. So wear out your little angels and then hit the Nordstrom sale.
Insider Tip: Westfield Southcenter also has a free play space on the first floor if you need a quick drop-in area to kick back and take a break before your next stop.
Southcenter Mall 2876 Southcenter Mall Tukwila, WA Online:safariplayspace.com
WiggleWorks
15. WiggleWorks Kids
Leave the low clouds behind and make a date with your little monkey to get all the wiggles out at WiggleWorks Kids in Bellevue or Puyallup. This soft indoor play spot, complete with moving parts, is a toddler’s dream. And the great bar stool seating along the counter makes is a no-brainer when it comes chillaxing, or keeping a covert eye on your little daring darling while he or she plays.
Crossroads Mall 15600 N.E. 8th St., Suite F15 Bellevue, WA
South Hill Mall 3500 S. Meridian, Suite 215 Puyallup, WA 98373
If the cloud coverage is making you and your crew antsy and you feel like a Bellevue Square visit would be just the ticket for a pick-me-up, head to The Kid’s Cove located on the 3rd floor. Geared towards kids under 42 inches tall, this enclosed play space is home to soft climbing toys with fun maritime themes. There are boats to steer, a ferry to crawl through and lots of sea critters to touch and explore. There’s also plenty of room for parents to catch up while your wee ones work out their wiggles.
575 Bellevue Square (3rd Floor, above Center Court) Bellevue, WA Online:bellevuecollection.com
Go to the Movies
Maybe going to the movies seems like a no-brainer on a super soggy day, but going to the movies with your mini film aficionados is a crowd-pleaser, and should definitely be on your indoor funday list. Check out what these family-friendly theaters have to offer and plan a day at the movies for the next weather-challenged day.
iStock
17. Cinemark Theaters
Located throughout the area, Cinemark will give you and your mini movie lovers that quintessential movie experience. With nearby locations in Federal Way, Lincoln Square, Totem Lake and Point Ruston, there is probably a theater relatively nearby your area. Cinemark also offers discounted pricing and special showings, so check their website to see if your neighborhood theater participates and what discounts you can get your deal-seeking hands on. Psst...every Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Lincoln Square location parents and infants under age one can take advantage of the Mommy & Me showings, where parents and tots can watch current movies without having to worry about bothering other movie-goers with a fussy baby. Strollers are accepted and encouraged and the theater even leaves the lights on a bit brighter, so that parents can attend to their little one while they watch!
Throw a stone toddler-style and you will probably hit a Regal Theater. They’ve got locations all over Western Washington from Bonney Lake to Puyallup and Auburn, to Seattle, Tukwila, Renton, Redmond, Issaquah and Bellevue. There’s no doubt you’ve got a location close enough to easily pull your whole motley crew in and out of the drizzle. Check the Regal website for movie listings at your preferred location and don’t forget to check out the perks offered by the Regal Crown Club for frequent movie-goers.
What better way to keep the kids busy on a drizzly day than with sports? But when it’s too wet to go outside, you can play inside at these area arenas and rinks.
19. Go Roller Skating
Does your bevy of babes need more than a movie to get the energy out? What about a day at the roller rink? Strap on those rad rollers and get your giddy gliders out on the floor! There are several family-centric roller rinks around the area that are just waiting to take the brunt of your beginning skater’s flails. Seattle, Auburn, Federal Way, Lynnwood, Everett and Puyallup all have skate centers perfect for getting rid of the drizzle downers. Get out there and show your budding bladers how it’s really done.
What better way to burn off that rainy day energy than rolling an 8-pound ball down a big ol' lane! These days, many of our area's lanes are fantastically family-friendly and accommodate even the littlest Lebowskis. Most also boast cool extras like arcade games, groovy jams, gourmet grub and even ginormous screens playing your favorite sports teams. From souped-up hipster havens to totally traditional lanes, these Seattle bowling alleys are where families go for strikes and spares.
Although usually reserved for the summer months, Seattle's got a few spots where families can play mini golf inside during the rainy fall and winter months. Flastick Pub (with a few city locations) is a prime spot to eat and play, and maybe try your hand at Duffleboard when you've made your way around the course. The Forum Social House in Bellevue is another family favorite, and not just because you get to sit on a Game of Thrones-style throne.
Seriously, what’s more cozy than a bookstore when it’s raining? The next time you’ve got to get your bouncing-off-the-walls bambino outta the abode, consider one of these amazing local bookstores.
photo: Elliott Bay Book Company
22. Elliott Bay Book Company
Clouds moving in? Head over to Capitol Hill and visit the Elliott Bay Book Company. It’s a full service bookstore, home to over 150,000 titles, and features one of our area’s best selections of new books, including a stellar collection of children’s books. The bookstore has great character and an inviting atmosphere for book lovers of all ages. If you have a tween or teen, check out the Underground YA Book Group. The friendly and helpful staff can help you find the perfect book or spend time scanning the shelves to find something that strikes your fancy. While you're there, be sure to visit Little Oddfellows, the cozy, in-house café that offers baked goods, sandwiches, coffee from Caffe Vita and beer and wine for the more mature patrons.
Third Place Books at the Third Place Commons is more than a bookstore; it’s a community gathering place where families, friends, and neighbors can connect over a love of books and playfully lament over the lack of sun. With three Seattle-area locations, you can find one close by that has just what you’re looking for. The flagship store in Lake Forest Park offers a large public commons area, three restaurants, free WiFi and a jam-packed events calendar. Moms and dads, perch yourself at the half-wall, hit up the Honey Bear Bakery and let your toddlers giggle with glee in the safe, enclosed play space.
Town Center at Lake Forest Park 17171 Bothell Way N.E. Lake Forest Park, WA Online:thirdplacecommons.org
Just off bustling Market Street in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, you’ll find Secret Garden Books. This full-service, independent bookstore offers something for everyone, but their primary focus is children’s literature. The knowledgeable staff includes longtime booksellers who are ready to help pick out books for all readers. For the wee ones, there are toddler-sized tables perfect for looking at books. Stop by and peruse the shelves (and shelves!) of books that are waiting to spark your child’s imagination.
You don’t have to be a Husky to enjoy the University Bookstore. Yes, the store is filled to the brim with purple and gold, but it also boasts an amazing children’s lit department. Don your raincoats and head to the UW Bookstore, that's morphed into a Seattle-area favorite, serving every reader from college student to preschooler.
Dreaming about lounging by the pool? Grab your pool floats, goggles and cooped up kids and head to one of our favorite indoor pools for lots of energy burning fun. It's an easy and fun way to banish those rainy day blues.
PasstheDayWith Pottery
You know what’s a fab way to brighten a gray day? Throw some art in it! It can be sunny inside even if it isn’t on the outside. Consider taking your angels to a create-your-own-pottery studio the next time it downpours or when the wee ones are going cuckoo.
Mudhouse Pottery
27. Mudhouse Pottery Painting
This relaxed studio in Gilman Village offers daily hours for any time the pottery painting bug bites you. There are no studio fees and their prices range from $12 to $45, depending on the piece you choose. Their friendly staff will also help you with your arty ideas, and when you’ve completed your masterpiece, they’ll glaze it, fire it and have it ready for pickup in 7 days. No need to make a reservation—just stop on by anytime, rain or shine!
When the rain, rain won’t go away, step out and head to Paint Away, your one stop shop for everything arty. Conveniently located in Redmond Town Center, Paint Away's pottery prices include studio fees and glazing and firing of your bisqueware piece. If you want to try something new, check out their glass-fusing center, a unique way to create an art-tastic piece for yourself or as a gift. You start with a blank glass base and create a design on top with smaller glass pieces. They even have "kiddie glass” which is glass that’s been fired to give it rounded, smooth edges, perfect for little fingers.
It's raining, it’s pouring. What will you do in the morning? Paint The Town. This ideally located paint your own pottery place in U Village offers up a wide variety (as in 250!) do it yourself painting options, from mugs to bowls, figurines to picture frames. One price includes the piece you choose and all paints, glazing and firing of your piece. Best of all, you can drop in anytime during business hours to create your masterpiece, and they've got indoor and outdoor tables where you and the kids can paint.
If getting the kids out of the house is key, why not head to a local game store and raid their library? Not only do they have the coolest and newest games out there, they've also got knowledgeable staff on hand to help you find the perfect game for your crew and help you play it, too. Did we mention that many also have cafes inside? Grab a bite and a warm drink to enjoy while you play.
Did you run out of food coloring? Are you unhappy with your crust? Do you not have the right tools? It’s no problem with these great baking hacks
It’s that most wonderful time of the year: holiday cookie time! This year, don’t dread it, own it with these Christmas baking hacks to salvage any quandary. From a baking powder substitution and what to do if you don’t have a rolling pin to what to use in place of eggs or butter, we’ve got the goods on making goodies.
1. Holiday baking often calls for some pepperminty goodness, but who keeps peppermint syrup on hand for once-a-year baking? (No, Schnapps doesn’t count). Use an abundant ingredient: peppermint candies. Just put them in a Ziploc bag and smash them to bits. A great stress reliever!
2. Use tongs to make an even crimping pattern along the edge of your pie crust.
3. No rolling pin? Try this rolling pin hack: Use a wine bottle as a rolling pin (no, it doesn’t have to be full!).
4. Fill a wine bottle with ice (and cork well) to keep pie dough chill while rolling it out, great for when it's hot or humid.
5. Sub a little of your water for vodka and your pie crust somehow comes out flakier. And now you have an almost-full bottle of vodka on hand. Just sayin'...
6. Add a marshmallow to the top of your cupcakes five minutes before you take them out of the oven for a gooey, perfect topping—no frosting required.
7. If you run out of food coloring, use Jello to tint decorative icing.
8. Looking for a natural way to dye when baking? Check out these simple recipes for making natural food coloring yourself.
9. Fill an oral syringe with thin icing to get precise lines and letters when decorating.
10. If you do have piping tips, fill two piping bags or Ziplocks with different colored frosting. Don't overfill the bags; now put both bags into one tip, and you'll squeeze out a swirl of color.
11. Put a pan of water in the bottom of the oven to give your bread a crisp, browned crust. You can also use a spray bottle with water; spritz the oven to create steam.
12. Substitute butter in your next boxed cake recipe for a super-rich and luscious cake. You can even just melt it to make sure it incorporates easily.
13. You can also sub avocado for butter if you want something dairy-free and heart-healthy. Use one avocado to one stick of butter ratio. And if you run out of butter (or avocado), you can use applesauce in its place.
14. When making pies, freeze your butter, and then grate it into your flour mixture, instead of trying to crumble it with your fork. This will help integrate it more evenly and keep the butter cool.
15. Soften your butter BEFORE you mix it into your cookie dough batter, and try using salted butter instead of sweet cream.
16. Use a set of visual measuring cups. Perfect for kids and parents who need to squint just to read the measurements, the shape tells the size! The innovative cups make cooking and baking fun and easy for everyone.
17. Soften butter in the microwave, but be careful. Use a low power level, like two, and put it in for no more than 10 seconds to avoid melted butter (vs. softened). If it's not soft enough, continue to microwave at five-second intervals until it is.
18. Soften too-hard butter by putting it between two pieces of waxed paper and whacking it hard with a rolling pin. Once it’s been smacked a bit, roll it out (still between the waxed paper). The kids will love helping with this one.
19. Another method for softening too-cold butter without microwaving it to a puddle: set it on top of the stove while the oven is preheating. It will gradually soften: this works great if you are baking a cake and want to use the butter for a no-fail frosting.
20. Bring cold eggs to room temperature by placing them in a bowl of hot water for 5-10 minutes.
21. Use the other part of an eggshell to remove any errant bits of shell. Miraculously, this works and is way faster than struggling with a spoon or your fingers.
22. Baking for someone with an egg allergy? Use a flax egg. Simply measure one tablespoon of flaxseed meal (that’s flax seeds you put in the blender or you can buy already blended) to two tablespoons warm water for each “egg.” Mix it and let it sit for five minutes. The consistency will be similar to an egg. Or, opt for this egg alternative from Bob’s Red Mill.
23. If you want your chocolate chip cookies to have a more caramel flavor, sub out ½ cup of white sugar with additional brown sugar. If you want them with a more sugar-cookie-like taste, leave out all the brown sugar and use only white (most recipes call for some of each).
24. Use a muffin tin to make sure your cookies turn out uniform in size.
25. Easiest cookie ever? Hershey’s Kiss in pretzel circle, melt on parchment paper covered cookie sheet in oven until just soft. Boom. Next level: Use Rolos instead.
30. If you’ve “sorta” burned your cookies, use a box grater to shave off the darkest parts.
31. Also, measure out your cookie dough with an ice cream scoop, then chill them on the pan for a bit before baking (you can even freeze them, which means you can do this all ahead of time, bake the cookies the morning of and you get a better cookie). If you can’t afford the time (or space), just chill the bowl of dough for 20 minutes in the freezer before you start to scoop.
32. Store your cookies (or what's left of them) in an air-tight container with an apple wedge to keep the cookies moist.
37. Keep your brown sugar from going rock-hard by storing it in an air-tight container. Toss in a piece of bread to keep it moist.
38. If it's too late and your brown sugar is already hard, microwave it for 30 seconds in a bowl covered with a wet paper towel or place it in the oven to soften for about 15 minutes.
39. Does your recipe call for powdered sugar, but you are out? Use a spice grinder or food processor and pulverize white granulated sugar until it’s powder.
40. Slice your cheesecake with dental floss (but not the minty kind).
41. Hate dealing with metal sheet pans and cookie tins? Use a silicone baking mold instead. We love Silpat molds—there's no need to ever grease the molds or use liners, and your goodies bake to perfection (though depending on your oven, you may want to add a couple of minutes to the cooking time).
42. Need a baking powder substitution? The following are equal to 1 tsp. of baking powder:
1/4 teaspoon of baking soda + 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar.
1/2 cup plain yogurt + 1 tsp. baking soda. Mix dry ingredients first before adding yogurt to dry ingredients (Reduce the amount of water or other liquids.).
Nothing quite says winter like sipping on a cup of creamy hot chocolate, Portland parents
While Portland may not boast the snowy winters of the midwest, we can still get our winter sports on with the kids, whether we’re tubing on Mt. Hood, ice skating at Lloyd Center, or just finding a peaceful forested trail in the city to stretch our legs. And you know what pairs well with a day of winter adventuring? A rich and creamy cup of hot cocoa, of course. So if you’re wondering where to score the best cup in town, we’ve got options (including vegan hot cocoa). So get out there and make the most of winter’s cooler days. We’ve got your warm up right here.
Who doesn't love chocolates and hot chocolate? Ranger Chocolate Co. has it all from your classic hot cocoa to a Salted Maple Latte. Oh, and don't forget to check out their baked goods like biscotti and shortbread cookies as well as their chocolate-dipped candied ginger and chocolate-covered vanilla bean marshmallows. Everyone will find something they love here.
118 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Portland Online:rangerchocolate.co
The hot drinks at 1927 S'mores will hit the spot. Try a decadent gourmet hot cocoa topped with marshmallows, chocolate drizzle, whipped cream, toffee, or sprinkles with a pumpkin pie s'more on the side. Their s'mores marshmallows are huge, delicious, and the kid won't be able to get enough. They do have a vegan option available.
Found yourself and the babes in the Boise district in NE Portland and feeling a little something sweet? Head to Jinju Patisserie for their extremely satisfying, triple-chocolate cocoa, and be sure to grab one of their croissants or cookies for little hands while you're at it. Jinju believes in well-crafted, soul-warming indulgences, and after taking a look at their array of sweet options, you will probably want two of everything. Be sure to text their phone number in advance if you'd like them to set some items aside for pick-up.
Is it cold out? Don't stay stranded and undecided on the sidewalk. Head over to Harlow PDX for their host of warm beverage options. This locally owned café and juice bar has beautifully crafted lattes and steamers, such as red velvet cocoa or turmeric golden latte. Whether you choose to head to their SE Hawthorne location or to their newer shop on NW 23rd Ave, you will stave off the cold with Harlow's delicious drinks.
Harlow on Hawthorne 3632 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. Portland
If you've never visited the EcoTrust building in NW Portland, La Perlita is a great excuse to go for the first time and enjoy a delicious chocolate drink while you're at it. Described by their owners as "a love letter to the people who love coffee," La Perlita is about as authentic as roasters come. They know how to brew up a batch of something with that holiday sweetness we all are craving, so be sure to check out their truly Mexican hot chocolate, garnished with cacao nibs, or a traditional hot chocolate for the kiddos to keep it simple.
If you're a Portland native, then this suggestion will come as no surprise! And if you've never been, you should absolutely take the time to check out this Portland staple. Home to a nearly endless menu of teas and handcrafted tea-based lattes and chai, Tea Chai Té is sure to satisfy the desire for a warm drink on a cold day. Not to mention their slew of locations—no matter where you are in town, you're not far from this cozy neighborhood spot. Bring your family and friends down to this tea house for good conversation and even better drinks.
Chai. If you just had an extremely pleasurable reaction to reading that word then wait until you step inside Pip's Original Donuts and buy one of their chai lattes—it'll blow your mind! Not to mention their donuts are to die for. A must-try spot for almost any Portland tourist, take a day being a tourist in your own city by visiting Pip's for one of their small-batch chais, spiced apple ciders, or hot chocolates. You'll be sure to add it to your family's weekend go-to, winter or not! And buy a donut when you go, it's worth it.
