Walt Disney World is almost ready to kick off its 50th Anniversary Party, and of course that means there’s a new coffee blend to go with it!
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company, the official speciality coffee of the resort has just announced the Walt Disney World® 50th Anniversary Blend. A dark blend of 100% Arabica beans from Central and South America, the blend also has notes of blueberry, black cherry and lemon.
In addition to a brand new flavor, the The Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Blend comes packaged in a special bag with noted golden castle imagery. Just like previous Joffrey’s coffee, it will be available at locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
Want to know where you can get a cup? Just head to the WDW Resort, in-room at Walt Disney World
Resort, Disneyland Resort hotels, Disney Vacation Club hotels and resorts, Joffrey’s Disney Springs–The Landing location, select Walt Disney World Resort merchandise stores in-park and at around the resort and at signature restaurants within Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
You can also purchase the Walt Disney World® 50th Anniversary Blend online at joffreys.com beginning Sept. 29.
Did you drift off to sleep clutching your strawberry-scented Strawberry Shortcake doll? Then you’ll be elated to find out that your fave fruit-infused girl is back!
Strawberry Shortcake is returning in an all-new animated series, Berry in the Big City. Debuting on WildBrain Spark’s Strawberry Shortcake YouTube and YouTube Kids channels on Sat. Sept. 18, young viewers will be introduced to Ms. Shortcake and her new found pals as she navigates Big Apple City.
photo: Courtesy of WildBrain Spark
The first two episodes start Strawberry Shortcake’s journey to Big Apple City, where she’s hoping to get her big break in baking. With her cat Custard in tow, Strawberry also finds new friends in Orange Blossom, Lime Chiffon, Lemon Meringue and Blueberry Muffin. Together, the friends run their food trucks and fun adventures with plenty of singing along the way.
Berry in the Big City will consist of 40 four-minute adventures for kids ages 3 to 6 (though we admit, it was just as entertaining for us parents who loved the OG version!). After the launch, new episodes will drop every week through June 2022.
And fear not, a second 40-episode season is already planned, in addition to 44-minute Strawberry Shortcake family specials! Berry in the Big City also features 10 original songs that will be released next year as animated lyric videos for kids to sing along and enjoy on WildBrain Spark’s official Strawberry Shortcake channel.
There’s nothing quite like a day at a U-pick farm that gets the kids excited about fruit. These farms near Dallas offer apple picking in the fall, berries and peaches in the summer, and even sunflower and lavender picking. Pack up a picnic basket full of your favorite snacks and get the kids ready for a day of fruit picking!
Apple Valley Orchard—Llano
Jennifer Young
This 32-acre farm grows apples, berries and more out in Llano, TX. Check their Facebook page for u-pick updates.
12340 S. Highway 16 Llano, TX Online: facebook.com
Majestic Farms
Head to this farm in early summer for pear and plum picking. Did you know that pears are one of the only fruits that need to ripen after they've been picked? We didn't either! Check the farm's website before you head over as they'll indicate which fruits are ready for picking and whether they are closing early due to high temps.
You can also find them at the Hillsboro Farmer's Market.
Blueberry and pumpkin picking happen at this too-cute farm in Rockwall. Blueberry season runs in early summer and October brings pumpkin season. This year you can find everyone's favorite square pumpkin, Spookley, at Blase Family Farm.
If strawberries and pumpkins aren't the best combination, we don't know what is! Head to Price Farms in spring to pick your fill of strawberries, and then come back in the fall for pumpkin season.
This picturesque spot was originally a melon and strawberry farm, but has been selling lavender, cut flowers and herbs since 2006. Head out and visit the two acres where you'll find a cafe serving lavender treats as well as a shop with soaps and other lavender-scented items. Check their Facebook page for current hours before you head over.
This peach orchard is 10 miles North of Bonham, TX on Hwy 78, about 90 minutes from Dallas. The peach-picking season runs from May-July and the best spot to find information on their picking status is on their Facebook page. In addition to peaches, they also grow blackberries and plums.
Blackberries and blueberries are the name of the game at this North Texas farm. They also have fields of sunflowers blooming in July. If you want to cut flowers, bring a jar or large container and scissors. Their outdoor farm market sells jams, jellies, veggies seeds, and more.
Closed for the 2023 season, the Texas Tulip Farm is a spring destination for DFW residents. Over six acres of brightly colored tulips, a hay maze and the opportunity to pick your own beautiful bouquet are all part of the fun when you visit.
10656 FM 2931 Pilot Point, TX 76258
Ham Orchards - Terrell
One of the most popular farm destinations in DFW, you can pick your own raspberries at Ham's at the beginning of the summer while also being able to buy some of their famous peaches all the way until mid-August. There's plenty of other fun to be had: a browse through the general store, a BBQ lunch and enjoying some soft-serve peach ice cream are a must!
11939 County Rd. 309 Terrell, TX 75161 Online:hamorchard.com
A hot dog and a cold drink are the perfect summertime treat. Just in time for National Hot Dog Day on July 21, 7-Eleven has announced it’s selling its popular Quarter-Pound Big Bite 100% beef hot dogs for $1 all month at participating stores. Small Slurpee drinks will cost $1 for the rest of the summer, so check out thirst-quenching featured flavors such as Blueberry Lemonade Bliss, Pineapple Whip and Peach Perfect.
In previous years, the convenience store retailer has given away millions of free Slurpee drinks on July 11th to celebrate 7-Eleven’s birthday, but this year they’re handing out a free Slurpee drink coupon valid through the end of July. Get your coupon through the 7Rewards loyalty program on the 7-Eleven app.
The chain is one of the country’s top hot-dog sellers, serving more than 100 million a year. Big Bite fans know you can customize your dog with a variety of toppings, such as hot chili, melted nacho cheese, fresh onions, jalapeños, pickles, pico de gallo and sauerkraut, as well as ketchup, mustard, relish or mayonnaise. Selections vary by store.
This awesome dollar deal doesn’t only apply to hot dogs: Taquitos, egg rolls and other food items cooked on the store’s roller grills are also a buck this month. So head over to your nearest 7-Eleven for a tasty treat, and download the 7-Eleven app from the App Store or Google Play, or by visiting 7Rewards.com.
It’s July, which means your kids are probably staying up well past their average bedtimes because, really, who wants to go to bed when it’s still daylight outside? If you’re looking for the perfect way to knock out that end-of-day energy burst, then catching fireflies is your beacon to bedtime bliss. From wooded paths to tall grass, along with ponds and in bushes, fireflies are lighting the way to some serious summertime memories. Here’s where to look for these little bioluminescent beetles in Atlanta.
Since fireflies rely on their blinking lights to communicate with one another, areas with lots of light pollution have far fewer insects because they can't as easily make plans with one another. But, thanks to Piedmont Park's 189 acres, it's a haven in the hullabaloo of our modern city. Whether you look for them in the Northwoods across from the Atlanta Botanical Garden, or stay late at one of the park's two playgrounds, you've got a very good chance at seeing some lighting bugs lighting up.
This 135-acre multi-use park is the largest park in the City of Brookhaven, but thanks to its miles of nature trails and preserved wetlands, it's a great spot to see the lightning bugs come out at night. You don't have to veer too far off the path (or away from the parking lot, for that matter) to witness the twinkling lights of your favorite luminary insects. For your best show, steer clear of the sports fields and head towards the wooded area and trails near the lake. Lightning bugs don't like the chemicals that are used to make each multi-use field so green and weed-free.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is a 2,965 acre National Battlefield that preserves a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign. You'll find fields with taller grass that are perfect for lightning bugs to levitate from, and the wooded trails that circle the mountain are crawling with the critters.
Among Allatoona Creek Park's 1450 acres are large open fields, forest, and the shores of Lake Allatoona. Two creeks (Little Allatoona and Big Allatoona) merge as you near the lake, and the land is managed to accommodate all species of wildlife with archery hunting for deer allowed during the season. The park is open for public use except during hunting season, and among these acres, you can find an impressive showing of fireflies.
Near the Cohutta Wilderness, this Georgia state park is a mecca for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders who come for the trails that wind through hardwood forest and blueberry thickets, crossing streams, and circling a pretty lake. There's even a mysterious 855-foot-long wall that's thought to have been built by early Indians as fortification against more hostile Indians or for ancient ceremonies. But the wall isn't the only ethereal thing about this park. The rare blue-ghost fireflies unique to the Appalachian mountain range can be found early in firefly season, but visitors should look and not catch these unique bugs.
A grownup take on the classic bomb pop? Sign us up! The ever-popular Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is releasing a new collection called “Ice Cream Truck Flavors,” but much like chasing the truck, you can only get them for a limited time.
Starting July 8, you can find a new flavor each week online and in scoop shops. First up is the Rocket Pop, buttermilk ice cream with a tart and creamy blueberry pineapple swirl. Mango Cheesecake Swirl drops on July 14, followed by Orange Freeze on July 22, High Five Candy Bar on July 29 and Golden Nectar on August 5. The last one is rumored to taste like a chilled summer chai!
If you don’t live near a scoop shop, you can buy the full collection and have it shipped to your house, thanks to the wonders of modern delivery services. It’s a lot less sweaty than running after the ice cream man, too.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams burst onto the scene in 2002 in Columbus, Ohio. Today it’s a Certified B corporation with 58 scoop shops and distribution in top grocery stores across the country. With flavors ranging from Fluffernutter Pie to Sweet Cream Biscuits and Peach Jam, there’s a unique combo for everyone!
—Sarah Shebek
Featured image courtesy of Jen’s Splendid Ice Creams
The berries were packed between May 28 and June 9 and you can identify a problematic package by the UPC code or the product lot code (see the FDA release for the full product lot code list). Four UPC codes are affected:
0 71430 01154 6
0 71430 01151 5
07143001150 8
071430011155 3
If you find a package with one of these codes in your home, discard it immediately. No other Dole products are affected by this recall. If you have any questions, you can call the Dole Consumer Center at 1-800-356-3111, which is open 24 hours a day.
Fortunately, no illnesses have been reported yet in association with the recall.
If embracing Star Wars style only on May the 4th isn’t enough for you, you’re not alone. Ever since Star Wars Day has come and gone, there are tons of new galaxy-inspired products hitting store shelves. From baby Yoda jammies and Mandalorian-inspired backpacks, there are plenty of ways to show your strength against the dark side! Keep scrolling to see our faves.
Columbia Outer Rim Collection
Columbia is back with another limited edition collection! The special lineup includes three styles for men, women and kids with prices ranging from $45 to $65. Each piece is packed with Star Wars iconic images and is perfect for summer adventures.
When it comes to stylish duds, Hanna Andersson has it in the bag. The brand's collection of PJ's for the whole fam and comfy shirts, dresses and more mean you'll be embracing the Force in total style.
May the Force be with your Amazon Echo Dot 4th Generation! Otterbox has just dropped a new Grogu Echo Dot Stand in its Made for Amazon Star Wars OtterBox Den Series and its available for pre-order starting May 4.
Head to amazon.com to pre-order, with shipping starting Jun. 10, 2021.
Hershel Mandalorian Collection
Herschel's second Star Wars collab has landed! The Mandalorian-inspired lineup features a Little America Backpack, Classic X-Large backpack, Little Herschel Pop Quiz Lunch Box and a Heritage Kids Backpack––all with legit Mando patterns and phrases.
This Grogu-approved tea is made with hibiscus, blueberries and organic monk fruit and comes in a collectable tin. It's a part of the Mandalorian Tea Collection and joins The Child Green Tea and Mysterious Black Tea.
Available at www.RepublicofTea.com and select specialty retailers across the country, $8.50
The Black Series Galaxy's Edge Captain Cardinal Electronic Helmet
Captain Cardinal served as Armitage Hux’s personal guard and now your kiddos can feel like the real deal. This wearable helmet has a voice distorter, adjustable fit, interior padding and everything you need to fit right into the galaxy.
It’s almost Memorial Day weekend, and Dunkin’ is here for the hot weather! The brand is celebrating the end of the school year with brand new lemonade refreshers, donuts and MUNCHKINS that will get you in the summer spirit.
The new menu items will be available for a limited time, and DD Perks members will get extra goodies, too. From May 26 through Jun. 8 members will earn points toward a free beverage reward three times as fast with 3X points on all Dunkin’ Lemonade Refresher purchases. That’s 15 points per dollar!
There are three new options to choose from when it comes to Dunkin’ Lemonade Refreshers: Strawberry flavored lemonade, Peach flavored lemonade and Blueberry flavored lemonade. Each one is made with lemonade, B vitamins and flavored fruit concentrate which means a bright and cheery drink.
Be sure to pick up a few Berry Powdered Donuts and MUNCHKINS donut hole treats! The items feature a new berry powder that packs a sweet berry punch, not to mention a sweet pink look.
Dunkin’ is also getting ready for National Donut Day––with a free donut. Head to your local shop on Fri. Jun. 4 to snag a free classic donut with the purchase of your drink.
Don’t forget to deck out for the big day with the #NationalDonutDay collection that is rife with limited-edition customizable donut-themed fashions! The special line officially drops at 12:00 p.m. EST on Thur., Jun. 3, only at shopdunkin.com.
Need a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life? Central Washington’s Lake Chelan is the perfect getaway to relax, recharge and have tons of family fun. Better yet, it’s just a three-hour drive over the mountains from Seattle. This Pacific Northwest vacation spot, tucked along a spectacular glacier-fed lake, is a sunny respite you’ll want to visit year after year. Here’s why:
Enjoy Water Activities in Paradise
Lake Chelan is 50.5-miles of pristine blue water, with smaller lakes and waterways close by. Kayak, canoe, paddleboard, water-ski, jet-ski, rent a boat… the options for water fun are endless. When you’re hanging out at the beach, snorkel gear is a must-have for kiddos who want to discover the cool sights at the bottom of this crystal clear lake. If you’re a thrill-seeking family, parasail together to take in the sights. Rent your water adventure gear here.
Slide into Happiness
Built into a hill, Slidewaters is a water park like no other—it’s surrounded by exquisite natural beauty and boasts stunning views of Lake Chelan. The youngest kids can zip down perfectly pint-sized slides or ride with a parent on the larger ones. Relax as you float along the lazy river, take family tube rides or race your crew on the water slides. No matter what adventures you slide into, you’ll love spending the day in this sunny oasis.
Locate Lost “Treasure”
Little explorers will enjoy beachcombing on the various beaches of Lake Chelan. During springtime, the lake’s water level drops over ten feet, revealing all sorts of beautiful rocks and minerals. Recommended spots to seek hidden “gems” are Don Morse Park, Lakeside Park, Beebe Bridge Park, Chelan Falls Park and Willow Point Park.
Camp (with Some Comfort!)
No gear, no problem. Stehekin Outfitters’ “tent-to-tent” offering makes area camping easier than ever with fully stocked camps that are set up and ready for travelers. All you need to pack are clothes, food and toiletries. There are various campsites that can serve as your home base when you’re hiking. Supplies include the tent, wood stove, cots, table, chairs and even kitchen essentials to make meals. They also offer “Hike and Like it” guided trips where meals are provided and horses carry your duffels, as well as day rides to sightsee on horseback.
Wind Down at a Winery
Drink in the beauty of Lake Chelan (literally!) at one of the 30 plus wineries dotting the shore. Thanks to rich soil, a sunny climate and thriving grapes, the Chelan Valley is a premier destination for wine enthusiasts. Sit back, sip and enjoy the stunning scenery of vines winding down the hillside. Kids are welcome at many wineries and will have plenty of fun playing and picnicking.
Head to Blueberry Hills
Blueberry Hills Farm is a 20-acre family-owned berry farm with 18 different blueberry varieties. Raspberries, blackberries and peony flowers also grace these gorgeous fields. Picking season starts at the end of June, so this is a great summer activity for the whole family—even your pet. Be sure to enjoy a homemade meal and some fresh pie at their farmhouse-style restaurant.
Go off the Grid at Stehekin
Take a day trip to this tiny, off-the-beaten-path town located at the northern end of Lake Chelan. There are no roads in or out of Stehekin, so the only way to get there is by boat, floatplane or foot. Take a scenic ride on the Lady of the Lake for a visit to this remote, majestic valley nestled in the North Cascades. Listen for the glacial melt running over the rocks of the Stehekin river (yep, even your boisterous kids will turn on their listening ears for that!)
Be a Big Champ Playing Mini Golf
Families love having some friendly competition at one of Lake Chelan’s two mini-golf courses. A championship putting course, “the Green” at Don Morse Park is walkable from downtown. If you’re grabbing a meal at Watson’s Alpenhorn Cafe, a round of nine-hole mini golf is free for kids 12 and under. (It’s nice and shady here if you’re looking for a fun spot to cool off!)
Your Stay, Your Style
There are a variety of places to stay in Lake Chelan. Whether you’re looking for a luxury resort or would rather rent a quaint cabin, there’s a perfect spot for your crew to unwind. Campbell's has been a family favorite since it opened in 1901. With prime real estate right on the lake, this renovated resort is the quintessential vacation destination.
