Guess what parents? January 5th is National Whipped Cream Day! So, don’t put away those cozy pants and make sure your New Year’s resolution includes indulging in a sweet stack because there’s more reasons than ever to dig into a stack of pancakes at one of our favorite San Diego breakfasts joints this month. We know there are plenty of restaurant chains where you can satisfy that urge for pancakes. However, we’ve found 10 local breakfast spots that add a creative (or healthy) twist to the beloved breakfast item. From strawberries and cream and oreo cookie pancakes to one’s coined Fuzzy Monkey and Tree Hugger, scroll down to find where to stack ’em up.
Breakfast Republic
You’ll flip over the pancake flights at this local eatery. A flight is three pancakes, where you can mix and match flavors. We recommend the Oreo pancake with cookie crumbles and cream. Likewise, try the cinnamon roll pancake or pineapple upside-down pancakes (family favorites). With so many yummy choices, everyone leaves satisfied and full.
Pancakes: three per plate, $9 to $15.50 Hours: daily, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
In addition to a full menu brunch menu of delicious options, Farmers Table in La Mesa is a kid-friendly spot with some of the best pancakes in town. You can also order them vegan or gluten-free! Plus, feel good about the local organic eggs and other wholesome ingredients.
Pancakes: buttermilk, $6 pm for kids, $9.50 for adults Hours: daily, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Little eaters can dine on the kids' pancakes that come with the option to add strawberries or bananas. While grown-ups will delight in the Fesas Con Crema pancakes made with strawberry cream and fresh strawberries. Bonus: this eatery uses local food sources such as a family ranch in Ramona that supplies their eggs.
Pancakes: kids, $7; others, $10-$12 Hours: Vary by location
Locations: Pacific Beach, Hillcrest and Liberty Station (coming soon to Mission Valley) Online: figtreeeatery.com
Interested in healthier options? Try the Naked Cafe. First, choose between a basic buttermilk or organic whole grain gluten-free batter for your pancakes. Then, add the toppings of your choice from wild blueberry to toasted coconut and mango with fun names like Fuzzy Monkey and Tree Hugger. Moreover, there are vegan pancakes too. And kids love the buttermilk pancake in the shape of that famous mouse and topped with whipped cream.
Pancakes: kids, $4.5 for one or $11 for three Hours: 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Locations: Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Point Loma Online: thenakedcafe.com
The Original Pancake House
The Original Pancake House
Go traditional with a fluffy buttermilk short stack topped with maple syrup and butter. Kids will go crazy for the chocolate chip pancakes served with chocolate chips, chocolate syrup and whipped cream. Grown-ups will dig the Dutch pancake which is fluffy and topped with lemon. Whatever you eat, you'll leave with that pancake urge satisfied.
Soar into this AM Eatery that offers three choices of pancake flights. If you love lots of toppings and sweet sauces, then this is your pancake hot spot. In all honesty, the blueberry Danish pancakes and chocolate chip are our faves. Other Snooze creations include vegan bliss pancakes, streusel and pineapple upside-down pancakes. Plus, they have a "pancake of the day." Down these buttermilk wonders in a delightful atmosphere sparked with bright colors to start the day off in good cheer. Want one just for our kiddo, go for the Lil' Pardner's pancake which comes with hashbrowns, fruit, and a choice of drink.
Pancakes: single, $8.75; flight, $10.75 Hours: daily, 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
3435 Del Mar Heights Rd. San Diego, Ca 858-703-5300 Online: snoozeeatery.com
La Jolla Village 8861 Villa La Jolla Dr. La Jolla, Ca 858-483-5556
What's a good way to get your half-pint to eat a multi-grain pancake? Easy, just head to Claire's on Cedros. For one thing, kids chow down these pancakes topped with powdered sugar and chocolate chips. Even more, they have: Buttermilk, Multigrain, Lemon Ricotta (seasonal), and Gluten-Free. And if you really love the pancakes, you can buy the pancake mix there too.
Strawberries and bananas... please. Likewise, the blueberries get mixed right into the batter of these big and delicious pancakes that are sized to share. On the other hand, the good old naked pancake is light and fluffy with maple syrup (on the side). Be sure to ask about the seasonal pancake too. The Mission gets busy, so arrive early or be prepared to wait for a table.
Pancakes: $12-$13.50 Hours: daily, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Locations: Mission Beach, North Park, and SoMa East Village Online: themissionsd.com
Whether you like your flapjacks topped with bananas, pecans, blueberries or even chocolate chips, you'll love these light and fluffy crafted treats. If you're looking for a pancake with a twist, order the northern bacon pancake or cheery option. This pancake house also offers a baked apple pancake that takes an extra 10-20 minutes but is worth the wait! Plus, there are gluten- and peanut-free options too.
Seeking ginormous pancakes? Yep, this is your breakfast joint. This sweet treat is going to do more than please, it's going to wow. The Traditional Soufflé Pancake comes stacked with 2 soufflé pancakes + finished with powdered sugar. They also offer the most decadent blueberry pancakes. For "little shorties" they offer a mini option that arrives much quicker. First head down for breakfast, then go to The New Children's Museum to round out the day.
Pancake: $9-$18 Hours: daily, 24/7
Gaslamp Neighborhood 828 6th Ave. San Diego, Ca 619-702-8410 Online: brians24.com
If 2020 taught us anything, it was to have a stockpile of healthy snacks for kids ready at home when the hangries strike. Fuel up with these low- or no-sugar store-bought snacks for kids that will boost their brain power and give them the energy they need to play and learn. From brand-new snacks just released in 2021 to healthy snacks we always have in our pantry, read on for the best new store-bought snacks to stock up on now.
Spudsy Sweet Potato Fries
Those misshapen sweet potatoes aren't going to waste! Spudsy take them and upcycles them into a plant-based snack the whole family will love! The brand's Sweet Potato Fries are grain and gluten-free, non-GMO, plant-based and come in three flavors including Hot Fry, Vegan Ranch Fry and Cheese Fry. While you're shopping, be sure to pick up a few of our other faves, cinnamon churro and Bangin' Bar-B-Q sweet potato puffs!
These are not your Corn Nuts of the 90's! Love, Corn products are gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, kosher and come in so many delicious flavors. New this year, Vegan Cheezy makes the perfect, guilt-free snacks for moms and a great addition to school lunches.
Perfect for toddlers, big kids and even busy moms, Yumi's fruit leathers come in mixed berry, mango and strawberry flavors. Kids will get a full serving of fruit and vegetables with no added sugar in each strip!
Don't just eat, feed your brain! Brainiac's new products include Brain Squeezers, Brain Butters and Smart Tubes & Smoothies that pack a proprietary blend of brain nutrients including Omega‑3s and Choline and are Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Kosher, have no added sugars or artificial flavors and are approved by pediatricians. Did we mention they taste great, too?
Get all the things you love about an Everything bagel in a thin, tasty cracker! RW Garcia's delicious snack is organic, verified non-GMO, gluten free, kosher and is made with corn, seeds, garlic and onion.
Find them at local grocers nationwide.
KIND Bar Minis
KIND Minis pack massive taste into 100 calories or less, with choices like Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew and Peanut Butter. Kids will love adding them to their lunchbox rotation and you can feel good that they are getting some good nutrition in at snack time.
Yes, you can still have your tasty cheese balls and eat them too! The Good Crisp just turned your guilty pleasure into a healthy snack with no fillers, artificial flavors, gluten or GMO's. On top of that, they've added Wellmune, which helps support your kiddos immune system.
Make packing that sweet snack a breeze with GoGos squeeZ brand new AlmondBlend Pudding! The plant-based pouch offers 5 grams of protein and 30% less sugar as compared to traditional dairy pudding so no guilt required.
The Famous Amos brand is being reimagined for today’s world with three new cookies. While sticking with its bite-sized shape that people know and love, Famous Amos is shaking things up by introducing three new recipes with premium ingredients from around the world including:
Belgian Chocolate Chip: An elevated classic chocolate chip cookie with authentic Belgian chocolate
Philippine Coconut and White Chocolate Chip: A bite-size variety with coconut from the Philippines
Mediterranean Hazelnut and Chocolate Chip: A bite-size variety with hazelnuts from the Mediterranean
These Lemon Blueberry Bars from Hungry Buddha are the perfect combo of zesty lemon with the sweetness of juicy berries all in one delicious, vegan, plant-powered and allergy-friendly snack bar. These gluten free, Non-GMO bars are packed with 10g of protein and only 2g of sugar, and are made without the use of palm oil, sugar alcohols, dairy or soy. Pick these up at your local Sprouts Market for $2.49.
Catalina Crunch
Catalina Crunch, the makers of delicious keto-friendly cereals and cookies, just released a brand new Crunch Mix that features protein, fiber and specially curated natural ingredients in four delectable flavors: Traditional, Cheddar, Creamy Ranch and Spicy Kick. Each variety is made with the same delicious taste and crunch of your favorite party mixes and features a delicious mix of Catalina Crunch cereal, vibrant seasonings, nuts, chickpea pretzels and (depending on the flavor) cheese crisps. We love to keep these in the car for impromptu park days and hiking trips.
Perfect Bar to the rescue! The new snack size is perfect for kiddos and now comes in Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter. Made with organic peanut butter and organic honey, 20+ organic superfoods and six grams of whole food protein, these petite bars make the ideal lunch or after-school snack.
Get them in the refrigerated sections of Target, Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway and retailers nationwide for $6.99 for an eight count box.
Undercover Snacks
Healthy ingredients… in disguise! Developed by a mom whose two daughters were diagnosed with celiac disease, all Undercover Snacks are made with carefully sourced all-natural, gluten-free, non-GMO, simple ingredients and Rain Forest Alliance Certified chocolate.
Undercover Snacks are made with crispy quinoa, which is naturally gluten-free, packed with protein, fiber and nutrients, and has an incredible crunchy texture. They are made in a dedicated facility that is free of the top ten food allergens. For lunchboxes, tuck one of their single-serve packs in as a treat!
Looking for healthy, allergy-friendly snacks to pack in your kid's backpack or lunchbox that are free from the top 8 allergens? Look no further! Developed by a mom whose children have severe food allergies, Without a Trace offers a mouthwatering variety of plant-based, gluten-free Chewy Granola Bars, Power Bites and Cookies. They are perfect for tucking in lunchboxes or as a grab-n-go snack for everyone in the family.
A sweet, popcorn-based treat without all the extra added sugar? Yes please! Just a 1/2 cup clocks in at 60 calories and 2 grams of sugar thanks to their all-natural sweeteners. Now you can feel good about treating the kids without any of the guilt.
Make snack time fun and educational! Dick and Jane's educational snacks are all-natural, non-GMO and 100% nut-free. Each pack is made with crackers imprinted with learning opportunities like spelling, abbreviations and more. Varieties currently include States & Capitals, Presidents, English & Spanish, Food & Nutrition, Fun & Fitness and Farmers Market.
KRAVE recently introduced a new Zero Sugar Jerky line that marries grass-fed beef with all the flavor and none of the sugar. Your kids will love the two new flavors: Sonoma Style BBQ and Southwest Hatch Chile. KRAVE Zero Sugar Jerky perfects bold flavor and tender texture for a snack that delivers on taste and nutrition—both 100% grass-fed beef jerky flavors have 12g of protein, 0g of sugar and only 1.5g of fat per serving.
KRAVE Zero Sugar Jerky is available now in select CVS stores nationwide and online at kravejerky.com, with availability in Meijer, Kroger and on Amazon coming soon.
Belgian Boys
Belgian Boys make delicious non-GMO European sweets and you're going to want to stock up on them for your next road trip. Kids will especially love the speculoos cookies that come in the too-cute mustache shape and the Belgian chocolate cookie bars (hide these, you'll want them for yourself). Try their frozen breakfast items like waffles and bite-sized pancakes for on-the-go munching.
Up your protein game this year with these in your backpack. Perfect for a day at the beach or a hiking adventure, these jerky bars are the savory treat your crew needs. Hot Honey is our favorite with its sweet kick. Tender Chicken Bars also come in teriyaki and original flavors.
Plant-based eaters, listen up! Pure Batch has grab-and-go cookie batches that include four types of truffles, a protein brownie and refrigerated-to-eat cookies. You'll love knowing that you are feeding your body with something nutritious while also enjoying a sweet treat.
2Betties creates dairy-free, nutrient-dense mini donuts with no refined sugars. We love them for a hiking treat to motivate the kids to keep going! They are currently offered in six delicious flavors: Chocolate Chunk, Maple Cinnamon, Sweet Almond, Mocha Chip, Vanilla Bean, and Pumpkin Spice. Hide the wrapper and your guests will think you’re an expert donut maker.
Developed by parents, DINO BARS are the healthy, travel-friendly bar that your kids will love eating. They are wrapped in edible paper and available in three fun flavors: strawberry, blueberry, and mango. Parents will love that they are non-GMO, USDA certified organic and free from nuts, gluten, soy, and dairy.
Horizon Organic's Yogurt Pouches and Cultured Dairy Smoothies
Horizon Organic's newest offerings from their Growing Years line include a yummy dairy smoothie and yogurt pouches. The dairy smoothie comes in a small container that's perfect for school lunches or a quick snack. We also love that these new snacks were developed with the help of a pediatrician, so you'll know your kids are getting great nutrition.
Sink your teeth into RIND’s new Skin-In Dried Fruit snacks! The chewy, tasty snacks have no added sugar and 4-6g of fiber per serving. Because the skin is still on, kiddos will get more vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber than other dried fruit brands. Not only that, they are non-GMO project verified, Kosher certified, allergen-friendly and gluten-free. We love all the flavors that include Tropical Blend, Straw-Peary, Orchard, Tangy Kiwi, Coco-Melon and Coconut Crisps.
Enjoying lentils never tasted so good! Perfect to enjoy by the handful or tossed on a salad, these salty snacks pack plant-based protein, are gluten-free and have vegan options. Choose from Pink Himalayan Salt, Barbeque, Falafel and Cinnamon Sugar.
Quinn is known for making crazy delicious and totally craveable pretzels and microwave popcorn using only 100% REAL, simple ingredients and kicking artificial ingredients and unpronounceables to the curb. We love the maple almond butter filled pretzels for family hikes and the whole grain sea salt pretzel sticks for school lunches.
For on-the-go snacking that you can count on to be free of junk, look to Supernola. These superfood clusters come in Triple Berry Vanilla, Dragon Fruit Lemon Zest, Honey Sweet Goji, Banana Nut Crunch, and Dark Chocolate Nut Crunch. Supernola fits many specialty diets including Paleo, Keto (4 flavors), Vegan (4 flavors), and is naturally dairy, gluten, grain, peanut and refined sugar-free.
Chips made out of cactus? Just say YES to Tia Lupita! These grain-free chips come in flavors like sea salt (our favorite), salsa verde, hot sauce, and chipotle, you'll definitely find one that you love.
The world's first Greek yogurt bar wrapped in chocolate has two new flavors! Delicious enough to pass for dessert, the Coconut and Berry Açaí treats are just 100 calories, contain one gram of sugar and pack eight grams of protein.
The two newest flavors are available exclusively at Whole Foods and you can find the others by visiting cliosnacks.com.
Raisels Pick-Your-Mix
Raisels, the creators of the fun-flavored Golden Raisins, has just launched the perfect way to get the flavors you want sent right to your door. The new Pick-Your-Mix option will allow you to mix-and-match delicious Raisel packs to create a perfect, custom Raisels box. Choose from among 7 options to bring the sweet, sour and slightly-spicy Raisel flavors to you. We love these as an alternative for kids who love sour candies—they won't know they're really eating fruit!
Bobo's Almond Brownie Oat Bars and Bites
Bobo's is back with new whole grain snacks! Get ready to let kiddos sink their teeth into gluten-free whole grain oats, cocoa, chocolate chips and chocolate almond butter in the new almond brownie oat bars and bites. Not only that, choose from brand new strawberry and apple stuff'd oat bites for a fruity snack that keeps you full.
Solely's new Organic Whole Fruit Gummies contain only two or three ingredients, real whole fruit and a little Vitamin C. Every pouch offers 0.7 ounces of fruit, is only 60-70 calories and has no added sugar, preservatives, gelatins, colors, or gums. They're also USDA organic, Kosher, and Non-GMO verified. Choose from Organic Mango and Organic Mango & Orange flavors!
Available exclusively at Whole Foods Market.
LesserEvil Lil' Puffs
We'll just come out and say it: these new snacks from LesserEvil are so delicious you'll want to buy one bag for them, and one bag for you. The brand-new line includes flavors like Veggie Blend, Sweet Potato Apple, Non-Dairy Cheddar and Strawberry Beet. The puffs, which are in fun star-like shapes, use organic coconut oil and offer zero grams of sugar. They're certified USDA organic, vegan, non-GMO project verified, grain-free and gluten-free. The tasty snacks are best for toddlers 12 months and older.
We love these refrigerated bars for on-the-go snacking as they come in kid-friendly flavors like Almond Butter, Dark Chocolate Chip Almond Butter and Honey Almond Butter. Pop them in your purse for a protein-rich, plant-based snack that you can feel good about serving. With 10g of protein per bar, you can definitely keep the hangries away.
We love this delicious line of tender chicken snacks made from real, wholesome ingredients like antibiotic-free chicken and various spices and we think you will too. They’re available in three flavors: Original, Teriyaki, and Hot Honey and they're the perfect option for hikes or to keep in your purse for when the hangries hit. High in protein, they can definitely get you through a playdate at the park that ran through lunchtime.
Give their lunches a colorful boost with Butterfly's brand-new nut butter that comes in two unique colors and flavors: Blue Dream and Pink Panther. Each is a unique mix of walnut, cashews, macadamia and MCT oil. The color comes from pitaya (dragon fruit) and blue spirulina. Both new flavors are organic, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free.
If your babe is a puff fanatic turn to the brand-new grain-free puffs from Serenity Kids. With zero grams of sugar and no fillers like rice and grains, Serenity Kids leads with cassava root and real veggies. Choose from flavors like Carrot & Beet with Olive Oil, Broccoli & Spinach with Bone Broth, Tomato & Mushroom with Bone Broth and Sweet Pepper & Basil with Olive Oil. The entire line is non-GMO and USDA Organic certified.
This uber-fresh plant-based food company gets a 10,000/1000 rating from our editors, which basically means these protein bars are beyond tasty! Handcraft and plant-based, Urban Remedy's bars are low in sugar, high in protein and rich in healthy fats. Currently, they are available in Cacao, Matcha and Superfood Chaga flavors.
Ditch your traditional sandwich cookies that are loaded with sugar for these low-carb treats that taste delicious! Packed with 4g plant protein, 2g sugar and only 5g net carbs. 100% plant-based, nothing artificial, great macros and now available in four flavors: Chocolate Vanilla, Chocolate Mint, Vanilla Crème and Peanut Butter.
These delicious mochi ice cream bites are available in individually-wrapped packaging and are gluten free and non-GMO. Made with all-natural ingredients, they are a tasty, no-mess, perfectly portioned treat everyone will enjoy. The new single serve mochi are available in varieties including Vegan Chocolate, Vegan Strawberry, and (non-vegan) Green Tea, Triple Chocolate, Cookie Dough Bites and more at the self-serve freezers in Whole Foods and other grocery stores nationwide!
CLIF Kid Zbars: Cinnamon Roll
Our tots adore Zbars (and we do, too), which is why we're eager to let you know about CLIF Kid's brand new flavor: cinnamon roll. It's packed with whole grain oats and swirls of cinnamon, and it tastes just like your fave doughy cinnamon rolls (but without the gooey, sticky mess).
Our kids can't get enough of Nature's Bakery fig bars, which means this brand has set the bar high for kids (and adult) snacks. Good news: Nature Bakery's brand-new soft-baked bars are just as delicious as their beloved fig bars. The new snack comes in two flavors: Chocolate Oat and Banana Chocolate Chip. Both flavors feature organic whole grains, fruits and veggies with 9 grams of whole grains, fruits, veggies and chocolate chips. They're free of high fructose corn syrup and are nut-, dairy- and soy-free. Our toddler loved the bar and we thought that it was soft enough to give to our 11 month old who devoured it as well.
Launched in early 2020, Mavericks Snacks is new to the snacking game. But that doesn't mean they're going unnoticed. Mavericks Snacks was recently voted "Best New Healthy School Snack" and are winning kids (and parents) over with their delicious Cookiez and Crackerz. Their Cookiez have 40% less sugar than the leading kids cookie and their Crackerz boast 8 grams of whole grains. All snacks are non-GMO and peanut-free.
This keto-friendly snack brand strives to make OG-tasting products in a healthier way. Each product is gluten-free, grain-free, made with clean ingredients and has no added sugar. Shop seven delicious products for 2021 that include Caramel Clusters, Salted Caramel Mini Cookies and Vanilla Shortbread Mini Cookies.
A great on-the-go snack, GOOD GOOD's Krunchy Keto Bars taste like a dessert. Packed with nutrients, each bar is loaded with eight to 13 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber and has no added sugar. Choose from Raspberry Cheesecake and Caramel Friendly flavors in this snack that is great for parents and kiddos!
We all know how hard it is to get kids to eat healthy—the constant battle over sugar and veggies never ends. That's why ICONIC® Kids was created. It's a delicious kid’s drink with 0g of added sugar, a full serving of daily organic vegetables, Vitamin D3, and a taste that will trick kids into thinking it’s dessert. Try the sample pack and you'll get two of each of these flavors: Fruity Fiesta (tastes like the milk leftover from a bowl of Fruit Loops), Chocolate Carnival (as decadent as a sliver of rich dark chocolate cake) and Vanilla Vacay (tastes JUST like a vanilla milkshake).
Gluten-free and plant based, Without a Trace's Power Bites are tasty as can be. The allergen-friendly bites are made with real ingredients and are free from chemicals, fillers, are non-GMO and the Big 8, plus sesame. Enjoy these fork-free morsels in Red Raspberry and Cinna-Monster.
Snacking Avocado is a uniquely light and crispy clean-ingredient snack made with slices of real Hass avocados that are freeze-dried and simply seasoned with sea salt and spices. Available in three savory flavors, including Sea Salt, Sea Salt Lime and Roasted Chipotle, the nutritious new line is vegan, keto, gluten-free, Non-GMO, high-fiber and sugar free.
Addicted to Thin Mints but looking for a better-for-you option? Check this out! Kate's Real Food just launched their newest all-natural energy bar flavor, Dark Chocolate Mint, and you're going to love it. Like all Kate’s Real Food products, the Mint Bar is loaded with tasty USDA-certified organic ingredients, including cool peppermint extract, smooth dark chocolate, natural cacao powder, creamy peanut butter and certified gluten-free oats. It also includes organic, dried bits of cacao beans, adding texture to the bar with chocolate in a pure, unaltered form.
For a breakfast or on-the-go snack you can feel good about, we love The Soulfull Project's new granola. Made with steel-cut oats, brown rice crisps and puffed quinoa, your kids will love the "no junk" flavors of maple pecan, toasted coconut and dark chocolate cherry. You'll feel good knowing that for every serving of a Soulfull Project item that is purchased, one is donated to a food bank in that same region.
Bubba's Fine Foods Sweet & Savory Nut Mixes
These brand-new nut mixes from Bubba’s Fine foods come in six different flavors, three savory, and three sweet. Each one is filled with real food ingredients, and pack a whopping seven grams of protein. The 1.2oz serving size makes this an easy snack for busy parents and kids alike. And, if you’re trying to eat a more keto-focused diet, these nut mixes also only have three grams of net carbs per serving, too!
Clio has launched a new less-sugar Greek yogurt bar in two flavors, peach and mixed berry. With only one gram of sugar and eight grams of protein, this is a sweet treat you can feel good about sharing with the kids.
You know and love KIND bars for their low-sugar combo of nuts, dark chocolate, salt and much more. Now, they've just launched their second-edition EQUALITY bar. While the bar itself is the favorite Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Nut, but the new wrapper is custom designed by a Black female artist, and it represents a world that’s beautifully diverse, inclusive and equitable.
Ditch the sugary sports drink and hydrate with Greater Than instead. With new flavors that include Strawberry Lemonade and Peach Clementine, this electrolyte drink is non-GMO, gluten and dairy free, 100 percent vegan, organic and paleo friendly. It's perfect for busy kids and parents on the go!
Looks like the rainy season is here to stay, parents. If your fam is itching to get into the sunshine without having to travel too far, head east to Wenatchee. Just over the Cascades, this small town along the mighty Columbia has lots to offer families. From a newly remodeled, surprise-hit museum to secret beaches and farm fun parks, here’s how to make the most of a weekend in Wenatchee with the kids.
Activities Abound
Explore Rocky Reach Discovery Center
After an $8 million renovation, the Rocky Reach Discovery Center, just outside town, is open to the public once again. Be sure to put a trip to this free museum on your can’t-miss list—it’s a surprise hit! Driving through the heavily guarded gates may feel like you’re entering a top secret military base, but the Discovery Center is as family-friendly as it gets. All three floors offer something for the kids. They can watch salmon at the ladders on the lowest level, learn how the dam provides electricity to the valley on the mid-level and see how the valley’s need for electricity has evolved through the decades up top. There’s also an area that focuses on the relationship between the Columbia River and Wenatchee’s Indigenous peoples. Psst..your kids may park themselves in the playroom to fish, complete puzzles or play with magnets for quite a while. Don't say we didn't warn you.
Good to know: The Discovery Center is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Public tours of the dam are available.
Play at Rocky Reach Park
After a visit to the museum, have lunch and play at Rocky Reach Park. The nature-themed playground has something for everyone. From tube slides and rope climbing cubes to a small climber and circular swing that lets everyone play, your kids will not want to leave. Our suggestion? Pack a picnic and enjoy the afternoon at this hidden gem.
Good to know: Rocky Reach Park closes for the season on Oct. 31, 2021.
The apple of Wenatchee’s eye is the Apple Loop Trail. Its flat, paved surface and views of the Columbia River make it the ideal spot to walk, bike or scooter with the kids. And while we’re sure there’s no bad season to be on the trail, fall is an exceptionally beautiful time to complete any portion of the 10-mile loop. Kids can frolic in the leaves and hunt for acorns on the ground, and the bronze sculpture art spread out along the trail is equally engaging.
Find Secret Beaches
Along the north end of the trail, by Walla Walla Point Park, you’ll find a secret sandy beach that’s usually pretty deserted. Bring your beach toys and a blanket, or even your sunshade, and plan to play here for a bit. It’s a great spot to watch seaplanes land or build sandcastles when the sun is out.
Good to know: E-bikes along the trail are all the rage. You can rent them at Arlberg Sports Riverfront shop, but get there early—they don’t take reservations.
Insider tip: If you’re looking for a challenge, try hiking Saddle Rock, a two-mile trail just outside of town that serves up the best view around, after a short (but steep) hike. This one is best hiked with big kids or those in backpacks.
Shop Pybus Public Market
Located in an old steel factory, Pybus Public Market is a mini version of Seattle’s Pike Place. It’s got just as much charm as its big city counterpart, without the crowds. In early fall, families can stroll the Wenatchee Valley Farmers Market in the Pybus parking lot on Saturdays, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. in search of fresh produce, street tacos and all sorts of locally made crafts. Although the market comes to a close at the end of October, you can still catch live music on the indoor stage through November on Friday nights. Inside the market look for small specialty shops and kitschy, artsy shops featuring local artists, too. It’s also the ultimate place to find outdoor dining (with lots of heat lamps) in Wenatchee… but more on that later.
In the spirit of all things fall, a trip to the pumpkin patch is in order if you visit Wenatchee in autumn. Annie’s Fun Farm is where local families go to jump on a giant pumpkin, find their way out of a corn maze, sling apples, take a hayride and play in the gigantic dragon bouncy house. Eight dollars will get you in, and you can stay all day, bouncing from one play spot to the next with your pumpkin-hunting crew. They have snacks and drinks available for purchase if your tots need to recharge.
Good to know: Masks aren’t required here, so keep that in mind when making your plans. All of the activities are outside and there’s lots of space.
Pro tip: Indoor activities abound in Wenatchee too. Consider taking the kids rock climbing when you visit. A day pass to the Riverfront Rock Gym gives everyone in the fam a chance to reach new heights. Or try a painting class at Class with a Glass (best for kids ages 7 and up). Drop the kids off or paint alongside your budding artists.
Where to Eat in Town
McGlinn’s Public House When it comes to eats, let’s just say Wenatchee’s got choices. But the hands-down, place to be on a weekend eve is McGlinn’s Public House. While the ambiance will get you in the door, it’s the fresh, locally sourced meals that will keep you coming back. Casual or upscale, they’ve got you covered, and the kids’ menu is a win too. Go-to’s like mac-n-cheese, spaghetti and burgers, are easy choices to make and the homemade play dough they bring to keep wiggle worms busy after you order doesn’t hurt either.
Pybus Public Market Lunch or dinner, you can’t go wrong with the restaurants at Pybus Public Market. And when it comes to heated outdoor seating, this is one spot in town that offers plenty. Fill up on tasty tacos and other Latin-inspired dishes at South, or order up an inventive wood-fired pizza that’ll feed the fam at Fire. Top off your meal with a scoop of creamy gelato at Ice as long as everyone cleans their plates!
Wild Huckleberry If you don’t mind a (usually short) wait, put a trip to the Wild Huckleberry on your menu before heading out of town. The food is everything you’d expect from a restaurant that calls an old house home. Decadent (trust us, the giant cinnamon roll is to share only), oversized and unmistakably homemade, the dishes here are all the comfort you need on a cool fall day. Bring something for the kids to do while you wait, and then sit back and enjoy. Psst…Huck @ Pybus is the same amazing place, sans the charming hillside house.
Orchard Bar + Bites The newest kid on the block is Orchard Bar + Bites, the restaurant at the just-opened Residence Inn by Marriott. It’s a casual spot, and we’re big fans of the outdoor patio seating with individual table-side heat lamps that make dinning riverside a cinch. The chef is vegan so finding healthy, veg-friendly fare is easy, and although they’re still working on their kids’ menu offerings, there are many kid-approved inventive, but simple options to choose from.
Where to Stay
A Brand New Hotel
The new Residence Inn by Marriott opened in late September, and is a welcome spot for families who want to stay along the Columbia River. There are two room styles to choose from: one-bedroom studio suites or one bedroom, two room suites. Both styles have a living space (the couch is a sleeper sofa—score!), so there’s plenty of space to spread out. And the kitchens come with everything you need to cook meals in the room—including a dishwasher—plus, a Keurig for your morning coffee. TVs in the living space and the bedroom (if you stay in a two room suite) mean parents and kids can settle in for a weekend movie in their own space, and the pet-friendly policy is just another perk. Be prepared to see lots of friendly pooches around the property.
Breakfast is included with your stay, and the continental here has got it all. Scrambles, sausages, waffles, cereals, oatmeal and yogurt—everyone in your crew will surely find something to fill them up for a full day of activity. The toppings bar will delight your Littles (hint: they even have Nutella!) and let them jazz up their breakfast selections, no matter what they choose.
Good to know: Got an e-vehicle? You can recharge it in the parking lot and wake up to a full battery, ready to roll.
Amazing Amenities
When it comes to amenities, we’ll get to the good part—yes, there is a pool! It’s indoors and heated, so you can swim all year round. The hot tub, just outside, is mostly kid-friendly (ages 6 and up only, please)—a just-right spot to warm up on a cool fall night under the stars. As for other activities, the Apple Loop Trail is right out your backdoor. Hop on the path and head toward Pybus, it’s about a mile away, or play at the Walla Walla Point Park playground that’s right next to the hotel.
Insider tip: Just across the street is the Town Toyota Center where families can catch a Wentachee Wild game or go ice skating during a weekend public skate session.
Editor’s note: This trip was arranged by Parsons + Co and paid for by the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce, but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer.
Summer desserts are easy—a scoop of ice cream, sorbet, or gelato and everyone’s happy. But as the weather begins to cool down and the darkness creeps in earlier, you might be craving something that provides a little more comfort. Get ready to snuggle up to DC’s best sweets; we rounded up the city’s most iconic fall desserts so you can tuck in to a satisfying sweet treat. Whether your favorites are cinnamon, chai or pumpkin, grab your utensils and get your fall flavor on!
What says autumn more than apples and apple cider? A quintessential fall treat, apple cider donuts do double duty as a delicious breakfast or dessert. And The Farmer’s Porch at Butler’s Orchard is offering up some major fall treats. In addition to the traditional pumpkin pie or pumpkin roll, they offer apple cider donuts by the donut or the half-dozen. But perhaps the best reason to make the 40-minute drive is their Apple Cider Donut Sundae: an apple cider donut with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and caramel topping.
Insider tip: Due to the 40-minute drive and the orchard requiring reservations, it’s worth making a day of this. Pick your own Halloween pumpkins, enjoy the huge slides, and spend some time with the farm animals before enjoying dessert (before or after dinner!).
If you or your little one often feel like you have to miss out on dessert because you’re gluten-free, Rise Bakery has you covered. Plus, many of their dishes are also dairy, soy, egg, and/or nut free! They’ve got some deliciously tempting treats on their menu that just scream autumn. Some of our personal faves: their apple pie (or the vegan apple pie), pumpkin cheesecake with ginger molasses cookie base, pumpkin roll, carrot cake, cinnamon roll, or cinnamon coffee cake. Yeah, there’s plenty to love.
Insider tip: There’s a super-small seating area so plan to take your treats to-go. You can walk to Kalorama Park in about five minutes to enjoy your desserts.
Ice cream might not be your first idea of the ideal fall dessert, but if you head to Rocky Point Creamery, it just might become your first idea. Offering unique flavors like Pumpkin, Salty Caramel Pretzel, and Caramel Apple (on rotation, so check their Facebook page to know when it’s available), their ice cream goes from summer refresher to fall comfort. They also have a Green Apple Sorbet for dairy-free dessert. Not to miss: check out their Halloween candy-themed flavors, such as Reese’s Pieces, M&M, Almond Joy, Trick or Treat, and Monster Mash. Yum! Sometimes they offer spur of the moment flavors, so make sure to check their Facebook page each week to know what’s on offer!
Insider tip: This ice cream shop is on a working farm, so your littles can wave to real-life dairy cows and climb a farm tractor converted into a slide!
Got a little pancake-lover in the house? Then they’ll probably love Crepeaway. Crepes are very similar to pancakes but much thinner, and Crepeaway serves them up with a variety of sweet-tooth satisfying choices. First, they add Nutella chocolate, then they add your choice of powdered sugar, cinnamon-sugar, fruits, berries, or cookies. There are a lot of options here, so it’s unlikely anyone’s going to leave disappointed. If you’re not sure what to order, ask the staff for recommendations.
Insider tip: They offer both pickup and delivery, but you will want to make sure you can eat your crepes as soon as possible so they’re still hot. They do lose a little of their yumminess as they cool down.
If you thought doughnuts were just a breakfast food, you’ve never been to District Doughnut and Coffee. These delectable doughnut flavors are swapped out seasonally, but you’ll sink your teeth into delicious scratch-made Vanilla Bean yeast dough year-round. Their fall menu includes Pumpkin Crème Brulee, Pumpkin Glazed, Pumpkin Cheesecake, and Apple Cider Bites.
Insider tip: While these specialty doughnuts are delicious any time of day, swing by early in the day to make your selections. By late afternoon, you may have limited options or none at all. They’re that good!
Your little one's picky palate may not be ready for French food in general, but their immature taste buds will appreciate this vanilla bean crème brûlée. The toasted sugar crust has the perfect amount of crunch, while still remaining a creamy, rich dessert. It comes with a French cookie on the side, too. For some truly autumnal flavors, try their Apple Tart Tatin or the Milk Chocolate Pot De Crème.
Insider tip: The crème brûlée, like their other desserts, is sized for sharing so grab a spoon!
If you’ve got a unicorn or rainbow lover in the house, head to Baked & Wired for a cupcake that looks like it was baked and frosted by Lisa Frank herself. It's a funfetti cake topped with buttercream frosting and brightly colored sprinkles; frosting colors change regularly for extra fun. Their fall assortment is a dozen delicious cakecups for $52.80. You get four each of pumpkin, dirty chai, and chocolate doom flavors. You might want to wipe the drool of your chin before you go.
Insider tip: Some of the cupcakes have adult-themed names. If you have a non-reader, it probably is a non-issue.
Does your tot love Nutella? S’mores? Anything and all things gooey? Then they’ll adore this Nutella pizza meant for sharing. It’s thin pizza dough topped with mascarpone, Nutella, pistachios and mini-marshmallows. Rich and delicious, this dessert is the best combo of pizza and dessert.
Insider tip: Even if it’s just you and the kiddo, order this full-size pizza. The leftovers will taste just as delicious reheated in the microwave tomorrow.
Osteria Marzano 6361 Walker Ln Metro Park VI (#140) Franconia, VA Online: www.osteriamarzano.com
If your little has never had churros before, this Spanish tapas restaurant’s delectable dessert may spoil them on traditional churros forever. Boqueria offers churros con chocolate, the traditional fried dough with a cinnamon-sugar dusting that you dip in thick hot chocolate. They also have churros rellenos, filled with either Nutella or dulce de leche. Whichever ones you get, your kiddo is guaranteed to love them.
Insider tip: The main dining area at the Penn Quarter location can get a bit loud when it fills up. You may want to swing by during quieter periods if your little one is sensitive to loud noises.
Does your munchkin live on waffles for breakfast? One of the most beloved hand-held foods just got more fun with... bubbles! At Tiger Fork, the bubble waffle is served with two scoops of ice cream plus “fun stuff." The “fun stuff” is a random assortment of toppings from sprinkles to crushed cookies to pixie sticks chosen by the kitchen. You might not know what toppings you’ll get, but you know sugar overload is guaranteed!
Their Baonut holes are fried bao with cashew sauce and cinnamon and sugar. Like a traditional donut hole but with that extra flair, these are utterly delicious. If you want to have that fall bonfire feel with a little something special, try the Chinese S’more. It’s roasted marshmallow with chocolate five-spice streusel and ice cream.
Insider tip: They only serve the bubble waffle at dinner.
Indique offers Gulab Jamun, a milk solid donut hole drizzled with honey and served with vanilla ice cream. This melt-in-your-mouth dessert comes out piping hot with a super-soft texture and a hint of rose flavor. You might even catch a hint of cardamom in the ice cream. Plus, it’s perfectly pint-sized, making it an excellent dessert for littles.
Insider tip: If you plan to go at brunch, make sure you get a reservation. They get very busy!
Indique 3512-14 Connecticut Ave. NW Cleveland Park Online: www.indique.com
The Source
The Source by Wolfgang Puck offers a 15-layer carrot cake that is worth its weight in gold. While a serving looks light and thin, this rich dessert is easy to share (and is topped with ginger ice cream. Yum!).
Insider tip: Take your little on their birthday, and the restaurant will write their name on the menu!
The Source 575 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC Online: www.wolfgangpuck.com
Make dessert an extra special occasion by bringing the kids to Firefly for dinner. Firefly doesn’t advertise it on the dessert menu, but they have the perfect make-your-own dessert for kids. Before dinner, each kid is given cookie dough to decorate to their own satisfaction. While you eat, the cookie is baked and then served to your little one as dessert. This might be the perfect dessert: a pre-dinner activity to keep them busy, and a dessert they’re guaranteed to eat since they made it themselves!
Insider tip: The atmosphere is a bit upscale, so if the kids are cranky, it might be better after a nap.
Firefly 1310 New Hampshire Ave. NW Dupont Circle Online: www.firefly-dc.com
Krispy Kreme is on a roll! Today the beloved chain launched its first-ever cinnamon rolls to make your breakfast run even sweeter. And yes, there’s one topped with Cinnamon Toast Crunch!
For a limited time you can buy the Original Glazed Cinnamon Roll or the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnamon Roll, topped with your fave childhood cereal and finished with a cereal milk icing swirl. Don’t mind us as we drool all over our screens.
Instead of the traditional frosting, Krispy Kreme opted to use its iconic donut glaze for the rolls. They’re hand-rolled and feature a yeast-raised dough, because the best baked goods always take time. Grab them individually or in a special four pack, in shops and online at participating locations.
Unfortunately for cinnamon roll fans, these babies are only around until October 10. Grab one this week and enjoy it with Krispy Kreme’s fall drinks!
Have a sugar craving but can’t decide between a cinnamon roll or a cookie? Thanks to Cinnabon, you don’t have to.
Back by popular demand, Cookie BonBites are back, bringing bite-sized cinnamon rolls stuffed into a chocolate chip cookie straight to your palate. You can start celebrating the end of summer, start of fall and back to school now by grabbing a batch of the BonBites, which are available now for a limited time.
photo: Courtesy of Cinnabon
Cookie BonBites first hit the scene in 2019 where they sold out fast. This time, Cinnabon is making sure everyone gets a taste by keeping them on the market from now through early November.
You can find Cookie BonBites at mall bakeries, Pilot Flying J Travel Center locations and on all food delivery platforms nationwide. They retail for $3.29 each or $14.99 for a pack of eight.
Studies have revealed that a toddler can ask anywhere from one hundred to three hundred questions a day on average! That’s one of the reasons why outsourcing the inevitable, ever-present “what’s for dinner” dilemma is such a treat for busy, overstretched parents. We’ve found a bounty of quick prep and prepared meal delivery services in San Diego that bring meal kits right to your doorstep. Read on to feast your eyes on the best meal delivery services, and give yourself a well-deserved break.
Veestro
Ready for 100% plant-based, organic, non-GMO, chef-prepared entrees, soups, and juices that just show up at your front door whenever you want them to? Look no further than this healthy bunch (bonus: they deliver nationally, too).
There are no, zero, zilch animal products of any kind, here, ever! Chick'n Nuggets with chipotle dipping sauce complete with veganaise will do the trick every time for your kiddos and no one will miss the meat. Veestro food is available a la carte, in full-on Meal Packs, and they also carry a surprisingly delicious weight loss menu plan. As with most vegetarian cuisine: most meals have nuts in them so be careful with a nut allergy, but all meals are completely dairy-free and don't contain other allergens.
Cost: Starting at $9.90/serving, free shipping on auto-delivery options
Go local by choosing Territory for your meal delivery service. Choose from a variety of 35 meals, so you and your family never get bored with the option of adding, skipping, and pausing meals at any time. This community-based service has a roster of local, independent San Diego chefs who work with a registered dietician to craft wholesome and nutrient-dense meals—bonus; every dish is made with no gluten, dairy, or refined sugar.
The goal of HelloFresh is to bring the fun of cooking back into people’s lives by doing all the planning, portioning and shopping for in-season, sustainably-sourced, healthy and flavorful ingredients. HelloFresh prides itself on its delicious recipes with quick cook times; all your chopping, zesting and sautéing will take less than 30 minutes. Family-friendly meals include Tomato Tortellini Bake, Ginger Plum Chicken and Pork Chops with Apple Rosemary Pan Sauce.
Cost: Meals $8.99/serving. Delivery is free for all orders.
Purple Carrot brings you plant-forward meals that are good for you and good for the planet. Choose from Quick & Easy, High-Protein, Gluten-Free or Chef’s Choice dinners and customize your choices to your liking. All meals are meat-free and easy to prepare. You can add on breakfast, lunch and snack items to get you through the week. Skip or cancel any time.
If your goal is to get a wholesome, easy meal on the table for your family, then Dinnerly is the meal delivery option for you. Each week Dinnerly customers choose from over a dozen options which change each week. The choices are totally kid-friendly with options like sweet and sour Swedish meatballs, turkey burgers and enchiladas. Each meal has only five prep steps and takes less than 30 minutes to get on the table, perfect for rushed weeknight dinners. Not interested in getting your box this week? No problem! You can skip any time.
Healthy eating at home is the name of the game with Green Chef. Choose from three plans: Keto + Paleo, Balanced Living and Plant-Powered. Set up your deliveries to come weekly or less frequently if you prefer. Menus change every week and you'll enjoy options like Steak & Cheddar Melts, Salmon with Creamy Chimichurri, and Creamy Baked Penne Pasta.
Home Chef meal kits offer fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes delivered weekly. With a variety 19 different recipes that rotate on a weekly basis, most recipes include a "Customize It" option to accommodate any dietary needs or preferences. Skip a week any time you'd like, the meals are convenient and kid-friendly. The 15-minute meal kits include options like Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Carrots. Or, opt for more sophisticated meals from the culinary collection like Steak and Garlic Thyme Butter with balsamic Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Twists.
Freshly is a weekly subscription service delivering fresh (not frozen), chef-cooked meals that can be heated and served in three minutes. Unlike meal kits, all you need is a microwave, fork and plate (optional!) to get a satisfying lunch or dinner on the table. Think “nutritionist meets personal chef” vs. TV dinner when it comes to quality and flavor.
With a food philosophy centered on less sugar, less processed and more nutrients, the menu features better-for-you versions of comfort foods with smart ingredient swaps. For example, Chicken Parm is coated in almond flour vs. bread crumbs and topped with marinara sauce sweetened with honey instead of refined sugars; Mac and Cheese is made with brown rice pasta and cheesy sauce blended with a purée of cauliflower and butternut squash; and Turkey Meatballs are packed with mushrooms and served over zoodles for a lower-carb alternative to pasta.
Cost: Customers can order 4 meals ($11.50/each), 6 meals ($8.99/each), 9 meals ($8.99/each) or 12 meals ($7.99/each) weekly.
Blue Apron has been part of the meal delivery game for a long time and their expertise shows. Choose among two-serving, four-serving, wellness and vegetarian menus to pick the options that are right for you. We love that the meals typically take 40 minutes or less and include kid-friendly ingredients like baked chicken and pasta while exposing kids to different flavors like curry and chile-lime. With super easy-to-follow recipes, you can definitely get the kids involved in the cooking process.
Cost: Meals cost $8.99-9.99/serving with free shipping
Say goodbye to grocery shopping, meal planning and prep, and all that cleanup! Gobble shops, chops and delivers gourmet three-step recipes for one-pan cooking with zero prep required. How about picky eaters? Try Pan-Seared Sirloin Steak with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes & Béarnaise Sauce or Crispy Chicken Sandwich & Napa Cabbage Slaw with Caraway Vinaigrette. What have you got to lose when it's just a one-pan cleanup?
This cook-at-home food delivery service partnered with Martha Stewart to help harried families discover their inner Martha. The menu features 22 choices every week and the website tags meals as family-friendly, under-30 minutes, gluten-free and other categories. Favorites include: chicken fajita bowl, bacon-wrapped skillet meatloaf and lemon-brown butter salmon. The website provides big, colorful step-by-step photos for careless cooks and kids who want to help.
Cost: Plans start at $7.99/portion + $8.99 shipping
This meal-delivery service is focused on kids. Carefully sourced fruits and veggies, and perfectly balanced—lunches, dinners and snacks from Yumble are nutritionist-approved and kid-approved, too! Choose your kids' meals for the week and they'll be delivered free to your doorstep. The Bowl of Yays Pasta with veggie marinara and the Mighty Meatballs and Veggie Chili are crowd pleasers for sure. Each box comes with new activities for kids, making mealtime a breeze for you and a joy for them.
Hungryroot is an online grocery service that delivers modern, healthy food with recipe and meal planning support. Hungryroot’s mission is to help people feel their best by making it easier to shop for, cook, and love healthy food. Customers share their food needs and receive personalized weekly deliveries of healthy groceries along with 10-minute recipes to make fresh, delicious meals. All of Hungryroot’s deliveries are nutrient-dense and tailored to a variety of diets and food needs including vegan, vegetarian, soy-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, pescatarian, tree-nut free, peanut-free, and egg-free.
Cost: Pricing plans average from $60 to $100 per week and orders over $70 receive free shipping.
Parents, take one thing off your plate by having Nurture Life put meals on your family table? Nurture Life makes the process super simple by delivering meals with ingredients that are focused on organic veggies, lean antibiotic-free proteins and whole grains. Additionally, their meals are developed by a team of registered dietitians and chefs and all are peanut and tree nut (except coconut) free—and their facilities don’t contain any peanuts or tree nuts. Bonus: Nurture Life meals are ready to enjoy in two minutes or less!
After signing up, you can choose the meals that best fit your kiddos' palate (or what you'd like them to try) based on their age group, and you can select the number of meals you'd like in your box. It's easy to skip weeks or add additional meals, and you can be worry-free with these veggie-forward, nutritious dishes. Food preferences include veggie, meat and fish, and meal plan age groups are: Baby (10-24 months), Toddler (1- 4 years), Kids (5-10 years) and Kids (11+ years). Family meals like mushroom and truffle ravioli are also a great option.
Cost: Plans start at $39 and you can skip weeks, pause or cancel services at any time.
Factor is a weekly subscription service with flexible management options. You can select from plan sizes of 4, 6, 8, 12 or 18 meals per week with the option to change your plan size at any time. You can also skip any weeks when they don’t need a delivery or turn the subscription off and back on at any time. Factor believes clean eating shouldn’t have to be so hard––and that healthy food should be readily available to everyone. They deliver chef-crafted and dietitian-designed meals nationwide; meals arrive fresh (never frozen) and are fully prepared. Simply heat in the microwave or oven and enjoy.
Their menu features a variety of different meal options for those that follow specific diet patterns such as keto, Paleo, low-carb, low-calorie, high-protein and dairy-free. Their dietitians and chefs create these meals to ensure that they reflect the standards of each diet. For example, keto meals are made with 70% fat or above, Paleo meals are dairy-free, and high-protein meals are made with 35 grams of protein or more.
Factor is also very strict about what they put in their meals, and their chefs use only the highest quality, freshest ingredients available. Every meal is free of gluten, soy, hormones, antibiotics, GMOs and preservatives.
Additionally, their dietitians are on-hand to provide an extra level of support. They offer free 20-minute consultations for all new or prospective customers.
Fresh and easy! Michaela’s meals are organic, gluten-free, and contain no GMOs. She’s known for answering the phone to take your order herself, and she shops at the local farmer’s market to source her ingredients. Michaela will customize meals to fit your needs––even catering to Keto and Paleo diets. You can order breakfast too! Half-pints will love the high protein cinnamon roll pancakes.
Delivery: San Diego Area Cost: From $65 for 5 meals/week
Locally made and organic! We love that you can order from breakfast and lunch to dinner and snacks with Foods Made Fresh. Even more, the menu changes weekly, so the family gets a variety of meals. Dig into the blueberry French toast to start the day and delight in the roasted chicken with green tahini sauce, and quinoa salad delivered fresh to your door for dinner.
Delivery: Most of San Diego (see map on website). Cost: Minimum order $35, plus $9 delivery fee.
If you are looking to up your family's health quotient this year then Thistle is the meal delivery service for you. They offer fully-prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as juices, snacks, wellness shots and more. Choose what option works best for you with the price per item decreasing the more items you select. Every week there's a new menu and everything that is available is gluten and dairy-free. You can choose from vegan and non-vegan options.
While the majority of the Thistle menu appeals to greens-loving adults, our kid tasters loved the 24 Carrot Gold muffin and the nourishing green juice. Bonus for busy parents: the most you'll need is a few minutes to warm up the meals (if you desire) or eat them room tempinstead.
Cost: Fully-customizable packages start at $29.98/week.
Farm fresh goodness! We love that these meals are local, organic, farm-to-table meals that offer options like going grain-free. One of our faves is the orange basil Salmon with organic quinoa pilaf and organic heirloom ginger carrots. Even more, if you want to take a week off or not commit to a subscription, then this delivery service is for you. Further, you’ll enjoy large portions and get to choose from Keto or Paleo options too.
Delivery: North County San Diego Cost: Minimum $45 order per delivery. Plus $7 delivery fee.
Calling all vegans! This meal delivery service offers a selection of delicious meals that contain no animal products, and they arrive in plant-based containers too. The vegan meal plan offers dishes like kung pao “beef” (made with vegan beef substitute), steamed broccoli, snap peas and brown rice. Moreover, you can order a family subscription (it’s non-vegan) with dishes like maple BBQ chicken with potatoes if you want too. There are many choices to fit your family’s tastes.
Delivery: San Diego Area Cost: Vegan from $53.55 for 5 meals/week; Family Plan from $54.99 for 5 meals/week
We love this local husband and wife owned meal delivery service with a focus on lean, healthy food. Firstly, if you call, there’s a good chance you will talk to Anthony, the friendly customer-oriented owner. From chicken breast bites with asparagus and brown rice to vegetarian chili, you’ll find plenty of options to fill your family’s dinner table. So what are you waiting for? Try them out today.
Delivery: San Diego Area Cost: From $52.50 for 5 meals/week
Ingredients at your door! You’ll find organic, non-GMO ingredients that are pre-chopped and pre-measured ready to go. Make your nightly meals easy on you with these 30-minute meals from box to table. The meals are perfect for families and offer from two to six servings based on your choice. Even more, there is a pint-sized (kid’s) meal option. From the ground beef tacos to the many vegan and gluten-free options, we give this meal prep service a thumbs up!
Delivery: California (San Diego included) Cost: From $59.79 for 2 meals/week; Plus $7.99 delivery fee.
All the hues of the rainbow! We love that this San Diego delivery service lives up to its name. So, expect plenty of healthy (and colorful!) food on a plate, from spicy shrimp and veggie pad Thai to rainbow veggie tacos. What’s more, you’ll find smoothies and sweet treats like vegan peanut butter cups.
Delivery: San Diego Area Cost: From $33 for 3 meals/week
If your family wants clean protein, organic produce and delicious gluten-free meals, SoCalFRESH has got you covered. Grass-fed beef, pasture-raised chicken and wild-caught salmon mix with heart-healthy oil and Himalayan pink salt. What you won't see is any white sugar, dairy or wheat flour. With tasty dishes like Moroccan chicken or Beef Bolognese, we're pretty sure your family will want seconds.
Delivery: San Diego, Orange County and Riverside Cost: From $67 for 5 meals/week
Things people never tell you about parenting #303: your kid might be more interested in eating bubbles than playing with them. Fortunately, there’s a new product on the market that makes that activity safe and fun! BubbleLick comes in a variety of flavors and it was invented by a pediatric allergist for peace of mind.
Adults might want to get in on the fun too with flavors like Milk Chocolate Chip, Cinnamon Roll and Watermelon Splash. The bubbles are manufactured with FDA-approved food additive ingredients and made in a FDA-registered and allergen-free facility in the U.S.
Founder Jason Tiger worked at the world’s largest bubble toy company and observed that most mass-produced bubbles are created in unmonitored manufacturing facilities, with chemicals that aren’t safe for cosmetic play. Tiger’s goal is to “reinvent and disrupt the bubble industry.” Parent company Bubble Universe also partners with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to give back with every purchase.
If your curiosity is officially piqued, you can buy BubbleLick online. It’s currently available in a four pack of flavors with free shipping over $50. Snag your pack to make summer a little sweeter!
The bad news: fall isn’t here yet. The good news: Nestle Toll House is giving us one more reason to look forward to the upcoming season! Get ready for some fantastic new cookie dough flavors launching for a limited time in August, including everyone’s fave, Pumpkin Spice.
Yup, Pumpkin Spice! Nestle’s getting in on the craze with the release of a new dough that’s pumpkin-spice flavored and mixed with white chocolate morsels. We can’t think of anything better to pair with a latte or cider for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Plus you’ll be able to buy a new assortment that features white morsels, mini coffee biscuits and pumpkin-spice flavored chunks!
If you can’t handle any more Pumpkin Spice, you’ll be happy to hear Nestle has a few more tricks up its sleeves. PB&J Cookie Dough riffs off the sandwich classic, with peanut butter cookie dough and strawberry-flavored pieces. Cinnamon Roll Cookie Dough is sugar cookie dough laced with cinnamon and cream cheese pieces. And Trick or Treats Dough is a fudge dough topped with festive Halloween sprinkles!
The new doughs will be available at retailers nationwide starting in August and retail for around $2.99. At that price, you’d better believe we’ll be trying them all!
It’s spring. The trees are blooming and we’ve figured out a way to dine out amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. So, if you’re up for treating the mom in your life for brunch, here are seven restaurants that will gladly prepare a delicious feast—and serve it to you outdoors if that’s where you prefer to dine. And, they’ve got room for your stroller and a kid-friendly menu! Read on for our top picks of where to eat Mother’s Day brunch in NYC! (And hey, it’s Mother’s Day: you’re going to need to make a reservation!)
Greenpoint : Esme
Esme
This charming restaurant features a fully shaded backyard garden, which offers distanced seating among gorgeous bushes, planters and tall trees. If it’s a rainy Mother’s Day, not to worry: The outdoor seating here is protected and curbside seating will be available that day, too. And with such treats as house-made oversized cinnamon roll and eggs Benedict with smoked ham, Tabasco hollandaise and mixed greens, we know moms will be overjoyed to spend part of their special day feasting here.
You can’t go wrong at a Bubby’s brunch any day of the week let alone on Mother’s Day. On Sunday May 9th, every mom will be served a complimentary mimosa, which P.S. pairs perfectly with Bubby's delicious sourdough pancakes (made from a century-old sourdough recipe) or one of its new springtime menu items, such as slice of delectable strawberry rhubarb pie. The outdoor setup at this 30-year-old fave is delightful, too, as its covered and heated—an appealing feature if the temperature dips on mom’s big day.
120 Hudson St. Tribeca 212-219-0666 Online: bubbys.com
At this Italian trattoria, the second location of a restaurant that’s been serving downtown diners for years, the pasta dishes are a definite draw. One is even served in a giant cheese wheel and we know moms will love brunching on the traditional Roman menu items offered here. Book a table in the sidewalk seating area for maximum people watching and, whatever you do, save room for one of their epic desserts.
182 Second Ave. Upper East Side 212-505-5931 Online: cacioepepe.com
Rockaway Beach: The Rockaway Hotel
Kyle Knodell
At this funky boutique hotel, which opened during the pandemic, a full brunch buffet will be served 11 AM until 2 PM on Mother’s Day. Seating in the Pool House is heated, covered and fully ventilated and, bonus, immersing yourself into the surf vibe here will do wonders to transport you far away from the hustle-bustle of city life.
When you stop in for brunch at this casual neighborhood eatery, you can rest assured that brunch faves like brioche French toast and house cured smoked salmon and eggs will appeal to evert mom. On Mother’s Day, brunch will be served 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and, best of all, the restaurant’s outdoor space is expanded on the weekends thanks to Open Streets so there’s plenty of open air tables with umbrellas and space for strollers.
Brunch is going to be an all-day affair on Mother’s Day and, cute touch, every mom who dines here will be gifted with a flower. That’s not all, there’s outdoor seating right in front of this authentic Neapolitan pizzeria, which opened in 2009, and all the Kesté pizza favorites (including fried!) are on the menu as well as gluten-free items and a special dessert: tiramisu with peaches. Yum!
Lincoln Square, Nomad, Midtown, East Village: The Smith
Quentin Bacon
Dine at this family favorite and you can go savory—with options like spring asparagus toast with overnight tomatoes, burrata and poached eggs—or sweet—we’re talking vanilla bean French toast with maple butter and caramelized bananas. Outdoor seating at this brasserie is available at every location, especially the Lincoln Square restaurant which boasts an extra-large sidewalk dining space.