ML Interest Tag: forecast

The Ice Cream Parlor You May Have Missed (Because it’s On a Bus!)

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Snow may not be in D.C.’s weather forecast for a few months, but it’s definitely on the dessert menu. For an icy treat experience the whole family will love, head to Snocream Shavery, an inconspicuous food bus located in an Annandale, Virginia K-Mart parking lot. The coolest thing since the District saw liquid nitrogen ice cream, this is one sweet spot you’ll want to repeat.

Find It
You’d think that a pimped out antique school bus hawking Taiwanese ice cream would be a cinch to find, but this one is actually easy to miss if you aren’t looking closely. It’s located in a K-Mart strip mall parking lot, but not in front. Drive around to the left side of the center where you’ll likely spot the bus, a handful of cube benches and tables, and a small crowed gathering.

Pick It
A cross between ice cream and shaved ice, this dessert features soft ribbons of flavored “sno,” created by using milk, water, and out-of-the-box natural flavors (think: thai tea, mango, and honeydew). After freezing, a machine shaves ribbon-like bands from the ice into your cup. The one-size option is $7 and comes with two toppings (there’s everything from Fruity Pebbles to grass jelly) and one drizzle of condensed milk, caramel, chocolate, or white chocolate.

Eat It
While you might want one all to yourself, the serving size is large enough for two kiddies to share. How it works: After climbing on the bus, you place your order (note: it’s an extra $1 to mix flavors). You give the friendly staff a name (Starbucks-style) and wait outside the bus near the front-side driver’s window for your name to be called. While there is no seating on the bus, there is some outdoor seating and a bunch of parking if you’d like to sit in the car with the bambinos on a cool night. Bonus: When the sun goes down, fun glow colors are lit and it’s like a party on a bus.

Snocream Shavery
4221 John Marr Dr. (Annandale, Va)
202-656-6144
Online: snocreamcompany.com

Have you been to Snocream yet? Tell us your favorite flavor combinations in the comments below. 

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Photos: Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

5 Clear Spots to Catch the Lunar Eclipse

by Kelley Gardiner

Grab your binoculars, put the little ones in their jammies and coats, and head out to see the total lunar eclipse on September 27. The peak will be around 7:47 p.m., which is just enough time for it to get really dark, but not too late for a school night. Keep your fingers crossed for clear skies, and check out these spots in and around Portland to watch this rare “blood moon” eclipse.

photo: Bruce Tuten via flickr

OMSI Star Party
The fun starts at OMSI’s South Parking at 6:30 p.m. The Rose City Astronomers and OMSI will have telescopes and binoculars available (bring your own if you have them) for viewing, and will be talking about the lunar eclipse and the autumn sky. This very well may be the perfect place to be in Portland for the eclipse, so plan ahead for parking.

1945 SE Water Ave.
800-955-6674
Online: omsi.edu/starparties

L.L. Stubb Stewart State Park
OMSI also holds some of their star parties at L.L. Stubb Stewart State Park throughout the year. There isn’t a star party scheduled, but this a great place for stargazing because of its proximity to Portland without getting so much of its light pollution, and boasts a hill with a lovely view of the nighttime sky. Even if you can’t stay overnight, the park is only a 45 minute drive from Portland.

L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
Buxton
800-551-6949
Online: oregonstateparks.org

photo: Vista House by Andy L via flickr

Vista House at Crown Point
Not only to you get a stellar view of the Columbia Gorge during the day, but when night falls, you’ll have an unobstructed (knock on wood) view of the skies as well. And at only 45 minutes east of Portland, you shouldn’t have a tough time getting the kids back home to bed lickety-split. The house itself normally closes at 6 p.m., so bundle up for a blustery gorge evening, and make a bathroom stop on the way just in case.

40700 Historic Columbia River Hwy.
Corbett
503-695-2240
Online: vistahouse.com

photo: Rocky Butte by Anthony S. via Yelp

Joseph Wood Hill Park at Rocky Butte
While it may not be pitch black, this butte is a convenient place to check out the action without going too far from home. Portland has plenty of buttes and urban mountains, but the top of Rocky Butte has a large paved park area that’s devoid of those pesky view-blocking trees. Be warned: This is a popular spot for teens on dates, but during the eclipse you’ll probably have a few more scientifically-minded compatriots around. The park is officially open until midnight.

NE Rocky Butte
Online: portlandoregon.gov

photo: Goldendale Observatory by Joe Goldberg via flickr

Goldendale Observatory
Every day is a lunar watch day at Goldendale Observatory. Expect higher attendance than usual at the evening presentation on this special night. It’s about a two-hour trek, but it might be worth it depending on the weather forecast because Goldendale may be more likely to offer clear skies. Admission is free, but you’ll need a Washington State Parks Adventure Pass to park, available on site.

1602 Observatory Dr.
Goldendale, Wa
Online: goldendaleobservatory.com

Tips: Keep in mind that the moon will be huge, but only 8 degrees above the horizon in the east for Portlanders, so make sure you have a clear view!

What’s your favorite clear spot for star- and moon-gazing? Let us know in the comments!

—Kelley Gardiner

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Pint-Sized Style: Local Kids’ Boutiques Pick Spring Fashion Trends

by Rebecca Little

Sunshine may be great for the soul, but it’s even better for kids’ fashion. As threads shift from bulky snowsuits to bright, light playwear, you’ll happily imagine dressing for warm, lazy days at the lakefront.

So you can stock the closet for spring, we got the trend forecast from the owners of some of the city’s best kids’ boutiques. In a nutshell: Nautical is out, neon is still in, and peacocks have unseated owls as the animal of the moment.

The Red Balloon has been keeping Chicago kids fashionable for nearly 15 years. Owner Jennifer Pope says there’s been a change in the go-to animals adorning tot apparel: “The giraffe is the new monkey, and for girls, the peacock is the new owl.” The rise of the peacock goes hand in hand with the emergence of a new color palette, Jennifer says, adding that muted jewel tones, aquas and greens will rule the spring scene. 1940 N. Damen Ave. (773-489-9800) & 5407 N. Clark St. (773-989-8500)

All that hoofing around the playground means good shoes are a must. Rachel Glasson, owner of Roscoe Village’s Twinkle Twinkle Little One, recommends Native kicks for active boys and girls alike. “Where the Crocs trend ended, Native picked up,” she says. The utilitarian Jefferson slip-on styles come in a variety of colors and are waterproof, odor proof and easy to clean. (Just soak them in hot water.) “People are obsessed with them. They are indestructible,” Rachel asserts. The best news? They’re only $32. 2007 W. Belmont Ave. (773-472-3000)

The resurgence of 1980s fashion unleashed neon back into the adult marketplace a few years ago, but it has really found its home in kidswear. David Shelist, owner of Oak Street’s Madison and Friends says neon is here to stay for spring, with pants, tops, swimsuits and jeans popping forth in an array of bright shades. Shelist is also excited for the sophisticated new lines coming to his store. For boys, there’s Hugo Boss, featuring sweaters, polos, shorts and jeans sized down from the men’s line. For girls, there’s the London line, Pale Cloud, which includes the most stylish puff-sleeve leather coat to ever ride the school bus. 43 E. Oak St. (312-642-6403)

Stripes will always have their moment. But at Psycho Baby in Bucktown, they have modern competition: chevrons. “They are this year’s stripes … a nice, clean alternative,” says owner Marlo Hoffman. For littles, chevrons translate to graphic infant hats, leggings, onesies, blankets and gowns — all put out by the Psycho Baby brand. Get them in pink, blue and yellow, with the option to personalize with a child’s name. 1630 N. Damen Ave. (773-772-2815)

What will you dress your pint-sized fashion plate in this spring?

— Rebecca Little
x

Photos: Courtesy of The Red Ballooon Co; courtesy of Twinkle Twinkle Little One; courtesy of Madison and Friends; courtesy of Psychobaby.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Date Night: Get Ready to Rip

by Erin Lem

Surf’s up dudes and dudettes! The Rip Curl Pro Search competition has hit the waves at Ocean Beach. Instead of a night out on the town, head on over to Ocean Beach to see some totally awesome surfers shred some totally gnarly waves. This highly anticipated event has been talked about for months and luckily, 7×7 has a comprehensive guide to the big show. Cowabunga!

On Tuesday, November 1, the Rip Curl Pro Search, set “somewhere in San Francisco,” officially opens. It’s an event that has been anticipated by the local surf community for months and many of the world’s best surfers have been spotted at Ocean Beach in recent days, adjusting to the cold water and unique waves. After all the hype, it’s time for the big show. Let the surfing begin.

The contest window runs from November 1 through 12, but the competition itself will not be held every day. Each morning, contest officials will evaluate the wave and wind conditions to decide whether or not it looks good enough to compete. Surf contests typically need 3-5 days of rideable surf, and Mother Nature seems to be cooperating for the opening day, with good conditions predicted in the forecast for Tuesday.

To surfers and non-surfers alike, the contest will make for a cool spectacle. Ocean Beach has traditionally been a hidden surf scene, lurking in the shadow of one of the country’s best cities and it hasn’t hosted a professional surf contest in almost two decades. The cold water and unpredictable conditions—it can be 5 feet one day, and then 20 feet the next day—make for an interesting challenge, even for the world’s best.

Beyond the uniqueness of a San Francisco surf contest, there is potential for history to be made in the next two weeks. Kelly Slater, the world’s most famous surfer and 10-time world champion, only has to place 9th or better at Ocean Beach in order to once again be crowed champion. He has been dominant throughout competition this year, so a historic 11th world title seems like a distinct possibility.

To read the full article that includes more information on the show and insider tips on how to best enjoy it, click here.

by Mark Lukach

 

This is our weekly guest post from our friends at 7×7, a site that keeps you up on the best of SF. We’ve teamed up for an exciting partnership to bring you a fantastic Date Night idea each week. Be sure to check out their blog for hourly doses of the best of SF.

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Holiday Gift Guide 2011

by Jacqui Boland

Presented By:

x

x

x

x
x
x
It’s already looking a lot like fall in Seattle and now that the Northwest sun is hiding behind rain clouds, the forecast calls for lots of indoor play with a chance of stir-crazy kids. Don’t worry Seattle parents – we’ve got you covered! Check out this list of 50 things to do with kids in Seattle this fall – no need to thank us for saving your sanity!

1. Pick up yummy fall vegetables at the year-round Seattle farmer’s markets, such as the rain or shine outdoor market in Ballard.

2. Book tickets to the theater for a rainy fall day. The Seattle Children’s Theater is playing an all-ages favorite, Harold and the Purple Crayon.

3. Take your little LEGO-lover to BrickCon at the Seattle Center – the coolest thing since LEGOLand!

4. Go on a hot chocolate taste testing tour of Seattle.

5. Early snow this fall? Bundle up and head into the mountains to go tubing.

6. Discover the best leaf-collecting parks in Seattle and then create some fall crafts!

7. Take a weekend trip to Portland and discover fun fall activities in a new city.

8. Venture outside of the city to do some apple picking.

9. Learn about Halloween in different cultures at the Bellevue Arts Museum’s Family Fall Festival (it’s free!).

10. Visit the Fall Festival at Swanson’s Nursery, including the tot-sized hay maze.

11. Take advantage of the free childcare at Nordstrom for some rainy day shopping.

12. Pretend it’s still summer at your local indoor swimming pool.

13. Take advantage of Northwest Trek Wildlife Park’s 40th birthday with $4 off every admission fee

14. Plan a movie night and watch It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

15. Check out the Kids’ Area and Chainsaw Pumpkin Carving Competition at the Fremont Oktoberfest

16. Keep the little ones up super late to go on an Owl & Bat Prowl at Seward Park

17. See what costumes the elephants are wearing this Halloween at Zoo Boo. (Kidding! Elephants don’t wear costumes! How silly!)

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement