If the thought of a ski vacation leaves you dreading all the planning and gear schlepping, these ski resorts are here to make the whole experience much more of a vacation
The days are getting cooler, and before you know it, it will again feel like we are living in a snow globe. But, just like the fun we used to have by shaking the snow globe and watching the little white dots floating around, it’s just as magical to glide down a mountain by ski, snowboard, or sled and experience the magic together.
Finding all-inclusive ski resorts is almost as tricky as finding bigfoot. In fact, Club Med offers the only true all-inclusive resorts, but there are a few that come close. These ski resorts are ideal for families because they offer a level of service that takes the pain out of schlepping all that gear to the mountains. Bonus: we even found some that have great deals for kids that make it much more of an affordable winter vacation.
Smuggs stand out among hundreds of ski resorts because you could go here with a group of family and friends, and both the people who ski and those who don't would have a full day of activities. It's easy to see why it's considered America's #1 Family Resort, with robust on and off-hill programming for kids of all ages. From heated indoor pools with slides, hot tubs, nordic skiing, snowshoeing, arts and crafts, and in the words of little kids everywhere, a "zillion" activities. Even trying, it would be difficult to participate in all their activities in one visit.
Their Mountain Experience Package includes everything but the food and rentals, and with three mountains to choose from, there is something for everyone in the family.
Fun for kids: Picture your kids yelling at the top of their lungs while running towards their favorite place, and that is the FUN ZONE 2.0. Bouncy castles, an arcade, a climbing wall, ping pong, laser tag, mini golf, and games are all in one place. They kick it up a notch with nightly entertainment like magic shows and bingo.
If you get giddy at just arriving and relaxing, knowing that everything is included in the package, then Club Med Charlevoix is what you are looking for. Everything from flights, transportation from the airport, meals, lift tickets, rentals, accommodations, lessons, kids programming, and childcare are included when you book your stay. UMM. YES, please. They've thought of everything.
You'll literally be blazing new trails at this newly opened resort. Multiple restaurants on site, a spa, and off-hill activities like snowshoeing and dogsledding are all available.
Fun for kids: The kids' programming is broken down by stages from baby to teen with activities to keep the whole family entertained all day long.
Imagine the motion of spreading melted butter on toast, and that is how it feels to glide along the powdery goodness at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Maybe it's because it's in the Teton range of the Rocky Mountains, the vast size of the resort, or that it's known for being one of the best places for powder days that makes it such a treat. Their trained adaptive instructors provide programming for various needs.
The best way to get the most for your buck, including at-par Canadian pricing, is through their central reservation. Accommodation options range from typical hotels to ultimate luxury. The concierge services offer things you wouldn't expect, like home delivery of your ski rentals, purchasing groceries before you arrive and stocking your fridge.
Fun for kids: The kids' adventure map will help your kids explore secret areas to find all the treasures on both sides of the mountain. Then, take it up a notch and go for a ride with Santa's helpers! The Elk Refugee Sleigh Ride will have them feeling the magic, especially if you go around the holidays.
The transit system makes getting around Jackson easy and exploring activities off the hill. Exploring the area through snowshoe hikes is a good option for older kids or if you have someone who doesn't want to ski all day.
At Blue mountain resort, it's all lower mountain making it an excellent place for novice and intermediate skiers to explore. A full-service ski resort with both day and night skiing, there is enough of a challenge for those looking for blacks but with a good number of blues and greens. This car-free village will have you feeling like you are walking around in a Hallmark movie. With ski-in and ski-out options and one central base lodge, it's easy for everyone to regroup, even if you start on different hills.
Go for the winter sports, and stay for all the additional activities in the village.
Fun for kids: You can choose from included activities like sledding, heated outdoor pools, or additional activities like Plunge! Aquatic Centre and pottery making. If you enjoy skating, take the lift to the top of the mountain, where you can skate along a skating trail through the forest it's a bit surreal at night when it's all lit up.
Sometimes you find a little gem of a place that's not directly near the ski resort but provides transportation to the hill and allows you to use high-end ski gear customized for you by a two-time Olympic alpine skier. Whatever your needs are, you can contact the front desk to help you plan and book your trip. This small luxury hotel has an onsite four-diamond restaurant, an award-winning spa, and an indoor heated pool that's long enough for adults to enjoy length swim. The staff at the hotel can package everything for you, including breakfast; lift tickets will need to be arranged separately.
Fun for kids: If you can get the kids out of the indoor pool, you can do outdoor activities like skating, hockey, snowshoeing, dog sledding, toboggan chute, cross country skiing. They kick it up a notch by providing cookies made by the restaurant and available throughout the day.
Situated near a quaint town, Ellicottville, New York, Holiday Valley offers you the fun of a holiday without the huge hit to your wallet. Kids under 6 are always free, and junior rates are available up to age 11. There's also a mid-week kids stay free program to save you even more. Like we hear all the time, happy kids, happy parents; this resort takes this message to heart and focuses heavily on its kids' programming, from the names of the runs to the kids having their own clubhouse. It's kid-first world at Holiday Valley.
Fun for kids: Big and small kids will enjoy additional activities like the sky coaster, tubing, indoor pool, and s'mores to end the day.
This spot is ideal for families looking for the ultimate in luxury and nature, so beautiful your favorite music starts playing in your head as you take it all in. Few scenes compare to the Canadian Rockies. Combined with the opulence and romance of staying in a castle-style hotel, your whole family will feel like you are the stars in a fairytale. The ski package at Fairmont Banff Springs allows you to ski at 3 of the best ski resorts in Alberta.
Fun for kids: Drop off your little prince and princesses at Kids at the Castle (supervised programming) on Friday and Saturday evenings, with hotel history tours, and bookable walks with a canine ambassador. Choose from over 30 resort activities, including trivia, bingo, scavenger hunts, paint nights, Bavarian curling, ice skating, live music, special holiday events, and more.
There’s no doubt that any little trick we can use to simplify the juggling act of parenting is a game-changer—and that’s why we are totally on board with any and all grocery stores that deliver. Who doesn’t want to take back precious time and avoid the crowds at the supermarket? We do! We’ve rounded up several of the biggest grocery stores that deliver across the United States, so say goodbye to long lines and hello to door-to-door grocery deliveries.
Kroger and Ralphs also use Instacart for curbside and grocery delivery for over 1,200 of its locations. They also offer Kroger Ship, a website that offers more than 50,000 groceries, household, beauty and pet food products. Ship is available in the continental US.
Whole Foods
Courtesy of Whole Foods
Since its acquisition by Amazon, Whole Foods has become a grocery store that delivers to you. Now shoppers in over 2,000 cities can buy online and receive orders in as little as two hours, or for pick up at a Whole Foods, an hour. If you have Prime, deliveries over $35 are free.
Walmart
For an annual fee of $98 or $12.95 a month, the Walmart+ program gives you unlimited free delivery ($35 minimum). Try the 15-day trial to see if you like it; if you aren't ready to commit, simply pay the normal fees that the regular delivery and Express Delivery (two hours or less) services charge. How do you order? Simply use the app or website to choose from over 180,000 items, and you're on your way!
Target
Anthony Rathbun/AP Images for Target
For a lot of people, strolling the aisles of Target is like a religious experience. But for those of us with kids and no time to spare, Target's partnership with Shipt is the perfect way to get groceries, essentials and more delivered right to your door.
You can choose from thousands of items, including food, baby, bath, kitchen, pet supplies, school supplies and more. You can start with a free four-week trial, and when those four weeks are up, you have the option of an annual Shipt plan for $99 for unlimited orders of $35 or more. Or, you can pay per as you order for same-day delivery. Shipt also works with CVS, Petco, and more.
Costco
Buying bulk is a must for big families (or any family). Costco offers delivery through Instacart, which also delivers from local stores like ShopRite, Safeway, Giant, and more based on your location. For those that use Instacart more regularly, Costco offers Instacart Express, which includes reduced service fees, free delivery on orders over $35 and more.
ALDI
ALDI
ALDI's deal with Instacart has been wildly successful, and most stores now have the option of having your groceries brought to you. In addition to delivery, Aldi has been testing curbside pickup. Customers can buy groceries online, then come to the store to pick them up where an Aldi employee will bring your grocery haul right to your car.
What can't Amazon do? Amazon Prime members have long known that AmazonFresh offers the convenience of grocery delivery, even without a physical grocery store. Why leave home, when you can add produce, meat, seafood, dairy, frozen items and even paper products to your digital shopping cart... and then have it delivered to your doorstep?
Amazon did away with the $14.99 Amazon Fresh fee; in most cities, the minimum order amount is $35, but in New York City, $50. Amazon Fresh is currently available in over 5,000 cities across the US, and the program expanded its in-garage delivery services for as many Prime members.
For those lucky to live near this popular Texas-based supermarket, you can get home delivery for as little as $5. The delivery fee varies based on location, service times or special promotions. You can get almost everything offered in-store delivered too, with the exception of large items like grills; alcohol delivery also depends on where you live.
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Shopping for kids can be a struggle, especially when you’re trying to be creative and avoid the toy aisle for birthdays and other special occasions. But what if they could get something new and fun every month? That’s where a subscription box or service comes in. From celebrating women who’ve helped change our world to learning their way around the kitchen and exploring new worlds, scroll down to see our favorite subscription services for kids for any time of year.
Alltruists
Alltruists' subscription box isn't just an activity, it's a carefully curated program of at-home volunteer and giving projects. Using creativity and play, each eco-friendly box helps kids understand social and environmental topics and comes with conversation guides for parents, a donation experience, projects and empathy-building activities. Boxes include important topics like homelessness, clean water, bees and hunger.
We love this kit because it combines science with cooking! Each adventure kit is filled with a recipe, pre-measured dry ingredients and 2-3 STEAM-based projects that are all theme related. Uncover a new adventure and learning experience every time! In the Galaxy Donuts kit, you'll learn about the constellations and how to calculate the weight of planets.
Lovevery’s new Toddler Play Kits are an expansion of its highly praised subscription box service. Previously available for infants ages 0-12 months, Toddler Play Kits are designed for a child's second year of life. Expertly designed to foster brain development and help advance cognitive development, each Toddler Play Kit includes science-backed, sustainably produced play products and activities toddlers want and require for brain development, at exactly the right time. For parents, the Play Kits include need-to-know guidance in the form of The Play Guides—mini books that walk parents through the "how tos” of making the most of play time with their children, backed by all the research parents often don’t have the time to read. Unlike Baby Play Kits, which are shipped every other month, Toddler Play Kits ship every three months with fuller boxes.
Deliver some holiday cheer with a gift box from YearCheer! This fun subscription box offers holiday decorations and more that come right to your door. Targeted for kids ages 4-10, YearCheer's Halloween box came packed with fun like a haunted village to build and set up on your table, spider garland, spooky sounds noisemaker and more. There was even a ghost-shaped cookie cutter and instructions on how to create a boo box for your friends. Tying it all together was a favorite Halloween book, Room on the Broom. Available in single-month and longer subscriptions as well as non-recurring giftable options.
If your tween is obsessed with everything Claire's, this is the gift for them. Choose a one-time or monthly subscription and they'll get surprise glam delivered right to their door.
We Craft Box is an award-winning monthly kids craft kit for kids ages 3-9. With a themed story, 4-5 coordinating crafts, easy-to-follow photo directions, and all materials sent right to your door, the box can be shared between two children. You'll especially love the themed holiday boxes!
Get your three favorite Dr. Seuss™ & His Friends books for just $3, delivered right to your door. From The Cat in the Hat to P.D. Eastman's classic Are You My Mother? Dr. Seuss™ & His Friends offers sturdy, hardcover books they'll read again and again. Start out by building your welcome package of the first three books. After that, you'll get three books shipped to your door, each month. You’re in control: you can pause, skip, change shipping frequency or cancel anytime. You can even preview your three books online and add or replace books before they ship!
We love this subscription box for kids ages 5-9 and know you will too! You'll get a new science kit every month to learn about scientific topics like pressure, immiscible liquids, strength and jet propulsion. Download the AR app to get even more in-depth info on your project. Cancel your subscription at any time.
Want your kiddos to experience the ultimate joy of reading? The Just Right Reader subscription box combines entertainment and education in the perfect way. Kids will receive books specifically selected for them alongside items like superhero outfits, funny glasses, necklaces, laser reading pointers, reading finger buddies, stamps, stickers and more to get them amped up to read.
Little fashionistas will love Rowan's earring subscription box. Every month, littles will get a pair of nickel-free, hypoallergenic earrings designed in Brooklyn, NY with your choice of Gold Vermeil or Sterling Silver. In addition, every month your box comes with a thought-provoking mindfulness card to inspire conversation and a surprise accessory. You can also choose to upgrade your first box and snag a signature Rowan accessories bundle which includes an acrylic earring stand, satin travel pouch, journal, pen and a surprise extra pair of earrings while supplies last.
The brainchild of Bay Area Children's Theater Company, Play On! is an audio musical adventure kit for kids. There are two different boxes: Discover (0-5) and Adventure (5-10), and the boxes make it easier for BACT to share their award-winning programming with kids all over the U.S. during COVID and beyond. Every month, kids get everything they need to bring the magic of theater to their own homes; the most unique aspect is the audio elements that can be unlocked once the box arrives. Kids can use the materials to perform again and again. Opt for a single kit or a monthly subscription.
Cost: $40 for a single box, $120 for a year's subscription.
For the kiddos who love to lounge in the tub, this monthly subscription is a great gift idea. Each box contains goodies like waterproof books, bath bombs, activities, bath crayons and more. It's basically a bath party in a box!
What started as a family book club focused on literature about or from African countries has grown into a monthly book box that focuses on globally diverse books and learning materials for kids. Founder Bunmi Emenanjo says "Studies have shown that kids who are exposed to diverse cultures cultivate a global awareness that makes them more empathetic and compassionate. I firmly believe that such exposure leads them to not just accept cultures different from their own, but to celebrate them!"
There are four levels for different readers ranging from picture books to young adult novels. In addition to the books, subscribers will also get fact cards, a postcard, a culturally relevant souvenir and more. You can even purchase some of the previous month's boxes if they are available.
After she saw how travel (especially international) helps parents to empower their kids with cultural awareness, founder Dr. Zabina Bhasin—child psychiatrist and mom of two—came up with the idea for InKidZ. Focused on countries like Turkey, Guatemala or Australia, each box has been carefully curated by Bhasin and a few parent ambassadors (thing puzzles, jewelry, activity sheets, stickers, crayons and more), and each one strives to educate kids about various global cultures in a thought-provoking way. The “In the Know” cards are especially fun. Similar to trivia cards, they’re great for the car or family dinners. Topics range from how to speak in Turkish to knowing milestones made by iconic Black Americans.
Cost:Choose between bi-monthly ($49 for one kid, $59 for siblings) or annual ($270 for one kid, $300 for siblings, six boxes a year).
Founded by a Black CEO and father of six who sought to create nonfiction books covering topics that his kids were ready to discuss, A Kids Book About Box includes best-selling and popular titles like A Kids Book About Gratitude, A Kids Book About Racism, A Kids Book About Empathy, and A Kids Book About Belonging. Other books touch on subjects like bullying, creativity, disabilities, voting and more. Even better, A Kids Book About celebrates diverse authors who write stories influenced by their own experiences, which gives readers access to all kinds of voices.
Cost: Starting at $20/book, and monthly subscriptions start at $17
Baketivity boxes are sure to put a smile on your little baker's face! Each themed box comes with pre-measured ingredients, kid-friendly instructions, colorful lessons and games to play while your treats bake and a shopping list if you need to add anything extra. All the included ingredients are vacuum-packed fresh, and when you sign up for a subscription, your kiddo will get a Baketivity hat and apron! The newest kit is the limited-edition Positivity Cookie Kit Project, which aims to encourage conversations about diversity and equality, and there are tons of other baking kits, like whoopie pies, pull-apart cupcakes, muffins, cinnamon buns, cookies, cake pops and bagels. You can buy a one-time kit or subscribe to receive one on a monthly basis.
From the creative genius of Sago Mini comes the new Sago Mini Box subscription, a kit that creates hands-on experiences for kids ages 3-5. Every month, subscribers will receive a new box that encourages open-ended play and make and play activities that are easy to assemble. In addition to the box and three themed activities, kids will receive a letter from a Sago Mini character! Sago keeps sustainability at the forefront, with all paper materials constructed from recycled content or sourced from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC Certified).
Cost: $19 per month, or $15 per month when you subscribe annually
GIRLS CAN! CRATE is a new subscription box that celebrates the lives of women who've changed our world. From Bessie Coleman and Dr. Irene Uchida to Frida Kahlo, Marie Curie, Madam CJ Walker and Dorothea Lange, GIRLS CAN! CRATE celebrates the lives and stories of diverse women across race, profession and the world so that every girl who picks up a crate will see something of herself reflected in her GIRLS CAN! experience. Choose between two monthly offerings: the original GIRLS CAN! CRATE which includes a 20-page activity book, two or three STEAM activities, a collectible button, tote bag and tips for grown-ups related to the month's featured lady's trait; or the mini-mailer which is a smaller version of the original GIRLS CAN! CRATE. All aspects of the GIRLS CAN! experience, from start to finish, are curated by its all-female owned and operated company.
Cost: Crate subscriptions start at $35 per month. Mini-mailers start at $18.50 per month.
Little Global Citizens is a subscription box that looks to take children (ages 4-10) on a new adventure around the world every other month, focusing on the culture and the people of a new country. Each box brings to life a new country through carefully curated books, cultural activities in the form of games, puzzles and quizzes, interactive crafts, language and recipes for a themed dinner party night. The brand uses their Montessori Educator to curate each box. The founder of LGC, Akeelah Kuraishi, says that the ultimate mission of Little Global Citizen is to foster open-mindedness, compassion and global awareness.
Cost: $40 for a bi-monthly subscription; $50 if you want to add an additional set of craft and activity materials for a sibling.
Kids who love cooking and STEM learning will love this new subscription box from America’s Test Kitchen Kids. The Young Chefs’ Club box is jam-packed with kid-tested, kid-approved recipes, science experiments, creative items (think: DIY board games, tortilla warmers, special sprinkles) and more. Designed to inspire a new generation of empowered cooks, engaged eaters and curious experimenters, each box contains recipes that have been tested by over 5,000 kids in the US and received at least an 80% approval rating. Each month, kids will receive a box based on a theme, ranging from specific ingredients such as cheese or bread, to cooking techniques like cake decorating, to scientific subjects centered around texture or molecular gastronomy. The projects range from 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on the child's age and ability, and grocery lists are emailed before the boxes arrive. The Young Chefs Club is designed for kids ages 5 & up.
Good to know: Members get access to America’s Test Kitchen Kids' extensive digital library of recipes, experiments, videos, fun food trivia and more.
Cost: Starting at $20 per month for a 12-month subscription.
KiwiCo, a parent fave for STEM, STEAM, science and art subscription kits for kids, recently launched its Panda Crate line designed specifically for babies and toddlers. Made in partnership with researchers at Seattle Children’s Hospital, KiwiCo ensures that all the products and information delivered in its crates are perfectly suited for a child’s developing brain. Plus, a portion of every Panda Crate purchase is donated toward child development research. Designed to grow with baby's development, the Panda Line crates are broken up into five separate age bands–delivering an age and stage-appropriate crate every other month as baby grows over two years. Each crate in the subscription line is billed and delivered every three months, and you can easily adjust the timing or cancel anytime.
Cost: Starts at $15.50 per month for two year’s worth of Panda Crates (12 shipments).
Based on the world-renowned 0-3 Montessori curriculum, Monti Kids provides the only at-home Montessori toy program for babies and toddlers ranging in age from birth to 36 months. The subscription-based program was founded with the mission of helping parents support their babies during the most critical years of development. With a Monti Kids subscription, Montessori toy curriculum is delivered every three months with exactly the right learning materials needed at each developmental stage. Each Monti Kids box also includes guides for parents which consist of short videos and articles on how to introduce and use the materials with their baby–also great for caregivers and grandparents! Choose from eight different levels.
Good to know: Before your toys arrive, you’ll have access to the Monti Kids Learning Center, packed with instructional videos, research and tips.
You know and love Raddish because it takes the guesswork and stress out of teaching kids to cook. It also provides a bonding, interactive and tasty adventure for families to share. Each month features a new exciting theme, from "Edible Experiments" to "Ticket to Japan." Kits include a set of three laminated and illustrated recipe cards with easy-to-follow instructions and tips to develop safe and smart kitchen techniques. Kids also receive a kitchen tool, craft, experiment or foodie game, monthly collectibles in the form of Table Talk conversation starter cards and a colorful apron patch. And now, your preschooler can get in on the action, with the Cook + Play Kit. Kids can mix, mash and stir as they whip up 123 Blueberry Muffins, ABC Chips and Guac and Rainbow Pasta Salad while learning the alphabet, counting, colors, measuring and even setting the table.
Good to know: Raddish includes a digital and printed grocery checklist, but does not include the actual food. Raddish also has an expansive library of free content from bonus recipes to activities and playlists and offers dietary modifications for all recipes.
Izzy & Liv Brown Sugar Box for Little Girls & Tween Girls
Lifestyle brand Izzy & Liv recently launched a version of their Brown Sugar Box for kids and teens. Both the Kids Box (for ages 4-8) and Tweens Box (for ages 9-14) are similar to the adult boxes where even though the items will be a mystery until opened, everything included will equal a retail value of at least $100. The boxes are designed with African American girls in mind, with culturally inspired items featured in every box. You'll get at least one Izzy & Liv shirt and other sweet things made with the brown sugar girl in mind. Little girls might get school supplies, hair accessories and books, while tweens can expect to get beauty products, lunch totes and even pillow covers.
Cost: If you sign up now, you'll lock in a special $45 (plus shipping) quarterly rate. It'll go to $55 (plus shipping) soon.
Mail Order Mysteries are a tech-free creative experience that unfolds through a series of six weekly installments. The letters are personalized to kids from the characters in the stories. There are spies, pirates, knights, librarians, detectives, dragons and trolls, and when these characters ask for help with a top-secret mission, the kids become key characters themselves. One of their latest mysterious launches is the Case of the Missing Bigfoot, perfect for ages 9 & up, and is a classic whodunit set in an old mansion before a big dinner is about to begin. The lights go out, and when they come back on, the safe is open and empty. Uh oh. This box comes with everything to help solve the crime, including crime scene photos, suspect cards, notebooks, suspect board, interview transcripts and more.
Cost: $87 for a six-week subscription containing five letter mail envelopes and a final package.
Style knows no age, so why not encourage their love of fashion with Stitch Fix’s personal styling service for kids? Stitch Fix has recently been reinventing the shopping experience for adults as well as expanding. They now offer sizes 2T-14 for kids! Parents can easily manage their kids' profile, and they can work together to create a style profile and set up their delivery. Each Stitch Fix Kid box contains 8-12 pieces of clothing, shoes or accessories, which range in price from $10-$35. A stylist handpicks items based on the style profile. The best part? There’s no pressure to keep anything, and no subscription is required. Simply order Fixes when you like or schedule automatic deliveries. Easy-peasy!
Cost: $20 styling fee that is later applied toward anything purchased.
Kids have busy lives these days between school, sports, play dates and activities, but one important lesson they all need to learn is that kindness is key. KyndKits are a way to pair volunteering with the convenience of home delivery. KyndKits is a subscription box filled with new, customizable volunteer activities and acts of kindness delivered to your child’s door each month. These opportunities can range from making cards for Veterans to building care kits for the homeless. The projects support a variety of causes and include everything needed for a meaningful volunteer experience. KyndKit subscriptions are handled online, making sign up and subscription management easy. Packages range from single, one-person kits to large-group kits.
Cost: $19 for one project per month. Up to four KyndKits projects can be ordered per month.
So many toys, so little time. Imagine being able to borrow and return new toys, just like books at the library. Well, that’s what mom Christie Jacobs thought when she’d had enough with her kids playing on the iPads too much. With limited space, she didn’t want to keep buying new toys. Instead, she created ToyLibrary, a service that provides unlimited access to over 500 educational toys. "ToyLibrary lets you borrow and play with the newest toys, curated and selected by child development experts so parents always get the best toy for their child,” Jacobs said. "Parents enjoy an uncluttered house, great value and the convenience of free shipping straight to their door." Kids can play with the toys for a month, three months or 12 months, and then just return them in the pre-paid mailer.
Cost: $30 a month for two toys; $20 a month for six toys for three months; $12.50 a month for 24 toys for 12 months.
Little Feminist book club, which aims to teach kids about gender equality diversity and empathy, now has three age ranges (0-3, 3-7 and 7-9) for their popular book subscription service. Every month, one or two books are carefully hand-selected by a team of educators, librarians and parents, who then create discussion questions and a DIY activity to accompany them.
Whether you are spending your days tending to little humans or simply limiting your trips to the store, chances are you have investigated the many wine subscription services, alcohol delivery apps and online wine clubs out there. We gathered up a slew of our favorites with unique offerings like wine in a can (hooray!) and by-the-glass subscriptions. There’s even one that will send you everything you need for a virtual wine tasting and book you an expert to guide you on your wine journey via Zoom. Make it a mom’s night and open up your new favorite bottle!
The McBride sisters were raised on different sides of the globe, and when they came together in California in 2005, their shared love of all things wine allowed them to create what is now the largest Black-owned wine business in the country. You can choose between bottles or cans and whether or not you want six bottles or twelve bottles in your shipment that arrives every six weeks. The wines are carefully selected just for you based on the time of year, but you are free to adjust your shipment to your liking as well.
Laithwaites is a leading wine home delivery that offers exclusive wines through vineyard partnerships all over the world. You have the option to pick by wine styles, countries & regions, and collections (red mixes, white mixes, etc.) Try out their collection for $49.99 which includes six bottles plus two extra and all the tasting notes to go along with them. Their monthly subscription program can be canceled at any time, or skip when you don't need a delivery that month.
Firstleaf Wine Club
Firstleaf
Firstleaf is the only wine club that tailors its wine choices to an individual member’s preferences. That means that with every new shipment, you can discover new wines that are selected to fit your flavor profile. Rate your wines after they arrive so that Firstleaft knows what to send you next. Don't like something you are sent? Firstleaf will give you a refund.
Not ready to commit to a subscription but want to try some tasty wines? We've got you covered. Here are three of our favorites for fall and winter wine drinking. You can order them for delivery via Drizly or Instacart, or search for distributors near you.
The Noble Vines Pinot Noir offers aromas of black cherry, currant, and a touch of vanilla and flavors of ripe black cherry, plum, and delicate hints of vanilla. This decadent red wine pairs well with salmon, lamb and more, and will make for a beautiful addition to your Valentine’s Day table.
The Double Black Red Wine Blend has Rich aromas of blackberry, mocha, caramel and vanilla, setting the stage for concentrated core flavors of plum, dark chocolate, toasted marshmallow and allspice. Gift this wine to that special someone in your life for a truly special night.
Tasting Flight from In Good Taste
Taste your way through eight different less-traditional wines with this too-cute tasting flight from In Good Taste. You'll get eight varietals in glass-sized servings shipped right to your door for you to enjoy. You can evenschedule a virtual tasting to enjoy your wines with an expert leading the way! Shipping is free on orders of $100+.
You'll love this family wine business if not for their delicious wines then definitely for their hilarious family videos (we want to know the secret to getting their teens to participate because that is true parenting brilliance). With clever names like The Starry White, Chardonnay Monet, Pinot Renoir and Cabernet Manet, you'll love these wines on so many levels. Their twice-yearly 6-bottle subscription service is an excellent option to get you started.
Take the Winc quiz and learn what wines suit your taste. Then order up a few and have them delivered right to your door. Save $20 on your first order of $50+.
Ship the celebration right to those you love with the oh-so-cute mini champagne bottles from The Sip. This SF Bay Area company was created by two moms who have been friends for over 15 years! You can choose a one-time shipment or up the ante and go for the bi-monthly subscription service to say "I'm Grateful for You" over and over.
Feeling like you want to be a little adventurous with your wine selections? Underground Cellar is a great option for you! This service connects you with premium wine you likely can't find at your local liquor store. Instead of offering discounted bottles that typically harm local winery businesses, Underground Cellar uses innovative “gamification” technology that rewards consumers with free upgrades to rare and private-stash bottles from prestigious wineries across the nation. A $30 bottle of bubbles could be upgraded (for free) to a magnum of vintage champagne.
The service also allows the everyday wine consumer to become a bonified collector with CloudCellar, their unique storage feature that allows customers to virtually store up to 500 bottles of wine for free, making it easier than ever to build your own collection. Just request your shipment when you are ready to receive it. You'll get free shipping when you request 12 or more bottles at one time.
If you are looking for sustainably-sourced California wines to enjoy by the glass, Usual Wines has you covered. With fresh-from-the-bottle taste and no added sugar or sulfites, it's only the best. Shipping is free when you order a 12-bottle shipment for $96, or sign up for monthly deliveries for $80.
Revel is a personalized wine service tailored to your taste, budget and lifestyle. They make fabulous award-winning wines, including the leading organic and sulfite-free wines. You have the option of browsing their wine collection or you can join the club which entitles you to receive member discounts and other great benefits including complimentary tastings at their California wineries. Save $20 on your first order of $50+.
Canned wine is pretty much a summer dream come true. Enter Cratejoy where you can get hooked up with monthly canned wine delivered to your door. Snag a variety pack or just one variety. $39.99/month, cancel any time.
Support independent winemakers with Naked Wines. In this unique program, wine drinkers can sign up as "Angels." This supports winemakers up front and gives you access to independent wine labels at up to a 60% discount. Don't like a wine you've picked? They offer a full refund.
If you need your drinks and you need them in a flash, Drizly should be your go-to choice. Get beer, wine and liquor delivered in under 60 minutes. Send the champagne to a friend with a new baby or welcome a new family to the neighborhood. Get $5 off your first order when you sign up on their website.
If you like wine, then you need to check out Guilford Green. Inspired by the village market concept, their wine selection rotates with the seasons. They focus on family-owned wineries, natural wines and wines you can’t find anywhere else. They hope to bring small businesses and small vineyards to a larger audience.
Whether you are limiting trips to the grocery store, trying to turn over a new (salad) leaf for your family in 2022 or are just pressed for time, you’re not alone. Planning, cooking and even buying healthy meals is time consuming, especially when unexpected curveballs get thrown at you (school closures much?). Fortunately, Seattle is chock full of meal delivery services, preparing fresh and healthy kid-friendly dinners and delivering them straight to your home. Read on to make feeing your fam simple.
This weekly meal delivery service will help your family eat healthy with their Wellness or Plant-Based Menu. They locally source, prepare and deliver your fully-cooked meals. All you have to do is heat them up, set the table (you've got two minutes) then enjoy them with the kids. Choose to have three, four or five meals for the week. The menu rotates weekly, and you'll find lots of creative choices with each new listing.
Adding chef-created, semi-prepared meals to your dinner rotation is easy with The Speedy Dish. Chef Michaela Skloven, a Ballard mom and Queen Anne mom, Erin, understand the ups and downs parents are facing right now. If you live in Queen Anne, Ballard or Magnolia, you can take advantage of this easy to prep meal kit that gets delivered straight to your home. Each Speedy Meal Kit serves two so you can easily build your family's meal plan, and takes about 20 minutes to get it on the table. The Speedy Dish also delivers ready-to-enjoy meals (think tamales and pot hand pies) alongside prepared proteins, sides, wraps and salads.
Joy Rubey, mom and founder, started ACME Farms + Kitchen in 2011 with a simple mission–to make access to local food easier. As a busy working mom of toddlers, she found herself searching for a simple way to get clean, local food at home, without having to haul little ones around.
Signing up for an ACME box is as easy as clicking a button and choosing a curated box that's right for your family. It's hard to go wrong with the Family Classics Box or Kid's Box, that'll get your hungry crew through breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are also options for those who are gluten- and dairy-free, vegan or veg. Each box is fully customizable and you can set delivery to meet your needs: once only, weekly, monthly and more. Inside each box you'll find everything you need to make your meals, including pre-made sauces and portioned seasonings, as well as pantry items like chicken broth and coconut milk. Orders are submitted by Wednesday at midnight and delivered the next Wednesday or Thursday, depending on where you live. Each meal serves 4-6.
It doesn’t get much easier to eat healthy than this. Breakfast, lunch, dinner meals and even in-between-meal snacks are catered to match your diet plan whether you are looking for nutrient dense meals, gluten-free meals, keto, Paleo or vegan. Non-GMO meals are never frozen. Meals arrive at your home fresh and in an insulated box. Just unpack them and place them in the fridge. They heat up in the microwave in just three minutes. Their meals are open to all ages and many families enjoy their plans. When ordering, please be cautious about any allergies your child may have.
A car crash in 2011 started the odyssey that brought Dean and Tamara Hobson from losing everything back to solvency and health. What started as a local food delivery service for about 30 neighborhood families has grown into a citywide meal delivery and catering business focused on nourishing people. Weekly breakfast, lunch and dinner options rotate and deliveries are made twice a week on Mondays and Fridays. Be sure to order by 3 p.m. on Thursday for Monday delivery, and by the same time on Tuesday for a Friday delivery. Food is delivered fully cooked, and ready to eat once you reheat it, and it gets dropped in the personal cooler you set out on your front porch (don’t forget the ice packs!). You won’t find a lot of carbs or grains in these meals, just a whole lot of meats and veggies, calibrated for optimal nutrition. Specialized meal programs are also available if you’re looking for help with Keto, Whole 30, cleanses and more.
If there’s one thing busy parents understand, it’s other busy parents who are trying to balance kids, school, work and childcare. When Seattle parents, Rachael and Phil encountered this eternal problem, they came up with a solution. They took Phil’s skills as a chef and Rachael’s as an organizer to create Pick Me Up, the chef-prepared meal service that lets Seattle and Eastside parents get dinner delivered to their homes or to a daycare partner. The system is streamlined through an app. All you have to do is set up an account, select your meals and portion size, heat and enjoy. Meals rotate weekly and each day has a couple of options to choose from; we love the kids meal variations offered for each too. From there, families can either choose to pick their meal up at a participating daycare or have it delivered to their doorstep, packed and chilled between noon and 5 p.m. the next day (order cut off is 10 p.m. the day before). While the kiddos set the table, you heat up the meal. Voila, dinner is served!
Good to know: When you set up the app, use the code 1111 for home delivery.
What started as a meal delivery service catering to people with specific fitness goals in 2016 has transformed into a healthy meal service delivering to nearly 80 different zip codes around Seattle. FreshMeal dinners are created for anyone who wants to get on a healthier diet and start eating fresh, never frozen meals. The meals are cooked by professional chefs out of their local commercial kitchen in the International District using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. To get started simply order your meals anytime before Thursday at 10 p.m. Then the FreshMeal team gets to work sourcing ingredients and cooking your meal just before delivering it on Sundays. It’s ready to be placed in your fridge to keep you fed for the week.
It was a bout of chicken pox a long time ago that led Maven Meals owner, Heidi Finley, to find her passion—food. Ever since she’s been studying nutrition, sustainable business and restaurant management to create flavorful, healthy meals for people who are too busy to cook them themselves. There’s no need to subscribe or meet a minimum order requirement here. With Maven Meals you simply place your food order Sunday by midnight, and Maven Meals delivers it on ice in an insulated cooler sometime between Monday and Wednesday of that week (delivery day depends on your zip code). They deliver as far north as Edmonds and as far south as Lakewood, as well as to the Eastside. A new menu is posted every Monday and it always comes with suggested pairings for entrees, and the ability to filter for food specificity (think: vegan, gluten-free, egg-free, etc.) so you know exactly what’s available to you. The best part? Everything is ready to eat with a quick reheat or as-is, with the exception of some fish dishes that take a minimal amount of cooking.
Chef Virginia Blashill runs a "virtual restaurant," delivering restaurant-quality meals to busy families, without the hassle of a brick and mortar building. It's a great option for those of us who crave home-cooked meals, but lack the time to make them. Head to the website to choose meals from the menu that rotates weekly. Orders are placed by Sunday for delivery Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on your delivery zone. Meals are delivered fresh not frozen, so this is a great heat-and-eat option, no cooking on your part. Each is made from scratch in small batches, using local suppliers whenever possible. You can choose from entrees, soups, salads and desserts that are customizable to your crew. Choose regular portion sizes for hungry adults (they're quite generous) and smaller ones for kids. Keep in mind each entrée typically comes with two sides so you can customize meals in this way too. There are also low-carb, gluten- and dairy-free options available, but all foods are prepared in the same kitchen.
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.
If dinner for your crew in two minutes or less sounds like a plan, check out Yumble's nutritious, ready-to-eat meals just for kids. They keep picky eaters in mind when they plan their menu, and meals come shipped in sustainably packaged boxes where you'll also find cute kid perks like stickers and activity sheets we know your kids will love. Yumble's lunches, dinners and snacks balance nutrition with flavor, so you can count on lots of fresh veggies and fruits in every meal. Simply choose your meal plan (four, six, eight or 12 per week), then wait for dinner to arrive at your door.
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: Starting at $7/portion + $9 shipping Online: marleyspoon.com
Gobble
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?
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.
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.
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 sautéeing will take less than 30 minutes. Family-friendly meals include Tomato Tortellini Bake, Ginger Plum Chicken and Pork Chops with Apple Rosemary Pan Sauce.
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.
How about 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? Then 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 $10-12/serving, free shipping on auto-delivery options Online: veestro.com
courtesy Splendid Spoon
Splendid Spoon
Bowls, soups and smoothies. Oh my! Splendid Spoon grew out of mom-preneur and French Culinary Institute-trained chef, Nicole Centeno’s desire to find quick and nutritious meals and snacks when she was pregnant with her first son. The service now delivers over 50 different meal options including soups (both hearty and light), smoothies, grain bowls, noddles and shots to busy families everywhere. Splendid Spoon's plant-based foods are totally fresh, gluten-free and were developed hand-in-hand by registered dieticians and chefs, so you know they taste great. To get in on the action, you need to hit the website, choose a plan and then customize it. Lunch is at the heart of each, and it builds from there. Add in breakfast five times a week at the second tier and a reset (think light soups for dinner) when you choose the full monty. You can skip delivery whenever you need to, and food is delivered straight to your door via FedEx, chilled, using dry ice. Bowls and soups keep for a week in the fridge or freeze them for up to a month.
Whether you're looking to eat more greens, add color to your plate or just plain love veggies, Purple Carrot is for you. Families can have dinner delivered two ways with Purple Carrot. If you go with the meal kit, you'll get a box delivered to your doorstep, filled with fresh ingredients and everything you need to make an amazing meal, from the good stuff to the recipe. If cooking isn't high on your list, try Purple Carrot's prepared meals. Like the meal kits, they come straight to your door. But unlike the meal kits, these are heat and serve, ready to eat in just five minutes. From there it's as simple as choosing your serving size (two or four) and how many meals you want each week (two or three). Then you sit back, relax and wait for your meals to deliver, freshly prepared, boxed and on ice, ready for you to enjoy.
Cost: Meal kits start at $10/serving; prepared meals start at $13/serving Online:purplecarrot.com
courtesy of Yumi
Yumi
Developed by two moms on a mission to create optimally-balanced baby food blends, Yumi's meals are all about babies. Yumi’s baby blends come in over 60 flavors, and span baby's major food-related milestones. Expert Chefs use seasonal ingredients to whip up your baby’s food using diverse flavors and nutrient-dense ingredients like chia seeds, spirulina and flax, so your baby is exposed to a variety of flavors and textures. Then the blends are shipped to your doorstep in fully-recyclable packaging, using ice packs to keep it fresh. It’s easy to make substitutions or cancel an order any time, and you’ll receive text messages letting you know where your food is from the moment it ships out to the moment it delivers.
1. Once you find your favorite service, make sure you note your preferences, dislikes and allergies. Many services can accommodate these if they know ahead of time.
2. If you don’t have a cooler, buy one! The last thing you want is your delicious delivery spoiling in the sun.
3. Think about having your meals delivered to your workplace. This can give you instant lunch options, or can keep you from stressing out about your delivery waiting for you on your doorstep.
5. Did a friend just have a baby or is a parent recovering from surgery? Meal delivery is an awesome gift for anyone who might have more important things on their plate, or just as a time saver for a busy loved one.
If you thought you’d never have anything in common with a supermodel, you were wrong. Ashley Graham confirmed her second pregnancy in July 2021—a little over a year after welcoming her first child—and now, Graham and husband Justin Ervin are a proud family of five!
Twin boys—whose names have yet to be released—joined big brother Isaac Ervin on Jan. 7 during a home delivery after Graham shared in a Jan. 6 TikTok video that she “was supposed to give birth 5 days ago.” Throughout her pregnancy, she posted about her birth plan, cravings and even stretch marks.
Known for keeping it real, this wasn’t the first time she’s used her status to draw attention to unrealistic expectations put on women after pregnancy. “I think the postpartum snapback is really B.S.,” Graham said. “I think it’s an unattainable reality for most women and it’s been an unattainable reality for myself.” Girl, preach.
And if you didn’t already love this supermodel for focusing on body positivity and blasting unrealistic expectations on new moms, you can start braiding your friendship bracelet now. She offered up advice to the universe on how to interact with pregnant and new moms in an interview with E! News, “You feel bombarded by unsolicited advice a bit, so I think the best thing to do when talking to anyone who’s pregnant or has just had a baby is, like, make sure they want the advice before you give it.”
You likely didn’t know that this supermodel is who we all wish would move in next door—we didn’t! Graham is exactly the type of girlfriend we all need to navigate the confusing but precious days of pregnancy and early motherhood.
Between Seattle’s super hot summer and the start of National Ice Cream month, we couldn’t think of better reasons to treat yourself and the kids to an ice cream scoop (or two!) at one of our favorite Seattle ice cream or gelato shops. From new spots you gotta try to old faves that can’t be beat, here’s where to score the best frozen treats in Seattle and beyond.
The Pastry Project
The Pastry Project
Although eating ice cream is always good, doing good while eating ice cream isn't a guarantee. Enter the new collab between The Pastry Project (a sweet social enterprise that helps future bakers and pastry chefs overcome barriers to education and jobs) and Molly Moon's. Just swing by The Pastry Project Dutch door to order a soft serve in a cone or cup. For now, this brand-spanking new enterprise is focusing on classic flavors (chocolate, vanilla or a swirl) paired with homemade crumbles, dips and hot sauces. Doesn't a soft serve twist with sticky toffee sauce and rainbow peanut crunch sound like something you need in your life?
As parents it's hard not to love this place just based on the name alone. And we're pretty sure after you've had a taste of their scrumptious soft serve you'll be "milk drunk" too, just like your sweet newborn. They serve up irresistible flavors like lime leaf and ginger pineapple that can be enjoyed as single flavors or twisted together for an unexpected treat. Flavors rotate often... guess that means you have to go a lot this summer!
Sure you can make your own popsicles at home, or you can just head to Wallingford to score the best pops in town. These handmade frozen treats are inspired by Mexican pelatas and they are either fruit or milk based. You can find fruity flavors like zesty lime, lilikoi and banana mango all the time, alongside creamy flavors like chocolate fudge and coconut cream. But the way to go with these pops is to soup them up with fancy drizzles, toppings and dips. Trust us on this one!
Good to know: You can also find Seattle Pops at local farmers markets and in grocery stores.
If light and creative ice cream flavors are what you're craving, look no further than this local small batch pop-up. Indulge in a pint of Dirty Matcha, Melon Mint or Orange Thai Basil while you can. These pints are only available until they sell out, so order yours while you can!
Good to know: These fabu pints are available as a pop-up pick-up at Musangtino's at Fair Isle Brewing in Ballard on the second and fourth Tuesdays. Or grab scoops at Communion Restaurant & Bar, Musang Seattle, Taste of the Carribean or Sugarhill.
You used to have to drive to Wallingford to wait in an around-the-corner line for Seattle’s best ice cream. That was so 2009. Now, almost every pocket of the city can stake a claim to a Molly Moon’s, including Madrona, Queen Anne, Capitol Hill, University Village, Wallingford and 19th & Mercer downtown. C’mon, Ms. Molly Moon Neitzel: here's hoping for new stores to start selling scoops of salted caramel and scout mint in Beacon Hill and West Seattle.
Locations in Wallingford, Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, Madrona, U Village, Columbia City, Redmond and Bellevue. Online: mollymoonicecream.com
When it comes to small-batch, made-from-scratch ice cream, it doesn't get any better than Sweet Alchemy. This delish spot hit the ice cream scene back in 2016 and owner Lois Ko has been crushing it ever since. You'll find inventive flavors like London Fog, Persian Rose and Thai Iced Tea, alongside flavors your kids know and love like Strawberry, Sweet Cream and Cookie Explosion. Get yours in a waffle bowl to make it extra special.
Good to know: In addition to its three retail shops, Sweet Alchemy has pint pick-up locations around the city.
If you're looking for plant-based ice cream, look no further than this vegan option. At Frankie & Jo's, families can count on intriguing ice cream and sorbet flavors like Salty Caramel Ash and Golden Milk to tempt their vegan tastebuds, served alongside seasonal flavors that rotate. Have yours scooped into a cone with Frankie & Jo's signature Moon Goo and you won't be disappointed.
Locations in U Village, Capitol Hill and Ballard. Online: frankieandjos.com
This Pike Place Market favorite is an old-school soda fountain, complete with novelty ice cream sundaes and egg creams. The interiors are preciously pastel and modern, with a row of stools to perch and enjoy your Mighty-O Donut topped with Lopez Island vanilla and a dollop of hot fudge. Make a day of it and enjoy a walk around the market or trip to the aquarium after.
1525 1st Ave. Seattle, WA 98101 206-602-6420 Online: shugsfountain.com
Hours: Thurs.-Sun., 1-8 p.m.
Salt & Straw
Salt & Straw Ice Cream
This family owned business, which has gained a cult-like following since its first opening in 2011, is known for conjuring up wildly imaginative, city-specific flavors made with in-season organic and sustainable ingredients sourced from local businesses. Produced in small batches, Salt & Straw’s ice creams combine unique flavors you can’t (and won't!) find anywhere else.
Their menu has two parts: “classics” which are permanent menu fixtures that are so beloved they remain year-round and monthly flavors that rotate. Tempt your tastebuds with classics that include Pear & Blue Cheese, Honey Lavender and Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons. Psst... they've got two classic vegan flavors too, if plant-based is your jam. The rotating flavors always delight and usually tie in with a theme (this month it's Rad Readers, as in books).
Locations in Ballard, Capitol Hill and Totem Lake, but they also ship nationwide. Online: saltandstraw.com
Top It Yogurt Shoppe
Top It Yogurt Shoppe
Located in historic Snohomish, Top It Yogurt Shoppe gives the old school ice shop a modern twist with a dozen different flavors offered each day. Flavors change weekly, but you’ll usually find the old standbys of Cake Batter, County Vanilla and Pomegranate Raspberry on the daily menu. You’ll also find a huge selection of toppings to pile on as well, including fresh fruit, nuts, syrups and candy pieces. The prices here are pretty sweet as well.
So while this may not be your first place in mind for ice cream, think again. Rachel’s offers a mean ginger beer float. Ginger beer has a more aggressive flavor than root beer, but ice cream is the perfect way to temper it for a more kid-friendly palate. Choose your ginger beer flavor—original is awesome, but the seasonal varieties like blueberry, white peach and blood orange are both gorgeously colored and extremely flavorful—and add ice cream in vanilla, strawberry or vegan coconut flavors. Psst.. they're doing pop-ups at the Spheres every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
1530 Post Alley Seattle, WA 98101
1610 12th Ave Seattle, WA 98122
University Village 4626 26th Ave. N.E. Seattle, WA 98105
The creative geniuses behind Seattle's delicious cupcakes have brought their bakeshop favorites to ice cream, so you can have your cake and your ice cream too. Enjoy flavors like Red Velvet, Salted Caramel or Triple Vanilla, made with fresh, natural, local ingredients, or try the newest flavors in the Royale Creamery’s Elevated Soda Fountain Classic series (think: Banana Split and Salted Cookie Dough ice creams and Retro Cherry Cola sorbet). Go ahead and order a double scoop. We won't tell!
Locations in Capitol Hill, Ballard, Downtown, West Seattle, Madrona. Online: cupcakeroyale.com
Snoqualmie Ice Cream
Snoqualmie Ice Cream
This ice creamery is a bit of a drive for Seattle families, however it’s worth it! Snoqualmie churns sorbet, ice cream and frozen custard (our favorite is the Lemon Custard) with no artificial flavors or colors and is sweetened with non-GMO cane sugar. They also churn a line of Snoqualmie Organic flavors (try their salty caramel - it's to die for!) and 22 gluten-free flavors. In addition, their shop (Snoqualmie Ice Cream & Fountain) hosts parties, so you can take your next big bash there. It’s also a perfect place to end a trip to Flower World or even Woodinville. And you can also buy pints at local markets if Snohomish isn’t on your "to-do” list or find it at several restaurants around Seattle, including Ivar's on the waterfront.
Good to Know: Order pints from their website and have them delivered right to your doorstep. It doesn't get any sweeter than that!
This West Seattle icon is where everyone heads for cups, cones and milkshakes. The family owned shop has been making its ice cream for over 75 years! In addition to classic flavors, Husky Deli makes an array of gourmet flavors, but it's their Husky Flake, French Orange and Dollar Mint that keeps locals coming back. Pick up a few scoops, sandwiches and drinks, head to Alki and voila! A perfect day with the kids.
4721 California Ave. S.W. Seattle, WA 98116 206-937-2810 Online: huskydeli.com
The closest ice cream will ever get to being considered punk rock, Full Tilt serves sweet treats in colorful shops featuring pinball machines that hearken back to when we were kiddos. In addition to dairy flavors like mexican chocolate and green tea chip, vegan families can bite into scoops of crusty punkin or mint chocolate.
Locations in Ballard, Columbia City, White Center and the U District. Online: fulltilticecream.com
Grab some of Scoop Du Jour’s delicious ice cream in a waffle cone and walk down to the park or waterfront in Madison Park. No frills and around forever, Scoop Du Jour is an unpretentious, beloved Seattle tradition. Don’t miss out on their kid-approved burgers or grilled cheese, either.
4029 E. Madison St. Seattle, WA 98112 206-325-9562 Online: facebook.com
Bluebird is as much a destination for kiddos as it is for adults: Little ones love bowls of ice cream infused with the likes of pink-iced animal crackers or floats made with Rachel’s ginger beer or small batch root beer, and grown-ups can fill take-home growlers of Chocolate Milk Stout at the Greenwood store from Bluebird’s nanobrewery. Plus Bluebird is now doing home delivery of your favorite pints to customers in Fremont, Ballard, Phinney Ridge, Maple Leaf, Crown Hill, Queen Anne and Wallingford on Fridays.
The smell of fresh-made waffle cones hits you from a block down Greenwood from this adorable little café. Who could resist? The gelato here is rich and ultra-flavorful; even the "small" can be made with two flavors, so try multiple flavors like the sea salt caramel or nutty pistachio (or go fruity with the dairy-free sorbettos). There’s no need to rush, as there are tables and a felt play wall at the back perfect to keep littles entertained.
Phinney Ridge 7212 Greenwood Ave. N Seattle, WA 98103
Wish you were in Italy? This is where you can get your gelato fix. Bottega Italiana’s ingredients are fresh and creative, and the menu includes vegan and non-dairy options. With 60% less fat than ice cream, you’ll be saying “grazi!” alongside the kids.
Pike Place Market 1425 1st Ave. Seattle, WA 98101 206-343-0200 Online: bottegaitaliana.com
Fainting Goat Gelato
Fainting Goat Gelato
With two Seattle locations, this small family business serves up delicious handcrafted gelato and sorbetto in a variety of flavors. In addition to local seasonal berries, Fainting Goat also uses only organic milk and sugar, making the shop a popular family destination. Plus with flavors that rotate daily, you can expect to find a new fave (or two!) every day of the week.
During the warm summer months, families line up outside to get a huge scoop of this delicious premium gelato, handcrafted one pan at a time from an old-fashioned Italian recipe. Indulge in one of their many flavors including amaretto, cappuccino, chocolate, strawberry, mango, lemon or coconut or go for a pan dolce gelato “popsicle” or one of the many frozen sandwiches heaped with the Italian treat.
Kirkland 109 Park Ln. Kirkland, WA 98033 425-739-9339
Bellingham 960 Harris Ave. Bellingham, WA 98225 360-733-6700
A San Fernando Valley, California chain with a slew of local stores, it’s hard to say no to Menchie’s self-serve froyo since it averages about 20 to 40 calories per ounce. When your kids add gummy worms, cookie dough chunks and peanut butter sauce that good-for-you dessert might cross the line into junk food territory, but you can always stick with fresh fruit toppings...and maybe a drizzle of hot chocolate.
Get all your favorite fruits and veggies (think sweet red peppers, corn on the cob, crisp apples and more), while supporting local farms in Southern California. Read on for our roundup of the best farm boxes available for pickup and delivery in Los Angeles.
Launched by a husband and wife at the beginning of the pandemic (literally 11 days after LA initiated it's "Safer at Home" order), Coldwater Farm Hub connects local farmers to the community by providing curated and pre-packed farm boxes. The family-run farms they support don't use pesticides or chemicals.
How it Works: Orders may be placed in advance and can be picked up from the family’s farm tent in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood every Sun. between 7 a.m.–10 a.m. In addition to Farm Boxes, they also offer fresh nuts, breads, cheese and more, which can be purchased a la carte.
Price: The Mini Farm Box cost $30 and includes 4-6 vegetables/fruits and 3 baskets of strawberries or a dozen eggs. The standard Farm Box costs $45 and include one dozen eggs, along with fruits and veggies.
Providing some of the freshest and most flavorful produce around, County Line Harvest runs its SoCal operations out of Thermal, California. Their CSA boxes are filled with a diverse array of certified organic, seasonal veggies that rotate weekly based on what’s available in the field.
How it Works: Customers can order directly through the County Line Harvest website and arrange to pick up their boxes curbside at County Line Harvest pop-ups around LA. You can also arrange for pickup or delivery through these local retailers.
Price: The Family CSA Box is $40 and includes a mix of salad and cooking greens, baby roots, culinary herbs, and a rotating lineup of specialty seasonal crops. The Original CSA Farm Box is $25 and includes 12 freshly hand-harvested selections.
Unlike other traditional CSA programs, Huarache Farms has launched CSA boxes with greater flexibility. Customers get to order items they want on the weeks they want them from a weekly menu available online. There is no minimum order amount, and offerings are based on what’s in season and current availability.
How it Works: You can order your custom CSA box every Tues. starting at 11:30 a.m. Deliveries are available for certain areas but customers can also pick up boxes at the Atwater Village Farmers’ Market on Sun. between 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Price: Items are priced individually. Delivery fees are free for all orders over $30, otherwise fees vary anywhere from $2–$5 depending on location.
In partnership with various farms in the area, LA-based Flamingo Estate offers choice selections of locally-grown organic seasonal fruits and vegetables. Enjoy a rotating selection of the week’s harvest, including heirloom lettuces, root vegetables and more. Along with the produce, you'll also get creative recipes (like smashed beets with herby ranch!) from the Chef at Flamingo Estate. But that's not all—don't miss out on the candles, facial mists, soaps and olive oils that also available for purchase from the famed estate.
How it Works: Orders need to be placed by 9 p.m. on Wed. for Fri. delivery. Delivery is every Fri. from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Price: Purchases start at $25 for a medium box that feeds up to 2 people for the week. The large box costs $40 and feeds a family of 5 for a week. Choose the Organic Orchard Box for $45 and you'll receive a rotating selection of the best fruit from Windrose Farms or try the Organic Artisanal Mushroom Box for $25 that includes approximately 1lbs of Blue Oyster (Pleurotus Ostreatus), Pink Oyster (Pleurotus Djamor), or other surprises depending on the season.
Good Life Organics delivers organic, high-quality produce to customers with weekly deliveries from local farmers. They also donate 5 percent back from every box to local participating schools.
How it Works: Depending on your needs, you can choose weekly or every-other-week boxes. The subscription includes 5-12 types of seasonal foods and varies week-to-week but you can catch a preview of what's coming via this link. Order by Wed. by 5 p.m. to make this week's selection. You can add on avocados, carrots, extra fruit and fresh herbs to your box. There are delivery and pick-up locations all around town.
Price: A Half Box includes 8-12 varieties of fruits and veggies for $29.50 while the Family Box costs $51.50 includes 12-19 varieties of the good-for-you produce. They also have specialty boxes including the Fruit Lovers for $51.50 and their Snack Size for $18.95 which is perfect for school lunches and you guessed it, snacks.
Farm Fresh to You partners with local farms and artisans to deliver the season’s best mix of 100% certified organic produce and specialty farm products right to your door. Each box comes with delish recipes, tips on keeping produce fresh and the option to customize your order online. There’s even an option to donate a box to a local food bank in need.
How it Works: Choose your style of box, make any changes or customize your selections, add-on hand-crafted jams, pasture-raised eggs and artisanal olive oil if you would like, and then order for delivery. You can change your subscription frequency, pausing weeks you don't need it or are away on vacation, or the size box you would like.
Price: The Mixed Fruit & Veggie Box is $27.50 up to $61 for 6-8 people; a traditional CSA Box is $35-$49 while their Snack Pack starts at $38 for 5 people.
It’s no doubt your family has visited Underwood Family Farms before or perhaps your kids have taken a field trip there. Not only is it an idyllic spot to escape from city life, it’s also a working farm that offers farm produce boxes for pick-up and delivery. Box contents change every two weeks but you can view what you'll be receiving on the Healthy Harvest Box page.
How it Works: Order online at least 48 hours in advance to reserve your CSA box.
Price:Healthy Harvest Boxes are $45 each and can be picked up at the Moorpark or Somis locations, or can be shipped directly to your home via FedEx.
The South Central Farmers’ Cooperative is a grassroots economic development of the South Central Farmers’ Health & Education Fund, committed to empowering local communities and giving community members access to high quality organic produce all from a single farm in Bakersfield.
How it Works: Choose from one time, monthly or yearly box subscriptions. Orders are available for home delivery on Sun. in the LA area or may be picked up at a various locations from Culver City to DTLA. Orders must be placed by 9 p.m. on Fri. to be fulfilled by the following Sun.
Price: The boxes are offered on a sliding scale meaning each item has two different prices. They encourage subscribers to purchase at the highest level they can afford to help sustain the farm. Full-size and mini CSA boxes are available with one-time Mini Boxes starting at $17 (or $19 if you can afford it).
Based out of Oxnard for over 50 years, Tamai Family Farms provides local and sustainable produce at affordable prices for everyone.
How it Works: Order your box at least 36 hours in advance and add-on a smorgasbord of fruits, veggies, and herbs. Delivery as well as pick-up options at various participating farmer's markets.
Price: A large Family Box is $25 and includes Swiss chard, kale, romaine, parsley, cauliflower, broccoli, and 3 pack of strawberries and goes up to $65 for Gloria’s Bag, which includes a bounty of fruits, veggies, and herbs packed in a reusable bag.
Joining a farm share or community supported agriculture (CSA) may not solve all the world’s problems, but it’s a great place to start. A CSA box subscription service gives you a direct way to support small farms, buy fresh local produce and saves you time and money. Most importantly, it’s an easy way to teach your kiddos about the importance of eating healthy, nutrient-dense food. Getting started is simple, just choose the CSA box that best meets your needs from the farms below, and they’ll either deliver it to you or tell you where to pick it up! Here are 15 San Diego CSA farms that we think are the cream of the crop!
You may have heard of Yasukochi Family Farms. They've been around since 1927 so they are a tried and true San Diego staple! You can enjoy the fruits of this farm's labor via one of their beautiful and abundantly healthy CSA boxes, available with a subscription or a one-time box. Each box contains farm fresh produce grown using responsible farming methods. The majority is freshly picked and grown by Yasukochi Family Farms located in Oceanside. Boxes can be delivered weekly to your home or business and they contain 11-15 different seasonal produce items. You can add items including berries, sweet corn, eggs, seasonal fruits, honey and jam to your order.
Cost: From $25/box Time frame: Visit website to schedule a subscription or a one-time box option to determine your delivery date. Pick-up & Delivery: Available throughout San Diego
Turn over a new leaf. Make roasted eggplant dip from this CSA's farm fresh veggies. Farmer Bill Brammer is a pioneer in organic farming. He was talking organic before everyone else. Be Wise CSA boxes contain a variety of greens along with oranges or strawberries (or other seasonal fruit). You'll pay for several CSA boxes up-front which goes to support the farm.
Cost: $30/box Time Frame: Weekly or Bi-Weekly Pick-up: Locations throughout San Diego
20505 San Pasqual Rd. Escondido, CA 92025 760-746-6006 Online:bewiseranch.com
Good Neighbor Gardens (GNG) is making a difference in the community and you can be a part of it. In the last seven years the sharecrop has seen their vision of creating a community of neighbors sharing their resources to ensure that everyone has access to the healthiest, freshest food at an affordable price come to fruition (pun intended!). GNG farm yards and schools in San Diego to deliver organic, locally grown, pesticide-free produce through the CSA model. Everyone participating benefits. From beets, peppers and eggplant to herbs, flowers and melon, this CSA box offers variety for your crew. In each box expect a mix of 12 to 16 same-day harvested fruits and veggies. Even more, if you head to their website you can find cool recipes from raw and vegan pumpkin bliss balls to cucumber lime paletas.
Cost: $60/month Time Frame: bi-weekly delivery Pick-up & Delivery: To your door
While Carlsbad Strawberry Farm is one of our favorite places for u-pick strawberries, they now also offer bountiful produce boxes brimming with fresh-picked fruits and veggies. Each box contains a hearty variety which may include everything from cucumbers, bell peppers and broccoli, to blackberries, grapefruit and strawberries. For a small extra fee you can add on items such as avocados, salsas, strawberry jam, guacamole, a mixed flower bouquet and so much more.
Cost: From $25/box Time frame: Warehouse hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Pick-up & Delivery: Free delivery to Carlsbad residents, or curbside pick-up at their Carlsbad warehouse.
Guac this way and get this CSA box for your family with avocados (and citrus) year-round. Talk about farm-fresh: Stehly picks their certified organic fruits and vegetables early in the morning for delivery to you by the afternoon. An extra bonus is that Stehly has teamed up with San Diego schools and businesses to provide the freshest organic produce and donate to local schools. For each box that is delivered $5 goes back to that school! Orange you glad we let you know?
Mix-it up! This CSA box pools from several different local farms and offers a good balance of fruits and veggies. Vacuum packed eco-friendly boxes ensure freshness and include freshly harvested produce. All farmers use natural agents.
Cost: $30-$35/box; 10-week commitment Time Frame: Weekly Pick-up: A few spots throughout San Diego; plus delivery along route
Nopalito Farm & Hopyard recently rolled out their CSA fruit program. Even more, they overhauled the distribution of the fruit. They want to provide the community with healthy, nutritious produce in a safe, physical-contact-free way to ensure sustainability for the farm and health and safety for you. Operated by the Brownwood Family, this 8-acre certified organic farm located near Escondido produces hops, avocados, lemons and other fruits and vegetables, as well as serving San Diego county's brewing industry and several bars and restaurants. With a CSA bounty of kumquats, blood oranges, grapefruit and guava, there just might be a delicious home shaken-cocktail in your future!
Three pick-up locations: North Park, Point Loma/Ocean Beach and Valley Center.
Castlecrest Dr. Valley Center, CA 92082 760-651-2150 Online:nopalitofarm.com
Solidarity Farm/Food Shed
A local gem in Pauma Valley has a solid CSA box and you can add-in eggs, citrus, strawberry jam and local organic extra virgin olive oil. If you'd prefer a more traditional CSA delivery, try their Food Shed program, with home delivery in Central San Diego and Valley Center, that offers items like kale, strawberries, salad mix, radish and micro greens. There’s no commitment to try it out.
Their tagline is: "locally grown and delivered to your front door." What's better than that? This San Diego-grown, natural and organic produce garnered from a variety of farms comes with flexible options to suit your needs. You can build a box by selecting from several options of fruits and veggies that change based on availability and what's in season, or you can opt for the "farm box" that includes a variety of farm fresh produce selected for you. You even get choices in that category too––choosing between options like a "fresh produce snack box" and a "fruit and veggie farm box." Pick delivery frequency and you can add-on selections like mandarins, bananas, cheese and eggs, butter, baked goods, granola and much more. Need help figuring out what to do with all that gorgeous produce? Daily Harvest offers a menu planner based on the week's box.
Daily Harvest Express also offers fresh, pasture-raised meat from Sage Mountain Farm delivered. This beef is sold in shares to save on the cost and keep with sustainable farming techniques.
Cost: From $28/box Time frame: Available in 3 delivery interval options or as no subscription. Pick-up & Delivery: Free delivery locally with $30 box order.
Sage Mountain Farm is a family grown, regenerative, sustainable farm. Instead of supplying large retail chains like they did when they started out, they are passing savings directly to consumers by offering CSA boxes. Check out this video to see how the mutual commitment between the farm and the consumer in action. Looking for extra goodies to add in? If you want to round out your CSA box with items like honey and eggs, then give this CSA box a try. A small box contains 8-10 organically grown fruits, veggies and herbs and a large box has 8-12. With pick-up or delivery all over San Diego County and a choice of a small or large box with fruits and veggies, you have options.
Cost: From $34/box Time Frame: Weekly or Bi-Weekly Pick-up & Delivery: Locations throughout San Diego
You'll use everything from this deliciously curated CSA box. From carrots and artichokes, to spinach and raspberries, the selection changes with the seasons. Sustainably-grown, you'll find this produce has no GMOs, no waxes and no preservatives. Plus, there's only a month-to-month commitment and a smaller box if you choose. Delivery day is based on your location.
Cost: $15, $25 & $30/box Time Frame: Weekly or Bi-Weekly Pick-up: Locations throughout San Diego. Plus delivery in San Diego County and Southwest Riverside County.
2929 E. Mission Rd. Fallbrook, CA 92028 760-483-3276 Online:elisfarms.com
You’ll dig that this farm’s been around since the 1950s and welcomes your family to visit. Little farmers will be all ears at the seasonal farm events. This organic CSA box has a mix of fruits and veggies (expect juicy strawberries when in season). A nice touch is they provide recipes featuring the weekly selection of produce in their boxes via their website. Bonus: they have home delivery in North County. JR Organics celebrates the season with events like their upcoming Spring Harvest Dinner that you can attend. It's a family / community affair!
Cost: From $28.50/box Time Frame: Weekly or Bi-Weekly Pick-up: Locations throughout San Diego
31030 Rodriguez Rd. Escondido, CA 92026 760-453-4144 Online:jrorganicsfarm.com
Your hungry little sidekick is known to belt out Old MacDonald during dinner. Hey, in terms of bringing farm to table, it’s a start. Take things a big step further by signing up for one of our favorite Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs. Some these programs will deliver a CSA box to your doorstep, too.
Benefits of a CSA Not all of us have the green space, or the thumb, to grow our own healthy harvest. That's where these food delivery services come in. CSAs connect their members straight to farmers, who offer a prime array of local, organic ingredients that are often plucked from the field just hours before you lay hands (and teeth) on them. Shares (which come in the form of boxed veggies, fruits and eggs) can be delivered to your door or picked up at a nearby location.
New to CSAs? Dip your toe into the CSA pond by trying a half share, which arrives every other week or contains a smaller amount of goods, depending on the farm. As a guideline, a full share typically feeds two people on a vegetarian diet or four people on a mixed diet.
The Chicago area has plenty of CSA options. As of press time, these favorites still had openings, but all CSAs tend to fill up faster than you can say "E-I-E-I-O."
Angelic Organics
Angelic Organics
One of the largest CSAs in the U.S. was one of Chicago’s first when it began in 1991. Two years later this farming community adopted a biodynamic philosophy — a holistic mindset that emphasizes the interrelationships of soil, plants and animals as a self-sustaining system. Founder Farmer John is the subject of the award-winning film, The Real Dirt on Farmer John, which follows his personal journey through the farm debt crisis of the 1980s, which temporarily shut down operations, to the creation of Angelic Organics. Farmer John was inspired to create a CSA program because he believed it brought farming back to its roots, when farmers had a direct relationship with the people that ate the food.
Via the CSAware Platform, you can customize your shares or let Angelic Organics pick your shares.
Cost Customized shares are available as either 20 weekly or 10 bi-weekly (every other week), from early June through late October, at $40/box. You can also add a 10-week fruit share for an additional $50/box.
Extras Farmer John created Angelic Organics Learning Center as a way to help educate and mentor others with dreams of farming and provide fun learning experiences for the public. It offers day camps for kids where they help care for baby goats, tend to farm animals by brushing the horses or gathering eggs and learn about farming through fun games. Check the schedule for fun family days.
This is Chicago’s first and only USDA-certified organic, high-production urban farm. Farmers are motivated by their belief that organic agriculture can serve as a vehicle for job training, employment and community development, especially for those motivated to re-enter the workforce and rebuild their lives after incarceration, homelessness or substance dependence. Through these farms, they provide transitional employment, skills training and interpersonal development to their participants and are an invaluable resource to the local families they serve.
Pickup Green City Market, 1790 N. Clark St., Saturdays, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Logan Square, Logan Square Blvd between Milwaukee and Whipple, Sundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wood Street Urban Farm, 5814 S. Wood St., Thursdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Iman's Fresh Beats & Eats, 2744 W. 63rd St., Fridays, 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
Certified organic with a zero-carbon footprint, Tomato Mountain feeds Chicago via their home delivery subscription box filled with fresh produce grown at their farm in Brooklyn, WI. What you receive in your box varies by the season, and you can add various a la carte produce, dairy and pantry items sourced from local farmers to your weekly box. You'll receive a list of what to expect the weekend before your upcoming delivery.
Their year is 43 weeks long and they deliver weekly in the spring, summer and fall and bi-weekly in the winter.
Pickup They deliver! The day of the week you receive your box varies by the delivery zone in which you reside.
Cost There are several options for membership, including monthly, seasonal and annual. You can also vary the size of your box: solo, small, medium and large.
Fresh Picks' mission is to get nutrient-rich food grown in the local community into Chicago households. For them, their work isn't just about promoting the health of our bodies, it's about supporting the local community in creating new jobs and breathing new life into rural communities.
Family can choose what's best for them from a full selection of locally sourced fruit, vegetables, eggs, grass-fed meats and baked goods with zero stipulations in order size, money spent or frequency.
Pickup Your selections are mailed directly to your home.
Cost You manage the cost based on your family's needs and budget.
Patchwork has not updated their information for the 2021 season, so keep an eye on their website. Below is information from the 2020 CSA season for reference.
Patchwork Farms is a bit unique in the world of CSAs as they remediate vacant land in economically deprived and environmentally distressed neighborhoods on Chicago's south and west sides, providing space for outdoor gatherings, native pollinator habitat and food crops. This allows them to improve accessibility of healthy food for their neighbors. Along with their extensive variety of veggies, they produce eggs, medicinal herbs, preserved foods, honey, cut flowers, and a run a compost drop-off program.
Pickup Members pick up their veggies at the Humboldt Park plot (2825 W. Chicago Ave.) or The Plant (1400 W. 46th St.). Pickups are Sat., Thurs., or Wed., but you are asked to commit to one of those pickup days for the entire season.
Cost Their 50-member CSA runs on a sliding scale, with a suggested price range of $135-$225 for the 9-week spring season, May. 13-Jul. 8 and $320-$560 for the 16-week summer season, Jul. 15-Oct. 31. They also have an unlimited CSA option where members have unlimited access to produce from May-Thanksgiving, which runs $1,500.
The Urban Canopy is a local unified CSA, which means they partner with other family farms in order to provide you the most diverse box possible. Not only will you receive produce from their farm in Englewood, your box will include produce from other farms, beverages from their neighbor-brewers at The Plant, coffee from a neighboring roaster and breads from local bakers. You can also add pork, beef, chicken and extra eggs to your order.
Pickup Deliveries occur on Wednesdays and are available in zones that include Edgewater, Hyde Park, Lincoln Park, Logan Square, Loop, Portage Park, Rogers Park, Roscoe Village, Southwest and suburbs, West Side and Wicker Park.
Cost Distribution begins May 13 and you can select between 22 distributions for $1,056 or 11 distributions for $572.
