Heading to the Happiest Place on Earth soon? Then you’ll want to grab the newest and most festive treat!

The Minnie Mouse Red Velvet Bundt Cake is every bit as delicious as it is gorgeous. The traditional red velvet cake is filled with chocolate chips and raspberry filling, and topped with a vanilla glaze, pink frosting, red and black sprinkles and of course, chocolate mouse ears and polka dot bow.

Currently the only place to nab on one of these sweet treats is by stopping by the Plaza Inn off Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland. The delicacy will only cost you $6.

––Karly Wood

 

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National Pie Day falls on Thursday, Jan. 23 this year so get ready to celebrate with some free pie! We’ve rounded up locations throughout the country that are offering a free slice. Keep scrolling down for the list. 

photo: Ake via RawPixel

On Thursday, Jan. 23:

If you’re in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin or Ohio you can score $2 off any pie Jan. 20-23 at Bakers Square. Customers can also nab a free slice of pie on Wednesdays, with the purchase of an entree and beverage.

Customers of Coco’s Bakery Restaurants can score a free slice of pie on Wednesdays with any entree purchase after 11 a.m.

If you’re in Michigan or Indiana, head to Grand Traverse Pie and get a free slice of pie (Apple Crumb or Cherry Crumb) with ANY purchase.

Find your local Village Inn and visit on any Wednesday for a free slice of pie with any dine-in purchase. Get $2 off any whole pie between Jan. 20-23 too! Locations across the U.S. in more than 18 states. 

With 5 locations in Tennessee, O’Charley’s serves up a slice on Wednesdays for any customer who orders a dine-in entree.

Portland, Oregon’s Shari’s Pies offers a free slice of pie when you join the Shari’s Cafe Club—and bonus, you also get a free slice on your bday too. Customers can also score a free slice of pie with their entree purchase every Wednesday from 4 to 10 p.m.

Marie Callender’s customers can get an appetizer, two entrees and two slices of pie for $25 from the Pair & Share menu!

––Karly Wood & Erica Loop

Featured photo: Dilyara Garifullina via Unplash 

 

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When finger-freezing temperatures come to town, it’s a struggle to will ourselves out into the wintery mix (especially when you have to wrestle the youngest members of your family in and out of puffy coats). Fortunately, these cozy gems offer an inviting space to warm up your digits and enjoy some family time fireside.

Photo: Pentagon Row

Pentagon Row Outdoor Ice Skating Plaza
When the temperature drops, you can still enjoy outdoor activities (like skating on Northern Virginia’s largest outdoor skating rink) when you have the promise of flickering flames to warm up to; the outdoor lounge features a dual-sided stone fireplace for toasty skating brakes!

1201 S Joyce St., Arlington, VA
703-418-6666
Online: pentagonrowskating.com

Ritz-Carlton Georgetown
If the wood-burning fireplace in the Ritz-Carlton brings on a hankering for s’mores, you’re in luck! Every evening from 6:30 pm to 7 pm the hotel offers complimentary chocolate smothered marshmallows sandwiched in a graham cracker. Mmmm!

3100 South St., NW, Georgetown
202-912-4100
Online: ritzcarlton.com

Redstone American Grill
After a long day at National Harbor–riding the carousel, building sand castles, or paddleboating on the Potomac–gather your crew around one of the year-round firepits at this rugged restaurant. From flatbreads and burgers to steak and soup, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s tastebuds.

155 National Plaza, National Harbor
301-839-3330
Online: redstonegrill.com

Hotel Tabard Inn
On Saturdays and Sundays this Dupont Circle hotel serves some of the best donuts D.C. has to offer. Enjoy your fried doughnut by the roaring fire in the English-inspired lounge. The Inn does not have a children’s menu per say, but this family-friendly establishment will create pint-sized portions for smaller guests.

1739 N St., NW, Dupont Circle
202-785-1277
Online: tabardinn.com

Praline Bakery and Bistro
Flakey croissants and gooey tarts taste better when they are enjoyed by the warmth of a fire! This Bethesda-based bakery offers authentic French cuisine and sweets (and if you’re lucky, you can nab a table by their fireplace).

4611 Sangamore Rd., Bethesda, MD
301-229-8180
Online: praline-bakery.com

Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm
Historic barns and stone buildings lend a ski lodge-like atmosphere to this American restaurant. The expansive property boasts seven fireplaces–one in each of its dining rooms–for a guaranteed fireside meal.

42920 Broadlands Blvd. (Broadlands, Va)
571-209-1200
Online: clydes.com/willow

Barrel Oak Winery
This kid-friendly winery welcomes families to enjoy a board game or a good book by their fire. Every Friday night they feature family-friendly movies (with free popcorn) in the loft. Un-”wined” while the kids enjoy a flick!

3623 Grove Ln., Delaplane, VA
540-364-6402
Online: barreloak.com

Do you have a favorite fireplace spot? Tell us where we can find it in the comments below. 

–Ayren Jackson-Cannady and Meghan Meyers

For all the foodies visiting the Magic Kingdom get ready for a Frozen fractal treat with all the new Frozen 2 sweets and desserts at Walt Disney World.

Frozen 2 doesn’t hit theaters until Nov. 22, but fans can start getting a taste of filminspired treats now. Disney Parks is rolling out a variety of tasty desserts across the Florida resort including baked sweets, ice cream, milkshakes, hot chocolate, slushies and so much more.

At the Magic Kingdom Park (starting Nov. 8) guests will delight in Olaf’s Frozen Hot Chocolate Cake from the Main Street Bakery and Sven’s Carrot Cake at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café as part of the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

At Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park you can cool down with Elsa’s Frozen Wave, a cotton candy vanilla milkshake topped with whipped cream, sprinkles and a white chocolate coin. Meanwhile at Disney Springs (Starting Nov. 15) you’ll be able to choose from a whole host of petit cakes, ganaches and the Olaf Dole Whip Slushy, a vanilla soft-serve on top of blue raspberry slush with Olaf chocolate piece and chocolate chip buttons.

 

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Amy Zimmerman via Instagram

 

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NYC may have a reputation for being pricey, but figuring out where to stay doesn’t have to break the bank. Cheap NYC hotels do exist! We’ve rounded up some of the best NYC affordable hotel deals for families visiting or even for locals looking to up their staycation game on a budget. If you’re planning a trip with the kids to the Big Apple, check out these budget and affordable hotels.

Skyline Hotel

iStock

One of the main things to consider in booking a hotel in NYC is location. Proximity to the subway is key, and staying in or close to Times Square gives you access to the entire city via subway. The Skyline Hotel, located in Hell’s Kitchen (don’t let the name scare you) is definitely one to check out. With an indoor rooftop pool, free Wi-Fi for up to three devices, and even a pet friendly policy, they have all of the members of the family covered.

725 10th Ave.
New York, NY 10019
212-586-3400
Online: skylinehotelny.com
Hours: check in at 3 p.m., check out by 11 a.m.
Skyline Hotel cost: average $200 per night

Travel Inn

Mark Hougaard Jensen

Located near the Jacob Javitz Convention Center, but still relatively close to Times Square is the Travel Inn. Boasting a pool and concierge, it’s a great option for families looking to make the most of their stay on a budget.

515 W. 42nd St.
New York, NY 10036
212-695-7171
Online: travelinnhotel.com
Hours: check in at 3 p.m., check out by noon.
Travel Inn cost: average $175 per night

Freehand NY

Adrian Gaut

Two words: bunk beds. This affordable hotel based in NYC’s artistic Flatiron District is everything cool, laid back, unique, and yes, they offer rooms with bunk beds. Closer to sights like the Empire State Building and the Highline, and with an on-site game room, it’s a great option for families looking to branch out of the Times Square area. Plus, they’re pet friendly, too!

23 Lexington Ave.
New York, NY 10010
212-475-1920
Online: freehandhotels.com/new-york
Hours: check in at 3 p.m., check out by noon
Freehand NY cost: average $280 per night for bunk bed rooms

The Belvedere

Courtesy of The Belvedere Hotel

This classic NYC hotel with art deco features is perfect for families interested in the history of NYC with a modern edge. The Belvedere opened its doors in 1923 and has remained an impressive presence in Midtown. Every room has a kitchenette! Be sure to ask the concierge about the Broadway & entertainment ticket reservations they have available.

319 W 48th St.
New York, NY 10036
212-245-7000
Online: belvederehotelnyc.com
Hours: check in at 4 p.m., check out by noon
The Belvedere cost: average $200 per night with a best rate guarantee

Jewel Facing Rock Center

Anders Ruff Custom Designs

This NYC hotel deal is a real gem. The Jewel Hotel’s centralized location puts it walking distance from tourist faves like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock, and Radio City Music Hall. Plus they offer an American Girl Place New York Getaway package which includes a bed, robe, and slippers just for an American Girl Doll.

11 W 51st St.
New York, NY 10019
212-863-0550
Online: thejewelny.com
Hours: check in at 3 p.m., check out by noon
Jewel Facing Rock Center cost: average $265 per night

The Sohotel

Courtesy of The Sohotel

When you think of cheap NYC hotels you probably don’t think of the words stylish or edgy, but the Sohotel is that and more. Have a larger family? Avoid booking two rooms out of necessity by snagging a Standard or Deluxe family room here. Both types of rooms sleep five. And you’re located in one of the trendiest parts of NYC. Can’t beat that!

341 Broome St.
New York, NY 10013
212-226-1482
Online: thesohotel.com
Hours: check in at 3 p.m., check out by 11 a.m.
The Sohotel cost: average $175 per night

The Holiday Inn Express

iStock

Simple, no frills, and convenient are the best words to describe The Holiday Inn Express. It’s newly renovated, and close to Times Square. And a bonus: they offer a complimentary breakfast buffet for those looking to save a few dollars on breakfast.

343 W 39th St.
New York, NY 10018
212-239-1222
Online: ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/new-york/nycws/hoteldetail
Hours: check in at 3 p.m., check out by 11 a.m.
The Holiday Inn Express cost: average $175 per night

Gansevoort Meatpacking

D. Mitchell

Budget does not mean basic, especially at the Gansevoort. Luxurious rooms, rooftop pool, and free Wi-Fi property wide are just some of the reasons to consider booking your stay here. But the best part? Gansevoort Baby—where they offer cribs, pack & plays, diapers, and more—all for free. Oh, and they’re pet friendly, too!

18 Ninth Ave.
New York, NY 10014
212-206-6700
Online: gansevoorthotelgroup.com/hotels/gansevoort-meatpacking-nyc/
Hours: check in at 3 p.m., check out by 11 a.m.
Gansevoort Meatpacking cost: average $280 per night

Travel tips

iStock

Look for discounts through travel partners like AAA.

Hotel loyalty programs often offer incentives like free Wi-Fi or amenity credits.

Book in advance for discounted room rates or packages.

Be flexible! Research hotel room rates to find the best time of year to travel within your budget.

—–Jesseca Stenson

featured image: iStock 

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Photo: Omni Grove Park Inn

Raise your hand if you don’t feel like hosting Thanksgiving this year (*raises hand*). Skip the unnecessary stress of turkey dinner and enjoy one of these Thanksgiving hotel packages instead. Bonus: Many of the hotels on this list serve Thanksgiving dinner, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy quality time with your family. 

1. Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Times Square – New York, New York: Want to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person? Watch it from your warm and cozy guestroom at the Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Times Square! Choose a Prime or Partial Parade View Package for views of the balloons and floats, and enjoy complimentary breakfast and free Wi-Fi throughout your stay. 

2. Great Wolf Lodge—Multiple Locations: Enjoy 30 percent off rates—which include accommodations and water park admission–when you book two or more nights at a Great Wolf Lodge. Plus, enjoy a buffett of all your favorites on Thanksgiving (select locations). 

3. Omni Grove Park Inn—Asheville, NC: Spend Thanksgiving in the Blue Ridge Mountains! The iconic Omni Grove Park Inn is offering a Thanksgiving Traditions package that includes a breakfast buffet daily (per registered guest), a Thanksgiving buffett in the Blue Ridge Restaurant or Grand Ballroom, overnight parking, and a holiday keepsake. The resort fee is also waived when you book this package. 

4. The Grand America Hotel—Salt Lake City, UT: The Grand America Hotel is offering a Thanksgiving Getaway Package that includes accommodations for up to five guests, overnight parking, a $100 hotel credit, and advance dining reservations for the Grand Ballroom Thanksgiving Buffet or Garden Cafe Thanksgiving Brunch.

5. Breezes Resort & Spa—Nassau, Bahamas: Switch it up with an all-inclusive resort escape for Thanksgiving! One of the most affordable Thanksgiving vacations for families, Breezes Resort & Spa in Nassau, Bahamas, is offering a Fall Sale with 45-percent off all-inclusive rates for stays between Nov. 7 and Dec. 18, 2019. The resort welcomes children age 14 and up, making it a great getaway for families with teens. 

6. Montecito Sequoia Lodge—Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, CA: There’s nothing more refreshing than a national park vacation, far away from the hustle and bustle of school and work schedules. At Montecito Sequoia Lodge in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, families can opt for a two-night, all-inclusive package that covers lodging, buffet meals (including turkey dinner for Thanksgiving), a kids’ club for ages 5 and up, a Fall Harvest Carnival, and other seasonal fun. 

7. Tradewinds Island Resorts—St. Petersburg, FL: Tradewinds Island Resorts (Tradewinds Island Grand and Rumfish Beach Resort) are offering a Turkey & Tan Lines 4-Night Package with discounted room rates; access to the Black Friday Carnival on the beach; a $25 retail shopping credit; a magic show on November 30; beach fireworks on November 30; and other activities throughout the weekend. Thanksgiving dinner will be served at Tradewinds Island Grand, and kids under age 18 stay free!

Amanda Norcross is Senior Editor at Family Vacation Critic, TripAdvisor's family travel website. Her expertise has been featured in major media outlets including The New York Times, People.com, and Prevention Magazine. Amanda enjoys discovering new destinations and sharing her experiences with parents who are looking to plan the most memorable vacations with their kids. 

 

It’s not even Halloween yet, but if you’re already dreaming about a White Christmas, you’ll be excited to hear that Hallmark’s Holiday Movie line up has just been announced.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Hallmark’s holiday event, Countdown to Christmas. Launching at the end of October the holiday festivities included 24 original films all focused around the season. Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ Miracles of Christmas will also roll out 16 new holiday movies.

The films include some big name stars like Lacey Chabert, Kristen Chenoweth, Candace Cameron Bure and Kathy Lee Gifford. Chabert is a seasoned vet of Hallmark’s holiday films. “I’m so excited for fans to see my 8th Christmas movie for Hallmark Channel, Christmas in Rome, this holiday season,” Chabert told PEOPLE in a statement. “It was one of the most exciting movies I’ve made because of the opportunity to film in the gorgeous locations of Rome, Italy. I hope the movie will make the audience feel like they traveled there along with us!”

The Countdown to Christmas begins Oct. 26, with new films premiering every week through the end of December. Here is the full list of movies that will make the season magical.

Sat., Oct. 26: Christmas Wishes & Mistletoe Kisses

Sat., Nov. 2: Merry & Bright

Sun., Nov. 3: Christmas Scavenger Hunt

Sat., Nov. 9: A Christmas Duet

Sun., Nov.10: The Mistletoe Secret

Saturday, Nov. 16: Double Holiday

Sun., Nov. 17: The Christmas Club

Sat., Nov. 23: Picture a Perfect Christmas

Sun., Nov. 24: Christmas at Graceland: Home for the Holidays

Mon., Nov. 25: Check Inn to Christmas

Tues., Nov. 26: A Gift to Remember 2

Wed., Nov. 27: Sense, Sensibility & Snowmen

Thu., Nov. 8: Write Before Christmas

Fri., Nov. 9: Christmas at the Plaza

Sat., Nov. 30: Christmas in Rome

Sun., Dec. 1: Christmas Town

Sat., Dec. 7: Hallmark Hall of Fame A Christmas Love Story

Sun., Dec. 8: Christmas at Dollywood

Sat., Dec. 14: Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy

Sun., Dec. 15: Alice in Christmasland

Sat., Dec. 21: It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Sun., Dec. 22: Holiday Date

Wed., Dec. 25: When Calls the Heart Christmas

Sat., Dec. 28: New Year, New Me

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Hallmark Channel via Instagram

 

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Some of the best discoveries are made by accident and chances are the woolly mammoth tooth discovered accidentally by a 12-year-old boy on vacation is a memento he won’t soon forget.

Jackson Hepner was visiting The Inn at Honey Run in Millersburg, Ohio with his family earlier this summer when he stumbled on an incredible discovery. Jackson was playing in a creek when he found an odd, ridged object sticking out of the mud. With his family’s help and some Googling they realized that they might have a woolly mammoth or mastodon tooth on their hands.

Jackson’s family together with the inn’s owners reached out to several local professors to check out their finding. P. Nick Kardulias of the College of Wooster’s Program of Archeology inspected the item along with Jackson’s description of where it was found and confirmed that it is likely the tooth of a woolly mammoth. Both woolly mammoth and mastodon fossils have been discovered throughout the state.

Like any great discovery, the best part is sharing it with others. In his note to the experts Jackson wrote, “I would like to have my tooth back in my hands as soon as possible. I want to show my friends.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Feature photo: The Inn At Honey Run via Instagram

 

 

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Already missing Christmas in July? There’s still five more months until Santa and his reindeer land on your roof, but at one inn in Tennessee you can celebrate Christmas all year.

Visitors to the Inn at Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee are treated to a magical wonderland filled with candy canes and twinkling lights 365 days a year. The Inn is decked out in mistletoe and holly in addition to Christmas trees, wreaths and nutcrackers all the time.

The Inn keeps the merriment going all year with a Singing Santa, a Glockenspiel that counts down the hours of each day and special holiday-themed events.

There is also a Santa Suite featuring special Santa decor, a fully decorated mantel, Christmas tree and a two-person whirlpool.

If you want to join in the fun, you can book your stay at the Inn at Christmas Place here.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: The Inn at Christmas Place via Instagram

 

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Looking to get away from it all without traveling too far from home? Unplug and escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a family trip to the quaint, charming town of Ojai, located about four hours north of San Diego by car. With its nature-focused sensibility, chill vibe, healthy eats and relaxing activities, it’s just the place to hit the reset button. Read on for the best spots to unwind in Ojai.

photo: Caravan Outpost via Yelp

Where to Stay

Caravan Outpost: A ring of modern bohemian Airstreams make up Caravan Outpost, a perfect spot to live out RV dreams just five minutes from downtown Ojai. Each shiny Airstream feels private, surrounded by plush palm landscaping and the grounds include a darling General Store. Opt for screen-free fun like cornhole or check the community room trunk for a treasure trove of games. Caravan Outpost also offers complimentary bikes and helmets for adults, kids and even a bike with a pull behind trailer for the littlest travelers. Use them on the adjacent Ojai Valley Trail for a car-free ride that parallels town. When the sun sets and the twinkle lights come on, so does the campfire and s’mores kit, complete with dark chocolate, long sticks and marshmallows. Glamping never looked (and tasted) so good. 

Caravan Outpost
317 Bryant St.
Ojai, CA 93023
805-836-4891
Online: caravanoutpostojai.com

Ojai Valley Inn: If you’re looking for a little more pampering, there’s no place finer than the coveted Ojai Valley Inn. Bask in the luxury among the sprawling well-manicured grounds, gorgeous pools and Spanish hacienda design. On-site activities include Kids in the Kitchen cooking classes, Camp Oak children’s camp and summer Dive In Movies. But if you really need some R&R, and what parent doesn’t, make an appointment at Spa Ojai. Consider it required self-care and breathe in the eucalyptus steam room or enjoy a pre-treatment yoga class. An aromatherapy relaxation massage in a fireplace room (hello paradise) will put you in the right headspace to take on whatever mom-life challenges come your way.

Ojai Valley Inn
905 Country Club Rd.
Ojai, CA 93023
855-697-8780
Online: ojaivalleyinn.com

Where to Eat

NoSo Vita: Start the day at NoSo Vita, a social cafe inspired to be a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. With a wall to pay-it-forward and another to mail someone a kind letter, it’s a great spot to set some good vibes for the day. Grab a spot on the patio and opt for fresh-squeezed OJ and veggie tacos if you’re getting in your healthy groove. Morning classics like breakfast sandwiches and pastries are available too.

Noso Vita
205 N. Signal St.
Ojai, CA 93023
805-646-1540
Online: nosovita.com

The Nest: The Nest meshes order-at-the-window casualness with gourmet, locally-sourced eats. A perfect match for foodie parents who are looking for a kid-friendly spot. Order the oh-so-good Buddha Bowl with crispy brussel sprouts and tahini sauce for you, kids-menu pizza for them and everyone is happy.

The Nest
401 E. Ojai Ave.
Ojai, CA 93023
805-798-9035
Online: thenestojai.com

Hip Vegan Cafe: Ojai is a small city with a large vegan population. So when in Ojai, eat as the locals do. For skeptical carnivores, try the Old-Fashioned Burger, Date shake and fries at Hip Vegan Cafe for a shockingly-tasty vegan spin on an American classic.

Inside scoop: on our visit, we spotted tidying-up guru Marie Kondo dining with her family!

Hip Vegan Cafe
201 N. Montgomery St.
Ojai, CA 93023
805-669-6363
Online: hipvegancafe.com

Ojai Tortilla House: If going all-out vegan is vetoed, try local Mexican favorites like the Ojai Tortilla House. Order burritos and tacos on homemade tortillas and bring them across the street to Libbey Park. Or enjoy traditional Mexican eats on Agave Maria’s outdoor patio.

Ojai Tortilla House
104 N. Signal St.
Ojai, CA 93023
805-797-8675

Agave Maria’s
106 S. Montgomery St.
Ojai, CA 93023
805-646-6353
Online: agavemarias.com

Ojai Activities

Bike: One of the best ways to explore Ojai is by bike––and the Ojai Valley Trail, with its paved car-free pathway, is perfect for new pedalers. The trail parallels the main road and extends from the back-side of Caravan Outpost all the way to Ventura. Enjoy mountain views and wildflowers and when you’ve hit your halfway point, turnaround and head back. If you’d rather hike it than bike it, try the local-recommended Shelf Road Hike at the top of Signal Street.

Shop: When you’re not on the move, check out local shops in the main stretch of Ojai Ave. From kitschy Summer Camp on the far end of town to Ojai Baby children’s boutique next door to NoSo Vita. Check out Cattywampus Crafts to channel your inner artist. On Sundays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., join the locals at the Ojai Farmers’ Market, rain or shine. Shop for fresh fruits and veggies, homemade bread, olive oils and local goodies.

Play: Give the little ones a break from shopping at Libbey Park, a super-sized playground in the center of town. With ample play structures for kids of all ages, it’s a great spot to relax and let little explorers climb, slide and swing. Don’t forget to the check the calendar for the adjacent Libbey Bowl, which offers outdoor productions and concerts in a magical open-air venue.

Libbey Park & Libbey Bowl
210 S. Signal St.
Ojai, CA 93023
805-272-3881
Online: libbeybowl.org

—Kerry Cushman (photos by Kerry Cushman except where noted)

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