Flora Lotta Fun: Pick Your Own Flowers

by Meghan Yudes MeyersJune 29, 2020

Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information. However, there may be last minute closures due to Covid-19. We highly recommend that you call ahead or check a farm’s website before you pack your kids (and all those snacks, and diapers…) and haul them across town. Stay safe!

Grab your wellies, your buckets and your cameras, and make a bee line to one of these flower farms–each within an hour drive from downtown DC.

photo: Charlotte Coneybeer via Unsplash

Burnside Farms
Sunflowers reign supreme during summer months. With over eight acres of flowers, this spectacular pick-your-own venue is one of the largest in the entire world. Really! Note: Purchase tickets ($8) beforehand as they are not available at the gate.

2570 Logmill Rd.
Haymarket, VA
703-930-3052
Online: burnsidefarms.com

Butlers Orchard
Located in Germantown, Md and open for 65 years, this orchard is filled to the brim with different crops to choose from. Peonies are available until mid-June with other varieties available through July. There is even an area for farm picnics and a lovely market with snacks for the entire fam to enjoy. Insider suggestion: the blueberry lemon buckle is sososo nommy!

22200 Davis Mill Rd.
Germantown, MD
301-972-3299
Online: butlersorchard.com

Rockhill Orchard
The flower arrangement possibilities are endless here. There are tons of different flowers that are always in bloom and the farm even has guided tours. There’s even a creamery with a tractor ride to the dairy farm! Your little one will LOVE it.

28600 Ridge Rd.
Mount Airy, MD
301-831-7427
Online: rockhillorchard.com

Fields of Flowers
From mid-May until the first frost, families can wander through the acres of flowers and snip and pick at leisure. Once you’ve had your fill, bring your bucket to a workstation where you can clean and prune your bouquet to perfection.

37879 Allder School Rd.
Purcellville, VA
540-338-7231
Online: loudounfieldsofflowers.com

Seven Oaks Lavender Farm
This mother-daughter business has been inviting guests to enjoy their scented hillside for 18 years. Lavender is available for picking through mid-July; stems are 15 cents each. Don’t forget to nab a picture in the gazebo in the middle of the purple fields.

8769 Old Dumfries Rd.
Catlett, VA
540-272-7839
Online: sevenoakslavenderfarm.com

—Meghan Yudes Meyers and Miller Jackson

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13 Surprising Ways to Repurpose Old Toys

by Gabby CullenApril 30, 2020

If you find yourself cleaning out the toy box for what seems like the thousandth time, stop short of making a desperate grab for the garbage bag. Instead of tossing old toys, consider dusting them off and using them in one of the cool upcycle ideas we found. From DIY plastic animal wall hooks to puzzle piece fridge magnets, scroll down for more ideas on how to give old toys new homes.

Turn an Old Jenga Set into a Necklace Rack

Maybe that Jenga set is missing a few blocks. That makes it a perfect contender for one of these chic necklace racks spotted over at Brit + Co.

Make a Bubble Wand an Airplane

By adding propellers, wings and a tail, The Homes I Have Made transformed a Dollar Store bubble wand into an awesome party favor. Pop over to the blog for the tutorial.

Add Some Flair to Your Succulents

Provide protection for your plants by positioning a few old toy soldiers around the house. We love the idea of making this a scavenger hunt—how many can your kiddos find?

Make a Firetruck Lamp

Use your old trucks and cars to convert into an awesome lamp. Hop on over to Jasmine Orchard Styling to take a peek at her props and for more ideas.

Turn an Old Tricycle into a Planter

This might be our favorite of all the upcyle ideas! Turn your kids' old tricycle into a flower planter to give your yard or patio a vintage feel. In His Grip has a great tutorial you can adapt to your own style.

Make Hooks Out of Dollar Store Animals

The dollar animals your kid had to have just got interesting (at least, for you!). Crafter Tsuki Fox came up with several ways to use those little creatures—we especially dig the magnetic jewelry hooks! Head over to Little Gray Fox for the how-to on a super unique way to display your baubles.

Create a Playmobil Clock

What time is it? Time to use Playmobil people to make a kitschy clock. These little guys are awesome for imaginary play and, it would seem, a totally cool addition to counting the minutes go by. It’s an easy project—we promise! Find out how it’s done by heading over to The Gingerbread House.

Add Dinosaurs to Bookends

A dino-tastic way to keep books in order. Your budding paleontologist will get a kick out of seeing his favorite prehistoric pal propping up his go-to nighttime stories. We love the bright colors and easy (hot glue gun alert!) DIY for this project. Pop on over to Doodlecraft for the entire tutorial.

Turn LEGO into a Phone Charger

If you’ve got a surplus of LEGO bricks, or your kids have outgrown their stash, then this cool DIY LEGO device charger is right up your alley. Builder, blogger and dad Steve offers up an easy-to-follow tutorial over at Marquis de Geek.

Design a Toy Lamp

Light up their life with an enchanting toy lamp. Head on over to Indigamethyst for the scoop.

Whip up a Few Puzzle Piece Magnets

Puzzles are a great way to pass the day but make no mistake, they are a recipe for mess-making. How many sets do you have at home missing an animal, car, plane or train? By creating magnets, you’ll open up a whole new world of play. This is upcycling at its finest! To get the details on the games and the how-to, head over to Momstastic.

Craft a Toy Wreath

What to do with all of those old toys and figurines? Make a fun toy wreath! You can use either a wire wreath from your local craft store or an old hula hoop. Affix the figurines and old toys with wire and hot glue.

Fashion a Toothbrush Holder

Make their nightly brushing routine even more fun with a cool toothbrush holder.

— Gabby Cullen, Lauren Hill and Erin Lem

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5 Wines Mom Will Love

By Rob Thomas

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

March 9, 2020

Photo: Photo by Tom Rumble on Unsplash.com

Mother’s day is right around the corner and it’ll be celebrated a few days from now. This is the best day to take a day off from your busy schedule and treat your mother the best things she deserves in life for all the hard work she does for your family. It’s also the best opportunity to bond together and shares moments with her in whatever ways you wanted it.

For most people, celebrating Mother’s Day isn’t about having glamorous and gigantic celebrations. It’s being able to show your presence to your mother expressing how you truly value her as your mom. In fact, spending time eating together in a dinner and talk about things that would both make you and your mom giggle over a dish and a toast of wine is a wonderful way of commemorating her special day.

That said, having a perfect blend of wine is the best way to sit down with your mother, talk about your life’s sweetest moments, and plan about how’s your future going to look like. As Mother’s Day about to come in three days from now, surprise your mom with her favorite dish in a dinner and a bottle of wine. This is the best way to show your love to her in such a way that you both can share the best moments of your lives.

So, if you would like to know which bottle of wine best surprises her that exudes the sweetest taste, here are the most loved holiday wines you can grab without a hitch so you and your mom can have the best of both worlds celebrating the annual Mother’s Day.

2016 Sette Ponti Crognolo

A dinner date in your backyard, a candle lighted centerpiece, and a toast of Sette Ponti Crognolo wine deems the most exhilarating and sweetest celebration of your Mom’s day. This wine complements with any kind of dish you serve on the table as it exudes a long lasting flavorful finish.

Besides, the aroma of cherries, blueberries, and rosewood comes is a full-bodied flavor with very focused tannin content. This is the best wine you can toast with your mother while having a great conversation with her. The taste of this wine makes you even want to drink more as you go along and talk with each other.

2018 Miraval Rose

If you want a little emotional and sentimental moments with your mom, a toast of Miraval Rose is perfect. This wine offers a fresh and clean Rose flavor that does not overwhelm your palate. It is a combination of white flowers, citrus, strawberry, and raspberry which comes in crisp acidity.

This bottle of wine creates a great bonding moment with you and your mom as you might emotionally talk about the best and worst moments of your life.

Veuve Clicquot NV

It’s a bottle of sparkling champagne wine and every mom needs it every Mother’s Day. This also one of the famous champagne wines that come in a subtle flavor. It’s a beautifully bottled champagne that comes in a gold label. They are finely crafted using first-class grapefruits which are also finely crafted by every vineyard.

Moreover, it has a very consistent taste and once it reaches your palate, you will feel the sweetness of the wine as it explodes inside your mouth, Truly an amazing wine choice to celebrate this coming Mother’s Day.

2014 Mt. Eden Cabernet Sauvignon Estate

If you want a different Mother’s Day celebration with your mom, go and choose a vintage wine. The Mt. Eden Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is one of the finest and grandest vintage wine that comes in a fabulous ensemble of embers, spices, subtle vanilla oak, cream, and selected aromatic flavors.

This wine offers a seamless texture of red tannins. Take note that Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the best wine flavors ever produced in Bordeaux and that having this kind of wine on Mother’s Day is an optimum satisfying experience you and your mom can get.

2015 Ramey Chardonnay Rochioli Vineyard

This is one of the finest line-ups of wines you can find for a Mother’s Day celebration. The Ramey Chardonnay Rochioli Vineyard wine produces a salty, crystalline, and toasty taste. This deems a unique flavor compared to other wines you find in the market. It is composed of exquisite elements such as orchard fruits and Montrachet extract that comes in full-bodied texture.

Aside from that, your Mom will definitely love this if you give this as a present because it is not too acidic and comes in a great finish. Lastly, this wine has a beautiful concentration that even if you and your mom consumes about two or three glasses, you still feel light as if you were not both drinking.

Rob Thomas

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I am a dad to a super cool five years old boy. we lived in India, where we enjoy the beach and summer activities like taking photos, food, and football and I love cooking.

Dunkin’ Just Released Its Fall Menu & Yes, Pumpkin Spice Season Has Arrived

by Shahrzad WarkentinAugust 13, 2019

The time has come to talk pumpkin everything. It may only be August, but Dunkin’ has decided it’s never too early to launch pumpkin spice season with the roll out of its fall menu.

Dunkin’ has just announced that all of its locations will begin serving up the flavors of fall beginning Aug. 21. The menu will feature returning favorites including Dunkin’s Pumpkin Flavored Coffee, pumpkin doughnut, muffins and Munchkins donut holes. Pumpkin flavor swirl can be added to just about any hot or iced beverage.

For its Fall menu, @dunkindonuts basically took a trip to the apple orchard. 🍏 https://t.co/D0jhLzX3WI

— POPSUGAR (@POPSUGAR) August 12, 2019

The menu will also include some new concoctions like the Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Signature Latte and Apple Cider Donuts and Munchkins.

“The calendar and climate still say summer, but for pumpkin lovers across the country, the excitement and demand for the favorite flavor of fall is already peaking,” Dunkin’ said in a statement. The company also revealed on their Instagram feed that they will be giving away free hot or iced pumpkin coffees to 250 lucky fans at eight select locations. You can follow their feed to learn more on how to score one here.

Does this mean we’ll see an early roll out of Starbuck’s famous PSL as well? Pumpkin fans will just have to stay tuned.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Dunkin’ via Instagram

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Your Insider’s Guide to the All New KidsQuest Children’s Museum

by Jennifer B DavisJanuary 15, 2017

Bellevue’s favorite interactive children’s museum is getting ready to open its brand spankin’ new doors on January 31, and it’s something to celebrate. Along with a new location that offers nearly twice the space, the new digs come with new cutting edge galleries and multi-sensory exhibits, a newly re-imagined water gallery, additional classrooms for parties and camps and a new outdoor feature. If you’re ready to discover, learn and play at the new KidsQuest Children’s Museum, read on for the inside scoop.

A New Location
Originally located in Factoria Mall, the new KidsQuest Children’s Museum now resides in the old Rosalie Whyel Doll Museum located on 108th Ave. next to the Bellevue Library. Aimed at little museumgoers ages birth to 10—and their caregivers—the multi-story museum offers nearly twice the area of its previous space which is a welcome sight to parents and kids alike. Each nook and cranny of the newly designed museum also offers an unexpected delight, yet still creatively integrates learning through play with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) in each exhibit and educational program.

New Galleries to Explore
Along with plenty of new space to explore, comes several new hands-on exhibits that your kids are going to love. The On the Go Gallery, with its ever-popular (shiny and new!) big rig semi-truck cab, includes a hands-on working conveyor belt. Curious kids who have always wondered how your Amazon packages get to the big rigs for shipping, will enjoy spending time in this exhibit.

If you’ve got wee ones or younger sibs in your crew, the Tot Orchard is probably going to be your new hangout. This special area, designed for children ages birth to 3, is perfect for exploring, playing and even taking a much-needed break. The Tot Orchard also boasts a quiet nursing area which is a welcome feature for mamas.

Got a book lover in your crew? Little bookworms will love spending time in the new Story Tree Gallery which includes a stage and reading nooks. However, if history is more your tot’s beat, head over to the new Bellevue Mercantile exhibit. This awesome new space is modeled after Bellevue (100 years ago!) and includes an ice cream parlor, cow wash (yep, we said wash) and Lady Baba, the sheep. Here, kids will find plenty of opportunities for dramatic play and parents will find fascinating tidbits about Bellevue’s history.

The new Cityscape Gallery is the perfect spot for kids who love trains. This whimsical space includes an over-sized train table representative of the greater Seattle and Eastside area, complete with its own mini KidsQuest Children’s Museum, Space Needle and floating bridge. Can you spot the Pike Place Market?

For kids who need to work their bodies, the Museum’s new two-story climber is the perfect place to work on gross motor exploration. Designed with the Museum’s “safe risk” mantra, this climber will keep kids entertained, yet safe from injuries. For kids who want get the stir-crazies out or who need a little fresh air, the new Sticks + Stones Outdoor Gallery is a great step up from its previous indoor mall location. The fully enclosed space provides access to the outside world and plenty of hands-on activities to keep active tykes busy.

Little water bugs will be happy to know that the new location also includes a newly re-imagined water gallery, with a toddler specific Tot Splash Zone. Three cheers for indoor water play on a cold, rainy day!

Additional Features Parents Will Love
The folks who designed the new KidsQuest Children’s Museum took into consideration many adult-loving details. At the new space, you will find a dedicated snack area (the prior location did not allow food – which didn’t fly well with little tummies), a more open floor plan which allows parents to keep an eye on curious munchkins and the incorporation of the historic dolls from the original doll museum. Add in the dedicated nursing/quiet station that is nicely tucked inside the Tot Orchard and three classrooms for additional programs including an art studio with a kiln, and this museum hits a home run.

Admission, Extended Hours & Parking
If you’re wondering how much the new museum is going to set you back, you’ll be happy to know that the daily pricing only increased slightly. Admission for adults and kids over age one is now $12 and like the previous museum, tots under one are always free. $1 discounts are still available for seniors over 60 and military and the annual membership for one adult and one child is $95/year, with $30 for each additional child or adult.

Museum hours have also increased at the new location. KidsQuest will open an hour early – at 9 a.m. most days. Note: $1 off Thursdays are no longer being offered, but KidsQuest is providing scholarships for families in need. Check their website for more information.

Parking is available directly south of the museum and is free, but space is very limited. Additional parking can be found at Ashwood Park directly east of the Museum. Two-hour street parking is also available.

Camps and Classes and Programs. Oh My!
Additional camps and programs will be available in this larger space, including a Teddy Bear Clinic, egg hunts and popular spring events as well as Super Science Night. Parent-And-Me music and movement classes along with summer camps are also on the docket. Keep an eye on the Museum’s website for updated information.

The new KidsQuest building is LEED certified, with salvaged wood in the classrooms, solar panels and donated countertops made from recycled paper. KidsQuest is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that relies on the care and support of the community, and over $10 million has been raised to fund this project. KidsQuest originally opened in Factoria in 2005, and saw over 180,000 visitors annually. With the new building and new exhibits, the Museum predicts more than 240,000 will visit within the next year. And you and the Littles should definitely be one of them!

KidsQuest Children’s Museum
1116 108th Ave. N.E.
Bellevue, Wa 98004
425-637-8100
Online: kidsquestmuseum.org

Grand Opening: Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 9 a.m.

Hours: Tues., Wed., Thurs. & Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 5 p.m.-8 p.m. (members only); Fri. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m.

Cost: $12/Adults & Kids (1 & older); $11/Seniors (60 & older) & Military; under 1 Free. $95/Annual Membership of one adult & one child; $30/additional adult or child.

Are you planning to visit the new KidsQuest Children’s Museum? What are you and your kids most excited about? Tell us in the Comments below!

— Jennifer B. Davis (all photos courtesy of the writer)

Take a Family Trip to Cider City!

by rtsarahbossenbroekApril 14, 2015

“That’s mommy’s drink!” says your little one as you pass an Angry Orchard display at the grocery store. We get it: our kids aren’t the only fans of apple juice. Hard cider has come a long way in recent years, its popularity growing in this country faster than any other adult beverage. If you’re a fan of the tart, bubbly stuff, bring your family down to the Presidio on April 25 for the San Francisco Cider Summit. Especially since this year they have some extra-special treats for kids.

Photo: Henry Burrows via Flickr

Sip, Sip Away!
At this showcase of the world’s top cider producers (in styles ranging from dry and crisp to sweet and fruity), ticketholders are able to sip their way through their picks of over 120 different ciders. Each entry ticket (tickets are $35 in advance, $40, cash only, at the door) gives you a special commemorative glass as well as ten 4-ounce tasting tickets…and extra tastes can be purchased for $2 apiece. Designated drivers can join the party for $5, with a bottle of water included.

Photo: Cider Summit PDX

And For Little Apple Juice Lovers…
The second annual event is opening its doors to families this year, with accompanied minors able to attend free of charge. They can even sip on some fresh-pressed apple juice and play a round of apple bowling courtesy of Gowan Orchards. For once, it’s perfectly fine for them to play with their food! Other snacks, such as KIND bars, as well as grub from the Whole Foods Market truck, will keep little tummies from grumbling as the grownups make the tasting rounds. And even furry friends can get into the spirit at the Dog Lounge sponsored by Berkeley Humane.

Photo: Site of this year’s festival, the Parade Ground at the Presidio

Party in the Park
We highly recommend hopping on a PresidiGo shuttle bus to get to and from the event, which is being held at the Civil War Parade Ground, adjacent to the Main Post. These free shuttle buses depart frequently from downtown. Once you’re in the Presidio, why not make a day of it in this national park? Kids and adults alike love the Walt Disney Museum, which is hosting special programming for Earth Day. And don’t forget about the Presidio Officers’ Club, with their popular Creative Family Fun weekend activities—this weekend they’ll be recycling all those Easter egg cartons to make egg animals. The Cider Festival runs from noon to 6 p.m. and will benefit The Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research, Berkeley Humane, and the California Cider Association.

San Francisco Cider Summit
Saturday, April 25, noon-6 p.m.
Civil War Parade Ground, Presidio
San Francisco, Ca
Tickets: $35 in advance, $40 (cash only, if tickets available) at the door; $5 or designated drivers (includes bottled water); accompanied minors FREE.
Online: cidersummitnw.com/sfeventinfo

Are you a cider lover? Will you be attending this year?

—Sarah Bossenbroek

Fall Flings: The Coolest Local Hayrides

by Ayren Jackson-CannadyOctober 9, 2014

News flash: Fall is here! In celebration of the festive season full of pumpkins, apple cider, and cozy sweaters, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to take the little ones on a fun-loving, sweet-smelling, totally chill hay-filled adventure. Read on to learn about the best hayrides this side of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The classic ride: Homestead Farm
Fans of a more simple way to celebrate Fall should hop in the car and visit Homestead Farm. They offer hayrides straight to a pick your own pumpkin patch where little ones can toddle around trying to find the roundest pumpkin to take home and carve. Apple lovers will also rejoice as Homestead offers Enterprise, Suncrisp, Cameo, and Sun Fuji trees that kiddos can pick till their heart’s content. For a weekend school lesson, have the kids guess when the farm was started. Hint: George Washington wasn’t even President yet (1763)!

Cost: $3; produce by the pound
Open: Sat-Sun (October)
15600 Sugarland Rd. (Poolesville, Md)
Online: homestead-farm.net

The “gourd-geous” ride: Pumpkin Village
Families who love the county fair, but don’t quite get to partake because of city living, can get their fix at Leesburg’s Pumpkin Village. Wagon rides, kid’s maze, ponies, moon bounces and a massive spider web crawl are just some of the activities to keep the little ones mesmerized all day long. We guarantee they’ll be so tuckered out from all the fall fun that you might just get to sneak some of their apple cider for yourself when they pass out in the hay!

Cost: $9.95-$14.95
Open: Daily, 9 am-5 pm (through Nov. 4)
19270 James Madison Hwy. (Leesburg, Va)
Online: pumpkinfestleesburg.com

The fairytale ride: Butler’s Orchard
Mini farmers will love a trip to Butler’s Orchard’s Pumpkin Festival because they can traipse around the farm, check out the animals, and get their face painted all in preparation for a hayride out to the pumpkin patch. Once the kiddos have picked out the biggest, orangest, ripest pumpkin for their Halloween Jack-O-Lantern, the hayride will take them back to the festival where they can jump in the hayloft, ride in a pumpkin coach (hello Cinderella fans!), and even try their hands at the Magic Straw Maize. Bonus: On October 18 & 19, there will be a Pumpkin Cannon at the farm!

Cost: $11; Free/2 and under; produce by the pound
Open: Sat-Sun, 10 am-5 pm (October, plus Columbus Day)
22200 Davis Mill Rd. (Germantown, Md)
Online: butlersorchard.com

The hay-heavy ride: Montpelier Farms
Pulled by a genuine John Deere tractor, Montpelier Farms’ hay rides showcase a working farm, including some amazing hand-made straw animals (not your typical livestock), picturesque round hay bales, and a “hay-n-play” area where little ones can run, jump, lounge and tag each other amongst a ton of hay.

Cost: $10; $8/kids 3-12; Free/under 2
Open: Fri, 5 pm-11 pm; Sat, 10 am-11 pm; Sun, 11 am-7 pm (through Nov. 2)
1720 Crain Hwy. (Upper Marlborough, Md)
Online: montpelierfarms.com

The pre-campfire ride: Dick and Jane’s Farm
Kiddos who love to camp, but have parents who aren’t the outdoorsy type should run to Dick and Jane’s farm. Not only do they offer amazing hayrides that come complete with a pumpkin, and an apple, but you can schedule campfires! So Junior can roast marshmallows till his belly is full, while Mom and Dad still sleep in the comfort of their own bed. The hayride will drop you off to a fully prepped fire while you bring your supplies (read: food) to have the perfect outdoor family fun night. Win win!

Cost: $7 per child, $4 accompanying adult; campfires extra
Open: Mon-Sat, 9 am-6 pm; Sun. 10 am-4 pm
4362 Solomon’s Island Rd. (Harwood, Md)
Online: dickandjanesfarm.com

Where else can we catch a cool hayride? Tell us in the comments section below.

—Hilary Riedemann

Photos courtesy of Butler’s Orchard via Facebook, Homestead Farm, Leesburg Animal Park via Facebook, Montpelier Farms, Dick and Jane’s Farm

A Bite of Fall: 3 Spots for U-Pick Apples

by kate feltonSeptember 11, 2012

In sunny Southern California finding ways to celebrate the changing seasons can be tricky. With kids going back to school in triple digit weather and utter lack of changing foliage, we all have to work a little harder to manufacture that fall feeling. So even though it’s not quiet sweater weather, why not take a day trip to an apple orchard? These u-pick orchards may be a bit of a trek, but once your munchkins take that first crisp bite, you’ll know it was worth every mile. Apple picking season generally runs September through October, but check with the orchard you plan to visit first as crop density and ripening vary season to season.

Oak Glen
The best places for apple picking in Southern California are centered on a six-mile area known as Oak Glen. Here you’ll find a general store, hand pressed apple cider and several orchards that offer a variety of apples. It’s a bit of a hike, about a two-hour drive from the Westside, but worth it for the complete orchard experience.

Riley’s Apple Farm, Oak Glen
12201 South Oak Glen Road
Oak Glen, Ca 92399
909-797-4061
An Oak Glen favorite, Riley’s is open for u-pick on the weekends only, but call them before you head out. You can schedule an appointment to pick on weekdays. They have fourteen different varieties of apple, including some hard-to-find heirloom varieties. Your little ones will love running from tree to tree filling their bushel.

Los Rios Rancho, Oak Glen
39611 Oak Glen Road #13
Oak Glen, Ca 92399
909-797-1005
At Rios you and your family will find apple trees heavy with fruit, some of the best apple pie you have ever tasted, and a beautiful spot for lunch. The orchards here are pretty hilly, so small toddlers may be better off in a carrier or a rugged jogging stroller. On weekends during apple season, this place gets crowded fast. Plan to arrive early. The lines for food tend to get long in the afternoon, so if you want to buy your lunch you may want to plan to eat early. They are open for apple picking Friday through Sunday, but hours may change as the season progresses so give them a call before you head out.

Raven Hill Orchard, Julian
1284 Julian Orchards Drive
Julian, Ca 92036
760-765-2431
This beautiful orchard, located outside of San Diego, is home to 8,000 dwarf trees, which should allow even your littlest apple picker a shot at some action. Bring cash and call before you head out. This orchard is also dog friendly, so be prepared for some furry friends joining you between the trees.

Know any other great spots for apples this fall? Share your favorite u-picks in a comment below.

— Kate Felton

photo courtesy of Brian Birke & Robin B.

Fruits of Your Labor: Washington’s Tastiest U-Pick Stone Fruit

by writerredtriJuly 9, 2012

Moms know that if you can achieve several goals with one activity, it’s a good day. Stone fruits are coming into season and you can take your kids on a field trip to pick cherries, apricots and, a little later this summer, plums, peaches and nectarines. What your family will get out of this: A lesson on where these great summer fruits come from and how they grow, an adventure, a road trip (practice being patient), and the spoils of the day to eat or use in your favorite recipes – making pie can be a fun activity for the family, too.

photo courtesy of Dan Harrelson on Flickr

A great online resource for u-pick farms of all sorts is Pick Your Own, which lists farms by state. In the Puget Sound area, most farms offer u-pick berries and some apples. You have to travel to Eastern Washington, where the weather is more consistently warm, to get stone fruits.

Just across the Cascades is Stutzman Ranch in Wenatchee, which has u-pick Rainier cherries starting July 7 and peaches and nectarines later in the season. A little farther afield in Richland is Ray French Orchard, which offers u-pick Rainier and Bing cherries, as well as peaches and nectarines. You can visit fruit stands in Eastern Washington, too.

photo courtesy of Bruce Tuten on Flickr

Of course, if you just want to buy just-picked stone fruits, you can always find them at the farmers markets from farms such as Rama Farms, Tiny’s Organic and Martin Family Orchards. Or, you can have the some great cherries shipped from Olmstead Orchards.

— Hsiao-Ching Chou

Kid-Friendly Camping in Anderson Valley

by writerredtriMay 20, 2011

For a camping trip that combines NorCal roughing it with a dose of Bay Area-style indulgence, we’re big fans of the Anderson Valley. Located northwest of Healdsburg, and east of Mendocino (about a 2.5-to-3-hour drive from the Bay Area), this wine-growing region along the Navarro River provides a respite from the fog found at the socked-in coast, but mornings amongst big the trees are still cool and shaded.

WHERE TO STAY:

There are a few popular places to camp in these parts, but the biggest sites, least road noise and best facilities are found at Hendy Woods State Park. There are tent sites, RV sites, even rustic cabins (great if you go during the rainier months). You wouldn’t want to miss out on visiting this park anyway, with its groves of magnificent redwoods. The trails through these groves are flat and windy, perfect for wearing out little legs, and you can take the kids down for some wading in the mellow Navarro River (bring good water shoes, as the bottom is rocky).

There are also campsites at Paul M. Dimmick campground (part of Navarro River Redwoods State Park), located further west on Hwy 128, and at Indian Creek County Park, located in the town of Philo, just east of Hendy Woods. Dimmick provides access to the river for those interested in swimming, and there are also swimming holes at Indian Wells, along the creek that runs through the campground. There are also hikes that extend from the trails at Indian Creek, though locals caution against any off-trail hiking–you don’t want to end up on someone’s “farm” (grapes aren’t the only cash crop grown around these parts).

WHAT TO DO:
A must-stop for those with kids is the Philo Apple Farm, located just before the entrance to Hendy Woods. Even if there’s no one manning the stand in front, feel free to wander the grounds, visiting with the resident hens, roosters, ponies and more, and meandering along the orchard’s rows. Year-round you can pick up delicious apple juice, jams, and chutneys, and in the fall you can stock up on varieties of heirloom apples that’ll ruin you on Red Delicious forever. You may also want to inquire about the cabins for rent available at the farm for your next getaway: the stylish A-frames boast big bathrooms, queen beds, and expansive orchard and valley views.

Parentals, we know that a good glass of wine in front of the campfire at the end of a long day of hiking can be the best muscle relaxant, so we recommend you make a stop at one of the local wineries for a tour, tasting, and to pick up a bottle of grapey goodness for yourselves (leave the apple juice for the kiddies). Though this region is most famed for its pinot noirs, there are also some great gewurtzraminer and muscat grapes grown up here as well. Toulouse winery is kid- and dog-friendly, and offers up a sampling of interesting wines, including muscat, vin gris, and of course the pinots. Husch and Navarro also offer room for kids to roam and a family-friendly atmosphere while you sip, and Goldeneye has a more formal, sit-down pinot tasting, with nibbles for pairing (Just keep your littles out of the tempting fountain).

WHAT TO EAT:
Stop in the town of Boonville on the way up north. This former one-horse town is still teeny and quaint, but recent changes include downtown tasting rooms, a spiffed-up hotel (with a family suite), and several places to grab good grub.

If you’re looking for a sit-down meal, the Boonville Hotel’s restaurant offers up fresh and seasonal choices on a family-style, prix fixe menu. Check the website for the daily specials like local rabbit with creamy polenta, or roast Fulton Farms chicken.’

The tiny Mosswood Market offers up satisfying café fare, like soups and sandwiches, in a casual setting. Either eat in, or grab stuff for a picnic in one of the parks or the nearby Anderson Valley Brewing Company.

For camping supplies, sandwiches and more, Boonville General Store has a tempting deli case and plenty of Anderson Valley beers by the bottle.

—Sarah Bossenbroek

credit: photo by Avi Hesterman

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