The Children’s Creativity Museum Has Reopened!

by Christine LaiFebruary 23, 2022

Finally opening their second floor for the first time in 23 months for a full re-opening, the Children’s Creativity Museum lives up to their name by encouraging and fostering creativity. From the way children think, the emotions they have, how they communicate and how they express themselves—all of it is investigated at this incredible museum. It’s time for little creative thinkers to get busy and explore!

First Floor

Through September, a special exhibit entitled XOXO: An Exhibit about Love and Community is in residence on the first floor. This exhibit invites kids ages two through 12 to engage in hands-on activities to share emotions, play and spark conversations.

Some of these activities include creating silhouettes, speaking into tone phones that change the tone of the voice and writing down negative thoughts and then shredding them using a large shredder (therapeutic for adults, too). There is also a community wall in which questions about love and community (“what makes you feel safe?”) can be answered and shared on the wall.

We loved the beautifully decorated and cozy Storybook park with its welcoming bean bags, plethora of books and creative sensory alphabet signs. Next door, a set of see-saws were also very popular in which we worked together on creative balance.

Have expressive littles? The Early Childhood Zone is suited for the five and unders and encourages play through soft blue blocks, train tables and will soon have painting at the outdoor patio.

Second Floor

At the Making Music Studio, kids can make musical instruments with their own creativity or by following cards with inspiring ideas. Little percussionists will love performing their musical pieces and marching to the beat of their own tune at the Drum Pad and Sound Effect stations—headphones included!

Next door is home of the Animation Studio where kids can try their hand at stop-motion animation and produce an original animated film. Figures and scenes are created with LEGO bricks with interchangeable back drops to match and the completed film can even be emailed to share with friends and family.

Good to know:

Thursday and Friday hours are from 10 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. for preschool playtime on the first floor only (reservations not required). Saturday and Sunday hours are from 10 a.m.- 4.p.m. (reservations recommended).
The LeRoy King carousel is open on weekends from 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. $5 for nonmembers, $3 for members.
Stop by the amazing Yerba Buena playground next door to complete the epic day
Metered street parking is difficult; consider using Spot Hero to find a nearby garage

221 4th St,
San Francisco

Plan your visit today!

—Christine Lai

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Book the Babysitter! Creative Date Night Ideas around Portland

by Annette BenedettiJanuary 31, 2022

Although getting away may be a challenge, finding time to plan a date night in Portland is as important as it is fun

The month of love is here. You’ve been parenting like a hero all year, and now it’s time to celebrate the love you have for your family and your partner. After you’ve hit the local candy shops and found your little sweets some sweets, it’s time to book a babysitter and some romantic time with your bae. After all, taking time to nurture your relationship is an important part of good parenting. If you are ready for a real date night (or day, or overnight) but aren’t sure what to do, we’ve put together a list of romantic spots for you to go. Whether you are dying for an afternoon out or a reason to get dressed up for an evening out, we’ve got some great date-night ideas for you.

Date night restaurants in Portland you won’t want to miss

Dine on a Heated Patio

While the weather may be getting colder, you and your partner can stay warm and safe, dining on one of Portland Restaurants many heated patios. If there is one wonderful thing that has come out of COVID, it is that local restaurants rose to the occasion and created gorgeous, date-worthy outdoor seating that includes an element of warmth. One of our favorite date spots is Produce Row, which features a giant outdoor patio area that stays toasty warm during the cold months. There's also plenty of indoor seating as well. Check out more heated patio dining options here.

Produce Row
204 SE Oak St
Online: producerowcafe.com

Enjoy Safe Indoor Dining

Many Portland restaurants have gone the extra mile to keep their patrons safe. You can expect properly spaced seating and responsible mask requirements at all of these locations. Many of them require a vaccination card or proof of a negative COVID test as well. There's no better way to celebrate you love and the return of indoor seating by supporting local restaurants this Valentine's Day. From casual spots that serve up a slice of pie to classy joints that offer farm-to-table meal, you have you pick of places to eat. And you can return to all of them later this year, even with kids in tow. Check them out here.

Hit the Zoo

Think a day at the zoo is just for kids? Think again! Taking a stroll together through the Oregon Zoo can be a great way to reconnect with your special someone. The zoo has reopened and you can now reserve timed-entry tickets 10 days in advance. There are guidelines in place to reduce crowds and ensure social distancing, so be sure to review the guidelines before making your reservation. Then, get ready for some outdoor fun with all the animals!

Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Canyon Rd.
Portland, OR
503-226-1561
Adult: $17.95
Daily 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Online: oregonzoo.org

Date night ideas Portland parents can agree on

Scope the Art at Alberta Street Gallery

Do you and your partner love art? Visit this artist collective featuring work from local artists. With and open and airy gallery, you can safely spend an afternoon perusing their current showings. Commemorate the romantic experience by purchasing a special piece of art to enjoy at home! When you are done looking at art, checkout the neighborhood. Alberta is a beloved area of town that is full of places to bring the kiddos when date night is done.

Alberta Street Gallery
1829 NE Alberta St.
Portland, OR
503-954-3314
11-7 p. daily
Online: albertastreetgallery.com

Wander Through The Portland Art Museum

What is more romantic than an afternoon wandering through halls filled with breathtaking art. Portland Art Museum has an astounding array of art exhibits to peruse year-round, and even boasts family-friendly days. But, this Valentine's Day take some kid-free time to check out their current exhibits and their impressive collection of art. You can easily spend hours checking out the museum's 50,000 objects, displayed in 112,000 square feet of galleries. When you are done, you can wander through downtown and grab a meal at one of the downtown eateries.

1219 SW Park Avenue
Portland, OR
503-226-2811
Wed.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
$25/person
Online: portlandartmuseum.org

Drive-in and Wine-Down Movies

Head out to the Dalles for a slight twist on the drive-in experience. The winery at the Sunshine Mill now offers drive-up movie nights! Enjoy classic concession stand goodies, or choose from a selection of appetizers and wine from the winery, while watching a film broadcast on the side of the building. Get cozy with your beloved and watch a feel-good or seasonal movie. You can even book a private screening if you you want to go big!

The Sunshine Mill
901 East 2nd St.
The Dalles, OR
541-298-8900
Tasting room open daily 12-6 p.m.; until 6 p.m. prior to movie nights
Drive-up Movies offered Thurs.-Sat. after Sunset
$20/car
Online: sunshinemill.com/drive-up-movies

Get Away

Got a little more time (and childcare) and want to get away? Consider one of these options for extended day time adventures, full day trips, and quick overnights that are (relatively) safe during the pandemic.

Head to Hood River

Hood River offers families breathtaking views of the Columbia River and the Cascade Mountains. You have hiking trails, fascinating museums, and wine country surrounding you. Book your love nest at the Hood River Hampton Inn & Suites right off I-84, in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. This hotel is just five minutes from central Hood River and within a mile of waterfront restaurants, bars and parks. You can spend your whole day, overnight, or weekend away strolling around the waterfront enjoying great bites and views, or you can head in town and do some shopping. For more ideas on what to do and where to go when you are in Hood River, read more here.

Visit Astoria

Enjoy an overnight or weekend filled with adventure, art, museums, and maritime fun in Astoria. Located right on the river, The Bowline Hotel may very well be the most romantic spot to stay on the Oregon Coast. Don't let the industrial aesthetic fool you. This gorgeous spot is a sardine cannery that has been turned into a lux hotel that is home to 40 rooms that feature plush king beds, luxury linens, flickering fireplaces, tubs and French press coffee to start your mornings with. It's also home to a romantic bar and eatery called The Knot. The Knot Bar offers guests locally sourced menu items that are Scandinavian-inspired and pay homage to Astoria's seafood history. When you aren't snuggling in your plush room or enjoying next-level bites and sips, you can stroll through the town and enjoy shopping in one of the many eclectic shops. Or check out a museum or the Astoria column. To fill your romantic getaway itinerary, read more here.

Stay in a Tiny House with Getaway

Book a cabin for two in Mt. Adams with this new tiny-home vacation rental company. With hot showers, bathroom, heat and AC, a stove, and a comfy bed, it's the perfect mix of camping and comfort. The collection of 30 cabins (built on a shipping container base) is nestled in a quiet 80-acre park near trails in Glenwood, Washington, about a two-hour drive from Portland. Safety measures are in place to make your stay a healthy one.

Getaway Portland Outpost
From $119/night
Online: getaway.house/portland

—Annette Benedetti

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San Francisco’s Best Dim Sum Spots to Bring the Kids

by Sonia GandiagaJanuary 30, 2022

Xiao long bao, house-made noodles and pork buns galore—take your little dumpling to one of these SF dim sum spots.

Fun, soft, small and delicious—dim sum is perfect food for kids. They can gobble them up with their little fingers, no silverware required. San Francisco boasts the oldest and largest Chinatown in the country and we’ve rounded up seven of our favorite spots there, from fancy and modern to small hole-in-the-wall dim sum bakeries.

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Dragon Beaux

This is for sure one of the most sophisticated dim sum spots around. At lunchtime, you can enjoy some of the most creative dim sum in San Francisco like the delicious squid ink dumplings. At night they also offer hot pot with an extensive selection of meats, seafood, veggies, house-made noodles, and around 10 house-made sauces. If you are not sure of which dim sum to try, order the sampler and get the most colorful selection of dumplings in the Bay.

5700 Geary Blvd.
San Francisco
Online: dragonbeaux.com

Good Mong Kok Bakery

Good Mong Kok is an excellent and affordable bakery for when you want your dumplings on the go. Try their steamed pork, shu mai, har gow, steamed chive dumpling and beef shu mai. The dumplings are plump and generous and packed with flavor. There is no sitting, but you can have a dim sum picnic at Washington Square park nearby.

1039 Stockton St.
San Francisco
Online: goodmongkok.com

Dumpling Time

This trendy, modern and affordable dumpling restaurant makes its home in Mission Bay. They make amazing xiao long baos (soup dumplings!) and focus on local and fresh ingredients to create their traditional dumplings. An added plus is their heated outdoor patio. Keep the kids occupied while you wait by watching the dumplings being made fresh before your eyes.

11 Division St.
San Francisco
Online: dumplingtime.com

Shanghai Dumpling King

This San Francisco staple has been preparing some of the most authentic dim sum for over ten years. There are not a lot of tables and if you come on the weekend be prepared to wait. But, the wait is so worth it. Feast on spicy pork and chive dumplings, plump and delicious shrimp and soup dumplings, and make sure to order their famous green beans!

3319 Balboa St.
San Francisco
Online: shanghaidumplingking.com

Good Luck Dim Sum

Good Luck Dim Sum is known to be one of the most consistent and affordable dim sum spots in the city. Try their siu mai and shrimp dumplings—so juicy and delicious! And their pork buns are to die for (and a kid fave). There are a few tables in the back but most people take their dim sum to go.

736 Clement St.
San Francisco

Wing Lee Bakery

Wing Lee is a classic Clement Street take out dim sum spot. What they lack in ambiance they make up for in tasty food. The shrimp and leek dumplings are outrageous—large shrimp pieces, tender, crunchy and so fresh. Also try their siu mai, pot stickers and bbq pork buns. So good, simple and inexpensive. Bonus: they are super fast, great for feeding those hungry little mouths that can surely not wait.

503 Clement St.
San Francisco

7 Easy Outings to Take When the Grandparents Visit

by Bonnie TaylorNovember 3, 2021

Entertain visiting grandparents with these eight great itineraries for a fun-filled afternoon in San Diego

Treat the grandparents to fun and easy outings when they come to town for a visit. You want to explore and show off your favorite city without wearing anyone out. Here are some places that take into account some elderly needs like a slower pace, lots of benches to stop and relax, smooth pathways for walkers/wheelchairs and nearby parking access. Visit the aquarium, stroll through the gardens or hop on a trolley tour to see the sights. Find more places to go and why they’re our favorites for grandparent visits.

Birch Aquarium

Make memories with the grandparents by exploring sea creatures at the Birch Aquarium. This visit doesn’t require a lot of walking, but you’ll definitely see a lot here. Like the large kelp forest, sea horses, jellyfish, and heading to the outside touch pools is a must for the epic views of La Jolla Shores. Walk over to the outside patio where kids can have fun learning through hands-on water play. Plan extra time here for lunch at their outdoor Splash Café.

2300 Expedition Way
La Jolla
Online: aquarium.ucsd.edu

Water Conservation Garden

Take a leisurely stroll through these beautifully landscaped gardens while the kids run on ahead to play. There are several garden sections to explore with benches and winding flat paths to take your time and enjoy the beauty here. Kids will love the children’s garden, running through the trellises, and pretend driving on the concrete cars. This is an easy place for everyone to love spending a few hours at and will all leave refreshed and relaxed.

12122 Cuyamaca College Dr. W.
El Cajon
Online: thegarden.org

Old Town Trolley Tour

Hop aboard this fun trolley for a tour of all the San Diego sights and leave the driving to the tour guide! Board in Old Town and cruise along the waterfront, into Seaport Village for a quick 20-minute stop, and then head up through Balboa Park and back to Old Town. The fun tour guides will give you some history, tell a few jokes, and maybe even sing a few songs. Everyone will learn something new and have a fun time together.

4010 Twiggs St.
Old Town
Online: trolleytours.com

Balboa Park

Balboa Park will be a total hit with the grandparents and the kids as culture abounds everywhere. It is teeming with 17 museums, gardens galore, and the world's largest outdoor pipe organ; which often has free concerts. Some kids’ favorite museums with parking nearby are Fleet Science Center, San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego Air & Space Museum, and San Diego Automotive Museum. You’ll find plenty of places to grab a bite to eat, from inside several museum cafes or stand-alone restaurants like El Prado or Panama 66. Balboa Park makes for an easy way to spend the day in a relaxed setting that the whole family will enjoy.

1549 El Prado
Balboa Park
Online: balboapark.org

Seaport Village

Shop, eat, and play at Seaport Village by the bay. This is always a fun stop that makes you feel like you’re on vacation for the day. The flat paved walkways will take you all around the shops, the cute little duck pond and bridge, and out to the Bayfront walkway. Find a bench to sit and watch the gorgeous views of the Coronado Bridge, the San Diego Bay where you can watch the sailboats, speed boats, and Navy ships coming and going. There’s so much to see and do here that you can easily spend a few hours enjoying the day.

Seaport Village
849 W Harbor Dr.
Downtown
Online: seaportvillage.com

Pelley’s Mini Golf

When in doubt, go miniature golfing! Everyone young and old will love trying to get a hole-in-one at Pelley’s Mini Golf in Del Mar. There are two ocean-themed courses to choose from with larger-than-life features at each hole. When your round is over, head to nearby Viewpoint Brewery Company for food and drinks with views from their outdoor patio of the San Dieguito Lagoon. After lunch, take a stroll on one of the easy flat walking trails that leave directly from their outside patio along the lagoon.

Pelley's Mini Golf
15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Del Mar
Online: delmargolfcenter.greensidegolfer.com

Viewpoint Brewing Company
2201 San Dieguito Dr.
Del Mar
Online: viewpointbrewing.com

10 Low-Maintenance Summer Plants You Can Have Delivered

by Kate LowethJuly 10, 2021

A pop of greenery is just what you need right now—trust us! And you won’t have to add yet another thing to your to-do list as these plants will totally survive if you forget about them for the next two weeks. Get one delivered to your home today, or send one to a friend for a housewarming gift!

Bird of Paradise—with its broad vibrant green leaves, this tropical plant really delivers on the summer vibes! It’s great for outdoor patio and porch spaces, too. $57

Summer Succulent—A colorful mix of hens and chicks (Sempervivum), this succulent requires bright light but little else, making it perfect for anyone traveling this summer. $45

Philodendron Birkin—Sought after just like the bag it shares a name with – this unique hybrid houseplant has lush green leaves with white/yellow pinstripes. $48

Monstera Adansonii—A fun, quirky plant! Related to the popular Monstera deliciosa, the leaves of the Adansonii are slightly smaller but with even more pronounced leaf holes. $40

String of Bananas & String of Dolphins—Two unique trailing succulents perfect for summer. Drought tolerant, they only look difficult to care for. $34

Philodendron Prince of Orange—Low maintenance like most philodendrons, yet unique in its leaf color, which changes from bright orange to green as the leaf matures. $43

Pet-Peromia Collection—This too-cute threesome of pet-friendly peperomia plants will look lovely on a windowsill or in your office. $69

Oasis Snake Plant—Sssspice up your life with this sleek snake plant. Upright green and yellow leaves are known for promoting focus and helping boost your memory. This plant purifies the air, reduces allergens and is low maintenance. $59

Desert Love—This set of two Hoya hearts basically shouts, “Life would succ without you!” Potted in sweet lil’ cement planters with pink rocks, these babies live for bright sunlight. We love this sweetheart’s heart-shaped leaves. $44

—Kate Loweth

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Hilarious & Epic Things We’ve Bought During the Pandemic

by Amber GuetebierFebruary 5, 2021

Remember a year ago when we were like, “this will just be a few weeks, right?” While it does feel in many ways we may be on the “other side” of the pandemic, it’s been nearly an entire year for most of us since work-from-home, virtual schooling, social distancing and masks became a regular part of our household lexicon. We recently polled our readers and asked “what was the funniest/strangest/most epic thing you purchased during the pandemic?” While some of the answers seemed very popular (hello, pandemic puppies!) others were very practical and others still had us laughing out loud. Read on to see what we learned!

Pandemic Pets

By far the most "things" acquired into our households were pets and all their gear! In order of most to least common, you said:

Puppies/dogs
Cats
Guinea Pigs
Hamsters
Chickens
Parrots
Turtles

Food & Drink

Pounds and pounds of cheese.

"Wine. Cases of wine."

"Wine. A lot of it."

"Six cases of wine. And six pounds of cereal marshmallows."

"50-pound bag of bread flour. Twice."

"I have no idea why, but at one point I had three large tubs of sour cream in my fridge. It wasn't a conscious decision to purchase that much, but one day I was nosing around and realized that I was single-handedly responsible for creating a food shortage in my grocery's dairy aisle. "

"A case of chocolate pretzel pop-tarts and diet iced tea mix that could probably make 100 gallons..."

"Six pounds of strawberries for my two year old—because I was adding to the same order throughout the day and kept forgetting I already added the damn strawberries. Try to guess who didn’t confirm quantities in the cart before purchasing."

"Special order GrapeNuts"

Household Goods & Bads

"Toilet paper. I was part of the problem. I see that now."

"A bidet!"

"A giant inflatable unicorn sprinkler."

"A 22' Airstream Bambi camper."

"A lifetime supply of sidewalk chalk."

"The CrunchCup!"

"My husband panic-shopped seed tape in case things went crazy and we needed to grow our own vegetables. I told him that if it came to that we would have to starve for 6-8 weeks before our lettuce, cucumbers, radish and carrots became edible."

"Good: outdoor patio furniture to socialize at six feet.
Better: new kitchen floor for the room we live in
Best: minivan to travel and sleep and picnic in."

"Waterproof playing cards...3 packs. You know, for all the social gatherings I'm not having."

"Mannequins."

"Many, many cotton balls. I didn't realize the order was for multiple bags. Cotton balls for LIFE."

"Dinosaur costumes for my 9-and 11-year-old girls. They make so many people smile with them on."

"Cleaning slime."

"A house, sight unseen."

"A snow white costume after Halloween and then put it on and told my kids I needed to take a long nap."

"Water and sand table for inside a small two bedroom apartment. Still going strong!"

"So. Many. Purchases. But the funniest—or at least the most delusional —would be the "resort wear" collection I just bought for my pre-covid body because it was 70% off and a day out-of-state can't come soon enough! You know the kind you see in all those resort commercials on FB? Only, who wears a caftan in real life. It will go back. Biggest regret? The outdoor patio heater I bought to bring the 'outdoor restaurant dining experience' home. I hate the cold, so a heater wasn't going to cut it. That got returned unopened. So. Many Purchases! And naturally, I threw major coin at a bounce house which went largely unused for the first half of the pandemic. BUT a family we ended up 'pod-ing' with (did I just make up a word?) wanted to use it 24/7 so my kids now (finally) appreciate it."

Other popular responses included an inflatable hot tub, above ground and backyard inflatable pools, pianos and other musical instruments, outdoor theater screens, and inflatable bounce houses.

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7 Reasons to Book a Staycation at Viceroy Washington DC

by Meghan Yudes MeyersNovember 10, 2020

You don’t have to leave town to enjoy a weekend away from your abode. Put travel back on your bucket list this fall with one of DC’s newest hotels, Viceroy Washington DC. The former Mason & Rock Hotel, tucked away off the 14th St. Corridor, recently under went an $8 million dollar renovation and it’s worth checking out! Read on for our top seven reasons to book a staycation at Viceroy Washington DC NOW.

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Change Your View

Tired of looking at the same four walls? Enjoy a temporary change of address and a change of scenery. Viceroy Washington DC features spacious, newly appointed rooms designed in a calming neutral palette with pops of mint. You’ll find lux room details, like 400-thread-count Frette linen sheets and voice controlled Google NestHubs. Our favorite? The luxury wood flooring you don’t mind a baby crawling on. No icky hotel carpet here! In fact, everything at this hotel feels squeaky clean and safe. From the protective wraps used to safe guard your steering wheel and seats at the valet to the complimentary Viceroy masks you receive at check in, this hotel goes above and beyond to ensure the health and safety of guests.

1430 Rhode Island Ave NW
Logan Circle
202-742-3100
Online: viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/washington-dc

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Soak It All In

Kids will clamor for bath time at this hotel! Even bath-avoiders want to climb into Viceroy’s spa tub for a good soak. Fill this baby to the brim and don’t forget the rubber duckies! There is also an oversized, glass-enclosed marble shower with a water pressure that will melt your COVID stress away. Plush robes and ROIL bath products make this bathroom feel like a day at the spa.

Explore a New 'Hood

Tired of making the same laps around your neighborhood block? Switch it up with a bright and vibrant tour of DC's best murals and street art around Logan Circle and the 14th St. Corridor. You don't have to go far to start this walking tour. In fact, simply step out the doors of the hotel and you will be greeted by Brandon Hill's mural painted on the Viceroy façade.

Stay In All Day

Viceroy Washington DC's onsite café, BPM Coffee & Wine, is like the ultimate upscale mini bar with a barista. Looking for a quick croissant and a fancy coffee to start your day? Check. Want to stuff your face with M&Ms and gummy bears while you watch a movie in your room? Check, check. Looking for a late-night glass of wine or frothy beer? You guessed it, check. And check. With a convenient shop right in the lobby, you literally never have to leave the hotel.

Eat on 14th Street

You don't HAVE to leave Viceroy for a bite, but you'll want to. This hotel is just steps away from 14th St. & Logan Circle, home to some of DC's best restaurants. This foodie 'hood includes Le Diplomate, Bresca and Compass Rose. Kid-friendly favorites include Ted's Bulletin and near-by P St.'s Commissary. O On Sunday, be sure to check out Dupont Circle's Farmers Market.

Spend Family Time by the Fire

The swanky restaurant and bar, Dovetail, is not yet open, but guests can still enjoy the all-season outdoor patio with a roaring fire pit. Grab a snack at BPM Coffee & Wine and enjoy story time or a family game of cards al fresco. There are plenty of places to gather indoors, as well. On the first floor, you can cuddle up in the cozy, multi-use library room or sit on the high-tops for a quick snack outside the cafe.

Beyond the Staycation: Keep Loved Ones Safe & Close

Before you know it, the holidays will be here. Want to see the fam but worried about everyone gathering under one roof? Keep everybody safe by booking grandma & grandpa their own room for a holiday visit. Make it a family affair and staycation on property with the grands. Bonus: if you book two nights, you get the third one free.

—Meghan Yudes Meyers
This trip was hosted by Viceroy Washington DC but all opinions expressed here belong solely to the writer.

Grab These Mini Succulents at ALDI While They Last

by Jennifer SwartvagherJuly 24, 2020

If you haven’t already, it’s time to jump on the succulent craze. Starting Aug. 12, head into your local ALDI to find these adorable Mini Succulent Varieties. These affordable little plants are part of the weekly finds so they will only be available for a limited time.

Succulents are perfect for the gardener who doesn’t have quite the green thumb. If you have a hard time keeping plants alive then succulents are definitely for you. They are very low maintenance and require very little watering. They thrive both indoor and outdoors so they are perfect for apartments as well.

Grab a few to create a display on your outdoor patio or find a few adorable hanging planters to show off these sweet little plants. You can also plant them in any small container. Look how precious they look in these PurAqua Belle Vie Sparkling Flavored Water cans repurposed as planters.

Each mini succulent retails for $1.99.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of ALDI

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7 Family Restaurants That Serve a View

by rtveronicahughesJuly 16, 2020

It’s summer time and we’re looking for all the reasons to leave our house and be outdoors. With great weather comes exceptional views. From picture perfect patios to rooftop restaurants, we found the best places to enjoy summer dining while social distancing.

photo: Market Salamander

Virginia

Market Salamander

This unique restaurant and market reminds us why Middleburg is so adorable! Market Salamander prides itself on fresh homegrown ingredients and exclusive recipes. The outdoor patio provides a charming experience for breakfast, lunch or dinner. After you’re done dining, the family should go and explore the Middleburg village.

200 W Washington St
Middleburg, VA 20118
(540) 687-8011
Online: marketsalamander.com

Jackson 20
This beautiful restaurant in Old Town Alexandria is actually located in The Alexandrian hotel. It has a beautiful courtyard that is currently featuring a special summer BBQ, albeit a bit sophisticated, but still with many summer classics. Its a must visit for the summer time to take in the twinkling of the stars with an old town feel.

480 King St,
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-549-6080
Online: jackson20.com

Barrel & Bushel
This Tyson’s rooftop spot, is perfect for taking in beautiful views of Tysons Corner ever changing skyline and giving the kiddos room to play and explore, as there’s plenty of space to roam and even a playground near by!

Tysons Corner Center Mall Rooftop
Tysons Corner, VA
703-848-6340
Online: barrelandbushel.com

Red’s Table

Overlooking Lake Thoreau in Reston, Red Table is casual outdoor dining at its best. The patio resembles sitting on the deck at home, but you don’t have to worry about doing the dishes when you’re done!

11150 South Lakes Drive
Reston, VA 20191
(571) 375-7755
Online: redstableva.com

photo: Alma R. via Yelp

Maryland

Tagliata

An upscale Italian restaurant with a charming outdoor patio. Throw in an array of pastas to keep the kids bellies full and how can you go wrong? While adults must adhere to a dress code, accompanying children can come as they are.

1012 Fleet Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-244-5830
Online: tagliatarestaurant.com/

Pusser’s Caribbean Grill

Located along the Annapolis waterfront, Pusser’s is quintessential summer dining! Your family can’t help, but stay a while to watch the boats sail by and enjoy the lazy days of summer while taking in Caribbean delights!

80 Compromise Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-626-0004
Online: pussersannapolis.com

photo: Rick A. via Yelp

DC

Farmers Fishers & Bakers

Located in Georgetown along the Washington Harbour, this sister restaurant to Founding Farmers is surely to keep the little ones minds occupied with a view of the Potomac and the bustle of boats and people out on a stroll to enjoy the summer sun.

3000 K Street NW
Georgetown Waterfront
(202)-298–8783
Online: farmersfishersbakers.com/

—Veronica Hughes

featured photo: iStock

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by Jennifer SwartvagherJuly 8, 2020

If your summer plans involve driving with a car full of kids then you know the importance of rest stops. According to AAA, Americans will take 683 million road trips between July and September. AAA has compiled a list of the best outdoor restaurants along popular travel routes so you can build these stops into your itinerary.

The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club

From NYC to the Finger Lakes 

Phoenicia, NY 

The Phoenicia Diner, a comfort food diner with an old-school vibe and fresh food sourced from Catskills and Hudson Valley farms, is open for outdoor dining. 

From Minneapolis to Detroit 

Grand Rapids, MI

 jdek at JW Marriott’s chic patio overlooks the Grand River and features live music on the weekends. 

Lake Forest, IL

At Deer Path Inn, surrounded by Tudor-style architecture with an outdoor fireplace, the secluded courtyard patio offers a dining experience reminiscent of a getaway in the English countryside. 

From Dallas to Key West 

Cape Coral, FL

Located in the prestigious Tarpon Point Marina, end your lunch of fresh local seafood at the Westin’s Nauti Mermaid restaurant with a quick kayak into the Caloosahatchee River. 

Key West, FL

Once Mile Zero has been reached, head straight to the brand new, outdoor Four Marlins Oceanfront Dining bar and restaurant for local seafood and Key Lime pie overlooking the island’s only natural sand beach.

St. Petersburg, FL

Paul’s Landing at The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club overlooks the glistening Tampa Bay and the resort’s outdoor pool and private marina. The colorful Paul’s Landing serves “Floribbean” cuisine, combining Caribbean flavors with fresh Florida seafood.

Miami, FL

Marabú is the newest al fresco dining hang to open up at the Brickell City Centre retail center. Having just opened its doors this July, the Cuban restaurant serves coal-fired dishes cooked over charcoal at the restaurant’s outdoor patio. The space is shaded by the retail center’s architectural jewel, the “Climate Ribbon”, which hovers over the retail center to carry Miami’s bay breezes for an extra kick of natural ventilation.

From D.C. to Nashville 

Bristol, VA 

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Lumac Rooftop Bar at The Bristol Hotel is known for its southern-inspired bar bites. As the only rooftop bar in the region, diners enjoy the famed Bristol Virginia-Tennessee sign in the distance. 

Lexington, KY

Wallace Station is a country cafe surrounded by horse farms. Guests can sit outside on the patio or picnic tables with their signature ham and pimento cheese sandwiches, biscuits and fresh pastries.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Marriott Hotels & Resorts

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