ML Interest Tag: pesticide-free

How to Plant a Butterfly Garden No Matter Where You Live

by Amber Guetebier

Butterflies are more than just beautiful insects with wings: they play a vital role in the production of flowering plants which means without butterflies many, many plants would not flower, fruit and seed. Give these jewel-toned pollinators a place to call home with a few ideas for creating a butterfly garden no matter how much space you have. Scroll down to get the dirt.

Top 4 Ways Anyone Can Help

Public Domain Pictures via Pixabay

Be poison-free. Do not use pesticides of any kind, anywhere. This includes nearby lawns and other garden beds. We promise, where there’s a problem there is a non-toxic solution. Click here for ideas on pesticide-free bug control.

When in doubt, go native. Planting native flowering plants and shrubs help sustain native populations. We’ve offered a few suggestions here for butterfly-friendly flowering plants that do good in most climates (some of which may be native to your neck of the woods) and are generally not invasive, but it is always good to cross-check with your local garden center or native plant society. One man's annual can easily become another one's nightmare weed. 

Milkweed it: The single best plants for Monarch butterflies is milkweed—specifically Tropical Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica). It grows in zones 9-11 (mostly California) but can be grown as a summer annual elsewhere. There are also many species of milkweed native to areas throughout the U.S. that are beneficial to all types of butterflies. Click here for the low-down on this important pollinator plant.

Gimme shelter: You can buy or make butterfly shelters that can be hung on the side of the building, near the community and school gardens and even in parks (be sure and get permission).  

If You Have a Windowsill:

Pixabay

Even a single plant will help, but you can also consider buying or making a butterfly feeder. Here’s an easy how-to that takes just a few steps and is great for kiddos.

If you want to plant something in a window box, try nasturtiums and alyssum with zinnias and marigolds. The zinnias and marigolds grow straight and tall and the alyssum and nasturtiums trail, which makes a beautiful combo that butterflies love.

 

If you have a few pots:

Pixabay

Create a mini-oasis with just a few pots of soil on your stoop, sidewalk or front yard. Add plants that support the butterfly larvae as well as container plants that offer nectar for adult butterflies.

For the larvae: fennel (requires a larger pot) and borage (gets beautiful blue flowers and is edible!) as well as ornamental grasses that provide shelter.

For the adult butterflies: Salvia, marigolds, alyssum, nasturtiums, zinnia, oregano, and pincushion flowers (scabiosa) all do great in smaller containers. Many species of milkweed will grow in decent-sized pots and are so loved by butterflies the most common variety of this plant is often called “butterfly plant.” Also, most plants that are in the aster or daisy family are popular among the butterfly crowd but you'll want bigger pots for these, as well as any lavender or lantana you'd like to try. 

 

 

If you have a few feet: 

Teresa Villalobos via Unsplash

If you’re lucky enough to have a whole garden or garden bed, you can choose plants that spread out and like a bit more room to grow (though with the right sized container, many of these can be grown in pots). Be sure and plant taller plants and shrubs toward the back, medium-growth plants in the middle, and so on.

Tall plants: Hollyhocks, delphiniums, lilac bushes or any kind of flowering tree. Think cherry, apple, plum, etc,  some salvia varieties, fennel, willow (great for larvae)

Plants that typically grow 1-3 ft high: Coneflower (echinacea), yarrow, salivas, lavender, milkweed (can grow higher in certain climates), globe thistle, bee balm, borage, lantana

Lower growing plants (under 1 ft or groundcovers): alyssum, nasturtiums, calendula, marigolds, zinnias, some verbena, oregano (warning! Oregano can become aggressive in many gardens), dianthus

 

 

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Beyond the Grocery Store: 12 Places to Get Pantry Staples in DC

by Meghan Yudes Meyers

Scavenger Hunts and I Spy games are things we like to play with our kids, not with our local grocery store. If hunting for flour has you feeling frustrated, we found a great new source for pantry goods: your favorite restaurant (and indoor playground!). Local businesses are sharing their resources in an effort to take the guess work out of dinner (and, yes, you can order that pre-made, too). Here are our favorite pantry pick-ups along with other options beyond the grocery store (like farmers markets and CSAs). Read on for ways to support local businesses while getting your baking on—and leave hunting for “flower” for those scavenger walks!

photo: Markus Spiske via Unsplash

Curbside Pantries

Badlands
Support one of the area’s most beloved indoor playgrounds by purchasing your pandemic comforts at this pull-in pantry. To help keep the lights on (and pay dedicated employees), Rockville’s Badlands is offering contactless grocery pick ups; 50% of proceeds go to support Badlands staff. You can grab staples like butter, milk and cheese here along with kid-favorites like Goldfish, Pringles and Lay’s potato chips. Badlands also offers wine, beer and liquor to go. Don’t forget to pick up a prepackaged STEAM kit.

5200 Randolph Rd, Rockville, MD
Open: Thurs.-Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Online: https://badlandsplayspace.com/

The Neighborhood Restaurant Group
In healthier times, The Neighborhood Restaurant Group manages some of our favorite good eats, like Birch and Barley and Hazel in DC and Columbia Firehouse and Vermillion in Old Town Alexandria. During these uncertain times, the Group is operating Neighborhood Provisions with three pick up locations (Alexandria, Arlington and DC).  Order yeast, flour, toilet paper and locally-made, handcrafted hand sanitizer with your favorite apps and mains. Bonus: they also deliver!

Bluejacket, 300 Tingey Street, SE DC 20003
202-524-4862

Rustico Alexandria, 827 Slaters Lane, Alexandria VA 22314
703-224-5051

Rustico Arlington, 4075 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203
571-384-1820

Online: https://www.nrgprovisions.com/

Sweet Water Tavern
Craving those sweet and savory Ozzie Rolls? You can get them to go (with a side of honey butter) along with growlers, grocery essentials (including TP and paper towel), kids meals for kids 12 & under and your favorite Sweetwater staples, like firecracker shrimp. All American Restaurant Group locations are offering carry-out, but only Sweetwater Tavern in Sterling is operating a Tavern & Grocery (aka groceries to-go).

45980 Waterview Plaza, Sterling, VA 20166
571-434-6500
Open: 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Online: https://sweetwatertavern.pub/swtsterling

Founding Farmers
You can order your favorite menu options at all of Found Farmers restaurants, but in Tysons and Reston Station you can pick up groceries at Market & Grocery. Order family portioned meals, bottled craft cocktails, groceries like eggs, cheese, bottled craft sauces and more. Don’t forget pantry staples like Mrs. Meyers cleaning products, dish detergent, toilet paper and microfiber towels.

Founding Farmers Reston Station, 1904 Reston Metro Plaza, Reston, VA 20190
(703) 988-7333
Open: Wed.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Online: foundingfarmersrestonstationmarketgrocery.com

Founding Farmers Tysons, 1800 Tysons Blvd, Tysons, VA 22102
(703) 442-8783
Open: Wed.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Online: foundingfarmersmarket.com/order-online

 

photo: Anne Preble via Unsplash 

Farmer Markets

Old Town Farmer’s Market
Old Town Farmer’s Market is the oldest continuous market in the good ol’ U S of A used by the first President himself. It’s still open during the pandemic, but you do need to pre order your goods.  

King St., Alexandria, VA
Open: Saturday, 7 a.m.-12 p.m.
Online: alexandriava.gov

Bethesda Central Farm Market
Bethesda Central Farm Market is one of the largest markets in the area with over 100 vendors and is still operating as a traditional, walk-up. Your children will pine for pastries at Patisseries Poupon and wish for waffles at Les Caprices de Joelle, while grownups will appreciate lobster rolls and Zeke’s coffee. Parking is free.

7600 Arlington Rd., Bethesda, MD
Open: Sunday, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Online: bethesda.centralfarmmarkets.com

City of Falls Church Farmers’ Market
Quite possibly the best market in the area—the American Farmland Trust puts it in its top five medium-sized markets in the country—this market now offers a to-go format. Featuring over 50 vendors, be sure to check out Kate’s Crepes and Pops ‘n Chill, an artisanal handmade popsicle stand with fruity flavors like roasted peaches and cantaloupe.

300 Park Ave., Falls Church, VA
Open: Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon
Online: fallschurchva.gov

photo: Suzie’s Farm via Flickr

CSA Memberships

Farm to Family
This veteran-owned, Richmond based CSA offers fruit, meat, eggs, soy products, pasta, bread, and pantry items delivered straight to your door. Our favorite add-on: locally sourced, ready to heat meals. 

Online: thefarmbus.csaware.com

From the Farmer 
This CSA offers curated boxes from MD and VA farms delivered right to doorsteps in the greater DMV area. It’s a farmer’s market that comes to you! Choose from: six different plans offering fruits and vegetables, with optional add-ons like bread and pantry items. You can customize boxes or skip one entirely.

Online: fromthefarmerdc.com

Lancaster Fresh Farm Cooperative
This Lancaster-based CSA has pick up locations throughout the DMV, including Shaw, Petworth, Capitol Hill, Brookland, Arlington, Silver Spring, Herndon and more. Choose from: vegetable boxes in three different sizes, with option to add fruit, cheese, eggs, meats, fresh flowers, or herbal medicine. 

Online: lancasterfarmfresh.com

Groundworks Farm
This Pittsville, MD CSA is making pick ups safe by asking members to stand over 12 feet a part, offering hand sanitizer after pick up and making sure all hand offs include masked and gloved employees. Choose from: produce, egg, meat, chicken, and cheese for pick up  in Arlington, Alexandria and Annapolis. 

Online: groundworksfarm.com

Little Farm Stand (Virginia)
Delivered fresh to your home, this CSA offers organic, pesticide-free produce from VA farm. Choose from: fruits and vegetables, with the option to add on eggs, grass-fed beef, preserves, pies, honey, and maple syrup. Each box can be customized!

Online: littlefarmstand.com

 

—Meghan Yudes Meyers, Pat Tanumihardja, HiIary Riedemann and Emily Coleman Dibella

featured photo: Jill Wellington via Pixabay

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6 Eateries Offering Free Curbside Kid Meals

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I Have Officially Become the Mother I Used to Judge

By Catherine Buhler

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Let me paint you a picture… Your friends decide its about time for a girls day out lunch. How fun! Of course, I am in! What a great idea! I will bring Samantha with a peanut butter sandwich and it will be awesome. Isn’t being a stay at home Mom the best?!

I get to the restaurant starving and ready to relax with my girlfriends…And then reality sits in. Samantha realizes she doesn’t fancy the high chair that has been provided for us. And you know what, she doesn’t want her sandwich, either. You know what Samantha wants? To run away from her Mother and spill water all over the table. Her plan for my girls lunch was very different than mine. In fact, I spent little time interacting with the girls and more time controlling tantrums and threatening (with love)! for her to behave at the exit.

Finally my amazing friend grabbed Sam from me and took her outside for a bit so I could have a bite and sulk in pity. We eventually left early. I now have a toddler and my life is over. No, just kidding (Kind of).

But, seriously, toddlers are not for the weak, dude. I remember sitting there with my newborn and looking at toddlers thinking, that looks so fun! I can’t wait for Samantha to play with me and talk to me and giggle. Now, don’t get me wrong. We giggle a whole lot in the Buhler household. But, no one tells you this whole Mom thing may be the hardest thing you have ever done in your whole life. In between Goodnight Moon (124th time) and food spills (almost daily) I have to remind myself that I am doing an awesome job and some days all you have to excel at is keeping them alive.

I also remember a time when I was newly married, getting a full and refreshing 8 hours of sleep and the only bum I had to wipe was my own. I would sit there and gander at Moms. “Oh, my kid will never have a paci longer than 6 months.” “My child will never talk back to me.” “I plan on making different Pinterest FHE packets for every week of the year.” “My toddler will never behave like that in public.” Yes, sadly Catherine does remember those days. …and I am here to admit it, apologize and eat some humble pie. Because as I sat there trying to talk sense into a 19 month old while prying her off the dirty Shanghai sidewalk from her meltdown, I closed my eyes, and said to myself, “You are THAT mother, and it is OKAY.”

I think we (Catherine included) have placed too much pressure on ourselves and eachother to be the BEST mother out there. “Look at my child, potty trained at 6 months. It only took 3 hours!” “What do you mean, you didn’t breastfeed for 12 months?” “I never let my children eat anything unless its organic, glutten-free, pesticide free, and is deliciously inedible.” Why do we do this to ourselves? Its exhausting. Okay, Catherine is exhausted. But thats besides the point. It is okay to give your child peanut butter and jelly for lunch every once in awhile. It is okay to let Elmo offer them a dose of education so you can take a quick shower. You don’t need to feel guilty. Because in the end, your child isn’t going to remember how many times you gave him broccoli or goldfish. He will remember the way you showed him love, the way you excelled at kisses and the encouragement you always provided.

I love being a Mom, I know I will look back on these days with fond memories. But, I also know I shouldn’t waste time with my Children worrying if I am doing everything the “right way.” What is the right way, anyways? I am almost positive (about 95.67%)  that there is not one right way to raise them. Thank goodness!

A small update to that girls day lunch- Catherine rewarded herself with a Diet Coke when she got home. Samantha doesn’t even remember throwing herself on the ground screaming and hopefully all of the city has forgotten it, as well.

Hi, i'm Cat! We live in Orlando, Florida where my husband works for Mickey Mouse (no, really). We have two kids, Samantha (5) & Preston (2). I suffer from a chronic illness called Short Bowel Syndrome. My ramblings are dedicated to travel adventures, nap time confessions and my medical journey. Cheers!

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Banish Berry Blues: A Must-Visit U-Pick Blueberry Farm

by Meghan Rose

If you thought you’d have to book tickets to Maine this summer to get busy in a fresh blueberry patch, you’re wrong!  There’s a beautiful patch of u-pick sweet blueberries, just an hour drive north of Los Angeles.  Pick and sample these sun-kissed antioxidant laden treats, then picnic, play and feed the farm animals. It’s time to hit the road for a blueberry picking adventure at Underwood Farms.

photo: Eliza Raxi via Flickr

Nope, Not that One
Not the Underwood Farms where you pick strawberries, visit the pumpkin patch and get your Christmas tree.  That’s in Moorpark.  Today you’re heading to the other location in Somis—the one that is smaller, less crowded and has no entrance fee (making it a much easier trip with little ones).  A straight shot up the 101 and you’re there.  Easy-peasy.

photo: Meghan Rose

Pick a Peck
These sweet little blue gems are addictive!  Warm from the sun, bursts of sweetness, they’re perfect, and a nice change from the beloved strawberry. They’re also hard to resist—chances are your little ones will employ the time honored “one for the basket, eleven for me” approach to picking.  Luckily, there are plenty of pre-picked baskets at the farm stand for purchase, so no matter how un-helpful your little helpers are, you’ll go home with a full peck or so. Just don’t forget to bring hat, sunscreen and water, as it gets quite hot out in the fields.

photo: Meghan Rose

Donkeys and Alpacas and Pygmies, Oh My!
Much as they’ll love picking, most kids favorite part of a trip to the Underwood Farms is always the farm animals, and in that respect, this location is no different than the big farm in Moorpark.  Donkeys, alpacas, rabbits, chickens and pygmy goats live on a farm surrounded by citrus trees and fresh grass.  Bring quarters to get food from the machines to feed the animals; kids are delighted by the ticklish sensation that accompanies these friendly animals licking or pecking the food right from your hand. And if the car wash ate your quarters, you can always get bags of carrot pieces at the Farm Stand to feed the bigger animals.

photo: Meghan Rose

Post Picking Play & Picnicing
They also have a sandbox and wooden fire truck for climbing and play, and picnic tables to rest and refuel. Speaking of refueling, grab some fresh fruits and veggies at the Farm Stand—and snack on some of those berries you’ve just picked.  They’re pesticide free, so you can enjoy them right away.  And weekends you can take a tractor out around the berry fields.

photo: David D. via Yelp

Berries and More Berries
Depending on when you visit, you can overlap your blueberry picking with strawberry (March-August) raspberry (May-November) or blackberry (June-December) picking, too… just be mindful of kiddos with bare legs as raspberries and blackberries have prickles.  But oh, think of the possibilities for mixed berry cooking and eating.

The fields are open for picking from End of April-June from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.  Blueberries are $3.99/pound for what you pick.  No admission fees.

Underwood Family Farms
5696 Los Angeles Ave.
Somis
805-386-4660
Online: underwoodfamilyfarms.com/pick_your_own_blueberries.html

photo: Shannon McGee via flickr

Berry Books
Get ready for your adventure by reading these favorite blueberry books.  They’re also perfect to bring along in the car to occupy kids on the drive:
Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey
Blueberry Shoe by Ann Dixon
Blueberry Girl by Neil Gaiman
Blueberry Mouse by Alice Low

photo: Sophia L. via Yelp

Berry Worth the Drive
If this whets your berry picking appetite, here’s a road trip you’ll love. Take a trip to Temecula for a berry picking adventure on this 10 acre blueberry farm. And while you’re in town, hop aboard a hot air balloon (most companies require that your young adventurer be 48” for a balloon ride)!

What’s your favorite spot to pick berries?

—Meghan Rose

 

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Fall U-Pick: Pumpkins, Peaches and Pluots, Oh My!

by rtelenawf

Kids often have to live in a “Do Not Touch!” world, whether it’s breakables at a store, paintings at LACMA, or other people’s food. Thankfully, autumn brings some awesome opportunities to let those tiny hands grab with gusto. We’re talking about picking your own produce, of course. So round up your little rascals and let them touch, pick, and taste to their heart’s content. You’ll all be thrilled with the delicious results.

photo credit: Kevin Bedell via Creative Commons

An Apple a Day
Create lasting memories with your kiddos and take them to an apple orchard, where you can indulge in some fresh outdoor fun. Your wee ones can scout for the crunchiest apples, and even sample all the varieties, from sweet to sour to spicy. A vitamin C boosting adventure, directly from leaf to lips…heeding the doctor’s orders never tasted so good. There are two superb spots to pick your own apples in So Cal:

Oak Glen 

Our favorite spot in this desert town is Riley’s Farm, which offers way more than just apples (there’s berries, u-pick flowers, tons of kid-friendly activities, the list goes on). But there are about a dozen orchards in this mile high town, so plan a day-trip (or weekend adventure) here and tucker your little ones out on crisp air and even crispier fruit.

Julian

For another great apple picking option, there are more orchards in Julian, a quaint mountain town about 60 miles northeast of San Diego. It’s worth the drive. After all, it could lead to fresh-baked apple pie!

photo credit: Tim & Selena via flickr

Fruit & Veggie-tastic
Having trouble getting the tiny tots to try the green stuff?  Take them right to the source, where they can hand-pick their own farm-fresh veggies. You may find those greens taste a lot sweeter when they’re the treasures of a hand-selected harvest. Or if you’re only feeling fruity, these places offer loads of juicy options too.

Tanaka Farms

One of the only family-run farms in Orange County, Tanaka Farms is definitely worth a visit. Your kiddos will love the tractor pulled farm tours, where they’ll get to see different fruits and vegetables and even get to sample some fresh from the field. There’s a pumpkin patch from September 27th through October 31st, so you can get your Halloween goodies and organic produce all at once. On weekends in October, your brood can take part in the Fall Harvest Festival activities while you daydream about that pumpkin bread recipe you’ve been dying to try.

photo credit: Aaron Brinker via Creative Commons

Underwood Farms

Get ready for the 17th annual Fall Harvest Festival at Underwood Farms from September 27th – October 31st, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Each weekend has something new and interesting for kids, from fire trucks and K-9 demonstrations to cowboys and a flea circus. Added bonus: anyone in a costume will receive free entry on Halloween. Beyond the festival fun, you can also pick all kinds of veggies, fruits and pumpkins. Don’t worry about bringing lunch – every festival weekend features food vendors selling tasty treats like roasted corn on the cob, fresh pie, kettle corn, hamburgers, hotdogs and Mexican food. The Festival is also a fantastic place to host a birthday party, since you can reserve your own spot in the Party Area and enjoy the surrounding activities, too. They’re also open every day of the week, so if your little one is itching to try something new before the weekend, this would be an exciting day out (and it’s far less crowded on the weekdays).

photo credit: Cathie Ericson

Brian Ranch Airport U-Pick 

Brian Ranch, by Palmdale, is the place to go if your kid is obsessed with all things aircraft. A private airport specializing in light sport aircraft, your kiddos will get to gaze at some cool looking planes before heading out to the orchard to pick delicious fruit. And if you’re feeling brave, you could even schedule a 15-minute introductory flight ($40, for adults only) while the kiddos pick. Plums are in season now, and they have a pumpkin patch in October. They have a hay wagon for tots to enjoy, and a picnic area where you can savor the fruits of your labor. Also, they sell unusual fruit butters made on site, like apricot, Asian pear, nectarine, peach and pear. (Note: the farm closes in mid-October.)

photo credit: Adam Dachis

Murray Family Farms

Located in Bakersfield, Murray Family Farms is a bit of a drive (but most of these are – that’s the downside to living in the big city!).  But it’s worth it to check out October Fest (from October 1st to October 31st), where your little ones can explore corn mazes, go on hay rides, get their faces painted, jump in bouncy houses and more. Oh, and of course you can pick your own fruits and veggies, with many varieties available most of the year. Check the calendar to see what’s in season…from pluots and corn to apples and pumpkins. With so many yummy selections, your kiddos will be happily munching in the car all the way home.

M&M Peach Ranch

Do you and your little ones have a sweet tooth? Skip the chocolate and go for nature’s candy instead. Freshly plucked peaches at M&M Peach Ranch are a super sweet treat you can all feel good about, and you don’t have to go to Georgia for these peaches, you only have to head a little farther than Valencia. You’ll enjoy a carefree afternoon wandering through the trees and filling your bucket with the best and brightest of the season. Peaches are only available through October, so make sure you don’t miss out. All fruit here is certified organic, so you can rest assured that the natural sugar your kiddos are getting is pesticide-free.

photo credit: Bruce Tuten via Creative Commons

Jack-O-Lanterns A-Plenty
It wouldn’t be October without a little pumpkin carving. There are too many to list here, so check out our comprehensive list of awesome pumpkin patches where your mini monster can hand-select the most terrifying pumpkin of all. Gather some mini pumpkins too, since they make gorgeous table decorations to complete the festive mood.

Now get picking and enjoy the yummiest harvest of the season. Let us know where you end up visiting, or if there are any great U-Pick farms we missed.

-Elena Wurlitzer

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Vine and Dandy: U-Pick Muscadine & Scuppernong Farms

by Phebe Wahl

You might have heard through the grapevine that muscadines are in season. September and October are prime months for picking this southern grape. Muscadines have an intense sweetness like a Concord grape, but yet tougher, plum-like skins and larger seeds. Scuppernongs are a greenish variety of muscadine. Combine the fun of self-serve harvesting with the sweet taste of this Georgia native fruit at these Atlanta-area farms.

Backyard Figs and Muscadines
As the name implies, Backyard Figs and Muscadines isn’t exactly a farm. It’s more of an acre yard with 3 fig trees, a muscadine vine and a few apple, pecan, and hickory trees that produce more than the family can eat. They don’t use pesticides, and they’re open every day by appointment from 8 am to dark.

455 Railroad Avenue, Flovilla, GA 30216
Cost: $5/gallon
Contact: 770-504-1729 or paulhale@mail.com

Bank’s Vineyard
Bank’s Vineyard boasts 15 acres with 20 vines of muscadines and scuppernongs. They’re open daily from 9 to 7. You don’t need an appointment, but you may want to call to make sure the fruit is ripe; they generally aren’t ready till September.

290 Banks Road, Fayetteville, GA
Cost: $1.50/pound
Contact: 770-633-9990

Brown’s Muscadine Farm
If you’re looking for a place to spend all day in the muscadine vineyard, Brown’s is the place to go. Their fields include toilets and picnic tables, so bring a lunch (or at least a sandwich or cheese and crackers to eat along with your grapes) and make a day of it. They use no pesticides, and they’re open from late August through October.

4853 Evans Drive, Union City, GA 30291
Cost: $8/gallon; $1.25/pound
Contact: 770-964-5304

Dacula Briarpatch
It’s a small homestead farm, but Dacula Briarpatch offers plenty for families, from restrooms and picnic tables to group tours. The main crops are blueberries and blackberries, but fall harvest includes apples and pears as well as muscadines. Your kids will enjoy the $5/person tour, which includes a show-and-tell of nature objects, from deer bones to birds nests.

2503 Cammie Wages Road, Dacula, GA 30019
Cost: Call for pricing
Contact: 770-962-4990

Weaver’s Berryland Farm
Weaver’s grows blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and vegetables as well as muscadines. This family farm gives a glimpse of what farming was like a generation ago, with 50 year old tractors and an historic barn. Your kids will also enjoy chickens and peacocks, as well as the 70 muscadine vines.

2252 Hiway 16 West, Jackson, GA 30233
Cost: $8/gallon
Contact: 770-595-8303

Waits Farm
The farm covers fewer than 5 acres, but Waits Farm packs a lot of grapes in a small space. The farm boasts 220 vines and 12 different kinds of muscadines and scuppernongs. They’ll be ripe from late August to mid-October.

3779 Old Braswell Road, Monroe, GA 30650
Cost: $4.50/gallon
Contact: 770-207-6910

What is your family’s favorite southern delicacy? Tell us in the comments section below!

–Lisa Baker

Photo courtesy of  Paul Hale of Backyard Figs and Muscadines, Creative Commons via Flickr and Bank’s Vineyard via Facebook

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Gone Fishin’: 9 Spots to Catch a Fish

by Katie Kavulla

GO FISH! Just because you live in the city with your kids, doesn’t mean they have to miss out on some of those fun, classic activities that are what childhood is all about. Luckily for Seattle families, there are a multitude of awesome fishing spots that are only a short drive away from the city. Many of these fishing spots cater specifically to kids, so you don’t need to worry about kids getting bored waiting for a bite. Many are open during normal daytime hours as well, because let’s face it–getting up at the crack of dawn to sit out on a freezing lake doesn’t exactly sound like an ideal way to spend a morning. So pack up your rods and reels and hit the docks for a fun day of fishing.

Belvoir Place

Find it: In the Laurelhurst neighborhood at 3659 42nd Avenue NE – this small grassy spot may be hard to spot. Keep your eye out for it squeezed between two houses.

Go fish: There is a small dock on Lake Union, perfect for little fishers. We love taking kids to fish here because the boat launch is only accessible to boats that can be hand carried, making it less chaotic. Bonus points for Belvoir Place being pesticide free!

Pine Lake

Find It: Located off SE 28th Street, take I-90 and get off at WA-900 W/17th Ave NW. Follow along Lake Sammamish State Park, make a left on E Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE and follow 212th Way SE towards the lake. 21824 Southeast 28th Street, Sammamish.

Go fish: Fishing for an Experience runs their guided program out of Pine Lake, servicing kids in the Seattle, Bellevue, Issaquah, Sammamish, and Redmond areas. They provide you with all the gear and knowledge your little fishers need to have a successful day on the water. They almost guarantee that you’ll go home with a fish–their catch rate is 99%

Elliott Bay Pier

Find it: At the bottom of the Magnolia neighborhood at Pier 86. Access it by taking the Magnolia Bridge on-ramp from 15th Avenue West. Stay left (instead of right to go up the Magnolia Bridge) and you’ll be dropped directly to the parking lot.

Go fish: One of Seattle’s best kept fishing secrets is this amazing 400 foot fishing pier that even comes equipped with covered cleaning stations and a little bait shop that serves espresso drinks! When you’re done fishing, head up into the Magnolia Village for lunch and more exploring.

Green Lake Park

Find it: There are a few spots to drop a line in the water at Green Lake – where NE 65th Street meets East Green Lake Way North, on the south side of the Bathhouse Theater and on the east side of the Green Lake Small Craft Center.

Go fish: If you’re willing to brave the crowds at Green Lake, it’s a fun spot to catch some fish! We prefer the Fishing Pier, next to the Small Craft Center. You can fish all year-round at Green Lake, although they typically fill the lake with trout in early March with the official season opening in late April. Keep an eye on the My Green Lake neighborhood blog, which generally posts details each year.

Whatcom Falls Park

Find it: Travel east on Lakeway Drive past Bayview Cemetary. Turn left into the park from the stoplight at Lakeway and Silver Beach Road. Another entrance is on Electric Avenue to access the sports fields and playground.

Go fish: Check out the dedicated fishing pond for children under 12 years of age. Parent supervision is required. Additionally, every trout season brings with it a childrens’ fishing derby, which offers a great option for getting kids into sport and leisure fishing.

Mill Pond

Find it: South of Seattle in Auburn at 600 Oravetz Road – detailed driving directions are available on the City of Auburn website, but keep an eye out for Auburn Riverside High School – it’s just across the street.

Go fish: For fishing on the south side of Seattle, check out family-friendly Mill Pond. You’ll be fishing from the edge of the pond here, rather than from a dock or pier, so be prepared to keep little ones from splashing into the water. There is also an annual youth fishing derby at Mill Pond – see below for details.

Old Fishing Hole Pond

Find it: Located in Kent, just south of Seattle. From Seattle, take I-5 southbound to exit 149 towards Kent-Des Moines. Stay left at the fork onto Highway 516 East/South. Go just over a mile and turn left on West Meeker Street where you’ll reach the pond at Frager Road.

Go fish: One of the area’s most beloved fishing holes, Old Fishing Hole Pond is family-friendly and super fun. The City of Kent has spent a lot of time making this spot nice – they stock the pond every year with 1500 trout and host a youth fishing experience every May. FYI — Old Fishing Hold Pond operates on the honor system – six fish per child.

Redondo Beach Fishing Pier

Find it: Located in Des Moines, about 30-minutes southeast of Seattle. From I-5, take exit 147 and head west on 272nd Street. Wind all the way down to the water and the fishing pier will be on your right.

Go fish: The fishing pier at Redondo Beach is a nice spot to take little ones fishing in salt water – there is a great bait shop at the top of the pier and even complimentary children’s life jackets for them to use while they fish. When you’re done fishing, do some more exploring around Redondo Beach!

Reverend Murphy Fishing Pier

Find it: Near the entrance to Seward Park at Lake Washington Boulevard South and South Juneau Street.

Go Fish: We love this fishing pier! Not only is the view of Mount Rainier fantastic, you can enjoy a picnic lunch at Seward Park next door when you’re done fishing! Don’t forget to bring an extra layer – it can be a little windy here.

Some notes about fishing in Washington State with kids – Washington State requires that kids, ages 15 and older, carry a recreational fishing permit. For fisher-kids under the age of 15, they only need a Catch and Release Card to record what they catch to the state. You can register for one online or call the Fish Program Customer Service line at 360-902-2700 for more information. Don’t forget to bring it with you when you fish! Please note that crabbing requires a special endorsement, also available online.

Don’t miss these fun youth fishing events all over the State of Washington, some of which will even loan you fishing equipment to get started!

We’d love to hear your tips and favorite spots to fish with kids in or outside of Seattle! Leave us a comment below.

— Katie Kavulla

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