DC Chefs know that the best ingredients are local ones. Their mouth-watering dishes full of seasonal ingredients are the perfect inspiration for a DIY at-home garden. We asked some of the best chefs in Washington, DC what produce stands out in their dishes. Bonus: these ingredients are easy-to-grow and will have your little foodie picking through potting soil in no time. Keep reading for five foods you can grow from seed to plate.
Executive Chef Matteo Venini of Lupo Verde uses delicious tomatoes in many of his pizzas and pasta dishes. Tomatoes are easy to grow in containers on the front porch or balcony. Slice them up for a kid-friendly margarita pie on family pizza night. Or, make a mess in the kitchen with your favorite homemade marinara sauce.
Where to Buy: This veteran-owned garden shop serves all of DC as well as Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church and McLean in VA and Bethesda, Chevy Chase, College Park, Silver Spring and Takoma Park in MD. Due to Covid-19, Old City Garden is only accepting delivery orders (minimum order, $50).
Uprising Muffin Company offers pastries with delicious and nutritious ingredients. Spinach is a great hidden veggie in mini muffins for your kiddos, and it is easy to grow at home. Grow the leafy greens in a container, snip off some leaves one week and snip a few more the next. It is a healthy veggie that keeps on giving.
Where to Buy: Home Depot carries a number of spinach seed packs as well as starter vegetable plants. Going to a hardware store to source seeds means it just takes one-stop to gather all you need for raised garden beds.
901 Rhode Island Ave NE Brentwood 202-526-8760 Online: homedepot.com
Herbs are the perfect and easy at-home garden choice. Last season, Executive Chef Adam Howard of Blue Duck Tavern shared recipes with his weekly community supported agriculture (CSA) pickup. He wanted locals to easily be able to turn their dill or dandelion greens into something yummy. Mason jars are a space-saving way to plant herbs, and your little ones can help take care of the plants as they grow.
Where to Buy: Foliage by Frager's is a boutique garden store with a wide variety of indoor plants. But they also carry seeds perfect for a windowsill garden. You'll find soil, fertilizer and more. Too much to carry? Borrow one of their carts to tote your greens home.
Ocean Prime's Executive Chef Leo Harvey is known for epic side dishes featuring the usually dull potato. Find a variety that matures quickly when you plant your spuds at home. Who likes to wait? The kid-friendly options with potatoes are endless. Fry them, mash them, roast them, and your whole crew will eat them up.
Where to Buy: A DC institution since 1933, Johnson's Florist & Garden Centers is a one-stop shop for everything from lawn care to indoor plants. They even offer fresh floral arrangements. Don't forget to pick up potatoes: you'll find a variety of ready-to-grow options here, along with other herbs and vegetable plants.
Chef Amy Brandwein of Centrolina's restaurant-market hybrid uses seasonally-available ingredients in her creations. She's all about the peas when it comes to yummy side dishes. Littles love those tiny veggies, and they are fun to grow in your backyard. Don't forget to add tall supports to give the little pods room to grow.
Where to Buy: Ginkgo Gardens is a full-service garden center in the heart of DC. You'll find veggie starter kits along with the know-how staffers that can help walk novice gardeners through their first plantings. They can answer questions like which way should your container face for adequate sunlight and how much should you water a starter-plant.
911 11th St SE Captitol Hill 202-543-5172 Online: ginkogardens.com
Some of our favorite restaurants have put together take and make family meal kits that you can whip into a meal in your own kitchen. They include all the ingredients you’ll need to create your favorite restaurant dishes at home––and you’ll be supporting local restaurants at the same time. Whether you get a brunch, dinner or dessert kit, you’ll be guaranteed a restaurant quality meal that will make you feel like a superhero in the kitchen.
Burger Lounge has elevated the basic burger to something extra special. This is one of our favorite go-to spots for take out, and now to make at home. Burger Lounge Box Kit includes: 4 grass-fed burger patties with buns, tomato, onion, pickles, lettuce, organic cheese and their proprietary lounge sauce. They’ll have an optional quinoa burger soon. For the price this is one the best take home meal kits offered at $6 a person!
What: Burger Lounge Box Kit
Serves: 4
Cost: $25.95
Order: online, call in
How to get it: pick up curbside, delivery
Locations: Kensington, Hillcrest, Little Italy, Gaslamp, Coronado, La Jolla, Del Mar, Carlsbad, Del Sur/4S Ranch, Temecula
If you’re missing out on some cultured travel to far off places, pick up a Ramen Family Meal Kit to bring the flavors home. Includes: noodles, tonkotsu broth, pork chashu, ramen egg, bok choy, bean sprouts, green onions, fried garlic, sesame seeds, spices and a side of edamame.
What: Ramen Family Meal Kit
Serves: 4 people
Cost: $43
Order: online, call in
How to get it: walk in, delivery
Locations: Convoy St., Mercury St., Hillcrest, East Village, North Park, College Heights, Tijuana
Bring Taco Tuesdays home with a DIY Taco or Quesadilla Kit! Includes: choice of barbacoa, chicken tinga or sautéed mushrooms; plus tortillas, black beans, barley, chips, guacamole and flan de la casa!
Go ahead, take the family to Italy…from your kitchen! Pick up one of these fresh pasta meal kits from favorite restaurant North Italia and you’ll be transported to another place. The Family Kit includes: choice of fresh pasta (tagliatelle, bucatini, rigatoni or strozzapreti), choice of pasta sauce (bolognese, marinara, garlic parmesan cream or basil pesto), large caesar salad and parmesan garlic bread. Add on a sweet treat with their salted caramel budino, lemon curd bambolini or my favorite dessert of all time their hazelnut torta!
What: Fresh Pasta Meal Kit
Serves: 4-5
Cost: $65
Deal: take $10 off of $40 orders when you order via DoorDash, use code “NORTH10”
Deal: get a free $10 gift card when you buy one online for $50
Order: online, call in
How to get it: pick up curbside, delivery
7055 Friars Rd. Fashion Valley Mall 619-343-2301
3715 Caminito Ct. One Paseo in Del Mar 858-252-7720
This is personally one of my family’s favorite pizza spots and we get cravings for their polpetta meatball pizza all the time. Looks like we’ll be making a stop here for one of their DIY Pizza Packs! Includes: small dough ball, sauce, cheese, pepperoni.
What: Pizza Kit
Serves: 3-6
Cost: $11 for cheese, $13 for pepperoni, $3 extra for gluten free crust
Order: call in
How to get it: pick up, delivery
3085 University Ave. North Park 619-255-7300 Online: urbnnorthpark.com
Treat your family to brunch in your kitchen! Get the Brunch Kit from the Lazy Dog Restaurant and you’ll have everything you need to start your day off right. Includes: 1 lb. bacon, 15 eggs, breakfast potatoes, pancake mix, fresh bananas, Nutella, whipped cream, syrup, coffee and fresh OJ. Don’t forget to add on some DIY Bellinis or Mimosas!
If you prefer something for lunch or dinner, they've got you covered there too with a pizza kit or a backyard bbq kit. The Pizza Kit includes: 2 balls of pizza dough, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, DIY Caesar salad kit, and fresh baked white chocolate chip brownies. The Backyard BBQ Kit includes: 2 flat iron steaks, 8 hot dogs + buns, DIY coleslaw and potatoes, plus all of the fixins to put on top like shredded cheese, relish, onions, tomatoes, jalepenos, even ketchup and housemade mustard
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at home with these Family Fiesta Packs! Includes: choice of tacos, fajitas or enchiladas with either vegan, chicken, carnitas, short rib, shrimp or salmon. Side dishes are included, as well as dessert and even a roll of toilet paper. Quench your thirst with their Bloody Mary kit or the Michelada kit that you can take and make at home.
What: Tacos, Fajitas or Enchiladas Kits
Serves: 4
Cost: $55
Order: call in
How to get it: pick up curbside
4340 La Jolla Village Dr. La Jolla 858-291-8360 Online: redorestaurant.com
Get outside and grill up some burgers in the backyard with the Family Burger Box Kit. Includes: choice of burgers made from either brisket, chuck or short rib patties; Ciabatta buns, organic onions, lettuce, Heirloom tomatoes, thick cut bacon, smoked gouda cheese, chipotle aioli ingredients, Brussels sprouts and glaze. They also have a Family Brunch Box if you want to feast in the morning with gluten free options and an add-on DIY mimosa kit.
What: Family Burger Box, Family Brunch Box
Serves: 4, 6 or 8
Cost: Burger Boxes: $54 for 4, $78 for 6, $90 for 8; Brunch Box $45
Bring the family in the kitchen to help make these easy Spring Meal Kits for dinner. Includes: choice of pan-roasted chicken, salmon or ribeye with artichoke dip, sourdough bread, Caesar salad kit and roasted fingerling potatoes. Included dessert tops off these Spring Meal kits with a Butter Cake and vanilla Haagen-Dazs ice cream. They also have Taco Meal Kits, Lettuce Wrap Kits and of course a Kids Build Your Own Pizza Kit. You can add-on the butter cake separately to these if you’d like.
Cost: Spring Meals: chicken meal $40 for 2 or $70 for 4, salmon meal $45 for 2 or $80 for 4, ribeye meal $65 for 2 or $120 for 4. Taco Kit $15, Lettuce Wrap Kit $12, Kids Pizza Kit $5
Order: online, call in
How to get it: pick up, delivery
Locations: Fashion Valley Mall, Otay Ranch, La Jolla, Solana Beach, Carmel Mountain, Temecula (Escondido location is temporarily closed)
“Eat Better” at home with natural ingredients, fresh fish and clean meats with lots of vegan options for everyone alike! Choose one of their Meal Prep Kits like Fajitas, Taco Bar, Street Corn en Fuego, or the Keto Bowl packs. They include a variety of protein options (achiote chicken, chicken tinga, beef chorizo, chicken d’arbol, carne aside, vegan chick’n, arbol tofu), cauliflower rice or cilantro lime rice, sautéed peppers, cabage, olives, sliced avocados, cheese, black beans, cilantro lime rice, chips & salsa
What: Tacos, Fajitas or Street Corn Kits, Keto Bowl Pack
Serves: 4-6
Cost: $40 for Fajita or Street Corn pack, $50 for Keto Bowl pack or $65 for Taco Bar Meal Kit
Deal: get $5 off if you order from their app
Deal: order with Postmates for a free side of guacamole with order of $20, use code “GUACISGREAT"
Order: online, call in, app
How to get it: pick up, delivery
4301 La Jolla Village Dr. La Jolla 858-333-7920 Online: tocayaorganica.com
Let the kids try their skill at tossing some dough the next time you have pizza night! Grab a Pizza Party Box Kit that includes fresh pizza dough, house marinara, mozzarella & parmesan cheeses, pepperoni, 3 mini cannolis and a bottle of house wine.
What: Pizza Party Box
Serves: 4-6
Cost: $30 for pick up, $35 for delivery, add an extra pizza kit for $10
Order: online, call in
How to get it: pick up, delivery
8131 Broadway Lemon Grove 619-825-7112 Online: giardinosd.com
For those who savor a good piece of filet mignon, here are some Family Meal Packs from internationally acclaimed Morton’s Steakhouse. The Home Cooking Burger Pack includes: 4, 10oz prime beef patties, brioche buns, lettuce, onion, pickles, tomato, potato chips. The other Family Meal Packs include choice of meat (filet mignon, New York strip, double cut pork chops, prime ribeye) with all of these sides included: grilled asparagus, smoked gouda and bacon au gratin potatoes and creamed spinach. You can also choose from seafood options (lobster tails, shrimp boil or crab cakes) and prepared sauces, butters and pasta.
What: Burger Pack, Family Meal Packs
Serves: 4-6
Cost: $40, $60, $100 & $130 price points
Order: online, call in
How to get it: pick up, delivery
285 J St. Downtown Gaslamp 619-696-3369 Online: mortons.com
Upgrade your Taco Tuesday with these Fish Taco Boxes! Includes: frozen mahi mahi, frozen sword fish cubes, frozen salmon, gluten free tortillas and their anti-inflammatory Healthy hot sauce. It’s a little pricey but keep in mind that this box makes 3 meals and each meal serves 4-6 people. You could go in on this one with your neighbors and drop off their portion on their door step or save the rest for later in the week.
What: Upgraded Fish Taco Boxes
Serves: makes 3 meals, each meal serves 4-6 people
Cost: $125
Order: online, call in
How to get it: pick up curbside, delivery
512 Via De La Valle Solana Beach 858-461-0092 Online: ranch45.com
Top off your dinner with an elegant at home treat! Yes you can make Tiramisu at home just like Chef Filippo, he’ll even show you how to make it step by step (see Instagram stories or YouTube for his demonstration from last week). This Tiramisu Kit has everything you need to feel like you belong on the cooking channel. This would be a super fun activity to get the kids involved in the kitchen to help create a family masterpiece you all won't soon forget!
What: Tiramisu Dessert Kit
Serves: 8
Cost: $28
Order: call in
How to get it: pick up
2820 Roosevelt Rd. Liberty Station in Pt. Loma 619-270-9670 Online: solarelounge.com
Note: Every effort was made for the information in this story to be current, however restaurants and businesses may change their offerings based on availability.
If you want to avoid going inside the grocery stores right now, or you can’t get a scheduled grocery delivery date until next week, there are plenty of other ways to fill up your fridge, faster. Local restaurants, chocolate shops and even flower stands will stock you up with fresh produce, bread, butter, eggs, milk and more. Most of these locations even have your groceries available the same day when you place your order for either curbside pick-up or local delivery. Bonus: many of these locales are still operating restaurants, so treat your fam to lunch or dinner from their takeout menu to support small businesses while gathering your kitchen essentials. Read on for where to stock up!
Known for their cozy rustic vibe and dog-friendly patio, you can now pick up essentials from the Lazy Dog Pantry. They started out with their Home Essentials box for $40; which includes 3 lbs raw chicken, 15 eggs, 1 gal milk, 1 loaf bread, butter, rice, vegetables and even toilet paper. Now they offer Meal Kit Boxes too like a Pizza Night Kit for $35 with 2 balls of homemade pizza dough, marinara sauce, all the pizza toppings, caesar salad mix and brownies. There’s a Backyard BBQ Kit for $60; which includes 2 flat iron steaks, 8 hot dogs, coleslaw mix, and all the fixings. And a Brunch Kit for $45 with pancake mix, whipped cream, Nutella, fresh bananas, syrup, 15 eggs, 1 lb bacon, breakfast potatoes, coffee and fresh OJ. Their food menu is available as well as a bowl of chicken or beef dog food for your pooch. They have a large selection of beer and wine available.
How to order & pay: online How to get it: scheduled pick up only *delivery is only available from their menu, not their market When: same day available
This craft-beer restaurant in Pacific Beach is the newest business to turn into a neighborhood grocer. They have the essentials like bacon, eggs, produce, grains, toilet paper and more.
How to order & pay: call or use delivery apps How to get it: pick up or use any of the delivery apps When: same day available
Yes pizza is in their name and it’s their specialty, but to help you enjoy their delicious food in your own kitchen you can shop from their new Pop-Up CPK Market. In addition to their regular pizza or take and bake pizzas, you can order meal kits to cook at home or essential pantry items. Their meal kits are a choice of pan roasted chicken, salmon or grilled ribeye for either 2 or 4 servings that come with salad, sides and dessert. Other options include a charcuterie board, fruit & veggie boxes, pizza kit, lettuce wrap kit, taco kit or individual staples like 1 gallon of milk, 1/2 galling of apple juice, a dozen eggs, sugar, flour, bread, pasta, sauce, and even a selection of thawed meats and frozen seafood. They have a large selection of beer and wine available.
How to order & pay: online or app How to get it: scheduled pick up or curbside *delivery is only available from their menu, not their market When: same day available
Known for their original grass-fed burgers and organic ingredients, Burger Lounge has started selling individual grocery items from their Essentials Corner Store that you can add on to your take out order. Items are sold individually a la carte and include essentials such as milk & almond milk, whole & liquid eggs, bread, buns, cheese blocks, yellowfin tuna steak, butter, tortillas, vegetables from their menu items, the only fruit options are oranges and apples. You can also buy bottles of their sauces and condiments as well as their delicious lavender mint lemonade or their hibiscus lemonade and even beer or wine.
How to order & pay: online or app How to get it: scheduled curbside *delivery is only available from their menu, not their grocery goods When: same day available
Various locations: Kensington, Hillcrest, Little Italy, Gaslamp Downtown, Coronado, Ja Jolla, Del Mar, Del Sur, Carlsbad
This hip coffee & home goods shop in Liberty Station has switched gears to provide grocery goods from their general store. Order online and pick them up the next day at the curb. Call when you arrive and they’ll bring it all out to your car. They have fresh fruits and vegetables, breads (gluten free options), milk and non-dairy milks, dry goods, beer, wine, personal care needs, home goods and that does include toilet paper. They have beer, wine and an Irish mule kit available.
How to order & pay: online How to get it: scheduled curbside When: next day available, call to see if same day is available
2860 Sims Rd. Liberty Station in Pt. Loma 619-255-8772
Pick up some decadent chocolate while you do some grocery shopping at this Chocolate Bar & Bistro in South Park turned makeshift grocer. They sell the essential fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, bread/bagels, dry goods, sugar, pasta, garlic, cheese and toilet paper. Some items they sell that most other pop-up grocers don’t is yeast (active dry and fresh), yogurt, raw meats like bacon, ground beef and steak, exotic cooking oils and even fresh made bloody Mary mix, lemonade mix and a concentrated vanilla bean cold brew. They have a large selection of bottled wines available.
How to order & pay: online or walk in How to get it: scheduled pick up When: usually same or next day available
This artisan scratch bakery & cafe features sustainable, organic foods and treats. Now they're featuring essential grocery and pantry items too. You can order fruits, vegetables, eggs, butter, coffee, milk/non-dairy, cheese, flour, sugars and pasta. They have few other items that are hard to find elsewhere like yeast and a good selection of meats like nitrate free ham, roasted turkey, bacon and salami. Limited beer and wine are available.
How to order & pay: online or call in How to get it: scheduled curbside pick up or delivery When: same day available
This sweet owner recently bought this flower stand a couple months ago after leaving her banking job. She quickly changed gears to keep her business running and offer what people need access to right now: fresh food. She offers a good variety of fruits and vegetables and even sells eggs. There are a few parking spots you can park in and walk over to choose your items or you can drive-thru and roll your window down where she’ll take your order. She’ll go collect your items and put them in the back of your car for you. Your grocery shopping experience doesn’t get much easier or nicer than her. Oh, and pick up a beautiful bouquet of flowers to brighten up your home while you’re there.
How to order & pay: in person walk-up or drive-up How to get it: in person When: same day available
2555 Morena Blvd. (at Ingulf St.) Bay Park 619-277-2940
An Irish family pub atmosphere in Bay Park is offering large family meals to go as well as essential grocery items like bread, milk, eggs, produce and meats. Grocery items are only available Thursday - Monday.
How to order & pay: online or call in How to get it: in person When: Thursday - Monday
This downtown Russian restaurant is now offering through ASAP Produce same day grocery delivery to San Diego County and surrounding counties. You can order meats, seafood, milk/nondairy, eggs, bread, fruit, vegetables, grains, pasta, pickled items, drinks and even desserts.
How to order & pay: online How to get it: scheduled pick up or delivery When: same day if ordered before 6:30 p.m.
This downtown French inspired restaurant is offering large family meals like lasagna and quiche Lorraine, but you can also buy essential groceries too. These are limited to eggs, blueberries, apples, lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, salami, pasta, prosciutto, pate and gourmet cheese.
How to order & pay: online How to get it: scheduled pick up When: same day available
2101 Kettner Blvd. Downtown Little Italy 619-915-6172
You can order a preset gourmet Market Box from Kettner Exchange once a week if your order by Wednesday. The full box price is $225 or half a box is $115. Here are some of the items it comes with: 4 Scottish salmon filets, 4 Hanger steaks, 4 chicken breast, eggs, almond milk, butter, vegetables, lemon butter sauce, chipotle aioli, french bread, apples, bananas and creme fraiche panna cotta. This is the only food box that also comes with our local 4 assorted Devil’s Dozen Donuts!
How to order & pay: online How to get it: scheduled pick up or delivery When: if you order by 8 p.m. on Wednesday, it will be ready for pick up or delivery on Thursday
2001 Kettner Blvd. Downtown Little Italy 619-255-2001
This is a Mexican/Asian restaurant in Pacific Beach and they’re offering limited essential items on Thursdays only if you order by Sunday afternoon. They’re offering a $30 pantry box that you can pick up for a contactless curbside pickup. In the box you’ll find 1 gallon milk, 15 eggs, cheese, choice of meat (chicken, soy chorizo or bacon), 2 lbs rice, black beans, potatoes, broccoli, carrots, onions and garlic.
How to order & pay: online or call in How to get it: scheduled pick up or delivery *deliveries only to Pacific Beach, Mission Beach or La Jolla When: order by 2 p.m. Sunday ready for Thursday pick up or delivery
El Pescador has been serving high quality locally sourced fish for over 40 years and is a San Diego landmark loved by many locals. Check out their fun Instagram to get a dose of their contagious happy go lucky spirit. You’d be delighted to get a delivery from their team if you order from their seafood counter or their new grocery market. They are getting daily deliveries of fresh fish and fresh vegetables, local breads, eggs and of course toilet paper. One thing they have that others don’t: Bobboi Gelato in many flavors. Beer and wine are available as well.
How to order & pay: phone in orders How to get it: scheduled curbside pick up or delivery within 2.5 miles When: same day available
Classically elevated Mexican dishes are made using sustainable ingredients at this UTC restaurant. Order a family fiesta pack of tacos, enchiladas, or fajitas that feeds a family of 4 and add on some essential grocery items if you need them. You can purchase these essentials as a grocery pack (fruit, vegetable or dairy packs are $25; butcher pack is $250 for 13 portions of meats like flat iron steak, ribeye, salmon and others); or you can buy these essentials individually.
How to order & pay: phone in orders How to get it: scheduled curbside pick up When: same day available
Known for their hearty weekend breakfasts and lunches they also have an onsite butcher shop where you can buy meats raised humanely without hormones or antibiotics. Purchase meats separately or as part of their big game party pack and you can also order from their new essential grocery provisions market. You can find frozen seafood, vegetables, fruits, eggs, milk, butter, sugar and flour.
How to order & pay: online or call in How to get it: scheduled pick up or delivery When: same day available
Working as a pop-up restaurant inside Red House Kitchen, they’re offering essentials as an add-on only to orders placed from their food menu. Order some Jambalaya or baked ziti and add on a bag of fresh fruit or vegetables for $20 each, some bread, milk or even a charcuterie board. Check their social media for updates.
How to order & pay: call in How to get it: scheduled pick up or delivery *please reserve deliveries for seniors or those at risk When: they’re only open Thursday - Sunday with deliveries between 4:30-5:30 p.m. and curbside pick up between 5:30-8:30 p.m.
A Coronado French neighborhood cafe serving Provencal classics is now offering grocery essentials like eggs, milk, flour, steaks and charcuterie boards.
How to order & pay: call in How to get it: scheduled pick up or delivery When: same or next day
Subway Grocery is a beta program for 100 Southern California Subway restaurants that are trying out selling their individual deli items. It has started in Orange County recently and it may expand further into other franchises, so be on the lookout at your nearest Subway or ask them if they’re going to participate.
Fresh made homestyle comfort foods are what they do best, so it’s no surprise their new food box offerings comfort you with all the essentials you need right now. Choose from one of 7 large produce or home essentials boxes like a fruit box for $30, a veggie box for $25, a lettuce box for $20, a fruit/veggie box for $30, a pantry box for $40 (bread, pasta, onion, garlic, cheese, tomato sauce, salami and a bottle of wine), an indoor picnic box for $65 (includes 3 bottles of wine, grapes, crackers, salami, cheese, baguette, preserves), and even a morning box for $40 (eggs, milk, flour, sugars, butter, chocolate chips, baking soda and coffee). Or you can choose some of these items a la carte like eggs, milk, butter, flour, raw or pre-grilled chicken, bread, soups or mashed potatoes.
How to order & pay: online or app
How to get it: scheduled pick up or delivery within 6 miles *delivery is available for all of their grocery goods *free delivery for orders over $70 and reduced delivery fees at $30 & $50 when you order online
When: same day available
1640 Camino del Rio N Mission Valley Mall 619-894-8916
2400 Historic Decatur Rd. Liberty Station Pt. Loma 619-226-6254
You don’t have to lace up the hiking boots to enjoy the fall colors. Climb aboard a 100-year-old steam engine for an adventure the whole family can enjoy. Sit back, relax and enjoy the rollicking of the railroad as it steams up a mountain or chugs across a bridge. Fans of Thomas the Train and The Little Engine That Could will love peeping the fall colors as they shout “choo choo” to the clickety clack of the track. Read on for the best scenic train rides near the DMV.
You can choose your family adventure on these turn-of-the-century locomotives. Plan a mid-day, 2.5-hour ride or an all-day excursion. Chug up to West Virginia’s third highest point for an epic view. Some trains offer lunch, dinner or concessions, and all the routes have gorgeous trees rolling by your Littles’ window seat. The trains stop at scenic sites where your little passengers can stretch their legs and enjoy the foliage up close.
America’s oldest operating railroad is a “must ride” this fall season. Your kiddos won’t find a replica or reenactor in sight. This is the real deal. Take a 45-minute, round trip ride through the changing leaves of the beautiful Amish countryside. The best part? Your ticket purchase keeps the trains running year-after-year. Splurge on a First-Class ticket to ride in style in the Premium Car.
Hop in the 1920s passenger car or an open flatcar for a picturesque ride through Maryland farm country. The 70-minute ride is filled with beautiful fall colors and a ton of history. Your future conductor will love passing over the Monocacy River and peeping the leaves on the Catoctin Mountains. The station – where you buy your tickets – was built in the late 1800s. The train whistle blows rain or shine.
Insider tip: Be sure to stop by the Port-a-potty across the street before you board. There aren’t any bathrooms on the train.
34 West Pennsylvania Ave. Walkersville, MD 301-898-0899 Online: wsrr.org/ws/
Who wants stunning views of the leaves, a cozy train experience and family pizza night? Yes, please! The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad has all of this and more. Share a large pizza on the way, hop off at MountainView for a campfire and family games and be back at the station by 9 p.m. (just in time for bedtime). Don’t forget to snap that perfect fall photo as the train glides across the iron truss bridge.
13 Canal St. Cumberland, MD 301-759-4400 Online: wmsr.com/
Board for the leaves and ride along for the bald eagles. Your kiddo will love it as the train enters a beautiful gorge known as the Trough. This stop is home to the American bald eagle and all the gorgeous fall foliage. The eagles are known to be more active in rainy and overcast weather. Get a reservation for this perfect rainy-day activity.
Celebrate the 150th anniversary season in The Secret Valley of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Grab a ticket for the Pumpkin Patch excursion and your little pumpkin can experience all the fall fun. Soak up the autumn beauty and take home a sunny gourd for the front porch. The train cars are heated, but it can still get chilly. Throw on your favorite cozy sweater before you head out for all the family fun.
Aeronautically inspired projects are the ticket to entertaining your aspiring aviator. We’ve got the schematics for everything from toilet paper roll airplanes to private runways, so gear up and get ready for high altitude fun. These 11 first class (air)crafts are ready for take off.
Toilet Paper Roll Airplanes Pink Stripey Socks came up with this easy upcycle craft for her transportation-loving tyke using empty toilet paper rolls. You’ll need an adult to help with assembly, but crafters of all ages will enjoy decorating the aircrafts. Find a list of materials and the free template here.
Clothespin Planes Don’t be so quick to toss broken toy cars into the recycling bin. Trisha, the resourceful mom behind MomDot, repurposed the wheels and axels into the landing gear for these colorful clothespin airplanes. Find out how here.
Make a Runway You won’t find long lines for takeoff on this private runway, created for the petite pilot over at Dirt & Boogers. Made using blue painters tape, this creative project can be easily peeled away and recreated anywhere in the house; or, make a reusable version like the one here and store after landing.
Giant Paper Airplane We love this jumbo-sized paper airplane the crafty mom behind Fireflies & Mudpies made for only $1! Have the kids decorate the wings before heading outside for an afternoon of flight lessons. See these fierce flyers in action, and learn to make your own here.
Straw and Paper Airplanes
Don’t let the unusual design of these airplanes deceive you…they can really soar! Kim at The TomKat Studio suggests building your fleet in an assortment of vibrant hues and hosting a flying competition. DIY Network has the blueprints.
Wearable Plane Put your aspiring pilot behind the wheel of her very own aircraft. A project for the seasoned DIYer, this wearable plane was made by Wills Casa as part of a Halloween costume, but would be perfect for pretend play year round. Estimated cost of this adorable prop…only $20. And the photos are priceless! Find the materials and how-to here.
Construction Paper 3D Plane An architect with a love of crafting, the mom behind La Maison de Loulou gave the traditional paper airplane a serious upgrade. Choose your favorite colors of construction paper and fly over to Hello Wonderful to find the free template and assembly instructions.
DIY Bubble Wand 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.
Candy Airplanes The hardest part of making this sweet aircraft is resisting eating the supplies. Sewing Mama RaeAnna put together these delicious takeaways for her son’s birthday, but this easy-to-make craft would be a great afternoon project…and snack. Learn how to make your own here.
Popcorn Cup Airplanes The mom over at Sunny with a Chance of Sprinkles knows how to make movie night extra special. Adding a propeller and wings to classic red solo cups created special themed popcorn holders for an evening showing of Planes. Find the how-to and other movie-themed crafts here.
Pizza Box Airport If you weren’t planning a pizza night, you will after seeing this awesome idea from Mommo Design. Instead of discarding the box, this crafty mom designed an airport for her little pilot’s assorted aircrafts. Complete with lit runway and control tower, find out how to make this recycled craft here.
Which airplane craft are you planning to make with your little pilot? Share with us in the comments.
Supermarket dread no more! The New Year’s resolution to eat healthier has become a cliché, but this year we’ve got a solution that will make it easier: convenient, affordable to-your-door grocery delivery. Instead of schlepping to the store with restless kids and a disorganized list, how about you resolve to spend your precious time planning healthy meals for the family and grocery shopping with a click of the mouse? Here’s a roundup of some of the most convenient options.
These eggheads do it all, from fully-prepared meals to meal-prep bundles (pizza night? roast chicken?) to individual grocery items (gotta re-up on oatmeal, milk, or coffee?) and organic, local produce from trusted farmers. Subscription orders are great for items you want to buy regularly, and then you can add on when you need extras, like dinner. And if you order by 1 pm you will be enjoying your dinner delivery by that night, with faves like Roli Roti rotisserie chicken, pizza night bundles, and emapanadas from El Sur. Minimum order of $30, free delivery on orders over $60. Entrees start at around $10.
But seriously: if Netflix and Chill is not gonna’ cut it book yourself a sitter and get out of the house tonight. Before you do, print out this checklist.
With Baby on the way, you’re well versed in baby registries and baby showers, but you may still need to rack up a few diaper blowouts and sleepless nights before you’ll speak fluent “parent talk” at the playground. No idea what a helicopter parent or tiger mom is yet? This is your chance to get in the know before you enter parenthood, and you may even get a better understanding of what type of parent you’ll be. Remember, these categories are the extremes and no matter what styles you follow – you’re going to be a great parent.
You may have heard about the free range parents who get in trouble with the law for letting their kids walk to the park alone, but free range parenting is about more than that. If you value independence in your child and want to nurture that spirit by letting them have experiences outside of the home – and without you – free range parenting might be the ticket for you. In a lighter sense, you might just let your kid play a little farther away from you at the playground, or take a few more chances on the jungle gym.
Almost the exact opposite of the free range parent, the helicopter parent is never too far away from the child. These hovering moms and dads are often the ones who stay for group children-only birthday parties, well past preschool and elementary school. Helicopter parents keep their child anxiety-free because the child knows the parent will be around for every need and safety concern.
Known after a tell-all book published a few years ago got everyone at the playground talking, being a tiger mom is serious business. Tiger moms often are the strict ones, forbidding not just screen time but sleepovers and playdates. If you want your child to get straight A’s as well as excel in the creative arts, and don’t mind being very no-nonsense around your home and kids, you may be a tiger parent. Beware of televisions and other non-academic distractions!
Known for their love of all-natural, organic and farm-to-table food that they pull out of their diaper bags at playdates, crunchy parents work hard to keep the amount of sugar and GMOs low in their child’s environment and body. If you want your own chicken coop in the backyard, are serious about banning superhero fruit snacks in all preschools, and could honestly convince your child to eat a vegan diet, crunchy may be your style. Keep your eyes peeled for gluten, doctors who are not chiropractors, and red dye #5.
Not one to go to extremes? Try the “We’re Doing the Best for Our Kiddos” style. These parents take things one step at a time. They are focused and in the moment during most interactions with their child, but know that it is okay to have Daniel Tiger babysit for 30 minutes so that they can take a quick call for work or make dinner. These parents cook at home most of the time, but know that pizza night can sometimes turn the entire day around for everyone in the family. Bath times are full of bubbles and singing, and bedtimes sometimes come early when the day has lasted for what feels like forever. Hugs are given freely, and kisses hit fluttering eyelashes and noses and cheeks and lips. Bouncing on the bed is a regular occurrence, but parents step in when child decisions could have unsafe consequences. Books happen before bed and during the day, and walks outside are full of picking up rocks from the neighbor’s driveway and treasures from the park. Hand sanitizer is almost always nearby, but if it’s not, it’s okay. If you love your child, have no idea about this whole parenting thing is all yet, but see it as the adventure of a lifetime and are ready to take it on as a family, We’re Doing the Best We Can for Our Kiddo is a natural fit. You won’t always know the answers, but you will understand that other parents don’t either – and give each other some grace and high fives for making it this far. Welcome to the club, parents.
How would you label your parenting style? Get creative and share it below?
Quick service. Delicious eats. No need for indoor voices. Food trucks might as well have been invented for kids. With new ones popping up all the time, there’s no better way for foodies young and old to expand and enlighten their palates. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites. From over-the-top waffles to funky ice cream flavors to a life-changing burger, flip ahead for some of the best meals on wheels in NYC.
Best for Pizza Night: Eddie’s Pizza Truck
Tempted to order a pizza off Seamless tonight? We recommend tracking down Eddie’s Pizza Truck and devouring their signature 10-inch Bar Pie instead. This New Hyde Park pizzeria opened its doors in 1941. After receiving requests to open up a shop in Manhattan, they designed a food truck, and it’s been drawing loyal crowds ever since. Many loyal fans go just for the toppings. Chicken cutlet, meatball and sausage are popular meat options, while artichoke, tomato and mushrooms are great for veggie lovers. Midtown and Fi-Di dwellers, you’re in luck: You can usually find it parked in mid- or Lower Manhattan.
You hear all of these outlandish resolutions from people that you know are going to be hard to keep. Setting practical family resolutions for the New Year is essential because you are making them as a family so you can keep each other accountable. You are also setting goals that are attainable. Which means you will all feel good when you are able to keep those resolutions. These 5 Practical Family Resolutions for the New Year will make you wonder why you didn’t think of them sooner.
photo cred – depositphotos
Put the Phone Down
Think about the last time you went somewhere as a family. Picture everything around you; the place, the sounds, the smells. Now think about the people around you. How many of them had a phone in their hands? We have become dependent on our phones, so much so, that we pay more attention to them than the ones around us. A great resolution is spending less time on your phone, and more time really paying attention to those you love. Live in the moment and make memories with your family. Trust me, this is a resolution you definitely won’t regret!
photo cred: depositphotos
More Family Activities
When you think about your family years from now, you aren’t going to remember how much time you spent at work, or at soccer practice. You are going to remember that time you all stayed up late laughing and finishing an epic game of Monopoly. Have more family activities planned and unplanned. They don’t have to be expensive or fancy but start creating traditions with your family. You can start with something easy like a Friday night movie and pizza night! My favorite is taking one night a week and shutting off the TV and the phones and just having a family game night.
photo cred: depositphotos
Learn how to say “No”
“No” is one of the first words we learn to say. It is funny how we stop saying it as we get older. The next time you are asked to take on extra hours at work, or volunteer to make dozens of cupcakes last minute for a PTA meeting, remember you are allowed to say “no.” Stop taking time away from your family, and adding stress to your life because you are scared to say “no.”
One more time you shouldn’t be afraid to use “no” is with your kids. Seriously, you can tell them “no,” and they won’t melt. I see so many parents scared to tell their kids “no.” Telling your kids “no” in certain situations will make them better people. It will build character, and it will teach them that they always don’t get their own way.
For example, my son wanted to go out with his friends last weekend, but he hadn’t completed his school project that was due on Monday. I told him no, he couldn’t go out. He had to stay home and finish his project first. While he was upset, it was only temporary. I hope this instills responsibility and helps him better manage his priorities in the future.
Skip Impulsive Purchases
How many times are you out and about and someone gets hungry, so you swing into a drive-through or convenience store? Those impulsive purchases really add up, and they aren’t generally the best healthy options. Next time you are at the grocery store stock up on some great grab and go snacks like Jif® Power Ups™ granola bars or yummy Jif® Power Ups™ creamy clusters. They are so easy to grab on the way out the door or to pack in a bag for a quick snack while you are out and about.
Now you can save that money from those impulse buys and put it toward a fun family activity that will make memories for a lifetime.
photo cred: depositphotos
Work Smarter, Not Harder
There aren’t enough hours in a day, so don’t spend yours stressing out. Work smarter, not harder by taking a few simple steps to organize your life and make it less stressful. Here are a few of my favorites.
Assign household chores to everyone in your house. When everyone takes on a small portion of the load, it is not as overwhelming.
Plan your meals for the week. This makes dinner and grocery shopping much more manageable.
Order your groceries. So many grocery stores allow you to order your groceries online for in-store pickup now. Not only does this save you time in the store, but it prevents you from making those impulse buys.
Set hours for yourself. If you work from 9 – 5, don’t bring work home to do in the evenings. Keep your work hours and your family time separate.
These practical family resolutions for the New Year aren’t hard to implement. Hopefully, by incorporating them, you eliminate some stress, make some memories, and live your best life. Shortcuts in life aren’t necessarily complicated, they are just sometimes the road less traveled.
These Back to School Must Haves that Keep Kids Recharged is sponsored by Jif® Power Ups™ All opinions are 100% my own.
Amanda Carlisle is a mom of 3 who loves to direct others on life’s happy adventures through food, crafts, and family fun on her blog AFewShortcuts.com
