We’ve all got a bundt pan buried somewhere in our kitchen, so why not dig it out and make a special cake? Even though they look extra fancy, they’re actually pretty simple to make. From a Girl Scout cookie lookalike to a decadent red velvet creation, check out a few of our faves below.

photo: Kelly Jaggers

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pound Cake
This light but delicious cake from Evil Shenanigans is bound to be a crowd pleaser. The cream cheese-based batter makes the end product light and airy. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate afternoon snack. Get the recipe by clicking here.

photo: Spicy Southern Kitchen

Samoa Bundt Cake
Satisfy your Girl Scout cookie cravings by making this delish cake from Spicy Southern Kitchen. The tried-and-true combo of chocolate, coconut and caramel is always a winner, and we love the way the bundt shape matches the shape of the original cookie. Click here to get the recipe.

 photo: I Heart Eating

Red Velvet Marble Cake
Red velvet cake meets pound cake in this genius recipe from I Heart Eating. Simple instructions make it easy to pull off the swirled effect, but it’s impressive enough to really wow your family. To learn how it’s made, click here.

photo: Inspiring Cooks

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake
Who said pumpkin is just for pie? Try out this moist and delicious pumpkin cake from Inspiring Cooks. With chocolate chips dotted throughout, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. To get the recipe, click here.

photo: Betsy Life

Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Bundt Cake
Peanut butter cup fans will go wild for this decadent cake from Betsy Life. Creamy peanut butter ganache coats a chocolate and peanut butter swirled cake, and even more chocolate is drizzled over the top. Drooling yet? To grab the recipe, click here.

What’s your favorite bundt cake recipe? Share it with us in the comments below! 

—Susie Foresman

What kiddo doesn’t love a fluffy, mouthwatering waffle for breakfast? Or lunch. Or dinner for that matter. Lucky for us, LA is home to some of the tastiest waffle joints around, so whether you like your waffles oozing with syrup, straight up red velvet or served with a side of wings, we’ve got you covered: for any meal, at any time of day and in every part of town.

photo: iris via flickr

Best Liege Waffles – Shaky Alibi
Shaky Alibi on Beverly has perfected the art of the Liege waffle. And what exactly is a Liege waffle you may ask? It’s a little piece of waffle heaven that’s much smaller and sweeter than your average Belgian. Made from yeast, covered in caramelized Belgian pearl sugar and served with fresh fruit, spread or on its own, the Liege is a truly unique treat your little ones can enjoy any time of day. And mom and dad will dig Shaky Alibi’s fab coffee bar with an incredible selection of lattes, teas and regular old joe. If you can steer them to a savory waffle and have room for more sugar, try the Violet Lemonade.  It’s gorgeous, unique and delicious.

Shaky Alibi
7401 Beverly Blvd.
Mid-City
323-938-5282
Online: shakyalibi.com

photo: bionicgrrl via flickr

Best Chicken & Waffles – Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘N Waffles
Since 1975, Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘N Waffles has been filling Angeleno bellies with their famous chicken and waffles. Juicy southern style fried chicken served alongside crispy waffles drenched in butter and syrup is the name of the game here and no one does it better. In fact, President Obama even stopped by for a bite during one of his LA visits and now has his very own dish on the menu—the Obama special. With that stamp of approval, you know it has to be good!

Tip: Weekends tend to get crazy busy, so be sure to arrive early to put your name on the list for a table.

Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘N Waffles
1514 N. Gower St.
Hollywood
323-466-7453
Online: roscoeschickenandwaffles.com

For additional Roscoe’s locations, click here.

photo: LWYang via flickr

Best Waffle Selection – Bru’s Wiffle
Whether you prefer a scramble on your waffle, waffles for dessert, chicken and waffles, waffle tacos or sliders served on waffle buns, Bru’s Wiffle has every possible creative waffle concoction covered. All waffles are made with love from scratch using the very best ingredients available. And parents will love the gluten-free and kid-sized waffle options perfect for touchy tummies and pint-sized appetites.

Bru’s Wiffle
2408 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica
310-453-2787
Online: bruswiffle.com

An additional location is now open in Beverly Hills.


photo: Yidian Cheow via flickr

Best Waffle Flavors – The Waffle
The name says it all and it’s what they do best. Right in the heart of Hollywood, The Waffle serves up its namesake in just about every flavor under the sun. From sticky bun and strawberry cheesecake to blueberry lemon and red velvet, your rugrats will have no trouble finding something they like. There’s also a wonderful kids’ menu that features smaller-sized waffles at half the cost. And don’t leave the family pup at home! Dogs are more than welcome to join you for breakfast on The Waffle’s Fido-friendly patio overlooking Sunset Blvd. They can even snack on their very own Woofles (waffle dog treats) and a bowl of water.

The Waffle
6255 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood
323-465-6901
Online: thewafflehollywood.com

photo: More Than Waffles via Facebook

Best Authentic Belgian Waffles – More Than Waffles
For some of the most mouthwatering waffles in all of LaLa Land, Valley breakfast joint, More Than Waffles reigns supreme. Worth braving traffic for, this busy, family owned hotspot has been cooking up batches of unforgettable waffle goodness since 1975 and their breakfast is just as incredible today as the day they opened their doors. Families will love the homey interior and warm welcome that make you feel as if you’re dining at grandma’s house. Be sure to get there before 10 a.m. as lines get long with hungry patrons (and hangry tots).

More Than Waffles
17200 Ventura Blvd.
Encino
818-789-5937
Online: morethanwaffles.com

Best Homestyle Waffles – Uncle Bill’s Pancake House
Pancakes, snamcakes.  We live the waffles at this cozy pancake house that’s a perfect prelude at a walk on the beach. In addition to classic favorites like pecan and blueberry, Uncle Bill’s makes a pretty amazing cheddar cheese and bacon waffle, a must try for any self-respecting bacon lover.  Your kids will love the  easy atmosphere of this long-time Manhattan Beach breakfast spot. Plan for a wait though, as Uncle Bill’s fills up fast, especially on weekends.

1305 Highland Ave.
Manhattan Beach
310-545-5177
Online: unclebills.net

Now go have some wonderful waffles and make those bellies happy! Let us know if there’s an awesome waffle joint we missed!

–Jennifer O’Brien

There’s a part of us that never grows up and, for some, that part is the kid who loves to play with her food. We don’t know why, but food just tastes better when you get to touch it before you chew it. So let’s face it: forks and spoons are overrated. We’ve compiled a list of exceptionally tasty restaurants where eating with your hands is not just condoned, but expected. These restaurants make for a very fun, finger-licking good family night out.

Photo: y i v a via Flickr

Brazilian Style Tapas at The Grill from IpanemaThe “Petiscos” at The Grill from Ipanema are bite-sized bits of yumminess that you and the kids will love to pop in your mouth. No utensils needed. Choose from a variety of small plates: fried cod fish croquettes, cubes of sautéed sirloin, spicy sausage slices, crispy fried chicken pieces, herb-basted shrimp, and many more. Order a few plates of small bites and you’ve got one delicious meal.

1858 Columbia Rd., NW (Adams Morgan)
202-986-0757
Online: www.thegrillfromipanema.com

Marrakesh
The first thing you do when you enter Marrakesh is wash your hands, so you’re fully prepared to use them as your main utensil. Then relax and get ready for a seven-course meal that you’ll eat entirely with your hands, while your eyes feast on talented belly dancers. Highlights of the meal include b’stella, a layered pie with chicken, parsley, eggs, nuts and onions topped with cinnamon and sugar. There’s also lamb with almonds and honey, fresh fruit and Moroccan pastries.

2147 P St., NW (Dupont Circle)
202-775-1882
Online: http://www.marrakechrestaurantdc.com

Sticky Fingers Sweets and Eats
In addition to catering local events with very beautiful specialty cakes, Sticky Fingers features some of the tastiest treats in town at its downtown café, and none of them require utensils. Take the kids on a sugar binge with some decadent fingers foods, such as red velvet whoopee pies, cinnamon and walnut sticky buns, and pecan bourbon sandwich cookies. There’s also a full menu of finger-friendly breakfast and lunch plates, including burgers, sandwiches and wraps. The only menu items you might need a fork for are the salads. You decide.

1370 Park Rd., NW (Columbia Heights)
202-299-9700
Online: www.stickyfingersbakery.com

GBD Fried Chicken and Doughnuts
You know that any place specializing in fried chicken and doughnuts is going to be finger-friendly, and GBD (Golden, Brown and Delicious) is definitely that. The chicken comes by the piece or the bucket, or on top of waffles with maple-chicken jus and buttered pecans (yum). You can choose between nine delectable dipping sauces for your chicken tenders – buttermilk ranch, jerk, chipotle bbq, and sweet and sour mumbo, to name a few. And don’t forget the doughnuts. They are baked fresh throughout the day and topped with classic and seasonal glazes.

1323 Connecticut Ave., NW (Dupont Circle)
202-524-5210
Online: www.gbdchickendoughnuts.com

Do you have a favorite restaurant where the kids can (acceptably) eat with their hands? Dish in the comments section below. 

—Jamy Bond

Ahh, summer. Warm toes in the sand. A cool breeze off of the ocean. Kiddos splashing together in the waves. And, you, sitting quietly in your hat and sunglasses with a book enjoying a nice, cold ice cream. A parent can dream, right? For a dreamy – and probably momentary – getaway this summer, we’ve got a few ways to indulge in that sweet, creamy treat we all know and love.

Photo Credit: Michelle Berkowitz Photography

Shake It Up
Shakeaway, the UK milkshake sensation, now has two locations in San Diego and they’re chock-full of choices. They have a huge menu with all kinds of yummy candy additions so you can customize your treat experience. Like Milk Duds, pretzels, peanut butter and toasted coconut? Mix them into your favorite ice cream flavor for the perfectly you milkshake!

Pacific Beach
909 Grand Ave.
San Diego, Ca 92109
858-490-2210

La Jolla
723 Pearl St.
La Jolla, Ca 92037
858-459-0094

Online: Shakeaway.com

Photo Credit: A. Stabile

How About an Ice Cream Sandwich?
Craving something different? San Diego is home to not one, but two ice cream sandwich shops. Tucked into the alleyway adjacent to San Diego State University, CREAM has freshly-baked cookies, natural housemade ice cream and tons of toppings to make your dessert special. Not a cookie fan? No problem. They’ve got waffle cones and ice cream tacos, too. Really, you can’t go wrong.

With locations in Pacific Beach, PETCO Park and North County, The Baked Bear features ice cream sandwiches with not only cookies and brownies, but donuts too! Cookie flavors range from funfetti to red velvet. There’s also a gluten free chocolate chip. We suggest the Bear Bowl with your choice of ice cream in a chocolate chip cookie bowl. And don’t forget to ask for your ice cream sandwich warmed. It may sound like a bit of an oxymoron, but trust us, it’s delicious!

CREAM
5157 College Ave.
San Diego, Ca 92115
619-892-7706
Online: creamnation.com

The Baked Bear

Pacific Beach
4516 Mission Blvd. Suite C
San Diego, Ca 92109
858-886-7433

La Costa
7610 Via Campanile, Suite 142
Carlsbad, Ca 92009
760-635-8526

Carmel Valley
5950 Village Center Loop Rd.
San Diego, Ca 92130
858-847-2288

PETCO Park
100 Park Blvd.
San Diego, Ca 92101
858-886-7433

Online: thebakedbear.com

We want to hear your favorites, too! Tell us your favorite ice cream places in the comments. In the meantime, enjoy!

— Allison Stabile

Need some retail therapy, but on mommy/daddy duty for the day? Get your fix anyways with our round-up of the best neighborhoods to window shop, where you can indulge your passion while your kids oohh and ahhh…without breaking a thing.

Photo: Dawn Price Baby via Facebook

Georgetown
What better place to window shop than D.C.’s own favorite shopping destination? There are plenty of stores for mom (think: Kate Spade, Zara, Hu’s Shoes, and The French Apartment) and kiddo alike (Tugooh Toys, Dawn Price Baby, Little Birdies Boutique, and Georgetown Candy Bar). Wisconsin Avenue and M Street might be the center of the neighborhood, but side streets like P have great secret spots too (Check out Ella Rue and Just Paper and Tea).

Online: dccool.com

Photo: ShashiBellamkonda via Flickr

Reston Town Center
Fountains, plazas, shops, restaurants, parking—what more could you want from this tiny neighborhood spot? Reston Town Center has evolved into one of the best shopping districts this side of the Potomac because of all the fun window displays. Whether you’re searching for something special, need a break from the monotony of the mall, or just want to cruise around outside, RTC is the place to be; Paper Source, South Moon Under, Anthropologie, and Francesca’s offer eye catching displays that might even have your kiddos saying “let’s go in!” There’s also Mayflowers, Bow Tie Cinemas, and Red Velvet Cupcakery that will definitely grab their attention.

Online: restontowncenter.com

Photo: Lettie Gooch via Facebook

U Street / Shaw
U Street might be one of the coolest nightspots, but it’s also a super fun spot to stroll along and window shop. Great inspiration for home décor, groovy clothes, cool music, and off the beaten path goodies dot the streets. Whether you’re looking for some place to walk (and shop!) with the kiddos, or you just want a different spot to wander, U Street and Shaw are the perfect mix of urban funk and family friendliness. Stores like Lettie Gooch, Millenium Decorative Arts, Junction, and Crossroads Trading Company will have you coming back for more.

Online: washington.org

Photo: Visit Annapolis via Facebook

Annapolis
Miniature sailors will love spending the day in Annapolis. From boats to ships, anchors to life vests, almost every window display is mesmerizingly nautical. A walk down Maryland Avenue will showcase the Lil Lamb Boutique, Ekka Hands that Create, the Annapolis Country Store and more. Turn down Main Street to see Kokopelli, Nautical North Charts & Maps, VIVO, and the Spice & Tea Exchange.

Online: visitannapolis.org

Photo: Old Town Boutique District via Facebook

Old Town Boutique District
Whether you love to shop in this century, or your heart lives in the past, the Old Town Boutique District is the perfect mixture of old and new. Windows abound with colorful jewelry, riding toys, home décor and more. Tucked down side streets are fabulous shops boasting vintage finds, rare antiques, candy and more. Little ones will love the fountains in the town square, and you’ll dig the variety King Street and the boutique district offers. Kiddos might just drift off to sleep with visions of fairies, and George Washington dancing in their heads. Some standout displays are housed in the windows of Pink and Brown, Lou Lou, Vintage Mirage and European County Living.

Online: oldtownboutiquedistrict.com

Photo: Hamad Masoumi via Flickr

Middleburg
If you’re looking for a quick getaway to stroll around, window shop and grab some lunch, then head out to Middleburg. With its quaint streets, and Hunt Country charm, the littles will be enthralled by horses, and you’ll feel the stress of the beltway roll off your back. A walk down Washington Street showcases treats from The Fun Shop, Hunt Country Yarns, Wylie Wagg, Christmas Sleigh, Richard Allen Clothiers, Salamander Touch and more. No need to travel all the way to England for a little bit of sophistication. Middleburg shopping is only a few short miles away.

Online: middleburgonline.com

Where do you go to window shop with your kids? Tell us in the comments below.

—Hilary Riedemann

Nothing says summer like ice cream. But if you are looking for a healthier way to beat the heat—cold kick it with these sweet spots that offer lots of flavor, fresh fruits and less fat. Read on for four, fam-friendly froyo places that serve up the soft stuff.

The Yogurt Tap
This all-natural joint serves up flavors using fresh, fruit-packed with good stuff that is hard to pronounce (including live and active cultures like S. thermophilus, L. bulgaricus and L. acidophilus). All of their yogurt selections are made in-house daily, and we love that you pay by the ounce and their tasty assortment of toppings. With no artificial flavors or dyes, this is froyo you can feel good feeding them.

Details: 419 Church St. Decatur, 404-373-6090, theyogurttap.com

Jujubees Italian Frozen Yogurt
Jujubees is a wonderful little locally owned frozen yogurt shop.  They normally offer 4 standby flavors and one yummy rotating flavor. Orange mango is amazing. After you order, choose from their many fresh fruit toppings. For a unique twist, they add toppings and then put more yogurt on top.

Details: 4279 Roswell Rd., 404-303-0024, facebook.com/Jujubees

Yogurberry
Touted as one of the creamiest froyo’s in Atlanta, Yogurberry makes their frozen yogurt with  organic, grassfed milk. They partner with a local farmer to bring the healthiest organic ingredients, serving up innovative flavors (like taro and pomegranate) plus other clever concoctions like Bubble Tea. Sip on the green smoothie (spinach or kale, orange, lime, apple, ginger, yogurt and cilantro) while the littles dive into the frozen yogurt banana split.

Details: 3281 Piedmont Rd., 678-487-7752, yogurberryatl.com

Fruttela
A perfect pit stop after an adventure in the Old Fourth Ward or on the belt line, Fruttela offers 50 different toppings and 10 flavors touted as “a more fruitful yogurt.” Their yogurt is made fresh every day with organic ingredients, fiber-full fruit pulp and probiotics.  Ask for a sample and remember to try the red velvet and pumpkin spice flavors before you leave.

Details: 701 Highland Ave., 404-588-0117, lafruttela.com

Where is your favorite spot to score froyo in Atlanta? Tell us in the comments section below!

—Jessica Obenschain

Photos courtesy of The Yogurt Tap, JujuBees via Facebook, Donnie H. and Daniel B. via Yelp

There’s been an incredible resurgence of ice cream shops in LA as of late, so it takes something really special (read: mind-blowingly delicious) to stand out. One new downtown shop’s doing just that by combining two of your kiddos’ favorite foods into one drool-worthy concoction. Meet the ice cream taco at Cream, a new shop near USC (and Exposition Park, which means one stop ice cream, dinos and spaceships!)

1508588_341411796048763_9211517402019201613_n
photo credit: Cream via facebook

Having just opened its first LA location in March, Cream already has fanatic following of ice cream connoisseurs. Their overwhelming popularity is due in large part to thinking beyond the scoop. Uber creative menu items like The Cream Taco (three flavors of ice cream with two toppings nestled inside a fresh baked red velvet or regular waffle cone taco shell) are just one of the many reasons people are willing to wait for a chilly treat.

Twenty-two delicious ice cream flavors like cinnamon chill, strawberry cheesecake, salted caramel and green tea are made from premium ingredients and top-secret recipes that taste a cut above the rest. And the toppings…oh the toppings…from rainbow sprinkles to gummy bears, there’s pretty much anything any kid can imagine.

11061196_333906023466007_691066934085941819_o-1
photo credit: Cream via facebook

While The Cream Taco is certainly the shop’s current toast of the town, Cream is actually best known for it’s delectable (and totally affordable) ice cream sandwiches. With warm freshly baked cookies from red velvet and chocolate chip to snicker doodle and lemon heaven, your tots are bound to find a mixture they’ll devour. Parents will appreciate having vegan and gluten-free cookie options for tikes who need it, and almost all ice cream flavors are gluten-free with a couple soy choices available as well.

Milkshakes, fruit bars, and the always dependable cone round out the vast menu. Ample seating is available inside—perfect for escaping LA’s soaring spring & summer temps and service couldn’t be more friendly. But definitely come prepared to wait in line because wait, you will. (We swear, it’s worth it!)

11046534_332943960228880_6942495008447429905_o
photo credit: Cream via facebook

Nearby and Noteworthy: While some of us (ok, most of us here at Red Tricycle!) wouldn’t think twice about driving across town for fabulous ice cream, some have second thoughts when it comes to words like “traffic” and “long-lines”, especially when kids are in the mix.  But this shop is perfectly positioned for a sweet stop after a long day playing at the Natural History Museum or California Science Center.  So whether you’re here to see the butterflies or check out the new Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit, this ice cream treat should be your last stop on your way home.

Yum-O Specials: Check Cream’s Facebook page for current Taco Tuesday specials which usually include $1 off all tacos.

Hours: Sun.- Wed. from noon-10 p.m. and Thurs. – Sat. from noon-midnight

Cream
3335 S. Figueroa St.
Exposition Park
213-742-9090
Online: creamnation.com

Have you treated your family to Cream? What fab flavors were your faves? We’d love to know!

–Jennifer O’Brien

In honor of National Chocolate Chip Cookie day on May 15th, we wanted to serve up some sweet spots in Atlanta where you can score the best of the batch. Whether you like your chocolate chip cookies crispy or soft, Atlanta offers an array of award-winning choices sure to please even the most discerning cookie connoisseur. Go ahead, try them all. It’s all part of the job, right mom?

The Cookie Studio
The Cookie Studio is often lauded for the “best cookies in Atlanta,” and their choclate chip is no exception. They offer an assortment of cookie and sweet treats including gluten-free options and coffees. While the price ($2 a cookie) might seem steep given the size, a percentage of each sale goes to the Atlanta Day Shelter for Women and Children so it is satisfing on many levels.

Address: 30 Pharr Rd.
Phone: 404-373-8527
Online: thecookiestudio.net

Muss and Turners
Who knew this popular brunch and burger spot also boasted a bakery with out-of-this-world cookies? Their mammoth chocolate chip cookie is packed with generous chocolate chunks. It is certainly big enough for wee ones to share—so mom can score a bite too, woohoo!

Address: 1675 Cumberland Pkwy., Smyrna
Phone: 770-434-1114
Online: mussandturners.com

Café Lapin
The chocolate chip cookies at this popular BYOB ladies-who-lunch spot are not to be missed. Hearalded as a “masterpiece” by Two time James Beard award winner Shirley O. Corriher, they are a little crispy & chewy, very thin, with the perfect amount of chips. You can taste the real butter and sugar, and know these are the real deal.

Address: 2341 Peachtree Rd.
Phone: 404-812-9171
Online: facebook.com/pages/Cafe-Lapin

BrickTop’s
Like an upscale Houston’s this place is a good spot for “family date night” if you  are feeling fancy. With complimentary valet and a full menu to please the whole gang, be sure to save room for dessert. They serve up their chocolate cookie warm in a skillet, with a scoop of ice cream drizzled with caramel sauce. If that ain’t enough to get them to finish their vegetables then nothing will!

Address: 3280 Peachtree Rd.
Phone: 404-841-2212
Online: bricktops.com

Ali’s Cookies
This cookie shop serves up an array of flavors (r
ed velvet cookie, pecan praline, Georgia peach, white chocolate macadamia nut, double chocolate, german chocolate), but the classic chocolate chip is the real winner. They also sell custom cookie cakes for special occasions, or even by the slice if you just need your fix. How sweet is that?

Address: 4511 Olde Perimeter Way
Phone: 770-350-2547
Online: shipacookie.com

Who do you think makes the best chocolate cookies in Atlanta? Tell us in the comments section below!

—Phebe Wahl

Photos courtesy of Barbara O.Sasha R.Heidi P., and Carrie M. via Yelp, and Cafe Lapin via Facebook

Like the perfect puff of a good “glazed raised,” doughnut shops are on the rise. And in case you need an excuse, June 6th is National Doughnut Day. In celebration, we rounded up a half-dozen doughnut shops in the big A where you can grab a box for your brood.

Sublime Doughnuts A winner of all kinds of accolades, this shop touted as one of the best doughnuts spots in America looks like any old strip-mall shop from the outside. Step inside to see what all the fuss is about. Flavors range from the simple (glazed croissants) to the sublime (maple bacon cheddar doughnuts).

Trust Us & Try: A-Town créme, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup or sweet potato cake Find ‘Em: 535 10th St. NW; 404-897-1801

Revolution Doughnuts This Decatur donut shop has earned a cult following amongst foodie fans for their artisanal recipes and locally-sourced, organic ingredients. Revolution’s menu includes a mouthwatering mix of fluffy yeast or classic cake style options as well as filled rounds, vegan and low-gluten options. Don’t live in Decatur? You can also score these sweets at the Grant Park or East Atlanta Village Farmer’s Markets. 

Trust Us & Try: Orange Pistachio, Nutella Cream Puff, or their slider-style Fresh Strawberry Find ‘Em: 908 W. College Ave., Decatur; 678-927-9920

Dutch Monkey Doughnuts These crave-worthy cakes are worth coming to Cumming. Venture OTP if only for for their trademark Dutch Monkey—a decadent dulce de leche-filled doughnut, topped with bananas and chocolate. While you are there go ahead and order up some of their seasonal jelly specialties as the little look on through portholes for a peek into the kitchen. 

Trust Us & Try: The Dutch Monkey (dulce de leche-filled, with bananas and chocolate on top), or one of the specials like Mint Chocolate Buttercream or Strawberry Rhubarb Jelly Find ‘Em: 3075 Ronald Reagan Blvd. Suite 502, Cumming; 404-482-3650

Ray’s Donut Shop If its classic cakes you crave, hit up Ray’s in Marietta for a dozen. Rise and shine early to score their fresh fritters as they sell out fast. The fact that the friendly staff often toss in a handful of free donut holes “for the car ride home” is just the icing on these cakes! 

Trust Us & Try: Raised glazed, sour cream or blueberry cake style Find ‘Em: 4805 Canton Rd., Marietta; 770-485-2448

Dough in the Box Come for classics like sour cream cake and cinnamon raised doughnuts at this no-nonsense, Marietta sweet spot. Don’t expect fancy flavors but do expect to not have to fork over a lot of dough for their freshly-made fluffiness. 

Trust Us & Try: The blueberry fritter or Boston cream Find ‘Em: 3184 Austell Rd. SW, Marietta; 770-436-5155

Sarah Donuts You know you are in the heart of Dixie when there are not one but two types of red velvet donuts on the menu. Whether it is with a gloss of glaze or an ample amount of icing, we’ll be stopping by this Norcross family-owned shop for their southern specialty and other sprinkled sweets anytime we can.

Trust Us & Try: Red velvet cake and sour cream glazed Find ‘Em: 5860 Jimmy Carter Blvd #155, Norcross; 770-409-9020

Who do you think has the best doughnuts in ATL? Tell us in the comments section below! —Phebe Wahl Photos courtesy of Revolution Doughnuts via FacebookDutch Monkey Doughnuts via FacebookDough in the Box via FacebookSublime Doughnuts via FacebookSarah’s Doughnuts via FacebookLiz V. via Yelp

Something about crisp, fall air just makes you want to pack up the kids and hit the road. If you are looking for an easy trip to enjoy the season, try trucking over to Chattanooga. It’s a mere 100 miles from Atlanta—meaning you can probably make it to the outskirts of the Scenic City before you even have to put on another movie in the DVD player or any massive meltdowns ensue. The area has lots to offer: beautiful scenery, yummy eats, and attractions to intrigue all ages. Check out our hot spots for a cool, fall weekend in Chattanooga.

Breakfast at Tasty Daylight Donuts

Get your day off to a sweet start with a stop at Tasty Daylight Donuts - the downtown location is less than a mile to the aquarium and the Creative Discovery Museum. Options range from the classic (think French crullers, buttermilk cake donuts, and long johns) to the fanciful (Cherry Bomb, Red Velvet, Blueberry Cream Cheese, Banana Cream), all made in-house. Tip: the downtown location is closed on Sundays and Mondays, but you can still head for the East Brainerd location (1414 Jenkins Rd., 423-531-3444), which is open seven days a week.
841 Chestnut St.
Chattanooga, TN
423-531-0930
Online: www.tastydaylightdonuts.com

Have you taken your family to Chattanooga? Tell us about it below!

—Jessica Harlan

Photos courtesy of Tasty Daylight Donuts via Facebook, Tennessee Aquarium via Facebook, Creative Discovery Museum via Facebook, The Blue Plate via Facebook, Good Dog via Facebook, Raccoon Mountain Caverns via Facebook, the Chattanooga Choo Choo via Facebook and Creative Commons via Flickr