Itching for a great culinary night out but want to make it more of a family affair (maybe a Mother’s Day adventure? You’re in luck. There are tons of great restaurants around the DMV that offer kid-friendly accommodations. Click through to discover some of our favorites.
—Ayren Jackson-Cannady and Kristina Messner
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Known for an eclectic assortment of candy (think Rosé All Day and Champagne gummy bears), Sugarfina is THE luxe sweet shop. Now the confectioner extraordinaire is bringing us sugary, caffeinated goodness!
Infused with Alfred’s classic blends, these bears are the sweet little pick-me-up you’re looking for. But one word of caution—these candies are not for the littles. Along with tasting like your fave fresh brew, the gummies also contain actual caffeine. Good for you, not so good for your already energetic tot. So keep your stash in a mama-only space.
Not only are caffeinated gummies one of the most genius ideas ideas ever—these bears are absolutely aww-dorable. The candy comes in coffee bean-like bags, mini coffee cups and coffee tumblers, featuring flavors such as Iced Vanilla Latte, Cold Brew and Bourbon Cold Brew. And yes, the Bourbon Cold Brew Bears are made with a splash of real bourbon.
The caffeinated bears are available in select retail locations and online at sugarfina.com and alfred.la. You can also enter to win an Alfred and Sugarfina Collection “Coffee Break” of Cold Brew Bears for your office now through Apr. 29! Visit Sugarfina’s website to fill out a “Coffee Break” entry form for your chance to score a slew of these grown-up gummies.
—Erica Loop
Featured photo: Sugarfina
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Feel like you’ve traded your carefree wine tasting days for sippy cups and playdates? Fear not, wine loving mamas and papas! California’s Central Coast has countless family-friendly wineries to sip, savor and bring the kids.
Where big brother Napa and Sonoma boast a bit more pomp and circumstance, the Central Coast—including Paso Robles, Edna Valley and beyond—is quietly turning out amazing wines with zero attitude. Halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, this stunningly beautiful region of California is the next big thing in wine.
So rally the family and come as you are. Cheers to these family-friendly wineries!
Located in Edna Valley, Biddle Ranch Vineyard is your modern farmhouse dream come true. Opt for a bottle of Biddle Ranch Sparkling Wine, bring lunch and set-up an Insta-worthy picnic on their gorgeous patio. Settle in and enjoy the vineyard views, great wine and friendly service. If you really want to stay a while (and you will), book the Biddle Ranch Vineyard House for your next family or friend gathering. This four-bedroom home sits amongst 17 acres of Chardonnay vines and is chic for days. Online: BiddleRanch.com
The Tooth & Nail Castle in Paso Robles is a must-visit. You’ll love the wine and the view and kids will love that it’s an actual castle. Select Fridays have music on the patio and is our favorite time to go. It’s a castle, it’s wine-tasting and it’s a win-win. Tip: some artwork inside is a bit dark, sensitive little ones might want to stay on the patio. Online: RabbleWine.com
Should you need something to keep your children’s attention while you savor a glass of cab, check out Pomar Junction in Paso Robles. Not only do they have an old Santa Fe train car on premises, they also have Groucho, a winery cat. Trains and cats are two of my son’s favorite things, in varying order depending on the day, so Pomar Junction means everyone is happy. Online: PomarJunction.com
Located in Cambria, California, just two miles from the Pacific, Stolo Vineyards and Winery is one of the best reviewed wineries on the Central Coast. Their Syrah recently scored the #12 spot on Wine Enthusiast’s Best of 2018 list. In the summer months, enjoy their Music in the Meadow events where the kids can run free and play cornhole while you sip some world-class wines. Online: StoloFamilyVineyards.com
Prefer craft beer to cabernet? Spend a picture-perfect day at BarrelHouse Brewing Co. with a Sunny Daze in hand listening to live music on the outdoor flat-bed truck. Located in the hip new Tin City area of Paso Robles, BarrelHouse Brewing Co. is a family-friendly spot where locals and tourists cheers the good life in their half-acre beer garden. Check their events calendar for music and food truck line-up. Online: BarrelHouseBrewing.com
And because I’m a mom and literally can’t help myself, make sure you set up a sober driver or spring for driving service like Uber Wine or SLO Safe Ride for your wine tasting adventures. Okay—now go have fun, kids!
I'm a family travel and style writer that left a decade-long career in the fashion industry to write and raise an awesome little human. I've been featured in Marie Claire and Coastal Living and have a blog called Vagamom. I dream of taking a family gap year and traveling the globe!
These days your kid is all about having a spot of tea. Must be all those tea parties she loves to host. The next time she asks you to put the kettle on, consider taking her out instead to try everything from traditional English high tea (white gloves and all) to loose-leaf oolongs with a side of history. Scroll down to find your perfect spot!
Do you have a favorite neighborhood tea house we missed? Spill in the comments below!
— Allison Sutcliffe
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Wines upon a time, heading up the coast to Santa Barbara Wine Country was something reserved only for kid-free anniversary weekends and bachelor(ette) parties. But today, these wonderful wineries are opening up their expansive outdoor space to accommodate parents and offspring alike. Read on for our picks of the best family-friendly wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley that really take the cork.
photo: Sarah Lyons
Dierberg & Star Lane Vineyards Tasting Room
It makes total sense that a family owned and operated winery like Dierberg would be family-friendly in practice. The outside grassy lawn not only provides views of the valley for days, but it also gives kids the opportunity to get their wiggles out and then some. With a garden and so much space to explore, you will love being able to keep eyes on the kid while they run and play, all while your tastings are poured outside. The actual tasting room, once a small section of their charming barn, was recently renovated to include the entire barn space making for a beautifully decorated spot to check out (and where you can buy a bottle to enjoy outside). An added plus is that the wines are incredible (some say the best in the region) so plan on bringing a couple of plastic glasses (to go with that bottle) and a picnic to enjoy outside so everyone can relax and unwind.
Tasting Notes: Open daily from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Tastings are 5 wines for $20.
1280 Drum Canyon Rd.
Santa Rita Hills
805-697-1466
Online: dierbergvineyard.com
photo: Sarah Lyons
Koehler
Nestled in the middle of the Foxen Canyon wine trail, Koehler’s enormous grassy lawn is a perfect spot for your little companions to run around after a couple hours in the car. Tastings can be held outside on the lawn complete with picnic tables shaded by 130-year-old olive trees, making sipping while supervising that much more fun. As an added bonus to delight the younger set, Koehler’s grounds also include a few emus at the far end of the grass in a fenced off area. Outside food is encouraged (picnic time) and on the weekends, the winery currently has a taco truck on site serving up delicious food for purchase, making this place a must-stop on your tasting travels.
Tasting Notes: Open daily from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Signature Tasting Flights are $15 for 7 wines or opt for the Premium Wine Flights which are $20 for 6 wines. Reservations are a great idea for larger parties (6 people or more) but not required for smaller families/groups.
5360 Foxen Canyon Rd.
Los Olivos
805-693-8384
Online: koehlerwinery.com
photo: Sarah Lyons
Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyards
Another fun stop along the Foxen Canyon wine route, Zaca Mesa offers up an expansive patio just outside the tasting room complete with plenty of tables perfect for lunching (outside food is definitely ok). Your little road trippers will love the life size patio chess set where you can watch them move pawns as big as they are while you sip and swirl. Parents will also love listening to the live music outside (perfect for drowning out a tantrumming toddler) while your tasting flight is poured right at your table. Forgot food? No problem: Zaca Mesa’s tasting room offers salamis, pecans, baguettes and cheeses for purchase (which pairs well with a nice bottle of their Grenache).
Tasting Notes: Open daily from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Zaca Mesa offers two wine flights to choose from in their tasting room. The Mixed Flight is $15 for 6 wines and the Reserved Red Flight is $25 for 6 wines. No reservations necessary and they also allow friendly dogs on leashes to hang out patio-side.
6905 Foxen Canyon Rd.
Los Olivos
805-688-9339
Online: zacamesa.com
photo: Gabriela G. via Yelp
Melville Winery
This family run winery is a bit off the beaten path, but since it’s touted by many as having some of the best pinot noir around, we feel this one is worth the trip. Melville’s spacious grounds are quite inviting and kids are welcome to picnic/explore the outside offerings. Tastings are only poured inside the insanely gorgeous Tuscan-style tasting room building but can be brought outside to enjoy with the rest of the family. With quality vino and views like these, Melville is certainly a great stop for you and your pint-size picnickers along the Santa Ynez grapevine.
Tasting Notes: Open Sunday–Thursday from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. and Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Tasting flights are $15 for 5 wines (mix of white and red).
5185 East Hwy 246
Lompoc
805-735-7030
Online: melvillewinery.com
photo: Beckmen Vineyards
Beckmen Vineyards
The well maintained, wide-open lawn at this beautiful vineyard will have you and your young ones feeling like they have stepped into the pages of The Secret Garden. Kids will adore the two active ponds on the grounds where they can search for fish, frogs and tadpoles. You will love the cozy outdoor gazebos overlooking the vineyards where you can drink your tasting flights while keeping a close eye on your mini vintners. These gazebos are complimentary but are by reservation only so make sure to put in your request ahead of time. Feed the family with food from outside or take advantage of “taco cart Saturdays” for even more delicious options (and often, live music served along-side your tacos). With the strong wines produced by this vineyard coupled with the ease of having your kids along for the ride, you will be singing “Que Syrah, Syrah” all night long…
Tasting Notes: Open daily from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Tasting flights are 6 wines for $20. Beckmen also happily welcomes leashed dogs; as the owners tell us: “We are dog friendly as long as the dogs are friendly.”
2670 Ontiveros Rd.
Los Olivos
805-688-8664
Online: beckmenvineyards.com
photo: Tercero Wines
Tercero Wines
This tasting room may be small, but what it lacks in size it definitely makes up for in amazing family-friendly vibes. Owner Larry Schaffer, father himself, is a firm believer in personal attention, which is reflected in how he welcomes anyone and everyone into his downtown Los Olivos space. Kids are welcome to take full advantage of their sidewalk chalk which can be used either on the inside chalk board wall or on the sidewalk out front. The fine folks at Tercero also might just be inclined to turn their interior TV sets to Netflix Kids for your little adventurer’s viewing pleasure while you take full advantage of their delicious pours (they often have special wines available fresh from their local vineyards). Location is everything here, so if your vineyard-hopping brood are weary after a round of Tercero tastings, take them across the street to Stafford’s Famous Chocolates for an instant mood-boost.
Tasting Notes: Open daily from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Tasting flights include 5 or 6 wines for $15 and tasting fees are fully refunded with a purchase (win/win!). While Tercero is both dog and kid friendly, due to its small size, they do not recommend having both dogs and children in there at the same time.
2445 Alamo Pintado Ave.
Los Olivos
805-245-9584
Online: tercerowines.com
photo: Sona K. via Yelp
Coquelicot Estate
Boasting one of the best selection of certified organic wines in the Santa Ynez Valley, this adorable tasting room is a perfect oasis-like alternative to a vineyard visit. Their enormous outdoor garden space features large picnic tables shaded by beautiful trees, a bocce ball court (a favorite with young game enthusiasts), fountains, bean bag toss games and winding pathways perfect for curious tots to inspect. Food trucks from their also-owned First & Oak restaurant in Solvang occasionally make an appearance here or bring snacks for your wee ones to enjoy on the patio (while you enjoy a few tastes of your own poured table-side). This hidden gem is also super dog friendly so be sure to bring your furry family member along as well.
Tasting Notes: Open Sunday–Thursday from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. and Friday & Saturday from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Winemakers flights are $15 for 6 wines (3 whites, 3 reds) and their Reserve flights (weekends only) are $20 for 5 wines (1 white and 4 reds).
2884 Grand Ave.
Los Olivos
805-688-1500
Online: coquelicotwines.com
photo: David G. via Yelp
Carivintas
And the award for “Most Philanthropic Family-Friendly Tasting Room” goes to…Carivintas! The winemakers at this whimsical kid/dog-centered spot donate a portion of their profits to nonprofit animal shelters and support groups around the country. Their raison-d’etre has always been to give back to the community while doing what they love (and they really put a lot of love in their wines). Located in downtown Solvang (convenient walking distance from many nearby hotels), kids have their very own play area inside of this tasting room complete with Legos, puzzles and other small toys to keep them occupied. While they are otherwise entertained, parents can relax with a tasting flight (or a bottle for that matter) knowing it’s money very kindly spent.
Tasting Notes: Open Monday–Thursday from noon–7 p.m. and Friday–Sunday from 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Tasting flights are $15 for 6 wines (white/red mix).
476 First St.
Solvang
805-693-4331
Online: carivintas.com
photo: Royal Copenhagen Inn via Facebook
If you’d rather turn your family day trip into an extended-stay trip, be sure to make advance reservations at any of these parent/kid-approved overnight accommodations in the adorable Dutch town of Solvang (which has wonderfully convenient proximity to all above-mentioned wineries/tasting rooms).
Royal Copenhagen Inn
Kids Will Love: Large outdoor heated courtyard pool, secret garden outdoor grassy space and the breakfast pancake machine.
Parents Will Love: Complimentary breakfast, BBQ area, dog-friendly policies and spacious rooms.
1579 Mission Dr.
Solvang
800-624-6604
Online: royalcopenhageninn.com
Hadsten House
Kids Will Love: Large indoor heated pool and flat-screened HD in-room televisions with DVD players.
Parents Will Love: Complimentary breakfast in attached restaurant, insanely comfortable beds and the Haven Day Spa located inside hotel.
1450 Mission Dr.
Solvang
805-688-3210
Online: hadstenhouse.com
Svendsgaard’s Lodge
Kids Will Love: Outdoor heated pool & jacuzzi plus Cable TV & HBO.
Parents Will Love: No frills expense (best “bang for your buck” lodging!), complimentary continental breakfast and central location.
1711 Mission Dr.
Solvang
805-688-3277
Online: svendsgaardslodge.com
Got a local wine country fave that welcomes your wee ones? Let us know in the comment section!
—Jenifer Scott
Editor’s Note: Red Tricycle wants parents to have fun and be safe with their kids. Please drink responsibly and always designate a driver.
Mom works around the clock, why not help her wind down this Mother’s Day with an afternoon of touring waterfalls or the Willamette valley while sipping on Oregon wines? Several local companies offer unique touring and tasting experiences that allow guests to “getaway” without going far. And if your special mom isn’t the outdoorsy sort, there are plenty of wineries just waiting to treat her to an afternoon of sipping and relaxing. Read on to find out which tours and tastings we think make great gifts for Mother’s Day.
Give mom the gift of an all-inclusive day-long tour that takes her to see some of Oregon’s most majestic waterfalls and then on to sip on some of the finest wines our area has to offer. Choose from the Columbia Gorge Waterfalls & Wine Day Tour or the Willamette Valley Wine & Waterfalls Tour. Both experiences are led by expert naturalist guides who have deep knowledge of the area and are ready to educate, entertain and meet their customer’s needs.
While on her tour, mom will either have the opportunity to learn the history of the Columbia River Gorge while exploring its waterfalls or tour the stunning waterfalls of Silver Falls State Park. Either way, both experiences are followed by and relaxing and luxurious afternoon spent sipping on a variety of wines at boutique wineries. Don’t worry about mom getting enough to eat, Evergreen Escapes provides coffee, snacks and a tasty lunch to munch on throughout the day and afternoon.
Both Wine & Waterfall tours are conducted by Limo Vans and Luxury Coaches, ensuring plenty of room and that attendees’ are comfortable the whole way. Tour groups are limited 10 individuals and Evergreen Escapes promises that a 1 to 10 ratio will be maintained. Mom will be picked up from a designated location at one of Portland’s luxury hotels where she will be dropped of at the end of the day.
Columbia Gorge Waterfalls & Wine Tour
When: May 15-Oct. 31;Mon., Tue., Thurs., Fri. and Sun. 1-7 p.m.
Cost: $150
Willamette Valley Wine & Waterfalls Tour
When: Year-round, Wed. and Sat. 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Cost: $199
Contact: 503-252-1931
Online: www.evergreenescapes.com
Mother’s Day Tip: Evergreen Escapes makes gifting a tour easy with the option to purchase gift certificates online.
Arrange a tour for mom and her best friend(s) or send her on a date with dad! This tour gives passengers the opportunity to explore the Willamette Valley with a knowledgeable guide prepared to educate them on the history of the valley while making sure they feel pampered and relaxed. They will be picked up directly from home (if in the service area) or designated hotel by a Mercedes-Benz sprinter van or Audi Q5 (depending on the size of the tour) where they will spend their time on the road relaxing in luxury.
The goal of the tour is to make sure that everyone gets to experience the breadth of wineries the Willamette Valley has to offer. Debra Kabarsky, a Wine and Spirits Educational Trust certified guide, leads the tours and will take your mom and her guest to up to four wineries that produce world class wines. Snacks, bottled water and beverages are served throughout the day and food and wine pairings will be available.
Vineyard Wine Tour
When: See available dates here.
Cost: $395/1-2 guests, $75 for each additional guest up to 10.
Contact: 503-474-2646
Online: avineyardwinetour.com
If the special mom in your life likes to do things her own way and in her own time, consider sending her directly to a winery for the day. The following destinations offer gift certificates and Mother’s Day specials.
Rex Hill Winery
Mom sips for free on Mother’s Day at this Newberg winery. Send her off to spend the afternoon sipping and nibbling either on own or with her friends. Or consider signing her up for one of the mini tours that run on Saturdays at 11 a.m.
Location: 30835 North Hwy. 99W, Newberg, Or.
Cost: Free tasting. Mini Tour $25/person
Online: rexhill.com
Enso
This winery offers a tasting lounge right in Portland so mom doesn’t have to go far for her sipping experience. They offer e-gift cards that can be delivered via e-mail or printed and given in person making Mother’s Day gift giving easy.
Location: 1416 SE Stark Street
Cost: Tasting flights start at $12 each
Online: ensowinery.com
Seven Bridged Winery
This Portland winery offers tastings Saturdays and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. You can schedule your mom’s experience by appointment and they have gift certificates available.
Location: 2303 North Harding Ave., Portland
Cost: $15/per tasting
Online: sevenbridgeswinery.com
Coelho
Mom will be treated right at Mother’s Day Sunday at Coelho. Plan her day out right with a morning or afternoon of sipping on Portuguese wine from this vineyard.
Location: 111 5th St, Amity, Or
Cost: $20 and up
Online: coelhowinery.com
Do you have a favorite local winery? Share it with us in the comments below.
—Story and photos by Annette Benedetti
| Daily |
| Today Is #NationalPieDay |
| It’s as easy as pie. |
| 1 |
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National Pie Day calls for pie! We’ve tested (and tasted) 7 easy recipes just for you. |
| 2 |
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If you aren’t up for baking, head to one of these spots to score a free slice. |
| 3 |
| Scale down your pie with a dollhouse sized mini pie craft. |
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{ Today’s ideas brought to you by Grandma’s Secret Recipe } |
Kids are back in school, so reward yourself for a summer well done by scheduling much-needed adulting time with you favorite crew. Looking for a place to host your next MNO (Mom’s Night Out) or book club meeting? Read on for our roundup of perfect spots for a bit of girl time!
Morton’s Steakhouse
You hang with a meat and potatoes kind of crowd? If you’re looking for an unobtrusive locale that provides an environment that enables great tête-à-tête interaction, consider Morton’s Steakhouse — the king of the steak and seafood market. There are several locations to choose from, making your ladies get-together a cinch: two locations in Chicago, Naperville, Rosemont, Schaumburg and Northbrook. Bonus: Your server will take a professional photograph of your group for you to take home.
Morton’s Steakhouse
Various locations throughout Chicagoland
Online: mortons.com
Lincoln Park’s NEWCITY has loads of entertainment and dining options, including two really great restaurants that offer a fun atmosphere for an ideal MNO: Earls Kitchen + Bar and Kings Lincoln Park.
Earls Kitchen + Bar
Open since fall of 2015, their menu focuses on fresh, in-season ingredients and innovative worldwide inspired meals. Earls has a large outdoor three-season patio with fire pits and cushioned couches, where you’ll enjoy live music and handcrafted drinks.
Kings Bowl Lincoln Park
is a giant retro-inspired space that includes swanky bowling, American dining and cocktails. The soy-glazed salmon is delicious and for something to talk about, order the “Savage”, which features citrus vodka, St. Germaine strawberry puree, fresh lemon juice topped with Sprite and a glass rimmed with Pop Rocks. Note: during the day, kids are welcome and invited to hang, play and dine.
NEWCITY Lincoln Park
1457 N. Halsted St.
Lincoln Park
Online: experiencenewcity.com
Arami
This light-drenched restaurant in West Town is the place to go for authentic Japanese options with several unique twists on classic American fare. Arami recently launched a Sunday brunch, which may be ideal for your mom’s group outing. Be sure to check their website for fun happenings like Noodle Night, Sushi Class or Japanese Whiskey Tasting, all of which would make for a fun night out with your mom pals.
Arami
1829 W. Chicago Ave.
West Town
Online: aramichicago.com
Upstairs at The Gwen
Located at The Gwen Hotel Chicago, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is a lovely and private rooftop terrace with an Art Deco design, which makes for a perfect meeting spot for interesting and delicious cocktails and sharable plates. You’ll love the Prosecco Popsicles and personal bar carts!
Upstairs at The Gwen
521 N. Rush St.
Near North Side
The Terrace at Trump
Another great rooftop terrace, with one of the very best views of Chicago, is The Terrace at Trump. When you gaze upon the Wrigley Building’s clock tower, you’ll think you’re staring at a green screen—it’s that magical. And, of course, the menu options are incredible—sharable or individual. Here you can also order a Chilled Shellfish Tower, Flatbreads or a Terrace Picnic, which includes a sharable picnic basket for up to four people.
The Terrace at Trump
401 N. Wabash Ave.
Near North Side
Online: trumphotelcollection.com
Where’s your favorite spot to connect with your mom squad? Chat with us about it in the Comments!
—Wendy Altschuler
Shhhhhh! Hear that? That’s the sweet sound of silence. Chase the dream of uninterrupted conversation by dialing up a sitter for a much needed date night. Read on to hear how you can bond on a caffeine crawl, check out new restaurant openings, experience Deja Vu at The Second City and more! Get planning — and enjoy the heck out of this quiet time!
photo: The Second City’s Deja Vu
Get Your Laughs at The Second City’s Fool Me Twice, Deja Vu
Everyone has a deja vu story or two to share. That 6th sense is a strong one and Second City is ready to take you on an uproarious exploration of intuition. Take a gleeful glance into funny mothers, millennials, christian media and contemporary nostalgia as you get fooled twice and come back for another round of fooling.
Every Tues.-Sun. evening
$28-$36/person
Second City MainStage
1616 N. Wells
Old Town
Online: secondcity.com
photo: Caffeine Crawl Chicago
Caffeine Crawl Chicago
Join in on year two of the Windy City’s Caffeine Crawl. They’re bringing the buzz back to favorite neighborhoods, classic cafes and exciting new stops for a caffeinated weekend to remember! 20 local cafes, roasteries, tea shops and bakeries unite for 11 routes across the metro – walking, driving or transit tours. Multiple start times are offered to fit busy schedules.
Fri., Jun. 3-Sun., Jun. 5; 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Multiple Cafes
557 W. Diversey Pkwy.
Chicago
Online: caffeinecrawl.com
Disenchanted comes to Broadway in Chicago
Poisoned apples. Glass slippers. You won’t find those here. Forget about the princesses you thought you knew. The original storybook heroines have come back to life to set the record straight. After multiple sold-out runs nationwide, these royal renegades tossed off their tiaras to bring their hilariously subversive, not-for-the-kiddies musical to you – and what you thought about princesses will never be the same
Through Jun. 5; various showtimes, check calendar
$37.75-$75.75/person
Broadway Playhouse
175 E. Chestnut
Mag Mile
Online: broadwayinchicago.com
Pilsen Food Truck Social
Food truck fans, this street fest is just for you. Savor a variety of delicacies and treats from a caravan of different food trucks all in one central location. The menus offer a little something for everyone. Want to try something from each truck? Check out the $20 sampler ticket that gets you sample-size portions from 5 different trucks. Bon appetit!
Sat., Jun. 11-Sun., Jun. 12; 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Suggested donation of $5/person; $20/Sampler Ticket
18th St. at Allport
Pilsen
Online: pilsenfoodtrucksocial.com
photo: Lincoln Park Zoo’s Brew to Be Wild
Brew to Be Wild at Lincoln Park Zoo
Tap your inner animal—and savor some great craft beers—at the second annual Brew to Be Wild tasting event. Adults can enjoy a selection from more than 75 specialty brews from 35-plus local and regional breweries, alongside animal encounters and other fun, after-hours activities. Beyond the tasting stations along the zoo’s winding paths, this ticketed event will feature lawn games, DJ beats and tasty food for purchase. A limited number of VIP tickets will include exclusive beer tastings, snacks and access to a private lounge and restrooms.
Fri., Jun. 17- Sat. Jun. 18; 6 p.m.-11 p.m.
$49 general admission; $89 VIP
Lincoln Park Zoo
2100 N. Clark St.
Lincoln Park
Online: lpzoo.org/brew-be-wild
photo: Smack Shack
Welcome Smack Shack to Chicago
Started as a food truck in Minneapolis in 2010, Smack Shack has chosen Chicago to drop anchor for the second location. Lucky us! Check out their new location in the Fulton Market area, where they’ll be serving up their famous lobster rolls, lobster mac & cheese, corn on the cob, shrimp, oysters! It’s beyond delicious and the cool industrial vibe makes for a fun night out.
Smack Shack Chicago
326 N. Morgan
West Loop
Online: smack-shack.com/chicago
photo: Imperial Lamian
Great eats at the NEW Imperial Lamian
Imperial Lamian’s first U.S. location is now open! Check out their authentic, yet modern, Chinese cuisine with dishes prepared by three Master Chefs expertly trained in their individual crafts: Chef Kok Lam Andy Foo helms both traditional and inventive wok dishes, Chef Lim Kee Tiong specializes in beautiful dim sum and xiao long bao (soup dumplings), and Chef Wang Hongjun focuses on fresh, hand-pulled lamian noodles.
Imperial Lamian
6 W. Hubbard
Near North Side
Online: imperial-lamian.com
Make a reservation: imperial-lamian.com/reservations
Need help with a sitter? Don’t forget Pump It Up Lisle hosts Parents Night Out every third Friday and there are plenty of online sitter services to help you in your date night quest.
Fun date night plans in June? Tell us about it in the Comments below!
— Maria Chambers
Looking for some camping fun but you didn’t get online in March to reserve your campsite? While it’s true places like Yosemite book up months in advance, there are plenty of options you and the kids will love, especially if you’re able to go mid-week. Read on to learn about some of our faves!
Photo: Kate Loweth
Up North
If your idea of a good camping trip includes wine tasting (is that even a question?), then check out these wine country camping options that still have availability. Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is located between the quaint towns of Calistoga and St. Helena and includes both traditional campsite and yurts. Kids will love the on-site pool and creek that flows behind the campsites. Check out their naturalist-led hikes on the weekends to learn about the flora and fauna that inhabits the area. St. Clement Vineyards is nearby and offers kid-friendly wine tasting (yes, that’s right, kid-friendly wine tasting!) in a beautiful setting—they even have a chalk room to keep your littles entertained! Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is another wine country camping option with weekday (lots) and weekend (some) availability through September.
Located along the wooded shore of the San Pablo Bay, China Camp is a local favorite and not even twenty miles from downtown Sausalito. The wooded campsites are “hike-in,” but don’t let that intimidate you—it just means that campers will have to carry their goods from the parking lot to their site, usually no more than an easy five-minute walk. Scenic hiking trails lead down to a mellow beach and a small museum depicting the history of the camp, which was once a Chinese shrimping village. After taking a dip, head over to the homey Quan Bros. snack shop for ice cream or bay shrimp specialities prepared by Frank Quan, a longtime resident and fisherman at China Camp, and his family. The park is now operated by Friends of China Camp, who raised funds and saved it from closure.
Photo: Kate Loweth
Down South
Portola Redwoods State Park in La Honda is a favorite of many Bay Area families. It’s just an hour from the Peninsula and features a great ravine and some nice shade. Though the way down to the ravine is a bit steep in places, the kids will love splashing around in the mostly shallow water. There are fire pits, picnic tables and banana slugs galore. (Heads up: Due to the drought there are currently no showers available at this campground and bathrooms are limited to port-o-potties only.) Kids will love all the fallen trees bridging the ravine as well as the hollowed out tree stumps here and there that make for great hide outs. Though weekends are mostly booked, there are still plenty of weekday options available.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park in Big Sur boasts open meadows, hiking trails, plentiful wildlife and even a grocery store (the Camp Store) helps prevent the toddler tears when you inevitably forget the marshmallows. Like many campgrounds tucked into the trees, it’s best to bring layers as the temperature can be a little cool even in summer months. If you want to snag a spot during the weekday and (ahem) work from home, you can head over to the vicinity of the Camp Store where you’ll find wireless access.
Photo: Camp Campbell YMCA via yelp
Would you like to camp without bringing your tent? Go back to the basics at the family camps offered by Camp Campbell YMCA in Boulder Creek. They have treetop cabins and tent cabins still available for their Labor Day weekend family camp as well as rustic and treetop cabins available for the Thanksgiving weekend family camp. Participate in traditional camping activities from ceramics to orienteering to archery. All of your meals are prepared for you (hooray!) and the nights end with a campfire gathering and flashlight hike.
There are still plenty of weekend spots available (even many tent-only sites available for Labor Day weekend) at Fremont Peak State Park, which is open year round. Views are amazing (from the top of the peak, check out the sea of fog down below on the Monterey Bay), hikes are mostly mild and stargazing is a must. On select evenings (call to check your dates) the park opens their astronomical observatory complete with 30-inch diameter telescope. The walk there is manageable even for little ones and lots of amateur astronomers come up with their own telescopes to share their love for the night sky. While there are no showers or flush toilets at this site, the stars and views more than make up for it.
Photo: Kate Loweth
East Bay
If Tahoe seems like too much of a trek, get your lakeside kicks closer to home. Del Valle Regional Park is centered around a sparkling (and warm!) 5-mile-long lake, and offers swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and camping—just ten miles south of Livermore. The warm weather and kid-friendly beaches, complete with lifeguards, make this a haven for Bay Area families, so the kids are sure to make fast friends. The campground has plenty of weekday availability and even a handful of weekends through September.
For an even closer-to-home commune with nature, there is a fantastic camping located just 20 minutes from downtown Oakland. Chabot Family Campground overlooks Lake Chabot. Hot showers, a naturalist-led campfire program, hiking and proximity to home, make this spot a favorite. Nearby Lake Chabot offers paddle boats and a cafe as well. Plenty of weekday campsites and some weekends as well are available through the rest of the summer. Keep in mind that if you’re looking to escape it all, this might not be your spot, since it’s so close to civilization. That said, it also means you can take a day trip to Berkeley or one of the many museums in Oakland if the kids get restless.
Photo: via grrsh on Flickr creative commons
Insider Tips
Don’t give up if you’re having trouble getting a summer spot—our summer weather will really hit its stride in September, so if you can’t find a weekend at your ideal site, consider a weekend after Labor Day and get more mileage out of the summer. The weather at coastal campgrounds (like Sunset State Beach near Santa Cruz, or Sonoma Coast State Park) is best in the fall anyway.
Find available campsites through Reserve America, where you can plug in your desired dates, your zip code (if you’re looking for something close to home) and the number of nights you want to stay. Reserve America will then return available sites as well as give you the option of finding “next available” dates if you have a specific campground you’ve got your heart set on.
The Hiker-Biker Secret: Want guaranteed, last-minute access into any campsite in California? Then pack up the bike trailer and go for a ride. Any campers who show up on bicycles (or on their own two feet) to any state or federal campsite in the state will be shown to their site and charged just $5 per person, per night, no reservations needed. Now, if the idea of transporting the family on two wheels seems preposterous, check out nearby options like China Camp, where, from the Larkspur ferry landing, a leisurely 2 hour ride will get you to your destination. Those s’mores will never have tasted so good.
What is your favorite kid-friendly camping spot in the Bay Area?
—Kate Loweth, Tara Wright and Erin Feher
