The one you’re going to want to buy, immediately. LEGO just announced the new F.R.I.E.N.D.S Apartments Set and with 2,048 pieces, you’ll have endless opportunities to recreate your favorite scenes from the classic show.
The sprawling set features both New York apartments, plus the adjoining hallway. It features plenty of iconic features from many of the show’s hilarious moments—from Monica’s Thanksgiving Turkey hat to Joey and Chandler’s canoe-as-furniture. You’ll also find the Poking Device, Pat the Dog and Phoebe’s creepy art piece, among many others.
Of course, your set wouldn’t be complete without the minifigures and LEGO has created them for the whole crew. Rachel is rocking her iconic plaid skirt, Ross has his too-tight leather pants, Monica has her classic apron, Phoebe is in her familiar florals, Chandler looks suave in his suit and designer tie. Last but not least, Joey is wearing all of Chandler’s clothes.
This is the second F.R.I.E.N.D.S-themed set, following the super popular Central Perk set in 2019. It’s available exclusively for LEGO VIP members on May 19 and online and in LEGO Stores on June 1, retailing for $149.99. Get ready to add this stellar set to your collection!
San Diego is treasured for its endless summer vibes, iconic palm trees and gorgeous beaches. It’s no wonder people flock to this amazing destination for vacation, and locals feel like they’re on an eternal staycation. There are so many places to explore from LEGOLAND and Balboa Park to the San Diego Zoo––and plenty to sink your teeth into at delectable restaurants dishing up creative culinary delights. At the end of a fantastic day, it’s comforting to know you can relax at well-appointed hotels and resorts that cater to families. Read on for the best places to eat, play and stay in sunny San Diego.
San Diego’s culinary scene is bustling with options to suit every taste. For a delicious sampling of eats from over 30 vendors, head to Liberty Public Market. Here you’ll find artisanal fare including Thai food, Peruvian cuisine, prized ramen, steamed bao buns, Korean BBQ, French crepes, fresh Maine Lobster rolls, gigantic stuffed hamburgers and so much more. Grab your favorite dish and head out to the Market’s family-friendly patio to dine al fresco.
If you’ve got a hankering for Southern California fried chicken, cross the proverbial road to The Crack Shack and order up the Coop Deville: fried chicken, pickled fresno chilies, lime mayo and napa cabbage piled high on a brioche bun. Your little chickadees will dig playing in the restaurant’s sand pit too.
For authentic Mexican food with a fun twist, venture to Luche Libre Gourmet Taco Shop. Slide into the Champions Table (book it the day before your visit). It’s a sparkling gold table and booth filled with Mexican wrestling paraphernalia. Order the Surfin’ California burrito and Knockout fries (stacked with fixins like queso enchilado and secret chipotle sauce), for a meal you won’t soon forget.
Play
A trip to San Diego wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the San Diego Zoo and/or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. These world famous destinations are home to some of the most magnificent and rare creatures on earth, including Future, an 8-week-old female southern white rhino calf at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Don’t miss the Zoo’s Africa Rocks exhibit, where you wind your way through six animal habitats of African terrain from the savannah grasslands to the tropical rainforest, or the Safari Park’s Walkabout Australia where you roam among kangaroos and wallabies and have close encounters with wombats and kookaburras.
photo: taken Jan. 17, 2020 by Ken Bohn, San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Visit the beautiful 1,200-acre urban cultural mecca Balboa Park to find buskers showcasing their musical talents. It’s a fun way to hear new music for free. Explore the 17 museums that call the Park home, ride the carousel, climb the tower and hop on the train on the miniature railroad. Afterwards, sit with a picnic on a grassy knoll and watch the many planes that fly by on their way to and from the airport.
Your little minifigs will go wild over a trip to LEGOLAND. In addition to the theme park’s 60+ thrilling rides for all ages, kids will also love the LEGOLAND Water Park, Sea Life Aquarium and the mind-boggling LEGO brick creations and displays throughout the Park that range from gigantic to tiny and intricate. And hold on to your Granny’s Apple Fries (arguably the best treat in the Park), because the LEGO Movie World is opening in spring 2020! The whole fam will want to visit this immersive world wherein the hit LEGO movies come to life.
Stay
Marriott boasts a trio of San Diego hotel options that feature amenities for the whole family. From adjoining suites and kitchenettes to spas and outdoor pools, you’ll be able to relax and rejuvenate or dive into even more fun at your home away from home.
The Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina is a waterfront hotel in the heart of downtown San Diego with unbeatable views of the marina and San Diego Bay. Located near several must-see attractions including Balboa Park and Seaport Village, a stay here includes an expansive resort-style pool, award winning restaurants with incredible views, and access to paddle-board, boat, and bicycle rentals.
The Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa is located on what’s known as San Diego’s crown jewel: Coronado. This blissful retreat from city life grants you views of the San Diego skyline and Coronado Bridge. The completely renovated resort offers guests three pools, delicious patio dining, a pickleball court, and an expansive wellness center and day spa so you’ll never need to leave the resort.
The Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina‘s stunning Harbor Island location lends itself to waterfront views and airy accommodations complete with private balcony or patio to soak up the idyllic surroundings. Situated close to downtown, the San Diego Zoo and Petco Park, guests are at the heart of the city, poised for every local jaunt. The sprawling outdoor pool complex, state of the art fitness center and luxury spa make this hotel a wonderful retreat.
With Marriott Bonvoy™, members can enjoy special rates, free in-room Wifi, mobile check-in and the ability to earn and redeem points at Marriott’s thousands of hotels. Not a Marriott Bonvoy member? Join for free when you book! Save on your trip to San Diego here!
Hear What Other Parents Are Saying:
Marriott Marquis San Diego: “We stayed here with our family in adjoining rooms. It’s always so nice, plenty of room for all of us and we always have such a great time. Everywhere you go you need to have a keycard for access so it’s super secure. We let the kids have roam of the hotel and Marina. We are always super comfortable with this location, it’s super safe. The pool, rooms, restaurants, room service (late night desserts) ;-), staff are all top notch! Highly recommend this hotel.” ––Christine & John Kelly, Littleton, CO, via TripAdvisor
Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa: “The hotel was very well appointed, beautiful pool and shoreline overlooking San Diego harbour. The restaurant had a wonderful menu, something for everyone. We took advantage of the free bikes to ride around the island.” ––S. Arthur, Oakville, Canada, via TripAdvisor
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina: “This is a fantastic property with lovely pools, marina access with great activities for the entire family and good location, close to downtown, Little Italy, beaches and the Harbor. We will definitely return on our next stay in San Diego.” ––Michelle, via TripAdvisor
It’s very possible Chip and Joanna Gaines are about to take over the world. Not only is the couple launching a multi-platform media mini-empire (including their own TV network), but now they’re adding a major expansion to their Waco, Texas Magnolia Market space.
According to recent reports, the Magnolia Market expansion will add several blocks to the existing area at the Silos development in downtown Waco. It will also include a Magnolia Home Furniture store and a coffee shop.
The $10.4 million expansion will include moving an empty historic church (the Second Presbyterian Church) to Gaines’ property. The church will hold additional shops and an event space. And for the sporty/outdoorsy types, it will have an adjoining garden area and whiffle ball field.
Waco-based architect Sterling Thompson, who previously owned the church, told the Waco Tribune-Herald, “Whether they have to dissect the building or not, it’s a big job.” Thompson also added, “But moving a structure that big can be done.”
So when will this major expansion happen? John Marsicano, a spokesman for Magnolia, told the Dallas Morning News, “We’re still in the final stages of solidifying our master plan for the area, but we expect the entire project to be complete by the end of the year.” Marsicano went on to add, “Additional construction details and site plan information will be available in the coming weeks, but our hope with this project is to create an active and beautiful community space for Wacoans and visitors alike.”
If your kiddo is too big for the baby swing but not quite big enough for full-on playground play or the “Mommy and Me” classes that used to fill your schedule now fall smack dab in the middle of nap time, it’s time to pay a visit to Child Playtime And Swellness Center located in Columbia, Maryland just beyond the Beltway. Read on to discover why this tot-friendly destination is a must-visit for DMV families.
The 411
The Center is located in an unassuming office park, but once the doors open, it’s clear that fun for the under 5 set is at the top of the Center’s agenda. Amid the cheerful decor and kids tunes on the stereo, you’ll find developmental areas designed to encourage creativity, role playing, and independent play. Have a new mover? Visit the Cute Kiddie Crawlers Area to try out a tunnel or two. Blossoming Artists will enjoy crayons and crafts in the Vivacious Van Gogh Art Area. Bonus: your walls will stay clean, too!
Where to Play
After you pay your $10 daily entrance fee, take your block lover to the Little Builders Architectural Area or go into an adjoining room where young roadsters can take a spin in cars, buses, and even a spaceship. The Center’s also got some perks for parents, including bathrooms with changing tables, a refrigerator for storing meals or snacks (there’s water and sodas in there for you too!), and a comfy leather couch where you can kick back and relax while your little one plays.
Party Time!
Got a birthday party to plan? The Center’s known as a fun, and affordable, place for a pint-sized soirees of all sizes. Reserve the Center for your small shindig (10 kids or less) for $250, or pay just $10 per child if your guest list includes more than 20 kiddos. Also new at the Center are classes including Bricks4Kidz (a perfect fit for LEGO lovers) and Yo Hablo Espanol.
With its affordable rates, age-appropriate activities, parent amenities, a visit to the Child Playtime and Swellness Center is definitely worth hitting I-95 for.
For all you animal lovers out there, we have found your puuurrrrrfect new hangout. Part neighborhood café, part cozy cat haven, Cat Town Café opened this past October in downtown Oakland as a place for locals to sip fresh coffee, nibble on sweet treats and most importantly, spend time with beautiful, cuddly cats, all of whom are available for adoption.
The Backstory “Cat crazy” business partners Ann Dunn and Adam Myatt opened Cat Town Café with one goal in mind, to find fur-ever homes for cats that are normally overlooked by local animal rescue organizations. Through a partnership with Oakland Animal Services, the dedicated volunteers of Cat Town have pulled nearly 70 cats since October, nearly all of whom have been adopted through visits to the Café. There’s no pressure during your visit, though. Most of the visitors coming through the Café’s doors are there to grab a quick bite and spend time with some adorable cats who are soaking up the attention.
Kiddie Nibble At Cat Town Café, the cats are arguably the main attraction. In one room, you’ll find the café, which is minimal but has enough options to keep tiny tummies satisfied. There’s a selection of locally-sourced bagels, muffins, scones and cookies, as well as pour-over coffee, tea and hot chocolate. The tables are sparse, as most visitors spend their time munching on treats while gazing at the cats through the large windows facing the adjoining “Cat Zone.”
Know Before You Go Cat Town loves their young visitors, and even boasts a kid-friendly table in the Cat Zone as a tiny refuge. But they also pride themselves on being a calm sanctuary for the cats, so adult supervision is required. The Café is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the Cat Zone is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. You’re welcome to visit the café anytime, but visits to the cat zone are booked on an hourly basis and your best bet is to make a reservation online ahead of time. A $10 donation guarantees your space online, or you can try walking-in for free, but you might end up spending a good chunk of your afternoon waiting for admission. Unless your child is strapped to your chest or in a stroller, plan on reserving a spot for them as well. The Cat Zone is open and airy and with 14 people max, even the youngest cat-lovers are accounted for to make sure that both the cats, and their visitors, feel right at home.
Cat Town Café
2869 Broadway (Entrance is on 29th Street)
Oakland, CA 94611
(510) 891-1100
Online: cattowncafe.com
Would your child think Cat Town Café is the cat’s meow?!?
