Ready to amp up your summer soiree? Say hello to the charcuterie board! From dessert and holiday platters to the ever-popular birthday board, these varietal trays make mealtime fun. We’ve rounded up some of the best summer charcuterie board ideas, like a hamburger board, summer fruit platter, and of course, a s’mores board. Keep scrolling!
Kick the summer off with this simple charcuterie board. It boasts a gorgeous color palette, and easy-to-find ingredients and is the perfect way to embrace the laid-back vibes of the season.
Summer fruit is featured in all its glory in this stunning board! Grab all the peaches, nectarines, and cherries you can find to arrange with sides like honey and cheese.
There's a little bit of everything on this board. Perfect for backyard gatherings in between meals, pile this charcuterie array with meats, nuts, fruit, and spreads to keep everyone happy until it's BBQ time.
Grab a napkin because this steak charcuterie board is mouth-watering! This BBQ-based platter is easily customizable, packed with steak and your fave veggies.
A little more on the fancy side, this grilled skewer board still equals charcuterie fun. Toss some kabobs on the barbie then prep some savory sauces for the ultimate meal.
Step aside hamburger bar—there's a new charcuterie board in town. This enormous hamburger board boasts plenty of toppings and sides to make the most epic and fun dinner.
Movie night just got a whole lot better. This film-themed board brings your fave cinema treats to your fingertips, with options like popcorn, licorice and gummy bears, all you have to do is press "play."
Whether it’s for Memorial Day or the 4th of July, this fun red, white, and blue charcuterie board will give you plenty of ideas for a festive displays.
Streamline your Turkey Day dinner plans by trading kitchen time for dining time. Here’s where to go for Thanksgiving dinner in Atlanta
Putting together a fully home-cooked holiday spread can be stressful. So, if you’re looking to score Thanksgiving dinner in Atlanta without lifting a finger, we’ve got you. From Atlanta restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving Day to those offering Thanksgiving dinner to-go, each one of our picks has kids and families in mind. With these choices, you’ll save some time and be able to head off to all your other Thanksgiving Day activities with a full belly and happy kids.
These Atlanta Restaurants are Open on Thanksgiving Day
If you'd rather go out this year in Atlanta for Thanksgiving, Ray's offers its Traditional Thanksgiving Day Dine In Buffet for $70 per adult, $35 per child. Feast on starters like peel-and-eat shrimp and local meats and cheeses, have some butternut squash bisque or seafood gumbo, and dive into main courses such as savory herb-roasted turkey breast and slow-roasted herb-crusted prime rib. Reservations are required, so make them online or call 770-955-1187.
For a traditional three-course sit-down Thanksgiving dinner, visit the restaurant HobNob between 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. There's a set cost of $45 per person or $17.95 for a kids plate for ages 12 and younger. First course choices include curried pumpkin soup, toasted sourdough or fall salad, while second courses offer roasted turkey breast, glazed ham, seared Atlantic salmon and 12-hour porter braised rib. Dessert is pumpkin or pecan pie or chocolate layer cake. Reservations are recommended.
Old Vinings Inn offers its '22 Thanksgiving Dine In with a three-course prix fixe menu (with add on options) for $70 for adults and $28 for children under age 12. Expect a butternut squash bisque, roasted turkey breast, prime rib, cornbread dressing, garlic green beans, desserts, and more. The children's meal includes turkey, chicken fingers, or mac & cheese, plus one side and a scoop of ice cream. There's also an option for pick-up or delivery in case you decide you don't want to go out.
The a la carte Thanksgiving menu from Souper Jenny this year features "everything but the bird," with the restaurant's popular soups and a long list of sides including Jenny's sausage & apple stuffing with sage & thyme, vegan vegetable stuffing, crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with maple mustard glaze, and traditional holiday desserts.
Good to Know: All orders must be in by Thursday, November 17 at 4 p.m., and there is a $60 minimum. Pick-up is Wednesday, November 23 at all three locations.
Souper Jenny Buckhead 130 West Paces Ferry Rd. N.W. Atlanta
This Acworth barbecue restaurant is offering its annual takeout holiday menu for Thanksgiving, which includes a choice of turkey or ham and all the classic sides you crave, like sweet potato casserole, garlic mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and golden kernel corn. The options are extensive but you'd better reserve your spot fast. Call the restaurant at 770-529-5227 to place your order at least 72 hours in advance.
Serving Alabama-style BBQ since 1988, Moe’s Original BBQ is a great spot to get Thanksgiving dinner in Atlanta. From whole smoked turkeys to vats of mac-n-cheese (and everything in between), you can choose from their Thanksgiving packages or pick up food a la carte. With three locations near Atlanta, they're a great option for outsourcing holiday stress this year.
5005 Peachtree Pkwy., Suite 810 Peachtree Corners, GA
Whether you're looking to add a few extra dishes to your holiday spread or you want the whole shebang, Local Three is offering elevated traditional holiday meals to go. In addition to brined and smoked Bell Evans turkeys or Beeler's honey glazed spiral cut ham, you can pick up fresh cold water oysters, charcuterie boards, whipped brown butter sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and more. Choose items from their a la carte menu or get everything you need to feed 12 people with their family feast for $399.
Good to Know: Thanksgiving items will be available for pickup at Local Three, from 2-8 p.m. on November 22 and 23.
People come to the OK Cafe for the quality of the food and the sort of menu your grandmother would make for Sunday dinner, if you had a grandma who could cook, that is. With a whole turkey option, you can elect to add pans of mac n' cheese, squash souffle, mashed potatoes, black eyed peas, and more. You can also pick up whole pies and cakes, to finish it off in style. Holiday menus, when published, can be found on their website under "Menu."
284 West Paces Ferry Rd. Atlanta Online:okcafe.com
Sprouts
Although Sprouts is still working on the details for this year's feast, in the past they've offered pre-order turkeys, hams, rib roasts, complete prepared meals, and party trays to take home. Pick up your meal—including a main course and traditional trimmings and sides—by noon on Thanksgiving Day. In addition to the Atlanta store, there are about a dozen others in the general area, so check their website to see which location is best for you.
1845 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Suite 500 Atlanta Online:sprouts.com
Offering whole smoked turkeys or sliced, plus cornbread dressing, turkey gravy, biscuits or cornbread, and cranberry sauce (in addition to your choice of two sides), you can place your Thanksgiving dinner order online in advance for pickup from November 7 through November 23. A whole smoked turkey (feeds 12-14) package with sides is $215, and the sliced turkey package (feeds six) is $125.
This new spot in Dunwoody's The Village is opening this fall, but it's already offering take-home family Thanksgiving dinners. Choose from brined or smoked Heritage North Carolina free range turkey for $110 to $125, with gravy or other sides for $25 each. Or get a smoked turkey, gravy, and four sides for $250. Order online through their other business, Bar(N), and pick it all up from Morty’s Meat & Supply on either November 23, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., or November 24 (Thanksgiving Day), from 10 a.m. to noon.
Atlanta's go-to elegant to-go eatery, with two locations, is offering a whole smoked turkey (serves 10-12) for $110, along with fancier-fare side dishes (think bourbon orange cranberry relish) and decadent desserts (salted caramel apple pie, anyone?), priced separately. You can also opt for the classic turkey feast for eight, which includes a customizable menu for $390.
If you want some turkey but you're really not that into the traditional meal, per se, you can pick up a Thanksgiving Carryout Package at Maggiano's. They are still updating the details for this year's meal but in the past it's included a traditional roasted turkey with giblet gravy and focaccia sausage stuffing, country-style smoked ham with whipped sweet potatoes, plus spaghetti and meatballs, four-cheese ravioli, caesar salad, garlic mashed potatoes, freshly baked bread, plus cranberry relish.
Maggiano’s Buckhead 3368 Peachtree Rd. Atlanta
Maggiano’s Cumberland Mall 1601 Cumberland Mall S.E. Atlanta
The grill is your go-to summer cooking tool, but it’s easy to get stuck in a rut of burgers and steaks. When you’re ready to switch up your dinner menu, you’ll want to check out our roundup of easy grilling recipes. From sweet and sour grilled chicken to skewers and even grilled fruit, these recipes are sure to spice up your spread. Read on to get fired up about all of the delicious possibilities.
Grilled Chicken Recipe
One of the easiest things to grill in the summer is chicken. With endless possibilities, there’s a style and flavor for everyone. We can’t wait to try this Sweet & Sour Chicken version. You can find the recipe in the post below!
What goes better with grilled chicken than corn on the cob? A staple for summer dinners, make some with butter and salt for the kids, and add elote seasoning, spicy mayo or just about anything else you can think of for the adults.
If you’ve got kids who like to keep it simple, set aside a few pieces of zucchini for them to have plain, while the rest can be tossed into this simple summer salad recipe.
Campfire food can be made at home too. Foil packets are genius because there’s literally no cleanup and you can add just about anything you want to the mix. The post below has the recipe for this particularly yummy-looking dinner.
Better than french fries (we think), grilled sweet potatoes are a cinch to prep (see the post for details), and after you’ve lathered them in olive oil and salt, they only take about 4-5 minutes on each side before they’re done.
If you haven’t tried this yet, we highly recommend adding it to your summer recipe rotation. Warm and smooth and stuffed with everything from shrimp to feta and tomatoes, grilled avocados are a real treat. Check out the recipe below.
Another easy way to get a whole meal done at once is to assemble chicken skewers. Add fruit, and vegetables and marinate them in your favorite sauce.
iStock
Grilled Peaches with Feta
These grilled peaches can be served with feta, like in the recipe below, or with ice cream for a sweet summer dessert. A totally understated way to enjoy a sweet treat!
We North Texans take our food and entertainment seriously, so what better way to enjoy the warm months than with an awesome meal in a great outdoor space? The metroplex has more than enough kid-friendly restaurants with patios in Dallas perfect for families, and we picked a few of our favorites. Scroll down to see them all and make those reservations!
Gabby Cullen
Breadwinners Cafe at Northpark Center
Not only do you get a top-notch shopping experience when visiting Northpark Center, but you can grab a bite at Breadwinners while the kids run around in the center green space. We highly recommend their weekend brunch!
One of the most awesome restaurants with patios in Dallas, this popular Uptown restaurant is huge! While best left to the adults for the evening dining and shows, it’s a great place to take the kids for a weekend lunch.
Standard Service in Rockwall county has one of the best outdoor spaces in all of DFW. From fire pits to pickleball courts, lawn games, live music and events, this spot has it all. They offer great food, great drinks and plenty of fun for families. Don’t miss their Saturday Staple Goods Market, either!
With a full yard full of picnic tables, umbrellas and games, Red’s Yard is one of our favorite spots for outdoor dining. They offer BBQ, a full bar and plenty of space for the kids to run around.
410 N. Bell Ave. Denton, TX 76209 Online: redsyardtx.com
Maybe you're already a fan of the flagship location on Greenville Ave. Well, the Fort Worth location of the popular restaurant not only hugs the Trinity River, but it boasts a huge patio that's ideal for families.
A backyard BBQ joint with a Ferris wheel? The wheel isn't moving right now, but this unique restaurant has plenty of outdoor seating and there are also Midway games!!
Any dining spot that encourages families is going to be on our list! The Yard offers classic backyard food options like burgers, sandwiches, and of course, queso for starters. The kids’ menu is plentiful and there is plenty of space to run around. Be sure to bring your fur baby, too because this place is super pet-friendly!
If you’re looking for a fast-casual restaurant with libations and a playspace, look no further than Hat Creek Burger. We love the laid-back vibe and the quick service, and did we mention their range of yummy sauces?
This 14,000-square-foot open-air restaurant sits on the banks of the Trinity River. It features a working garden, backyard games, bike rentals (you can cruise down the Trinity Trails) and live music. There’s a gravel area where dogs are welcome (there’s even a menu for furry friends!) and you can choose between your own plate or family-style meals.
There aren’t any indoor tables at Toller Patio, but with heaters and fans, you’ll be comfortable no matter the weather. You order food and drink from an app, and then find a spot at one of the colorful picnic tables. Menu items range from sandwiches and salads to french toast sticks and breakfast tacos. Toller Patio is very dog friendly, and with 17 big-screen TVs and swings, so this is a fun spot for the whole family.
We love this food hall for its huge outdoor dining area where you can listen to live music, join in on the themed trivia nights, watch dance performances, play lawn games or just enjoy the outdoor space. We also love the fact that you can pick from tons of different types of food (think ramen, tacos, BBQ, pizza, burgers, sushi and more) depending on your mood.
This hidden gem is a staple for families in Carrollton. Not only is the food great, but there's a playground located right next to the outdoor patio. What could be better on a warm night than a margarita and kids too busy to ask for anything until it's time to eat?
Lions and tigers and… cars? If seeing the zoo on foot doesn’t cut it for your animal-loving brood, there are plenty of immersive animal experiences that’ll give you the feeling of an authentic wildlife safari park from the comfort of your (or someone else’s) car. Whether you want to gaze at giraffes from a double-decker safari truck or see the wild from the comfort of your own front seat, here are the best safari park experiences in the U.S.
Safari West - Santa Rosa, CA
Safari West
While a three-hour tour through the Sonoma wine country usually conjures up visions of gorgeous grapes ripening on the vine, Safari West will have you rethinking those expectations. Here, you'll board a double-decker safari truck and log some serious face time with zebras, giraffes, water buffalo and any number of the other 800 animals that call this preserve home. Expect learning to happen, too. Safari West guides love actively engaging guests, promoting conservation and education efforts on their tours, as they expertly weave the open-air jeep in for a closer look. When tummies rumble, belly up to the Savannah Cafe that overlooks the park; the authentic food, beautiful scenery and grown-up grape juice from the region hit the spot after a long safari.
Wildest Extra: Want to make a weekend out of it? Spend the night in one of Safari West's 30 authentic African safari tents, with polished hardwood floors, en-suite bathrooms (with hot showers and real toilets), hand-hewn furniture, and ultra-plush linens atop comfortable beds.
The San Diego Wild Animal Park (a branch of the San Diego Zoo) has everything a zoo has to offer, with a plethora of ways to see it all. Rather than keeping animals in small cages, this place opts to let the animals roam free—and puts the people in various vehicles to go out and see them. Families can commune with exotic wildlife from golf carts, African trams, zip lines, behind-the-scenes truck tours, or, even in a hot air balloon for a spectacular bird’s eye view of it all. Add in a ropes course for adventurers as young as seven, and you could spend days taking it all in. But at the heart of this animal wonderland is a mission to save the critters of the world, with its researchers and activists leading conservation efforts in 45 countries, with 380 partners in its conservation work, five conservation field stations and 200 conservation scientists working in the field or the lab, according to this article.
Wildest Extra: Want to really wow your wildlife-loving kiddos? Opt for an overnight in an authentic safari tent. At the Wild Animal Park's "Roar and Snore" overnights, you'll get a nighttime tour of the zoo (with up-close animal encounters), then fall asleep to the sounds of lions' roars in the distance.
Gas up the family wagon and grab a bucket of tasty grains for the “locals” at the gate before taking off along the three-mile paved drive through this natural animal habitat. Expect a few delighted shrieks from the littles as ostriches, llamas and zebras poke their heads through the windows to say hello and help themselves to tasty treats. When you’re done with the drive, be sure to check out the Village Walk-Thru where the kidlets can spend some QT with potbellied pigs, chickens and goats and more. Let the good times roll!
Wildest Extra: For an added fee, you can feed giraffes from a special platform, get up close and personal with the penguins or feed and pet the rhinos—all while learning how zookeepers take care of the animals and how the Safari Park is helping the animals in the wild.
What’s not to love about a family-owned and operated animal park where it’s all about the beauty of the land and the animals that make their home there? Drive your car or hop on the bus to get a rolling tour of this bucolic oasis. Little rangers can be on the lookout for llamas, bison and ostriches, all of whom may cautiously approach the tiny outstretched hands looking to feed and interact with them. It’s a ring-side seat your sidekick won’t soon forget. Add in dinner at the Trailside Grill and you’ve got the whole day planned. The park opens in May and runs through October before closing for the winter.
Wildest Extra: Winter sleigh rides through the lower park make for a magical, snowy, family-friendly outing. Sleigh bells ring!
With a focus on preserving and encouraging the repopulation of native Northwest wildlife, this sanctuary, just 60 miles south of Seattle, is a surprisingly perfect place to be on a rainy day. In the true spirit of the Pacific Northwest, the bison, elk and bighorn sheep (and moose, if you can spot one) are a little less camera shy when it’s overcast and drizzling. The park's all-new "Wild Drive" premier tour lets you drive your own car through the Trek's Free-Roaming, where you'll cruise by herds of Roosevelt elk, bison, moose, caribou, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, swan and deer.
After that, stretch your legs on the Animal Walking Paths as you check out grizzlies, cougars and more. Kids will love the "Kids Trek," a nature-inspired playground with ropes, slides, sand, cabins and a massive “tree trunk" to climb. Up for a hike? Access to more than five miles of paved and primitive walking trails is included in admission.
Wildest Extra: Don't miss Eagle Passage, an immersive experience that allows visitors to see majestic bald eagles close up while giving the rescued birds—all of whom have some degree of long-term wing injury—a safe passage between habitat sections.
Drive your car on a three-mile gravel trail to see some of our country's most popular wild natives, including bison, black bears and wolves. When you're ready to stretch your legs, the winding walk-through, Fort Bearizona, will give you the perfect view of the park's resident jaguars, grizzly bears, and more. Craving cuddles? Creepy-crawly lovers can see bugs, spiders and nocturnal animals at the Mine Shaft Experience.
Wildest Extra: Want a peek at the resident bears... right now? Check out the park's Grizzly Cams!
Alpaca, bongos and camels are waiting to say hello to kids and their parents as they drive through the African Safari Wildlife Park. Cup in hand is the way they roll here. And when the drive comes to an end, be sure to check out the Walk-Thru Safari, where kidlets can come face to face with white alligators, ocelots and playful gibbons as they stroll along. In warmer months, the park brings out its giraffes for up-close encounters that let you feed these long-necked beauties a snack.
Note: The park is closed from Dec. through Apr. Check the online calendar for details.
Wildest Extra: Want to come face-to-tongue with a giraffe? Sign up for the 30-minute Giraffe Encounter, which lets you feed and mingle with the giraffes, Matata, Rudy, Poptart, and Harrison.
Be sure to slap your “Will Break for Bison” bumper sticker to the back of your ride before driving the gang through this open-air Safari park in Oregon. Families can get up close and personal with mammals, reptiles and birds as they check out the sights and feed a few of the residents in this 600-acre park. When your little animals get restless, take a break at Safari Village, a walkable area with trains, playgrounds and a petting zoo to keep kids busy and happy. As for conservation, Wildlife Safari’s staff works hard to protect animals both internationally and domestically. They’ve helped bring over 235 cheetah cubs into the world as part of their super successful cheetah breeding program. Hooray!
Wildest Extra: Want some wine with your wild? Be sure to get tickets for the park's "Sippin' Safari," which will honor the park's 50th anniversary on July 22 with live music, wine and beer tastings, and local food trucks.
Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari - Ashland, NE
The winner of USA Today's Best Safari Park two years in a row, this Nebraska wildlife park (which is owned and operated by Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium) lets you enjoy a four-mile, drive-through experience showcasing North American wildlife. You'll see a menagerie of animals, including American elk, bison, waterfowl, raptors and white-tailed deer. At Wolf Canyon, guests can get out of their cars to gaze at grey wolves and American black bears. After the drive, take a hike to one of the park's overlooks to view the animals from above.
Note: Due to a current Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak in Nebraska, the American white pelicans in the Pelican Wetlands, the sandhill cranes and trumpeter swans in Crane Meadows and the chickens at the Hands-on Corral will not be on display until further notice. The Eagle Aviary will be closed, but the eagles are still viewable to the public. The whooping cranes will be off display.
Wildest Extra: For an extra $65 per person, you can book a Backstage Experience to see the animals and their keepers up close. Experiences include a Cheetah Conservation Experience, which gives visitors a backstage look at the state-of-the-art Cheetah Conservation Breeding Facility to see and learn how keepers care for the park's 20 cheetahs; and the Tiger Conservation Experience, in which visitors will get the chance to tour and meet the tigers at the Tiger Conservation Breeding Center.
A sprawling sister property of the award-winning Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the Wilds lets visitors get an unfettered glimpse of the animals who call this 10,000-acre park home. Here, it's the humans who go in the "cages" and the animals who get to roam free. To see the wildlife, visitors must board the park's open-air safari vehicles to see the resident rare and endangered animals roaming in their large, natural settings.
What else? Want something extra special? Select from a variety of specialty tours to soak in The Wilds’ stunning scenery. Whether you want to float the day away during a relaxing Fishing Safari on one of nearly 100 lakes; whoosh above it all on a Zipline Tour; saddle up on a Horseback Safari through the quiet prairies; snap some Insta-worthy shots during one of the park's gorgeous Sunset Tours, or get a behind-the-scenes look at the animals with a Wildside Tour—there’s an adventure for everyone!
The original drive-through safari park in the U.S. (and believed to be "the first cageless zoo in the country"), this safari spot has been serving up African game park experiences for the whole fam since 1967. It’s four miles of drive-through meetings with oryx, giraffes, rhinos, wildebeests and a whole slew of animals we’ll bet you’ve never heard of (with more than 900 total, we’re pretty confident taking that bet), each living it up in an area that replicates their natural habitat. And the lions for which the park is named? Well, they’ve got their special spot where they can’t get up to too much mischief. Ice this cake with an adjacent KOA campground where you can fall asleep listening to the nighttime sounds of the animals outside your tent, just like a real safari!
Wildest Extra: The get-up-and-move activities that are available after your car safari are awesome perks. Mini golf, a safari cruise, plenty of rides and even a splash park are all part of the day’s adventures at Safari World, the 55-acre amusement park portion of this preserve.
Born out of a desire to help dwindling animal populations, Fossil Rim found its roots and eventual footing in propagation programs for threatened and endangered species. Thirty years later, families still flock to this Texas park, where they can take their own vehicles around the 9.5-mile Scenic Drive, or get insider deets and educationally potent tidbits when they ride along on a Guided Tour. We love that The Overlook is smack dab in the middle of this drive, as it's the perfect stopping point for antsy toddlers. Get out and interact with friendly tortoises and curious goats at the Children’s Animal Center, or grab grub at the snack bar.
Wildest Extra: A two-hour nighttime tour through the park to see what wild antics the animals are up to once the sun sets is as thrilling as it sounds! Want to stay even later? Adventurous explorers can also spend the night at the Fossil Rim Lodge, which was the original home for original Fossil Rim owner Tom Mantzel; or at one of the safari cabins overlooking one of Fossil Rim's most popular wildlife watering holes.
Nominated as one of the top 10 Best Safari Parks in the U.S. by USA Today, this 100-acre park is home to hundreds of exotic mammals, birds and reptiles from all over the world—with an assortment of fun ways to see them. Climb aboard the open-air safari truck—or upgrade to a"Supermog" (an all-terrain, safari vehicle modified from a medium-size Isuzu truck)—and set out on a bumpy ride into the Serengeti preserve to see zebras, sable antelope, gemsbok, and more. You may even get a chance to feed a giraffe along the way! When the ride is over, there's plenty more to see, including the "Tiger Splash" show, which lets you spy on Bengal and Siberian tigers as they splash around in their pool and interact with their keepers; and the "Predator Feed," where keepers throw 800 pounds of raw food to eagerly-waiting carnivores.
Wildest Extra: Adrenaline junkies will want to sign up for a zip-line tour over the rolling hills. The "Racing Raptor" features three parallel lines—so you and your kids can zip the more than 1,000 feet together above the animals; the Predator zipline tour gives brave riders a course of five zip line runs above it all (Children must be 8 years old to ride.).
Whether you drive your vehicle, rent a zebra bus (you know you want to) or take advantage of the guided bus tour, your pack will have a grand time spotting many (and even touching a few!) of the 65 different species that roam this 250-acre Serengeti adventure park. Think zebras, elk, bison, camels and more. When the park first opened, it was specially designed to capture the imagination of the littles and engender a lifelong love of animals. Not much has changed since then. Kiddos of all ages love the personal attention they get from the curious animals here! Don't miss the park's newest resident: Malaika, a giraffe calf born in January.
Note: The Wild Animal Safari also has locations in Strafford, MO and Aggieland, TX.
Wildest Extra: The chance to hand-feed animals at the park's Walkabout Adventure Zoo is a hoot for the tot lot. "The animals are sociable, and you may be slobbered on if you are too close," warns the website (in other words, animal-loving kids will be in heaven). Fuzzy, friendly and hungry, these animals are sure to elicit some giggles from the little ones who feed them.
All aboard! For the ultimate train adventure, step aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train into an elegantly restored early 20th-century Pullman car for a taste of what premium class train travel was like in the early 1900s. During the weekends in April and May, Afternoon Tea service is offered for families (kids 10 and up)—read on for all the details on why the Napa Wine train is a truly unique, special occasion experience that your family will not soon forget!
History
In 1864, the railroad was built in order to take visitors arriving from San Francisco up to a resort in Calistoga. The Napa Wine train’s inaugural journey began in 1989 and has been a staple in Napa ever since with the railroad and train playing an integral part to Napa’s growth and development.
Scenery
The 36 mile round trip journey to St. Helena starts at the Napa train station and showcases exquisite wine country scenery (and the famous Napa sign!) as it rambles idyllically along Hwy 29 past 100+ vineyards. Of all the ways to enjoy Napa scenery with your family, the Napa Wine train really lets you sit back and relax… all without a designated driver.
The Experience
Check-in starts at the train station where a wine store, lounge and restrooms await. Boarding is by groups and done so via the Locks of Love Bridge, where a token of your love can be left with the collection. A professional photo is taken before boarding of which the digital copy is complimentary with physical copies available for purchase following the tour.
Stepping into the train car truly feels like time travel with rich mahogany panels coupled with tasteful brass accents engulfing the car. A champagne (or cider) toast sets the right tone and as the train pulls away, attentive staff offer four types of tea: Yunan black, earl grey, chamomile and rooibos.
First, a carrot ginger soup (quite possibly our favorite part of the meal—next to dessert, of course) was served followed by a beet salad. Finger sandwiches followed with the lobster vul-au-vent (fancy speak for a pastry shell filled with lobster) and radish and creme fraiche being favorites.
Cheese and grapes, macarons, bon-bons (how could there not be bon-bons on a train?) and other sweet treats finished the tea service by which time we were bursting at the seams. We also loved that periodically during the trip, narratives and insight is given by the staff regarding the history of certain wineries and interesting facts and tidbits we otherwise wouldn’t have known. This made it seem like a fun history lesson set in an actual piece of living history!
Good to know:
While the afternoon tea service is for the 10 and up crowd, othertours and experiencesare available with no minimum age. Seeing as two or three hours is a long time for anyone to sit still, parents of the younger set might want to bring some form of entertainment
Diaper changing is not permitted on board and children aren’t allowed to wander the cars
The Afternoon Tea service menu is not modifiable but we were told other tours can change their menus with advanced notice
The two types of seating are booths and plush armchairs and we recommend a booth because eating in an armchair seems like a recipe for spilling with kids
Tickets range from $245-$295/person which makes it great for a special occasion celebration
Sponsored by the Napa Valley Wine Train but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer
A quaint village nestled among rolling hills and vineyards. Miles of bike and hike trails along a gorgeous river. Nope, you’re not in the South of France: you’re in Washington, Missouri, and it just might be the hidden gem vacation your family is longing for. Read on to find out why we love this little spot in the heart of Missouri for an unexpected, sophisticated family vacation that won’t break the bank.
1. Katy Trail
The Katy Trail is a hike and bike trail created from 240-miles of the former path of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad. It's known for being the country's longest rail-trail and includes 26 hiking trailheads and four fully restored railroad depots along the way. Bonus tip: Make your way to the section of trail located between Cooper County and St. Charles County, which has been designated as an official segment of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail!
2. Historic Downtown
Washington is home to a lively Historic District with seasonal street festivals, including BBQ and Bluesfest, Art Fair and Winefest and Fall Festival of the Arts and Crafts. For an exciting excursion, play a game of Where's Waldo throughout the neighborhood. Simply obtain a "passport" at participating stores then discover hidden gems along the way in your scavenger hunt adventure. Make a stop at the Iron Spike Model Train Museum and the Washington Firehouse Museum—two favorites for kids.
3. Locally Owned Eats & Treats
From pizza and froyo to more sophisticated eateries, you’ll find an array of family-friendly, owner-operated establishments to suit any craving. Want to treat your little ones to a super-sized milkshake? Head to Main Street Creamery for intricate concoctions that are topped with donuts, cookies, cupcakes, brownies and even cotton candy.
4. Local Wineries
Did you know that Central-Eastern Missouri is home to more than forty wineries, all within an hour’s drive of Washington? Move over, Napa! These wineries are never as crowded and feature world-class wines and cuisine. All that's left to do is map out your vino trail!
5. Right on the Amtrak
Washington is conveniently located along the Amtrak Missouri River Runner line, a 283-mile route that runs between St. Louis and Kansas City and makes stops in Kirkwood, Jefferson City and more. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can bring your bikes on the train for a car-free adventure your family will never forget.
6. Unique Family-Friendly Lodging
Sure, you may have explored Washington and absorbed its rich history while on foot, but what about spending a night (or two) in one of its historic homes? There are many historical residences and charming B&Bs you can stay in right downtown. Many of them let you rent out an entire floor or the full home so your family has plenty of space to sprawl.
7. Parks and Trails for Outdoor Fun
Washington has plenty of parks to explore on bike, including the Riverfront Park, which features an asphalt trail ideal for young riders (and rollerbladers!). You can also explore Lion’s Lake, where you’ll find an All-Abilities Playground and a lovely walking trail around the lake. Our favorite is Busch Creek Disc Golf Course at Burger Park, which features an 18-hole disc golf course that the whole family can try.
If you want a place to visit that is off the beaten path with plenty of fresh air and history, visit Washington, Missouri and book your vacation today!
When you have young children it is easy to forget that Los Angeles is a diverse culinary mecca. It’s time to stop sacrificing your beloved Indian food and Korean BBQ for chicken strips and burgers. Here’s a guide to our favorite kid-friendly global cuisine from where to go and what to order—everyone will be delighted, including all those developing tastebuds.
Kids might not appreciate the robust flavors in Indian curries just yet, but that doesn’t mean Indian food is out of the question. There are some great kid-friendly dishes. You just need to know what to order.
What to order at an Indian Restaurant for Kids: It’s hard to go wrong with fluffy and buttery bread, so always order naan. If your kids like chicken tenders or fish sticks, order chicken or fish pakora. Pakora means battered and deep fried…yum! Anything cooked in a tandoor, a special Indian clay oven, is a good choice, too.
Our choice for Indian? Tandoor-A-India in Playa Del Rey. They consistently serve flavorful curries and the kids always devour their chicken tikka. A friend recommended this restaurant and was raving about it, so we had high expectations going in. We were blown away—every single dish we ordered was fantastic. Saag Paneer, vegetable samosas, daal, mushroom masala, chicken tikka masala, special veggie rice and naan. Some of the best Indian food we've ever had, if not the best
If your family eats meat, it’s time to visit Park’s BBQ in K-Town. Park’s is often recognized as the best Korean BBQ in Los Angeles and there’s a reason why—the food is delicious, service is fast, and the experience is interactive – you can grill your own food or have your server do it.
What to Order at a Korean BBQ Restaurant for Kids: The rib-eye Bulgogi, a Korean classic dish of thinly sliced marinated beef, is a favorite among children. It is the perfect combination of sweet and salty. Park’s Galbi, a boneless prime beef short rib, is another showstopper that can be ordered with or without Park’s top-secret sauce. Korean barbeque is traditionally enjoyed wrapped in lettuce like a little taco, but kids may prefer it with rice. Japchae, a stir-fry of glass noodles and vegetables, is another one of our favorite kid-friendly dishes.
Park's BBQ 955 S. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles Online: parksbbq.com
Persian food is super kid-friendly thanks to loads of dishes featuring kid-favorite rice and grilled meats. We've got two destinations in LA for the best Persian restaurants to take your kids—Seaside Place Persian in Torrance and Darya in West LA.
What to Order at a Persian Restaurant for Kids: According to our insider, Negin Kamali, she recommends starting with kabobs like Soltani—a combination beef plate that is a combination of tender filet mignon (barg) and ground beef kabob (koodieh). You can also order the boneless chicken kabob—a nice alternative to beef.
And for the adventurous eater? Try a Persian stew like Fesenjan—grated walnuts cooked with pomegranate sauce, served with steamed basmati rice. Of course, you can't leave without trying the Bamieh (Persian doughnuts) or bastani (Persian ice cream).
Of course if your kids are a hard 'no' on trying something new not in their comfort zone, try to open their culinary world through the always acceptable dessert course. Our pick? Head to SomiSomi (they have locations in Little Tokyo, Koreatown, Santa Monica, Sawtelle, Glendale, Long Beach, Torrance, & Santa Clara so there's bound to a location near you) and order the "AH BOONG"—their signature goldfish-shaped waffle cone stuffed with choice of fillings (custard, taro, sweet red beans or Nutella) and soft serve–everything from traditional chocolate and cookies and cream to ube, sesame and matcha. Because delicious things (dessert or not) come in all shapes and sizes.
Barbecue, BBQ, cookout, picnic—whatever you call your backyard shindigs, they’re an essential part of each summer. While these get-togethers are meant to be laid back, we all know that hosting can be anything but relaxing. Luckily, with a few smart tricks, you can spend more time hanging out with friends and less time stressing about hosting duties. Keep reading for a few of our favorites:
It's always helpful to have an extra hand! If your little one is able to, have them help out with some of your party prep. Shucking corn for grilled sweet corn and assembling kabobs are perfect activities for tiny hands.
Have Local Groceries Delivered
Cross one trip off of your to-do list by getting your groceries delivered right to your door. Alpenrose weekly grocery delivers fresh, local milk, dairy products, staples and local specialty groceries across the greater Portland area. If you’re a last-minute planner, you can even change your order up until 2pm the day before your scheduled delivery!
Hot summer days are perfect for backyard parties—except when you're trying to keep food cold. Make your own ice trays by taking a few aluminum serving trays, filling them with an inch of water and freezing them. Set food on top of the frozen trays for mess-free chilled food!
Lay It All Out
Hosting can sometimes feel like a game of 21 questions from guests. Make entertaining easier on yourself by laying out commonly forgotten items on a central table (think bug spray, sunblock and sunglasses) and by putting large trash and recycling bins somewhere they can be easily spotted.
Simplify Meal Time with Labels
A few notecards and a marker can make self-serve meals much easier. Label each dish with the name and any common dietary restrictions—if it’s vegetarian, contains nuts or is gluten-free, for example. Put out additional notecards and markers for guests to do the same with the food they bring!
With summer weather in full effect, now is the perfect time to get your grilling gear in order! Whether you prefer the purity of a charcoal grill or you go for a trendy Traeger, these grilling accessories have you covered from prep to serving. Bonus: they make great gifts as well!
Grilling Essential Bundle from Brandless
If you're not familiar with Brandless, let us tell you that you are going to love everything about this company that values quality and affordability. Get your grilling started with their essentials kit that includes grill tongs, spatula, grill brush, spice jars and more. It makes a great gift for the griller in your life.
These new spices from over-the-fire cooking expert Derek Wolf will definitely bump up your grilling game to a whole other level. $13.95 each.
Bourbon Prime is a rich, smoky and spicy bourbon-infused blend that redefines traditional prime rib rubs with innovative flavor notes of mushroom, butter, Worcestershire and even seaweed.
Lemon Chili Rye is a smoky, slightly bitter and rye-infused blend that finishes with an approachable heat and perfectly balanced acidity.
Smoked Chipotle Mezcal brings a peppery citrus aroma that emulates the experience of sipping mezcal with a citrus back.
Sweet Teriyaki Sake - With notes of sweet, spicy and fermentation from the soy, this sake-infused blend brings a delicious sweet heat to practically any protein.
Melinda's All-Natural Pepper Sauce
Add this one to the list, for sure! Made with real peppers and all-natural vegetable and fruit bases sourced from Colombia, Melinda’s products are non-GMO, gluten-free, Kosher Certified and Keto-friendly. The griller in your life will love adding them to meats on the grill and sides in the oven. The black truffle hot sauce is our favorite on fries and the mango pepper sauce goes great with a breakfast burrito.
BBQ Sauce in a Can (Made with Beer!) from Rufus Teague
Rufus Teague, a leading independent maker of craft BBQ sauces and rubs is once again partnering with Boulevard Brewing Company to expand on their beloved Can-O-Que barbecue sauce. The unique Can-O-Que barbecue sauce is made with Boulevard beer and packaged in an actual beer can.
You'll love getting this grilling box shipped right to your door as it is the perfect option for weekend grilling, or to take with you on your next camping trip. You provide the buns, Porter Road provides the pasture-raised sausage (bratwurst and hot dogs) and Cleveland Kitchen provides the Classic Caraway Kraut and Roasted Garlic Kraut. It's pretty much a match made in grilling heaven.
When you need the perfect oil for grilling, check out Chosen Foods avocado oil. It's high smoke point makes it ideal for grilling and the mild flavor works well for salads and marinades as well. Their lemon garlic dressing is our favorite for summer salads and the avocado oil mayo is the burger fave.
Save yourself the guesswork of knowing when your meat is ready and snag a digital thermometer. This one is instant read so you won't let all the heat out waiting for your temp.
This ultra-affordable knife set has everything you need to thinly slice that flank steak, chop those onions and debone a salmon. Your griller will love the knife blade covers for bringing them along when camping or grilling on the go.
How fun is this sampler that gives you a six pack of beer-infused rubs that are perfect for your next grilling soiree? Resealable lids are included. The Jalapeno Pilsner Lime Rub gives you a fruity, crisp and slightly hoppy kick while the Hickory Peach Porter Rub has chocolate, caramel and toffee tones.
If steak is your thing, this spice set it the ultimate as it comes with everything you need for a steak taste test. Try the top seller Black & Bleu Rub that is a perfect blend of Cajun blackening spices mixed with creamy bleu cheese for the spicy cheesy flavor of your dreams. We also loved the Cowboy Crust Espresso Chile Rub that give you Thomas Hammer Fireball Espresso mixed with chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, and a touch of cayenne.
