ML Interest Tag: cattle

10 Festive Christmas Tree Farms You’ll Want to Visit

by Annette Benedetti

Portland Christmas tree farms are opening soon. Make your U-cut plans now, while you still can

Bring the magic of the season into your household with the scent of fresh pine and hard work. There’s no better way to deck your halls than with a U-cut tree from one of the best Portland Christmas tree farms around (although if we’re honest, a trip to see the Christmas Ships runs a close second). Whether it’s your first time in the fields, or you and the kids are old pros, make plans soon—these trees don’t stick around for long. So, bundle up, pack a thermos of hot chocolate, and head out on a wintery adventure with the kids.

Editor’s note: A few of these Portland Christmas tree farms are experiencing tree shortages and are only open for a weekend or two. Be sure to plan ahead if you want a fresh-cut tree this year.

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1. Plumper Pumpkin Patch & Tree Farm

This spot opens the Saturday before Thanksgiving and gives a selection of options for your holiday tree choosing. You can either pick out your favorite Christmas tree from their store, use one of their saws to cut your own down, or have a friendly member of the staff cut the tree for you. Have the kids feed the farm animals and then warm up inside the store with hot drinks and try one of their homemade pumpkin donuts. If you’re lucky, Santa might visit while you’re there.

Opening Day: Nov. 19, 2022

11435 N.W. Old Cornelius Pass Rd.
Portland
Online: plumperpumpkins.com

Related: Where to Recycle Your Christmas Tree

2. Quail Creek Ranch Christmas Trees

If you don't want to travel too far to find your Christmas tree, Portland families, look no further than this family-owned farm in the city. All you need to do is bundle the kids and head out to find the perfect tree in their 20-acre field. Choose from Noble, Douglas, Grand, Fraser, Nordmann, or Turkish Firs to gather round at home. They also have Serbian Spruce trees if a fir isn't your first choice. Enjoy hot cocoa, cider, and candy canes in the warming house when you're finished. Or walk the property's many trails if the sun is out before you head home.

Opening Day: Nov. 18, 2022

9949 N.W. Kaiser Rd.
Portland
Online: qcrxtrees.com

a boy in a red winter coat reaches out for a u-cut tree at a Portland Christmas tree farm
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3. Furrow Farm

This is your one-stop spot for gorgeous trees with all the trimmings (think mistletoe, wreaths, and garlands)—plus a whole lot of festive holiday fun to boot. Choose from a variety of both pre-cut and u-cut firs up to 15 feet tall. This is a beautiful third-generation family farm that raises hazelnuts, cattle, and horses alongside their seasonal trees. Enjoy a free tractor ride on weekends, walk their beautiful trails, then spy the varied farm animals. 

Opening Day: Nov. 25, 2022

25877 N.W. West Union Rd.
Hillsboro, OR
Online: furrowfarm.com

Related: Holiday Light Shows You Don't Want to Miss

4. Lee Farms

Seven generations of family farmers here grow several varieties of trees near Portland, including Noble, Nordmann, Grand and Douglas firs. Choose from their already-cut selection of trees or wander the fields to pick out one to cut yourself. This spot will cut, shake, and bale the tree for you, so you don't have to do much, if you don't want to. They'll also flock your tree for an extra charge, if you're seeking a snowy look. And if you get hungry, they have a market and bakery open throughout the week.

Good to Know: They are closed on Thanksgiving.

Opening Day: Nov. 12, 2022

21975 S.W. 65th Ave.
Tualatin, OR
Online: leefarmsoregon.com

5. Christmas Mountain Choose & Cut

Make sure you make a reservation to visit this fourth-generation family-owned tree farm near Portland, where you can find Noble, Douglas, Grand, and Nordmann firs to cut down yourself using tree farm's bow saws (leave yours at home). Staff is on hand to help you with cutting, if you need, and they also offer free tree shaking and baling, and will carry your tree back from the fields. Stick around for the festive atmosphere!

Insider Tip: Santa and Mrs. Claus visit on weekends when you'll also find wagon rides, a gift shop, and fresh wreaths made on site. 

Good to Know: The U-cut season ends here on December 11, 2022.

Opening Day: Nov. 25, 2022

25470 N.W. Dixie Mountain Rd.
Scappoose, OR
Online: christmasmountaintrees.com

Related: Magical Christmas Day Activities for Portland Families

6. Thornton’s Treeland

Tucked minutes away from downtown Vancouver, Thornton’s Treeland offers not only trees but a beautiful lifesize Nativity scene, hot chocolate and coffee in their rustic old barn. You’ll also find wreaths, crafts and even some treats for the kids in the barn, as well as a petting zoo. They also offer hayrides through the trees, where you can take your pick of firs like Douglas, Noble, Nordmann, Fraser and Grand (prices vary by variety).

Opening Day: Nov. 25. 2022

7617 N.E. 119th St.
Vancouver, WA
Online: thorntonstreeland.com

Related: All Aboard! Holiday Train Rides to Book Now

7. JTB U-Cut Christmas Trees

At JTB Christmas Trees in Gresham your family can have a fun time walking through the fields and picking out your own tree. This beautiful farm has over four acres of Noble, Grand, and Douglas firs to choose from. There are no pre-cut trees, so come prepared to cut! They provide all of the tools you need to easily cut down and transport your tree, and they offer free shaking and baling to clean out the debris and make it easy to install in your home. Only cash or personal checks are accepted here. 

Opening Day: Nov. 25, 2022

18124 S.E. Richey Rd.
Gresham, OR
Online: jtbchristmastrees.com

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8. Helvetia Christmas Tree Farm

The magical red barn at Helvetia is full of local gifts and decor like handmade wreaths and lavender products. Elsewhere, you can find an open fire pit with free marshmallows, and visits with Santa Claus; you can make a whole magical afternoon of it at this family farm. Noble and Turkish trees are available for u-cut, at heights of up to 10 feet, with free shaking and baling.

Good to Know: Plan ahead—because of this year's tree shortage they’re only offering one weekend of u-cut on November 25 to 27 and another weekend to pick out pre-cut trees only on December 3 and 4.

Dates: Nov. 25-27, 2022

12814 N.W. Bishop Rd.
Hillsboro, OR
Online: helvetia-christmas-tree-farm.com

9. Sauvie Island Farms

After the berry-picking crowds of summer have dispersed, and the pumpkin season is over, it’s time for fir trees at this popular third-generation family farm. U-cut Douglas, Grand, and Noble fir trees are available, alongside fresh wreaths and cedar garlands. While this Portland tree farm doesn’t come with all the holiday activities, these prices can’t be beat (just $50 a tree), so you have some extra cash for more presents or goodies. Plus, they've got saws so you can cut your own tree, and they offer tree bailing too. But they won't be offering wreaths or garlands this year. 

Good to Know: Due to low inventory, Sauvie Island Farms will only be open for U-cut Christmas trees on November 25 and 26, 2022. If they do not sell out on those days, they'll open that next Friday and Saturday too.

Dates: Nov. 25 & 26, 2022

19818 N.W. Sauvie Island Rd.
Portland
Online: sauvieislandfarms.com

Two children play at a Christmas tree farm in Portland after picking out their tree
Pollard Ranch Christmas Tree Farm

10. Pollard Ranch Christmas Tree Farm

This farm has about 35,000 fresh cut or U-cut trees at various stages of growth, including many in the 5-7 feet range. For something a little different (or maybe for the kids' room?), you can pick up a table-top tree that will grow larger for use in future years. You can also get your fresh wreaths, garlands, and tree stands here, too. Short on time? Pre-order your tree online before you stop by. 

Good to Know: Pollard Ranch offers home delivery limited only to the Portland metropolitan area.

Dates: Through Dec. 18, 2022

13225 N.W. Skyline Blvd.
Portland
Online: pollard-ranch.com

additional reporting by Dhyana Levey

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7 Reasons Why an Original Western Adventure Vacation Should Be On Your Bucket List

by Kenzie Kramer
Partner Content

Now is your chance to get away! But… where to? Whether it’s just you and the kiddos or a family reunion you’re planning, we have something totally off the beaten path that will make for an unforgettable trip. Dude ranch vacations are the OG western adventure vacation. They offer something for every traveler at every age, whether it’s horseback riding, fly-fishing, white-water rafting, hiking, shooting sports or simply porch-sitting with breathtaking views, Dude Ranchers’ Association member ranches have it all. The best part?  DRA ranches are all-inclusive—an ideal way to travel no matter the type or size of your group.

No Fool’s Gold here: Get a wiggle on and keep reading for more reasons why we think your buckaroos will deem a DRA Dude Ranch trip ace-high! (That’s cowboy speak for “Awesome!”)

ALL-INCLUSIVE!: The stallion of vacation set-ups, all-inclusive trips just make everything so much easier when traveling with a group. No fighting over the bill at dinner, all DRA Dude Ranch destination pricing includes meals, lodging and even activities (so no sticker shock at the end of your trip, either!

Fits Any Type + Age of Traveler: And we mean, any: babies and toddlers up to seniors, singles, couples, reunions, multi-generational trips, and so on—pretty much any scenario in which humans gather, the Dude Ranchers’ Association is sure to thrill them all. (Even your Aunt Martha—we know she’s picky.)

Activities for All: Horseback riding is typically the main event, but activities for all interests are readily available. And remember, the DRA has lots of options so you can find the Ranch that’s perfect for all your dudes, including you, partner!

Sky-High Standards: The DRA implements a rigorous 2-year application process in order to be accepted into membership with the Dude Ranchers’ Association. Once a ranch is accepted, the DRA board of directors visits the ranch every five years so guests are guaranteed an extraordinary western experience at any member ranch. 

Location, Location, Location: Well, that depends on where in the west you think is best! You have heaps of options (90+!) and any DRA member ranch you choose is sure to be an excellent destination to unplug and reconnect with family and friends, and surely to gather ‘round the campfire and stargaze at night.

Safe Destinations: Leave the staleness of your home territory behind and step into another world: You’ll be outdoors in nature, surrounded by fresh air and taken care of by a small group of friendly folks at any given DRA Ranch—welcome home! (on the range... )

Rustic or 5-Star? Up to You!: DRA Ranches offer it all. From working cattle ranches to traditional dude ranches and luxury resort ranches, the Dude Ranchers’ Association has all the options you could possibly desire or need. Adventure awaits at any of DRA’s member ranches—each with something unique to offer their guests—just choose your adventure!

 

Don’t be a yellow belly! Book your dude ranch trip today—it’ll be a vacation they’ll love to pieces!

 

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Let Lucky Foods Inspire Your Meals this Year!

By Alexandra Gabalda

While we all need inspiration and motivation to go back in the kitchen and prepare our kids’ first lunches of the year, why not pick inspiration among these foods that are supposed to bring them good luck in the New Year? Get ready to update your grocery list!

Lentils. 
Italians eat lentils on New Year’s for wealth and prosperity because the flat legumes were believed to resemble Roman coins. Lunchbox ideas with lentils

Soba Noodles
In Japan, they signify a long life, but only if you eat them without breaking or chewing them. Lunchbox ideas with noodles

Black-Eyed Peas, Greens & Cornbread
“Peas for pennies, greens for dollars, and cornbread for gold.” In America, back to the Civil War era, black-eyed peas were used to feed grazing cattle. Leafy greens resemble folded paper money symbolizing wealth and prosperity. Lunchbox ideas with corn and lunchbox ideas with peas.

Pork 
Its rich, delicious fattiness symbolizes wealth and prosperity. Pigs are also “root forward” with their noses, which is supposed to symbolize progress. Lunchbox ideas with pork

Fish
Asian cultures feast on whole fish to celebrate Lunar New year, while on the other side of the globe, Europeans eat cod, herring, and carp. They do stand for coinage and plenty of it. Lunchbox ideas with cod

Grapes
In Spain and Mexico, eating 12 grapes at midnight as the clock strikes once for each hour will bring you luck for the 12 months ahead. Lunchbox ideas with grapes

We can’t wait to see what you will prepare out of this food inspiration!

Photo: Suad Kamardeen on Unsplash

This post originally appeared on Teuko Blog.

Teuko is the first platform that empowers families to simplify lunch packing. Using Teuko, they can find and share kid-approved lunchbox ideas, recipes, and tips, all in one place. Teuko is transforming the lunch packing experience by boosting inspiration and motivation week after week. 

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Raising Tough Little Girls & Strong Women

By Amy Jorgensen

Being I spent my whole life trying to be tough. Trying to be strong. I learned early my sensitivity was seen as a weakness. I learned to suck it up, cry later. Take a joke. Get even instead of getting hurt. I learned strength was hardness, coldness. 

I learned that competitiveness was strength. Winning an argument showed strength. Winning a game showed strength. Being angry when you didn’t win showed strength.  I learned that asking for help was a weakness. Charity was always re-payed, in full. People weren’t allowed to do nice things for us without compensation. ​Independence was the ultimate sign of strength. 

I learned that physical strength and a strong stomach was strength. Being tough was hauling hay with the boys, handling a horse on your own, hunting, butchering an animal, wringing a pheasant’s neck, gutting fish, baiting your own hook. Being tough was work without complaint.

I was tough. For years I was tough. I swallowed my tears. I held back my hurt. I was hard, cold, competitive. I was independent. I was offended when a man tried to tell me I didn’t need to do that “dirty farm work.” I’d work even harder to prove him wrong. I helped castrate animals, de-horn, and brand cattle, I pushed myself physically just to prove I could. Just to prove I was tough. I volunteered my time and my talents too often and too much. I refused to delegate because I was capable, I could do it on my own. I voiced my opinion, I became a leader, a doer. 

i was strong.

I was tough. 

And then I wasn’t. 

I fell apart.

My strength cracked and crumbled away, and I finally saw it for what it was, an exterior, a shield. I stopped trying to be strong. For a very long time, I sank into my weakness. And that is where I learned what real strength was. 

My husband and I have three amazing daughters. (And another one on the way!) We are trying to teach them to be tough little girls. We’re teaching them to be independent. We’re teaching them to work hard. They can do the dirty jobs. They know where their food comes from. They aren’t afraid of blood or birth. They understand death. But they are also learning what true strength is. 

They’re learning that true strength is being able to ask for help, admitting your faults, and apologizing for your mistakes. Real strength is setting boundaries, saying no, protecting yourself, your energy, time, and mental health. Real strength is accepting your sensitivity as a gift. Strength is learning from your emotions. Being tough is loving yourself. Being tough is loving others. Being tough is forgiveness and letting go. Strength is listening, seeking to understand. Strength is knowing you deserve respect and demanding it. Being strong is being authentic. I thought I was a tough little girl that grew up into a strong woman until I painfully discovered I was neither. But in all that pain and weakness I re-learned what real strength was. And now I am strong. I am strong from the inside out. And because I am strong, I can raise tough little girls that will become strong women. 

This post originally appeared on My Peace Project.

Amy is a creator and believes everyone else is too. She strives to be artistic in all areas of life but writing is her passion and her family is her masterpiece. She uses her blog to address the joys and struggles of motherhood and is currently writing her first novel.

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The Exploratorium Is Offering Free At-Home Activities for Families Right Now

by Leah R. Singer
Partner Content

What if we told you that you can still experience the benefits of learning about science and technology from one of the most renowned museums in the country, all without leaving your couch? The Exploratorium’s online learning resources are an awesome way for kids to get excited about science and technology, and they’re completely free!

San Francisco’s Exploratorium is not a typical science museum. It’s an ongoing exploration of science, art and human perception. It was started by Frank Oppenheimer, a professor, high school teacher, cattle rancher and an experimental physicist. Oppenheimer was passionate about making science visible, touchable and accessible to everyone. While teaching at a university, he developed a “library of experiments” that enabled his students to explore scientific phenomena at their own pace, following their own curiosity. He used that model to create the Exploratorium. The museum staff creates, experiments, tests and builds nearly everything themselves. They’re always looking to push boundaries and explore the impossible.

They’ve taken this same approach to science and technology and created an extensive online learning center that contains a huge collection of free videos and teacher-tested (and approved) educational activities that families can do at home with simple household items. Here are a few ways the museum’s Online Learning Toolbox can help kiddos learn and explore at the Exploratorium.

Viruses and Us
Families can learn all about the science of viruses and how they impact people in the “Viruses and Us” online module. The content is especially timely as kids can learn about Covid-19 in an age-appropriate way. Videos include “How Does Soap Inactivate Coronaviruses?” and “How Do We Fight Viruses?” There are also tons of activities families can do at home, including using paper, yarn and cotton balls to show that viruses are simply bundles of protein and nucleic acid, not living organisms.

Science Snacks
Satisfy your curiosity for hunger without ever getting full with these fresh and exciting science activities. Kids can test their sense of taste and smell, or make a marshmallow test tube. All the experiments use cheap materials that you likely have at home.

Tinker Around Your House
These tinkering projects encourage kiddos to “think with their hands” using items from around the house. For example, the “Toy Take Apart” experiment challenges kids to figure out what’s inside their toys and make exciting and surprising discoveries.

Take a Virtual Tour of the Museum
Can’t make it to the Exploratorium, then let the museum come to you! You can tour the museum virtually by watching a series of videos hosted by Exploratorium exhibit developers, scientists and educators.

Science and Food
Being at home in the kitchen is a great way to explore science. Families can experiment with water, pressure cooking, turkey brining, popping popcorn, soaking pasta, and lots more. Kids will love discovering the science of food, and getting a taste of chemistry and physics.

The Exploratorium doors are never closed, even when the museum must be. Explore more!

—Leah R. Singer

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When Your Son Prefers His Dad over You

By Crystal Peterson

When I was expecting my first child, I had imagined this perfect tiny human that was going to be coming into the world and he was going to be all mine! I mean, I knew I sort of had to share him with my husband but in my mind, he was mostly mine. I was so excited and yet so unprepared for motherhood. When he finally arrived, I was smitten! He was perfect, he was more than I could have imagined! If love can happen at first sight, it definitely did!

I had imagined the endless snuggles, little boy hugs and kisses and all the things that we would do and bond over, after all, I was his mama. And of course, I got all those things! We laughed and played, snuggled, giggled over silly things and bonded like a mama and her boy only can. It was blissful. But, when he started to develop his own sense of personality and desires, I began to slowly fade out of the picture. Suddenly Daddy became his whole world, and still is.

My first realization that things were changing was when my son started having meltdowns whenever my husband left for work. Things would be calm and peaceful until Daddy left. Suddenly this little boy was sitting by the door crying out for Daddy in pitiful sobs, giant tears pouring down his little cheeks. My heart broke. I couldn’t do anything to make him feel better. No amount of snuggles, hugs or distraction would work. I would try to comfort him but I wasn’t enough.

My heart felt like it was being torn in half. How could this beautiful little boy that I brought into the world (painfully I might add!) suddenly decide that I was not his favorite anymore?! I mean, I was supposed to be HIS whole world, right?! Nine long months of pregnancy, a year nourishing his little body, my undivided attention, while I stayed at home and raised him…what, had I done wrong?

He started to run to Daddy when he banged his knee or fell down. He would call for Daddy in the night when he had a bad dream and needed extra comfort. He wanted Daddy to give him night time kisses and hugs before bed. I was barely on the radar it seemed. The more I felt rejected, the more I wanted to prove myself worthy of his affection. If only it worked that way…

Now that he is three his preference for daddy comes out in other ways. He still gets upset when Daddy leaves in the morning but there are no tears. Rather, he serenades my husband in heartfelt good-byes and endless hugs and snuggles. Then we go about our day as normal and things are pretty good, or at least civil. When Daddy comes home it’s like he’s been away for a year! He runs to the door where Daddy is waiting with his arms open for those little boy hugs and snuggles that my heart yearns for. When I come home after being away for a few hours I barely get a hello!

While reflecting on the last two years, I had a humbling thought; it’s not about me. My purpose as a mother is not to have my emotional needs and wants met. My job is to raise my children to the best of my ability and make sure that they know they are loved and that they are secure in that love unconditionally. Does it still hurt? Yes! Do I still feel those moments of heartbreak? Of course. Rejection is never easy, especially when it comes from your child.

My son, who is and always will be one of my greatest treasures on earth, needs me to be a source of love and comfort for him. I know he still loves and needs my consistent care and that he still wants me to be his mama. He bonds with his daddy because they have similar interests, similar personalities, likes, dislikes and desires and I am happy about that. My husband is a cattle farmer and my son LOVES going out to the farm and spending time with the guys (Grandpa and his uncles). They do things that Mommy doesn’t—ride tractors, check the cows, get a little dirty! This is what my son loves and doing these things with his dad is developing his character in ways that I probably can’t.

I won’t lie, there are moments that I am a little glad he prefers his dad! Times when he says that only Daddy can wipe his bum or when only Daddy can snuggle him at 4 a.m! Hey, I can live with him needing Daddy to do those things! The real challenge is being okay with him needing Daddy to fulfill his needs and emotional desires that I so much want to fulfill. As a mama to my two little ones, I want to be the favorite parent, the one needed most, if I’m being honest.

Are you experiencing these same feelings? Does your child prefer one parent over the other? It’s natural for our kids to have favorites, but it is never easy feeling like you are the runner up in a marathon for two! I won’t sugarcoat the reality by suggesting this is all just a phase —maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. Your little one is figuring out how to express themselves in the only way they know how and you are the one person they can safely express those feelings to. Continue to be that constant source of love, comfort and stability and they will love you for it!

This post originally appeared on While They Nap.

I am a stay at home mama to two beatiful children! I love writing about every day parenting, reading the latest financial guru book and eating anything chocolate! I live in the far northern corners of British Columbia with my husband, team of huskies and a lot of cows!

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OpenTable Reveals List of 50 Most Kid-Friendly Restaurants in America

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Dining out with kids can be a delicate balance of choosing between a decent meal and a place where the whole family feels comfortable. Luckily, there are plenty of places across the country where you can have both and OpenTable’s list of the 50 Most Kid-Friendly Restaurants in America is a good place to start.

The 2019 list of the best places for families to eat includes restaurants in 16 states and is compiled based on user reviews collected from Jul. 1, 2018 to Jun. 30, 2019.

Washington, D.C., Florida and New York are tied for first for most mentions on the list at seven each, followed by Hawaii with six and California and South Carolina with four each.

“When you’re dining out with kids, you want to find a restaurant that has something for everyone––a menu that appeals to younger diners, great cocktail options for the adults and, of course, the ambiance to match,” said Caroline Potter, Chief Dining Officer at OpenTable. “Whether you’re a family of foodies celebrating something special or you’re avoiding doing dishes on a weeknight, these restaurants have a fun family-friendly vibe and fare that’ll hit the spot.”

Here are the 50 Most Kid-Friendly Restaurants in America for 2019 according to OpenTable diners, in alphabetical order:

Aquarium Restaurant – Multiple Locations         

Becco – New York, New York 

Benihana – Multiple Locations

Bill’s Bar and Burger – New York, New York 

The Boathouse – Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Buddy V’s at The Venetian – Las Vegas, Nevada 

Cap City Fine Diner & Bar – Grandview – Columbus, Ohio

Carmine’s – Multiple Locations

Cattle Company Steakhouse – Pearl City – Pearl City, Hawaii     

Columbia Restaurant – Multiple Locations

The Dead Fish – Crockett, California 

Farmers & Distillers, Washington, D.C. 

Farmers Fishers Bakers, Washington, D.C. 

Fire + Ice Boston – Boston, Massachusetts

Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar – Charleston, South Carolina

Founding Farmers – Multiple Locations

Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Restaurant – Frankenmuth, Michigan

Hard Rock Cafe – Multiple Locations

Hell’s Kitchen – Caesars Palace Las Vegas – Las Vegas, Nevada

Henry’s Louisiana Grill – Acworth, Georgia

House of Blues Restaurant & Bar – Orlando – Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Keoki’s Paradise – Koloa, Hawaii

Kobe Japanese Steakhouse – Multiple Locations

L. Woods Tap and Pine Lodge – Lincolnwood, Illinois   

Little Goat – Chicago, Illinois

Loveless Cafe – Nashville, Tennessee    

Maggiano’s – Multiple Locations

Mama’s Fish House – Paia, Hawaii

Max Brenner – Multiple Locations

The Mill House – Waikapu, Hawaii

Monkeypod Kitchen – Multiple Locations

Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner – Buena Park, California

NINJA NEW YORK – New York, New York 

Old Lady Gang – Atlanta, Georgia

Old Oyster Factory – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

The Pirates’ House – Savannah, Georgia 

Raglan Road Irish Pub – Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Rainforest Cafe – Multiple Locations

Sea Captain’s House – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Skull Creek Dockside Restaurant – Hilton Head, South Carolina 

The Smith- Lincoln Square – New York, New York 

Sugar Factory – Multiple Locations

Tavern on the Green – New York, New York

Tony’s Di Napoli – Midtown – New York, New York 

True Food Kitchen – Palo Alto – Palo Alto, California

Ulele – Tampa, Florida

Uncle Julio’s – Multiple Locations

Virgil’s Real BBQ – New York City – New York, New York

Wolfgang’s Steak House – Waikiki Beach – Honolulu, Hawaii

Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth – Frankenmuth, Michigan     

You can check out the full list and details on each restaurant here.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Open Table

 

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What the CDC Thinks You Need to Know about Crypto & Swimming Pools

by Erica Loop

Summer means sun, fun, pool days and Cryptosporidium? According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, infections with the fecal parasite are on the rise—and pool water is a major cause.

So what is Cryptosporidium? Commonly known by its abbreviated name, Crypto, this parasite contaminates pools, playgrounds and other areas where people are in close contact (such as daycare centers). It’s also spread via touching infected cattle.

Crypto can cause seriously severe diarrhea, with an illness lasting up to three weeks. The CDC stats show that 35 percent of Crypto diarrhea outbreaks are attributed to swimming pools.

To reduce the likelihood of Crypto contraction avoid pools with obvious signs of fecal contamination and always wash hands/shower after swimming. Instruct your child to never drink or swallow pool water—which is a major source of infection. If your child has diarrhea, keep them away from the pool and don’t send them to summer camp/child care. Keeping your kiddo home can help to stop the spread of the illness to someone else.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Juan Salamanca via Pexels

 

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Saddle Up for These 11 Cowboy (& Cowgirl) Destinations

by Amber Guetebier

If you’ve got a crew with spurs that jingle jangle jingle, then you’re in the market for a cowboy vacation. From open prairie to luxury ranches, we’ve found 11 places worth hopping along to. Click through the gallery to find your next home on the range.

Ely, Nv

For living cowboy history, Nevada still takes center stage. The Ely and White Pine area in Nevada is original Pony Express Territory, along US Hwy 50. Every summer the old express route is ridden between St. Joseph, MO to Sacramento and Ely is along the way. This is ranching country, too so there’s no shortage of cattle and sheep as far as the eye can see. Spend a day horseback riding in Great Basin National Park and then rest your weary bones at Hidden Canyon Retreat. You can explore nearby wagon train trails, historic log cabins, caves, warm springs, abundant wildlife including wild mustang viewing and more. But the real gem of Ely is the Northern Nevada Railway Museum, which offers different themed train rides designed to take riders back to that Wild West experience. There's a Pony Express mail experience and even a staged robbery! It's open year round and worth the trip alone. 

Online: visitely.com

 

photo: Visit Ely Nevada 

 

What’s your favorite cowboy destination? Tell us in a comment below so we can add it to our list! 

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Carlsbad’s Sleeping Beauty: Spotlight on Leo Carillo Ranch

by Aimee Della Bitta

This Carlsbad working ranch is secluded in the heart of a magnificently landscaped 27-acre canyon and designated a historic park which contains romantic hand-crafted adobe buildings, antique windmills, a reflecting pool and enough beautiful trees and flowers to keep budding nature-lovers busy and delighted. Visiting Leo Carillo Ranch with kids is like discovering a treasured gem. From oodles of prancing peacocks to authentic ranch and farming equipment, a trip to “Carlsbad’s Sleeping Beauty” is positively dreamy.

Who Was Leo Carillo?
The Leo Carillo Ranch is what Hollywood dreams are made from — literally. In 1937, at the peak of Hollywood actor and preservationist Leo Carrillo’s successful film career, he felt an intense need to find a retreat to re-create an Old California-style working ranch. He came across Los Kiotes, in an area now known as southeast Carlsbad.

What to see at The Leo Carillo Ranch
For kiddos whose favorite lyrics include “And on his farm he had a … ” be sure to check out the cattle chute, a blacksmith and foundry shop, a hay barn and a working tractor called “Big Red.” Whether you’re looking for them or not, you’re sure to run into plenty of peacocks wandering the park and in the trees. We suggest researching some fun facts about peacocks before going to the ranch. You may never be this up close and personal with so many for a while. Kids will love learning that a baby peacock is called a “peachick” and that they don’t grow their fancy tails until age three. Check out other feathery facts to share with your little bird here. 

 

Make sure to check out the abundance of local fauna. Birds of Paradise, bougainvillea and agave can be found throughout the ranch. Also look for the Toyon trees lining the sides of Palm Lane. These trees are known as Christmas Berry because of the red berries dotting their branches.

How to See the Ranch
Guided walking tours are offered on Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and on Sunday at 12 and 2 p.m. Tours last approximately 90 minutes. Access to buildings for further exploration are only available on these docent led tours. But, if you have littles that can’t sit through a guided tour, pick up a copy of the ranch guide at the visitor center and go explore on your own. Either way you’ll be able to enjoy the view.

What to Bring to The Leo Carillo Ranch
Make sure you come prepared with comfortable shoes for walking the grounds, plenty of sunscreen and snacks.

Don’t forget your camera! The park is a photographer’s paradise (think perfect setting for family photos). Find the “Bride’s Arch” for some seriously snap-worthy shots.

Leo Carillo Ranch
6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Ln.
Carlsbad, Ca 92009
Online: carrillo-ranch.org

Have you been to the Leo Carillo Ranch before? What’s your favorite spot to check out?

— Aimee Della Bitta (photos too)

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