ML Interest Tag: firefly

Bright Lights, Big City: Boston’s Top 10 Holiday Light Displays

by Allison Sutcliffe

The best Boston Christmas lights are turning on soon. You won’t want to miss these dazzling holiday lights

It may seem like you’ve barely finished your turkey dinner, but it’s definitely time to celebrate the winter holiday season with some serious wattage. Boston is full of epic holiday light displays (and tree lightings to go with them), most of which are going live soon. So grab your best scarf, put on those woolly hats and warm mittens, and head out to catch some of the best Boston Christmas lights in town, after heading out to get your Christmas tree, of course.

1. Boston Common Tree Lighting

The official holiday season is underway, and lighting the City of Boston's official Christmas tree and trees throughout Boston Common and the Public Garden, is one of the main events. Generations have enjoyed, and continue to treasure, Boston's tree lighting celebration. Twenty-five thousand people of all ages attend the event, which has grown to include a festive stage show with nationally known talent. The Lighting of the Commonwealth Avenue Mall follows the Boston Common Tree Lighting, two of the best places in the city to see holiday lights, Boston families. 

Date: Dec. 1, 2022
Event details

2. Copley Square Tree Lighting

This family-friendly event is sure to get you and the kids in a festive mood. There will be refreshments and giveaways, and a special line up of local talent to keep the crowd singing classic holiday hits until the lights turn on. Come for the lighting, return to enjoy the holiday lights Boston residents love all month long.

Date: Nov. 28, 2022
Event details

Related: Chop-Chop! 10 Christmas Tree Farms near Boston

3. ZooLights at Stone Zoo

Tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights make up this winter wonderland at Stone Zoo. Yukon Creek is where the Boston Christmas lights shine bright at this display. It's home to black bears, Canada lynx, reindeer, and arctic foxes. Add in this year's large-scale lantern displays and we know these holiday lights will make your winter's night bright. Grab tickets to this favorite display while you still can.

Insider Tip: Get over the mid-week hump when you visit ZooLights on a Wednesday, from November 30-December 21. That's when the kids can bump into Mrs. Claus. Psst...we hear she's pretty good at delivering holiday wishes to Santa.

Dates: Nov. 18, 2022-Jan. 8, 2023
Event details

4. Night Lights 2022

Get into the winter spirit with Night Lights 2022 at Tower Hill Botanic Garden. It’s a celebration of light that includes thousands of lights, new experiences, and enchanting landscapes. Enjoy an outdoor walking experience through roughly 15 acres of formal gardens and surrounding woodlands, including illuminated plants, paths, sculptures, fountains, and a magical model train. The Boston Christmas lights scene is enhanced with fire pits for warming up, making s’mores, or enjoying a cup of hot cocoa (or an adult beverage).

Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 31, 2022
Event details

5. Magic of Lights

Pack the kids into the car and head to Gillette Stadium for a drive-thru display of lights that rivals no other. Magic of Lights is a dazzling display with a drive-through experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and some of your favorite characters of the season. Lit using the latest LED technology and digital animations, kids will squeal with delight as your car makes its way along the route. Get tickets online before driving down.

Dates: Nov. 18-Dec. 31, 2022
Event details

6. Martin's Park Ship Lighting

This tree lighting will definitely be lit. Join Martin’s Park in celebrating the holiday season with their annual Ship Lighting. Your kids will love seeing Santa arriving by boat. Enjoy Martin’s Park with hot cocoa, caroling, and holiday fun of all kinds.

Dates: Nov. 26, 2022
Event details

7. Illuminations Tour

Drive to Sommerville with the aid of the Illuminations Tour Map to find the town's most festive houses. Decked in lights from porch to rooftop, these folks go out to create holiday light displays Boston folks return to see year after year. Holiday caroling in planned for December 15, and the map is expected to release on December 8.

Online: somervilleartscouncil.org

Related: Hit the Road! 11 Easy Fall Day Trip Destinations

a person warms themselves with a cup of hot cocoa while out to see Boston Christmas lights
Chris Ainsworth via Unsplash

8. Winterlights at Stevens-Coolidge House & Garden

Winterlights is back with some of the best holiday lights Boston has to offer. And the Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens is just one of three beautiful properties that will sparkle with thousands of shimmering, artfully designed Christmas lights. The Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate and Naumkeag are the other two festive spots to display this dazzling show. Bring the whole family for a magical and fun outdoor experience, with food, refreshments, and more.

Insider Tip: Tickets always sell out quickly for this event (in fact, some weekends are completely sold out now), so grab yours soon if this trip is on your winter wish list.

Dates: Nov. 25, 2022-Jan. 7, 2023
Event details

9. Annual Lighting of the Columbus Park Trellis

Take in the gorgeous views of the city when this trellis is lit with blue lights for the duration of the holiday season. The family will love the music, hot chocolate, and dazzling lights at this amazing event.

Date: Nov. 21, 2022
Event details

10. Winter Light Show at Crescent Farm

The Winter Light Show is an annual spectacular that features dozens of dazzling, larger-than-life holiday themed displays to delight the entire family as they drive through the gorgeous display. Bundle up the kids, pack your favorite holiday cookies, and pour creamy hot cocoa into the thermos; then sit back and listen to the holiday music on your car's stereo. The synced light performance will make your kids smile. The drive is one mile. Be sure to plan ahead as you'll need tickets for this one.

Dates: Nov. 18-Dec. 31, 2022
Event details

Related: Welcome, Winter! 8 Outdoor Adventures to Take with Kids Now

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Candied Comfort! DC’s Most Iconic Fall Desserts

by Wendy Miller

Summer desserts are easy—a scoop of ice cream, sorbet, or gelato and everyone’s happy. But as the weather begins to cool down and the darkness creeps in earlier, you might be craving something that provides a little more comfort. Get ready to snuggle up to DC’s best sweets; we rounded up the city’s most iconic fall desserts so you can tuck in to a satisfying sweet treat. Whether your favorites are cinnamon, chai or pumpkin, grab your utensils and get your fall flavor on!

Butler's Orchard

Butler's Orchard via Yelp

What says autumn more than apples and apple cider? A quintessential fall treat, apple cider donuts do double duty as a delicious breakfast or dessert. And The Farmer’s Porch at Butler’s Orchard is offering up some major fall treats. In addition to the traditional pumpkin pie or pumpkin roll, they offer apple cider donuts by the donut or the half-dozen. But perhaps the best reason to make the 40-minute drive is their Apple Cider Donut Sundae: an apple cider donut with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and caramel topping. 

Insider tip: Due to the 40-minute drive and the orchard requiring reservations, it’s worth making a day of this. Pick your own Halloween pumpkins, enjoy the huge slides, and spend some time with the farm animals before enjoying dessert (before or after dinner!). 

Butler’s Orchard
22222 Davis Mill Road
Germantown, MD 20876
Online: www.butlersorchard.com

Rise Bakery

iStock

If you or your little one often feel like you have to miss out on dessert because you’re gluten-free, Rise Bakery has you covered. Plus, many of their dishes are also dairy, soy, egg, and/or nut free! They’ve got some deliciously tempting treats on their menu that just scream autumn. Some of our personal faves: their apple pie (or the vegan apple pie), pumpkin cheesecake with ginger molasses cookie base, pumpkin roll, carrot cake, cinnamon roll, or cinnamon coffee cake. Yeah, there’s plenty to love. 

Insider tip: There’s a super-small seating area so plan to take your treats to-go. You can walk to Kalorama Park in about five minutes to enjoy your desserts. 

Rise Bakery
2001 L St NW Ste 140
Adams Morgan
Online: www.riseglutenfree.com

Rocky Point Creamery

John B. via Yelp

Ice cream might not be your first idea of the ideal fall dessert, but if you head to Rocky Point Creamery, it just might become your first idea. Offering unique flavors like Pumpkin, Salty Caramel Pretzel, and Caramel Apple (on rotation, so check their Facebook page to know when it’s available), their ice cream goes from summer refresher to fall comfort. They also have a Green Apple Sorbet for dairy-free dessert. Not to miss: check out their Halloween candy-themed flavors, such as Reese’s Pieces, M&M, Almond Joy, Trick or Treat, and Monster Mash. Yum! Sometimes they offer spur of the moment flavors, so make sure to check their Facebook page each week to know what’s on offer!

Insider tip: This ice cream shop is on a working farm, so your littles can wave to real-life dairy cows and climb a farm tractor converted into a slide! 

Rocky Point Creamery
4323A Tuscarora Road
Tuscarora, MD 21790
Online: www.rockypointcreamery.com

Crepeaway

Kinu S. via Yelp

Got a little pancake-lover in the house? Then they’ll probably love Crepeaway. Crepes are very similar to pancakes but much thinner, and Crepeaway serves them up with a variety of sweet-tooth satisfying choices. First, they add Nutella chocolate, then they add your choice of powdered sugar, cinnamon-sugar, fruits, berries, or cookies. There are a lot of options here, so it’s unlikely anyone’s going to leave disappointed. If you’re not sure what to order, ask the staff for recommendations. 

Insider tip: They offer both pickup and delivery, but you will want to make sure you can eat your crepes as soon as possible so they’re still hot. They do lose a little of their yumminess as they cool down. 

Crepeaway
2001 L St NW Ste 140
Downtown
Online: www.crepeaway.com

District Doughnut and Coffee

Tara L. via Yelp

If you thought doughnuts were just a breakfast food, you’ve never been to District Doughnut and Coffee. These delectable doughnut flavors are swapped out seasonally, but you’ll sink your teeth into delicious scratch-made Vanilla Bean yeast dough year-round. Their fall menu includes Pumpkin Crème Brulee, Pumpkin Glazed, Pumpkin Cheesecake, and Apple Cider Bites. 

Insider tip: While these specialty doughnuts are delicious any time of day, swing by early in the day to make your selections. By late afternoon, you may have limited options or none at all. They’re that good!

District Doughnut and Coffee
5 locations in DC and VA
Online: www.districtdoughnut.com

Le Diplomate

Natalie M. via Yelp

Your little one's picky palate may not be ready for French food in general, but their immature taste buds will appreciate this vanilla bean crème brûlée.  The toasted sugar crust has the perfect amount of crunch, while still remaining a creamy, rich dessert. It comes with a French cookie on the side, too. For some truly autumnal flavors, try their Apple Tart Tatin or the Milk Chocolate Pot De Crème.

Insider tip: The crème brûlée, like their other desserts, is sized for sharing so grab a spoon!

Le Diplomate
1601 14th St NW
Logan Circle
Online: www.lediplomatedc.com

Baked & Wired

Christine W. via Yelp

If you’ve got a unicorn or rainbow lover in the house, head to Baked & Wired for a cupcake that looks like it was baked and frosted by Lisa Frank herself. It's a funfetti cake topped with buttercream frosting and brightly colored sprinkles; frosting colors change regularly for extra fun. Their fall assortment is a dozen delicious cakecups for $52.80. You get four each of pumpkin, dirty chai, and chocolate doom flavors. You might want to wipe the drool of your chin before you go.

Insider tip: Some of the cupcakes have adult-themed names. If you have a non-reader, it probably is a non-issue.

Baked & Wired
1052 Thomas Jefferson St NW
Georgetown
Online: www.bakedandwired.com

Osteria Marzano

Cathy K. via Yelp

Does your tot love Nutella? S’mores? Anything and all things gooey? Then they’ll adore this Nutella pizza meant for sharing. It’s thin pizza dough topped with mascarpone, Nutella, pistachios and mini-marshmallows. Rich and delicious, this dessert is the best combo of pizza and dessert.

Insider tip: Even if it’s just you and the kiddo, order this full-size pizza. The leftovers will taste just as delicious reheated in the microwave tomorrow.

Osteria Marzano
6361 Walker Ln
Metro Park VI (#140)
Franconia, VA
Online: www.osteriamarzano.com

Boqueria

Nicole F. via Yelp

If your little has never had churros before, this Spanish tapas restaurant’s delectable dessert may spoil them on traditional churros forever. Boqueria offers churros con chocolate, the traditional fried dough with a cinnamon-sugar dusting that you dip in thick hot chocolate. They also have churros rellenos, filled with either Nutella or dulce de leche. Whichever ones you get, your kiddo is guaranteed to love them.

Insider tip: The main dining area at the Penn Quarter location can get a bit loud when it fills up. You may want to swing by during quieter periods if your little one is sensitive to loud noises.

Boqueria
777 9th St. NW
Penn Quarter

1837 M St. NW
Dupont Circle
Online: www.boqueriarestaurant.com

Tiger Fork

Braden T. via Yelp

Does your munchkin live on waffles for breakfast? One of the most beloved hand-held foods just got more fun with... bubbles! At Tiger Fork, the bubble waffle is served with two scoops of ice cream plus “fun stuff." The “fun stuff” is a random assortment of toppings from sprinkles to crushed cookies to pixie sticks chosen by the kitchen. You might not know what toppings you’ll get, but you know sugar overload is guaranteed!

Their Baonut holes are fried bao with cashew sauce and cinnamon and sugar. Like a traditional donut hole but with that extra flair, these are utterly delicious. If you want to have that fall bonfire feel with a little something special, try the Chinese S’more. It’s roasted marshmallow with chocolate five-spice streusel and ice cream.

Insider tip: They only serve the bubble waffle at dinner.

Tiger Fork
922 N St.NW
Blagden Alley
Online: www.tigerforkdc.com

Indique

Tinique P. via Yelp

Indique offers Gulab Jamun, a milk solid donut hole drizzled with honey and served with vanilla ice cream. This melt-in-your-mouth dessert comes out piping hot with a super-soft texture and a hint of rose flavor. You might even catch a hint of cardamom in the ice cream. Plus, it’s perfectly pint-sized, making it an excellent dessert for littles.

Insider tip: If you plan to go at brunch, make sure you get a reservation. They get very busy!

Indique
3512-14 Connecticut Ave. NW
Cleveland Park
Online: www.indique.com

The Source

The Source by Wolfgang Puck offers a 15-layer carrot cake that is worth its weight in gold. While a serving looks light and thin, this rich dessert is easy to share (and is topped with ginger ice cream. Yum!).

Insider tip: Take your little on their birthday, and the restaurant will write their name on the menu!

The Source
575 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC
Online: www.wolfgangpuck.com

Firefly

Mr. B. via Yelp

Make dessert an extra special occasion by bringing the kids to Firefly for dinner. Firefly doesn’t advertise it on the dessert menu, but they have the perfect make-your-own dessert for kids. Before dinner, each kid is given cookie dough to decorate to their own satisfaction. While you eat, the cookie is baked and then served to your little one as dessert. This might be the perfect dessert: a pre-dinner activity to keep them busy, and a dessert they’re guaranteed to eat since they made it themselves!

Insider tip: The atmosphere is a bit upscale, so if the kids are cranky, it might be better after a nap.

Firefly
1310 New Hampshire Ave. NW
Dupont Circle
Online: www.firefly-dc.com

—Wendy Miller

featured photo: Pexels 

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Bright Lights, Big City: Where to Find Fireflies Near Atlanta

by Tinybeans Team

It’s July, which means your kids are probably staying up well past their average bedtimes because, really, who wants to go to bed when it’s still daylight outside? If you’re looking for the perfect way to knock out that end-of-day energy burst, then catching fireflies is your beacon to bedtime bliss. From wooded paths to tall grass, along with ponds and in bushes, fireflies are lighting the way to some serious summertime memories. Here’s where to look for these little bioluminescent beetles in Atlanta.

Piedmont Park

Since fireflies rely on their blinking lights to communicate with one another, areas with lots of light pollution have far fewer insects because they can't as easily make plans with one another. But, thanks to Piedmont Park's 189 acres, it's a haven in the hullabaloo of our modern city. Whether you look for them in the Northwoods across from the Atlanta Botanical Garden, or stay late at one of the park's two playgrounds, you've got a very good chance at seeing some lighting bugs lighting up.

10th & Piedmont Ave.
Midtown
Online: piedmontpark.org

Murphey Candler Park

This 135-acre multi-use park is the largest park in the City of Brookhaven, but thanks to its miles of nature trails and preserved wetlands, it's a great spot to see the lightning bugs come out at night. You don't have to veer too far off the path (or away from the parking lot, for that matter) to witness the twinkling lights of your favorite luminary insects. For your best show, steer clear of the sports fields and head towards the wooded area and trails near the lake. Lightning bugs don't like the chemicals that are used to make each multi-use field so green and weed-free.

1551 W Nancy Creek Dr.
Dunwoody
Online: murpheycandlerpark.org

 

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is a 2,965 acre National Battlefield that preserves a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign. You'll find fields with taller grass that are perfect for lightning bugs to levitate from, and the wooded trails that circle the mountain are crawling with the critters.

900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr.
Kennesaw
Online: nps.gov

https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ2R9RwgCsY/?hidecaption=true

Allatoona Creek Park

Among Allatoona Creek Park's 1450 acres are large open fields, forest, and the shores of Lake Allatoona. Two creeks (Little Allatoona and Big Allatoona) merge as you near the lake, and the land is managed to accommodate all species of wildlife with archery hunting for deer allowed during the season. The park is open for public use except during hunting season, and among these acres, you can find an impressive showing of fireflies.

5690 Old Stilesboro Rd.
Acworth
Online: cobbcounty.org

Fort Mountain State Park

Near the Cohutta Wilderness, this Georgia state park is a mecca for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders who come for the trails that wind through hardwood forest and blueberry thickets, crossing streams, and circling a pretty lake. There's even a mysterious 855-foot-long wall that's thought to have been built by early Indians as fortification against more hostile Indians or for ancient ceremonies. But the wall isn't the only ethereal thing about this park. The rare blue-ghost fireflies unique to the Appalachian mountain range can be found early in firefly season, but visitors should look and not catch these unique bugs.

181 Fort Mountain Park Rd.
Chatsworth
Online: gastateparks.org

Featured photo via iStock.

—Shelley Massey

 

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Recall Alert: Teether Sold at Walmart Recalled Due to Choking Hazard

by Karly Wood

The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission is recalling two infant teethers due to choking hazards. Both products contain items that can become dislodged and pose a risk to small children.

Keep reading to see all the details.

PlayGro Clip Clop Infant Activity Rattles

Playgro is recalling its Clip Clop Infant Activity Rattles because the abacus ring on the horses back can come off and release the small beads, posing a choking hazard to small children.

To see if your teether is part of the recall, the affected products contain batch code number 010053 or 010082 printed on the back of the sewn-in seam label. The product package will contain UPC code 9321104011459. Currently no reports have been received of choking.

The teethers were sold at Walmart stores and online at Walmart.com from Nov. 2020 through Jan. 2021 for $5.

If you have an affected product, stop using and contact Playgro for a free placement. The company can be reached at 855-775-2947 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT Mon. through Fri., email at customercare@playgro.com, or online at https://us.playgro.com/ and click on the Safety Recall link located at the top of the page or https://form.jotform.com/vgadmin/PlaygroRecall to register on-line for a free replacement or for more information. 

B. toys Firefly Frank Infant Teethers

Battat is voluntarily recalling its B. toys Firefly Frank Infant Teethers. It's been found that the plastic wings can detach from the body of the teether, posing a choking hazard to young children.

The teethers were sold exclusively at Target and Target.com from Jul. 2019 through Feb. 2021 for $6 to $10.

The company has received 14 reports of the wings pulling off or pieces breaking, and one report of a child choking on a part of a broken wing. If you have one of the teethers, immediately take away fro children and return to a Target store for a full refund. Consumers can also contact Battat to return by mail for a full refund.

Call Battat toll-free at 844-963-2479 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST Mon. through Fri., email at recalls@battatco.com or online at www.battatco.com and click on “Recalls” located at the bottom of the page for more information. 

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of U.S. CPSC

 

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Gooey Goodness: 7 Kid-Approved Places for Mac and Cheese

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

When the blue box of noodles and powdered cheese just doesn’t cut it, satisfy your craving for a bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness at one of these local eateries. Sure, pre-packaged varieties work in a pinch, but if you’re looking for a saucy, Gouda adventure then read on. We’ve compiled the tastiest, kid friendliest, most parent approved mac and cheese in the DMV. Hungry yet?

Mia’s Pizzas

Parents with pizza and mac lovers rejoice. Junior can have his pizza, while Princess daintily inhales her “little mac and cheese.” You, meanwhile, are blessed with smiling, happy, full-bellied kids. The mac and cheese here is saucy, creamy and comes with a hint of smokiness.

4926 Cordell Ave. (Bethesda, Md)
Open: Tue-Thu, 11:30 am-9:30 pm; Fri-Sat, 11:30 am-10:30 pm; Sun, 11:30 am-9 pm
301-718-6427
Online: miaspizzasbethesda.com

Photo: Hue K. via Yelp

Do you have a favorite spot to grab a bowl of mac and cheese? Dish in the Comments section below.

—Hilary Riedemann

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6 D.C. Restaurants with Outside-the-Box Kid Menus

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Chicken nuggets or a hot dog? These seem to be the staple choices for kids at many restaurants—not that there’s anything wrong with these yummy favorites—but what if your kiddos want to spice it up (hello, baba ghannouge)or try something new and different (beginner sushi, anyone?)? We’ve put together a list of six D.C. restaurants that take the kids menu to a whole new level.

Chef Geoff’s
There are so many reasons to love Chef Geoff’s, from the bacon bar (yes, it’s ALL about bacon!) to the ridiculously friendly waitstaff. Your little ones can choose from an 8-oz NY strip steak with a side of roasted asparagus, BBQ chicken breast with pineapple, pan-seared salmon with roasted potatoes and spinach, plus favorites such as cheeseburgers and pizza. The Sunday Kid’s Brunch menu features mouth-watering entrees including citrus-cured salmon on a bagel with cream cheese, French toast with berry compote, and the Sunday egg scramble with cheese and sausage. It really is a place for the whole family to enjoy. Did we mention the bacon bar?

3201 New Mexico Ave. (Archives)
Online: chefgeoff.com
(Other locations on 13th street between E and F; Vienna, VA; Rockville, MD; and Chevy Chase, MD)

Passionfish
Yes, gone are the days when sushi-loving parents have to get a sitter to enjoy some sashimi. Passionfish features a holistic approach to seafood dining and that includes creating an accommodating space for your children, too. It’s clear from the get go that your kids are welcome here, from the playful, nautical-themed décor to the innovative kid’s menu. In addition to burgers and pasta choices, Passionfish lets adventurous types try some beginner sushi rolls, which feature manageable mouthfuls of cucumber, avocado and fresh cooked crab. It also comes with soy sauce in a shell-shaped bowl (score!).

11960 Democracy Dr. (Reston, Va)
Online: passionfishreston.com

Firefly
Firefly is serious about featuring modernized comfort food made from fresh and mostly local farm ingredients. Some say it’s like Grandma’s cooking with a little pizzazz. You’ll find classics like pot roast, eggplant parmesan, and mac-n-cheese…but always with added finesse and flare. For the kids there are no chicken fingers or pizza here, just plenty of yummy, healthy and delicious options. Featured children’s entrees include peanut butter and banana on multigrain bread, a BLT with avocado, and chicken matzoh ball soup. Younger kids can order The Giving Tree with baby shrimp, macaroni and cheese, iceberg wedges with blue cheese, or The Very Lonely Firefly with buttered noodles and parmesan, apple wedges, and grilled chicken bites. A-la-cart options include carrots and celery sticks, a fruit plate, and golden raisin swish card. Bonus: all kids meals include a decorate-your-own cookie surprise.

1310 New Hampshire Ave., NW (Dupont Circle)
Online: firefly-dc.com

Lebanese Taverna
If you’re in-the-know about kid-friendly places in the DMV, then it’s no surprise to find Lebanese Taverna on our list. This mecca of mid-east flavor features a welcoming atmosphere for kids with free coloring books and crayons, and a kid-friendly menu that’s true to the restaurant’s style. Options include grilled chicken with rice or roasted potatoes and a mini-sampler with hommos and kibbeh (a pastry of ground beef and pine nuts). You can also do an appetizer combo for the kids with some seriously delicious chickpeas with tahini, baba ghannouge, falafel and grape leaves.

2641 Connecticut Ave., NW (Woodley Park)
Online: lebanesetaverna.com

Founding Farmers
This place is so kid-friendly, your little ones won’t even need a separate menu. Dedicated to seasonal and regional ingredients, Founding Farmers boasts farm-to-table comfort cuisine prepared in an eco-friendly way. If you’re looking to tap into your kid’s green sensibility, a visit to Founding Farmers might just do the trick. You can choose from small, tapas-like dishes that make perfect kid-portions. Kid faves include bacon-wrapped dates, baby cheeseburgers, fried green tomatoes, farmhouse soup and skillet corn bread (with honey, butter and sea salt). There are also plenty of sandwiches to choose from, plus pastas and flat breads with delicious toppings (proscuitto and fig, brie and apples).

1924 Pennsylvania Ave. (Foggy Bottom)
Online: wearefoundingfarmers.com

Grillfish
Surf and turf can definitely be a family-friendly dining experience at this downtown favorite known for using fine, local and sustainable ingredients. In addition to staples like chicken fingers and mac-and-cheese, the kid’s menu features yummy catfish sticks, grilled sirloin steak, and a seafood mixed grill with swordfish, salmon, mahi mahi, scallops and shrimp. There’s a kid’s surf & turf with sirloin steak and shrimp kabobs. You can finish the meal with ice cream and brownies or a root beer float. Dine here on a Monday and 15% of your dinner proceeds will go to City Dogs Rescue.

1200 New Hampshire Ave. NW (Dupont Circle)
Online: grillfishdc.com

Have you come across any cool kid menus? Tell us about them in the comments section below. 

—Jamy Bond

Photos courtesy of Ian T. McFarland via Flickr , Founding Farmers via Facebook, Firefly via Facebook

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Cook Out: 5 Eateries Where Kids Make Their Own Meals

by writerredri

Budding chefs may not have mastered the rules of the kitchen, but even they know that practice makes perfect. If they’re not quite ready for sous chef 101, we’ve found the next best option—kid-friendly restaurants where your mini- Julia Child can make, decorate or prep part (or all) of her meal. Perhaps this means that she’ll actually eat all of her food? One can dream.

Playseum
Treat Junior to playtime at the Playseum where—in addition to dress up, story time, and crafts—he can take a kids-only cooking class. For a few extra Playseum dollars (in addition to your ticket) kids can bake cookies, make smoothies or decorate cupcakes in the “Come Bake with Me” City Shop in Bethesda and even make homemade pasta in the “Come Cook with Me” D.C. City Shop. During certain seasons they can also bake an apple pie, or create their own sorbet in the D.C. shop.

7000 Wisconsin Ave. (Bethesda, Md)
301-807-8028

545 8th St., SE (Capitol Hill)
202-999-0510

Online: playseum.com

Urbana Restaurant
Pizza night? Head to Urbana, where kids get to build their own pizza (tableside!) and someone else cleans up the telltale mozzarella mess and cooks the pizza. Big and little kids will love choosing their own toppings—veggies, meat, cheese, sauce…the works! The only downside is that they don’t have make-your-own-pizzas for grown-ups. But, Urbana keeps kids happy, engaged and your kitchen stays sparkling clean. No flour bombs here.  

2121 P St., NW (Dupont Circle)
202-956-6650
Online: urbanadc.com

Newton’s Noodles
If your kids are obsessed with noodles then hightail it to Newton’s Noodles where little ones can be super-picky about what goes on their plates. Diners choose from either rice or gluten free noodles then add proteins, veggies, toppings, sauces and spice levels to create their own unique dish. This means that little miss “I won’t eat anything red and crunchy” can pick all her favorites to eat in one dish. With locally sourced ingredients and the pace of a fast-food joint, you can rest assured that your little lady won’t have a meltdown at the register.

1129 20th St., NW (Farragut North)
202-827-3907
Online: newtonsnoodles.com

Generous George’s
Dress up aficionados will love Generous George’s “make your own pizza” because it comes complete with its own chef hat. Kiddos get to make an eight-inch personal pizza with two toppings; the chefs will bake it and serve it. The perfect recipe for a family night out and they get a souvenir to take home. We call that a win win!

2321-C Dulles Station Blvd. (Herndon, Va)
703-793-3338
Online: generousgeorges.com

Firefly
Once the kids are seated at this popular restaurant, they’ll be shocked to find dessert delivered before dinner. Firefly offers kids a “decorate your own cookie” activity to keep them occupied and give them an incentive to eat their dinner. Sprinkles, chocolate chips, icing; it’s all there for the pickings. Once the masterpiece is finished, it’s whisked away to be baked and ready to be devoured once Junior has eaten his fill of the main meal.

1310 New Hampshire Ave., NW (Dupont Circle)
202-861-1310
online: firefly-dc.com

Have you tried any of these restaurant’s DIY dishes? Tell us about it in the comments section below. 

—Hilary Riedemann

Photos courtesy of Firefly, Generous George’s, Playseum, Newton’s Noodle, and Urbana (all via Facebook)

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Slow Down! Three Cool Small Towns an Hour’s Drive Away

by Phebe Wahl

Since this is Atlanta—odds are that you didn’t grow up here—and you might be freaking out a little that your kids will. You don’t relish the amount of time they will spend stuck in traffic or that they might grow more accustomed to the sight of rushing planes overhead rather than birds in the sky. Don’t despair! Small town sanity awaits just a stone’s throw from Atlanta’s I-285 fence, and you’ve got plenty of time to impress upon them that there are many charms that exist outside the city. Check out these three towns, all only about an hour’s drive away, whenever your family needs to ease up on the gas and slow it down a bit.

Athens: Regardless of your football allegiances, Athens is a cool town with plenty to do for kids of all ages (not just for the dads out there who suddenly morph into Freddy Frat-tastic the minute they hit Clarke County on game day). Just over an hour from Atlanta, don’t let a trip to the vicinity pass you by without hitting Memorial Park and the Bear Hollow Zoo, which houses rescued and rehabilitated native animals (think turkeys and hawks, not panthers and silverbacks). Start at the zoo, then head over to the castle-shaped and community-built World of Wonder playground. If you’re there on a Wednesday, round out your day at the Athens Farmers Market at City Hall in the afternoon, followed by a quick caffeine rescue at Jittery Joe’s before you head back to Atlanta.

Details: Memorial Park and Bear Hollow Zoo, 293 Gran Ellen Drive, Athens, Ga 30605, Memorial Park, 8:00 a.m.-Sunset Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-Sunset Friday- Sunday, Bear Hollow Zoo, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily, Free, Athens Farmers Market, 705 Sunset Drive, Athens, Ga 30606, Saturdays 8:00 a.m.-Noon at Bishop Park, and 301 College Avenue, Athens, Ga 30601, Wednesdays 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at City Hall, World of Wonder, 4440 Lexington Road, Athens, Ga 30601, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-Sunset, Saturdays 9:00 a.m.-Sunset, Sunday 12:00 p.m.-Sunset

Eatonton: Where else can your kids experience life on the farm, get their fill of Uncle Remus’ Brer Rabbit stories, and see a thousand-year-old rock eagle effigy all in one town? Just over an hour from Atlanta, Eatonton is an excellent option for little kids with short attention spans but big appetites for adventure. Start your day with a mid-morning snack in the historic square, then head three blocks south to the Uncle Remus Museum in Turner Park. Soar over to Rock Eagle with your picnic lunch, and round out your day at the nearby Crooked Pines Farm with a hay ride, petting farm, crafts, and an agricultural lesson (appointment required, no minimum number of participants). You’ll head back to Atlanta with some happily tuckered-out troops!

Details: Eatonton Historic Square, 114 West Marion Street, Eatonton, Ga 31024, Uncle Remus Museum, The Uncle Remus Museum, 214 Oak Street, Eatonton, Ga 31024, Open daily 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (closed one hour for lunch), Rock Eagle Effigy Mound, Open daily, Free, Crooked Pines Farm, 355 Harmony Road, Eatonton, Ga 31024, Call 706-347-0274 for appointments, $4.00 per person

Madison: Once a year, Madison morphs into the hotspot for small town kid’s nightlife. They like to party? They like to get down? Head to Madison for the Firefly Festival the last Friday in July. Go after lunch to enjoy the town that Sherman “refused” to burn, and stay for the stilt walkers, bubbles, face painters, inflatables, crafts, and family entertainment. Festivities begin at 7:00 p.m. so you’ll be driving the hour back to Atlanta with some sleepy passengers but you can count on a quiet ride! Outside of the Firefly Festival, count on beautiful Madison for an easygoing visit that might best get to the heart of small town living, with nothing much to do other than soak up its sweet, southern charm.

Details: Madison Firefly Festival, 132 North Main Street, Madison, Ga 30650, Friday, July 26, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., $5.00 per child, adults free

Where is your favorite small southern town? Tell us below!

– Shelley Massey

Photos courtesy of the author and Creative Commons via Flickr 

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Date Night: 7 Stand-By Restaurants Doing Very Good Things

by Erin Lem

They may triple your kids in age, but that has only made these San Francisco restaurants more desirable! Here’s to the oldies, but goodies – those delicious, staple restaurants that have saved you and your family from fighting over where to go eat.

It’s Fall. And with Fall, restaurant openings go haywire. Charles Phan‘s Wo Hing General Store, three new BBQ/Southern-inspired restaurants (in the Mission and the Marina) and the first of three Bay Area Umami Burgers should be opening in the next few months. And that’s just off the top of my head. With soft-opening this, and grand opening that, firing off left and right, sometimes it’s nice—necessary, even—to step back and relish the gems that’ve been sitting here, right underneath our noses, for years: the Chez Papas, Canteens, and Outerlands of our city. This post is dedicated to the San Francisco fixtures that haven’t just survived for three, five, maybe even 20 years, in our cutthroat restaurant-scape; they’ve flourished. And you better believe they’ve got something good in the works for the next few months.

Uva Enoteca: Lower Haight, 569 Haight Street
Year opened: 2008
Why now: When Uva opened, its inspiring cheese and charcuterie plates and dangerously drinkable lambrusco carafes were enough to keep things exciting. Those elements continue to define the restaurant in the relatively deprived Lower Haight, but about a year ago, owner Boris Nemchenok started up an enticing happy hour deal involving half price pizza, pasta and such. More recently, he added an entirely new secondi section to the menu, starring hanger steak with potato parmigiano-reggiano sformato and sausage cooked in red wine and fennel broth.

Zazie: Cole Valley, 941 Cole Street
Year Opened: 1992
Why now:  Zazie keeps dishing out crowd favorites, like the sugar pie pumpkin pancakes coming back this month. Owner Jennifer Piallat also knows what matters to the neighborhood. That’s why corkage is always waived on Tuesdays, and Monday means “dog night.” Bring your pooch to dinner, you get $10 off any bottle of wine. This year, Piallat also added a few new heaters to the back patio, so dining outside under the stars on a crisp evening is even more sublime.

Absinthe: Hayes Valley, 398 Hayes Street
Year Opened: 1998
Why now: With new chef Adam Keough in place for about a year now, the restaurant has been added to the Chronicle‘s Top 100 Restaurants List for the first time ever, as new pastry chef Bill Corbett is drawing crowds in his own right. New on the menu this fall are slow-roasted pork rib eye with jalapeno-cheddar grits, a mushroom-artichoke tart, crowned with a poached egg and Liberty Farms duck breast, smoked in-house and dabbled with huckleberry jus. Carlos Yturria is still shaking up a mean, seasonal drink at the bar.

Firefly: Noe Valley, 4288 24th Street
Year Opened: 1993
Why now: Historically, Firefly’s fried chicken would come and go unpredictably, like the San Francisco fog. No longer, now that owner Brad Levy recently decided to make Fried Chicken Tuesdays a regular thing. Also chef de cuisine Luc Prellwitz is back in the kitchen after a year-long stint at The French Laundry and Ubuntu. Just imagine what that’s done for the menu.

Range: The Mission, 842 Valencia Street
Year Opened: 2005
Why now: The bar here—where people like Brooke Arthur and Dominic Venegas started making names for themselves—continues to innovate. Freshly muddled Sungold tomato cocktail, anyone? Michelle Polzine continues to kick butt in the pastry kitchen. Can we say elephant heart plum upsidedown cake? And the kitchen is currently bringing in the apples, pears, braises and such for the change of season.

Perbacco: Financial District, 230 California Street
Year Opened: 2006
Why now: Truffle season in Italy begins on October 15 and Perbacco will begin to plan its delicious truffle menu, something that will be available at the restaurant come November. The restaurant’s five year anniversary is coming up on October 26, and I’m told something special is in the works.

A16: The Marina, 2355 Chestnut Street
Year Opened: 2004
Why now: Menu staples like the simply elegant burrata with toast and salted chocolate budino continue to be best sellers, as new chef David Taylor adds new inspiration from Capagna, Italy to the kitchen. Meanwhile Candace Rowan is doing wicked things with peaches fresh in from Healdsburg. The peach crostata with honey gelato continues to sell like crazy.  And that’s all without mentioning sommelier-owner Shelley Lindgren‘s wine program, inarguably one of the most unique Italocentric lists in the city.

by Carolyn Alburger

This is our weekly guest post from our friends at 7×7, a site that keeps you up on the best of SF. We’ve teamed up for an exciting partnership to bring you a fantastic Date Night idea each week. Be sure to check out their blog for hourly doses of the best of SF.


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