Pack the minivan and consult with the experts for the best time to head out on a fall foliage-viewing adventure

Fall is just around the corner and along with the pumpkin spice everything comes something truly magical, fall foliage! There’s nothing quite like the fiery autumn colors as the leaves change and the joy of watching your kids’ faces as they leap into a heaping pile of them. If you’re planning a special trip to see this spectacular sight, you’re definitely going to want to check out this interactive map for the optimal place and time to see fall leaves at their peak.

courtesy of SmokyMountains.com

SmokyMountains.com has created this fall foliage map, using data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to predict the peak of the leaf season across the country to help you plan the perfect road trip. The data is based on years of information on the peak season and the forecast ahead. Data scientist and map creator, Wes Melton, explained, “The SmokyMountains.com data model continues to improve and become more accurate each year. This is due to our expanding historical database and our ability to analyze past predictions versus historical trends. Our aggregated historical and current database now includes hundreds of thousands of unique data points giving us the ability to predict more accurately than ever before.”

When will the leaves change color this year?

Many factors go into whether leaves will change early or late. We know that areas where warmer temps persist will often have a later peak (and this was the third-hottest summer on record according to NOAA). But lack of rainfall can make leaves change earlier. So, we’ll have to wait and see how it all plays out.

Check out the interactive map here and use the sliding bar at the bottom to see what changes you can expect across the country from now until the end of October. The site also features scientific explanations of why leaves change color and free coloring pages you can download, as well as local lodging, restaurant, and attraction listings.

We love a good ALDI shopping sesh as much as anyone, and September will be no different. With autumn around the corner, the grocery is stocking up big on treats, seasonal items and must have fall foliage. We’ve rounded up our must-have items that hit ALDI stores starting Sept. 1, so keep scrolling to see them all.

Emporium Selection Jalapeño Bacon Cheddar Cheese

Available 9/1 for $2.99

Appetitos Pepper Jack Filled Pretzel Bites

Available 9/1 for $2.29

Coffee Plant

Available 9/8 for $5.99

Bake Shop Pumpkin Cake Roll

Available 9/10 for $4.29

Huntington Home Fall Reversible Wall Sign

Available 9/22 for $9.99

Crofton Harvest Chopping Block

Available 9/22 for $14.99

Benton’s Pumpkin Faced Sandwich Creme Cookies

Available 9/29 for $1.99

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of ALDI

 

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New Yorkers are lucky in that there are many places close to NYC with kid-friendly vacation rentals, and kid-friendly activities. From the Hudson Valley to the Poconos, the Berkshires to the Catskills and beyond, there are options—and not all of them cost a fortune. Whether you’re looking for a nearby vacation rental for a few days, or perhaps a longterm Airbnb rental for an extended stay, we found family-friendly vacation rentals worth a book! (Some are even pet-friendly!)

For a Deluxe Connecticut Getaway

Airbnb

Spread out at this pet-friendly vacation rental in the Hudson Valley located on one acre with a babbling brook! Deluxe but cozy furnishings, high ceilings, lots of light, wifi, and enough space to sleep eight (plus three-and-a-half bathrooms) may make you want to stay in this renovate 1900 barn for a while!

Rate: $176/night 

Online: airbnb.com

For a Ranch With Outdoor Luxuries

Airbnb

A hot tub, tank pool, outdoor movie screen and fire pit nestled in the wilderness? Yes, please! (And that's just on the outside!) Stony Hill Ranch has four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths, as well as a "Jam Shed" where you can rock out for an additional deposit. The property is in Kerhonkson, NY near the Shawangunk Mountains, but also near a Wal-Mart if you need to stock up on things. 

Rate: $230/night

Onilne: airbnb.com

For a Berkshire Cottage at a Discount

Airbnb

The kind-hearted proprietors of this cozy cottage near Great Barrington, Mass, have discounted the rate for weekly and monthly rentals to help people find some respite from the city. In addition to being near area attractions like a nearby beach and hiking, this place looks primo for enjoying fall foliage, and its even got its own gazebo for taking in nature's splendor. 

Rate: $160/night

Online: airbnb.com

To Indulge Your Inner Design Nerd

Airbnb

This pet-friendly rental is cooler than you. A modern house that's small but stylish, this cabin near Rhinebeck, New York has a year-round heated pool, outdoor shower, mod fireplace, deep egg soaking tub, and a separate glass house—"a retreat from your retreat." 

Rate: $390/night

Online: airbnb.com

For a Cozy Bargain in the Poconos

Airbnb

It's cute and compact and the price is right! This little cottage in the Poconos is small but mighty, with peaceful sitting areas, a fire pit, grill, patio string lights, and it's also pet-friendly. Plus, it's near hiking, flea markets and other area attractions. 

Rate: $116/night

Online: airbnb.com

For a Far Out Experience in the Catskills

Airbnb

If you and the clan have ever dreamed of camping out in a geodome on a farm upstate (who hasn’t?), we’ve got good news! The Outlier Inn in Woodbridge New York is a 12-acre property with multiple accommodations that range from cottages and bungalows to tiny houses and a kitschy 50s trailer. But it’s the geodome that caught our eye. It’s BYO Bed for this affair—it’s a wood floor— but you and the kids will have lots of room to spread out. Amenities include outdoor hot showers, a sink, and clawfoot bathtub. There’s also an outdoor kitchen with fridge, sink and grill, and guests are welcome to explore the acreage, meet the resident animals (sheep, angora goats and rabbits, dairy goats, and chickens) and buy organic produce from the farm’s greenhouse and garden. The Inn is located in Sullivan County, close to Bethel Woods, the Catskill Park, Neversink Unique Area and Sam's Point.

Rate: $350/night

Online: airbnb.com

For an Affordable Cabin with Thoughtful Touches

Airbnb

Settle in at this New Fairfield, CT cabin across from Candlewood Lake and a two-minute drive from Squantz Pond State Park. This little house has stylish touches all around, as well as a fire pit and patio, outdoor shower and even an inflatable hot tub! 

Rate: $152/night

Online: airbnb.com

For a Loft Apt in a New Paltz Barn

Airbnb

We see a fun fall outing at this loft apartment in a renovated 19th century barn in New Paltz. Head up for a couple days for apple or pumpkin picking, enjoying the fall foliage, etc. The barn is up to date with all the conveniences of wifi, A/C, washer/dryer, and is near both the town of New Paltz and outdoor spots for hiking and enjoying nature. 

Rate: $122/night

Online: airbnb.com

For an Historic House in the Heart of Northampton

Airbnb

Embrace your farmhouse daydreams at an affordable rate in this historic, restored Northampton, Mass house. The two-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath house is located in the charming downtown, and has a authentic features like wide-plank wood floors, a (narrow) spiral staircase and farmhouse sink. There's also a grill and garden sitting area. 

Rate: $151/night

Online: airbnb.com

To Fulfill a Hamptons Fantasy

Airbnb

It's not cheap, but that's not how things are in the Hamptons. Live the Hamptons lifestyle for a spell in this lovely four-bedroom, two bath house in Sag Harbor. Close to the village shops and town beaches, this bayside charmer has rolling lawns, a deck for taking in sunsets, lots of space and even a a game room. 

Rate: $420/night

Online: airbnb.com

 

—Mimi O’Connor

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If your favorite mama-to-be is decorating her nursery with macrame, rainbows and potted plants, consider throwing her a boho chic baby shower to celebrate her soon-to-arrive baby bundle. We rounded up our favorite boho-style baby shower invitations that feature muted colors and natural themes, like rustic wreaths, hand-drawn feathers, watercolor cactuses and floral rings. Scroll down to get into the Bohemian spirit with these gorgeous printed invitations, online invitations and editable templates!

Boho Flowers

Minted

Designed by Cass Loh, this sweet ring of flowers features burnt orange, dusty pink and purple blooms. You can customize this floral invitation to feature more coral colors, red hues or even add a pop of teal so you can match your baby shower invitation to the cake and decor. 

Available online: From $1.25/ea. from Cass Loh via minted.com

Hello Baby Boho

Etsy

If mom-to-be is waiting to reveal her baby's sex, check out this gender-neutral baby shower invitation featuring a delicate illustration of macrame suspended from a single, ivy-adorned branch by Palm Paperie DIY. 

Available online: From Palm Paperie DIY,  this editable template is $9.99 via etsy.com

Boho Feathers

Zazzle

Is mom-to-be ready to nest? Celebrate her nesting instincts with this feather-adorned baby shower invitation. Hand-drawn feathers in shades of blue give this baby shower invitation an earthy feel. If you're looking to customize your cards to fit your needs, this is the invitation for you; you can choose 8 different colors, 6 shapes and 12 different paper types and finishes to give this card a personal touch. 

Available online: From $2.171/ea. by Lucky Plum Studio for zazzle.com

A Rustic Wreath

Greenvelope

Earthy mamas will rejoice with this no-print baby shower invitation option. Go completely green with an online-only invitation that lets you track guest responses. This rustic wreath features a ring of woodland berries and wild foliage. 

Available online: From $39/up to 40 people from Stacey Meacham Design LLC via greenenvelope.com

Taco 'bout a Baby

Etsy

Whether mom-to-be is experiencing taco cravings beyond Tuesday or she just loves all things cactus, these whimsical and stylish desert-themed invitations promise a baby shower that people will taco 'bout! 

Available online: From $4 for a customizable download by Hunny Prints via etsy.com

Boho Rainbow Printable Templates

Etsy

Whether mom-to-be is having a rainbow baby or just rejoices in dreamy bands of color, this rainbow-themed baby shower invitation features a boho palette of gold, mauve and dusty rose. 

Available online: $12 for a printable template from Aim Beth Designs via etsy.com

Woodland-Themed Boho Greenery

Paper & Things

This watercolor baby shower invitation features a bold wood slice surrounded by soft green foliage to lend the perfect Bohemian vibe to any boho chic baby shower. This instant download baby shower invitation can be easily personalized and printed at home. 

Available online: $14.99 for a customizable download via paperandthings.com

Boho Floral Feathers

Etsy

This jewel-tone baby shower invitation has two lovely feathers set against sprigs of grasses with delicate hand-drawn jewels and crystals adorning the corners. Customize and print invitations (and follow-up thank you notes!) for a boho-chic party from start to finish. 

Available online: From $10.75 for a customizable JPEG file from TDA Party on Paper via etsy.com

Truly Custom Llama Invites

Basic Invite

For your favorite llama mama (to be!), send a baby shower invitation illustrated with her spirit animal! Basic Invites provides a completely customizable card; pick and choose the colors of the border dots, change the tassels and pom poms, and choose an ink color for a truly personalized baby shower invitation. 

Available online:  From basicinvites.com; prices vary based on custom options. 

—Meghan Yudes Meyers

Featured image: Boris Gonzalez via Pixabay

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Make 2021 the year of the family photo. Yes, it’s time to get your finger on the photo button once again! You don’t have to hire a pro photographer or travel to a tropical location to capture a great family portrait.  If you’re taking family hikes or walks around Washington, DC, you are probably passing the perfect backdrop for an insta-worthy family photo. We rounded up some of our favorite places to take a picture. Get ready to get snappy with one of these iconic backdrops in the DMV.

#1 Washington Monument

Meghan Yudes Meyers

Photo Tip: Due to the slight elevation at the top of the hill, this is a great place to snap a picture with the Lincoln Memorial or the Capitol in the background. If you want to feature the Washington Monument, try to position yourselves so that the Monument itself is between people and not sticking out of the top of someone’s head!

Safety regulations: There are periodic closures on the National Mall due to recent events at the Capitol. Check here for the latest updates. The Washington Monument is temporarily closed to visitors until 1/24. 

Washington Monument
2 15th St. NW
National Mall
Online: nps.gov

#2 DC Murals

Meghan Yudes Meyers

Photo tip: Gray skies and winter weather can wash out even the best backdrop. Head to one of these vibrant murals in DC to add pops of color to your candids. 

Find DC's most vibrant murals here

#3 Great Falls Park

Tricia Mirchandani

Photo tip: Let the water take center stage at this location. Huddle together on one of the overlooks in your fleeces on a brisk day and the waterfalls create a brilliant backdrop.

Safety regulations: Trails and overlooks are open, but the visitor center is closed. Water fountains are currently not available. 

Great Falls Park
9200 Old Dominion Dr.
McLean, VA
Online: nps.gov

#4 A Local Winery

Libby Denton

Photo Tip:  A great picture has a backdrop that enhances a person's portrait, it doesn't compete with it. Wineries offer a rich background that blends foliage with rustic stone and wood. Even in the winter, snow covered vines add an architectural element to a family portrait. 

Find a local DC winery here

#5 Gravelly Point Park

Vivi N. via Yelp

Photo Tip: Timing really is everything with this one but capturing your faces, or at least your eyes, below a plane taking off is possible! It may take a few tries and a few different angles but don’t give up!

Gravelly Point Park
George Washington Pkwy.
Arlington, VA
Online: nps.gov

#6 Howard County Conservancy

Yasmina Cowan

Photo tip: You want to add texture to the back of your subjects, and this location offers a variety to choose from. You'll find rolling hills, tall grasses and historic structures. Plus, the lighting at dusk is dreamy. It's a favorite spot for DC photographers, like Yasmina Cowan

Safety regulations: Trails remain open from dawn to dusk, but nature center is currently closed. 

Howard County Conservancy
10520 Old Frederick Rd.
Woodstock, MD
Online: https://www.howardnature.org/

#7 Any Park or Playground

Schmidt-Reportagen via Pixabay

Photo tip: On the swing, in the sandbox, going down the slide, if you’re there, take a picture just for fun! Two pairs of feet at the top of a twisty slide capture the moment just as nicely as two pairs of eyes smiling at the camera. And, after all, capturing the moment is photos are all about.

Find a DC playground here

—Meghan Yudes Meyers and Tricia Mirchandani

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Show your loved ones how much you care this Valentine’s Day. Lindt just announced a brand-new collaboration with Farmgirl Flowers that conveys “let’s stay together” (with flowers and LINDOR truffles) no matter how far apart you are from family and friends this year. Lindt’s classic heartfelt treats are also back for a limited time, plus  an all-new LINDOR 70% Cocoa Extra Dark truffle bag for all the dark chocolate lovers out there. 

Lindt Valentine's Day

Premium Swiss chocolatier Lindt releases its Valentine’s 2021 products crafted with love by the Lindt Master Chocolatiers.  Just in time to sweeten the season of love, the brand’s beloved LINDOR Milk truffle, LINDOR Heart (in classic Milk and Assorted chocolate varieties) and the irresistibly sweet LINDOR Strawberries & Cream truffle return, all in heartfelt packaging. 

Lindt Valentine's Day

New this season, Lindt is excited to debut the decadently dark 70% Cocoa LINDOR truffle bag.  All available nationally now for a limited time only.

Lindt Valentine's Day

In the sweetest partnership, Lindt is excited to share a brand-new collaboration with Farmgirl Flowers.  In a show-stopping Valentine’s Day masterpiece called “Let’s Stay Together,” an oversized bag of irresistibly smooth-melting LINDOR milk chocolate truffles will pair with a 360° arrangement of 30+ red roses, ranunculus and seasonal foliage in Farmgirl Flowers’ signature sustainable vase. 

Lindt Valentine's Day

No matter what your 2021 Valentine’s Day looks like surprise your loved ones with this classic pairing available now at Farmgirl Flowers ($115.)

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Lindt

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2020 saw many a plant parent born and raised, and the obsession doesn’t look like it’s going away anytime soon. What many of us learned is that it’s not just about the right lighting or the right water, it’s about finding a plant that is as resilient as it is beautiful. Enter the Money Tree, aka Pachira aquatica. Rated as one of the most popular houseplants, ever and selling out from popular sites like Bloomscape and The Sill, you’ll soon be able to get this little beauty at your local ALDI.

In spite of its complex, braided trunk and lush looking leaves, this plant is as easy to care for as a faux plant. It can handle all kind of light conditions, including low light, and can take infrequent watering. While it has ideal conditions (watering when soil looks dry, keeping the air humid) it can take quite a bit of…ahem…neglect.

The tree gets its common name because it is thought to bring good luck and prosperity to the household, popular especially in Taiwanese and Chinese homes where the braids trap fortune.

It will come in at 5 inches tall and cost just $7.99. Gift yourself one on your next ALDI store run, beginning January 13.

—Amber Guetebier

photo courtesy ALDI 

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Whether you’re heading out, or staying in for Halloween 2020, the citizens of New York City are still bringing it with over-the-top and amazing Halloween decorations. From gorgeous and festive to creepy or campy, we’ve rounded up some of our favorites—that of course, you can “tour” from the comfort of your living room. (Still looking for ideas on what to do for Halloween? Check out these!)

Creepy in Kensington

Mimi O'Connor

Enormous spider/candy chute? Check. Flying bat? Check. Timely headstones with puns? Check. Check it out on E. Fourth near Albemarle. 

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Home Freak Home

This townhouse in Prospect Lefferts Gardens is home to an impressive collection of skeletons, witches and ghouls. 

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Upper Yeesch Side

This charming pair is part of an elaborate display on the Upper East Side on 67th Street. 

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Great Ape

Apparently King Kong has moved on from the Empire State Building and is now in Brooklyn Heights on Clark Street! (Near Willow.)

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Chillin in the Village

An elegantly-spooky display of bats, autumnal foliage and skeleton/spider duo for good measure in the Village on Washington Place off Sixth Avenue. 

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Eek a House

This house in Queens looks like a major HQ for a creepy crew! 

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Going for a Spin

A returning favorite on Christopher Street, the giant spider web is topped by a skeleton for 2020. 

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On the Web

Someone on this Upper West Side block really loves Halloween. #approve

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Peace is the Word

In Chelsea, it's all about Namaste. 

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Green with Frenzy

Meanwhile, on 36th Street in Manhattan, the displays of life-sized skeletons glow, and feature a nice contrasting violet light. 

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Character Appearances

We appreciate the maximalist sensibility of this display in Greenpoint. #moreismore

Dominating in Ditmas

Mimi O'Connor

This massive display in Ditmas Park in Brooklyn gets more elaborate each year. Spiders, creepy clowns, zombies, witches, skeletons, demons: no matter your nightmare, there's something for you! (Find it at the corner of Argyle and Albemarle Road. 

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Go Big or Go Home

Not for the faint of heart, this Halloween house in Middle Village not only sports a highly-coveted larger-than-life skeleton, its creepy display continues. (Click through photos for more terrifying tableaus.)

—Mimi O’Connor

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ALDI never disappoints when it comes to their selection of indoor plants. If you have been stocking up on succulents now you can add a new plant to your collection. Now ALDI is selling coffee plants and we can’t wait to get our hands on them.

The plant responsible for your morning fuel is now available to adorn your coffee bar or indoor patio. Plus they come in adorable speckled black and white mug planters. 

coffee plant
  

The coffee plant is considered to be one of the easiest plants to care for as well as one of the hardiest. Not only is it super easy to care for, its lush foliage makes a welcome addition to your current indoor garden. It’s a win-win! 

You can find these coffee plants at your local ALDI the week of Sept. 9. They retail for $6.49 each.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: ALDI

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Love is in the air! JuJuBe will release its first Disney collaboration, Amour des Fleurs Sept. 24 at 4 p.m. PT. The floral print is featured on JuJuBe’s diaper bags, backpacks, totes, organizing cubes, pacifier pods and much more.

Iconic JuJuBe florals combined with Disney’s favorite couple make Amour des Fleurs the print of your dream. Search for hidden Mickeys (large and small) frolicking amidst the flowering forest. Think you’ve found them all? Look again! 

The illusion of embroidered flowers and foliage delicately decorate the classic black background. “Hand-stitched” petals in coral, yellow, pink, aqua, indi- go, and white create a colorful bouquet! Inside you’ll discover a soft mint lining adorned with wildflowers arranged as Mickey, reminiscent of a manicured garden. Brushed gold metal hardware adds a sense of wonder and elegance. Three unique zipper pulls adorn every bag – raised gold flowers upon a black Mickey head plus nostalgic Mickey and Minnie with hands shaped as 1⁄2 a heart. Join their hands together to form one timeless heart expressing their adoration for each other and this magical print.’

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of JuJuBe

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