The Best Outfit Ideas for Family Shoots, According to a Photographer

by Sadiya DendarApril 17, 2024

Family photo sessions have come a long way. If your parents were anything like mine, you probably remember being forced into scratchy clothes and dragged to the local portrait studio to pose with your sibling in identical outfits, back-to-back with your arms crossed. The epitome of awkward family photos. Luckily, those days are over, and less posed, more natural sessions are now in style—as are significantly less matchy-matchy ensembles. If you’re worried about committing a fashion faux pas during your next shoot and dragging your partner and kids down with you, we’ve got you. We spoke to lifestyle and documentary photographer Janis Lempera to get the lowdown on what looks best on camera in 2024 (so you’ll be proud to share your photos on Tinybeans!).

Location, location, location

a professional photo of a family dressed in blues and white with a pop of orange, one of the best family photo outfit ideas — Janis Lempera

When you think of a family photoshoot, plaid shirts, cable-knit sweaters, and ankle boots might come to mind. And if you’re planning a fall shoot at a pumpkin patch, that would be perfect. But if your backdrop is the beach or a lush garden, not so much. Janis encourages families to consider the setting. “Really look at the palette of your surroundings,” she explains, and try to choose colors that complement it.

Pastels and neutrals look great on a beach while richer, jewel-toned hues will pop in the woods. If you’re shooting in your home, choose shades that go with your interior. For example, you’ll want to avoid bold prints and colors if you’ve got a farmhouse-style vibe. You’ll also want to think about the temperature; you don’t want to be shivering in a t-shirt or sweating through a wool coat.

Keep it comfy

The last thing you want is to look at these pictures years down the road and think, What was I wearing?! So start with your own style and personality, Janis suggests. If you’re more of a dressed-down kind of family, embrace it. If you’re uncomfortable in what you wear it’ll show—you’ll likely be stiff and awkward and constantly wondering how you look instead of having fun with your favorite people.

Janis reminds parents that the same goes for kids, so find something that showcases their personality. If they’re not used to wearing bowties or suspenders, they’re more likely to be grumpy and uncooperative in them. And remember that you’re not a family of mannequins, so choose clothes that are easy to move around in so you can get down and play with the kids or twirl them around.

Knix the matchy-matchy look

a professional photo of a family dressed in neutrals with a pop of peach, one of the best family photo outfit ideas — Janis Lempera

Aim for outfits that are cohesive but don’t look like you just stepped out of a department store catalog. It’s easiest to start with one person’s ensemble. If mom has a floral dress that she absolutely loves, draw inspiration for your color palette from that, says Janis. You want to stick to just three or four hues max.

What are some of our faves? Blues and whites are totally classic, but try to avoid everyone wearing the same white on top and blue on the bottom (mix it up with dresses, hats, button-up shirts, and different textures, or have one person in a navy blouse and jeans while others are in white tops or dresses). The same goes for black and white. You’ll also get a timeless look when you pair muted blues, mossy greens, and yellows with neutrals like grey or beige—plus these colors typically complement everyone. Mustard or mauve with cream and olive also makes for a nice mix, especially in the spring (picture your little one in an olive overall paired with a cream tee while mom has on a cream dress with a delicate mauve floral). Pops of burgundy or peach work well with denim, charcoal, and navy for winter shoots, and if you find yourself in the desert we love pulling out earthy tones like cinnamon, rust, taupe, and green.

Experiment with textures

a professional photo of a mother with her son dressed in a lace blouse, one of the best family photo outfit ideas — Janis Lempera

Different textures and layers help to add personality and depth to a photo, Janis says, and you don’t have to fear layering in warmer seasons. It doesn’t have to be heavy jackets or sweaters but think about lace, linen, cords, and lightweight knits. There are also so many adorable pointelle outfits for babe, and you can try playing with subtle patterns on one or two people. And don’t forget about footwear, which can also be a good place to share a fun family tradition, like having everyone wear their favorite Converse or Vans.

Incorporate accessories

While you may want to leave your smartwatch behind, Janis says there’s no need to leave out timeless pieces that you love. Jewelry is an obvious choice but you can also try out a bow or headband, neck scarf, or even colorful socks. Just don’t overdo it. Pick a couple of meaningful pieces that work alongside your chosen color palette. “And be mindful of what’s in your pockets,” says Janis. “A lot of people put their phones in the front pockets of their jeans and it leaves a big rectangle.”

Pack backups

Be sure to bring a second (or third) outfit for little ones that goes with your look. Because… well, kids are kids. And you never know when you might come across the perfect puddle to jump in or the best hill to roll down. “I once had a little girl fall and then for the rest of the session we were kind of hiding her a little behind her mom because she was covered in mud,” laughs Janis.

Say cheese and have fun!

a professional photo of siblings dressed in fall shades of denim, green and brown, one of the best family photo outfit ideas — Janis Lempera

Once you’ve got all your outfits picked out, it’s not a bad idea to do a practice run. Have everyone try on their clothes and snap a couple of photos on your phone to see if you’ve achieved the look you’re going for. It’s also a good time to make sure everyone is comfortable and knows what to expect.

Speaking of expectations, parents, this one’s for you: Don’t forget to let loose. Run after the kiddos, let them scream in delight, catch those candid moments, and let them enjoy it. Does your toddler have a costume they insist on wearing every single day? Bring it along—it’s a nice bit of incentive for the end of the shoot that lets their personality shine. Trust us, the memories will be priceless.

Be sure to share all the best photos with family and friends near and far on the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

25 Places to Take Kids Who Love Dinosaurs

by Kate LowethMarch 20, 2024

Fads come and go, but dinosaurs are here to stay! Kids just can’t get enough of them, and lucky for you, there are plenty of dinosaur attractions from coast to coast. From silly cartoons to serious science, we’ve found over 20 of the best dino-mite places to discover with your little paleontologists including state parks, theme parks, children’s museums, and even a dinosaur-themed restaurant that features its own “Build-A-Dino” center.

The Chicago Children’s Museum | Chicago, IL

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Children’s museums are fun regardless of where you go, but the Chicago Children’s Museum gets a lot of praise for its “cool” Dinosaur Expedition. Among other things, it features a recreation of the real Saharah expedition where Chicago paleontologist Paul Sereno discovered a new type of dinosaur. It also features a life-size skeleton of Suchomimus (sue-co-MY-muss), an excavation pit to dig for bones, and an opportunity to learn what it would be like to be part of Paul’s expedition team.

Dino Valley at LEGOLAND California Resort | Carlsbad, CA
This brand-new land just opened at LEGOLAND California Resort and we are super excited! Here you can ride two new rides, the Explorer River Quest and DUPLO^® Little Dino Trail, as well as the beloved Coastersaurus dinosaur ride. Build your own dino in the interactive dino build and play area, and meet all the new characters.

Stonerose Interpretive Center & Eocene Fossil Site | Republic, WA
What’s better than getting to dig for your own fossils? This spot in WA lets fossil diggers of all ages look for and even take home fossils they find while they are there. Just wait until you see their eyes light up when they discover something that’s 50 million years old!

Tate Geological Museum | Casper, WY
Casper, WY is home to this awesome (and free!) museum that the whole family will enjoy. Little paleontologists will be amazed when they spot Dee the Mammoth: Discovered nearby in 2006, Dee is part of the museum’s Pleistocene Exhibit where kids can learn the difference between mammoths, mastodons, and elephants. Little visitors will especially love visiting the Dino Den where they can explore touchable fossil casts, do fossil rubbings, and play with dinosaur toys.

Dinosaur National Monument | Jensen, UT
Welcome to a dino digger’s dream. Over 1,500 prehistoric bones are still encased in the rock at Dinosaur Quarry exhibit hall on the Utah side of Dinosaur National Monument, and visitors can view reconstructed dinosaur fossils—like Allosaurus and a baby Stegosaurus. The quarry gives kids a view of the fossils in their natural state (instead of removed, cleaned, and reassembled), and when you’ve checked out the dino-box there are plenty of other activities (including hiking and kayaking on the Green River) to explore.

Burke Museum | Seattle, WA
Unlike other museums that house their dinosaurs in the basement, the Burke Museum features their dinos proudly on the top floor. Exhibits focus on fossils from Washington state including giant whales, creatures from the ice age, and more. Visitors can get an up-close look at what the researchers are working on every day with large glass windows looking inside their laboratories.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom | Orlando, FL
Most people are familiar with Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which is one of four Disney theme parks in Orlando, but not everyone is aware that the park features an entire land dedicated to Jurassic animals. What DinoLand U.S.A. lacks in science, it makes up for in the form of fun. This “land” is home to the thrill ride, “Dinosaur,” where riders will travel back in time, ride in a Jeep, and attempt to rescue a dinosaur before a meteor strikes. What could go wrong?

DinoLand U.S.A. also features a replica of the T-Rex “Dino-Sue” which is pretty amazing. However, Mom and Dad might be more impressed with the open-air “fossil fun site” known as The Boneyard, a place themed around a dinosaur dig giving the little explorers time to burn off some energy.

Field Station: Dinosaurs | Derby, KS and Leonia, NJ
With two dino-mite locations, the Field Stations take families on tours full of mystery, surprise, and over 40 life-sized realistic (and moving!) dinos. Get up close and personal along the trail and take part in over 30 live shows, games, and activities in the parks. Here you can dig for fossils, learn about a dinosaur’s diet during a live musical show, and play a game of Dinosaur Discovery miniature golf. As they say, “Science had never been this fun, this scary, or this big!”

Natural History Museum | Los Angeles, CA

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The Natural History Museum in Los Angeles boasts a 14,000-square-foot Dinosaur Hall to show off their dinos. You need that much space to present the world’s only Tyrannosaurus rex growth series, and you’ll also find a Stegosaurus and the 25-foot tall Triceratops making their debut here, too. The museum is also home to a Dino Lab, where you can see their staff working on real fossils and get your hands on some other ones that are said to be between 66 and 120 million years old! Of course, what will really thrill your kids is the Dinosaur Encounters, where large-scale puppets (think huge) come “alive” to give a better sense of what living with prehistoric creatures would be like.

National Museum of Natural History | Washington DC
The David H. Koch Hall of Fossils–Deep Time allows guests to travel through ancient ecosystems to witness the evolution of life and see firsthand over 700 fossil specimens including early insects, reptiles, mammals, a Tyrannosaurus rex, Diplodocus, and a woolly mammoth. The exhibit shares how the choices humans make today will affect our future (a good lesson for us all).

Arizona Museum of Natural History | Mesa, AZ
Located in the center of Downtown Mesa, the 80,000-square-foot Arizona Museum of Natural History offers plenty to see, learn, and explore for young dino enthusiasts and historians of all ages. Strongly referred to as the “Dinosaur Museum,” here visitors can admire their collection of nearly 60,000 objects, snap a selfie with a T-Rex, pan for gold, and discover so much more. To simulate some of the perilous encounters faced by these ancient beasts, a “flash flood” sends rushing water cascading down a three-story mountain full of life-size animatronic dinosaurs every 23 minutes.

Dinosaur World | Cave City, KY
With more than 150 life-size replica dinosaurs, this outdoor museum is the perfect place for kids to be kids, while they learn about paleontology. What’s more, the museum’s “boneyard” offers them a chance to uncover a life-size stegosaurus buried under the sand. If the weather isn’t cooperating, Dinosaur World has an indoor Prehistoric Museum that features displays of cast and real fossils.

Cabazon Dinosaurs | Cabazon, CA

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The world-famous roadside attraction may not be the most scientific of spots, but it sure is fun! Climb up Dinny the 150-foot replica Apatosaurus, or take a peek out of Mr. Rex’s mouth. Check out the animatronic dinos in the open-air museum, pan for gold, or spend time in the totally diggable sand pit. Oh, and snapping that iconic pic of the fam, the mountains, and the dinos? A must.

Dinosaur Valley State Park | Glen Rose, TX
Follow the path of a dinosaur battle from millions of years ago. The Paluxy River is home to over 1,500 dinosaur tracks, the newest one being exposed in summer 2023. The extremely popular, and fairly easy hike takes dino hunters along the creek bed, in search of the tracks under the water. One of the most famous trackways ever discovered, a section of it can be seen at the American Museum of Natural History.

Jurassic World Ride | Universal Studios Hollywood, Studio City, CA
Universal Studios Hollywood recently upgraded the Jurassic Park ride into something bigger and better and inspired by the Jurassic World movie franchise. Many of the dinosaurs featured in the original ride have returned with all-new technology. You’ll love entering an immersive land and coming face-to-face with the Indominus rex as she stalks you through the jungle. Get caught in the fray as she’s confronted by her archrival, the Tyrannosaurus rex, in an epic battle for the ages.

The Field Museum of Natural History | Chicago, IL
The Field Museum was already a hot spot for dino fans even before SUE—the most complete T-Rex skeleton ever discovered—arrived in 2000. Evolving Planet takes guests on a journey through four million years on Earth; there are videos, hands-on interactive displays, and an expanded dinosaur hall. SUE, of course, is the highlight and doesn’t disappoint.

Great Plains Dinosaur Museum & Field Station | Malta, MT
The Great Plains Dinosaur Museum may be small, but it’s mighty. Home to Leonardo, the world’s best-preserved dinosaur, it’s also one of the best places for those who want to get dirty, dino-style. Kids ages 5-11 can sign up for the Junior Paleo Field Experience: three hours at a real dinosaur dig with the pros, then back to the lab to process, analyze, and write up their finds. Not to worry— there’s plenty of hands-on stuff for the smaller set, including their own dig pit outside the museum.

The Prehistoric Gardens | Port Orford, OR
If you’re up for a road trip to the Oregon Coast and want a fun pit stop that is more Pee Wee’s Big Adventure than Smithsonian, this place is for you. It’s a campy, cool dinosaur attraction with dinosaur sculptures looming amid a gorgeous, lush Pacific Northwest forest. In short, it’s awesome. While the dinos aren’t real, the ancient Oregon forest is.

T-REX Café | Lake Buena Vista, FL

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What a great idea! The T-Rex Café is part restaurant, part museum but all fun—and very popular. Throughout the restaurant, you’ll find large animatronic dinosaurs (“Honey, we’ll find a table over by the T-Rex…”), exotic plants, aquariums, hands-on educational activities in the Paleo Zone, a Discovery Dig fossil sandpit, the Discovery Creek water mill where kids can pan for precious gems and stones, and “meteor showers” that take place every 20 to 30 minutes. They even have a “Build-a-Dino” by Build-A-Bear Workshop. Parents might want to check out the Octopus Bar (with moving tentacles and jellyfish) too.

Dinosaur State Park | Rocky Hill, CT
200-million-year-old Dilophosaurus tracks—2,000 of ‘em. That’s what, in 1968, was discovered in Rocky Hill, CT. Today, the trackway is a protected National Landmark, and visitors can check out some 500 tracks in the Exhibit Center’s geodesic dome. Little visitors will dig in fossil boxes, investigate rocks and crystals, work on puzzles, read books, or make a Dinosaur Tracks bookmark in the Discovery Room, while nature nuts will love the flora and fauna-filled (only two miles!) trail around the center.

Dinosaur Park | Rapid City, SD
Dinosaur Park in Rapid City has celebrated the state’s paleontological history since its opening in 1936. The public (and free) space boasts life-size concrete dinosaur figures the kids can climb, and the 360-degree view of the Badlands is worth the uphill trek necessary to reach the park. The park is a must-see spot if you are in the area!

Wyoming Dinosaur Center | Thermopolis, WY
There are over 30 mounted skeletons and hundreds of displays and dioramas in the museum, all designed to educate and thrill even the tiniest dino fans. It’s hard to say exactly what the star attraction, “Jimbo” the Supersaurus is, or the real-life dig action that happens from late spring into early fall. Families are encouraged to sign up, and if anyone finds a fossil, it’ll be labeled with their name and displayed at the museum!

Nash Dinosaur Track Site | South Hadley, MA
Billed as the best place in North America to see dino tracks, this Western Mass. wayside dinosaur attraction was started in 1939 by Carlton S. Nash and is still in the family today. Formerly known as Nash Dino Land, think more of a roadside stop than a museum. Though it’s not exactly a state-of-the-art facility, very little has changed in 70+ years, which is part of its indelible charm. Since the 1930s it has produced thousands of dinosaur track impressions, many of which are now housed in museums. The Nash Dinosaur Track Site and Rock Shop will delight all your rock hounds and pint-sized paleontologists.

American Museum of Natural History | New York, NY

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Who wouldn’t want to meet “Rexy” from the Night at the Museum movies? Not only that, but you’ll also find the 122-foot-long Titanosaur, a Velociraptor, and the Triceratops, among thousands of other super cool specimens. Families with kids ages 5-12 should stop by the Discovery Room, an interactive, behind-the-scenes look at the museum, where visitors can assemble a life-sized cast skeleton of Prestosuchus, handle real fossils, and even unearth an Oviraptor nest in a re-creation of a paleontology field site.

Jurassic Park at the Islands of Adventure | Orlando, FL
“It’s lunchtime and you’re on the menu,” teases the Jurassic Park River Adventure ride. Sure, the water cruise starts innocently enough, but soon, your family will be bumped off course and will float toward the restricted area of Jurassic Park. And while you’re there, be sure to check out the hands-on activity center, where kids can test their DNA to see what kind of dinosaur they would be, answer dino trivia, examine dinosaur eggs, and, if they are lucky, watch a baby velociraptor “hatch.” There’s also Camp Jurassic, a prehistoric playground perfect for families with kids of all ages. You can also let the kids navigate suspension bridges, slides, and Thunder Lizard Trail and even try their hand at the water cannons in the containment paddock.

Additional reporting by Gabby Cullen & Amber Guetebier

8 Must-Go Places for Snow & Snow Play near LA

by Jennifer O'BrienJanuary 8, 2023

If you think googling ‘snow near me’ in Southern California is an oxymoron—think again! You don’t have to leave Southern California to play in real snow with these nearby winter wonderlands the whole family will enjoy

While planning your winter bucket list of activities in Los Angeles, you might be thinking about your favorite local holiday celebrations or which spot you should go to pick out your perfect Christmas tree. And while playing in Southern California snow doesn’t typically rank high on the list in this sunny region, thanks to some pre-winter storms, California mountains are covered in snow—making for some early openings for our local mountain resorts. Whether you’re a new or avid skier, a thrill-seeking snowboarder, into sledding or just want to make some snowballs making and throw them, this is the season to go have fun with the frozen stuff—even in SoCal.

A little girl wearing goggles slides down a hill on an inner tube at a snow play area near LA — Lee Stockwell BBMR

1. Snow Play at Big Bear Mountain Resort

Just two hours away from DTLA (well, sans traffic), you'll find Big Bear Mountain Resort (BBMR) which is now open and has Los Angeles skiing down to a science thanks to loads of snowmaking taking place over the past few weeks. If you've been hankering to get the family up on skis or a snowboard, this is the place to do it—we especially love their advance reservations for tickets, gear, and lessons—saving you from waiting in line and a ton of time in the process. For those not quite ready to feel the need for ski or snowboard speed, head to Grizzly Ridge Tube Park, located at Snow Summit. There you'll find a magic carpet ride that takes you to the top and you can choose one of three 300-foot tubing lanes. Make sure to reserve your spot in advance.

Dates: Now-Apr. 2
Cost: $44-$59/day pass

BBMR
880 Summit Blvd.
Big Bear Lake
Online: bigbearmountainresort.com

2. Snow Play at Mammoth Lakes

Of course, we have a whole article on how to take your kids skiing at Mammoth but this mountain town offers more than just ski resorts near Los Angeles. Head to Woolly’s Tube Park for thrilling sled rides everyone will enjoy. For those 42” and smaller who aren’t tall enough to enjoy the ride, Woolly’s has a fun snow park area and heated deck serving up hot cocoa and adult beverages.

Dates: Nov. 25-27, Dec. 2-4, 9-11, Dec. 16-Apr. 9
Cost: $40-$55/two-hour tubing session

Woolly's Tube Park & Snow Play
9000 Minaret Rd.
Mammoth Lakes
Online: mammothmountain.com

3. Snow Play at Mountain High Resort

Wouldn’t it be groovy to spend less time on the road and more time playing in the snow? Located just an hour and a half away from DTLA, Mountain High is the perfect place to get away for a fun day of skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. With an incredible snow system that covers 80 percent of the mountain, the resort strives to make the very best conditions consistently possible for its visitors. First-time skiers and snowboarders (or ones just looking to brush up on their skills) can take advantage of lessons from a wide variety of highly experienced instructors.

Is tubing more your jam? Then check out Yeti's Snow Play—the all-day tickets will grant you access to tubing, sledding, snow play, and scenic sky chairs on Mountain High Resort, plus access to all the food and retail shops on the mountain, tables with fire pits, photo ops with Yeti himself and free parking. Make sure to check out the height restrictions before you go.

Dates: Mountain High is now open; Yeti's Snow Play opens Nov. 25
Cost: $30-$79/all day tickets to Yeti's Snow Play

Mountain High Resort
24510 State Hwy. 2
Wrightwood
Online: mthigh.com

4. Snow Play at Snow Valley Mountain Resort

Snow Valley, conveniently located in Running Springs, just 30 minutes from the base of the San Bernardino Mountains, is a super welcoming resort for a day of powdery fun. The resort features SoCal’s only chairlift-serviced sledding area (making it one of the best sledding near LA) and some of the longest runs in the region, making it the perfect place for kids (young and old) to sled to their heart’s content. Snow Valley also features award-winning ski and snowboarding lessons (both half-day and full) for all skill levels. Night skiing is also offered until 8 p.m. most days, weather permitting.

Dates: Opens Nov. 23
Cost: $129-$184 for kid's ski lessons

Snow Valley Mountain Resort
35100 CA-18
Running Springs
Online: snow-valley.com

5. Snow Play at Mt. Baldy

Located just 52 miles outside of DTLA, it’s the perfect way to work in some snow play without much road time. The mountain features four chair lifts that provide access to skiing and snowboarding on a wide variety of terrain. For tubing, take the Sugar Pine Chairlift to the Top of the Notch recreation area for snow play at 7,800 feet above sea level. Purchase three-hour tubing sessions (inner tubes and hard shells are provided) and when everyone is finished (and famished), head to the restaurant on site for some burgers and unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains.

Dates: Opens Nov. 24. for weekends through Apr. 30.
Cost: $71 for all-day snow play

Mt. Baldy
8401 Mt. Baldy Rd.
Mt. Baldy
Online: mtbaldyresort.com

6. Snow Play at Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain

With five runs, a deep snowpack, and a covered magic carpet to take you up the hill, Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain is a swell place to spend the day frolicking in the powder. Evening tubing sessions are available as well. Want to create your own Cool Runnings moment? Check out the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain for an authentic bobsledding experience year-round.

Dates: Now through spring
Cost: $40/person; $25/child

Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
800 Wild Rose Ln.
Big Bear Lake
Online: alpineslidebigbear.com

7. Snow Play at Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park

For the best snow tubing near me, head up to a little known spot, tucked away in the San Bernardino National Forest near Lake Arrowhead, Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park, SoCal’s oldest and largest snowtubing park. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs are available to riders so there’s definitely something for everyone in the family. Hours are subject to change due to weather and road conditions so be sure to call ahead and check with the park before you head out there.

Insider Tip: This spot only accepts cash but they do have an ATM

Dates: TBD
Cost: $20/person, per hour; $10 parking

Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park
34600 Hwy. 18
Running Springs
Online: snowdrift.net

8. Snow Play at Mount San Jacinto Park

Easily accessible from Palm Springs, this snowy mountain top is only a short ride up the mountain. Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (the world's largest rotating tram car and not for the faint of heart), up and away to the top of Mount San Jacinto Park. Once you reach the top, you can do everything from go snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to sledding and snow camping. There are also two restaurants at the top in case you get hungry.

Dates: Open year-round; Snow is dependent on weather
Cost: $30/adults, $18/children (ages 3-10)

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
1 Tram Way
Palm Springs
Online: pstramway.com

Back-to-School with Nike: Moms’ Style Guide

by Tinybeans TeamAugust 30, 2022

Back-to-school season means a fresh start for the whole family, including you, mom! You’ve already crossed off the kids’ back-to-school shopping list, now how about freshening up your own wardrobe this fall? We’ve put together our favorite looks from Nike for Zoom calls, carpools, soccer practice, and everything in between!

Sportswear Phoenix Fleece

Own drop-off with this super comfy oversized fleece 1/2-zip, perfect for chilly fall mornings! This hoodless sweatshirt comes in an array of colors and pairs nicely with matching shorts ($50) or your favorite leggings. We love it for its on-trend cropped length and overall versatility.

To buy: Nike Sportswear Phoenix Fleece, Red, $70

High-Waisted Woven Skirt

Tennis skirts aren't just for the court! We love this soft, stretchy option for all our running around. It's got a flattering high waist along with an internal drawstring to personalize the fit. Pair with black sunglasses and a cropped sweatshirt and you're instantly a trendsetter.

To buy: Women's High-Waisted Woven Skirt, $47 (19% off!)

Metcon 8

These lightweight, breathable training shoes are designed for cardio and lifting, meaning they are the perfect choice for gym sessions or any day with a toddler. We love the flashy color palette to add a pop, but this shoe also comes in white and black for a more neutral look.

To buy: Nike Metcon 8 $130

Bluelight Glasses

Back-to-school undoubtedly means more time in front of the screen. From Zoom meetings to homework sessions, these stylish glasses feature a premium lens coating to help reduce bluelight exposure. We love that they come in both gold and black to complement any look. Pairs well with messy buns and coffee.

To buy: Bluelight Glasses, $99

High-Waisted Joggers

Our favorite fall staple has a fresh spin. These fleece joggers have a taller waistband and tailored leg that are sure to elevate a casual look. Who says gray sweatpants are just for the guys?

To buy: High-Waisted Joggers, $65

Training Bag

Helpful for early-morning workouts and weekend getaways, this stylish duffle has zippered pockets inside and out. We love that it's made with 65% recycled polyester and offers straps for both hand and shoulder carrying.

To buy: Training Bag, $57

Dri-FIT Swoosh Sports Bra

Offered in nine different colors, this sports bra provides medium support in a racerback design. We appreciate the extended length and removable pads for flexibility and coverage. Wear alone or layer under a breathable tank!

To buy: Nike Dri-FIT Swoosh, $34 (19% off!)

One Luxe Legging

You didn't think we'd leave leggings off this list, did you?! A new season calls for a new pair, and we dig this mid-rise option from Nike. Silky soft without being see-through, this pair gets our vote for Best Dressed. Wear with crew socks and black sneaks for that must-have look.

To buy: Nike One Luxe Legging, $55 (originally $90!)

High-Waisted Maternity Leggings

These maternity must-haves are a cult favorite from first trimester through postpartum. We love that the fabric is designed to grow with your bump and folds down when you're ready for the couch. Nike's maternity collection features sweatshirts, sports bras, tees, tanks, and shorts to complete your workout wardrobe.

To buy: Nike One (M), $62

Blazer Mid '77 Vintage Shoes

To round out our list, these classic vintage sneakers are a timeless addition to any fall wardrobe. Whether you're swinging by a farmers market, going to brunch, or doing slightly less-fun parenting things, these crisp leather shoes have an effortless appeal. Plus, customize your own!

To buy, Nike Blazer Mid '77 Vintage Shoes, $105

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Flavor on the Go: 9 Atlanta Food Trucks to Track Down Now

by Phebe WahlAugust 14, 2019

From block parties and birthdays to fall fairs—or even for a fun weeknight supper after the last pair of cleats come off in the backseat—food trucks are a fun way to feed your crowd. Whatever soiree you’ve got up your sleeve, read on for our favorite Atlanta food trucks that pack maximum flavor and fun.

The Deep South Biscuit Co.

If you're from the south, then you know good biscuits from bad. Trust us, these are good. Buttery, flaky, crispy on the outside and soft in the middle, you can order these straight OG or as gourmet as you'd like.

Don't Miss: While some people prefer The Ricky Bobby, we think everyone should try The Deep South In Your Mouth—a hand battered, buttermilk soaked, fried chicken breast with smoked bourbon-bacon "jam," house made pimento cheese, fried green tomato & house aioli (on a biscuit, natch).

The Details: The Deep South Biscuit Co. can be found at most of the local food truck line-ups and festivals, including the Alpharetta Food Truck Alley and the Grant Park Food-o-Rama. You can rent The Deep South Biscuit Co. with a guaranteed minimum of $1250 for two hours of catering, plus any applicable travel fees.

Online: deepsouthbiscuitco.com

The Mobile Marlay

This traditional (and not-so-traditional) fish and chips purveyor is a mobile unit of Decatur's Marlay House, an authentic Irish owner-operated Dublin-style pub.

Don't Miss: Parents, give the Lobster Tacos a try (6oz Maine lobster tail split on flour tortilla over spring mix and coleslaw. Topped with chipotle aioli sauce. Boom.), but don't worry—there's a Dog-n-Chips option for kiddie eaters, too.

The Details: Find The Mobile Marlay in Midtown and Downtown—usually around Colony Square and Regions Plaza—during the week. To hire, contact michelle@themarlayhouse.com for pricing.

Online: themarlayhouse.com/mobilemarlay

S & J's Wood Fired Pizza

Pizza for a party might sound like old hat, but what if that pizza came to your get-together in a mobile, 3500lb Italian-made pizza oven on a trailer? We’re talking about delish New York style pizza, wood fired and made-to-order. Best of all, S & J’s uses only ingredients from local farms and their own garden. But, if you want to think out of the (pizza) box, you can opt for choices like charcuterie, wood-fire seared shrimp, stuffed mushrooms, bruschetta or pasta. Additionally, S&J's will help setting-up the service area, passing appetizers, cleaning tables and removing trash.

Don't Miss: Want to try S&J's at home, before hiring them for your party? Check out their Pizza Dinner Kit through Garnish & Gather, a local Atlanta food delivery service.

The Details: Private Pizza Staff and Mobile Wood-fired Oven rentals start at $14.25 per person. Weekday minimum $650, with a weekend minimum of $750.

Online: sjwoodfiredpizza.com

Mix'd Up

This rock n’ roll-inspired food truck serves gourmet burgers with an international influence. Much like good music is inspired by lots of different styles, so too are good burgers.

Don't Miss: While you can't go wrong with the burgers (designed by a classically trained chef), you can mess up your Mixd Up experience if you walk away without trying the funnel cake fries dipped in melted chocolate. Don't mess this up. Worth. Every. Calorie.

The Details: Find Mixd Up all over town, but they're regularly at the Smyrna Food Truck Roundup on Mondays, and at the best in-town festivals on the weekends. To hire, you can choose to either run a tab and let your attendees order what they want off the full truck menu (they'll keep a running tab and you pay at the end), ory you can set a cap for your budget needs. Set price events start at $14 a person, which includes 1 meal and 1 drink per person. There is a seasonal minimum from early spring to late fall of $800 for lunch to $1,000 for dinner based on a 3-hour window. Travel fees may also apply.

Online: mixdupfoods.com

Buena Gente Cuban Bakery

Buena gente means "good people," and in addition to the good people serving up your food, you’ll find warm, freshly baked pastelitos filled with homemade guava preserves, empanadas, croquetas, and Cuban sandwiches, among other things, in this food truck.

Don't Miss: You have to try the cuban, obvi—the bread is light, flaky, a little sweet and also a little salty.

The Details: Find Buena Gente at Colony Square on the regular, or hire them yourself. There is a minimum of 75 guests, and a food minimum will apply. Contact buenagenteatl@gmail.com for a custom food truck rental quote.

Online: buenagente.com

Sunshine Alchemy

This craft food truck serves conscious cocktails and veganish organic fusion out of a converted FBI surveillance truck. Their vegetarian burger actually, in fact, does taste like meat, and if you're feeling adventurous, you could dive into some BBQ jackfruit on a Hawaiian roll.

Don't Miss: While the food is fab, you won't forgive yourself if you don't try a blackberry lemonade, served iced.

The Details: Find Sunshine Alchemy frequently at 12th & Midtown, and at Regions Plaza on Peachtree (as well as at all the hot food truck spots around Atlanta). To rent during the summer, there is an $850 sale minimum on weekdays, and a $1000 sale minimum on weekends. Winter pricing varies. Contact jasmine@spiritunderground.com for custom event quotes.

Online: sunshinealchemy.com

The Fry Guy

We’ve yet to meet a kiddo who does not adore French fries. Serving up perfectly seasoned, hand-cut fries, you can jazz them up with garlic aioli, honey sriracha mayo, or red curry ketchup. Or, you can make it more of a meal by adding brown bag catering options like their delish chicken salad or veggie sandwiches.

Don't Miss: Truffle fries. They'll change your life.

The Details: Sale minimums vary by season and day of the week to rent Fry Guy. Call to set up your own custom Fry Guy experience, or inquire here.

Online: fryguyatlanta.com

Freckled & Blue

Freckled & Blue got their start as a catering company and just kept growing. Now their fresh, home-style food is available for lunch 4 days a week at their Smyrna location and you can scoop up their famous FAB Pimento Cheese at many Farmers Markets around Atlanta, and of course, their food truck!

Don't Miss: Think BBQ chicken, 4- cheese macaroni, pigs in a blanket, and banana pudding sound like the Southern favorites your crowd is craving? They are. You can't go wrong on this menu.

The Details: There is a $900-$1500 minimum to hire the food truck, but Freckled & Blue can also cater your event without the truck, with options for pickup or delivery.

Online: freckledandblue.com

Good Food Truck

Famous for “The Poodle”—a hot dog on a French toast bun, apple maple slaw, topped with mustard and maple syrup—Good Food Truck lives up to its name! The littles will love when this bright red truck shows up to the event. But, now that they have expanded, you can choose from a whole fleet of vehicles to suit your catering needs: a truck, a trike, or a beautifully hand-painted Indonesian soup cart!

Don't Miss: The food is legit, but you have to try a snow. Whether you're sticking to watermelon shaved snow or want to venture into the exotic (we love the Ho Chi Minh, with coconut ginger syrup and tapioca pearls), these things are the bomb. -

The Details: There is a $750 minimum purchase required for the Truck, and a $500 minimum purchase for the Trike. Prices per person will vary, but you should plan on about a $10-15 price per head, based on the regular menu.

Online: goodfoodtruckatl.com

And, for even more ideas and info on hiring a food truck, check out Roaming Hunger, a sort of yellow pages for meals on wheels.

—Shelley Massey & Candice Rose

Head East! Your Guide to an Easy Lake Chelan Weekend Getaway

by Kristina MoyJune 1, 2017

Located approximately 3.5 hours from Seattle, Lake Chelan is the perfect driving distance for an extended weekend getaway. With a proclivity for 300 days of sun, an array of outdoor activities and over 30 wineries hugging the shores of the beautiful blue-green water, this family destination offers a little something for everyone. If you’re ready to escape the city and head east for the weekend, we’ve got the deets on where to stay, play and eat in Lake Chelan.

photo: Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce

Where to Stay

Lake Chelan, and next door Manson, have a variety of rental properties, campsites, hotels and lodges to set up your relaxation headquarters. Here are a few of our favorite spots:

Wapato Point
Located in Mason, just a short drive from downtown Lake Chelan, Wapato Point sits on 116 acres and 1.5 miles of waterfront. Large sandy beaches coupled with outdoor activities galore (think: biking, swimming, boating, fishing, putt putt golf, tennis, walking trails) and accommodations that range from studios and one bedrooms to two and three bedroom condominiums, make this resort the perfect place for families.

photo: Kristina Moy

The property boasts eight outdoor pools for seasonal use and one indoor Olympic pool facility, complete with a workout area, a hot tub and a shallow wading pool, so your little water bugs can get their aquatic fix on no matter what the weather. Each week, the Point offers a host of family activities that range from free to a couple of bucks. Purchase a weekly family pass for $95 (good for 6 people) and enjoy daily DIY arts and crafts, games, s’mores by the campfire and more from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. If you don’t feel like schlepping your bikes and sports equipment, the Kiosk (open daily starting at 10 a.m.) offers bike, tennis, pickleball, basketball, volleyball and horeseshoe rentals along with a range of non-motorized water craft rentals including kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and pedal boats; jet skis can be rented from Shoreline Rentals, conveniently located on the property.

Wapato Point
1 Wapato Point Way
Manson, Wa 98831
Reservations: 888-768-9511
Online: wapatopoint.com

Mountain View Lodge
Also centrally located in the heart of Manson, Mountain View Lodge is as the name indicates. The boutique-style lodge comes complete with a glorious view of the mountains and a peek-a-boo view of the lake and is within walking distance to a multitude of wineries, restaurants and shops and offers plenty of kid-friendly amenities.

photo: Jenifer Castillo

On top of having an outdoor pool and year-round hot tub, Mountain View Lodge has an outdoor kitchen and grilling area with fire pit (save room for evening s’mores fests), a grassy area for outdoor games (badminton net included) and movie nights in the lobby. Pets are always welcome and you will likely be greeted by Buddy, the Lodge’s resident four-legged ambassador upon check-in.

Mountain View Lodge
25 Wapato Point Pkwy.
Manson, Wa 98831
509-687-9505
Online: mvlresort.com

Darnell’s Lake Resort
This waterfront location features plenty of beach front fun for the whole family. Relax on the shores of Lake Chelan as your tots immerse themselves in aquatic adventure and comb the sand for the perfect castle locale. Once you arrive, you may easily forget that there is more of Chelan to explore! Complete with outdoor barbecues, a kid’s play area, ping-pong, horseshoes, outdoor heated pool and even a 9-hole putting course. this is a great place to kick off your shoes and get busy relaxing.

photo: Libby K. via Yelp

Darnell’s Lake Resort
901 Spader Bay Rd.
Chelan, Wa 98816
509-682-2015
Online: darnellsresort.com

Lake Chelan State Park
If pitching a tent is more your style, check out Lake Chelan State Park. Set up camp here and enjoy the pristine waters and fresh Chelan air. With 6,000 feet of shoreline, your beachcombers will have lots of room to explore and play. And with a boat ramp and dock you can bring your watercraft and have easy access to on-the-water fun. Forget something? This campground also has a concession stand that offers groceries as well as candy, snacks and prepared food. However, keep in mind that with only 109 tent spaces this campground fills up quickly, so make sure to reserve your spot well in advance.

Lake Chelan State Park
7544 Lakeshoe Rd.
Chelan, Wa 98816
1-888-226-7688
Online: parks.state.wa.us/531/Lake-Chelan

photo: Jeff F. via Yelp

Other properties we highly recommend include Campbell’s Resort in the heart of Lake Chelan and Lake Chelan Shores on the North Shore of the lake. Got a big group? Grab a few other families and rent a lakefront house.

Where to Play

Slidewaters
Located on the Chelan butte overlooking the lake, Slidewaters is one of the Northwest’s largest (and most popular) water slide parks. And with attractions for every age and stage, we guarantee everyone in your family will find something to enjoy. Kids and parents will love the 500-foot Lazy River, the Bug-a-Boo (a beginner slide for all ages), the Tube Blaster (for single or double tube riders at least 48 inches tall) and the Purple Haze (a dark covered tube for thrill seekers).

photo: Kenna Konoske

For a little friendly competition, head over to the Downhill Racer where you will find three lanes of racing fun. This trio-of-slides will allow you to throw down the water gauntlet and challenge your friends and family as you race, head first, on this mat slide. Slide your way into victory for bragging rights. For a more tame adventure, take the lil’ ones to the Aqua Zoo, where they will love splashing around in the fountains and climbing on the water toys. Or head over to the 60 person flower shaped hot tub for some R&R. Psst… save money on admission by visiting the park after 4 p.m.

Slidewaters
102 Waterslide Dr.
Lake Chelan, Wa 98816
509-682-5751
Online: slidewaterswaterpark.com

Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Memorial Day through Labor Day)
Cost: $18 to $23 (under 3 Free); PM Plunge $13 to $18 (under 3 Free). Don’t forget the swim diaper!

Lady of the Lake
If you want to explore all of Lake Chelan, hop aboard the Lady of the Lake for a day trip (or overnight adventure) where you can take in spectacular mountain and lake views and enjoy unplugged serenity. This 55-mile journey brings you to the head of Lake Chelan, known as Stehekin Valley; which is only reachable by boat, seaplane or a 50-mile hike. The Lady of the Lake offers two boats: The Lady of the Lake II (a 4 hour, one way trip) or The Lady Express (a 2 hour one way trip); keep this in mind when booking so you can plan accordingly.

With only 95 full-time residents, Stehekin is praised for its blue-green, glacier fed waters and nearly untouched natural surroundings. One of the biggest draws of this locale is the 312-foot waterfall known as Rainbow Falls. Hop aboard the Rainbow Falls Bus Tour where a heritage style red bus will take you to the falls and narrate historical points along the way. The tour includes a stop at the one-room schoolhouse (a historical landmark) and the Stehekin Pastry Co. where you can indulge in one of their famous cinnamon rolls.

photo: Jenifer Castillo

Good to Know: There is a snack bar on board the boat, but you can also bring food with you. Before you board, hit up the Lake Chelan Artisan Bakery and snag a couple of lunch sacks to help ease grumbling tummies on the trip. If you have tots in tow, there’s not a lot to do on the boat, so make sure to pack plenty of activities to keep them occupied; puzzles, coloring books and a laptop with movies are always good for the trip.

Lady of the Lake
1418 W. Woodin Ave.
Lake Chelan, Wa 98816
509-682-2399
Online: ladyofthelake.com

Hours: 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. (summer); 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (late fall and winter)
Cost: $40.50-$61 per person; ages 2-11 are half fare; under 2 Free

Rainbow Falls Bus Tour
Online: lodgeatstehekin.com/plan_your_trip/stehekin-activities/ride-the-red-bus

Cost: $10/Adults; $5/Kids; Under 5 Free

Lake Chelan Artisan Bakery
246 W. Manson Hwy.
Chelan, Wa 98816
509-682-2253
Online: lakechelanbakery.com

Hours: Mon.-Sat., 7 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Chelan Lanes
With 300 days of sunshine, you are bound to encounter hot days while visiting Lake Chelan. If you need to cool off, head indoors for some air-conditioned fun at Chelan Lanes. Show off your 10-pin skills, or use the kid-friendly bumpers for maximum family fun. If you want to break out your best dance moves as well, visit Friday and Saturday nights from 7 p.m.-11 p.m. to enjoy Thunder Alley Cosmic Bowling. Complete with wall to wall surround sound and dancing lights, cosmic bowling increases the enjoyment level and the ambiance will ensure that all levels of bowlers (and dancers) have a great time.

photo: Jenifer Castillo

Chelan Lanes
518 W. Manson Rd.
Chelan, Wa 98816
509-682-2251
Online: chelanlanes.com

Hours: Open Bowling Mon.-Wed., 1 p.m.-6 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.-10 p.m.; Thurs., 1 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Cosmic Bowling Fri.-Sat., 7 p.m.-11 p.m.
Cost: $3/shoe rental (remember your socks!); regular bowling $4/game per person; Thunder
Alley Cosmic Bowling, $5/game per person or $75 per lane for two hours

Rally Alley Go-Karts
Ready, set, go! If you’ve got a future race car driver, be sure to check out this fun activity in downtown Lake Chelan. The kidney-shaped race track of Rally Alley allows your mini-Andretti to race in single or double seated cars while onlookers cheer him on.

photo: Kristina Moy

Rally Alley Go-Karts
Located next to the Putting Course at Don Morse Park
135 E. Johnson
Lake Chelan, Wa 98816
Online: rallyalleychelan.com

Hours: Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Cost: Single Kart $7 (must be 52” tall to drive); Double Kart $8 (must be 16 yr. old to drive)

Blueberry Hills
A trip to Lake Chelan wouldn’t be complete without visiting Blueberry Hills—a small, family owned and operated U-pick berry farm and restaurant. For a U-pick adventure, head out to the blueberry field and pick berries until they turn your fingertips purple. At $2.50 a pound, you should be able to gather enough blueberries to snack on and even more to bring home; post vacation. In addition to blueberries (available July through mid-August), you can pick strawberries and raspberries June through late fall and blackberries August though October. Psst… If you don’t have the time (or the energy) to hit the fields, Blueberry Hills does sell pre-picked berries by the pound at their fruit stand.

photo: Jenifer Castillo

Once you’ve had your fill of the fields, head inside to the restaurant for a good old-fashioned home cooked meal. Here you will find eclectic decor to feast your eyes and food to feast your belly. Enjoy a hearty breakfast such as the Pepe’ Scramble, Cowboy Breakfast or a smiley face waffle for your mini foodie. Enjoy homemade soups, sandwiches, burger, pies, muffins and even ice cream. The restaurant is extremely popular (especially on weekends), so if you want to avoid a line out the door, head here early. However, if there is a line, rest easy; the line moves fast and there is plenty of seating; including an outdoor covered deck overlooking the blueberry fields. Psst… while you are waiting, let your kids explore the hidden play space under the stairs; it’s packed with toys, books and plenty of fun.

Good to know: Blueberry Hills is known for their Breakfast Blintz (pictured below); a sweet crepe filled with a blend of ricotta and cream cheese and topped with warm blueberry or peach (or both) pie filling and whipped cream. Although it is large enough to share, you likely will want to keep this tasty treat all to yourself.

photo: Jenifer Castillo

Blueberry Hills
1315 Washington St.
Manson, Wa 98831
509-687-2379
Online: wildaboutberries.com

Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. during the summer; check online for off season hours
Cost: $2.50-$4/pound for berries, $7.95-$14.95 for restaurant menu items

Where to Eat

Wapato Point Cellars
Lake Chelan prides itself in being home to some of the regions best wineries. In an effort to combine the family atmosphere of the region and to showcase the bountiful local vineyards; many of the wineries have made a conscious effort to be family friendly. One of the best examples of this is Wapato Point Cellars. Settle outside on an Adirondack deck chair that overlooks an acre of luscious green grass complete with a playground for the kiddos. Sip a glass of wine and enjoy appetizers while watching the kids play badminton or take a spin on the merry-go-round. Stick around to have dinner at the Winemaker’s Grill and enjoy the house favorite Chicken Piccata or Steak Skewers with goat cheese and bacon. Plus, everyone in your crew can enjoy evening entertainment, starting nightly at 5 p.m., where local musicians fill the evening air with sounds of music.

photo: Jenifer Castillo

Wapato Point Cellars
200 S. Quetilquasoon Rd.
Manson, Wa 98831
509-687-4000
Online: wapatopointcellars.com

Hours: Winery open daily at noon; appetizers available in the Tasting Room from noon-5 p.m.; Winemaker’s Grill opens at 5 p.m.

Lakeview Drive In
In the heart of downtown Chelan you will find Lakeview Drive In, a local landmark serving mouthwatering burgers and fries to residents and tourists since 1957. Stop here to curb your appetite while you enjoy a view of Lake Chelan from its outdoor tables. Order your french fries by the bucket (seriously, they come in a bucket!). These fries are the local favorite and come with homemade Mack’s Seasoning Salt; and remember, don’t skip the fry sauce! Finish your meal with a milkshake and a stroll along the beachfront.

Good to know: You can purchase Lakeview’s famous Original Mack’s Seasoning Salt (used on the fries), so you can attempt to recreate the deliciousness at home. $3.50 for 5.5oz bottle.

photo: Rachel D. via Yelp

Lakeview Drive In
323 W. Manson Hwy.
Chelan, Wa 98816
Online: lakeviewdrivein.com

Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Marcela’s Cocina Mexicana
If you and your crew are in the mood for authentic Mexican food, make your way to downtown Chelan to dine at Marcela’s Cocina Mexicana. Serving family recipes, homemade tortillas and some seriously delicious margaritas, you will find any decision you make a good one. For a little spice, try the Pineapple-Jalepeno Margarita or an Acapulco burrito with habanero sauce. If you are feeling like the meals and ambiance seem a tad familiar, it could be because Marcela’s mom owns and operates Rosita’s Mexican Grill in Green Lake. One thing is for certain, this family knows how to serve up a delicious meal on both sides of the Cascades.

photo: Jenifer Castillo

Marcela’s Cocina Mexicana
119 E. Woodin Ave.
Chelan, Wa 98816
509-682-4754
Online: facebook.com/marcelascocinamexicana

Hours: 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

Festivals

Lake Chelan, and neighboring Manson, host a number of fun, family festivals throughout the year. Here are some of our favorites:

photo: Kristina Moy

Manson Apple Blossom Festival & Parade: Second Saturday in May
Spring Barrel Tasting: Third weekend in May
Lake Chelan Memorial Day Parade: May 25, 2017
Cruizin Chelan Kickoff Party: June 2-3, 2017
Chelan 4th of July Fireworks Show: July 4, 2017
Manson Fireworks: July 4, 2017
Chelan Man Triathlon: July 15-16, 2017
Lake Chelan Rodeo Parade: Aug. 3, 2017
Lake Chelan Rodeo: Aug. 4-5, 2017
Slam N’ Jam Basketball Tournament: Aug. 19-20, 2017
Lake Chelan Creative Arts Festival: Aug. 19-20, 2017
Fall Car Show: Sept. 8-9, 2017
Mahogany & Merlot: Oct. 7-8, 2017
Skyfest: Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2017
Harvest Festival: Oct. 2017 (dates TBD)
Fall Barrel Tasting: Nov. 24-26, 2017
Manson’s Winter Festival & Village of Lights: Nov. 24-Dec. 31, 2017
Lake Chelan Winterfest: Jan. 2018 (dates TBD)
Red Wine & Chocolate: Second & Third weekends of Feb. 2018

For more information about Lake Chelan, visit the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce or call 800-424-3526 or 509-682-3503.

Has your family visited Lake Chelan? Planning to visit this summer? Where are your favorite places to stay, play and eat? Tell us in the Comments below!

— Kristina Moy & Jenifer Castillo

A portion of this trip was paid for by the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce, but all opinions expressed here belong to the writers.

Let It Glow: Candle Traditions from Around the World

by Amber GuetebierNovember 10, 2015

This time of year the days are shorter and the nights are longer so it’s no wonder that holiday celebrations around the world rely on candles to make them a little brighter. Since it’s Worldwide Candle Lighting Day, we rounded up a few different traditions from across the globe that are sure to light up your night. Scroll down to see what we learned.

photo: Partha Sarathi Sahana via flickr

Worldwide Candle Lighting

Organized by the Compassionate Friends Network, Worldwide Candle Lighting Day takes place every year on Dec. 11 and encourages people around the world to light a candle to honor a child who has passed away. Whether it’s a son or daughter, friend or stranger, grandchild or sibling, you can light a candle to honor lost loved ones. Candles are lit at 7 p.m. local time. This tradition was started in 1997 and has since become a global effort to bring compassionate and love to those who are grieving. Learn more here.

Diwali

Diwali is an ancient Hindu tradition that takes place in the late autumn in the northern hemisphere, typically in November. In 2016 it was held on Oct. 30. Also called the Festival of Lights, it is a five day celebration of light over darkness and marks a time for making wishes for the coming year. The night before Diwali the home is cleaned and decorated. On Diwali night, people dress up and light diyas, or lamps and candles, inside and outside the home. Lamps that float are sent out on water with wishes to Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Families feast and often exchange gifts. Celebrated widely throughout India, Diwali is also celebrated among Hindus throughout the United States.

photo: hotzeplotz via flickr

Hannukah

Also called The Festival of Lights, the eight candles of the menorah represent the oil that burned for eight days instead of the one it should have. This is the miracle of light, the ability to triumph in the face of adversity and shine against darkness and evil. Each night, one candle is lit and games are played festive food is served. The celebration lasts for 8 days, and usually begins in late November to mid-December. This year it begins on Dec. 24.

photo: Miles Banbery via flickr

Imbolc, or Brigid’s Day

The old Irish holiday of Imbolc, or St. Brigid’s Day, falls on Feb. 1. Originally named for the Goddess Brigid, also known as Brigit or Brighid, it is also celebrated by Catholics as St. Brigid’s Day and honors St. Brigid of Kildare. The day officially marks the beginning of spring and so candles are lit to represent the sun and longer days that will be ahead. It is one of the four fire festivals in Irish mythology with bonfires lit throughout the countryside. Candles and offerings are made to Brigid, including corn dollies fashioned in her likeness, both at home and in churches.

photo: Mr. TinDC via flickr

St. Lucia Day

Nordic countries have a long tradition of celebrating the Winter Solstice. Today, on Dec. 13, many people in Sweden, Norway and parts of Finland celebrate St. Lucia Day, sometimes called St. Lucy’s Day, a traditional festival of lights. Each town and village chooses a St. Lucia who leads the town’s young girls on a procession. The Lucias are dressed in white with wreaths of lingonberry branches and candles (real candles are used for older kids, while smaller kids may use electric candles) around their heads. Boys dress as star boys, and very young girls will dress like Lucia minus the candles. Gingersnaps are the traditional treat for this day.

photo: Matt Pagel via flickr

Kwanzaa

his week long celebration began in 1966-67. It is held over seven days, beginning on Dec. 26 and ending Jan. 1 and honors African American heritage and history. Celebrated throughout the U.S. and other parts of the Americas with music, dance and food shared throughout each of the seven days. The final night culminates in gift giving and a feast. Each day honors one of the seven principles of Kwaanza: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. The kinara is the candleholder which holds seven candles, with one being lit in honor of each of these principles. Cakes are a popular means for holding candles and become part of the feast.

What candlelit traditions do you celebrate? Share them with us in the comments below.

—Amber Guetebier

Fun and Sun in Lake Chelan: 6 Must-See Family Attractions

by Kristina MoyJuly 17, 2013

When it comes to planning a family vaca, there’s a reason so many Seattleites head east to Lake Chelan. With 300 days of sunshine, no matter what the season you can nearly always count on fun under the bright North Central Washington sun. And with recreational activities galore, clear mountain air and stunning scenery, and an easy livin’ pace, it’s no wonder families have been making Lake Chelan their vacation tradition for generations. Whether you prefer a tent-cation or a condo-cation, we’ve put together a list of our fave Chelan hot spots. So read on, and get ready to plan your next family vaca east of the Cascades.

Blueberry Hills
This small, family owned and operated U-pick berry farm and country restaurant (specializing in down-home, country cookin’) should be at the top of your to-do list! For just $2.50 a pound, you and Littles can head out into the fields and pick until your heart’s content. In addition to blueberries (which are available July through mid-August), you can pick strawberries and raspberries June through late fall and blackberries August through October. If don’t have the time (or the energy) to hit the fields, Blueberry Hills does sell its blueberries (pre-picked) by the pound at their fruit stand.

Depending on the time of day (and your appetite), you’ll want to head inside the barn (aka restaurant) for some homemade grub made just the way grandma use to make it. On the menu: hearty breakfast dishes with names like Pepé Scramble, Joe’s Breakfast, and Cowboy Breakfast as well as smiley face waffles for the kiddos, a variety of lunch items including homemade soups, sandwiches, and burgers, and yummy pies, muffins, and ice cream. If the line is out of the door when you arrive, don’t worry. It moves fast and there’s plenty of seating inside (including an outdoor covered deck which overlooks the blueberry fields). Once you place your order, feel free to walk around the restaurant and look at the variety of collectibles hanging from the ceiling, covering the wall, and peering underneath the glass tables. If the kiddos need something fun to do while you’re gawking at the décor, there’s a play space (with toys) under the stairs. Insider tip: Blueberry Hills is known for their breakfast Blintz, a sweet crepe filled with a blend of ricotta and cream cheeses topped with your choice of warm blueberry or peach (or both) pie filling and whipped cream. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, be sure to order one or get one (or two) to go.

Blueberry Hills
1315 Washington Street
Manson, Wa 98831
Online: wildaboutberries.com/

Hours: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm during the summer; check online for fall, winter, and spring hours
Cost: $2.50 to $4/pound for berries; $7.95 to $14.95 for lunch and dinner menu items

Slidewaters
Located on the Chelan Butte overlooking Lake Chelan, Slidewaters is one of the Northwest’s largest (and most popular) waterslides, offering attractions for every age and swimming ability. Kiddos and parents will love the 500-foot Lazy River (just added last year), the Bug-a-Boo (a beginner slide for parents and toddlers), the Tube Blaster (for single or double tube riders at least 48 inches tall) and the Purple Haze (a dark covered tube for thrill seekers). Of course, lil’ ones will love splashing around in the Aqua Zoo equipped with climbing toys and fountains and mom and dad will enjoy relaxing in the 60 person flower shaped hot tub. Insider Tip: Save money on admission by visiting the park after 4:00 pm.

Slidewaters
102 Waterslide Drive
Lake Chelan, Wa 98816
Online: slidewaterswaterpark.com/

Hours: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm (Memorial Day through Labor Day)
Cost: $15 to 18 per person (under 2 free); PM Plunge $11 to $14 (under 2 free)

Rally Alley Go-Karts
Ready, set, go! If you’ve got a future race car driver, be sure to check out this super-fun activity in downtown Lake Chelan. The kidney shaped track of Rally Alley allows kiddos (and parents) to race in single or double seated cars while onlookers cheer them on.

Rally Alley Go-Karts
Located next to the Putting Course at Don Morse Park
135 East Johnson
Lake Chelan, Wa 98816
Online: cityofchelan.us/parks/donmorse/rally_alley.htm

Hours: Varies per season
Cost: $6 for single riders; $7 for double riders

Lady of the Lake
If you’re looking for a fun day trip or overnight adventure (where no roads can take you), hop aboard the Lady of the Lake and take a 55-mile journey to the head of Lake Chelan known as the Stehekin Valley. Here, you will find breathtaking scenery, hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, river rafting, boat rentals, and fishing as well as a shuttle bus to Ribbon Falls, lodging, and the super-popular Stehekin Pastry Co. The Lady of the Lake offers two boats (depending on how long you want to spend on the water). The Lady Express will get you to Stehekin in about two hours whereas the Lady of the Lake II will get you there in four. Insider Tip: Take the jogging stroller and walk to the Stehekin Pastry Co. for one of their famous cinnamon rolls. It’s a four mile round trip trek so you’ll burn the calories off in no time!

Lady of the Lake
1418 West Woodin Avenue
Lake Chelan, Wa 98816
Online: ladyofthelake.com/

Hours: 8:30 am to 6:00 pm (spring & summer); 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (late fall and winter)
Cost: $39 to $59 per person

Riverwalk Park
Built and maintained by the Chelan County PUD, this beautiful park has a one-mile paved walking trail around the Chelan River and is the perfect place to take a walk with the kiddos, enjoy a bike or scooter ride or picnic lunch and ice cream from Sojourners (just right around the corner). The park also has restrooms, a nice covered picnic area, and a big grassy play area as well as a boat launch and short-term moorage.

Riverwalk Park
Downtown Lake Chelan
Online: chelanpud.org/chelan-riverwalk-park.html

Lakeview Drive In
This burger and fry joint is a legendary landmark to locals and visitors alike and a “must” for burger connoisseurs! Grab an outdoor seat and enjoy lunch or dinner overlooking the beautiful waters of Lake Chelan or cool off with a delish shake or ice cream cone. Insider Tip: Lakeview Drive In is known for their world famous fries made with homemade seasoning salt and served with a fry sauce to die for. These fries are so tasty you can order them by the bucketful!

Lakeview Drive In
323 West Manson Road
Lake Chelan, Wa 98816
Online: facebook.com/pages/Lakeview-Drive-In-Lake-Chelan/118327679736

Hours: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm

Festivals
Lake Chelan hosts a number of fun, family festivals throughout the year. Here are some of our faves:

Manson Apple Blossom Festival: Second Saturday in May
Spring Barrel Tasting: Third weekend in May
Chelan Valley Memorial Day Parade: May 23
CruiZin Chelan Car Show: June 7-8
Manson’s 4th of July Celebration: July 4
Lake Chelan 4th of July Celebration: July 6
Lake Chelan Bach Fest: July 12-20
Chelan Man Multisport Weekend (Triathlon): July 20-21
Lake Chelan Fine Arts Festival: August 15-18
Fall in Lake Chelan Car Show & Cruise: September 13-14
Lake Chelan Hydrofest: September 21-22
Lake Chelan Wine Valley Crush Festival: First & Second weekends of October
Mahogany & Merlot Vintage Boat Show: October 5-6
Manson Winter Festival & Santa’s Arrival: Weekend after Thanksgiving
Echo Valley Ski Area New Year’s Ever Party: December 31
Fire & Ice Winterfest Festival: Second & Third weekends in January
Red Wine & Chocolate: Second & Third weekends of February
Wayne Kelly Memorial Top Dog Parade: March 15

For more information about Lake Chelan, visit the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center online or call 509-682-3503 or 800-424-3526.

Will you be traveling to Lake Chelan this year? Tell us about your favorite places to hit with the fam.

–Kristina Moy

Photo credit: Kenna Konoske, Lady of the Lake Facebook page and Lakeview Drive In – Lake Chelan Facebook page

Location, location, location

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