Nola Family November 2026

November 2026

nola family NOVEMBER 2026 Parent Fearlessly

Gifts for EVERYONE on Your List Thanksgiving: Then & Now

MEET YOUR 2026 Family Favorites

NOLAFAMILY.COM | NOVEMBER 2026 1

2 NOVEMBER 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM

NOLAFAMILY.COM | NOVEMBER 2026 3

CONT ENT S November 2026

in each issue

6 8

THE MAMA FILES

FROM THE BOOKSHELF

10 12 38 48 50

SPOTLIGHT

MOM ABOUT TOWN THINGS TO DO THINGS WE LOVE

SNAPSHOTS

features

BEYOND THE “BFF”: WHAT FRIENDSHIPS LOOK LIKE FOR KIDS TODAY A look at how kids are building meaningful connections beyond the traditional “best friend” dynamic. 14 FALL ROAD TRIP IDEAS FOR FAMILIES Pack up the car and make the most of the season with family-friendly fall getaways worth the drive. 16 THANKSGIVING TRADITIONS NOW VS 50 YEARS AGO, 1976 VS 2026 See how Thanksgiving has changed over 50 years and which beloved traditions have stood the test of time. 18 20 2026 HOLIDAY GIFT & TOY GUIDE Find something for each family member with our favorite toys, gifts, and must-haves of the season. FAMILY FAVORITE WINNERS Meet the local businesses, services, and organizations New Orleans families voted their favorites for 2026. 24

PHOTOS BY MAGNIFIC.COM

what’s on the web

What’s Open on Thanksgiving? Need a Thanksgiving meal without the cooking? Here are some local spots open on the holiday. What to Do With the Kids When It Gets Dark Early From simple activities to cozy at-home ideas, these are easy ways to fill the hours after sunset. Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday: What Should You Buy In-Store vs. Online? Brave the crowds or stay in your pajamas? Here’s what to buy and when. 5 Soups to Add to Your Rotation Cozy up with five delicious, easy-to-make soups that are perfect for chilly fall days.

CONNECT WITH US

@nolafamilymag

4 NOVEMBER 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM

NOLAFAMILY.COM | NOVEMBER 2026 5

THE Mama FILES

nola family MEET OUR TEAM

AMY L. FOREMAN Publisher EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor

AMANDA CIANI REBECCA FAST MADELINE PISTORIUS AMELIA ROESSLER JULIANNA STEEN Associate Editors KAILEY GREMILLION Editorial Assistant

ART/PRODUCTION CHLOE ALLEN Production Manager

A Seat at the Table

KAYLA DUPREE MADELINE MILETELLO ASAREL SMITH MCKINNA SPROLES Graphic Designers MAIH MANUSO Content Multiplication Specialist TRINITY GRAYSON MERCEDES MITCHELL Client Success Representatives ADVERTISING/MARKETING ZACK HILL Director of Sales & Marketing CRYSTAL BARRETT KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ RYN WHITESIDE Senior Account Executives CAMILLE CAVIN JENNIFER HOFFMANN

I ’m going to say something that might get me kicked out of the Thanksgiving fan club. I’m not a fan of Thanksgiving. There, I said it. I’ve never been excited about the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Turkey, dressing, casseroles, and all the fixings just aren’t my thing. Add in the fact that I’m gluten-free, and dinner becomes a game of “What can I actually eat?” Spoiler alert: Not much.

My mom loved bringing everyone together, and while I don’t share her enthusiasm for cooking a massive meal, I understand why it mattered. It wasn’t about the food. It was about having everyone in one place. With my daughter in college and the boys getting older, I’m realizing how quickly those opportunities change. Everyone has their own schedules, and getting all five of us together sometimes feels like scheduling a board meeting. Maybe Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be my favorite holiday. Maybe it’s simply about appreciating who’s still sitting around the table while remembering those who aren’t. I’ll still miss my mom, still pass on the turkey, and probably start planning my Thanksgiving escape again next year. But for now, there’s a 14-foot table waiting to be filled. And maybe that’s a tradition worth keeping.

But the food isn’t really why Thanksgiving isn’t my favorite holiday.

JILLIAN WRAY Account Executives

Since losing my mom, Thanksgiving hasn’t felt the same. Her birthday always falls during Thanksgiving week, and she loved having a big family meal. She wanted everyone together, plenty of food, and a house full of people. Me? I’m usually trying to figure out how to leave town. Every year, I announce we’re going somewhere for Thanksgiving. Somewhere with sunshine, room service, and absolutely no turkey. And every year, that plan falls apart. So, here we are again. Years ago, my husband built a 14-foot table in our house. Yes, 14 feet. Apparently, a regular dining room table wasn’t going to cut it. And Thanksgiving is the only time of year we actually eat at that table. The other 364 days, it just sits there, waiting for its big moment.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES Director of Community Partnerships

ROXANE VOORHIES Community Outreach

ADMINISTRATION BRANDON FOREMAN Chief Executive Officer GAYLE GAUTHREAUX Director of Finance ALEXIS ALEXANDER Associate Chief of Staff KELSEY TAYLOR Administrative Assistant

Happy Thanksgiving, from my family to yours.

CONTACT US EDITORIAL@FRG.INC CORPORATE OFFICE (225) 292-0032 3636 S. SHERWOOD FOREST BLVD., STE. 540 BATON ROUGE, LA 70816

Amy L. Foreman Publisher

2023

2024

2025

Email amy@frg.inc to tell me about topics you’d like to see in future issues.

NOLA FAMILY MAGAZINE is published monthly by FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. (FRG) and distributed free of charge. Subscriptions accepted. Only authorized distributors may deliver and pick up the magazine. Paid advertisements appear in FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. (FRG) publications, including print and other digital formats. FRG does not endorse or evaluate the product, service, or company, nor any claims made by the advertisement. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all materials contributed. Some content in this magazine was created with assistance from AI tools and has been reviewed and edited by our human editorial team. We cannot be held responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. NOLA FAMILY MAGAZINE Copyright 2026. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited.

6 NOVEMBER 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM

NOLAFAMILY.COM | NOVEMBER 2026 7

from the bookshelf

November is Native American Heritage Month. The New Orleans Public Library has great reads for all ages to celebrate, honor, and learn about the history and culture of Indigenous people in the United States.

CHILDREN Indigenous from A to Z by Traci Sorell & Natasha Donovan is a stunning alphabetical introduction to the rich history of Native peoples across the USA. Letter by letter, award- winning author Traci Sorell (Cherokee) offers terms that speak to both the vast diversity among Native Nations and the many connections they share, building an essential foundation of understanding for young readers. Explore themes of gratitude while learning about the Anishinaabe people and their language in Chi Miigwech, Big Thank You by Astra Márta & Jordan Stranger, which takes the reader on a journey of thanks for the natural world. The Women Before Us: Weaving Stories in My Huipil by Nydia Armendia-Sánchez & Dana Sanmar reveals the history behind the intricate and handwoven Mayan tunic and how it can connect generations of Guatemalan women. MIDDLE GRADE Female Indigenous Heroes: 51 North American Women from the 1800s to Today by Katrina M. Phillips is a collection of biographies for kids that explores the lives of North American Indigenous women from different backgrounds, life experiences, and eras who achieved amazing things in art, science, medicine, sports, and more. For fantasy-loving kids, check out Mythspeaker by Christopher Roubique, an epic adventure inspired by Indigenous American mythology about a band of misfit children who must pull off an impossible heist to save the world. Discover how the lives of buffalo, Indigenous people, and the North American prairie have long been intertwined in Welcome Home, Buffalo: Restoring Connections Between People, Prairie, and Bison by Sandra Markle & Ferin Davis Anderson. Along with recounting historical and scientific information, the book incorporates the perspective of Indigenous environmental scientist Ferin Davis Anderson. TEEN In Our Own Words: True Stories of Indian Boarding Schools by Brenda J. Child & Benay

McNamara is an in-depth history examining letters to and from boarding schools. With a special focus on the Haskell Institute in Kansas, the Flandreau School in South Dakota, and the Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania, this work offers an unfiltered look at letters written by parents, children, and school officials—all of which convey the impacts of the boarding school era, from illnesses to poor living conditions, homesickness, and the suppression of Native languages. Medicine Wheels by Byron Graves is the unforgettable story of a gifted young Ojibwe athlete learning to ride in his father’s footsteps while practicing for a skateboarding championship, written by American Indian Youth Literature and Morris Award-winning author of Rez Ball. Native to This Land: A History of Indigenous Rights in North America by Heather Bruegl uncovers the rich tapestry of Indigenous histories, highlighting the enduring spirit that continues to thrive. This examination of Indigenous rights shows an evolving landscape where the struggle for justice and self-determination is as crucial as ever.

Kacy Helwick is the youth collection development librarian for the New Orleans Public Library’s collections and acquisitions department. Marie Simoneaux is the media and communications coordinator for the New Orleans Public Library.

8 NOVEMBER 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM

NOLAFAMILY.COM | NOVEMBER 2026 9

spotlight

CAMP BENNY:

BY MADELINE PISTORIUS SUMMER CAMP FOR EVERY KID

S ummer camp is one of those childhood experiences many kids look forward to all year—making new friends, trying new activities, getting a little messy, and enjoying a little independence. But for children with higher support needs, finding a camp that can safely and comfortably support them isn’t always easy. A program of the Beignet Fest Foundation, Camp Benny was created to give autistic children an inclusive summer camp where they share in these milestones. For Executive Director Sherwood Collins, the need was personal. In the past, his family had utilized various summer camps that weren’t prepared or equipped to provide a reasonable experience for his son. The foundation wanted to create an option where children on the spectrum could have opportunities throughout the summer that felt like a traditional camp adventure. “Otherwise, there are very few opportunities for children on the spectrum in Greater New Orleans all summer long,” Collins says. Camp Benny’s approach starts with being intentional about the entire camp experience. Collins says that includes everything from the application process and staff recruitment to

training, site setup, and programming. The camp also uses high counselor-to-camper ratios and volunteer buddies, ensuring there are plenty of people available to provide hands-on support when campers need it. But additional support doesn’t mean taking away the fun. Campers can enjoy water play, crafts, and other activities, along with traditions like Camper of the Week awards. These details help Camp Benny feel like a true summer camp rather than a clinical or therapeutic setting. “We didn’t want it to feel like another occupational therapy or ABA appointment,” Collins says. “We want the kids to simply have fun, ensuring the accommodations these children may need to thrive.” Collins says it’s meaningful to hear parents say that their kids will be included and championed instead of ostracized and excluded. During Camp Benny’s first week, one parent told the team she was amazed to have a complete day without interruption, which she considered unusual, because she would normally be called to pick up her child from camp.

Camp Benny is one part of the Beignet Fest Foundation’s larger mission to support the autism community in Greater New Orleans. Proceeds from Beignet Fest help fund programs like Camp Benny, and since the annual festival began in 2016, the organization has raised more than $3 million toward its mission. This year’s Beignet Fest returns to City Park in November with food, music, a sensory- friendly Kids Village, and VIP experiences, giving families plenty to enjoy while supporting programs that create more opportunities for autistic children and their families. At Camp Benny, the goal is simple: give kids a summer camp experience where they can play, make friends, try new things, and participate in ways that work for them. With art, music, movement, outdoor play, and plenty of opportunities to simply have fun, Camp Benny makes room for every camper to enjoy summer and simply be themselves.

To learn more about Camp Benny and the Beignet Fest Foundation, visit campbennynola.org and beignetfest.com/ charitable-cause/beignet-fest-foundation.

“That relief is huge in its comfort and freedom,” Collins says.

10 NOVEMBER 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM

NOLAFAMILY.COM | NOVEMBER 2026 11

KATIE DELGIORNO BELLERINO

mom about town

hard working for someone who doesn’t have a flexible schedule when you have a child. So I called my friend Katie with the idea to open our own space. We opened Glow in 2013 at our first location. Then we moved to our second location in 2016, and that’s where we opened Moxie. There was this whole other area that wasn’t being used, so I asked my landlord, ‘Hey, can I have it?’ She said I could have her little office area, which was about 200 square feet. I thought, ‘Okay, let’s do a coffee bar,’ because I was counting everybody’s cups every time they came to get their hair done. I was like, ‘Everybody buys coffee, and half of them run late for their appointment because they’re stopping to get coffee.’ It literally just took off, and the whole neighborhood ended up loving Moxie and the guys who work there, which we never dreamed would happen. How do you balance motherhood, marriage, and entrepreneurship? KATIE: That has been really hard, no lie, especially as my kids get older. When you have a little baby, they need you, but as they grow up, their needs don’t go away— they just become different. Now I’m in the stage of chauffeuring my children around everywhere to their events and sports. I have lots of help. My husband is super helpful and flexible, and my mom and my sister are, too. Delegating has been a huge thing that I’ve had to learn in both of my businesses. I want to hold things to myself and do it all because I know it’s going to get done the way I want it, but having to train people and trust them can be hard at first. In the end, though, it’s so freeing. I’m working on that every day. For me, it’s really about delegating and trusting—that’s how I balance everything the best I can. Is there a favorite part of the day that you find for yourself? KATIE: Probably my car rides when I am alone. Sometimes it’s just silent, but sometimes I play music that helps get me focused on what really matters in life. As a mom, you crave that alone time— time to yourself is just so few and far between.

Husband: Matt Children: Harper, 14; Ford, 9

Occupation: Hairstylist and co-owner of Glow Luxury Salon and Moxie Coffee & Espresso Hobbies: Hiking, trying new restaurants, and volunteering at her local church

BY MADELINE PISTORIUS

12 NOVEMBER 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM What inspired you to start your own business, and what inspired you to M eet Katie Bellerino, a mom, business co-owner, and woman of faith who puts her family at the center of it all. With her husband, kids, family, and friends by her side, Katie has built a close-knit community that loves to show up for one another, work through the hard stuff, and enjoy the ride.

continue starting multiple businesses? KATIE: I guess you could say I’m a chaser. I always love having a goal, going after it, and then once I accomplish it, I’m like, ‘Okay, now what’s next?’ For Glow, I went to beauty school right after high school, but I had a love-hate relationship with doing hair. So I went back to school, had my daughter, and then I was like, ‘I can’t do this anymore. I need to go back to work.’ But I knew I wanted to make my own schedule this time around. It’s

How would you describe your parenting style?

KATIE: My husband and I are a team. It’s never my way or his way. We both have the same mindset about parenting. We try to think, ‘What would God say about this situation?’We more so try to go for the heart of the child, especially in a teenager.

My daughter can listen to me and technically do all of the right things, but if I’m not getting to the heart of the issue, then this is all for nothing. As they get older, we’ve really tried to ask, ‘Why did you make this decision? What is this saying about your heart? What would God have to say about this situation?’ I’m literally figuring this out as I go, and I tell my daughter that, too. I’ve never had a 14-year- old. We’re going to mess up. I think that being really communicative with your kids, being humble, and even apologizing are important. We humbly approach parenting and just stay a team. What are some things your children have taught you about yourself? KATIE: My kids teach me lessons every day about where I need to grow and where I may be failing. How do you and your husband spend quality time together? KATIE: Our favorite time is when everyone’s asleep and we watch TV together and catch up. We probably also talk more than most couples—we talk a lot during the day. My husband is a communicator and he’s always telling me what’s going on. We love a scheduled date night, too, and now that my daughter is old enough, she’ll watch her brother. But every

night, we just try to catch up a little bit before bed.

all in the same season of life, with a bunch of kids living on the same street.

What’s a piece of parenting advice you’ve received that has stuck with you? KATIE: The main one is lots of prayer. You’re never in too good of a place to not need to pray. You’re never in too bad of a place to not need to pray. And your child, as much as it feels like they’re a reflection of you, is going to get to a point where they’re their own person. They’re going to mess up in life. If she makes a bad grade, that isn’t about me because it’s her journey. If my son has a bad day at baseball, that isn’t about me either. It’s their own little journey. Do you have any favorite traditions with your family? KATIE: We go to Disneyland every year with not just my family, but also my parents and my sister and her kids, and my kids look forward to it every single year. What do you like about raising a family in New Orleans? KATIE: I love my little route that I go on walks and love that we’re close to the lake. My daughter can walk to school, and it’s a little bit further away from Moxie and Glow, so when I leave work, I have a place to retreat a little bit. I have great neighbors, and we’re

What would you tell another mom who is thinking about starting her own business? KATIE: It’d be twofold. I’d tell them to absolutely go for it, as long as your husband is supportive, because you don’t want to alter your marriage over a business. And be prepared to fall in love with it when it gets hard, because that’s when you’re going to want to quit and start second-guessing yourself. You have to learn to fall in love with the hard. That’s what I would advise. Just go for it, because you’re going to regret not doing it. QUICK Q’S Favorite vacation? Any trips with both sides of our family. Favorite night out? Irene’s in the quarter in the St. Joseph’s room, and with Michael as my server. It’s the chef’s kiss every time. Go-to coffee order? Black cold brew, or vanilla cold brew with cold foam if I want something fun. One word that best describes your family? Blessed.

Something you’re looking forward to? I’m always looking for the next opportunity to grow!

NOLAFAMILY.COM | NOVEMBER 2026 13

Beyond the “BFF” :

What Friendship Looks Like for Kids Today

BY MADELINE PISTORIUS

14 NOVEMBER 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM A child might have the school friend they see every day, the activity friend who shares their hobbies, the neighborhood friend they play with after school, the digital friend they game with, and the confidant they tell everything to. Friendship is about much more than having someone to sit with at lunch. The Child Mind Institute describes friendships as an important part of children’s development, helping them build skills such as empathy, communication, problem-solving, self-expression, and conflict management while gaining a sense of belonging. F or a lot of parents, “best friend” meant one person: the kid who came to every birthday party, had sleepovers often, knew practically every secret and inside joke, and was basically part of the family. But does that still describe how kids think about friendship? Today, children’s social worlds may not be quite so simple. Friendships can stretch across classrooms, sports teams, neighborhoods, group chats, and online communities. Kids today may not be choosing between one best friend and many friends, but are learning to move between different kinds of friendships. WHAT DOES “BEST FRIEND’’ EVEN MEAN ANYMORE?

However, having more friends doesn’t necessarily mean having better friendships. Some children naturally prefer smaller social circles, and that doesn’t automatically mean they’re lonely or struggling socially. The Child Mind Institute notes that even one or two good friendships can be enough. At the same time, having several friendship circles can give children opportunities to explore different interests, navigate different personalities, understand different backgrounds, and build their social confidence. But there’s a difference between having people who know your name and having people who really know you . A child can have classmates, social media followers, and people who invite them places, and still not have someone they feel comfortable calling when they’re upset. That’s where the quality of a friendship matters—having relationships where they feel supported, understood, and like they belong. ARE BEST FRIENDS STILL IMPORTANT? The term “BFF” might be evolving, but close friendships aren’t going anywhere. They give children a place to practice trust, empathy, compromise, communication, boundaries, and vulnerability. Researchers studying children’s friendships consider things like caring, support, companionship, and being able to work

through disagreements as important parts of a quality friendship.

But that closeness can also make conflict feel bigger. If one friendship becomes a child’s entire social connection, “You’re not my best friend anymore” can feel devastating. A disagreement can feel like losing everyone. Learning how to handle those moments is part of growing up, too. Friendships change, interests shift, and sometimes friendships end. Having multiple, meaningful friendships can give children other places to turn as they navigate those changes, rather than putting all of their social life on one person. THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL FRIENDSHIPS Today, friendship doesn’t always require being in the same physical place. Children can play video games with people across the world, connect through shared passions, or find communities through social media and fandoms. Pew Research Center’s 2024 research found that among teen video-game players, 89 percent play with other people, and 47 percent say they’ve made a friend online because of a video game.

An online friendship can still feel very real to your child even when it exists primarily

online. Digital spaces may help them find people with similar interests, maintain friendships after a move or school change, and connect with communities they might not find in their everyday lives. But that connection comes with complications, too. Among U.S. teens, 74 percent say social media makes them feel more connected to their friends. At the same time, 39 percent say it can leave them feeling overwhelmed by drama, while 31 percent say it can make them feel excluded by friends, according to a 2025 report from the Pew Research Center. For parents, online friendships don’t necessarily have to be depicted as “not real.” Instead, focus on understanding who your children are connecting with, where those interactions happen, and what information they’re sharing and engaging with.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR PARENTS?

The Child Mind Institute also advises parents not to place too many of their own social expectations on their children. Instead of counting how many friends a child has, parents can look at the quality of their children’s social circle. Questions parents should consider: • Does my child feel like they belong somewhere? • Do they have someone they trust? • Can they navigate disagreements? • Are they comfortable being themselves around their friends? • Do they have opportunities to meet kids with similar interests? • Does one friendship seem to carry the entire weight of their social world? • Are their online friendships age-appropriate and safe? Having a close friend during a child’s developmental years is beneficial. It’s someone they can confide in, grow with, learn and play with, and discover new things alongside as they grow up. Still, children today might not have one person who occupies every corner of their social life. They might have someone they laugh with, someone they confide in, someone who shares their interests, and someone who just gets them—and those people don’t necessarily have to be the same person. So maybe it’s not the end of the BFF, but simply a broader idea of what childhood friendship can look like and how each can bring something different to a child’s life.

NOLAFAMILY.COM | NOVEMBER 2026 15

Fall Family ROADTRI PS

festivals, playgrounds, and overlooks. Don’t overestimate the fun of a new playground! • Check community calendars: Small- town fall festivals often provide hours of entertainment for free. (You can also ask ChatGPT to come up with a list of local events happening in the area!) • Let the scenery be the attraction: Especially in places with great fall foliage, nature can become the main event. • Give the kids a souvenir budget: $5–10 each keeps the gift-shop begging under control. (It’s okay to say no! They probably don’t need another squishy…) • Fill up before you leave: Particularly if your destination is rural or touristy… usually gas is cheaper where you live. WHERE TO GO: AFFORDABLE FALL TRIPS NEAR YOU State Parks One of the most cost-efficient options you’ll find out there is a trip to the state park. If you’re planning to stay the night, you can camp, bring the RV, or stay in a cabin or the lodge, most of which are relatively inexpensive. As for the state parks themselves, many are even free to enter, while others have small entrance fees. There’s almost endless things to do: hit the trails for a scenic hike (keep an eye out for waterfalls!), swim in the lakes, shoot at the archery range, stargaze, ride horses, play disc golf, fish, hunt, or bike, to name a few. At some parks, you can even rent equipment like kayaks, paddleboards, or pontoon boats, or go rock climbing! If you’re not looking to be physically active, picnicking is always a great option too. You don’t have to travel far for an outdoor escape! You can visit Bayou Segnette State Park (~20–30 min), Fontainebleau State Park (~45 min), Fairview-Riverside State Park (~1 hour), Bogue Chitto State Park (~1.5 hours), Grand Isle State Park (~2 hours), or Buccaneer State Park (~1 hour) to explore the Louisiana wilderness. Visit (or Revisit) a Nearby City! Personally, I find every good trip has a mix of city and nature… and when you need to get away, visiting a nearby city can offer fun, exciting activities for the whole family. Sometimes it’s just about changing scenery: You may still end up at a park or the zoo (a gorilla is a gorilla anywhere), but it can make for a special adventure and new memory-making opportunities! If you’re hoping to hit a bunch of touristy attractions, look into if the city has an attraction pass bundle so you can get more bang for your bucks.

ON A BUDGET

BY JULIANNA STEEN

YOU DON’T NEED A BIG VACATION BUDGET

Challenge yourself to think about it like this: How much family fun can you fit into one tank of gas? Ask each family member to come up with one priority or thing they would like to do, within reason. If your family prefers the great outdoors, you’ll find yourself planning a very different outing than if you’re all foodies. But don’t worry, you don’t have to camp to make it affordable if that’s not your cup of tea! (Although that’s certainly a good option.) • Stay close: Pick somewhere 1–3 hours away so you spend the day exploring instead of driving. (More on that in a bit!) • Make it a day trip: Eliminating the hotel is probably the single easiest way to slash the price. If you’re wanting to stay overnight, you can also… • Travel with another family: Splitting a cabin or rental can often beat the price (and vibes) of two hotel rooms. (Although hotel breakfast is always ideal.) • Pack breakfast, snacks, and/or lunch: TIPS TO MAKE YOUR BUDGET STRETCH Then choose one fun local restaurant, bakery, or ice cream shop as your splurge. (Anyone with hangry kids knows snacks are always a must…) • Look for free fall fun: Scenic drives, hiking trails, downtowns, farmers markets,

16 NOVEMBER 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM number of credit card and hotel points in the wings, waiting to be spent, it’s unlikely that you’re flying anywhere far. (However, I never discourage anyone from looking: If you get a good deal on a flight… you can often figure out the rest.) HOW TO PLAN A FALL ROAD TRIP ON A BUDGET We live in a practical world, so first let’s start with logistics. Unless you have a surreal There’s something about the temperature finally falling under 90º that invites you to explore the big, beautiful world outside your window. Maybe it’s the leaves, slowly, reluctantly changing color and falling into perfect piles meant to be stomped on. Maybe it’s the local festivals promising apple- and pumpkin-flavored goodies, or the prospect of a gorgeous view at the end of a popular hike. Regardless of what type of adventure you’re seeking out this fall, rest assured: You don’t need a big vacation budget to have a grand time. A day trip—or one inexpensive overnight—can still feel like a vacation. Here are a few budget-friendly destinations worth piling into the car for this fall.

Here’s a few things to do in whatever city you visit: • Explore downtown: Walk the main streets, browse local shops, and try to find murals! • Visit a museum (especially the children’s museum or science center). • Go to the zoo or aquarium: Look for discounted days, reciprocal memberships, or late-afternoon admission. • Find the best city parks: Think playgrounds, botanical gardens, and scenic overlooks. • Ride local transportation: If they have streetcars, a train, or even a downtown trolley, it can become an attraction for kids. • Visit a local farmers market: Let each kid get a treat to make it extra fun! • Find a quirky local landmark: Giant statues, unusual museums, roadside attractions, famous signs, historic buildings, or other “only in this city” stops… there’s some in every city! • Attend a local event: Festivals, outdoor movies, concerts, art walks, markets, and seasonal celebrations can make the trip feel much more magical and local. If you’re hitting the road from New Orleans, here are a few cities to consider: • Bay St. Louis, MS: (~1 hour) Trade the city for a laid-back beach day! Then play along the waterfront and stroll the shops and restaurants of colorful Old Town.

• Gulf Shores / Orange Beach, AL: (~3 hours) Sink your toes into Alabama’s famous sugar- white sand… and if you’re looking for fun activities, bike or hike through Gulf State Park, shop at The Wharf, go on a dolphin cruise, or race go-karts. • Houston, TX: (~5 hours) Blast off at Space Center Houston, spend hours exploring the Children’s Museum Houston and Museum District, play at Hermann Park, or explore the trails and waterways around Buffalo Bayou. • St. Francisville + Tunica Hills, LA: (~2 hours) Hike the rugged hills, bluffs and ravines of Tunica Hills WMA before heading into charming St. Francisville to browse downtown shops, see the historic West Feliciana Railroad caboose, or explore Audubon State Historic Site. Families can also visit Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site or add a little spooky history with a tour of The Myrtles. MAKE THE DRIVE PART OF THE FUN Spice up your drive with some car ride games, like fall road-trip bingo: See who can spot a pumpkin patch, red leaves, a scarecrow, cows, a roadside produce stand, etc. You can also throw in some fun pitstops along the way (I mean, who doesn’t love a Buc-ee’s moment?).

choose one stop. Other fun ways to embrace the fall season on your roadtrip is to create a fall playlist or listen to a spooky audiobook together (or a story set in autumn, like Rip Van Winkle ). You can also bring disposable/ instant cameras for older kids to snap pictures along the way, or have everyone vote on the best fall display they see. SPLURGE HERE, SAVE THERE Budget travel doesn’t mean saying no to everything—it’s about picking the one or two experiences that are actually worth paying for. For example:

SAVE: Pack sandwiches. SPLURGE: Stop at the famous local bakery.

SAVE: Choose a free hike. SPLURGE: Buy tickets for the scenic train.

SAVE: Skip the hotel. SPLURGE: Let everyone pick a souvenir.

It’s all about balance! Sometimes you have to say no so you can say yes. After all, you don’t have to travel far—or spend a fortune—to make a trip feel unforgettable. So fill up the tank, pack some snacks, and get ready to make a few fabulous fall memories— without emptying your wallet.

If you’re feeling really generous, let each child

NOLAFAMILY.COM | NOVEMBER 2026 17

Thanksgiving Traditions Now vs 50 Years Ago

BY AMELIA ROESSLER

E ach year, families across America gather for one of its favorite celebrations: Thanksgiving. While every family’s celebration looks a little different, plenty of familiar traditions have stood the test of time: roasting a turkey, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, cheering on a football game, and saving room for pie. But how much has Thanksgiving really changed? From gelatin molds to Turkey Trots, we dove into the history of the holiday and how Thanksgiving now might look a little different from Thanksgiving celebrations 50 years ago.

different times and for different reasons.

And for millions of Americans, Thanksgiving celebrations wouldn’t be complete without a game of NFL football. Since the early 20th century, NFL games have been a cornerstone of the Thanksgiving holiday. But the Thanksgiving meal is at the heart of the holiday. At the center is almost always a glistening, giant, roast turkey. Joining the turkey are a lineup of delicious sides: creamy mashed potatoes, herby stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce, gravy, and sweet potato casseroles topped with marshmallows. It’s like Christmas without the pressure of gifts.

In 1789, President George Washington proclaimed November 26 a national day of thanksgiving, although it did not establish a permanent federal holiday. It wasn’t until the Civil War that President Abraham Lincoln called for a regular national Thanksgiving observance in 1863, setting the stage for the holiday Americans continue to celebrate today.

TODAY’S FEASTS

When you think of Thanksgiving today, you might picture the table decorated and filled with platters of food, a gathering of family, the TV showing the parade or a football game (or two). Or maybe you imagine the morning’s Turkey Trot, dreading or excited for the race. (Married into a Turkey Trot family? Good luck when Thanksgiving rolls around and you have to join the obligatory crowd racing in the chill.) First, you start the day full of excitement and American spirit. Across the country, people are kicking off the day with colorful parades, live music, and community celebrations. The most famous of all events is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City with enormous balloons, marching bands, and dazzling floats.

Other traditions include: • Presidential Turkey Pardon • Break the wishbone for good luck

HOW THANKSGIVING BECAME A TRADITION

• Pumpkin pie • Black Friday • Traveling to family

Most of us were taught that the history of Thanksgiving was when the Pilgrims and the Native Americans came together to celebrate the fall harvest. Americans traditionally recognize the “first”Thanksgiving as a 1621 feast at Plymouth Colony, when the Pilgrims celebrated their first harvest alongside members of the neighboring Wampanoag tribe. But Thanksgiving didn’t immediately become an annual holiday. Over the following years, colonies observed days of thanksgiving at

Swap the smartphones for a console TV and the running shoes for your Sunday best, and Thanksgiving 50 years ago might look surprisingly familiar.

TRADITIONS PAST

In 1976, Thanksgiving looked about the same, with a few differences. Large feasts were still a staple of the holiday, but with multiple generations pitching in to cook massive,

18 NOVEMBER 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM

home-cooked meals, making the kitchen the central hub of activity.

The roast turkey was still the centerpiece of the dinner table, and families still tuned in to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, only on color console televisions in their living rooms. Broadcasted professional football games kept family members gathered around the living room, and breaking the wishbone was the highlight of the night. Even Black Friday, started in the 1950s, was still a popular Thanksgiving tradition. But there were also plenty of things that were different when it came to Thanksgiving traditions. Let’s start with the food. While dishes still featured cranberry sauce, stuffing, and casserole, it was also filled with gelatin molds. The popular cooking ingredient could be found in dishes like shrimp aspic mold, chicken mousse, cranberry souffle salad, and more. There was always plenty of gelatin to go around. Aside from food, it was also a tradition to send festive postal cards adorned with turkeys and pumpkins just like the Christmas card tradition. Before dinner, it was tradition for family members and guests to go outside and start up a football game to get everyone hungry enough to pack away a lot of food. Families would also sit around and relate the story of the first Thanksgiving before digging in. As for the Thanksgiving meal itself, in 1976, it was tradition for people to show up in their best dress—suits, ties, Sunday best—and kids had to be on their best behavior (no elbows on the table, no smacking your teeth, and absolutely no back talk). As a formal occasion, hosts also painstakingly wrote out formal place cards for each guest to know their assigned spot at the dinner table. So whether your Thanksgiving looks more like 1976—Sunday best, handwritten place cards, and a family football game—or 2026, with Turkey Trots, stretchy pants, and a little scrolling between servings, the heart of the holiday hasn’t changed all that much. Traditions may come and go (and maybe we’re okay leaving the gelatin molds in the past), but Thanksgiving has always been about gathering around the table, sharing good food, and taking a moment to appreciate the people beside us. Fifty years from now, the traditions might look different again—but hopefully, there will still be turkey, pie, and plenty to be thankful for.

NOLAFAMILY.COM | NOVEMBER 2026 19

2026

T he holidays are here, and so is the annual to the hard-to-shop-for grown-ups, we’ve rounded up gifts worth giving (and a few you may want to keep for yourself). Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, or the person who already has everything, these picks are sure to bring a little extra joy to the season. GIFT & TOY GUIDE question: What do we get everyone? From little ones who seem to have a never-ending wish list

Baby & Toddler

Teeter Popper A sturdy, curved balance board that toddlers can sit, rock, and wiggle on while popping the built-in rubber discs for an extra sensory element. Ages 2 and up. $49.95, fatbraintoys.com

Learning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set A 30-piece pretend farmers market set with colorful fruits, vegetables, and baskets that lets little shoppers practice sorting, matching, and color recognition through play. Ages 18 months and up. $31.97, walmart.com

Wonder & Wise by Asweets Gone Fishing Boat Toddler Activity Toy A colorful wooden boat featuring a magnetic fishing game, removable fish, and other hands-on activities that encourage fine-motor skills and imaginative play. Ages 2 and up. $129, crateandbarrel.com

Toniebox 2 Starter Set Bundle A kid-friendly, screen-free audio player that brings stories, songs, and educational content to life through collectible Tonies, with simple controls little listeners can operate themselves. Ages 1 and up. $149.99, amazon.com

Fisher-Price DJ Bouncin’ Beats An interactive musical toy that bounces, lights up, and responds to little ones as they dance, press buttons, and explore songs, sounds, and learning activities. Ages 9 months and up. $37.49, target.com

20 NOVEMBER 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM

Youth

Complimentary Colors Grow Kits A colorful gardening kit that gives kids everything they need to grow their own plants while learning about nature and nurturing something from seed to sprout. Ages 8 and up. $59.94, modernsprout.com

Pixicade Make Your Own Video Game Turn drawings into playable video games with this creative kit that lets kids design their own characters, levels, and challenges with no coding required. Ages 6 and up. $19.97, amazon.com

Tamagotchi Pix A modern take on the classic virtual pet, with a colorful screen and interactive features that let kids feed, care for, play with, and explore alongside their digital companion. Ages 6 and up. $99.99, amazon.com

Beeswax Natural Beeswax Candle Making Kit A hands-on craft kit that lets kids make their own candles using natural beeswax while learning the basics of candle-making and creating something they can actually use. Ages 8 and up. $23.99, amazon.com

Silent Basketball A soft, quiet basketball designed for indoor play, so kids can practice their shots, dribbling, and other skills without all the usual noise. Ages 8 and up. $26.99, amazon.com

NOLAFAMILY.COM | NOVEMBER 2026 21

Tween & Teen

Reacher Sound Machine Sunrise Alarm Clock A bedside sound machine, sunrise alarm, and night-light in one, with 26 soothing sounds, adjustable brightness, and a gradual wake-up light. It plugs into the wall, while a backup battery keeps the settings saved during a power outage. Ages 8 and up. $37.99, amazon.com

Lecran Digital Camera A compact digital camera that lets tweens and teens capture photos and videos, making it an easy way to document everyday adventures and get creative behind the lens. Ages 8 and up. $49.99, amazon.com

JBL Clip 4 Wireless Speaker A small, portable Bluetooth speaker with a built-in clip, so tweens and teens can easily bring their music along wherever they go. Ages 10 and up. $59.95, amazon.com

Sharper Image Virtual Pong

Plush Faux Fur Bean Bag Chair

A high-tech take on the classic game that uses infrared technology to create a virtual Pong match without a traditional table. Ages 8 and up. $99.99, sharperimage.com

A cozy, oversized memory- foam filled seat covered in soft faux fur, giving tweens and teens a comfy spot to lounge, read, game, or hang out. Ages 12 and up. $59.99, amazon.com

Adult

Flight Wall A live LED flight tracker that displays aircraft flying near you along with details like the airline, flight number, route, altitude, and speed. Use the app to choose your tracking area or follow a specific flight, making this a fun, interactive gift for frequent travelers and aviation lovers. $175, theflightwall.com

Lola Blanket An ultra-soft, double-sided faux- fur blanket with four-way stretch, available in a range of colors and multiple sizes from baby to XL. Designed for curling up at home, with a plush feel that makes it an easy gift for anyone who loves to get comfortable. $125-425. lolablankets.com

22 NOVEMBER 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM face mask that combines red, blue, and infrared light therapy with cooling under- eye pads. Choose from treatments designed to target the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes, while the cooling feature helps soothe and refresh tired-looking under- eyes. $349.99, sharkninja.com Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask Bring the spa home with this high-tech LED

Car Battery Jump Starter & Air Compressor Be ready for unexpected roadside emergencies with this 8-in-1 jump starter and air compressor. The portable power pack combines a 4,500A jump starter with a 150 PSI tire inflator, flashlight, SOS lights, pressure gauge, and power bank for charging devices. $99.99, amazon.com

AI Hand Warmers Rechargeable electric hand warmers that provide adjustable heat to help keep hands cozy on chilly days, with a compact design that’s easy to take on the go. $19.99, amazon.com

On Tuesday, December 1, our 12 Days of Christmas begins! We will be giving away a prize each day to one lucky winner. From toys and gift cards to clothes and memberships, there’s a prize for everyone to enjoy! Make sure you’re following us on Facebook and Instagram to see what the prizes will be each day, and so you can register for a chance to win! 12 Christmas

@nolafamilymag

nolafamily.com

NOLAFAMILY.COM | NOVEMBER 2026 23

text Family Favorites THE 2026 WINNERS

24 NOVEMBER 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM Bubblegum Tree Playhouse The Kids Castle Play Area - Lakeside Mall Favorite Museum Louisiana Children’s Museum Runners Up The National WWII Museum New Orleans African American Museum Favorite Music Program The Roots of Music Runners Up The Octave School of Music Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts - River Ridge Favorite Theater Program W ith more than 45,000 votes cast, we are excited to announce this year’s Family Favorites winners! These outstanding businesses, leaders, and administrators go above and beyond every day, and we are honored to cele- brate their dedication. Congratulations to all! ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Favorite Family Entertainment Venue Art on the Geaux Runners Up Game on Social Hub Surge Entertainment Favorite Indoor Play Game On Social Hub Runners Up

Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts Runners Up Lafon Performing Arts Center New Orleans Youth Theatre

The Ritual Rooms Woodhouse Spa - Metairie Favorite Dental Care Group Charvet Dental Center Runners Up Billings Family Dentistry New Orleans Children’s Dental Center Favorite Dermatologist Mara A. Haseltine, MD - University Medical Center Runners Up Rachael Delahoussaye-Shields, MD - Sanctuary Dermatology Mary P. Lupo, MD, FAAD - Lupo Center for Aesthetic & General Dermatology Favorite Dermatology Group Pure Dermatology By Dr. Kate Zibilich Holcomb and Dr. Mara Haseltine Runners Up Sanctuary Dermatology Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology Favorite ENT Doctor Grayson M. Gremillion, MD - East Jefferson General Hospital Runners Up Michael G. Desalvo, MD - East Jefferson General Hospital Paul L. Friedlander, MD - Lakeside Hospital Favorite ENT Group East Jefferson Ear, Nose & Throat

FAMILY HEALTH Favorite Allergist Reena S. Mehta, MD - Uptown Allergy & Asthma Runners Up Margaret Prat Huntwork, MD, MSED - Tulane Medicine Luke Wall, MD - Manning Family Children’s Favorite Cosmetic Injector Lola’s Medical Spa & Wellness Runners Up Megan Liebert, FNP - Magnolia Plastic Surgery & MedSpa Dr. Heath Charvet - Magnolia Plastic Surgery & Medspa Favorite Cosmetic Surgery Center Dr. Heath Charvet - Magnolia Plastic Surgery & Medspa Runners Up The MODERN Plastic Surgery & Medspa Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology Favorite Day Spa Angela’s Electrolysis Clinic & Spa Runners Up

NOLAFAMILY.COM | NOVEMBER 2026 25

Runner Up Ochsner Children’s Hospital Favorite Eye Center Gulf South Eye Associates Runners Up Greater New Orleans Eye Care EyeCare 20/20 Retina & Vision Center Favorite Family Physician Megan Landry, MD - NuWell Medicine Runners Up Amy Galiano, MD - East Jefferson General Hospital Jenna Jordan, MD - Ochsner Health Kristopher Rappold, DDS - Audubon Dental Group Terry Billings, DDS - Billings Family Dentistry Favorite Holistic Medicine Provider Lauren Hernandez, MD - NuWell Medicine Runners Up Kendall Connick, APRN - NuWell Medicine April Pilet, RN, BSN - Natural Wellness with Nurse April Favorite General Dentist Emily Billings Levy, DDS - Billings Family Dentistry Runners Up

Runners Up Lydia Jaunet, LCSW - Brennan Behavior Group Lisa Tahir, LCSW - NolaTherapy Favorite OB/GYN Doctor Amy Grace, MD - Lakeside Hospital Runners Up Heather Barnes, MD - Lakeview Hospital Stephen Champlin, MD - East Jefferson General Hospital Favorite OB/GYN Practice Tulane Center for Women’s Health Runners Up Touro Infirmary LCMC Health Ochsner Health Center Favorite Orthodontic Clinic Evans + Frampton Orthodontics Runners Up Jones Orthodontics Shannon Simons, DDS, APDC - Simons & O’Friel Orthodontics Runners Up Joshua J. Jones, DDS, CAGS - Jones Orthodontics Terry Billings, DDS - Billings Family Dentistry Favorite Orthopaedic Clinic Tulane Institute of Sports Medicine Billings Family Dentistry Favorite Orthodontist Southern Orthopaedic Specialists Favorite Orthopaedic Doctor Wendell Heard, MD - Tulane Orthopaedics Runners Up Kelly Hill, MD - Tulane Orthopaedics Felix H. “Buddy” Savoie, MD - Tulane Orthopaedics Favorite Pediatric Dentist Christen Massey, DDS - Krewe of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry Runners Up Dr. Amanda Begue - Thorson Dentistry for Kids Kellie S. Axelrad, DDS - New Orleans Children’s Dental Center Favorite Pediatric Therapy Group Nourish Counseling Studio, LLC Runners Up LCMC Health

Runners Up Deep Roots Behavior Support Brennan Behavior Group Favorite Pediatrician James Connick, MD - Sprout Pediatrics Runners Up Gabrielle Glasgow, MD - Sprout Pediatrics Lauren Hernandez, MD - NuWell Medicine Favorite Plastic Surgeon Dr. Heath Charvet - Magnolia Plastic Surgery & Medspa Runners Up Jules Walters, MD - The Modern Plastic Surgery & MedSpa Abigail E. Chaffin, MD - Touro Infirmary LCMC Health Favorite Psychiatrist Tamara M. Lafont, DNP - Ochsner Medical Center Runners Up Patrick D. Drennan, MD - Ochsner Health Jill McCall, MD - Integrated Behavioral Health of Louisiana Favorite Special Needs Healthcare Company Crane Rehab Center Pediatrics Runner Up Brennan Behavior Group Favorite Therapist Jonathan Nierman, LCSW - Integrated Behavioral Health of Louisiana Runners Up Lydia Jaunet, LCSW - Brennan Behavior Group Shea McMahon, MCD, CCC-SLP - Bright Start Favorite Urgent Care Facility LCMC Health Urgent Care Runner Up In & Out Urgent Care Favorite Veterinarian Dr. Leslie Bass - VCA Algiers Animal Hospital Runners Up Dr. Philip D’Antonio - Southshore Animal Hospital Matthew Levy, DVM - Levy Veterinary Hospital Favorite Veterinary Clinic

Favorite Hospital Lakeside Hospital Runners Up

Touro Infirmary LCMC Health East Jefferson General Hospital Ochsner Health Center Favorite IV Therapy Dr. Heath Charvet - Magnolia Plastic Surgery & Medspa Runners Up AVM Aesthetics & Wellness NuWell Medicine NOLA Favorite Local Pharmacy Charbonnet Pharmacy Runners Up

Vinnie’s Pharmacy Sisters Pharmacy

26 NOVEMBER 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM Favorite Mental Health Counselor Megan Long, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC - Nourish Counseling Studio

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52

nolafamily.com

Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator