the store, ventnor - phillip island
Make sure you add the family and dog-friendly The Store in Ventnor Phillip to your list next time you visit Phillip Island!
The Store in Ventnor, Phillip Island is simply magical. Sitting outside in the umbrella-shaded courtyard in Summer - or under a marquee in the colder months, with rolling cow-filled fields on one side, and huge trees on the other, fuelled with great coffee and yummy food - it’s serenity amplified!
With a menu offering delicious sourdough smashed avo, gourmet toasties, pastries- including a great range of gluten free options- and a kids menu, everyone will find something that tickles their tastebuds.
Then you have the games and a box full of toys for the kids - even some trucks for those little hands to vroom around, which means you can actually enjoy your meal and take in the peace of this gorgeous little cafe.
If the weather isn’t courtyard friendly, there’s also a cosy little indoor area, with a window overlooking the fields.
What’s more, it’s dog-friendly, even offering a puppy library with toys! You can also pick up some gourmet locally-produced groceries, flowers and fresh produce.
Make sure you add it to your list next time you visit Phillip Island!
sebby's scrolls, caulfield south
Who doesn’t love to eat super-soft layers of dough, cinnamon and caramelised brown sugar topped with cream cheese icing?!
Mamma LOVES Sebby’s Scrolls!
Sebby’s Scrolls is one of the best things to have come out of Melbourne’s COVID lockdowns. Head on down to Caulfield South and you’ll find a small ‘hole in the wall’ style operation with the most delicious cinnamon scrolls this Mamma has ever tasted.
Who doesn’t love to eat super-soft layers of dough, cinnamon and caramelised brown sugar topped with cream cheese icing?! Sebby’s also releases special flavours on occasions but the cinnamon is their staple.
They’ve just also recently opened a takeaway window serving Allpress coffee to go with your scroll! YUM!
While you wait, your little ones will be mesmerised watching the Sebby’s team making the scrolls on site through large windows that surround the kitchen.
Mamma also really loves the gorgeous garden and seating area right next to Sebby’s, so you and the kids can have your coffee and a scroll in the sun nearby.
Sebby’s is a must visit - your little ones (and Mamma) will not regret the visit!
The nitty gritty
367 North Rd, Caulfield South 3162
OPEN
Wednesday - Saturday 7am - 2pm
Saturday
7.30am - 1.30pm or until sold out
closed Monday and Tuesday
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mentions:
Grab some to go and enjoy a picnic at the fabulous Princes Park
humble merchant, clyde north
The Humble Merchant in Clyde North is a great family friendly cafe, located directly next to the fabulous Fresco Place Playground.
The Humble Merchant in Clyde North is a great family friendly cafe, located directly across the road to the fabulous Fresco Place Playground.
There are a few tables inside or grab some to go and head across to the playground to enjoy. They make it easy with little kids lunchbox style packs, toasties, delicious pastries, yummy coffee and even fruit slushies!
The locals are very spoilt to have this great spot, being part of a community centre that also offers a little book library and lounge area (with playstation!) as well.
Its the perfect location for some yummy snacks and a great start for a playground journey of Clyde!
The nitty gritty
16 Playwright St, Clyde North, 3978
OPEN
Tuesday - Friday 7am - 2pm
Saturday - Sunday
8am - 2pm
closed Monday
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mentions:
Right next door is the fabulous Fresco Place Playground!
tricky wicket, malvern
We don’t like cricket - we LOVE IT! Not only does this venue pump out exceptional food with beautiful service, it allows the whole family an opportunity to test their batting skills in the nets.
*Tricky Wicket is now closed*
Be prepared to be hit for six! Tricky Wicket on Glenferrie Road in Malvern has to be one of the coolest concepts we have come across. Not only does this venue pump out exceptional food with beautiful service, it allows the whole family an opportunity to test their batting skills in the nets.
So the concept is simple. Book in a session via the QR code on the table, head to the nets with a bat and prepare to face a couple of overs. You can select your level (backyard is the easiest) and your bowler (Po from Kung Fu Panda is the coolest choice!) - then you are away. The screen is synced in time with the bowling machine so it looks like you are facing a real bowler. When (…or if) you connect with the ball, the machine calculates the number of runs made and keeps track for you.
Mamma’s 5 year old hasn’t had much cricket practice so found the whole process a little tricky, but he did manage 12 runs over 24 balls. Not bad and we still had a good giggle! Sessions start at $10 for two overs.
Now back to the food! The menu here is not your typical indoor sports venue or MCG kiosk. This is top notch pub grub. You can go full steakhouse style for dinner, pick a delicious main, or spread out the love and grab a whole bunch of appetisers like Mamma (who can never commit to one type of order!). The flavours have a unique mix of international dishes from all the wonderful cricket playing nations. The papadum tacos are exceptional, as well as the fish n chips on the kids menu.
The nitty gritty
OPEN
Tuesday - Sundays
12pm - late
wanna know more? click here
256 Glenferrie Road, Malvern
Mamma's special mentions: Sports fans will also LOVE the Australian Sports Museum at the MCG!
mae, malvern east
We may have just found the best spot for brunch. Mae in Malvern East is the sweetest new cafe on the block, blushing in baby doll pink and the food is perfection!
We may have just found the best spot for brunch. Mae in Malvern East is the sweetest new cafe on the block, blushing in baby doll pink and the food is perfection!
Mamma loves your classic avo on toast, but also can’t say no to some chicken and waffles. If you are a sweet tooth kinda gal, you have to try the French toast too. Coffee is on point and the service here was exceptional.
The space is light and airy, as well as absolutely huge. Diners can choose from 3 different dining rooms OR have a spot out the front. There is stacks of room for a pram or three as well so bring the kids along too.
Grab the crew because it’s gotta be… MAE!
The nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 AM - 03:00 PM
wanna know more? click here
137-139 Waverley Rd Malvern East
Mamma's special mention: After a great big feed, head to the Urban Forest for an outdoor adventure.
old jetty cafe, tooradin
The Old Jetty Cafe nestled beside the Tooradin Jetty, is just the most divine little rustic cafe that’s just perfect for a laid back family meal!
This Mamma loves nothing more than discovering a cute little local spot to grab a coffee and bite to eat, and The Old Jetty Cafe nestled beside the Tooradin Jetty, is just the most divine little place!
This used to be a tea-house and is so reminiscent of a quaint old tea-room inside, and outside is a rustic alfresco courtyard with mis-matched seats and tables, umbrellas and walls crawling with over-grown ivy. There are some smaller tables for kids, and some blackboards to keep them busy. You could also grab some goodies to go and enjoy on one of the many picnic tables alongside the foreshore.
The menu offers varied delights from curries to focaccias, pancakes to sausage rolls, loads of cakes and slices and much more! You can even pick up a bag of lollies as treat.
It’s a great spot to enjoy a laid back meal with the family and enjoy all of the beauty that Tooradin offers! Don’t forget to check out the Lighthouse Playground directly opposite!
The nitty gritty
25 Foreshore Rd, Tooradin, 3980
OPEN
7 days a week
8.30am - 3.30pm
wanna know more? click here.
Mamma's special mention:
There’s always room for a delicious ice cream from Tooradin Ice Cream Shop
the pig and whistle tavern, main ridge
In the front courtyard area there are sprawling gardens bursting with colourful flowers, gigantic trees full of all sorts of birdlife, and a kids playground!
In the stunning Mornington Peninsula Hinterlands, there resides the most family-friendly, spectacularly beautiful and deliciously tasty restaurant called The Pig and Whistle Tavern in Main Ridge.
In the front courtyard area there are sprawling gardens bursting with colourful flowers, gigantic trees full of all sorts of birdlife, and a kids playground equipped with a rope climbing net, wooden balancing logs, a slide - even a log with an etched naughts and crosses board, and heaps of open grass area to kick a ball around!
Inside you will find a delightfully cosy English-style tavern with vintage posters, wood panel ceiling, mosaic windows - there’s even a stone (electric) fireplace, too!
The menu offers old-style favourites like bangers and mash, chicken parma, pie of the day, curries and salads; plus the kids have their own menu including frog-in-a-pond for dessert!
The venue also has The Shed, which has live music and shows, a cellar door and pizza bar! This will quickly become a favourite!
the nitty gritty
365 Purves Rd, Main Ridge, 3928
Open
Wednesday- 12pm - 4pm
Thursday 12pm - 9pm
Friday - Saturday
12pm - 11pm
Sunday 12pm- 9pm
Bookings are essential
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention
Finish off (or start) with a walk to see a waterfall at Kings Fall in Arthurs Seat
big earle's roadhouse bbq, port melbourne
Big Earle’s has such an awesome vibe, there’s warm fire pits (great for a winters day!), live music, and the entire venue is filled with rustic charm.
Big Earle's Roadhouse Barbecue in Port Melbourne offers authentic American-style BBQ cuisine that will make you and your family feel as if you are in the heart of Texas!
Big Earle’s has such an awesome vibe - you will feel it as soon as you walk in. There’s heaps of warm fire pits (great for a winters day!), live music, and the entire venue is filled with rustic charm.
Mamma’s fave food selection was the mega tasting plate - with a selection of beef brisket, pork, BBQ ribs, sausage, fries and slaw - it certainly was a winner and something you could share with the kids!
Big Earle’s is super family friendly, with heaps of fun for your little ones - little toy cars roaming around, pool tables, foosball tables and more! Mamma even spotted a few doggies on her visit!
Get down to Big Earle’s - definitely a new fave for Mamma!
the nitty gritty
273 Ingles St, Port Melbourne, 3207
Open
Wednesday- Thursday 10am - 2pm
Friday - Saturday
10am - 8pm
Sunday 11am- 3pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention
Make a day of it and head around the corner for a Cute n Cuddly Pony Ride!
cbco brewery, port melbourne
This funky shed offers a perfect setting for a family friendly sunday session!
There's nothing quite like the vibe you get at CBCo Brewery in Port Melbourne. You could spend all day sitting at a table in their open shed-like-space, with an ice-cold beverage in hand, listening to some live music (on the weekend) with your family or some friends.
This is matched with some yummy food - Mamma LOVED the burgers, the Farmhouse Pizza, and the popcorn cauliflower - YUM! There are a few kids meal options for the little ones too.
Oh and did Mamma mention that this is actually a brewery?! Where you get to taste their delicious range on tap?! Yep - grab a paddle and sample their range - you will not be disappointed!
There’s indoor and outdoor seating too, overlooking the half basketball court next door for the kids to play on!
Make this the spot for your next family-friendly Sunday session!
the nitty gritty
Open
Wednesday 3pm -7pm
Thursday 12pm - 9.30pm
Friday 12pm - 11pm
Saturday 12pm - 10pm
Sunday 12 pm- 5pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention
You cannot go to Port Melbourne and not stop in at the awesome Maritime Cove Park!
the wooli tavern, cape woolamai phillip island
With an open fire place, live music, pool table and extensive cocktail list - it has everyone covered.
The Wooli Tavern in Cape Woolamai - Phillip Island, is the perfect family friendly restaurant with a laid back vibe and delicious meals. With an open fire place, live music, pool table and extensive cocktail list - it has everyone covered.
On the colder days you can sit indoors, by the warmth of the open fire surrounded by wooden roofing and large windows - perfect to watch the weather roll by. On the warmer days sit outside in the courtyard on picnic-table style seating with umbrellas and enjoy the music.
The food is great - Mamma can highly recommend the chicken burger - and the kids have their own small menu with options of pasta, fish and chips and chicken tenders and are generous sizes.
It’s a great spot to visit when you’re on the island!
the nitty gritty
1 Vista Pl, Cape Woolamai, 3925
OPEN
Closed Mondays
Tuesday - Thursday 11.30am - 10pm
Friday - Saturday 11.30am - 11pm
Sunday
11.30am - 10pm
wanna know more?
CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
There is SO much to do in Phillip Island - click here for Mamma’s Must Do’s in Phillip Island
penny for pound @ morris moor, moorabbin
If you are a lover of all things pastries - Penny for Pound in Moorabbin is one place you NEED to add to your ‘must visit’ list!
If you are a lover of all things baked and flaky - Penny for Pound in Moorabbin is one place you NEED to add to your ‘must visit’ list.
Filling the glass cabinets in this light-filled cafe, you will find some of the most tantalising treats in the south! We’re talking flaky jaffa and golden gaytime croissants, meringue danishes, passionfruit and red velvet cakes and crunchy warm sourdough loaves (which are INCREDIBLE). If you visit early in the day, you will be able to look through the glass window and see the pastry chef in action!
If you’re looking for something more savoury, opt for a spinach and ricotta or vegemite and cream cheese croissant perhaps? You can also order from the dine-in menu such items as decadent chicken burgers, pie of the day, full breakfasts and so much more!
You’ll want to try one of everything so it’s a good thing that you can take home some ‘cook at home’ croissants and cookie dough, because you will definitely want more!
the nitty gritty
7 Cochranes Rd, Moorabbin, 3189
OPEN
Monday to Friday 7am - 4pm
Saturday - Sunday
8am - 4pm
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
Make a day of it and head to Twisted Science for some truly awesome fun!
cocoa rouge chocolaterie and ice creamery, red hill
Nestled amongst the vines and trees at the back of Mont Rouge Estate in Red Hill, is this charming little family-owned chocolaterie and ice creamery
Mamma and her crew are big chocolate and ice cream fans, so finding this little hidden treasure, in our most favourite part of Melbourne, has been one of our best discoveries yet!
Nestled amongst the vines and trees at the back of Mont Rouge Estate in Red Hill, is this charming little family-owned chocolaterie and ice creamery with the most delicious hand-made chocolate and scrumptious smooth and velvety ice cream - all made in store!
You can find such delights as chocolate caramel covered hazelnuts, crisp coated honeycomb, salted caramel clusters, bon bons and SO much more. They even have little party-packs for the kids in Dinosaur, Unicorn and Star Wars themes - as well as chocolate lollipops!
Then there’s the ice cream with seriously amazing flavour - Mamma’s crew highly rates the Chocolate Hazelnut and Mango sorbet - so GOOD! You can also have a hot drink, an iced-drink or sample their premium wines made right there at the vineyard!
You can take your goodies and sit outside in the courtyard, surrounded by beautiful trees and listen to the abundant birdsong. Nature, fresh air and the aroma of chocolate - is there a better combination?
The nitty gritty
232 Red Hill Rd, Red Hill 3937
(at the back of Mont Rouge Estate)
OPEN
Monday/Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday - Sunday: 11am – 5pm
wanna know more? click here.
Mamma's special mention:
Red Hill is home to so much fun!
Feel like a good meal? Head to Red Gum BBQ
Feel like fruit picking? Head to Ripe n Ready Cherry Farm or Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm.
Looking for adventure? Head to Enchanted Adventure Garden.
Thirsty? Green Olive Winery is perfectly kid-friendly.
red gum bbq, red hill
Red Gum BBQ in the spectacularly stunning Red Hill, is the perfect family restaurant
Red Gum BBQ in the spectacularly stunning Red Hill, is the perfect family restaurant. BBQ meat for the meat lovers, veggie options for vegetarians, a wide range of amazing cocktails and beer - AND there’s a dedicated indoor play area - with a cubby house - to keep the kids happy! They also have pencils and colouring sheets for when you manage to get them away from the play area.
The tables here are mainly long wooden benches; the communal dining adding to the great atmosphere.
The food is AMAZING! It is ‘Aussie-smoked, American-style BBQ’, and it is simply divine.
The meat is slow-cooked in a large smoker, which fills the shed with a smokey scent.
The menu is predominantly meat-filled, however - there are still lots of options for vegetarians like; creamy mac and cheese, buffalo cauliflower, bean chilli, salads and delicious fries. The kids even have their own menu with such offerings as brisket or pulled-pork rolls and mac and cheese. Mamma’s crew can highly recommend the ribs and LOVED the mac and cheese and the little ones couldn’t get enough of their meat rolls!
Mamma says this is a MUST VISIT!
The nitty gritty
87 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill
OPEN
Monday/Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday – Thursday : 11am – 8pm
Friday – Saturday: 11am – 9pm
Sunday: 11am – 4pm
wanna know more? click here.
Mamma's special mention:
Red Hill is home to so much fun!
Feel like fruit picking? Head to Ripe n Ready Cherry Farm or Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm.
Looking for adventure? Head to Enchanted Adventure Garden.
Thirsty? Green Olive Winery is perfectly kid-friendly.
revolution roasters, somerville
Revolution Roasters in Somerville roasts the most AMAZING coffee AND it is super kid-friendly with games, colouring and even an arcade machine!
If you are after truly awesome coffee, head straight to where it is roasted! Revolution Roasters in Somerville roasts the most AMAZING coffee AND it is super kid-friendly with games, colouring and even an arcade machine!
This family-owned roastery used to only roast their delicious coffee and supply it to local cafes (like Tomboys Canteen) but now they have extended their warehouse into a cafe, so you can grab a coffee as well as some beans to take home.
The vibe here is very family-friendly; the kids will love sitting at their own table to colour, play some games like Connect 4, or play Street Fighter on the retro arcade machine - allowing parents some peace to savour their liquid gold.
Whilst they are not serving food just yet, you can enjoy a decadent pastry, donut or cookie alongside your coffee. There are different types of coffee to try as well, and all of them are INCREDIBLE. Coffee lovers - make sure you add this to your list!
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
Make a day of it and head to Dinosaur World for some roarsome fun!
yo-bar acai & frozen yoghurt bar, bentleigh
It’s always a good time for frozen yoghurt and acai bowls - especially ones that you can enjoy DIY style!
It’s always a good time for frozen yoghurt and acai bowls - especially ones that you can enjoy DIY style!
Mamma’s crew are big fro-yo fans, and couldn’t wait to check out Yo-Bar in Bentleigh - the newest joint in town. If you love frozen yogurt or acai bowls - you are going to want to check this one out!
Along with frozen yoghurt flavours like salted caramel, coconut, strawberry, chocolate, vanilla and vegan mango - there is also organic acai and maqui berry!
Once you have chosen your flavour, head over to the toppings bar and load up! You can opt for healthy items like fruit, coconut and seeds, or if you’re like Mamma’s crew - head straight for the sweet stuff like freckles, M&Ms, sour straps, marshmallows and more. If you feel like being really decadent you can top it off with nutella or peanut butter drizzle. Yum.
There’s plenty of seats inside or outside - or grab a bowl to go and visit a nearby park.
the nitty gritty
422 Centre Rd, Bentleigh, 3204
OPEN
7.30am - late
(check socials for more info on opening times)
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
Grab a bowl to go and head to Allnut Park for a play.
saltwater, phillip island
Saltwater is the first place you see as you cross the bridge into Phillip Island, so it really SHOULD be your first stop! This stunning building is perched on the water overlooking Western Port Bay so it really does have prime position!
Saltwater is the first place you see as you cross the bridge into Phillip Island, so it really SHOULD be your first stop! This stunning building is perched on the Newhaven Jetty overlooking Western Port Bay so it really does have prime position!
Inside is bright and warm as the sun streams in, with an upper mezzanine level as well as ground floor where you can spy the wood fired pizza oven. Or sit outside with the lovely bay breeze.
The food here is AMAZING, and Mamma really wanted to try it ALL. You have a choice of tapas and share menus, plus great main options, pizza AND a kids menu.
Oh, and they make their own beer and wine if you are in the mood for a glass for two!
the nitty gritty
Jetty at Beach Crescent Newhaven
OPEN
Open Thu-Sun 11:30am till Late
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
Phillip Island is FULL of fun!
bellevue farm gate, officer
Set amongst the apple trees you will find Bellevue Farm Gate, home of summer snow juice.
Set amongst the apple trees, with views of kangaroo-sprawled hills, you will find Bellevue Farm Gate, home of summer snow apple juice. With a wide range of apple juices to choose from, Mamma loves the pink lady sparkling juice while the kids favourite has to be the granny smith slushie!
The kids will be kept entertained with buckets of crayons, pencils and colouring books - AND - there’s even a sandpit with a digger, too!
Enjoy a pizza, toastie or other options available from the food truck and visit Little Luka, the sweetest looking on tap van for an apple cider or beer. The outdoor seating is undercover with outdoor heaters, there’s even a warm and toasty enclosed marquee - for those especially cold days - and blankets are also available.
The farm gate has a beautiful rustic feel and sells a selection of fresh produce. It’s the perfect spot to pick up something for dinner and some fresh apples for the school lunch boxes.
Its great family friendly vibe, lovely staff and yummy food and drinks make it the perfect family spot!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Sunday - Thursday
8.30am - 5.30pm
Friday and Saturday
8.30 - 7.30pm
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
If you’re after a playground, check out Dragon Park Playground
oscar's hangout, mordialloc
Has Mamma got the perfect hangout for you! Grassy area for kids to play, pencils to colour in - and delectable food and coffee!!
Wide open spaces, colouring in, freshly baked muffins and coffee - what more do you need? How about some delicious food as well? Well then, does Mamma have the hangout for you!
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of main street Mordialloc, this hidden gem awaits! A dedicated kids menu - I’m talking homemade chicken nuggets Mumma’s - complete with pictures to colour in and activities for the older ones, an open outdoor area to run around in plus concrete floors and plenty of room for prams and highchairs inside - it’s just perfect.
Oh, but we can’t forget the Mamma’s need to eat too! The coffee and food are fantastic with a range of freshly baked muffins each day (check out their facebook for the daily flavours), great breakfast options and even homemade pies for lunch in winter. Hot tip: Get the pork belly roll!
Throw in the friendly local owner and chef and you have yourselves a complete recipe for cafe happiness!
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
Still want something sweet? Head down the road to Chiavelli Gourmet ice creamery!
the flight deck bar and grill, moorabbin airport
So at the risk of spoiling a local hidden gem - fasten your seatbelts and get ready to explore this wonderful family-friendly restaurant!
At the risk of spoiling the local secret - fasten your seatbelts and get ready to explore this wonderful family-friendly hidden gem of a restaurant!
The Flight Deck Bar and Grill is separated from the Moorabbin airport by a chain-link fence - so enough for the kids to be contained but still with an unobstructed view of small planes and helicopters landing and taking off!
As you relax in the outdoor area (also undercover with heating!), the kids can run around on the open grass, play on the toy plane, or bounce on the jumping castle - yes that’s right JUMPING CASTLE - all while taking in the sights and sounds of the operating airport right next to you.
Inside, you can opt to dine in the ‘First Class Lounge’ with a great menu offering pasta, steak, burgers and more - with a dedicated kids menu - or relax in the “Business Class” bar area with a cocktail and cake - all with floor to ceiling windows and spectacular views!
There’s a relaxed vibe here which is extremely welcoming for families and the staff are just lovely. Definitely need to get on board this one!
the nitty gritty
37 First Ave, Moorabbin Airport 3194
OPEN
Tuesday- Wednesday
11am - 5pm Thursday - Saturday
11am - 9pm
Sunday
11am - 5pm
closed Monday
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
Come here a bit earlier and explore the amazing Aviation Museum before your meal!
bayside social, albert park
Mamma’s of Albert Park, have you been to this awesome FAMILY FRIENDLY cafe yet?
Mamma’s of Albert Park, have you been to this awesome FAMILY FRIENDLY cafe yet?
Now when Mamma says family friendly, she doesn’t just mean a kids menu at this industrial style urban cafe. She’s talking about a welcoming space that has colouring books, pencils, games and educational tools, toys, books and even playdough! Your children can choose what they want to play with from the cute little cart and bring it back to your table to play with while you enjoy your coffee and brunch! Brilliant!
There’s plenty of room for prams, with highchairs and baby change facilities and your choice of indoor and outdoor seating (blankets too)! The views of the bay are stunning and any vehicle enthusiast children will enjoy the vast assortment of them rolling past too.
the nitty gritty
88 Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park 3206
OPEN
Mon - Fri:
7am - 2pm
Sat - Sun:
8am - 2pm
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
Mamma's special mention:
Plum Garland Memorial Playground is directly opposite the cafe on the beach, so cross on over the road and drain those batteries!