What is a sundae? Ice cream, of course, but what else? As the Food team compiled our favorite decked-out frozen desserts around the city, we couldn’t seem to reach a consensus.
It should have syrup or sauce, fruit and some sort of crunchy topping, I declared with unearned authority. Deputy Food editor Betty Hallock pointed out the iconic McDonald’s sundae with just vanilla soft serve and rich chocolate fudge. Another colleague mentioned layered parfaits while others hailed the banana split as a worthwhile variant that includes all the named elements.
We decided to take a broad definition to the dessert that was first created at a soda fountain in Two Rivers, Wis., in the late 19th century. (Hot fudge was invented in 1906 by L.A. candymaker Clarence Clifton Brown, whose son opened legendary ice cream parlor C.C. Brown’s in Hollywood.)
You can opt for classic or over-the-top versions at a carhop diner in Burbank or a Route 66 soda fountain, or build the sundae of your dreams at a French-Californian bistro or an open-air Italian restaurant with a roving gelato cart. There are plenty of creative takes that pull inspiration from many cuisines, like a Thai gelato maker in Torrance and an Ethiopian restaurant in Eagle Rock serving a brûléed banana split with Ethiopian coffee-infused chocolate sauce.
Here are 20 of our favorite sundaes and banana splits around Los Angeles. — Danielle Dorsey
LOOKING for your next big holiday? Look no further as British Airways has revealed a major update to its summer 2027 schedule with flights to TWO East African destinations.
British Airways (BA) has announced that it will be launching new flights to Tanzania from May 29, 2027 – which last took off 14 years ago.
British Airways will launch flights to Tanzania in May 2027Credit: Getty
The flights will take off from London Gatwick Airport and head to Kilimanjaro before heading onto Zanzibar.
The flights will then continue for the season, until October 31.
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In Kilimanjaro, you can obviously visit the famous mountain, which is Africa’s highest peak and the world’s highest free-standing mountain.
It takes about 45 minutes from the airport to reach Moshi – the gateway town.
The National Park is home to rainforest, as well as an arctic summit.
In the region, there’s also Tanzania’s loved Northern Safari Circuit to explore, which is one of the continent’s most famous wildlife routes.
It includes the Serengeti Wildlife Park, where the Great Migration is found, as well as UNESCO World Heritage Ngorongoro Crater, which is home to the Big 5.
Or head to Tarangire National Park as well, which is well-known for its elephant herds.
The flights will run across the season until October 31Credit: Getty
Meanwhile, Zanzibar is famous for its white, sandy coast that’s home to an abundance of marine life including dolphins and sea turtles.
There’s also the UNESCO-listed streets of Stone Town to explore, with hand-carved wooden doors and coral-stone buildings.
Across the island, there are a number of spice plantations, giving visitors the chance to sample fresh vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Flights will take off three times a week from London Gatwick, landing in Kilimanjaro, before going on to Zanzibar.
Flights from London Gatwick to Kilimanjaro International Airport and then onwards to Zanzibar, will take off on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
The flights will depart at 9:05am and land in Kilimanjaro at 8:20pm,before then taking off to Zanzibar at 9:20pm and landing there at 10:25pm.
Return flights from Zanzibar back to London Gatwick, will take place on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, departing at 12:25am and landing at 7:55am.
Flights will cost from £849 return.
Tanzania is known for its white-sand beaches as well as amazing wildlifeCredit: GettyThere are several spots you can go on safari on in the countryCredit: Getty
Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer said: “We’re excited to be launching flights to two exceptional new destinations that showcase the very best of Tanzania.
“From the vast plains of the Serengeti and the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro to the turquoise waters and white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, these new routes strengthen our footprint in East Africa and open the door to some of the world’s most extraordinary travel experiences.
“Alongside these new routes, we are strengthening our wider long-haul network, adding capacity to a number of popular destinations across Africa, the Americas and the Caribbean.
“By increasing frequencies and extending seasonal services, we’re giving customers more choice and flexibility, while deepening London’s connectivity to key destinations around the world.”
In addition to the Tanzania flights, BA is increasing its capacity to Latin America by 25 per cent.
There will also be new non-stop flights to Buenos Aires, Argentina and onward service to Santiago, Chile.
Additional seats have been added to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as well, and flights to San José, Costa Rica, will become year-round.
Las Vegas in America and Cape Town in South Africa will also gain additional flights.
THINK Travelodge stays are just for a quick pitstop? Think again.
Britain’s popular budget hotel chain actually has many hotels in some of the most spectacular corners of the UK, putting amazing adventures right at your doorstep.
We’ve rounded up affordable Travelodge stays in some of the UK’s most stunning spotsCredit: Shutterstock EditorialStay in the Outdoors Capital of the UK which is home to the Glenfinnan Viaduct from £27 a nightCredit: Getty
From waking up at the foot of Ben Nevis to sleeping a stone’s throw from the oldest occupied castle in the world, we’ve hunted down 10 of the most breathtaking Travelodge stays across the country.
With rooms starting from just £25 a night, here are the epic mountain, island, and seaside getaways that prove you don’t need to fork out for a fantastic UK getaway.
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Travelodge Fort William
Imagine waking up at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, without paying a penny of premium for the privilege.
This Travelodge is in the proper Highlands, with Glen Nevis on your doorstep and Loch Linnhe glimmering nearby.
Plus the Glenfinnan Viaduct (yes, the Harry Potter one that the Hogwarts Express chugs over) is just up the road.
Did you know that Fort William is the Outdoor Capital of the UK?
This means you’re steps from world-class walking, climbing and mountain biking with a stay at this budget base.
Most hotels wouldn’t dream of charging this little for views like this, but that’s where the reliable Travelodge steps in.
Book a room at Travelodge Fort William from £27 per night.
Travelodge Burford Cotswolds
Explore beautiful Burford in the Cotswolds with a stay in an affordable TravelodgeCredit: Alamy
Burford is one of the UK’s most idyllic villages, with its honey-coloured stone cottages and pretty high street that tumbles down to the River Windrush.
You’d expect to pay boutique B&B prices for a base this pretty, but here you’re staying in the heart of the Cotswolds for less than a train ticket.
With rolling countryside, beautiful churches and chocolate box charm surrounding you on every side, it’s the kind of setting people would pay a fortune to photograph.
With a stay at this Travelodge, you simply walk out the front door straight into it.
Book a room at Travelodge Burford Cotswolds from £39 per night.
Travelodge Windsor Central
Your Travelodge hotel for the night will cost less than your entry into Windsor castleCredit: Getty
Staying here puts you three minutes’ walk from Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. You can even see it from some of the rooms.
Here you’re a genuine stone’s throw from royal history, plus Windsor & Eton Central station is right next door for an easy hop into London.
Staying this close to a royal residence for under £30 a night is most certainly a bargain.
In fact, even the ticket to the castle costs more than your hotel (£32 for adults when booked online). But if you want to keep it free, the town’s cobbled streets and riverside walks are all on your doorstep.
Book a room at Travelodge Windsor Central from £26.99 per night.
Travelodge Kendal
Stay at Travelodge Kendal for access into the sprawling landscapes of the Lake DistrictCredit: Getty
Kendal is your gateway into the Lake District, England‘s largest national park packed with dramatic landscapes. Here, fells, lakes and stone walls can be seen within minutes of checking in.
History lovers can wander over to Sizergh Castle or Kendal Castle, both a short walk away.
This is a national park that pulls in visitors from across the globe, yet you can base yourself here for less than the cost of a meal out.
It’s an unbeatable base for anyone wanting a slice of that classic Lakes scenery.
Book a room at Travelodge Kendal from £37 per night
Travelodge Porthmadog
Stay in the beautiful Welsh village of Porthmadog with Snowdonia on your doorstepCredit: Getty
This stay drops you right at the edge of Snowdonia National Park, with Mount Snowdon itself and the pretty village of Portmeirion both within easy reach.
Porthmadog is also home to a historic narrow-gauge steam railway, a proper slice of Welsh heritage.
Castles, coastline and mountains all sit within a short drive, making it one of the most scenically-stacked locations on this list.
Few budget stays put you this deep inside a national park. At £25 a night, it’s one of the best-value bases in Wales.
Book a room at Travelodge Porthmadog from £25 per night
Travelodge Stratford-upon-Avon
Stays at Travelodge Stratford-upon-Avon start from £29 per nightCredit: GettyCome back from a day’s exploring Stratford-Upon-Avon to a swanky Travelodge bar and loungeCredit: Travelodge
Sleeping in Shakespeare’s hometown is an amazing experience, whether you’re in a fancy hotel or budget – so you might as well save the money and go for the affordable option.
Stratford-upon-Avon’s thatched cottages, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the famous playwright’s birthplace are all within walking distance of this hotel.
Warwick Castle, one of England’s most spectacular medieval fortresses, is only a short drive away too.
And with stays from £29 a night, history buffs and theatre fans are getting some serious bang for their buck here.
Book a room at Travelodge Stratford-upon-Avon from £29 per night
Travelodge Blackpool South Shore
You can see the striking Blackpool skyline from the windows of Travelodge Blackpool South ShoreCredit: AlamyStay in a clean and comfortable room in Travelodge Blackpool South ShoreCredit: Travelodge
This hotel looks straight out over Blackpool’s famous seafront, with views of the Tower and all three piers from the promenade.
Soak up the British seaside holiday nostalgia with visits to the beach, arcades, fairground, and by tucking into a chippy tea for dinner.
From the action-packed tower to the rides at Pleasure Beach, you’ve got a ton of entertainment within walking distance.
Plus you get jaw-dropping views of Blackpool‘s famous skyline, which has been newly-transformed by Aviktas, the theme park’s massive new gyro swing ride.
Book a room at Travelodge Blackpool South Shore from £40.99 per night
Travelodge Ryde, Isle of Wight
Bag an island staycation with this affordable stay in Ryde on the Isle of WightCredit: Alamy
With a stay at this seaside Travelodge, you’ve got a long sandy beach, Victorian pier and scenic seafront all within easy reach.
There’s even hovercraft and ferry terminals in Ryde to make it super easy to get there from Portsmouth or Southsea.
The Isle of Wight has a totally different pace to the mainland, with secret sandy coves and sleepy, postcard-perfect villages. And Ryde makes for the ideal budget-friendly base.
For £25 a night, an island staycation suddenly feels a lot more accessible.
Book a room at Travelodge Ryde from £25 per night
Travelodge Hayle, Cornwall
Stay in Hayle on the North Coast of Cornwall in an affordable TravelodgeCredit: Getty
Hayle sits right on Cornwall’s dramatic north coast, with the golden sands of Hayle Towans and the wider St Ives Bay just minutes away.
This stretch of coastline looks less like your typical British beach and more like somewhere abroad, with its turquoise water and wild dunes.
St Ives itself, with its museums and galleries, pretty harbour and historic lighthouse, is only a short hop down the road.
Cornish staycations usually come with a hefty price tag, but this is a rare budget way in.
Book a room at Travelodge Hayle from £40 per night
Travelodge Llandudno
Take a cable car up to Great Orme Head in LlandudnoCredit: GettyTravelodge Llandudno has a prettt white exterior and is just 200m from Llandudno PierCredit: Trip Advisor/Travelodge IIandudno Management
Llandudno combines Victorian seaside charm with a breathtaking mountain backdrop – and there’s an impressive historical site on your doorstep here, too.
Days here are best spent strolling the elegant pier, or riding the cable car up the Great Orme headland for spectacular views over Snowdonia’s peaks.
This hotel is only 13 minutes’ drive from Conwy Castle, one of the UK’s best-preserved medieval castles built in the 13th century.
It’s rare to stay somewhere with such impressive landscapes and historical sites sandwiched together, but its even more rare when you can stay there for as little as £35 a night!
Book a room at Travelodge Llandudno from £35 per night
