Family Friendly Things To Do On Block Island

August 9, 2021

My new escape from reality is going to Block Island on the Ferry and spending the day cruising around the island. I’ve found some great family friendly things to do on Block Island that you can do as a day trip, or even better, spend a night and spread it out over a few days.

For the past few years I have wanted to take my family to Block Island to spend a day riding mopeds around the island. My kids are still young so they can’t do that yet; but I was able to recruit my mom to join me on my zany adventures.

Getting To Block Island

It’s easy to get to Block Island. We take the ferry out of Point Judith. On our first trip we took the traditional ferry which is a 55 minute ride across the ocean. The second trip we took the high speed ferry out to the island and the traditional ferry home.

Then, on our most recent trip where we brought the kids, we took them on the traditional ferry for the “experience”. Sometimes half the fun of a trip is the trip to the destination!

Shopping

Shopping is a good way to help support the locals on Block Island. And I always like to take home a piece of the island with me. There are lots of cute shops right in town as you disembark the ferry; and there are other shops also sprinkled around the island.

On both trips we shopped in the stores on Water Street and also found a cute shop on Corn Neck Road. On our more recent trip, we ordered sandwiches from Block Island Grocery to feed everyone before we started our hunt for glass floats.

Block island has a special event going on for local artisans it’s the Empire Emporium and it is open through Labor Day. It is located in the Empire Theater and is open from 10am -8pm every day. The emporium features locally handmade artisans and vintage wares!

Dining

There are a LOT of great restaurants along the island. You can select from Fine Dining at The Spring House, Restaurant 1879, or Winfields. Taverns and Nightclubs like Captain Nicks’, Pier 76 Dock Bar, Yellow Kittens Tavern. Along with casual dining and ice cream at Aldo’s Restaurant and Bakery, Block Island Oyster Bar & Grill, Dead Eye Dick’s, Dune & Bluffs, Island Pizza Company and so much more.

If you were to vacation on Block Island for the week, you will have no problem finding someplace different to try each night. So far since visiting, my mom and I have only eaten at the Mohegan Restaurant and Bar. The food there was amazing! I had a delicious seared tuna salad which hit the spot after a full day of exploring!

Beaches and Lighthouses of Block Island

Block Island has beautiful, beautiful beaches, and each of them are unique from one another. There are 17 miles of beaches on Block Island. Want to hunt for sea glass? Head north on West Beach to the North Point lighthouse. I hear it’s an excellent place to look for sea glass. I’m going to have to add this to my to-do list for my next visit to Block Island.

Want the beach all to yourself? It will take some hiking; but if you head out to The Painted Rock, you can go to Tom’s Point and Black Rock Beach. This is one of my favorite spots on Block Island. It’s the first place I took the kids once we arrived.

The views are amazing. The water is so clear and colorful, and you can see the Block Island Wind Farm. There are five large wind turbines out in the ocean that generates power for the island. It’s the first commercial offshore wind farm in the United States. It’s quite spectacular to see them in person.

There are also some beautiful lighthouses along the beaches of the island. The Block Island North Light is my favorite. It sits among the grassy dunes and stands so strong out on the tip of the island. The current building there now is the fourth lighthouse built on the site. The lighthouse tower is 55 feet tall, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. This light blinks white every 5 seconds.

There is also the Southeast Lighthouse that sits atop Mohegan Bluffs. It has been named a National Historic Landmark in 1997 and was moved 300 feet from its original location back in 1993 because of erosion of its original perch. This lighthouse tower stands 52 feet tall and flashes green every 5 seconds.

You can tour the lighthouse and shop in the giftshop during the summer. Tours are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and children. You can visit the Southeast Lighthouse grounds with the views of the bluffs and the Wind Farm all year round.

Moped, Bike or Jeep Rentals

My absolute favorite thing to do is rent a moped and drive all around the island. I love the freedom of being in the open sea air, with the sunshine and the wind blowing. It’s the best! Second to that is renting a Jeep with a soft top. I’ve done both and love the different adventures each one provides.

Many mopeds are not allowed to drive on some of the dirt roads. But when we had a Jeep we were able to drive through to Black Rock Point. It’s great! You can go places that would otherwise take a long time to walk to, or can’t access with a moped.

You can also rent bikes on the island or bring your bike over on the ferry. I personally wouldn’t want to bring my bike unless I was staying on the island. Then I would enjoy riding into town or around the island to explore. But when we are on just a day trip, we want to cover as much ground as possible as we hunt for glass floats.

Old Harbor Bike Shop

We rented the mopeds and Jeep from Old Harbor Bike Shop. When you first get off the ferry there is a rep from Island Moped who flags you down and encourages you to rent from them. We first went to their shop; but we felt rushed and their tutorial for riding is done on loose gravel and we didn’t feel comfortable getting trained in a short time without practice.

We walked down the street and stopped over at the Moped Man lot and they walked us down to Old Harbor Bike Shop. We explained our experience at Island Moped to them and asked for some time to show my mom how to drive the moped and get comfortable with it before we decided to rent. Because we had such a great experience with them, we used them again to rent a Jeep. They were also gracious to give us off season pricing for the Jeep since we were visiting in October.

Boat Basin Rentals

When we returned in June with the kids, I didn’t plan enough time to book a Jeep reservation in the busy season through Old Harbor Bike Shop. I was lucky to get a reservation for their last Jeep through Boat Basin Rentals 401-466-5811. I highly recommend this company. They picked us up right at the ferry dock, and drove us to their place which us just 10 minutes from the dock. When we were done for the day, we were dropped off back in town wherever we wanted to go.

Moped Safety

One thing I need to share with you that is a very sensitive subject with residents of Block Island, is the danger of mopeds. Unsafe and aggressive driving is not tolerated, and you run the risk of getting fined or losing your driver’s license.

For more information visit blockislandmopeds.org. Be smart and mature about it. If you don’t feel comfortable driving the moped, then don’t. Find a different method of touring the island, whether it be on bike, via taxi, or car rental.

Hiking Block Island

I wouldn’t have thought of Block Island as a place to go hiking; but there are a lot of trails, parks and nature preserves on Block Island. There is the Nature Conservancy, Ocean View Pavilion, Rodman’s Hollow, Hodge Family Wildlife Preserve, Clay Head Nature Trail, Solviken Preserve, Sachem Pond, and Nathan Mott Park.

My mom and I have been to Ocean View Pavilion and Clay Head Nature Trail. And we took the kids to these places on our last visit also. My daughter especially loved the waves at the end of the Clay Head Nature Trail at Roiles Harbor.

I like the Clay Head Nature trail because of the beach location at the end, and also because much of the trail is shaded. So it’s great when hiking on a warm day. You can also download a copy of the Block Island hiking trail map which shows over 28 miles of walking trails open to the public. This is definitely something I will bring with me the next time I visit the island.

The Nature Conservancy

Block Island was named one of 12 “Last Great Places” in the western hemisphere in 1991. The island has rare plants and animals in it’s 2,000 acres of wildlife habitat that disappeared from the rest of Southern New England decades ago.

The Nature Conservancy site is a great resource to learn about nature walks and programs and events around the island for any age level. Some events they have are virtual and self guided walks, bird watching walks, night sky viewing, and nature walks to explore unique micro-habitats.

The Nature Conservancy and Block Island Conservancy also has kiosks located at Rodmans’ Hollow, Clay Head, Nathan Mott Park, Mohegan Bluffs and Ocean View Pavilion which lists updated scavenger hunts, nature sightings and local eco-updates.

I real had no idea there was as much conserved land around the island, and how many different activities you can do related to nature and conservation. The more I am researching about these activities, the more I want to stay an entire week on the island to explore and learn!

Orb Hunting on Block Island

I saved this for last because I didn’t want to let the secret out too soon. There’s kind of a secret club of people that lives for “orb hunting” or “glass float hunting” when they come to visit Block Island. There’s also a Facebook group dedicated to the search for the glass floats. So what’s this all about?

There’s a very talented glass blower who owns a shop in Wakefield, RI called The Glass Station. His name is Eben Horton and he has been blowing glass floats and hiding them all around the island. Why you ask? Why not? It’s a great way to encourage people to see more of the island. It gives you the opportunity to explore the nature preserves, the beaches, and hiking trails.

Photo by Block Island Tourism

He also hides them around town in public places only. So if you don’t find one on the trails, you may find one in a flower bed right in front of one of the shops or restaurants! I haven’t been so lucky. My mom and I started orb hunting in September of 2020. I have friends who have been hunting for years with no luck. We don’t give up though! It just gives us another reason to plan our return trip back to Block Island. Read more about The Glass Float Project.

Do You Want To Visit Block Island?

Writing this post makes me want to check my calendar for a day right after Labor Day to hop on the ferry and go orb hunting! My girlfriend Karen wants to go with me next and wants to rent mopeds! I will be watching the weather once the kids are back in school and we are going to run off and play on a great sunny day!

Are you interested in going to Block Island? What’s your favorite part of the island? Did you know of The Glass Float Project? I hope you take some time to head over to this little hidden treasure right off the Rhode Island and Connecticut coastline.

Summer Bucket List

June 15, 2021

It’s here! Summer break started in our home this week. I always start the summer with a summer bucket list in my mind; but never put it on paper. I’ve finally done it, and I’d love to share it with you!

What Kind of Activities Are On A Summer Bucket List?

I love the variety of either creating your own bucket list or downloading one with activities already on it. Mine is available for you to download; but I also have a blank template you can use to make your own!

The types of activities I chose for my summer bucket list include a lot of outdoor activities. I have a 14 year old son and a 12 year old daughter. If you have kids that age, you know what my struggle is going to be this summer…. getting them outside!

We do have a pool and a trampoline; but I feel like the pandemic has created some very bad habits. They would rather be indoors in the air conditioning playing electronic games via the internet with their friends. I need to find a balance for that this year. I included activities that they can do with friends or family. Or even by themselves. But my biggest challenge this year is reversing the screen time that was “allowed” during the shutdown last summer.

Why Have A Summer Bucket List?

I like having a summer bucket list to give us some motivation to get up and go somewhere. While I work at home for myself, I do have flexibility to manage my workload so I can go with them to do fun things. I want the kids to try different things.

We have beaches here in CT; but we only go to one beach most of the time. And when we do, we go at night. The kids have never been to the beach with a packed picnic lunch and blanket to spend the day by the water and playing in the sand. We’ve done it by the lakes in New Hampshire; but I’d love to have them try something different.

I’d like to become a tourist in our own state! We have lots of state parks, great biking and hiking trails, and plenty of summer events are now starting up again after COVID.

Do You Have A Summer Bucket List?

What kind of activities do you do? Like I said, I used to always have a list in my head and may have told the kids what I wanted to do; but many times we didn’t do nearly any of the items I wanted. Then when the summer vacation comes to an end I feel bad that I didn’t do anything I wanted to.

Having a list to check off will help me motivate myself and the kids to slow down, take some time for ourselves and go play. Life is short…summer is shorter!

Share your ideas with me! I’d love to think of other things we can do during the summer and perhaps add them to my summer bucket list next year!

Four Free Springtime Family Events in Connecticut

April 22, 2019

After a long and rainy winter, the Spring season is finally here in Connecticut. Even though it’s been a wet spring, you know the old saying, “April showers bring May flowers!” It’s time to get outside and enjoy some family time and I have four free springtime family events in Connecticut to share with you!

I have some great suggestions for activities you can do with your family to welcome in the new season. You will want to bring your cameras, because these locations will have a lot of beautiful photos opps. The best part is, these events all have FREE admissions!

The Daffodil Festival at Hubbard Park – Meriden

Four Free Springtime Family Events in Connecticut

This festival has been running for 40 years and this year is the 41st annual Meriden Daffodil Festival! Admission is free and you can walk through the park to admire the more than 600,000 daffodils! There are three stages with live musical performances, the Silver Fork Food Tent, a parade, arts and crafts, children’s activities and a carnival for children, plus fireworks!

The festival hours are:
Saturday, April 27 from 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 28 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

I have lived in Connecticut my entire life. Can you believe I still haven’t made it to this festival? My daughter’s softball schedule is pretty packed. However, this year after her double-header, I’m hoping we can take a detour through the park on the drive home from the game. Or even try to watch the fireworks from the hill up near our house!

Visit the Daffodil Festival website for more information and details.

Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens – Hartford

Elizabeth Park is one of the first municipal rose gardens in the country. Enjoy the greenhouses, nature walks, perennials and rock gardens as you stroll through this gorgeous 100 acre park with flowers in bloom.Elizabeth Park is open all year round from dawn to dusk and is free.

You can have a picnic lunch on the grounds or visit the Pond House Café for a Sunday Brunch. Also open during the summer hours is the Dog House, a take-out window with gourmet hot dogs, ice cream, cold drinks, and other warm-weather snacks. All purchases support the Elizabeth Park Conservancy and the beautiful park.

For more information about Elizabeth Park and it’s history visit their website http://www.elizabethparkct.org/.

46th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival – New Haven

In 1973, the New Haven Historic Commission planted 73 cherry blossom trees in Wooster Square. Enjoy live entertainment including jazz, steel band, big band music, and opera, while strolling along the streets lined with the blossoming cherry trees. The event is pet-friendly at the Little Italy Area in Wooster Square.

This event takes place from 12:00 noon to 4:00 on April 28, 2019.

The On-Stage entertainment will include:

Neighborhood Music School Premiere Jazz Ensemble
Tuxedo Junction (The Sound of Swing)
St. Luke’s Steel Band
Carlos Santiago Y Su Momento Musical (Salsa)

Enjoy a dedicated family and children’s area with arts & crafts, Nappy’s Puppets, the New Haven Free Public Library Readmobile and the New Haven Parks Department FunBus. For more information and parking information visit the Historic Wooster Square website.

COLORBLENDS House & Spring Garden – Bridgeport

This event is currently running through May 12 at the restored 1903 Colonial Revival Mansion. The Dutch garden designer Jacqueline van der Kloet creates the blend of snowdrops, crocuses, daffodils, tulips, and other spring-flowering blooms among the intimate garden in collaboration with Bridgeport-based COLORBLENDS Wholesale Flowerbulbs.

COLORBLENDS has recently designed a new garden to give ideas to visitors on how to design their own gardens at home. From raised beds, to hearty moisture-tolerant bulbs, perennials, and shrubs. Hopefully the gardens will help you think of how to lay out your garden to create a returning canvas of color each Spring.

Not only can you stroll the beautiful garden, but you can also tour the 1903 Colonial Revival Mansion. The mansion will serve as a pop-up gallery filled with art of all kinds created by local artists.

Some artists include:

Benjamin Casiano
Bob Keating
Chandler Davis
David Joel Pratt
Jahmane, Jennifer Williams
JodiAnn Strmiska
Katie Jurkiewicz
Michael J Clocks
Nancy Moore
Patrice Barrett
Tara Blackwell
Vasilisa Romanenko

For more information about the event visit The COLORBLENDS House & Spring Garden site.

Which event are you going to visit? I’d love for you to share how they were along with sharing some pictures on my facebook page www.facebook.com/wifemotherrunner or share them on Twitter and tag @wifemotherrunr.

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid S Showed Me How To Get To Sesame Street

November 16, 2018

I had the opportunity to visit the studio where Sesame Street is recorded for an event with Chrysler to unveil the new Pacifica Hybrid S and it was amazing! I was given this opportunity because Claudia Krusch from Trendy Latina had a last minute change in her flight and needed coverage from NYC.

Claudia didn’t tell me the details of what I was going to see because she likes to surprise people. I was VERY surprised when I was told I’d be going on a tour of the Sesame Street set! Sesame Street will be celebrating it’s 50th anniversary next year; and I grew up watching Sesame Street. I NEVER in my life have thought that I would go on the actual set of Sesame Street.

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid S and Sesame Street Event

The event was sponsored by Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid S and Sesame Street at George’s Restaurant at Kaufman Astoria Studios. When I arrived, I was warmly greeted by Lisa and Christine from Chrysler and Beatrice from Sesame Street. This was my first car event and I wanted to do a great job for Claudia. Having such a warm welcome was a pleasure.

I was there with a small group of writers and influencers and we were given a presentation about the new Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid S model, took photographs of the car to share and then went on the tour of the Sesame Street production set!

What I learned about the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid S

I loved the car! When I heard about the features in the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid I knew I had to share what I learned about it. The first thing I noticed when I approached the car was that I could barely hear the car running. I also loved the amazing features to make life easier and more convenient such as the hands free sliding doors and liftgate that opens with the kick of a foot!
We have a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I like having the diesel SUV, but here are just a few of the features that I really liked about the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid S:

I really liked the efficiency when running in electric mode and gas mode
The hybrid qualifies for a $7,500 tax credit, along with state and local incentives.
It seats seven comfortably with plenty of room for everyone’s stuff in the back!
The in-car entertainment system is also incredible – the passengers can use HDMI, audio jacks and USB ports on the seatbacks with the 10″ touchscreens.
I also love a sunroof and this car has the two pane panoramic sunroof. A
Another amazing feature I never knew a car could have…a Stow ‘n Vac integrated vacuum powered by RIGID!

What I learned about Sesame Street

I learned about a lot of amazing features that a car can have for today’s family on the go; but next it was time to visit life on Sesame Street! Our group was escorted to the Sesame Street production studio for our tour.

When we were on the level for the set we saw the control rooms for the taping. I had never been in a control room before; but I was in awe to see some of my childhood friends on the hundreds of monitors in front of me. I wanted to know what every single monitor and person did in that room.

Then we were told to silence our phones, stay quiet on the SET and don’t record the special guest that was filming on the set that day because they are taping shows to be used during their 50 year anniversary. Wow! We knew a secret and we couldn’t share it out to the world!

When the door opened and I felt a rush of wind on my face from the large size of the room I couldn’t believe what I saw! I was walking behind the set of a live production. The On Air Light blinked and it was show time! There were cameras, and booms, lights, and lights, and lights, and people. Lots of people work on that one set to get everything exactly as the producer wants it.

After the initial excitement, I looked around more and saw all of the parts of the neighborhood I grew up with right there in front of me. I even got to sit on the steps right where my childhood friends in the TV sat! That was a huge moment for me.

Then I spotted Big Bird’s Nest! And then Oscar the Grouch’s can! Then Hooper’s sign, and then I saw out of the corner of my eye, the actual Sesame Street street sign. I saw windows that I recognize from when I was little and I thought of Bert and Ernie sitting in their bedroom talking and going through their nightly routine. The memories came flooding in. I had them all throughout my train ride home and when I was posting to social media later that night.

Lunch at George’s Restaurant at Kaufman Astoria Studios

What a fun and amazing experience! I felt like I went back in time and was star struck by my childhood TV stars! I enjoyed lunch with writers, an Stammering, and Beatrice at George’s Restaurant. They had a wonderful buffet for us with salmon, salad, fresh rolls, rice and vegetables.

Beatrice shared with me a lot about Sesame Street PR and how celebrities work with Sesame Street. Also about how Sesame Street has changed when it first came out in 1969 versus the way it is portrayed now almost 50 years later. She told me the show wasn’t aired in Mississippi back in 1969 because of the diversity of the cast.

I Found Out How To Get To Sesame Street

What a wonderful day. As I was riding the train back home and viewing the skyline of the city I was remembering all of the episodes I saw with the city in the background. I went to a place I had been for so many years, but never actually physically visited. It felt like a dream; but was really nostalgic.

Do you have a Chrysler Hybrid Pacifica or the Pacifica S? Would you consider this as your next car? This is a great car that I would consider for our next family vehicle! Tweet out what you would like about the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid S if you had one!

My favorite feature of the @Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid S is the capacity to seat seven people comfortably and still have room for luggage or sporting gear! #Chrysler #SesameStreet Share on X

Also, have you prepared your car for winter yet? Connecticut has already experienced one snow storm, and many people were stuck in their cars for three hours on their commute home. I recommend you get your cars prepared so you won’t be stuck in the cold!

Fall Events At The Three Vineyards Right Near Me!

October 19, 2018

Did you know that within 3 miles from my house I have 3 wonderful vineyards? I often run by two of those vineyards for my longer marathon training runs. Gouveia Vineyards, Paradise Hills Vineyard & Winery and Rosabianca Vineyards are the three vineyards near me.

Gouveia Vineyards

Each vineyard has an event usually every weekend. Gouveia has live music on Friday nights. This Friday, October 19 The Panacea Brothers will be performing. It’s a very relaxing atmosphere as you roam the vineyard and enjoy the view of the sun setting over the hills in Wallingford.

My son and I went to the vineyard to take photographs of the vineyard and the sun setting one Fall. It was so much fun and we loved the freedom to roam the grounds and enjoy the sights.

Rosabianca Vineyards

On Friday nights the New Haven Pizza Truck comes to Rosabianca. It’s the perfect way to kick off your weekend.

On October 27, Rosabianca is going to hold a Wine Wisdom: Wine Tasting Basics class. The class is from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The “Wine tasting basics” lesson will be held by Aldo! He was brought directly from Italy and with his BS in Wine Science you are sure he’ll have a lot to explain! The Tasting will last for about 1 hour and half, you’ll taste 4 different wines and you’ll have a little pairing tip at the end!

Paradise Hills Vineyard & Winery

Enjoy live music on Friday night and Sunday afternoon at Paradise Hills Vineyard & Winery. Friday’s music is by Eran Troy Danner and on Sunday from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. enjoy music from Tony Cafiero.

Enjoy a bottle of bubbly today for Happy Global Champagne Day!

Haunted Events to Do With Your Family This Weekend in CT

October 12, 2018

As Halloween gets closer and the nights are getting darker earlier there are a lot more spooky events opening up in areas around the New Haven County to get your scare on! Here are some of the events you can attend this weekend!

Some are for older children only and others are family friendly events where you can attend night or day. Admission is required to most events so plan accordingly. Tickets can also be purchase ahead of time and is recommended should you anticipate a large group attending with you.

Haunted Isle Hosted by the Shoreline Trolley Museum

This event is for kids ages 14 and up and takes place Friday and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. The general admission price is $13.00 and you can get an express ticket which will allow you to skip to the front of the line for $22.00. Tickets can be purchased in advance on-line.

Trolleys depart continuously for the Isle from 7:00 – 10:00 PM. Legend has it that somewhere in the woods at the end of the trolley tracks lurk the things that nightmares are made of. This fall a lonely trolley will carry passengers down the tracks to the gate. The choice is yours… enter if you dare!

Sleepy Hollow Lantern Tour

Visit the Historic Parmelee Farm Homestead in Killingworth on October 12, 13, or 14. The event takes place in any weather condition, so dress accordingly and wear proper footwear as you may be walking on uneven surfaces.

You will tour the Homestead via lantern by the colorful Sleepy Hollow residents as you enjoy light autumnal refreshments along the way. This is a theatrical lantern tour with Artful Living. To purchase tickets for $15 per person go to www.ArtfulLivingCT.com.

Tour Times are:
Friday and Saturday at 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm, 8:30pm and 9pm
Sunday at 7pm, 7:30pm and 8pm

Pumpkintown USA

Pumpkintown USA is a wonder non-scary event to bring the entire family to, night or day. Located in East Hampton, CT the 38 pumpkinheads are visited by as many as 25,000 people from mid September to October.

You can take a walking tour through their village and then hop on their hay wagon for a mile long ride through the forest. There you can find 30 more pumpkinheads enjoying their homes in the woods.

Admission prices are the following:

Weekends & Holidays
Village Only $6.00 per person
The Ride $7.00 per person
Village & Ride Package $12.00 per person

Weekdays
Village Only $2.00 per person
The Ride $7.00 per person

No charge for Children Under 2

More more information visit their website.

Local Orchards in New Haven County To Visit This Weekend

October 5, 2018

This weekend’s weather forecast for Connecticut is going to be very seasonal for half of the weekend. Then Sunday it will be warmer. The leaves are changing color in New Haven County and it’s the perfect time to visit some of the local orchards in the area. I’d like to share with you the special places we like to visit this time of year.

Rose Orchards

From the time our children were little, we always make it a point to visit Rose Orchards in North Branford to ride on their Haunted Hayride throughout the orchard and the woods behind the orchard. Our favorite part of the ride is looking for Pumpkin Head and his dog Buck riding through the woods on his ATV.

Then of course we have to check out their own frozen custard! It’s sooooo delicious! We also visit the animals on the property and play in the hay maze. Rose Orchards also has pumpkins in their patch for you pick from and pick your own apples. Their store also offers freshly baked pies and delicious farm fresh goodies. The cost for the hay ride is $5.00 per person.

Lyman Orchards

Lyman Orchards is in Middlefield, CT and has a large shop called the Apple Barrel. They sell award-winning pies, Eco-Certified fruits and vegetables, and other baked goodies, cheeses and gourmet specialties.

Lyman Orchards is also know for their very large corn maze. Each year they cut the maze into a different design to create a twisting and turning pathway through four acres of cornstalks.

The price for the corn maze is $5.00 for children 4-12, $10 for adults, and children 3 and under are free. Lyman Orchards donates $1.00 of each ticket to the American Cancer Society. If you have a Big Y coin or Silver card, you can also save money off of your admission to the corn maze.

Lyman Orchards also offers pick your own and you can also find your own pumpkin to take home as well!

Bishop’s Orchards

Located in Guilford, CT, Bishop’s Orchards also offers a corn maze. The hours for their maze is 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekends and also on Columbus Day. This is a great idea if your children don’t have school on Monday! The price for their corn maze is $7/person (children 2 and under are free). The theme of this year’s maze is partnered with Mystic Aquarium with a beluga and penguin theme.

Bishop’s Orchards also has a Farm Market and a Winery. Like the other orchards, when you walk into the Farm Market you can smell the fresh baked goods from the bakery and kitchen. They have breads, croissants, muffins, scones, turnovers, dumplings, quiche, stuffed breads, cheeses, fresh produce and so much more! Bishops is also supportive of customers who may need to follow a gluten free or plant-based protein diet.

Bishop’s Orchards Winery

The Winery at Bishop’s offers tours and tastings. Tastings are available seven day a week for $9.00 per person. The wine bar is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Winery tours are offered Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. with a $6.00 per person fee or $14.00 per person when paired with a full tasting. This would be a perfect date to go on with your spouse!

Don’t miss out on some fun events to take advantage of this weekend while the weather forecast is nice! I’d love to see what you do this weekend! Leave a comment after the weekend to let me know what you did for fun! Also check out my ideas for other Hallow een related events to do this month.

Need A Holiday Tradition Idea?

November 25, 2016

For the past two years we have taken the kids out of school the day before Thanksgiving to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons being inflated.

We took the 9:50 train from West Haven to Grand Central Station, had our lunch on the train, then tool the subway from Grand Central for the Museum of Natural History. That takes you right to the location where the balloons are. It’s perfect. We had great front row seats to the balloons this year. Somehow, when we arrived we were let into the area before it was open to the public. I think it was the media access that was allowed in for the beginning of the afternoon before it opens to the public at 3:00. We arrived around 1:15 so we had the entire area to ourselves!

November 23rd was the release of the new Disney movie Moana so I told the kids I wanted to see the movie on the opening day. Little did they know that it meant we were going to see the movie in New York City! We saw all of the balloons and then went to Uno’s for dinner and then had to hop on the 1 train to 42nd street then the 7 train to get to the 6 train (these are also notes to help us remember for next time). We got to the movie theater just in time for the 7:00 movie. Then we had to make the trip from Lexington back to Grand Central Station to get back on our train to head home.

It was a great day, perfect weather, and the movie was a great ending to the day. The train got us back to West Haven just before midnight. The kids like the fact that we do things that take us into the next day. By the time all was said and done I think we were in bed by 1:00 a.m.

If you are ever looking for something to do with your family this is a great time. Last year we went to see the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular so we chose something different to do for our evening entertainment. I’d love to stay overnight one year and see the parade up close.

Durham Fair 2016

September 25, 2016

We have been making a tradition to go to the Durham Fair every year and this year was a beautiful, perfect Fall day for it! Having family time together was also one of the reasons why I chose to defer my entry in the Marine Corps Marathon. The weekends are full of activities; but most of all they all involve the family and they bring me joy. This weekend was a perfect weekend with a family night on Friday, followed by a fun day at the fair and closed off by a win with Adrienne’s softball team!

Category: Day Trips