Foster'ing Good Times at Cucumber Hill Farm

Our good friend invited us to go to a corn maze tonight, out in Foster, Rhode Island.  Cucumber Hill Farm is a beautifully revamped farm that has a little extra to offer this time of year.

Located wayyyyyy out off Route 6, right near the Killingly, Connecticut border, is where you can pick your own pumpkins and gourds, do a few pony rides ($3), or do some fall photography.

Open weekends,  September 24 to October 30th, Cucumber Hill Farms offers free hayrides, free kiddie hay maze, and tonight they had some complimentary hot cocoa and coffee.  For a $8 for anyone over 12, $4 for 4-12, and free for under that, you get to enjoy a corn-y trip through the Land of Oz.

Kyle had the kids running around throughout the maze looking for the Wizard of Oz based questions.  We found 8 of the 10 posts with questions about the movie.  And since it was supper time, we didn't go back to see if we could find anymore.  

 Right.  Supper time in Foster.  Where to go?  Amazingly enough, we had heard of a little place called Pizza King.  Just a local joint, located off the beaten path (moreso than we were) on a pond.  For under $40, we fed 3 adults and four kids.  Not bad.  And neither was the food.  In fact, we decided we wanted to go back another night when the kids weren't so tired and wired to try some of the funky pizzas, lobster bisque, and grinders they had on the menu.  And it looks like it would make a great summer stop, since you can eat outside overlooking the view of the water.

So if you are looking for something to do out in the land of "No School Foster/Glocester", take a ride down route 6, pick some pumpkins, get lost in OZ, and find some tasty food less than 10 minutes away from the farm.

Pizza King
430 Ledge Road
Dayville, CT

Cucumber Hill Farm
39 Cucumber Hill Road
Foster, RI

Looking for something to do? AppleFest!

This weekend at Wachusett Mountain is their 28th annual AppleFest.

Last year, our family went, bundled up to the max.  There were some bouncy houses.  Lots of crafters, activities and local farm fresh items.  And, yes, maple cotton candy. DELICIOUS!

For an additional charge, we took the Skyride up to the top of the mountain.  I would not necessarily recommend you do this with wiggly children under 3, but be your own judge.  My kids were so excited, and I held onto them pretty tightly since it is a ski lift.  But they did great and loved the unique view above the trees, down to the valley.  And we were able to walk around the top of the mountain, exploring the sights.

Adults are $10, 6-12 are $6, and under 5 get into the festival free as well as a sky ride admission.  Skyrides are an additional cost, but there are some great packages that include the sky ride, food and other fun activities.

So if you are looking for a great outdoor family friendly and food friendly day, head up to Wa.... Wa... Wachusett either today or tomorrow. Maybe I'll see you there.  Doors are open 10-5.

Sweet Apples Galore

It was too beautiful out to not take advantage it.  Especially since every weekend the entire month of October is booked with birthdays, conferences, and Halloween festivities.  So after school, I took the boys to Barden Family Orchard in North Scituate, Rhode Island to do some apple picking.

Today's brisk and sunny visit was our first to this harvest zone.  Nestled in the back woods of nowhere, in the outskirts of the Apple Valley, Barden's hosts a variety of pick your own stuff including apples, peaches, and veggies.  They also have a lot of pumpkins to help you get your Halloween on.  But we were there for the apples.

For $15 per peck, or 2 for $25, we could find Galas, Macs, Macouns, Grannys, and other varieties.  Though they try to clearly mark the breed of tree, unfortunately most tags were off so we went by sight.

The boys and I had such a blast picking.  I swear Mudge found one as big as his head, which of course resulted in me carrying his bag because "It's too heavy, mom." And then, Boog was being so strong carrying the bag around, but visions of a peck of apples rolling down the hill towards the car made me take his as well.  Self preservation, I know.

But now that we are done, the question really is: What the heck to do I do now with two pecks of apples?

Apple crisp.  Because I don't need crust.
Apple streusel. MMM. Streusel.
Apple coffee cake.  Anything as a side with coffee.
Apple slices on PB sandwiches.  A new favorite of Boog's.
Pork Chops and Appleshauce. Peter Brady's favorite.

Suppose I should get to work on some recipes.....
Anyone got any????

You still have Sunday to checkout Kidsfest!

If you are trying to figure out something to do with the family that incorporates bouncy houses, free healthy snacks, free schwag, and kid friendly entertainment then head to Wachusett Mountain 21st Annual Kidsfest.

The boys and I went today and we had a blast.  After all the rain last night, the grounds were mushy and muddy (no different than soccer this morning) but that didn't stop the show.  The North East Trixstars BMX bikers doing stunts, that Boog claims that he will do when he is 11.  There was a stiltwalker: Mom, where are his feet?  There was enough calcium enriched foods like the TruMoo Garelick farms stands giving away free chocolate and plain mild and the Stoneyfield guys dispersing delicious yogurt, cheese, and milk goodies, to strengthen the bones of all of Massachusetts.

Boog at the Worcester Sharks Hockey Shoot Out

There were reps from tons of local kid related business from the Worcester area including karate, golf, hockey (Go Sharks!), care centers, and gymnastics.  And we didn't even get to stay to see the Blue Dog Group do their amazing frisbee stunts.  Oh, and we "met" Smokey the Bear, you remember "Only you can prevent forest fires."  Well, Boog was not keen on going near the bear in jean with red suspenders, but at least he took the hat.

Entering one of the at least 5 bouncies.

Mudge learning the art of golf at the PGA tent

There were so many food products being given away, my bag was stuffed.  My snack drawer is now full of goodies.  So bring an extra back pack or something.  You can go there hungry, and come out full from tasting a ton of stuff. But they do have concessions and BBQ there if you need something a little more substantial.

I swear I didn't hoard.  That was just a one of each from the kids and me.

After about 2 hours there, the boys were toast and I wasn't going to push the limits.  Though I was lucky enough to have gone for the nadda, my friends that accompanied me agreed that the $8-10 admission fee, free for 2 and under, is well worth the bouncy house exercise and the free snacks.  There are other activities for additional fees, like the Sky Ride, crafts, and such.    Overall, it is a great way to spend the day finding new activities to do while wearing the kids out!

Wachusett Mountain, not just for skiing

Wa....
Wa...
Wachusett.
Wachusett Mountain, mountain skiing, minutes away.

I suppose it is good advertising, since it has been engrained into my brain.

Regardless, Wachusetts has more to offer than just snowy slopes.  In the fall, the mountain hosts a plethora of activities.

This weekend, September 24-25, is the KidsFest.  Music, food, and fun for the whole family. Admission varies if you purchase ahead of time compared to door price, and if you want to take advantage of packages.  Under 2 is free.

October 15-16 brings the Apple Fest.
The Apple Fest last year was AWESOMELY DELICIOUS! Local honey, local apples, local maple syrup, and maple cotton candy.  Besides the local foods, there were local craft vendors.  There was a variety of entertainment like clowns, bouncy houses, lifts to the top of the mountain.  Just a ton to do.  Plus AAA offers a discount, check it out.

You think I like food much?  I love BBQ. And I might have to just live there October 22-23. Its BBQ to the max with proceeds benefitting the Greg Hill Foundation.  Enough said.

Fall Fun

I love fall.  It is probably my most favorite time of year.  The weather is cool and crisp.  It makes me want everything apple, pumpkin or candy corn.  So I have been putting my feelers out on local places to do pick-your-owns.

Amazingly enough, there is a site called, you guessed it, Pick Your Own that helps identify places to harvest apples, berries, pumpkins, and whatever else might be in season in different Rhode Island counties.  I just highlighted a few in Providence County that I think I might stop by:

Barden Family Orchard in North Scituate, RI
Dame Farm and Orchards in Johnston, RI
Harmony Farms in Harmony, RI. I have been here a few years ago when Boog was just in a stroller. It was off the beaten path and quaint.
Steere Orchard in Greenville, RI.
Hill Orchards in Johnston, RI. They even provide a run down of exactly when to pick certain types of apples on their site.
Wojcik's Farm in Blackstone, MA. Though not in RI, its just a few minutes away for us, so we went there last year and had a great time.

Looking for a productive way to get lost?
Pumpkin Patches and More.org provide a listing of hay rides, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches in the Rhode Island area.

But if you live in Massachusetts, you can check out Davis's Farmland and MegaMaze. Always an impressive adventure.  Last time we went, Boog was in the toddler back pack and it took us well over an hour.

Near Putnam, Connecticut is Fort Hill Farms, hosting a Farmer's Cow corn maze in 2 abilities, under 8, lasting about 30 minutes, and over 8 which could take nearly an hour and a half, per their comments. Plus, you can get their delicious ice cream after you've worked up an appetite :)

Passport to the Trails: Caratunk Wildlife Refuge

Way into Seekonk, MA, I say this relative to my location in the northwestern corner of Rhode Island, is the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge.

This was our 5th expedition on our Passport to the Trails from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island (just one more to go to get our special prizes).  And I have to say, probably the most pleasant of hikes we have had to date.  It was a gorgeous 70 degree day, low humidity, and low mosquito count.

The trail itself was very easy and short.  It took about 20 minutes to find the hidden symbol.  With our short little legs, it was just enough, as Mudget really needed a nap.

The oddity of the day was the plethora of grasshoppers.  I have never seen so many in one area, it was unreal. I didn't realize until the end that all of the flashes of flight were actually the grasshoppers heading from the flattened grassy trail, into the leafy tall grasses to hide.  I thought initially they were moths. Silly me.

Overall, the Passport program has helped me help my boys discover and explore natural habitats.  It has also helped me play with my camera and do some photography. You have until September 30th, 2011 to complete at least 6 trails in order to get a prize.  I would highly recommend this FREE program for families next summer, so they may challenge themselves into getting into to nature more often.

Anytime is Playground Time Thanks to Kaboom's New App

Today we had to run some errands so by 10 o'clock we had been in the car for a while.  So I tried out my new app: Parents Kaboom! Playground finder.

First, if you don't know Kaboom! they are a wonderful resource for getting play and playgrounds back into the community.  In fact, I submitted a video for our school to get a chance for a grant.  Though we didn't win, I keep in contact with them and keep trying.

Anyway, it was more of a test, I knew where we were going.  I plugged in my Current Location and low and behold, 5 playgrounds showed up, 4 of which I was not aware.  

 We arrived.

 We conquered.

We played for about an hour.
 

I absolutely love the idea of this app.  You can find a playground, add a playground, and even set up a play date. I am often on the road with the boys, and sometimes you just want to let them burn off some energy.

So the next time you or the kids are itching to get outside and you are looking for an all inclusive area to build some strength, coordination, socialization, language, while having fun, flip through the iPhone, and BAM!  You have places to go within seconds.  It's free. It's awesome. My only word of caution is that it does rely on visitor's ratings and most of the listed playgrounds are schools, so I am not sure how reliable it is, understandably.  For example it listed my local high school as having one, which I am pretty doubtful it has an accessible area for kids to play.  None the less, it is now one of my faves.  Kudos to Kaboom! and Parents.

Nature should be enjoyed wearing a full body net suit

Adventure on the Audubon Passport #4: Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge in Tiverton, Rhode Island

I added anti-itch cream to the traveling first aid trail kit today, as I have learned from the past three trails that it gets obscenely buggy.  And unfortunately today's hike was no exception.  The four boys and I looked like Mom and the Musketeers, with backpacks and water bottles, swatting away mosquitos as if it actually helped.  We walked swiftly and carried a big stick, sorry for the Roosevelt reference.  I should have added one of those electric skeeter swatters.... maybe I will stop at Job Lot to get one for the next trail.  Or a whole body net suit.  My legs look like I have been attacked by the Tasmanian Devil.  None the less....

 

We followed the trail and located the hidden shell symbol and rubbed it into our passport to prove we have made it through another journey.  Only 1/2 mile or so hike, it wasn't too bad.  Though I did have to carry Mudge a good portion of the way back.  The trek was easy, nothing too steep or rugged.  Just challenging enough for the little ones.   

The interesting part was the drive.  It was long, but for as long as I have been a Rhode Islander, I have never been through Tiverton.  It is a beautiful part of the state with scenic views of waterfront, some gorgeous-make-you-jealous-houses, intertwined with farmland.  But since the drive was long and the hike was short, we stopped in at the Butterfly Zoo just 5 minutes down the road from the trail.

A small observatory with a variety of beautifully winged creatures in various states.  I even got to see the larva of a the death's head moth (below) from Silence of the Lambs, one of my favorite movies of all times.  For $23 for the five of us, it wasn't too bad, though I wished there were more in there.  It is towards the end of the season, so they aren't really replenishing them.  But it added to our Tiverton experience.

So if you are headed down 195, divert to route 24 South, then 77.  Bring the best damn bug spray, and let me know how it is.  Because OFF is NOT cutting it!

Looking for a way to get out energy....

World War I Memorial Park, located at 401 Elmwood Street, North Attleboro is a hop, skip and jump from the Emerald Square Mall.  If you need to get some shopping done with the kids, and need some incentive for good behavior, this park might work for you.

WWI Memorial Park encompasses a great playground, with a massive climb and slide set, a toddler set up, a vestibular (tire) swing, a couple of standard sling swings and 1 supportive accessible swing for those with different abilities.  In another section, there is a huge "beach scene" sand pit.  And my boys favorite, a 40' tube slide to burn up any extra energy they may have left.  They went up and down probably close to 20 times. It was great.

But even if you are at stroller or Bjorn level, WWI Memorial Park also has a little "zoo" area with animals, as well as a marked path along the left side of the entire one way street for walking.

Even though it was super crowded today from day campers, the boys still had a blast.  Bring water bottles, snacks, lunches, sunscreen because you will be there for a while.  There are port-a-potties and water fountains (or bubblas for us northern Rhode Islanders).