The 413 Mom

ENTER TO WIN: Country Life Gut Connection KIDS #GutHealth #ItsAllConnected

I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

Our kiddos need more support than ever right now with all of the demands being thrown at them as a result of changes in education, lack of social activities, and of course a whole host of rules to remember every time we leave the house. And we're ALL looking to boost our immunity any way we can, regardless of our age. Which is why I'm excited to team up with MomsMeet and Country Life to spread the word about their new Gut Connection Kids Line which supports kids' health with gut and immune supplements. 

Did you know that a balanced microbiome is important because 70% of the entire immune system is found in the gut. A healthy intestinal microbiome is a major factor in children’s growth and development. The new Gut Connection Kids by Country Life collection is a scientifically formulated range of supplements that connects the gut to individual health issues that matter.

The Gut Connection Kids Line collection includes:

• Gut Connection Kids Immune Balance (100 chewable tablets) which supports a strong, healthy immune system through improved gut microbiome health. 
• Gut Connection Kids Digestive Balance (60 chewable tablets) which reduces occasional digestive stress and bloating and improves gut microbiome health. 
• Gut Connection Kids Cognitive Balance (100 chewable tablets) which helps promote focus, attention and memory and improves gut microbiome health.
• Gut Connection Kids Sleep Balance (5.1 oz powder) can be mixed with water or milk to make a bedtime drink that promotes relaxation, can help little ones fall asleep faster and improves gut microbiome health. This can also be sprinkled on a bedtime snack -- into a bowl of cereal, over ice cream, or into yogurt or pudding. 

All of the chewables come in fun animal shapes and the taste is like a sweet and tangy candy -- the flavor actually reminds me of bubblegum. Also, they are not overly chalky like some "chewables." They break down really easily and do not have any yucky aftertaste. The daily dose is 2-4 chewables which is totally doable considering each animal-shaped tablet is small. The kids will not mind adding this to their diet -- it's a fun addition, not a punishment. 

Not only will the kids enjoy taking these supplements, you will feel good about boosting their health thanks to all of the benefits of Country Life research:

• Gut Connection Kids by Country Life is one of the first children’s formulas containing clinically studied Epicor® Whole Food Fermentate prebiotic shown to support immune and gut health.
• This whole food fermentate prebiotic is balanced with clinically researched ingredients for your overall health.
• All products contain Epicor® yeast fermentate which reinforces the immune system’s first line of defense and provides FAST ACTING (within 2 hours) immune support!
• Each product also includes clinically studied functional ingredients to support a growing child’s unique needs.
• All products are probiotic free, gluten free, and free from preservatives, artificial flavor or sweeteners.

One bottle/container of Gut Connection typically retails for $22.99. Use the code MOMS20 at checkout at countrylife.com  or MomsMeet.link/countrylifeshop to save 20% on your entire order! (FREE standard shipping applies on any order over $25 as well).  All products come with a money back guarantee. 

If you'd like to enter to win a Country Life Gut Connection KIDS Prize Pack valued at over $75, use the comments field below to share how you're helping your family stay balanced during these unprecedented times. We want to hear how you are using nutrition, stress relieving activities, or quality time to stay connected and healthy. One winner will be chosen at random from all eligible entries. Entry period ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, 2020. 

#momsmeet, #CountryLife, #GutConnection, #ItsAllConnected, and #GutHealth

Pedaling Pony -- pre-launch sale, save 50% for lowest prices plus FREE shipping (Purchase price only $17.50)

 

I love the inclusiveness of this product -- that it can be clipped to not only any bicycle, but any scooter, wheelchair, walker or stroller. Because EVERY kid should be able to ride their own pony!

Purchase though this link and use the coupon code THE413MOM to Save 50% off the usual purchase price now during the pre-launch sale receive FREE shipping. Bring this cutie home for only $17.50. All of our kids are looking for novelty during this shutdown time -- Pedaling Pony can turn their transportation into something magical. 

BUY NOW

Experiences, Not Things Holiday Gift Guide 2019

It's here! It's here! The 2019 edition of The413Mom's "Experiences, Not Things Holiday Gift Guide." We all have enough stuff -- why not add a few local experiences to your gift giving list this year. 

Here we have a selection of some of the best experience gift ideas in the area: museum memberships, fitness opportunities, art and music lessons, educational programs and more for all ages. I hope you'll find a gift giving experience here that will strengthen and enrich your family or help a loved one discover a new passion -- because memories are so much better than things.

Link: Experiences, Not Things Holiday Gift Guide 2019

Veterans Day Deals, FREE Meals, and Events

Happy Veteran's Day! Thank you to all who serve. Below is a list of special deals and freebies you can take advantage of in honor of your service to our country. Please share and tag a veteran! 

413 Veterans Day Parades:

November 11: Greenfield Veterans Day Parade, 9:30 a.m. steps off from the middle school and proceeds down Federal Street and Main Street to the Veteran's Mall. 

November 11: Pittsfield Veterans Day Parade, 10 a.m., steps off from City Hall and ends at Veteran's Memorial. 

November 11: Springfield Veterans Day Parade, 11 a.m., steps off from STCC, 1 Federal St. and ending at Court Square. 

November 11: West Springfield Veterans Day Parade, noon, steps off from Kings Highway, continues to Town Green. FREE food, beverages, live music and kids activities for military families on the Town Green beginning at 1 p.m.

413 Deals for Veterans & Active Duty Military: 

• Applebee's: FREE meal for all active military and veterans from open to close, November 11. 
• Bed, Bath & Beyond: 25% off entire purchase (in store only) for veterans, active miliary and their spouses through November 11.
• Chili's Grill & Bar: FREE meal for all veterans and active duty military on November 11. 
• Christmas Tree Shops: 25% off entire purchase for veterans, active military and their spouses through November 11. 
• Cracker Barrel: FREE slice of double chocolate Coca Cola cake OR a FREE pumpkin pie latte on November 11. 
• Denny's: FREE make-your-own Grand Slam meal for all active duty military and veterans, 5-11 a.m., November. 11. 
• Dollar General: all veterans, active duty military and dependents save 11% off your purchase online or in store on November 11 
• Dunkin Donuts: FREE donut to all veterans and active duty military all day November 11. 
• Friendly's Restaurants: veterans and active military, with valid military ID or honorable discharge, may receive one FREE breakfast, lunch or dinner, November 11 only, all Friendly's locations. 
• Great Clips: FREE haircuts for veterans all day on November 11, OR, stop in to receive a FREE haircut voucher redeemable at another time, OR any customer who receives any service at Great Clips on this day can receive a FREE haircut coupon to give to a veteran (vouchers expire Dec. 31, 2019). 
• IHOP: FREE Red, White, and Blue pancakes to all active duty military and veterans, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., November 11. 
• Little Caesars: FREE Hot N Ready Lunch Combo between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for all veterans and active duty military November 11. 
• LL Bean: through November 11 save 25% off total purchase online or in store for all active duty military and veterans
• Kohl's: Through November 11 -- save 30% for all active and reserve personnel and veterans and their families
• Mystic Aquarium: FREE admission for all active duty and veterans through November 17, discounted admission for dependents as well. 
• Old Sturbridge Village: FREE admission for active and retired and their families (up to six people). 
• On The Border: FREE Create Your Own Combo Meal (dine in only) for all veterans and active military on November 11. 
• Partner's Restaurant (Feeding Hills): FREE breakfast for veterans and active duty military on Tuesday, November 12 
• Red Robin: FREE Red's Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries for all veterans and active duty military, all day long. 
• Shortstop Bar & Grill (Westfield): all veterans and active duty military are welcome to FREE lunch and dinner, dine-in only, 99 Springfield Road, Westfield. 
• Target: all veterans and active duty military receive 10% off their purchase through November 11 
• Texas Roadhouse: Free lunch and Coca Cola product for all active duty military and veterans 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Proof of military service is required for many of these deals. 

Additionally, anyone can take advantage of FREE admission to all national parks on November 11. Find a list of national parks in Massachusetts here. 

ENTER TO WIN: Family 4-pack of tickets to a Celtic Family Christmas at UMASS Fine Arts Center

The family fun continues at the UMASS Fine Arts Center this season with a special holiday show featuring award-winning fiddle virtuosos Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy and their family for an intimate and unique concert guaranteed to help you find your holiday spirit. The duo will be accompanied by an array of talented musicians, including their children, for a night of high-end fiddle playing and step dancing that will make you want to get out of your seat and celebrate. "A Celtic Family Christmas" takes place at the Fine Arts Center Concert Hall on Wednesday, December 4 at 7 p.m.

If you're concerned about bringing your little ones to a holiday performance, don't be. Especially this one. Because some of the performers are children themselves. That would be MacMaster and Leahy’s six musically gifted children, who today are the centerpiece of the MacMaster/Leahy live show though not because the couple necessarily envision showbiz careers for Mary Frances, Michael, Clare, Julia and Alec (Sadie’s only 3). But the pair realized early on that being on the road without their kids was infinitely harder than touring with them.

“Christmas is where this whole concept started, and we are excited to be travelling as a family,” says Donnell Leahy. “It’s a perfect time to travel with the children and bring light and happiness to families and fans across the country.”

Doors open at 6 p.m. and audience members are invited to get their holiday family portrait taken in the Fine Arts Center Lobby by Erin Alzapiedi Photography. Ugly sweaters welcome! For a recommended donation of personal care items for the UMass Student Care Supply Closets  (find a complete list of suggested items through link) patrons will receive complimentary access to their photo for use in holiday greetings and the like. 

The entertainment world is filled with extraordinary stories, but few match the beguiling tale of fiddle players Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy. Married in 2002, the Canadian couple’s combined album sales exceed one million copies and collaborators have included classical cellist Yo-Yo Ma, bluegrass star Alison Krauss, and banjo ace Béla Fleck. Together they have been nominated for Grammy Awards and won for Best Chamber Music Performance for Songs of Joy & Peace with Yo-Yo Ma; received the Canadian Folk Music Award for Instrumental Group of the Year in 2015; and won the East Coast Music Awards Fan’s Choice for Entertainer of the Year and Instrumental Recording of the Year in 2016.

MacMaster and Leahy’s first recorded collaboration, 2015’s Bob Ezrin-produced album One, followed by 2016’s A Celtic Family Christmas, confirmed MacMaster and Leahy were as dynamic working together as they were working apart.

“The fiddle was definitely common ground for us when we first got together,” MacMaster says. “But I was so in awe of Donnell’s family, of 11 siblings who could play and had a family band. And here I am now doing almost exactly the same thing. Well, kind of.”

Tickets for A Celtic Family Christmas are $45, $35, $25; Five College Students and Youth 17 & Under are $15, $12, $10. Intimate FAC Club Seating is available in the Concert Hall pit starting at $80. For tickets call the Box Office at 545-2511, toll-free at 800-999-UMAS, or purchase online or click on the link at the top right of this page.

I'm so grateful to have teamed up with the UMASS Fine Arts Center to offer one lucky reader a family four-pack of tickets (2 adult & 2 child admissions) to the December 6 performance. All you have to do to be entered to win is use the comments field below to share your favorite local tradition to celebrate the holiday season here in Western Mass. One winner will be chosen at random from all eligible entries. Entry period ends at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19. Good luck to all who enter! 

You can read all about the entire season of family friendly shows at the FAC here. 

DEAL ALERT: Save 30% on Desert Essence Probiotic Hand Sanitizer

It's that time of year again -- back to school and back to germs. Add to that the fall festivals, corn mazes, fairs and the fact that we're on the go all weekend long making the most of  this short season. The last thing we want is an illness to sideline us during this beautiful time of year. But soap and water aren't always available to fend off those germs. Which means it's hand sanitizer to the rescue. 

However, the harsh alcohol and strong scents of many hand sanitizers do not lend themselves to user friendliness. So I was intrigued to team up with MomsMeet and try out the Probiotic Hand Sanitizers from Desert Essence. 

Desert Essence creates products inspired by the beauty and resilience of nature and powered by the potency that comes from the desert. All of their products are based on the premise that beauty is natural, and nature is beautiful. Utilizing botanicals like Tea Tree, Jojoba, and Argan Oil, their personal care products get the job done without unnecessary additives.

Desert Essence Probiotic Hand Sanitizers don't leave your hands feeling sticky -- they feel more like you've used a non-greasy lotion, and your hands feel soft and moisturized. The scents are light and not overpowering -- a lingering hint of lavender, a little lemon scent, a bit of invigorating tea tree oil. But that doesn't mean they're not powerful. Through a patented technology, a “membrane” is created around the probiotic to protect it from the antibacterial formula. Probiotic benefits will be delivered after the sanitizer activity completes. This means the sanitizer doesn’t kill the probiotic, and the probiotic doesn’t neutralize the sanitizer. Other highlights include:

• Kills 99.99% of germs
• Delivers good bacteria courtesy of probiotic-packed Kefir
• Nourishes and conditions the skin
• Bad bacteria is eliminated, and the probiotic thrives
• Botanical extracts including Tea Tree Oil, Thyme, Elderberry and Echinacea also help reduce bacteria
• Comes in three scents: Tea Tree Oil, Tea Tree Oil & Lemongrass, Tea Tree Oil & Lavender
• Comes in two convenient sizes: a large bottle for desktop/counter top use and a small, portable size perfect for purse or backpack
• Certified B Corporation, Cruelty Free, Vegan and Gluten Free

A 1.7 oz bottle of Desert Essence Probiotic Hand Sanitizer typically retails for $4.49 and an 8 oz bottle typically retails for $9.99. However if you purchase at desertessence.com there's a limited time offer available. Use the promo code -- DEprobioticpower  to save 30% on all Desert Essence Probiotic Hand Sanitizers (large size is only $6.99 and small, purse size is only $3.14 when using this offer). Such a deal for so much benefit. 

I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

ENTER TO WIN: Family 4-pack of tickets to Dino-Light Theater at UMASS Fine Arts Center

Attention all paleontologists big and small -- dinosaurs are coming to the UMASS Fine Arts Center for one performance only this month and I've teamed up with the FAC to offer one lucky winner a family 4-pack of tickets (2 adult and 2 child admissions) to this first family-friendly performance of the season -- Lightwire Theater: Dino-Light on Sunday, October 20. 

Lightwire Theater (of America's Got Talent fame) uses their puppetry-based neon creatures to bring to life the adventures of a friendly dinosaur who wanders away from home and learns what love is through the creatures he meets along the way. The performance takes place at the Fine Arts Center Concert Hall on Sunday, October 20 at 2 p.m. with a pre-performance Family Fest in the lobby at 1 p.m. The performance runs approximately one hour and is appropriate for ages five and up. A food truck with family friendly options will be on the plaza starting at 12:30 p.m.

Lightwire Theater stemmed from a mutual passion for dance and an interest in technology. Co-creators Ian Carney and Corbin Popp share a love for art and theater, and combined the two in a different way through this electronic show of puppetry. With the help of their wives Eleanor and Whitney, the group stumbled upon the “el wire,” short for electroluminescent wire, which is powered by batteries and requires no theatrical lighting to create three-dimensional glowing light thereby allowing their vision to come to life.

Before the performance, ticket holders are invited to enjoy a Family Fest in the Fine Arts Center Lobby starting at 1 p.m, featuring interactive displays and activities for patrons of all ages. The Beneski Museum of Natural History along with the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association Jurassic Road Show will offer hands-on activities such as rock and mineral testing. The Beneski Museum (located on the nearby grounds of Amherst College) will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for pre and post-performance visits (admission to the Beneski museum is always FREE). The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art will be on hand with recommendations about dinosaur-themed books along with the Springfield Science Museum with information about their Dinosaur Hall.

To enter the ticket giveaway, use the comments field below to share one tip for how to foster a love of natural history in children. One winner will be chosen at random from all eligible entries. Entry period ends at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15. Good luck to all who enter! 

Tickets for Dino-Light are $35, $25, $15; Five College Students and youth 17 and under are $15, $12, $10. This performance offers a family pack of tickets for two adults and two youth for $75. For tickets call the Box Office at 545-2511, toll-free at 800-999-UMAS, purchase online, or click on the link at the top right of this page.

You can read all about the entire upcoming season of family friendly shows at the FAC here. 

Gotta Visit: UMASS Fine Arts Center Family Performances 2019-2020 season (Amherst)

What comes to mind when you think of the UMASS Fine Arts Center in Amherst? Do you think of dinosaur light puppets? Peter Pan? Or a lovable wombat? Well, you should.

Because all of that and more will be part of their upcoming season of Family shows which run this October - April. I realize that, traditionally, we don't think of taking our kiddos to performances on a college campus. I mean, maybe we've attended a raucous program at the Mullins Center. But 'certainly not at the Fine Arts Center,' you're thinking. That's reserved for cultured folks who don't carry juice boxes in their purses. My kids don't belong at anything with the name "Fine Arts" in the title. But really, they do. And, you do. And you won't want to miss this. 

We'd all like to expose our kids to more of the arts but there are sooo many reasons why we think it's just too difficult. Or expensive. Or inconvenient. 

I know you're already thinking of all the "BUTS...":

'But...my little one might get fussy.'  

These are family shows. Fussiness is expected. However, if you feel that your little one is getting too disruptive, there are large screens in the side lobby of the concert hall with a live feed of the performance so you can take your littles outside of the theater and still see the show. Strollers will fit here. There's also space here for antsy ones to run around and let off some steam. Nobody is going to mind. 

'But...I have to feed them.'

Light concessions will be available in the lobby during all family show programs. If you're thinking of lunch or dinner or something more substantial than puffs for mom and dad to eat, rest assured that babyBERK (the UMASS food truck) will be on site for some performances. (Anyone who's ever enjoyed their quesadillas will agree this alone makes a visit to campus worth the drive.) There are also other dining options on campus if you'd like to arrive early and mosey around. All of the campus dining halls are open to the public. 

'But...sippy cups. And bottles. We have to bring them in to the show.'

Again -- family show. It's OK to bring beverages into the theater (just no food, please). Also, there is a new refillable water bottle station in the concert hall's lobby. Everyone can stay hydrated throughout the performance!

'But...parking.'

There is plenty of FREE parking available on site for all shows. Check out the link for details.

'But...what are we going to do while we wait for the show to start? My kids will melt down.'

As part of the family performance series there will be hands-on activities in the lobby before showtime. You'll even get to add in a little sneaky learning along with a cultural performance. Win-win! 

'But...diapers. I'm going to be on a college campus and I'm not running out to the car to change a stinker!'

That's right, you're not. Because there are changing stations in all bathrooms at the concert hall. 

'But....I'm on a budget." 

Tickets to the family shows start at only $15 depending on the performance and some youth tickets are available for only $10/child so prices are definitely family friendly. 

So, there. You're fresh out of excuses! All you have to do is decide which shows are right for your fam. 

The Family Series includes: 

LIGHTWIRE THEATER: DINO-LIGHT 

Sunday, October 20, 2 p.m.

A famous scientist with magic powers brings a friendly dinosaur to life. When the dinosaur wanders away from home, he discovers a wonderful world of creatures that light up the darkness and help him find the true meaning of love. 

Photo courtesy UMASS Amherst

NATALIE MACMASTER & DONNELL LEAHY PRESENT: A CELTIC FAMILY CHRISTMAS 

Wednesday, December 4, 7 p.m.

Award-winning fiddle virtuosos Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy present an intimate and unique Christmas concert. A Celtic Family Christmas welcomes the audience into the wonderful world of their family's Christmas celebration.

WE SHALL OVERCOME: A CELEBRATION OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.  

Tuesday, January 28, 7:30 p.m.

From Nina Simone to The Wiz, Stevie Wonder to traditional spirituals, it will be an evening of music that shows the lineage of Civil Rights visionaries is still with us today.

Photo by Lynn Lane (Courtesy UMASS Amherst)

 

GUGU DRUM GROUP 

Tuesday, February 11, 7:30 p.m.

GuGu Drum Group from Shanghai incorporates traditional Chinese drumming techniques and movement with a contemporary twist. Their performance will include a series of "vignettes" accompanied by projections based on Chinese proverbs, fables, and fairy tales.
 
FINDING NEVERLAND 

Tuesday, February 25, 7 p.m. 

The winner of Broadway.com's Audience Choice Award for Best Musical, Finding Neverland follows the relationship between playwright J.M. Barrie and the family that inspired Peter Pan.

Photo by Sebastien Durocher (courtesy UMASS Amherst)

CIRQUE FLIP FABRIQUE: BLIZZARD 

Wednesday, March 18, 7:30 p.m.

With some of the most exciting circus performers on the circuit today, FLIP Fabrique invites audiences to get lost in a moment of winter wonder.

DIARY OF A WOMBAT 

Thursday, April 9, 7 p.m., 

In Diary of a Wombat, you'll meet Mothball - the naughtiest wombat in Australia. Watch as the multi award-winning picture book by Australian Children's Laureate Jackie French and Bruce Whatley is brought to live through the magic of puppetry and live music.

Tickets are on sale now for all performances. Some shows are eligible for the Family Value Pack purchase -- two adult and two child tickets for only $75. 

I can't think of a better holiday gift suggestion (hint, hint). We all have enough stuff. Think experiences, instead of toys. Subscription packages are available -- purchase tickets to three or more shows and save 15%. Share this post with all the grandparents who are already asking what you want for the holidays. We'll see you at the show! 

Photo by Jeremy Daniel (courtesy UMASS Amherst)

Please note: Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

The Big E with the kids -- 2019 edition!

I once again snuck out to the Big E this morning without the girls (I'm taking them after school so they don't mind too much) because I wanted to be able to give you a 2019 tips and tricks guide for when you visit with your kiddos. The good news? The Big E is just the same as it was last year. And the year before. And the year before that. But there are a few new things to note so here ya go:

We'll start at the back of the fairgrounds at Gate 9:

• There is now a cream puff stand at Gate 9A! I repeat! Get your cream puffs as soon as you enter from Gate 9A OR take them home with you right before you leave. 
• Milkshakes for only $1.50 at the 4-H Milk Booth near the butter sculpture (Mallary Complex) -- these are really more like flavored milk but kids can choose from chocolate, vanilla or strawberry. 
• Also, look for the Christmas tree display near the Mallary Complex --  a nice place to let the kids free to explore -- it's never too busy back here. There is a lovely pond landscape and some paved pathways where toddlers can safely get some stroller freedom and stretch their legs.
• If your kids love the animatronic veggie show in the Farm-A-Rama building  (who am I kidding -- I'm the one who loves this) don't miss the singing refrigerator show in the Mallary Complex.
• This is also where you can see all the livestock being shown at the fair -- it's worth a walk through as many farms participating also have educational displays for the kids. Here you can see live sheep shearing daily at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. You can also see goat milking at 9:30 a.m. or 4:30 p.m. 
• Look out for the Stella's Milk & Cookies food cart which offers a great value for feeding a crowd: a bucket of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies for $16 or a cone of cookies for $8.
• Also consider the Fluffys Donuts Jumbo Donuts for $8. These are some of the most beautiful treats at the fair (think unicorn donut. It's a thing). 
• The Orphaned Wildlife Center is worth a look (big wooden trailer that reads Bear Country). Admission is only $2/person or 2/$3 to go inside the trailer and look at some bears; however, even without paying the entry fee there is a neat educational display about rescuing and rehabilitating injured or abandoned wildlife. 
• The Wine & Cheese bar is also located in this area of the fairgrounds. There is a FREE wine tasting daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 
• Don't miss the Mutts Gone Nuts comedy dog show outside the Mallary Complex daily at 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m. & 6 p.m.
• Tons of Pokemon, Minecraft, Paw Patrol and plush as prizes on the Midway so be prepared for that battle with the kids.
• You can purchase a Midway Express Access Wristband for $15 which grants your kids an express line for rides -- a separate line just for kids with express wristbands. Note: you still must buy ride tickets OR a ride wristband. This $15 fee is in addition to ride cost. 
• Giant slide is still $2/ride (don't forget to save your post slide coupon for a FREE medium french fry at New England McDonald's locations). New burlap to sit on this year. It makes for a faster ride. Like, way faster. 

Avenue of the States:

• Omar Coffee at the entrance to the Avenue of States -- best cup of coffee at the fair. (Can't beat the large coffee and ginormous apple fritter for $6.00 -- enough to share). 
• If you're looking for an inexpensive souvenir that will survive the car ride home, there is a small display of Hot Wheels vehicles for sale for only $2 in the CT building. 
• Also in the CT Building, check out the state police display before you exit out the side door -- kids can try on uniforms and take pictures at a selfie station. 
• My new (to me) favorite treat is the maple iced coffee and pumpkin chocolate chip cookie with cream cheese frosting for sale in the CT Building. Amazing. 
• If you're the type to start your holiday shopping at the Big E, the Vermont Building has bottles of pure maple syrup in the shape of gingerbread men for only $10. They're even wearing Santa hats! (#adore)
• There are cups of fresh raspberries or dried cranberries for only $1 in the MA Building near the talking cow.
• There are also bucket sundaes for only $6.50 near Henrietta (the talking cow). This is a steal if your kids are good sharers. Much cheaper than buying individual ice creams. Plus you can reuse the cute little bucket they come in. 
• The Massachusetts building has a great tourism booth. Stop by and see my friend and booth manager, Matt Peabody, on the weekends and tell him I said "hi." You can take a selfie with the Cat in the Hat here too. 
• Visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill in the VT Building for a large apple cider slushie for $3.  
• New Hampshire Building food deal: roasted ears of corn on the cob are $3.50. 
• Two "Ultimate Maine Hot Dogs" for $8.00 located outside the back of the Maine Building. 
• You can't beat the pulled pork baked potato from Danny's located outside the CT Building. It's twice the price of the Maine potatoes, but it is ginormous and is a complete meal. 
• Super fun lobster trap photo opp in the Maine Building. (I'm a Catch!)

• There's a fun, interactive "Ride the Rails" exhibit outside of the Rhode Island building. 
• The display for the Jack O'Lantern Spectacular at the Roger Williams Zoo in the Rhode Island building is not-to-be-missed. Truly stunning (even if you're not a Halloween freak like me). 

• I always love the backyards of the state buildings as a great place to relax and let the kids run around in the grass. It's never overwhelmingly busy and you can usually find a spot at a picnic table. 
• Don't wait in line for the kettle corn behind the New Hampshire Building. Walk down to the kettle corn stand behind the Rhode Island building -- no wait and better taste, IMHO.
• DO NOT MISS the Timberworks Lumberjack Show at the top of the Avenue of the States -- it's SO fun. Plays daily at noon, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.  

Farm A Rama (Stroh Building): 

• Farm A Rama deserves it's own category since this is where you can really sneak in some learning time for the kiddos.
• The Farm to Table exhibit is a great place to let the littlest fair goers stretch their legs and play. They can grab a shopping basket and harvest some potatoes and apples and do some other produce shopping. They can grab an egg from a hen and milk a cow (pretend, of course). It's really fun. 
• Shiny apples (love, love, love the folks who shine the apples) are still only $.50. 
• Chick Hatchery! Enough said. 
• Mama pig and her piglets are a-dor-a-ble.
• Baby goats. Enough said. 
• Honey sticks are $.25 each at the Beekeeper's table. 
• The agriculture display are really top notch this year. The kids will love to see the crazy gourds, painted pumpkins and landscape vignettes.
• The Stroh Building offers bathrooms and a large, separate diaper changing station. You can wheel the stroller right into the space and there are lots of clean counter tops.
• There are lots of fun freebies for the kids in this building: Hood cow visors, coloring books, temporary tattoos, etc. 
• Make sure you stop and talk to the FFA kids with their displays. These kids work SO hard on their projects -- take a minute to ask about their work. 
• The Veggie Show, you guys? The animatronic veggie show with the weed?! It was BROKEN today! I was devastated! I hope it's back up soon. I mean, tradition, right?!.

Other scores: 

• Utter Delights Soft Serve is very good about food allergies. If you want to get your allergy kid a soft serve -- look for the blue awnings (and sprinkles are free). Kiddie size is only $3.
• The Circus shows daily at 1:00, 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. Admission is FREE (but get there early to get seats). You can purchase premium seats for $10 each, otherwise seating is first come first served. 
• Soltar the fortune teller was located outside the Main Stage when I visited. Super fun. Make sure to try to catch his act. 
• The Granville Country Store food truck is located outside the Better Living Center. They're mac and cheese and cheddar melts (THE BEST around -- don't even argue with me) are $6 each. 
• Foozys socks in the Better Living Center has a fun deal with any 10 pairs of crazy socks for $20. Adult and child sizes. (They have Ramen socks. I repeat. Socks with Ramen noodles on them). 
• Fun photo opps in the "A Walk Through History" exhibit in the Eastern States Museum. 

Other notes:

• Gates open at 8:00 a.m.; however, I wouldn't recommend going that early with little kids. Even though you can get a great view of the animals this early -- there is a lot of vehicular traffic on the grounds. Delivery trucks, cars, etc. It's a little crazy. I wouldn't want to have to chase a little one during this time. All vehicles must be off the grounds by 9:30 a.m. so plan to enter fairgrounds then. All buildings open at 10 a.m. 
• Stroller rentals are $10/day. $15 for a double. Wagons and wheelchairs are also $15/day. Electric scooters run $50/day. The rental booth will keep your ID as collateral. Stroller rental can be found near Chevrolet Court along the main avenue or near Gate 9 in the rear of the fairgrounds.
• The 4-H section of the New England Center (think Cream Puffs building) usually has some hands-on activities for the kids. Again, take a minute to talk with the 4-H kids. You'd be surprised what you can learn! We enjoyed making our own slime, creating a tie-dye handkerchief, and learning how to solve a Rubik's cube. All for FREE. 

• The Green at Storrowton has a lot of shade and is another great spot to let the kids run around while you decompress for a few minutes. Not only can you tour the historic buildings here, there is usually an old-fashioned game going on or a demonstration of tool making or other interpretive event around the green. There's even a yoga class offered here every Saturday of the fair at 9 a.m. 
• The Mardi Gras parade runs at 5 p.m., Friday - Sunday at at 7:30 p.m. on weekdays. Catch some beads and you have a free souvenir for the kids. 

• If you want to leave the fair and return later that day -- be very careful of your hand stamp. They wash off very easily (and who doesn't want to wash their hands multiple times after leaving the Big E?!).

 

DEAL ALERT: 50% off at Re-Store Westfield through September 22

One of my favorite local spots needs to make room for a store remodel and you can save 50% off already low prices through September 22! 50% OFF ENTIRE STORE! 

[Repost] ReStore will be closed Sept. 23 - Oct. 1 to undergo an exciting renovation. To make room for the new layout, we'll need to sell our existing inventory. Therefore, beginning this Thursday, Sept. 12 through Sept. 22, EVERYTHING in the store will be 50% off. The markdown applies to the ENTIRE store including new and gently used furniture, bathroom fixtures, lighting fixtures, building materials, antiques, and more! All items are already priced so low, just imagine the deals you'll score at an extra 50% off!

Also, to allow for a smooth renovation process, effective today, we will temporarily cease to accept donated items. But don't worry, we will resume donation opportunities shortly after reopening.

#reuse #recycle #shoplocal #livelocal