The 413 Mom

Gotta Visit: North Hadley Sugar Shack (Hadley)

We kicked off Maple Weekend this morning at the North Hadley Sugar Shack. There are many sugar shacks to chose from in our neck of the woods, but we have to make at least one trek to Hadley each season as their pancakes are THE. BEST. 

I like to consider myself a maple connoisseur (maple syrup is one of the reasons I live in New England) and you will not be disappointed if you visit the sugar breakfast here this season. The maple menu includes not only pancakes but waffles, eggs, maple donuts and even a delightful-sounding maple yummy.

Prices are fair: three buttermilk pancakes and three strips of bacon is $9.95. A bottomless cup of coffee is $2.50. Kids Meals run $5.50. It's a cozy farm style restaurant. If you're lucky, you'll end up at the large table in the center of the room where you can get to know some strangers. We met the loveliest couples from South Africa this morning and enjoyed our breakfast conversation so much we ended up exchanging business cards to keep in touch. 

On a weekend you're going to wait a bit for your table, but that's OK. You can visit the evaporator room to watch the boil and learn how sap becomes syrup (evaporator room runs weekends only).  You can also spend some of the wait time checking out the attached farm market store which of course stocks plenty of maple products. Littles can burn off some energy taking laps along the hallway between the restaurant and the farm store while you wait for your turn to enjoy some maple deliciousness. 

During maple season you can get a sugarin' breakfast from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends and on weekdays, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wear your boots when you visit -- it's a working farm with lots of mud and a muddy parking lot. 

The North Hadley Sugar Shack is located at 181 River Road in Hadley. The market is open daily. Maple breakfasts will continue until April 14. You can keep up to date with all of their events and special offerings by following their Facebook page. 

Although the North Hadley Sugar Shack is our favorite, I hope you'll support any of our local farmers and check out some of the Maple Weekend events taking place. Wherever maple season finds you this year you can find a list of Maple Weekend events here. I hope you'll enjoy the North Hadley Sugar Shack as much as we do. #supportyourfarmers #eatlocal 

If you're planning to visit American Girl (Natick) before they close for good on March 20...

Sigh....we took our last pilgrimage to the American Girl doll store in Natick yesterday. I'm sad to see our "local" AG go. It was always a memorable place to visit with the girls and provided a fun rest stop during road trips East. If you're a fan of the retailer, you have a few days left to visit the New England location -- our next closest shop is in NYC.

I'm lucky my girls are not big spenders -- they've always been happy with a small outfit or accessory purchase here. Our visits were always more about checking out the displays, playing with the interactive exhibits and soaking in the atmosphere. All of which you can still do at the Natick location for a few more days. 

To be honest, the store does have that "going out of business" pallor. The employees seemed a bit chagrined -- as my astute 12-year-old observed "you'd be sad too if you were losing your job." (According to The Boston Globe, the store is closing due to its lease expiring and the closure affects 73 employees.) We noticed several signs around the store letting customers know that a particular item is out of stock and that it would need to be ordered online. If you're planning to bring your little one to the store for a "must-have" item, you might want to call ahead and make sure they have stock on hand. The usual variety of hands on exhibits were also missing -- there wasn't much to do besides check out the club house and peek in the silly mirrors. There is no "going out of business" sale here, either -- all prices are standard AG prices. The store just doesn't have it's happy, shiny, make-all-your-doll-dreams-come-true atmosphere anymore (again - to be expected). 

The store was still busy (when is American Girl ever not busy?!) and your kids probably won't notice anything different. It will still be a magical trip for them. The location is still accepting party and bistro reservations through it's last day. So if you're looking for one more New England AG retail fix -- make the drive to Natick soon.  I've never figured out the parking magic mojo at The Natick Mall so I suggest you just park in one of the garages and walk through the mall even though the American Girl store is only accessible from the parking lot. Don't plan on parking in the first lot after the AG entrance -- the "C" lot -- which usually enters into the Sears store. The Sears here is also closed (malls are sad today) and you'll have to hike it outside to an available mall entrance. 

The Natick Mall store will remain open for regular hours through March 20. Going forward we'll just have to look forward to visiting one of our favorite destination stores at the next closest location in Times Square. I mean, any excuse to NYC, right?#americangirl #neverstopplaying

Gotta Try: Girls & Women in Sports Day at WNEU (Springfield)

Thank you, Western New England University for a wonderful morning at Girls and Women in Sports Day today! Eden has participated in this program for years and today Faith was finally old enough to join in the fun! We're so blessed to live in a region with so many colleges and universities that give back to the community. 

Girls ages 6-12 had the opportunity to participate in sports clinics including swim, tennis, softball, field hockey, dance, volleyball, basektball and soccer. There is no fee to participate. Thank you to all the student athletes and administrators who make this program possible. Faith loved seeing how even the "big girls" make time to play and train for their sport. 

If you have a young girl at home, mark the calendar for 2020 and check the WNEU Golden Bears Athletics page early next year for registration information. 

P.S. Springfield College will be hosting their own Girls and Women in Sports Day coming up February 16 from 9 a.m to noon. Girls in grades K-6 are welcome to participate. Registration is FREE. You can sign up here. 

#wneu #girlpower #community

 

Gotta Visit: Ice Skating Path at Community Field (Holyoke)

Faith LOVES to ice skate and I love to take her; however, paying fees for public skating adds up quickly throughout the winter. So today we headed to the skating path at Community Field in Holyoke where the skating is always FREE! 

There is something special about skating outside in the sunshine and the ice path here lends itself to a leisurely skate. You don't really get folks screaming past you on the ice here like you do at public skate in the large indoor arenas. It's the perfect spot for new skaters. The best part is -- if your kids love to skate and you don't, it's very easy to keep an eye on them without having to get on the ice. Also, it's perfectly fine to get on the ice in your boots or shoes -- nobody is going to complain (unlike an indoor ice arena where no skates means no ice) so it's easy to help unsteady skaters. There are benches scattered around the ice path so you can sit and watch comfortably. 

If you have your own skates, it is FREE to skate at Community Field. However, even if you don't have skates renting a pair only costs $2. Candy and hot cocoa is available for purchase for $1 each. 

There is a warming house available (where you can pick up your rentals and snacks) and the bathrooms on site are open on weekends. 

Ice skate rentals are available Saturday and Sunday from noon to six p.m. During the week, the pathway is open for use; however, there are no skate rentals available and the bathroom and warming house are closed. 

The skating path is open weather permitting. You can check specifics on hours of operation on the city's website or on the City of Holyoke Facebook page. 

If you want to bring the whole family but not everyone is a skating enthusiast, Community Field also offers an amazing playground adjacent to the skating path, hiking trails, and a dog park, which is open throughout the winter, so even the furry family members can enjoy an afternoon at the park. 

Community Field is located on Community Field Road in Holyoke. #getoutside #winterfun

Where do you visit Santa? #believe #christmasmagic

Where do you usually visit Santa? We had the most magical visit last night with Santa at Mittineague Park in West Springfield. He's there Monday through Friday evenings from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:30-4 p.m. and 5:30-7:30 p.m. Santa was amazing -- he knew exactly how old Faith was and was able to chit chat with her about her requested toy. Each family gets to visit with Santa in his house alone so there is no loud crowd distracting from the visit. It was perfection. 

Bring your own camera for a photo in Santa's beautifully decorated house. There is no charge to visit Santa but please leave a donation in the collection box to support the West Springfield Park and Recreation's Operation Santa campaign.  Our local park and rec departments bring so much to our communities -- don't forget to offer thanks. 

In the past we have visited with the head elf at Santa's Trains at Look Park or at the Holyoke Merry Go Round which are both lovely (and also free), but I really appreciate the quiet and privacy of visiting Santa's House at Mittineague. I think we have a new favorite spot. 

Santa's House is located right on Route 20 (1695 Westfield Street) in West Springfield. There is plenty of parking and a port-a-potty on site. Each family gets to visit with Santa in his house individually so there may be a small wait time on his front porch -- don't forget to bundle up.  There were four other families ahead of us in line and we waited about ten minutes for our turn. I hope you love Santa's House as much as we did.  #believe #christmasmagic

Road Trip Worthy: Foster Family Farm Corn Maze (South Windsor, CT)

Fall corn mazes are a dime a dozen in New England; however, it can be hard to find a good one that doesn't break the bank. Until you discover Foster Family Farm Corn Maze in South Windsor, CT. 

We've tried lots (and lots and lots) of local mazes through the years and this time I was searching for a great deal worth the admission price. (I'm all for supporting local farmers; however if it's going to cost my family of four upwards of $50 for an afternoon out, it better be worth it). And I found it!

Not only does Foster Family Farm offer a challenging maze experience, the admission price for the 2018 season is reasonable: $12 for adults, $7 for kids ages 4-12 and FREE for kids 3 and under. There's even a coupon on the admission page you can print out show on your phone for an additional $1 off up to four adult admissions. We paid $36 for a great afternoon that offers so much more than just corn maze fun. 

There are actually two full-size mazes to chose from -- this year there is an Enchanted Forest theme with a unicorn maze and a dragon maze. Little ones would love to wear their princess/fairy/knight/ costumes as they wind their way through the maze. The farm offers a great map to follow and you collect hole punches as you find different stations along the way. The paths are wide, flat and clear -- you can easily take a stroller through here. There are over four miles of trails to explore between the two mazes. Foster Farm also offers a mini maze for its' littlest adventurers. There are nighttime hours offered at the mazes as well on Friday and Saturday evenings -- bring your own flashlight. 

Once you've had your fill of solving the puzzles, you can head out of the corn and play on one of the many playscapes scattered throughout the property. There's a pirate ship, a train, giant tires to climb on, and many tunnels to crawl through. The farm also offers sand pits and a pedal car course too. And what farm would be complete without animals? We visited with chickens, goats and alpacas. This place is heaven on Earth for littles: running through a maze, playing in the dirt, climbing playscapes, and chickens. However the big kids will love the challenging mazes as well (please note, anyone under the age of 14 needs an adult chaperone. No drop offs.) All ages can easily spend hours here enjoying the beautiful fall weather. 

The admission price not only includes all of these attractions, but also a hayride throughout the property. You can also purchase pumpkins, mums, and gourds. There are tons of fun wooden cut outs and beautiful murals scattered about the farm. Photo ops abound -- I took dozes of fun pics while we were there. Foster Family Farm is basically everything you love about fall in one stop. 

There are lunch concessions and snacks available for sale on the weekends. There are many port-a-potties and plenty of free parking offered on site. 

Foster Family Farm is located at 90 Foster Street in South Windsor, CT. The attractions are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through October. You can follow their Facebook page here.

#fallfun #getoutside #supportyourfarmers

 

Gotta Visit: Chester Railway Museum & Keystone Arches Hiking Trail (Chester)

All aboard for a unique weekend explore in Chester!

Anyone interested in New England history and/or railway history needs to visit the Chester Railway Station & Museum. Did you even know that our area is home to the first keystone arch bridges built in America? AND that at the time this railway was laid it was the longest and most difficult railroad project ever completed? 

I'm always highlighting my status as a New England History Nerd with these posts, but I just can't help it. I love learning about firsts. And this little museum is a gem of New England history. You can not only learn all about this revolutionary railway line, there is a great collection of lanterns, uniforms, photographs and other memorabilia. 

To be honest, the museum collection might be found lacking by the youngest train enthusiasts (there's no Thomas here) but the kids will LOVE to explore the caboose, run around the grounds, and my six-year-old was fascinated by the Keystone Arches diorama inside. 

Here's perhaps the coolest thing about the Chester Railway Station: you can rent out the caboose for an overnight stay. How fun would that be?! What a great family camping adventure. You can reserve the caboose for only $60/night including grill, firewood, and electricity is available. We're definitely putting this on next summer's bucket list. 

The Chester Railway Station & Museum is open Saturday & Sunday from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., July through September. You can also request an appointment to view the museum by calling 413-354-7878. The museum is located at 10 Prospect Street in Chester. There is plenty of free on-site parking and several restaurants withing walking distance for lunch. The entire building is ADA compliant (including the very clean bathrooms). 

Admission is by donation only -- please be generous -- it would be such a shame if this truly unique New England gem was not operable. You can follow their Facebook page for special event updates. 

After you learn all about railway history in Western Mass you can drive two miles down the road to visit the history in person by hiking the Keystone Arches Trail. This is a moderate, 2.5 mile trail (five miles total if you completely hike in and back out) but you certainly don't have to hike the whole thing to get a feel for the history of railway. You'll find the trail head on Middlefield Street at Herbert Cross Road in Chester. 

After you park in the small parking area and head down the hill, you'll very quickly come upon a beautiful waterfall. There is access to the water here which the kids will love on a hot day. (The West Branch of the Westfield River is easily accessible throughout the trail with alternating calm and rapid water, but there are plenty of safe, splashable spots for little hikers). After you pass the waterfall, look for a narrow path on the left heading down to the river -- follow this and you'll have a beautiful view of the first set of keystone arches. If you have not-so-enthusiastic outdoor enthusiasts in your party, you can hike in and out pretty quickly and still feel like you've seen what you came for. But if you keep going on the trail there's plenty more to see. There are five keystone arches you can hunt for along the trail.

The trail is clear but rocky. You cannot bring a stroller through here. We hiked a day after rain and much of the trail was wet and muddy -- make sure everyone has water resistant footwear. There are lots of opportunities for water play even without going in the river so definitely bring a change of clothes for the littles. Some of the bridges on the trail are open -- do NOT let the kiddos run ahead. While some sections of the trail feel very secure, it's not a lazy family hike. You need to stay alert for changes in terrain. 

You can easily visit the museum and hike a section of the trail within a few hours -- 2 to 5 depending on how long you want to hike for. There are plenty of restaurants in Chester center to grab some lunch or pack a picnic and eat it at the museum or on the trail. This is a beautiful way to spend a weekend afternoon. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. See you on the trail! 

Road Trip Worthy: Granby Open Farm Day (September) Granby, CT

Mark your calendars for mid-September folks, because you do NOT want to miss next year's Granby Open Farm Day in Granby, CT. 

The event is held annually in and offers the public access to a dozen working farms around the town complete with a backstage look at the animals, machinery, gardens, grounds and of course the farmers. 

We attended yesterday and we were able to visit with chicken, goats and horses; we made some crafts and learned about robotics with the Granby 4-H kids; we took a hike, shopped for amazing produce, ate some ice cream and admired fields of beautiful flowers. It was a perfect family Saturday. 

Each year the Granby Agricultural Commission prints up a map and passport highlighting all of the participating locations. You can follow the map to chose the locations you want to visit and at each farm you can collect a stamp in the passport. At the end of your stay you can turn in the passport for a chance to win some fun prizes. But of course the real prize is being outdoors in the beautiful mid-September weather spending time together as a family and supporting our local farmers.

Follow the Granby Agricultural Commission on Facebook to find out when future events will be held and pencil it in on the calendar for next year -- you won't be disappointed. #eatlocal #livelocal #supportyourfamers 

Gotta Visit: Bear Hole Reservoir (West Springfield) #getoutside #gotakeahike

This summer is already going by TOO fast and the only way I know how to create a pause button is to get out into the woods with my girls. So this afternoon we headed out to find the waterfall at Bear Hole Reservoir in West Springfield. 

Nearly all of the reviews I read about this hiking spot state "I can't believe I never knew this gem was right in my backyard" and that statement is 100% true. (Literally. I used to live on Bear Hole Road about 20 years ago -- but in my defense the public was not encouraged to explore the reservoir grounds back then). 

Hiking at Bear Hole is easy and quick. Once you park the car in the large parking lot, head through the chain link fence onto the dirt trail (do NOT head onto the large gravel road -- not much to see here and the kids will get bored with a quickness). The quality of the main trail at the reservoir is the best around: wide open and perfectly clear. It's all hard-packed dirt or crushed stone. You can definitely bring a jogging stroller through here on the main trail, not so much on the side trails or down into the waterfall gully. 

Speaking of which, you pretty quickly come upon a beautiful waterfall when hiking the trail. You can't miss it -- the main trail runs right over it. There is a steep left off the main trail where you can walk right down to the falls. So enchanting. I'm always impressed with the power of a waterfall and we visited the reservoir after heavy reains so we were not disappointed. Take some time to walk around the falls area -- there is an old stone fireplace from Bear Hole's early days as a resort in the 1800s -- but keep a close hand on the littles. The rushing water is no joke here. 

Once you head back out of the falls area, you can continue on the main path and take a long loop all the way around the reservoir, or look for the slightly narrower path that veers to the left which will take you right through the reservoir's dam and pump station -- a sure highlight for little engineers. Here you can pick up a paved road that belongs to the West Springfield Water Department and hike up the steep driveway up and out to a gravel road. This access road will lead you back out to Bear Hole Road -- look for the yellow gate and you'll come out of the woods about 100 feet below the main parking area. Follow Bear Hole Road back up to your vehicle. 

There are no amenities on the trail so use the potty before you go and bring plenty of water. Think about how much bug spray you would bring on a regular hike and then pack double (again, we hiked after heavy rains so you may have a different experience). Taking this abbreviated route through the reservoir at a moderate pace, we hiked for about an hour (I didn't measure the length but I'd guesstimate about 1.5 miles). There is no allowable access to the actual reservoir so make sure the kiddos understand this is only a hiking adventure, not a water one. 

Bear Hole Reservoir is located at the end of Bear Hole Road (take Route 20 to Rogers Avenue) in West Springfield -- just keep driving up Bear Hole until you come to the parking area at the end of the neighborhood. There is plenty of FREE parking at the trail head. See you on the trail! #gotakeahike

Road Trip Worthy: Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine (East Granby, CT)

The excitement was contagious throughout the New England History Nerd World today as a long-closed National Historic Landmark reopened to the public: Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine in East Granby, CT. 

This is an amazing place to bring little adventurers and big kids alike. There is much history to learn here, there are beautiful grounds to explore, and it's a super affordable excursion. 

Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine is a National Historic Landmark and a State Archaeological Preserve where you can learn about the natural history of the land and the history of the site as a copper mine, a prison and as a tourist attraction through the centuries. The property was used as a copper mine from 1705 through the 1750's, was Connecticut's first prison from 1773 through 1827, and has been operated on and off as a tourist attraction since the mid-1800's. SO much history to explore here. 

While visiting the archaeological remains on the site is unique (there are a few stone jail cells you can explore), the real gem here is going underground to visit the copper mine. It's a compelling cave explore -- stairs, slippery pathways, winding passageways. Very engaging. The property itself is beautiful to walk around (and is stroller friendly if your stroller is good on grass). Bring a lunch and a blanket for a picnic. 

A few notes before you go:

• Wear sturdy shoes -- sneakers or hiking shoes. NOT flip-flops or anything with slippery soles or heels. The underground mine is wet, slippery, and uneven. Also, when you exit the mine you will need to spray the soles of your shoes with rubbing alcohol (provided onsite) to prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome to bats in the area. 
• I wouldn't recommend taking anyone under the age of three into the mine. You really need to be able to walk independently and safely. I can't imagine carrying a baby through the tunnels. That being said, I did see one brave dad carrying a toddler in a backpack carrier but that activity is not for the faint of heart (I can't imagine that he made it all the way through the narrow tour). The property itself is stroller-friendly (on grass) but not inside the mine. 
• Do not bring anyone with claustrophobia or fear of the dark into the mine. It's just not fair to them. 
• Feel free to BYO flashlight. I'm sure little explorers would love this and flashlights are welcome inside.
• Bring a sweater if you or the kiddos are sensitive to cold. The temperature inside the mine is 52 degrees. Very refreshing on a hot summer day but may be uncomfortable for some.

This landmark has been closed to the public for 14 years except for occasional special events so it's pretty exciting to be able to learn about the history of this influential spot which has been in existence since before the Revolutionary War. Don't be put off by the idea of bringing little ones to a prison site -- nothing is overtly scary and there is not much emphasis on "jail" (in fact, the property's use as a prison is the smallest portion of it's history and it was actually a jail fail). They'll be interested to explore the archaeological remains and have a cave explore. 

Visiting Old New-Gate is not an all-day adventure. I'd guesstimate you can explore the grounds, have a picnic and take some unique photos in under two hours. Right now the landmark is open to the public on Friday from 1-5 p.m., Saturday & Sunday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Monday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. You can get more information and get updates on special events taking place here by following their Facebook page. 

Old New-Gate is located at 115 Newgate Road in East Granby, CT. It it open to the public through October 29, 2018. Admission is $6/adults and FREE for kids 12 and under. Old Newgate is a Blue Star Museum which means FREE admission is offered to all active duty military and up to five members of their family. There is plenty of FREE onsite parking.