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Experience the 104th Durham Fair: Live Entertainment, Food, and Monster Truck Show

The 104th Durham Fair, Connecticut’s largest agricultural fair, is set to take place from September 26th to 29th, 2024. Highlights of the 2024 Durham Fair include:

Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances on four stages featuring a mix of local and national acts.
Motorized Events: Thrilling events like tractor pulls and demolition derbies.
Rides and Games: Fun for all ages on the Midway.
Animal Competitions: First-class competitions in three livestock barns.
Exhibit Halls: Showcasing crafts, baking, canning, photography, and horticulture.
Food: A wide selection of delicious fair food to indulge in.

The fair is managed entirely by unpaid volunteers and is a private, not-for-profit corporation. It’s a great place to experience the charm and excitement of a traditional agricultural fair. I’ve enjoyed going the last several years as an alternative to the Big E. I highly recommend Thursdays as it’s less busy and if the weather is subpar usually the ground isn’t a mud pit since it’s only day one. You can usually get great parking as well right across the street from the fair instead of trying to take the shuttles in.

Admission Prices:

One-Day Tickets (Thursday)
All tickets	$10
Children 11 and Under	FREE
Active Military, with Military ID	FREE
Attendees in Wheelchairs	FREE
One-Day Tickets (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
Adults	$20
Children 11 and Under	FREE
Active Military, with Military ID	FREE
Attendees in Wheelchairs	FREE
Seniors (65 and over)	$10

Midway Ride Tickets & Bracelets available for purchase at the Midway during the fair *Minimum height for all kiddie rides is 36 inches.*	Price
1 ticket (available entire fair)	$1.50
25 tickets (available entire fair)	$25
Roller Coaster Must be 55″ to ride the roller coaster with or without an adult	6 tickets
Thursday Ride Bracelet (including the roller coaster) Only valid Thursday from 4PM–10PM	$35
Friday Ride Bracelet (including the roller coaster) Only valid Friday from 10AM–7PM	$40
Sunday Ride Bracelet (including the roller coaster) Only valid Sunday from 10AM–6PM	$40

Motorized Event Schedule:

THURSDAY, September 26, 2024 *Fair Hours: 4 PM – 10 PM*
7:30–10 PM		Demolition Derby
FRIDAY, September 27, 2024 *Fair Hours: 9 AM – 10 PM*
7:30–10		Figure 8 & Demolition Derby
SATURDAY, September 28, 2024 *Fair Hours: 9 AM – 10 PM*
9 AM–3 PM		Antique Tractor Pull
6–10		Truck & SUV Pull
SUNDAY, September 29, 2024 *Fair Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM*
12:00		Monster Truck Show Meet & Greet: Meet drivers and get autographs and pictures.
1:00		Power Wheels Demolition Derby Mom’s Mini Van Demolition Derby
2:00		Monster Truck Show: Monster Truck freestyle event

Main Stage Schedule:

Chris Janson

Chris Janson is a multi-Platinum recording artist, award-winning entertainer, and celebrated singer/songwriter. The ACM Award-winner has achieved numerous accolades, including Video of the Year for his hit “Drunk Girl” and multiple NSAI “Ten Songs I Wish I’d Written” honors for “Drunk Girl” and “Buy Me A Boat.” “Buy Me A Boat” also won the iHeartRadio Music Awards Country Song of the Year. His singles “Good Vibes” and “Done” both topped the country charts. Working alongside Oscar-nominated and GRAMMY®-winning producer Julian Raymond, Janson’s fifth studio album, THE OUTLAW SIDE OF ME (2023) showcases his diverse talents. The lead single, “All I Need Is You,” recently became his fifth #1 at Country radio.

Opening Act: Jason Ingriselli and the Miles North

Friday, Sep 27, 2024, 6:00 PM

38 Special

After more than four decades together, 38 Special continues to bring their signature blast of Southern Rock to over 100 cities a year and to the Durham Fair this September. At each and every show, thousands of audience members are amazed by the explosive power of the band’s performance.

With sales in excess of 20 million, most associate the band with their arena-rock pop smashes, “Hold On Loosely,” “Rockin’ Into the Night,” “Caught Up in You,” “Fantasy Girl,” “If I’d Been the One,” “Back Where You Belong,” “Chain Lightnin’,” “Second Chance,” and more—Timeless hits that remain a staple at radio, immediately recognizable from the first opening chord, and paving the way to their present-day touring regimen.

Opening Act: Blondie & Beyond

Saturday, Sep 28, 2024, 6:00 PM

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New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway

The Kancamagus Highway or call it the Kanc, if you want to sound like a locals; is a 35 mile drive through sheer beauty. It starts in Lincoln, through the White Mountain National Forest and ends in Conway NH.

The Kancamagus Highway is a 34.5 mile scenic drive along NH’s Rt. 112 in Northern New Hampshire that is well known as one of the best Fall Foliage viewing areas in the country. The Kancamagus Highway is now designated an American Scenic Byway for its rich history, aesthetic beauty and culture and in 2018 it turns 100 years old! It runs from Conway to Lincoln and the foliage is just STUNNING. As a National Scenic Byway, the “Kanc,” as the locals call it, remains unspoiled by homes or service stations, allowing visitors to watch the maple, beech and birch trees burst into color without distraction.

Kancamagus was a real person, whose name means “The Fearless One”; he was the grandson of Passaconaway “Child of the Bear”. The town of Conway gets its name from Passaconaway; and that is your history lesson for the day.

Along the Kancamagus Highway you will have hikers, bikers, motorcyclists, trailers, tour buses, and wildlife. Signs will remind you to brake for moose; if you are fortunate enough to see them, keep a respectful distance. Shops, stores and gas stations along the drive are nearly nonexistent, so gas up before you go. Expect no cell service on this drive. By the way, the entire White Mountain National Forest is dog-friendly, if your dog is on a leash.

Some awesome spots to stop along the way from Conway to Lincoln are as follows:

The Albany Covered Bridge, is basically your first scenic stop take that turn off to see the bridge and the area surrounding it. Built in 1858, the bridge is 120 feet long with a clear span of 100 feet. You can drive across it and it is a good location for photos.

Lower Falls is a legendary White Mountain National Forest attraction. Although none of cascades are really big. The highest is the broad waterfall at 12 feet high but, it is very picture worthy stop. The access to the falls is very easy to get to and you’ll find picnic spots along with bathrooms. This is one of the few places you’ll find a bathroom along this stretch of road. **Tip bring toilet paper just incase! It is a very busy time of year and the bathrooms… well you can imagine.**

Rocky Gorge Scenic Area. There is a footbridge over the gorge and the photo ops here of the Swift River rushing through it are spectacular. You can continue to explore the Rocky Gorge Area by taking the path on the far side of the bridge up to Falls Pond.

I confess I did not take the next stop because it would take too long and too much effort 😉 but you can stop at Champney Brook Trail and Bolles Trail. The first is a 7.6-mile hiking trail with access to Mount Chocorua and Champney Falls, a series of cascades about seventy feet long. Walking time to the falls and back takes about two and a half hours. Bolles Trail splits from and then returns to Champney Brook Trail, making a loop. This is a very popular feature and the lot is often overflowing, with cars parking on the side of the road, so proceed with caution.

Next you’ll come to the Russell Colbath Historic Site; it is the only early 19^th century homestead in Swift River valley. Inside is a small historic house museum that shows how 19th century life was like in the area. Even if you do not stop, the house and barn are distinctive landmarks in the landscape as you drive along and can take a few pictures of.

One of the biggest stops is at Sabbaday Falls. The hike to and from the falls is on an easy gravel path, making this a great stroll for all ages. The views of the falls are lovely and refreshing. There is an upper fall, a flume and lower falls. There is plenty of parking. For many people this is their favorite feature of the Kancamagus Highway Scenic Drive. *More bathrooms*

If hiking isn’t your thing then you’ll like the next stop. It is the Sugar Hill Scenic Vista (good luck finding parking especially on the weekend). Ah but the views are totally worth it. If you don’t stop there check out the scenic area by The Hancock Overlook with more lovely views, just where the road offers its tightest hairpin turn (if you are into drone photography you’ll have to get some snaps here).

The last “stop” is just before you cross over the east branch of the Pemigewasset River, turn right into the Lincoln Woods pull out area. This will offer you a chance to get a closer look at the water and the bridge. Be sure to enjoy the 150 foot pedestrian suspension bridge crossing the river just a few hundred yards north of highway 112. As you continue westward, a small pullout just a short distance along offers another short trail to the water’s edge.

Tips for your visit:

This one is kind of a no brainer but go during a weekday as opposed to a weekend; this may save you some time and aggravation when it comes to waiting to see some sites.
Go the 3rd week in October the first two weeks is when it is very busy with leaf peepers but the third week there is still pretty nice foliage it maybe past peak but it is still awfully beautiful. Also people plan their trips so far in advance maybe it will be a “late” peak and you’ll be the lucky ones.
Plan as much as you can in advance like bringing a packed lunch with you may save you some LONG wait times at some of the Lincoln and Conway restaurants.
If you’re like me you’re looking to get lucky and spot a moose it’s best to go around the hours of dawn and dusk. Going at these times the roads will also be less traveled and you can get some great pictures of sunrise at some of the scenic over looks or it could be pretty foggy and those make for neat pictures too. Did I mention a lot LESS people!!

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Hocus Pocus Filming Locations

It’s September 6th, which for me means that I’ve probably watched Hocus Pocus close to 10 times already. You see September 1st starts the Halloween season in my little world and there is no better way than to usher in the start of fall with this Disney classic! HOCUS POCUS it’s like a fine wine; it only gets better with age. It is the movie’s 25th anniversary this year and I can’t of a better way to celebrate than taking an epic road trip to see all the filming sites in Salem. So grab your broom, a couple of Clark bars, and some hob goblins and enjoy your trip!

1. Salem Pioneer Village – 98 West Ave. Salem, MA

This is where the movie first starts we briefly get to see the lovely Thackery Binx in person. He awakes when his sister Emily is swept away by the very cunning Sarah Sanderson for not so good reasons. If you’d like to see the little village you can but
though a fence 😦 There has been a dredging project going on for some time and it has forced a closure of the village for the time being. It is worth a look-see even if it is closed.

**Lanterns in the village held on October 5th is about your only chance to see this place up close and in person Tickets available online ONLY starting 9/13/18.
For tickets visit – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lanterns-in-the-village-collins-middle-school-fundraiser-salem-ma-tickets-48159962745 This event is a fundraiser for Collins Middle School in Salem, MA.**

2. Jacob Bailey High School and the Salem Common – Washington Square South Salem, MA.

Ah, we are now introduced to Max and Allison at Jacob Bailey High School; and what a cool school they went to. You can find both the high school and the common where Max and Allison briefly talk after school in the center of Salem. The high school was actually a vacant elementary school at the time and was used for filming and what a great location. It is now used as an apartment complex. I’d like to live there! The common is a great place to take a stroll, and to relax and look at the many shades of autumn that surround you. From the middle of October til Halloween there are tons of food vendors in this area as well.

**The Salem Common holds movies on the green every weekend in October if you’d like to watch Hocus Pocus where Hocus Pocus was filmed check it out on October 6th. The movie starts at 6:00 pm, additional entertainment on Salem Common begins at 2:00 pm.**

3. Old Burial Hill – Orne St. Marblehead, MA

Now we meet Jay and Ernie, excuse me ICE in the graveyard in Salem which was actually filmed at the Old Burial Hill in Marblehead. Getting there is about a 20 minute drive. I personally think its worth the drive it is a very old cemetery and the area it is located in is very quaint and cute. Old Burial Hill was established in 1638 and is one of the oldest graveyards in New England. If headed here I suggest you check out the grave of Mrs. Susanna Jayne d.1776. There is an huge abundance of symbols on her stone. http://oldburialhill.org/ministers/ministers_02a.html#symbolism talks about her stone and it’s a good reference to gravestone symbolism.

4. Max & Dani’s House – 4 Ocean Ave. Salem, MA

Max now arrives home to finally relax after what seems to have been a tough day for a teenager. Max & Dani’s home can be found right in Salem. Not much has change since the filming of the movie and I’m glad because this house IS Hocus Pocus. It’s still painted the same way right down to the trim; and you gotta love that Cupola I wish I had one in my house. I have taken quite a few pictures of this house throughout the years. Every time I come to Salem with someone new it is a must stop and hence another pic. The home owners do not mind and most likely you will not be the only one there taking pictures it seems like everyone does. This house right on the bay and it is VERY close to the pioneer village so I would suggest hitting these to places together instead of driving across town twice. **This is private property so please be very respectful while you visit**

5. Allison’s House – The Ropes Mansion 318 Essex St. Salem, MA

While trick-or treating Max and Dani reach Allison’s house; Oh Allison!. The Ropes Mansion is also a house that has not changed since filming; due to the fact that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s a classic Federal style home built in 1724. There are FREE self guided tours of the home offered every Saturday and Sunday during the fall. The home is now owned by the Peabody Essex Museum. While visiting feel free to walk in the back of the home they have very beautiful maintained gardens and it often blooms until mid to late October. It’s a great opportunity for a selfie or two.

6. Old Town Hall – 32 Derby Square Salem, MA.

Our last location threw one heck of a Halloween party in Hocus Pocus. I mean the Sanderson sisters really threw it down. I would sometimes fast forward the movie to the hour mark and watch I Put a Spell on You over and over again. The Old Town Hall is located on Derby St. right in the heart of all the action in Salem. It is close by to shops and restaurants and walking distance to the Salem Common/School and Allison’s House. The exterior was only used and the building is extremely recognizable from the film. It now houses the Salem Museum and the play interactive play Cry Innocent.

And with that it wraps up all of the Hocus Pocus filming locations in Salem. I hope you had a bewitchingly good time exploring the area. I will be doing another blog post about Salem in general because there is just SO much to see and do. If you have any questions I’d be happy to answer them just shoot me an e-mail or comment on the post. Happy Halloween!

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The Big E

The Big E or The Big Eats as I like to call it; is the largest agricultural fair in New England and was established over 100 years ago. The Big E lasts for 17 days each year starting in mid-September. A trip to the Fair is a must for every New Englander before the fall sets in. The fair has so much to offer, including livestock, live entertainment, crafts, Avenue of the States, rides and foods from around the world!

On the Avenue of States, you will find representation from all six states that comprise New England; Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. Each building offers food and goods native and well known to their specific state. A great place to check out is Storrowton Village Museum, a living history museum of 18th and 19th-century buildings open for exploration and old-time demonstrators on the Village Green you will also find a lot of arts and crafts in this area. The Big E Coliseum features daily horse shows, while the Mallary Complex houses livestock and other farm animals, including goats, chickens, pigs, and sheep. Other animals, such as those found at petting zoos or in the Big E Circus Spectacular. You’ll also find the Xfinity Arena and each weekend, bigger bands and musicians come to perform. There are ticketed shows (admission to the fair is included with the purchase of a concert ticket as long as it is purchased before the date of the show). There is the Midway which offers tons of rides and carnival-style games for the young and old alike and daily Mardi Gras parades Mon-Thurs at 7:30 Fri-Sun at 5pm. There is also a Big E daily parade at 5pm; on weekends it’s held in conjunction with the Mardi Gras parade.

BIG E TIPS & TIME SAVERS

Go at night you’ll save yourself some money if you do too. On Monday thru Thursday, you’ll pay $6 dollars after 5PM and parking at side lots tends to be cheaper too.
If you want to go on a weekend go at 2PM on a Sunday the crowd starts to thin out and after 5-6 the crowd really starts to thin out you’ll see tumbleweeds blowing the streets around 7 or 8. People go home early to get ready for school and work the next day.
Go get a Maine baked potato during the Mardi Gras parade the line is almost non-existent during that time as most people go and watch the parade.
Ride tickets are $1.25 each, If you are at the Big E for a while it is worth getting a wristband for $25 (weekdays only) and you can ride all the rides that you want multiple times!
Wear a backpack or a sinch sac it not only frees up both hands but you can store some of your smaller purchases and brochures that you’re bound to pick up in the state houses.
The Big E has their own lot for parking at $10 dollars however the walk is often very long to get to and from the car. I suggest parking in a private lot close to Gate 1 or 4 it’s centrally located to the fair so a very short walk. You can come and go at the Big E so you can bring your purchases to the car so you don’t have to lug them around all day.
Bring some Purell! There are petting zoos and kids are going to want to touch the animals, for the bathrooms in case they are out of soap (happens a lot) and for after riding the rides and who knows what else you may encounter.

Bernat’s Deli on East Road newest menu items are Kielbasa Chili and Polish Sampler Platter.

The Donut Family on Commonwealth Ave now serves Cinn-a-Roll Gourmet Mini Donuts, covered with cinnamon cream cheese drizzled with sugar glaze topped with homemade whipped cream.

Poutine Gourmet at Gate 7 (next to the Circus) will offer two new Poutines — Pulled Pork and Ground Sirloin and Corn.

International Lobster House & Yankee Boy on Springfield and West Roads newest menu item is Shrimp Mac & Cheese.

Deluca’s Family Foods on New England Avenue will offer Italian Stuffed Peppers.

The Irish Pub inside Young Building at the International Plaza will transform into the Guinness Pub, featuring beers from around the world.

The Coffee Break in the Food Court will offer breakfast favorite Deep-Fried Pop Tarts.

The Deep South Company on Industrial Avenue will have Deep-Fried Corn on the Cob, an ear of corn dipped in buttermilk, lightly dusted with creole seasoning and fish fry batter then deep fried golden brown.

Craft Cocktails Inc, home of the Deep Fried Martini, will serve the Frozé Martini, with V-One Vodka and Rosé wine inside and outside Door 1 of the Young Building.

Amy’s Sweet Treats on Commonwealth Avenue will offer the Nacho Sundae: cinnamon and sugar tortilla chips topped with ice cream and choice of toppings.

Cranston Enterprises in the Better Living Center will present 40 different flavors of licorice, including a three-foot-long sweet and sour licorice rope filled with soft sherbet.

Giant Corn Dog on the corner of West Road and the Avenue of States will serve the Dilly Dilly Dog, a pickle cored out with a hot dog stuck inside and then dipped in homemade corn dog batter.

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Headless Horseman Hayride and Haunted Houses – Ulster Park, NY

Headless Horseman Hayride and Haunted Houses has been on my radar for at least the last five years. Well, I finally had the opportunity to go last year; and it was everything I expected and more! I went with a couple of friends on opening night and you could smell the excitement in the air. The place is HUGE it is comprised of ten attractions, four gift shops, and five food cafes. There is something for everyone as long as they love scary.

Headless Horseman Hayride and Haunted Houses is a unique, immersive experience with a theme that changes each Halloween season. Featuring a theatrical one-mile hayride, a corn maze, and eight more haunted attractions. The hayride was amazing and seemed to last a long time and the corn maze was really well thought out. It is definitely not your local weekend haunted corn maze it is expansive. The gift shops are great you will find all kinds of things related to Halloween that you may not find elsewhere. If you’re hungry they have you covered. You’ll find all kinds of fall treats like kettle corn, candy apples, pumpkin this and apple; and if you are really hungry they have the basic hot dog, hamburgers chicken tender type foods.

Tips for making the most of your visit:

If you’re looking for a discount go on the first night. Opening night this year is September 22nd and the cost will be $32.29. Regular nights the price is as follows: Online Ticket: $41.95 + 3.95 service charge + tax
On-site Ticket: $49.95 + tax – Walk-up tickets only based on availability! I would not risk this especially if you are coming from far away.
TO AVOID WAIT TIMES: Please purchase tickets for dates early in the season, or on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Saturday evenings in October are extremely busy. Expect extended wait times. There is also a “fast pass” type option where if you pay an additional $25 dollars it helps to drastically reduce your wait time.
There is NO SMOKING you go through an extensive screening going into the attraction and I saw at least 5 people in the line in front of me have to go back to their car because they had cigarettes on them. They do a bag check and you have to walk through a metal detector. Don’t risk it and think you’re going to beat the system because you’ll have to wait in line all over again if you get caught. Also, NO FLIP FLOPS OR HIGH HEELS are allowed.
If you’re going with someone who likes to shop do the attractions first it’s much easier than carrying a bag everywhere you go especially when it comes time for the corn maze.
In case of stormy weather, a closing announcement will be posted on their website https://headlesshorseman.com and our phone system. In addition, you will receive an e-mail that will instruct you how to change your online reservation yourself, to a future date for the current season.

And lastly, yes there are scary creatures with chainsaws and clowns!!

Headless Horseman Hayrides & Haunted Houses
778 Broadway, Route 9W
Ulster Park, NY 12487
(845) 339-2666

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Providence Water Fires

Voted one of New England’s best events after dark Providence’s signature event is WaterFire, an award-winning fire sculpture installation on the three rivers in downtown Providence.

Voted one of New England’s best events after dark Providence’s signature event is WaterFire, an award-winning fire sculpture installation on the three rivers in downtown Providence. WaterFire is now in its 24th year and it is an event I have enjoyed going to for many years now. WaterFire consists of 99 bonfires that are lit from sunset and last until midnight. The fires stretch for 2/3 of a mile along where the three rivers meet each other. You’ll enjoy the crackling of flames, the scent of blazing cedar and pine, the flickering firelight on the arched bridges, the silhouettes of the fire tenders, the many performers traveling along the river in torch-lit vessels, and the extraordinary music from all over the world engage all of the senses and evoke emotions from the many thousands who come to stroll along the river walks.

If you’re lucky enough and plan ahead you can take a gondola ride and get really up close to the fires. A company called La Gondola offers 40-minute trips starting at $139 on a partial lighting (basin only) for two passengers (+$20 for each additional passenger, 6 passengers maximum). If you go on a full lighting night the price starts at $179. Not only are there gondola rides but you’ll find food vendors and craft vendors along the side streets where the fires are being held along with several living statues one can interact with. There is also a starry night installation which is a beautiful way to help support keeping the WaterFires burning. You can add your light to the night by writing your wish on a ribbon and attaching it to your own star and hanging it in the constellation in Memorial Park for a $10 donation.

My best advice if you are to visit WaterFire is to arrive early. Since WaterFire is open to all and has no restricted seating or VIP areas, the earlier you arrive, the better your chances are to get your preferred spot along the river or in the parks. Lighting typically takes place in Waterplace Basin approximately 15 minutes after sunset; however, I would still suggest that you reference the event schedule for all of the details on the specific lighting you plan on attending. WaterFire is held May through November, typically on Saturday evenings about twice a month. The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend. More information is available at www.WaterFire.org.

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Acadia National Park

This is by far my favorite National Park that I have been to. There is just so much beauty all around you that it takes your breath away. I have a gallery wall and four of the pictures alone come from Acadia along with a map of Mount Desert Island. Acadia National Park is comprised of 47,000-acres along Maine’s Atlantic coast. Its landscape is marked by woodland, rocky beaches, one sandy beach, ponds, marshlands and glacier-scoured granite peaks such as Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the United States’ East Coast. A vast majority of Acadia can be found on Mount Desert Island along with Isle au Haut, and the Schoodic Penninsula. You may spot moose, bear, deer, bald eagles, seals, whales and seabirds.

Even in the busiest of times, you will be able to find your own little section of peace and quiet. To really get away from it all I suggest going to the Schoodic Penninsula that is a short ride away from Mount Desert Island and it is a ghost town. It is just you and nature. I camped there for a night and it was a fantastic experience. The campground is called Schoodic Woods and it has only been open for a couple of years. It’s located right in Acadia National Park. It is a “dark” park so they do not want you hanging string lights or other bright lights as to obstruct the perfectly dark night sky. (Can someone say awesome Milky Way pictures!) If your a night photographer or a novice just getting into photography I strongly suggest staying in a dark park you will get fantastic photos. There is even a whole festival dedicated to the night sky it is held during the new moon in September. You can find out more information at acadianightskyfestival.org

Among other things to do at Acadia, I suggest going up to Cadillac Mountain at sunrise. It will be one of the best sunrises that you’ll ever see. **Drive incredibly slow on the roads and up the mountain at this time because that is when the wildlife is most active** You will see deer and maybe a moose or two close by the roads so make sure to keep an eye out. Also if you go later in the day especially on a weekend Cadillac Mountain can get packed and there is very limited parking. Another great spot I like to take a hike around is Jordan Pond. It’s very peaceful and I hardly see anyone ever around. There is a little restaurant called the Jordan Pond House you can eat outside or in, but most importantly, make sure to get their famous popovers with some Maine strawberry jam.

Another place to make sure to visit is the Thunder Hole on Mount Desert Island. Carved naturally out of the coastal rocks, waves have been battering this tiny inlet for centuries. Because there is a small cavern at the bottom of the inlet, the combination of the waves hitting the rocks and the release of air from the cavern cause a thunderous boom to happen. No trip to Acadia National Park is complete without visiting it. Thunder Hole is a quintessentially Maine landmark that offers more than just the trademark thunder; there are stunning views in every direction from the high rocks surrounding this historical inlet. Many say the best time to go to Thunder Hole is midway between low and high tide. But be warned, if a storm has just pushed out to sea brave visitors are treated to the trademark thunder, complete with crashing waves in the extreme. Do your due diligence and make sure you check weather reports before you go. The waves have been said to reach up to an immense 40 feet high (needless to say you will get wet, so make sure you’re prepared). But on most days it’s an amazing natural display and certainly a tremendous photo opportunity.

Some tips:

Really and I mean really plan your visit ahead of time. If you wake up one morning and say I think I’m going to go camp up in Acadia for a few days GOOD LUCK finding a campground that is open. All of them book up so far in advance I would book for three months ahead. Go to this website for the best up to date camping information https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/camping.htm
Go to the visitors welcome center especially if it is your first time and get a map because it is very easy to get lost and cell service in some of these areas is very spotty and frequently goes out on me and I have Verizon. Can you hear me now?
Check the weather forecast because even in the warm summer months it gets very breezy on the shore and also up on Cadillac Mountain and at night the temps can plummet.
Have a semi full gas tank gas stations are few and far between and I’d hate to run out of gas with no cell phone service.
If night photography is your thing try to plan on going during a new moon phase for the darkest skies possible and a trip to Sand Beach you’ll get fantastic photos that seems to be the go-to place for night photography. Cadillac Mountain could be dangerous to go when it is that dark. **IT IS PITCH BLACK** I was actually scared more than a few times driving because there are NO lights anywhere so be careful of wildlife driving in the park.
Bring your camera and have fun!

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The Yankee Candle Flagship Store

Oh boy! This place is a Mecca for all things New Englandy and it’s not just for candles. It is especially great to plan a trip here to help kick off the holiday season. I️ find myself coming here at least a handful of times through out the year. I almost always visit in August because it gets me excited for the upcoming holiday seasons. It’s Christmas all the time up in the South Deerfield location so don that holiday music and head to the “Scenter of the Universe”

The Yankee Candle Flagship Store isn’t just about candles they have a bit of everything there. You’ll find a museum, a “man cave so you can ditch the s.o. you may have brought with you to do some serious shopping, a Christmas store, Santa’s workshop and wax works for the kids, a general store, a kitchen and garden shop, and a gift boutique. With all that shopping you may get hungry but that’s okay because they have you covered they have a huge Au Bon Pain, they also have ice cream, popcorn, candy and fudge stations.

So a few tips since I’ve been there more times than I can count…

Make sure you sign up for their e-mail notifications before you go because they ALWAYS have a coupon for something. (It’s very easy to unsubscribe from their list too I do this periodically they will e-mail you every day) If you do not have a coupon stop at a rest stop in Mass and they always have ones there.
When you have a buy two get two free that is the golden ticket because it just doesn’t stop at two it could be buy four get four free or buy six get six free and so on. They offer personalized candles that make GREAT gifts so go armed with a couple of great pics and you’re recipients will love them you’ll also hear from them “I don’t want to burn it because it looks too pretty” I hear it all the time
Check out the website for special events my favorite event is always held the last Saturday of August and that is when they debut all of their Halloween line and they always have fun things going on. Also they have their huge Coleman outdoor camp gear sale in June along with a warehouse sale in February.
Take your kids to get their picture taken with Santa in his workshop (It’s free just the pic on your phone!!) if it’s before the holiday Santa may not be dressed in his red suit but he will be in his workshop clothes and it will be a different picture than the traditional ho ho ho picture for once. *BONUS* there is hardly ever a line! unless you go on an event day.

So you could potentially spend all day in this store. Sometimes that’s just not possible so here are a few dos and things that you could just skip over if time is not on your side.

The dos:

Definitely do the general store there is so many great little things you can find there local to the New England area that it’s always a must do on my list.
Hit the Christmas Bavarian Village because it is such an awesome little place that always brings Christmas cheer during any part of the year.
Check out the sale room sometimes you can score some great finds very cheaply.
I always walk along the perimeter of the outside just because its so pretty there no matter what season it is. It is always landscaped to perfection.
If it is your first time and you have time on your hands definitely check out the candle making museum it is very interesting to see just how candles were made and how much TIME it took to make one candle.

The it can wait for next time:

The whole toy shop/wax works can be avoided especially if you don’t have kids in tow. You never find any type of sale in this area ever and the prices are cheaper elsewhere.
The candle showroom the ones with the big pyramid displays for the reason that it is always very crowded and a much more organized display rooms are around the corner right by the general store. They are laid out by food, fresh, and festive and the displays are much neater and you will find almost everything here except for the Woodwick candles, and rare treasures, those you will have to peruse around the perimeter of the showroom for.
The boutique you can skip over unless your looking for a gift for someone most of the items you see here will be here the next time you come I hardly ever see a turn over in this section; however there are some pretty awesome gifts that you could find here especially for yourself.
Candle personalization if there is a line don’t fret your closest Yankee Candle will be able to do it for you at the store the cost is the same $5 dollars and it may save you time if there is a line.

I could really write a novel about the flagship store I have been going here for years and years. It seems like they are always adding or changing things mostly for the good. The staff there is always super friendly and if you have any questions they will be happy to point you in the right direction or lend a helping hand.

Yankee Candle Village Store 25 Greenfield Rd. South Deerfield, MA 01373 T: 877-636-7707 Hours Monday-Sunday 10am-6pm *hours may change on or around holidays*

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Mansfield Drive-In: A time honored tradition

I don’t really remember going to the drive-in as a kid. It wasn’t until a few years ago that my friends got me to finally go to one and boy how fun! My friends Paul and Ryan brought me to the Mansfield Drive-In located at 228 Stafford Rd in Mansfield Center, CT one of the two left in Connecticut that still plays new releases.

The Mansfield Drive-In features three screens each play a double feature so six movies total a night. You can hop from watching the first movie on one screen to going to watch the second movie on a different screen. They are open from April to October on Saturdays and Sundays however in mid-June, July, and August they are open daily. Wednesday nights can get packed as that is their “family” night where it is $22 dollars a carload. For regular nights it is $11 an adult $8 for children 4-11 and kids 3 and under are free. They offer discounts for $1 dollar if tickets are purchased online. At $11 a person to see TWO movies, I find the price very reasonable. The movies are broadcasted through their own FM frequencies and the quality of sound is wonderful.

Their snack bar seems like quite the throwback to years past. They offer all the drive-in classics like hot dogs, hamburgers, clam fritters, french fries, chicken tenders, nachos, popcorn, fried dough, candy, ice cream etc. A big plus is that they have BIRCH BEER. I love birch beer and very few places carry it as a soda fountain option. The snack bar is a great option but you can bring your own food and drinks along if you must, but I encourage buying here to help keep the drive-in operating since most of their revenue is generated through food and beverage sales.

I’ve been quite a few times over the past few years an a few pointers would be to plan early. The theater posts the movies playing for the upcoming weekend on Monday so plan ahead and look to see whats playing on what screen and pay attention to the weather too; drive-ins are not so much fun in the rain. I have learned to bring along some window wipes for all the windows because driving to Mansfield you WILL have bug smears all over your car by the time you get there. Also, play with your cars light settings. I say this because I didn’t know how to turn my running lights off on my car and it made for an unpleasant experience. Thankfully a worker approached me and showed me how to turn them off. He said it’s something that happens all the time. Bring bug repellent because the mosquitos can be very annoying around the 9o’clock hour and most likely you will want to leave your windows open. And lastly, bring whatever you think will make your drive-in movie experience top notch. I’ve seen blow up mattress on the back of pickup trucks, pillows, and blankets with the back hitch of the car open, chairs and hammocks the options are endless.

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Noank: Connecticut’s hidden coastal gem.

So until about a month and a half ago, I had no idea that Noank even existed until I did a google search for best Lobster places in Connecticut. There was a reoccurring theme that popped up and that was the tiny village of Noank. I decided to go for a visit; little did I know I’d be going back 5 times within a month. The village is absolutely adorable. It is very walkable and picturesque. You’ll see old seaside houses with historical significance or spend the day at Esker Point Beach then later take a walk to Morgan Point. The best time of day to go would be around sunset. The views are breathtaking.

The main attraction in Noank has to be the food and with good reason. The seafood is as fresh as you can get. Three little gems need special mention and that would be Abbott’s, Costello’s and Ford’s both offering fantastic food and terrific water views. All three places are BYOB and PET-FRIENDLY! so bring your four-legged friends along. If you happen to forget your own beverages there is a small little package store within walking distance to all three places called Universal Package located at 19 Pearl St. I am not posting hours to each location because they are very seasonal and I would suggest calling in advance to find out if they are open and until when. Now to give a breakdown of each place:

ABBOTT’S: LOBSTER IN THE ROUGH

Abbott’s was founded in 1947 where it originally just sold lobsters. In the year 1960 the restaurant was finally opened. It is a seasonal spot and opens the first Friday in May every year. Feel free to bring a tablecloth and table settings to jazz up your little space of seafood heaven. They have menu standouts like the OMG lobster roll which is 7 oz of meat on a hotdog bun or there is the new LOL (lot’s of lobster) roll which is filled with a full pound of lobster meat. Currently, the prices run $24.95 and $50.95 respectively. Also on the menu is something called the New England Lobster Feast my friend Paul ordered it and he couldn’t believe what came it was chowder, shrimp (3), steamers and mussels, a lobster and all the fixings for $35.95 and it was money well spent. After your dinner, they have a little shack called Just Desserts where you will find a variety of after-dinner treats ranging from strawberry shortcake, ice cream and cheesecake.

Located at 117 Pearl St. Noank CT 06340 T: (860) 536-7719

COSTELLO’S CLAM SHACK:

I won’t lie this place is more my speed. This is the sister restaurant to Abbott’s (Abbott & Costello) makes sense as to the name. Where you will not find anything fried at Abbott’s you certainly will here. Fried clams! french fries, fried fish etc… The CCC’s triple mix is strongly suggested you choose any three of the following: whole belly clams, clam strips, scallops, fried shrimp, coconut shrimp, oysters or a fried lobster tail for only $19.95! Their desserts are definitely worth mentioning because it is here that you will find the fried peanut butter and jelly sundae! I’ve had it several times already because every time we come to Noank we stop here for dessert because it is that good. It is essentially a fried uncrustable with any type of ice cream you choose along with some chocolate sauce. It is absolutely delicious and a great way to end an eating fest. Costello’s offers two levels of oceanfront dining and they claim that you have unobstructed views of three different states, CT, NY, and RI. The seating is great if you stop by on a rainy day because it is completely covered whereas has very limited covered seating Abbott’s and Ford’s has none.

Located at 145 Pearl St. Noank CT 06340 T: (860) 572-2779

FORD’S:

The first two restaurants were more low key beach after beach type stops Ford’s I would say is a little more upscale and $$$ but it is deservingly so. You don’t approach a counter and place your order; chefs prepare upscale entrees in an open outdoor kitchen and waiters bring plates to the tables on a deck overlooking the water. Ford’s is home to the Lobster Bomb which is a bread bowl toasted on the grill filled with 8 oz of buttered lobster meat ladled with rich, creamy lobster bisque on top. What is nice about Ford’s is that they now offer Sunday breakfast from 10-1 where you will find Benedicts and omelets featuring a variety of different seafood. Ford’s has a no reservation policy so the wait can be VERY long. The night I went I waiting for about 15 minutes which wasn’t bad at all, however, the wait can easily reach the hour and a half mark to two hours depending on when you go. So make sure to plan accordingly.

Located at 15 Riverview Ave. Noank CT 06340 T: (860) 536-2842

Happy Eating!

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Buttonwood Farm’s : Sunflowers for Wishes

I stumbled upon this hidden gem in Griswold CT last year, well after their annual Sunflower for Wishes event. I made a mental note to remember to go back while it was being held fast forward to this year. Sunflowers for Wishes is a fundraiser where 100% of the proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish foundation. It is being held until July 29th so visit while you can to support a great cause. If you can’t visit during that time the sunflowers will still be there and it makes a great photo-op stop.

Buttonwood Farms plants over 14 acres of sunflowers and offers bouquets for $10 dollars a pop. I made sure I got two and they look lovely in the kitchen. This is their 14th year and has so far donated over a million dollars to date to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. They are offering hayrides and tractor rides. This little farm is now the sunflower capital of Connecticut! For the event, the farm opens at 10am daily and close at dark.

Sunflowers is not all they have to offer, Buttonwood also makes their own ice cream fresh daily. I can never pass up an opportunity so being that it’s shark week I opted to try their shark bite flavor (white chocolate ice cream with a raspberry swirl & raspberry filled chocolates) and it was delicious. If you miss the sunflower season fear not, they also offer all kinds of family fall activities like hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin picking as well.