The Grand Jack-o-lantern Journey at Southwick Zoo

 For years, the kids and I would travel to Rhode Island to go to a Jack-o-lantern Spectacular and walk through thousands of pumpkins. We looked forward to it every year and it even was an area of contention post-divorce, who would get to bring them since we both wanted to.

I was thrilled when I saw Southwick Zoo was going to be doing their own Jack-o-lantern Journey this year! Sourthwick Zoo is less than 20 minutes from our new house and we've loved visiting the zoo, so I knew we would love the trail as well.

It's only the first year that this jack-o-lantern trail has happened, and it was so great already. Large inflatables, pumpkins hung up everywhere, different themed displays of characters, and the Sanderson Sisters putting on a show! Additionally, the snack stands were open with hot cocoa, apple cider, chicken tenders, pretzels... so much stuff!

Admission is regularly $25 but discounted if you purchase your tickets online, and even more discounted if you go on Thursday or Sunday night instead of Friday or Saturday.

It's absolutely worth the visit!

xo, Heather

Fall Festival at West End Creamery

 It's not secret that the 'ber months are some of my favorites -- September, October, November, December.

As much as I love summer at home with my kids, I live for fall activities. Give it all to me: pumpkin patches, leaf peeping, apple cider donuts, drinking apple cider... and as someone who loves apple but despises pumpkin, I find the window of apple rather than pumpkin is getting shorter and shorter, I try and capitalize on all the apple things I can. We have always spent at least a Fall weekend finding fall things to do and I was so excited when a student recommended West End Creamery inWhitinsville, Ma. It has all the things we're looking for , and more!

The Fall Festival runs during the week in September and October and has so much-- basketball toss, a corn maze, wagon rides, a corn pit, a jump bubble, a tractor tire mountain, skeeball, and chickens! You can also pay extra for pony rides or battle zone (think paintball with tennis balls instead of paintballs).

There are two food stands set up, but the lines were bananas so don't wait to get into line until you are already thirsty or hungry- plan ahead! There were some picnic tables to sit at but they filled up quickly. 

The kids love love love the corn maze and it's a good size! I was happy we had grabbed drinks before going in because it's a large maze and got warm in the sunshine. 

Outside of the Fall Festival, for an additional fee, you can go minigolfing, pick flowers, or get cider donuts and ice cream. The ice cream line was super long during the festival so we plan on heading back another night for ice cream and mini golf since it's such a great location and so close to the new house!

You can grab tickets for the Fall Festival here. At less than $18 per person, it was a great value for the literal hours we spent playing games and exploring the corn maze! Have so much fun!

xo, Heather

Nickelodeon Universe, New Jersey

We had the most amazing trip down to New Jersey to American Dream and visited the Nickelodeon Universe Theme park!

We were looking for something semi close but new and exciting and since Dreamworks Water Park was steps away, it was easy to do both in one trip.

Nickelodeon Universe offers an all day rides band, a per ride cost, and a Twilight band. We booked the all day band and the kids had a blast repeatedly riding all the rides. We tried some new rides that were a bit scarier for us, and Nick loved the more thrilling rides. 

We loved the theming of the park - a combination of new and old Nickelodeon - ranging from Ren and Stimpy to Blaze, and that reflected the variety of rides as well. There were simple kids' rides like riding on a truck, or the small ferris wheel balloons, but also offered more thrilling rides like rollercoasters and rides that flip you upside down. There are close to 30 rides!

In addition to the rides, they have shows on the stage and character meet and greets. With the park being very compact (about 8 acres!), it was easy for us to do a ride, hop off, go watch a show, and get back on more rides. 

You can purchase a whole day ticket will get the kids hours of playtime. With this and the Waterpark right next door, it's my new highly recommended plans for all my friends - and since it's in the mall there's access to the food court and lots of shopping as well! This is especially wonderful in the colder winter months when theme parks are normally closed!

Be sure to check it out!

Encore Boston

 I finally lived like they do on the other side and it was absolutely amazing.

Thanks to winning a charity auction at the Boston Children's Museum, Nick and I were off to Encore for an amazing night stay. 

Located just outside of Boston, it was easy to get to and there was plenty of parking.

The room itself was gorgeous. We had a one bedroom suite, overlooking the water, and the bathroom was the most amazing, luxurious thing I have ever seen. The room is a completely smart room, utilizing an ipad to control the tv, temperature and windows!

Included in our auction win was a a day at the spa, including the cold dip pool, the sauna, a massage, and a facial as well as a $400 meal allowance at Rare Steakhouse. We soaked, we relaxed, we splurged. Dinner was Wagyu steak, a massive potato, crab legs... it was decadent and delicious. 

We took a quick boat shuttle to Boston and walked around Faneuil Hall, but headed back to the hotel. Even though we don't gamble, the building was beautiful and we enjoyed walking around and seeing what they offered. We could not walk by Shake Shack without having some cheesy bacon fries!

Did I mention I'm in love with all the mirrors everywhere?

When it was time to head home, we grabbed breakfast at The Garden Cafe, and I still dream about that mimosa flight! So delicious.

We absolutely loved our trip and hope to get back again one day!

The Cloak and Wand -Mystic

 Emma and I found a great little store in Mystic which gave serious Harry Potter vibes. Cloak and Wand, located in Olde Mistick Village, makes you feel like you've stepped into Hogsmeade.

The store offers lots of fandom items - Harry Potter, Sanderson Sisters, fairies, etc... and Emma loved the animal adoption area, as well as the Potion Bar. They offer over 64 different types of drinks, most with whipped cream, or glitter, or flavors. You can also customize the drink however you like!

This is one of our new favorite stores and we can't wait to go back. Coupled with a visit to Alice in the Village and Alice's Little Haunted Bookshop and lunch inside the shops, and it's a perfect day trip.

- Heather

Visiting Maine - 5 Fun Things to Do

 Growing up, my family always went to Maine. We camped in Maine every summer and I was beyond excited to take my own kids to Huttopia and go camping where my family used to. But, I love the Maine coastline and how many memories I have attached to it.

If you're heading to Southern Maine, here are 5 things you have to do!

1. Check out Nubble Light House - the rocks across the water are so much fun to take pictures on and if you get there during low tide there is so much space!

2. Visit the Kittery Trading Post - this place is a staple. Floors of hunting gear, knick knacks, and food products. My kids still don't love taxidermied animals but exploring the trading spot is always fun.

3. Visit the Old Orchard Beach Pier - find all the pier snacks! Fresh squeezed lemonade, lobster rolls and a trip to the candy store are necessary. Pictures below the pier are usually absolute perfection as well.

4. Visit the Kittery Outlets - with over 100 shops and stores, there's something for everyone. We're always able to get some great items for the new school year.

5. Spend the day at Funtown Splashtown USA. We had a blast here!

What's your favorite thing to do in Southern Maine?

- Heather

Funtown Splashtown, Maine

I've written a few times about how growing up we always went camping in and how excited I was to bring my kids to Huttopia to stay where I stayed. Growing up, summers consisted of camping and adventuring around Maine. My dad was known to "get lost" while we were out driving and end up somewhere amazing. Funtown Splashtown was always a favorite of mine and I knew we had to visit while we were in Maine.

There are so many wonderful classic rides - teacups, Casino, cars you can drive, and the Carousel. There's also a whole water park area!

Fried Oreos are an absolute must at any and all theme parks. Tyler absolutely loved them!

 They have two different ticket types: Little Combo for 38" to 47" and Big Combo for 48" and up. Seniors get their own price! You can buy passes for each park individually, but it just makes sense to buy the combo pass - you can even put the price of your pass towards a Season Pass!

Funtown Splashtown is open May 27th and runs until September 4th, but you can check out the hours here. It's a great park for the whole family.

- Heather

Camping at Cranberry Acres - Jellystone Park

 Last weekend we had so much fun camping at Cranberry Acres in Carver, MA: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™.  It's located at 20 Shoestring Road, Carver, MA 02330. Super close to Plymouth and Wareham Crossing if you need groceries or decide to go on a shopping spree at Old Navy and Target while your kids are with their dad...

It was opening weekend for the resort and even though it was still under some construction we had an amazing weekend. We got a great deal on the weekend and they offer discounts throughout the season. We were excited to finally take the camper out of the driveway and this was a great trial run. Tyler and Nick set up trailer and Emma and I went exploring.

Although the water park and cabins are still under construction, the playground, jumping bag, diamond mining, basketball courts, laser tag, and mini golf were all up and running. The Ice Cream Stand and Canteen were set up but I didn't see them open at any point during the weekend. Laundry and one of the bathrooms were still closed as well. There was more than enough to keep us busy and of course, we ended the night with the best campfire.

We plan on booking another weekend later this summer so that we can see the water park once it is complete. You can book your own weekend right here.

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One of the best parts of the weekend was watching Old Yogi Bear episodes with the kids in the camper so they knew all about the characters. Tyler saying "Hey Boo Boo" all weekend was adorable.

We have other camping weekends planned, but I can't wait to head back.

- Heather