New England’s Favorite Fall Festival

Fall in New England would not be complete without a visit to King Richard’s Faire, New England’s favorite fall festival! King Richard’s Faire is the largest and longest-running Renaissance Faire in New England and is back for it’s 36th season! Picture live, interactive entertainment set amongst 80 acres of enchanted forest that resembles a 16th century marketplace in Carver, MA.

Carvershire has been bustling with excitement as King Richard welcomes new entertainers and
talented artisans to their enchanting village in 2017, including:

  • Rick, Jan and Snorkel the Trained Stunt Pig Show – new for this year featuring juggling, stunts and piggy humor – first four weekends only
  • The Vodca Family musical dance and drumming show
  • Gibbon the Troubadour and Hannah Rose on the fiddle
  • The Lord Sheriff Glenn Fieldenstream is back after a three year hiatus, ready to write tickets and
    summons laughter in “court”
  • And a new puppet: Jasper, King of the Rag Dolls!

This year we got to get in on the action with Troll Ball. We got to the play on the tournament field, which was definitely a highlight for my son. Plus, our team WON! Plus, we threw knives, shot arrows, saw exotic animals and got to enjoy the tournament of kings! All in all, we had a great day!

Photo Credit: King Richard’s Faire/Julie Dennehy

Photo Credit: King Richard’s Faire/Julie Dennehy

Faire hours are 10:30am-6pm every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday holidays, from September 2 through
October 22, 2017. Tickets are $32 for adults (12+) and $16 for children ages 4-11. Children under 4
are free and parking is free. Check out their website to purchase tickets ahead of time and remember only CASH is accepted at the gate.

If fall is your favorite season, than nothing says “FALL” like a visit to King Richard’s Faire! Also, get a bloomin’ onion while you are there. You’re welcome.

 

 

*This was a hosted opportunity and all opinions are my own.

Fall Family Bucket List

Do you love Fall and all that is associated with it? Do you have a Fall Family Bucket List planned? There are so many things to do during the fall season that I like to write them all down so I don’t forget!  Ever find yourself contemplating what to do on a gorgeous fall afternoon? Jot down your favorite fall past-times, place them in a mason jar and when the mood strikes (Yes- I am talking about boredom)- PICK ONE! Of course, if you are like me, you will cross off your favorite activities almost immediately! The second the pumpkins and apples are ready to picked- you can be rest assured that’s where I will be!

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I love fall festivals (Scituate Art Festival is my local favorite), apple picking, pumpkin picking, hayrides, hiking, running, FOOTBALL, fall baking, fall decorating, biking… I could go on and on. So, this weekend take some time to talk as a family about what you all love most about fall. Give each member of your family 5 pieces of scrap paper and write your ideas down.  Each time you are in the mood for a fall adventure, have a new family member pick from the jar! Get creative. There really is no way to steer your family wrong. As long as you are playing together, you’re creating memories that will last a lifetime! That’s the magic of the season!

My Fall Family Bucket List story is featured on the cover of this months Rhode Island Health & Fitness. To read the whole story and get some ideas, click here! Leave me a comment and let me know what you’ve added to your bucket list! I am always looking for more ways to have adventures with my boys!

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Photo By Rhode Island Health & Fitness magazine

Namaste~
Joy

Escape Reality And Explore The Renaissance

It’s fall, and fall in New England wouldn’t be complete without King Richard’s Faire, the oldest renaissance faire in New England. Here, you will be immersed from head-to-toe in a 80-acre forest that is set to resemble a 16th century marketplace. The family and I had a great time exploring the artisans, watching the shows and interacting with each strolling character as they passed by. The are knights, mimes, mud beggars, wenches and members of the royal family walking amongst you. You truly feel as though you have stepped into another time. If you have a child who enjoys history museums, this will surely delight. My son, loves to learn about different places and times in history. He felt as if he went back in time and really enjoyed himself.

 

I thought at first, King Richard’s Faire might not be a good fit for my son due to his Sensory Processing and Anxiety. Think loud noises, smells and crowds. But, if you scope out the map ahead of time, find a quiet spot to rest and try not and fit everything in, chances are you will have a plan for success. It was loud, but not in an obnoxious way. The wind and trees seemed to dull out some of the crowd noise and we found a great spot to take a break under some pine trees. We let him dictate the shows he wanted to see, which worked out perfect. He chose the Great Cats of The World Show, The Royal Parade and the Challenge of Champions. 

Honestly, the Great Cats of the World Show is worth the ticket alone! We sat in the 2nd row right and got to see a Black Panther 10 feet in front of us. And the white Bengal Tiger was just as impressive. The Geoffroy Cat was small but mighty (and adorable to say the least). The knights put on a great show. There was horseback riding, jousting and tricks with their lances among other things. And our knight (blue & white) won the challenge! My son picked the right spot to sit in! The Royal Parade is the perfect chance to see all the roaming characters in one place! It’s also the prefect time to grab a bite to eat and find a table and watch as they make their way around the village!

 

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Let’s talk food. We split a bloomin’ onion, chicken fingers & fries platter and some fudge! It was all delicious. The food was exactly like what I expected, with a slight edge over regular carnival food.  I did notice they offered gluten free options as well as lactose intolerant! As a mom to a food allergy kid, I found this to be a refreshing surprise! I can’t forget about the massive ice cream cone and homemade pickle served from a barrel! Delicious! It does get a bit busy around the traditional lunch time, so if you can wait to eat later that will save you from having to really search out for a table.

Listen, we could have stayed longer. Explored more. Played more games. Ate more. Shopped more. But, we had about 1 hour drive and it was getting late in the day. There really is so much to do and see there. I find this event is more suitable for kids 7 and over. The games were fun, but some I think would be better for the older set versus the younger! Same with the shows. While some kids younger than 7 would find the shows enjoyable, I think the majority of older kids would be able to sit for them longer and really get something out of them! Landon was the perfect age! He is almost 9 and like I said, in love with history.

If you are looking for a quintessential fall New England event to enjoy, get yourselves to King Richard’s Faire.

I am so grateful at the opportunity to receive free admission to this years event in return for a review. And guess what? I have 4 tickets to give away and are good for any of these dates: October 8, 10, 15, 22 and 23. I only wish to be able to attend next year and cross off everything we missed off our list! My son is already talking about his outfit that he wants to wear! A knight who fights for freedom and love! What is better than that? I have my eye on a flower crown!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Namaste~

Joy

New York Hall of Science- Family Fun is Awaiting

Family Fun is awaiting you.   New York Hall of Science offers a hands-on approach that explains science, technology, engineering and math programming to children of all ages. NYSCILogo150

Their permanent exhibit, Connected Worlds, is a fully immersive, digitally rendered, interactive display. Visitors explore the interdependence of six environments and interact with creatures, trees and plants within each atmosphere. Through gestures and movements, visitors learn the core principles of sustainability and see the impact of human decisions on the environment. Visit today for an immersive experience!

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My husband has been eagerly awaiting taking our son here. He is at the perfect age and just loves science! My husband grew up not far from here and spent many days with his own family (and school trips) here. I am excited to be able to watch him happily reminisce about how it was like when he was younger, while having a completely new experience with our son!

We are ready to learn and make memories at the New York Hall of Science!

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Celebrate Spring at Wicked Tulips Flower Farm

If you are local to Rhode Island, or luckily enough to live over the border in neighboring Massachusetts, you need to get to the Wicked Tulips Flower Farm, the only u-pick tulip farm in New England! They are located in Johnston, RI diagonally across from Dame Orchards! Picture this, you’re frolicking through a field of perfect tulips of every size and color while your favorite melody plays in the background, with not a care in the world.  Wait, you don’t have that fantasy in your head? It must be just me then! But, I bet you like flowers! I knew this place would be for you! I’ll do the frolicking and you can do the picking! I already picked enough flowers to last me for weeks anyways!

Wicked Tulips Flower Farm is a US Grown, pesticide free, bee friendly and unique farm! With over 250,000 tulips planted in more colors, shapes and sizes than you could dream of, this is surely something that everyone can enjoy! Think of the family pictures! Get your “selfie” face ready! Once you enter you will see their show garden (no picking here) and you can view all their varieties and pre-order them for fall delivery at the bulb tent (white tents). Beyond the show garden is the picking garden where you can walk up and down the rows and choose as many tulips as you desire for $1/stem. They have buckets for your convenience. Once your done bring your tulips and bucket to the wrapping station where you will wrap up your tulips in paper for the ride home. There is staff able to assist if you need help!

I am a huge supporter of an organic lifestyle! I am so happy that Wicked Tulips Flower Farm offers organic tulips and is a bee friendly farm! This was the biggest reason I decided to check them out. Just because we are not eating the flowers, choosing organic and bee friendly products is better in the long run. Bees, flying insects such as butterflies/dragonflies and some birds are in danger due to the overuse of pesticides in farming. This includes your little flower farm you have created in your backyard.  These creatures collect pollen, eat seeds and drink the water that is contaminated with pesticide runoff. Even if you don’t use pesticides in your garden, chances are the bulbs and seeds you planted might have them hidden in there. Please try and buy organic bulbs for your garden and support local farmers like Wicked Tulips who choose to leave the “junk” out of their products!

Wicked Tulips Flower Farm

Things to know before you go:

  • You need a ticket. If you visit during the weekend you must pre-purchase your tickets online. No tickets will be sold at the door on weekends. Children 3 and under are free. 4-15 $2.50 and 16 plus $5.00. They are already sold out for Mother’s Day weekend. However, you do not need a ticket for the weekday (it is less crowded as well).
  • Hours: The u-pick field is open 7 days a week. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 6pm. Wednesdays and Fridays 10am-7:30pm. Weekends-Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 7:30pm.
  • Purchase bulbs: You can purchase bulbs for next fall. They are locally grown bulbs and pesticide free! You can order online or at the farm.
  • Cash/Card: Cash or card is accepted, however cash is preferred!
  • Photography is allowed and they love seeing all the photos on social media! But please no tripods!

Go tiptoe through those tulips and have a wonderful time!
Namaste~

Where Rhode Island Bloggers Suggest To Visit

What to do in Rhode Island by Rhode Islanders

Photo by Jamie Italiane at The Daily Adventures of Me

Who better to help you plan your trip to Rhode Island than Rhode Island Bloggers? Here is a collection of posts from us for you!

tamara

Photo by Tamara Gruber at We 3 Travel

Planning a Family Weekend Getaway to Providence Rhode Island from We 3 Travel

Nikki

Photo by Nicole Estrella at Playing All The Way

Jumping for Jamestown from Playing All the Way

Rhode Island Bloggers Bring Guests

Photo by Jamie Italiane at The Daily Adventures of Me

A Local’s Guide to 48 Hours in Rhode Island by The Daily Adventures of Me

blogger's guide to rhode island

Collage by Joy Adamonis from My Sensational Kid and Me

A Little Rhody Summer by My Sensational Kid

Photo from The Mommyhood Chronicles

Photo from The Mommyhood Chronicles

My Top 10 Attraction Areas in Rhode Island by The Mommyhood Chronicles

A Little Rhody Summer

Summer is almost upon us! Well, not really, but one can dream. We need to get through Spring first (and that IS upon us), but if you are like me you are already planning your summer weekend getaways, road trips and/or a list of all the places to see & things to do! Should you find yourself heading up to “Little Rhody” (or even passing through it), there are so many fun & unique things to do here. Summer is the best time to visit Rhode Island; we aren’t labeled the Ocean State for just any old reason! Below are my Top 5 activities you should consider when visiting RI in the summer! You could pack these into 1 very long day, but I suggest planning a weekend getaway to really enjoy these activities.

Things to do in RI

  1. Roger Williams Park Zoo

This is a perfect cloudy day or late afternoon trip idea for the whole family. This zoo has more than just animals. Kids can cool off in the Drip Drop Water Garden, climb the treehouse where there are things to see & hear or build a creation at the Sticks & Stones Building Zone. There are even camel rides, giraffe feedings, rock climbing & a butterfly garden! At $14.95 for adults/$9.95 for children, it’s a great price for all it offers. Plus, you can bring in your own picnic lunch (some zoo’s do not allow outside food),  which is amazing!

  1. Rustic Drive-in Movie Theater

There is something to said about sitting under the stars on a cool, breezy summer night watching your favorite movies with a bunch of friends! It just screams SUMMER to me! This authentic 1950’s drive-in has 3 screens, with 2 shows playing on each screen. Outside food can be brought in (or purchased there) and it is only $27 per carload! With movie tickets at almost 12$ per ticket, per show- this is a great bargain! Kids & adults will love this place! And it’s dog friendly! Furry animals deserve some summertime fun as well!

  1. Newport, RI

Visiting Newport can be broken into many parts. 1. A visit to one of the 11 mansions, which were built during the Colonial era through the Gilded Age. 2. A visit to one of the popular beaches. 3. Shopping & dining along the harbor that boast spectacular views. You can visit Newport during the day and have a completely different experience at night. There is truly something for everyone.

2.    Waterfire

Waterfire is a non-profit arts organization whose goal is to bring to life the downtown urban area and revitalize it with art, music and more. Over 80 bonfires are set amongst the water at WaterPlace Park. Visitors walk along the banks enjoying local music, watch performances, grab local fare from food trucks as well as the sites & smells of the burning embers. It’s always free admission and it really is a site to see. Check their schedule online for more info.

  1. Galilee & Point Judith

This quaint fishing village is home to the largest fishing fleet in RI, as well as home to the Block Island Ferry. The beach is small yet gorgeous. A jetty formation lines the beach where onlookers wave to all the ferries that pass by. George’s of Galilee serves the best clamcakes & chowder and there are tons of places to buy fresh fish & lobster right from the boat. The view from their upstairs outdoor terrace is amazing. Small shops, ice cream parlors & other eateries make this #1 on my list!

Your “Little Rhody” Summer is awaiting your arrival…

Foxwoods Resort Casino: Fun For Everyone

Right before the Christmas holiday I attended the Merry Mingle event at Foxwoods Resort Casino. This event was hosted by two fabulous ladies, Audrey and Vera. Other local bloggers like myself traveled there to learn more about the Tanger Outlets that had recently opened. We were also treated to some fun on their outdoor ice skating rink and a fabulous lunch. Let’s talk about the food the team at Foxwoods treated us to: mini sandwiches, a crudité platter that was almost too pretty to eat, delicious salads and the most divine cupcakes ever! The glass of champagne didn’t hurt either.

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Tanger Outlets: Discover Your Style

The Tanger Outlets are packed with stores for everyone on your shopping list. Over 80 stores to be exact. The sales; well, they were incredible. I love shopping outlets because I like to score a deal. I mean, who doesn’t? In the winter, do you want to walk from store to store in the frigid temps?  Not me!  Tanger Outlets is an fully enclosed outlet, connected right to Foxwoods! Did I mention free covered parking too? I can only imagine all the sales for the upcoming President’s Day holiday. Plus, spring is around the corner which means they need to make way for new merchandise. I suggest a trip 

fire pit by rink      Foxwoods Rink & Winter Patio

Ice skating was a hoot. The ladies were a blast. We laughed and laughed. I particularly laughed at how terrible I am was on skates. I have stronger talents.  Some were incredible on the skates. I met new and old friends. The rink is such a fun addition to the already jam-packed venue. Plus, it is gorgeously decorated! Adirondack chairs and fire pits add such a fun element as well!

Family Fun At Foxwoods 

While the day was about the ladies: I was surprised to learn how family friendly Foxwoods Resort Casino really is. I’ve have included my son on some trips to Foxwoods in the past, but they have some nice family friendly additions I wasn’t aware of.  I know I will be taking Landon one day during February vacation. The arcade, ice-skating, buffet lunch and shopping sounds like a great mother/son day to me! Take a look at some of the family friendly activities and events Foxwoods Resort Casino has to offer.

  • Tree House Arcade – Open 7 days per week. The best video games of yesterday and today are all here, including favorites that appeal to adults and kids alike: Candy Crush, Ms. Pac-Man, Wheel of Fortune, Connect Four, air hockey and more.
  • High Rollers Bowling Alley – 20 lanes of fun for all ages! Boasts fun décor and serves casual food options for everyone.
  • Kid-centric Tanger Outlets: Old Navy Outlet, Gymboree Outlet, GO! Toys and Games, IT’SUGAR
  • Foxwoods Ice Rink and Winter Patio– The regular cost for adults is $10 ice fee, $5 skate rental; the regular cost for kids is $6 ice fee, $2 skate rental – making this a fun, affordable activity for the entire family.
  • Disney’s Fantasia –Feb 20th 2016 A live concert experience with music from the classic Disney film performed by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra – and paired, of course, with stimulating Disney animation and everyone’s favorite character – Mickey! Purchase tickets here 
  • Clifford the Big Red Dog – A musical extravaganza for the whole family, featuring everyone’s favorite canine! Two shows on April 19: 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Purchase tickets here
  • April Vacation – Kids Week! Kids Week will include free movies, arts and crafts, face painting, meet and greets with favorite characters, air brush tattoos, a Kiddie Game Lounge with video games and old favorites, like Checkers and Gladiator Joust. Parents can bring their kids and enjoy the affordable festivities.

Visit Foxwoods Resort Casino 

Foxwoods Resort Casino is the largest resort casino in North America, with over 9 million square feet and so much to do. They have world-class gaming with six casinos, four hotels, 30 plus dining experiences, two luxurious spas, two theaters, six nightclubs, a luxury bowling alley and two golf courses. There truly is something for everyone. When are you planning on going? With so much under one roof, you will surely have a great time! I know I did!merrymingle