Category Archives: animals

August 29, 2016

Westfield Fair (Westfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Event: August 19-21 (it’s usually held the third weekend of August of each year)

Location: 135 Russellville Rd, Westfield, MA

Hours: Friday 5-10 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m., – 10 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Cost: $8, $6 for seniors (over 65), Children under 12 get in free with an adult

Parking: There was ample parking on the fair grounds

Dog Friendly: No

Highlights: petting zoo, animals, tractor pull, demolition derby, arts and crafts

Westfield Fair

Summers bring to mind beach weather, vacations along the shore and, of course, fairs. In fact, fairs often mark the winding down of the summer vacation season. And no one may do city fairs better than Westfield, MA.

The 89th Westfield Fair had a very down home/country feel to it. From the sheep show (yes you read that right), to the arts and crafts fair and the tractor pull, everything seemed more like “country fun”than the city fun I am more accustomed to. I’m always game for new experiences, though, so I figured I give them a try.

Children from the Pioneer Valley (the section of the area that encompasses the Connecticut River in Massachusetts such as Westfield, Springfield and Chicopee to name a few cities and towns) showed off the animals they have been caring for. I was taken by surprise by how the sheep seemed to like to cuddle. It was remarkable how these little kids could handle and treat these animals with such care. They also seemed very proud of their animals and the work they put into caring for them.

The sheep were evaluated and prizes were awarded to the best in show.

There was also a cattle show. They take this show very seriously as you can tell by the care they were given.

The cows were also shown off and evaluated. Some of the cows did not want me to moove, though (sorry, I couldn’t resist that one). So, the children had to encourage them a bit. Prizes were awarded to the participants. Again, it is very cool to see some children who are barely as tall as the cows they were working with handle them so well. Many of the participants have grown up in families that farm so they have a lot of experience in husbandry. The pride they all take in their work is evident by their reactions.

Perhaps the most popular event during the day time was the tractor pull. The Western Mass Tractor Pullers Association sponsored the event which featured tractors of various styles and eras.

The highlight of the event for me was the petting zoo and alpacas.

The goats, pig and other animals took the food from everyone very gently and they were very friendly.

I’ve always marveled at the folksy ways of the Western MA community. Their down home, folksy ways are evident in so many ways, even their arts and crafts.

And no one knows how to bake like the folks in the western part of the state. Someone had the unenviable task of tasting all of the goodness on these shelves to decide the winner of the bake fair (the Hershey’s Perfectly Chocolate Cake won). Talk about pure drudgery!

There were several fun events and activities for children such as a climbing wall, a kiddie tractor pull event, musical performers, face painting (I went with the cat design), food trucks (the fries were to die for) and, of course, amusement rides (I declined). A play train was available to cart you around to the various events.

Vehicles, specifically trucks, are a staple of the fair. Everywhere you look there seems to be a souped up vehicle tricked out or a vehicle used for farming on display.

As we were leaving, we could see the participants of the scheduled demolition derby prepping for the event.

I can’t wait until next year’s fair!

Below is a video of the tractor pull event.

Tractor Pull At The Westfield Fair

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10 Comments | tags: animals, cars, fair, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, trucks | posted in animals, fair, New England, Uncategorized, Westfield

August 11, 2016

Dorrs Pond (Manchester, NH)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: August 7, 2016

Location: Dorrs Pond is part of Livingston Park which is located at 244 Hookset Rd, Manchester, NH (off Daniel Webster Highway)

Hours: Open 24 hours (use your best judgment if you go at nighttime)

Cost: Free

Parking: There are about 70 or so parking spots by Dorrs Pond. There is also additional parking by the play area and field by Livingston Park.

Dog Friendly: Yes

Size: 1.2 mile loop with some short side trails.

Time To Allot For Visit: 1 or 2 hours

Fun For One: Yes

Highlights: abundant wildlife, popular trails for runner, cyclists and walkers, pretty views, very well maintained, benches for sitting, skating on the pond during the winter

Lowlights: short loop (only 1.2 mile) so many runners have to complete the loop several times to get a good workout, some side trails end abruptly at parking lots or just stop without going anywhere

Once an artificial pond to serve the people of Manchester, Dorrs Pond now serves a scenic retreat for cyclists, runners, nature lovers and dogs.

“hidden gem” is a phrase that gets thrown around a lot. But, the photos below will show how this description is apt for Dorrs Pond. In fact, I, and many people I talked to about it, had never been to this pond or ever even heard about before I went there.

One of the great things about Dorrs Pond is it is not a particularly difficult trail. The trails are Dorrs Pond are pretty level with a few small inclines

The views at Dorrs Pond are beautiful. Vivid greens and a variety of green, purple and other vibrant colors dot the landscape.

One of the best parts of Dorrs Pond is the wildlife. There is a variety of birds, amphibians and other animals at the pond.

I also found this interesting shelter. Unfortunately, no one was home.

During the winter, skating is allowed on the pond. Also, there is a play area, playing field, restrooms and pool for children (and some adults) in addition to Dorrs Pond at Livingston Park.

Doors Pond is a great place to bring your dog. The trail is not too long and the inclines are not very steep. And it was a perfect day for taking your pooch out for a stroll. I saw lots of dogs at Dorrs Pond. Here are a few of the cute dogs at the park Sunday:

Katie, a 9 month old German Shepherd.

Finley, a Cavachon who will be 2 in September

Reagan, a 4 month old Golden Retriever

and Jackson, a 2 year old Basenji Greyhound.

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Similar Places In New England I Have Visited:

Ames Nowell State Park

Cutler Park

11 Comments | tags: attractions, birds, bridges, chipmunks, dogs, Dorrs Pond, ducks, frogs, Nature, New England, new hampshire, Park, photographs, Photography, photos, pond, scenic, turtles, views, water | posted in animals, birds, bridges, dogs, ducks, nature, New England, new hampshire, park, pets, photographs, photography, photos, plants, pond, scenic, trails, trees, Uncategorized, wildlife

August 8, 2016

New England Morgan Horse Show (Northampton, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Event: July 26-30, 2016

Location: Three County Fairgrounds, 54 Fair St, Northampton, MA

Hours: The day I went there was an all day event, climaxing in a celebratory event in the evening at he fairgrounds. The events began at 10.

Cost: Free

Parking: There is a free parking lot across the way from the fairgrounds which holds about 40-50 cars.

Dog Friendly: Yes

Fun For One: Not so much, unless you really love horses

Highlights: horses, competitions, skilled riders of all ages

Lowlights: lack of concession stands, seating for most spectators is not close to the riding area (you can stand at the fence to watch though)

Every year, the New England Morgan Horse Association holds a special event to display the best riders in their organization (some come as far as Idaho and even farther away). The 5 day event displays riders of every age group and skill set. While the youngest riders stick to walking and a light trot, some of the more experienced riders showed off their advanced skill sets like this harness rider.

The poise and skills of all of the riders in every age group was remarkable. Just watching children smiling and having a fun time while riding such powerful and majestic animals was impressive. I felt a surge of pride for these kids I didn’t even know!

One class of riders was as young as 11 and under. But, they were great. At their ages, I was riding the coin operated horses outside of the department stores at the mall. Something I was not aware of is the riders will often make “clicking” or “kissing”sounds to communicate with the horse.

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We could not stay for the all day event. But, the two hours we spent was jam packed with competitions, shows and riders trotting with their horses.

I didn’t see much along the lines of concession stands, except for a lemonade truck. But, since it is a free event, you could leave to get lunch at one of the many fine dining establishments in the Northampton area (try Jake’s or Sylvester’s) and re-enter at your leisure.

One of the great things about the event was the attire of the riders. From the glitzy too the more traditional, they all looked great.

And yes, they even let dogs into the event. In fact, I saw quite a few dogs at the horse show like Rylee, a 5 year old flat coated retriever.

And Annie, a Jack Russell mix. Annie’s mom saved her at a rescue shelter.

Similar Events In New England I Have Been To:

None

Similar Events In New England I Have Not Been To Yet:

Arabian Horse Association Of New England

Equine Affair

4 Comments | tags: dogs, horses, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos | posted in animals, dogs, horses, Massachusetts, New England, pets, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

July 18, 2016

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary (Topsfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: July 16, 2016

Location: Mass Audubon, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA (about half an hour north of Boston, MA and an hour southeast of Manchester, NH) 978-887-9264

Hours: presently, Tues–Fri, 9 am–4 pm
weekends & Mon holidays, 9 am–5 pm

November-April
Tues-Sun & Mon holidays, 9 am-4 pm

May-October
Tues–Fri, 9 am–4 pm
weekends & Mon holidays, 9 am–5 pm

Trails
Tues-Sun, & Mon holidays, dawn to dusk

Cost:

Members: Free
Nonmembers:
$4 Adults
$3 Children (2-12)
$3 Seniors (65+)

Parking: There are about 50 parking spots. You shouldn’t have too much of a hard time finding parking unless there is an event or summer camp is in session

Size: 12 square miles

Time To Allot For Visit: I was there 5 hours and I still didn’t see everything but you can take in most of the best parts of the park in 2 to 3 hours

Dog Friendly: No, most Audubon parks are not dog friendly

Highlights: bodies of water, plentiful wildlife, pretty flowers and plants, observation tower, canoe rentals (if you’re a Mass Audubon member)

From the moment I walked to the visitor center at the Mass Audubon Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, I encountered wildlife. In fact, I found this rabbit chewing on some greenery in the shrub by the office.

That is the great thing about Ipswich River Sanctuary. If you’re an animal lover, or even if you just like them a little, then you will love this place.

Not only are the animals abundant, they are also relatively friendly and not all that shy. Well, most of them weren’t too shy.

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The well-fed red squirrel let me get very close to him or her, so long as I didn’t affect his or her food supply. A lady who had been sitting there on the bridge wall before I arrived has been intentionally leaving seeds or some other type of food the squirrel was enjoying which allowed me to get some great shots. Thanks, random lady!

There are also a wide variety of bugs and other insects at the park. Bug spray and covering up are a must (I especially suggest a hat since one particular bug kept landing in my hair). And most bug sprays don’t stop all bugs. The black insect below was particularly menacing. Also, I never saw so many dragon flies in one spot as I did at Ipswich River Sanctuary but they were pretty harmless.

There are some beautiful views and plant life at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. The colors of the flowers really pop out and the trails are well defined. Many of these pretty features of the landscape were created 15,000 years ago by a glacier.

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You can also rent canoes, if you are a member, for $10/hour for a minimum of 2 hours. So, the cost is $20 or more. You pay for the canoes at the front office and then you have to lug the paddles and life vests along with a key to the where the canoes are locked up (about a half a mile or so away) at the canoe launch. The canoe launch is right next to where the canoes are locked up.

One thing I have seen at other parks that is present at Ipswich are bat boxes. These bat boxes are designed to give daytime roots for little brown bats. Bats are important because they eat lots of mosquitoes and other insects, the plaque next to the boxes explains (then get more bats there please). Little brown bats have been the victims of white nose syndrome,an illness which has been affecting brown bats while they hibernate during the winter. The cause is not yet known. So, the boxes are meant to give them a safe and convenient way for them to rest. The boxes were constructed by Eagle Scout Sean Enos and Boy Scout Troop 48 of Lynnfield, MA. The lumber was donate by a local business.

There is also an observation tower at Ipswich Wildlife Sanctuary. The three story tower built of wood is a little shaky but safe. The tower overlooks a swamp and meadow. There wasn’t much wildlife except for the very occasional bird (I included photos of the egret and other bird who landed in the water in the earlier slideshow). I think that is you had unlimited time and a lot of patience as well as a good set of binoculars (I didn’t have any of those things) you could see a few grand birds.

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One of the things I noticed and I had not seen before my trip to Ipswich are pink water lilies. I have seen white water lilies but never saw the pink water lilies until my visit there.

Like most Mass Audubon sanctuaries, the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary is well kept and family friendly. The grounds are well manicured and there is even a play area for children. They also have a summer camp program where they teach children about nature in a fun and exciting way. All in all, the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary is a fun and exciting place for people of all ages.

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3 Comments | tags: animals, birds, Hiking, Massachusetts, Nature, New England, Park, photographs, Photography, photos, river, scenic, tower, trees, water | posted in animals, birds, fish, flowers, hiking, New England, park, photographs, photography, photos, plants, trails, Uncategorized

July 10, 2016

Robinson State Park (Feeding Hills, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Visited: July 3 & 4, 2016

Location: 428 North St, Feeding Hills (Agawam), MA

Cost: $8 for MA vehicle, $10 for non-MA vehicle

Parking: There are about 50 parking spots in the park itself at various designated parking areas. There are also several entrances besides the actual entrance to the park where you can park for free but there are gates at these entrances and you have to walk rather than drive to the beach and fields in the park.

Time To Allot For Visit: 3 to 4 hours to hike the entire park

Size of the park: 800 acres, 5 miles of frontage on the Westfield River

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: walking trails, stream, beach, picnic area, fields, lots of wildlife, great for bikers, joggers, walkers and dogs

Known for its abundant wildlife, long paved trail and scenic views of the Westfield River, Robinson State Park is one of my favorite parks to visit. I love the paved, winding trail and abundant wildlife. I have jogged the main trail hundreds, if not thousands, of times. The wide paved trail is wide enough to accommodate joggers, bikers, walkers and even vehicles (cars are allowed on the main paved trail during the summer months only).

About a mile or a little more than a mile from the main entrance there is a small beach next to a grassy area for people to relax and sun themselves. If you’re lucky, you may even see a tadpole.

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One thing to keep in mind is there are a lot of bugs in the area. Since it is located by a stream of water, bugs and mosquitoes are a real problem, especially during the summer months. So, either cover up or use bug spray if you plan on hiking the various trails. Another downside to the park, if you want to call it that, is that some trails just seem to end…right in people’s backyards. This happened on two of the side trails I ventured on. No biggie. You just turn around and come back the way you came. But it can be anticlimactic and annoying (for the homeowner as much as it would be for you).

The Westfield River runs along the paved trail giving off some pretty views. There are some side trails you can use to get a better view.

There is a pond just down the trail from the beach. I heard lots of frogs, toads and other wildlife in the pond but they are pretty well hidden.

Robinson Park is also teeming with wildlife. In fact, Westfield, one of the cities the park borders, is known for its black squirrels. Unfortunately, I didn’t see any during my visit or at least none that I could photograph. But, there were plenty of other animals visible at the park the days I visited.

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There is also a pond and a variety of trees, plants, flowers and berries along the trails.

The trails are well defined and there are a number of bridges at the park.

Because it has such a wide main trail and lots of area to roam, Robinson Park is a great place to walk your dog and I ran into quite a few cute dogs during my visits.

Oliver is an 11 year old Collie and Chow mix.

Josie is a 9 year old Cocker Spaniel.

And Bruno is a 2 year old Shepherd and Lab mix rescue.

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19 Comments | tags: attractions, beach, birds, dogs, Massachusetts, Nature, New England, Park, photographs, Photography, photos, pond, scenic, trees, water, wildlife | posted in animals, family friendly, Massachusetts, nature, New England, park, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized, wildlife

July 6, 2016

Coggeshall Farm Museum (Bristol, RI)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: June 18, 2016

Location: 1 Colt Drive, Bristol, Rhode Island (about half an hour from Providence and 1 hour from Boston, MA) (401) 253-9062

Hours: presently open Tue-Sun 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

December 15 – April 15
Open Weekends, 10 am to 4 pm
Open February 16 – 21, 2016 for February vacation

April 15 – December 15
Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm.

Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Cost:

Weekdays

Adults: $5
Seniors: $3
Children (3–12): $3
Children under 3: Free

Weekends

Adults: $7
Seniors: $5
Children (3–12): $5
Children under 3: Free

You can also purchase a membership for unlimited visits, free access to special events and discounts at their gift shop. If you plan on going more than once or twice a year and especially if you go with your family, the membership is probably the best rate:

Individual membership: $25

Couples: $35

Family: $50

Parking: There is a space for about 4 or 5 cars across from Coggeshall Farm. You can also park at Colt State Park, which is adjacent to the farm but you may have to pay a fee to enter the park.

Size: 48 acres

Time To Allot For Visit: About An Hour

Dog Friendly: No (except for guide dogs)

Highlights: living museum, character actors, farm animals, historic style homes

Coggeshall Farm Museum

You often find the most wonderful places in the most unexpected places. On an otherwise nondescript trail at Colt State Park used for cycling and running, lies a farm frozen in time.

Established in 1973, the Coggeshall Museum Farm features interpreters and authentic reenactments of farm life in the year 1799. Every last detail from the tools they use to the bedding (mostly hay) is authentic to the time it represents.

I loved the houses and workshops at Coggeshall. The homes and interiors were definitely the highlight of the trip for me. The rooms were modest and fairly bare (and I thought my room was small).

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Even the papers and bills in the houses are accurate to those days. They don’t accept them as legal tender though, in case you were wondering.

Coggeshall Farm Museum also has a variety of animals. When I came to visit there were 2 steer, 11 sheep and several chickens, turkeys and other fowl. I also got to see some newly hatched chicks.

When I asked how long they keep the animals there I was told they usually live 6 to 8 years and then they have a “retirement plan.” Yes, everything gets used at the farm.

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There were several character actors working during my visit. This gentleman was cutting wood to store (it’s never too early to get ready for long, chilly winter nights). When I asked how long it would take to cut all the wood he said, “util it is done”. Where has that work ethic gone?

The grounds are well kept and very pretty. They also have a large grazing area for the animals.

Then there was Moe – the resident cat and pest control manager. He was very friendly and playful as you can see. Believe it or not, the chipmunk he’s hunting and carrying so gently escaped only a little worse for the wear.

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Coggeshall Farm also lets the patrons partake in some tasks (such as cutting wood) as long as it is supervised and they have many events throughout the year such as Arts On The Farm and Farm Camp. Check their website for more details.

12 Comments | tags: animals, attractions, Bristol, farm, Historical, museum, New England, parks, photographs, Photography, photos, Rhode Island, scenic, travel | posted in animals, cats, historical, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Rhode Island, Uncategorized

July 4, 2016

Old Sturbridge Village (Sturbridge, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: July 2, 2016

Location: 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd, Sturbridge, MA 508-347-3362 (about 45 minutes east of Springfield, MA and an hour west of Boston, MA)

Hours: presently, open Daily | 9:30 am – 5:00 pm

November 1-27
Open Wednesday through Sunday | 9:30 am – 4:00 pm

December 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23
Christmas by Candlelight | 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Fri/Sat/Sun
Please Note: CLOSED during daytime hours
CLOSED December 24, 25

Cost: $28 for adult, $26 for seniors (55 and over), $14 for youths (3-17), children under 3 are admitted free. They also have annual long family memberships.

Parking: about 200 parking spots, fills up quickly. Cars were parked on the grass and other non designated parking spaces when we left because of the large crowd

Time To Allot For Visit: I could spend all day here but 3 hours should do it.

Dog Friendly: No

Highlights: historical actors and portrayal of life in the colonial area era, historical homes, animals, family friendly events, special events throughout the year, stagecoach rides

Old Sturbridge Village

What better time than the fourth of July to take a trip back to the colonial days of our country where they relive those early days everyday?

Old Sturbridge Village is 200 acre living museum which recreates life in rural New Ebgland during the 1790’s through the 1830’s. It is the largest living museum in New England.

As you enter the grounds of Sturbridge Village you see flags that represent fallen servicemen and women.

From the moment you walk into the museum, there are symbols and characters from the past everywhere.

The day began appropriately with the flag raising. One of the historical actors selected two children from the crowd to help him raise the flag.

Throughout the day there were many more reenactments. There was the firing of the cannons, marching, drilling and even musket firing (with blanks of course).

Of course, the houses are one of the biggest attractions. The woman in this house was making stays. This house is called the “Small House.”

The Meetinghouse is another big attraction. For 100 years, Friends, also known as Quakers, worshiped in this building. This particular meetinghouse was originally set in Bolton, MA. As you can see by the photos, there was no pulpit, altar, statues or other decorative symbols. Men and women entered the meetinghouse separately in different entrances and sat on separate sides of the building. The Quakers are remembered for their temperance and anti slavery beliefs.

While the exterior of the houses were very pretty, the interior of the houses were even nicer. It also gave you a real feel of what it was like to live back then. The historical actors were both entertaining and engaging.

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The other great thing about the village was the animals. Meet Jim and Jerry (from left to right). Jim and Jerry are the horses who drive the carry all wagon.

There were also a variety of farm animals. This sheep was wandering around until he heard his mom calling out to him for feeding time and he came running.

The rest of the animals at the village were just as beautiful.

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The village also has little shops and buildings with craftsman and people common to the era like a blacksmith and a tin maker as well as a band call the Quintebrass who played patriotic music of that era.

You could spend all day visiting the many buildings and attractions at the village or just taking in the beautiful views and atmosphere of the area.

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Sturbridge Village even has toys from the era that kids (or adults) can play with.

The River Ride on the Quinebag takes you around the Quinebag River. The boat driver also gave a historical overview of the area. The ride costs $3 a person and lasts about 10-15 minutes.

On the way out, there was a nice surprise. We noticed a building set off to the side; the J. Cheney Wells Clock Gallery. The clock gallery was a quiet clock museum. It was fascinating seeing the evolution of time keeping and it felt like a library because it was quiet and set off by itself. It was a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the historical museum area.

There is also a cafe there (most of their food is cooked outside barbecue style during the warmer seasons and the smell is sure to make you hungry). There are also several comfort stations scattered around the area.

Below are some videos of the various recreations at Sturbridge Village.

The first cannon firing below was just to get the debris out of the cannon and prep it for the actual cannon firing which is in the second cannon firing video below the first cannon firing video. The second video is a little long because the men wanted to wait until the stagecoach passed by so they didn’t startle the horse.

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14 Comments | tags: animals, attractions, Historical, history, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, travel, trees | posted in animals, historical, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

June 24, 2016

Colt State Park (Bristol, RI)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: June 19, 2016

Location: Rte 114 (off Poppasquash Rd – yes that is the real name of the road – or Hope St depending which direction you’re coming from), Bristol, RI

Cost: It was free when I visited, according to the new parking fees it is $7 for residents and $14 for non residents to park at beaches in Rhode Island (lawmakers in Rhode Island recently cut the costs in half)

Parking: There are several parking areas. But, they fill up quickly. Arrive early to ensure you get a good spot, especially during the summer weekends. There are also electric vehicle charging stations available for 4 hours max while enjoying the park or other facility.The EV station does not guarantee a space on full capacity days

Hours: open daily dawn to dusk.

Time To Allot For Visit: This can vary depending on what you’re doing there (kayaking, running, cycling, barbecuing, etc.) If you’re just going for a walk or jog an hour to two hours should be enough time. I spent three hours there but I was stopping a lot to take photos

Size of Park: 464 acres

Highlights: scenic waterscape, various wildlife, walking/running/biking trails, fields and picnic areas, beach, bridge and pretty architecture and well kept trails

Named after Samuel P. Colt who owned the property in the early 1900’s where he built his home the Casino, Colt State Park has been considered the “gem of Rhode Island.” With its pretty views, teeming wildlife and peaceful setting it lives up to its name.

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The park is surrounded by water for people to launch their boats, kayaks and other types or watercraft.

One of the best things about Colt State Park is the abundant wildlife. There are birds aplenty.

Egrets

Red Winged Blackbird

American Black Crow

Mallard Duck

Robin

??????

There are many other animals at the park like this chipmunk

I even saw lions at the park

Off the beaten path, I found these top bar bee hives. And they get nasty when you get too close and I had a bee sting to prove it! I suppose I wouldn’t like it if someone came into my home and started taking photos either.

And, of course, there were dogs at the park.

Butch, a Lab mix, is a shelter dog from South Carolina. His mommy wasn’t sure of his age (either 3 or 4 years old probably).

Max is a 6 year old English Lab. He is also an AKC (American Kennel Club) dog.

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15 Comments | tags: attractions, birds, Bristol, Colt State Park, dogs, Nature, New England, Park, photographs, Photography, photos, Rhode Island, scenic, water | posted in animals, birds, boat, bridge, dogs, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Rhode Island, scenic, Uncategorized

April 26, 2016

Strawbery Banke Museum (Portsmouth, NH)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: April 23, 2016

Location: 14 Hancock St, Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Cost: $20 for adults, $10 for youths (5-17), kids under 5 get in for free according to the May – October price list (these prices may vary depending on the season because it costs us $20 for two adult tickets when I went in April)

Hours: Open 365 days a year from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Parking: Free parking is available but it does fill up fast. There is also parking available throughout the city. There is free parking at Four Tree Island a block away on Mechanic Street and limited off street parking is available. Just make sure to pay your meters and not overstay your parking limit as parking restrictions are strictly enforced.

Strawberry Banke

Strawbery Banke is a 12 acre outdoor history museum. The houses are constructed in the same style and out of the same materials of the buildings of the 17th to mid 20th century.

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This house, which was being worked on, looked creepy

The inside of the homes are designed to be appropriate to the time the house was built or designed. This is the grocery part of the building. This is an example of how Strawberry Banke is a must-see for anyone interested in early New England history

They have set up the grounds and museum to replicate the days of Colonial and post Colonial Portsmouth, once known as “Puddle Duck”. More specifically, Strawbery Banke tells the stories of the many generations who settled in this Portsmouth, New Hampshire “Puddle Dock” community from the late 17th to the mid-20th century. The museum tells the stories of the people and the area of those times. They hold events and themed presentations during different parts of the year.

When we went to Strawbery Banke it was the unveiling of the Spring Barnyard Baby Animals event. It will be running through Sunday, May 1. The New Hampshire SPCA is present at the vent to ensure all the animals are treated humanely and are as comfortable as possible. All of the animals came from places in New England.

There was a wide variety of animals such as turkeys

alpacas from Elf-Paca Meadows, Rochester NH

Mommy and baby Nigerian goats from Tiny Hill Farm, Milton Mills NH

goats

Jacob Goats from Hogwash Farm, Norwich VT.

baby chicks from Yellow House Farm in Barrington NH. You may notice some of the chicks are just lying face down. They are just sleeping. They tend to fall down and sleep right where they are when they get tired and the other chicks will often fall on top of them because they tend to cuddle or pile onto one another for safety and comfort.

baby ducks also from Yellow House Farm in Barrington NH.

Pigs and their babies from Double- H Pig Ranch in Berwick ME and Bittersweet Farm, Lyndeborough NH.

Soay sheep from New England Heritage Farm, Sandown, NH

Guinea pigs and a rabbit. This rabbit’s name is Bubbles.

and a pony named Polly.

One thing I noticed in almost all of the photos is how the mommies, or parents, seem to be protecting or are near their babies.

The holidays are celebrated at Strawberry Banke and I’ll be back in the winter when they have an ice skating rink on the premises and decorate for the holidays. It must be very festive!

Although dogs are not allowed at the museum saw a lot of dogs on our way to the museum.

I saw Cody outside of the Breaking New Grounds coffee shop in Portsmouth Center. If you’re in the area, go there! Cody is a one year old Great Pyrenees and Husky rescue dog with one one blue eye and one brown eye.

Chlodie is 9 months old. Her name is derived from the Irish name “Chlodagh”. She was very happy to be in Portsmouth!

Bailey is an English Point Setter. Love the marking over the right eye.

Merle is a 9 year old rescue dog.

15 Comments | tags: animals, museum, New England, new hampshire, photo, photographs, Photography, photos, portsmouth | posted in animals, dogs, museum, New England, new hampshire, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

January 24, 2016

Springfield Museums (Springfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date visited: January 16, 2016

Hours: Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 11-5, closed Mon

Price:

Adults: $18
Seniors: $12
Youth 3–17: $9.50
Children Under 2: Free
Students: $12

Springfield Residents (with valid ID): Free – youth included

There is a parking lot by the science museum entrance with about 50 or so spaces. There is an overflow parking lot across the street. Parking is free.

The museums in Springfield, MA, are not your usual museums. For one, there are four museums, rather than one. Secondly, on the grounds of one of the museums is another perhaps bigger attraction, the Dr. Suess National Memorial Garden.

There are four museums are the Springfield Museums. I spent most of the time at the Springfield Science Museum

and the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History

The two art and sculpture museums do not allow photography.

The Springfield Science Museum is bigger than it appears on the outside. It is three floors (a first and second floor with a lower level). The exhibits range from live animals (mostly fish and other smaller animals such as turtles) to dinosaur bones and artifacts.

There was so much to absorb in those few levels. But, my two favorite parts of this particular museum had to be the Tyrannosaurus Rex and the demonstration put on by the staff in which the patrons, the children who were visiting, got to find out how fortune teller fish work.

From the moment you enter the science museum your senses are attracted to all of the interesting items in the main entrance. The main themes of the museum are the products of the Springfield, MA, area such as Dr. Seuss and Indian Motorcycles which were manufactured in Springfield.

Two former residents of Springfield reside in the museum.

Snowball

and Jynx

These animals used to be part of the The Zoo In Forest Park (post about this wonderful park to come in the spring or summer). When they died, they were stuffed and put on display.

There is a wide variety of fish and other animal life on the lower level. You have to look closely but the first image is of a shy salmon camouflaged against the rocks. In fact, many of the animals were shy.

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There were also a variety of toys, art work and fun items for kids of all ages and sizes to enjoy like the skeleton with the Dr. Seuss hat on (note the tie-in to Springfield) and mirrors that make you look smaller and wider, just when I didn’t think I could feel worse about my weight ( :

The second and third levels of the museum have a dinosaur exhibit, planetarium, historical items, models of animals and a variety of other items.

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The historical museum, located across the street from the science museum, is a little smaller but it also has a wide variety of displays.

During my visit, the museum was displaying the Better Angels tribute to the fallen firefighters from September 11, 2001. The portrait artist who made the display is from nearby East Longmeadow. The exhibit will be on display until June of this year.

After seeing this touching tribute, some of the other attractions seem trivial. There are a variety of old time cars and a fire exhibit in the main area. There is also an educational play area for children (and adults if you’re inclined).

The Springfield Museums are a great place to visit. Time seems to go by quickly while you’re there so it’s easy to lose track of time. But, it is fun for the entire family.

11 Comments | tags: 911, animals, antiques, card, exhibits, exhiibit, fish, Massachusetts, memorial, museum, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Springfield | posted in 911, animals, exhibits, fish, massachusetts, memorial, museum, New England, photographs, photography, photos, science, Springfield, Uncategorized

New England Nomad

Category Archives: animals

Westfield Fair (Westfield, MA)

Dorrs Pond (Manchester, NH)

New England Morgan Horse Show (Northampton, MA)

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Coggeshall Farm Museum (Bristol, RI)

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Springfield Museums (Springfield, MA)

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