When one reminisces of a simpler time they rarely think of muskets,militias and mills.  But, that is what they have at the Wayside Inn Colonial Faire.

You don’t have to be a history nerd, I mean buff, to enjoy the faire.  But, it helps.  The main attraction, all year round has to be the Grist Mill.

The inside of the mill is just as cool as the outside.  Inside the mill,  a reenactor shows how bread was made.

One of my favorite attractions is the schoolhouse.  Ironic, because in the past I would avoid schools like they were the plague.

The teacher told an interesting story about how Mary Sawyer was the inspiration behind “Mary had a little lamb”.  A stone outside the building bears the rhyme.

Another big attraction at the Wayside Inn is the Mary Martha Chapel with its gilded banner weather vane.

Every year, hundreds of reenactors come dressed in their best colonial era attire.

Despite being armed to the teeth, the only surprise attacks were the occasional Colonial era photo bombs. 

The highlight for the reenactors came when they all lined up on the main road and marched in their groups.

On the fairgrounds, there were tables where you can buy kettle corn, furs of unknown origin and other merchandise.  There were also colonial soldiers, tents, tepees and entertainment.

The tepee was about as cozy as your average 2 bedroom apartment in the city.

Even when the faire is not taking place, the grounds of the Wayside Inn are worthy of a photography shoot.

The Wayside Inn is a rustic building that hasn’t changed much.

The wayside Inn also has an impressive garden.  In the garden there is a bust of Longfellow.

And, of course, there were plenty of canine friends at the faire.

Rico was very curious about my camera.

Pablo took a little rest on his walk.

Fritz enjoyed a treat while he was photographed.

Buster was all smiles at the faire.