Tag Archives: family friendly

February 26, 2017

TICA Cat Show (Crowne Point Plaza, Natick, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Event: February 18, 2017 – February 19

Location: Crowne Point Plaza, 1360 Worcester St, Natick, MA, 01760 (about an hour west of Boston)

Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

Parking: Ample free parking is available in the parking lot of the Crowne Point Plaza hotel

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Highlights: cats of a variety of breeds being judged

Talent and obedience shows aren’t just for dogs.

Yes, cats can pose, follow orders (ok they’re more like requests with cats) and be just as cute as dogs if given the chance. And did they ever get the chance.

The TICA (The International Cat Association) held it’s annual cat show for a wide variety of cats to show off their talents and beauty. The cramped venue had 6 different stages, more like booths, for these felines to show off their stuff.

The cats were grouped by kittens, household cats, alters (cats that have been neutered or spayed; “altered”), kittens and, of course, championship for the lucky few who get to advance. I was warmly surprised to see the “household cats” category.

While there were so many cats being shown, I was unable to get all of the cats names, breeds and ages. Since I am a detail-oriented person and I love giving as much as information as possible I was a little disappointed by this. I do hope you don’t mind too much.

I did manage to get the name and breed of this cat. She stood out to me because of her unique fur and markings.

Julia is an 8 month old Selkirk Rex.

The cats were showcased by the judges. It was interesting to see how each judge had their own personality and methods of showing off the cats. Some spoke scarcely and were efficient. Others spent more time with the cat, explaining their breed and sharing other fun facts. The woman in the first photo I posted was my favorite judge.

It’s also interesting watching how the cats react to being judged. Some are pretty chill and don’t seem to mind at all, possibly because they are very used to being judged. Others…not as much. However, they were all very compliant and well adjusted, even if you can tell it’s not their favorite activity. It’s also funny to see how easily they can be distracted by shiny objects and feathers.

The cats were judged on Breed, Color and Division and win ribbons with letters corresponding with the first letter in each category (B for Breed, C for Color and D for Divison). The Breed (B) ribbon is the most sought after ribbon.

Cats move around a lot. A lot. Sometimes it’s easier to get their photos while they are being held or when they are in their cages or crates.

Also, as an aside, the hotel where the show was held, the Crowne Point Plaza hotel, is a very cool hotel, at least the function rooms, bar and lobby seem hip. I would highly recommend it, even if it just to go tot eh bar for a few drinks and dinner after work or during your vacation and leisure time, if you happen too be in the area.

I still think this cat tops them all. But, I’m biased. I do know the name, breed and age of this cat. Bailey is a 7 year old Long haired domesticate. Maybe I can enter her next year.

Below is a video of some of the cats at the show.

17 Comments | tags: cats, family friendly, Massachusetts, Natick, New England, photographs, Photography, photos | posted in cats, family friendly, Massachusetts, Natick, New England, photographs, photography, photos, TICA, Uncategorized

January 30, 2017

Amherst Society Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show (Eastern States Exposition Center, West Springfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Event: January 28 and January 29, 2017 (it’s usually held the last week of January or the first week of February each year at the Eastern States Exposition Center)

Location: Eastern States Exposition Center, 1305 Memorial Avenue
West Springfield MA, exhibits are in three buildings (the Mallory Building, the Stroh Building and The Better Living Center, they are all adjacent or connected to each other)

Hours: Saturday, January 28, 2017 – 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday January 29, 2017 – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Cost: Adults: $14.00 per day
Children 15 and under: FREE Accompanied by an Adult
EASTERN STATES PARKING: $5.00 per day

Tickets may be purchased online or at the site. Tickets go on sale a the ticket booths one hour before the event

Parking: Parking is available for a $5 fee (not included in the ticket price) at the Gate 9 entrance. Get there early as it does fill up

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Highlights: model trains and train sets, vintage model trains, elaborate train sets, family friendly

The annual Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show proved trains are not just for children. The fact of the matter is the hobby show is fun for people of all ages. In fact, watching some of the older men and women get into their train sets and even get dressed up as conductors is one of the best parts of the show.

But, the best part is watching the children get excited to play with and watch the trains.

There are many activities at the hobby show geared for children. There is an instructional event where children can learn how to make their own model trees, a table which has buttons for the children to use to move the trains or turn the lights of the train set off and on. There is also a tor train that kids can take, with their parents or guardians, that makes a short journey inside the exhibition hall and other fun activities for children as well as a clown.

There were dozens, if not hundreds, of train sets set up.

While the trains were cool, I actually liked looking at the little accessories that people used to dot the landscapes of their sets.

Some of the city and town layouts were pretty elaborate and detailed.

There was also a cool Lego display. Everything on this display was made out of Lego pieces.

What made this display cool were the hidden characters and objects in the display such as the Beatles crossing Abbey Road (and about to be hit by a truck)

Batman (and friends)

Some famous vehicles

There were a lot more hidden surprises in the display, Can you find more in these photos?

Not all of the trains were small, though. These model trains were displayed at the show. But, they did not have a track big enough for them!

And, of course, there was the steam locomotive displayed outside the event. Children could goon the locomotive and, if they were lucky, they could hear the train toot and spray some steam into the air. It’s a great way to end a day of looking at just model trains.

Video of a dinosaur train, you read that right,…and perhaps the most famous train

16 Comments | tags: family friendly, fun, model trains, New England, photographs, toy trains, train sets, trains, West Springfield, Western Massachusetts | posted in family friendly, Massachusetts, model trains, New England, photographs, photography, photos, train sets, trains, Uncategorized, West Springfield

December 17, 2016

Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke (Portsmouth, NH)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Event: December 3-18 (weekends only), photos taken December 10, 2016

Location: Strawbery Banke Museum (14 Hancock Street
Portsmouth, NH)

Hours: Saturdays, 5-9 pm. Sundays, 4-8 pm

Cost: Tickets are $25/adults, $12.50/children (ages 5-17), and $60/family (covers 2 adults + 2 children age 5-17). Children under 5, free. Active duty military and their families, and veterans, free. Group and corporate rates are available

Parking: There are about 100 parking spots in the lot which fill up quickly. The besgt bet is to park at one of the lots nearby (there are a couple on Court St within walking distance) or ake the Vintage Christmas Trolley

Handicapped Accessible: The main trail is but some of the houses are not handicapped accessible as they do not have ramps

Dog Friendly: No

Highlights: living history museum, ice skating rink, horse drawn carriage rides, musical entertainment, family friendly

Web Site: Strawbery Banke Candlelight Stroll

Christmas in New England was once very different than the Christmas we celebrate these days. The actors at the living history museum do their best to recreate the life of Christmas during the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries.

The festivites begin with a candlelight stroll in the Portsmouth neighbor. We missed the candlelight stroll because we photographed the Nubble Lighthouse.

The houses are decorated with holiday decor and the actors explain what life was liked in colonial and post colonial America. I love some of the little decorations that gave the museum a Christmassy feel. It’s funny how a well place wreath or a colorful decoration can brighten up a room or doorway.

One of my favorite buildings is (of course) the old time candy shoope. Candies, snacks and foods of all kinds are stocked on the shelves and you can even get some recipes for some of theese foods.

Another one of my favorite buildings was the lantern shop. One of the lantern makers was at work when we visited the shoppe. And, yes, all of the lanterns photographed were hand made and for sale.

In one of the houses, Mrs. Shapiro prepared a Hanukah celebration her 1919 Russian Jewish kitchen.

There was also a horse drawn carriage.

There is also musical entertainment at Strawbery Banke. Carolers, a live band an a pianist are at Strawberry Banke. If you’re lucky, they might even be serving hot apple cider like they were during our visit.

There is also an ice skating rink for skaters of all skill levels to enjoy. The best part of the rink is when the living actors skate together (see video below). The less experienced skaters can use “walkers” to help keep them on their feet which you may see in the video below. A firepit is nearby to help keep the visitors warm.

Although dogs are not allowed at Starwbery Banke (service dogs may be an exception), we did see Meave, a 2 year old mixed breed dog.

Below is a video ofsome of the skilled skaters at the living musuem.

6 Comments | tags: carollers, dog, family friendly, fun, holiday, museum, New England, new hampshire, photographs, Photography, photos, Strawbery Banke Museum | posted in carolers, holidays, New England, new hampshire, photographs, photography, photos, Strawbery Banke Museum, Uncategorized

December 13, 2015

Easton’s Beach (Newport, RI)

By New England Nomad

When most people think of Newport, Rhode Island, they undoubtedly think of the ornate historic mansions. But, there is another gem in Newport – Easton’s Beach.

I was greeted by these Canadian Geese upon my arrival.

A short drive from the mansions, Easton’s Beach is less than a mile long. But, what it may lack in size it makes up in charm and beauty.

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The gulls, who were in abundance at the beach, are not shy.

Easton’s Beach is also a popular destination for sea loving dogs. I met Jack during my visit.

Parking was ample during my visit. But I suspect it fills up quickly during the warmer seasons. You do not need to feed the meters in the off season. After May 1st and until Oct. 31st parking fees are in effect (parking at an on-street metered space is limited to a maximum of three hours and the rate is $1.25 per hour and the meters located on Memorial Blvd. near Easton’s Beach are $2 per hour). It’s definitely worth the 2 clams if you’re in the area.

13 Comments | tags: beach, beautiful, dogs, family friendly, fun, geese, gulls, New England, Newport, Photography, photos, Rhode Island, scenic, water | posted in beach, beautiful, dog, geese, gulls, New England, Newport, photographs, photography, photos, Rhode Island, Uncategorized, water, waves

December 10, 2015

Faneuil Hall (Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

There may be nothing more festive than the holidays in the city. The city is so alive. Lights illuminate the dark city streets. Children gaze at all the trees and decorations. Even adults get into the spirit of the season. This was not more evident than at Faneuil Hall in Boston.

There are many statues and memorials at Faneuil Hall. This statue of Samuel Adams stands in front of Quincy Market. You can see some of the lights in the background. There is so much to photograph in the area and I will include other shots from the area in a blog post another time. I wanted to focus mainly on the holiday decorations and lights in this post.