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Avero Bar Italiano Relaunch Dinner

A couple weeks back I was invited to a restaurant relaunch. Avero Craft Pizzeria was changing to Avero Bar Italiano. It seems the Pizzeria in their name was giving the community an impression of just that, a pizzeria when in fact they are so much more than that.Avero Bar Italiano Relaunch Dinner

The night started with a variety of wines, beers and a specialty cocktail, Pineapple Blueberry Limoncello Martini.  This alone was delicious and I would’ve loved to have more than one but I was the driver.Avero Bar Italiano Relaunch Dinner

Appetizers were available too. I’m not a prosciutto fan, I find it too salty but when it’s wrapped around Buffalo Mozzarella with a drizzle of Basil Oil I can eat it all day. In fact I had about 4.Avero Bar Italiano Relaunch Dinner

The meal continued with 4 other courses each explained by Executive Chef, Chris DeFeo. Chef DeFeo is  a Philly Native with years of experience at Striped Bass, Nectar, Bar Savona and other well known establishments in the area.  His understanding of local, in season and high quality ingredients only made the menu at Avero Bar Italiano stand out instead of blend in with the influx of surrounding casual restaurants.

I am not brave when it comes to trying new food, I’m a creature of habit and have been known to repeatedly order the same item while out because I know it is something I already know I’ll enjoy. I was given a preview of our tasting menu and was completely dreading the first course, Charred Baby Octopus. The thought of chewy tentacles with suction cups turned me off. Even at the restuarant I was stressing out with another blogger about the upcoming meal. I didn’t want to insult the restaurant, chef or host. The meal came out and it was beautiful and it smelled wonderful. My best friend dug right in and commented on how her 8 year old son would love it.  Was she shaming me?  Daring me?

I took a bite and was surprised. I enjoyed it. Did I enjoy it enough to order again? I’m not sure but it was good and I’d recommend to anyone that enjoys seafood and fish. I was proud of myself. Avero Bar Italiano Relaunch Dinner

I think the main reason I went that night was the Berkshire Pork Belly with Wild Mushroom Fricasse.  It was heaven, best thing I’ve eaten in a long time.  Tender but not soft, meaty but not heavy. I ate mine and the rest of my friends.Avero Bar Italiano Relaunch Dinner

Avero Bar Italiano has gone to great lengths to achieve a specific atmosphere. While this is fine dining the experience isn’t snobbish. The interior feels comfy and warm and the staff are welcoming and informative. Having a sommelier and beer expert on hand is incredibly valuable for people like me who know what I like but don’t know what to order.

Avero Bar Italiano is not what I would call family friendly. With such a strong attention put on the food & wine pairings it isn’t a place I’d bring children under 12 years old unless they had phenomenal palates and were willing to try new foods no questions asked. Their pasta and pizza are fantastic but prepared and priced for a more adult experience.  This is a date night or girls or guys night out spot for sure. Relax, order a cocktail or craft beer and soak in the ambiance without the hassle of bibs, cheerios or kid’s menus (which are available).

Avero Bar Italiano Relaunch Dinner

Avero Bar Italiano
821 W Lancaster Ave
Wayne, PA 19087

come photos are courtesy via Stephanie Glover Photography




Indoor Play Areas in Delaware

Delaware may be one of the smallest states but we know how to stay entertained and busy by packing in the fun within our small walls. When the weather is too cold or too wet to visit the beaches, state parks or playgrounds in our area we head to one of the many indoor attractions located in New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties.Delaware Indoor Play Areas for families

When visiting museums, playlands or historical settings be sure to call ahead to confirm hours of operations, admission fees and exhibitions.  As a parent I’m always curious to find out if I can bring in my own drinks or snacks or if those things can be purchased inside that particular place of interest. Taking a few moments to plan ahead can make for an easy day when you know what to expect from your intended destination.

Don’t forget to ask the guest relations or help desk is there are any hidden gems in the area that aren’t on your list. You might find something like the world’s largest Doctor’s Bag or the Fountain of Youth

Vince’s Sports Center
14 Gender Road
Newark, DE 19713
302-738-4859
Vince’s features a 9-Hole, Par-3 Golf Course, Indoor Baseball and Softball Batting Cages, two Miniature Golf Courses, and a huge Video and Ticket Arcade.

Delaware Children’s Museum
550 Justison St.
Wilmington, DE
302-654-2340
Unique exhibits that educate and inspire kids in art, architecture, banking, the environment and more

Delaware Museum of Natural History
4840 Kennett Pike
Wilmington, DE
302-658-9111
Encounter life-sized dinosaurs, look beneath the seas, experience an African watering hole, come face-to-face with a jaguar, marvel at the diversity of birds and shells from around the world.

Hagely Museum and Library
200 Hagley Road
Wilmington, DE
302-658-2400
Our scenic 235-acre campus along the banks of the Brandywine River includes the original mills of the DuPont Company, working machinery, a restored workers’ community, and more. Explore this microcosm of American industry and discover the fascinating links between history, science, and technology.

Christiana Mall Small Wonder Play Area
132 Christiana Mall (in front of Target)
Newark, Delaware 19702
(302) 731-9815
This 800 square foot play area showcases some of Delaware’s most beloved attractions.

Mount Cuba Astronomical Observatory
1610 Hillside Mill Road
Greenville, DE
302-654-4807
One of the world’s greatest astronomers, Miss Annie Jump Cannon, was a native of Delaware and Mt Cuba Observatory was established in her honor. On select public viewing days guests are invited to view the planets, moon, or other objects of special interest through the 4.5″ F. G. du Pont refracting telescope.

Winterthur Museum, Library & Garden
5105 Kennett Pike
Wilmington, DE 19735
800-448-3883
Winterthur (pronounced “winter-tour”) is the premier museum of American decorative arts, reflecting both early America and the du Pont family’s life here. Its 60-acre naturalistic garden is among the country’s best, and its research library serves scholars from around the world. Winterthur closed to the public January 6–February 28, 2014.

Center for the Creative Arts
410 Upper Snuff Mill Row and Route 82
Yorklyn, DE
302-239-2434
Explore drawing, painting, sculpture, pottery, glass work, mixed media, theater and much more with a variety of classes at this community center!

Bowlerama
3031 New Castle Avenue
New Castle, DE
302-654-0704
Bowlerama offers 62 lanes of bowling, arcade and redemption area, Dunkin’Donuts, a restaurant and sports bar.

Pump It Up
103 S James St
Newport, DE 19804
302-998-1144
Play areas filled with gigantic inflatables and colorful party rooms where your child is treated like royalty.

Christiana Skating Center

801 Christiana Road
Newark, DE 19711
302-366-0473
Classic roller skating fun.

The Pond Ice Arena
101 John F. Campbell Drive
Newark, DE 19711
302 266-0777
The Pond is open year-round and offers a variety of programs for recreational, figure and hockey skaters of all ages and abilities including daily open/public skate

Mid-Atlantic Grand Prix Indoor Karting
4060 N Dupont Hwy
New Castle, DE
302-656-KART
8 minute, 6 mile Go-karting races for ages 8 and up. Birthday party packages available.

Hullabaloo Amusement Center
44 Fox Hunt Dr
Bear, DE 19701
302-261-6169
Crawl, climb, slide and zip around in 2500 sq foot softplay area which includes softy climbing wall, ball guns and zip line.

Delaware Art Museum
2301 Kentmere Parkway
Wilmington, DE
302-571-9590
The Delaware Art Museum connects people to art, offering an inclusive and essential community resource that through its collections, exhibitions, and programs generates creative energy that sustains, enriches, empowers, and inspires. Family and Youth programs are available multiple times a month.

Abbott’s Mill Nature Center
15411 Abbott’s Pond Road
Milford, DE
302-422-0847
The nature center manages the 373-acre Milford Millponds Nature Preserve with hiking trails, boardwalks and teaching stations provide unique education opportunities.

xbōs  Family Fun Center
456 W. Glenwood Ave
Smryna, DE 19977-1087
302-653-1800
Safe and fun-filled family environment with largest soft play on East Coast, bowling and arcade

DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum
708 Coastal Highway
Fenwick Island, DE
302-539-9366
One of the most comprehensive collections of shipwreck artifacts on the Delmarva Peninsula. There are thousands of items on display ranging from gold and Silver bars, coins, weapons, china and items used aboard early day sailing ships. The seashells, marine life tanks and our working lab will help to educate guests of all ages about the aspects of treasures from our ocean’s depths.

Chuck E. Cheese (2 locations)
3601 Silverside Rd.
Wilmington, DE, 19810
302-478-4420

1275 N. DuPont Hwy.
Dover, DE, 19901
302-736-9881
Free admission for games, rides, prizes, food and entertainment for the whole family.

McDonald’s Restaurant w/ Playland (multiple locations)
1401 Governors Place
Bear, DE
302-836-1308

Rt 404 & Rt 13
Bridgeville,DE
302-337-7882

2351 S College Ave
Glasgow, DE
302-733-0818

580 Middletown Warwick Rd
Middletown, DE
302-378-3936

653 North Dupont Hwy
Milford DE
302-422-5161

374 East Main St
Newark DE
302-737-0502

4527 Rt One
Rehoboth Beach DE
302-645-4885

4625 Kirkwood Hwy
Wilmington DE
302-999-8170

Not in Delaware but still looking for more fun indoor places for play and activities? Try these other lists created from my friends in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania

Berks County Indoor Play Areas

Bucks County Indoor Play Areas

Chester County Indoor Play Areas: Northern and Eastern

Chester County Indoor Play Areas: Western and Southern

Delaware County/Greater Philadelphia Indoor Play Areas

Delaware County Indoor Play Areas

Delaware County Indoor Play Areas

Lancaster County Indoor Play Areas

Lehigh County Indoor Play Areas

Montgomery County Indoor Play Areas: Western

Montgomery County Indoor Play Areas: Eastern

Philadelphia Indoor Play Areas: Center City

Philadelphia Indoor Play Areas: Beyond Center City

Schuylkill County Indoor Play Areas

New Jersey

Atlantic County Indoor Play Areas

Burlington County Indoor Play Areas

Camden County Indoor Play Areas

Cumberland County Indoor Play Areas

Cape May County Indoor Play Areas

Essex County Indoor Play Areas

Gloucester County Indoor Play Areas

Passaic County Indoor Play Areas

Salem County Indoor Play Areas

Union County Indoor Play Areas

Sussex County Indoor Play Areas




Great Wolf Lodge Shadow Quest Adventures

Great Wolf Lodge is one of my family’s favorite “kinda” local places to visit. Great Wolf Lodge in a family friendly indoor water park but then again it’s so much more.
Great Wolf Lodge #ShadowQuest

Visiting the Poconos location of Great Wolf Lodge I expect the first things to see is the GRAND entrance built to look like a lodge and the gorgeous scenery. Set on top of a mountain with trees as far as the eye can see makes for relaxing on the balcony a hidden treat they don’t talk about in the brochures.
Great Wolf Lodge #ShadowQuest
For family entertainment you get your choice of the 79,000 square foot waterpark, the Northern Lights arcade, Scoops Kids Spa or Ten Paw Alley.

Our most recent visit introduced up to Shadow Quest, the newest installment of games from Creative Kingdoms, LLC. For the last couple of years my kids have enjoyed playing MagiQuest, a live-action game of enchantment and adventure played with wand that uses almost the entire resort.

Great Wolf Lodge #ShadowQuest
Shadow Quest while similar in play style has a totally new storyline and journey for the kids.

ShadowQuest features ten quests, a “Vanishing Light” adventure and for those who successfully accomplish each step, a final battle against the evil yeti Malaki. The game, with its fantastical theme and rich, digital environments will blend into the Great Wolf Lodge resorts alongside the MagiQuest stations. Players can start and stop the game at any time; each wand stores every feat and battle played for easy pick up on a future visit. The same wand also stores players’ MagiQuest games and accomplishments.

Great Wolf Lodge #ShadowQuest We headed to Great Wolf Lodge to try out the new game. Shae along with my best friend’s kids Dulce and Marco were creators of their own fun as they tried to follow along the Guide to find clues and crystals to complete each quest. I’ll admit I don’t fully understand the game, neither did the kids but that didn’t stop them. They enjoyed the interactive fun more than the water park but vowed next time we would get in more water play and slides.Another new feature is Howl at the Moon Glow Golf. This new mini course set in a glow in the dark forest is fun for any age. It’s called Howl at the Moon Glow Gold because at the end of the course players get the chance to hit their ball into a hole that will howl if they make it. Shae made it.Great Wolf Lodge #ShadowQuest The rooms are built for families. We arrived as a group of five, there were no special requests we needed to make for sleeping arrangements. Each family suite is built to sleep 6 comfortably. Vacationing as a family of five can get sticky sometimes. Resorts, hotels and cabins aren’t built for more than four. Great Wolf Resorts puts family first.
While the kids tore apart the beds to create a fort my friend Stacy and I were still cozy & comfortable in the living room area away from their chaos.Great Wolf Lodge #ShadowQuest I recommend Great Wolf to everyone I know. In fact my parents are thinking of taking a trip this winter. I wonder if I can convince them of a BIG Family trip during Snowland.




Zip Lining with Go Ape at Lums Pond Delaware

A thrill seeker I am not! I don’t like roller coasters, I would never white water raft, hell I don’t even like to drive fast but when the opportunity came up to do zip lining I jumped at it. I very literally jumped off of a perfectly good working platform high in the trees.

Go Ape Zip Line and Tree Top Adventures in Lums Pond, Bear Delaware was NOT what I expected. I got up that morning and prepared myself for a short excursion in the woods where I thought I was just jumping out of a tree and landing gracefully at the end of the line.

What I didn’t expect was the ropes obstacle course I had to maneuver to get to those zip lines.

Go Ape Zip Line Lums Pond

 

The course is made up of numerous rope ladders, 42 exciting crossings to include the Double Stirrups, Zigzag Trapeze, Flying Carpet and Canyon Crossing, 2 Tarzan swings and 5 zip lines.

When it got to moment where your only option was to jump and glide across the pond I happily did it because that meant I was giving my hands, arms and legs a break from the workout of climbing and strategizing the complex obstacle course.

I am not an athletic person but I kept up with my friends, Robin, Florida Steph and Kelly.

Go Ape Zip Lining

In fact Robin was my motivation to take a slightly more difficult path and overcome my laziness.

Robin on Obstacle Course

Robin was my motivation to keep going and not cry at the base of the tree

Go Ape Zip Line is new to Delaware. In fact I hadn’t heard of it until we were invited to try it out. The instructors give a great tutorial on safety, jumping and climbing the ropes.

You aren’t left out in the trees wondering how to get yourself out of the situation. I wish I had researched a little more on what to expect because I would’ve planned better for my own comfort. While I had one of the best times and overcame a bit of fear i’m not sure it is something I would ever do again. The obstacle course kicked my ass but the zip lining was amazing.

Here are my tips if you’ve ever wanted to try this for yourself.

  • Wear gloves
  • Make sure your shirt has sleeves
  • Wear lightweight and flexible sneakers
  • Brace yourself for the landing
  • Get a Go-Pro to catch the action

Go Ape Zip Lining Lums Pond DelawareThe shirt sleeve and brace yourself comments come from the crash landings most of us experienced. The ride down to the end is peaceful and relaxing but then the realization hits you that you have to stop. The instructors make it look simple but none of us were able to master it. In fact I landed on my back each time. Luckily for me I had on a tee. My partners and their skinny bodies wore tanks that exposed their backs and arms to the mulch burns upon impact.

The next day I felt good, slightly sore but most of the discomfort was from the “whiplash”.

It’s definitely something everyone should experience. If you are afraid of heights this is the perfect way to fight that, not too high but definitely up in the air.

Visit Go Ape to find a location nearest you.




Major League Lacrosse Championship ticket #giveaway

If you are a kinda regular reader here you might know that Shaun played his first season of Lacrosse this past spring. It was a different experience than football last fall. An incredibly positive and energizing experience. No wonder why I was all geeked out when I got the email to attend the Major League Lacrosse Championship later this month.

shaun lacrosse

MLL is comprised of eight teams across the US and Canada. The Boston Cannons, Chesapeake Bayhawks (formerly Baltimore and Washington), New York Lizards (formally Long Island) and Rochester Rattlers are original teams starting in 2001. The Denver Outlaws began play in 2006 as part of the League’s western expansion. The Hamilton Nationals (formerly Toronto) joined MLL in 2009 as the League’s first international team. The Charlotte Hounds and Ohio Machine began play in 2012 as a part of the League’s expansion initiative to have 16 teams in the next decade.

Major League Lacrosse began play in 2001 to capitalize on the growing demand for world-class field lacrosse driven by dramatic growth in the U.S. lacrosse market. The MLL was praised and heralded for its on-field play, regarded as the best ever seen. With a year-on-year attendance increase, Major League Lacrosse has continued to lead the sport of lacrosse into the mainstream of competitive team sports.

We are seeing a growth of popularity in our area and hopefully this will continue as Shaun continues with athletics during his school days.

The Major League Lacrosse Championships are being held in Philadelphia at PPL Park where the Philadelphia Union (soccer) currently play.

Major League Lacrosse Championship

The weekend will begin with the semifinals on Saturday, Aug. 24 (1:00pm & 4:00pm), followed by the final on Sunday, Aug. 25 (3:00pm). The event will also feature the MLL Fan Zone an interactive area with fun and games for lacrosse fans of all ages.

Get a discount on your ticket purchase just by using code “MOMMLL” for $5 off each ticket, prices range from $43-$53 each.

We are giving away a 4-pack of tickets for the Finals on August 25th, 3:00pm. To enter just tell me what other sporting events have you attended in the past.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules may be disregarded/ignored/deleted

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Wednesday, August 21, 2013. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Contiguous US residents, age 18 or over. For complete rules please read our blog contest rules page.




We’re Going to Six Flags America plus discount code

Shae’s birthday is coming up and she’s asked to go do rides.  We think she meant rides on the boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ but we flipped it on her and are instead going to Six Flags America in Washington DC.

Six Flags America has rides and attractions for everyone for every age. This summer guests are introduced to Hurricane Harbor’s Bonzai Pipelines; a free-falling 250-foot plus enclosed water slide for 6 riders.

I’m expecting to have an awesome time. Shae is at a stage where she enjoys rides and a little bit of scary stuff and Shaun and Sabreena are down for just about anything.

six flags america

If you are in the Baltimore/Washington DC area don’t miss this deal.

Save $15 per online ticket!

Use USFG promo code “MOMMY” and your ticket price is discounted from $59.99 to $44.99 – That’s a savings of $15 per online ticket! Not to be combined with other offers.




A Visit with #MightyMike Adventure Aquarium

Finding things to do for the entire family is sometimes hard.  With the kids being such a wide range of ages I’m bound to have a bored one on my hands at some point during an outing.  There are always exceptions to the rule though.  Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ always gets the kids excited head out the door.

With two million gallons of fun, seven different touch exhibits, the countries only aquarium wtih a Great Hammerhead Sharks,  40-foot suspended Shark Tunnel,  a 4D Theater and free live shows and up-close animal experiences daily, and it’s clear to see why a trip to Adventure Aquarium promises to deliver family memories that will last a lifetime.

Adventure Aquarium

We made our way over the Adventure Aquarium to visit Mighty Mike, a 14 foot, 800lb alligator.  Mighty Mike is said to be the BIGGEST alligator on display outside of their home state of Florida.  His exhibit allows visitors to get right up close, almost eye to eye while remaining safe behind the glass.

Mighty Mike Alligator Adventure Aquarium

The Stingray Beach Club was the most popular exhibit for this visit. The last time we went to Adventure Aquarium Shae and Shaun were scared to touch the stingrays.  This time around I couldn’t get them out of the area to see the rest of the sea creatures.  Honestly I couldn’t keep their hands out of all the touch exhibits.

Shark Tunnel Adventure AquariumSea Creatures Adventure Aquarium Touching Sharks Adventure Aquarium Touching Stingrays Adventure Aquarium

As my kids get older I’m finding that they appreciate these outings and events more. The educational tips  and facts they learn along the way are tucked away for use later on like a quiz for dad or mom-mom and pop-pop.

If you happen to be in the Philadelphia/South Jersey area Adventure Aquarium is a definite family friendly stop you don’t want to miss.




Despicable Me 2 Recapitulation

Since the worldwide blockbuster Despicable Me entertained audiences around the globe in 2010, grossing more than $540 million Gru has ben a doting dad to his girls, Margo, Edith and Agnes and an aspiring entrepreneur. Life has been calm and actually quite boring that is until he is visited by Lucy Wilde, a secret agent who overpower’s Gru’s infamous “freeze ray” and kidnaps him.

This entire experience puts Gru back in the game just on a different team.. As a new member of the Anti-Villain League (AVL) Gru and his new partner Lucy work to bring down a super-villain called El Macho that not only wants to the take over the world but also tear apart Gru’s extended family.  The minions are in trouble and Gru along with the help of the girls and loyal Dr Nefario.

Rob, Shaun, Shae and I got the chance to see an early screening of Despicable Me 2 in White Marsh, MD (our old stomping grounds) and we loved it. Rob and I sat on opposite ends of the kids and I heard him chuckling throughout the entire film. Despicable Me 2 was written for ALL audiences. From Gru’s dating catastrophes to the soulful music of Pharrell Williams this movie is definitely going to be a family favorite no matter who is in your family.
Shaun and Shae getting ready for Despicable Me 2

I dare you NOT to dance to this song, HAPPY. The guy that was sitting next to me almost jumped out of his chair he was moving so much!




It was a Pirate Kinda Weekend #tuckerton

Consideration for this post was provided by Real Mom Media. Opinions expressed here are my own.

This past weekend was a fun filled Pirate themed event for us. Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum in Tuckerton, NJ hosted the Privateers & Pirates Festival.
Tuckerton Seaport Museum logo

All Things Pirates! Learn the difference between privateers and pirates and then be one. Pirate history – authentic and make-believe – plus a treasure scavenger hunt, costume contest and pirate craft activities. Enjoy the crew of the Valhalla Pirates with historic pirate entertainment.

Tuckerton Pirate Day
The day started with some rain showers and clouds but stayed perfect for the rest of our adventures. The Museum went all out with the theme and pirates and wenches could be found at every turn. The kids were able to “Walk the Plank” create their own Parrot craft and touch a sea star.

Pirate Day at #Tuckerton

Touching a Sea Star #Tuckerton

The Valhallas Pirates are always a hit too. The characters and their elaborate show and costumes draw in the audience all day long.

valhallspirates

The museum is home to 17 historic and recreated buildings that are rich in maritime heritage. Tuckerton, NJ became a port of entry into the United States and the museum is home to many artifacts and documents and research of the tradition of the Jersey Shore. Museum programs offered include hands on activities, workshops, tours and classes taught by Jersey Shore artists.

Lighthouses of the Jersey Shore #tuckerton

Candle Power #Tuckerton

All season long the Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum welcomes visitors through their doors just so they can continue the work of restoring and remembering the history of the community. Becoming a member and visiting throughout the year is a great way to show your support and ensure quality wholesome family fun right in your backyard.

We are Jersey Shore visitors but this was our first time at Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum. We hope to visit again and again.




Our Fun with #VisitLancaster

Thank you to  Girl’s Lunch Out and Lancaster Tourism for providing the weekend away and experiences.

#Visitlancaster
Finding family friendly adventures that everyone can enjoy are sometimes hard to come by. Recently we took a trip to Lancaster County, PA to Amish Country and were pleased at the things available to us. Even though the trip was just me and the girls I know Rob and Shaun would’ve love the weekend too.

In Lancaster County, PA you’ll find outlet shopping, scenic rolling hills, quality furniture makers and of course markets that sell the best products from the local Amish families. What you may be surprised about are the quaint attractions that are geared towards all members of your family.

Strasburg Railroad is home to museum quality, turn of the century steam locomotives, freight cars, dining cars and private cars. The railroad offers 45-minute rides several times a day overlooking the lush farmland of surrounding community. Choose to attend a special event like Day Out with Thomas or Traditional Dinner and Murder Mystery to enhance the excursion.
Strasburg Railroad, Lancaster, PA #VisitLancaster
We were lucky to catch Vintage Baseball during our ride. We hopped off the train to watch a mini tournament of Vintage Baseball teams playing the way they would have played in the 19th century. The teams and crowds were welcoming and many were even in character from that era.
Vintage Baseball Day #VisiLancaster

Vintage Baseball Day #VisitLancaster
The Choo Choo Barn sounds like something perfect for the smaller kids in your family. but you’d be surprised to find 1700 square feet of animations and creativity with model trains. The detail put into this amazing display can only be truly appreciated in person.

Some of the best portions of the display are
• Amish barn-raising
• Three-ring circus and parade
• Display transformation into nighttime (every 10 minutes)
• Dutch Wonderland, enhanced with new lighting this year
• A house fire and the fire crew that puts it out

This is truly a must see for all ages, not just the train enthusiast either.

Choo Choo Barn #VisitLancaster

image provided courtesy of ChooChooBarn

If you are interested in knowing more about the history and tradition of Amish Country then The Amish Village is something you should experience. With an authentic farmhouse, one-room school house, blacksmith shop and barn you’ll be able to see and learn how the Amish lived and still live to this day.
The Amish Village #VisitLancaster
We were able to see a calf, Freddy and pet his soft hair. This was Sabreena’s highlight, she has a thing for cows. Freddy the Calf #VisitLancaster
The entire grounds were open for exploration and education.

Our #VisitLancaster trip was short but packed in so much that I know we’ll be visiting again.