‘Massachusetts’ Articles at Sweetnicks

Visit: New England Aquarium {Boston, MA}

May 10, 2016 · Narrative

If you’ve been a regular reader here, it should come as no surprise that if we’re traveling, we’re going to find a local aquarium or zoo to visit. I’ve lost count at how many we’ve visited, but it’s one of our favorite things to do.

And our recent visit to Boston was no exception.

Although I had a relatively ambitious list of things to do and see in Boston, there were a few non-negotiable items.

The New England Aquarium being one of them.

Interestingly enough, Madeline and I had just seen the movie, Miracles from Heaven, which had scenes shot at this aquarium, so that was a fun reference, but if you’re looking for the tank with the fish swimming over your head from the movie … you’re not going to find it here. Apparently that was some swift editing and creative license on the part of Hollywood.

We planned to meet Sarah and her kids at the aquarium as we rounded the corner and approached the front entrance, we noticed two fire trucks and all the patrons outside.

Alrighty then.

Luckily whatever was going on (likely a false alarm) was resolved quickly because by the time we came back some fifteen minutes later, everything was back to normal.

There is a parking garage right in front of the aquarium, which is incredibly convenient and not outrageously overpriced. I think it was around $20 for our visit. Sarah ended up being late, so we started without her, did the whole aquarium, and then did it again once she got there. So we got our money’s worth, both on the admission prices and the garage fee.

As for admission, you can bet I flashed my Student ID to get discounted admission, and if you have AAA that will save you a few bucks off as well. Once we got our tickets, we headed inside. There is a gift shop and an area where staff members are taking your picture (which we skipped), and then we were off to explore on our own.

The inside is in a circular pattern, so as you’re following the winding pathway, you’re circling a giant round tank in the middle. Once you get to the end, you can see the top of the huge tank (and it’s open), and that’s where there is a demo with some staff divers, and they tell you a bit about the giant turtles.

…

Visit: Brimfield Antique Show {Brimfield, Massachusetts}

May 20, 2015 · Narrative

Do you love antiques or are you a collector of something unusual? Then you must make your way to the Brimfield Antique Show. Held three times a year (May, July, and September), it’s a great way to decorate your house or add to a little collection.

I can’t even remember the first time I went to Brimfield, MA for the thrice-annual antique show, but the first time I blogged about it was TEN years ago! I am fairly certain we started going around 1997, because I have a vague recollection of buying things for my first (then) marital home. My mom and I went religiously every year for about ten years, and we had a solid tradition about our schedule, where we ate, and when we collapsed from exhaustion. Good times.

I haven’t been for the past few years, but this year I was determined to go. And did! Nick went once when he was two, so Madeline has, of course, never been. Hopping in the car (or on a plane or boat) in search of new adventure is one of my kids’ favorite things to do, so to say they were looking forward to going would be an understatement. They are such a fun pair to travel with. Well, to do anything with!

The antique show boasts over 5000 vendors and is quite the sight to see. Every time I go, I try and take a picture of the street lined with vendors, but you really can’t appreciate the sheer immensity of it unless you’re actually there. We left after school and work on Thursday and made it there in a record three hours, with no traffic. A minor miracle for sure.

…

Visit: Donut Dip {West Springfield, Massachusetts}

May 18, 2015 · Narrative

Find yourself in Massachusetts with a craving for donuts? Be sure to pop into Donut Dip.

Many, many years ago, I remember Rachael Ray saying on one of her shows, “If you want a recommendation on where to eat, ask a local.”

It’s something that stuck with me, and has served us well ever since. It led us to Jack’s BBQ when we were in Nashville last year, and last week, it took us to the Donut Dip in West Springfield, Massachusetts.

We were staying at a hotel nearby and we were looking for something quick and delicious for breakfast. As we were checking out of our hotel room, I asked the front desk clerk. She had just finished giving specific directions to the guest in front of me so he could find the “most delicious granola crusted French Toast,” so I knew she was just who to ask.

“Donut Dip. You will love it,” she said when I told her what we were looking for.

The place was hopping when we got there (just a short walk from our hotel), but despite the small size and amount of customers there, there was barely any wait for service.

But first … the smell. You could seriously smell it before we even walked in the doors.

In fact, it smelled so good that the kids walked in and said “I want to order whatever smells so good.”

Quite honestly, I don’t think it was one thing specifically, but more so everything together, but I’m betting the fresh made cider donuts were definitely leading the scent brigade. These same apple cider donuts are supplied to a local apple orchard as well.

So many donuts to choose from, thank goodness we don’t live closer.

…