Out and about… – Page 14

Action Park – A Magical Escape- Review!!

Posted on July 27, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Day Trips, Money Momma, Out and about..., Reviews, Travel .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as our Money Momma, Jamie was invited for a visit with her family. All opinions expressed are her own.

From Day Trip to Magical Escape

Action Park at Mountain Creek and Crystal Springs Resort

I’m not exactly sure how and when it happened, but (T) and I woke up recently and realized we no longer have babies; we have 2 KIDS! Somehow with a 4 year old and a 3 year old we have hit a parenting sweet spot where diapers are no longer needed, naps can be skipped if we are having fun, and the kids are ready to try new adventures. This led us to wonder if taking them on a weekend getaway would be easier or if we should just think about day trips. Instead of agonizing over what to do we decided to pick the best of both worlds. We made a summer trip over to Mountain Creek, a place only 55 minutes from our home but one that feels like an island escape.

We started our visit off with a trip to Action Park, the legendary waterpark that is part of the Mountain Creek and Crystal Springs resort property. We had been told that the park was hilly but we were willing to give it a try because the kids had such a great time on our last trip to Mountain Creek during the winter (click here). We had NO ISSUE with any of the hills, and I don’t just mean me. My 3 year old (S) wasn’t struggling, wasn’t complaining, and didn’t get tired. Unless your desire is to ride the absolute tallest of the waterslides, we did not find the park to be any more or less hilly than any other waterpark.

The large area for the children ages 0 to 7ish is actually completely flat with plenty of lounge chairs for the parents. We were able to park our stuff on a chair and let the kids enjoy a combination of waterslides, splash parks, junior lazy rivers, and tube rides all right in the kid’s area.

Both the food and the bathrooms are conveniently located right next to the kids section!!! It’s the little things that make me smile. At one point (R) went down a slide screaming “this is the most fun ever!” and went running back for another turn.

While (T) played with the kids in their special section, I took some time to take a walk around the rest of the park and watched fellow guests enjoying a variety of rides.

There is of course the standard wave pool (which we found very safe considering they require life jackets for under 48 inches and hand them out for free) but there are also some really cool attractions that just cannot be seen anywhere else.

Cliff jump anyone? Self-controlled roller coaster? How about an oversized CONE that sends riders up and down in an inner tube?? Action park had it all (perfect for pre-teens and teens) and even animal shows to boot! (S) couldn’t wait to get to the animal show so (T) took him while I used that time to ride some of the bigger rides with (R) who met the height requirements.

I have to give this park credit on their crowd control. We were there on a Saturday, it was hot and sunny. I could see all the people, and knew it was crowded, but we never waited more than 10 minutes for any ride or had any problems finding a chair. Even the most popular attractions had their lines moving quickly and with tubes immediately available for the next rider. If we wanted, we also could have rented a cabana for the day that was covered in shade either up above or on a small beach. If we had an infant or had traveled with another family that probably would have been the option we went with.

We were able to spend the entire day with plenty to do for the whole family. As we were leaving and discussing a trip back at the end of the summer we saw a sign that said we could apply the price of a day’s ticket to the cost of a season’s pass. The season pass more than pays for itself after 2 visits! Being only a 55 minute drive we will definitely be back, this becomes a great option for a family like ours. However this time we decided we weren’t leaving. We were headed to check into Grand Cascades Lodge at Crystal Springs Resort for our overnight and second day of our Mountain Creek getaway!!

Stay tuned to read the next installment of Jamie’s Mountain Creek review. In the meantime Rocklandnymom.com is giving away a family 4 pack to Action Park! To enter comment below and share this post on your Facebook page! Winner will be chosen Thursday evening (7/30/15)!

The WHOLE Experience at Halfway Acres Farm!

Posted on July 18, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Day Trips, Out and about..., Reviews .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as Halfway Acres is a directory member. All opinions expressed are my own.

EVERY year I say I am going to go berry picking, and every year I fail. Which farm to choose? Which weekend to go? Is my child old enough? How is the weather? So many variables that I always end up dropping the ball and not getting it done. I love the idea of fresh berries right off of the plant (I love that idea for all of my food), so every year I say “I am going berry picking”.

Well, when Halfway Acres joined our Day Trips page we threw caution to the wind and went right up there (literally the next day). I am so glad that we did. It’s a fantastic way to spend a morning or afternoon.

We arrived in Campbell Hall, NY (right near Goshen) around 1 pm. When we arrived we were greeted by Michael and Christine (the owners of the farm). Not only do they supply you with different colored buckets to carry your haul in, but they also offered us locally made tick spray (a must). Christine took a moment to explain to our group which berries to pick, based on color. Then we were off to the picking.

The kids ran around from bush to bush. It was difficult to explain to them that we were picking them and putting them into the bucket, not eating as many blueberries as we could find. One thing I was NOT worried about was my kids ingesting all sorts of pesticides and unnatural things. Halfway Acres does NOT spray or use fertilizers of ANY kind. These berries are as God made them and that’s what I want my kids eating.

Speaking of eating, if you have never had a REAL fresh blueberry, you have no idea what you have been missing. The ones you buy from the supermarket are good (or so you thought), but once you have had one of these your experience will never be the same. These berries truly are nature’s candy. They are plump and firm and sweet and so, so good.

We picked for 2 ½ hours before we finally filled our buckets. This would have been a great time for us to have a snack or a lunch if we had brought it with us. Michael and Christine have some lovely patio tables set up for just this purpose.

Once finished with our picking we headed over to have our berries weighed and purchase our harvest. As a group WE PICKED 9 lbs of BERRIES! It sounds like too much, but it so wasn’t. While we were weighing and paying Christine gave the kiddies ice pops (they were so excited, and she made them ask permission first). I asked how much I owed them for the ice pops, and she replied that they were free, FREE! How lovely.

The kids and I used the on-site porta-potty before heading back home and YES it is super clean!! I would actually have to report that it was my best porta-potty experience to date.

This experience doesn’t really end at the farm. I had all of these yummy berries to play with and was almost a little worried that I could never use them all and some might go to waste (BTW all unfounded worries they were gone two days later). We made French toast with berries on top, ate them as snacks, had blueberry pancakes, and I made whole-wheat blueberry muffins (Click Here) that were so good (E) was stealing them off the counter, and RNYD had one and said “Now that’s a blueberry muffin.”

I love what Christine and Michael are doing, and so do they. As they gain popularity they have plans to create a little shop and place for visitors to perhaps eat some blueberry delicacies. I for one cannot wait. We will absolutely be back. This was an afternoon of good wholesome fun, in the sun. It’s a lesson in healthy snacking, and it was a chance to meet and get to know some truly lovely people.

For more information about Halfway Acres Farm you can visit their website at http://halfwayacres.com/ and follow them on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/halfwayacres. The blueberry picking season at Halfway Acres is only 6-7 weeks long and runs from late June, through July and sometimes into the first week of August. But it’s better to arrive at the farm in early to mid-July (that’s now) when it’s prime season before the supply begins to dwindle. Being that the berries are left in their natural state, one never knows how long the berries will last and if you wait too long then they just might be gone before you get there!

Day Out With Thomas- GIVEAWAY!!!

Posted on July 13, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Contests, Day Trips, Out and about... .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

Peep! Peep! Thomas the Tank Engine™ is celebrating friendship at Day Out With Thomas®: The Celebration Tour 2015, and families across North America are invited aboard! Little engineers everywhere are invited to join Thomas when the #1 Engine pulls into PHILLIPSBURG for Day Out with Thomas: The Celebration Tour 2015! The event, which takes place July 10,11,12,17,18,19, 2015, will be hosted by The Delaware River Railroad Excursions and presented by Fisher-Price and sponsored by MEGA Brands and all inclusive Hard Rock Hotels.

Day Out with Thomas: The Celebration Tour 2015 is a fun-filled event that provides children of all ages the opportunity to climb aboard and take a ride with Thomas as well as participate in Thomas & Friends® themed activities. The tour, now in its 20^th year, will make 42 stops across the U.S. and Canada, and is expected to welcome nearly one million passengers in 2015. For two back-to-back weekends, little engineers and their families are invited to take a 25 minute ride behind their favorite engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt™, Controller of the Railway and enjoy a day of Thomas & Friends themed activities including arts & crafts, storytelling and more.

This year, Thomas & Friends celebrates 70 years of friendship. All aboard the Best Friends Express for an unprecedented year of Thomas-themed programs and activations as the #1 blue engine celebrates friendship with fans around the world.

Thomas the Tank Engine rides depart every hour, rain or shine. Departure times begin at 10:00 am through 6:00 pm each day of the event. Tickets for Day Out With Thomas: The Celebration Tour 2015 are $21.00 plus tax for ages two and up.

Tickets are on sale now by calling toll-free 866.468.7630 or logging onto 877trainride.com. For more information and directions, contact the The Delaware River Railroad Excursions at 877-872-4674 or 877trainride.com

RocklandNYMom is lucky enough to have 4 Tickets to give away for this coming weekend. To enter: Like, share and comment either on this post or on Facebook! Winner will be drawn 7/15/15 at 8 pm by third party website!

“Traintastic” Chuggington Review!

Posted on June 25, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Day Trips, Events, Out and about..., Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as Ashley and her family were invited for a ride. All opinions expressed are her own.

This past weekend we were lucky enough to attend the “traintastic” Chuggington event at the Catskill Mountain Railroad. My boys LOVE Chuggington, so I knew we would have a blast… and perfect timing as a birthday celebration for my oldest!!

We started our day with a quick hour and twenty minute ride straight up the thruway to Kingston, praying for sunshine the entire trip. When we arrived parking was ample, and quickly noticed there were porta-potties easily accessible (there is also a grocery store in the same parking lot with clean bathrooms and a changing table). The parking lot is also connected to the lot of a strip mall with a Blimpies, Bagel shop, and a pizza restaurant.

As we picked up our tickets, we were also handed Catskill Mountain Railroad dollars to be used at specific local restaurants, as well as our trainee name tags. Right behind the ticket tent was a shop to buy Chuggington merchandise, and the photo booth to purchase any of the professional photos taken throughout your visit.

There was lots of food available – hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hotdogs, french fries, chips, and even a local pizza shop set up ovens and had fresh pizza cooking! Of course, don’t forget ice cream, which we couldn’t resist!

Since we had some time before our train departed, we decided to take a stroll through the tents they had set up. WOW! There were 3 main tents – one for each of the main characters in the show. Within in each tent the kids were challenged to complete a challenge to earn a “badge” (a bracelet ) and a sticker. Just like badge quest on the show!

In Wilson’s tent, there were train tables, and a big mat for the kids to build their own train tracks. The challenge was to knock down the flames with bean bags. Since this was our first activity, my boys were intimidated so I took the lead to earn our bracelets.

In Koko’s tent, it was a race! The boys quickly filled buckets with ‘coal’ and ran to dump the buckets and fill up the train carts earning a green bracelet and KoKo sticker.

In Brewster’s tent there was a big sandbox filled with trucks, trains, buckets and shovels. The challenge was to build a tower putting blocks in number order. This earned each kid a a blue bracelet and Brewster sticker.

In addition to the main character tents, there was also a tent with free face painting, temporary tattoos, coloring, and small band playing kids music.

We heard the whistle of the train rolling in, so we headed over to get in line. We were slightly disappointed when the train got closer and we didn’t see Hanzo, as advertised. But the disappointment switched quickly to excitement when the boys saw it was a steam train just like Old Puffer Pete! Phew.

We were able to get great seats on the train, on one of the open flats so the boys could see everything going by. The ride was a serene 30 minutes, through the town and along a wooded area.

The train cars were decorated with blue and white streamers and flags, to symbolize Hanzo. Over the loud speaker they played songs from the show, and the voice of Hanzo was sharing all of the information about Chuggington and events that were coming up next. They had ‘train workers’ (dressed like the characters on Chuggington) coming around interacting with the kids and singing along with the songs. Towards the end of the ride, each child was given a party hat and party blower to use at the next event – a surprise party for KoKo!

As we exited the train we were guided to tent for a show. There, we found Eddie with Brewster and Wilson gearing up for KoKo’s surprise party. The show encouraged the kids to dance, and sing along. After the show, all were welcome to come up to take pictures with the trains. As we left the show the boys were each given a certificate to color showing that they are Official Chuggington Trainees!

After the show, the boys couldn’t wait to get back into the 3 activity tents and do the challenges all over again! Also, we couldn’t miss our turn in the bounce house!

We spent a good 4 hours exploring and having a traintastic time! There are still tickets available for this Saturday and Sunday! They have trains running on the hour from 10am until 4pm. Check out catskillmtrailroad.com for tickets.

Dining Out on a Budget- Italiana’s

Posted on June 23, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Food, Money Momma, Out and about..., Reviews .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as Jamie and her family were invited to a meal at Italiana’s. All opinions expressed are her own.

Dining out is one of my absolute favorite things to do. (T) and I lived in NYC for 10 years and I had the time of my life eating my way through all the delectable food that city has to offer. I am an avid runner and (T) is a recreational biker, but the dirty truth is that the ONLY reason either of us does any type of physical activity is simply to eat more. Yes, we are foodies. So upon becoming parents, we very quickly had to learn how to combine my love of dining out, with (T)’s love of saving money. Over the course of the next few weeks, the Money Momma will be sharing some of her favorite local restaurant picks, meaning they are both family friendly and affordable, as well as tips for dining out while staying on budget.

Tip #1: Choose a restaurant that serves family style

One of my best tips for keeping dining out affordable is to choose a restaurant that has a “served family style” option. It’s rare that either (R) or (S) eats their entire dinner, even a kid’s meal. We constantly order them each a meal upon their insistence that they are hungry and without fail we pay for a half-eaten grilled cheese. When we order family style, the meal comes in a large size and everyone shares. Italiana’s in New City is not only family friendly and delicious, but they have one of the best family style dinner deals in town. If you purchase a family style entree, you get a FAMILY SIZE pasta side dish for FREE! This is enough food for at least 2 meals for our family of 4. We have ordered this way several times and so far we have not had one thing that wasn’t insanely good. This deal applies to both eat in or take-out so it can be taken advantage of for a family night out or a quick stop on the way home from life.

If dining in is the experience you are looking for, this is a fantastic place to bring a family, have a date night, or even a girls night out. The main floor of the restaurant is spacious and there is also a gorgeous outdoor patio that is very quiet and has a bit of a romantic feel. (R) and (S) enjoyed watching the chefs cook their famous brick oven pizza (you can see the whole thing from the dining room) while (T) and I perused the more adult items. No matter what your drink of choice is, Italiana’s is likely to have it. They also have their own specialty drinks and a martini list. You can enjoy a history lesson in alcohol while reading their drink menu.

3 year old (S) is not very patient when it comes to waiting for his food (and really neither am I) so we really enjoyed the bread while we read the menu. As the waiter (who was quick and accurate) began to tell us the specials, which change every day, (R) began to chant “pizza, pizza, pizza”. We always have a temporary moment of panic when dining out with (R) because there are very few things she will eat. Italiana’s is always a good choice for us because they have pizza! The server even winked at us and said “I’ll tell them to leave the basil off.”

Since we were there to sample their food for this piece, we stuck to things that could feed a family of 4 for at least 2 meals. (T) and I chose a Caesar salad to share (this could have been an entree; it was so big), chicken parmesan, and a pasta Bolognese. The mozzarella cheese was so good we wanted to eat it by itself. And don’t even get us started on the desserts – Oreo stuffed zeppoles! The perfect size for (R) and (S)…

Throughout dinner, we routinely commented on how we felt like we were dining with our pretend big Italian family. The staff was happy to see all of their customers come in, many customers requesting their favorite server or favorite table (its always good to see returning customers, it means people like it). We even watched as 3 staff members respond super quickly and attentively to seat a walk in party of eleven, who brought diners ranging in age from 6 months to 80 years. It should also be noted that Italiana’s is fully equipped with a party room and complete audio visual equipment setup for any type of larger event. I would happily plan a baby shower here any time!

As we were gathering our four bags of leftovers (R) said to us “Wow. Their food was really good.” Enough said. (T) and I were able to have an “adult” meal with our kids. Fabulous food (no waste), great atmosphere, affordable, happy all around.

Enter RNYM’s Italiana’s giveaway! Give this post a like, a comment, and share on your own timeline for a chance to win a $100 gift card to Italianas!! Drawing to be done by third party website on 6/25/15.

Take me out to the Boulders!

Posted on June 18, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Out and about... .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as Jamie and her family were invited to a game at Boulder Stadium. All opinions expressed are her own.

(T) and I fell in love over baseball. It was my birthday and (T) had spent weeks working on a reservation at what was then one of the hottest Italian restaurants in NYC. While he was proud of his plan for a romantic evening, he was secretly bummed that he would have to miss a Yankees- Red Sox game on TV. He was in luck! While I was touched that he had spent so much time planning my birthday, I begged him not to make me miss the game! And there you have it. We ordered a pizza and sat in my studio apartment watching our beloved Yankees beat the Red Sox and planning our lives together. We just knew that all of our future children would love baseball.

What we didn’t talk about that romantic baseball evening over a decade ago what the fact that it would cost roughly $300-400 dollars a game to take our now family of 4 to see our beloved Yankees. While it’s well worth the experience once or twice, we also know that there is no chance that either (R) or (S) would sit through all 9 innings. We can get 3 innings out of them on a good day. Somehow 3 innings of baseball, plus parking, plus traffic just does not seem worth $300. What a joy it was for our family to discover that Rockland County had its very own single A baseball team, the Rockland Boulders! We just had to take the kids to a game. How else will they learn to love it?

There are many amazing aspects of Boulder Stadium and the game but by far my favorite is the fact that located in Pomona, only 20 minutes from our house. If anyone has a melt-down, we can just leave. Parking is a snap and cost only $5. The walk to the stadium entrance is basically non-existent. Every aspect of the stadium is stroller friendly and the staff even offers to help park each stroller by the top of its gate for easy access as soon as it is needed again. (R) and (S) stood right up close and watched as the players warmed up and gave autographs. After warm-ups, we headed over to the playground and stationary rides and got a visit from the Boulder Bird Mascot. Anyplace that puts a playground in their establishment is most certainly telling us that they want us to bring our families! We let them ride the rides and play and then much to their delight (T) brought them chicken fingers and cotton candy from one of the food stands.

There are many options for food at Boulder’s stadium and the majority is geared towards families. (T) and my brother found a craft beer stand and were very happy with their choices. Eventually we took our seats and the game started. The game had a similar feel to a major league game with music and promotions taking place in between all the innings. In fact, most of the Boulder games have some sort of promotion at the gate and special deals running all throughout. (R) and (S) made it about 2 innings before they needed to move around again so we headed over to the “train station” to get in line for a train ride around the stadium

The Boulders have taken everything that makes something “kid friendly” into account. They make the sport of baseball more accessible to children and families. It’s close to home and it’s also affordable. The kids were able to see some great baseball, have some good food, and because there are some other things to do there, we were able to stay longer than we would have ever lasted at a Yankee game.

RNYM has 2 tickets to GIVEAWAY for this weekend Saturday 6/20 or Sunday 6/21 plus, dads get to play catch on the field. To enter Like, Comment and invite friends to like our Facebook Page (when they comment they should tag you) or comment below. For every person who tags you for the invite, you get an extra chance. Winner will be chosen 6/19 by a third party website!

Dino Days Train Ride Review!

Posted on June 17, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Day Trips, Events, Out and about..., Reviews .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited on the Dino Days Train Ride. All opinions expressed are my own!

This past weekend we were lucky enough to attend the Dino Days Train Ride at the Delaware River Railroad excursions. When we first heard about it we knew that it would be a perfect fit for our family. (A) has really taken an interest in rocks and digging, and (E) is always happily right behind. She adores dinosaur train so this would be an opportunity to enjoy an activity that they would both love.

The trip was a quick hour and a half down the Garden State. When we got there we were handed a map that showed where to easily park (for free) along with a list of local restaurants that we could eat at. When we walked down the hill we saw all of the wonderful activities that we could participate in. We decided to hit those after the train ride as they were loading up and moving out within the next ten minutes.

The train was lovely. Clean and old fashioned. (A) was very proud to be able to recognize that it was a diesel train. The conductor was lovely and came around to chat with everybody. During the ride there was fantastic narration about the history of the train line. It was super peaceful. The view of the Delaware River was great. There was also a bathroom (very important) and a souvenir shop on the train (with refreshments if you needed).

Once we reached our location we were directed over toward the mine and given plastic bags to collect our minerals in when we completed the exercise. There was a tour that included some more history of the mines, as well as some humor (mostly for the parents) and some action (the kids loved it). Once the tour was complete each person received a bag of dirt (and minerals) to learn to pan with.

We have done this several times before at fairs etc, but I must say we received more minerals than ever before in these bags. We enjoyed it so much RNYD went and purchased an additional bag of Fossils so that he and (A) could do it again and then identify the fossils. Available for purchase at the mine store were these additional bags as well as some more refreshments etc.

What we came across next was very special and worth mentioning as it left a lasting impression on (A). There was a group of Doctoral students from Temple University who were conducting research for their dissertations on site. They set up an actual Archeological dig and were searching for artifacts. The group had set out a bunch of artifacts that they showed the crowds, what they were and even gave demonstrations on how some were used.

We got to ask questions and see how they used sectioning, measuring and sifting tools for their work. They even let the kids help them to sift through the dirt to find items (they LOVED THIS)!!! After spending a long time doing that they even let (A) begin to help them dig and use their tools to carefully dig up the space. He was really into it and helped them to find an arrow head as well as a knife head. Although he was unable to take it home (it is now a part of their dissertation), he was able to take a photo with it, and has the memory. It also sparked an interest. He’s even talking about becoming an archeologist, how neat is that?

We boarded the train after that to go back to the main area in time to catch the Paleontology show which was really cute and informative. I was surprised and happy to see how much (A) knew about dinosaurs from watching Dinosaur Train. This show was followed by a silly ventriloquist who introduced us to his different friends. He made the kids laugh and really got them engaged. In this area there was also refreshments, a bounce house, a bubble station and souvenir stand. We never even made it to the bubbles or bounce house. If I had realized we would have gone even earlier. I was figuring on about two hours of fun (tops) and a ride home, but we boarded the train at 12:30 and when we left at 4:15 we were exhausted without even visiting every attraction.

We stopped for a quick dinner on the way home and both kids slept the entire ride back (always a good sign). When we arrived home (A) wanted to go through his minerals and fossils and identify them, very fun. He was able to match them to their indicator on the pamphlet and we spoke about each one. He keeps telling everyone what an amazing time he had!!

Although this event was one weekend only the Delaware River Railroad excursions has all sorts of amazing events that they do throughout the year (click here to see). Worth mentioning for our kiddies is the Thomas experience ((E) is a HUGE fan so we may have to attend that one too), and the Great Pumpkin Train, and The Polar Express (which are all being added to our events page). All of these tickets sell quickly so be sure to plan in advance.

Chuggington Comes to Kingston! June 13-28, 2015

Posted on June 16, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Out and about..., RNYM's Picks .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited to the event.

CMRR brings Chuggington™ to Kingston!

Popular theme train running weekends in June

Kingston, NY — June 10, 2015 — Catskill Mountain Railroad will host an immersive event inspired by the popular children’s television show Chuggington. On Saturdays and Sundays from June 13 through June 28, Chuggington: A Traintastic Adventure will bring the show to life as patrons are immersed in the world of Chuggington. Young “Trainees” who arrive at the Westbrook Station located in Kingston’s Herzog’s Plaza off Westbrook Lane, near exit 19 of the NYS Thruway will participate in a variety of activities, complete several challenges, and earn rewards for their participation.

Ernie Hunt, President of the Railroad, said the Chugginton program challenges young people to practice important life skills such as teamwork, safety, and leadership as they work hard to become the best “Trainee” they can be. The theme-based challenges include the popular characters Koko, Brewster and Wilson. In addition to the main event, CMRR will have music, face painting, temporary tattoos, a food court and other activities for families to enjoy.

Chuggington trains will depart seven times each day. Each ticket holder will have one train ride, but can then spend the entire day participating in the various activities scheduled. CMRR, which has made theme trains the most popular attraction in uptown Kingston for the last year, partners with other attractions in the region and visitors arriving for the Chuggington event will also be encouraged to check out other historic destinations in the city. More information on CMRR is available on the website at www.catskillmtrailroad.com and event and ticket details are available at cmrrevents.com. Updates may also be found on Facebook.

RNYM has 4 tickets to giveaway! Winner will be drawn 6/17/2015!!! To enter like, comment and share the Facebook post, or comment below! Winner will be chosen by third party website.

Mountain Creek Smoke ‘n Blues Festival- Review

Posted on June 5, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Day Trips, Events, Out and about..., Reviews .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited to attend the festival. All opinions are my own.

As I mentioned on our previous post (CLICK HERE) RNYD and I love music. We are always happy to attend live events and are excited to expose our children to it as often as possible as well (see our event postings which include lots of music). We also happen to really appreciate BBQ. Our favorite restaurants make this kind of food. SO, obviously when we saw that Mountain Creek (who we love) was doing a Smoke ‘n Blues Festival we HAD to attend.

Pleasantly reminded that Mountain Creek is only a scenic 45 minutes away we were there in plenty of time. When we arrived we mistakenly drove into the wrong parking lot, but the nicest attendant helped us to navigate our way to the free parking across the street. The walk was short and the kids loved the walkway over the highway. (A) commented on the little village that we walked through and said that he wanted to come back when it was open during the winter.

Once checked in we were directed to the open area where the festival was all set up and ready to start (we could have just followed our noses honestly, you could smell and almost taste the flavors when we parked).

The festival was in a great area that had a court to dance on, a sand box (which the kids really enjoyed) and a very gradual slope to set up on and enjoy. The slope was just perfect to spread out our blanket and enjoy the day. We brought with us some bubbles and a little game to play (Velcro catch). This helped to keep the kids occupied during the transition between bands.

We didn’t really have to use our supplies much. (A) started asking about food shortly after entering the festival area because the aroma was so strong. When we ordered we tried to get one of everything to try. (A) had a cheeseburger, (E) a hotdog (it was like 18 inches long, RNYD a pulled chicken sandwich, and I had the grilled chicken. They were delicious. One would have thought that after all that food we would have been stuffed but (A) really wanted to go back for the giant pretzel. Boy am I glad he did! This thing was HUGE and so good. You could taste the smoke cooked right into the dough. It was cooked so hot so fast that it even broke its own skin!!!! It was also super entertaining to watch little (E) try to eat it. There was plenty for everybody and the line never became unmanageable.

Then there was the music. (A) was mesmerized by the instruments asking RNYD about all of them. He was especially impressed with the playing of the washboard! The music was great and the crowd was in a good mood. (E) spent most of her day dancing around, encouraged by all of the lovely people around us. She helped to entertain everyone.

We headed out a few hours in (the kids were exhausted) but had really had a fantastic time. RNYD has taken the opportunity to show (A) a few videos of the musicians featured, and of those songs that they “covered”. (A) is really into it (hooray!).

RNYD and I were so glad to have the opportunity to share something that we really enjoy with the kids and see that they had a great time as well.. This means that we can do these types of things more often, and our kiddos will be exposed to more and more culture.

Mountain Creek put on a great festival. It wasn’t so big that you got lost. The food was great, and entertainment really got us moving. The staff was beyond lovely, and so were the other festival goers. It’s sad to say but sometimes at these things, the crowd ruins it for the rest of us. This time that was not the case. Everyone who was there was a real fan of music and went to have a nice laid back time. We truly enjoyed ourselves. Thank you Mountain Creek!

To see the upcoming events at Mountain Creek you can CLICK HERE. Also be sure to watch our events page as more opportunities pop up. In fact, there is a great father’s day event next month that comes right after their water park (click here) opens for the season!!!! Stay tuned, we just might have a little something for a lucky reader!!!

Dino Days- Trains and Dinosaurs!!

Posted on June 4, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Out and about..., RNYM's Picks, Specialty Items .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Dinosaurs and Trains, a day of Fun for the whole family, June 13th & 14th

Dinosaurs and Trains, two things kids love!!!

I don’t know about you, but my kids adore the television series “Dinosaur Train”. It has made available to them all kinds of scientific information that they would otherwise not understand at their ages. They also discuss dinosaurs in a way that isn’t scary, but interesting. I will never forget the day I came home and my 3 year old son explained why he was an omnivore! So when we saw this we HAD to go and review for you. What’s even better?! We have a GIVEAWAY!!!

Well, now you can experience both!!! Explore the world of Dinosaurs and Steam Trains in a day filled with family fun. Learn about Dinosaurs with world famous field paleontologists Mike and Roberta Straka. Enjoy Scott Wagstaff -Ventriloquist and his Zany animals for an entertaining and fun family show! Then, relax and play in their 40′ bouncy obstacle course, take pictures with a Giant T-Rex Dinosaur and meet and greet with Davey The Dinosaur.

Travel back in time on areal Steam Train to the Ol’ Susquehanna Mine located on the Snyder Farm in Carpentersville NJ. The Snyder Farm’s archaeological treasures are registered with the New Jersey State Museum and has been studied for many years by archaeologists from Temple University. Once at the Ol’ Susquehanna each guest takes the mine tour and learns about the unique history of the Ol’ Susquehanna Mine. After witnessing the exploding mine shaft and history tour guests learn how to pan for fossils! Each guest receives a bag of fossil bearing ore. There are over 20 different fossils along with a beautiful identifying card!

INCLUDED:

Steam train ride to the The Ol’ Susquehanna Mine – Panning for real fossils you can take home!
Temporary Tattoos – Dinosaur Train themed temporary tattoos to children’s faces, arms or hands at the Activity Area.
Spin Art Area – Make some wild creations with the spin art machine!
Dinosaur Show – Field Paleontologists Mike and Roberta Straka will take you on a scientific exploration highlighting the world of dinosaurs, fossils and rocks/minerals. Each summer, the team explores the Badlands of North and South Dakota excavating dinosaurs. This fun-filled wow-factor show will cover the formation of fossils and herbivores vs. carnivores. We will discuss our work as field paleontologist and our background in geology in a relatable way with entertainment, humor, magic and real fossils. The presentation will feature:

“Mr. Nixon”, a real eight foot Triceratops skull discovered by our team in 1996 and is 67 million years old
A real Albertosaurus skull will highlight the features of a carnivore.
Original music
Songs
Show & tell with rare fossils
A touch of magic which includes a special “egg magic trick” which segues to *presentation of a real dinosaur egg fossil
“Dinosaur Game Show” will round out the show.

Scott Wagstaff -Ventriloquist and his Zany Animal show!

Other amazing events are offered such as the Polar Express, The Knight Train, Thomas the Train and more!!! For more information or to purchase tickets visit: http://877trainride.com/dinodays.htm.

This just in! Visit our Facebook page or comment below and you could win a free ticket to ride!!! Drawing will be held on Monday June 8th 2015!! Drawing to be done by third party website.

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