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!!!

DiggerlandUSA

Posted on April 20, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Day Trips, Reviews .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited to DiggerlandUSA for the day. All opinions expressed are my own.

Last year we had the pleasure of attending and reviewing Sahara Sams Oasis. We had an outstanding time (see our review here). I was so excited when we were invited to come and check out DiggerlandUSA as well. Not only does it sound really cool, but my son is, and has always been OBSESSED with construction vehicles! What a day we had. My husband who doesn’t really get excited about much went on and on about what a great family day we had, and he (along with the rest of us) smiled from ear to ear the entire time. Interested in sharing the experience with your family (see the bottom of our review for a special offer)?

My most important piece of advice is that you measure and be sure that your kiddos are 36” or taller before you go. (E) is 34” and so she narrowly missed out on the majority of the experience. She still had a blast, but when (A) was doing something that she couldn’t she was slightly annoyed. The good news for all of us is that it means a trip back when she meets the height requirement (no arm twisting needed there).

Let’s address the most common questions:

Jogger stroller was perfect
Food issues you can bring it and leave in car, you may re-enter all day.
Baby changing stations in women’s bathroom.
Now is the perfect time to go, it’s not too hot and you can avoid lines.
As with most of these attractions, go early or late in the day to avoid crowds.

I barely even know where to start. Upon entering we found that all of the necessities were centrally located. Bathroom, food, gift shop are all right when you walk in. This is the same area where you pick up the barrel train. Children under 36” can ride this as can bigger kids (even RNYD gave it a try). (E) and (A) rode it at least 5 times and (E) especially never wanted to get off.

All around the park there are rigs to drive and ride. There are amusement rides made out of different construction vehicles. (A) was in his glory. I loved watching how serious he took it when he was operating the machines. I couldn’t believe how well he could drive! He looked so proud, and so grown up.

His favorite parts aside from driving the machines was the SPINDIZZY. He went on it 3 times which was huge because he hasn’t really been on many rides. I had no idea that he was such a risk taker!!! After his third ride he actually asked the operator if we could put one in our backyard (no we cannot).

Video Of SPINDIZZY

One of the things I was very impressed with at Sahara Sams Oasis was the way the lifeguards conducted themselves. They were all so lovely, and so serious about their jobs (rightfully so). I felt confident that my 1 year old and my 4 year old were safe and we could enjoy ourselves. Diggerland can boast more of the same. I was really impressed at the people they had working there. They were so nice, so patient and so quick. When someone had difficulty (say driving the equipment) they were right there helping them out. They were so professional.

(E) really loved the playground, and it’s a great space to go and work off some of the excitement. We stopped there twice during our 6 hour visit. It was great for getting out the energy that was built up while waiting on lines. Speaking of which, the lines moved rather quickly. There is a good amount of space on each attraction so they weren’t very backed up.

We adored DiggerlandUSA and will absolutely be back, probably sometime in the fall when (E) meets the height requirements and we can do a whole weekend away to take advantage of both Sahara Sams Oasis, and DiggerlandUSA (which there is a special rate for). When we went to Sahara Sams Oasis it was the middle of the summer, we had a blast but it was a little crowded. Now is an AWESOME time to go, I would also imagine that early fall is as well (that’s our plan).

For a limited time (through 5/17/15) use the code RNYMOM5 when you purchase tickets online to DiggerlandUSA and/or Sahara Sams Oasis and receive a discount off of the full day price!!

Greenburgh Nature Center Easter Egg Hunt

Posted on April 4, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Day Trips, Out and about..., Reviews .

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

I’ve always loved seeing the events that are presented by the Greenburgh Nature Center. That’s the reason that they are always added to our Events Calendar and our Day Trips Page. Although I had never been, I added them based on the recommendation of my sister-in- law whos opinion I highly respect. I reached out to them, and they have been sending me updates on their amazing programs. I love that they are well organized and outdoors, which the kids and I can never get enough of. Well, we decided it was high time that we go for a visit, and their Easter Egg Hunt was the perfect opportunity.

Ready for the trip!

The event was slated for 11-3 on a Saturday which was a great time of day. I was at first a little nervous about the kids and the trip across the bridge, but we were there in no time (30 minutes tops). It’s really pretty easy to navigate, and there was a nice man directing traffic when we got there. When we parked, I realized that I had forgotten to put my jogger in the trunk for (E). Having the stroller on the trails would not have worked, and I was happy to let her walk anyway. If you have young children I would recommend wearing them. It was still a little chilly, but a beautiful bright sunny day and we were so thankful to be outside!

Thought this was hilarious, Easter Eggs in the snow along the way!

(E) sitting on the job!

(A) searches for some well hidden eggs.

We got there right at 11 am just in time for the first wave of Egg Hunters. I loved the way that they ran this part. They asked that no one take more than 10 eggs, and that all participants who had at least 1 egg at the end would reap the full benefits. This was a great learning opportunity for (A) as we kept counting and then putting back eggs if we were over the limit. The eggs were empty (which meant less garbage laying around). Volunteers stood around the path to place more eggs if their section became sparse, and to keep adventurers safe (making sure we didn’t slip on the remaining ice). I love that the hunt was in the woods where there was more opportunity to hide them, and to walk and climb. We had a blast in there.

(A) runs and climbs in his search for eggs.

When you exited you turned your eggs in (they get reused for the next groups to go through), and received a few pieces of chocolate. I loved this idea too, my kids didn’t leave with 3 lbs of chocolate they didn’t need. Just a few pieces which makes it a treat.

Ready to turn in our eggs!!

The egg exchange.

Yummy chocolate!

After the egg hunt we went inside for the crafts. There was a bunny hat station, a tissue paper flower station, and a paint your own reusable bag (for a small donation) station. These can become quite crowded because they were inside so my recommendation would be to do these either early or late. As with most of these events the majority of the visitors showed up around noon and left by 1:30. If you go off peak, you can really reap the benefits of doing everything in a less crowded atmosphere. (A) enjoyed himself greatly and the volunteers working these stations were also patient and kind.

(A) makes a tissue paper Daffodil.

When you left the buildings there was even more fun waiting. There were vendors, food, and great open spaces to explore. (A) noticed that there were turkeys out and about. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it down to the turkeys, because (E) needed a nap. There was so much fun and excitement. You could stay the whole day and be busy as a bee the entire time.

A quick shot of some of the outdoor festivities!

Conclusions: Greenburgh Nature Center puts on a great event. It’s organized, well planned, and well known so it gets busy. The volunteers are all lovely. I would highly recommend going to any of their events or classes and having a good time.

Helpful Hints:

Go off peak to miss the midday crowds.
Wear your baby, a stroller doesn’t work on the trails and are difficult to navigate in crowds.
Plan to spend a good amount of time as there were lots of fun activities and things to do.

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Mountain Creek Smoke ‘n Blues Festival- Review

DiggerlandUSA

**For a limited time (through 5/17/15) use the code RNYMOM5 when you purchase tickets online to DiggerlandUSA and/or Sahara Sams Oasis and receive a discount off of the full day price!! **

Greenburgh Nature Center Easter Egg Hunt

For a limited time (through 5/17/15) use the code RNYMOM5 when you purchase tickets online to DiggerlandUSA and/or Sahara Sams Oasis and receive a discount off of the full day price!!