The Big E!

Another year flies by and October is here and so are the fall fairs! The biggest of them all, The Big E has come and gone, but it sure was great while it lasted. The Big E attracts all types of people because of the array of attractions and exhibits that it offers. Most fairgoers return for the same things each year no matter what age they are: to be entertained, excited, to learn, eat good food, and feel like a kid again.
It returns to West Springfield, MA each year for over two weeks of fall activities, food, fun and entertainment. The Big E always has a great bunch of musicians who come and perform. This year’s lineup of headlining acts included Boys II Men Foghat, Seether or Bret Michaels, Sugarland and Little Big Town along with a performance by Jamey Johnson.
One popular attraction inside the Big E is the grand North American Midway including a 115-foot spinning Giant Wheel and Polar Express and a Fireball and Niagara Falls Flume as well many other rides for thrill seekers. For the history buffs, there was a walking tour of New England created with life-size state capitals inside the Avenue of States. Similarly, there was Storrowton Village, 19th century New England’s historical building replicas.
My favorite section was by far The Craft Common with handmade creations made by local artists. “I loved the crafts!” said 22-year-old CCSU student and Connecticut resident Caitlin King, who experienced her first time at the Big E just a week ago. “I found something for everyone I know, and decided to buy a bunch of Christmas presents super early.”
Each day there were also Mardi Gras Parades, cooking contests, as well as national and regional sheep shows. Delicious treats like cream puffs, éclairs, chocolate chip cookies and fried dough, and fresh squeezed lemonade were available along every inch of the fair. “I love the food there. There is nothing like fair food,” said 23-year-old college graduate Emily Cowen who is originally from Connecticut. “I feel like I leave the fair five pounds heavier each year.”
Another favorite attraction of mine was The Eastern States Exposition Horse Show competing in many divisions such as Hunt Seat in the historic Coliseum (popular for horse lovers and equestrians who visit the Big E.) The Coliseum used to the place where the Springfield Indians professional hockey team played in the 1950s and '60s. It is now the building is where The Big E holds all of its demonstrations and competitions such as horse shows, and even oxen pulling to sheep herding.

Along with horseshows there are other animal attractions such as the famous Clydesdale horses that are absolutely enourmous, strong animals. There were barns full of sheep, goats and cows as well and even some were being presented by their owners in competitions to win prizes for the best looking, healthiest animal.

The Big E is faithful each year to its loyal fairgoers by returning to the same place with its traditional country, yet circus-like atmosphere, but it always offers something new to the public. It will always have its original, most popular activities and exhibits, but it maintains its New England country fair charm that keeps people coming back each year.

Lyman Orchards

Lyman Orchards located in Middlefied, Connecticut is a great way to get out in the fall weather with family and friends. Lyman's consists of several apple, pear and peach orchards spread across the rolling hills of Middlefield. The orchard store called Apple Barrel is located at the bottom entrance from 9am to 6pm daily. It is full of freshly baked pies with orchard fruits, homemade apply cider, gourmet sandwhiches and tons more of unqiue seasonal foods for fall. As you walk into the store, the aroma of freshly baked apple pie is so enticing that you will have to buy yourself one. Take a drive from Apple Barrel up the hills to pick your favorite apples. Applepicking is cheap and delicious. The trees are bursting with freshly ripened fruit in September and October. Lyman Orchards offers a list and seasonal fruit schedule on their website so that you can pick your favorite fruit. Lyman Orchard's even has a corn maze and a sunflower maze to get lost through with some friends.
Opened in 1972, Lyman Orchards had a goal of growing farm-grown native fruit. Their idea grew to be a popular destination in Connecticut for travelers and are now Connecticut's "largest indoor year 'round farm market."

Embrace the Outdoors in Vermont

Last weekend I ventured to Ludlow, Vermont, a quaint town that surrounds the well-known ski mountain Okemo. Although Ludlow is known for its winter sports and snow covered mountains, it also has a lot to offer for the warmer fall months. I stayed the weekend with family at a hotel called The Pointe which is an extension of The Castle Hill Resort and Spa, a larger hotel down the street that is an old fashioned castle restructured into a hotel and spa catered to outdoorsy people who visit the area. There are also plenty of affordable hotels and motels around the town of Ludlow as well as surrounding towns such as Rutland, Proctorsville and Cavendish.

There are numerous ways to spend your time in Vermont, but I will give you a few ideas that are my favorite in the fall season. I did a lot of hiking while I was in Ludlow mostly on the trails around Okemo, but also down by the Black River, a long rushing river that flows through Ludlow and the other surrounding towns that I mentioned. If you like horses like me, there are tons of areas that offer trail riding through the mountains in Vermont. Specifically, in Proctorsville at Cavendish Horse Rides Inc. where you can ride for $30 an hour through the scenic mountians. If you are into more of an adrenaline rush, there is Alpine Sliding available at several mountains in the area including Killington and Pico. Alpine Sliding is only $15 per session for sliding down a mountain as fast as you control your slide.

If you aren't into experiencing the outdoors when visiting Vermont, there is always shopping at the nearby Manchester outlets, or shops in downtown Ludlow. Still, it would be a waste to visit such a beautiful place in the best season of the year and not advantage of Vermont with its outdoor activities.