Author: Nichole S.

Pick #1: Salem Food Truck Festival

The Salem Food Truck Festival is a two-day event being hosted in the Salem Common in historic downtown Salem, MA. The event will feature 40 food trucks, live music, and family fun. Save the date and save your appetites for one of the area’s biggest food truck events!

Check out their website HERE to learn more

Pick #2: Topsfield Fair

Amusement rides, food and beverages galore, agriculture, livestock, vendors, educational experiences, live music, and much..much more.  While the Topsfield Fair may not be everyone’s cup of tea I’ve gone nearly every year of my life and always enjoy it!  Except that one time a few years back when it poured the whole time, the rides were closed, and the boys convinced us to bring home a new pet rabbit.

READ ALL ABOUT THE TOPSFIELD FAIR, PURCHASE TICKETS, FIND MAP + SCHEDULE HERE

Pick #3: Chinatown Lantern Festival

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

As always, for a comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid

I snapped this photo in downtown Louisville the other day.  Couldn’t help but giggle at the three tiny pink penguins that looked like they’re about to peck at the massive golden statue’s behind.  A funky juxtaposition of art…..oddly enough just a few doors down from the Louisville Slugger Museum.

Just stepped off of our super early flight out of Kentucky and landed in Newark hungry and in desperate need of coffee.

We have a three hour lay over and a little work to do so we saddled up at a breakfast counter with work space and put in our virtual order.  Super easy and convenient…but felt a little weird about the total lack of interaction.  Good news is you don’t need to tip the iPAd.

My picks for this weekend are all of the great activities that make up the Essex National Heritage Area’s Trails and Sails weekend.

Explore Essex County’s historic, cultural and natural sites during two weekends of 150+ FREE events during Trails & Sails: Two Weekends of Walks and Water, September 15-17 & 22-24, 2017!

Enjoy a variety of guided walks, paddles, historical tours and other adventures for all ages, skill levels and interests, that will connect you to the spectacular places, history and heritage that define the Essex National Heritage Area—the 34 cities and towns of Boston’s legendary North Shore. It’s all FREE and it’s all located within the 34 cities and towns of Essex County including the communities of Salem, Gloucester, Newburyport, Lawrence, Saugus and more.

Head here to read more and register to build your own itinerary 

Here are just some examples of the types of activities that can be enjoyed in our area

I was greeted at the back door by this fascinating critter the other day.  So cool to look at up close!  It stuck around for a couple of hours before disappearing somewhere in the yard….safely away from the footsteps of the two boys and dogs…I hope.

At first there was just one….at some point there were obviously two….so now there are three.  Three turkeys living in the center of the Blackburn Circle.

It used to make me so sad to see the female turkey walking around day after day in the brown desolate grass in the center of the busy rotary.  I assumed she was injured….and for a while she went unseen during my commutes back and forth to Beverly.

Then, low and behold, I saw her again….and this time she was followed closely by a couple of poults.  Cute little baby turkeys.

So now, it would seem, all three of them live at Blackburn Circle.  Do they stay there all day and night?  What an odd place to decide to live.

Lunch has always been an issue for me while working. When I was still teaching it was hard to find the time to run out to get something quick…yet healthy.  I fully admit that I drop the ball each weekend in shopping for myself between all of the boys’ activities and shopping for their favorite foods.  Freddy also does most of the grocery shopping….and while he would certainly pick up whatever I ask for…I never really know what I want when he offers.

Last year, as part of the Administration, my work load changed significantly, but my schedule became much more flexible.  The new normal for me was to run out to Tendercrop Farm in Wenham on Mondays to buy my staple list of lunch foods.  That usually consisted of some cherry tomatoes, a couple of avocados, some yummy bread, blueberries, a great wedge of cheese, some apples, and figs.  While delicious and healthy….it actually wasn’t incredibly affordable…and there were plenty of Mondays that I simply couldn’t get away from my desk.

Daily Harvest Smoothies had been appearing in my Facebook Feed off and on for months.  A couple of weeks ago I finally decided to take the plunge.  I created an account, custom designed my delivery box, and eagerly awaited my 24 meals to come directly to my office.

Monday deliveries weren’t an option, but now every 4th Wednesday I can look forward to a giant box of YUM.  24 individual smoothie mixtures and “overnight oats” get delivered with dry ice in super cute cups.  After taking some photos, of course, I tucked them away in a freezer.

I was so excited yesterday afternoon to pick a flavor, throw it in my blender with some coconut milk, and see how they really tasted.  I’m not going to lie….I was keeping my expectations low.  First of all….despite the website photos that looked like the individually packaged cups would be chock full of “real” fruits, vegetables, etc….I kind of envisioned them actually looking more like the dry, fine, veggie dip mix kind of deal.  Boy was I wrong….and pleasantly surprised!!

Check out the photos!  Maybe not super cheap….but incredibly convenient, healthy, and delicious!!  Highly recommend!

In addition to the smoothies I ordered some “Overnight Oats.”  Also super easy….take one out of the freezer, remove cover, add liquid of your choice, and store in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight…and then blend and enjoy the next day.  I haven’t tried one of those yet…but look forward to having one about the same time this post airs.

Check out their website HERE

Pick #1: Harvest Musical Festival

Saturday

The GLOUCESTER HARVEST MUSIC FESTIVAL blends art and music in one of the country’s most unique and rich artist communities. We invite you to experience the beauty and friendliness of Gloucester through a day long festival showcasing music, arts and culture while supporting our local community hospital (Addison Gilbert Citizens Fund) and community based outreach programs. Our hope is to make this a destination festival with a mission that all proceeds from the GLOUCESTER HARVEST MUSIC FESTIVAL go directly to the Addison Gilbert Citizens Fund, which is to guarantee the continued existence of a full service hospital. By supporting this, it will ensure the safety and well-being of the community and beyond.

• Festival Schedule

  NADIA ROBERTSON ( National Anthem – shortset): 10:30 – 10:45

   

  OL BROWN SHOE: 11:00 – 12:00

   

  FENNARIO: 12:15 -1:15

   

  RED TAIL HAWK: 1:30 – 2:30

   

  COLD ENGINES: 2:45 – 3:45

   

  BIM SKALA BIM:  4:00 – 5:30

   

  FOUR LEGGED FAITHFUL: 5:45 – 6:45

   

  GANG OF THIEVES: 7:00 – 8:30

 

Read all about it HERE

Pick #2: Fish Box Derby

Sunday, Rogers Street by Gorton’s

Every year since 1994, the Fish Box Derby has offered the kids of Cape Ann the opportunity to test their design, building and driving skills in a safe and exciting race down Rogers Street. We have purposely stayed independent from the All – American Soapbox Derby so that parents and kids could work together on the cars and the everything from buggy wheels to high tech bearings are allowed. There is no entry fee for the race, we are fully supported by charitable donations from individuals, businesses and local organizations, whose names are emblazoned on the hay bales that line the course. Through the generosity of our supporters, the Fish Box Derby now offers two $1000.00 college scholarships each year, for which all racers are eligible. It has been truly rewarding to see our former participants take lessons learned in the race with them into adulthood. To help support the Fish Box Derby please contact us at Fish Box Derby, Inc. PO Box 162 Gloucester, Ma. 01931-0162 or call 978-283-1932 or 978-281-6057

READ all about it HERE

As always, for a comprehensive list of family activities please visit our friends at North Shore Kid

Thatcher is attending the Compassion Experience today and I’m really hoping to tag along as it sounds pretty amazing. If I have to opportunity to go, I’ll keep you posted.

Now at Gordon College’s Barrington Center for the Arts

“Visitors to The Compassion Experience step into the life of a child who has suffered under the crippling weight of poverty. But the journey does not end there. In the span of less than 30 minutes, they will travel with that child from hardship to hope. And in the midst of hope, they will watch that child’s story transformed through the support of Compassion and the child’s life-giving relationship with a sponsor.

The Compassion Experience will challenge your views of poverty, transform your understanding of the world, and move you to be the change for a child that just needs someone to believe in them.

This immersive exhibit is coming to a city near you. Experience other cultures, the realities of global poverty, and how you can change the life of a child living half a world away.”

WHAT’S THE EXPERIENCE LIKE…WATCH AND FIND OUT?

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

A win, win!  Come on down to the Bridge Deck at Mile Marker One, enjoy some yummy food and great drinks, and a portion of your tab goes to help Cape Ann Youth Hockey support its fantastic youth hockey programs!

This evening is OPEN TO ALL….so bring your friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, etc. and feel good that your work night fun is helping a great cause.

As if you need a reason to prolong summer fun on a sunny deck!

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13th 6:00-9:00 pm

Pick #1:  The Donkey Derby at Myopia, Hamilton

THE DONKEY DERBY: run your a** off for the Equine Rescue Network. A sporting event for elite athletes and their human companions To help bring awareness to the plight of unwanted horses and donkeys.

SPECTATORS WELCOME You may purchase General Admission or VIP Tickets at www.EquineRescueNetwork.com *VIP tickets include seating under the Myopia Polo tent, lunch, and spirits (beer/wine/mint julep). Derby Attire encouraged for VIP seating. Be advised – VIP Seating is limited.

The mission of the event is to ENJOY the day, raise awareness of donkeys: They make great pets! They are affectionate, agile & athletic – AND are highly sought after by the Chinese 😦 If we raise money to save more donkeys – even better!

Don’t have a donkey but still want to “Run your ass off for the Equine Rescue Network” – no problem. We have a ‘Human Only Race” for runners. However, if you want to race a donkey – we have them….actually – there are over 40+ rescue donkeys on the North Shore that you may be partnered with. The donkey races are 2 person-team (one to lead and one to follow).

If you want to race with a donkey, send email to info@equinerescuenetwork.com – space is limited. You will need met your donkey, and perhaps even train your donkey before the race. We will match teams with donkeys based on the location of donkey and team. The leader of the donkey may carry treats. The follower of the donkey may only use a sanction plastic fly swatter to encourage their donkey team member. There is no riding or beating donkeys!

The races will be as follows:
– Minature Donkey Race
– Minature Horse and Minature Mule
– Standard Donkey Race
– Corporate teams
– Steeplechase race
– Riding Mule Race
– Pin the Tail on the Donkey Race for Humans-only

CHECK OUT THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE HERE

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Pick #2: Essex Police Dept. Annual Classic Car Show

Sunday, September 10th 1:00-4:00 in the lot behind the Police Station.

Raindate is Sunday, September 17th 1:00-4:00.

Essex Police Department – 4th Annual Car Show – ANTIQUES, CLASSICS, MUSCLE, SPECIAL INTEREST, TRUCKS & MOTORCYCLES!

– People’s Choice Awards for Best Car and Best Motorcycle

– Live Music

– Food and beverages served by the Essex Lions Club

FREE ADMISSION! No cost to enter your vehicle.

Sponsored by First Ipswich Bank.

Please contact Chief Peter Silva or Officer James Romeos for more information at 978-768-6628. Click here to see photos of last year’s show on Facebook >

SEE LOWELL PEABODY’S POST ABOUT THE 2nd ANNUAL CAR SHOW HERE (Great photos as well!)

Pick #3: Connors Farm Corn Maize

BUY TICKETS

As always, for a comprehensive list of family activities please visit our friends at North Shore Kid

It made me swoon a little bit that, after kind of a long day, my boys wanted to pull down to Granite Pier to “look at the full moon and think about how great summer was” before heading home and to bed on the night before school began.

Goodnight Rockport, Goodbye Summer.

Full moon, full summer, full hearts, back at school full-time today!

What a beautiful day on the waterfront yesterday.  The schooners were as gorgeous as always and I loved watching so many spectators coming together to enjoy Gloucester’s Maritime Heritage.

We all know how famous Rockport’s Motif No. 1 is, but have you seen Rockport’s Mini Motif near Granite Pier?  Not as iconic…but pretty cute nonetheless.