Family Fun at Center Grove Orchard, Cambridge, Iowa

If you're near central Iowa in the fall you'll want to make sure to get off the Interstate (I-35, exit 102; north of Ankeny, south of Ames) and enjoy a day of family fun at Center Grove Orchard. This is one of those "a picture is worth a thousand words" posts. Enjoy!

Center Grove Orchard is more than an orchard...

They also have a pumpkin patch (pick your own or choose one that has been picked)...

Two mazes: one kid sized hay maze (also good for climbing on top of) and a 4-acre corn maze...

Try your hand at roping a "steer"- or yourself...

Test your aim with the Apple Sling Shot...

Or try one of the other fun things like the bouncing pillow, the corn pool, pedal tractor racing, the Three Little Pigs houses, the super slide, the goat walk and more!

This is an orchard- and a working farm- so be sure to catch a hay ride and head out to pick your own apples (purchase bags before setting out). The hayride is also the quickest way to the pumpkin patch and the corn maze.

After you've had your fill of fun head into the Country Store to fill your belly. Here you'll find apples, gooey caramel apples, flaky apple turnovers, tasty apple cider donuts, apple pie (along with cherry and pumpkin), apple cider (warm and cold), apple slush... And, beyond the apples, you'll find shelves of Iowa goodness: fresh salsas, amazing BBQ sauces (I recommend the raspberry chipotle), syrups, salad dressings, jams, jellies and more. Oh, and I bet you won't leave without some homemade fudge.

You'll want to designate at least 3 hours for fun at Center Grove Orchard- though I recommend more to not be rushed. It's a wonderful family tradition for us.

Fast Facts:

During the regular season (fall) the orchard is open 7 days a week.

• Monday - Saturday 9am- 7pm
• Sunday 11am- 6pm

Center Grove Orchard is just off I-35; north of Ankeny, south of Ames at exit 102. Google Map

Admission cost (current as of October 2009. Visit their website for updates)

• Farmyard Pass $7.95 ages 3 and up
• No pass is needed to shop in the Country Store or pick your own apples during the week.

Rest rooms are available in the Country Store and port-a-potties are scattered about the farm.

Read more...

Anheuser Busch Brewery Tour, St. Louis, Missouri, USA

Neither Doug or I drink beer but a "not be be missed" stop while in St. Louis is the Anheuser Busch brewery. Located just off of I-55 the brewery is very easy to get to and is a great stop for the family (yes, really!).

Tours are free, first come first served. We didn't have to wait long on a Friday afternoon in the summer- about 10 minutes- but I am told the wait can be longer on weekends. As you wait you can browse Anheuser Busch history which began in 1852 as the Bavarian brewery. In 1860 it was acquired by Eberhard Anheuser and renamed it E. Anheuser & Co. In 1864, his son-in-law, Adolphus Busch, joined the company which would one day become Anheuser-Busch. The stein collection is quite beautiful and the Budweiser delivery truck piqued the interest of my daughters. I was especially interested in the prohibition advertising.

But what they liked most was the "stage". Yep, where the brewery tour begins is a small platform for the guides to stand on. My girls enjoyed dancing on it while Doug & I browsed the displays.

Our tour began with two guides and the warning that the tour involved about 7 city blocks of walking. First stop: the famous Budweiser Clydesdales.

These horses are practically the symbol of Budweiser and live in high style. The first Clydesdales were a gift to August Busch, Sr. from his sons to commemorate the repeal of prohibition. It didn't take long for the appeal of a horse-drawn beer wagon to catch on. Today A-B owns about 250 Clydesdales and keeps them in high style. Their stable is one of the oldest buildings on brewery land and the wood, marble and stained glass gleam. The lead hitch is kept in this stable and the horses seem to stand tall with pride.

Throughout the tour much mention of the 1904 World's Fair is mentioned. Many of the chandeliers you see came from there- including this one in the stable.

If you only came to see the Clydesdales you can leave the tour now and head back to the hospitality room.

Continuing on you'll view the Beechwood Aging Cellars- row upon row of huge vats filled with beer. Brenna was worried that one would "suck her up" as it was rather noisy and smelled of fermentation. She was relieved as we left. We decided that "Brenna beer" probably wouldn't be too tasty.

We moved on to the Brew House, the center of the brewery. Here we learned how Budweiser is made. When our guide Jim asked if there were any questions Brenna piped up with, "Daddy drinks beer sometimes." Not really a question but it got a laugh from the others in the tour. Jim played it off well asking, "Anyone else here drink beer sometimes?"

We then rode in one of the most spectacular elevators I have ever seen to the most ornate brewing floor- possibly in the world. Tile, marble, brass and silver all gleamed. And two more chandeliers from the World's Fair, these multi-story hopvines, hung from at least two floors above. It was incredible.

As we exited the Brew House we were told to look at the figures perched on the pillars outside.

These represent Anheuser Busch during the years of prohibition when the company produced items like ice cream, ginger ale, root beer, Bevo, truck bodies, bakers yeast and Budweiser with no alcohol.

We next walked past the Lyon School which once served the southern and western ends of St. Louis. All the children of Adolphus Busch attended school here. When the city no longer neede the school it was sold to Anheuser Busch and became the central offices.

Next was the Bevo Packaging Plant which now wears the Budweiser neon. Bevo was a "near beer", called a "cereal beverage" at the time, brewed during prohibition and marketed using the character Renard the Fox, who perches on the corners of the building a mug of Bevo in one paw, turkey leg in the other.

The Bevo building is now a bottling facility where, on Bottle Line #34, Bud Light whisks past.

Then it's out to the waiting trolley and back to the hospitality room where samples of Anheuser Busch beers await you. Or you can have soda if you're not a beer drinker.

On your way out make a stop in the gift shop. Plenty of Budweiser and Anheuser Busch related merchandise to choose from. Not so much for the kids, though the girls did manage to adopt "Dale" and "FireDog".

Handy Tips
Hours:
September - April : Mon - Sat 10am - 4pm; Sun 11:30 am - 4 pm
May : Mon - Sat 9 am - 4 pm; Sun 11:30 am - 4 pm
June - August : Mon - Sat 9 am - 5 pm; Sun 11:30 am - 5 pm

Gift shop closes 90 minutes after last tour. Check for a coupon here.

The tour is ADA accessible but does include quite a bit of walking.

Cost:
Free

Special events:
See the calendar for Clydesdale Camera Day and holiday closings.

Also associated with Anheuser Busch is Grant's Farm, about 10 miles away. Admission to Grant's Farm is free but parking is $11. Here you'll see more Clydesdales as well as other animals roaming free in Deer Park, General Ulysses S. Grant's log cabin, the Bauernhof, and the Busch family's collection of carriages- among other things.

Family Travel Tips
St Louis

Read more...

Our Trip to St. Louis

Gateway Arch viewed while laying on ground below

Thanks to the generosity of the St. Louis CVC my family spent 2 1/2 days in a city I probably wouldn't have ever thought to visit. And now... We anticipate our next trip! I was, honestly, amazed at all St. Louis had to offer- and much of the great stuff is free!

I am always amazed when I visit a city with majestic landmarks that the "natives" can be so nonchalant about them. I suppose it comes from viewing them continuously... I was not prepared for the absolute awe the Gateway Arch inspired in me. I could have laid on the grass below it and watched the clouds blow by all day. Nor did I realize that there is an amazing museum below the arch.

The free activities around St. Louis are incredible. The St. Louis zoo is absolutely amazing and it sits in the most beautiful parkland. Both the Anheuser-Busch brewery and Grant's Farm have free admission and the new City Garden is great fun for the family.

While we did visit the Magic House we didn't spend as much time there as the girls would have liked and we didn't make it to the City Museum.

Over the next couple of weeks I'll be taking you on a tour of our St. Louis exploration. Here's what I'll be sharing:

The Magic House
The St. Louis Zoo and Forest Park
Anheuser-Busch Brewery & Grant's Farm
The Gateway Arch, the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and the Gateway Arch Riverfront
Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch
City Garden
What we ate in St. Louis

To plan your our St. Louis adventure visit ExploreStLouis.com or the Explore St. Louis Facebook page.

Full disclosure: While we are paying for our gas money to get to St. Louis and back all of the expenses we incur while there will be covered by the CVC. While the CVC is sponsoring our trip all the decisions and thoughts about where we go, what we do, see, eat, etc. will be my own. Please see my disclosure policy for more specific information.

Read more...

Plymouth, Massachusetts: History Comes Alive

Even though Plymouth was only half an hour from our rental house in Scituate we waited until our time in Massachusetts was almost at an end before visiting. Mainly because Plimoth Plantation didn't open until the end of March, but more than that, we really wanted some nice, warm weather.

Thankfully the Saturday we chose for our Plymouth outing was amazing- blue skies, sun, warmth. And Sunday promised to be even more beautiful- which was lucky for us as we needed another day to explore what Plymouth had to offer. And we still didn't see everything!

If you want to see both the Mayflower II and Plimoth Plantation (and if you're visiting Plymouth I'm gonna say it's pretty much a given that you want to experience that history) I recommend you buy your tickets from the Jenney Grist Mill. While you won't "technically" save any money on your tickets you will get a tour of the mill for no additional charge. I also suggest scheduling yourself for the Historic Walking Tour- it was the best part of our first day. Just a note: the Jenney Grist Mill only accepts cash for the combo tickets. Visa and Mastercard are accepted for all other tours and merchandise.

Nancy Martin, who with her husband Leo (the miller), cares for the mill, was incredibly helpful when I inquired about scheduling our first day. Her suggestion: Tour the Mayflower first, then head out to the Plantation. Do the grist mill at the end of the day, followed by the walking tour.

Getting Around Plymouth

Plymouth's downtown area is walkable and parking is plentiful, though most of it is pay-parking. There are a few free parking areas, one of which is at the Jenney Grist Mill. To get to Plimoth Plantation you will need a car or get in touch with America's Hometown Shuttle to inquire about routes and pricing.

Things to Do

My recommendation for your first stop, ok your second stop after you get your tickets from Jenney Grist Mill, is the visitor center on the corner of Water Street & Memorial Drive. Pick up the great (free) visitor's information: the Plymouth Guide, the Pilgrim's Path & Town Square "Walk Through History" brochures from VisitPlymouth.com and the Best of Plymouth map with a close-up of the downtown area on it.

From the visitor center it is an easy walk to the Mayflower II.

The Mayflower II is a recreation of the original Mayflower, a late 16th century merchant ship. You can explore the decks and chat with costumed staff members about what the journey would have been like. Off the ship are exhibits with information about both the Mayflower and the Mayflower II (which sailed the Atlantic in 1957). Check out the list of passengers- maybe you'll find a distant ancestor (I did: William Brewster).

Just past the ship, back on dry land, are two rough hewn log buildings which house the gift shop. You will find many of the same items at Plimoth Plantation, although there are some maritime items that we only found here.

Walk a bit farther and you'll find Plymouth Rock, probably the most celebrated sediment in the US.
Plimoth Plantation, a recreation of the original settlement, is a couple miles from the downtown area. If you are a history buff or you enjoy talking to people I suggest planning few hours here. Luckily the combination ticket we purchased allows for entrance into the plantation two consecutive days. We went through quickly on the first day and went back for the entire afternoon the next.

The plantation has 6 areas:
Visitor Center: view the orientation program, grab something to eat in the cafe, visit the gift shops and view the Thanksgiving exhibit.
Wampanoag Homesite: Here you will meet Native People and learn about their history and culture. We spent a lot of time here learning and talking. The staff in this area wear traditional clothing and practice traditional skills. They are not re-creationists, however, but preservationists of their culture. We spent a lot of time here both days we visited talking of life and listening to stories.
Eel River Boardwalk: This is a beautiful way to get from one site to another. Lots of fauna and wildlife.
1627 English Village: The staff here recreate the original colony settlers. You have stepped back to 1627. Look inside the homes, talk with the settlers and learn their life stories as they all represent actual people. Ask in modern language- but be prepared for questions and clarifications: a bathroom hasn't always been called a bathroom!
Crafts Center: We missed this on the first day and spent over an hour here on the second! We all enjoyed watching the artisans at work and listening to them discuss what they were doing and how. There is another gift shop here featuring pottery made on site.



Nye Barn: Learn about the rare breeds of animals that didn't used to be so rare.

Jenney Grist Mill: A recreation of the Jenney Grist Mill built on the site of the original mill (the first mill built in the US; the original mill burnt in 1837.) Learn why the mill was so important to Plymouth, how big a grinding stone is, and why John Jenney built a fish ladder. Talk with Nancy & Leo about the history of the mill and their dreams for the John Jenney house and bakery, located across the Town Brook. And reserve a spot on their Historic Walking Tour. Leo is full of information from past and present. We learned so much from him during our tour (he's got great back-story on "Hollywood East".)



Next to the Jenney House is the Sparrow House, the oldest house in Plymouth. It's a great pottery shop (among other amazing finds).

The National Monument to the Forefathers is well worth seeing. It sits away from everything else but signs will lead you to it.


If you get your fill of history there's lots of shopping. Souvenir shops line Water Street; head up to Court Street for eclectic shops.

At the end of Water Street, past the free parking, is Nelson Street Memorial Playground. Picnik areas, great equipment and a sandy beach for walking. Nothing better on a nice day.


Eating in Plymouth

Isaac's on the Waterfront was elegant without being imposing. Our daughters were welcomed and the food was quite good. Salads, seafood (of course), sandwiches and specialty burgers. $10-$15 entrees.

New Tokyo is located at the edge of Plymouth just off Hwy 3. We drove down a couple of times. Go for the Hibachi. The traditional Chinese food was a let down a couple weeks later. Kids eat free Wed-Fri. Expect to spend $25 per person, not including drinks.



The British Beer Company has a location downtown. We ate at a BBC in Pembroke. Fun atmosphere, good food.

For a picnic in the park visit Tedeschi, in the heart of downtown. Huge deli sandwiches, made to order.

Skip the Ming Dynasty near the waterfront. The food wasn't very good, the service was terrible and the prices were high for the quality.

Summary

Plymouth was one of those places we would have liked to spend more time. No matter how much we saw it left us wanting to experience more.

Because the house we rented was so close by we didn't stay in a hotel here. There are plenty of lodging options: hotels, B&Bs, camping and home rentals. (If you're renting a house though, I suggest Ocean Perch.)

I have many more pictures on my Flickr page...

Read more...

Old Sturbridge Village (OSV), Massachusetts, USA

Old Sturbridge Village, often called OSV, is located on Route 20 in west/central Massachusetts, about an hour west of Boston. It's very easy to get to by taking I-90 (Mass Pike) to exit 9.

OSV is what I call a "living history" museum. As soon as you walk through the visitor's center - which houses Kidstory, a clock gallery, a movie theater and ever changing demonstrations- and have your photo taken in the family portrait, you are transported back to rural New England circa 1790-1840.

OSV is a large village filled with costumed actors portraying life during our country's early days. The map you receive upon entering lays the village before you: Friends Meetinghouse, Center Meetinghouse, small cottages, large houses, law offices, bank, general store, school house, farm houses and barns, mills for carding, sawing, grinding; the pottery and kiln, shops for the cooper and blacksmith and many more buildings and people necessary for a village to function.

To explore the entire village and take in the always changing daily events, well, that could take a couple of days. Which may be why the price of admission includes a free return visit within 10 days (remember to have your receipt validated before you leave). We spent the majority of a day there are didn't come close to seeing everything.

OSV is a wonderful family outing because everyone will learn something. While Doug & I loved exploring the homes, reading the history and talking with the villagers the girls had great fun sweeping with straw brooms, playing with simple toys, carding wool and chasing chickens. There is even a hand-on crafts center. Brenna dipped candles (for a fee) while Caelan decorated a tray.

Because the events change with the season you are sure to see something different every time you visit. When we went spring was teasing and the sap was running through the trees so we got to see how maple syrup is made- from tapping the trees to boiling the sap. We saw a woman spinning wool, the cooper making buckets, the potter making pots and the blacksmiths working with iron. Depending on the season you can also catch a ride on a sleigh, a wagon or a stagecoach.

We explored homes, barns, churches, a bank, the general store (where we made a few purchases which may or may not have been influenced by the aroma of fresh baked cookies) and mills. We strolled along the miles of paths; through pastures and along the river. (If all this doesn't wear the kids out there is also a playground.)

Things to Know for Your Visit

OSV is open daily, except Christmas and Mondays during the winter. Hours are 9:30 am to 5 pm (4 in the winter). Admission rates can be found here and include a second visit free within 10 days. OVS offers a 50% discount for active military members and a 20% discount for all members of their party.

There are a few options for dining while at OSV. Bullard Tavern in the village serves hot entrees as well as sandwiches and beverages, the general store has cookies, candies, coffee and cold drinks and the Village Cafe in the Oliver Wright Tavern- just before you enter the visitor's center- has hot & cold beverages and snacks. Note: when we visited the Bullard Tavern was not serving food but hot entrees and soups were available in the Oliver Wright Tavern. If you choose to bring a picnic there is a picnic area near the parking lot.

Restrooms are spread throughout the grounds and all are handicapped accessible. Many, but not all, buildings are also handicapped accessible.

Planning to make a weekend out of it? Here's a list of area hotels, campgrounds and B&Bs.

Read more...

Geisler Family Farms- an Update for 2008

In what is quickly becoming a tradition we gathered a group of friends and welcomed the Harvest Moon at Geisler Family Farms. The theme has changed this year- to Vote 2008- and the maze is much more intricate than last year's.

There were other new updates, as well... A comfy sitting area has been added to the barn so you can warm yourself in front of a fireplace after navigating the maze or picking pumpkins. And while you are relaxing the kids can play in the corner or in the corn-box (like a sand box but filled with corn). It's much less messy than sand (that said, we did encounter some corn as we were changing for bed!) There are also large, clean bathrooms on site.

Fire pits are available for rental and our group made full use of two of them, roasting hot dogs and toasting marshmallows while we waited for the moon to rise.

The kids ran around and played with all the great play equipment and games the Geisler family has set up (including this tractor-tire swing).

Finally it was time to navigate the maze. A prize awaits those who persevere and locate all 10 markers. After the maze was complete many finished the night with a hay rack ride.

If you are near central Iowa any weekend through the end of October I highly recommend a visit to Geisler Family Farms. They have worked very hard to make their corn maze a great outing for the entire family. I promise you'll have a great time!

Please be sure to visit this article for previous information about this corn maze- and for links to other corn mazes around the country. This is a great way to support family farms!

Read more...

Killarney for Kids: Killarney National Park, Ross Castle and Muckross House, Friary and Traditional Farms

We spent 4 days and 3 nights around Killarney. There is a reason this is one of Ireland's tourist hot-spots - there is so much to do! We didn't even scratch the surface. Kid friendly doesn't even begin to describe all you can do in and around Killarney.

Killarney National Park is Ireland's first national park. It came into being in 1932 when the Muckross Estate was gifted to Ireland by Senator Arthur Vincent and his parents-in-law Mr. and Mrs. William Bowers Bourn, in memory of his late wife Maud.

The National Park covers over 25,000 acres of mountains, moors, woods, lakes and rivers, parks and gardens. There are many entries into the park within and outside of Killarney and a nice day will have the paths filled with walkers and bikers. (Bikes are available for rent in Killarney at Kerry Bike Hire or Killarney Rent a Bike.) We chose to get an overview of the park by taking a ride in a jaunting cart. Automobiles are not allowed inside the park.

Jaunting carts gather on Kenmare Place in Killarney. This is a main roundabout on the edge of Killareny's tourist district (just in front of Lir Cafe & Chocolates); you won't miss it. Our driver, Martin (who, quite incidentally, took me on my first jaunting cart tour of Killarney National Park in 2003), was a wealth of information during our ride through the park and stopped for photo opps. (He and his wife also own a B&B on Ross Road).

Your jaunting cart tour will take you through a portion of the park, past a large public playground, and to Ross Castle on Lough Leane (the Lake of Learning).

Ross Castle is a 15th century tower house and was one of the last strongholds in the region to surrender to Oliver Cromwell in 1652. It has been restored and is furnished in the style of the 16th and 17th centuries. Guided tours are available mid-March thru late November.

If you picnic near Ross Castle save bits of bread or crackers for the ducks and swans that inhabit Lough Leane year round. They'll come right to the edge of the lake to say hi. My girls were fascinated with the "birdies".

Ross Castle is an OPW Heritage site. An OPW Hertiage Card card covers many of Ireland's greatest sites and is good for one year from date of purchase. It can be purchased at any OPW site, the Dublin or Shannon airports and certain tourist offices.

Lough Leane was given it's name because of the monastery that sits on it's largest island, Innisfallen. Built in the 7th century and occupied for nearly 700 years this is where the 'Annals of Innisfallen', a cronicle of early Irish history, was written. If you wish to investigate the ruins on Innisfallen rowboats are available for rent at the castle.

The Muckross Estate is the center of Killarney National Park and is a great place to begin the day.

We first drove out Kenmare Road (N71) and parked at an entrance to the park near Muckross Abbey. There will likely be jaunting carts here but decline and enjoy the short stroll. This is a great ruin to explore as you can climb the narrow spiral staircases into the upper levels for great views of the lakes. A large yew tree fills the cloister court. At the edge of the cloister you will also see this terrific tile map of the Abbey:

Take time to explore the church yard as many Irish notables are laid here- including The McCarthy Mor, king of Munster (he's in the chancel).

From here you can walk to Muckross House or return to your car and drive another mile down the road to the main entrance. Muckross House is open year round, while its Traditional Farms are open late March thru October.

Muckross Estate is an OPW Heritage site. An OPW Hertiage Card card covers many of Ireland's greatest sites and is good for one year from date of purchase. It can be purchased at any OPW site, the Dublin or Shannon airports and certain tourist offices.

The tour of Muckross House, a breathtaking 19th century Victorian mansion, is well worth your time. Small children may become bored about half way through so my recommendation is to take separate tours- one parent tours inside while the other parent tours the gardens with the children. (if you do take your kids on the tour the guides are most gracious and give special attention to your little ones.)

Where my daughters didn't become bored, however, were on the grounds of Muckross Estate and in the gardens. Outside the front entrance (seen above) you will find more jaunting carts. This is a great place to catch a ride if you haven't been on one yet. Otherwise just stroll the grounds. From here you have a great yard that nestles up to Middle Lake. Around back you will find an amazing rock garden filled with stone paths and benches. It's a great place to explore and look for faeries.

If the kids get tired of exploring there they will surely love the maze garden just down the hill.

After playing and touring take a break in the Walled Garden Center and visit the craft shop, view weavers and potters, and have a quick snack (or lunch) in the restaurant.

Then venture over to Muckross Traditional Farms. Visit three working farms and the people that were necessary to make them work. The time span for the farms is the 1930's and 40's when then main power was horses and the day ended when the sun went down.

If you're up for a bit more exploring you can walk or drive (a bit farther down the N71) to Torc Waterfall. It may not be the biggest waterfall you've ever seen but it is set in such a beautiful location that you'll want to take your photo in front of it.

More Killarney for Kids:
Shopping
Mystical Rose B&B, Dining & Handy Hints
Kennedy's Animal, Bird & Pet Farm

Read more...

Killarney for Kids: Kennedy's Animal, Bird and Pet Farm

Not far out from Killarney (about 5 miles) along the N22 is Kennedy's Animal, Bird and Pet Farm. We spent an afternoon there with the girls playing on the outdoor and indoor playgrounds, petting animals and having fun.

Kennedy's has dozens of animals: sheep and goats, horses and deer, puppies and rabbits, all sorts of fowl from chickens to peacocks and so many more. Most are friendly and will gladly follow you around if you give them a scratch on the nose (as we found with the deer- they were our constant companions during our time at the farm).

Kennedy's has a large outdoor play area with swings, slides and forts, a huge indoor area with a maze, sand pit, riding toys, swings and slides and a toddler play area (also indoors). There are buses that have been converted to seating areas and a few restrooms scatted throughout the property.

This was definitely a welcomed break for the girls from the castles and abbeys we had been touring.

Although we didn't lodge there Kennedy's has three self catering holiday homes for weekly rental. With a view of the mountains and accessibility to the animals and playground this would definitely qualify as a children's paradise.

More Killarney for Kids:
Shopping
Mystical Rose B&B, Dining and Handy Hints
Killarney National Park, Ross Castle and Muckross House, Friary and Traditional Farms

Read more...

Geisler Family Farm Corn Maze, Ankeny, Iowa, USA

Travel doesn't always have to take us far from home. Here's a bit of fun just minutes from Des Moines, Iowa:

This was written for my other blog Iowa Geek:

Last night was the Harvest Moon (the first full moon after the first day of fall). It is called the harvest moon because farmers were able to harvest crops long into the night by the light of the moon. This was, of course, before tractors with headlights.

Yesterday was a gorgeous fall day that became a perfect fall evening. I had reserved a fire pit area at Geisler Family Farm Corn Maze and invited a group of friends to join us for roasting hotdogs, toasting marshmallows and fun in the corn.

This is quite possibly the best corn maze I have been to. I love the layout- pictured below. You are given a picture of the maze with the locations of 10 numbered posts. If you find all the posts and stamp your card you get a prize.

But before that fun the kids wore themselves out on all the fun stuff the Geisler family set up. There is a huge tire swing (think rear tractor tire huge), a swingset with a "lookout tower" and slide, beanbag toss games and roping a (PVC) steer. The rope was also great for some impromptu tug-of-war.

Of course cooking over fire was a great hit. Here is my nephew Carter learning the fine art of marshmallow toasting.
The fire pit areas are set up with benches and a table to lay out your feast. There is an electrical outlet (with two plugs) if you want to bring something in a crock pot. (I brought Taco Soup. It was a hit. I'll share the recipe soon.)

After cleaning up and when the moon was high in the sky it was time to take the girls and navigate the maze. Here's Brenna at a crossroads.

I wish you could see how spectacular the moon was. It was huge and so bright. Unfortunately I didn't think to use the "fireworks" setting on my camera... I bet it would have worked.

And here we are deep in the maze. We had a great time. Caelan even stayed awake the entire time. She was bouncing around in the backpack as we went trudging along the paths singing "Old McDonald".


If you are anywhere near central Iowa some weekend during the next month I really recommend a visit to Geisler Family Farm. In addition to the fun stuff I mentioned they also have a soybean maze that the kids can navigate on their own, hayrack rides (handicapped accessible) and pumpkin picking! It's great family fun. I promise.

This just proves that you can have great fun in your own backyard. Here are some links to corn mazes around the US. This list is current as of 9/26/2007


Corn Mazes America
About.com: Puzzles
Cornfieldmaze.com
Corn Maze Directory

Alternately you can do a more specific search using your search engine of choice. Unless, of course, you decide to come to the midwest. I do promise a great time at our local maze.

Read more...

The Ramsey Farm at Lesanville Update 2007

One side of my family holds it's reunion at Lesanville Farm practically every year. It's always a big hit with the kids. And this year was no exception.

And the farm has made an addition:
Heritage House
This house has a large kitchen and a dining room. If you stay at one of the farmhouses this is where your breakfast will be served. If you have a large group, like we did, you can make use of the kitchen and dining area.

The rear of the house is obviously a new addition but it was done beautifully and blends with the historic home.
The windowed wall offers a beautiful view of the pond and green fields. It will be amazing when fall arrives and the leaves are changing.
Like I mentioned, the farm is always a hit with the kids. Here they explore some old farm machinery.
And here Brenna feeds one of the draft horses some clover.

For more information on The Ramsey Farm at Lesanville visit my previous post.

Read more...