Gillette's Castle

There was much excitement in our home in the days leading to a trip to an actual castle! Scout wanted to know, asking over and over each day, "how far up into the clouds would it be"? Only 2 1/2 hours away, in East Haddam, CT, is Gillette Castle . Located on the Connecticut River it is open from Memorial Day - Columbus Day for tours inside the castle, which was the home of play write William Gillette (Sherlock Holmes). 

Unfortunately we went the day after Columbus day so did not get inside. But we still had a wonderful time. We had the place virtually to ourselves. You can still explore the grounds and peak in the windows. There are hiking trails, gardens, lots to climb on and the view, over looking the Ct river is beautiful. A perfect trip during foliage season.

There are steam train and river boat rides that include a view from below, local history and beautiful scenery. These run for foliage tours as well as Christmas light tours. 

Be sure to ride the ferry , only $3 per car and takes less then 5 minutes to cross. We'll head back in the summer to check out the inside, but a fall trip is definitely worth the drive. There are bathrooms available and plenty of space for a picnic.

Common Ground Fair 2012

We traveled to one of our favorite events, the Common Ground Fair. It was 3 fabulous days of organic goodness from farm to person to craft! It was also a time to visit with great friends and let our girls reconnect. If you have never been, put it on your calendar for next year. Always the third weekend after Labor Day. If you wanted to come this year and couldn't hopefully these photos will let you experience it through our eyes. Enjoy!

 

After a long ride we arrive in beautiful Maine! Scout can't wait to see her good friend Tallulah!

 

These soul sisters are both at home in the forest!

They immediately start searching for Tinkerbell...

 

They are sure they have found her home!

 

The welcoming committee our first day at the fair!

 

We start off the day hoopin!

 

All crafts people are from Maine.

We Love Eco- Kids no place better to get your art supplies for the kiddos! All dies made from fruits and veggies.

Jumping off the hay in the huge kids area is always a favorite spot.

 

Searching for Tinkerbell again

 

 This fair runs only with the dedication of 1000's of volunteers.

This paper mache tree stood for 3 days, as the children (and parents) added layers it blossomed into a gorgeous tree full of creatures.

Threshing wheat

Unbelievable craftspeople and artisans

 

Wool drying...after it was dyed with tree bark

 

The giant sliding hill, located right at the music venue. Three days of nonstop moving and grooving!

There is always the coolest cast of characters!

Sunday morning there is a 5K. We did it together as a family and with friends. A great way to start the day! The race fee (only $18) included your admission to the fair and a T-shirt!

Here comes the parade! Everyone dresses up, twice a day, and puts on a parade.

 How will you get to the fair?

  

The farmers market was amazing...all organic and from Maine.

The best "fast food" ever. For lunch she chose a bunch of carrots, a pint of blueberries and a jug of fresh squeezed cider!

Day 3 begins in the usual place, EcoKids.

 

This year there was an new kids area in the homestead cooking area. 

 

Making bread... 

and cider.

 

 

There is plenty of time, and space, to just relax and play with family and friends!

 

We took a felting class together

 

We found this amazing kid in the youth entrepreneurs tent. He grows hay to feed his sheep, which he cares for with his dog, then he sheers the sheep, cards the wool, spins it into yarn, dyes it and then knits hats! I bought this one...how could I not?!

There are lectures, classes and demos all day. So many it is impossible to not find at least 4 things you want to do every minute for three straight days! 

This demo was logging with animals.

 

Daddy is always such a great sport!

 Hope you can make it next year!

Yes!!! we found Tinkerbell