There is so much to do and see that it would take a lifetime to do it all. However, Adventures of Abby Girl is all about family travel in the United States.
In this category, learn about awesome family travel ideas such as all-inclusive resorts such as Pine Ridge Dude Ranch in the heart of the Catskill.
Find awesome beaches and climb mountains in Connecticut or learn about family-friendly attractions such as SeaQuest or Museum Village.
Go to Pennsylvania and learn all about places such as Cabella’s or head to Lake George in New York.
You can skip the border into Vermont and learn about some pretty awesome off the beaten path small American towns.
Be aware that we tell it like it is with the good, the bad and the downright hilarious. We always keep it real. No sugar coating. We even might talk about taking the long route and all the things that happen along that route.
So go through these posts in this category and maybe you will be inspired to take your family on some of the adventures Abby girl and her family have been on. Perhaps we will even see you there!
The Party Painter Face Painting offers professional face painting for parties and events in the Hudson Valley. Based out of Hurley (near Kingston), face painting brings the magic of transformation to little faces into superheroes, unicorns, butterflies and more. Designs can be customized to your party theme, so let her know what you have planned!
The Professional Face Painting Experience-
Abby Girl met Gillian of Party Painter Face Painting at the Harmony Garden School of Music’s annual Holiday Party. So of course, the theme was holiday/winter. It’s great how instead of having to go through a bunch of images in a binder, the choices are displayed right on the table upright. It makes it easier for children to see and quickly pick their favorite design.
I was shocked when Abby picked Olaf. I mean, Frozen is currently one of her favorite movies. However, she also thinks she’s a princess and I’m the majesty. So a snowman was a shock.
However, it came out wonderful! In fact, at bedtime, I had to work so I asked her to have daddy take the snowman off her face. She told me she would and well, he was still there in AM. I washed it off expecting a breakout and nothing. Her face was completely clear! In the past when she got her face painted, she wanted it off before night’s end. Side note, wash it off before bed to be safe! You shouldn’t sleep with face paint on.
Face Painting Key Point!
Another great point is how amazing she is with the children. The line kept growing and she remained calm and focused. Each face turned out awesome from Reindeer to Snow Leopards and Gingerbread men. Every child including my own seemed very happy and the parents, including myself, were very pleased as well.
About Gillian-
She’s a mom of a spunky toddler and formerly worked as a full-time graphic designer. Now she’s taking all that art school training and branching out into face painting.
Gillian started earlier this year and invested in some really good quality products because she could see there was a demand in the area for professional face painting. The parents can feel confident that the paints are safe and clean and kids love the magic and transformation!
I’ve had such a great response so far, and it’s been a lot of fun. Face painting is one of those things that kids just absolutely love, and the beauty of it is it all washes away at the end of the day so it’s the gift of the experience, and not another plastic toy.
The Party Painter Face Painting is insured and only uses professional quality face paint products that are safe and won’t irritate the skin.
I would love to paint some happy faces at your next party or event!
I recently looked back on a fun day trip destination to Cabela’s Hamburg PA. We had the crazy idea to pile everyone including the family dog, in the car and go on a three-hour road trip. We returned on the same day. FYI this location is doggy friendly!
From the Hudson Valley in New York, GPS gives several options on routes to take. I always recommend the scenic route if you have time. Highways are boring and tolls just stink. However, if you do go a toll road, I highly recommend EZ Pass. We used to have one. Here is a link for you New Yorkers for EZ Pass. New Jersey, here is yours. Pennsylvania, here is a link for your EZ Pass.
The Route to Cabela’s
We typed in the address to Cabela’s in Hamburg PA. On this day trip, this was our ultimate goal. Anything else we did was bonus stuff.
Our route took us on 84 for a short while until we connected with route 209. This route takes you through the scenic park for miles. I became really agitated because every trailhead for miles had the exact same name. For some reason, this drove me crazy. Twenty miles down the road and still seeing trailheads with the same name.
This route also takes you past signs for waterfalls. We didn’t stop this trip. However, I made a mental note for another time, of several places I want to stop.
Stop 1-Gas Station-
When you finally get back into civilization, you might really have to pee. So, the first stop on the family trip was the gas station. My child had been asleep most of to this point because we put her in the car in her pajamas, a couple hours before her wake-up time. So, I took the opportunity to make sure we both used the bathroom and I changed her clothes. Then dad and our furry daughter used the bathroom. Don’t worry, dad didn’t pee in the grass with the furry child. I got an ice tea and we were off again.
*awesome parenting tip when traveling with little ones. Travel during their sleep time. Give them a blanket, little pillow, stuffed animal and don’t attempt to change their clothes. You can do that when they wake up. It gives parents time to get some road behind them and have a couple hours of silence.
And More Winding Road-
GPS has you continue to wind and weave. My husband asked me several times, “why did we take this route?” It honestly, wasn’t very interesting. Going through the wilderness was definitely the highlight. Otherwise, a lot of non-scenic areas, very rural or trucker destinations. Perhaps, we could have stopped at a truck stop and gotten some novelty item. Is it wrong that the first thing that popped in my mind was an “I’m with stupid” shirt?
Destination Cabelas-
We finally arrived at Cabela’s after a couple of quick wrong turns. It is beyond amazing to be able to stretch your legs after a long road trip.
We walked passed the giant statue in front of the store and entered with dog and child in the cart. Yes, everyone at this point took another pee break.
Staff and Store-
The staff at Cabela’s is so extremely friendly. We loved how they would just approach us and carry on a conversation. Abby was even given a free present and they asked if she was joining the children’s fishing event they were doing outside that afternoon. It’s the little things that make a trip. One high up on the list, is friendly staff. It’s right next to cleanliness. The store is very clean.
The Deals-
The deals are great. We took advantage of one of their specials and got a new tent. Brian got himself a pair of Keens. Abby got a new hat. She tried on many with Noodles until she found the perfect one and wears it everywhere.
At checkout, we used our new Cabela’s credit cards. We both got twenty dollars off our purchases. So the total for everything was approx. $150 on credit. Not too bad. Especially if paid off on time and fast. Also, using the credit card in-store also carries a very low interest rate. Win-Win
Exhibits and bonuses-
There is a lot to look at in Cabela’s. It isn’t just shopping. There are a couple conservation areas with taxidermy animals depicting very real to life, graphic scenes. Right down to the expressions on the animals, is just unreal.
There is also an aquarium with a tunnel you can go into and of course, the tunnel will lead you to or away from the fishing department.
There is shooting gallery. We didn’t try this with a dog and small child and also didn’t go in the fudge shop. Fur and fudge don’t mix.
There’s a man cave with big comfy chairs and really expensive stuff on the walls. Luckily, we only told her once not to touch anything. So she sat in the big, comfy chair instead.
big comfy chair
There’s a general store where there are lots and lots of child friendly items. We are so blessed we managed to escape there without a purchase.
Also dining is available cafeteria-style. This is great because we were starving by this point. It’s cafeteria-style and we were allowed to sit all the way at one of the far ends so Noodles was still in the store, not the eating area. We had cheeseburgers and Abby had Macaroni and Cheese. Noodles obviously had a little too. It was alright. Tasted like cafeteria food to me. Don’t expect a giant burger made medium-rare. It would have been much better with raw onion.
Final Thoughts on Store-
Look at their Website as they have a lot of events and specials going on. I really liked the atmosphere of this store compared to the one we went to in Hartford Connecticut. Both are great, but the staff definitely brought it at this store.
The Drive Home from Hamburg PA-
We decided on toll roads on the ride home. We made a stop at a smokehouse we saw on the way down called Dietrich’s Meat Market. They had a lot of tasty meats and cheeses in the store. I was horrified by the pig parts you could get your dog. Call me a city person, but I did not need to see a full pigs head staring back at me. They also have Rocky Mountain Oysters if you are in the mood for some bull’s balls too. I’m actually not sure what type of balls. But balls are balls and not for eating. Sorry.
Brian got our snacks for the way home. Our usual, snack sticks and cheese curds and we were off.
We made two last stops. One at Turkey Hill gas station. Lost two dollars on scratch offs here. Last stop at a New Jersey rest stop. It was absolutely disgusting. They also said they had chocolate chip cookies at Burger King and after, my husband checked out and went to retrieve them, they said no, not on menu. Took a couple days to get money back on card. The bathrooms were also very nasty.
*Travel tip: Pack your own cooler and a bag with the non-melty snacks. It saves stops and is much more wallet-friendly.
*Travel tip: The big people usually need to stop to go to the bathroom. However, for the tinier bladder, roadside stops might happen. Not noted above, but we did stop on the side of a highway for Abby. I forgot the travel potty! Luckily, we were able to coordinate and no clothes were harmed. Always take your dirty toilet paper, potty bag etc with you when you are done. Leave no trace.
After that, it was straight home. We had an awesome trip and can’t wait for the next Higgs family road trip.
Most of the leaves have fallen from the trees but winter isn’t officially here yet. So what can you do during this “in-between time” at Pine Ridge Dude Ranch? The answer is a lot. There is still a lot to do. However, the one thing that stood out the most during this trip was relaxation. Just taking it easy. Connecting back with family. Making memories. Read below the top ten things you can do to relax at Pine Ridge Dude Ranch.
1. Start to Relax …
Sit by the fire and relax. There’s an indoor fire pit with seating all the way around it. Get a drink at the bar or a coffee from Starbucks kiosk. Abby girl recommends the Shirley Temples from the Silver Dollar Saloon. You can even grab a board game from behind the desk or a color page for the children
If you would rather sit by an outdoor fire, then after dinner head out to the campfire and make some new friends. Abby made a friend at the campfire last time we were there and now they are great friends and penpals! Side note, smores, and sticks can be found by the Chuck Wagon.
2. Get a Massage
total zen.
They have multiple services here to get a nice relaxing massage. Treat yourself. You deserve it
3. What can be more relaxing than this face?
I’m so cute
Go sit in the goat pen. Yes, you heard me correctly. Go sit in the goat pen. It is extremely relaxing to just go be with goats and chickens. It’s like goat therapy. After the goat pen, don’t forget to go stop by and say hi to the resident bull as well. He likes some love too.4.
4. Take a Ride
giddyup
Go for a horseback ride and this time of year the deer are beginning to mate and you might just see them frolicking through the forest or bedded down in the foliage. There are many horse programs for all ages and the wranglers are super knowledgeable and helpful.
5. Ah, a nice relaxing stroll …
Enjoying the fresh air
Take a hike. Go for a hike around the lake. It’s about a mile. If you would prefer, you can also take the tractor around the lake or take the tractor halfway and walk the other half. You can also hike down past the outdoor fire and down past the bounce pillow and rock wall. You can also just randomly stroll! So many options to just “take a hike.”
6. Just Sit
chillin’
Just take a moment. Sit somewhere and just be. There is even a large television in the main hall where you can sit and relax. I almost fell asleep! Dad did! Sure you can just stay home and sit in front of a television … But, it’s so much better in this rustic, inviting setting. Also, right now, there are also many autumn touches around the ranch that make it feel so fall festive and cozy. Can’t wait to see what they do for winter! It also makes it great for lots of awesome places to sit for photo ops too.
Festive Fall Photo Op!
Side Note: Have you seen our video on IG TV where Abby scares daddy while he’s trying to relax? Click here
7. Go for a Dip
The outdoor pool might be closed for the season, however, the indoor pool is open and what’s better than going for a float to relax? If you can’t swim, then just wade in or sit your feet in and sit by the edge. It becomes not relaxing if the lifeguard has to rescue you.
8. FREEDOM!
Higher a sitter and have some alone time. Go to the front desk to inquire about having someone watch your children. I’m with mine 24/7 as a homeschooling mom. So sometimes, it’s nice to just have an hour to breathe.
9. Movie Time
Take in a movie in the Tapederos Room. They have a movie screen in there for viewing the movie. Check the activity schedule to see what’s playing.
10. I like Nightlife …
A Wise Owl
Take in the nightly entertainment. This trip we took in an educational show from a bird rescue (Wild Mountain Birds) and got to meet some amazing birds! The night before there was a magician (David Haines). There’s always dancing too in the BullRoom Showroom/Dance Hall. I find getting my boogie on very relaxing. So does Abby Girl. Her favorite dance style … Hip hop! So go dance those stress factors away. Sometimes they also have karaoke upstairs and for some, singing a tune is relaxing as well.
Bonus Tip For Relaxing-
Do some arts and crafts. There are always activities throughout the day. However, what a better way to get your mind off of things but to craft! This time around they made Pine Cone Turkeys just in time for the Thanksgiving Season.
And Bonus Food For Thought-
There are many articles discussing how mountain air is so much better for you than always breathing in city air or air at a lower altitude. One commonality is that reducing stress is listed in almost every article. So go take-in that fresh mountain air! Here is a post from HuffPost
A Personal Message-
To be able to go and recharge and reset is awesome. What a better place than in heart of the Catskills at Pine Ridge Dude Ranch. Thank you to the ranch for hosting us. Abby girl very much enjoyed spending her fourth birthday with you. Go to their website to learn more and follow them across social media. They also many specials and new things happening all the time.
-Revisit last winter as you prepare for this winter at the ranch
You can also jump over to my HV Parent blog where it’s listed as one of Abby Girl’s number one spots to visit and for more articles about the ranch. Stay tuned for a feature on there next week! See where it lands in the top spot next. www.hvparent.com/adventures-of-abby-girl
When you explore SeaQuest interactive Aquarium in Trumbull Connecticut, you’re in for one very awesome, unexpected experience! They also have locations throughout the United States. A special thank you to SeaQuest for hosting us. All opinions in the article are our own.
Arrival at Aquarium-
a quick pose
The Trumbull location is inside the Westfield Trumbull, a mall. There are plenty of signs directing you where to park if you want to just go right in and the aquarium is to your left. However, you can park pretty much anywhere around the mall and still access SeaQuest on the lower level. You can’t miss it as the outside wall is decorated like the sea and inside are two very colorful, large wall murals. One even encourages you to “touch” the animals. It builds up excitement for what is to come. A very interactive experience!
Once inside, go to the front and check-in. Get your passports (admission), purchase your tokens to feed the animals. See if you can sign-up for an encounter as there are a few animals that you must pay additional to handle and you need to sign a waiver. The best option is to sign-up online to make sure you get everything you want and receive the best deal.
Please Touch the Creatures-
Even without additional encounters, you can still have an awesome time. However, I would recommend one encounter whether it’s with the sloth or snorkeling in the fish tank or something else. Check their website or contact them to see what they have to offer.
Nonetheless, they encourage touching animals and or interacting with them. Just remember the two-finger rule when petting the animals. It’s for the safety of animals and humans.
This is so cool that they allow such an interaction because a lot of places you just look at the animals through their enclosure. You just stare into fish tanks. Not here, and feeding the fish and other animals is a blast. Many tanks are completely open so you can touch and or feed the animals. Other creatures have pens you can just walk into or reach over and pet.
Going into the bird enclosure, shuffle your feet as you walk to the bench as there are over one hundred small birds in the enclosure. They feed right out of your hand. They will land all over you including your shoes. It gives new meaning to “hands-on.”
I honestly felt like the Pigeon Lady from Home Alone Lost in New York.
More than an Aquarium-
So as you can see, SeaQuest is far more than an aquarium. It’s also a decent size with a lot to see from the aquatic life to the life that lives on land to the non-animal experiences. You don’t think it’s as big as it is from the outside.
They divide each area into different themes such as Ancient Egypt and the Great Wall of China. So in these areas, you can find thematic animals.
What’s neat too is the hurricane simulator, and a parrot sitting on their perch.
There’s something on my head …
A snack bar open at select times, a room for parties that even has windows in it that look directly into a couple of the exhibits and a very full gift shop complete with another parrot. I know you want to know what we bought in the gift shop, a mermaid that looks like Abby Girl. I seriously think she should have gone with the hat.
They also don’t miss a beat with the smallest touches to make the place really immerse all your senses into the experience. Even the bathroom signs stay in theme. That’s pretty cool. But, it’s not sensory overload. They find a nice balance and everything goes together and has a place.
What types of animals will you see?
Well, besides the many species of aquatic life such as fish species, sharks, eels, stingrays, etc … They have otters, a tortoise, rabbits, pigs, birds, reptiles, chickens, amphibians, a sloth, a Honey Bear and so much more. I love how they have names like Roger and Jessica and you guessed it, they are bunnies. Lots and lots of species to see!
They even sometimes have a surprise and have babies! Congratulations to the latest couple for the arrival of baby geckos.
Say Cheese!
Photo opportunities with your family are everywhere whether you stand behind a replica of a sharks mouth or lounge in a sea-colored bench or take a selfie with one of the animals. I took a snake selfie-and FYI most people think snakes are slimy, they are not. Abby girl held one with no issues and she’s just turning four November 9th. They even have a photo booth!
The staff is there to help-
Remember, there is always friendly staff around to help you and answer any questions you might have. The staff at SeaQuest is super knowledgeable. They are constantly keeping the place clean and taking animals for walks. You might just walk past a tortoise or a Honey Bear as you travel around from encounter to encounter. Remember, you should wash your hands after each encounter too.
Education-
SeaQuest goes beyond just looking and immersing with the animals. As stated before, the staff is full of knowledge about all the creatures on exhibit. Also, there are plaques everywhere describing what you are looking at. It’s a multi-generational experience for everyone from the youngest to the oldest. As a homeschooling mom, I loved how much my daughter took away from her experience at SeaQuest. The best part was how focused she was and truly engaging in everything. Obviously, it can be different for other people and this was our personal experience. However, overall, everyone should have a positive takeaway after leaving SeaQuest Trumbull. My only tip is to be open to new experiences.
Giving Back-
Another great part about SeaQuest is they give back through SeaQuest Cares. They are actively involved in the community. They help animals in need and just do so much. This is taken from their website, and I couldn’t describe it better. They also have plaques on the wall at the end of the experience
“SeaQuest Cares partners with organizations and local nonprofits that uphold our commitment to support children’s programs, including those that provide better homes for children through foster parent programs, benefit children who are ill or who have disabilities, as well as offering discounted field trips for Title 1 schools. SeaQuest is grateful to be actively involved in both preserving and saving the lives of many animals that would otherwise not survive in the wild, rehabilitating injured animals, and even acting as an exotic pet rescue for animals such as parakeets and iguanas that need rehoming.”
Final Thoughts-
We had no clue what we were walking into when we arrived at SeaQuest. However, we are already planning our next trip. I think I want to make it a quest (no pun intended) to try some of the other Seaquest’s around me to see how they are different or the same. Have you been to a different SeaQuest and had an awesome time too? We would love to hear your comments.
Where are we adventuring next? Well, you will have to follow us to stay tuned. Also, look at this great video we made on YouTube of our latest experience at SeaQuest Trumbull with a ton more photos we just couldn’t fit into the article.
Go visit Rutland Vermont. It is such a nice place to get away. It’s only three hours from Poughkeepsie New York and 45-to an hour from Lake George. So if you stay in Rutland, then drive over to Lake George one day and make sure you stop at the outlets and then go eat at the Log Jam. You must get the prime rib (unless you are vegetarian). Go look at a post of affordable day trip fun in Lake George!
Delicious food. Rustic Setting.
Get Outdoors-
Very Peaceful
A great outdoor spot is the West Rutland Marsh. It’s a super short boardwalk. However, there are many species of birds to try and spot and a nice place to stretch your legs. Afterward, we went across the street and found overgrown trails to explore. They are in fact, snowmobile trails. We were looking for the fourth spot to stop and look. However, I believe it was along the road and not in the woods with wild cucumbers (FYI not edible.)
Tip-
If you decide to go exploring, wear appropriate footing as our feet got soaked.
More Food-
Another must-go-to place is Mary’s Cafe. We eat every breakfast there. Huge portions and very reasonably priced. The tip of this restaurant is to get their homemade toast and jam. They usually have a couple of different kinds of jam to pick from. It also seats yourself. A good point to remember so you don’t stand there all awkward as we did.
*As of August 2020, you must make reservations to eat here.
Rain Rain Go Away-
For rainy days, there are also things to do such as the children’s museum in downtown Rutland. It’s called Wonderfeet Kids Museum. It isn’t huge. However, it will keep the little ones occupied.
Seasonal Suggestion-
Seasonally there is also a farmers market in downtown Rutland as well. You can pick from many different local vendors.
Get a Cooler-
So tasty
Yes, a cooler with ice if you are able for your ride home as you will want to go to The Wallingford Locker before heading home from your trip. Everything there is amazing. We have tried hamburgers, steaks, lots and lots of bacon … It’s all so much better than what you find in the chain grocery stores. The bacon doesn’t shrink up when you cook it!
Sum it up-
Rutland Vermont is a great little getaway. So go book an Air BnB or stay at a campground nearby or many other accommodations such as a hotel or bed and breakfast.
What Other’s Have to Say-
Christine, CT-Tip on Place to Stay-
“Bret proposed to me at the Red roof Inn in Rutland, it’s right in the middle of any place to shop surrounded by tall for majestic moutains. “
Wendi, Hudson Valley, NY Travel experience-
“I LOVE RUTLAND VT. I did the snowmobile tour. I stay at the base of the Killington resort. Amazing.”
Missy-Local Tip from Rutland Vermont-
“Rutland is close to the mountain of Killington which has year-round fun. Marble quarries and fun hiking trails. We are part of the Appalachian trail and the long trail.”
Conclusion-
Go take a trip. Rutland Vermont is great for all seasons. It’s nice and rural but still has everything you need to make your trip wonderful.
Housekeeping-
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Lastly, I have updated the My Favorite Things Page on this blog because I’m now designing t-shirts. I do receive a small royalty from each one I sell. Many feature photos from our adventures. So go have a look.
We are also selling prints from our travels and adventures as well art inspired from as well including homemade wind chimes and necklaces.
Follow links in the menu for all the cool stuff we have for sale and even free printables!
We will never spam you because Spam even in food form isn’t cool.
