August 12, 2022 – Art Omni – New York

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Art Omni in Ghent, New York. Art Omni is a non-profit art center with a 120 acre sculpture and architecture park and an art gallery. The park is free, but a $10 donation is requested. Dogs are allowed in the gallery and on the grounds.

We had a unique adventure to Art Omni. I was excited to find yet another local sculpture park. We found the park easily, grabbed a map, and off we went. As it was a summer day I knew Wilma would not necessarily want to explore every inch of the park, so I decided to explore without an official route. The trails went through the woods and the fields, scattered with sculptures of all shapes, sizes, and colors. There were endless wildflowers and a lovely green pond on the grounds. Both Wilma and Gus enjoyed some rolls, while Gus loved chasing any little bug or moth he could find, continually bounding into the tall grass. We took time to rest in the shade and drink some water. Throughout our walk we saw other visitors and dogs, several were off leash, however thankfully appeared to be under voice control. So glad we could adventure to Art Omni today (Rating: 4).

June 20 – Kelsey Arboretum – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus, My Mom, and I Adventured to the Kelsey Arboretum in Boxford, Massachusetts. The Kelsey Arboretum is a four acre property that preserves the shrubs and trees of Harlan Kelsey who originated the Arboretum in 1929. The Arboretum includes various greenery and has benches, and picnic tables for guests to sit and relax.

We had a shady Adventure to the Kelsey Arboretum. I was pleased to arrive to find we were the only car in the parking lot. We ventured through the gates, reviewed some information, and headed on our walk. We circled the Arboretum and found several other trails to traverse. As we were aware the property was very small. We found minimal flowering plants and guessed we may have missed the main blooming season of the Arboretum. I was a little disappointed at our findings, but yet it is always nice to have wonderful company and spend some time in the great outdoors. Glad we could cross off another New England Arboretum from our list today (Rating: 2).

April 20, 2022 – Decordova Sculpture Park – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the DeCordova Sculpture Park in Lincoln, Massachusetts. This was the first time Gus has been to the Park, although Wilma and I has been there previously. The DeCordova Sculpture Park encompasses nearly 30 acres including: landscaped lawn, gardens, and forests. It is on the edge of Flint’s Pond, and contains up to 60 sculptures at a time. The collection includes art by significant twentieth and twenty-first-century artists. DeCordova also has an indoor museum, gift shop, and cafe.

We had a wonderful Adventure to the Decordova Sculpture Park. Although I have blogged about it before it was over three years ago, so thought I would share about this unique and artistic location today. This was our first adventure since our terrifying day with Gus. Although I was quite nervous to head out again the pups were adorning their new equipment and GPS’ so it was time. I guess I should re-frame that and say time for ME to face my anxiety and get back to the things we love! The Park was clearly undergoing some construction and did not have as many sculptures as I recall in past visits. However I loved checking out the sculptures and finding every piece of color around. Gus was especially thrilled with some new sticks, and Wilma enjoyed her cheerful grassy rolls. We spent about two hours exploring, including the connecting conservation trails. The sun was shining and the weather perfect for some walking. It was so nice to be out again, although it will take me some time to feel back to my “normal” self. However, a fun day at the Decordova Sculpture Park today (this blog will not be rated).

September 25, 2021 – Taconic Sculpture Park – New York

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the Taconic Sculpture Park in Chatham, New York. The Taconic Sculpture Park highlights the work of artist Roy Kanwit. The property has over 30 sculptures hand made by Kanwit from material including: cement, marble, and limestone. The sculptures are on his three acres of property. The entrance fee to the Park is $10.

We had an art filled Adventure to the Taconic Sculpture Park. We were greeted by Mrs. Kanwit who gave us some background and information about the Park. It was a nice personal touch to start our visit. We then trotted off to explore this lovely Park on a hill. There were sculptures in different directions, all unique and lovely. There were beautiful wildflowers across the hill, and numerous monarch butterflies, unfortunately too fast for me to capture. We walked and explored making sure not to miss a sculpture or a sight. Gus loved pouncing on whatever he was seeing in the long grass (haha) while Wilma enjoyed many rolls. It was definitely a happy experience for all three of us! I especially love the sculptures of the faces and heads. The largest one actually had a ladder in it that you could climb to the top but of course that would not work for the pups so we skipped this unique feature. Although the Park was small I really just loved it, so many creative sculptures to see. So glad we could get to the Taconic Sculpture Park (Rating: 4).

July 30, 2021 – Moffatt-Ladd House/William Whipple House – New Hampshire

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Moffatt-Ladd/William Whipple House in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The home was the former home of William Whipple known as one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and is now a historical landmark and museum. The museum strives to share the history of all inhabitants of the home. The museum and gardens are open for limited hours, and guided tours of the home are available.

Wilma and I had a lovely Adventure to the Moffatt-Ladd House. I decided to take Wilma on a private adventure today, and we were quite pleased that the weather was just right. Wilma, Gus, and I enjoyed a two hour family walk this morning, and have been mostly appreciating our “normal”, local locations this week. However today I decided to return to the Moffatt-Ladd House. Wilma and I had actually tried to visit one other time but the hours were changed and they were closed, so today we returned for a second attempt. Since parking was not available, and because I wanted to get a walk in on the way we parked a little distance away from the House. We were pleased to arrive to find the doors open. The property was very quiet with few other visitors in sight. I am assuming dogs are not allowed inside the buildings, although did not formally inquire, so we just explore the grounds. The gardens were very small, but quite beautiful with variety of vibrant colors, and some unusual flowers. The garden was highlighted by lovely trellis-like arches which really added quite the touch. It did not take us long to finish exploring but we took our time, myself enjoying taking some photographs while Wilma enjoyed lounging and rolling in the perfect green grass. So glad we could visit the dog-friendly garden at the Moffatt-Ladd House today (This blog will not be rated).

July 22, 2021 – TurnPark – Massachusetts

Yesterday Wilma, Gus, and I adventured to TurnPark in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts. TurnPark is an open-air museum and sculpture park, which also has performances at the outdoor amphitheater. It highlights three main artists and is located on approximately sixteen acres of land.

We had a wildflower-filled adventure to TurnPark. I was excited to visit TurnPark as I have not been to a new sculpture park in some time. The admission was $10 to enter, and thankfully the dogs were allowed in the building to purchase tickets. We began our walk at the former marble quarry, huge boulders reflecting into the water below. There were sculptures throughout our walk. Although we received a map it was a little confusing, and we found several areas blocked off so just followed our eyes, and noses (haha) to make sure we did not miss any of these creative sculptures. There were lots of wildflowers on the grounds, sometimes framing the paths. These wildflowers were difficult to catch up camera however were quite lovely. We found few other visitors, and besides the nearby highway, it was quite peaceful. The sculptures ranged from objective to subjective, and varied in size and shape. Each sculpture had a label, and although I did not read all of them I particularly loved the one that I believe was titled “eyeball”, and one that appeared hammock-like in my mind. The Park was quite small, which surprised me , however definitely a unique location. It was starting to get warmer out on our visit so Wilma appreciated some lounging in the grass on this adventure. Gus does not often stop moving on our adventures, although occasionally will lounge with big sister Wilma, or to eat a tasty stick. So glad we could adventure to TurnPark today (This blog will not be rated).

June 19, 2021 – Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens – Connecticut

Yesterday Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens in Stamford, Connecticut. Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens has 12 gardens, trails, free dog training, educational programs, and summer concerts. The Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens is free and is open dusk for dawn.

We had a refreshing Adventure to the Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens. I was excited to explore a new Arboretum and Garden. We were thrilled My Mom could join us for a girls day out! We began by exploring the trails making sure to see a variety of terrains, including “wetlands” and trails that went over streams, through the woods, and near ponds. The trails were simple, but peaceful. We saw few others along the way. It was warm but there was a little breeze. My favorite part of the trails were the boardwalks.

After exploring trails we went over to the gardens. We did our best to catch all of the gardens. Wilma made friends with some people who seemed to be having a children’s party, literally rolling into their laps, and hearts. It was quite entertaining. Before we knew it she was surrounded by children eager to pat her. I always love these sweet moments. From there we continued to explore the gardens. They were simple but there were definitely some beautiful flowers, and spots along the way.

So glad we could explore the Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens (Rating: 3.5).

January 24, 2021 – The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, in the area of Boston, Massachusetts. The Arnold Arboretum was established in 1872, and encompasses 281 acres of land. The Arboretum maintains a record system of which all plants on the ground are tracked, while research is ongoing. The Arboretum is free and open to the public, offering outreach enrichment to people of all ages. It is part of the Emerald Necklace, a system of parks in Boston.

I first posted about the Arnold Arboretum over two years ago when Shadow, Wilma, and I first discovered it. Little did I know it would become one of my favorite local parks. Wilma and I generally visit weekly, and have experienced it in all seasons. Almost every single time we go I find something new. We recently experienced our first after snowstorm visit which was a spectacular winter wonderland. I love the Arboretum as it is full of culture, and diversity, individuals, and families, it really is an environment that fits all. The Arboretum has bridges, streams, ponds, hills, trails, and gardens. As you may expect Wilma absolutely loves chasing the squirrels and can often be found attempting to climb a tree. We even have seen a snapping turtle, although thankfully Wilma did not even notice. Since it had been years since I blogged about it, and I have snapped constant photographs I thought I would put together this collage of photographs. Such a special place, which has become our therapeutic oasis. The Arnold Arboretum is definitely a must in New England, and it is a given that we will be back (Rating: 4.5).