May 10, 2024 – Tip Top Tulips – Massachusetts

Tonight, Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Tip Top Tulips. Tip Top Tulips is a seasonal event on Felix’s Family Farm in Ipswitch, Massachusetts. Tickets are required for this Tulip event and can be purchased online for $12. Tulips can also be picked for an additional $1 each.

We had a refreshing Adventure to Tip Top Tulips. Wilma and Gus arrived with a loud greeting in the car, partially due to the check-in being next to endless farm animals. However, I appreciated that the Farm was not phased and after that moment we had a peaceful evening, staying far from the animals. The Tulip Garden was absolutely gorgeous with endless colors, and scenic photo ops. It was overall quiet, and we only saw one other dog in the garden. We spent about an hour and a half walking around. The pups posed and enjoyed endless bites of grass (haha!). We arrive at about 6:30 and left when the sun went down. It just lovely, and although the weather was cool it was just perfect for an evening walk. I did not want to leave as it was just right! So glad we could visit Tip Top Tulips at Felix Farm, and grateful they allowed dogs (Rating: 5).

May 4, 2024 – Lemon Fair Sculpture Park – Vermont

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the Lemon Fair Sculpture Park in Shoreham, Vermont. The Lemon Fair Sculpture Park is a mile walk through country land, that displays over 50 sculptures. The sculptures feature various artists, and some are for sale. Frank and Elaine Ittleman run and organize the Park, and it is found on their property on Route 74. The Park is free but donations are appreciated.

We had a relaxing Adventure to the Lemon Fair Sculpture Park in Shoreham, Vermont. I emailed Ms. Ittleman before arriving at the Park to ensure the Park was open and dog friendly. We arrived to find ourselves being the only visitors. The Park began right on Route 74 and was in a very rural field. There appeared to be a path so we followed it along the mile route, including up a little hill. There were some sculptures near the family home but I did not go near that section to ensure their privacy.

Wilma and Gus seemed to enjoy sauntering along the trail, although Wilma did seem a bit warm. I took photos of many of the sculptures and appreciated the unique experience. The pups did a second glance at the horse statue but had no other moments of which they thought sculpture appeared live. My favorite sculpture was one by Martin McGowan appearing to be a metal sculpture of a face. I also appreciated those sculptures which framed the landscape. As you may expect I did not take photographs of all of the sculptures but many. So glad we could appreciate a new sculpture Park today (Rating 3.5).

Weekly Video/Photo

If you follow my blog regularly please skip down to paragraph three….

The weekly Video/Photo section highlights an Adventure, while I might also sneak in some that are humorous, adorable, or just other fun dog moments. If you have followed my blog from the beginning you know that I adopted Shadow as a puppy, and about a year later adopted Buster as a puppy. We had many wonderful years together before experiencing the devastating loss of Buster at just seven. It took a long time for our hearts to heal, but almost a year after his passing we welcomed little Wilma into our world. We were devastated to lose Shadow on April 3, 2020.These two precious boys will be furever in our hearts! We were recently thrilled to add another amazing rescue, Gus, to our home on June 28, 2021! This Weekly Video/Photo section will allow me to share photos from all four of my rescues, whether it be a precious memory, or a current moment.

Today’s photo is one from Wilma and Gus at the Mount in Lenox, Massachusetts this weekend. They were posing grandly in quite the scenic, garden “window”. It was actually not too easy to get Gus to pose, lots of more exciting people for Gus to look at besides me (haha!). However after endless shots, this one became my favorite. Here they are:

June 10, 2023 – Wickham Park – Connecticut

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Wickham Park located in Manchester and East Hartford, Connecticut. Wickford Park is a private, non-profit foundation. It is 280 acres in size and has a vast amount of opportunities including: gardens, playgrounds, sports facilities, and ponds. It is also a popular location for community events and private weddings.

We had a garden filled Adventure to Wickham Park. Wilma, and I had visited with my mom three years, ago but this was Gus’ first trip. Since it was so long ago, I decided to blog again about this location again today. We explored the trails, gardens, hills, and everything we could find, spending about three and a half hours exploring. Wilma was a little hot so in between walks and gardens we drove around to make sure she got some air and water…well of course both of them but Gus did not seem to mind the weather. My favorite parts of the park were the gorgeous flowers, the boardwalks, and the Asian gardens. Wilma loved her rolls, and meeting people while Gus appreciated all the smells and trotting along the trails. I am so glad I decided to return to Wickham Park, it is quite pretty and a wonderful place to appreciate the colors of the great outdoors. We definitely will return (Rating: 4).

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).