June 28, 2020 – Meadowlands Ice Cream – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Meadowlands Ice Cream in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. Meadowlands is an ice cream stand known for their homemade ice cream. In addition they sell pies, pizzas, and cookies, and are very dog friendly. Meadowlands began making home made ice cream in 1964 although ownership has changed over the years.

We had a refreshing Adventure to Meadowlands. This was our first NEW ice cream Adventure of the year. We arrived just prior to opening, therefore finding the location very quiet. We first wandered around to see the grounds and viewed several small gardens, before heading over to place our orders.

I ordered cookie dough topped with whip cream and their canine selection for Wilma. We then wandered behind Meadowlands to sit and savor our treats. Wilma quickly devoured her ice cream, which was topped with peanut butter. I took my time and gave Wilma the last spoonful. So tasty! I loved that Meadowlands had plenty of space to sit and was backed by a field. This created a tranquil atmosphere. Definitely a fun and filling trip! You cannot go wrong with ice cream (Rating: Just right)

Throwback Adventure – Great Brook Farm State Park – Massachusetts

I have decided to return to posting new “Throwback Adventures” after taking time to re-post some of my favorites with Shadow. This has been a therapeutic process for me to share. We are devastated that both Shadow and Buster have both passed, but find peace knowing we can continue to remember them through our “Throwback Adventures”. They were amazing boys and are forever in our hearts.

Today my Throwback Adventure is Great Brook Farm State Park in Carlisle, Massachusetts. Great Brook Farm State Park is a State Park managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. It is approximately 1,000 acres and has over twenty miles of trails. It has an ICE CREAM stand, an active farm area, and is popular for hiking, skiing, mountain biking and dog walking. There is a parking fee during in-season months.

I am pleased to share that Shadow, Wilma, and Buster ALL had many, many Adventures to the spectacular Great Brook Farm State Park. I am sure I have been there hundreds of times over the years, which is why it probably took me so long to create this blog, finding old photographs from various Adventures. So I therefore have determined it falls under our Throwback Adventure Thursday. We have been to Great Brook Farm State Park with family and friends, attempted training with Wilma (haha), created holiday photos, met many dog friends, and lounged, relaxed, and rolled in the leaves and grass. Great Brook Farm State Park has been one of my favorites in all seasons, and is one of the few local, dog-friendly parks that grooms their trails when snow is deep. The Park has trails with bridges, fields, rocks, wildflowers, hills, and ponds, creating endless opportunities to explore. Shadow loved many swims and rolls, Wilma especially enjoyed bounding up onto the large boulders, and Buster always appreciated a long, vigorous hike.

In addition to our hikes we enjoyed many scoops of ice cream, a tasty way to end an Adventure. Please see photographs and videos from some of our Adventures below. (Several of the videos you may have seen before in my Weekly Video/Photo section if you have followed by blog regularly). If you live locally Great Brook State Farm MUST be added to your list (Rating: 4).

March 8, 2020 – Spruce Pond Creamery -Massachusetts

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Spruce Pond Creamery in Franklin, Massachusetts. The Spruce Pond Creamery is well known for their flatbread pizza, homemade ice cream, calzones, pasta based dishes, and their beer and wine. The Creamery has a porch that overlooks the Pond and an outdoor window for ordering.

We had a pricey Adventure to the Spruce Pond Creamery. Upon completion of our Adventure at the nearby Franklin Sculpture Park my mind was set on something cold and refreshing, sadly battling a cold. We were pleased to find an outdoor window for ordering, but quite shocked at the high prices and and to find no official dog ice cream. However, with the help of the kind server we were able to find a dog friendly ice cream option, while my Mom ordered coffee ice cream and I an Orange Sorbet Freeze. After ordering we decided to head home with our goodies, outdoor seating not appearing to be available in off-season. My Mom found her ice cream “satisfactory” while I found my Freeze quite refreshing. We enjoyed our treats as we drove home chatting away planning our next Adventure.

As soon as I dropped my Mom home and we arrived at our house we scurried out to the backyard so Shadow and Wilma could devour their well-awaited treats. They clearly had no complaints and made me smile as they slurped away. And for those of you who are crazy dog lovers, as myself, please enjoy two short videos below of their cheerful licks. Glad we could visit another ice cream spot today at the Spruce Pond Creamery (Rating: 3).

Weekly Video/Photo

If you regularly follow my blog, and the weekly/video photo I would recommend skipping on to paragraph three, specific to this week’s video/photo. I have decided to add a weekly video/photo section to my blog. This blog will display a video or photo, usually highlighting an Adventure, while I might also sneak in some that are humorous, adorable, or just other fun dog moments.

So if you have followed my blog from the beginning you will 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 later we welcomed little Wilma into our world.

Today’s feature is what I find to be a hysterical photograph of Shadow. I often take pictures of my dogs when they are getting a special treat, and this one really was just perfect. This sweet, eager face, named Shadow, was very excited to devour a special dog dessert. We were on an Adventure in Provincetown which is a very dog friendly place to visit. You can read more about this Adventure by typing in Provincetown in the search box. Hope this photograph makes your day, as it sure did mine!

Ptown 9

Weekly Video/Photo

Today’s feature is what I find to be an adorable photograph of my Shadow. I guess I feel a little guilty sharing it as he had a moment of unacceptable behavior, but how can you not smile at this hopeful face. I actually was attempting to snap a photo of my fancy dish, and only later did a realize a sweet face was peaking from behind. My Mom and I were eating at the Jordan Pond House Restaurant at Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park. We were thrilled to have Shadow and Buster join us at their outdoor seating. One of the most beautiful places we have had Adventures to is Acadia Park. This particular trip to Jordan Pond has forever engraved fond memories in my heart. If you would like to read more about this Adventure you can search for Jordan Pond in the “search box”. Shadow’s lesson for us today is, never give up on your dreams (haha!)

Jordan pond 17

September 21, 2019 – Galilee, Rhode Island

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the small town of Galilee, Rhode Island. Galilee is located in Point Judith, in the larger town of Naragansett. It is an authentic fishing town that includes: a hotel, and several shops and restaurants. It was named for the historic Bible town of Galilee. Galilee is especially popular in summer months as it is the location for the Block Island Ferry.

We had a steamy Adventure to the town of Galilee. I was excited to visit Galilee as I had read about it online, and had quite a wonderful vision floating in my mind. However, these expectations led to a bit of a let down as I had imagined a beautiful, quiet town away from the hustle and bustle of life. Instead the town was very crowded, had a tourist feel, and overall was not very scenic. We of course did not let this information sway our pleasure in exploring a new New England town, and continued on our Adventure.

As expected, Galilee was extremely small. We wandered around and on the docks, and read various signs about the town along the way. I especially loved the numerous boats throughout the Harbor, and the sign identifying the many fish of Galilee. There were several shops and restaurants. I was quite tempted to get some food (outdoor ordering available for all the dog parents), yet somehow managed to resist the delicious aroma’s as we strolled past. We were pleased to find some water bowls which Shadow and Wilma sipped in synchronized fashion. It was fun to visit this little town, and reminded me of my interest in visiting Block Island. We will definitely have to get some fried seafood the next time we visit the little town of Galilee (Rating: 3).

September 21, 2019 – Aunt Carrie’s Ice Cream – Rhode Island

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Aunt Carrie’s Ice Cream in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Aunt Carrie’s serves dinner, ice cream, and has a gift shop, parts of which are opened seasonally. The restaurant was built in 1920 and has been family owned since opening.

We had a refreshing Adventure to Aunt Carrie’s Ice Cream. I was quit thrilled to easily locate an ice cream stand for a snack, and a cool-down on this hot day. Shadow and Wilma were quite warm so they both enjoyed laying down in the shade of the counter while I ordered our goodies. I chose coffee ice cream with whip cream, while Shadow and Wilma ordered vanilla (haha). After receiving our ice cream we found a shady table to sit and devour our treats. We appreciated the shade and our delicious ice cream, and Shadow of course partook in a happy roll as we departed. We were all quite happy to locate Aunt Carrie’s Ice Cream for our Adventure today (Rating: 3.5).

September 14, 2019 – Neddick “Nubble” Lighthouse – Maine

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Cape Neddick “Nubble”. Cape Neddick “Nubble” Lighthouse is located in Cape Neddick, York, Maine. It is on Nubble Island off of Cape Neddick point. It was initially put into use in 1879, and continues to be a working lighthouse. The area is popular for visitors, and even has a small gift shop and restrooms (available in season).

We had a perfect Adventure to the Cape Neddick “Nubble” Lighthouse. We have been to the Nubble Lighthouse many times previously, but it really is quite spectacular, so I decided to blog about it again. We arrived to find huge gust of winds, an incoming tide, and an abundance of crashing waves, a gorgeous scene. Upon wandering around, we soon found some scuba divers performing a practice exercise. Wilma was quite intrigued by the divers, unsure of the scene. We observed for a bit before moving on, climbing on the rocks, and loving every moment. There were flowers between the rocks, and in the grass, bright yellows, pinks, and whites, just lovely. We explored, and explored, cherishing the full coastal experience. Shadow especially loved his rolls, and often searched for a tidal pool, hoping for a sip and dip. Wilma was quite wild at this location, energized by the rocks, and guest attention. Thankfully I manged to stay on my feet in Wilma’s exuberance. After wandering around for awhile we sat in the grass to relax and savor our wonderful afternoon.

Before we left Nubble Lighthouse I decided to check out the food at Fox’s Lobster House, located on the property. I was quite thankful to see an outdoor window. The menu appeared a bit pricey so a good excuse to order myself an ice cream, and a “puppy pop” for Shadow and Wilma. Although there was a seating area the location was very busy with guests so I felt it ideal to find a rock and a grassy spot to savor our treats. Our timing was not ideal as it began pouring! Shadow quickly began eating his “pop” while Wilma wanted nothing to do with the rain. So I attempted to eat my ice cream, and next thing I knew Shadow’s had vanished. I searched the crannies of the nearby rocks and was unable to locate the “pop”. Shadow decided to go for seconds, grabbing Wilma’s bowl. I somehow was able to rescue it for Wilma and we scurried back to the car. I felt badly I could not locate Shadow’s dish, and thought for a quick moment – did he eat that too?! Wilma was able to eat her “pop” in the car but seemed to have lost interest.

The Nubble Lighthouse is a special place. The only downfall is the large tourist draw, buses even arriving and dropping off guests. However, we had a magnificent visit to the Nubble Lighthouse, a quintessential New England landmark (Rating: 4.5)

Please see below for photos and videos from today’s visit, and at the bottom I included several from previous visits, including with our love Buster

Previous Visits:

September 2, 2019 – Farmer’s Market – Massachusetts

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I met my Mom at a local Farmer’s Market for an afternoon Adventure. Farmer’s Markets are generally very dog friendly, and are great locations to purchase fresh produce, home made products, and many other items. This Fair was a bit smaller then I hoped yet it was fun to add some variety to the week. We purchased some strawberries, dog ice cream (of course!) and some Samos for dinner. We even found a vendor that had dog toys to share, a full water bowl, and gave Shadow and Wilma plenty of love. Shadow and Wilma received lots of attention and curious questions from other visitors. We enjoyed our visit the the Farmers Market.

August 31, 2019 – Rita’s Italian Ice – Connecticut

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, My Mom and I Adventured to Rita’s Italian Ice in New London, Connecticut. Rita’s is a national restaurant chain that began out of Pennsylvania. It is popular for the custards, italian ice, and specialty deserts. The ice is smoother then the “normal” italian ice and has fresh fruit.

We had a refreshing Adventure to Rita’s Italian Ice. I was sooo incredibly excited to go to Rita’s Italian Ice. I have special memories of Rita’s Italian Ice from my undergraduate years in Pennsylvania. We would go there for a special treat, with the small size being just 75 cents! It was so tasty, a great social time, and perfect for the college wallet. This was my first visit to Rita’s since that time! I was pleased to find that Rita’s provided a small custard cup for the dogs! After ordering our goodies we found a quiet seating area in the back. Both My Mom and I had ordered black cherry Gelato’s, and it did not disappoint. So delicious with custard on the bottom and top, creating the perfect creamy flavor. Shadow and Wilma thoroughly enjoyed their first custard experience and quickly devoured their treat. We were thankful that the temperature had cooled a bit and took our time enjoying every bite. So glad that I FINALLY could reminisce at Rita’s Italian Ice (Rating: Italian Ice and Custard: 5, Location: 4).