Overall: Fabulous! My son had so much fun. He loved the ball area where you roll balls down inclines and he also enjoyed climbing around in the tree house. They have a water exhibit set up and as you can imagine it was a hit! They also have a touch tank that the staff opens during the day, a fire engine, a store, a cafe, a race car, a veterinarian's office, a farm exhibit, a campsite, a logging exhibit, a wildlife exhibit, a craft area, a boat and a childrens theater. I know I am missing a few things. Check out their website for a complete list of exhibits. I did not see any strollers in the museum. I saw a lot of babies in carriers on their parents, but not one stroller. I don't see how you could bring a stroller in there because there are a lot of narrow spots and stairs. I will call the museum tomorrow and find out what their policy is on strollers. In my opinion if you are in Portland or anywhere near Portland you should check this museum out. We loved it!
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 On a recent "Girls Day Out" my daughter and I took a ride up Rt. 5 to the Magic Wings Conservatory and Gardens in South Deerfield, Mass. The conservatory is home to almost 4,000 native and tropical butterflies. These butterflies fly freely about and, surprisingly, there are very few casualties scattered about. My daughter and I were taken with all the vivid colors and textures of both the butterflies and plant life. We read that bright colors and bananas are supposed to attract butterflies and will increase the chances of butterfly-to-human contact. We were wearing brown that day and hadn't had any bananas; however we were lucky enough to have one of these little winged creatures land on us.... must have been the chocolate ice cream stained to our lips...you can get that there too!
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Who Let the Dogs Out? A Journey to Dog TownBy Ron Kolek With autumn approaching, it's time to take advantage of the good weather and do your paranormal investigating out of doors. A great place to go is an abandoned village in Gloucester, Massachusetts strangely named Dog Town. It is an awesome place for a hike and a very interesting place to investigate. Late last year a group on paranormal investigators got together to undertake such an investigation. Led by Tom D’Agostino, we put together a loosely form team which I dubbed “The Paranormal Posse”. The team was comprised of Jeff Belanger of GhostVillage.com, Chris Balzano of Mass Paranormal Crossroads, author Tom D’Agostino and his wife Arlene, and Maureen and myself of The New England Ghost Project. With such diverse personalities, it was bound to be an interesting trip.
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 If you are visiting, vacationing or just looking for something to do in the Lake Region of New Hampshire, Polar Cave Park just off Route 25 in Rumney, New Hampshire is the place to go. ...And we’re giving away a Family-Four Pack for FREE ADMISSION !
These caves are really a sight to see. Approximately 50,000 years ago, continental glaciers began to thaw, loosening and cracking large blocks of granite that fell to the base of Hawks Cliff forming multiple glacial caves in between. The Asquamchemauke Indians made these caves there home for hundreds of years before later being rediscovered by a group of teenage boys in 1922. Since then, boardwalks and ladders were constructed and put in place so that visitors would be able to share in the experience and tour these amazing grounds.
Polar Caves Park is a New Hampshire destination that the entire family can enjoy. Complete with petting zoo, an old fashioned sugar house, various nature and history trails and beautiful mountain vistas, Polar Caves Park offers something for everyone.
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 "Live Free or Die” is the state motto of this tax-free New England state, home to the White Mountains and Lake Winnipesaukee. The White Mountains are said to have the most rugged terrain in New England. The range is part of the Appalachian Trail with its highest peak on Mount Washington. With an elevation of 6,288 feet, Mount Washington is the tallest peak in the northeastern United States. Fifty-two acres of state forest encompass the mountain, which attracts visitors from all over who love the outdoor adventures of camping, hiking, and mountain climbing. The weather here can be quite challenging and the mountain has taken many lives. In fact, Mount Washington holds a world record for achieving a wind speed of 231 MHP. As I write this article this January morning, the summit conditions are quite warm: -13 degrees with a wind chill of 50 below and 64mph wind gust. For some really fascinating information and statistics, visit the Mount Washington Observatory website.
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 Keene, New Hampshire is a quaint, little college town abundant with art, culture, and entertainment. Located in the heart of New England, Keene is about a two hour drive from Boston, Hartford, or Albany. Shoppers can enjoy antique and crafts shops, visit galleries or museums, and find a variety of restaurants and small cafes to eat or drink at. People in Keene are friendly and have have a strong sense of community. Many old homes and buildings in Keene date back to the 17th and 18th centuries and have been beautifully maintained or restored. Keene is also part of New Hampshire's Monadnock region, named after Mount Monadnock. People come from all over the world to climb Mount Monadnock and explore its rocky terrain. On a clear day, one can actually catch a glimpse of the Boston skyline from the top! Autumn brings fall festivals including Keene's great Pumpkin Festival where, one night per year, thousands of carved pumpkins are lit and put on display. Visitors come from all over to experience this event. The festival offers something for everyone with plenty of things to see or do. Enjoy free, live music, lots of tasty foods, and local crafts. For kids, there's face painting, a costume parade, and seed and pie eating contests. The night ends in an array of colors as fireworks light the night.
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