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author interviews

The Bad Guys: Interview with Author Aaron Blabey and Film Director Pierre Perifel

Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with Universal Pictures. All opinions expressed are my own.

What do you do when you’re asked to interview an author of a New York Times Bestselling series and a film director in-person in Los Angeles, California?  You pack your bags and hop on a plane to take advantage of the opportunity, right?

Our family recently had the pleasure of going to the DreamWorks Animation Studio in Glendale, California to watch an early private screening of the hit movie The Bad GuysThe Bad Guys is a an animated film produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Universal Pictures. The film was directed by Pierre Perifel (in his feature directorial debut) from a screenplay by Etan Cohen, and is based on the #1 New York Times best-selling children’s book series of the same name by Aaron Blabey, who serves as an executive producer with Cohen and Patrick Hughes.

Set in Los Angeles, the film centers on five notorious friends, known simply as ‘the bad guys.’ There’s confident pickpocket Mr. Wolf (Sam Rockwell); slithery safecracker Mr. Snake (Marc Maron); the Great White master-of-disguise Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson); fiery “muscle” Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos); and sassy tech specialist/ expert hacker Ms. Tarantula (Awkwafina). The family-friendly, action packed -movie features a crackerjack criminal crew of animal outlaws who are about to attempt their most challenging con yet — becoming model citizens.

We enjoyed this movie so much and loved watching Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Shark, Mr. Piranha, and Ms. Tarantula on the big screen. My kids (currently ages 8 and 9) are huge fans of the graphic novel series and the movie did not disappoint my little  bookworms. The movie kept us laughing and sitting on the edge of our seats waiting to see what would happen next.

Aaron Blabey, Pierre Perifel and the Dreamworks creative team have created a highly entertaining film, one that’s populated with memorable characters and tells a worthwhile story that’ll resonate with grown-ups and children. The film explodes with all-ages laughs, surprises, and kid-friendly action. There’s hardly a dull moment in the movie. In short, The Bad Guys is an awesome time!

After we finished watching the movie, I interviewed Aaron Blabey and film director Pierre Perifel.  Check out the full video below (approximately 12 minutes long) on my YouTube channel.

Your turn: Have you seen this movie yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts on the movie below in the comments.

family fun

Literary Road Trip Series: Fall in Love with Woodloch Resort

Disclaimer: Thank you to Woodloch for providing me and my family with complimentary access to the resort. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.

Two weeks ago, our family went to Woodloch Resort for our latest literary road trip.  Woodloch is a beautiful four-season Poconos resort nestled in a pristine mountain lake vacation setting. It’s also a family owned and operated all-inclusive resort located just ninety miles from New York City.  Nominated as the number one all-inclusive family resort in America by USA Today, Woodloch has been owned and operated with pride by the Kiesendahl family since 1958.

The last time we visited Woodloch it was summer. This year we had the opportunity to experience the resort during the fall which made for a new fall-themed adventure. The resort was decorated inside and out with fall and Halloween decorations which helped get us in the mood for the holidays.

Since Woodloch is all-inclusive, you are served three meals per day.  They have meal options, drinks and dessert for both adults and children.  We appreciate the fact that each family is assigned the same table during mealtimes throughout their stay. We never had to worry about others sitting at our table (for safety reasons) when it was time to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner.

If you don’t feel comfortable eating in the dining hall, you have the option have your food or drinks packaged as take-out to enjoy in your room or at one of the many outdoor picnic areas on the property. There are also quick bite ala carte options on-site at North Lodge Bar, Gigi’s Coffee Shop, the Poolside Bar, and Lake Grill.

We stayed in a one-bedroom lake view suite in the Mount Laurel building. Our suite was large with enough space for our family of four.  The suite had a full kitchen with a stove, microwave, and refrigerator.  The kids had plenty of space to run around and not feel like they were on top of each other.  There are so many family activities at Woodloch, it truly feels like a cruise on land. The daily activity sheet provides information on times and locations for all activities. You can also use the Woodloch app to see the daily activities and sign up for the ones you want to participate in.

We did archery, bumper cars, race car driving, pumpkin painting, swimming, and more. We also enjoyed some of the nighttime entertainment including going to a ventriloquist.  The highlight of this trip for our family was the haunted walk. An open tractor truck took us out to a trail in the woods during the evening. It was a quick walk, about 10-15 minutes long, with lots of spooky fun to navigate through. At the end, we all enjoyed hot chocolate by the fire pit before heading back to the resort.

Safety protocols are still in place at Woodloch, but the mask mandate in the state of Pennsylvania has been lifted. We still wore masks inside the resort while walking in the communal areas except the dining hall while eating. As a family, we felt confident that Woodloch covered safety precautions to make sure we were all protected.

Lastly, I was so thankful for Woodloch having shuttle buses that run every 10-15 minutes.  We didn’t use them much last time we were on the property, but this year we took full advantage of the shuttle bus service due to my knee injury.  The shuttle runs from 8am until late-night daily and makes stops at all building entrances.

Overall, we had a wonderful time making memories. The best thing about Woodloch is that it brings the family together while still allowing for some alone time.  There is something for EVERYONE at Woodloch.  Take a look at some of the activities available at Woodloch and let me know in the comments which ones appeal to you and your family.

Here are just some of the resort amenities:

  • Indoor Spash Zone (water slide and splash pads)
  • Indoor and outdoor heated pools + hot tubs
  • Miniature golf
  • Archery
  • Bumper cars
  • Climbing wall
  • Bumper Boats
  • Lakeside activities
  • Indoor and outdoor playgrounds
  • Water Skiing
  • Tennis courts
  • Snow tubing (during the winter)
  • Ice skating (during the winter)
  • Exercise rooms and so much more!

Have you been to Woodloch before?  Feel free to share your experiences in the comments.

family fun

I Wish We Could Stay Here Forever: My Woodloch Story

Disclaimer: Thank you to Woodloch for providing me and my family with complimentary access to the resort. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.

Nominated as the number one all-inclusive family resort in America by USA Today, Woodloch has been owned and operated with pride by the Kiesendahl family since 1958. Woodloch is a beautiful four-season Poconos family resort nestled in a pristine mountain lake vacation setting. As their website states:


Their traditional warm hospitality has been nurturing and embracing the spirit of spending quality time with friends and family for nearly sixty years.

If you’ve followed the blog for a while, you may know our family takes literary road trips each year. This is a tradition we started in 2016 and it continues to be something we look forward to each year.

During our road trips we visit various family resorts or museums and then find the nearest local library or bookstore to visit as well. Our literary road trip series is always a hit and well received by our audience.  Many people are eager to know the best libraries or bookstores in surrounding areas when visiting family-friendly locations.

Vacationing During a Pandemic?
Deciding to take a summer vacation in the middle of a pandemic was not an easy decision to make. With two small kids, safety and cleanliness were our two biggest concerns. Thankfully, Woodloch helped ease our minds with their Resort Responsibly initiative.

Upon arrival all guests have their temperature checked in the wellness check area. In addition, all guests (ages 2 and older) and staff are required to wear masks in all public places except when eating, drinking or swimming. There are plenty of hand sanitizing stations throughout the property and an array of socially distant activities. During our stay we felt very safe and welcomed by the staff and other guests.

You can read Woodloch’s COVID-19 special statement here to see how they’re handling their guests’ safety during the pandemic.

Activities Galore at Woodloch
There is literally something to do at Woodloch for people of all ages. The best part? Since they are a four-season resort open year round, their activities change and adapt with each season.

Here are just some of the resort amenities:

  • Indoor Spash Zone (water slide and splash pads)
  • Indoor and outdoor heated pools + hot tubs
  • Miniature golf (one of our family favorite activities)
  • Archery
  • Bumper cars
  • Climbing wall
  • Bumper Boats
  • Lakeside activities
  • Indoor and outdoor playgrounds
  • Water Skiing
  • Tennis courts
  • Snow tubing (during winter)
  • Ice skating (during winter)
  • Exercise rooms and so much more!

All classes and activities must be booked in advance using the Woodloch App. This allows Woodloch to monitor and cap class sizes for social distancing. It also allows for proper sanitizing between guests. Also, by having a scheduled time we didn’t have to worry about waiting in a long line causing the kids to get antsy. It was easy to just show up at our scheduled time and participate in the activity. Overall, our family thoroughly enjoyed all of various daytime activities and nighttime entertainment Woodloch has to offer.

The Food
Let’s talk about how GOOD the food was…yummmmm! Each meal we had was so delicious and tasty. They have meal choices, drinks and dessert for both adults and children.

We enjoyed the fact that each family is assigned the same table during mealtimes throughout their stay. We never had to worry about others sitting at our table (for safety reasons) when it was time to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner.

If you don’t feel comfortable eating in the dining hall, you have the option have your food or drinks packaged as take-out to enjoy in your room or at one of the many outdoor picnic areas on the property. There are also quick bite ala carte options on-site at North Lodge Bar, Gigi’s Coffee Shop, the Poolside Bar, and Lake Grill.

The Hawley, PA Public Library
We opted to explore and visit the Hawley, PA public library. The library is just a short 15-minute drive away from Woodloch. There you’ll also find a local park, playground and walking trail right next to the library.

The children’s librarian was kind enough to share their outdoor art storytime trail with us which was so much fun! She read the book The Little Engine that Could and at each character on the art trail we had to try and figure out the riddle before moving on to the next one. If you’re ever in the area, be sure to visit and support this quaint library. I was pleased to see so many diverse children’s books prominently displayed on their bookshelves.

Hawley, PA Public Library

I cannot recommend Woodloch more!  Visit at least once to experience all the resort has to offer for a fun family adventure. Yes, even during a global pandemic. You won’t regret it!

Ready to head to Woodloch for your next family trip? Head to their website to book your adventure! Also, be sure to help Woodloch win the title of Best All-Inclusive Family resort for the second year in a row – cast your vote for them HERE.

literary road trip series

Book Expo America: A Re-Cap of My 2019 Literary Road Trip

Attending BookExpo America is like going to a huge book fair for adults.  BookExpo America (commonly referred to within the book publishing industry as BEA) is the largest annual book trade fair in the United States. BEA is almost always held in New York City at the Jacob Javits Center over four days in late May and/or early June.

At BEA, major publishing houses congregate to showcase new titles, introduce emerging authors and meet with other publishing professionals and colleagues.  The event is open to the general public, but several authors, librarians, and buyers for book retailers also attend the event.

Of course my favorite thing about attending BEA each year is the freebies: ARCs, finished books, tote bags, and plenty of literary swag. I also love their high quality panels where they talk about industry trends, technology innovations and trends, social media and more. I can’t stress enough the value of the panels. You can learn so much about the publishing industry.  Attend one of the keynote speeches too if you can, but line up early as seats fill up quickly.  BEA also has breakfast, tea, and lunch events (require a separate ticket) where you can listen to major authors.

Oh, and let’s not forget about the exciting author book signings!   Signings take place all over BEA from the publisher booths, to the main floor to the autograph area in the back.  For some of the signings you’ll need a ticket, but most are run on a first come, first serve basis.  Beware: For some authors you may be standing in line for a long time.  However, once the lines start going they usually move along pretty quickly.  Pro tip: If there’s a book you’re DYING to get and have signed, line up early.  You can refer to the schedule BEA provides to each attendee in the registration line.  Pro tip: You can also download the free BookExpo mobile app which I found to be very handy to use this year.  The mobile app is also an excellent environment-friendly tool to use instead of wasting paper.

If you’re planning to attend BEA don’t forget to bring a rolling suitcase to help you carry all of the “free” books you’ll get while at the event.  (I put the word free in quotation marks because while you don’t have to pay for many of the books you receive, there are costs associated with attending the event: travel, time, food, hotel, parking, etc.)  So yes, the books are FREE (can you say book heaven?), but not really free if that makes sense.  Pro tip: If you bring a rolling suitcase be prepared to pay for bag check as you cannot bring it on the main floor with you for security reasons.

Are you excited yet?

Some of the authors/illustrators I met this year include:

I also had the opportunity to do a LIVE book cover reveal with Alexis Marie Chute to unveil her book Below the Moon.  Alexis and I had such a fun time together interacting with her audience on Facebook and Instagram.

As always, BookExpo America delivered another amazing experience and I’m looking forward to attending again next year.

Mark Your Calendars for the 2020 Book Expo: May 27 – May 29, 2020 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City.  Book Con will take place May 30 & 31, 2019.

If you enjoyed this post you may like:

Highlights from My 2018 BEA Adventure
My First Time BEA Adventure– includes additional helpful tips to keep in mind if you’ve never attended before.

Your turn: Have you ever attended BEA (or Book Con) before?  What was your experience like?  Feel free to share in the comments.

Connecticut

Literary Road Trip Series: Lake Compounce in Bristol, CT

Disclaimer: Thank you to Lake Compounce for providing me and my family with complimentary access to the park. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.

Did you know Lake Compounce is the oldest, continuously-operating amusement park in North America?  It had its genesis more than 170 years ago in 1846..wow!  Lake Compounce is home to Boulder Dash, which has been voted the world’s #1 wooden roller coaster, as well as Connecticut’s largest water park.  It has over 400 acres of fun and is essentially like having two parks in one.  You get rides, games, food and roller coasters along with an amazing water park that is SO MUCH FUN – especially on a hot day.

One of my favorite things about the park is how clean it is.  Plus, the lines are usually pretty quick and the staff is has always been very pleasant and helpful each time we’ve visited.  Our most recent family visit was a few weeks ago and as usual, Lake Compounce didn’t disappoint.  It’s definitely our family’s favorite go-to amusement park in the state of Connecticut.

We like to get to the park as soon as it opens to try and avoid the mad rush.  As soon as you arrive all guests must go through a security checkpoint and bag check for safety reasons.  The lines typically move along pretty quickly although depending on the size of the crowd and time of day, the wait could be about 10 minutes or slightly longer.  Keep this in mind if you’re visiting with smaller children as they may get a little antsy.


Once you get past security and the ticket lines, it’s time for the fun to begin!  We like to reserve island loungers on the Lake Compounce website prior to our visit.  You get 2 lounge chairs, a shaded straw umbrella, entrance to the exclusive island lounge chair area, and accommodations for up to 4 people. The island loungers are conveniently located right next to Bayou Bay which is one of our favorite attractions at the park.  The lounge chairs sit on a sandy area across from the lake making it feel like you’re spending the day at the beach.  Oh and the best part?  You can leave your belongings in the private island lounge chair area.  It’s always monitored by a Lake Compounce employee giving us peace of mind our stuff will be safe.  If you have a larger group of people you can rent a cabana.  The park currently has 5 Luxury Cabanas located lakeside by Riptide Racers, 6 Private Cabanas located by the entrance of Mammoth Falls, 2 located on the lake, and 5 located next to Bayou Bay.

Our family likes to explore the water park attractions first, eat lunch and then head to the amusement park rides afterwards before heading back to the island loungers to pick up our belongings.  So far this year we had a chance to experience: The Dino Expedition, Croc-o-Nile, Boulder Dash, Zoomerang, Riptide Racer, The Wave Swinger and Down Time.  We also tried our hand at some the games which is always a blast.

Lake Compounce has always catered to families with young children like ours, while offering high value thrills for the older kids and adults too.  Our kids love the variety of rides and games in the kiddie park including the Dino Expedition.  There are also plenty of seating/resting options for watchful parents and grown-ups who like to watch children ride and take photos.  The park is interesting enough and accessible enough for our family so naturally always purchase season passes for the amusement park and parking lot.  They pay for themselves on the second visit.  Season pass holders also get other perks throughout the year too like buddy passes and food/retail discounts.

From the outside, Lake Compounce appears hidden and small, but trust me, you can spend all day inside and not get to everything.  Since they are constantly adding new attractions and features to the park, we still haven’t done everything there yet.

Prior to our visit we read a few amusement park themed books like: Roller Coaster by Marla Frazee.

A few other things to keep in mind:

  • Bring all of our summertime essentials if you plan to spend the day there: suntan lotion, bathing suits, extra clothes to change into, towels and strollers if traveling with smaller kids
  • Be prepared to walk – You’ll do a lot of walking from the moment you arrive at the park.  If you have a fitness tracker it’s a great way to rack up your step count for the day!
  • Admission for kids ages 3 and under is FREE
  • They have phone charging stations, family restrooms AND a nursing station for nursing mothers (Woohoo!)
  • Locker rentals are also available for securing your belongings
  • Shirt and shoes are required everywhere except Crocodile Cove water park.  Bathing suits are required for the water park area.
  • Outside food or drink is not allowed in the park (with exception of baby items, food allergies or other special dietary needs)

I cannot recommend this place more!  Visit at least once to experience all the park has to offer for a fun family day adventure.

Ready to head to the park?  Be sure to take advantage of my ticket discount by clicking here!

Connecticut

Literary Road Trip Series: Winterberry Landscape & Garden Center in Southington, CT

Spring has sprung here in the Northeast and is our area is now bursting with lush gardens and flowers in bloom. Mother Nature has certainly given us lots of rain this season so far. The rain has been great for all the plants, trees and flowers despite it dampening my mood and thwarting my plans at times.

Two weekends ago, the kids and I had the pleasure of attending an event at Winterberry Gardens located in Southington, CT. Their 16-acre garden and landscape center is gorgeous! They have everything from native plants to unique plants all planted by certified growers.

 

I will admit years ago I didn’t have a green thumb to save my life.  Every plant I had died. Now, I’ve learned how to take care of plants after much research, reading and watching videos online.  Now that I have Winterberry Gardens as an additional local resource that’s an added bonus!

To help provide you with ideas for your home or garden Winterberry Gardens offers tours of their landscapes gardens and they host educational seminars. They also have a wide selection of hanging plants, trees, soil, mulch, perennials and annuals.  Oh, and did I mention they do landscaping too?  Yes, their expert landscape designers can create a plan for you that’s both stunning and easy to maintain no matter the size of your yard or budget.

I’m so excited with the new plants I purchased from Winterberry Gardens and will be going back soon to buy more and attend their upcoming educational seminars.

If you’re local in the area be sure to check out this amazing garden and landscape center.  It’s a one-stop-shop for all of your lawn and garden maintenance needs.  It would make an excellent educational field trip with kids and the local library (Southington Public Library) is just 10 minutes away.

Winterberry Landscape & Garden Center
2070 West Street
Southington, CT 06489
Phone: (860) 378-0071
Email: info@winterberrygarden.com
Web: http://www.winterberrygarden.com

literary road trip series

Literary Road Trip Series: Adorablue Travel Tray for Kids + A Giveaway!

Have you ever wondered how your child can make better use of their downtime while traveling on road trips or running daily errands in the car?  Don’t get me wrong, sometimes it’s okay to just look out the window and watch cars or people pass by.  However, if you’re looking for a travel tray to help keep kids entertained, I’d highly recommend the one made by AdoraBlue.  It’s convenient for kids to eat, draw, watch movies and most importantly it helps keep things organized.

On one side of the tray, there is a station for kids to eat, play with toys (like the AdoraBlue Scavenger Hunter game) read books, or to watch/play on the iPad/tablet at eye level.  The erasable side is for drawing, writing and creating.  Yes, it’s reversible!

I love the media tablet holder being secured by a zipped plastic pocket to keep it protected from accidental spills.  We all know how messy life can get with kids, right? I also like how versatile and portable the travel tray is.  You can either use it as a lap desk in the car/stroller, on a plane for various fun activities, or use it indoors sitting on the couch or in a restaurant.  The custom design appeals to boys and girls alike.  It also has easy access to a large storage with zippers and a built-in bumper to keep your space mess-free whether your child is creating a masterpiece or munching on snacks.

Here are some of the features:

  • Made of a vegan leather surface that is is easy to clean and soft to the touch.
  • It buckles either around the child’s car seat or stroller.
  • It has large mesh storage pockets on the side and a 2 inch wall to stop food, toys, markers or crayons from falling.
  • It is ideal for short and long trips.
  • It’s portable!  It can also be used indoors at home on your couch or in a restaurant.
  • Fits most car seats and boosters.
  • Comfortable, safe and 100% waterproof.
  • Includes cup holders for baby bottles, water bottles or sippy cups
  • Erasable board for drawing and expressing creativity.
  • Contains 3 different stations to play, eat, draw or use the iPad/tablet in a zipped, waterproof casing.

The best part?  Our friends over at AdoraBlue were gracious enough to sponsor an Instagram giveaway for one (1) travel tray.  In addition, for a limited time, our audience can get 40% off a travel tray as part of a Mother’s Day promotion.  Click here to get a travel tray using the 40% discount (discount applied at checkout).

Connect with AdoraBlue!

Website | Instagram | Facebook

literary road trip series

Book Expo America: Highlights from My 2018 BEA Adventure

 

There are so many amazing literary events that take place every year all over the world.  One of my favorite events by far is Book Expo America.  Last year was my first time attending and I’m happy to report I made it back for the second year in a row!  You can read about my 2017 experience here which includes some helpful tips to keep in mind if you’ve never attended before.

Ok, so what is Book Expo America (BEA)?
I think BEA is a great event to attend if you want to network and get some face time with publishers/vendors, attend educational sessions, meet book bloggers or authors/illustrators, and get a glimpse of new and forthcoming books.  Don’t forget to bring a rolling suitcase to help you carry all of the “free” books you’ll get while at the event.  (I put the word free in quotation marks because while you don’t have to pay for any of the books you receive, there are costs associated with attending the event: travel, time, food, hotel, parking, etc.)  So yes, the books are FREE (can you say book heaven?), but not really free if that makes sense.

Here is the official description from the Book Expo America website:

BookExpo is carefully crafted with content and experiences for all those that play a part in the publishing industry. It’s where authors, booksellers, distributors, librarians, literary agents, publishers and more unite to build relationships, learn tactics to bolster business and get the pulse of what’s trending in today’s shifting marketplace.

Are you excited yet?

Some of the people I met this year include:

  • Don Diamont from the soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful (Can you say handsome?)
  • Author Tomi Adeyemi (I was totally fangirling…HARD.  It’s so great to see all of her recent success!)
  • Vera, “The Tutu Teacher” (She is EXACTLY the same in person as she is on social media…except better!)
  • Author/illustrator Christian Robinson (I adore him and ALL of his work!)
  • Actor Taye Diggs (Again, can you say handsome?  I’ve been a fan for years!  Did you know his real first name is Scott?)
  • Illustrator Shane Evans (Love ALLof his work!  Have you read his latest book with Taye Diggs yet?)
  • Author Susan Verde (I finally got the chance to meet her in person…such a gentle soul.  I totally want her to be my Yoga teacher!)
  • Illustrator Sean Qualls (Such a fan of his work!  He signed my Grandad Mandela book…Yass!)
  • Illustrator Peter Reynolds (Finally got a signed Peter Reynolds book!)
  • Author Nic Stone (She is beautiful, amazing and so fun in person!)
  • Author Euka Holmes (What a beautiful and talented woman!)
  • Author Sarai Gonzalez (She’s so cute and such a great role model for young children!)
  • Author Angela Dalton (She came all the way from California to attend the event!  She took a selfie with Vera and I on the stairs along with some other folks attending the event.)

In addition to meeting all of these fantastic people, I mingled with a few vendors including: Moonlite and Book Beau.  I also met up with literary agents, book bloggers, publishers, librarians and subscription box owners.  Overall, it was another amazing experience and I’m looking forward to attending again next year.

Mark Your Calendars for the 2019 Book Expo: May 29 – May 31, 2019 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City.  Book Con will take place June 1-2, 2019.

Your turn: Have you ever attended BEA (or Book Con) before?  What was your experience like?  Feel free to share in the comments.

family fun

Literary Road Trip Series: Sun Valley, Idaho

Sun Valley is a gorgeous resort city located in Blaine County, Idaho, known for its fantastic ski activities and beautiful sights.

Thousands of tourists flock to the Sun Valley each year to ski Bald Mountain or to take their children to Dollar Mountain to master the art of skiing and snowboarding.

However, there’s more to the Sun Valley than snow sports. Here, you’ll find a hidden cultural scene which is wonderful to discover as well as several educational hot spots where you can kick your feet up, grab a book and learn something new.

If you’re planning on visiting Sun Valley this season, continue reading this article to find some exciting tips as well as the best things to see and do in the region.

Where to Stay in Sun Valley

While there are a wide variety of places to stay in Sun Valley, one thing you most certainly need to keep in mind is that depending on the season, accommodations can really fill up fast. In order to avoid disappointment, it’s recommended that you always be sure to book your Sun Valley Idaho Lodging or some of the many alternatives prior to your arrival.

Family Activities in the Sun Valley

Now it’s time to start planning the destinations you’ll explore and the activities you and your family will participate in during your stay in Sun Valley.

Although the Sun Valley is a relatively small destination, there are several experiences which families simply cannot miss during their trip to the region.

Learn how to Ski or Snowboard

Visiting Sun Valley and not experiencing the snow is like going to an ice cream shop and not spoiling yourself with an ice cream. There’s nothing inherently wrong with avoiding the winter months in Sun Valley, but if you do, you’re missing one of the highlights of the destination.

Take advantage of the fantastic instructors and community surrounding the Dollar Mountain to learn all you need to know about skiing, snowboarding, and a variety of other snow sports. This is an excellent opportunity to bond as a family and have a fantastic time playing in the snow.

If you’re already familiar with the snow sports, you might want to head over to the Bald Mountain, or Baldy as the locals call it is the best spot to ski in the region. With dozens of beginner to intermediate trails to ski as well as some expert routes for those who are experienced skiers.

Visit the Ketchum/Sun Valley Heritage and Ski Museum

Alternatively, if you and your family are not too enthusiastic on participating in the winter related activities and would like to stay warm and dry but still care to learn more about skiing, we recommend you make a quick stop at the Ketchum/Sun Valley Heritage and Ski Museum.

The Ketchum/Sun Valley Heritage and Ski Museum is a fantastic place that both preserves and tells the story of the region, it’s cultural and economic growth through the ages and the importance of skiing to the Sun Valley and its community.

Mountain Hiking

You can also experience the sights and beauty of the Sun Valley region mountains without having to wear skiing gear. You can take a leisure trek through the region and bond with your family as you walk through this fascinating destination. If you and your family are hikers, you will really love the hiking trails available in the area.

Have an Educational Tour at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden

Whether you’re traveling with young children or visiting with your significant other, touring the Sawtooth Botanical Garden is a fantastic way to learn about the natural diversity of the region, the importance of native and cultivated plants, and the beauty of gardening and its relationship with humanity.

Not only are the botanical gardens absolutely stunning, but you’ll learn a great deal about the ecology of the region and a number of other things you might not know about gardening and plants.

The Chapter One Bookstore

For those who love reading and can’t be far away from a local bookstore while traveling you should stop by the Chapter One Bookstore, a fantastic shop that feels just like home.

A perfect mix between an indie bookshop and large favorite bookstores, this place is perfect to dive in and seek out rare books, enjoy a cup of coffee, and chat with some locals about the community.

The Community Library

If libraries are included in your idea of a great family trip, you won’t want to miss the Community Library of Sun Valley.

With contemporary exhibits, dozens of different programs to educate the community and its visitors, and thousands of resources to learn from, The Community Library is an excellent place you should visit if you’re an avid reader who loves this essential part of life.

Discover Ernest Hemingway’s Legacy in the Sun Valley

Ernest Hemingway is one of the most memorable writers in American history. An author that influences millions of writers worldwide and still is held with high esteem in the places he lived and gathered.

Sun Valley is the final resting place of this magnificent writer, and there’s a great legacy that surrounds his works that you can find in the region.

You can find his home, which doubles as a museum thanks to the efforts of the Community Library, where hundreds of different artifacts and items of his life are on display. The exhibit is an excellent place to learn about the life and works of this influential writer.

Experience the Indie Art and Music of Sun Valley

With the influence of Ernest Hemingway and dozens of other artists who once called this region home, Sun Valley has become a fantastic scene of contemporary art, indie music, and theatrics.

From the Sun Valley Summer Symphony to the other art galleries set throughout the region, the Sun Valley has an impressive display of places to enjoy art and surround yourself with a loving community.

More than just Snow and Ski — Experience Everything Sun Valley has to Offer

While many tourists assume that Sun Valley is simply as a ski resort or a winter getaway for those looking to take part in some of the many snow sports on offer, it’s actually much more diverse than that.

From learning about the legacy of Ernest Hemingway to exploring and discovering surprising new artists who live and perform in the venues of the valley, there are dozens of activities and events for everyone in the family, regardless of the age difference.

Hopefully, you’ll find the locations and tips in this article helpful for your plans to make a literary road trip to Sun Valley, Idaho, and you can enjoy this magnificent location and all the experiences it has to offer.

Connecticut

Literary Road Trip Series: Wee Faerie Village + Old Lyme Public Library


The Wee Fairie Village is pure magic!  The kids and I recently visited for the first time a couple of weeks ago after learning about it from a friend.

What is the Wee Fairie Village?
The Wee Faerie Village, is a popular, annual tradition at the Florence Griswold Museum.  This year the theme was Lettersburg Junction, which featured enchanting regions where faeries live in alphabetically placed houses resembling all the letters of the alphabet, from A to Z. There were also the Numbertown and Punctuation Stations which were all amazing to see in person.

Upon entering the museum we were provided a handy DIRECTIONARY (map) to begin exploring Lettersburg Junction one fairie destination at a time.  Before we headed out to the village, we spent about a half hour inside the museum learning about Florence Griswold who transformed her home into an art colony in the early 1900s.  Her home is now a national historic landmark which is today known as the Florence Griswold Museum.  The museum exhibits both American art and historical material. Its collection spans fine art, sculpture, works on paper, artist’s studio material, toys and dolls, ceramics, furniture, textiles, decorative arts and historic artifacts, and the Lyme Historical Society archives.


With our map in hand, we began search the grounds for the elaborate faerie dwellings.  Each one was a beautiful miniature habitat made out of natural or found materials.  The map listed the faerie dwellings along the route using cute faerie-sounding place names such as “Beachy Bungalow”, “Umbrella Utopia”, and “Gnome Sweet Gnome Home”.  Each village had witty monikers that were often wordplays on some aspect of the historic artist or their art.  Also, at each fairie dwelling there were hidden items to find which added a fun scavenger hunt and reading theme to it.

Can you find the garden gnome?

Can you locate Lily’s little locket?

Can you find our magical quiver filled with rainbow arrows?

Checking out the Pagoda Palace fairie dwelling

The Wee Faerie Village project was designed to encourage visitors to explore, use their imagination, enhance their creativity and develop love and appreciation for the arts.  I think it definitely meets and exceeds those goals – we truly had an amazing time!  I loved seeing the kid’s faces light up as we marveled at each enchanting fairie dwelling.  The range of artistic expression in the faerie dwellings was astounding!  It was also great to see other kids exploring the grounds with parents and sometimes even grandparents making it a fun inter-generational event for everyone.  We’re looking forward to attending again next year!

Old Lyme Public Library, Old Lyme, CT

After visiting the Wee Fairie Village we headed over to the Old Lyme Public Library which was only a two-minute drive from the museum.  It was our first time visiting that library which was originally established as a free public library back in 1897.  The library was recently expanded in 1995, which more than doubled the square footage of the previous building, including a large Children’s Room and Community Room for public use.

Your turn: Have you the annual Wee Fairie Village yet?  Feel free to share in the comments.

family fun

Literary Road Trip Series: Riverview Farms Fall Festival at Robb’s Farm


Disclaimer:
Riverview Farms for provided my family with complimentary admission to the Fall Festival in exchange for writing an honest review. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

The Riverview Farm Fall Festival Season kicked off Saturday September 8, 2018 and runs through the first weekend in November.  The festival is held at Robb’s Farm in South Glastonbury and is open Fridays noon-6pm and Saturday & Sunday 10am-6pm.

Robb’s Farm is well-known for their ice cream and in the fall, they partner with Riverview Farms to bring a Fall Festival to the area.  The festival includes hayrides, a pumpkin bounce house, corn maze, pumpkins, baby animals, pony rides (on weekends) and goodies to eat.  Did somebody say apple fritters and ice cream?  Yum!  We were able to check out almost everything on our recent literary road trip.

Riverview Farms Fall events includes a petting zoo, hay rides, face painting, birthday parties, tours, baby chicks to hold, plus a 24′ Pumpkin Bounce.  There was a birthday party going on the day we visited and it looked like the kids attending were having a blast!  Riverview Farms also operates a petting zoo out of the Old Cider Mill in Glastonbury in the fall, which would be another family-friendly place to visit for animal lovers.

Here were the things we were able to check out during our visit back in September:

  • Hayride
  • Pumpkin Bounce
  • Apple Fritters – Highly Recommended. (They are melt in your mouth good!)
  • Plenty of photo opportunities

We also went in to check out the ice cream shop because the kids wanted water to drink since it was quite warm outside.  They have an assortment of refrigerated juices and bottled water inside the ice cream shop.  Although we didn’t taste their ice cream it sure looked good.  Plus, it’s all homemade and there is a nice variety of flavors to choose from.  We ate our apple fritters, drank water and had an impromptu story time on the picnic tables under the pavilion.

The kids said they enjoyed the hayride the most followed by the pumpkin bounce house.  I enjoyed the hayride too, but was happy I donned my comfy Koral workout pants instead of wearing shorts because there was lots of hay on the seats of the wagon.

The kids and I headed to the Glastonbury Public Library after our trip which was just a short car ride away.  I had the opportunity to read a little and check out some new books while the kids spent about an hour playing in the adorable play house at the library.  It was the prefect way to end our fun-filled mommy and me literary adventure.  We’ll definitely be back next fall to visit the Fall Festival again!

Glastonbury Public Library

After Thanksgiving, Robb’s Farm opens their Holiday Shop featuring trees, wreaths, hand-made bows, garland, kissing balls, seasonal pots and seasonal plants.

Your turn: Have you ever visited the Riverview Farms Fall Festival?  Feel free to share in the comments.

children's books

Literary Road Trip Series: A Night with Author Jacqueline Woodson at the Mark Twain House

I recently had the honor of listening to Jacqueline Woodson, the 2018-2019 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature speak at the Mark Twain House in Hartford, CT.  The event was sponsored by RJ Julia Booksellers and The Mark Twain House and was the first stop on Woodson’s current book tour to promote her latest books.

Woodson received the 2018 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award and 2018 Children’s Literature Legacy Award. She is the 2014 National Book Award Winner for her New York Times bestselling memoir Brown Girl Dreaming, which was also a recipient of the Coretta Scott King Award, a Newbery Honor, the NAACP Image Award and a Sibert Honor.  Woodson’s new picture book, created along with two-time Pura Belpré Illustrator Award winner Rafael López, is The Day You Begin, a poignant, yet heartening book about finding courage to connect, even when you feel scared and alone.  Her new chapter book is entitled Harbor Me which celebrates the healing that can occur when a group of students share their stories.

The night started off with Woodson reading passages from her popular middle grade book Brown Girl Dreaming.  As she read, she told us different things that were going on during her life that inspired her to write the passage.  She also talked about parts of her childhood and how she migrated from the South before eventually ending up in New York City.

Next, she read aloud the book The Day You Begin followed by reading a few pages from Harbor Me.  You could hear a pin drop as she read in a “sing songy” type of tone which was completely captivating.  After she finished reading, audience members had the opportunity to ask questions before heading out to get our books personalized and signed.

A few things I loved most about the event:

  • Jacqueline was everything I thought she’d be and more!  I loved her added bits of humor and the amount of thought/detail she put into answering each question from the audience.
  • She challenged educators and parents in the room to have classrooms/home libraries that reflect “windows”, “mirrors” and “sliding doors” in order for all children to be able to see themselves, understand others and slide into different experiences.
  • Learning more about the inspiration behind writing her books.  Fun fact: The picture book The Other Side was intended to be a story about a present day experience in Jacqueline’s life, not an experience from the past.  It was the illustrator who set the book in the past (1950’s), not her.  Since authors and illustrators aren’t allowed to have any contact with each other during the book writing process, she had no idea what the illustrations would look like until they were completed.

Overall, it was an amazing event and I’m so thrilled to have had the opportunity to meet her in person, shake her hand and receive a signed copy of her book.  Thanks to RJ Julia Bookstore and The Mark Twain House for putting on such a fantastic event.  Now I need to take my kids on a literary road trip to visit the Mark Twain House so we can explore the entire museum.  It looks like an incredible place!


This amazing Mark Twain Lego statue greets you at the door as soon as you walk in the Mark Twain House Museum.

Your turn: Are you planning to attend one of Jacqueline Woodson’s upcoming book tour events?  Which one of her books is your favorite?  Feel free to share in the comments.

hereweeread