For Your Amusement...

Article by Eric H. at VisitingNewEngland.com
Photo of the Boulder Dash at Lake Compounce, Bristol, Conn. (courtesy of press section, Lake Compounce Web Site)

There was a time that amusement parks in New England seemed to be headed into extinction. With the 1969 closing of Pleasure Island in Wakefield, Mass., the 1985 closing Paragon Park at Nantasket Beach, in Hull Mass., and the 2000 closing of Whalom Park in Lunenberg, Mass., it looked like the ride was over for these family destinations that became local, household names.

Now, with a tough economy and people wanting to stay closer to home, the existing amusement parks have shrewdly offered affordable prices and incentives, as well as coming up with eye-catching television commercials. The Asian man enthusiastically shouting out "More Flags, More Fun, Six Flags!" is a fun, joyful television commercial you won't forget, as an example.

Six Flags New England currently offers "Everyone Pays Kids Price tickets" for $29.99, with 2009 tickets also on sale at the lowest price of the year. Lake Compounce, in Bristol, Conn., offered 2008 ticket season ticket passes for $74.95 -- that meant unlimited visits. Canobie Lake Park in Salem, N.H., has kept the admission prices reasonable for the 2008 season at $29.00 per person, under 48 inches tall and senior citizens at $20.00 ($19.00 after 5 p.m.), and kids under three-years-old free. Canobie, a personal favorite, is also offering "Spooky World" in October at $19.99 per person (with a coupon from available retailers).

Amusement parks have always been fun, so why not take advantage of the remaining limited hours that these parks offer? The parks are actually an upgrade of what we knew in the 1960s and 1970s, with better rides, water park amusements, and special events. There's still time, although limited in hours, to enjoy these amusement parks for this month and next.

Before embarking on a local trip to Six Flags New England, Lake Compounce and Canobie Lake Park, please check their Web Sites for updates on operating hours and any price changes:

Six Flags New England

Lake Compounce

Canobie Lake Park

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A Revolutionary Concept at Patriot Place, Foxboro, MA

by Eric H., at VisitingNewEngland.com

Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA, has come a long way since its initial inception as Schaefer Stadium in 1971. With the state-of-the-art Stadium, a dynasty-caliber team (although this year might not be the same with star quarterback Tom Brady expected to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury) and the new Patriot Place shopping and entertainment destination, this part of Foxboro, MA, will, no doubt, become more of a major destination than ever before.

While Patriot Place is still a work in progress, visitors will be amazed at the new complex of stores and restaurants with 1.3 million square ft. of shopping, entertainment and commercial endeavors that should be completed within the next few years. Already, it is a spectacular complex, with many shops and restaurants open for business. CBS Scene Restaurant and Bar opened this week and features a 360 ft. projection wall, tabletop televisions at every table (watch the game or classic CBS programming), outdoor dining overlooking Gillette Stadium, and an education of the storied CBS network through up-to-date technology and within its restaurant decor.

Bass Pro Shops offers an incredible variety of outdoor merchandise and clothing, but what is more amazing in the enormity and visual appeal of the 140,000 sq. ft. store: a 21-ft. waterfall leading to a huge aquarium with 400 fish native to New England, meandering streams, authentic-looking caves leading under the aquarium, a bridge that spans the first story, a two-story laser shooting arcade, a fishing shack display, a real lobster boat, a 50 ft. humpback whale display, glass elevators, a huge fireplace, a rustic cafe and an all-glass back of the building. It's sort of like Disneyland for the outdoor enthusiast.

Other stores open are Aeropostale, Baskin Robbins, Bath and Body Works, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Christmas Tree Shops, Circuit City, Fossil and Godiva chocolates. Restaurants open include the Blue Fin Lounge in the Bass Pro Shops store, Davio's Italian restaurant, Red Robin for burgers, and Studio 3. It should be noted that Studio 3 is a casual, but upscale restaurant located within the new Showcase Cinema Delux. This state-of-the-art complex offers 14 giant screens and the "Lux level," offering in theater dining and drinks. The complex is elegant with baby grand pianos, and concierge service. It is indeed very different from the downtown movie theaters we used to walk to in our hometowns!

Once concern: hopefully, this new development will help other areas of Foxboro, a very nice town with some typical suburban problems like an underwhelming downtown and budget problems. The downtown is ripe for something special, as the circular town common surrounded by a church, a theater and historic buildings deserve more than empty storefronts and a vacant fire station. A restaurant taking over the old fire station would be a natural as the theater is right next door, thus creating a place to go at night for local residents who love the concept of a vibrant downtown. Perhaps Patriot Place and the emerging Chestnut Green retail, business and residential complex, currently in progress, will hopefully help, and not hurt, this potentially great downtown.

Regardless, Patriot Place looks amazing. While not completed, it's already the talk of the Town(s) around here and has already drawn in many local residents looking for shopping, dining and entertainment in one location.

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Fall Fun At The Big Apple in Wrentham, MA

Article and Photo by Eric H., VisitingNewEngland.com

The Big Apple Farm in Wrentham, MA, offers a great introduction to all that is good about the fall season. A few of the highlights include apple picking from the scenic fields, horse drawn hay rides, pony rides, fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables from its farm stand, apple cider, an ice cream stand serving Richardson's ice cream (with a nice screened porch overlooking the farm), pumpkins, apple cider donuts, fresh pies, and homemade fudge. It's a great "staycation" destination for southwestern suburban Boston residents who do not want to spend a lot on a fall vacation. With healthy, farm-fresh food, clean air, nice farm scenery and attractions, and a peaceful atmosphere, there's really no need to travel too far this fall in Massachusetts and beyond when you have places like the Big Apple Farm.

The Big Apple Farm
207 Arnold St.
Wrentham, MA
508-384-3055

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