Sunday, March 28, 2010

Guest Blog: Author Kim Foley MacKinnon: Meadow Stone Farm, Brooklyn, CT















Guest Blog: Author Kim Foley MacKinnon
Brooklyn, CT

We are delighted to be joined by author Kim Foley MacKinnon.  The generous folks at Union Park Press were nice enough to send us an advance copy of her new book.  It is a wonderful addition to our dadventure library.  Please check it out.


Spring fever is upon us and, despite the horrible rain and the up and down weather, it can’t be stopped, not after a taste of a couple of days reaching almost 70 degrees and the time change giving us more daylight. So, as soon as possible, I start planning outdoor adventures for my family.

We have explored so much of New England, and I never pick favorites, but I will admit to being utterly charmed by the “Quiet Corner” of Connecticut, the northeastern section of the state framed by Massachusetts and Rhode Island, which is just an hour from Boston.



 
I’ve been thinking of a return visit this year, where we can check out the baby alpacas at the Safe Haven Alpaca Farm (860-455-0054; www.safehavenalpaca.com) and visit the Creamery Brook Bison Farm in Brooklyn (860-779-0837; www.creamerybrookbison.com). It is home to more than 100 bison and you can take a wagon ride and toss grain to huge beasts. A cooler in the back of the car is a must because besides stocking up on bison steaks, you can get fresh goat cheese at the nearby Meadow Stone Farm (860-617-2982; www.meadowstonefarm.com). And make sure to ask to visit with the adorable baby goats. If you decide to make an overnight of it, the Inn at Tonmar in Pomfet is a perfect base. The B&B has just two cozy rooms for visitors (and welcomes kids!) and is owned by Martha and Tony Emilio (860-974-1583), who make everyone feel like family.

The last time we went, it was hard to tear my daughter away from all the animals we encountered at these real working farms. I was glad she got to see where at least some types of food come from, which can be tricky to teach to an urban kid. And it is amazing to me that such a bucolic setting is so close to Boston, completely easy to visit do in a day trip. So next time your little one is singing ee-i-ee-i-o, get in the car and head for some quiet time.

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