Heritage Museum and Gardens

Tuesday the weather forecast was calling for thunderstorms in the afternoon and so we decided to take advantage of the chance to get out that morning before it became necessary to hunker down.

I'd heard that the Heritage Museum and Gardens, located here in Sandwich, had some neat attractions for kids. So, I checked their website and found that they had a car exhibit, pirate exhibit and a working carousel. Surely the shnitz could find something in all of that to amuse him! Of course, I just finished and Brad is currently reading a novel about pirates called "Captain Blood", so we were looking forward to the exhibits ourselves (you can't be altruistic all the time:-)

We were very happy with our choice from the minute we pulled up. The weather was beautiful when we arrived as were the grounds. First stop, car exhibit. Apparently, 2008 is the 100th anniversary of the Model T. That was the one car that kiddos are allowed to get into to explore and the shnitz took full advantage of that! (We actually went back yesterday and he ordered Brad and I into the car with him...world's youngest chauffer, I guess:-) In addition to the Model T, they had a vast array of the most beautifully restored cars I've ever seen! Enjoy the pics!

Anyone want to go for a spin?

Brad and I have decided that if we ever strike it rich we're having THIS car built! So pretty!

They also had a car there that was one of eight ever built that was originally owned by Gary Cooper (old time movie star). It was made in 1931 and could make it to 90 in second gear and 120 in top gear! I'm not normally a big car person, but I found that amazing!

After the cars, it was off to the pirate exhibit. Too fun! They had a portion of a pirate ship that the shnitz could "steer", outfits to try on and a jail in case folks got too out of hand. Not to mention lots of historical stuff that the schnitz didn't care about, but his mama found fascinating!

Pirate ships are cool!

It's not really naptime yet, is it?

And you probably thought that the schnitz was going to be the one to dress up in the pirate clothes, huh?;-)

I told you what they did to the "out of control" visitors. These New England folks take this stuff seriously;-)

Once they let us out of jail, with promises of good behavior, we headed to the carousel. It's almost 100 years old and completely restored. It's really pretty and the best thing, at least for those with kiddos, is that it is free with admission and they can ride as many times as they want! Of course, our child didn't want to ride any of the horses, he wanted to ride the goat. And all we heard for the next 24 hours is "I want to ride de guut" (apparently he's Canadian!:-) So we actually went back yesterday for another several trips around!

We finished our trip at the American History exhibit which had a special section just for the kiddos. The schnitz thoroughly enjoyed the "gardening" that he got to do in there!

After our thoroughly enjoyable morning, we headed back to the house to enjoy a lazy afternoon of naps and listening to the rain. Chalk this up to another "highly recommended" activity! It was a great way to spend the morning! Oh and a quick note, adult tickets were $12/each, but they would validate your ticket and let you come back the next day. Not a bad deal!:-)

Stay tuned for more adventures to come!