Here’s what a few local families were up to during the long Memorial Day weekend.
A Visit to the Shelburne Museum
It’s a little outside Addison County, but the Shelburne Museum was a hit with the whole family. The museum offers a Family Fun Guide that helps young explorers learn as they wander around. Our favorite stops included the Circus Building, featuring a fantastical replica circus parade; the historic Ticonderoga steamboat from the turn of the 20th century; and a gorgeous 1890s railcar. That said, our five-year-old would have happily spent the entire visit riding the antique carousel.
The grounds are especially beautiful this time of year, with hundreds of lilac bushes in bloom. Combined with the museum’s collection of original historic structures, it was a magical step back in time. We learned a lot and logged plenty of steps along the way. (PSA: Don’t be like me and wear sandals. Put on those comfy walking shoes!)
As a bonus, Ilsley Public Library cardholders can get discounted admission, and tickets are valid for two consecutive days, so there’s no need to rush through everything in a single visit.
– Jenna Hunsinger, Ripton
A Great Graduation
Commencement was a little wet this year, but still fun to celebrate Gramps (Angelo Lynn), who received a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Middlebury College! Some cousins came to town, others watched on the live stream.
– Elsie Lynn Parini, Weybridge
Old Friends on the Cape
While there were plenty of reasons to stay in Middlebury this Memorial Day, our family headed out of town to attend an annual friends reunion on Cape Cod. 10 parents, 12 kids ranging from 3 to 15 years old; ocean swimming, dune walking, plenty of laughs and shared food, songs and memories that call on more than 25 years of history together. There’s nothing like good friends to remind you of the value of life — perfectly suitable for a Memorial Day gathering.
– Christy Lynn, Middlebury
A Simple Sprinkler
What else do you do when it’s hot and you’re six? SPRINKLER!!!! Massimo took the sport to a new level with a pair of goggles and some keen investigation about what it looks like when you’re getting sprayed in the face.
– Elsie Lynn Parini, Weybridge
Patriotic Pastry
Our house was filled with family, including a whole bunch of boisterous, barefoot kids fueled by a festive cake they took great joy in flooding with sprinkles!
– Shannon Hart, New Haven
You Go, Squirrel!
Or, skip the outings altogether and bond over some at-home wildlife drama instead. This is Carla. She may look innocent and adorable, but she’s an unapologetic birdseed thief who has demolished an entire bag of certified peanut-free birdseed in a week. The blue jays and chickadees are about to riot, but Carla couldn’t care less. Keep on being confident, Carla!
– Jenna Hunsinger, Ripton