Cherry Crest Adventure Farm in the heart of Dutch Country, PA

I’ve lived in Chester County for 3.5 years and somehow this past week was my first adventure to Cherry Crest!  What is wrong with me?!?!?!  Do not, I repeat, do NOT, allow yourself to miss out on this place like I did!  What a fabulous time for children, and adults, of all ages!

Discovery Barn and the yard of animals. Including the “goat bridge”.

We arrived at 10:00am when they opened, and went to the Discovery Barn where there were baby chicks, and incubator with eggs where we saw one chick pecking through, butter being made, a train table, videos, and a yard full of farm friends like rabbits, pigs, and goats.  The kid goats ran wild and were super friendly.  There was a cool bridge that the goats stood on and you could feed them by buying food pellets, putting them in a blue cup attached to a belt, and turning a wheel that moved the belt up to deliver the food to the goats.  The children thought this was super cool.

Then we took the 25 min (approx) tractor ride around the farm where Mr. Bob told us all about the farm, the history of the area, and the animals that live on it.  Cherry Crest is a working farm, not just an entertainment farm!  The tractor dropped us off in the “Barnyard” area where we played for 3 hours!  Seriously, there is so so so much to do it’s ridiculous.  Some examples of things we did were:  Giant Slinger, Giant Hay Chute Slide, Lil’ Farmers Playland which had things like the Coloring Coop, sandbox, slide.  We also did the Straw Bale Tunnel, Corn Hole, and relaxed in the Air Chairs.  The highlight for the children was the Jump Pillow, especially when the Strasburg Steam Train went on the railroad tracks right behind them!

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is known for their Amazing Maize Maze.  This years theme is “High Seas Adventure”.  On average, it takes 2 hours to get through the corn maze.  There’s even a cafe and restrooms in the maze!  With two 4.5 year old kids, a 3 year old, and two 17 month old toddlers, my friend and I knew that corn maze was an adventure we couldn’t tackle.  BUT, the Simon Says Corn Maze was perfect for us!  It took about 8 minutes to get through and along the way there were dead end paths with a spinning wheel.  The children spun it and it told them something to do.  Their favorite was “growl like a bear and give a hug”.  So cute.

We bought lunch there.  For about $6 I got a combo meal that my girls shared.  It was 2 chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, and an applesauce or yogurt.  Then I had their famous farm fresh roasted sweet corn on the cob. 

We figured the kiddos would want to head out after lunch, seeing as we had been there 3 hours at that point.  Nope, back to it we went!  There was so much to see and do still and they weren’t ready to call it quits.  We didn’t end up leaving until 3pm, and even after our 5 hour day there, we still didn’t see and do everything Cherry Crest has to offer!  I can’t wait to go back and tackle more.

And a shout out of kudos to Cherry Crest for being a GREEN operation too!  They have solar panels out to wazoo and have conservation programs.

VISITOR TIPS:
*  Bring a stroller with rubber wheels, or even a wagon, since there’s a lot of grass or dirt.  (You can rent a wagon too for about $20.)  You can even put these right onto the tractor ride, child in it and all.
*  You can pack a lunch and drinks to save time and money.
*  If possible, check out their website for hours of operation (they fluctuate) and go during the week.  We went on a Thursday and it was empty.  The downside was that some of the food vendors weren’t open, but really that was worth it to feel like we had the farm to ourselves.
*  Wear/Bring sunscreen and/or a hat.  There’s not much shade.  They do have great shade coverings over some of the activities (such as the pillow jump), but there’s a lot of open space that is uncovered.
*  Parking is free!  🙂
*  There are super friendly employees at every attraction.  Ask questions, get help, learn, be friendly, enjoy!
*  The restrooms are super clean and kid friendly.  There’s even an awesome baby changing and nursing room in the front of the farm- equipped with some spare diapers and wipes should you need them.  Talk about family friendly, right???
*  Plan for a 5 hour trip, don’t rush through it, stay longer if you can!
*  Don’t forget to treat yourself to the popcorn, homemade fudge, and corn!  🙂

Field Trip Friday: Donna from BellaPerfectionista.com Spends a Day Out with Thomas the Train.

This past Saturday, my family and I got up early, despite the fact that we got to bed really late on Friday night, for none other than a Day Out with Thomas.  You see, Thomas the Train is on his “Go, Go Thomas Tour 2013.”  Quite the reason for sleepy little ones to rub their eyes and get their sleepy little bums out of bed and get going as we yelled “all aboard”  to get into the car. 

When we got to the Strasburg Railroad in Lancaster (Route 741 East, Strasburg, PA) mid-morning and it was perfect weather for a train ride.  The kids were thrilled to see Thomas, himself and life-sized, ride by as we were getting our tickets, complete with moving eyes.  So cool!

We waited to jump on-board for our own ride upon Thomas.  When our time came shortly after, the kids giddily hopped aboard grabbing their window seats, but as I climbed aboard I was more enthralled with the beauty of the car we were in.  Nice plush velvety seats, chandeliers hung from the roof and pretty green glass lined up along the top of the train, below the roof.  So much nicer than that plastic/metal train we always ride into New York.  This was a ride with style! 

On the ride Thomas came over the speaker and spoke to the kids, as well as a narrator to give a brief story.  For the amount of children that were on the train you could hear a pin drop.  Every single one of them was intently listening and looking out at the window at the beautiful fields surrounding them.

After getting off the train, there is a 10-minute time slot to get in line and take a picture with Thomas.  If you are thinking, “Well then what?”  Think again.  There is plenty to do after the ride.  Kids can take a picture with Sir Tophamm Hat, ride a small hand-pedaled train on a track, play in a tent set up with dozens of train tables; get tons of free Thomas tattoos to go around and take a cranky car ride.  (Think watching an old railroad movie with two people cranking the lever on each side strolling down the track–it is work!.)

The tour is over for June, but don’t fret, in September they will be back the 14-22 and November 22-24 .  If you look on the link above you can even buy your tickets now.  It is a fun family day and I must say from a parent point-of-view; Thomas is a VERY useful engine.  He kept the kiddos entertained for the better part of the day.

About the Author:  Donna runs a fashion/lifestyle blog called Bella Perfectionista, as well as a communication company called BellaLu Communications.  You can check out her blog here and follow her on Facebook or @bellaperfection on Twitter.

Fun Adventure Friday ~ Strasburg Rail Road Santa’s Paradise Express AND a TICKET GIVEAWAY!

Mychal is just a girlie girl raising two crazy little boys in Chester County. To read more about her sometimes dirt covered life, stop by My Life In Mommyland.

Today’s adventure comes just in time for the holiday season. Santa’s Paradise Express, the Stasburg Rail Road and the ChooChoo Barn make the perfect holiday tradition. 

Climb aboard one of the magnificently restored cars and be transported back to a simpler world. Don’t worry about the cold, each car is heated by a coal stove, so they’re nice and toasty. 

As the monster steam engine pulls out of the station the fun begins. Incase the beautiful Lancaster County countryside wasn’t enough, carolers, horn players and Santa himself move throughout the cars for your enjoyment. Santa was the crowd favorite with our family. The boys lit up as soon as they saw him enter our car. 

Not only does the man in red stop to chat with each child and have his photo taken, he also gives every child a little treat. The boys got little lantern pencil sharpeners, that they thought were the coolest thing since sliced bread. Cameron even took his to school. 

The train ride is about 45 minutes long and it’s a blast from start to finish. 

But wait, there’s more…

The Strasburg Rail Road also has a ton of fun to enjoy around the station. 

Your kids will love the Cranky Cars and the Cagney Train. Then warmup in the Tinsel Trolly and enjoy a few holiday stories in the Story Caboose. In addition to all the fun activities there are a few gift shops and the Trackside Cafe. 

When you’re finished at the rail road, chug on over to the ChooChoo Barn. 

I’ve seen a lot of train displays in my life but this one is by far the coolest. When you walk into the little gift shop you have no idea just what lies behind the curtain. 

It’s HUGE!!! I could have spent hours upon hours gawking at the train display. At 1700 square feet, the ChooChoo Barn is as big as my first house and it’s chockfull of things to look at. 

The train display, with 22 moving trains has actual animated people. I have NEVER seen that before at I have to say that seeing those little people hammer away on the roof of a barn was pretty neat. As you make your way through the display, don’t forget to keep an eye out for the 51 Santas, there’s even a Where’s Waldo Santa! The boys had a blast trying to find them all and got so excited with each new sighting. 

The lights dim from day to night and back again giving you a whole new perspective on the display. One of my favorite features was the house that caught fire. There’s actual smoke, firemen come to save the day and use real water to put out the (not so real) flames. 

The level of detail inside the ChooChoo Barn is nothing short of spectacular. 

When we finished our tour of the Strasburg Rail Road and the ChooChoo Barn, we got some delicious snacks at Uncle Leroy’s (next door to the ChooChoo Barn) and headed home. The boys raved about their trip and want to go back again before the end of the season. 

The Strasburg Rail Road has become a beloved holiday tradition for our family and we would highly recommend that you make it a tradition for your family as well. 

This was such a fun adventure that I’m thrilled to be able to share the experience with one lucky Philly Burb Moms family. That’s right folks, one lucky winner will win a four pack of tickets to ride Santa’s Paradise Express on December 16th at 3pm AND four tickets to check out the ChooChoo Barn before December 31st. 

{GIVEAWAY} Local Staycations Review: Strasburg Railroad

Chesco Mom Steph continues sharing about her recent Staycation in Lancaster, PA. Last week we heard all about the Doubletree Resort in Lancaster (cookies upon check in and a water playground? Yes please!). This week, we are bringing you a review of the Strasburg Railroad, as well as a giveaway for a 4-pack of tickets to ride the train!  So keep reading!

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{The Strasburg Railroad}

I’ve lived in Chester County all my life, so trips to Lancaster are not new to me.  We took trips several times a year to the Outlets, the beautiful greenhouses for flowers, and the area attractions in Lancaster County.  I have vivid memories from our day visiting the Strasburg Railroad when I was 5 or 6 years old.  To a kid, being on a real train felt majestic. And the conductor was funny and friendly.  Although it was less than an hour’s ride, the farmland made me feel far away.  I had an amazing time, so many years ago, being on the train fora dy.

Fast forward 25 years, and I am taking my own daughter on her very first train ride on the Strasburg Railroad.  We picked a beautiful day to visit: blue skies, bright sun and warm.  We arrived with time to spare, so we grabbed a bite to eat at the new Trackside Cafe.   The menu was full of choices, including yummy Shoo Fly Pie and Whoopie Pies for dessert!

As noon rolled around, we boarded the train and set off on an hour-long adventure down the tracks.  Set in the beautiful countryside of Lancaster County, the trip to Paradise, PA was leisurely and relaxing.  There is plenty to see out the windows, leaving lots of room for chatting.  Barns, meadows, farm animals, picnic areas, corn mazes – so many sights! When we arrived at our turnaround point, we were excited to see how the train got turned around. With a quick bump and a whistle, we were on our way back to the station. 

I hope my children remember their first train rides with the same fondness that I do!

My daughter, being just shy of 4 years old, was enchanted from the moment she set eyes on the train.  Being just a short trip from the Philadelphia area, Strasburg Railroad is a fantastic family activity for kids (and adults!) of all ages!  There are fun family-friendly events all year round, including A Day Out With Thomas.  At Christmas, you can ride with Santa, while at Easter you can meet the Easter Bunny! Adults can go sans kids for Murder Mystery Dinners and classy Wine and Cheese events.  

Without a doubt, the Strasburg Railroad should be on your “Summer Bucket List” for 2012!

Planning on going with kids? Download and print out the Strasburg Railroad Scavenger Hunt that Chesco Mom Steph put together for our readers! (Click to enlarge, and right click to download/print!)

Source: moderndaydonnareed.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Think you’d like to visit Strasburg Railroad this summer? We’re giving away a Family 4 pack of tickets so you can ride the train yourself!  Just fill out the form below to enter. Giveaway will run until next Thursday, July 5 at noon.


We’d also love to hear about YOUR Strasburg Railroad memories – so leave a comment sharing your experience below!

Disclosure: Steph was provided tickets to ride the train.  All opinions are her own.

Day Out With Thomas™ at The Strasburg Railroad

Day Out With Thomas™ at The Strasburg Railroad

Join Thomas the Tank Engine™, a full-sized operating steam locomotive, as he greets friends of all ages. Ride a train pulled by Thomas and meet Sir Topham Hatt™. You’ll find lots of other exciting activities, and a complete selection of Thomas merchandise in our gift shop.

Day Out With Thomas Train rides depart every half hour during the times below.

Event activities are:
•September 11 — 9:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
•September 12 — 9:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
•September 13 – 17 — 10:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.
•September 18 — 9:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
•September 19 — 9:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Visiting Lancaster with the Kids: Strasburg Railroad

Two weeks ago, the kids and I excitedly packed an overnight bag looking forward to a “girls getaway” as one last hurrah before the summer ends. We were headed to Lancaster for the 2 day trip and were thrilled to be experiencing some of the best family attractions that the area has to offer.

Our itinerary for the 2 days looked like this:

Day1:
AM: Strasburg Railroad

PM: Cherry Crest Farm

Overnight Accommodations at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square

Day 2:

AM: Choo Choo Barn

PM: Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

As we headed out to Lancaster and the Strasburg Railroad, I was reflecting on our family’s first trip to the Railroad several years ago when my oldest was a toddler. I have such fond memories of that trip we made with her, and I was hoping that this visit would be just as exciting for BOTH of our girls. When we pulled into the parking lot and my kids were squealing with delight from the back seat, I knew it was going to be a fantastic day.

Once there, we waited on the platform for our train to pull in. My youngest daughter kept saying “They’re so BIG!” referring to the train cars in front of us. And, compared to her, they are VERY big. Once we boarded, we picked our comfy seats and enjoyed the warm summer breeze that blew in through the open windows.

The train loop is about 45 minutes long to Paradise, PA and back. The kids had a great time looking out the windows to see the Amish countryside as we rambled along. There were beautiful fields of corn, cows in the pasture and thick tree groves. We even passed by Cherry Crest Farm where we were headed later in the day and got a sneak peak of some of their awesome attractions (more on that in another post)!

(my girls enjoying the view)

By the time we pulled into the station, the kids were hungry, so it was a perfect opportunity to stop for a picnic lunch courtesy of Trackside Cafe. My kids devoured their lunches in record time and hurried off to check out the other station attractions. Their favorite by far were the Cranky Cars, which are mini cars that the kids self-propel on tracks using hand cranks. My girls thought they were so much fun.

We then took some time to peruse the station’s several gift shops and toy stores. One of the shops is dedicated almost entirely to Thomas & Friends trains, toys and other merchandise. And, speaking of that wildly popular Thomas the Train, did you know that Thomas makes regular appearances throughout the year at Strasburg Railroad for a “Day Out with Thomas”? He will be visiting again September 11 to the 19th. Check out the Railroad’s site for information and ticket purchases.

We had a fantastic time at Strasburg Railroad and would recommend this destination to anyone with children. My girls loved experiencing the train ride and learning more about trains in a very kid-friendly way.

If you want to learn more about Strasburg Railroad, please visit their website and connect with them on both Facebook and Twitter.

And come back tomorrow when I tell you all about our next stop on our Lancaster overnight trip…. Cherry Crest Farm! There is so much for families to see and do in the Lancaster area. We can’t wait to schedule our next trip!

*Disclosure: My family was provided free admission to the above attractions, lunch at the Railroad and overnight accommodations in order to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received and, as always, I’ll tell you the real deal about what my impressions and experiences are. All opinions are expressly my own.

Thomas the Tank Engine visits the Strasburg Railroad

Thomas the Tank Engine™ is coming to save the day! Thomas, the beloved and courageous storybook engine, is set to roll into Strasburg Rail Road for the Day Out With Thomas™ 2009: Hero of the Rails Tour, presented by HIT Entertainment, a worldwide leader in children’s entertainment, and sponsored by The LEGO Group. This fun-filled event offers preschoolers and their families the opportunity to take a ride with a 15-ton replica of Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas & Friends™ series. Children will ride along with their favorite hero on his latest adventure. The tour, now in its 14th year, will make stops in more than 40 US cities and is expected to welcome more than one million passengers in 2009.

· A 25-minute (approximate) ride with Thomas the Tank Engine

· An opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt™, Controller of the Railway

· Thomas & Friends Imagination Station with activities for the whole family, including arts & crafts, storytelling, video viewing and live music

· The Cagney, an authentic miniature steam train, a vintage Pump Car, Cranky Cars, perfect for pint-sized passengers, and hay bale rides down the track

· Exclusive commemorative merchandise, including a 2009 Day Out With Thomas passenger car, as well as t-shirts, engineer caps, pennants, and more

December 4th-6th

Day Out With Thomas event activities run Friday and Sunday from
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Train rides depart every half hour during the following times:
December 4th 10:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.
December 5th 9:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
December 6th 10:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Strasburg Rail Road

Route 741 East

Srasburg, PA 17579

Tickets for Day Out With Thomas 2009: Hero of the Rails Tour are on sale now and available by calling Ticketweb toll-free 866-468-7630, or by visiting http://www.ticketweb.com/thomas.html or http://www.StrasburgRailRoad.com. Ticket prices are $18 plus tax for ages 2 and up (service charges and fees may apply).

For more information and directions, contact Strasburg Rail Road at 717-687-7522 or http://www.StrasburgRailRoad.com. For information on Thomas & Friends, visit http://www.thomasandfriends.com