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The World’s Only Corn Palace
January 17th, 2012
Have you ever seen a building made entirely out of corn?
No? Well, believe it or not there is a “palace” that has its entire exterior and interior decorated with corn. The world’s one and only Corn Palace can be found in Mitchell, South Dakota.
The original Corn Palace was actually called the “Corn Belt Exposition” and was founded in 1892 by early settlers. In order to display the fertility of their land, they attached the fruits of their harvest to the building. Soon it became a local attraction, and then one of the most interesting sites for sightseers around the state.
Every year, the corn palace is stripped down both inside and out, and completely remodeled. The new theme is selected by the Corn Palace Festival Committee, and local artists design the fresh murals. 
One of the interesting things about the corn palace is that it is not only an attraction. This building also serves as one of the community’s multi-use centers. Stage shows are performed inside, as well as the towns sports events. The Corn Palace is available for rent, but it is quite expensive. I would recommend taking a quick visit, as there is no entrance fee for tourists.
The Mitchell Corn Palace is an interesting and somewhat weird place to while away an hour or two with your family. If you ever happen to be passing through the area, you should definitely take an afternoon to visit and look at the world’s only building made out of corn.
Cake Boss…Is Boss!
January 16th, 2012
The first time I went to Carlo’s Bakery, I was so excited because I have seen the show on TV and I always wanted to experience what it was like in person. The bakery is a famous bake shop in Hoboken, NJ featured on the very popular TV show called “Cake Boss” and “The Next Great Baker” on the channel TLC. It is in close proximity to New York City (about a 10 minute drive). It is definitely worth the trip if you are in the area because this is where they actually film parts of the show.
When we got there, we saw the store and it was packed to the brim with people! Luckily, we were able to squeeze in and get a ticket and wait inside until they called our number. As we were waiting on line, a man came out of the group of people and handed us his ticket, which was 30 orders closer to the current number on the screen! We were so thankful for that man because if he didn’t give his ticket it us, we probably would have been waiting for at least another hour!
When our number was called, I was anxious to see all of the goodies in the cabinets. There were so many choices! There were cupcakes, cakes, chocolate covered strawberries, lobster tails, crème puffs, cookies, and so much more! I got a lobster tail, my two sisters got chocolate covered strawberries and my mother got a red velvet cupcake. Man, they were delicious! The lobster tail was so delicate and so sweet.
We even got to see the owner’s sister, Mary, who is one of the characters on the show. I was hoping that Buddy Valastro, the owner ( AKA “The Cake Boss”) would have come out of the kitchen but no such luck.
On our second visit to the bakery in the summertime, we wanted to order a cake for my sister’s birthday. This time the line to get inside the bakery was around the block with a 2 hour wait. Unfortunately, we had to leave. My mom called to see how we could order a cake without waiting so long. When you are ordering a cake, you can simply go to the front of the line and let them know that you want to place a cake order. We went back the next day and were escorted effortlessly through the front door. We had a little consultation with a bakery employee just like they do on the show and picked up the cake the following week. The cake was the best cake I have ever had and was the highlight of my sister’s party!
Plimoth Plantation: History The Fun Way
January 13th, 2012
Are you tired of having all the “fun” historical sites end up to be less than what you’d expected? Looking for something educational that is actually entertaining for all members of your family, no matter what the age? A trip to Massachusetts just wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Plymouth Plantation.
The Plymouth Plantation is a museum, but it’s a very different kind of museum. In my opinion, it is the best historical site on the East Coast. Instead of endeavoring to portray 17th century times through artifacts and pictures, this museum contains two outdoor villages, perfect for you to explore while learning some history, the fun way! These villages depict the lives of the colonists and the Wampanoag in the year 1627, just 7 years after the Pilgrims first landed in the New World. 
The English village is beautiful and peaceful. Here you will find small, timber framed houses, surrounded by kitchen gardens and fields full of flowers. Cows, sheep, and goats graze within their paddocks while chickens cluck contentedly in the streets. Who lives here? Why the pilgrims of course! Volunteers from around New England play the roles of the Pilgrims. They speak and dress exactly as they would if transported back to the 17th century. Feel free to ask questions of them, as they are well-educated on the lives and viewpoints of those they are representing. 
One of my favorite things about this museum is that all activities are hands-on. On any given day you could find yourself helping a Pilgrim wife weed her garden, driving the cows out into the field, helping to plow a field with the men, learning how to milk a cow, or playing traditional games with some of the children. An escort is not required, so you can explore and enjoy everything at your own pace. There are a few museum guides throughout the village, dressed as modern employes. They will answer any of your questions in modern terms, as talking with someone from the past can become just a little confusing!
The other village is the Wampanoag homesite, just a short walk through a beautiful forest from the first village. Unlike in the English village, all of the participants in this village are actually Native People, of various tribes. Some are even descended from the Wampanoag that lived in the region in the 1700‘s. These people dress in deerskin clothes in the style of the time and on any given day you can find them tending their crops, hunting and fishing, gathering edible plants from the woods, or cooking their food over a fire. Don’t miss the making of a mishoon (log boat) to paddle in the nearby Eel River!
Both the Plimoth Plantation and the Mayflower 2 are wonderful choices if you are looking for a fun, family-friendly way to spend your day. Both educational and entertaining, it’s a great experience for both young and old. These exhibits are near the top on my list of neatest ways to learn about the history not only of the East Coast, but of all of America.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
January 12th, 2012
If you’re still a little bummed that all the Harry Potter books and movies are already out, don’t be. There’s an award-winning theme park dedicated to the world’s favorite boy who lived. It’s been thriving on muggle fanaticism for nearly two years now, and lucky for us Americans, it isn’t all the way off in London, where the books were first published.
Located at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was constructed to replicate the village of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts School. J.K. Rowling herself approved everything, from the Butterbeer recipe to castle design to the menu fonts.
Visitors can explore the inside of Hogwarts, take a spin on both thrilling and children-friendly roller coasters, and dine at a recreation of the tasty Hogsmeade haunt “The Three Broomsticks.” A host of wizarding shops sell movie prop replicas, magical sweets and goodies, Quidditch brooms, and a whole lot more. Perhaps the most popular attraction is Ollivanders Wand Shop– if you have the patience to wait in line, you can pick out you very own magic wand. It’s a dream come true for those of us who grew up with Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
If you’re already planning spring break, consider a family trip to Universal Studios’ The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Find more info at: http://www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter/
Jan’s Village Pizza: The Best Pizza In The World
January 11th, 2012
If you’re ever in Indiana, you have to check out Jan’s Village Pizza in Westfield. The quaint little town of Westfield is home to many cute artsy shops and marvelous shopping opportunities. It is also the home of what is, in my humble opinion, the best pizzeria in the world!
Jan’s Village Pizza is a hole-in-the-wall family restaurant. At first glance, you might not even notice it; but don’t let it fool you! This restaurant is known throughout Indiana for its great homemade pizzas. I’ve toured all over Europe, Africa, and Central America, and even in Italy I did not find any pizza that could compare with the pizza that is lovingly made here.
Upon entering, find yourself a seat as you enjoy the beautiful paintings on display. The owner of the restaurant paints these illustrations of gorgeous locations around the globe, which are for sale.
After admiring the lovely scenes on the charming brick walls, look at the menu. There are so many options that choosing can be difficult. There are many different kinds of pizzas and they are often the inventions of the staff. All are delicious; my personal favorite is the savory Buffalo Chicken. Salads, pastas, breadsticks and more are served here, but the pizzas are what bring crowds from all around the state.
No canned products are used the making of this pizza. The dough is handmade in their kitchens, and is never permitted to be baked until the yeast comes to the perfect stage of fermentation, giving their crust that delicious, chewy flavor. None of that gross frozen dough. After your first meal you will want to come back again and again!
There are always deals to be found at the Jan’s Village Pizza website. Check it out before you go since you could save some money or even get a free pizza. Even if you don’t, the prices are always more than reasonable at this fun family restaurant.
If you are ever in Westfield, Indiana be sure to visit this state-renown family owned restaurant. You’re sure to have the most delicious time of your life!
