Saturday, May 26, 2012

Ringing Rocks State Park, PA

Ringing Rocks State Park in PA is definately an interesting place to visit. The reason it is called Ringing Rocks is if you hit a rock with a hammer or another rock it makes a ringing sound, almost like a bell, but to me it sounded more like pots and pans being hit with a spoon (something my kids loved to do as toddlers).  My boys were laughing that this could be a place of a true "Rock" concert.  The field of rocks is quite large, and fun to climb on. There are quite a few theories for how and why this field formed, and where the rocks came from. 


This is a great website for the information: http://www.davidhanauer.com/buckscounty/ringingrocks/  Towards the end it also mentions the first ever "Rock" concert with the rocks from this park.

The enitre experience was really weird and fun.  It was an interesting (and a bit creepy) experience for all. Hopping across giant boulders while hitting them with hammers is fun anytime.
Here is some more info about the place:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ringing-rocks-park-upper-black-eddy
http://rockpiles.blogspot.com/2007/05/ringing-rocks-upper-black-eddy.html
After we hopped on rocks we took a nice hike down to the waterfalls, which happen to be the largest waterfalls in Bucks County.

If you decide to head down there, definately don't forget the hammers, and comfy shoes to climb the rocks in.

Also, right across Delaware is French town with many places to shop and eat. We especially like this place: http://twobuttons.com/ It is a large store with friendly owners and many interesting things.  It is right off Rt. 29 going South from French Town.  There is a restaurant/bakery in the same parking lot with good food. It is called Lovin' Oven: http://www.lovinovenfrenchtown.com/

And another picture of the waterfalls, apparently we were there when it was really dry:

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Bowcraft

Bowcraft is a fun little amusement park in Union County, NJ. It is right on Rt. 22 in Scotch Plains.  We have gone there many times.  They have several ways you can pay for rides. You can either purchase a full day pass, or you can buy individual tickets and use them for the rides. If you have one kid and are just making it a quick stop for a few rides, individual tickets is the way to go.  However, if you'd like to spend some time there, they have several deals that you can take advantage of.  For example, they have a night pass, where after 5 pm the pass is $12.95.  That's the one we like.  From 5 until closing gives you plenty of time to try out all the rides, and it won't be as hot as during the day (the park gets little shade and becomes hot quickly). 

I always thought the rides were more geared towards the younger crowd.  My youngest and his friends love it.  My older one, almost 12, and other 12-13 year old friends and family we've brought there seem to be less enthusiastic about the rides.  Maybe they feel they are too cool for it, but deep in their heart still have a blast. ;) There are a few rides the older guys do like, but only a few.  For the younger ones, however, it's a blast!
Here is their website with directions, hours and pricing.
http://bowcraft.com/

There is also an indoor arcade the older kids like more!

We spend a lot of time on bumper cars!