Where to Buy a Local Turkey for Thanksgiving Near Boston

Raymond's has been raising its own Broad Breasted White Holland Turkeys for more than 60 years. Photo courtesy of Raymond's Turkey Farm

The eating local trend has taken Boston by storm, with farmers markets cropping up in many neighborhoods and the Boston Public Market opening last year. And we can’t think of a better way to celebrate local food than by purchasing a regionally raised turkey for Thanksgiving. So we’ve rounded up 10 Boston-area farms and shops where you can purchase a local turkey to have as the centerpiece of your family’s holiday meal. With Thanksgiving only weeks away, it’s time to reserve your bird!

Holiday Store Windows in Fairfield County

All right.  Fourth of July was a tad early to be seeing Christmas decorations.  But once Thanksgiving has come and gone, its time to bring on the holiday decor, Connecticut!  If holiday spirit is what you’re seeking, check out some of these super festive streets in Fairfield County.  Creative store window displays, twinkling street lamps and beautifully lit trees can brighten anyone’s mood! For more holiday fun check out our Holiday Guide.

Big Stride: Sensory Gym and Play Space Now in Forest Hills

If there’s one thing Queens might always need, it’s another sensory gym, indoor party venue, and play space for kids. Well, Big Stride of Forest Hills, is a “triple threat,” offering all three options for residents. While it’s predominately a sensory gym and classes space for toddlers to teenagers with disabilities, it also can be reserved for birthday parties and private play dates. We checked out the new space to learn more.

Holiday Light Shows in the Hartford Area

This post will be updated soon.

It's that magical time of year: Thanksgiving is over and spectacular holiday lights have sprung up seemingly overnight throughout neighborhoods and towns. There are elaborate, professional displays in parks, as well as fabulous light shows and seasonal displays at people's residences, such as the Christmas House in Torrington and numerous light shows in Fairfield County. Many of these displays can be visited for free or for a small charge or donation, a bonus when your wallet may be feeling a bit lighter after all that holiday shopping!

An annual visit to one of these light shows is a great tradition to start with your family; put it on your holiday to-do list along with holiday strolls and tree lighting events. And don't forget to check out our holiday guide for all there is to see and do in Hartford County, and all of CT, during this exciting time of year!

Things to Do with Thanksgiving Visitors in Fairfield County

Recently, my daughter invited a friend home from school, and, as this new friend stepped inside our house and looked around appraisingly, she asked, "Is this the whole house?" 

So yes, our house might best be described as cozy. Though I think it suits our family perfectly, once you throw in some out of town guests and a stuffed bird or two, it starts to feel very crowded very quickly. Happily, there are many places close by in Fairfield County where the kids can get their sillies out while grown ups can chat or snap pictures or generally be thankful for one another's company whether at a road race, a turkey waddle, or a free family movie.

These are some of the ideas we've collected for Thanksgiving weekend. For more inspiration, check out the event calendar and Holiday Fun Guide, which we continue to update each day.

Creative Uses for Leftover Halloween Candy

One of the scariest things about Halloween is the potential for sugar overdose, especially since few children left to their own devises are able to resist an all-candy binge. No, we’re not suggesting that you say “Boo” to the sweet stuff. After all, we enjoy it even as adults, whether it’s chocolaty, gooey, or nutty. But, most of us understand moderation a little bit better than we did in elementary school, and know that a sugar crash can leave us feeling terrible. So what to do with all the sweet quests? Here are nine suggestions for ensuring bright smiles and feel-good tummies.

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