Longview Center for Agriculture

The Longview Center for Agriculture is a regional hub for reconnecting the land, the community, and food. The center consists of 90 acres of certified organic farmland, which includes an organic fruit orchard and an on-site Farmer's Market.

The center hosts many events like the weekly Lost Arts Workshop. They also serve as a connection point for farm-based education in the area's elementary schools.

The on-site farmer's market provides the community with local foods grown on site or at nearby farms. They carry products that are local and humanely raised and that support independent small farms. They clearly have
a commitment to the community!

The Longview Center for Agriculture is a great place to take children to explore their senses. Children are encouraged to get down and dirty and explore all that the farm has to offer from picking flowers, tomatoes, and even apples.

Currently, blackberries are in season and ripe for the picking! It will be hard for you not to leave with a ton of blackberries. Make sure you bring a container or bag to collect them in {and plenty of wipes!}.

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 The Longview Center for Agriculture is located 3125 Stump Hall Road in Collegeville, Pennsylvania.

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Strasburg Railroad | Review by A Grande Life

We got rained out on Saturday but Sunday was a different story! The weather was gorgeous so we took advantage and headed out to the Strasburg Railroad. The entire ride there, E was talking about the trains and saying "All Aboard! Choo choo!". In other words, being absolutely adorable.

We got there just in time for the 1 o'clock train. He practically jumped on the train when it was our turn. There was so much for him to look at and he could barely get the words out of his mouth. Then he heard it "All Aboard!". He looked at me and said "Mr. Conductor said that. Let's go!".

And off we went!

Forty-five minutes later, we pulled back into the station and our train ride was over.

We walked around the station and let E explore. Of course, he spotted Thomas right away!

The highlight of the trip? Taking a sneak peek at the "real" Thomas. He was in the engine shed getting a fresh coat of paint for his upcoming train rides in June! It took all he had in him not to run past the ropes and go give Thomas a hug.

He is going to flip when he sees his birthday present...tickets to A Day Out with Thomas!


  

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Magic Gardens | Review by A Grande Life

I finally got a chance to visit the Magic Gardens two weekends ago during Blog with Love. I can't believe it has taken me this long to get down there. I could have spent the entire day photographing and exploring the gardens. There is just so much to look at! So much to discover!

I'll let the pictures tell the story....








About the Magic Gardens

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is a folk art environment, gallery space, and nonprofit organization that showcases the work of mosaicist Isaiah Zagar. Located at the site of Zagar's largest public mosaic installation, the Magic Gardens includes a fully mosaiced indoor gallery and a massive outdoor labyrinthine mosaic sculpture. The installation, primarily consisting of found objects and contributions from the community, covers half a city block with myriads of tile, texture, and color. A walk through the labyrinth will reveal sculptures from Latin America and Asia, bicycle wheels from local South Street shop Via Bicycles, Zagar's hand-made tiles, and mirrors of every shape and size.

I highly, HIGHLY recommend visiting the Magic Gardens the next time you are in Philly.

Disclaimer: We were provided admission into the Magic Gardens free of charge. The opinions are 100% mine! Check them out and you'll see why I am going back again...and again!



  

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Franklin Fountain | Review by A Grande Life

There are only three words to describe Franklin Fountain.

OH

MY

GOD!

I'm not kidding folks, they are really that good.

Franklin Fountain opened the summer of 2004 and since then has been serving homemade ice cream to the masses. They aim to serve an experience steeped in ideals, drizzled with drollery, and sprinkled with the forgotten flavors of the American past. It really is like stepping back to an era of soda shops!

I admit, when I first found out we were getting the opportunity to stop by the Franklin Fountain, I had no idea what it was. A quick google search promptly showed me what I had been missing these past 7 years! Pictures upon pictures of delicious sundaes and ice cream really hooked this pregnant momma in!

The only bad thing about the whole visit was deciding on what to get?! There are just too many choices.

We finally all decided to try something different so we could sample! We tried..

...the Stock Market Crunch...

...Mt. Vesuvius...

...Homemade Hot Fudge.

As soon as we were served our choices, it got very, very quiet. To say we enjoyed our sundaes is understatement!

The next time you are in Philly, you have to add this to your must do list! We ran into a couple on their way to Baltimore who hopped off 95 just to stop in for the ice cream! It's really that good. Franklin Fountain is open 7 days a week, 11-Midnight!

Thanks so much to our host, Grant, for our delicious treat!

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Disclaimer: We were invited to taste the best ice cream in Philadelphia by Franklin Fountain. The opinions are 100% mine. Just ask my happy belly!

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Cornerstone Bed & Breakfast | Review by A Grande Life

This weekend was amazing! I had so much fun roaming the streets of Philadelphia with my partners in crime {Jenni, Kelly, and Steph}. More on our adventures later, first I have to show where we stayed...GORGEOUS!

The minute Jenni and I walked in the door of Cornerstone Bed & Breakfast, I knew this was the perfect place for us. The aroma of homemade hot cross buns greeted us! They sure know how to lure in the pregnant lady.

I just loved everything about this Victorian stone mansion. The owners, Chris, Jules, Liz, and Dennis, have meticulously taken care of this little gem in the city. Their attention to detail is evident. They also make you feel like you are home from the minute you walk in the door. The Cornerstone has such a homey and loving vibe!

Our room, I mean suite, was on the top floor of the house. I felt like we were having a big 'ole slumber party up there! The room was immaculate. The pride and care that the owners and staff of Cornerstone really shows.

Just look at this tub! I really wanted to take a soak in it but I was afraid that I wouldn't have been able to get out!

Jenni and I stayed in this cute yellow room! I just loved the picket fence headboard.

The Continental Suite would be perfect for a family stay or a girls' weekend of your own! You will not be disappointed. How could you be disappointed when you are served a wonderful, homemade breakfast in the morning!

Thank you so much to our wonderful hosts! I for see another trip to Cornerstone in my future!

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Disclaimer: The wonderful owners of Cornerstone Bed and Breakfast provided us with a one night stay in their Continental Suite. The opinions are 100% mine! Check them out and you'll see why we thought they were so fabulous!

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Posted in: a grande life,cornerstone,philadelphia