Bellport.com takes Prime Time Travel's Day Trip to the "Big E"

Click the photo to see all of our Big E photos...

If you haven’t heard of the “Big E” you’ve been missing something special. Since 1917, the six New England States have gotten together to host a single State Fair for all six states in one place, Springfield, Massachusetts. As you’ll see in the photos, there’s something for everyone.

The last time we went to the Big E was about seven years ago. Last year, when we heard that Prime Time Travel was conducting a day trip to the Big E, we tried to sign up for it, but we were too late and the trip was fully booked. So, this year we made sure that we contacted Prime Time early to make sure we could get a couple of seats. It was a good thing that we did, because the bus was fully booked again this year. The trip cost us $45 each and included tickets to the Big E. When you consider that the Big E tickets are $15 each, and you don’t have to pay for gas, parking, or tolls, this is a REAL bargain.

We got up at “O” Dark Thirty for a 7:00 am bus. It was great that all of the seats were pre-assigned so that we didn’t have to get there early to pick a good seat. Frankly, the bus was great and there were no bad seats.

Our “Tour Escort” was Barbara and she was definitely our “Mother Hen.” On the ride up to Springfield, Massachusetts she gave each of us a Name Tag with our name on it. On the back of the Name Tag was Barbara’s name and her cell phone number so that just in case we needed help during the day, she was just a phone call away, a really nice touch. As if this wasn’t enough, Barbara even had snacks for us on the way up to Springfield.

The bus made one rest stop on the way to Springfield. We were due to arrive at 11:30 and the rain that was around that morning was due to stop about the same time. We made great time and we arrived at 10:15am, about 45 minutes ahead of schedule. The rain had stopped too so we were good to go.

When you visit the Big E, you want to make sure you visit the Avenue Of The States where each of the States has constructed a permanent building representing their State. If you’re planning a trip to one or more of the New England States, you can stop here to pick up every conceivable kind of information about that particular state. You’ll also find food and products representative of that state.

You’ll want to visit the Crafts Village, the Circus, the Horse Show, and you’ll definitely want to pick up one or more of the Big E’s famous Cream Puffs!

This year, we decided to eat our way through the Big E. First, a Maine Baked Potato. Next, off to Vermont for Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream followed by a New England Cream Puff, the specialty of the Big E. You name it, we had it and
enjoyed it. Now it’s back to lettuce and the exercise bike!

We left the Big E at about 4:30 to come home. We had done a lot of walking and we were tired so we were ready to start home. Again, one rest stop was planned along the way.

We had never taken a Prime Time trip before. In fact, we had never taken any organized trip like this to anywhere before so it was all new to us. We were surprised when Barbara announced that there would be a raffle and we should all put our name tags in a box so that she could pick the winners out. I thought to myself that it would be great for this story if I won... sure enough, the first name she pulled out of the box was mine and I won a Prime Time gift certificate! All told, seven of us won prizes in the raffle.

Next, Barbara started a movie that was shown on the nine screens spread out around the bus to help us pass the time. We were all exhausted so I’ll bet half of the people couldn’t keep their eyes open on the trip home.

We had a wonderful time and I want to thank Prime Time for a job well done. This was our first, but it won’t be our last trip with them. If you’d like to visit the Big E next year, make sure you contact Prime Time early. I’d suggest the end of June to make sure you get a seat. You’ll be glad you did!

Prime Time Travel is located at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 and you can call them at 800-286-7329 or email them at travel@primetimetravel.com
 

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If this is what you think baseball is all about, this article isn't for you!

The best kept secret in all of baseball is Spring Training. It doesn't matter what team you root for, Spring Training is THE place to relax and get back to what baseball is really all about. Instead of the above, this is what Spring Training looks like! (Click any photo to enlarge it)

As you can tell from the center photo, after many years I have finally forgiven the Dodgers for breaking my 14 year old heart when they left Brooklyn.

For the Dodgers, Spring Training means Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida. Next year will be Dodgertown's 50th anniversary and it will also be its last year because in 2009, the Dodgers will be moving their Spring Training to Arizona. This year, I was lucky enough to be able to visit Dodgertown when the Dodgers played the Mets and I thought I'd try to share the experience with you.

Click through these photos slowly and you'll start to getting the Spring Training feeling. It's 75 or so degrees, there's a clear blue sky, and a gentle breeze is blowing. There are people around, but not really that many.

The players come out onto the field to warm up. They aren't dots on the field a quarter mile away. They're right there in front of you. If you're there early enough, you might even get a chance to meet your favorites and even get their autographs. Spring Training is a relaxing time for the players too and they're as glad to meet their fans as the fans are glad to meet them.

Oh, did I mention that the Mets were there too???

By game time, more fans have arrived, but when you compare Dodgertown to Shea Stadium, you can really see the difference between Spring Training and the regular season.

Play Ball!

Well, it's finally game time. It's early evening and the sun is just starting to set. You've had a hotdog or two for dinner and you'll save the Cracker Jacks for later. Of course you want your team to win, but it really doesn't matter much. The important thing is the experience and the memories you'll take with you after the game.

Who won???

As I said, it really doesn't matter, but if you really have to know, the Mets won 6 to 2. Oh well.

If you'd like to know more about Dodgertown, here is an absolutely wonderful video that ESPN did about Dodgertown's history.  Even if you're not a Dodger fan, you'll really enjoy it. Just click the baseball.

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