Fall Fun At The Big E Fair

Breakfast Worth Bragging About

If you want to get your taste buds off to the right start, stop and get some mini donuts from The Donut Family.  These delectable delights are made right in front of your eyes and can be bought by the bag or bucket, depending on your appetite.  When you pop them in your mouth, they are still hot and the sugar melts adding the sweetest flavor to this soft yet crispy favorite.  I like to enjoy these with a giant cup of pumpkin flavored joe to celebrate the fall season!

Rhode Island
State Nickname: Ocean State
State Capital: Providence
State Flower: Violet 
State Tree: Red Maple
State Bird: Rhode Island Red

Some highlights from the Rhode Island building include carved jack-o-lanterns from Roger Williams Park Zoo and Del's frozen lemonade.  The crab cakes and the clam chowder is a must from Tucker Seafood.  You can also stop to get some cones filled with gummy candies from The Chocolate Gourmet. 

Massachusetts
State Nickname: Bay State
State Capital: Boston
State Flower: Mayflower
State Tree: American Elm
State Game Bird: Wild Turkey

Some highlights from the Massachusetts building include freshly picked berries from Mass Farmers Markets as well as chocolate bread from Pittsfield Rye and Specialty Bread. I purchased some festive fall earrings from Sadie Green's and a few dip mixes from Simply Dip-Licious. 

Maine
State Nickname: Pine Tree State
State Capital: Augusta 
State Flower: White Pine Cone
State Tree: White Pine
State Bird: Black-Capped Chickadee 

You can't miss the warm blueberry pie served by the Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine and who could forget the fully loaded Maine baked potato! While exploring the shops, I purchased a Pike's Original Maine Garden Hod along with a handmade bat house for my nocturnal backyard critters. I also bought a laser cut, credit card sized bottle opener from Beer & Friends for the boyfriend. They are engraved with different animals to help you open your beer in style. You can check out their Kickstarter here.  Also, don't forget to check out Buoy Sports for your own personalized lobster buoys. 

A Meal In A Peel What A Deal

I look forward to waiting in line for the best tasting, most sought after potato of my dreams every year at the fair. When you pay, you receive a coin which you give to the servers in exchange for a spud made just for you in front of your very eyes. It is topped with cheese, sour cream, chives and bacon bits. I always make sure I get one for lunch because by the time late afternoon hits, you may have a long wait. Trust me, this meal in a peel is a deal that is truly worth the wait!

Vermont
State Nickname: Green Mountain State
State Capital: Montpelier
State Flower: Red Clover
State Tree: Sugar Maple 
State Bird: Hermit Thrush

Some of the highlights of this building include pizza from American Flatbread Company along with a nice cup of cider from Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Don't forget to get some apple cider donuts for later! Take a look at the wonderful wood carvings by Bear's Den Carving while getting your ice cream fix from Ben & Jerry's. Still have a sugar craving? Head on over to Vermont Cookie Love and grab a Forbidden Love Triple Chocolate Chip Cookie.

New Hampshire
State Nickname: Granite State
State Capital: Concord
State Flower: Purple Lilac 
State Tree: White Birch
State Bird: Purple Finch

I always make sure to purchase a tree from the New Hampshire-Vermont Christmas Tree Association. I couldn't forget my furry friends back at home so I bought some patterned bandanas for Duke & Ella from CritterGear. When it comes to food, I love the NH maple cotton candy and the NH kettle corn. 

Snack Attack

At the fair, there are so many snack worthy foods to choose from. You can't miss the kettle corn from Cloud Nine Delights right outside of the New Hampshire building. It is made fresh to order and bagged while still hot. They sell them in three different sizes and while the biggest size may look huge, when noshing this popcorn goes quick! We buy multiple bags each year to take home to family and friends, and it always becomes an instant favorite. This sweet and salty treat is sure to please!

Connecticut
State Nickname: Constitution State
State Capital: Hartford
State Flower: Mountain Laurel 
State Tree: Charter Oak
State Bird: American Robin

Sweet treats like Michele's Pies and J. Foster Ice Cream will fill your belly. Check out Hartford Prints homemade stationary and clothes on Etsy here and show Connecticut some love.  Also visit O'Paws freeze-dried pet treats for the canine or feline in your life.