Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Baby Animals & Tulip Festival at Andelin Farm - A Must See Attraction During Spring in Sparks, Nevada


Baby Animal & Tulip Festival, 2025
April 9th to May 10th
Wednesday - Thursday, 3pm - 7pm
Friday - Saturday, 10am - 7pm
Andelin Farm's Annual Festivals

There's nothing quite as enjoyable as spending time with adorable baby animals, surrounded by laughter and joy in the delightful spring weather, munching on kettle corn, and savoring the scent of fresh-cut tulips.

At Andelin Farm's Baby Animals & Tulip Festival event, you can immerse yourself in all of these wonderful experiences and more.

This cherished farm, managed by a warm family and dedicated staff, consistently goes above and beyond to ensure their guests have the best possible time.

Over the years of my visits, I've witnessed numerous positive changes that have made the farm even more enjoyable than before.

As the kids grow, they dive deeper into the farm's fun, delighting in running around with their friends. 

Parents also find joy in visiting, knowing their kids are in safe hands while they make memories together with adult friends of their own.

There's been so many housing developments in their area, and I'm so grateful they've chosen to stick around, keeping the doors open to the ultimate destination for seasonal joy.

Activities Available (as of 2024):
-Zip line (weight limit of 135 pounds), 38'' requires assistance, 44" unassisted
-Jump pad for bouncing fun.
-Hamster wheel for playful spinning.
-Pony and horse rides (adults & children) - additional $5 per person per ride or one ride included with a Seasonal Plus Pass.
-Chick holding experience
-Barrel train ride
-Hayride (tractor-pulled) for a scenic tour.
-Baby animal petting with supervised access by staff.
-Feeding goats and chickens (additional fee for food or included in Seasonal Plus Pass).
-Gem mining sluice with fees based on the size of the mining bag.
-Gift shop offering trail mix, snacks, crafts, ice cream, pantry items, and affordable drinks
-Duck races with water pumps 
-Hay maze
-Play fishing
-U-pick flower section 
-Lassoing 
-Rabbit hole slides 


Notes
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased in person or online, with online tickets being $2 cheaper.

Opening Times for the Farm
Opening dates vary. For the latest updates, follow Andelin's Instagram page.

Checking Weather Ahead of Time
Check hourly reports to plan your day accordingly. I recommend applying sunscreen to the kids throughout the day, especially given the heightened sun intensity at our elevation.

Animals to See
Explore a variety of animals including camels, llamas, alpacas, emus, sheep, goats, peacocks, turkey, horses, ponies, calves, and chickens.

Food
Admission is not required to access the food trucks located at the farm entrance, with plenty of picnic tables available. Food trucks are generally open during business hours.
*Island Hot Dog Truck serves delicious hot dogs.
*Slushies & ice cream from their trailer are always a must, especially in fall when they make their apple slushies made with real apple cider.

Safety
*Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the farm for your convenience.

Shop
*Visit the farm store located in the barn for homemade goods and crafts, including jams, baking mixes, hot sauces, snacks, kettle corn, sweet caramel nuggets, trail mix, yogurt pretzels, Andelin-branded merchandise, hats, jewelry, soaps, and more.
*affordable cold drinks and ice cream available for purchase at the farm store

Private Events and Rentable Spaces
*Private group tours are available, and the barn and pavilions can be rented for weddings and events.

Photo Opportunities
Capture memorable moments around the farm with numerous photo opportunities including flower picking, baby animal petting, horse and pony rides for both adults and kids, and fun photo cutouts.

Footwear
Proper footwear is essential as the farm grounds are primarily dirt

Parking:
The parking lot offers ample grass/dirt space.  Expect for your vehicle to get a little dusty.

Strollers:
Umbrella strollers are not recommended due to the dirt and rock terrain. Jogging and larger strollers are preferable.

Restrooms
Porta Potties are available both inside and outside the farm for your convenience.


Categorized Under "Season/Holidays" and "Birthday/Event Venues"

Photography
©Katherine Fung,
All rights reserved

***Information subject to change. All opinions are my own.
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Location: 8100 Pyramid Way, Sparks, NV 89436, USA

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Cave Rock Trail — A Short Walk to Amazing Views that will Take Your Breath Away


Cave Rock Drive and Winding Way
*No fees at trailhead


Cave Rock State Park

Cave Rock Trailhead


Lake Tahoe is filled with endless beauty and Cave Rock, a 250-ft volcanic formation, is no exception.  The rock, located on the eastern shore is hard to miss on the way to South Lake Tahoe from Reno, as it is found right on the path of highway 50.  The cave has unique beauty, tunnels, and proximity to the shore, is easy to get to, and is a must to visit.
 
A 0.8-mile-walk with little elevation gain will earn you breathtaking views that people would be happy to hike much further distances for.  Luckily, this is one view that requires little to no effort making it enjoyable for all ages.  

Right from the start you'll be met with views of the lake and more and more views of the lake with rock formations and piers as you go further along.

Views are great at the base of Cave Rock,  but people that are looking for more adventure have the option of climbing to the top to access even more magical views.  There's an out-and-back trail to the top, with some spots that will allow you to step to the side for people to pass. 

My 6-year-old climbed to the top with little help.  Also, my two-year-old got pretty far.  Had I not intervened, I have no doubt he would've made it to the top.

This fun and unique spot is more than worth the effort to get to and is enjoyable year-round.


Notes:
-0.8 mile out and back (10-15 mins), 137 ft. elevation gain
-about six parking spaces at trailhead
-catch amazing views at sunset
-more parking to the side of the road just a little way up the hill away from trailhead 
-dog friendly, on leash, no trash or poop bags available
-path is wide
-Since there are lots of people that utilize the trail, I suggest the use a carrier for kids instead of a stroller
-this location would be epic for photo shoots. Next wedding I shoot is going to be here
-I always carry my hiking backpack or carrier, and portable potty and Liners when on a hike, just in case the kids get tired or need to go
-snacks and water are always a must for kids on hikes
-empowering for kids
-mostly exposed. sun protection would help, esp. in summer
-checking the weather before you go will help with planning what to wear. it can get windy
-room is limited at the top of the cave
-ideal for snow-shoeing in winter
-I slipped a couple of times on small loose rock.  I recommend appropriate footwear 
-For more of a challenge, you can park across the street at Cave Rock State Park boat landing, cross the street, and walk up to trailhead.  Parking lot on the right after passing tunnel.  
-Picnic tables, restrooms, sand play, snorkeling and swimming available at Cave Rock State Park next to highway 50


Categorized under "Lake Tahoe," "Scenic Overlooks,"  and  "Family Friendly Hikes"

Photos
©Katherine Fung,
All Rights Reserved.
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Location: Winding Way & Cave Rock Dr, Nevada 89413, USA

Sunday, April 4, 2021

Easter Dining, Egg Hunts, and Crafts in Reno 2021


If you haven't made plans for Easter yet, there's still time.  Check out these events for egg hunting and Easter dining or if you're not looking to go out, have some Easter action right in the comfort of your own home or at a beautiful park. 

*Easter Dining in Reno and Sparks
*Easter Egg Hunts in Reno, Sparks, and Lake Tahoe
*Beautiful Parks and Playgrounds in Reno — I haven't had a chance to add Sparks Marina, Idlewild, and Mayberry Park yet.  They are definitely on the list of best parks in Reno and Sparks.
*Easter Kits at Color Me Mine
*Easter Activities to do at Home
 


Enjoy Specialty Items at Grateful Gardens for Easter


Enjoy Easter Brunch at Fire & Ice (9:30-10:30am) at Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe.  After, walk around and browse the many unique shops or visit a beach and enjoy some outdoor activities and scenery.


Categorized Under "Events, News, & Announcements" 

Photos
©Katherine Fung,
All Rights Reserved.
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Great Full Gardens- Delicious and Nourishing Food in A Cool & Casual Environment with Great Service



Locations
Midtown 
555 So Virginia #107
Reno, NV 89501

South Reno 
748 South Meadows Parkway Ste A-14
Reno, NV 89521

Legends at Sparks 

The Kitchen 


Great Full Gardens is a restaurant that many locals and tourists are Grateful for.  
You can eat here everyday and not feel guilty about it because their food is wholesome with lots of fresh ingredients.  

People are under the impression that healthy food is not tasty food, but this isn't the case at Great Full Gardens.  This restaurant aims at sourcing the freshest produce and meats (local when possible) and highlights them with complimenting ingredients and simple seasonings.  This allows for true flavors to shine through and for freshness to speak for itself.  There's no shortness of flavor here. 

Great Full Gardens also gives back to the community.  They aim at educating youth - K through 12, homeless shelters, and community gardens with essential tools like greenhouses that they donate and knowledge they impart.  Everybody wins when you support this restaurant. 

Notes:
-breakfast served until 11:30AM daily (as of 4/2021)
-serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner
-kid's menu available
-access menus on their website
-super friendly service.  When picking up food at checkout, I once heard the manager giving the staff a pep talk.  It was motivational and nice to see this kind of synergy going on.  It translates to good service and good food. 
-order online and pick up.  schedule orders at specific times
-their serve their own versions of well known dishes from different cuisines
-they cater to people with special dietary needs: dairy-free, paleo, gluten free, vegan, vegetarian
-they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner
-outside seating available
-curbside pickup available
-they have pre-made soups at their bar available for purchase. Take a recipe card found on the counter or save paper and access their recipe online on their website
-they cater. check their website for their full menu
-don't forget to sign up for their rewards program if you're a regular
-gift cards available
 -they have a private room you can reserve for different type of gatherings located at their midtown location
-specialty menus during holidays


Categorized Under "Good Eats"

Photos
©Katherine Fung,
All Rights Reserved.
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Location: 555 S Virginia St #107, Reno, NV 89501, USA
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