Archive for the ‘Excursion’ Category
As I write this post and gaze out the window at the snow gently falling, I am reminded of how nice and warm Orlando was last October and frankly it probably still is compared to here this time of year. Thinking back I remember how much of a whirlwind week of both food and entertainment it was; and in particular, there was one place I was unbelievably excited to visit that was a hit on both accords. I’m talking about Universal Orlando’s “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter”!
Now I don’t typically jump on bandwagons…wait who am I kidding….I pretty much always jump on, I’ve loved all things “Harry Potter” pretty much since the beginning, and quite obsessively. In fact, my sorority “big” and I were such fans that we had Harry Potter themed letter sweatshirts made. Ya…I know…big dork for sure! But what I love so much about the books, movies…the whole lot if it is how it allows grown-ups and kids alike to jump into those pages and get lost for a bit. J.K. Rowling truly has created an entire world complete with new words, phrases, foods & beverages, and descriptions that could allow one to picture exactly how this world would be.
Well we don’t have to picture it anymore; and when I heard they were opening up a section of Universal Studios created entirely around Harry Potter I was beyond excited. To see what I had always pictured it could look like in my head in real life…it’s hard to imagine how it could be done. But then again, with someone like Rowling giving the ok to everything, I knew it would be done right.
So needless to say, from the moment I found out, I wanted to see it, although I honestly didn’t think we would visit it for some years. That was until we decided that our anniversary trip was going to be to Orlando this past year. It was at that moment that I expressed STRONG desire to make Universal one of our park visits, and lucky for us we were able to cover the cost of the tickets by using credit card points. Also, our friends Tim and Alex Smoker (who are also enthusiasts) had a free trip to the park as well and were happy to join us, since they live in Orlando…double bonus!
Now I want to begin by saying that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is not an entire theme park in and of itself, rather it is one of Universal’s ‘Islands of Adventure.’ So we actually began our morning by slowly making our way to that “island” section of the park, knowing that section would be packed first thing and so we could make sure to arrive by lunch time, since the goal was to eat there. This actually worked out perfectly since everyone else did in fact seem to go straight there, meaning we had very little wait at any of the islands leading up to the Harry Potter section. But let me tell you, you know you are getting close when you begin to feel claustrophobic. I am not kidding…, it is as if you see the castle and all of sudden are surrounded by a million people. Still the sight is worth it…
It looks straight out of the movies…so amazing! After crossing the bridge, you are immediately in Diagon Alley, full of all the shops you remember reading about in the books. It feels very surreal to walk around. You believe that you’re actually there thank to the attention to detail, which is simply perfect. Anyway, it was almost noon, so we figured we should try and get in for lunch before it got too crazy. The restaurant in this section is aptly called Three Broomsticks, which is very much like an old English tavern, complete with the Hog’s Head Pub attached. We decided to forgo the alcoholic drinks because I had my heart set on a Butterbeer, but we’ll get to that.
Although a typical tourist attraction complete with lines that you wrap your way around to the counter to order, you really don’t feel like you are in any normal attraction. Rather, the employees are so well in character that you almost have to remind yourself you are in the real world. We eyed everything on the menu and I decided the best bet was the Chicken and Ribs platter complete with corn on the cob and roasted potatoes. Adam and Tim went with the same, while Alex decided to go with the Cornish Pasties and side salad. To drink, we all 4 had Butterbeers; and Alex informed us prior to ordering that although they come “normal” and frozen, frozen was the way to go. She was SOOOO right! They did not disappoint.
First of all, the Butterbeer…AMAZE-BALLS! It’s really hard to describe, but if I had to, I would say it tastes like a butterscotch icy milkshake…thick, creamy, almost float like. It was definitely the highlight of the meal for everyone, and although very sweet, it was still refreshing after being out in the heat. Then there was the food, which was also very good, especially considering we were dining inside a theme park, which are not known for their high level cuisine. I mean let’s be real, many theme parks are known to give you really not great food at outrageous prices. However, these meals were hearty, tasty, and totally hit the spot! And best of all, they were relatively reasonable in price considering how much food each of us got.
Following lunch we walked around a little bit more and hit up the main Harry Potter ride, which is TOTALLY AWESOME! (unless you get simulater sickness, like Adam does…, and did! 
) We wanted to go through a lot of the shops, like Olivander’s, however unless you want to wait in a line for an hour to buy something, you unfortunately can’t even get in to look around. That I would say is sort of the downfall of the whole experience. I really wanted to experience more of that world, so if you are like me and have built it up so much in your head, you will likely be disappointed if you don’t want to wait a long time.
Unfortunately past that there really isn’t much. I think maybe in a few years once the hype dies down a bit, I would enjoy being able to go inside some of the shops, but for this trip it just didn’t pay to. Still, I enjoyed looking at the detail, and we got to go on a few more of the rides, so still kinda worth it.
SIGNATURE DISH: In the case of this excursion I would have to say their “signature” items are actually drinks. Between their Butterbeer and Pumpkin Ale, drinks are the most popular items to try while visiting. While I showcased the food we ate, it isn’t any dish that is noteworthy from the books, rather foods you would find at many local pubs around England. The drinks, however, are very notable, and it was interesting to try a beverage created only from a name and to see if it tastes like what you would think it might.
TASTE: I said it above, the food we tried was great, but again what stood out was the Butterbeer! I have never in my life had anything like it, nor do I do I think I ever would again. It was just so creamy and delightful…, everything I hoped it would be and more!
AMBIANCE: The surroundings are truly the best part. Every detail was taken into account and it truly enhances the experience. I loved being submersed inside this world I had envisioned in my head, and my only wish was that I could have gone inside more of the shops. Still, just walking through the “town square” area transports you into what feels like another world. There is truly a different experience walking into and leaving this section of the park, unlike any other section throughout. This could possibly be due to the large crowds, but I like to think it was because of the “magic” of it all! 😉
PRICE: This is where we were all very shocked! For the Chicken and Ribs Platter you paid $11.99, which is way less than many restaurants outside a theme park, and you also get A LOT of food, and it tastes really good. They have done a great job making eating there a worthwhile adventure.
SERVICE: Aside from the shops with crazy lines, we didn’t encounter too much of a wait anywhere, and there were always things to look at if you did have to wait. But all of their employees are extremely well versed in both the workings of the park, as well as Harry Potter trivia itself. All in all they were also extremely helpful.
At the end of the day, although not being able to take part in more of the whole experience was disappointing, I believe that to be largely my own fault for my unwillingness to wait. Plus, outside of my expecting it to be “grander” or larger, what we did experience was pretty spectacular. I truly did have a smile the whole time and I would visit again in an instant…, mostly if not just to have another Butterbeer! So with that, I give The Wizarding World of Harry Potter…4 1/2 ‘Little… “Hoggies”‘ 
The feature this week is going to be a bit different, but straight out of pop culture nonetheless. With the leaves turning and Fall ever so subtly beating on our doors, I am reminded of just what an extremely busy but great summer it was; and what says summer more than the fair…the county fair at that.
Now I will be honest, I have actually never really attended a fair, state or county for that matter. I may have when I was younger and just not remember, but fairs have really never fallen on my radar screen. In fact, I lived in a state that boasts one of the largest and most famous state fairs in the country and I never even attended. I am not trying to be judgmental, It’s just something I was not overly exposed to and thus never developed the desire to go. In other words, fairs were not a yearly “must go to” occurrence for my family when I was growing up. My husband, on the other hand…now that’s a different story. He comes from a long line of fair-goers and grew up going to the county fairs in Indiana every summer, and now that we live back in his home town, I knew my first fair experience was just around the corner. Evidently they are known for such things up here (being the agriculture industry and all), so it must be that I was never supposed to experience a “real” fair until now. So living back in Elkhart, IN, I got the chance to experience what he’d been talking about… the Elkhart County 4-H Fair.
Adam had always made mention that the Elkhart County 4-H Fair is one of the largest county fairs in the entire country (2nd to be exact) and it is an event! Honestly, because I didn’t get the phenomenon until we moved here, I didn’t really think much of it; and I wasn’t until we got here and it was soon approaching that I saw that going to the country fair was kind of a big deal and seemed to be the “thing” to go and do. I will admit that I was both scared and intrigued all at the same time, and with good reason. I mean…this fair is the 2nd largest of its kind and is unlike any others I can imagine. It brings in over 300,000 people over just 9 days, and this year drove in record numbers, with folks lined up all day waiting to see Lady Antebellum perform, which I’m sad to say we didn’t get to see. 🙁 However, we did happen to go on the night of the tractor pull, and let’s just say that you might be surprised at the turnout! I have not seen that many people stuffed into an area and grandstands in a long time…and to watch tractors and monster trucks no less. Who knew?:).
But tractors and rides aren’t why we wanted to go. Being that this is a display of agriculture at its peak, one of the things the 4-H fair is known for is the food…and lots of it! Now they have your typical fried everything, and food trailers all over the grounds, but I’ll get to that. Where they really stand out is each 4-H group represented at the fair as their own “house” or paddock where they serve up all kinds of delicious meals, with fresh from the farm (or stable) ingredients; and any local will tell you that is the place to eat. After perusing the general scene and scoping out the variety of options, we settled on the pork house (a big hit each year) and opted to just get sandwiches, because we knew a bunch of other food would be in our future. So I got the pulled pork and Adam chose the double pork burger w/ cheese.
Attractive…I know, but it was messy and delicious all at the same time.
After our mini dinner, we decided to walk around the rest of the fair and see what else might be in store. There is a lot going on at the fair from rides to games to food to commercial products, and all of the animal stables/pens…let’s just say it’s hard to focus on one thing at a time. We continued to walk around and eventually got sucked in by the fried Oreos. It did not take them much to twist my arm, especially since I had always wanted to try one, but although they were pretty good, they were nothing as spectacular as I had envisioned in my head. Next year I will get the snickers, because that oozey chocolate has to be even better!
Continuing on, my lovely hubby loves to play games, even though he knows the odds are against him, but he was determined to win me this giant stuffed dog I thought was cute. Well…$40 later and I don’t know how many basketballs shot, he finally won me Kevin, and although he’s kind of a piece of crap, I couldn’t have been happier…
I tried to convince Adam to go on some rides with me, but alas he would not…except the Ferris Wheel, that was the one exception. I mean, you have to do the Ferris Wheel at the fair! Even Kevin enjoyed the ride!
After our ride, which gave us a beautiful view right at sunset, we got sucked in by this tight-rope walking ladder game. We both gave it our best 3 shots, but were unsuccessful. However, it was pretty hilarious watching us try…
Following our crash landing into that mat, we started to think about the last culinary treats we wanted. Dessert was a given, which I’ll tell you about soon, but the other was the giant fried mozzarella on a stick from one of the food trailers I mentioned earlier. Let’s just say the locals know what they’re talking about, because we couldn’t even get through 2 bites…not good.
Still, we each had room for one final “treat.” I had seen these people carrying around these giant homemade ice cream cups from the Dairy Shack all night and I knew that is what I wanted. Adam also knew what he was getting and had been the whole night. I also knew what he wanted since he and his family had not stopped talking about them since we began discussing going to the fair. Well…there are these mini donuts by the bag full and they seem to be all the rage from everyone I talk to about the fair. Everyone always says, "Did you get the mini donuts?" They are definitely a big deal; and I must admit now that they truly were…especially when dipped in my ice cream. :) Hey, you only go to the fair once a year, so go big or go home is my motto! But honestly, these donuts are REALLY REALLY GOOD! They are small, but the perfect amount of chewiness and softness; and they come right out of the oven, so they are really warm. Finally, they are covered in cinnamon sugar, so it is truly hard to stop at just one. I’d say our dessert was the perfect ending to a wonderful date night at the fair.
SIGNATURE DISH: In this case, there is not one thing in particular, but rather everything under the sun that you could possibly think of. It is a fair, so your typical fried everything fair food is available. However, what I thought was so special was the specific 4-H booths that serve up fresh, tasty, and local food; and you can also pretty much find anything you might be looking for from dairy to meat to veggies. Also, the mini donuts seem to be unique and a big hit! 🙂
TASTE: Except for the mozzarella stick, the taste was fantastic, and that includes both fried fair food and 4-H meat alike. True, the pork was far superior being that it was fresh, cooked perfectly, and seasoned wonderfully. Also, the sauce they use was sweet, but not overly so and added the perfect amount of flavor. And if you dip your sandwich in mustard, even better! Again, excluding the cheese stick, all of the fried items we had were also very good. Unfortunately, the mozzarella was just not gooey enough, but rather a breaded hunk of cheese, which I did not enjoy. Finally, the ice cream was so fresh and creamy, and I would eat it daily if I could! Adam mentioned that it is from the local dairy farmers, and you can tell with the freshness. It along with the donuts, Outta this World! Thank goodness the fair ONLY comes around once a year or I would be the size of house!
AMBIANCE: I would have to say I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this element. Although you do encounter a WIDE (emphasis on wide ;)) variety of folks and it is very crowded most nights, there was something so quaint and old fashioned about the whole thing. I enjoyed watching the families and locals just enjoying the scene and it almost felt like time stopped and all of the craziness in the world didn’t matter. Instead, I was there just enjoying an evening with my husband having fun.
PRICE: This is hard to gauge due to the way things work at a fair. You pay an entrance fee, but then anything else you want to eat, play, ride, etc. costs more. And when you have a husband who spends $40 to win a stuffed dog…well yeah, the evening can get a little pricey. But if we are talking about just the cost of the basics, it was very reasonable. The parking was free and it cost us $16 total to get in. Our main meal was less than $20 and the total for all the food was maybe $60 total. Really, for an entire evening of fun it was not crazy and really worth it in my opinion, but maybe we ought ask Adam. 😉
SERVICE: We had excellent service from everyone we encountered and they were all so happy to be there. Being that you are dealing with everyone from volunteers to food stand works to carnies, you get a good mix of people. Still, everyone was genuinely nice and helpful, which is always appreciated.
So although not one of our typical features, I wanted to give you a taste of something I’d consider “popular culture,” especially due to its national size. And funny enough, as “metropolitan” as I try to be, sometimes it’s just nice to enjoy an evening with no fuss or frills. So with that… I give the Elkhart County 4-H Fair 3 1/2 Little Piggies!
