As the official geocaching web site geocaching.com puts it: “Geocaching is the real-world treasure hunt that’s happening right now, all around you.” What kid (or person, really) wouldn’t find that statement at least a little bit intriguing? It’s also a free and fun way to spend time as a family and with friends, while also exploring the city. Here’s our guide to getting started and where to geocache in NYC!

geocaching

photo: Victoria Prather

The Geocaching Basics
Geocaching (pronounced “gee-oh-cash-ing”) is essentially, a free technology-based worldwide scavenger hunt created by millions of individuals, independently. Little treasures or “caches” are tucked away in public spaces by people and then found by others who log their discovery, both in a roster on site and online. Sometimes, the cache will include a tiny  “take one, leave one” token (a patch, a shell, a sticker, an action figure), that finders take, while leaving a similar item behind for the next geocacher to find — but really, this pastime is all about the thrill of the hunt and the discovery.

rt-group-cache

photo: Lisa Schorr

How to Get Caching
Intrigued? (You should be.)

To get started, the basic requirements are simple. You’ll need:

• A smartphone or iPad with GPS/location services or a GPS device

• The Geocaching app or access to geocaching.com via the internet (you’ll need to set up a free account at https://www.geocaching.com)

• A pen or marker to record your discovery of the cache

• A small item to leave at the cache if necessary

• A sense of adventure

Geocache-Family1 (1)

photo: Victoria Prather

On the Hunt
Once you have the basic supplies and have set up your free account, you can enter your location on the app or web site and see precisely how many caches are nearby, and where they are. To date, there are over 2.7 million geocaches worldwide and thousands are right here in New York City as well as the tri-state area. Then, you simply navigate your way to the cache with the aid of your device.

Most caches are containers of varying sizes; the Geocaching app or website will tell you more details regarding the type, the overall difficulty level of finding them, and the terrain you’ll have to traverse on your search — some people stash the cache in more out of the way spots.

Each cache will either have a logbook, a log sheet, and as mentioned above, sometimes even a piece of treasure attached to its find.  (The geocaching app will also let you know if the latter is the type you’re seeking.) Caches vary greatly, but the standard rules are the same: under all circumstances, the contents should be family-friendly.

Generally speaking, your first cache should be a simple one. To start, check the app/website for an easy find in terms of difficulty level and make sure that if you’re traveling with a stroller or other child gear, take in consideration the requirements of the location. The details will be spelled out for you within the Geocaching app/website, so you can stick to one that’s easy to find and ensure it’s a fun scavenger hunt for all involved.

rt-peter-geocache

photo: Lisa Schorr

Beginner’s Tips
If you do get stuck, you can find some additional hints within the app/web site to get you back on track.

For basic safety reasons, you’ll want to seek for geocaches during daylight hours and never trespass in an area that is closed.

Also, be sure to keep your detective skills to yourselves. You’re seeking out hidden treasure in a public space, and you don’t want the whole world to see where you’re uncovering the booty! (In the geocaching world, civilians are described as “muggles” — yes, just like in Harry Potter — so be sure you’re keeping your discoveries low-key.)

rt-jack-geocaching

photo: Lisa Schorr

Geocaching The Big Apple
You literally can geocache almost anywhere in the world, which makes it a fun activity to do when traveling, too. (You can even geocache in Antarctica. We checked.) The great news is the New York City is teeming with secret stashes hidden in every borough. (And of course, in New Jersey, Westchester and beyond!)

Densely-cached areas include parks (both Central Park and Prospect Park are rich in caches), as are downtown below 14th Street and Midtown between 34th and 57th Streets. Many areas in Brooklyn, like Red Hook, Carroll Gardens and Bay Ridge are favorite hiding spots for geocachers.

So get going! Before you know it, you and the kids will be creating caches for other newbies to discover!

—Victoria Prather

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As a parent, you’ve probably thought about investing in a LEGO table. Or several. After all, what could be better than a one-stop-shop to keep their bricks organized and their time occupied? Since there’s no time like the present to get organized, we found a ton of awesome options—even an IKEA table perfect for LEGO. Whether your home is minimalist chic or teeming with toys, there is a LEGO table with storage that’ll fit the bill. And your décor. See our top picks below.

IKEA Table

IKEA kids room hack for a LEGO table

While this storage system isn't technically a table, all you'd need to do is glue a few base plates to the top of the unit. The colorful bins underneath make a perfect place to stash LEGO bricks, and you can easily buy two or three of these to create a whole LEGO wall! 

Buy it here, $66.99.

Classic

It doesn't get any more classic than a rectangle shape with four LEGO base plates on top. We like the mesh net storage spot in the middle and the fact that there are six different sizes to choose from, depending on the space you have available. 

Buy it here, $169.99.

Related: 14 Clever Ways to Organize LEGO Bricks

Budget-Friendly

This 2-in-1 LEGO table is not only easy on the wallet, but it's perfect for first-time builders, as it's compatible with both regular bricks and DUPLO bricks as well. The chairs are included in the price, and you can put the smooth cover on when the kids are ready for crafts or snacks. 

Buy it here, $44.32.

All-in-One

Melissa & Doug knows their play tables. This one has plenty of storage for toys, and the big play area is ideal for LEGO, trains, dollhouses or anything else your kid loves. 

Buy it here, $124.99.

Related: Give Your Unwanted LEGO Bricks to Kids in Need with the LEGO Replay Program

Clean Lines

Amazon

If you prefer your kids' furniture to have clean lines, this LEGO table might be for you. Designed to be lower to the ground, this is a good fit for toddlers and preschool kids. The chic bins below also make for easy clean up and storage. 

Buy it here, $95.95.

A Splurge

A little pricer than our other top picks, the big bins and bright primary colors caught our eye on this LEGO storage table. What a fun addition to the play room! 

Buy it here, $217.99.

A Multi-Tasker

This play table does it all! Not only is it perfect for LEGO play, but it can also be a water table, a sand table and a regular craft table. Phew! We also love the fun colors that are perfect for younger kids. 

Buy it here, $71.98.

On-the-Go

Who says LEGO tables have to stay put? For on-the-go LEGO storage fun, check out this cute table top option. The top lifts off to display separated spots for certain bricks, and the baseplate on top will keep the pieces where they need to be—on the table instead of on the ground. 

Buy it here, $28.95.

A Roll-Up Mat

Who says your LEGO table needs to actually be a table? If you don't have room for one more thing at home, opt for a mat that rolls out when you need it and stashes away easily when you don't. Since this one doesn't come with storage capabilities, be sure to check out our creative LEGO organizing ideas here

Buy it here, $28.99. 

—Gabby Cullen with Felissa Allard

Editor’s Note: At the time of publication, all items were available for purchase/All images courtesy retailers

 

 

 

That long list of activities you’ve been wanting to tackle as a family but never got around to? The new year is almost here and there are. No. More. Excuses! (Yep, you can count on us at Red Tricycle to give a dose of tough love.) Resolutions are well worth keeping if they involve the kiddos. Here are some every Chicago fam should make — and follow through on — in 2020.

Introduce More Theatre

Storytown Improv

Not many cities in the US compare to Chicago when it comes to the theater scene — for both adults and littles. See a charming piece of live theater when Chicago Children's Theatre presents Wake Up, Brother Bear and Me . . . Jane: The Dreams & Adventures of Young Jane Goodall. Or, throw yourself and your kids into the show with interactive performances like Storytown Improv at Stage 773.

Be More Spontaneous

Wilmot Mountain

Make time for last-minute road tripping with your family with the perfect winter vacay, snowboard, ski or tube with the kids at Wilmot Mountain or slip away any time of year to The Dells. Quick and easy memory-makers.

Be More Outdoorsy

Morton Arboretum via Maria Chambers

Morton Arboretum welcomes as many as 1 million visitors a year. See what all the buzz is about and explore the grounds any month for an ever-changing view of nature. Let the Husky Heroes impress you Jan. 25 & 26, hunt for giant trolls hiding in the woods before they sneak away at the end of summer, or pop in for Thursday Family Nights this summer.

Eat Healthier

Green City Market via Yelp

Encourage healthy eating habits by being thoughtful about where your food comes from. Shop Green City Market. (Psst ... yes, even in winter). It moves indoors to Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, November-April.) While you're at Peggy Notebaert, check out the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, where they release butterflies daily and it always feels like summer.

Be a Tourist in Your Own City

Hotel Zachary

Make an effort to become more acquainted with our beautiful city by planning a staycation with help from one of the many hotels that cater to families.

Walk More, Drive Less!

two girls in nature at Morton Arboretum in Chicago
Maria Chambers

Put some miles on the baby buggy by taking a guided stroller tour of the Museum of Contemporary Art the first Wednesday of every month. Keeping walking on into spring when the berries are prime for the picking and you can stroll around, filling your bellies with sweet goodness at one of these berry farms.  You could also opt for a family hike (look at you, sticking to that resolution to be outdoorsy. Two birds. One stone).

Learn a New Skill

Maria Chambers

Hopefully, the powder will be plentiful this season so you can check "learn to shred" off your bucket list at Lisle's Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports. This is a great spot for first-timers and little ones looking to take a first peek at snowboarding and skiing.

Watch More Quality Programming

Chicago International Children's Film Festival, credit Facets

Did you know Chicago is home to an international children's film fest? Yep. Totally is. And, we definitely recommend checking it out. For the 37th year, the Chicago International Children's Film Festival will be hitting local theaters at the end of October. Keep your eyes peeled for the 2020 dates.

Get to Know a Neighbor. . . Michigan!

Chris Landis via flickr

Packerland and all their stinky cheese not sounding appealing? Okay, scoot on over to the western coast of Michigan, where low-key beaches and quaint towns reign supreme.

Visit More Museums

Adler Planetarium

Adler, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, The Art Institute, Chicago Children's Museum. . . our city is teeming with world-class museums. Spend the year ticking them off your list, and consider supporting them with a family membership. Along with scoring sweet perks like access to special events, discounts and free parking, you’re helping an awesome family destination thrive. Here is the scoop on memberships your gang should consider having: Perk Up! Must-Have Family Memberships in Chicago.

Listen to the Wise Ones

Credit Wayne Lee-Sing via Unsplash

Remember the wise, wise words of fellow Chicagoan Ferris Bueller: "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop to look around once in awhile, you could miss it."

— Maria Chambers

RELATED STORIES:

Super Slopes! Where to Go Sledding in Chicago & Beyond

With 200 King County parks (consisting of 28,000 acres of open space), Seattle families can find a green place to play every day of the week. And topping that list of places is Woodinville’s Cottage Lake Park. This beautiful, sprawling park is chock-full of amenities, yet still feels quaint and oh-so-out-of-the-way. If you’re ready to discover this hidden gem, grab your sand toys, pool floats and fishing poles and read on for the inside scoop.

photo: Jennifer Davis

A Lake for Everyone
Only 63 acres in size and 25 feet deep (compared to Lake Washington at over 22,000 acres and over 200 feet deep), Cottage Lake is warm and inviting, clear and clean and contains limited “growies” at the beach section. Crowded with those-who-love-to-fish in the early mornings, and teeming with swimmers and parkgoers on warm summer weekends, Cottage Lake Park is the perfect hideaway on a sunny mid-week day. If the weekend is the only time your family can visit, you’ll be happy to know there’s more than enough space to spread out. Plus, it’s safely contained and away from busy streets, so you can let the tykes run free.

photo: Jennifer Davis

Bring Your Pool Noodles! 
Did you know Cottage Lake Park boasts one of the few public outdoor pools in the Seattle area? And guess what? It was recently renovated and is open to the public Mon.-Sat. (with Sunday’s available for private party rentals). The pool is only $7/person (or $5 with a YMCA membership) and offers complete aquatic fun with a water slide and 84-degree water temps. What’s even better, the kids can go from pool to lake in a matter of minutes. Psst… if you can’t make it to the pool before the season ends on September 4, put it on next summer’s must-do list.

photo: Joanne McDonald

Places to Monkey Around
While the expansive green space and, of course, the pool and actual lake are the major draws, the park also offers rugrats a newly built play structure with multiple options for climbing, swinging, bouncing and running (on safe, rubbery flooring). The play structures are located between the pool and lake and most suitable for tykes ages four and up. But there is also a small-scale climbing apparatus as well as bucket swings for tiny tots. A variety of unique rope climbing features will delight the littlest monkeys in your crew (and an actual ropes course, though not publicly accessible, is on-site for adult team-building and events). Follow the covered walkway and you’ll find a separate green space available for picnicking or running wild. Psst… this space is often used by YMCA camps during the summer months, but come fall it will be wide open for families to use.

photo: Jennifer Davis

Cottage Lake Park
N.E. Woodinville-Duval Rd. & 188th N.E.
Woodinville, Wa 98072
Online: kingcounty.gov/services/environment/water-and-land/lakes/lakes-of-king-county/cottage-lake.aspx
Open: 8 a.m.-dusk

Insider Tip: The main parking lot on the north side of the lake, accessed via Woodinville-Duval Rd., can get crowded, but there’s a smaller spillover lot just a minute east down the road.

Have you visited Cottage Lake Park this summer? What’s your family’s favorite part? Tell us in the Comments below.

— Jennifer B. Davis

If your idea of a perfect weekend morning is to start the day with an all-you-can-eat brunch in one of the prettiest rooms in town, then grab the family and shimmy over to The Roxy (formerly known as the Tribeca Grand) ASAP. If it would be even better if the kids were entertained while you relaxed with your partner, then you’re really gonna love this.

photo: The Roxy

A Brunch Above and Beyond
This is no average brunch; it’s absolutely decadent. We’re talking made-to-order waffles and omelets, a baked ham carving station, sides of sausage and bacon — and that’s just the hot section.

Over at the ‘cold’ table, there are so many choices that even the pickiest of picky eaters will find something to nosh on. The adults in our party went straight for the kale Caesar salad, roasted tomato tart and teeming platter of smoked salmon and sturgeon, while the junior set made a beeline to the pastries and eye-poppingly large rugelach nestled right next to a triple-tiered assortment of donuts made in-house.

Not only is the food top-notch, The Roxy brunch serves Jack’s coffee, and should you so desire, endless cocktails can be yours for a mere $20. All this plus jazzy live music as you dine, and easy stroller parking.

photo: The Roxy

But Wait, There’s More
Once your kid is done eating, he or she can run downstairs to the hotel’s movie theater to watch a classic family-friendly film. Movies run from 11 a.m., when brunch begins serving, to 4 p.m. The current movie schedule is: Bolt, Mulan and Cinderella (2015) (May 15); The Croods, The Lion King and The Goonies (May 22), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (original), Tangled and Honey I Shrunk the Kids (May 29).

While the theater is a tad far from the dining room — it’s hard to keep an eye on the kids, and we kept wishing they had a staffer on deck just to make sure the theater didn’t descend into chaos —  listening to live music, diving into The New York Times while the child was enjoying The Nut Job, made for a little bit of paradise.

A final note: Technically, there’s a two-hour limit per table, but enforcement of that is up to The Roxy’s discretion, based on occupancy on any given day.

Brunch and Blockbusters for Families
Sun., 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost:  Adults $35 + $20 for endless cocktails; Children $15
The Roxy Hotel
2 Avenue of the Americas (at Church St.)
Tribeca
212-965-3565
Online: roxyhotelnyc.com

 

Do you have a favorite family-friendly brunch you like to hit with the kids? Share it in the comments below! 

—Lambeth Hochwald

Planning a camping trip has historically involved a handful of semi-helpful websites, clunky reservation processes and tearing apart your storage unit looking for those darn sleeping bags (We KNOW they are in here somewhere). But leave it to the Bay Area to start-up-ify our back-to-nature experience. Hipcamp started as a site that simply aggregated campsites, letting you filter, book and review, but they recently unveiled a land sharing program, which is basically like Airbnb for gorgeous private places to pitch your tent.

A Great View
While we are thankful for ReserveAmerica.com and other sites that have tried their best to round up all the available campsites under one url, the user experience has never been great, and the descriptions leave much to be desired. Enter Hipcamp: With its inspiring photography, thorough and clear site descriptions and the ability to filter by all the important stuff (tent or lodging, drive-in or hike-in, cave, beach or forest) finding a campsite just became a lot more like finding a five-star hotel. Another game changer is the user tips. Fellow campers recommend everything from where to buy fresh oysters nearby to which cabins have the softest cots.

Pitch a Tent on Private Property
Hipcamp just launched Land Sharing, so now property owners can create idyllic campsites in their own bucolic backyards. There are currently 53 listings, from working organic farms to vineyards to glamping sites outfitted with real beds twinkle lights. While it may not technically qualify as camping, we love these geodesic domes in Point Arena.

Pack Up the Car and GO
Hipcamp’s site may be teeming with bearded 20-somethings drinking whiskey by the fire, but we’ve found it to be ideal for families. All the necessary info is available on each campsite’s page, from the availability of drinking water, showers, restrooms and fire pits, to all the activities available nearby, to weather, elevation and exactly how far the site is from where you are sitting (technology!). The one hiccup the Hipcamp folks are still battling is that some government-run sites keep their availability info under lock and key, so those sites can’t be booked directly from Hipcamp’s site, but one click will get you where you need to go. As for those sleeping bags—that’s between you and your storage unit.

Online: Hipcamp.com

Where is your favorite place to camp in Northern California? Tell us in the comments below! 

—Erin Feher

Prepare to be amazed by all of the purple sea urchins, red sea cucumbers, giant green sea anemones, colorful sea stars, hermit crabs, harbor seals and sea birds your family can handle at these seven protected intertidal ecosystems, known as marine gardens, along the Oregon coast. All of the gardens are hands-on sites that enable your little scientists to carefully touch the starfish or pick up hermit crabs. Click through our album for the splash-tastic scoop on where to find them.

For Anemones and Starfish: Haystack Rock

This seabird nesting colony is also home to spectacular tide pools teeming with sea anemones, sea stars, sea urchin and shellfish, not to mention it's within a couple hours' drive of Portland. Volunteers from the Haystack Rock Awareness Program are available on most summer days to help your family with any questions and to point you in the right direction of little sea creatures.

Hwy. 101
Cannon Beach, Or
503-436-2623
Online: friendsofhaystackrock.org

Photo credit: wikimedia.org via Creative Commons

 

Where is your favorite tide pool to explore? Let us know in the Comments below!

–Suzie Ridgway

Often missed by families cruising along Highway 6 on their way to and from the Oregon coast after a day at the beach, the Tillamook State Forest Center is a great place to stop and stretch your legs while (unintentionally) learning a wealth of local history. We’re all about sneaking in a little education on our family vacations, making this more than a worthwhile pit stop. With nature-based programs that cover everything from the local birds to plants and fungi, the Tillamook State Forest Center boasts a little something for the naturalist in everyone. Once you’ve absorbed your fill, head outdoors and hike along the easy trails where you can spot the very wildlife you just learned about. The surrounding woods are teeming with local fora and fauna, so bring a camera to capture everything that your mini John Muirs can spy with their little eyes.

When to go: Their hours are seasonal based on the following schedule:

Spring: Wed – Sun, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Summer: 7 days a week, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Fall: Wed – Sun, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Winter: Closed

The center has been known to close early on account of weather, so we highly suggest calling to confirm before you make the trip. They can be reached at either 503-815-6800 or 866-930-4646.

Travel time: An hour drive west of Portland on Highway 6.

What to see/do: The Tillamook State Forest Center was built to help educate the public about the Tillamook Burn, a series of forest fires that destroyed over 350,000 acres of old-growth timber from the 1930s to the 1950s, as well as to promote stewardship of local forests. Kids can learn about the forest plants and animals with hands-on exhibits.

Let your elementary-school-aged kids use magnetic cut-outs to match animals to their native habitat or play a computer game that puts them in the boots of a forest district ranger. There are authentic animal pelts to touch, and exhibits of plants and flowers that are not only pretty to look at, but also tell us about the age and the health of the forest.

Toddler and babies have their own place in the back corner of the center, with a hollowed-out tree begging to be explored, blocks and books. There’s also a tunnel that gives little tourists a mock-up underwater view of salmon run.

In the middle of the center, visitors can learn about the pioneers who settled in the Tillamook State Forest and the people who helped replant the forest after the fires. The center also shows a film at regular intervals giving a history of the fires and describing how the community came together to heal the forest.

The journey continues outside, where those with strong legs can climb the 40-foot replica of a forest fire lookout tower at the center’s entrance. Behind the center is a 250-foot suspension bridge that takes hikers over the Wilson River to easy, kid-friendly trails that lead into the forest and along the river.

Need to know: The Wilson River trail does eventually lead right down to the river, so be sure to keep little ones close to you. The center also rents out a banquet room for events, which can make the parking lot a bit busy during summer weekends. The film includes footage of the fires and the devastation, and can be a bit dramatic if your little one frightens easily.

How to dress/What to bring: Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes if you plan to go hiking. It’s Oregon, so it’s also a good idea to bring a rain jacket unless you are going in the middle of the summer. If there is sunshine, you’ll definitely want to slather on sunscreen. There’s also a certain amount of overgrowth along some of the trails, so you may want to consider wearing long pants, even in the summer. While there are a few vending machines at the center, there’s no snack bar and the closest restaurants are several miles down the road. So, pack a lunch and plan to have a picnic at one of the chairs or benches around the center, or travel down the road into Tillamook for a proper meal.

Cost of trip: Admission to the center is free, though donations are gladly accepted.

Tillamook Forest Center
45500 Wilson River Highway
Tillamook, Or 97141
tillamookforestcenter.org

What was the highlight of your last visit to the State Forest Center? 

–Tamara Miller

Phone credit: Tamara Miller & The Tillamook Forest Center Facebook page

Parents often go out of their way to plan grandiose family trips with all the bells and whistles; but sometimes it’s the simplest, impromptu outings that create the fondest memories. Such is the case with a low-key trip to Malibu Lagoon State Beach, which promises to be a relaxing retreat into nature that the whole family will enjoy. This majestic backdrop offers the opportunity to ditch the lines and the admission fees at the local aquarium, and to observe and appreciate sea life in its natural habitat. In the tide pool, kids can discover plenty of crabs as they scamper by right next to their toes, or ooh and ahh over the bright orange hue of a real live sea star. Plus, there’s 22 acres of wetlands where you can spot an abundance of bird species who call the lagoon home.

Getting There & Parking: Malibu Lagoon State Beach is located at 23200 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265. Look for the entrance for parking and the nature area at Cross Creek Road off the Pacific Coast Highway. This is directly across from the famed Malibu Country Mart, where you can pick up a picnic to go (see below). The state beach parking lot is located on the west side of the Malibu Creek Bridge. Parking costs $12. Be sure to pay the fee, as the area is heavily patrolled!

Picnic to Go: En route to the beach, stop and pick up food at John’s Garden at the Malibu Country Mart. They offer an extensive sandwich and salad menu, as well as smoothies, milk shakes and snacks that are all easy to tote on the go. While you wait for your food to be prepared, the kiddos can blow off some steam from the drive at the fun playground located just outside the order pick-up window.


Parking 411:
After you park, you’ll have a beautifully scenic, yet somewhat lengthy stroll along a wildflower lined dirt path to the beach — so be mindful of how much you need to lug with you to set up shop.

Fun in the tide pool: A tide pool offers an adventurous departure from a smooth sandy shore. Swap out the lounging and building of sand castles for the fun of exploring! At Malibu Lagoon State Beach, you’ll find a rocky, shallow pool of water that’s teeming with ocean life peeking out from the crevices and creeping among the rocks. Expect to see black crabs scurrying by and perhaps a starfish or two basking in its natural habitat. Bring your camera because there will be many photo-worthy moments of your kids’ delight in this amazing backdrop.

Tide Pool Exploration Tip: Outfit your kiddos in water shoes because they’ll be climbing around in rocky terrain, and you’ll want to protect their fragile tootsies from sharp edges and maybe even a crab’s claw or two.

Surf’s Up: This setting is also a great place to watch surfers hang ten, as it is home to Surfrider Beach, a world-famous locale that’s a popular destination for catching waves, and one of the birthplaces of SoCal surfing culture.

Bird’s Eye View: Malibu Lagoon is an amazing place to go bird watching. Here you’ll find a large assortment of birds to behold. For a glimpse at some of the beautiful feathered creatures, you may be lucky enough to spy, visit this page of the Santa Monica Bay Audobon Society’s website. Don’t forget to pack binoculars for your little bird watchers in training!

Online: parks.ca.gov/malibulagoon

—Beth Shea

 

All photos courtesy of Beth Shea