Mommy Outing, A Review.

Peek-a-boo!

Did I mention what we did on Mother's Day?  I don't think I did.  Blame it on the busy life of a new mom.  Here's the update and a review of a stay-cation spot located near the 518.

Jeff & Terry playing Swiss Family Robinson in
one of the cooler huts on stilts; made from
bamboo and climbing rope.

It was a really nice day... a nice breakfast at home followed by a mini road trip with three of my favorite men.  1.) My boy Felix, of course.  2.)  My hubby... who made sure we did something special.  3.)  My brother, Jeffrey... who is the best damn uncle Felix could ask for.  We call him "the manny" sometimes, because he will schlep anywhere with me and Felix - making grocery shopping, trips to the bank, and navigating the mall all much easier with his help.

About a week before mother's day, I was listening to an interview on WAMC/NPR about The Berkshire Botanical Gardens - which I never knew existed.  Apparently, the garden was hosting some rad art show - tree houses built by artists and architects.  I love treehouses.  I love gardens.  I love the Berkshires.  It seemed like a great little jaunt for a mother and her happy little clusters of dudes.  And, don't get me wrong, it was...

Family Photo Op #1.

BUT - I have to admit, I was a bit underwhelmed with the garden.  Now, this is partially my fault.  You'd think that a horticulturist's daughter would've realized that it was way too early in the growing season to be wowed by any blooms... but I figured there'd be an abundance of tulips, daffodils, and crocuses to provide a colorful landscape.  Especially when they were charging $12 a pop to stroll through the grounds (do the math... we paid $36 total).  I was wrong.  A handful of daffodils and one flowering magnolia tree.  Weak sauce.

My second favorite hut.
It was simple and sweet.

I also was slightly disappointed in the six "tree houses."  I figured they'd be magical structures that sprawled on branches and weaved through the leaves and limbs.  In reality, they were more like creative-ish sheds located near trees.  In their own right, they were each a work of art... yes.  Some were made using recycled materials.  Some were made using sexy smooth lines.  Some were made with light and negative space in mind.  They all were made to keep the trees alive and healthy (they didn't drill holes or cut in to any of them)... and I respect that.

I bet that now, about a month later in to the growing season, there is plenty to soak in at the Berkshire Botanical Gardens... but I refuse to drop another thirty bucks on the trip.  I'm not suggesting anyone steal, cheat, or swindle... but the ticket area is pretty un-obvious and I don't think anyone would've noticed if we didn't pay our way.  I kind of wish we didn't, actually... then I might actually go back and happily pay to see the garden again.

My favorite tree house.
I think it'd look great at night, light from the inside.

The day wasn't about the flowers or the tree houses; it was about spending it with an adorable little human being who can call me mommy (any day now, Felix)... and that was worth twice the price of any admission fee.

If the Berkshire Botanical Gardens is listening... yes, I'd love some comps to write a second blog on how beautiful your space truly is.  Please and thank you.