The Big E Fair is a New England fall must do

My favorite season is Summer but the one thing that ushers in a fun transition into Fall is the Big E Fair located in West Springfield, MA. I'm literally like a kid in the candy store. It is an annual fair that starts mid-September and runs for several weeks. I like riding on the ferris wheel, watching concerts and parades,  car shows, vendor shopping and strolling by the animal/arts & craft competitions. However if I’m keeping it a buck...the highlight is arriving in stretchy legging pants and sneakers to find and eat the unique food! Yes you heard me right I'm there for an epic cheat day! Just imagine the Six Flags of fairs where you actually need a map to get around.

Grab a pen and get ready for the ultimate Big E Fair hack. You won't catch me there on the weekends only weekdays because this is the best time to avoid traffic, large crowds and more importantly long food lines. During peak times there is limited seating to rest, eat and enjoy the live entertainment. Make sure to park near or the Powerhouse gym located near gate 4. Keep in mind parking is cash only and run by local businesses. If you arrive after 5pm the admission is $8 instead of $15. It's advised to go with someone who also likes fried American foods, crowds and alot of walking.

What do I crave? The giant fried peanut butter and nutella sandwiches located outside the food court near the Big E ferris wheel. Make sure to find Chompers food truck that is usually near the the statehouses. Chompers by far has the best fried chicken parm balls! If you're adventurous and love pickles try the pickle pizza located at the Pizza Palace stand. If you're plant based I heard a new vegan food vendor called Soulfully was recently added into the mix. No that I know, next year their meatless burgers, hot dogs and milkshakes are at the top of the to do list. Meat lovers will have to try the Craz E Burger which is a beef burger on a glazed donut bun! I had it before I quit beef five years ago and baby it lived up to the hype!

  

The Big E has six New England statehouse buildings to browse the local vendors that is run by each state. My favorite building is of course the Connecticut building that houses the one and only Lenny and Joe's hot lobster roll. This year there was a tall, dark chocolate and handsome CT state trooper who welcomed us at the door. Make sure to try the Maine statehouse for their native Maine baked potato. Of course they have their lobster rolls if you're a fan of cold lobster rolls.

Quick confession, every year I regret not wanting to look like a greedy gut and bring tubberware to store some food for later LOL don't judge me. One day I'm going to a say bump it and bring it in my book bag.  Remember to charge up your fitness watch and tally up all the steps you’ll get walking. You can restart your healthy eating journey in the morning. You can fight me on this but an annual fair cheat day alone won’t ruin your figure. 

Remember to set your calendars for mid September and who knows maybe you’ll see me there! Wait, not me counting down the days and it just ended LOL!