Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

Day 155

For the next three nights we will be staying at the Northampton KOA, located northwest of Springfield, Massachusetts. This morning started out cool, and I could swear there was frost on the ground when I walked the puppies. The weather forecast was calling to be sunny with a high reaching into the teens as the day progressed. 

For todays adventures, Lori picked the Dr. Seuss museum located in Springfield. The museum was in the same complex as the Springfield History, Fine Arts, Science and Art Museum, and the purchase of your ticket gave you access to all four museums; we started with Dr. Seuss. 

With Dr. Seuss being about children's books the museum was created for children. There was activity stations around every corner and the displays were designed to be climbed on. The second level of the museum was designed for the adults and provided a look into the life of Theodore Geisel… Aka…Dr Seuss. 

After Dr. Seuss we headed over to the Art Museum and viewed a mix of Chinese and Japanese culture. From ancient Samurai armor and weapons to furniture and everyday items from the past, including Ming Dynasty porcelain and artwork. The other section of the museum was dedicated to ancient Roman, and Medieval sculptures. Even though the sculptures here were life sized replicas of the originals they sure gave you an appreciation of the skill the artists who created the originals. 

The fine arts museum I was hesitant to go in, figuring the place would be like the last museum in Ottawa where they tried to convince me stripes painted on a canvas, and junk hanging from fishing lines was art. Surprisingly, most of this museum was not like that. This museum had some really interesting paintings and historical items on display. I will point out they did have a contemporary art section and I bypassed it quickly… and that’s all I will say about that! 

The last museum was the history museum of Springfield. This museum was quite surprising in a way I was not expecting. The amount of inventions and companies that emerged from here was astounding. Just to name a few: the Indian Motorcycle company, Smith & Wesson, Milton Bradley, Merriam-Webster, W.F Young Company, Breck Shampoo and many more. 

By the time we finished all the museums it was time to return home and spring the puppies and take them for a long walk around the campground. 

Thing One and Thing Two. 

Office where Dr. Seuss worked his magic. 

His living room where we would retire every evening. 

Springfield Art Museum. 

Ming Dynasty porcelain vases, bowls and pots.

Sumida Vase, Circa 1899

Northampton KOA