VALLETA, Malta — A jury in Malta on Wednesday acquitted the Maltese businessman accused of being the one behind a 2017 car bomb killing of crusading investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Caruana Galizia’s killing shocked Europe, led to...

WASHINGTON — A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers is pressing the Army to explain why it told a unit based in Europe to stop specializing in drone warfare, an order that comes as the world’s battlefields rapidly evolve and military tactics increasingly...

KYIV, Ukraine — Russian aerial attacks overnight and during daylight Wednesday killed two civilians and wounded six in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro, local officials said, while the Kyiv and Odesa regions bore the brunt of Moscow’s latest...

Nicol Rey (left) and her mother, Angelina Lublin, add scented oils to their candles during a candle making workshop at the Main Library in Little Rock on Wednesday.

Martha Jennings Humbard, 84, of Little Rock. Henry L. Joiner III, 65, of Little Rock. Fred Francis VanHook, 83, of Little Rock.

Biryani Episode 2 | Digitally Presented by Surf Excel , Pond's & VGO Tel | 12 Aug 2025 | Khushhal Khan | Ramsha Khan | ARY Digital

2.4 km E of Leukada Time: 03-Sep-2026 08:47:34 (UTC) Latitude: 38.72N Longitude: 20.66E Depth: 11km M 1.1

Auburn Homes for Sale: City Convenience or More Land? Auburn homes for sale can leave you weighing two very different priorities: a location close to the places you use every day, or more land to enjoy at home.Would you choose a smaller yard with a convenient drive to Auburn University and downtown? Or would you accept a different commute for more outdoor space?Neither answer is automatically better. The important question is what you’ll appreciate on an ordinary Tuesday, not just during a showing.And sometimes, the choice isn’t either-or. A property may offer both the location and lot size you want. We need to compare the actual homes, rather than assume that an Auburn address means a small yard or that more acreage always means a long drive. Before You Choose Decide what “an Auburn address” means to you: a mailing address, a particular location, campus convenience, or specific services. Then decide what “more land” means: usable yard, trees, gardening space, or distance between homes. Those details make a home search much more productive. What Matters About an Auburn Address?When someone tells me, “I want to live in Auburn,” my next question is what they want to be close to.For one buyer, it’s Auburn University. For another, it’s work, shopping, friends, or a familiar part of town.Those priorities can lead to different home searches.Start with the destinations you’ll use regularly. Try the drive from a property to your workplace, grocery store, and other important stops. If walking matters, check the actual route and your comfort using it.For questions about a specific parcel’s location, zoning, or boundaries, consult the appropriate city offices and official mapping resources. The City of Auburn’s mapping resources provide a starting point for researching property information. Confirm school assignments directly with the school system when they are part of your decision.A listing’s location label is a starting point. Your daily routine deserves a closer look.What Would You Actually Do with More Land?“I want more land” can mean several things.You might want room to garden. You might prefer more distance between your home and the next one. Perhaps you’re picturing outdoor gatherings, trees, or a larger yard.Before focusing on acreage, describe what you want to do outside.A smaller, usable yard may work better for your plans than a larger property with steep slopes or an awkward layout. Trees may be exactly what one buyer wants, while another needs an open area.Walk the property when possible. Look at the terrain, drainage, access, and the parts you would actually use. Ask for the available survey and have boundaries or other questions reviewed by the appropriate professionals.More land is valuable to you when it supports the life you want—not simply because the acreage number is larger.Auburn Homes for Sale: City Convenience Versus More LandHere’s a practical comparison. These are questions to investigate, not promises about every property. Priority A home closer to your daily destinations A home with more land Daily travel May reduce some trips; test the actual routes Compare the drive with how often you leave home Outdoor use Check whether the yard accommodates your plans Look at usable space, terrain, and restrictions Maintenance Review the house, landscaping, and any association responsibilities Consider mowing, trees, fences, and driveway upkeep Campus access Measure convenience to the part of campus you use Decide how often you expect to visit campus Utilities and internet Confirm service and costs for the exact address Confirm service and costs for the exact address Personal fit Could suit someone who values nearby destinations Could suit someone who spends more time outdoors at home You can explore my Auburn subdivision guide to begin comparing communities. If you’re also considering Opelika, my Opelika subdivision guide can help you broaden the comparison.Let’s Find the Right Balance for Your Next HomeWould you rather have a location closer to your everyday stops or more outdoor space? Tell me your budget, timing, and what you want your next home to make possible.I’ll help you compare Auburn and Opelika homes with those priorities in mind.Call or text 334-332-7263, or contact me about your home search.Laura Sellers is an Auburn University alumna, Auburn resident since 1988, and REALTOR® and Associate Broker licensed since 2005. She helps residential buyers and sellers in Auburn and Opelika, including people relocating to the area and moving across town.Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate is the Official Real Estate Partner of the Auburn Tigers.Homes, y’all! Laura Sellers Associate Broker, Realtor, GRI Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc. 1810 E. Glenn Avenue, Suite 130 Auburn, AL 36830 Phone: 334-332-7263 Fax: 1-888-217-3682w www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com TO VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN THE AUBURN-OPELIKA AREA PLEASE CLICK HERE. EXPERT IN AUBURN - OPELIKA - REAL ESTATE SERVICES If you are buying or selling property in the Auburn - Opelika, AL area, my team and I will provide you with the service that you need. We're the #1 real estate company in Auburn's #1 office. Please call me today at (334) 332-7263. To view homes for sale in the Auburn - Opelika area please click here. Referrals are always welcomed and appreciated, Thank-you!

BIRKENSTOCK has opened a new boutique in Tokyo at Shibuya. The 90 sqm retail space and is situated on the ground floor of a ten-storey, newly built structure. The interior design, created by Tokyo-based architecture practice ATELIER WRITE, takes cues […]

We Sold It! 🎉289 S Barrington Ave, BrentwoodCongratulations to my wonderful seller and to the lovely new owner of this beautiful Brentwood condo!Sold for $690,000 cash — the highest 1-bedroom sale in the building in the last 3 years. 🏡A big thank-you to everyone involved who helped get us smoothly across the finish line. Real estate is always a team effort, and I truly appreciate a good one.SOLD. Closed. Happy clients. On to the next. 💕 Thinking of selling your Brentwood property? Let’s make your sale the next success story. Give me a call!This Active Rain post is created by Inna Ivchenko. Thank you so much for checking my blog, likes and comments!

ISTANBUL — A Turkish cargo ship with 10 crew members sank Wednesday after a collision with a tanker off Istanbul, and there were no immediate signs of survivors, Turkish authorities said. A lifeboat and other debris belonging to the Tugberk Imamoglu...

FAYETTEVILLE — During his radio show Wednesday night, University of Arkansas football Coach Ryan Silverfield revealed a new day-beforegame tradition ahead of Saturday’s season opener against North Alabama. As part of what Silverfield labeled the “Hog...

NORTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA STATE AT HARDING WHEN 6 p.m. WHERE First Security Stadium, Searcy RADIO KVHU-FM, 95.3, Searcy INTERNET hardingsports.com STREAMING Harding Sports Network 2025 RECORDS Northwestern Oklahoma State (2-9, 2-9); Harding (15-1,...

Summer nights in South Dakota have a certain magic to them. The sky turns orange, then purple, then deep blue, and a giant white screen lights up. Cars roll in one after another, trunks pop open, kids spread blankets on the grass, and the smell of buttered popcorn drifts across the lot. It feels like a scene from an old photograph, except it is happening right now, every weekend, all summer long. Drive-in theaters used to be everywhere in America. Today only a few hundred are left standing, and this spot is proudly one of them. It has survived storms, changing technology, and decades of competition from indoor screens and streaming services. Families keep coming back anyway, some driving more than an hour each way just for a movie under the stars. Tickets cost less than most snack combos at a modern multiplex. You tune your radio, lean your seat back, and let the show begin. Where The Screen Meets River © Pheasant Drive-In The Pheasant Drive-In sits on the west side of town with a view most theaters would trade anything for. Behind the giant screen, the Missouri River stretches wide and quiet. Rolling prairie hills frame the whole scene. Arrive about thirty minutes before showtime and you get two shows for the price of one. First the sunset paints the water gold and pink. Then the projector kicks on and the real movie starts. Visitors often say the backdrop alone is worth the trip. Kids run around the open lot while parents set up chairs. Nobody is rushing anybody along. South Dakota has plenty of scenic pull-offs, but few let you watch a blockbuster while the river glows behind the screen. Storm clouds sometimes build on the horizon during summer evenings. Regulars swear a distant lightning show pairs perfectly with an action film. The theater keeps rolling through rain and only pauses for severe lightning that could harm the equipment. Bring a camera for that pre-show light. The colors over the water change fast. Have you ever watched a movie with a river shining behind the screen? Once you do, indoor theaters feel a little boxed in by comparison. A Screen Built In 1960 © Pheasant Drive-In Here is a piece of history most folks never hear. The original drive-in opened in the 1950s at a different spot nearby. Then the Oahe Dam went up, Lake Oahe filled in, and the old grounds had to go. Rather than shut down for good, the whole operation packed up and moved. The screen reopened at its current location in June 1960. Sixty-plus summers later, it is still selling tickets. Think about everything that has happened since then. Color television, VHS tapes, DVDs, streaming apps. Thousands of drive-ins across America closed their gates during those decades. Only a few hundred remain nationwide. South Dakota holds onto one of the good ones. The screen took a serious hit in June 2012 when a microburst storm tore through. Repairs kept the place dark for about six weeks. It came back. Then in June 2014, a digital projector replaced the old film setup. The picture got sharper and crowds grew. Progress and nostalgia, sharing the same lot. Grandparents now bring grandchildren here and point at the same screen they watched as teenagers. That kind of continuity is rare. Popcorn Worth The Drive © Pheasant Drive-In Ask anyone who has been here what they remember and popcorn comes up first. Not second. First. The buttery smell hits you the moment you park near the concession stand. It travels across the whole lot on a warm breeze. Resistance is pointless. Beyond popcorn, the counter stacks up classic snack bar treats. Hot dogs, nachos, candy, snow cones, soda, and homemade barbecue sandwiches that locals call sloppy joes. Cherry slushes disappear fast on hot nights. Those barbecues get talked about almost as much as the popcorn. They are made in-house, not shipped in frozen. That homemade touch is part of why people from surrounding towns make the drive. Prices stay refreshingly reasonable. You can feed a whole family here without wincing at the total. Compare that to a modern multiplex and the difference is almost funny. Go early if you want to beat the line. The rush hits right before the movie starts and again at intermission. Restrooms sit at the concession building, men on the south side and women around the back on the east side. Both are entered from outside and marked with lighted signs. Tune In, Sound Rolls © Pheasant Drive-In No speakers to hang on your window, unless you want the retro version. Sound comes straight through your car radio, and it sounds surprisingly great. Dial in 105.5 FM or 530 AM once you park. Your own stereo becomes the theater sound system. Bass, dialogue, music, all of it fills the car. First-timers get a kick out of this. Several visitors have described the radio trick as the coolest part of the whole night. It feels like magic the first time the audio clicks in. One practical warning. Make sure your radio actually works before you leave home. A dead radio makes for a very quiet movie. Running your car stereo for two hours can drain a battery, so consider bringing a portable radio or a small boom box as backup. Plenty of regulars do exactly that, especially if they plan to sit outside on lawn chairs. Jumper cables are never a bad idea for any South Dakota road trip. They are especially smart here. The digital projector installed in 2014 delivers a bright, crisp picture that holds up beautifully in the dark prairie night. Clear image, solid sound, open sky. Would you crank the volume in your car or set up chairs outside with a radio? Both crowds show up every single weekend. Room For 350 Cars © Pheasant Drive-In Three hundred and fifty vehicles. That is the capacity, and on a big opening weekend the place genuinely fills. Picture a summer Friday when a huge new release lands. Cars line up before the gate opens. Pickup trucks back in so families can pile blankets and pillows in the bed. Minivans pop their hatches wide. The atmosphere on those packed nights is something else entirely. People wave at neighbors. Kids chase each other between rows before dark. Everyone shares the same big screen. Only one screen operates here, which keeps things simple. Everybody watches the same story at the same time. That shared experience is part of the charm. If you want a prime center spot, show up early. Latecomers still find room, but the middle rows go first. Parking on a slight angle helps if you are in a taller vehicle. Be a good neighbor and think about the person behind you. Slow nights have their own appeal too. Fewer cars means more space to spread out, and the stars overhead get all the attention they deserve. South Dakota summers are short, so locals treat every open weekend as a chance worth taking. Bring Chairs And Blankets © Pheasant Drive-In Staying inside the car is totally optional. Lawn chairs, camping chairs, quilts, sleeping bags, air mattresses in truck beds, all fair game. Regulars have this down to a science. They set up a little camp beside the vehicle, tune a portable radio, and settle in like it is their own backyard. Pack bug spray. Summer evenings near the river bring mosquitoes, and nothing ruins a good movie faster than itchy ankles. Bring layers too. South Dakota nights cool off quickly once the sun drops, even after a scorching afternoon. A hoodie and an extra blanket go a long way. Kids love this setup. They can stretch out, wiggle around, and fall asleep halfway through the second half without anyone shushing them. Nobody complains about a crying baby here. Nobody glares if a toddler asks a loud question. That relaxed, family-first feeling is exactly why parents keep choosing it. Pillows are underrated. So is a small cooler for water, though the concession stand handles most cravings. Some folks arrive with a full tailgate spread and make an evening of it, showing up an hour early just to enjoy the light on the river. What would your ideal setup look like, a cozy backseat nest or full lawn chair headquarters with snacks within arm’s reach? Cash Only, Plan Ahead © Pheasant Drive-In One detail trips up first-timers every year. The box office takes cash only. No cards, no tapping your phone. Hit an ATM before you head over. Bring a bit extra for the concession stand while you are at it, because those barbecue sandwiches have a way of adding up. Ticket prices stay low, which is a big reason families keep coming back. A whole carload can enjoy a first-run movie for what a couple of tickets cost elsewhere. The season runs roughly May through September. Movies typically play Friday through Monday, and the gates open every weekend between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Showtimes follow the sun rather than a clock. Films at 1600 20th St W, Mobridge, SD 57601, begin around dusk, which means later start times in June and earlier ones by September. Check the current listing before you drive over, especially if you are traveling from out of town. Schedules shift with the movie calendar. Rain rarely cancels anything. The show goes on unless lightning gets close enough to threaten equipment. Fill your gas tank on the way in. Rural South Dakota stations sometimes close early, and you do not want that worry after the credits roll. Make It A Weekend © Pheasant Drive-In Driving between Bismarck and Pierre? The drive-in sits almost exactly halfway, which makes it a perfect evening stop on a longer road trip. Fill the daylight hours first. The Sitting Bull Monument stands on a bluff overlooking the river, offering history and one of the best views in the region. The Walleye Up Statue makes for a fun photo, and fishing on Lake Oahe draws anglers from all over the country. Walleye here are legendary. Campgrounds, boat ramps, and hunting land surround the area. Spend the day outdoors, then cap it off with a movie under the stars. That combination is hard to beat. Sunburned shoulders, a full stomach, and a big screen glowing against a South Dakota sky. Out-of-state visitors often describe the drive-in as the highlight of their trip. Some travelers from other countries have called it the most American thing they experienced. Locals drive up to 150 miles round trip just to be here. If they think it is worth the fuel, a road tripper certainly should. Book a room or a campsite in advance during peak summer weekends. Small towns fill up when the fishing is good. What sounds better to you, a day chasing walleye or a night chasing that old-fashioned movie feeling? Around here, you honestly get both. The post This South Dakota Drive-In Theater Still Packs Cars Every Summer Weekend appeared first on Taking The Kids.

The Balvenie has released an Eighty-Eight-Year-Old Single Malt scotch whisky, the oldest expression in its history, as part of The 1931 Collection. The whisky was distilled in 1931 and bottled in 2019 by malt master Kelsey McKechnie, with just 17 bottles in existence. The Dalmore Concludes Cask Curation Series with $47k Madeira Cask Edition READ THE STORY The liquid was filled into a European oak sherry butt sourced from Jerez, Spain, on 5 March 1931. Recorded as cask #239, it lay in the Speyside distillery’s warehouse for 88 years before McKechnie determined it had reached maturity. “Today marks a seminal moment in The Balvenie’s history as we unveil our oldest whisky, ever,” said McKechnie. “It is both inspiring and humbling to be the malt master to bring this precious liquid to the world.” Trending Content The Best Value Rye Whiskeys To Buy In 2026 The Best Of The Rest Islay Whisky From The Scotch Whisky Masters 2026 5 Whiskies to Try if You Love Chivas Regal 12 Crown Royal x Juicy Couture Drop Limited Edition Y2K-Inspired Merch The Best Rye From The American Whiskey Masters 2026 The Best Bourbon From The American Whiskey Masters 2026 The Best Rye From The American Whiskey Masters 2026 What a Set of Kitchen Scales Taught Me About the World’s Best-Selling Scotch Crown Royal x Juicy Couture Drop Limited Edition Y2K-Inspired Merch The Best Bourbon From The American Whiskey Masters 2026 McKechnie described the whisky as “a sensorial experience evoking the serene silence of evergreen woods”. According to the brand’s official notes, the nose offers “honey, subtle mint leaf and buttery fudge”, while the palate reveals “rich aromatic oak” flowing into “creamy toffee, velvety honey and a warming spice”. The finish is long and drying. The cask inspired two further limited-edition releases. The 1931 Collection Twelve-Year-Old is made from 100% home-malted barley, matured in American oak and finished in ex-sherry European oak butts from Jerez. The Fifteen-Year-Old is made from 100% home-grown and home-malted barley, following a similar maturation process.[elementor-template id="88770"] Charles Metcalfe, global ambassador at The Balvenie, said: “Once in a while, a whisky comes along that is so remarkable it has the potential to shape the future of scotch.” The Balvenie has collaborated with New York-based artist Daniel Arsham, who designed a sculptural form for the Eighty-Eight-Year-Old. Crafted from eight layers of hand-patinated bronze, the piece contains a copper disc made from a decommissioned distillery still. “I wanted to create something that feels both ancient and contemporary, to make the passage of time tangible,” said Arsham. The collection will debut at Frieze Seoul through an immersive performance directed by Arsham. The Eighty-Eight-Year-Old is available to private clients and collectors. The Fifteen-Year-Old (MSRP: US$199.99/£148) is available from September through global travel retail, while the Twelve-Year-Old (MSRP: US$99.99/£74) is available in selected markets. Read the full article at The Balvenie 88-Year-Old: The Oldest Whisky in Its History

बाढ़ के बीच बुजुर्ग को खाट पर अस्पताल ले जाते परिजन

Razorbacks photos, videos, analysis and commentary

Ever watched a kid meet a baby goat for the first time? The giggling starts fast and rarely stops. Massachusetts is packed with farms and sanctuaries where families can pet, brush, feed and simply hang out with animals who love the attention. Some places let you scoop grain into your palm and feel a soft nose tickle your skin. Others invite you to walk an alpaca on a leash or hike a wooded trail with a herd of curious goats trotting behind you. A few are quiet rescue sanctuaries where every animal has a story worth hearing. You do not need farming experience or fancy boots. These visits are cheap fun, screen-free, and the kind of thing kids talk about for weeks. Parents usually end up smiling just as much. Ready to trade a boring weekend for muddy sneakers and happy memories? 1. Chip-In Farm, Bedford © Chip-In Farm Family-owned since 1944, Chip-In Farm has been charming Bedford kids for generations. Grandparents bring grandchildren here and tell them what it looked like decades ago. The barnyard cast is delightfully random. Baby goats, rabbits, sheep, cows, pigs, chickens, donkeys, miniature horses and a few opinionated barn cats all share the spotlight. Feeding is easy and fun. Grab a bag of feed from the farm store, or use the vegetable scraps the farm puts out free of charge. Cuddling a baby goat may be the highlight of your week. Watching the little ones bounce around their mothers is pure entertainment, and nobody rushes you along. Wagon rides and pony rides round out the classic farm experience. The outdoor space has tables and benches, so you can sit, snack and let the kids run out their energy. There is also a program called Farmer’s Helpers, offering farm education classes, birthday parties and tours. Kids do real chores like feeding animals and hunting for chicken eggs. Goat Yoga sessions run for children and adults, which is exactly as funny as it sounds. Do not skip the farm store. The fresh eggs are famous around this part of Massachusetts, and local products fill the shelves. The Farm Zoo generally opens Tuesday through Sunday, but check ahead for event days. Chip-In Farm sits at 201 Hartwell Rd, Bedford, MA 01730. 2. Dalby Farm, Scituate © Dalby Farm Founded in 1861, Dalby Farm has a job most farms do not. It protects rare heritage breeds that are slowly disappearing from the world. Meet Arapawa Island Goats, Royal Palm Turkeys, Ossabaw Island Hogs and Shetland Sheep. The farm calls them the Ambassadors of their breeds, and each one has a story. Tours come in private, semi-private and group sizes. Smaller groups mean more questions answered and more one-on-one time with the animals. Feeding hay or grain is usually the moment kids remember. Something about a turkey strutting over for a snack sticks in the memory. Programs are built for different ages. Toddlers get Wander and Stroll sessions plus enrichment time with easy chores like egg collecting, water play and crafts. Older children can join the Farm Animal Caregiver Learning Program and handle real daily care tasks. Summer brings Exploring Farm Animals, packed with games and hands-on activities. Seasonal events are a treat. Spring Hatch Celebration brings fluffy chicks, autumn brings craft adventures and trick-or-treating with the animals, and winter offers a holiday story stroll. The Country Store sells preserves, natural goods and gifts, and every purchase supports animal care. Everything here runs by appointment or event only, so book before you drive to the South Shore of Massachusetts. Dalby Farm is at 59 Grove St, Scituate, MA 02066. 3. Tougas Family Farm, Northborough © Tougas Family Farm Goats walking on bridges over your head? That happens here every day. Tougas Family Farm built goat bridges and rock mountains into its barnyard, so the herd climbs, clambers and shows off while families watch from below. Kids point and shriek with delight. The barnyard crew includes momma goats, spring babies, an alpaca named Al, Jacob sheep, chickens, guinea fowl, rabbits, pigs and ducks. Buy feed at the farm store and enjoy the nibbling. Now add fruit. This second-generation orchard runs pick-your-own strawberries, cherries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, nectarines, apples and pumpkins as the seasons roll along. The playground is a serious one. Slides, climbing nets, rock walls, swings and tractors mean nobody gets bored waiting for a sibling. Hayrides and wagon rides carry you through the orchard, which is a nice break for tired little legs. Then comes the Farm Kitchen. Fresh fruit desserts, ice cream and apple cider donuts made from their own produce are hard to walk past. Most families stay three to five hours easily. Handwashing stations are placed throughout, which parents appreciate. Outside food is not allowed in the picnic areas, and pets must stay home except ADA service animals. Check the What’s Picking Today page before leaving, since fields close for weather or when picked out. Find it at 234 Ball St, Northborough, MA 01532. 4. Maple Farm Sanctuary, Mendon © Maple Farm Sanctuary Here is a story worth telling your kids. A dairy farmer and a goat milk farmer had a complete change of heart and turned their land into a rescue home. Maple Farm Sanctuary now spreads across 120 peaceful acres in Mendon. More than 80 rescued farm animals live out their lives here without fear. The residents have names and personalities. Heritage the llama, pigs named Jonathan, Piggy Smalls and Chester, goats called Pumpkin, Chewie and Ackbar, plus sheep, geese, ducks, chickens and turkeys. Every animal arrived after abuse, neglect or abandonment. Their comeback stories are the heart of the place. One important detail before you plan anything. The sanctuary is currently not equipped or staffed to offer tours, so you cannot simply drive over and walk around. That does not mean you cannot help. Donations, sponsorships and community support keep food in the troughs and vets on call. Volunteers do much of the daily work, and future opportunities are posted online. Following the sanctuary is a lovely way for kids to learn about compassion from home. Use it as a teaching moment. Talk with your family about kindness toward animals, then check the website for updates on visits or events. Massachusetts has several sanctuaries like this, and each one runs differently. Maple Farm Sanctuary is located at 101 North Ave, Mendon, MA 01756. 5. Berkshire Farm Sanctuary, Hinsdale © Berkshire Farm Sanctuary Up in the Berkshire Mountains, a 22-acre patch of Hinsdale gives second chances to animals nobody else wanted. Berkshire Farm Sanctuary is a nonprofit rescue with residents like Rose and Petal the sheep, Bowie the donkey, and pigs named Milady, Finley and Pig Newton. Goats, ferrets and chickens fill out the family. Meeting them is different from a petting zoo. You hear where each animal came from, and suddenly a pig is not just a pig anymore. The founders have more than 40 years of animal rescue behind them. That experience shows in how calm and content the animals seem. Humane education sits at the center of the mission. Kids learn that farm animals have friendships, moods and preferences, just like the pets at home. Fundraisers, classes and events happen throughout the year. There are also plans for the Old Dog Inn, a haven for senior dogs who need somewhere soft to land. Visits happen by arrangement only. Call ahead and schedule a time, which keeps the experience relaxed for both guests and animals. Pair your trip with a scenic drive through western Massachusetts. The mountain views alone make the journey pleasant. Bring boots, since pastures get muddy after rain. Berkshire Farm Sanctuary is located at 34 W Main Rd, Hinsdale, MA 01235. 6. Sunny Meadow Sanctuary, Barre © Sunny Meadow Sanctuary Belly rubs are practically part of the job description here. Sunny Meadow Sanctuary in Barre has been caring for rescued farm animals since 2007. Cows, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, turtles, ducks, chickens, dogs and cats all share wide multi-acre meadows. The goat crowd includes Hannah, Ivy, Sammy, Lilly, Fred, Timmy and Mr. Patches. Ask about them and you will get real stories, not sales pitches. Wildlife wanders through too. Deer, rabbits, wild turkeys and songbirds treat the land as their own, and a moose occasionally strolls past. Animals live in herds and flocks with housing built for their species. That thoughtful setup is easy to notice as you walk around. Now the practical part. Regular tours are not offered, so visiting means volunteering instead. Volunteer days run every Saturday from 11 AM to 2 PM, with Sunday as the weather backup. Once a month there is a shared potluck. Work includes cleaning living spaces, feeding and handing out treats. Older kids who like getting their hands dirty love it. Nobody here takes a salary, so donations go straight to animal care and rescue. Email ahead to reserve your spot on the volunteer list, since space is limited in this quiet corner of central Massachusetts. Sunny Meadow Sanctuary is located at 260 Chapman Rd, Barre, MA 01005. 7. Harvard Alpaca Ranch, Harvard © Harvard Alpaca Ranch Alpacas hum. Actual humming, like a soft little song, and once you hear it you will want to stay all afternoon. Harvard Alpaca Ranch opened in 2016 and keeps a herd of roughly 32 to 39 Huacaya alpacas. Names like Joy, Linus, Sir Erik and Melody suit their fluffy faces. Guided tours last about 30 minutes and take you right into the barns, paddocks and pastures. You stand among the herd rather than watching from a fence. Petting is allowed and hand-feeding pellets is encouraged. That gentle lip-tickle on your palm makes everyone laugh. Time your visit right and you might meet crias, the name for baby alpacas. They are absurdly cute. Several alpacas are registered therapy animals. The ranch runs alpaca-assisted therapy programs, and you can even walk one on a leash. The on-site shop is stocked with hypoallergenic alpaca wool goods. Yarn, socks, hats and stuffed animals make excellent souvenirs from Massachusetts. Yoga with Alpacas events pop up occasionally, which is worth watching the calendar for. The whole farm runs on solar power, a nice touch to mention to curious kids. Tours run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between roughly 10 AM and 4 PM by appointment. Book early, because weekend slots fill. You will find Harvard Alpaca Ranch at 58 Old Mill Rd, Harvard, MA 01451. 8. Good Pickin’ Farm, Westford © Good Pickin’ Farm Goat hike. Two words that instantly make kids ask when you are leaving. Good Pickin’ Farm in Westford lets families walk wooded trails with a herd of goats trotting along beside them. The goats set the pace and stop for snacks whenever they feel like it. The animal roster is long. Goats, sheep, alpacas, cows, ducks, chickens, pigs, bunnies, guinea pigs and ponies named Greda and Monty. Barnyard Brush Tours run 45 or 90 minutes. You go into the pens to pet, brush, hold, snuggle and feed the animals directly. Want the real farm experience? The Be A Farmer program has you helping with morning feeding and watering. Spring brings Baby Goat Snuggles, which sells out fast. Private Pony Rides include brushing, riding and feeding, and Pet-A-Pony sessions focus on grooming. You can lead an alpaca on a walk or feed the pigs until they flop over for belly rubs. Yes, that is a real thing here. Hayride tours, summer camps, riding lessons, Goat Yoga, Bunny Yoga and homesteading workshops fill the calendar. Fall Farm Days add pumpkin picking and lawn games. Everything is by sched

A former chain restaurant near SeaWorld has been gutted, redesigned and reimagined — and international flavors have taken over.