Do you sometimes feel like you just need to go somewhere? A place where you can let your hair down, eat all you can and kick up your heels? You can do all these at the Big E!
What’s the Big E?
The Big E, also known as the Eastern States Exposition is New England’s largest fair. There are six participating states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
It only means two things – food and fun! So, my husband and I joined a bus tour from Albany, NY to the Big E in West Springfield, Massachusetts.
Avenue of States
There are so many things to do at the Big E, but the Avenue of States is my favorite attraction. Why? Imagine six states – six buildings filled with various exhibits, food, and drinks. Just a few feet away, you’ll experience the uniqueness of each place!
My hubby and I are foodies, so we felt like we were in food heaven.



Rides, Shows and More
You’ll never get bored with the different rides and shows. One of my favorites was the Horse Show at the Coliseum. The equestrians and horses were simply amazing!

If you ever get hungry while walking around the 175 acres of fairgrounds, don’t despair. There’s more food on every corner!

Grande Mardi Gras Parade
The Grande Mardi Gras Parade started at around 5 pm. We watched the parade of marching bands, street performers, and floats.
Beads were thrown from the Mardi Gras floats and I was so happy when I caught my first bead necklace! My husband grabbed a few more, and I felt like I won a big prize when he gave me the beads. You can get these beads from any dollar store, but I wasn’t expecting him to catch necklaces for me – that to me is priceless!
We went home tired, but happy. We both had a great time at the Big E!
Do you like going to fairs? What’s your favorite attraction? Any favorite fair food? Please share in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!
Note: The next Big E will be on September 13 – 29, 2019. If you’re planning to check out this event, you can find more info here.
Pin It!
16 comments
Adding this to my list of places to visit. That food looks delicious too!
We waited for more than 30 minutes just to place an order for Maine’s baked potato – it was so delicious! Definitely worth the wait!
Looks and sounds like you had a wonderful, amazing day 😊
Yes, it was fun. We got curious about the event – I’m glad we went:)
It’s so cool that you got to check out the Big E! The food looks super delicious – especially the baked potatoes. The attractions look exciting. Pretty cool to see people riding on horses (did you know they braid the horse’s tails at Disney??). Glad you had a great time!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Yes, the baked potato is really good. I really love the horse show – the equestrians are amazing. I wish I could ride a horse like them. Braiding the horses tail? That’s really cool! Thanks for visiting my page.😊
What a great festival!! I love all your pictures of food and the parade! Yes for Mardi Gras beads!! I love outdoor festivals and carnival type events there’s always something to do and the food is awesome. Loved this! So much fun.
I forgot to take a photo of the Mardi Gras float because I was trying to catch the beads. It was so much fun!
Looks like you had an amazing time! I remember going to a Marde Gras parade when I was younger and coming back with so many beads, I loved it!
Tori | JustTheBeginning-x.com
Latest blog post – 1 year Blogiversary and Giveaway!
We came from a different country and we haven’t experienced this kind of parade before. It was indeed fun trying to catch the beads!
I’m not from the states so naturally knew nothing about this but this sounds so much fun and the food looks delicious! xxx
I moved to the States almost 12 years ago and it was only last year when I heard about it. I’m glad we checked it out – it was fun!
The Big E seems like a very cool fair which I’d love to attend one day, Fritzie. Plus, the food they offer they seem mouth-watering! What shouldn’t I miss trying when being there?
Hi Lydia, my favorite attraction is the avenue of States. Visit all six buildings – shop, eat and drink! Maine’s baked potato was a big hit – it’s really good.
Another place added to my bucket list! I plan to check off the list soon as I finish my two last semesters, but the list is growing quickly. It looks like a belly-filling fun is in store.
It’s only 1 hour and 40 minutes from Boston. It is held usually in September. Yes it is belly- filling! You also have a chance to taste great food from 6 different states in just one day!