Uncasville, CT

Members of our family wanted to create a surprise birthday somewhere with activities that would appeal to all 9 of us, ranging from age 4 to, now, 70.

The top choice for a birthday gathering for our family with multiple interests and limited time available in winter with its unpredictable weather turned out to be Mohegan Sun just 45 minutes from our home and not much further for two families from Massachusetts. Elements to consider when finding a spot started with needing a swimming pool for kids! Reasonable room rates were essential (helped by some discounted rooms).  Then, we needed to find a spot during school vacation week and discovered that the Harlem Globetrotters were performing at Mohegan. Upon arrival and during our stay other parts of this location that made it special included the fact that the entire complex is a sensual display of sights, textures and sounds.  We even managed to spend our time in the smoke-free areas.  Our kiddos were fascinated by the escalators, the waterfalls and colorful pool in the hotel lobby, lighting effects, and “Robo-Wolf” near the the Wolf Den! Top it off with dinner at Pepe’s Pizza, gravity-defying displays and a “win” by the Globetrotters, gigantic breakfast pancakes and waffles at the Hash House A Go Go and extended water splashing time in the swimming pool.  It  made for a perfect visit!

Pre-sunrise the following morning found me heading toward the cove way below our room and adjacent to the Thames River to capture these images.

Take a look at this slide show of inside and outside textures and colors:

Unexpected bonuses:  (1) The  towering glass sculpture by world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly. Titled “River Blue,” (10,000-pounds, 14 feet wide and 25 feet tall). ” Thousands of richly colored glass components, 2,500 in all, were hand-blown by a team of artisans in Seattle, then fully assembled on-site to make… the distinctive cobalt blue, silver and clear colored glass sculpture. ” (2) One of us had a chance to use the one quarter cent (yes 1/4 cent) slots and still come home with more that 1/2 of what she started with — $5.00. (3) The mini hallway-wide display of tribal symbols, history  and natural and man-made objects located up the escalator from Pepe’s Pizza. (4) The Harlem Globetrotters who are still playing great basketball in their 90th year. (5) One grandchild saying this is now his FAVORITE place to visit!  (6) And finally, the clarity of close-up and distance photos I captured using a new small camera with a prime 35 mm lens.

Who knows what fun family adventures will take place next, or where?

Peter Otis

Peter Otis Photos, LLC

PLACES… plants… people… PLUS OTHER GEMS…