that doubles as a performance stage for live entertainment, where the “Live and Uncorked” series of outdoor concerts will feature five shows in June and July. Guests bring their own beer, wine and food, creating a Ravinia-like setting.

Nearby, on the shore of Lake Gregory, a nautically themed boathouse shelter/pavilion and dock are home to an expanded fleet of eight paddle boats available to visitors. To accommodate the additional boats, a dock extension is being built in May.

Even the historic museums and interpreters (blacksmith, potter, seamstress) have a few new wrinkles with a series of interactive exhibits available this year to help truly experience the “real” pioneer life.

Group picnic shelters have been expanded throughout the park — ideal for larger gatherings, whether it’s for business or a group of family and friends hanging out.

Blackberry Farm makes for an enchanting venue for special events — weddings, reunions, fundraisers, corporate outings and the like. And, birthday parties at Blackberry are all the rage — just ask the kids.

Every day is a shindig at Blackberry Farm — the resident chickens, donkeys, ponies and pigs realize they’re living the good farm life. They’re farm animal celebrities who love to be seen and entertain adoring fans.

Blackberry Farm and neighboring Splash Country Water Park (across the street) also make for a great double-dandy day — one in the morning, the other in the afternoon — you won’t even have to move the car. And, as always, parking is free. Open every day from May 1 through Labor Day, Blackberry offers three-day weekends in September and Pumpkin Weekends throughout October. Folks will be “gettin’ down on the farm” Oct. 1 when the first Barn Dance is held with a live band, pig roast and adult beverages.

Blackberry Farm traditionally ends each year in style with the Holiday Express during December weekends.

With so much to see and do, a visit to Blackberry Farm will make us all feel a bit younger — and wiser, at that.