Situated in the center of the city, Centennial Park in Moncton, New Brunswick is a 230 acre playground for all ages. We took advantage of one of the free, sheltered picnic areas for a family reunion this evening and we couldn’t have found a better spot. At covered picnic tables, surrounded by an umbrella of trees, we enjoyed a local dream-come-true feast for any East Coaster.

The covered area was large enough to host 30 people and we didn’t need to worry about the weather. We did have a family member arrive early to hold the spot, but it was well-worth it. Imagine how much you’d normally pay for a party area large enough to hold a family reunion; yet at Centennial Park it was free.

Athena loved the wide-open spaces and had her first game of baseball or more accurately defined as Athena throw the ball and Mommy chase after it… and Athena.

 After a few hours of ball and chase, we dug in to our dinner. It wouldn’t be the east coast without lobster and beer. I’m not much of a drinker, but I couldn’t claim to be a Maritimer without having a Keith’s or knowing my way around a lobster.

The bibs were an obvious necessity, but the hat was just for show. Athena used it as an invisible shield and she disappeared at least 20 times before wearing herself out.

While Athena napped, I went to work on the lobster. I may be a little out of practice, but I quickly cracked the claws with the crackers and positioned my fingers perfectly around the tail to break it without hurting my hands.

I couldn’t bring myself to eat the body. My father-in-law, however, doesn’t let anything go to waste. I watched in awe as he cleaned the lobster of every piece of available meat and some things that I’m not even certain are edible.

We didn’t need an expensive, rented hall or a catered event for our family reunion. Friends and family around a picnic table enjoying lobster and beer is my idea of home. Moncton is littered with gems throughout the city that offer a retreat from the norm. Tomorrow we’re heading to Cape Enrage for rappelling and ziplining as the Carter family reunion continues.

*This journey was made possible with help from Tourism New Brunswick, and some awesome photos from my sister-in-law, Sara; however, as you probably know by now, all opinions & thoughts are my own.*