Can you tell which are statues? Years ago I went to Grounds For Sculpture, a 42 acre outdoor and indoor art exhibit with gorgeous gardens and every type of art you can learn and imagine. My boys were too young to appreciate it back then. This time we did it differently. Prior to going, we did a lesson on different types of art. We created slides to help teach us different types of art. I have included the slides so you can share these to your kids as an art lesson. While we were at the Grounds For Sculpture, I have to tell you... the way the Realism Art, Pop Art, and Abstract Impression Art Blended with its natural surroundings, my eyes began to play tricks on me! For a split second, regular people sitting on a bench looked like statues too! It's very well done! This place creates a dream like state. Go to the Meadow section first! It's a lot of walking so don't go on a hot day. #groundsforsculpture #nj #art read more

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This may sound overly exuberant, but I love this place! Founded in 1992 by J. Seward Johnson (a Johnson & Johnson heir) his goal was to build a contemporary sculpture garden for the public to enjoy. The property was initially the site of the Jersey fairgrounds and later the Trenton Speedway. (It's so peaceful and lovely here, it's hard to imagine the raucous noise of racecars.) We signed up for a walking tour -- free with the price of admission -- which runs for about an hour. In addition, friendly docents walking around the grounds stopped to chat offering great information -- even some juicy gossip! Be sure to pull up the app on your phone which we found helpful. The garden is closed Tuesday. One of the sites said admission is timed, but mid-week we were able to simply show up. Note that veterans and seniors pay reduced admission. Parking is free and there's a restaurant/coffee shop in the welcome center that's an inviting place to refuel. The photos I snapped are the garden's realistic representations, but there's a whole host of contemporary sculpture, all very different with their own stories. read more

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If you love art and nature, Grounds for Sculpture is for you! My team from work and I did a team outing here and it made for a nice day out. I enjoyed seeing the different installations. The only thing that was a downer is that we went on a day when the weather wasn't the greatest. It was cloudy all day and by the time we were getting ready to leave, the rain started. Nevertheless, we got to see most of the grounds and the art before the bad weather. I recently learned that they have seasonal/temporary art installations, so it may be worth checking out every now and again. Pro-tip: Purchase your tickets online in advance. I'm not sure if they'll even let you in without a ticket. read more

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While it is first and foremostly a sculpture garden, I can only imagine how nice it would be in spring with flowers in bloom. We came in the winter, which had a bit less to see, but I appreciate the winter pricing ($15 per person)! It was fairly quiet and empty, too. The staff were really friendly and there are e-scooters and other mobility devices available on site for rent. It was in general very accessible, so you could really go with family old and young. There is also a cafe onsite which was nice to grab a warm beverage to walk with. read more

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One of my favorite sculpture gardens I've ever visited is the one owned by John Seward Johnson II, an American artist from the Johnson & Johnson family. I read his biography at the museum, and it was fascinating. All of the sculptures you see there were created by him and other artists. The garden is breathtaking about 42 acres of land. It took my friend about five hours to get through it, and it still felt like there was more to see. We walked around for quite a while before finally getting tired. If you're visiting New Jersey, it's definitely worth checking out. I would love to go back and visit one day. read more

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Lots of pieces spread throughout the entire grounds that were interesting and unique. Well worth the price of admission! read more

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Serene and well-maintained gardens featuring interesting sculptures and beautiful flora. Multiple hidden "treasures" throughout the park. Plentiful seating clusters to rest and reflect. Outstanding dining at on-site Rat's Restaurant. Great place for fresh air, turn off the phones, and walk in nature. read more

Grounds For Sculpture - Museums Near Me - Hamilton, New Jersey

What an incredible ground! My expectations on this outdoor museum has met. The place brings so much fun and entertainment to every one. Enjoyed our visit as there is unexpected surprise on each corner. It has a balance sculpture kind spreads out. The life size sculptures are amazing and a favorite of majority. It looks small but it is pretty huge sculpture garden. Be ready to be at your comfortable shoes and outfits when you visit. read more

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Ground for sculpture is a peculiar and astonishing 42 acre grounds with a diverse collection of abstract and lifelike sculptures scattered all over their property which gives the place a relaxing, exciting and stimulating atmosphere. I appreciated the many unexpected surprises such as random different areas and doors to explore as well as hidden work of art making it an adventure or like a treasure hunting which makes it fun and interesting. The well groomed gardens, different walking pathways and the many tree shaded areas contribute to the great environment for walking around. People visiting this area/place will not even notice walking the long distance around the grounds due to the well maintained gardens, beautifully placed plants and brain tickling sculptures. My wife and I had a very satisfying and wonderful experience in this grounds. If you have not yet gone here, it is worth a try. read more

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Grounds for Sculpture in New Jersey is easily the best sculpture garden I've ever been to--and I've seen quite a few. The place is huge, beautifully laid out, and filled with some truly awesome pieces that make exploring it an experience in itself. My favorite piece is the bearded guy sinking into the ground on his back. I forget the actual name of the piece, but it is unmissable. I attached some photos of it. Every visit feels fresh and inspiring. I can't recommend this place enough--it's absolutely worth the trip. read more

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There is no denying the Grounds for Sculpture is breathtaking. With over 40+ acres of meticulously maintained gardens, winding floral paths, Koi ponds, bamboo and over hundreds of sculptures. It truly is a place where nature and art merge beautifully. That said my communication with the staff left me frustrated While planning my visit. I learned that general admission was $25 per person - this seemed a little steep for me, especially when I would rather spend money on a venue that offers more engagement for the price. A $25 pp prices tag is steep in comparison to the Rodin Museum (free), Bartram's Garden (free) and even the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a pay what you wish on Sundays. I was told GFS occasionally offered free admission days so knowing how things often get miscommunicated I reached out to them directly through email. I was told no, they don't have free days but was told and I quote... "During the summer, from 5PM - 9PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, admission is $15 for all adults and $12 for children ages 6-17. For the first time this year, we are offering $5 admission for all adults and children on the last Friday of May, June, July, and August" SOLD! You know what they say when something sounds too good to be true... That just happened to be the case when we arrived at the gate and were told $5 dollar pricing starts AFTER 5 PM. That is a crucial detail that made a big difference, especially for someone like me with a mobility issue who would've preferred to explore the grounds earlier in the day when it is cooler and easier on my knees. To make the best of the day we went thrift and vintage shopping all around Jersey grabbed a bite to eat and then headed back to GFS. Where there was still more than enough time for us to traverse the amazing grounds before my knee would not let me go any further. The vast Gardens are home to hundreds of sculptures, including many from Seward Johnson, whose work I have admired on Frankford Avenue in Philly for the past few years Spread throughout over 40 acres sculptures big, small and some downright gigantic, standing proud in an open field or nestled into groves, hiding in nooks throughout the expanse of the grounds. I would have loved to have had a map that listed all the sculptures that were on display because I am certain we missed many. You will need a few hours to explore all there is to see. There are restaurants on the grounds and plenty of benches where you can sit and breathe in the tranquility and deep serenity of this magical place. All that said, the miscommunication still stings and therefore affects the overall review because in my opinion, the people who represent a business reflect the integrity of the place. So, while the gardens, grounds, art, and atmosphere of Grounds for Sculpture were enchanting, my experience was muddled by staff who misrepresented the pricing. While I would still recommend seeing this spectacle, please know Admission is $25 per person, $15 this summer AFTER 5 on Fri/Sat/Sun and on the last Friday of June, July and August 2025 you can affordably explore for $5 AFTER 5PM read more

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An absolutely gorgeous display of sculptures and art! This was my second time visiting, and it was just as beautiful as the first. I loved exploring the trails and discovering new pieces I hadn't noticed before. Loved the interactive sculptures especially as it made it even more fun and engaging for the whole family. Heads up, be ready to walk a lot! Fortunately though, there's a plenty of benches and stones to sit on throughout the park if you get tired. read more

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As a native South Jersian, I always had an interest in visiting Grounds for Sculpture, but never found the time to actually go. That changed last month. It was a cool, mildly dreary spring day, which meant the crowds weren't too bad and we were able to have ample time exploring prior to our lunch reservation at Rat's. This place far exceeded my expectations. The sculptures were stunning and vast, plus there were interior galleries including a full history of Seward Johnson's life. Very cool all around. You could easily spend a full day here. The gift shop is worth a visit too! read more

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Expansive grounds that comprise abstract, neoclassical, post-modern sculptures. Beautiful pathways that led you through your own adventure. The life-sized mannequins really help create your own narrative. Writing a story while you walk. This is great for any occasion. read more

Great way to spend a morning or afternoon! You can get your steps in, look at some amazing sculptures, and when you feel hungry, stop into the cafe and enjoy a light lunch. The admission cost is a bit pricey but I think it was well worth it. Lots of terrific "Instagramable" photo ops, and the botanical gardens and ponds are lovely. read more

Grounds for sculpture is located in Hamilton, New Jersey. It is one of my favorite places to visit for its scenery and its life like statues. While you're there, you can stop by the waterfall and the café area. It is one of the best places to visit during the spring time for a picnic. Make sure that the weather is nice before you make the trip. Aside from the statues in art , you can also choose to marvel in the beautiful flowers in the warmer months. I would recommend to come early as it does get crowded throughout the day. While you're there , feel free to take lots of pictures and the beautiful backdrops that surrounds you. read more

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I enjoyed how the experience starts even before you enter the property, with sculptures positioned outside. Inside, it is a little overwhelming. I knew before coming from their website that there were no printed maps, so I had one in hand from home. There is an online tour with audio -- or so it says, how the audio part works I was not able to figure out, but I also did not bring ear buds with me to further investigate. The key for my visit seemed to be just kind of orienting yourself on the map to figure out where you have been and what you have yet to see. That might sound dumb, but without a map it is extremely hard to figure out where to go. There are a few temporary exhibits, some located indoors, the quality of which can range from amazing to "why is that here?" The wild peacocks are a bonus. There was one to welcome visitors to the main building! Going in what I would think would be their off season (when it was cold) was still a great time. I am amazed how fresh some of the painted bronze work looks, and I wonder how much maintenance they require! read more

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This is a New Jersey hidden gem!! I loved it so much! The grounds are beautifully landscaped. There are sculptures everywhere!! You'll be surprised by how many and how wonderful of a stroll the grounds can be. I will go every year to see what's new. The admission is inexpensive. There are restaurants and food options within the grounds too. read more

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Awesome, world-class sculpture park. NJ's best kept secret. It says timed tickets are required for the park, but walk ins are accepted. Not all of the sculptures are by the founder, Seward Johnson. There are many other artists works on display. The cozy Rats Restaurant dinner is the perfect close of a beautiful walk thru the park. read more

There's a year-round 42-acre sculpture park in NJ. Grounds for Sculpture is a museum, arboretum, and sculpture garden with 300+ contemporary sculptures over 42 landscaped acres. It's a cute date idea whether you're with friends, your significant other, or family. It's open rain or shine and tickets can be purchased on their website. They also offer a calendar of events and have a restaurant on site (Rat's) with the most beautiful view! Definitely wear walking shoes since theres a lot to see. Parking is free with admission Tickets are $25 (timed admission) read more

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Came here on our recent spring break roadtrip, and it's a fun place to spend a couple hours to walk the grounds, see the sights and enjoy the nice weather. Loved the large sculptures, the park's got unique character, and very scenic. Large pond to see koi fish. Indoor artwork available too. Funnest part was the peacock that loves to show off in front of everyone. He screams and spreads his feathers on full display, awesome. You can find him near the cafe. read more

I've been wanting to visit GFS for a while and finally got that chance this weekend. Went as a group of 3 with my family. There was a long line of cars to get into the place which was surprising because tickets were based on time entry. And it seemed people were being tickets right as they were driving in. We walked around the grounds - and explored. My favorite sculpture was the giant man on the ground. It's also a great photo opportunity. It was a hot sunny day so my family was getting hot and thirsty after walking around a while. We stopped at the peacock cafe but my cousin was told a soda would be $5 and the lemonade wasn't ready so we left. We ended up making out way to Rat's and grabbed drinks there. All in all it's a cool place to experience and explore. I'd come back to see what it is like at night. I wish they provided better directions or provided better signage to direct people to the attractions. I feel like there was so much we didn't get to see because of how tricky and maze like the grounds seemed. Pro-tip : wear sneakers. I wore sandals and there was a lot of sandy / rocky areas. read more

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Grounds for Sculpture is that girl. I've been a few times and still haven't seen the whole thing--there's just so much to take in. It's peaceful, artsy, and the kind of place that makes you slow down and soak it all in. Every path leads to a surprise, whether it's a massive sculpture peeking through the trees or a quiet little bench that makes you wanna sit and reflect. And let's talk about the content opportunities! The art, the scenery, the lighting--chef's kiss. If you're into Instagram or TikTok, bring your best fits because this place is made for photo moments. It's giving editorial meets nature walk. The only downside? I wish I had more time every time I go. Wear comfy shoes, charge your phone, and be ready to wander. This place feeds your soul and your camera roll. Already planning my next visit. read more

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HAMILTON: beauty, wonder, and humor are all words that crossed my mind while walking through Grounds for Sculpture, an outdoor oasis of meticulously kept gardens featuring beautifully designed walkways through trees, plants, flowers, and the famous cast bronze and quite realistic sculptures dotting the park. It is quite surreal to see a gentleman reading a newspaper on a bench and realizing it is a sculpture. The capture of human emotions is so true to life! There is also a collection of artists throughout the park made of various materials and are a bit more abstract. In addition to the outdoor space, check out the indoor spaces with more exhibitions and we were thrilled to be able to visit for the Yelp Elite Experience: Slow Motion @ Grounds for Sculpture. Although a small exhibit, it is meant to be more of a thoughtful experience to "slow down" and think about what you want to see and relate to in regards to monuments. There were some interactive exhibits, including a coloring book and touch station, which are great for kids. We were thrilled to see the Noodle Mountain piece, which is created by a NJ-based artist, Colette Fu. The Slow Motion exhibit takes place through September 1, 2025. In the same building is the Peacock Cafe, which had a nice selection of lunch and dinner options and served one of the best soft pretzels I ever had. Good quality and taste for museum food! There are 4 eateries on the property including Rat's Restaurant, a fine dining destination with farm-fresh French flair. You can tell the staff at GFS love what they do because they are all so friendly, especially at the front gate. It is refreshing for your first impression of a place through employees to be happy, exciting, and educational. I usually post about dog friendly places, so wanted to at least share the rules, as of August 2024: "All pets must be left at home. For the health of your pets do not leave them in vehicles. Service animals are always welcome. Emotional support animals and therapy dogs are not considered service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)." read more

Grounds For Sculpture - Museums Near Me - Hamilton, New Jersey

A neat surprise of a place I'd never heard about until my sister took us on a tour. The place was started a while back by Seward Johnson, an heir to the Johnson & Johnson business fortune and the brainchild of Seward who himself was a serious sculptor. Spread over the grounds of what was once a fairgrounds and racetrack complex, the place extends over at least a hundred acres of ponds, gardens, and meadows that host dozens and dozens of large-scale sculptures. A very cool place but nowhere on the scale of similar spots for monumental art such as Storm King or Tippet Rise. read more

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Lots of beautiful artwork and well maintained land. Lots of fun. I would totally recommend.

Grounds For Sculpture is a museum, sculpture garden, and arboretum featuring contemporary art and nature. The collection includes works by 150 artists, and the organization offers educational programs and events for all ages. Staffs are very friendly , helpful, polite and knowledgeable. Ambiance is wonderful and great. read more

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Such a beautiful place, so much to see. We really enjoyed the sculptures and exhibits, they were all so unique and interesting. Did not have time to go through it all because there's so much more to see but we had an amazing time. read more

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42 acres of Art. There is no way to see it all. We like to see new things and came upon this. This is an outdoor sculpture garden with So many hidden items. You will never be able to find them all. We went on a pretty cold day and could only finish half but what we saw was cute, funny, inspirational and crazy. There is really something for everyone. It was a great stop. read more

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This is an outdoor museum with life-sized and much larger pieces of sculpture scattered around the garden area. Can be a part of the scenes by posing with the sculptures for photos. Make sure to have comfortable walking shoes, a sun umbrella or hat and something to drink esp on the warm days. Maybe insect repellant too. We did a lot of walking but we didn't cover it in one day. Some with membership can keep returning. The trails are wheelchair-friendly. Some sculptures can be seen easily from them, but some are behind trees, inside building structures or have steps to get to them. Some signs mentioned poison ivy so be careful going through the greenery. There were benches for resting; swings too, even for a wheelchair so my mom got to ride as well. A map is available via QR code but a printed or posted ones all around, would be helpful as well. There are indoor exhibits, restrooms and a cafe both in the main building, and across from it in another building. read more

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I finally visited Grounds for Sculpture. I cabe for their Night Forms seasonal exhibition. We bought timed tickets for admission on the weekend. This beautiful sound and light display was very well curated. Sometimes these seasonal displays can be quite gimmicky, which I was worried about, but that wasn't the case here. Tickets were completely sold out but the park didn't feel particularly crowded (except on a few pathways) but the park is really large and spread out. The exhibition featured various geometric forms illuminated with colorful lights and sound. They looked really pretty against the bare tree branches. It had almost a spooky feel (or romantic, friending on your vibe). Overall, the exhibition was well-curated and I would be curious to see some of the regular displays in the daytime. From the few pieces I could see in the dark though, they seemed really nice. It reminded me of pieces similar to the ones at Storm King Art Center in New York. My only criticism was that the entrance to the park was particularly difficult to find, especially in the evening where the signs were not well lit. However, once in the park, the show was really well organized with signs all throughout pointing you to the next numbered display. There's also a nice French restaurant right in the park called Rat's that looks pretty cool. We stopped here to ask for directions on the way in. If I ever come back, I would want to try it out. read more

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Grounds for Sculpture was a very pleasant visit. As soon as you walk into the main building, you are surrounded by art, a friendly staff, a gift store, and a beautiful café (Van Gogh Café). The entire site encompasses acres upon acres of sculptures. Some small and some.....enormous. The genius of how each is piece is curated is breath taking. I could easily post hundreds of pics in my review. You will also come across a pond, with Coi Fish and ducks. They seem to be very happy in that location. Please, bring your walking shoes and plenty of time to meander through the never ending displays and art work. read more

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This review is limited to the Night Forms exhibition going on until April 7th. Unfortunately, the exhibit will likely not return after that date. Decided to trek over to see the Night Forms before Daylight Savings Time ends. The exhibition is limited to the weekends and - of course - to evenings only, I decided to come through now before the extra hour of sunlight restricts the viewing times. There's 13 main viewing areas. You get the full audiovisual experience of the lights + the music. It kinda takes you away from the moment. It's a fun escape from reality. You could easily spend about an hour plus here just staring at the visuals. The sculptures itself are pretty cool to look at in the dark. Of course, you can spend some time at the restaurant, warming hut (looks like a sauna), or cafe attached to the welcome center. There's also a temporary exhibit inside with paintings in coordination with an art organization in NJ. They're showcasing paintings from children across NJ. Admission is $30 for adults. Potentially a bit steep, but it's worth the experience while it lasts. read more

This place was sooo cool. They had many beautiful sculptures to see. They are located by a lake so you can view the waterfront. There are lots of places where you can sit for a picnic and many places to order food to eat. They have a great gift shop and a small museum where you can rest inside. This a picture perfect place to go visit and enjoy the outdoors. read more

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Loved the art work sculptures greenery and scenery. I spent about 2.5 hours here and I pretty sure I missed a few paths but the weather was not cooperating. I came to have lunch at the peacock cafe but the cafe was closed today "due to staffing" so they allowed me to enjoy the Van Gogh Cafe. The cafe consist of premade wraps, sandwiches and salads, but was honestly pretty good. They also have a nice selection of coffee and pastries. There is an outdoor area to sit at, and it's friendly for all ages. read more

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We had a Saturday in June with no plans so my wife and I decided to take my in-laws to the Ground For Sculpture. It was our first time here and we really loved this place. There's a history with this site that goes back to the 1700's. Prior to being this site for Sculptures, this property was NJ State Fairgrounds until the 1990's. There's so much to see here that I'm sure we missed things, but just being here for a few hours was a lot of fun. The talent in building these sculptures is just amazing! Follow the trails and you can find so many cool things. We didn't go the restaurant onsite, but it looked very nice. We did stop at the cafe and also for ice cream while walking around. I definitely recommend taking a drive here off you have a day and you're looking for something to do. It was lots of fun! read more

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Visit the website and then visit the place. Make sure to make a reservation for dinner at the on-premises restaurant . Go on a day when the weather is comfortable enough for you to spend a full long day so you can see all the installations and walk all the paths. read more

Incredibly beautiful day spent walking the grounds for my birthday! Wonderful way to start my year. Had lunch at ratz which was also fantastic xo read more

Great outdoor sculpture exhibit ----- just make sure you try to plan for it on a nice day! My family and I planned out a day at Grounds For Sculpture after looking for fun activities to do in NJ for my wife's birthday. Honestly, during the winter, there aren't many fun outdoor activities in NJ without freezing your butt (and every limb) off, but we sucked it up with our 2 kids and went for it anyway! To boot, there is a fantastic restaurant, Rat's Restaurant, that is located on the grounds, where I booked a reservation for us on the Saturday that we visited. But, back to Grounds For Sculpture, it's a great chance to just enjoy the outdoors and take silly pictures. There are so many photo spots and great, amazing artwork to take photos with, but THE absolute spot to take a photo is at the back of Rat's Restaurant in the Rat's Woodlands area. It's absolutely gorgeous there, especially in the evening when the lights turn on. Parking is free here and on the day we went, it was very, very quiet - probably because it was the coldest day of the winter at 4pm! There were still some crazy people there, like us, but probably not as many as there could be on a nice, spring day. With all of this said, it's a nice, chill area and actually makes for a great date spot for you lovebirds (with a meal at Rat's to boot!) read more

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What a pretty place to stroll. A charming outdoor display of sculptures. Whimsical statues, peacocks, flowering trees, water features. Lovely trails. Very delightful cafe. ( ‿ )Take your favorite family member here for a chat , stroll and a bite. read more

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