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10 TripTiks

10 TripTiks
 

Fall Foliage

By Juliet Pennington

Taking in the brilliant hues of autumn's onset never gets old, but there are ways of seeing nature's col––or mena–ger––ie from new, exciting and varied per––spectives. Check out these foliage havens, and don't forget your camera, because the scenery will be spectacular.

  1. Aerial Tramway, Franconia N.H. Sit back and enjoy the ride up Franconia State Park's Cannon Mountain in this cable car. On a clear day, you can see mountains in Canada. At the summit, take one of the meandering walking paths, or relax at the observation deck, which features a restaurant and bar.
  2. Seaplane Services, Laconia, N.H. See the lake region from a new perspective. Pilot Dave French will take up to five passengers on a flight above and beyond Lake Winnipesaukee in his amphibious aircraft. What's really cool is he'll even pick you up at the private dock of your choice!
  3. Urban AdvenTours bike tours, Boston. Most city dwellers leave town to find foliage. But it would be a mistake to overlook Boston's delights, especially when they can be enjoyed on a guided bike tour. Ride along gardens, reserves and open spaces including Commonwealth Avenue, the shores of Jamaica Pond and the winding paths of the Arnold Arboretum. AAA member discount.
  4. Deerfield Valley Canopy ToursDeerfield Valley Canopy Tours, Charlemont, Mass. Take a three–hour zip–line canopy tour through the woods. You'll be strapped into a harness attached to a pulley suspended from a heavy steel cable mounted on an incline. Transverse 11 zip lines, two sky bridges and three rappels among the towering treetops high above the forest floor.
  5. Bert's Boats, Jeffersonville, Vt. Rent a canoe or kayak and take in the beauty of the mountains that are awash in a riot of color. Paddle down the Lamoille River and more remote rivers and lakes on your own or with a guide. The Peterson Gorge tour is especially popular, as is the sunset tour.
  6. Lee's Riding Stables, Litchfield Hills, Conn. There's nothing quite like enjoying the outdoors on horseback. Engaging guides take visitors on the many trails in Topsmead State Forest, a stately sanctuary of a bygone era where the unspoiled natural scenery provides a dramatic backdrop.
  7. Jumptown Skydiving, Orange, Mass. Thrill seekers who want unobstructed aerial views of the trees, mountains, lakes and rivers that are all the more brilliant during the fall might want to give skydiving a try. Jumptown offers tandem and, with proper training, individual jumps, and while those daring souls who take the plunge don't have a great deal of time to take in the scenery, there is a good three– to five–minute stretch (after freefalling and once the parachute opens) during which they can enjoy the view as they gently descend to the earth's surface.
  8. Old Colony and Newport Railway, Newport, R.I. Travel in style in a "first class" private parlor car as you view the shore–based hues and rocky beaches and sparkling waters of Narragansett Bay. The 80–minute trip, which can be taken in a turn–of–the–century open platform coach, includes passage through Naval Station Newport and Pier One, home to two decommissioned U.S. Navy aircraft carriers.
  9. Odiorne State Park, Rye, N.H. Head to this seaside park and take one of the many walking paths that skirt the shoreline, snake through upland forests and meadows, and wind around freshwater and saltwater marshes and a pond. Venture into the woods to see remnants of an old fort and take in the wonderful seaside views.
  10. Old King's Highway (Route 6A), Cape Cod. For a traditional drive, don't miss this 34–mile stretch that was once an Indian trade route. Pass through villages and past cranberry bogs, salt marshes and farmlands. If it's Columbus Day weekend, visit the Yarmouth Seaside Festival, featuring games, rides, a parade, entertainment and a fair with more than 125 crafters from all over the country.
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Take a Tour of Legendary Literary Locations

By Juliet Pennington

New England's role in the American Revolution is widely known, but it's important to note that in the century following our country's war for independence, the region became a venerable literary mecca.

In the 1800s, the northeastern region of the country – particularly Greater Boston – was home to an astounding number of innovative thinkers and writers ranging from Nathaniel Hawthorne to Ralph Waldo Emerson and a host of other notable literati whose interests included everything from transcendentalism and spiritual enlightenment to abolition and women's rights.

Want to see where "Huckleberry Finn7quot; was written, the very desk where Louisa May Alcott penned most of "Little Women," or where Henry David Thoreau embarked on his quest in simple living? Discover these and other must–see points of literary and historic significance throughout New England.

  1. Mark TwainMark Twain House, Hartford, Conn. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the death of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. The famous author and humorist, who Nobel Prize–winner William Faulkner called "the father of American literature," lived in this unique and celebrated home with his family from 1874–1891. During this time, he wrote some of his most famous novels, including "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," and "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court." Don't miss Mr. Twain's private office/billiard room on the third floor. The museum, opened in 2003, includes rare manuscripts, photos, artifacts, artwork and a 2,000–square–foot gallery with changing exhibits. For more information, visit www. Marktwainmuseum.org or call (860) 247–0998.
  2. Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, Hartford, Conn. It has been said that her words changed the world. While she published more than 30 books, Ms. Stowe is most well–known for her anti–slavery novel, "Uncle Tom's Cabin," which changed how Americans and others around the globe viewed the institution of slavery. The gothic–revival style Victorian cottage, which sits on 2 1/2 acres and includes eight impressive flower gardens, was built in 1871, and purchased by the acclaimed author in 1873. She lived there with her family until her death in 1896. View numerous period pieces of furniture – including Ms. Stowe's small spindle writing desk and chair – and other authentic artifacts and memorabilia. For more information, visit www.harrietbeecherstowecenter.org or call (860) 522–9258.
  3. Monte Cristo Cottage, New London, Conn. During his formative years, eminent American playwright Eugene O'Neill spent his summers in this charming house on Pequot Street. It was named by his father, the actor James O'Neill, as a nod to the play in which he starred, "The Count of Monte Cristo." Eugene O'Neill, who won four Pulitzer prizes and was the only American playwright to win the Nobel Prize for literature, set two of his most famous plays – his comedy "Ah! Wilderness" and his semi–autobiographical "Long Day's Journey Into Night" – at the cottage. The house features multimedia exhibits about Mr. O'Neill's life and works, as well as artifacts and memorabilia. For more information, visit www.theoneill.org (then click on "Monte Cristo Cottage") or call (860) 443–5378 ext. 285.
  4. Mt. Greylock, Pittsfield MAHerman Melville's Arrowhead, Pittsfield, MA. The view of Mount Greylock from his study window was said to be Herman Melville's inspiration for the white whale in "Moby–Dick." Visitors to this sprawling site can stand on the very porch and enjoy the same view as the renowned author did when he would relax in his rocking chair. The grounds include the author's two–story house and restored barn – where Mr. Melville and fellow scribe Nathaniel Hawthorne spent hours in conversation. Arrowhead presents a series of lectures, discussion groups and special events relating to Mr. Melville and his life in the Berkshires. For more information, visit www.mobydick.org or call (413) 442–1793.
  5. Emily Dickinson Museum, Amherst, Mass. This site, in downtown Amherst, comprises two historic houses. The Homestead was the birthplace and lifelong home of the acclaimed 19th– century poet and the Evergreens, next door, was home to her brother, Austin, and his family. The homes' furnishings reflect the era and the Dickinsons' lifestyle. See Ms. Dickinson's narrow bed with white linens in her upstairs bedroom and one of her dresses in white – the only color the reclusive writer is thought to have worn in her adult years. For more information, visit www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org or call (413) 542–8161.
  6. Stone HouseRobert Frost Stone House Museum, South Shaftsbury, Vermont. This modest, two–story stone house, built in 1769, is what the acclaimed poet called home from 1920–1929. It was here that he composed many of his most famous pieces, including "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening," which was part of his first Pulitzer Prize–winning volume, "New Hampshire," published in 1923. The pitched–roof house looks much the same as it did when Mr. Frost lived there, and the seven acres on which the museum sits feature many of the stone walls, birch and apples trees – and even the timbered barn – about which he wrote. He wrote of Shaftsbury: "I mean to plant a new Garden of Eden with a thousand apple trees of some unforbidden variety." For more information, and to find out about on–site lectures and exhibits, visit www.frostfriends.org or call (802) 447–6200.
  7. Longfellow House, Cambridge, MA. While it once served as George Washington's Revolutionary War headquarters, the former "Craigie Castle," built in 1759, was home to acclaimed poet and educator Henry Wadsworth Longfellow from 1837–1882. The 22–room mansion, set back from Brattle Street, houses an impressive collection of historic furnishings, books and portraits. One of the most poignant pieces is an armchair that was hand–carved from the wood of the "spreading chestnut tree" that Mr. Longfellow wrote about in "A Village Blacksmith." The tree had to be removed in the late 1870s when Brattle Street was widened and, knowing the famous resident's affinity for it, the children of Cambridge gave the chair to him for his 72nd birthday. For more information, visit www.longfellowfriends.org or call (617) 876–4491.
  8. Orchard House, Concord, MA. A small half–moon–shaped desk at her bedroom window was where Louisa May Alcott penned one of the most famous novels of all time, "Little Women," which is about four sisters growing up in New England in the mid–1800s. Visitors to the Orchard House can still see the desk that her father built for her, as well as the famous author's ink well, which sits atop it. Ms. Alcott lived at Orchard House with her family from 1858–1877, and many scenes from "Little Women," which mirrored the author's life, come to life in the two–story home. For more information, visit www.louisamayalcott.org or call (978) 369–4118.
  9. Ralph Waldo Emerson Memorial House, Concord, Mass. The leading Transcendentalist and prominent American thinker lived in this frame house from 1835 until his death in 1882. Many of Mr. Emerson's personal effects are on display and the house retains much of its 19th century character, with original furniture, artwork, etc. It was in this house that the prolific writer and poet penned his most famous essays, "The American Scholar" and "Self Reliance." For more information, visit www.rwe.org or call (978) 369–2236.
  10. Walden Pond, Concord, MA. Henry David Thoreau, a philosopher and pioneer conservationist, embarked on a quest for simple living at this bucolic oasis less than 20 miles northwest of Boston. For two years in the mid–1840s, Mr. Thoreau lived in a one–room cabin he built on land owned by his friend, Ralph Waldo Emerson. His experiences in this wooded retreat on the banks of Walden Pond became the basis for his treatise on self–reliance, "Walden." Visitors may stroll the trails independently, or take guided walks of the Walden Pond State Reservation, which is also a popular recreation area for fishing, boating (no motors) and swimming. On a slope near the far side of the pond is a marker indicating where Mr. Thoreau's cabin once stood. A replica is on display across the street near the parking lot. For more information, visit www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/walden/ or call (617) 626–1250.
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New England Seaside Getaways

By Megan Gorzkowski

beachSitting by the shore, toes in the sand, with a good book in one hand and an iced tea in the other.

Enjoying a spectacular ocean view from atop a light–house.

Bicycling around an island, perhaps en route to grab an ice cream cone or collect seashells.

There are a variety of ways N ew Englanders savor their summers by the sea. Here are 10 islands and coastal towns to visit during your next getaway.

  1. Nantucket, Mass., Named after a Native American phrase meaning "far–away land,” it's easy to forget you are just 30 miles from the Massachusetts main–land. Kids will enjoy visiting the Whaling Museum, playing at Children's Beach or taking surfing lessons. Grownups will love touring Cisco Brewery, also home to Nantucket Vineyards and Triple Eight Distillery.
  2. Ogunquit, Maine, Can't decide be–tween show tunes and sand dunes? In Ogunquit, you don't have to. Ogunquit Playhouse brings Broad–way musicals such as "Monty Python's Spamalot” and "The Sound of Music” to southern Maine each summer and fall. For a scenic outdoor activity, explore the Marginal Way, a 1.25–mile path offering spectacular views of the coast. Follow the trail to Perkins Cove's dining and shopping district, where you can take a trolley to other parts of town.
  3. deckBlock Island, R.I., New Shoreham may beRhode Island's smallest town, but the only village that makes up Block Island sure packs a lot into its 7,000 acres. Rent a bicycle and travel up the coast to the granite North Light lighthouse and museum. Spend a rainy day at the island's numerous art galleries. Then enjoy a refreshing drink and live entertainment at Ballard's Inn.
  4. rocks by sea Madison, Conn., Madison is one of the Nutmeg State's most hopping towns come summertime, thanks to Hammonasset Beach. Con–necticut's largest beach has soft white sand and gentle waves perfect for families with younger children. The onsite Meigs Point Nature Center teaches visitors about beach wildlife. After your day on the shore, check out the 30 statues along Madison's Sculpture Mile in the downtown district.
  5. Cape Elizabeth, Maine, If you're looking for a serene beach stay away from the crowds, then head to Cape Elizabeth. The Inn by the Sea (****) offers guests and their pets a luxurious beach experience like no other. Enjoy a soothing massage at the spa, a gourmet dinner at the Sea Glass restaurant, or a quiet afternoon exploring the onsite wildlife sanctuary and gardens. A private boardwalk connects the inn to beautiful Crescent Beach.
  6. Martha's Vineyard, Mass., The nation's eyes were on this island retreat off the coast of Cape Cod last year when the First Family vacationed here. You can enjoy a similar all–American escape, whether you go on a sailing tour, relax on one of the dozen–plus beaches or go for a spin on the Flying Horses Carousel. Visiting in August? The popular Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Fair runs Aug. 19 through 22, and features food, live entertainment, local art, a dog show and more.

  7. Narragansett, R.I., Nar–ragan–sett is home to four of the Ocean State's most popular beaches: the town beach, Salty Brine, Roger Wheeler and Scarborough. For a change of pace, or for those who like a little adventure in their vacation, rent a kayak and explore the Narrow River. Whatever your day includes, be sure to stop for a sundae or an ice cream cone at Brickley's Homemade Ice Cream.
  8. Plum Island, Mass., Just off the coast of New–buryport, Plum Island is an 11–mile–long barrier island with beautiful beaches and wildlife centers. Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is home to more than 350 bird species, and the Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center. Joppa Flats' Ecotours also take guests on a boat tour of Parker River's estuaries.
  9. York Beach, Maine, With entertainment options both on and off the sand, it's no wonder York is such a summer hot spot. While the water is the main attraction at Short Sands Beach, visitors also love the nightly concerts, the vintage arcade, and The Goldenrod candy shop. For an adventurous day out, visit York's Wild Kingdom, a zoo and amusement park. And no trip to York would be complete without a postcard–worthy photo of Cape Neddick's Nubble Light.
  10. Rockport, Mass., Loc–ated on Cape Ann, picturesque Rockport offers visitors the perfect blend of tranquility and culture. Begin your visit with a stroll along the shore, and spend the afternoon shopping downtown or exploring the tidal pools and granite cliffs at Halibut Point State Reservation.
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'Be Our Guest' – Diamond Destination Dining

dessert An exceptional meal can do far more than just quiet a growling stomach. It can take your taste buds on an exotic tour around the world.

Here are 10 AAA Four and Five Diamond restaurants that are destinations in themselves.

  1. Eleven Madison Park, New York, Maybe you recognize it as the place on “Sex and the City” where Big broke Carrie Bradshaw’s heart. But you’ll put aside your hard feelings after dining here. Executive Chef Daniel Humm crafts his menus to reflect the restaurant’s Art–Deco design. Every element is intentional, from the plate style to the in–gredient textures and the gar–nish. Also, be sure to check out Eleven Madison Park’s extensive cocktail menu you’ll make Carrie proud!
  2. Fearrington House Restaurant, Pittsboro, N.C., “Locally grown” and “green” may be buzzwords today, but at North Carolina’s only Five Diamond restaurant, these concepts aren’t just a passing phase. Fearrington’s dishes feature seasonal herbs and edible flowers from on–site gardens, freshly baked bread, local produce, sustainable seafood and more. The result: “farm–to–table” concoctions such as vanilla butter poached lobster with apple jam, and organic chicken breast with pistachio and dried fruit compote.
  3. Jean Georges, New York, Dine like “the Donald” at Jean Georges, located in the Trump International Hotel & Tower. Named after famous French chef Jean–Georges Vongerichten, the restaurant combines European, American and Asian cuisine. Expect the unexpected when it comes to flavor pairings: popular dishes include crunchy rabbit with citrus–chili paste and soybean puree; and gulf shrimp with pumpkin, water chestnuts, saffron and chipotle. Don’t worry if your budget isn’t exactly tycoon–worthy: as of press time, the restaurant was featuring a two–course lunch menu for $30 per person.
  4. Langdon Hall Dining Room, Cambridge, Ontario, At Langdon Hall, learning about food is almost as exciting as eating it. There are a variety of on–site tours and demonstrations for guests. Take a gardener–led tour, during which you can see the fresh herbs and produce used in dishes. The gardens produce more than 10 tomato varieties. Even the meats on the menu are cured with maple syrup tapped on–site.
  5. Lautrec, Farm–ing–ton, Pa., Named after painter Henri de Toulouse–Lautrec, this res–taurant brings the glamour of Paris’ Moulin Rouge to the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. Original Lautrec pieces dec–orate the dining rooms. The food is vibrant and indulgent: Atlantic cod with chorizo, pep–pers and lobster froth; bacon–wrapped quail with fava beans; and jade milk chocolate with elderflower foam and cocoa sponge cake. Guests can select from over 20,000 bottles in the state’s largest wine cellar.
  6. Le Baccara, Gatineau, Quebec, Le Baccara offers incredible views both inside and out. Located on the top floor of the Casino du Lac–Leamy, the restaurant features a breathtaking water–front panorama of the Ottawa skyline. Le Baccara’s open kitchen layout brings the food preparation magic into the dining room. Menu highlights include nut–crusted caribou loin with juniper berries, and Lake Brome duck supreme with vanilla polenta, sweet peppers and pineapple confit.
  7. Spiced Pear Restaurant, Newport, R.I., Set along Newport’s famed Cliff Walk, Spiced Pear com–bines Gilded–Age luxuries with the tastes of the Atlantic. The menu showcases seafood at its finest the lobster bisque is a popular starter, while main–course offerings include seared day–boat scallops, Nova Scotia halibut, and a little something for steak lovers with several Kobe beef selections. Not even Gatsby’s party guests experienced dining this fine.
  8. 8. Topper’s, Nantucket, Mass., At Topper’s, the journey is half the fun. Sip a glass of champagne while riding to and from your dining destination onboard a complimentary water taxi, (running June 27 through Sept. 13, weather permitting). Once you arrive at the restaurant, located at The Wauwinet, continue to savor offerings including Yankee pot roast with sugar pumpkin risotto, or salmon with French butter pear pur é e. For dessert, try the housemade ice cream.
  9. Wheatleigh’s Dining Room, Lenox, Mass., Tucked in the Berkshires over–looking the Stockbridge Bowl (Lake Makeenac), Wheatleigh offers a tranquil escape for guests. The dining room trans–ports your senses to lands near and far. And don’t be surprised if you hear music in the air; Wheatleigh is near Tangle–wood, summer home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
  10. White Barn Inn Restaurant, Kennebunk, Maine, Guests are
    welcomed by the glow of candlelight and spectacular views from the floor–to–ceiling windows. Each week, the menu changes, reflecting the freshest seasonal ingredients. Offerings range from local cod filet and scallops with champagne froth to pheasant breast and foie gras sausage on root vegetable ragout. The Inn also offers an extensive collection of port wines, cordials, coffees and teas for after dinner.
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Walk With the Animals, Talk With the Animals
10 of the Region's Best Zoos & Aquariums

By Megan Gorzkowski

aquarium They’re home to creatures great and small, cuddly and creepy, exotic and familiar. They are America’s zoos and aquariums, and these living museums draw 134 million visitors each year – more than the annual attendance at NFL, NHL and Major League Baseball games combined.

Here are 10 zoos and aquariums worth a road trip in themselves.

  1. Bronx Zoo, New York City. Journey to Africa without leaving the Big Apple. The Bronx Zoo is home to the Congo Gorilla Forest, the world’s largest replica African rain forest. In addition to more than a dozen gorillas in this area, guests can view a variety of birds, monkeys and other creatures. AAA members can save on admission when they buy and print their tickets online. Visit AAA.com/discounts for information.
  2. Cape May County Park & Zoo, Cape May, N.J. Looking for lions, tigers, bears and maybe a famous flamingo or two? Check out the Cape May County Park & Zoo. Its 500–plus animals and free admission have attracted visitors for more than 30 years. View zebras and giraffes in the savannah area, then meet Rocky, the zoo’s resident tiger, in his newly renovated digs.
  3. Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta. At the Georgia Aquarium, the world’s largest, the numbers speak for themselves. There are more than 8 million gallons of water, filled with over 100,000 sea creatures representing more than 500 species. View whale sharks – the world’s largest fish – alongside manta rays, hammerheads, guitarfish and more in the “Ocean Voyager” exhibit.
  4. Montreal Biodome, Montreal. Explore the North Pole to the South Pole, and everywhere in between, all under the same roof. Housed in a former cycling arena from the 1976 Olympics, the Biodome brings together four distinct ecosystems: Polar, Laurentian Forest, St. Lawrence Marine and Tropical Forest. Each is a separate attraction in the indoor zoo, featuring landscapes, plants and animals from that region. See penguins in the Antarctic, a golden lion tamarin in the tropics, beavers in the forest and more. Save on admission when you show your AAA card. Contact the Biodome for information.
  5. National Aquarium, Baltimore. Remember the scene in “Finding Nemo” when Marlin and Dory bounce from jellyfish to jellyfish? At the National Aquarium’s new “Jellies Invasion” exhibit, you can do just that, only without the risk of getting stung. Afterward, check out “Our Ocean Planet: The New Dolphin Show,” featuring the aquarium’s 10 bottlenose dolphins. Save on admission when you show your AAA card. Contact the aquarium for details.
  6. National Zoo, Washington, D.C. Part of the Smithsonian Institute, the National Zoo draws two million visitors each year, thanks to its incredible animals and free admission. The stars of the zoo are, of course, the giant pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian. Another endangered species recently helped by the National Zoo is the clouded leopard, native to Thailand. Three cubs were born last year, and guests can view two adult clouded leopards along the zoo’s Asia Trail.
  7. New England Aquarium, Boston. A longtime favorite in New England, the aquarium is constantly adding new improvements and features. Last year, it welcomed the New Balance Marine Mammal Center, which allows visitors to get up close to Northern Fur Seals and learn about them through interactive exhibits. The popular penguin exhibit recently added six female rockhopper penguins, bringing the total number of tuxedo–clad birds to about ninety.
  8. Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia. America’s first zoo celebrated its 150th anniversary last year with the opening of the McNeil Avian Center. Here you can view feathered friends in authentic, interactive settings. Visiting after April 10? Be sure to check out “Creatures of Habitat,” a zoo–wide exhibit of life–size LEGO brick animals.
  9. Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Pittsburgh. Want to come face to face with a polar bear, or maybe a shark? Impress friends with your tales of bravery after a trip to the aquarium’s “Water’s Edge” underwater viewing tunnel. Next, visit the Asian forest, home to tigers, leopards and more. And what trip to Pittsburgh would be complete without watching some penguins play: The zoo features three different species.
  10. Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach, Va. What do an Indonesian volcano, a Malaysian Peat Swamp, the Sahara Desert and the Red Sea have in common? They are all featured in the Virginia Aquarium’s new “Restless Planet” attraction. View animals as varied as cobras and Komodo dragons, angelfish and Algerian hedgehogs. You can even walk through the Red Sea thanks to a 40–foot–long tunnel aquarium that is populated with spotted eagle rays and other exotic fish. Save on admission when you show your AAA card. Contact the aquarium for details.
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Fan Favorites
Road Trips for Good Sports

By Megan Gorzkowski

NASCAR Hall of Fame March is an odd time in the world of sports. Football has finished, baseball’s in spring training, and everyone seems to be talking about how his or her college–hoops bracket is doing. Here are 10 sports spots to cure your case of “March Madness.”

  1. Camden Yards Sports Legends Museum, Baltimore. Adjacent to the Orioles’ ballpark, the Sports Legends Museum celebrates the city’s athletic history. Exhibits highlight Baltimore’s major sports teams – the Orioles and the Ravens – along with past icons like the Colts’ football team. There are presentations about the city’s most famous athletes: Johnny Unitas, Cal Ripken, Jr. and Babe Ruth, whose birthplace is just a few blocks away.
  2. Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto, Ontario. Inspired by the Olympics? Head north to the world’s largest collection of hockey memorabilia. The Hall celebrates the achievements of legends like Mario Lemieux, Gordie Howe and Bobby Orr through interactive exhibits. Try sportscasting at the Broadcast Zone. Learn geography through sports at the Global Game Encounter. Show off your stick skills at Be a Player Zone, where you can play goalie against a virtual Wayne Gretzky.
  3. Madison Square Garden, New York City. It’s the “World’s Most Famous Arena,” having hosted everything from U2 concerts to the Westminster Dog Show. Madison Square Garden is best known as home to three pro sports teams: the Knicks, the Rangers and the WNBA’s Liberty. It also hosts the Big East Men’s College Basketball Tournament each March. The MSG All Access Tour gives a behind–the–scenes look at the arena and what it takes to make sporting events and concerts succeed.
  4. NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte, N.C. Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines: This May, the NASCAR Hall of Fame opens. Follow the checkered–flag crosswalks to the Great Hall, featuring rotating displays and a giant indoor video billboard. Continue to Glory Road, which showcases cars and tracks on banked racetrack–like floors. Get inside the minds of drivers and pit crews in the racing and transporting simulators and the Race Week exhibit. Learn about the five members of the Hall of Fame’s Inaugural Class in the Hall of Honor.
  5. National Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, N.Y. Absorb two centuries of America’s “National Pastime” in Cooperstown. Begin with “The Baseball Experience,” a multimedia presentation set in a grandstand theater. View artifacts from the early days of baseball on the way to the 20th Century Baseball Time Line. Its newest collection, “ ¡Viva Baseball!”, is an interactive exhibit honoring Hispanic contributions to the game. Continue to “Today’s Game,” where you can view lockers filled with recent mementos. Additional exhibits celebrate ballparks, baseball cards, baseball in pop culture and all 289 Hall of Famers.
  6. Patriot Place, Foxboro, Mass. Check out a soccer game or get in a huddle with Tom Brady at Patriot Place. This shopping, dining and entertainment complex is best known for Gillette Stadium, home to the New England Patriots and Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution. Outside the stadium, visit The Hall at Patriot Place, a museum celebrating the history of the Patriots where you can listen to Coach Belichick and Tom Brady call plays from within a life–size huddle. Below the museum, check out the Patriots Pro Shop, where you can find everything from "Revs" jerseys to Patriots lawn gnomes.
  7. Pro Football Hall of Fame, Canton, Ohio. Are you ready for some football? Head to Canton, original site of the National Football League and home of the Pro Hall of Fame. Complete a pass in the throwing cage, participate in a trivia challenge and view gear from current players like Brett Favre, Terrell Owens and Peyton Manning. Diehards will love the new Lamar Hunt Super Bowl Gallery, where you can watch highlights from every Super Bowl on video kiosks.
  8. “Rocky” Steps and the Simeone Foundation Museum, Philadelphia. Admit it – you’ve always wanted to jog up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, humming the theme from “Rocky” and pumping your fists triumphantly at the top. Go ahead — just be sure to visit the bronze Rocky Balboa sculpture to the right of the stairs’ base for a post–climb photo–op. Continue on the road to victory at the Simeone Foundation Museum, a classic auto–racing museum with cars spanning the 20th century. The vehicles aren’t just mounted on display — you can see them in action on “Demonstration Day,” the fourth Saturday of each month.
  9. The Sports Museum at TD Garden, Boston. Root, root, root for the home team at Boston’s Sports Museum inside the TD Garden, home of the NHL’s Bruins and the NBA’s Celtics. It honors the Hub’s diverse athletic history on the court, diamond, ice and field. Glimpse into the lockers of Larry Bird and Ted Williams. Check out the Garden’s 21 championship banners – 16 for the Celtics and five for the Bruins — and hang out in the penalty box from the old Boston Garden. And if your favorite Sox are red, hop on the Green Line to Kenmore Square to pay a visit to Fenway Park, where behind–the–scenes tours run year round.
  10. World Golf Hall of Fame, St. Augustine, Fla . At the World Golf Hall of Fame, test the greens at St. Andrews and catch an IMAX film. This museum honors more than 130 legends, including Greg Norman, Annika Sorenstam and President Dwight D. Eisenhower. A golf simulator lets you play famous courses around the world, and “Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf” lets you putt on a championship green while announcers and fans (quietly) cheer your every move. Throughout 2010, the museum is hosting “Bob Hope: Shanks for the Memory,” which honors the beloved entertainer and golfer.
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Romantic Retreats
These Destinations Will Make You Fall in Love All Over Again

By Megan Gorzkowski

Biltmore Estate What’s your idea of the perfect Valentine’s getaway? A Ferris wheel ride overlooking Niagara Falls? A quiet retreat to a seaside B&B? A journey along a vineyard trail? Here are 10 romantic destinations perfect for a few days away.

  1. Asheville, N.C.What’s a fairy–tale getaway without a castle, or at least a castle–sized mansion? Built in the late 1800s by George Vanderbilt, Biltmore Estate is America’s largest home. During your visit, view artwork by masters like Renoir. Then tour the estate’s gardens and vineyards on a relaxing carriage ride.
    Couples with a love of the outdoors should check out the area’s many hiking opportunities. Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail are just some of the locations offering adventure and breathtaking views.
  2. Burlington, Vt. You and your sweetie can give each other the gift of fine cooking with a stay at The Essex Culinary Resort & Spa. Affiliated with the New England Culinary Institute, The Essex offers gourmet cooking classes and AAA Four–Diamond accommodations. Continue your Green Mountains getaway with a visit to Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace. Comprised of four blocks of shops, restaurants, street performers and more, this district is popular with tourists, college students and locals alike.
  3. 3. Hershey, Pa. If you’re tired of the same old box–of–chocolates routine, check out Hershey, “The Sweetest Place on Earth!” During its “Chocolate–Covered February” celebration, guests can take advantage of special events all month long. Spend a day at the Chocolate Spa. Go on a truffle–making tour at The Hershey Story Museum. And be sure to stop by The Jeweler at the Hotel Hershey; those Hershey Kiss pendants and chocolate–colored diamonds outshine that box of candy any day!
  4. Kennebunkport, Maine. With the summertime crowds long out of sight, Kennebunkport is a perfect winter haven for couples seeking some peace and quiet. Go for a walk along the beach, spend some time snowshoeing, or curl up by the fire with your loved one. If you’re in the mood for some shopping, visit Dock Square, home to small shops with handmade goods, antiques and more. For a real splurge, make your reservations for dinner at the White Barn Inn.
  5. 5. Niagara Falls, Ontario. Whether you’re celebrating your honeymoon, a 50th anniversary or Valentine’s Day, Niagara Falls’ Canadian side is full of fun wintertime activities. Take a ride on the 175–foot–high Niagara SkyWheel, and enjoy a breathtaking view of the falls from the comfort of your heated, enclosed gondola. Lace up your ice skates and go for a glide across the new “Rink on the Brink,” located near the edge of the Horseshoe Falls. And don’t forget to ride under the falls on the Maid of the Mist boat tour. Look how well it turned out for Jim and Pam on “The Office.”
  6. Charlottesville, Va. It’s true: Virginia is for lovers, especially lovers of history, wine and more. Best known for Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and University of Virginia, Charlottesville is also home to a number of relaxing inns and resorts. Traveling the area’s Monticello Wine Trail is another romantic activity. The 21 vineyards along the trail offer a variety of events and tastings throughout the year.
  7. Mystic, Conn. In 1945, newlyweds and silver–screen stars Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall honeymooned in Mystic, and the coastal town’s romantic reputation has stuck ever since. Stay at one of the region’s many cozy bed & breakfasts. Enjoy a wintery walk downtown and visit a variety of shops and art galleries. Travel back in time amid the tall ships at Mystic Seaport. And no trip to Mystic would be complete without a visit to the Aquarium, home to the only beluga whales in New England.

  8. New York City, N.Y. It does–n’t get much more romantic than Tom Hanks finally meeting Meg Ryan at the top of the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day. Maybe your own “Sleepless in Seattle” moment awaits in New York City. Indulge in all the “must–do” activities for lovebirds in Manhattan: ride to the top of the Empire State Building, go ice–skating at Rockefeller Center and enjoy Serendipity’s “Frrrozen Hot Chocolate.” If you need a bigger fix of New York’s romantic movie history, check out On Location’s “Central Park Movie Site” tour. You’ll see filming locations for favorites like “Enchanted,” “One Fine Day” and “When Harry Met Sally.”
  9. Québec City, Québec. If you really, really love winter, look to the Hôtel de Glace, or “Hotel of Ice,” just outside Québec City. Constructed of more than 15,000 tons of ice and snow, this unique hotel and tourist attraction is only open January through March each year. Fireplaces, warm beverages and hot tubs keep guests warm. For a more traditional Québécois experience, visit Old Québec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Feel yourself transported to Europe as you visit bistros and cozy shops along narrow cobblestone streets.
  10. Stockbridge, Mass. “Picturesque” doesn’t even begin to describe Stockbridge. Known as the inspiration for many Norman Rockwell illustrations, this southern Berkshire town offers a welcome respite. Close to several ski resorts and museums, Stockbridge has a variety of its own attractions, as well. Berkshire Botanical Garden’s Rice Greenhouse offers a year–round tropical oasis. The Norman Rockwell Museum features hundreds of its namesake artist’s works, many of which depict the heartwarming, humorous sides of love.
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Ice skating outdoors – 10 great places to glide

By Juliet Pennington

Ice skatingThere's something freeing about ice skating in the outdoors – especially on a winter's eve. The sound of metal blades cutting across a freshly groomed pond or rink, the cold, crisp air, a bright moon casting a soft glow on all below ...

Ice skating is not only an enjoyable activity, it's a healthy one, too, that can be shared by young and old alike.

If you can't make it to Paris this winter to skate in the Eiffel Tower – that's right, there's an outdoor ice rink on the first–floor observation deck, 188–feet above the ground – then check out these cool ice rinks and ponds on this side of the Atlantic that are just a drive away.

  1. Bank of America Skating Center, Providence, R.I. While downtown Providence has become known for its summertime "WaterFire" display, cold–weather enthusiasts can't get enough of the Bank of America Skating Center adjacent to Kennedy Park, the Biltmore Hotel, City Hall and many of the city's finest restaurants. The ice on this 14,000–square–foot rink (twice the size of New York City's Rockefeller Center!) is groomed every couple of hours, and a pleasing blend of music is constantly piped through the sound system. Family events and other special activities are scheduled here regularly. Skate rentals are available. And for those looking ahead to the spring/summer ... the center is converted to a roller skating rink when the weather turns warm
  2. Bear Mountain Ice Rink, Bear Mountain, N.Y. Forty–five minutes north of New York City, in the Hudson Highlands, is an outdoor ice–skating rink in Bear Mountain State Park, part of the Palisades Park Conservancy. Situated along the west bank of the Hudson River, the park, with its rugged mountains and scenic vistas, provides a striking backdrop for skating – or any other outdoor activity, for that matter. Because of the rink's popularity, there are 90–minute skate sessions to keep crowding to a minimum. Lockers and refreshments are available.
  3. Citi Pond at Bryant Park, New York City. Sure, everybody is familiar with the ice–skating rink at Rockefeller Center and, to a lesser extent, Wollman Rink in Central Park. They're great, but don't overlook Citi Pond at Bryant Park in midtown Manhattan. If for nothing else, it's a good choice because it's the only rink in the city to offer free admission (there is a fee for skate rentals). In winter, the park is transformed into an outdoor skating, shopping, entertainment and people–watching destination with holiday decorations and lights galore. More than 100 vendors set up shop throughout the park and Celsius – a two–story restaurant with a heated seating area in the veranda that overlooks the rink – is a great place to warm up and play a board game or two.
  4. Frog Pond, Boston. WSituated in the nation's oldest public park, the Boston Common, the Frog Pond is a favorite ice–skating destination for locals and visitors alike. Lace up your skates and take a twirl in the heart of this historic city, where the State House and other landmarks are a stone's throw away. Skate rentals are available at the 16,000–square–foot rink, which features the Frog Pond Skating School and a snack shack to help you warm up with a mug of hot chocolate between skating sessions. And if you work up a hearty appetite, some of Boston's best restaurants are nearby. Right across the street is the Public Garden, where there is a smaller skating rink that is not professionally groomed.
  5. Lake Morey, Fairlee, Vt. The longest groomed ice–skating trail in the country, this 4.5–mile loop around Lake Morey in central Vermont is an incredibly scenic skating spot. Talk about skating in the great outdoors ... Located at the Lake Morey Resort, this mega trail is complemented by two smaller skating rinks. Don't miss the Vermont Pond Hockey Championship the last weekend in January, or the Skate Vermont Weekend on Feb. 12 and 13, where restaurant fare sampling, called "Taste of the Lake," is held on Lake Morey.
  6. Lee Twombly Pond, Falmouth, Maine. Nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and just about anyone else would be hard pressed to find a more idyllic and serene place to ice skate than this pond in southern Maine. The surface is professionally groomed and resurfaced multiple times daily, making for excellent conditions, and the surrounding majestic evergreens – especially when they're covered in snow – are a site to behold. When it's time to warm up, head into the Pond House, which has indoor and outdoor fireplaces.

  7. Nestlenook Victorian Skating Park, Jackson, N.H. ILocated on the 3–acre Emerald Lake, this enchanting lake is the largest outdoor skate park in Mount Washington Valley. A section of the frozen lake winds under an arched bridge adorned with evergreen trim, making for an even more captivating visual experience. Visitors can skate out to Angel Island and take a break by cozying up to a roaring fire in a fully enclosed warming center. For the little ones, a small, tented rink opened recently near the lake to give youngsters a place to hone their skating skills.
  8. Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, Mass. Take the edge off January's chill with a trip back in time to an old–fashioned winter celebration with "Fire and Ice" on Jan. 29 and 30 at one of the country's largest living history museums. In addition to skating in this bucolic setting, visitors can go sledding on 1830s–style sleds, take horse–drawn sleigh rides, and learn all about ice harvesting and how settlers cut blocks of ice and shipped them around the world before the invention of electrical refrigeration. Afterward, guests can warm up with hot cider, stories, songs and fireside tales at the Bullard Tavern.
  9. Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods, N.H. Nestled in New Hampshire's picturesque White Mountain National Forest, the skating rink at this expansive resort is a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The open–air rink, which is on the small side, is a perfect location from which to admire the breathtaking views of the Presidential Mountain Range. Admission is free for all, and skate rentals are available. For those who want to further embrace the cold–weather spirit, try some of the other outdoor winter activities – including tubing and snowshoeing – offered by the resort.
  10. Sculpture Garden Ice Rink, Washington, D.C. A wintertime visit to the nation's capital would not be complete without a visit to this charming ice–skating rink in the shadows of the National Gallery of Art and other museums and monuments on the National Mall. The rink is strung with festive lights and surrounded by sculptures by renowned artists such as Joan Miró, Alexander Calder and Roy Lichtenstein. The on–site Pavilion Café offers a variety of food and drinks, as well as panoramic views of the Sculpture Garden and ice rink.
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10 Places To Honor Black History Month

By Juliet Pennington

Want to visit the theater where legends like Billie Holiday performed, or the house where "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was written? In celebration of Black History Month, we've compiled a list of things to do and places to go that honor famous African–Americans.

  • 1. African–American Civil War Memorial and Museum, Washington, D.C. Off the National Mall in the U Street neighborhood, the monument pays tribute to African–Americans who fought during the Civil War. The museum offers a collection of photographs, doc–uments and audio–visual displays about African–Americans' heroic struggle for freedom. While in the U Street area (dubbed "Black Broadway" because of the famous black stars who have lived or worked there), check out some of the many restaurants, clubs and music venues.
  • 2. The Birmingham Civil Rights District, Birmingham, Ala. Few cities played as prominent a role in the Civil Rights movement as Birmingham. The most poig–nant place on the six–block stretch is the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, site of the infamous 1963 bombing that killed four girls and brought world condemnation of racial violence.
  • 3. Harlem, New York. Perhaps no other U.S. destination is more closely associated with the African–American community than Harlem. Stroll along 125th Street, where sidewalk vendors sell everything from the latest street fashions to cutting–edge urban music CDs, or catch a live performance at the historic Apollo Theater.
  • 4. Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, Hartford, Conn. Most well–known for her anti–slavery book, "Uncle Tom's Cabin," Harriet Beecher Stowe was an outspoken abolitionist during the decades leading up to the Civil War. She lived in this gothic–revival cottage (one of three buildings on the site) from 1873 until her death in 1896. The house contains a large collection of furnishings, books, manuscripts and memorabilia belonging to Beecher Stowe.
  • 5. The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, Atlanta. Located in the city's "Sweet Auburn District," the site's highlights include King's birthplace, the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King and his father once preached, and Fire Station No. 6, one of the south's first desegregated fire stations, which now houses free exhibits.
  • 6. The LeMoyne House, Washington, Pa. This Georgian–style stone house was built in 1812 by John Julius LeMoyne. He and his son, Francis Julius LeMoyne, were practicing physicians, and it was the younger LeMoyne who, despite the strict Fugitive Slave Law of 1850, risked his freedom and professional reputation to stand against slavery. He opened his home – now a museum filled with artifacts – as a stop along the Underground Railroad.
  • 7. Museum of African–American History, Boston. Located in the African Meeting House on Beacon Hill, this museum showcases the contributions of African–Americans through exhibits, programs and educational initiatives. The museum oversees four historic sites – two in Boston and two on Nantucket – and two Black Heritage Trails that tell the story of organized black communities from the Colonial period through the 19th century.
  • 8. Prudence Crandall Museum, Canterbury, Conn. This museum once housed the country's first academy for black women. After facing criticism for letting a black student attend the boarding school she ran, Prudence Crandall, an educator and abolitionist, decided to open a school for African–American girls.
  • 9. The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African–American History and Culture, Baltimore. On the edge of the Inner Harbor, this museum is the largest of its kind on the East Coast. Images, music and recorded oral history bring to life the museum's exhibits and collections.
  • 10. Seacoast African–American Cultural Center, Portsmouth, N.H. Founded in 2000, this center celebrates the lives and achievements of African–Americans – especially those with ties to the area – with concerts, educational programs, exhibits from notable artists and impressive collections of African artifacts.
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Children's MuseumsTrips to take with kids: Children's museums turn play into learning

By Juliet Pennington

Want to dig for dinosaur fossils, host a television program or design a roller coaster? These are just some of the fun activities that can be found at a children's museum.

While most museums have a "do not touch" policy, children's museums encourage interaction and the many hands–on exhibits and programs create educational experiences for young and old alike.

"Through play, children learn to solve problems, cooperate and negotiate – all important in building cognitive, social and emotional skills that are critical for success in school and life," said Janet Rice Elman, executive director of the Washington, D.C.–based Association of Children's Museums.

She said that when taking family vacations that often involve action–packed itineraries, visiting one of the more than 300 children's museums in the country is a great way to unwind and let kids explore the surroundings at their own pace.

The first children's museum, in Brooklyn, N.Y., opened in 1899 and even though they've been around for more than a century, children's museums represent the fastest–growing variety in the field, according to Elman. There are nearly 60 in the U.S. that are in the planning/development stages, she said.

Not only are they fun, safe places where young people can learn and play, they're generally affordable and many are part of a reciprocal program in which a family membership to one is recognized by more than 180 others. Below is a list of 10 of the best children's museums in the Northeast:

  1. Boston Children's Museum, Boston.
  2. Brooklyn Children's Museum, Brooklyn, N.Y.
  3. Children's Museum of Manhattan, New York.
  4. Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine, Portland, Maine.
  5. Children's Museum of New Hampshire, Dover, N.H.
  6. Crayola Factory, Easton, Pa.
  7. National Museum of Play, Rochester, N.Y.
  8. Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia.
  9. Port Discovery Children's Museum, Baltimore.
  10. Providence Children's Museum, Providence, R.I.
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Mark Whalberg in ShooterOn Location – visit sites from movies and TV

By Juliet Pennington

Lights, camera, action!

It used to be that movies and television shows were filmed primarily in Los Angeles and New York, but that has changed. As productions get more expensive to make, filmmakers are looking at locations that offer financial incentives.

With so many states rising to the occasion, filming locations are being spread across the country.

In response to this trend, movie– and television–themed tours have been popping up in cities across the country, entertaining silver–screen enthusiasts and stargazers alike.

Below are some tours that showcase the glitter of places far from Tinseltown.

  1. Boston Movie Tour. Not only is this city rich in history, but it's also the setting for many movies and television shows. On this three–hour bus tour, passengers will see where scenes from 1997's "Good Will Hunting" were filmed, catch a glimpse of Fenway Park, where parts of the 2005 movie "Fever Pitch" were shot, and see Harvard University, alma mater of Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) in the 2001 hit "Legally Blonde."
  2. Classic New York TV & Movie Sites Tour (On Location Tours). While many tours in The Big Apple focus on a specific movie or TV show, this one covers the classics of yesterday through today's blockbusters. See The Plaza Hotel, where such films as "The Way We Were," "Arthur" and "Home Alone 2" were shot, then take photos in front of the Huxtables' house from "The Cosby Show." Tours are led by actors and actresses who will test your knowledge of TV theme songs.
  3. Chicago Film Tour. Everyone remembers Matthew Broderick's hysterical antics in 1986's cult classic "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." But there have been many other movies filmed in part or entirely in the Windy Cindy, including "The Dark Knight," "Road to Perdition," "The Fugitive," and the newly released "Dilemma." This two–hour bus tour is a must for those seeking not only movie–making lore, but historical tidbits, too.
  4. "Gossip Girl" Sites Tour (On Location Tours), New York. If you're into the drama surrounding Serena, Nate and their Upper East Side socialite circle of family, friends and enemies, then you don't want to miss this 3.5–hour bus tour that includes a stop at the Palace Hotel, home to two of the television show's elite families. Also on this guided tour, check out the Sarah D. Roosevelt Park basketball court, where the "Gossip" guys shoot hoops.
  5. New Orleans Movie Tour. Snack on complimentary popcorn and water on this three–hour tour that visits many of the city's popular districts, including the French Quarter. Featured movie sites include "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "Ray," "Easy Rider," and "A Streetcar Named Desire." Ride in a 10–passenger luxury van that can easily navigate the tight city confines while a guide provides behind–the–scene filmmaking details.
  6. Philadelphia Movie Sites Tour. Visit more than 50 locations from 30 movies and television shows filmed in the City of Brotherly Love. Who can forget that moment in "Rocky," when Sylvester Stallone sprinted up the front steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art? See where scenes from "Marley and Me," "Baby Mama," and "The Sixth Sense" were filmed. A stop is made at the "Rocky" steps, where you can re–create your own triumphant moment! 7. Savannah Movie Tour. Since 1915, more than 85 movies have been shot in this charming Georgia city that is rich in beauty and history. See the "Forrest Gump" bench, the Six Pence Pub from "Something to Talk About," and The Mercer House from Clint Eastwood's "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."
  7. "Sex and the City" Hotspots Tour (On Location Tours), New York. Calling all Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte enthusiasts! This 3.5–hour guided motor coach tour is all about the popular HBO sitcom and its spinoff movies. Enjoy cupcakes at Bleecker Street's Magnolia Bakery, visit the SoHo art gallery where Charlotte worked, and stop in Buddakan, the restaurant where Carrie and Big held their rehearsal dinner.
  8. "Sopranos" Sites Tour (On Location Tours), New York. The guides on the four–hour bus tour are actors who appeared as stand–ins or extras on the HBO hit show – and are able to share behind–the–scenes information as they take visitors to New Jersey, where Tony Soprano and his mafia buddies worked and played. Stop at Satin Dolls, also known as Bada Bing and check out Barone Sanitation, Tony's legitimate business.
  9. The Washington D.C. TV & Movie Sites Tour (On Location Tours). Many movies shot in the nation's capital have government–related plots, but take this three–hour tour and you will discover how many do not. See The Lincoln Memorial, where characters played by Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson have a drunken heart–to–heart in "Wedding Crashers," and Union Station, where scenes from such movies as "Hannibal" and "Collateral Damage" were filmed. Brush up on your trivia, as pop quizzes are given!
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Melonie Guzman, 7, of Manchester, N.H., enjoys an ice cream treat at The Puritan Backroom.We All Scream For Ice Cream

By Juliet Pennington

Summer and ice cream: Nary a more perfect com–bination exists.

While the list of flavors, toppings and serving options is huge, there are some key factors in differentiating really good ice cream from a so–so frozen treat such as richness, creaminess, flavor and freshness.

In honor of National Ice Cream Month, we've gotten the scoop on some of the region's best ice cream haunts.

  1. Annabelle's Natural Ice Cream, Portsmouth, N.H. The "Natural" in the name is not just a selling tool. The super premium (16–plus percent butterfat) ice cream has no artificial flavors or colors. Choose from a creative roster of flavors, including black raspberry, pumpkin pie and mint summer's night dream, which is mint ice cream with chunks of dark and white chocolate.
  2. Ben & Jerry's, Waterbury, Vt. You will find Ben & Jerry's scoop shops around the world, but this location, nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, is a must–see. There are guided factory tours and free samples of the flavors being produced that day. Try the new Late Night Snack flavor – vanilla with fudge–covered potato chip clusters and a salty caramel swirl – unveiled in honor of the "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" show.
  3. Goldenrod, York, Maine. Although this seaside candy store, ice–cream shop and restaurant dating back to 1896 is known mainly for its saltwater taffy, don't overlook the rich, flavorful ice cream. Try the popular peppermint stick, or a sundae made with homemade ice cream and fudge, and real whipped cream. Enjoy the frozen delights at an antique soda fountain counter.
  4. Gray's Ice Cream, Tiverton, R.I. Located in the picturesque Four Corners section of town, this general store and ice–cream parlor offers outdoor picnic tables where guests can watch cows, llamas and other farm animals grazing in the pasture. Homemade flavors include ginger, grapenut, rum raisin, frozen pudding and an award–winning coffee that is creamy and sweet – yet robust.
  5. Kimball Farm, Westford, Mass. As if huge portions of rich homemade ice cream at reasonable prices is not enough, this stand offers a variety of non–edible family fun including mini golf, bumper boats and batting cages. There's an animal farm, driving range and pitch–and–putt, plus a country store with gifts, souvenirs and gourmet food. Some flavor favorites include chocolate raspberry swirl and gingersnap molasses.
  6. Mad Martha's, Oak Bluffs, Mass. Located on Circuit Avenue in this charming town on Martha's Vineyard, Mad Martha's is a favorite go–to spot for tourists and locals alike. Mad Martha's is known almost as much for its celebrity patronage as it is for its yummy homemade ice cream. In addition to a slew of Hollywood A–listers, President Obama and former President Clinton have been spotted here.
  7. Peaceful Meadows, Whitman, Mass. With cows grazing on rolling fields, a rusty old silo and a worn barn for a backdrop, this roadside ice cream stand really does have a calming effect on visitors, who form long lines to get a taste of the fresh, rich and creamy ice cream. Peaceful Meadows makes its own chocolate flavorings and chocolate syrup, and has seasonal (and delicious!) monthly specials, including peach ice cream in July and blueberry cheesecake ice cream in August.
  8. The Puritan Backroom, Manchester, N.H. Not only is this spot a hit with locals and students from nearby Southern New Hampshire University, but also with travelers who have heard about the award–winning treats offered here. The ice cream is made on site with premium, all–natural ingredients and includes a variety of unusual flavors including baklava (vanilla and cinnamon–flavored ice cream with honey, walnuts and baklava pieces) – a nod to the Greek immigrants who founded the Puritan in 1917.
  9. Sundae School, Dennisport, Mass. Travel back in time to an old–fashioned parlor complete with vintage signs on the walls, a marble counter from a drugstore soda fountain that the owner frequented as a child, and a nickelodeon. The family–owned creamery prides itself on using fresh ingredients including real Bing cherries (in season). Try the popular Bass River Mud (coffee ice cream, roasted almonds, chocolate chips and fudge stripes).
  10. UConn Dairy Bar, Storrs, Conn. College students aren't the only ones who go nutty over the homemade flavors offered here. Ice cream enthusiasts come from far and wide for Husky tracks (vanilla with fudge swirl and Reese's peanut butter cups) and the amazingly delicious cake–batter ice cream. Call ahead for the production schedule if you want to see ice cream being made.

A–maizing trails: Wend your way through elaborate corn mazes

By Juliet Pennington

Farms have long provided nostalgic glimpses into America's past. And while taking a trip back in time to a simpler way of life is one of the reasons why families like to visit working farms, many are also drawn to the elaborate corn mazes that have sprouted up all around the country. Often referred to as a form of “agri–tainment,” these maize mazes have become home to intricate interactive play and competition that many people look forward to visiting during the harvest season year after year. Here are some of the more interesting mazes that are within a day’s drive:

  1. Beech Hill Farm, Hopkinton, N.H. Just west of Concord, this farm offers three mazes — each on its own 4–acre plot of land and each with a distinct theme: Medieval Maze Quest, Summer Olympics and Extreme Animals. At the start of each journey, visitors receive a brochure with questions, and answers are hidden along the route. While here, check out the mile–long Rhododendron Nature Trail and the 75 flavors of ice cream, yogurt, sherbet and sorbet at the Ice Cream Barn.
  2. Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, Paradise Township, PA. There are tons of activities on this expansive farm in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, but the highlight is without a doubt the 5–acre maze, designed by the highly touted Amazing Maize Maze Co. This year’s theme is Once Upon a Time ... "A Corny Tale," With 2.5 miles of paths, scenic bridges and compelling clues, this lengthy labyrinth is sure to challenge and delight visitors of all ages. Be sure to check out the Wagon Express, Rubber Duck Race and the Farm Education Center.
  3. Davis Mega Maze, Sterling, Mass. Designed by renowned English designer Adrian Fisher, this 8–acre maze with nearly 3 miles of pathways is a mind–boggling odyssey that offers varying levels of intensity and difficulty. There are many ways to solve the maze – including going the high–tech route, with a handheld GPS or by unscrambling QR codes with your smartphone. This year’s theme, Blackbeard’s Revenge, promises to offer a swashbuckling good time for all. There are nine bridges – including a double–decker structure – a master tower and six pirate adventure zones with games galore. For younger visitors, check out Davis Farmland, a children’s discovery farm across the street from the maze.
  4. Ellms Family Farm, Ballston Spa, N.Y. This upstate New York farm is known for its homemade apple cider donuts and its variety of mazes. This year’s, with the theme "Lessons from the Corn," features an elaborate tractor design. There are also two smaller mazes and a rope maze for families with younger children. Don’t miss the massive pumpkin patch, the Magic Maze Slide and the large play box filled with corn kernels.
  5. Escobar’s Highland Farm, Portsmouth, R.I In addition to hayrides, a hay play area and pumpkins galore, this farm prides itself on an 8–acre corn maze. This year’s theme is "Escobar’s Fall Fun" and is designed in the shape of a scarecrow and pumpkins. With more than two miles of twists and turns, two bridges and 85 decision points, this intricate course is sure to provide lots of family fun. Oct. 15 is "Harry Potter Day" and Oct. 29 is the "A–Mazing Halloween Party." Wear costumes to each and receive $1 off admission.
  6. Long Acre Farms, Macedon, N.Y. Billed as Western New York’s premier agri–tourism destination, this family farm boasts one of the "Amazing Maize Maze"–designed courses. This year’s theme is "Big Top Circus," and visitors will embark on a quest to find Jumbo the Elephant’s stolen lucky bag of peanuts. The 5–acre game features 2.5 miles of paths, two bridges, a tower, 12 hidden mailboxes, 12 "Big Top Puzzles" and music piped throughout. The Mini Back 40 offers children’s activities including a giant jumping pillow, a huge sandbox, a mini maze and a climbing wall.
  7. Lyman Orchards, Middlefield, Conn. Pick your own apples, find the perfect pumpkin, and take a horse–drawn wagon ride at this picturesque farm that is also home to a 4–acre corn maze with two miles of trails. This year’s theme is "Lyman’s 2011 Corn Maze Celebrates the Red, White & Blue," featuring designs of the American flag and the bald eagle. Maps and "passports" will help put adventurers on the right path, and when all else fails, "corn cops" will be stationed throughout the maze to provide assistance. One dollar from each admission ticket is donated to the American Cancer Society.
  8. Patterson Family Farm, North Danville, Vt. This fourth–generation working dairy farm attracts visitors from around the world – in large part due to "The Great Vermont Corn Maze." What is billed as an "amaizingly confusing" 7–acre labyrinth includes 2.5 miles of trails, a 32–foot tunnel and a 28–foot cabin cruiser that "floats" on the corn. The maze can take two hours or more to solve, but for younger visitors, there’s a mini maze. Also at the farm are a barnyard–style miniature golf course, a petting zoo, a miniature play village and a scenic flower garden that offers 360–degree panoramic views of Vermont’s Green Mountains and New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
  9. Pumpkin Valley Farm, Dayton, Maine In a quaint Southern Maine town along the Saco River, this farm boasts a 6–acre maze of twists, turns and dead ends carved through towering corn stalks. The warren–like course is designed in two phases for those who might want to make an early exit. Maze–goers can navigate on their own or use a "passport" with questions that, when answered correctly, point them in the right direction. This year’s theme is "Red Claws Crusher!" Also check out the petting zoo, a Corn Cannon – from which you can shoot ears of corn at targets – and the Corn Popper (a gigantic trampoline–like jumping pillow). Don’t forget to pick up some homemade kettle corn.
  10. VonThun’s Country Farm Market, Monmouth Junction, N.J. With fall festivals, hayrides, farm animals and fruits and vegetables galore, this farm is a major draw for visitors far and wide. Add to all that a cornfield maze with more than three miles of pathways, and you’ve got a must–visit destination. Based on last year’s popularity, this year’s theme is again Rutgers University football. While passports, maps and new high–tech "corn texting" will guide maze–goers through the course, the "cornundrum" signs will give them a chuckle, as they’re resplendent with play–on–word phrases.

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Celebrate your love in luxury, elegance

By Juliet Pennington

When it comes to celebrating Valentine's Day, couples would be hard–pressed to find a more romantic getaway than a quaint country inn or bed and breakfast in the Northeast.

While the region has many intimate and enchanting inns from which to choose, here are some of our favorites.

  1. Cliffside Inn, Newport, R.I. Perched above the Atlantic Ocean overlooking the Cliff Walk, this Victorian manor house is luxurious. The main house and its adjoining cottages are chock full of eye–catching antiques and canvases painted in the early 20th century by former owner Beatrice Turner. All rooms have at least one working fireplace, and most have whirlpool bathtubs. The beautifully landscaped grounds that surround the 16–room inn are tailor–made for a romantic ramble.
  2. Crowne Point Historic Inn & Spa, Provincetown, Mass. Overlooking the Pilgrim Monument, this 140–year–old estate is the perfect romantic destination. It features 40 rooms (many with fireplaces and whirlpool bathtubs) in six large, fully restored buildings and a spacious main mansion that was once owned by a Cape Cod sea captain. Enjoy a complimentary gourmet hot breakfast and evening wine, beer and cheese reception, a treatment at the award–winning Shui Spa, or a stroll along the downtown streets that are resplendent with museums, art galleries, funky shops and cafes.
  3. Geneva on the Lake, Geneva, N.Y. Built in 1914 as a private home and modeled after Villa Lancellotti in Frascati, Italy, this exquisite respite is oozing with romance. Situated on 10 acres with rolling lawns and magnificent formal gardens, this jewel in the heart of the Finger Lakes region overlooks Seneca Lake. With Italian marble fireplaces, intricate wall tapestries, Ionic columns and wood–coffered ceilings, the property's history (it served as a monastery for many years) comes to life. For a candlelight dinner, make reservations in the Lancellotti Dining Room.
  4. Manoir des Erables, Montmagny, Quebec. Known for its warm welcome and fine cuisine, this Victorian manor is a few minutes' walk from the St. Lawrence River and a 35–minute drive from Quebec City. Named after the majestic maple trees that shade the property, this inn has a distinct French feel. Guests are greeted in the lobby with a fireplace and chandeliers, and a circular wood staircase leads to the upper floors. Many of the 17 rooms and seven suites have fireplaces. Don't forget to book a couples massage at the on–site Parfum d'Aromes Spa, featuring chocolate and wine body treatments.
  5. The Copper Beech Inn, Ivoryton, Conn. Located within one of three small villages in Essex, this classic New England inn offers couples an ideal spot to relax and enjoy quality time together. With 22 guest rooms and suites in the main house and two ancillary houses, this secluded retreat is adorned with period antiques, four–poster beds, oriental rugs and richly textured fabrics and upholstery. The highly acclaimed Brasserie Pip – a bistro with authentic French country cuisine – overlooks the inn's lush gardens.
  6. The Inn at Bowman's Hill, New Hope, Pa. This English–style stone–and–stucco manor house is nestled on a gated 5–acre estate. The four spacious guest rooms and two sumptuous suites have fireplaces and king–size featherbeds. The large marble and travertine bathrooms feature heated towel racks and oversize whirlpool baths. The orchid conservatory is a respite from the cold, and the "Signature" breakfast, which includes eggs, sausage, bacon, tomato, mushrooms, sautéed potatoes, fried bread and baked beans, is a nod to the innkeeper's British heritage.
  7. The Inn at Thorn Hill and Spa, Jackson, N.H. The arrival in and of itself is pretty impressive. Guests drive through a postcard–worthy covered bridge and up a hill to this sanctuary in the mountains where a secluded getaway awaits. Soak in a Jacuzzi tub and enjoy some quiet time in front of a fire in one of the 16 unique guest rooms in the main inn. For more privacy, choose one of the three cottages or the carriage house. Your stay includes a full breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner in the candlelit dining room. For the ultimate in pampering, there is a splendid spa onsite.
  8. The Inn at Water's Edge, Ludlow, Vt. This 150–year–old Victorian inn is nestled between the tranquil Echo Lake and the rough rapids of the Black River. The inn boasts 11 spacious and beautifully furnished guest rooms and suites. Relax in your private Jacuzzi–style whirlpool tub, or snuggle up with a good book in front of the fireplace in the inn's library. Enjoy a hearty, homemade country breakfast or dinner in the cozy dining room. Don't forget to grab a pint or a toddy at Doc's Place, the inn's authentic English pub.
  9. The Manor on Golden Pond, Holderness, N.H. Sitting high atop Shepard Hill, with spectacular views of Squam Lake and the pine–strewn, pristine area made famous in the movie "On Golden Pond," this manor combines modern amenities with the charms of a country inn. Built as a private residence in the early 20th century, it offers 25 well–appointed rooms, most with wood–burning fireplaces. A full English tea is served daily, and meals are offered in two on–site restaurants. There is a pub and spa, and for those who want a child–free getaway, the minimum age for guests is 12.
  10. The White Barn Inn & Spa, Kennebunk, Maine. A landmark in this charming seaside community for 150 years, the award–winning 26–room inn, restaurant and spa offers luxury and pampering. Fresh flowers and fruit in every room await guests, as do high–end Molton Brown toiletries. Spa services will relax and energize you at the same time. For a true indulgence, make dinner reservations at the inn's renowned restaurant that features award–winning cuisine, rustic décor, candlelight and floor–to–ceiling picture windows.

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Theater at Monmouth, MECelebrate your love in luxury, elegance

By Juliet Pennington

Regional theaters are all the rage. Where else can you catch Broadway-caliber – sometimes Broadway-bound – shows without trekking to the Big Apple and paying big-ticket prices?

Luckily, for those of us living in the Northeast, there are plenty of theatrical options. Some theater companies are known for their fresh interpretations of classic plays and musicals, while others pride themselves on premiering new work. In fact, many Pulitzer Prize-winning plays and Tony Award-winning productions were developed in small theaters far from The Great White Way.

Here we raise the curtain on some of the most interesting and innovative regional theaters and companies in the area.

  1. Crossroads Theatre Company, New Brunswick, N.J. Touted as the nation's premier African-American theater, the Crossroads Theatre Company celebrates the culture, history, spirit and voices of the entire African Diaspora. Through its productions, stories are told to build better bridges of understanding between people from around the world.
  2. Goodspeed Opera House, East Haddam, Conn. This 136-year-old venue has served as everything from a militia base during World War I to a general store. Fortunately for theater buffs, it was purchased by Goodspeed Musicals in 1959 and rededicated in 1963 as a musical powerhouse. Every April through December, the theater group produces three musicals at the Opera House.
  3. Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, Worcester, Mass. The original structure, known as the Franklin Square Theatre, was designed by Thomas Lamb (who was also the architect for the Boston Opera House) and built in 1904. In 2002, the theater underwent renovations while retaining the integrity of its origins. The proscenium, grand chandeliers and a terra-cotta façade are complemented by a new glass pavilion, elevators and state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems.
  4. Long Wharf Theatre, New Haven, Conn. Named for the Long Wharf port along New Haven Harbor, this theater was built in the mid-1960s in a vacant warehouse in a food terminal facing the harbor. Now in its 46th season, the professional theater company draws more than 100,000 audience members annually. Each year, it produces six plays, a series of children's programs, new play workshops and a variety of special events.
  5. Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Great Barrington, Mass. Opened at the turn of the century, the Mahaiwe Theater (as it was then known), featured touring vaudeville acts and top-name performers. Fast forward more than a century, and this venue in the southern Berkshires is still a magnet for top entertainers. Through programs in dance, music, theater, opera and classic films, the newly restored historic theater maintains traditional features while offering the latest in stage technology.
  6. New London Barn Playhouse, New London, N.H. Located in the Lake Sunapee region, the quaint barn harkens back to a simpler time. A cowbell alerts theatergoers that it's show time and chair cushions may be rented for a nickel! Fostering the aspirations of emerging artists, it also features accomplished professionals. Many well-known entertainers – including Taye Diggs, Laura Linney and Stephen Schwartz – are proud to call themselves "Barnies," products of the theater's highly coveted summer youth intern program.
  7. Paramount Theatre, Rutland, Vt. In the early 20th century, this was considered one of the country's finest theaters. With its Victorian opera house look and feel, it was an obvious draw for top performers traveling on the Rutland Railroad between Montreal and Boston. Despite the vicissitudes of more than a century and thanks to a major renovation 12 years ago, the storied theater is regarded as a valuable cultural and educational resource.
  8. Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre, Pawtucket, R.I. What once housed the Pawtucket Police Department's cache of repossessed vehicles has been transformed into a 137-seat theater. The Gamm was founded in 1984 and had a couple of different homes prior to moving to its current location in 2003. Now celebrating its 27th season, the Gamm has nearly 2,000 subscribers.
  9. Theater at Monmouth, Monmouth, Maine. This year-round repertory company was founded in 1970 and named The Shakespearean Theater of Maine by the state legislature in 1975. Productions are presented in the historic Cumston Hall, which has magnificent stained glass windows. The 250-seat opera hall features elaborate plaster carvings and a fresco mural ceiling, and the company prides itself on bringing innovative approaches to classic plays.
  10. Trinity Repertory Company, Providence, R.I. Since its founding in 1963, Trinity Rep has provided high-quality entertainment with a mix of classic and innovative contemporary works. The company has a strong commitment to the development of new works and has presented nearly 60 world premieres. With performance space in two theaters, this regional theater company performs for about 120,000 audience members each year.

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boy running with sheepPlaces where history comes alive

By Juliet Pennington

In the movie "Back to the Future," Michael J. Fox plays a teenager from the 1980s who is sent to 1955 in a plutonium-powered DeLorean "time machine."

And while the concept of time travel – vehicle-based or otherwise – is an intriguing one, it only exists in movies, books and other fictional works.

Luckily, there are living history museums, plantations and villages that act as bridges between the 21st century and bygone eras.

With historic buildings, costumed interpreters, authentic period artifacts and time-appropriate activities, visitors get to experience a particular time period brought to life. Here are some of our favorite sites, where reliving history is fun, educational and downright entertaining.

  1. Bement Billings Farmstead, Newark Valley, N.Y. This Northern Tioga County living history museum features costumed docents who showcase 19th-century crafts and trades, including spinning and weaving, open-hearth cooking, candle-making and blacksmithing. Hands-on activities are also available to visitors. The property includes the original Bement farmhouse with furnishings from the early 1800s, and 90 acres of the Bement family's farmland.
  2. Canterbury Shaker Village, Canterbury, N.H. Located in what has been touted as one of the most picturesque settings in northern New England, this village includes nearly 30 restored original and reconstructed Shaker buildings and almost 700 acres of forest, fields, gardens, nature trails and mill ponds. Kids will love the activity center, where they can do crafts, play games and dress up as 19th-century Shakers.
  3. Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Va. This granddaddy of all living history museums, located in the 18th-century capital of Colonial Virginia, gives visitors a glimpse into what life was like for the diverse people who helped shape our nation. Reconnect with America's past by watching trade demonstrations and dramatic vignettes, participating in interactive programs and engaging with interpreters. There are 500 historic buildings on more than 300 acres that were visited by the likes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Richard Henry Lee and Patrick Henry. Don't miss Festival Williamsburg May 25 to 27.
  4. Museum Village, Monroe, N.Y. Step into a 200-year-old log cabin, sit in a one-room schoolhouse, shop in a 130-year-old general store and learn about the trades – including candle- and broom-making, weaving and printing – that were the livelihood of those who lived in the 19th century. Don't miss the skeleton of a mastodon (believed to be extinct for more than 11,000 years) in the Natural History building and the impressive collection of dresses, hats, shoes and other accessories in the Dress Emporium.
  5. Mystic Seaport: The Museum of America and the Sea, Mystic, Conn. For those who have an interest in all things nautical, a visit to this seaside, re-created 19th-century whaling village is a must. Historic buildings transported from locations around New England are home to bustling maritime trades, from shipsmiths and coopers to woodcarvers and riggers. The "Treasures from the Collections" exhibit features maritime-themed artifacts including ship models, scrimshaw, ship plans and figureheads, and "Neptune's Orchestra: Songs of the Seafarer" takes visitors on a musical journey with a remarkable collection of musical instruments that were taken out to sea.
  6. Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, Mass. Journey through time to a rural New England town depicting life from 1790 to 1840. With costumed interpreters, nearly 60 restored antique buildings, three authentic water-powered mills, two covered bridges and more than 60 farm animals on 200 acres of fields and woods, activity in a working farm village is brought to life. The site's collection includes more than 60,000 artifacts used by New Englanders in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
  7. Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth, Mass. Experience firsthand what life was like for the English colonists who immigrated to America as you explore a 1627 English village where interpreters speak, act and dress appropriately for the period. Watch as they frame a house, split wood, shear sheep and cook over an open hearth. Alongside the settlement is a re-creation of a Wampanoag home site, where modern Native Americans explain and demonstrate how their ancestors lived.
  8. Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, New Gloucester, Maine. Harken back to a simpler time in this serene historical site, the only active and functioning Shaker community in the world. Six of the 18 buildings are open to the public, who can peruse the 27 exhibit rooms with more than 1,300 artifacts, including furniture, woodenware, tin and metal wares, textiles and costumes and medicinal and herbal products. Explore the 1,800 acres of gardens, orchards and woods. Herbs are grown, dried and packaged at the village.
  9. Strawbery Banke Museum, Portsmouth, N.H. This 10-acre waterfront site, with its authentically restored houses and shops, period gardens, interpretive programs and costumed guides, provides a time capsule of New England seaport life that spans four centuries. Amble through the Victorian Opening May 1 and running through Oct. 31 is "Thread: Stories of New England Fashion" – a journey through several centuries of seacoast style.
  10. Washburn-Norlands Living History Center, Livermore, Maine. Learn about what life was like in post-Civil War rural Maine at this museum and farmstead that has been preserved to maintain its original splendor in the days when the Washburns (one of the great political and industrial families of the 19th century) lived there. Visit the original buildings, including the main mansion, and take a tour with costumed interpreters who portray members of the Washburn family and regale visitors with tales of the famous family.

Volunteer's trip back in time

A former Old Sturbridge Village volunteer, Elizabeth Papp, reflects on her days in costume.

After changing out of my contemporary jeans and a T-shirt and into my period costume, I would hide all of my modern plastics and electronic devices in a woven basket and enter into the seeming simplicity of the 1830s.

As a volunteer, I would mull cider in Bullard Tavern by stirring a redware jug of cider with a toddy iron heated in a fire or churn butter in the Towne House, allowing children to take turns moving the dasher. I also performed in a contra dance group representing a type of dance popular in early 1800s society.

My dress puffed at the shoulders and had a petticoat underneath. The first time I walked into the village in my puffy dress, I waddled until I got used to the swooshing sensation and developed my "dress walk." I would spend about an hour preparing my costume to be worn – each piece needed to be washed and ironed according to a detailed instruction manual.

As I left the 1800s behind, I would walk to my car, thinking, "What should I make for dinner?" Usually, I'd take advantage of a few modern-day conveniences: a frozen casserole I could defrost in the microwave after a hot shower to get rid of the sweat of the day.

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