Zip lining is the best way to experience a grand adventure while soaring over the treetops and enjoying New England's beautiful scenery. Zip lining is a fun and exhilarating adventure that lets you ride through the air while attached to cable lines, in the safety of a harness. Zip lining was originally made popular in Jamaica and South America, but it is now zip a very popular new sports activity in New England and is available at numerous locations. It’s an unforgettable family experience.
Some venues offer a single zip line ride for a brief, high-speed thrill, while “canopy tours” provide a 1-3 hour journey as you soar from platform to platform on a series of zip lines while learning about the natural setting around you.
There are various places in New England where you can experience the fun of zip lining. Just in the state of Maine you can visit Sugarloaf, Monkey Trunks Extreme Ariel Adventure and Sunday River. Sunday River offers a series of six lines ranging from 100 to 300 feet in length to take you flying through the woods, and over a ravine at speeds up to 25 miles per hour. You can also walk over to the 750-foot Twin Zips to finish your tour.
I have only been zip lining once in New Hampshire at the Bretton Woods Canopy Tour. I would recommend this zip line to anyone! All of the adventure guides were very friendly and helped you to quickly learn the steps needed to be taken in order to be successful at zip lining. The Bretton Woods Canopy Tour is the longest zip line canopy tour in New England and one of the longest canopy tours in the continental United States. High-flying suspension bridges and hiking trails connect the zip lines, and the tour concludes with the Williwaw Racing Zip, a dual, side-by-side zip line leading right into the Bretton Woods base area. Adventure guides describe the native flowers and trees, in addition to discussing the surrounding area, its natural history and White Mountain lore.
Friday, May 1, 2015
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Whale Watches
If you love the ocean, being out on a boat and getting the chance to see a number of whale species just a few feet in front of you, a whale watch is definitely something awesome to do in New England. There are also various places that you can participate in a whale watch which is great because it is not just limited to one state. Just a few of the states include Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
New England has a lot of history with whaling. Whales are now valued in New England for their sheer majesty, but whale hunting was once a major industry in the colonies. During the 18th and 19th century, whaling was a lucrative business with whale oils used for lighting and whalebone used for various other products. Hundreds of ships left New England harbors each year on dangerous whaling expeditions that sometimes took them all around the world.
The ocean waters off New England offer one of the best places in the world for a whale watch tour.
In warmer months, many species of whales including Humpback, Finback, and Right whales migrate to the feeding grounds off of the New England coast to feast on mackerel, herring, krill and other small species of fish. There is nothing quite like heading out to sea on a whale watch tour to observe the world’s largest creatures feeding or playing up close. Some days, lucky observers will see the theatrical Humpback whales breeching (jumping) right in front of the boat or feeding in large groups.
I went on a whale watch in Wellfleet Cape Cod about two years ago and I was lucky enough to see one humpback whale and two finbacks!
Whale watching tours are offered all along the New England coast from May through October. Most take 3-4 hours, but some are a bit shorter. It is important to remember to wear the correct clothing and to bring everything you may need for your upcoming adventure! Be sure to bring a camera, sunscreen and extra clothes since even on hot days the wind makes traveling on the boat very cold. Also be sure to wear closed toe shoes, preferably sneakers. Those who get motion sick easily should bring medicine with them as well. Whale watches are a unique experience and very fun! I would recommend them to anyone.
New England has a lot of history with whaling. Whales are now valued in New England for their sheer majesty, but whale hunting was once a major industry in the colonies. During the 18th and 19th century, whaling was a lucrative business with whale oils used for lighting and whalebone used for various other products. Hundreds of ships left New England harbors each year on dangerous whaling expeditions that sometimes took them all around the world.
The ocean waters off New England offer one of the best places in the world for a whale watch tour.
In warmer months, many species of whales including Humpback, Finback, and Right whales migrate to the feeding grounds off of the New England coast to feast on mackerel, herring, krill and other small species of fish. There is nothing quite like heading out to sea on a whale watch tour to observe the world’s largest creatures feeding or playing up close. Some days, lucky observers will see the theatrical Humpback whales breeching (jumping) right in front of the boat or feeding in large groups.
I went on a whale watch in Wellfleet Cape Cod about two years ago and I was lucky enough to see one humpback whale and two finbacks!
Whale watching tours are offered all along the New England coast from May through October. Most take 3-4 hours, but some are a bit shorter. It is important to remember to wear the correct clothing and to bring everything you may need for your upcoming adventure! Be sure to bring a camera, sunscreen and extra clothes since even on hot days the wind makes traveling on the boat very cold. Also be sure to wear closed toe shoes, preferably sneakers. Those who get motion sick easily should bring medicine with them as well. Whale watches are a unique experience and very fun! I would recommend them to anyone.
Monday, April 27, 2015
Old Sturbridge Village
A favorite place of mine to visit is Old Sturbridge Village located in Sturbridge Massachusetts. My favorite time to visit here would defiantly be in the fall since the ride there is absolutely beautiful with the colored leaves and crisp fall breeze. Old Sturbridge Village is a must-see New England attraction which depicts life in an early 19th-century rural Village, featuring costumed historians, antique buildings, water-powered mills, and a working farm. You can view antiques, meet heritage breed animals, and take part in hands-on crafts.
Sturbridge offers various events throughout he year including the craft of cheesmaking, a Mother's Day Bruch in the Oliver Wright Tavern, sheep sheering, hay rides, plant sales, farmers markets and many more! The Mother's Day Bruch is a personal favorite of mine. They offer a wide variety of foods on the menu and the setting is beautiful!
Sturbridge is also very youth friendly! There are many child friendly activities that happen at Sturbridge village every day. They can participate in sheep sharing, assisting the blacksmith as well as helping to take care of the animals. Sturbridge also offers Discovery Adventures Several times a year, which provides opportunities for kids to get a more in-depth Village experience with two-day, three-day, and five-day programs. These full-day programs are designed with seasonal and age-appropriate themes that highlight different aspects of life in 19th-century New England.
I would recommend a day trip to Sturbridge Village to anyone, especially those with children! If you are looking for a fun family day filled with history and awesome activities, this is definitely the place for you.
Sturbridge offers various events throughout he year including the craft of cheesmaking, a Mother's Day Bruch in the Oliver Wright Tavern, sheep sheering, hay rides, plant sales, farmers markets and many more! The Mother's Day Bruch is a personal favorite of mine. They offer a wide variety of foods on the menu and the setting is beautiful!
Sturbridge is also very youth friendly! There are many child friendly activities that happen at Sturbridge village every day. They can participate in sheep sharing, assisting the blacksmith as well as helping to take care of the animals. Sturbridge also offers Discovery Adventures Several times a year, which provides opportunities for kids to get a more in-depth Village experience with two-day, three-day, and five-day programs. These full-day programs are designed with seasonal and age-appropriate themes that highlight different aspects of life in 19th-century New England.
I would recommend a day trip to Sturbridge Village to anyone, especially those with children! If you are looking for a fun family day filled with history and awesome activities, this is definitely the place for you.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Martha's Vineyard
The world-famous summer resort island of Martha's Vineyard is set just to the south of Cape Cod, off the Atlantic seacoast, and includes Chappaquiddick Island in its designated area. Its 15,000 permanent residents are crowded out each summer by the arrival of an estimated 60,000 visitors.
By contrast, its original settlers, the Wampanoag Indians, numbered only 313 in 1764, when records were first kept during Martha's Vineyard's early colonial history.
Martha's Vineyard is a beautiful vacation spot as well as home to many. I have only visited Martha's Vineyard once but I enjoyed it very much and hope to visit again this summer. The island is very large so if you are planning to stay for just one day you most likely will not be able to see all that Martha's Vineyard has to offer. Between the beaches, shopping, dinning and sightseeing you could spend up to a week here and still not have enjoyed everything that there is to experience.
The beaches on Martha's Vineyard are beautiful! There are many that you can visit. Keep in mind that water temperatures usually do not peak until mid-August. You can also visit The Gay Head & East Chop Lighthouses which recently turned 150 years old and 130 years old, respectively. These represent two of a total of five lighthouses scattered along the Vineyard and Nantucket sounds. There are also many unique shops to visit in Oak Bluffs as well as Edgar Town.
Surrounded by the sea and rich in farmlands and open fields, Martha’s Vineyard is perfectly placed to offer a wide choice of foods and fun places to enjoy it. Start your day with fresh baked goods from any one of Martha’s Vineyard’s fine bakeries. From bread to biscuits, scones to soda breads, you’ll find any number of ways to satisfy your morning appetite!
For lunch and dinner you can crack open a lobster right on the shore up in Menemsha or atop fine china in any number of restaurants thrughout Martha’s Vineyard. Relish a brown bag full of fresh fried oysters while strolling on the pier in Oak Bluffs or enjoy them on the half shell on a deck overlooking the harbor in Edgartown. Warm yourself with chowder or cool down with a fresh salad composed of crisp greens, picked fresh the same morning.
Not to be overlooked are Martha’s Vineyard’s farm stands and Farmer’s Markets. One of the summer’s most popular activities is paying a visit to the West Tisbury Farmers Market and other open markets that take place throughout the week and throughout the Island. Shoppers will find the freshest and best produce that Martha’s Vineyard farmers have to offer along with baked goods, pantry items and more.
By contrast, its original settlers, the Wampanoag Indians, numbered only 313 in 1764, when records were first kept during Martha's Vineyard's early colonial history.
Martha's Vineyard is a beautiful vacation spot as well as home to many. I have only visited Martha's Vineyard once but I enjoyed it very much and hope to visit again this summer. The island is very large so if you are planning to stay for just one day you most likely will not be able to see all that Martha's Vineyard has to offer. Between the beaches, shopping, dinning and sightseeing you could spend up to a week here and still not have enjoyed everything that there is to experience.
The beaches on Martha's Vineyard are beautiful! There are many that you can visit. Keep in mind that water temperatures usually do not peak until mid-August. You can also visit The Gay Head & East Chop Lighthouses which recently turned 150 years old and 130 years old, respectively. These represent two of a total of five lighthouses scattered along the Vineyard and Nantucket sounds. There are also many unique shops to visit in Oak Bluffs as well as Edgar Town.
Surrounded by the sea and rich in farmlands and open fields, Martha’s Vineyard is perfectly placed to offer a wide choice of foods and fun places to enjoy it. Start your day with fresh baked goods from any one of Martha’s Vineyard’s fine bakeries. From bread to biscuits, scones to soda breads, you’ll find any number of ways to satisfy your morning appetite!
For lunch and dinner you can crack open a lobster right on the shore up in Menemsha or atop fine china in any number of restaurants thrughout Martha’s Vineyard. Relish a brown bag full of fresh fried oysters while strolling on the pier in Oak Bluffs or enjoy them on the half shell on a deck overlooking the harbor in Edgartown. Warm yourself with chowder or cool down with a fresh salad composed of crisp greens, picked fresh the same morning.
Not to be overlooked are Martha’s Vineyard’s farm stands and Farmer’s Markets. One of the summer’s most popular activities is paying a visit to the West Tisbury Farmers Market and other open markets that take place throughout the week and throughout the Island. Shoppers will find the freshest and best produce that Martha’s Vineyard farmers have to offer along with baked goods, pantry items and more.
Block Island
If I am not vacationing in Cape Cod, my favorite place to visit would be Block Island! This summer destination is a favorite to all. What many people don't realize is just how easy it is to get to Block Island . It is Only 12 miles off the Rhode Island coast, 15-minute plane ride from Westerly, Rhode Island; a half hour on the high speed ferry from Point Judith, Rhode Island; or just over an hour on the ferry from New London, Connecticut. A Montauk ferry brings visitors from Long Island, New York, to this unique island. Block Island also a new high speed ferry service bringing visitors to and from Newport, Rhode Island, in just under an hour.
Once you've arrived on-island, you will not come across a traffic light or a big chain business, but you will be blown away by the natural landscape with stone wall-lined rolling hills, breathtaking bluffs, and beautiful beaches. If it's an event you're planning, Block Island may be the perfect destination. Many of the historic inns make unforgettable venues for your wedding or group getaway.
For anyone who enjoys outdoor activities, music, art, dining and scenic beauty, Block Island is certainly the place for you.
Some of my favorite things to do on Block Island include visiting crescent beach, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, and horse back ridding along the beach. Block Island is family friendly as well and it offers many activities for the whole family to enjoy together. In fact “Baby Beach” near town has soft waves and clean sand, attracting people with younger children. Older children can ride the waves just up the beach or search the tide pools for treasures. There are also nature walks and story times at the library.
Seafood lovers will delight in the number of ways our local chefs prepare fresh catch. Many of the island’s most beloved seafood restaurants are less than a five-minute walk from the beach or ferry. My favorite restaurant on block island is definitely The Oar. This seafood restaurant is located right near where the ferry departs so it is quite easy to find. Block Island offers more than just seafood. If you are hungry for Italian food , sushi, pad thai, freshly-made bagels, or a lemon-lime gelato? Block Island has you covered. Pizza? Order take-out. Or a quick sandwich you’d like to bring with you to the beach? No problem.
Block Island is a favorite destination to many! There is so much to see and do, never leaving any disappointment.
Once you've arrived on-island, you will not come across a traffic light or a big chain business, but you will be blown away by the natural landscape with stone wall-lined rolling hills, breathtaking bluffs, and beautiful beaches. If it's an event you're planning, Block Island may be the perfect destination. Many of the historic inns make unforgettable venues for your wedding or group getaway.
For anyone who enjoys outdoor activities, music, art, dining and scenic beauty, Block Island is certainly the place for you.
Some of my favorite things to do on Block Island include visiting crescent beach, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, and horse back ridding along the beach. Block Island is family friendly as well and it offers many activities for the whole family to enjoy together. In fact “Baby Beach” near town has soft waves and clean sand, attracting people with younger children. Older children can ride the waves just up the beach or search the tide pools for treasures. There are also nature walks and story times at the library.
Seafood lovers will delight in the number of ways our local chefs prepare fresh catch. Many of the island’s most beloved seafood restaurants are less than a five-minute walk from the beach or ferry. My favorite restaurant on block island is definitely The Oar. This seafood restaurant is located right near where the ferry departs so it is quite easy to find. Block Island offers more than just seafood. If you are hungry for Italian food , sushi, pad thai, freshly-made bagels, or a lemon-lime gelato? Block Island has you covered. Pizza? Order take-out. Or a quick sandwich you’d like to bring with you to the beach? No problem.
Block Island is a favorite destination to many! There is so much to see and do, never leaving any disappointment.
Blithwold Mansion and Gardens
One of my favorite places to visit in the spring and summer is Blithwold Mansion and Gardens. Located in Bristol, R.I, this beautiful mansion , formerly the summer home to the Van Wickle family, is a 45-room English-style manor mansion filled with family heirlooms, as well as being surrounded by a series of lovely gardens and arboretum on Narragansett Bay.
Blithwold is a 33-acre summer estate with grand views of Narragansett Bay, and is nationally significant in American history as one of the most fully developed and authentic examples of the Country Place era. The outdoor grounds of Blithwold are absolutely beautiful, consisting of rare plants and trees as well as native Rhode Island flowers and plants. A collection of rare and unusual plants, specimen trees, and flowers can be found in the greenhouse located in the back of the mansion.
Blithwold is family friendly as well, offering activities for children while parents take a tour of the mansion. There are also guided tours of the outside gardens or if you choose, you can stroll around at your own pace. Photography of the outside as well as the inside of the mansion is allowed. Blithwold also offers an afternoon tea during the week as well as on Saturday afternoons. You can enjoy a cup of tea as well as freshly baked scones from Bristol bakery located a few minutes from Blithwold Mansion.
The best time to visit Blithwold in my opinion would be in May. The daffodils are in bloom as well as all of the other plants and flowers that Blithwold has to offer. Since Blithwold sits on 33 acres and it set right on Narragansett Bay, many couples have their weddings at this scenic place. The view of the ocean as well as being surrounded by such beautiful nature makes Blithwold the perfect place for any occasion.
Blithwold is a 33-acre summer estate with grand views of Narragansett Bay, and is nationally significant in American history as one of the most fully developed and authentic examples of the Country Place era. The outdoor grounds of Blithwold are absolutely beautiful, consisting of rare plants and trees as well as native Rhode Island flowers and plants. A collection of rare and unusual plants, specimen trees, and flowers can be found in the greenhouse located in the back of the mansion.
Blithwold is family friendly as well, offering activities for children while parents take a tour of the mansion. There are also guided tours of the outside gardens or if you choose, you can stroll around at your own pace. Photography of the outside as well as the inside of the mansion is allowed. Blithwold also offers an afternoon tea during the week as well as on Saturday afternoons. You can enjoy a cup of tea as well as freshly baked scones from Bristol bakery located a few minutes from Blithwold Mansion.
The best time to visit Blithwold in my opinion would be in May. The daffodils are in bloom as well as all of the other plants and flowers that Blithwold has to offer. Since Blithwold sits on 33 acres and it set right on Narragansett Bay, many couples have their weddings at this scenic place. The view of the ocean as well as being surrounded by such beautiful nature makes Blithwold the perfect place for any occasion.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Newport
Once the summer playground of America's wealthiest families, Newport remains a popular vacation destination at any time of year. The famous Newport mansions, offer detailed tours and give a fascinating glimpse into Gilded Age extravagance. While the town rightly emphasizes its history with a variety of museums and tours, Newport also has a vibrant, contemporary side, with quirky shops and great restaurants.
Newport is favorite day trip of mine for sure. There are so many yummy restaurants, shops to visit and not to mention the beautiful Newport Mansions! Newport is right on the water as well, which makes this destination just that much more enjoyable! Newport is fun for the whole family too. There are many places to bring little kids but Newport can be used a perfect date night spot for couples as well.
A few of my favtiore restaurants in Newport are 22 Bowens and the Brick Alley Pub. They both have a wide range of foods ontheir menue including seafood which Newport is famous for. Most of the restaurnats in Newport are procey somake sureyouhave enough money to cover the bill!
My favorite part of Newport is the mansions. If you have not yet taken a tour it is definitely worth it. The architecture is amazing and great for those who are into photography. Not only are the mansions themselves breathtaking but they also are situated on large pieces of land right by the water. Newport is beautiful all on its own and the seaside is breathtaking. I would recommend a visit to Newport and the mansions for families and couples. The best time to visit would be in the summer but anytime of the year will do!
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