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Heather
Howdy from Jackson, WY
This past June, we spent 10 days exploring Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. When planning where we would stay, Jackson, WY, seemed like the logical choice. We planned to spend the first part of the trip exploring Grand Teton National Park, head to Yellowstone for a few days, and then back to Jackson for the 4th of July. Please note, while in Yellowstone, we stayed in different locations in Montana that I will write about at some other time.
Jackson, WY is a town within the Jackson Hole Valley in Teton County. It is a popular tourist destination due to its three major ski resorts, Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. It also has an airport located approximately 10 minutes away, which was a huge factor when choosing places to stay for our visit to the National Parks.
Fun Fact: Jackson Hole Airport is the only airport located fully within a National Park.
Due to its popularity, Jackson has become the premier tourist destination. The town developed a large shopping and eating district with many art galleries, custom jewelers, and designer clothing retailers centered on the town square. One will find a variety of lodging options, from camping to high-end hotels and resorts.
Where to stay in Jackson?
We wanted to be within walking distance to downtown Jackson, close to the entrance of Grand Teton National Park and a short drive to the airport. I also wanted a wild west feel and theme, so we stayed away from traditional hotels. We chose to stay at Cowboy Village Resort right outside the downtown area.
Cowboy Village Resort
Cowboy Village Resort is made up of authentic log cabins, all with either a porch or patio, kitchenettes, indoor pool, laundry, fitness room, and breakfast offered in the main house. There are various size cabins. We booked a one-bedroom with a pull-out sofa for the boys. I had wanted something larger, but that was all that was available at the time. The cabins were clean and comfortable. I loved the front porch and could have sat there for hours, taking in the mountain air. We were 6 blocks from the center of town and walked everywhere. The kitchenette came in handy when there was not a dinner reservation to be found. (More on that later).
We stayed at Cowboy Village for 4 nights. We enjoyed our stay and would consider staying there again. Though it was a bit expensive, Jackson overall is pretty expensive. It is located in one of the richest counties in the United States. The other two negatives, the size of our cabin and the air conditioning. With two teenage boys, it was a bit cramped at times. Thankfully we were not in the cabin a lot, and we know for next time, there are larger cabins available. The cabins are equipped with wall air conditioner units. Wyoming was experiencing a heatwave, so this may not be an issue at any other time, but I felt they did not work that well.
Spring Creek Ranch
We spent two nights at the Spring Creek Ranch and Resort at the back end of our trip. This is a 4-star resort that boasted all sorts of activities, a spa, and a world-class restaurant. Spring Creek sits on top of a mountain and has breathtaking views of the Teton mountain range. It is located 3 miles from town, a bit further than I wanted to be, but since it had a restaurant, not a problem, except it was a problem. The restaurant was not open due to a lack of help or COVID. It was not clear why it was not open. Many of the activities were not available, nor was the spa. I had also read that the rooms had been refurbished. However, not all the rooms had been, and it was clear ours was not.
We had rented a one-bedroom suite. The room was plenty big, but it needed some serious updating and no AC! The best part of the resort was our balcony and the views.
Where to eat in Jackson?
The town of Jackson has something for everyone. From delicious coffee and pastries to pizza, international cuisine, breweries, and world-class steak and game restaurants, you will not go hungry. Unless, of course, you do not have a reservation. The wait times were long, and many places stopped taking names. Thankfully there was a grocery store nearby, and we grabbed some sandwiches and other items to heat up.
However, we were able to eat in a few places; for the most part, they were excellent. Upon our arrival to Jackson, we had a late lunch, early dinner at Roadhouse Brewing Company. The Roadhouse is Jackson’s only outdoor patio overlooking the square, complete with 30 different beers and elevated pub food. I tried a bison burger, and it was delicious.
One night we ate at The Gun Barrel. This came highly recommended, and rightfully so. The Gun Barrel serves fine steaks, wild game, fresh fish, and more. The decor was exactly what I expected to see in this part of the country. The food and drinks were amazing. The buffalo ribs were to die for. The kids had huge Caesar salads with grilled chicken that they loved. I would have eaten there every night.
For a quick meal, we stopped for pizza for one night at Pinky G’s Pizzeria. It was voted the best pizza in all of Jackson. My husband and kids love pizza and thought it was good. However, being from Boston, I was not impressed. Plus we had to wait two hours, FOR PIZZA!
By far, one of our favorite places was the JH Roasters Restaurant and Coffee House. We discovered their coffee on our second day in Jackson and loved it. The whole vibe of the coffee house was so cool. A lot of the photographers hang out there to edit and work on their photos. The coffee was delicious, as were the pastries. The other food looked just as good, but we did not have the opportunity to try it.
Finally, a Jandrue summer vacation is not complete without ice cream! Moo’s Gourmet is Jackson’s ONLY 100% all-natural gourmet ice cream with 32 flavors available daily. One of the most popular is the Huckleberry ice cream, and it did not disappoint.
What to do in Jackson?
The possibilities are endless! Summertime in Jackson is just as fun or, dare I say, even more fun than ski season in the winter. With Grand Teton National Park just minutes away, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. There is hiking, horseback riding, white water rafting, scenic float trips, wildlife tours, water sports, etc. When exploring the great outdoors, Jackson has many shops to explore, from the typical souvenir shop to high-end retailers and art galleries. There truly is something for everyone.
So what did we do? Our main purpose of the trip was to visit the national parks. While staying in Jackson, we spent most of our time exploring Grand Teton National Park. We booked three tours, scoped out wildlife, saw the sunrise and set, floated down the Snake River, and hiked. More on each of these in a later blog post.
We also did quite a bit of shopping and exploring the downtown area of Jackson. There were so many cute stores. Oh, and make sure to take a photo in front of the elk antler archway. It is a famous spot for photos. On our last night, we had a fantastic experience at the Bar T -5 Covered Wagon, Cookout, and Show.
The Bar T-5 Covered Wagon, Cookout, and Show is Jackson Hole’s original chuckwagon dinner. Upon arrival at their ranch, we were given the history of the ranch and the town of Jackson. The ranch is family-owned and run. It was all so interesting. Once the show was over, we were loaded into these beautiful covered wagons. We traveled by horse-drawn covered wagons into the beautiful Cache Creek Canyon located in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. There were a dozen or so wagons in all that traveled two miles into the forest. They were lead by wranglers who provided a wealth of information about the area, the horses, and more.
Once at the camp, we were welcomed by one of the owners, and my husband Bill was asked to come up on stage and kick things off! His job was to go ring the dinner bell, and the kids and I were to yell, “Come and get it.” It was a lot of fun.
Dinner was delicious. It consisted of all-you-can-eat brisket, chicken, baked beans, corn on the cob, rolls, salad, cookies, blondies, water, coffee, lemonade, and hot chocolate. After dinner, we were treated to a spectacular show, complete with music, singing, laughing, and a visit from the friendly mountain man, Buckskin. We were so impressed with the talent of these musicians, in particular this young lady. Take a listen.
After the show, we hopped back on the wagons and traveled back down into the valley, watching the sunset as we went. It was the perfect way to end our time in Jackson. For more information, check out their website.
Final Thoughts on Jackson, WY
We found Jackson to be the perfect home base as we explored Grand Teton National Park. Though a bit pricey and crowded at times, we would not hesitate to stay here again. Grand Teton blew me away, and it will not be my only time visiting this park. I would love to come out and explore Wyoming in the wintertime. Be sure to check back as I continue posting about our time in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.
This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
Three weeks ago, we embarked on our first trip to visit 2 of the 63 National Parks located here in the United States. This trip came about in March after our Canadian Rockies trip was canceled for the second time. After some research, we decided to spend ten days in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.
Attendance at the National Parks is at a record high. It started last year at the height of the pandemic and is continuing this summer. In June 2021, Yellowstone saw record attendance with 938,845 visits, making it the most visited June on record. So far, Yellowstone has hosted 1,587,998 visits, and that is up 17% from 2019. The National Park Service has told people to expect crowds and to plan ahead. Here are ten tips to help plan your next trip to one of our 63 parks!
Before sharing my tips, I want to preface this by saying these tips worked for my family. We are new to exploring the National Parks, new to hiking, and some of these other outdoor adventures. If you have followed me for a while, you will see this was a bit of a different vacation for us. We were not sure what to expect, and I wanted to maximize our time in each park.
1) Purchase a U.S. Park Pass.
The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass can be used at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. The pass includes admission to parks for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle (or up to four adults at sites that charge per person). Children age 15 or under are admitted free. The cost to enter Grand Teton and Yellowstone is $35.00 for seven days for each park. We plan on hitting Acadia later in the summer, that is another $35.00, for a total of $105.00. The U.S. Parks Pass is $80.00 for 12 months! Well worth the price. You can find more information here.
2) – Stay in a Central Location.
Many of the National Parks are pretty vast. Did you know that Yellowstone is the size of Rhode Island and Delaware combined? To cut down on driving, I highly recommend either staying inside the parks or finding lodging near where you plan to spend your time. For our ten-day trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton, we stayed in 4 different hotels.
For the first 4 nights, our home base was Jackson, Wyoming, located 15 mins from the south entrance to Grand Teton National Park. It made the ride to and from the parks easy and convenient. There were restaurants, shops, a grocery store and other activities nearby in downtown Jackson.
When left Jackson and Grand Teton and headed to Yellowstone; we entered from the south entrance and followed Grand Loop Road along the eastern side of the park, all the way to the northwest entrance of the park. It made for a great day of sightseeing. When visiting Yellowstone for five days/four nights, we stayed in two locations. The first was Gardiner, MT, which allowed us easy and quick access to Mammoth Springs and Lamar Valley.
The third hotel was located in West Yellowstone, which made seeing the western part of the park much more manageable.
Plus, when we left Yellowstone to head back to Grand Teton and Jackson, we were able to make stops along the western side of Grand Loop Road that we have missed. Our last hotel was back in Jackson. It was close to the airport and our remaining activities.
3) Plan Meals Ahead of Time.
I mean all meals and snacks! As mentioned, attendance at the parks is at an all-time high. This includes the towns bordering the parks as well. In Jackson, we soon learned if we did not have a dining reservation, we were not eating. Thankfully we had a small kitchen in our cabin, and there was a grocery store. We made sure to pack a breakfast and lunch for the days we were out in the parks, especially when exploring Yellowstone. Fortunately, every tour we booked included meals and snacks. On another note, we soon realized the lodges and hotels inside Yellowstone only had quick serve. The majority of the restaurants were closed, and it made for very long lines. We waited 30 mins for ice cream at the Old Faithful Lodge.
4) Water, Water and More Water
Hydration is vital when exploring and hiking the parks. The higher the altitude, the drier the air, and the more you will need to hydrate. I was a bit fearful we would all get altitude sickness, so I made sure we hydrated well before leaving Boston. Once we were in Wyoming and Montana, we bought cases of water and made sure to have at least two bottles per person with us at all times. While hiking, we carried backpacks that had hydration bladders in them.
5) Book a Tour or 2.
As I mentioned, this was our first time visiting the parks. We had ten days, and I wanted to see as much as possible. Over the ten days, we went on six different tours. All of them were amazing. In Grand Teton, we did an all-day tour of the park, a sunrise safari that included breakfast, and a 10-mile float ride down the Snake River. In Yellowstone, we did an all-day tour of the park, a Bear and Wolves Wildlife tour, and a guided hike around the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. We maximized our time; it gave us an excellent overview of the parks and gave us an idea of what we wanted to go back and see on our own. I highly recommend it.
6) Pack and Wear Layers.
We had a lot of early mornings, and it was rather chilly in the parks. We always had sweatshirts to start with a short-sleeved shirt underneath. More times than not, I had on workout pants that fared well in cool and warmer temps.
7) Grab a Map.
Either grab a map at the entrance or download one to your phone. There is minimal service in the parks, and the car’s GPS may not work. I found the maps the park rangers provided to be very helpful.
8) Download Park Apps.
The National Park Service puts out an app that lists all the parks. You pick a park, and it details what to see, things to do, self-guided tours, a park calendar, and more. I found the individuals parks each have apps as well. The best part is you can save the app for offline use.
However, my favorite app is called The Gypsy Guide. It is a narrated audio tour that gives behind-the-scenes stories about the history, geology, hikes, wildlife, and cultural highlights that play automatically along the route. The app is used offline, so no need to worry about the lack of signal. We used it when we drove from Jackson through Grand Teton and Yellowstone. The only downside, they don’t have a tour for every park. I would love one for our Acadia National Park trip. Check it out here.
9) Essential Toiletries.
The air is dry in Wyoming and Montana. It affected every part of the body, from our nasal passages, lips, and skin. We made sure to have saline, chapstick, and moisturizer. The saline is a lifesaver. Without it, Nicholas and I would not have been able to breathe through our noses.
10) Have Plenty of Storage on your Phone and Memory Cards
The amount of photos we took is crazy. Everywhere we looked, we were surrounded by beauty. I wanted to capture every moment!
Happy Exploring!
A year or so ago, I started my Travel Bucket List Series. The list has my top 30 destinations to visit, 15 U.S. destinations, and 15 international destinations. I have written about the Canadian Rockies, Savannah, GA, Greece, Wyoming, Germany, Alaska, and more. Today I am headed back to Europe and will share a bucket list trip my husband and I plan to make in the next couple of years. In 2023, we will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. To celebrate this momentous event, we are headed to Venice, Northern Italy, and Switzerland.
This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
First Stop- Venice, the “City of Canals”
Where to Stay in Venice?
Venice has been on my husband’s travel list for quite some time. The architecture and canals have always fascinated him. Our adventure starts at the magnificent Hotel Biennale Hilton Molino Stucky.
The hotel is in a restored flour mill on the island of Giudecca. There is a shuttle boat to central Venice to take you to attractions like St Mark’s Square, Rialto Bridge, and Doge’s Palace. All can be reached in around 20 minutes. The hotel has a rooftop pool and bar with panoramic views of the city and its surrounding canals, a Nutella Bar, and exceptional views of Venice.
Things to do in Venice.
Gondola Ride
The first thing on the list is to explore the City of Canals by gondola, the traditional mode of Venetian transportation. Gondolas allow you to see Venice from a completely different perspective and better appreciate how the city functions with canals instead of streets.
Doges Palace
Get an up-close look at this monumental palace built in Venetian Gothic style. Now a museum, this landmark was once the residence of the Doge, the supreme authority of the Republic of Venice. For centuries, the Doge’s Palace had three fundamental roles: the Doge residence, the seat of government, and the palace of justice.
Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco is the city’s main public square and contains its most famous buildings, such as St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. We plan on doing a walking tour and visiting the piazza’s top sites. In addition to St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, I want to:
- Have coffee at Caffe Florian, one of the most famous and traditional coffeehouses in all of Venice.
- Climb the Campanile di San Marco a 99-meter-high tower in the center of the square. At the top are the largest of the tower’s five original bells and a breathtaking view over the whole city of Venice.
- Walk over the Bridge of Sighs, one of the most famous bridges in the world. A popular local legend also says that lovers, who kiss on a gondola at sunset under the Bridge of Sighs, will be granted eternal love and happiness.
- Have a delicious meal.
- Shop!
Tragicomica – Venetian Carnevale Mask-Making
Tragicomica—a shop where you can participate in a private, hands-on workshop in the art of mask-making under the guidance of an artisan. And create a masquerade masterpiece of your own! How fun does that sound???
Stresa, Italy
After a few days in Venice, our next stop on our itinerary is Stresa, Italy. Stresa is a picturesque town on Lake Maggiore in a lovely setting. It looks right out at the lake’s Borromean Islands.
Where to Stay in Stresa?
On the shores of Lake Maggiore, the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées & Spa in Stresa represents the sumptuous and charming elegance of Italy’s Grand Luxury Hotels.
Things to do in Stresa.
Isola Bella
Board a ferry and cross the water of Lake Maggiore from Stresa to Isola Bella, which means “Beautiful Island,” for a tour of the historical Palazzo Borromeo and its scenic baroque gardens.
From Isola Bella, take a ferry to the charming Isola dei Pescatori, or Fisherman’s Island. The island is known for its promenade and cobbled alleys lined with restaurants, gift shops, and boutiques filled with
local crafts.
Lake Como
Take an Italian Cooking Class
Enjoy pasta-making at a beautiful villa on the banks of Lake Como with hands-on instruction by a professional Italian chef.
Explore Lake Como
Embark on a boat tour of one of Italy’s most famous lakes and drink in the
scenery, dotted with Baroque and Neoclassic villas, Romanesque churches, lush gardens, and small medieval villages.
While exploring the lake, visit the Gardens of Villa del Balbianello, famous for its elaborate terraced gardens. The garden was built on the site of a monastery. Several films have been filmed here, including a scene from Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.
Wine Tasting
No trip to Italy is complete without a wine tasting. A friend recommended the family-owned La Cambusa Wine Shop. It is known to have some of the best wines in the area.
Zermatt
After some time in Stresa, we will head north toward Zermatt, Switzerland. We intend to drive the Simplon Pass to Zermatt. It is a road that dates back to the Stone Age and crosses between the Pennine Alps and
the Lepontine Alps in Switzerland.
Zermatt lies at the foot of the Matterhorn and is considered the most beautiful of all the Alpine villages. It is known for skiing and hiking, climbing, and biking. It is also an automobile-free town.
Where to stay in Zermatt?
Mont Cervi Palace has come highly recommended to us. The description is taken straight from the website. “Experiences at the foot of a glacier, on a green alpine meadow, at an idyllic mountain lake. The air is crystal clear. The view of the world-famous Matterhorn. The windows of the Mont Cervin Palace cast a warm glow against the darkening skies. You enter our hotel, and our staff warmly welcomes you. For us, that means No empty phrases, no fuss – just heartfelt hospitality. A smile surrounds you. You have arrived.” Now, doesn’t that sound amazing?
Things to do in Zermatt.
Cheese Fondue Lunch
One cannot go to Switzerland and not have cheese. A fondue lunch is a perfect way to sample the melted cheeses of the Alps.
Gornergrat Cogwheel Train
Take the cogwheel train up the mountain for a stunning view of the Matterhorn and lake-dotted countryside below. Take in the view of 29 peaks that are 2.5 miles high, the most in the Alpine region.
Visit Gorner Gorge
The gorge is a chasm carved out by the Gornervispa River. The walk along the rocks offers a marvelous view across the gorge.
Final Stop- Lucerne
Where to stay in Lucerne?
Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern is located directly on Lake Lucerne and in the immediate vicinity of Lucerne city centre.
Things to do in Lucerne.
Walking Tour of the City
Visit tourist hotspots such as The Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument. Stroll through the old town and see the fantastic architecture.
Boat ride on Lake Lucerne
We did this back in 2019 and plan on doing it again. The scenery on the lake is amazing.
Swiss Chocolate Adventure
“Swiss Chocolate Adventure explains the discovery, provenance, manufacture, and transport of chocolate in around 20 minutes. Immerse yourself in the world of chocolate in Switzerland’s most-visited museum. With its focus on this sweet specialty, the experience is a feast for the eyes, ears, and taste buds. After the adventure ride, you have a chance to taste various creations provided by Lindt’s master chocolatiers.” – Swiss Chocolate Adventure website.
Mount Titlis
Ride in the rotating Rotair aerial cable car up to Mount Titlis, Central Switzerland’s highest peak at 10,000 feet. Once at the top, delight in some of these snow experiences:
Glacier Viewing
Get closer to the crevasses of a glacier on the “Ice Flyer” chairlift.
Snow Tubing
Snow tube down the side of the mountain for a thrilling way to experience the Swiss Alps.
Hiking
Hike up one of the trails to see the mountain and its environs up close, enjoying the amazing views along the way.
The Titlis Cliff Walk
Stroll across Titlis Cliff Walk, the highest suspension bridge in Europe at a height of 1,600 feet (487.68 meters) and be awestruck by the astounding views.
The Glacier Cave
Venture into the very heart of Mount Titlis where ice crystals sparkle on turquoiseblue walls of ice in a cave that lies 65.6 feet (20 meters) below the glacier’s surface.
Cheese Factory in Engelberg
Head to a monastery for a tour of Switzerland’s only show cheese factory. Watch cheese being made by hand and see how milk is transformed into the famous EngelbergerKlosterglocke—a mild cheese pressed into the shape of a monastery bell.
Dinner at the Old Swiss House in Lucerne
From what I have been told, this is a must for anyone visiting Lucerne. We were unable to get there on our last trip, so looking forward to having a meal or two next time. The restaurant has 3 Swiss Alpen Horn Players playing traditional Swiss music—and then be served by wait staff wearing traditional Lucerne garb! The restaurant boasts a selection of
gourmet menu items, including the authentic Alpine specialty Wienerschnitzel.
Have I convinced you that this is a trip that needs to be on everyone’s list? We are looking forward to experiencing all that Venice, Northern Italy, and Switzerland have to offer. I would love to know if you have been to any of the destinations. If so, let me know what other things we can add to the list.
Until next time,
Heather
Winter in New England can seem never-ending. March can be a long month, leaving most New Englanders itching for spring. As the buds on the trees come to life and the flowers start to bloom, many people are coming out of hibernation and looking for things to do. I have pulled together a list of 20 things to do this spring in New England.
This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
Boston’s Public Garden and the Swan Boats.
The Boston Public Garden was the first botanical garden in America. It contains 80 species of plants and is home to beautiful swan boats. Since the 1800s, the swan boats have sailed around the park’s lagoon and become a symbol of the city of Boston. Robert Paget invented this style of boat, and four generations later, the Paget family still owns and operates the Swan boats.
The boats open for the season on May 8th and will remain open through Labor Day. The cost is $4.50, an adult, $3.00 for children 2-15, and under two are free. It is one of my favorite things to do in the city.
Attend a Baseball Game or Tour Fenway Park
If you are a baseball fan, one can not come to Boston without visiting the oldest and most beloved ballpark in America. Pick up tickets to a game and experience firsthand why Red Sox Nation loves this ballpark and their Sox. Sox not in town while you are here? No fear, take an hour-long tour of the park. Feel the presence of Ted Williams, Yaz, Carlton Fisk, Jim Rice, Pedro Martinez, Jason Varitek, and Big Papi. Sit on top of the famous Green Monster. Tours are available year-round and depart every hour.
Boston Duck Tours
One of the best sighting seeing tours in Boston is the Duck Tours. It is a fully narrated historic tour of Boston that is seen by both land and sea! Well, the Charles River, but you get the point. These boats are a W.W.II style amphibious landing vehicle that travels on land and water. A conDUCKtor will be narrating your tour as you drive through the streets of the city, hitting many of its famous marks. Kids even get to drive the boat!
Attend one of New England’s Many Flower Festivals
Many festivals have been canceled, postponed, or are being held virtually for 2021. Please check with the event organizers before planning your trip.
A couple of years ago, we spent Mother’s Day at the Wicked Tulips Farm in Rhode Island. We explored the beautiful gardens and picked our own tulips. In doing my research, I have discovered New England has several flower festivals through the spring. According to Trip Savvy, these are the best Springtime Flower festivals in New England.
Daffodil Days at Blithewold
Blithewold Mansion is located in Bristol, Rhode Island, and its Gateway Event to Spring takes place every April. Fifty thousand daffodils are growing on 33 acres of gardens and woodland paths. In addition to the daffodils, in early May, flowering cherry trees, primroses, and star magnolias show their stuff, and by late May, the grounds come alive with columbine, forget-me-nots, and lupine.
Nantucket Daffodil Festival
Hop on board a ferry and head over to Nantucket, Massachusetts, for the annual Daffodil Festival.
Due to the pandemic, this year’s festival will be held virtually. It is quite the show with more than three million daffodils, complete with a seaside view and an iconic lighthouse.
Meriden Daffodil Festival
The Meriden Daffodil Festival is held in Meriden, Connecticut, each year at the end of April. It is called Connecticut’s most colorful April event. Usually, there are carnival rides, a food tent, games, and more.
However, due to the pandemic, this year’s festival is canceled. However,
Hubbard Park is still open to the public to drive through and enjoy the beautiful flowers.
Lilac Sunday
At Arnold Arboretum in Boston, Massachusetts, the grounds are home to 408 lilac plants representing 179 different varieties. For this reason, Lilac Sunday is one of North America’s most significant lilac-focused events. Embark on a self-guided tour after printing a tour brochure, and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy. The lilacs are in bloom for approximately four weeks, starting in late April to mid-May.
Maple Sugar Festival
On the last week of March, head on up to Maine and visit one of the 100 sugar shack participants in this annual event. See how maple syrup is made, sample some tasty treats, and bring home some of the country’s best maple syrup. You can find more information here.
Covered Bridge Tour
Jump in the car and head on up to either New Hampshire or Vermont and hunt for covered bridges. You can easily find a map online that lists all of the cover bridges. Why not make a weekend of it and spend the time exploring some of the most beautiful covered bridges on this side of the Mississippi.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is one of the top 10 national parks in the United States to visit. There are twenty-seven miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads to drive and hike throughout the park. It has earned its title Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast. The park houses the highest mountains along the Atlantic seacoast.
Coastal Highway U.S. 1 in Maine
Take a drive up the Maine coastline and experience some breathtaking views. Along the way, stop for a lobster roll and steamers. Make sure to visit some of Maine’s iconic lighthouses. The route will take you from the New Hampshire and Maine border all along the coast of Maine, the St. Croix River, and then along the border of the U.S. and Canada. I suggest you take a few days to enjoy this adventure.
Race Point Beach, Provincetown, MA
At the tip of the National Seashore is Race Point Beach. This gorgeous beach is a great beach to watch wildlife (seals, dolphins, whales, and perhaps a great white) and see one of the most amazing sunsets.
If you are so inclined, you can walk the three-mile trail to see the Race Point lighthouse or bike the eight-mile Cape Cod Province Lands Bike Trail, which winds through towering dunes.
Baby Animal Day at Billings Farm
Head to Woodstock, Vermont, and attend Baby Animal Day at Billings Farm, an annual tradition to meet the baby animals. Surrounded by the Green Mountains, Woodstock is a great place to visit, from sampling Vermont’s famous cheeses to hiking to strolling the historic downtown.
Boston Food Tour
Boston has some fantastic food tours. One year my best friend and I, along with our husbands, took a Historic Pizza and Taverns Tour. It started in the North End, went to Charlestown, and back to the Faneuil Hall area. It was a lot of fun and yummy. There are so many to choose from. You can find a list of Boston’s best food tours here.
Whale Watching off the Maine coast.
Mid-April is when the humpbacks make their way to Kennebunkport’s waters and other coastal areas of Maine.
Dinosaur State Park, Rocky Hill, Connecticut
Dinosaur State Palk has one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America. On display in the museum are early Jurassic fossil tracks that were made 200 million years ago. In addition to the exhibit center are two miles of nature trails and the Dinosaur Arboretum. The arboretum contains over 250 species and other living representatives of plant families around during the dinosaur’s age.
Mark Twain House
Designated National Historic Landmark, the Mark Twain House is located in Hartford, Connecticut, and showcases Mark Twain’s life and career. The museum chronicles his life and works, including The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, which he wrote while living there.
Mystic Seaport, Connecticut
Mystic Seaport: The Museum of America and the Sea is the most significant maritime museum in the United States. The museum is known for its collection of sailing ships and boats and the re-creation of the crafts and fabric of an entire 19th-century seafaring village. The maritime town consists of more than 60 historic buildings. There is also a fantastic aquarium, and make sure to grab some pizza from Mystic Pizza.
Strawbery Banke Museum, Portsmouth, NH
The Strawbery Banke Museum is an outdoor history museum that brings more than 300 years of American history to life. The museum spans 10 acres in downtown Portsmouth’s waterfront neighborhood and features 32 historic buildings and eight heritage gardens.
The Sandwich Boardwalk, Sandwich, MA
Named one of the top 10 boardwalks by National Geographic, the Sandwich boardwalk spans 1,350 ft over a marsh before it connects to Boardwalk beach. It an excellent place for birdwatching and watching ships enter the Cape Cod Canal.
Cape Cod Canal
The Cape Cod Canal is a man-made canal connecting Cape Cod Bay in the north to Buzzards Bay in the south and is part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The canal is used extensively by recreational and commercial vessels. You will access fishing and trails for in-line skaters, bicyclists, and walkers on both sides of the canal. Several parking areas are maintained at access points. The Corps of Engineers lease bourne Scenic Park to the Town of Bourne Recreation Authority for use as a tent and R.V. campground adjacent to the canal.
Castle Island, South Boston, MA
Castle Island is a peninsula on the shores of the Boston Harbor. It a recreation site and home to Fort Independence. Attractions include a playground, beach and swimming access, and Sullivan’s restaurant. You can also take a tour of Fort Independence.
Explore a Massachusetts State Park
With 151 state parks to choose from, you could spend the entire season exploring the state parks. Some of our favorites include Halibut Point, Natural Bridge, and Bash Bish Falls.
So there you have it, 20 things to do this spring in New England. Which one would you do first?
Welcome to the White Mountains of New Hampshire!
This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
Though my whole family grew up in New England, we never learned how to ski. When the boys were little, they took a few lessons but never really got into it. Robbie’s hockey scheduled did not allow for much time to spend on the slopes, and Nicholas outright disliked it. So when I suggested we head to the White Mountains of New Hampshire for a few days, the first thing my son asked what we will do? Well, Nicholas, what won’t we do is the better question!
Where to stay in the White Mountains?
The White Mountains have plenty of motels, hotels, bed and breakfasts, ski lodges, and house rentals. We wanted a more homey feel, so I decided we would rent from Airbnb for the first time. I was always hesitant to use them, as I had heard horror stories from my friends. However, I had also seen and heard of some fantastic properties. We took a chance and rented a three-bedroom condo in the small town of Thorton, NH. It did not disappoint!
Welcome basket in the mud room. 
Living Room 
Table with a wealth of information 
Living Room 
Kitchen 
Bedroom 1 
Bedroom 1 
Bedroom 2 
Leads to Master 
Loved the coffee station 
Master Bedroom 
Master Bedroom
The condo had everything we could think of and more. Plus, it was minutes to skiing, hiking, restaurants, & NH’s renowned White Mountain National Forest.
There was an open concept living room with a huge cathedral ceiling setup with comfy seating for 10, 4K TV with surround sound, plus a treasure chest of dozens of inspiring books and card/board games.
As for the kitchen, it came equipped for cooking and dining: high top seating for six at the expandable table, dishwasher, oven, microwave, Foreman Grill, Ninja blender, & one-button coffee maker that grinds & brews. The owner even provided the beans!
Oh, and can we talk about the master bedroom? It was a quick two steps up off the living room. Featuring a gorgeous queen-sized canopy bed, top-10 rated premium memory foam mattress, dual nightstands with wireless charging for our phones. There was a private balcony off the master to enjoy a nice cup of coffee or a glass of wine at night.
Located downstairs were two more bedrooms. Two double beds with the same premium memory foam mattresses in one room, two bunk beds sleeping four children/light adults total. Both rooms were steps from the full downstairs bathroom and in-unit washer/dryer. The house was fully stocked with towels, sheets, washcloths, and blankets.
What to do in the White Mountains?
We arrived on a Thursday evening and spent it relaxing in the condo. The next morning we got up and, after a leisurely morning, headed toward N. Woodstock, NH, to explore the White Mountains for a bit before heading to the Ice Castles. I was on a quest to find a covered bridge and frozen waterfall. As I told my husband, I was not going home until I saw both!
According to the map, once in N. Woodstock, we would head west on Rt 112. This took us right into the White Mountain National Forest.
The views were beautiful, but the photos didn’t really capture it that well due to the overcast.
The following excerpt was taken directly from the National Forest website.
The White Mountain National Forest was established in 1914, with 7,000 acres bought for 13 dollars an acre. Today the area has expanded to over 800,000 acres in New Hampshire and western Maine, and the lands that were once razed and blackened are now vibrant and healthy.
One of only two National Forests in New England, the White Mountain is truly a unique natural wonder. As you wander through the lower-elevation mixed hardwood forests, it’s easy to stumble upon a piece of history, be it an old foundation, logging camp, or railroad bed. The area was first colonized in the 1600s, and before that, it was home to numerous Native American tribes.
Moving higher in elevation, the forest notably shifts, with conifers like hemlock, pines, and spruce dominating the landscape. The White Mountains are home to the most rugged and challenging terrain in the region. Boasting some of the highest peaks in New England, the tops of these mountains are home to unique health communities and stunted krummholz forests of firs and spruces.
The White Mountain National Forest is a vacation hotspot for a reason – it holds some of the best recreation opportunities in the North East. Hikers and Backpackers test their endurance on trips that bring them from granite peak to peak, with challenging elevation drops and gains in between.
After conquering a day’s worth of summits, hikers can rest their weary feet and tired heads in a series of mountain huts that provide everything from dinner and breakfast to pillows and wool blankets (but bring your own sheets or sleeping bag). All this adds up to a winning combination of rugged days and comfortable nights that has given the system a reputation for the best hut-to-hut hiking outside of Europe.
About 30 minutes into the ride, we came upon the Swiftwater Covered Bridge.
Located in Bath, NH, this bridge is the fourth to cross the Wild Ammonoosuc River. Originally built in 1810, but was carried away in 1818 by a flood and replaced in the same year. In 1828, the bridge was destroyed by another flood. The third bridge was erected in 1829 and remained at the site until 1849. At that time, it was dismantled and replaced by the current bridge. The state rebuilt this bridge in 1977. The Swiftwater Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Ice Castles in the White Mountains
The whole purpose of our trip was to see the White Mountain’s version of Ice Castles. I have wanted to attend this event for the last 4-5 years and was FINALLY successful in snagging some tickets.
Ice Castles was beautiful! It looks like something straight from the movie Frozen. Located in 4 states, Colorado, New Hampshire, Utah, and Wisconsin, it all started with a dad building an ice cave in his front yard for his 6 kids. Not only did his kids love it, but the whole town did.
Fun facts
🧊 Founded in 2011
🧊 In 4 locations.
🧊 Each castle is over 29 million pounds.
🧊12,000 icicles are grown each day.
Like most things with this virus, it was a timed ticket. However, once we were there, we could stay as long as we wanted. I wanted to see the castle in both the day and night. We arrived at 5:00 pm just as the sun was starting to set. Within 45 minutes of being there, nighttime arrived, and we experienced the castle all lit up. Fortunately, the weather was not too bad. We made sure to have warm clothing, plus snow pants. We were all comfortable.
So what is there to see? Well, there is the ice castle itself. There are frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, slides, fountains, and much more. Our son had fun flying down the ice slides. There is an area for tubing. We were going to try that, but the line was a bit long and, honestly, not the best thing for my back. I purchased tickets for the sleigh ride. It was a relaxing ride through the woods located toward the back of the castle and tubing area. There was also a quarter of a mile walking path; all lit up with colored lights. It was beautiful. Of course, like most places, there were booths to purchase hot drinks and snacks and a gift shop.
Snowshoeing in the White Mountains
Though we do not ski, I thought we would try our hand at snowshoeing. I booked through Alpine Adventures in Lincoln, New Hampshire. We met at their base camp in Lincoln and from there drove about 6 miles to Barron Mountain. The tour is approximately 90 minutes long. We had a tour guide take us up and back down the mountain. Once at the top, we took in the beautiful views of Franconia Notch State Park. It is hard working going up a mountain, but even harder coming back down. It took a lot of concentration to prevent myself from tumbling down! However, it was a lot of fun, and I think Santa will be bringing everyone snowshoes next Christmas!
Up we go 
Taking in the beauty. 
So pretty 
No one around but us. 
What a view!
Kancamagus Scenic Byway in the White Mountains
The Kancamagus Highway is a 34.5-mile scenic drive along NH’s Rt. 112 in Northern New Hampshire. The Kancamagus Highway is now designated an American Scenic Byway for its rich history, aesthetic beauty, and culture.
The Kancamagus Scenic Byway takes you through a path cut through the White Mountain National Forest. You will see breathtaking views of the White Mountains, the Swift River, Sabbaday Falls, Lower Falls, and Rocky Gorge. The Kanc (its famous nick-name) takes you to an elevation of just under 3,000 feet at its highest point.
People flock here in the fall to see the breathtaking foliage. However, we found it to be a beautiful place to see in the winter as well. Here is where I knew I would find a frozen waterfall!
As we drove along the Kanc, we stopped at a few places to take some photos. The higher up in elevation we went, the cloudier it became and not ideal for photos. We also found quite a few of the trails were closed due to ice. There was a particular waterfall I had wanted to see, but it closed. However, I was determined and found the Rocky Gorge was a short walk from the road.
Rocky Gorge is a powerful narrow gorge carved by glaciers, where water is almost always rushing through, even during droughts. Rocky Gorge offers a 10′ drop and rapids through the gorge.
This is definitely a place we want to come back to in the fall. There is a trail that leads to a pond that we want to hike. From what I heard, the views are amazing.
Where to eat in the White Mountains?
One of the reasons I wanted to rent a house or a condo was to have access to a kitchen. It was perfect for having coffee and breakfast in the morning. However, that is the extent of my use of the kitchen. I don’t particularly appreciate cooking at home and certainly do not want to be doing it while I am away. With plenty of places to eat in the White Mountains, it was not hard to find a place to please all our palettes. Everywhere we ate was good, but two places really hit it out of the park.
Woodstock Inn and Brewery in N. Woodstock, NH, had a great atmosphere, food, and terrific service. Their portions were generous. I had the mac and cheese. It was baked to perfection. The winterscotch martini was divine. It was made with Vanilla Bean Vodka, Baileys, and a splash of butterscotch schnapps. The boys really enjoyed dessert, peanut butter pie, and a brownie sundae!
Winterscotch Martini 
Mac & Cheese 
Flatbread Pizza 
Peanutbutter Pie 
Brownie Sundae 
Woodstock Inn & Brewery
The second place we enjoyed was right outside of Loon Mountain Ski Resort. It was called the OneLove Brewery. Bill and I both had the chicken and waffles. Nicholas had the fish and chips. We enjoyed a giant pretzel as an appetizer. Again, the portions were huge, the service was terrific, and the atmosphere was warm and cozy. It was perfect after a long day of being outside in the White Mountains.
Cool sign 
Drinks 
Giant pretzel 
Fish and Chips 
Chicken and Waffles
As you can see, even if you are not a skier, there is still plenty to do in the White Mountains in the winter. All it takes is some warm clothes and a positive attitude.
What adventures have you enjoyed this winter?
Interested in more of what New Hampshire has to offer? Check out my article on the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.
They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and that holds true for my husband. A few years ago, I gifted him a tavern and pizza tour, and it was a huge hit. This past December, I decided to do it again. This time we are doing the North End Neighborhood Food Tour. We are going on Memorial Day weekend, and we can’t wait. In the meantime, I thought it would be fun to research the Best in Boston Food Tours. Boston is full of history and great food. Here are the 8 Boston Food Tours that made the list.
This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
Boston’s Historic North End
Let’s start with Boston’s Historic North End. Before diving into the tours offered here, I would like to provide a bit of history. The North End is Boston’s oldest neighborhood, where people have lived since the 1630s. It is rich with history, some good and some not so good. The North End is known for its Italian population and restaurants. Not only do people come for the food, but see to Paul Revere’s house, the Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, and the old North Church. Remember, “one if by land and two if by the sea’? That all happened in the North End.
The Prince Macaroni Company and incredible organizations such as The Home for Little Wanderers were started here. There also have been some dark times. The Great Molasses Flood, whereby a 25 ft wave of molasses flowed down Commercial Street towards the waterfront, sweeping away everything in its path. One hundred fifty people were injured, 21 people were killed, and it caused damage of 100 million dollars in today’s money.
Today the North End is one of Boston’s most prominent tourist destinations and one of the best places to grab a meal, a coffee, and a cannoli.
Best in Boston Food Tours- North End Neighborhood Food Tour
This is the tour that Bill and I will be doing in May. The tour takes you to award-winning restaurants, stop by the Best of Boston winners to taste pizza, sandwiches, bread, and cannoli. You will visit an old-world salumeria shown on the Food Network. The tour includes a visit to the Old North Church (exterior only) and a walk through the North End, where history lovers will hear plenty about this part of Boston’s history. We end the tour with a pasta dinner at one of the North End’s famous award-winning restaurants and take a cannoli for the road.
How much is the tour? – $150.00 per person.
What’s included? – Price of all food, taxes, and server’s gratuities
What’s excluded? – Tour cost does not include drinks or tour guide’s gratuity should guests wish to consider.
Best in Boston Food Tours – Boston’s North End Group Walking Tour
If $150.00 a person is a bit steep, why not try Boston’s North End Group Walking Tour. Like the North End Neighborhood Food Tour, the guide will take you through the history of the North End as you sample authentic Italian cuisine. The tour includes a visit to a hidden bakery, samples of meats, cheeses, pizza, and pastries. Unlike the tour above, included is a visit inside the Old North Church, which is truly a thing of beauty.
How much is the tour? – $72.00 a person.
What is included?- samples of food, pastries, a drink, and entrance into the church.
What is excluded? -Tour cost does not include drinks or tour guide’s gratuity should guests wish to consider.
Best in Boston Food Tours – Boston’s Politically Incorrect Lunch and Dinner Tours
According to the description, these two tours take place in the North End, but this one will show you the REAL North End. Like the others, it is a walking tour where you will learn the North End history and visit hidden gems. There is both a lunch and a dinner tour.
Lunch Tour
The lunch tour is 3 hours long. It includes visits to historical sites, local hangouts, and samples of authentic Italian food. There is a visit to a Salumeria (Italian Deli), and you will learn to make Italian Panni. Take a stroll down Hanover Street and visit some of the best bakeries and coffee shops the city has to offer. Then, head over to the tour guide’s mother’s house for an authentic Italian lunch consisting of a homemade plate of pasta Bolognese, pizza or a Caprese salad, and a homemade dessert. Visit an 80-year-old spice and coffee shop and a 112-year old wine shop. Another highlight, see the headquarters of the alleged Boston Mob.
The wake for the infamous Sacco and Vanzetti was held out of a home in the North End. Fun fact, my great grandfather served on the jury of their criminal trial. Haven’t heard of the Sacco and Vanzetti case? Read about it here.
Dinner Tour
Rather the dinner tour? The dinner tour includes all of the above, except instead of lunch, you eat dinner with Mama. Enjoy a traditional Italian Sunday dinner, which includes pasta with meatballs, sausages, and braciola. An antipasti course and dessert are also served.
What is the cost? – $69.00 for lunch $90 for dinner.
What is included? – Food, drink, and admission into historical sites.
What is excluded? Gratuity for tour guide.
Best in Boston Food Tours- Boston Chocolate Tours
A tour made just for me! LOL! If you have been reading long enough, you will know by now I love all things chocolate. This is a walking tour of the city that starts in the North End and ends in Beacon Hill. Beacon Hill is a neighborhood in Boston and at the top of the hill is the Massachusetts State House. Federal-style row houses, narrow gaslit streets, and brick sidewalks adorn the area, a desirable and expensive part of Boston.
This tour will bring you to six locations for chocolate tastings. Learn about this great city’s history, plus visit historical sites such a Patriot’s Corner and the Old North Church, pass by Boston Public Library and the famous Newbury Street. This is a private tour.
What is the cost? – $206.00 per person.
What is included? – All the chocolate and the pasteries, plus water.
What is excluded? – Gratuities for your guide.
Best in Boston Food Tours – Cocktails and Cannolis
Ahhh.. another tour made just for me. The tour is also located in the North End. Do you see a trend here? The best food is in the North End! The tour is approximately 2 hours and takes you through the North End, where you will have four desserts, including cannoli and gelato. It also includes three cocktails. Walkthrough the North End over to Paul Revere’s house, where you learn the importance of alcohol in Revolutionary Boston. Also, see where Paul hung the famous lanterns. There is a blind cannoli test, and the tour gains you access to two of the top cannoli shops in the city. The lines at these shops are usually down the street, so this is a real treat. I have waited in the queue for Mike’s Pastry and it is worth it!
What is the cost?- I could not find this information, but there is a number to call to request a quote.
What is included? – All of the above, plus a water bottle to carry with you.
What is excluded? – Gratuities for your guide.
Best in Boston Food Tours – Boston Brew Tours
Boston Brew Tours takes you behind the scenes of a craft brewery. Taste up to 16 different craft beers as you are driven around by a guide. You have access to 3-4 of Boston’s best local breweries, cideries, or distilleries, all of which include lunch and some snacks.
What is the cost? -Approximately $136.00 a person.
What does it include? – All the alcohol and food.
What is excluded?- Gratuity for your guide.
Best in Boston Food Tours- Beacon Hill and Back Bay Food Tour
This tour includes a three-course meal of a light lunch. It usually involves lobster. After lunch:
- Explore the historic Charles Street and enjoy tastings at multiple chocolatiers.
- Walk Beacon Hill’s Louisburg Square and visit Acorn Street, the most photographed street in Boston.
- Stroll past the Boston Public Library and visit an off the beaten path wine and cheese shop and bakery ranked 3rd in the country.
The tour ends with dessert at one of Boston’s top restaurants.
What is the cost? – $100 per person.
What is included? – All of the above.
What is excluded? – Gratuity for guides.
Best in Boston Food Tours – Bites of Boston
Bites of Boston has a few tours. One is the Sweet and Savory South End Tour. The South End of Boston is a neighborhood in the city. The South End has the largest intact Victorian row house district in the country and s made up of over 300 acres of parks. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.
During the tour, you will visit 5-6 local eateries and hear the history of how the South End came to be.
What is the cost?- $71.50.
What is included?- Food and drink.
What is excluded? – Gratuities for the guide.
Are you hungry yet? Boston is a fabulous place to visit and eat! If you are ever in town, make sure to check out one of these terrific tours.
This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
Last September, we escaped to the lakes region of New Hampshire for a long weekend. It had been years since I had explored this area. I was just a child the last time I was here. We spent four days and three nights hiking a castle and browsing the towns along Lake Winnipesaukee.
What and Where is the Lakes Region of New Hampshire?
The Lakes Region is located south of the White Mountains in east-central New Hampshire. There over 270 lakes in New Hampshire, including Lake Winnipesaukee (the largest lake in the state), Squam Lake, Newfound Lake, Ossipee Lake, and Lake Sunapee. It is also home to two mountain ranges, the Belknap and Ossipee Mountains. A popular summer destination, the Lakes Region offers something for everyone, including boating, water sports, fishing, swimming, hiking, and more. However, there is no lack of activities during the other three seasons.
Lodging In the Lakes Region
There are plenty of places to stay in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. From campsites, Airbnbs, resorts, and boutique hotels, the possibilities are endless. We chose to stay at Steele Hill Resort in Sanbornton, NH. The resort sits on top of Steele Hill, overlooking Lake Winnespauske and Lake Squam. It has 500 acres of land consisting of hiking trails, a golf course, a private pond for fishing, and more. Accommodations range from two-bedroom suites to cozy rooms located in the original inn.
Amenities include:
- 2 Indoor Pools/2 Outdoor Pools
- Whirlpools & Saunas
- Free 9-hole Executive Golf Course
- Snowmobiling with access to state trails (bring your own machine)
- Fishing in our private pond (catch & release)
- Racquetball and Tennis courts
- Health Club
- Hiking/Snowshoe Trails
- Horseshoes
- Children’s Playground
- Ice Skating (weather permitting)
- Tobogganing & Sledding (sleds not provided)
- Wii U & PlayStation 4 Gaming Systems in Lobby
- The Market, an onsite convenience store
- Hilltop Restaurant and Tova’s Tavern
- Laundry Facilities
- Ice Machines
We stayed in a one-bedroom suite, which was plenty big for the 4 of us. We had a full kitchen, living room, with a pull-out couch, dining area, a full bath, and a master bedroom. Our suite overlooked the Belnap Mountains and the lakes. It was clean, comfortable, and moderately priced. However, I do think pre-covid, the prices would be slightly higher.
Living room 
Full kitchen 
View from the room 
Master bedroom 
Living room again 
Bathroom 
Main Inn 
Recreation Center 
Fitness center 
Arcade 
VIew from recreation center 
Indoor pool
Another bonus to the resort was its onsite restaurant. It was excellent. The resort is a bit hidden away, and it can be 20 mins or more to the nearest restaurant. Having the restaurant as an option was great. One of the days, our kids ordered take out from there so they could stay in and watch football, leaving my husband and I free to explore on our own without worrying about them.
Things to Do in the Lakes Region
For our first full day in New Hampshire, we headed to Castle in the Clouds. Castle in the Clouds is a mountaintop estate located in Moultonborough, New Hampshire. It is a 16-room mansion with 5,294-acres of land.
I had toured the mansion when I was a child, but a lot has changed. Or at least in my mind, it has! Castle in the Clouds is so much more than a mansion tour. There is a guided basement tour, an exhibit hall featuring the career of the original owner of the castle, Thomas Plant, a restaurant, cafe, gift shop, hiking and walking trails, winter activities, events, and more.
We chose to tour the mansion, grab a snack at the cafe, and then set out on one of their more picturesque hikes featuring seven waterfalls.
Tour of the Lucknow Estate
The tour starts with a trolly ride up the road to the estate once owned by Thomas and Olive Plant. From there, you meet a guide and receive a 10-15 minute orientation on the history of the estate. The tour of the mansion is self-guided, though there were plenty of guides stationed in each room to answer any questions. Due to COVID, admission was staggered, so at times it seemed we had the house to ourselves. It was quite lovely.
View from parking lot. 
Old stove 
Kitchen 
Formal Dining room 
Game room 
Old fashion intercom 
Home decor 
Thomas Plant 
View from inside 
Another view 
Bedroom 
Bedside table 
Bathroon 
Love the old products 
Interesting shower 
Another bedroom 
Tea anyone? 
Soap 
Hey, I know that company!
The inside of the house was impressive, but it was outside that caught my attention. The gardens, the grounds, and the views of the mountains were my favorite part of the tour.
After touring the mansion and grounds, we headed back down and grabbed a snack from the Castle Cafe. Once we fueled up, we hiked on one of the many trails here at Castle in the Clouds.
Brook Walk Trail
Brook Walk Trail is a moderate hiking trail that has seven spectacular waterfalls. There are signs along the route providing descriptions of the waterfalls and photos of how the falls looked many, many years ago. The falls include Twin Falls, Whittier Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Falls of Song, a 40 ft plunge waterfall.
The hike was lovely, and the boys enjoyed seeing the different waterfalls. It would be a great place to go back to and hike in the evening. There are quite a few trails to explore.
Meredith, New Hampshire
The next day we headed out early to the town of Meredith, NH. Meredith is a major resort town located on the shores of Lake Winnespauke, the largest lake in the New Hampshire Lakes Region. Our first stop, Hart’s Turkey Farm.
Hart’s Turkey Farm was a restaurant I grew up going to when on vacation in New Hampshire. I have fond memories of it and wanted my kids to experience it as well. It did not disappoint! As you can probably guess, turkey is the specialty, but they have other menu items. After we ate, we stopped by their store, where I picked up some local maple syrup and candy for the kids.
After lunch, we headed into the town of Meredith. It has a picturesque downtown area, with lots of restaurants and shops. The kids hung out at a park along the lake while Bill and I walked around snapping photos and picking up a book at a local bookstore. We noticed around town were these sculptures. It is an annual exhibit called Meredith Sculpture Walk. You can learn more about it here.
Lake Winnipesaukee 
Nicholas hanging out. 
Memorial 
Sculpture 
Lake Winnipesaukee 
Beautiful day on the lake. 
Lighthouse 
Sculpture 
Another Sculpture 
Sculpture 
One more sculpture 
Bill being goofy.
A Morning Hike and Wolfboro, New Hampshire
On Sunday, the boys told us ahead of time they did not plan to leave the room all day. They wanted to watch football. They are certainly old enough to stay by themselves, and it gave Bill and me some 1-1 time, something we rarely get these days. We started the day with a hike around the property. The resort has three hiking trails totaling 5 miles. We hiked two out of the three trails. The trails are relatively flat, with some elevation toward the end of one of the trails. We passed through an open field, marshy areas, and even an old burial ground. According to the Steele Hill Resort website:
“The Joseph Leavitt Burial Ground is the largest of two cemeteries located onsite at Steele Hill Resorts, which dates back to the early 1800s. The oldest headstone in this particular graveyard is over two centuries old with the date 1818 engraved upon it belonging to Abner Kimball. The majority of the headstones at the cemetery are legible with the youngest to be buried at the location being only three months old.
A local man named John Douglas Crawford was sent to Germany in 1946 to be a liaison medical officer for the Office of Military Government. John, unfortunately, had to leave his pregnant wife, Caroline, home in the United States. After giving birth to their daughter Margo, Caroline had set out to visit John so he could meet his daughter for the first time. Unfortunately, he never got the opportunity to meet his daughter or the chance to see his wife again as their plane crashed into a ridgeline on a windy night departing from Newfoundland. Both Caroline and Margo share a headstone onsite.
The most recent headstone was added in 2014 and belongs to Lola Rose Cutillo. Her husband, Ralph Cutillo, former president of Steele Hill Resorts, has his tombstone sitting adjacent to Lola’s.”
Pretty interesting, right?
Great trail for hiking. 
Yes, I do appear in photos. 
Send help! 
Old burial grounds 
Old burial grounds 
Bill and I
After our morning hike, Bill and I headed to Wolfboro, New Hampshire. Located next to Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfboro is the “Oldest Summer Resort in America.” Wolfboro has a cute downtown area with lots of little shops to visit. First stop, ice cream at the Yum Yum Shop.
Then we headed over to Cate Park, which overlooks Wolfboro Bay. It was a great place to stop and do some people watching.
The main street of Wolfboro is lined with shops and restaurants. They had the cutest bookstore, and as an avid reader, I had to stop and browse.
We weren’t in any hurry, nor were we hungry for dinner, so we found a trail that started at the old Wolfboro Train Station, close to where we parked the car. The Cotton Rail Trail is a beautiful trail, following the old railroad tracks but occasionally veering off and winding through the woods before returning to the tracks for 11 miles. Along the way, we saw beautiful lakes, homes, and more. We walked for about a 1.5 before turning around and heading back into town. Once in town, we grabbed some dinner before going back to the resort to relax for the night
One Last Meal Before Heading Home
Who doesn’t love a good breakfast? I wanted to grab something hearty before we left for home. Plus, we had a couple of hours to kill before stopping by the bookstore at my son’s college before going home.
Heritage Farm Pancake House came highly recommended by the people at our resort. It serves a farm-fresh family-style breakfast. It is one price per person, and each person receives their choice of pancakes, fresh farm eggs, homegrown home fries, & bacon, and drinks. You can check out their menu here. The boys had chocolate chip pancakes, and Bill and I had blueberry pancakes. The food was delicious! As we waited for our food to be served, we walked around the farm visiting all the animals.
We will defintely be back!
Our final stop of the trip was to Southern New Hampshire University. Our son, Robbie, is a freshman studying sports management. Unfortunately, due to the virus, he is studying online from home. The campus is expected to open in the fall, and we all can’t wait for that to happen. In the meantime, we stopped at the bookstore to grab some swag and walk around a bit. Go, Penmen!
I hope you enjoyed this small glimpse into the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. It is definitely a beautiful place to visit regardless of the season.
Interested in learning more about New England? Check out my posts on the Berkshires, Provincetown, Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Refuge, and Chatham, MA.
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Happy New Year! 2020 is in the past, and for most people, this is a good thing. What a year it has been! I recently wrote about the positives 2020 brought into my life, but there were some struggles. Some of those struggles were in terms of the goals I had set for myself and could not meet. In speaking with friends and my readers, this was a source of frustration for various reasons. A few got sidetracked due to the pandemic. Circumstances in their life got in the way, and their goals were put on hold. The last year threw us all for a loop.
For example, my goal to lose some weight was derailed by what I call the quarantine 15. In the beginning, I turned to one of my favorite stress relievers, baking! Another example, working from home full time, was a big adjustment for me. My time management went out the window, and I became too wrapped up in my work. I let things, like my running, slide. I also do not do well with a lot of free time. I work best with routine and a schedule. It took me a while to establish that. The less time I have, the more I accomplish. Does that make sense?
Stop Making Resolutions-Set Goals
So, how can you and I make 2021 different? The first thing is to stop making resolutions! Instead of resolutions, set goals. Wait, you may be shaking your head and thinking, aren’t these the same thing? Actually, no, resolutions and goals are not the same things. According to the dictionary, a resolution is a firm decision to do or not to do something. It is a statement of what you want to change. A goal involves setting, planning, preparing, and taking action.
For example, a pretty common resolution is “I want to lose weight.” To change this from a resolution to a goal, you need an action plan. What do you need to do to reach that goal? How are you going to change your eating habits? What kind of exercise will you do? How many times a week will you exercise. Remember, a goal must be SMART – Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Relevant, and Time-Based. It also needs to be written down. I suggest a pen to paper rather than on your phone. Research shows our brain remembers better and more when something is written down on paper.
A regular old notebook would do, but I bought this goal planner over on Amazon. I love it.
How to Accomplish your Goals.
Goals are personal to each person. However, to accomplish any goal, we need to be at our best. We need to feel our best. The environment we work and live in must be free from chaos and clutter. We need to eliminate any unnecessary stressors. How do we do that? It is my firm belief if we add these nine goals to our list, accomplishing everything else will become just that much easier.
Create a Morning Routine
How we start our day sets the tone of the day ahead, controls our schedules, and prioritizes our time. Now what you do is up to you. It could be mediatation, prayer, exercise, journaling, or reading. Mine is checking off some to-do lists for my blog and social media before my workday begins, all while drinking a nice cup of coffee. By accomplishing these small tasks, I feel less pressured to get these things done later in the day, and it gives me a chance to wake up slowly. I highly suggest The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. It helped me establish my routine.
Move Every Day
Exercise is key to helping us feel better. The endorphins released when exercising makes us feel happier and more confident. It keeps us younger. It does not have to be hardcore either. Go for a walk, do some yoga, find a video on YouTube to follow. Just get out and move. I become bored very quickly with strength training, so I need to mix it up. I subscribe to a streaming service that is all workouts. It cost less than my local gym, and I do them all from the coziness of my home.
Drink More Water
Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate! Water is the most critical thing that we can put in our bodies. It delivers oxygen to our bodies and flushes out toxins. It aids with weight loss. Our skin looks healthier when we hydrate. The list goes on and on. If my water intake is slacking, I feel sluggish, and accomplishing anything on my list is that much harder to do. Here are some tips on how to hydrate more.
Declutter your House
I don’t know about you, but I can’t concentrate if there are clutter and chaos all around. It is all I can think of, and it serves as a colossal distraction. Therefore, the need to declutter and keep my house as organized as best as possible is essential. As I sit here and write this, my dining room table is a mess with Christmas stuff. As soon as I am done with this post, I will spend my day organizing, as I will get nothing else done on my list. Of course, one of my goals for 2021 is to declutter each room, so this goal serves a couple of purposes.
Take control of your Finances
Worrying about money can be all-consuming. It can creep into all other aspects of your life and affect your mood and motivation. Knowing exactly where your money goes every month and having a plan to save for the future can go a long way. If any of your goals involve money, like saving for a trip, new furniture, a retirement goal, etc., you must know how much is coming into the household and how much is going out of the household.
Reconnect with Old Friends
This one makes your heart full. I had a visit from an old friend last week, and it did wonders for my mood. The rest of my day was so productive as I was feeling so good from her visit.
Take time for Self Care
Make sure you are doing something that rejuvenates you. I love to relax by reading or scrapbooking. all while listening to your favorite book on Audible sound? Like heaven to me. How does a bubble bath Whatever it is, please make time to do it each week.
Eat better
It is that simple. Eat more fruits, veggies, whole grains, and less sugar, and you will be amazed at how much better you will feel. You naturally will have more energy to get through the day.
Get More Sleep
I fought this one for a very long time. I still struggle with it from time to time. It is not because I can’t sleep; it is because I don’t want to sleep. I always looked at it as a waste of time. However, research has shown, and my body agrees we need sleep. Sleep keeps us laser-focused to accomplish our to-do lists and keep us on track to reach our goals. Set a regular bedtime and stick to it. Not only does the amount of sleep matter, the quality of sleep matters as well. According to one study, we need anywhere between 1.5 to 1.8 hours of deep sleep a night. This is roughly 20% of our overall sleep. I find if I take a sleep supplement, it helps me achieve that number. I started using NUUN Rest, and it has changed the quality of my sleep.
Wrapping up
If you have not figured it out by now, the nine goals listed above are about making us feel and perform at our best. Again, if we feel our best, we can set out and achieve any goal we want. It starts within ourselves.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Please leave me a comment below. Happy New Year!
There is just a week left to 2020. A year that had so much promise but left a lot to be desired. I remember writing out my goals for the year, thinking about my son’s high school graduation, vacations, family celebrations, college acceptances, road races, and more. Three months in, that all went up in smoke. What started as “two weeks home to flatten the curve” is still going on, nine months later.
It has been challenging. Life as we know it changed. Life became scary for the time being. We knew nothing about the virus. People were and are again dying at an alarming rate. Schools shut down. Life’s celebrations were put on hold. Travel stopped. Masks became the “norm.” Our nation has become more divided, and honestly, my faith in my fellow Americans has been lost a bit.
Before I go on, I would like to say this post is NOT to minimize the hardships others have faced this year. My heart goes out to those suffering from this illness, who had lost a loved one and have suffered financially this year. I pray 2021 brings peace to all.
However, as I sit here and reflect on 2020, it wasn’t all bad for me. Through the tears and frustrations, there have been positives to come out of 2020.
2020 Positive Moments
First and foremost, my family is HEALTHY! This includes our extended family and the four of us. That has and will continue to be our priority. My Dad is immunocompromised, and we all work hard to make sure he stays safe.
My Dad hit his 10 year cancer free anniversary!
Bill and I are gainfully employed and have continued to work through the pandemic. We are also in a position where we could give a bit more to those in need, and we have this year.
I had a birthday parade at age 48. LOL! Yes, this was a highlight of my year. My crazy family came by with balloons, a sign, my Dad on his golf cart, and a special visitor.
Our son graduated high school in May. It was not the graduation I envisioned, but it was perfect. The school went out of its way to make it special for the seniors. He loved it because there were no boring speeches for him to sit through. We were also able to celebrate with those in our bubble.
Spending more time as a family has had its ups and downs. As a busy family, we are not used to being together 24/7 on the weekends. I am happy to report, we did not kill each other!
We took a vacation with our extended family, something we typically do not do. It was a great couple of weeks.
We spent more time outside hiking and exploring our own state. Who knew Massachusetts had so many state parks and wildlife refuges.
Though extremely disappointed that our son cannot spend his freshman year of college on campus, I am enjoying the extra time with him. The first 19 years of his life have gone so fast. I blinked, and he is all grown up. However, I have him home for another 9 months, and that makes this mama happy.
Our youngest has continued with karate despite the pandemic and one step closer to becoming a black belt.
2020 Discoveries
I have discovered the ease of grocery delivery. I may never grocery shop in person again.
I discovered I missed working in an office. I miss my people. However, I have finally adjusted to working from home and believe I have finally nailed down time management when it comes to work, getting things done, and stopping when it is time to stop.
I hate cooking, but it has been tolerable with meals from meal delivery kits like Hello Fresh and Gobble.
Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Disney + and more. LOL!
I still take as many photos regardless of what is happening in the world!
2020 Pluses
I had more time to scrapbook.
I read 50 books.
I found some great self-care and personal development podcasts.
I learned Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Ringtone.
My social media for my blog has grown.
I have made some great new friends.
Oh, and the biggest plus of 2020, I never ran out of toilet paper!!!
Now, what about you? What positives have come out of 2020 for you and your family? Remember, no matter what is going on in our lives, there is always something to be thankful for.
This summer, we started on a quest to visit as many Massachusetts state parks as we could before the winter hit. I found that quite a few of the parks we wanted to see were a couple of hours away, in the Berkshires. With Columbus Day weekend only a few weeks away, we booked a trip “out west” and mapped out which parks we would try and squeeze in over three days. The Natural Bridge State Park made our list.
Before we get to the park, what is the Berkshires? Despite living in Massachusetts all of my life, I am ashamed to admit I had never been to the Berkshires. Now, I am looking forward to going back, mostly to hike and Christmas next year.
The Berkshires is a county in Massachusetts and refers to a portion of the Green Mountain Range that comes down from Vermont into Western Massachusetts. The region extends to Northwest Connecticut and includes the Taconic Mountains bordering the state of New York. It is approximately 120 miles west of Boston and 140 miles north of New York City.
The Berkshires is known for its picture-perfect mountain tops, lakes, rivers, and outdoor recreational activities. The county consists of quaint towns with eclectic festivals, museums, antique shops, farm to table restaurants, and quirky coffee shops.
Fun Fact: The Berkshires was named among the 12 last great places by the Nature Conservancy.
As I mentioned, the Berkshires is known for its outdoor recreational activities. The region is home to 15 state forests and six state parks. One of those state parks is the Natural Bridge State Park in North Adams, Massachusetts.
The Natural Bridge State Park is home to the only natural white marble arch in North America. The bridge is made up of 550 million-year-old bedrock marble. It was carved into its famous arch by forces of glacial meltwater 13,000 years ago.
The bridge spans over the Hudson Brook and tumbles into a steep 60-foot gorge. The hike around the chasm is approximately a quarter of a mile.
Also at the park is the only white marble dam in North America. The dam was built in the early 1800s to power the Hoosac Marble Mill. Unfortunately, the mill was destroyed in a fire in 1947.
After hiking the chasm and taking photos of the bridge, we set off on a 1/2 mile wooded hike on the property.
Nathaniel Hawthorne, the romantic novelist, visited in 1838 and wrote, “The cave makes a fresh impression on me every time I visit…so deep, so irregular, so gloomy, so stern.”
Next on our to-do list, Bash Bish Falls in Mt. Washington, MA. Bash Bish Falls is the highest single-drop waterfall in the state (60 feet). The park is adjacent to Mt. Washington State Forest and New York’s Taconic State Park. All of the streams that drain off the Taconic Mountains and the town of Mt. Washington flow into the Bash Bish Brook and cascade down the falls. The Bash Bish Brook joins Roeliff Jansen Kill, which empties into the Hudson River.
The park has two entrances, one is in Massachusetts, and the other is in New York. They are approximately one mile from each other. The hike to the falls from the New York parking lot is longer but a bit flatter. The one from the Massachusett parking lot is shorter but a bit steeper. When we went, the Massachusetts parking lot was closed for construction, so off to New York, we went. The drive was about 30 mins from our condo, and it was beautiful. I wanted to get there early, as I heard it can get quite crowded.
Fall in New York 
Small New York Town 
Colors exploding 
Gorgeous fall day
The parking lot is not that big and was already starting to fill up. The weather was in the 60s, so perfect for a hike. The hike is about 1.50 miles round trip and relatively flat. As we approached the falls, you could hear them before seeing them. Along the way, you can see the brook as it passes you by.
The falls have a bit of legend behind them. The tale is that a beautiful Indian maiden was accused of committing adultery. Her punishment was to be strapped to a canoe and sent over the falls. Before they could carry out her punishment, a mist surrounded the area with a ring of butterflies. This so transfixed her captors; they did not notice she took this opportunity to escape. Before they could recapture her, she threw herself over the falls. Her body was never recovered. This led to the belief that she was a witch. The legend further says that her daughter, White Swan, was adopted by this tribe. Once married, she realized she had infertility. Her husband was allowed to take on another wife. She was devastated and would often go up to the top of the falls to seek comfort from her mother’s spirit. One night she had a dream that her mother was calling for her to jump from the falls and thought maybe this was a prophecy. One night her husband joined her at the falls and gave her a butterfly. White Swan saw this as a sign and leaped to her death. Her husband, devastated, went after her. The tribe recovered his body, but her body was never found. Some believe that the Indian Maiden had been tossed over in a canoe from the beginning, which is how she died. No matter which story one believes, hikers have claimed to hear soft voices telling them to jump in the falls or falling water taking the shape of a woman. True or not, it is all very fascinating.
After our hike to the falls, we left to find a nice coffee and walk through the town of Stockbridge, MA.
Stockbridge was home to Norman Rockwell. His studio is still there today. Stockbridge’s picturesque Main Street is in his famous painting, Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas. It is the quintessential New England town. We visited a local coffee shop and had Pumpkin Chai Latte tea. We browsed through the general store, where I picked up a gift for my nephew. Then we stopped at a local chocolate shop for some treats. Afterward, we headed to the Norman Rockwell Museum. It had sold out for the day, but you could take a walk on the grounds. We saw his studio and took in the fantastic views.
Country store 
Old fashioned candles 
Love the theming 
Country store 
An old church
Later in the day, after a nap at the condo, we headed back out to the town of Lenox, MA. Lenox is known for the arts and the home of Tanglewood, the summer home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra. We had dinner reservations at an Italian restaurant and had some time to kill before the reservations. We walked through the town square, saw some sculptures in a local park, and had ourselves an ice cream.
The restaurant, Prime Italian Steakhouse and Bar was delicious. My husband had chicken parm, our son had pizza, and I had pasta and meatballs. The chocolate martini was not bad, either!
Another great place we ate at was 51 Park Restaurant and Tavern, located in Lee, MA. It was only Bill and me, Nicholas wasn’t feeling well. Honestly, there was either basketball or football on tv, and he wanted to watch it! The weather was pretty mild, so we asked to be seated outside. They had a lovely patio area with patio heaters and lights. The food was excellent, and the Dirty Pumpkin Lattes were AMAZING!
Outdoor decor 
Heaters & lights 
Dirty Pumpkin Lattes 
Truffle Fries 
Pork Chops 
Ice cubes made of espresso 
Maple Creme Brulee
The town of Lee is also where we stayed for the weekend. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Vacation Club at the Berkshires. We had a two-bedroom, two-bath condo. It had a balcony with a table and chairs. The amenities included an indoor and outdoor pool, mini-golf, basketball, hiking trails, and more. It was clean and had excellent safety procedures in place. Though this part of the state had seen very few cases of the virus, they were still very cautious, and we appreciated that. Here are some photos of the condo.
Kitchen 
Living Space 
Nicholas’s room 
Nicholas’s bathroom 
Master Bed with bath 
Coffee Table 
Balcony
We enjoyed our time at the condo and were looking forward to hiking the trails at the resort, but it was raining pretty hard that Monday, so we grabbed some breakfast and drove home.
Our time in the Berkshires was great. There is still so much more to see and do. I started making a list, so we will know where to go next time. Until then, here are a few more shots from our weekend.
