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.
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.
Welcome back to my Travel Bucket List Series. I hope you have enjoyed the destinations I have highlighted throughout the year. Today my series continues with a river cruise down the Danube River during the holiday season. The European Christmas Markets have been high on my list, and what better way to see them than on a river cruise with AmaWaterways luxury cruise line. I was delighted to see the cruise line had partnered with Adventures by Disney for a few of these sailings. We cruised with AmaWaterways and Adventures by Disney last fall when we toured the Rhine River. It was a spectacular vacation, and I look forward to this sailing soon.
Where does the Adventure Begin?
Before the start of the cruise, we plan on spending a few days exploring Budapest, Hungary. Budapest is the capital of Hungary and the ninth-largest city in the European Union. The city is split in half by the Danube River, Buda on one side and Pest on the other. Budapest’s central area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the Hungarian Parliament and the Buda Castle. We want to be close to the cruise terminal, so we plan to stay at the Sofitel Budapest Chain Bridge Hotel. It is near the river and the downtown area. The hotel has 357 rooms and suites, most with a stunning view of the river.
First, a walking tour of the Buda, the western part of the city. The must-sees are
- Buda Castle- the Royal Palace
- Matthias Church-Catholic Roman church built in 1015 A.D.
- Fisherman’s Bastion- Built in the 19the century as a look-out tower.
- Budapest Castle Hill Funicular is a railway that links the Adam Clark Square and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge at river level to Buda Castle above.
Next on the list, a Tuk Tuk tour of the eastern part of the city, Pest. I look forward to seeing
- St. Stephen’s Basilica-A Roman Catholic basilica named after Stephen, the first King of Hungary, whose mummified right hand—Hungary’s most sacred treasure—is housed in the shrine.
- Vajdahunyad Castle- considered the most romantic castle in Budapest.
- Hero’s Square- noted for its iconic statue complex featuring the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars and other important Hungarian national leaders, as well as the Memorial Stone of Heroes.
- Shoes on the Danube’s Bank-A memorial to honor the Jews massacred by Fascist Hungarian militia during World War II.
- Hungarian State Opera House
After a whirlwind couple of days in Budapest, we board our home for the next week on one of AmaWaterway’s beautiful ships and set sail to beautiful Vienna, Austria.
Vienna is home to 20 or so Christmas Markets. One of the biggest is at Marie-Theresien Platz. There are 70 booths full of handicrafts, gift ideas, and food. In addition to all the shopping, there are children’s rides, live music, and more.
Another must-do, visit a Heurige. A Heurige is a traditional wine tavern. I love authentic experiences like this.
Other points of interest in the city of Vienna:
- Panoramic tour of the city.
- Schonbrunn Palace- main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers.
- Strudel Making at the Palace
- Visit Naschmarkt – large outdoor market
- Ice Skating in Vienna
After two days in Vienna, it is time to move on to the town of Durnstein. Durnstein is famous for ruins and wine taverns.
A tour of Dürnstein includes the famous ruins of the castle Burgruine Dürnstein. There are incredible views from the castle of the river, vineyards, and villages. Then it is back on the ship to enjoy sailing through the Wachau Valley. I am sure this will be just as spectacular as sailing through the Rhine River Gorge.
After a beautiful sail along the river, the next stop is Melk, Austria. Our visit to Melk will include:
- Melk Benedictine Abbey- contains the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau and the remains of several members of the House of Babenberg, Austria’s first ruling dynasty.
- Marmalade making
- Dance lessons
- Wine tasting
Salzburg
The last stop in Austria is Salzburg. Here we will explore the Salzburg Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Monastery, and Old Town, as well as the hidden alleys and shops that line Getreidegasse in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s hometown. Oh, how do a visit to the beautiful Mirabell Gardens and other significant sights made famous from the movie The Sound of Music sound?
The Salt Mines of Hallein is among the oldest mines in the world that are open to the public. Take a raft through the underground salt mines and zoom down a mineshaft slide—all while learning the rich history of Austria’s “white gold.”
Passau, Germany
Our cruise takes us into Germany to the city of Passau. How does a tour led by a local expert dressed in 18th-century period clothing sound?. Then, experience a marzipan-making activity that will satisfy your sweet tooth—with enough yummy delights made to take some home!
Vilshofen, Germany
Our trip wraps up in Vilshofen. Vilshofen has a unique Christmas market in that it is a floating market along the Danube. Before heading to Munich to catch our flight, I plan on spending at least one day here exploring the market. It looks too beautiful to pass up.
So, what about you? Are you ready to add the Danube River cruise to your bucket list of destinations? Or perhaps a trip to Greece or Ireland is on your list? Wherever you choose, I hope you have the adventure of a lifetime.
A couple of years ago, if you would have asked if a winter destination was on my bucket list, I would have thought you were crazy. I am not a fan of cold temperatures, nor do we ski, snowboard, or enjoy playing in the snow. However, a couple of friends went to Wyoming with Adventures by Disney during the winter, and it looked amazing. The scenery was breathtaking. There were other things to do besides skiing and snowboarding. With the right clothes, we could brave it! It is not like the snow is foreign to us. We are New Englanders! Now that we have decided to go, the question became when. I was hoping for the week between Christmas and the New Year. Well, then 2020 became a horror movie, and that got put on hold. We have quite a few things scheduled for 2021, so it looks like it maybe 2022 before we go. In the meantime, here is destination number 8 of the Travel Bucket List Series- Winter in Wyoming.
How to get there? – From Boston, we will fly into Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Jackson Hole is made up of Grand Teton National Park and the town of Jackson. The majority of our time will be spent in Jackson Hole, but the first stop, Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone National Park
An hour away, Yellowstone is part of the National Parks system and was the first National Park in the United States. Yellowstone is made up of 3,500 square miles and spreads into three states, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. It has enormous canyons, forests, alpine rivers and geysers, the most famous of all, Old Faithful. It is home to plenty of wildlife, such as bears, coyotes, wolves, bison, elk, antelope, and more. Here are a few fun facts about Yellowstone.
- It is the size of Rhode Island and Delaware combined.
- It has more than half the world’s geysers (Over 500).
- There are 67 species of mammals in Yellowstone.
- There are 290 waterfalls.
- It has roughly 1,000-3,000 earthquakes a year.
We will stay at the Mammoth Hot Springs and Cabins for the first few nights of our trip. The hotel underwent an extensive renovation in 2019. It consists of premium rooms, suites, and cabins. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar, and a deli.
As I mentioned above, we do not go skiing or snowboarding. So what exactly is there for us to do in Yellowstone in the winter? I found several activities.
Old Faithful Winter Day Tour- with Snowshoeing
From the hotel, board a snow coach and make your way toward the magnificent geyser. Old Faithful was the first geyser in the park to be named back in 1870. It is highly predictable and erupts every 44 mins to two hours since 2000. It is a must-see. Along the way, the coach stops for wildlife viewing and at such sights like the Fountain Paint Pots. Once at Old Faithful, you have a couple of hours to explore and take in the magnificent wonder. There are several ways to explore the basin. You may walk or grab a pair of cross country skis or snowshoes and have some fun. I am excited to snowshoe.
Norris Geyser Basin
Norris Geyser Basin is the hottest, oldest, and most dynamic of Yellowstone’s thermal areas. Very few visit this area in the winter, and it is touted as one of Yellowstone’s best-kept secrets. The only way to see this area in the winter is by snowmobiles or snow coach. The trees are covered in snow, the snow is deep, and from everything I read, it is all so very magical. There are several things to see here, such as
- Steamboat Geyser: The world’s tallest active geyser, In the Back Basin, you’ll find the world’s tallest active geyser. Eruptions are rare and unpredictable, so I hope we time it just right.
- Porcelain Basin: This is home to Ledge Geyser, which erupts at an angle, and the ever steaming Black Growler Vent.
- Back Basin: a forested version of the Porcelain Basin and home to the Steamboat Geyser.
Winter Wildlife Tour
As a family of animal lovers, how could we not put this tour on our list? This tour explores the Northern Range, where there are wide open grassy valleys that, in the winter, are covered with less snow than other locations in the park, making it a bit easier to get to that food source. It is home to bison, elk, coyote, wolves, eagles, bighorn, and many more.
Another must go for me while in Yellowstone is a photography tour. Using a handpicked itinerary, it takes you through Yellowstone and shows you how to capture the best photographs.
Jackson Hole
After a few action-packed days, it will be time to head back to Jackson Hole. We plan to stay at The Wort Hotel. The Wort Hotel is Jackson Hole’s finest boutique hotel. It has 55 rooms, including five sophisticated western-themed suites.
Located in the center of town, the hotel is on the list of National Registry of Historic Places. It is within walking distance of numerous shops and bars.
Things to do in Jackson Hole
Oh, what to do first? With the Grand Teton National Park and the Snake River right there, the outdoor activities are endless.
Sunset Sleigh Ride– Take a sleigh ride along the Snake River as the sun sets over the Teton Mountains. The ride includes a stop at a Tipi Camp where a roaring fire and appetizers and drinks are served.
Sleigh Ride through the National Elk Refuge– thousands of elk migrate to the refuge each year, and the sleigh ride gives plenty of opportunities to see these animals up close and personal.
Snow King Mountain– Known as the in-town playground for adults and kids alike, this mountain resort offers skiing, tubing, snowboarding, and its winter cowboy coaster. There is something to do for everyone.
Jackson Hole Playhouse – The dinner shows here are not to be missed. I hear the food and entertainment are excellent.
Iditarod-Style Dog Sled Excursion– When we were in the Yukon, we experienced summer dog sledding. Since then, I have wanted to try it in the winter. This is a must-do for my family and me.
Granite Hot Springs– Relax in the steaming, rejuvenating waters of the Granite Hot Springs. Take in the beautiful Gros Ventre Mountains and the towering pines that surround you as you float, swim, and soak in these natural hot springs.
Snowshoeing at Grand Teton National Park– The park offers a two-hour guided snowshoe hike that meets at Taggart Lake Trailhead. Listen as a range talks about winter ecology and snow science.
After seeing all that Wyoming has to offer in the winter, I know we will be inspired to come back in the summer. I guess that means the travel bucket list continues to grow. Not a bad thing, right?
Are you interested in my other bucket list trips? Check them out and leave a comment as to which one you would like to experience first.
A few weeks ago, my best friend and I took off for a girl’s weekend down the Cape. Cape Cod for all you non-locals. Specifically, we stayed in Truro. Truro is just south of the northern tip of Cape Cod. It has a population of roughly 2,000 people. In the summer, the population is between 15-20,000 people. Truro is approximately 26 square miles. It is important to note that half of the land area of the town is the National Seashore. More on the seashore later. With it being the last weekend in September, it was reasonably quiet, but we managed to find plenty to do.
Accommodations
The Crow’s Nest Resort consists of spacious suites with full kitchens, air conditioning, fireplaces, jacuzzi tub/shower unit, washer/dryer, hardwood and ceramic tile floors, and much, much more. There are 24-hour maintenance and housekeeping. Though with COVID, there were no housekeeping services.
Each suite is steps from the ocean. It is a perfect place to see a sunset over Cape Cod Bay. All the second-floor suites have a private balcony over-looking Pilgrim Lake and the Atlantic dunes, perfect for experiencing a spectacular early sunrise.
Full Bath #1 
Bedroom2 
Kitchen 
Living room 
Bedroom 1 
Full Bath #2
As you can see, there was plenty of space for the both of us.
On our first full day, we headed down the road to the town of Provincetown, MA. Provincetown is located on the tip of Cape Cod. It is known for its beaches, harbor, charming shops, art galleries, restaurants, and more. It is a big vacation spot for the LGBTQ community, as Provincetown celebrates individuality and freedom of expression. It also has a rich creative history as the oldest continuous art colony in the United States.
Commercial Street is the main road through town. It is lined with restaurants and shops. We had lunch overlooking Provincetown Harbor, browsed the many stores, and listened to street entertainers. It is not uncommon to see drag queens out and about advertising their nightly shows. This weekend we saw next to none, as many of the shows have been canceled due to the virus. However, we did spend some time listening to a gentleman sing along with this phone for about 30 mins. He was quite entertaining.
After a day of dining and shopping, we took a ride out to Race Point Beach. It is part of the National Seashore. It is known for having some of the best sunsets on Cape Cod. Would you agree?
While waiting for the sunset, at least 50 seals swam by, not too far off from the shore. They are so cute, but this being Cape Cod, we know our shark friends are not too far behind.
The next day we slept in and spent the entire day hanging at the resort, eating, drinking, and crafting. I worked on my 2019 scrapbooks, and she worked on her own projects. It has been a long since we had nothing to do but craft. It was so much fun!
On our last day, we decided to take our time going home—our goal, to hit up some of the other beaches on the National Seashore.
The National Seashore was created in 1961 by President Kennedy. It has 43,607 acres of ponds, woods, and beachfront. It has 40 miles of seashore along the Atlantic-facing eastern shore of Cape Cod that includes Chatham, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown. There is so much to do and see at the National Seashore; the beaches are just a small piece.
From the Head of the Meadow Beach, we stopped off in Wellfleet Harbor. We were looking for a coffee shop and came upon the harbor. It was a beautiful spot.
Nauset Light Beach was our last stop of the day. This beach has special meaning for my family. My aunt’s ashes were scattered here almost 10 years ago. It is also the home to the Three Sister’s Lighthouses. Being one of three sisters, we like to think these were built for us. LOL!
Sister 3 
Sister 2 
Sister 1
The Cape Cod coast is known for dangerous waters primarily due to shifting sandbars. Between the years 1850 and 1980, it is believed that approximately 3500 shipwrecks occurred along the Cape and Islands coastlines. In 1836, Eastham’s people petitioned for lighthouses to be built to assist their loved ones coming back to the Cape. The lighthouses were built and named the Three Sisters because they looked like three ladies in white dresses and black hats from out at sea. These ladies have had quite the journey. You can read about it here.
Nauset Light Beach, like much the National Seashore, has seen significant erosion over the years. I was taken aback at just how much of the dunes have eroded. The average erosion along the seashore is just under 4 feet a year. Nauset Light Beach averages almost 6 feet a year. To put things in perspective, take a look at the photo below.
Incredible, right? It makes me so sad to think this will not be here forever.
We spent about 45 minutes hanging out on the beach. Every so often, a seal would swim by. My friend and I always joked that we never see anything exciting, like a shark. Well, never say never.
Why yes, that little fin is a shark fin. People were yelling for others to get out of water. Crowds were forming to watching the predator. It was quite a sight. I am happy to report that no one got hurt. However, it is important to point out that National Seashore is known for its seals and sharks. There are signs posted everywhere, along with first aid kits.
Don’t let the sharks scare you. Just follow the rules, heed the warnings and you will be fine. The Cape Cod and the National Seashore are worth the risk! 🙂
I hope you enjoyed a little glimpse as to what makes the Cape a perfect girl’s getaway. No matter the season, there is always something to do and see.
Fall is my absolute most favorite time of year. I love the cooler weather, falling leaves, the smells, and more. I love attending craft shows, festivals, and harvest fests. Unfortunately, most of these events have been canceled due to the virus. Though the fall may look different this year, I can assure you there is still plenty to do and see this season. Here are five fun fall activities to do this season.
Apple Picking
One of our family traditions is apple picking. With over 80 pick your own orchards in Massachusetts, each a bit different, it is hard to decide where to go. We have a family favorite, Honey Pot Hill Orchards, in Stowe, MA. Back in September, we headed over to Honey Pot for our annual tradition. We had to make a reservation and wear our mask, but otherwise, things were the same. Oh, and the cider donuts, just as good as the year before.
Go for a Hike
Inspired by my friend Karen, we started to explore many of the Massachusetts state parks and wildlife sanctuaries this summer. Summer is a great time to visit the parks, but fall is even better! With cooler weather and the leaves starting to turn, going for a hike is the perfect fall activity. This past weekend we hiked the Natural Bridge State Park and Bash Bish Falls State Park. We could get our daily dose of vitamin D, some exercise, and enjoyed some great views.
Leaf Peeping
Why not spend a day driving around looking at the fantastic foliage. Depending on where you live, there is still plenty of colors to see. I suggest researching routes in your area and picking a few stops on the way. In western Massachusetts, Jacob’s Ladder Trail Scenic Byway is a perfect route to follow. The byway starts in Russell, MA, winds through the small towns of Russell, Huntington, Chester, Becket, and Lee, providing views of the Westfield River along the way. It ends at the Lee/Lenox town line in Berkshire County.
Support Local Towns
Our economy has taken a hit over the last six months. In particular, small local businesses have bee hit hard during the pandemic. These businesses need us now more than ever. Why not head to your local coffee shop and grab a hot drink. The holidays are around the corner. Perhaps get a head start on your holiday shopping and see what the local retailers have to offer. We spent yesterday walking the streets of Stockbridge and Lenox, MA. We grabbed some coffee, visited a local chocolate store, poked around a country store, and found a Christmas gift for our nephew. With the fall decor on the buildings, a chill in the air, and the color exploding around us, it was a perfect fall afternoon.
Curl Up with Good Book
Sometimes the universe sends us a sign. If you are like me, you are always on the go. And why not? There is so much to do and see in this world. If there is one thing this pandemic had shown me, it is sometimes okay to slow down. It is okay to stay home and do nothing. Why not put on a hoodie, grab a blanket, a book, and a warm drink, and head outside. Find a comfortable spot for the next couple of hours and read. Not into reading? Then how about sitting in a comfortable place and just be.
Whatever it is you choose to do this fall, I hope you have an amazing time.
Our tour of Massachusetts state parks continues with a visit to Ellisville Harbor. Located in Plymouth, Ma (more specifically the village of Ellisville), Ellisville Harbor State Park is a nature preserve and recreational area. It is approximately 100 acres and is on the western shore of Cape Cod Bay. Ellisville State Park consists of red pine forests, rolling meadows, a salt marsh, and a barrier beach.
Ellisville Harbor has a rich history. It has been reported approximately 2,500-5,000 years prehistoric Native Americans fished and hunted on these grounds. Back in the 1500s, it was a farm owned by the Ellis and Harlow families. The inlet is said to have been formed in the 1700s, presumably broken open by a storm. Henry David Thoreau wrote all about the salt marsh in his journal on June 15, 1857. The harbor was once a busy loading spot for ships taking timber to Boston and for local fishing. At 600 acres, the area had two Native American sites, and in 1980 the area was declared an Area of Critical Environmental Concern. (ACEC) In 1991 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts purchased 100 acres of the ACEC and created the Ellisville Harbor State Park.
The park is open sunrise to sunset, and parking is free. There is a mile-long trail that leads down to the beach. Along the route, we were surrounded by the red pine forest. As we got closer to the ocean, we could see the salt marsh.
Once to the shore, we saw a beautiful view of Cape Cod Bay. The beach was rocky, but perfect for finding sea animals and other interesting things.
We had fun walking the beach, finding crabs, driftwood, lobster traps with rope, and more. We even saw a seal!
If ever in the area make sure to stop by Ellis Harbor State Park. You will not be disappointed.
My Travel Bucket List Series continues with destination number seven, Germany. Last fall we sailed along the Rhine River and made three stops in Germany. We fell in love with the country and its people. We knew we wanted to come back and explore this beautiful country. Germany is known for beer, pretzels, nice cars, castles, and ties to World War II.
Munich
Our German adventure starts in the city of Munich. Munich is the capital of Bavaria in Southern Germany and is the 3rd largest city in the country. It was here that Hilter joined the Nazi Party and became its leader. The city was heavily bombed during WWII, where 40% of its buildings were destroyed. Munich has some of the largest breweries in Germany and is known for Oktoberfest. Today, the city is the center of the banking industry.
With so much beautiful architecture, stunning gardens, and museums, one could easily spend a week or more in this city. We plan on spending 3-4 days. Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski came highly recommended. It is a 5-star luxury hotel located in the heart of Munich. It has rooms and suites, two restaurants, and a spa.
One of the best ways to see Munich is a walking tour. Highlights of the tour include:
- Karlsplatz Square to see the Karlstor Gate- famed city wall
- Siegestor Gate
- Holy Ghost Church
- Munich City Museum
- Jewish Museum
- St. Peter’s Church
- Old Town Hall
- New Town Hall
- Marienplatz (Old town)
In addition to the walking tour and all the beautiful things we will see above, we want to eat at the Ratskeller. The Ratskeller is a large cellar restaurant. It dates back to the 1900s with regional dishes and good German beer.
We will continue with our stay in Munich and venture 10 miles north to the medieval town , Dachua.
Dachau Concentration Camp opened in 1933 initially to hold political prisoners. It eventually became a prison for Jews, Germans, Austrian criminals, and finally, foreign nationals from countries that Germany occupied or invaded. There were 32,000 documented deaths at Dachau and many, many more undocumented.
Before leaving Munich and heading toward Rothenburg, our travels will take us to Neuschwanstein Castle.
To all my Disney loving readers, this castle should look familiar. Walt Disney used it as inspiration when constructing Sleeping Beauty’s castle in Disneyland in California. Neuschwanstein Castle is a masterpiece. It is one of the most visited castles in Europe, and I can see why. It is what fairytales are made of. Though, in researching the castle, happily ever after did not exist here. You can read the history here.
Now we can’t leave Munich on an empty stomach. Dinner at Hofbrauhaus, I hear, is a must. It is labeled the World’s Most Favorite Tavern. It was built almost 500 years ago and reservations are highly recommended.
Nuremberg and Rothenburg
Next in our German adventure is the city of Nuremberg. It is the second-largest city in the Bavarian state. Notably known for the Nuremberg Trials after the second world war, Nuremberg was chosen to hold these trials due to its history with the Nazi party. It was here after Hilter rose to power, the Nazis held their rallies. The Nuremberg Laws were passed, which revoked German citizenship for all Jews and other non-Aryans. By the end of the war, much of the city was destroyed.
There are a few things I have on our list to do in Nuremberg. First is a visit to the Palace of Justice, where the famous trials took place.
A visit to Old Town Nuremberg is a must. I love visiting the walled cities in Europe. We plan on seeing Nuremberg Castle, Saint-Sebald Church, Albrecht Dürer’s House, and the Toy Museum.
Of course, our visit to Nuremberg would not be complete without some German Food. I have found several culinary tours, and one in particular, sounds amazing. The tours take you through the cobblestone streets of the city where we sample meats, cheeses, and potatoes. In additon, learn the history of gingerbread and pretzels. Sounds good, right?
From Nuremberg, we head north the Rothenberg and check into the Hotel Herrnschlossen. The hotel is an 11th-century castle. My kind of hotel!
Rothenberg is a northern Bavarian village. It served as the inspiration for the village in Disney’s 2nd animated film, Pinnochio. With its half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, it certainly looks like it belongs in a storybook. On our list of things to do in Rothenberg are:
- Medieval Crime and Justice Museum
- St. James Church
- Marketplatz
- Rathus
- Pretzel Making
The night walk with a Night Watchman is a must. In medieval times, the Night Watchman roamed the city at night to keep its citizens safe. Meet up with the Night Watchman as he takes you through Rothenberg at night.
Bamberg
Bamberg is a Unesco World Heritage Site. The city has Europe’s largest intact old city wall. There are so many things to see in this city. I am not sure if I have allotted enough time. We may need to add a half a day or two. Some points of interest to explore are:
- Bamberg Cathedral
- Altes Rathaus
- Altenburg Castle
- Klein Venedig
- Bamberger Kreuzweg
Berlin
Last, but certainly not least, is Berlin. Berlin is the capital and the largest city in Germany. It is known for its history and its cultural flare. There is so much to see, do, and eat!
First is a walking tour of the city. I love walking tours as I feel you see more of the city, and it is a great way to get great photo ops. A walking tour in Berlin includes the Reichstag Building, Brandenburg Gate, Holocaust Museum, and Checkpoint Charlie and Alexanderplatz, to name a few.
Did you know that Berlin is known for its street art? My husband has a degree in art, and this is something he would enjoy. A private street art tour is high on our list.
Above I mentioned Berlin is a city of culture. Another must on our list is Museum Island. Museum Island is another Unesco World Heritage Site in Berlin’s Mitte District. It consists of several museums, such as the Altes Museum, Bode-Museum, and Pergamonmuseum. Again, my fear is we will not have enough time to see it all!
As you can see, Germany is a beautiful country. There is much to see and do from its storybook towns, fairytale castles, rich history, food, drink, and culture. I hope you will agree that this country is Bucket List worthy.
See you on my next adventure!
