Northeast Fall Foliage Adventures

If you are looking for a unique way to view fall’s vibrant color show, but you can’t stomach zip lining over a forest or flying high in a hot air balloon, then consider a more relaxing alternative—-sailing. Seasonal sailings are red-hot this time of year, especially along the East Coast. The Connecticut River is home to a slew of cruise companies offering fall foliage voyages on New England’s longest river. The popular waterway flows from the northern tip of New Hampshire to the Long Island Sound; forms the border between New Hampshire and Vermont and passes through the center of … Continue reading

Family History of the Macintosh Apple

It is that time of year in New England where the leaves are beginning to change colors and fall off of the trees, the sun sets sooner, mornings and evenings are a little chilly, and some people have even begun to use their wood stoves. It is time for crops to be harvested, including one of my absolute favorite fruits – the Macintosh apple. For the past couple of weeks, I have been devouring at least one or two fresh Macs every day and they are just so tasty. For a real treat, I melt some caramels and dip apple … Continue reading

End-of-the-Season Fall Foliage Adventures

Despite the 57 mph winds that tore through our town earlier this week we still have a few trees that have yet to shed their colorful leaves. As hardy as the Cheetos and Doritos-dusted leaves may be, they too will join their wrinkled friends on the grass in the coming days. Autumn may be drawing to a close, but it is not over just yet. This means that you still have a chance to catch the remaining gold, crimson and burnt orange beauty on trees across America. To entice last-minute leaf peppers, some companies are offering unique travel adventures that … Continue reading

Family Fun: Apple Picking

She can’t stand broccoli, but my daughter will eat a bushel of apples without blinking an eye. My fruit loving five-year-old is in heaven this time of year. It’s all about apples and she loves every crunchy, juicy bite of her favorite fruit. Eating fresh apples is a treat for my daughter, but even more thrilling is getting the chance to pick them from the orchard–all by herself. Our annual family apple picking tradition started shortly after little Jilly Appleseed was born (actually it started while I was pregnant with her), and each year—-without fail-—we head out to our local … Continue reading

Unique Family Fun for Free

Why spend thousands of dollars on summer fun when you can visit unique attractions for free? Before you head out on your annual summer road trip take a look at what you can do for free in select U.S. cities. NEBRASKA Talk about an amazing photo op. Imagine the response you’ll get from friends when you take a family picture in front of Carhenge, near Alliance. The one-of-a-kind structure is inspired by England’s famed Stonehenge, though its rocky pillars are fashioned from cars. The three-dozen-vehicle sculpture was erected by an artist, who was impressed by Stonehenge while in England, as … Continue reading

More Ideas for a Fun Family Weekend in Nature

Time is running out if you want to experience the awe-inspiring wave of crimson, fiery orange, and golden hues that sweep the country this time of year. However, if you have older children it might be hard to convince them that soaking in the fall foliage scenery via a hayride can actually be fun. If that’s the case, consider the following outdoor options that are a bit more exciting than a leisurely stroll through a forest. Hot Air Balloon There is no better way to enjoy the fiery fall foliage than from the basket of a hot-air balloon gliding over … Continue reading

Ideas for a Fun Family Weekend in Nature

You couldn’t pick a better weekend to spend outdoors with your family. In many parts of the country the weather is ideal and the leaves are peaking. What’s more because of Daylight Savings you have an extra hour to spend exploring the great outdoors together. Make the most of the season by bonding with your loved ones in the following picturesque destinations: Great Smoky Mountains This time of year the Great Smoky Mountains are breathtakingly beautiful. The mountain foliage has exploded into brilliant crimsons, oranges, yellows and purples, for a view that’s nothing short of awe-inspiring. The popular national park, … Continue reading

Spooktacular Fun for the Entire Family

Halloween-themed amusement parks are spirited places for the entire family to get their scream on, but with the economy in the dumpster not all clans have the funds to pay hefty admission prices. If you are looking for more affordable ways to spend a haunting weekend together consider the wide variety of Halloween-themed travel packages being offered by select visitors’ associations throughout the country. For example, the New England Inns and Resorts Association is currently offering its annual “Ghoulish Getaways,” which includes a slew of fall activities — apple-picking, hayrides, corn mazes, train rides, pumpkin-picking, and ghost stories — combined … Continue reading

Discovering New Music with and for Your Kids

One of the pleasures of my life has been discovering bands and artists, becoming vested in their music then watching them evolve as musicians and, in some cases, as people. It can be so very rewarding to find a band, singer or musician (local or national) that is relatively unknown and then fall in love with their style, lyrics, live performances and records. You can feel a deep connection to that act, because you were on board early. It is like having a little secret that is wonderful and brings a tremendous amount of joy. To share this with others … Continue reading

More Fall Travel Deals

The leaves aren’t the only things falling as the weather turns cooler. Prices at some of the country’s quaintest inns and resorts are bottoming out to attract seasonal travelers. Check out these fall travel bargains and consider taking advantage of them before the last leaves fall and the prices skyrocket back up. MASSACHUSETTS Nantucket’s breathtaking harbor serves as the backdrop for one of the area’s most popular hotels. The White Elephant has been considered an island landmark since the 1920s. It started off as an eclectic mix of cottages, but has evolved into a premier Nantucket hotel that offers upscale … Continue reading