A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Are you looking to get away from it all? Unwind? Relax? Rejuvenate? Well, New England has several spa resorts and yoga retreats that can fill the bill. Here’s a sampling of some of New England’s healthy escapes.
TheNight at the Museumtrilogy starring Ben Stiller has ignited a passion among children for visiting museums, including the idea of staying overnight. Starting in 2007, New York City’sAmerican Museum of Natural Historyintroduced a highly sought-after sleepover program, with dates often selling out quickly. Consequently, parents, teachers, scout leaders, and educational trip organizers can seek many other wonderful overnight museum experiences throughout New England.
What’s thrilling, relaxing, and totally cool? Tubing on the Farmington River in central Connecticut!
The moose enclosure is the first stop for many visitors to the Maine Wildlife Park, which is open daily from mid-April through November 11. The park spans 200 acres, yet only 40 acres are accessible to the public, showcasing rescued wild animals that cannot be returned to their natural habitats. Superintendent Curt Johnson emphasizes the importance of these animals in educating the public about Maine’s diverse wildlife.
What is it that makes Cape Cod and the nearby islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard so popular with New England travelers, particularly during the summer travel months? The Cape and Islands boast miles of ocean beaches, sand dunes, the freshest seafood served seaside, art galleries, scenic golf courses, and lovely villages. This Massachusetts region’s appeal, however, is much more than the sum of its parts.
Popham Beach is one of the finest and longest sandy beaches in Maine. Located in one of Maine’s best beach towns at the tip of the Phippsburg peninsula, and only about 14 miles from Bath, the 500-acrePopham Beach State Parkserves as a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike.
Much like Newport, Rhode Island, New York’s Hudson Valley is home to some of the country’s finest architectural masterpieces, which served as mansion homes to industrialists and the landed gentry. These elegant mansions are even more breathtaking when adorned with ribbons, pine, floral arrangements, and period Christmas decorations during the holiday season.
From sleepy swamp fishing communities to funky trading posts on the old Cajun prairies, Louisiana is sprinkled with captivating small towns. You’ll uncover the authentic Louisiana as you explore quaint towns adorned with ancient trees dripping with Spanish moss, and immerse yourself in lively zydeco music.
The Cypress Island Nature Preserve at Lake Martin, just outside of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, is a haven for wildlife and native plants. Unlike the deeper swamps of the Atchafalaya Basin, Lake Martin is easily accessible by car. Much of the surrounding area can be explored on foot, or via canoe or kayak, providing an intimate view of the diverse flora and fauna.
The French Quarter is New Orleans’ oldest and most-visited neighborhood. Wrought-iron balconies on Spanish-inspired buildings make up the city’s most iconic vistas, and the tastes, sounds, and smells of theQuarter, or theVieux Carré, are unique to this city.
City Park in New Orleans is an expansive 1,300-acre urban oasis located in the heart of the city. With a stunning natural bayou winding through it, this park also features an antique carousel and a miniature train, making it a fantastic destination for families. Furthermore, City Park includes the renowned New Orleans Museum of Art, the Bestoff Sculpture Garden, and the Botanical Gardens, all amidst one of the largest collections of live oak trees in the world.
Café du Mondeis the world’s most famous coffee shop and a New Orleans institution. Located at the end of the French Market and the corner of Jackson Square in New Orleans’ French Quarter, Café du Monde has been serving crispy beignets and creamy cafés au lait since 1862.
Though Cajun and zydeco music are not native to New Orleans (they’re rooted in Acadiana, the area around Lafayette), they’ve made a solid and lasting impression on the Big Easy’s musical scene. You’ll see lots of Cajun and zydeco bands at all major New Orleans festivals, including Jazz Fest, the French Quarter Festival, and (obviously) the Cajun-Zydeco Festival.
Explore the burgeoning dining scene on Freret Street, a hidden gem in New Orleans that offers a diverse range of culinary experiences.
The French Quarter is the oldest part of the city, and after almost 300 years it remains a vibrant area. Start your exploration at Jackson Square, named for General Andrew Jackson, hero of the Battle of New Orleans, and its surrounds at Artillery Park, located on Decatur Street in front of Jackson Square. From this vantage point, you can see the Mississippi River behind you and Jackson Square in front of you.
Just forty minutes north of the Auckland Harbor Bridge, the Whangaparaoa Peninsula boasts some of the best beaches in the Auckland region. It is an ideal destination for exploring over a few days or for an entire holiday. Despite being less frequented by overseas tourists, it offers a plethora of activities and scenic spots.
New Zealand is well known for its wines, and there are a wide number of grape varieties planted throughout the country. While the major French varieties dominate, there has been increasing experimentation and success with other styles of wine. Here are the main grape varieties planted in New Zealand and a description of the types of wine they produce.
New Zealand’s North Island offers a multitude of activities and attractions that rival its southern counterpart, including stunning beaches, local wines, vibrant cities, and rich Maori culture. Explore the best things to do on the North Island for an unforgettable experience.
The kiwi, New Zealand’s national bird, can be hard to find in the wild. Deforestation and various predators have drastically reduced populations of this small nocturnal bird. However, you can still make spotting one a goal during your trip. Special “houses” around the country simulate the dark, damp conditions of their natural habitat, allowing visitors to glimpse this fascinating flightless bird. Most kiwi houses and sanctuaries operate active breeding and hatching programs while offering tours and valuable information about this enigmatic creature.