Photo credit: nealaus

New England is a great place to visit year round, depending on whether the tourist is looking for beach, skiing, sightseeing, history, or whatever.  Autumn, however, is the natural tour de force up here.  We do it really well, in many ways, and not like anywhere else.

FOLIAGE

Viewing autumn foliage in New England — or ‘leaf peeping’, as it’s termed up here — is an event not to be missed. Yes, the leaves turn everywhere in the fall, but in New England, especially in October, it’s a new and breathtaking experience, no matter how many times you’ve seen it.  Driving along the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire, for example, one can get the entire experience.  The autumn pallette on the mountain sides, reflections of same off the river, maybe a moose or deer sighting, or if one is truly adventurous, a trip up the Mt. Washington Auto Road, and all from the comfort of a vehicle.

Foliage is such a big deal up here that the best viewing is organized in a website by Yankee magazine that is updated daily.

FARMER’S MARKETS

I like road trips. I like them best when there is no snow on the ground. From April through November, generally, wherever I happen to be, a drive to see what’s what is usually in order. One sight that will always draw my attention is a farmer’s market. They exist in cities as well as in country venues.

What’s fun about a farmer’s market is varied by season. In spring, there are seedlings and spring jams, as well as cold weather vegetables. Summer is rife with fresh produce from both small farms or large. The friendly pricing competition is always to the buyer’s benefit. Fall is no less fun than any other season. The farming season’s end provides things like squashes and pumpkins – to be expected – but also, one can pick up green tomatoes, corn stalks, pickles, fruit butters, and other yummy things that remind us it’s time to look toward winter.

I’ve also seen home baked goods (pies, breads, pastries) and hand crafted goods at farmers’ markets. One of my local weekly markets invites local musicians to perform, as well, which helps make the visit an event.

Here is a website which will be a handy resource for finding farms and farmer’s markets in the 48 continental United States. If you’ve never been, or if you already know the benefits of a farmer’s market, be sure to check here for locations you may not know.

Photo credit: Yodel Anecdotal

COUNTRY FAIRS

As summer winds down, we find ourselves heading into country fair season. No matter where you live, there will be fairs in the fall. Rides, skill games, animals, concerts, and food all waiting to be enjoyed.  If you happen to be traveling in September or October, you could include a fair in your agenda.

To find if a fair will be accommodating your travel schedule, or to plan a trip around a specific fair in a specific state, here is a site that shows an extensive list of fairs by state.

My two favorite Maine fairs are the Fryeburg Fair and the Common Ground fair.  These two fairs couldn’t be more different, and each deserves a notable mention.

The Fryeburg Fair is the biggest fair in the State of Maine. It is a 10-day affair that is a year or more in the making. Folks come from far and wide to attend the fair. Many people camp for the duration…right on the grounds! From Woodman’s Day the first Monday of the fair, to the incredible exhibition halls, to the rich celebration of agricultural life, to the Midway, to animals animals animals, and ohmygod, the food, the Fryeburg Fair is fair competition to any state fair.

Always beginning the first or second weekend of October, the fair is a destination on it’s own or combined with some good, solid New England leaf peeping.  It takes some time to take in the whole thing, so plan to spend the day; take a camera; take an appetite. It will be an unforgettable experience.

The Common Ground Fair is a celebration of rural living. The fair is hosted by the Maine Organic Farmers and Growers Association (MOFGA) in Unity, Maine, and is always in September — usually the third or fourth week.  The nature of the fair is Green.  One can learn the latest about alternative energy, organic gardening (there are fruitful gardens right on site), Green causes, sheep dog training, and, oh, the food.  All the food must be grown or raised in Maine.  Healthy tastes pretty darned good, if I do say so. There is no midway and there are no barkers, but there is also no shortage of things to do and see. Kids have their own area and can participate, in costume, in the vegetable parade. It is rare I miss this fair, because I don’t know of another like it and am glad it’s here in Maine to enjoy.

The coolest thing about the Fryeburg and Common Ground fair is that the former comes right on the heels of the latter. One could plan a one-week vacation and manage to take in both fairs.

Photo credit: nightthree

CORN MAZES

Corn mazes are a great, inexpensive, out of the ordinary family thing to do.  I went for the first time last year.  It was big, big fun.  They’ve gained in popularity in the last few years, so that any state that grows corn has farms that extend the season by creating corn mazes.  The corn is usually feed corn for livestock, is very tall, and very dense. The mazes are huge fun. Seldom are any two alike, and they frequently are accompanied by fallish food and beverages…like cider donuts.

Additionally, the maze may not be the only attraction. Farm animals to feed, like a mini-petting zoo, a hay ride, pumpkin picking may all be included in the price of admission. A local corn maze here in Maine includes a ‘corn cannon’ with tin animal targets and a ‘corn box’, think sand box but with corn, along with three mazes of various complexity.

Some mazes also offer a spookier night version of maze fare by including witches, demons and other various and sundry distractions along the way.

A quick internet search turned up a nice listing of corn mazes and pumpkin patches in the U.S. Nearly every state has at least one listed.  What a nice way to celebrate autumn.

Photo credit: Wildcat Dunny

My sister Regina and I always spend a day together for our birthdays. Since mine is in July, the options are better for play. Hers is in January, and the best options — those involving sun and warmth — also involve substantial planning and cost. So, this year, she decided she wanted just to go to the New England Aquarium in Boston. We could drive, take a bus or a train. Turns out the weather was going to be unpredictable…typical for New England winters…so we opted for the Concord Lines bus ride; staying home just wasn’t an option. The first thing I learned is that these drivers are pretty awesome. They tackled snow on the way down and freezing rain on the way back, as well as those notorious Boston drivers, with great aplomb and safety. I’ve ridden Concord many, many times, but never in these conditions. Two thumbs up, I say!

We planned on walking once we got to Boston but looked into taking the T anyway, thinking the ride might be a little longer, but we’d stay warm and dry. The second thing I learned is that T staff are very helpful. We got good advice from a T employee who could’ve just sold us tickets and sent us on our way. We’re walkers, and as I said, the snow was no big whoop, so we walked the 1/2 mile or so from South Station to the aquarium instead of using an hour of our day taking the T alternative. Boston is really quite lovely in the snow. The sidewalks were being cleared before us as we traveled, and it was really a good walk.

We arrived at the aquarium to learn that although the staff was present in force, the public wasn’t. The third thing I learned was that a snowy day is a great day to spend at the aquarium. Instead of using the low traffic as an excuse to slough off, the aquarium staff were twice as attentive to those of us who did come in. We saw a turtle get a kidney biopsy and had our own staff telling us the details; got one-on-one info on sea dragons; and heard a more detailed than usual discussion from the divers who maintain the huge central tank and its residents at the aquarium. Also, there was no fighting to see exhibits. It was just great. To be clear, it’s SNOWY days that are good at the aquarium. The staff told us that RAINY days are exactly the opposite.

We capped our day with dinner in the North End at a restaurant called G’Vanni’s. It’s a small dining room — maybe 50 seats. The fourth thing I learned is that, if you are the only guests in a restaurant in the North End, the service level is beyond description. We talked with the host (Gianni) and our waitress (Sherry) the whole time, with the exception of the time we were actually eating. It was a wonderful experience, and the food was wonderful. For those with gluten intolerance, G’Vanni’s has a gluten free pasta option available. Regina and I both had the gluten free linguini.  It was really quite good with the fra diavolo sauce we both chose.

By the time we left G’Vanni’s, it was dark and the weather had deteriorated to my least favorite of the winter options — freezing rain. We walked back to South Station with umbrellas daring the wind to invert them and all the crossing areas flooded with water. The last thing I learned about our day in snowy Boston is to be certain your footwear is waterPROOF and not just water RESISTANT!

In sum, folks in New England know from winter weather. Don’t let a little thing like wintery weather keep you from spending your day as you planned. I’m here to tell you it’s worth the effort to go ahead with it. Just plan your clothing and footwear appropriately and carry an umbrella…just in case.

Photo Credit: Rene S

A trip to Boston, for me, necessarily includes a trip to the North End. It’s a flashback both to my childhood and my college years in Cleveland, Ohio. Listening to the residents interacting, walking through the close streets, smelling the amazing aromas that abound in the North End all bring me back to very  happy memories.

When my sister Regina and I took a recent trip to Boston to celebrate her birthday, the plans naturally included the North End. Dinner was our mission. There are so many excellent eateries in the North End that Regina did a little research before we went to pick one. Based on menu and reviews, she chose G’Vanni’s Ristorante.

It was a snowy day in Boston the day we visited G’Vanni’s. We’d made a reservation on line, but few people were on the streets and no one else was in G’Vanni’s but us. G’Vanni’s is an intimate restaurant. No more than 50 seats, I would say. Since only two of those 50 were occupied (by us), we had the full attention of the host and the waitress. It was wonderful.

The ambiance is low light and very Mediterranean with reds and blacks dominating. Italian music plays softly in the background. The menu includes all my favorites – Ossobucco, ravioli, scampi, pollo marsala… I could go on. G’Vanni’s menu also includes an irresistable special — the Veally Good Deal. For $29.99, two diners can get entrees and share a bottle of wine. The deal options were such that we’d've been foolish to go any other way!

An additional plus for both of us — we both keep an eye on gluten intake — was the option for fresh gluten free pasta. We both ordered shrimp fra diavolo and opted for the gluten free pasta. It was delicious! If I hadn’t known it was gluten free, I wouldn’t have.

Basically, two very satisfied diners left G’Vanni’s an hour later on that snowy Tuesday evening. I have no reservation in recommending G’Vanni’s.

Photo credit: Randy Son of Robert

Here’s the rub. The best thing about showshoeing is that, as long as there’s snow, you can shoe there.  That being said, I do have some favorite spots. I put on my winter gear, grab my shoes and poles, and here’s where I go.

The first spot, and the most used by me, is out my back door.  There’s a power line a couple hundred feet behind my house, and it’s the power line that’s the real destination. Power lines, in general, are popular with winter sports. Snowmobiles, cross country skiers and we snowshoers are all partial to power lines.  There are choices to shoers. We can make our own trail (my preference), or use already groomed trail. There are generally spots for parking on roads that pass under power lines, and the shoer can travel whatever distance s/he chooses.

If there’s a state or national park anywhere near, consider it a showshoe destination. Showshoeing opens up parts of a park that just aren’t accessible in the summer.  The area is bug free in winter, the snow smooths over rough terrain, and it’s a little tougher to get lost in the woods.  There are some precautions to note.  Although these are good sense no matter where one is showshoeing, they are more so in a protected area: 1) Know where there’s water. Although snowshoes disburse weight nicely, one still doesn’t want to wander onto a half frozen water source. 2) Watch for animal tracks. Know who’s sharing the area with you. 3) If you’re out for any period of time, bring water and a snack. Showshoeing is pretty hard work and you need to stay hydrated and may need ‘fuel’.

Where I live here in Maine, the nearest protected areas that offer great snowshoeing are Bradbury Mountain State Park near Freeport, Sebago Lake State Park in Casco, and the White Mountains National Forest.  There is no shortage of trail in these three spots, and the scenery is worth the effort.

There is a very handy on-line resource for showshoe trails in Maine. Check it out for trails near you.

Those are my favorite near spots. I don’t ski, but that doesn’t mean I want to miss out on being with friends who do. Sugarloaf Mountain Resort, for example, offers a Snowshoe Safari led by Sugarloaf staff, a tour that includes lunch, or (one of my absolute favorite things) a moonlight snowshoe. Sunday River in Bethel, Maine, has showshoeing adventures, as well, and off the subject, but noteworthy, Sunday River also has a zip line to experience. Mt. Abram in Bethel, Maine, offers free access to ungroomed showshoe trails.  There are several ski resorts in the nearby Mt. Washington Valley, too, that offer snowshoe distractions.

If you are in Maine and new to snowshoeing — what shoes are best for what activity, where can I go for a casual or a more serious snowshoe — I recommend a visit to L.L. Bean in Freeport, Maine.  Beside the fun of a pilgrimage to the flagship store, there are knowledgeable staff that can answer your questions, help you find the best shoes for your intent, and even recommend someplace locally (like Wolf’s Neck State Park, maybe) to try out your new shoes.

If you’re in Maine, it’s winter, and you want to get out without a lot of fuss, take up showshoeing. It’s low cost; it’s great exercise; the gear is not cumbersome; and the world is your oyster.

Photo credit: Daily Invention

Tahoe’s early snowfall has blanketed South Lake Tahoe with nearly 4 feet of snow at lake level, and 5-6 feet on the mountains.

The winter season is looking good. Snow enthusiasts anxious to visit Tahoe and book their winter trips should take a look at Zephyr Cove Resort. Unlike the hectic and almost urban ski resorts common in the area, Zephyr Cove is a collection of rustic cabins nestled in a grove of pines along the South shoreline and is an ideal place for visitors to escape and nestle into a cozy private cabin surrounded by snow covered acreage.  It’s also home to one of the largest snowmobile centers in the U.S.

This winter, the resort is currently offering up to 25 percent savings on snowmobiling, cruises, lift tickets, meals and lodging with value added  packages allowing travelers to customize their trips to include the Tahoe winter fun of their choice.

Package available Nov. 28 – Dec. 30

December Date Deal – Early in the season bookings with cruise tickets and breakfast

Includes one night’s cabin accommodations, two scenic day cruise tickets and two breakfast entrees.  This deal must be booked  by Dec. 20 and starts at $93 per person based on double occupancy, promo code: decdatedl.

Packages available Nov. 28 – April 11, 2011

Ride, Stay and Cruise – Snowmobile tour, cruise and breakfast.

Starts at $219 per person based on double occupancy, with two nights of lodging, two snowmobile single ride tours, two scenic cruises and two breakfast entrees. Promo code: RSC219PP.

Skiers and Boarders Best Deal package – Lodging only

Bare knuckled boarders, skiers and season pass holders looking for an even better deal can book the package which offers lodge rooms and studio cabins for $25 per person based on quad occupancy,
or $34.50 per person based on double occupancy. Promo code: SKRBSTDL.

Packages available Dec. 11 – April 11, 2011

Two Perfect Tahoe Winter Tahoe Days package – Snowmobile tour, lift tickets and breakfast

Tie in the best of both snow sport worlds with two nights of lodging, two Heavenly lift tickets, breakfast for two, and a two hour double rider snowmobile tour starting at $122 per person. Promo
code: 2perthow.

Zephyr Ski package – Lift tickets and breakfast

Wreck Heavenly’s slope during the day and end the day by retreating to a lakeside cabin at Zephyr Cove Resort.  It features one night of lodging, breakfast for two and two lift tickets for Heavenly Ski
Resort.  The package starts at $140 per person based on double occupancy, promo code: Zephskip.

For more information or to book these specials, visit www.zephycove.com or call (866) 761-6240.

Photo credit: JimG944

Olympic National Park and surroundings set the  stage for a relaxing winter getaway. This year, that getaway is more affordable  than ever.  For November or December travel with the End 2010 with $20.10 Deal, visitors to the area can stay one night at Lake Quinault Lodge (pictured above) or Kalaloch Lodge for $99 and get the second night for ONLY $20.10!

Although it’s one of the wettest regions in the Northwest, there are  plenty of indoor and outdoor activities available to complement an Olympic Peninsula winter escape, rain or shine. Here are some suggestions:

*         Tide pooling at Kalaloch Beach in the twilight hours between 6  and 7 p.m.
*         Storm watching from a cozy cabin at Kalaloch Lodge, as wild Pacific waves crash against boulders
*         Taking a rain forest tour at Lake Quinault Lodge, when fall and winter downpours create the most vibrant setting of the year
*         Watching for the region’s diverse bird species, including crossbills, dippers, warblers, chickadees, nuthatches and thrushes
*         Indulging in the culinary delights of Chef Patrick Norris at Lake Quinault Lodge’s Roosevelt Room, featuring contemporary twists on Northwest fare
*         Relaxing fireside in either lodge’s fireplace rooms or the grand fireplace in Lake Quinault Lodge’s lobby

This package is valid for visits from Nov. 1 to Dec. 30, 2010. Blackout dates include Nov. 23-26 and Dec. 22-26. Visitors must book by November 30. Reservations for either lodges can be made by visiting www.olympicnationalparks.com or by calling (866) 297-7367.

Photo credit:  ARAMARK Parks and Destinations

There are several traditional Christmas events in Portland. I’ve been to all of them several times, but generally not all in the same year.  They are all well done and worth the time to pursue.

Portland Symphony Orchestra’s Magic of Christmas is a local favorite. The program varies from year to year, frequently includes vocal as well as instrumental pieces, and is always well produced and enjoyable to hear. Even children are engaged by the PSOs Magic of Christmas performances.

Nutcracker, both traditional and Victorian versions, performed by the Maine State Ballet with an orchestra accompanying.  Held in the upgraded and acoustically sound City Hall auditorium, these are wonderful performances. It is an opportunity for dancers from the Ballet to practice their art, and it’s a delight for audiences. It’s a holiday tradition worth repeating.

Children’s Museum of Maine Gingerbread Houses workshops. Although all supplies and a little guidance on construction are provided, the actual structures are limited only by the builders’ imaginations.  You do want to call ahead to make reservations as this is a very popular program.

Victoria Mansion holiday events starting in November. Seeing the Victoria Mansion decked out for Christmas defies description.  The house itself is a glory.  With each room decorated for Christmas, it’s a visit worth making. Be sure to stop in the gift shop afterwards for Victorian Christmas cards and gifts.

Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. and Museum Santa Fest. Take a train ride on the Portland waterfront past a wonderful lights display. A train ride is fun, no matter what, but a train ride on the waterfront in a period train is something else altogether. Kids love it; parents love it.

Completely free are the tree-lighting ceremony and toy drive on Monument Square. Shopping in Portland?  Be sure to take advantage of the ongoing free sleigh rides through town. Another fun point of interest are the wonderful light sculptures that are all around the downtown and Old Port areas.

Photo credit: jgodsey

I had never heard of this restaurant ’til a recent visit to Phoenix.  I had been hearing from a friend about an amazing salmon dish included on their menu.  He couldn’t use enough positive words to describe it. So, when I was in Phoenix, we included dinner at Charleston’s, and being a big fan of salmon, there was no question about what I’d be ordering…

The menu varies a bit based on location and availability of ingredients. Happily, the aforementioned salmon, listed as Short Smoked Salmon under Specialties, is on the menu at every restaurant! The flavor was indeed unbelievable; portion size perfect, and it was perfectly prepared. I’m not usually a very slow diner, but the flavor of this meal just demanded savoring each bite and making it last. The fish came nested on a wonderful cucumber dill salad and included Honey Dijon sauce and a side. When salad is served before the meal — Caesar or House — it includes a hot, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth croissant.

Prices are reasonable (mid-range); ambience comfortable; service exceptional. All in all, a pretty memorable dining experience.

There are only 15 locations (so far) in 5 states. Having been founded in Oklahoma, that state has the most locations at 8. Still, if you find yourself in Arizona, Indiana, Nebraska or Forth Worth, Texas, consider Charleston’s for dinner.

Photo credit: Virtual Ern

Portable Tripod

Sometimes you just want to be in front of the camera, instead of never in a pic because you’re the one behind the camera.  If only you had a tripod.  A traditional tripod just is not practical for most people. It’s large, cumbersome, and not always convenient to have on hand.

This is where Gorillapodcomes in. Attaching your camera to a Gorillapod, bending the legs as needed to attach the whole gizmo to some object, and setting the self-timer on a camera weighing up to 9.7 oz puts you in the picture.  This particular item, with articulated legs and standard 1/4-20 screw, allows most any object to become part of the ‘tripod’.  It’s a perfect travel accessory.

Travel Alarm

A lesson hard learned is not to depend on external factors for a timely wake-up, including in-room alarm clocks and front desk wake-up calls.  Bring your own travel alarm clock…and extra batteries.  There are dozens of options from which to choose and prices from reasonable to you-gotta-be-kidding.  Any travel supply vendor will offer many with various and sundry options.  The key features, from my perspective, are a nice big LED display that can be seen well in dark, light or half light, and some sort of clock protection.  The whole bring-your-own thing is nullified if the clock gets crushed in routine travel.

While you’re putting together your packing list for your next trip — domestic or international — be sure to include a travel alarm.

Anti-Diarrheal

“Always be prepared” is sound advice for anyone traveling. Whether a travel novice or accomplished globe hopper, travel can be hard on the constitution, sometimes. Changes in time, water or food – even travel stress -  can manifest in  uncomfortable physical ways.  Be ready to combat intestinal distress by carrying your own supply of an anti-diarrheal. I prefer Imodium, but choose whatever works for you.

Never assume you’ll be able to find an over-the-counter remedy wherever you are. Count on yourself and pack a small amount, just in case.  Better to have it and not need it than the reverse.

Sleep Mask

If you’re anything like I am, it’s a challenge to sleep when there is light around you. Yes, you can throw a pillow or jacket over your head, burrow into your elbow, or throw your arm over your eyes, but those seldom work for long. The easiest, most portable solution to the too-much-light problem is a  sleep mask.

Travel is unpredictable, and a little rest makes whatever may not go smoothly a little more manageable. Whether catching 40 winks in a airport, or dozing on a bus, or trying to sleep in Alaska at midnight in July, a sleep mask will filter out the light and help you to get that much needed rest in an environment that is not generally rest conducive.

Moleskin

Having  moleskin on hand has saved my life — more specifically, my feet — on more than one occasion. Moleskin is a soft cotton fabric that is cushy on one side and adhesive on the other. Moleskin applied to a heel, a toe, the ball of the foot creates instant relief the next time a shoe has to cover that foot. A little proactive moleskin placement is really the best way to avoid growing a blister from walking for hours, but it will also provide protection for a second consecutive day of extensive walking.

Moleskin comes in various sizes that can be cut to size.  If you’re not checking luggage, you won’t be carrying scissors with you, so a little pre-planning by cutting pieces of various relevant sizes could be a good idea.

Note from author: Affiliate links included in post.

Photo credit: Webb-Zahn

It’s been awhile since I’ve been to Phoenix. When it comes to food, first thoughts lean toward Tex-Mex or Mexican. Decisions are not easy.  However, having a local help with the picking makes all the difference. My first meal in Phoenix was at Manuel’s on Cave Creek.

Manuel’s is a mid-priced restaurant, has 7 locations in and around Phoenix, and was voted the Best Neighborhood Restaurant in azcentral.com’s 2009 Reader’s Choice.

I was quite hungry having traveled all day. Chips and a very tasty fresh salsa were delivered immediately. Manuel’s doesn’t skimp on the salsa. They keep it coming for chips AND for the meal. For dinner, I enjoyed a Rolled Quesadilla with extremely flavorful beef.  The portion was generous and included sour cream and guacamole. I enjoyed this quesadilla both at dinner and the following day at lunch.

If you’re in Phoenix, know you want local flavor and can’t decide on a restaurant, I can tell you that you won’t be disappointed if you dine at Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina.

Photo credit: naotakem