This truck was a study in nostalgia itself.  Seen on a trip the equator, I couldn’t resist stopping to take the picture.

There wasn’t anything else around the truck. It was just pulled to the side of the road. In my mind, that’s why it made for a great travel photo. There’s nothing else in the way to demonstrate just what decade this photograph was taken. While it was technically taken in 2009, it could have been taken any time since the production of that vehicle. And we didn’t even have to go to an antique car show to get the shot!

Photo Credit: Trek Hound

Of all the science museums I’ve visited, I’m most familiar with the Boston Museum of Science. Relatively speaking, it’s right next door to me.  When I visit, I plan to be there for the day, and I’m never bored. This is not an inexpensive day, but it is riveting.

My favorite things include the Butterfly Garden (additional fee),  the Rube Goldberg machine, the static electricity demo, any of the interactive exhibits, the 3D cinemas (SO different from the red/blue glasses 3D of my childhood), and anything that teaches me something I didn’t previously know.   That covers pretty much the whole museum.

The best way to take in the MOS is with a membership.  The biggest benefit to an MOS membership is that benefits are not limited to the MOS. Membership includes the Association of Science and Technology Center (ASTC) Passport Program, which includes 250 science and tech venues worldwide. Six in Massachusetts; eleven in New England. There are some limitations, but generally speaking, what a slamming deal this is for families and/or science buffs!

Photo credit: John E. Lester

Written by Emily Laurence Baker, this activity deck is designed with families in mind.

Expecting a book, I was surprised to find this title is actually a box of activity cards. Each one has a pictorial map on the back, and a written description of that site’s activities on the front.  My take? This is one of those products you pick up to let the kids have something to interact with and build the excitement for your various day trips.

You’ll definitely want to use your city map and guide book as your main tools. That being said, the kids will likely enjoy using them, so if you have the extra gear space they’ll make a nice addition to your list of trip tools. These activity decks are available for numerous international cities, so if your family travels frequently they might also be a fun tradition to start.  The London edition of City Walks with Kids is available on Amazon.

Photo Credit: Chronicle Books

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Three Cups of Tea

Discovering what we love, pursuing what we love and creating an opportunity to do what we feel is our life’s work is a gift. For many these discoveries take time and evolve through opportunities, hobbies, travel and every day life experiences. Sometimes it’s a chance meeting, a conversation with a friend or a significant life event that propels us to change our direction, widen our horizon and open a door to our life’s work.

Recently I received “Three Cups of Tea“written by Greg Mortenson. I’d seen the book in bookstores, but never read it. This book is deeply inspiring, attitude changing and just a beautiful example of how following our beliefs and our life’s work can change not only our lives for the better, but the lives of many people around us.  Greg Mortenson’s desire to climb K-2 took him to Pakistan, but it was his experiences in a small village in Pakistan that changed the direction of his life.

Three Cups of Tea should be required reading. It’s one mans journey to transform our world and our attitudes by building schools in remote villages in Pakistan and Afghanistan where girls are rarely educated. It’s Mortenson’s belief that if we educate women we can change the world. Women stay in the villages and teach others the knowledge they’ve learned. They share it with their children and their friends, thus creating a chain reaction of education and positive change within the villages. It is Mortensons’s belief that we will have more success ridding the world of terrorism through educating women and children than we could ever have through war. He has now built over 50 schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan and his life’s work continues with great support and appreciation. It all began with one dream and one man’s simple income. He was a nurse, who sometimes lived out of his car to save money so that he could go back to Pakistan and build the school he had promised to the village of Korphe after his injuries and failed attempt climb K-2. This book will inspire you and touch you. For anyone with a dream or a vision of creating their life’s work, this book is a beautiful beginning. For more information on Greg Mortenson, view his blog.

Greg Mortenson’s new book Stones into Schools was released last month by Penguin Books. Order a copy of Stones into Schools.

Special thanks to my friend Elizabeth for sharing Three Cups of Tea, with me.

This annual event is the major fundraiser for the Scribner’s Mill Preservation group.  They pull out all the stops and it is a great historical event.  The Back to the Past celebration is always the first weekend in August.  The efforts of dozens of volunteers and exhibitors help make this a great experience for the whole family.

There are people demonstrating and selling hand crafted items — e.g., spinners and knitters, a tatter, weavers, and a beader. There is a pig roast. There is music. There are diversions for children. There are antique vehicles like a fire truck that periodically shows how water was taken from the nearby stream to put out a fire. There is the mill itself, an amazing feat of restoration. There is a working blacksmith’s shop. There is the house, which is itself being put back to how it looked in it’s hey day.

It is a marvelous way to spend a day. It helps with the mill restoration and is a great step into Maine history.

Photo credit: Sharife

It’s July in Maine and time for the annual Yarmouth Clam Festival, an event which involves about 3000 volunteers united to earn funds for Yarmouth’s non-profit organizations, school groups, and churches.  This event begins at 6 p.m. on Friday with a parade which is as much fun for spectators as it is for parade participants. Following is three days of wonderful entertainment for the whole family.

Stuff you’ll find at the festival are a broad listing of competitions and events, an impressive craft and art show, and of course, lots and lots of good food, featuring clams — steamed clams, fried clams, clam cakes — lots and lots of clams. If you happen to be in Maine this weekend, check out the Clam Festival website for a listing of events and other information, including directions and parking suggestions.

As a side note, from personal experience, I can tell you to keep an eye out for any of the many yard sales in Yarmouth that are sure to be under way this weekend.  As these are generally found on the way to or from the Festival doings, they help make the whole experience interesting.

Photo credit: KitAy

I like car shows.  Always have. It’s just really big fun to me to go and see old cars, new cars, foreign cars, stock cars, custom cars. It’s fun to talk with owners. It’s just fun.

In Maine, there are several such shows throughout the summer. Some are based on a specific theme (e.g., antique) or can be completely free form.  As far as family entertainment is concerned, all are very affordable — most often, $5 or less for adults; $3 or less for kids under 12.  I found one site that helps with looking for car shows in Maine and includes a description of the show, location of the show, and cost of the show.   It depends on car show organizers to keep current, but a visit here will give you an idea what’s going on car show-wise while you’re in Maine.

Consider it at least once.  It’s really a nice way to spend all or part of a day.

Photo Credit: mikebaird

Taken in the Andes at the end of a day excursion in Peru’s Sacred Valley, these llamas gave us quite a chuckle.

As we wandered the alleys of a hill village looking for traditional weavings, we turned a corner to see these two llamas checking out the local wares.

What a hoot! I’m particularly fond of photographing llamas on any day I have access to them. They are so animated, and always put on a good show.

Photo Credit: Trek Hound

Of all the places my husband and I visited when we lived in Europe, one that has always remained foremost in my memory is Bolzano, Italy. Having always intended to write an article about the area, I recently dug out my file folder of brochures and notes and sat down to complete the task.

Bolzano offers virtually year-round enjoyment as a great place to stroll historical streets, explore castles, and take in some winter skiing along with the Christmas markets and more. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the natural surroundings are nearly indescribable in their beauty, or that the town itself appears to the visitor like a picture-perfect postcard of European delight.

It’s accessible by car, bus, train and air, making Bolzano, Italy a destination easily arrived at by travelers of all sorts. Those who enjoy the Germanic and Austrian influences of northern Italy will find it particularly appealing.

THINGS TO DO IN BOLZANO, ITALY

Archaeological Museum

This museum features numerous Roman artifacts in addition to the more than 5,000 year old world-famous ice man the locals refer to as “Frozen Fritz”. An entire section of the museum is devoted to this ice man, which features not only “Fritz” himself, but his belongs and other displays. For the Roman artifact section, visitors walk on a recreated rocky Roman road, complete with sound effects and magnified hands-on viewing displays for ancient coins. Kids dig it.

Walking Architectural Tour

The tourist office in Bolzano, Italy is excellent, and they provided us with a user-friendly brochure-style map featuring a recommended historical and cultural route to follow, along with detailed information about each stop on the route. Check out the numerous old churches with their detailed carvings, frescoes and other art. Most can be accessed for the entry fee of only a small donation.

Other Museums

In addition to the archaeological museum, Bolzano boasts a city museum, a museum of modern art, a mercantile museum and a museum of natural history. If you end up with an unexpected rain day on your trip, these would make a suitable entertainment alternative.

Bike Riding

Bolzano has a network of bicycle trails radiating out of the city through orchards, past picturesque vineyards and up into the mountains.  Keep it low key and simply tour a few wine cellars on lower ground, or go hog wild and bike up into the mountains. You can make this about romance, family fun or hard-core fitness travel. Your call.

Wine Tasting

A full one seventh of the city is devoted to grape vines, supplying nearly thirty (at the time of our last visit) local wineries. Make a full day of it, or work in one or two for each afternoon of your stay. Another fun way to go is to visit a winery to pick out a wine for that night’s dinner or later afternoon picnic.

Cable Car Cruising

Bolzano brings multiple options to the table for cable car fans, which can take you from the valley floor up into the surrounding scenic mountains in minutes.

Castles

There are more than four hundred castles in South Tyrol, with several being in Bolzano’s immediate area. These include Rafenstein, Maretsch and Sigmundskron castles, to name a few. Also of note are the frescoed Runkelstein Castle (also known as Castel Roncolo) and nearby Trostburg Castle. Castle Runkelstein also offers medieval-themed day activities designed with little people in mind, making this a great place for children to let their imagination run wild.

Enjoy the Arts

Bolzano has a long history of being involved in the arts. You’ll be able to enjoy year-round classical concerts by the Hayden Orchestra, live theater and cabaret performances, and numerous art galleries.

Family Farm Stays

Local family farm hotels make great lodging for people traveling with children, providing space to run and play as well as hay jumping, pony feeding and barefoot stream wading. Kiddos usually also get a kick out of the fact that the milk and eggs they eat come directly from the animals they get to see each morning. I think a night at one of these farms would be a particularly good idea for families after a day of museum and church touring.

Festivals

Numerous festivals and exhibitions occur throughout the year, offering fun for the whole family. When Mom and Dad are ready for a little time to themselves, these events usually offer a “Children’s Hotel”, where the kids can hang out and relax under supervision and make friends, participate in structured play activities and more. Rather accommodating, wouldn’t you say? I thought so, too.

Jump Off to Nearby Destinations

San Genesio is known for being a hiking and equestrian get away for Bolzano locals and tourists alike. Brisk walking or horseback riding through pastures, meadows and ancient forests make this an idyllic place to escape the hustle and bustle. It’s also another great day for the kids, particularly if you’re normally an urban-dwelling family that doesn’t go to the country often. The nearby Schlern region with its Seiser Alm Meadow (considered to be the largest alpine meadow in Europe), provides hiking trails in the summer and ski runs and sled paths in the winter.

From Bolzano south to the provincial border of Trentino – Alto Adige, you’ll find The Wine Road, a series of wine tasting opportunities that’s part of The Garden of South Tyrol. This part of the province features not only The Wine Road, but also Lake Kaltern, Trudner Horn Nature Preserve, the world’s largest apple forest and Bletterbach Gorge.

MONEY-SAVING TIPS

Photography-Oriented Walking Tour

Skip the souvenir shopping and enjoy the atmosphere and architecture the town has to offer. Bring your camera to record beautiful scenes and cultural snapshots. You can enjoy them in a digital frame later at home.

Extended Stay Visitor Passes

These were quite popular when we lived there, so I’m going to go out on a limb and say they are likely still part of the tourism office’s outreach program. Various specials were offered throughout the year. Discounts included such things as free entry to certain attractions, guided walking tours, reduced prices on ski passes and even fifteen percent off all purchases in San Genesio if you were staying for more than a couple of days.

Picnic Supplies

Every morning from Monday-Saturday, there was an open air market at Piazza delle Erbe. This was a great chance to purchase bread, cheese, fruit and vegetables for an afternoon picnic, saving splurge bucks for café coffee breaks and the occasional light snack. Families might choose to meander over to the children’s playground to enjoy a light repast after a morning of wandering the historic section.

Resources for Booking Ahead:

Lonely Planet Italy

Rail Europe – Italia Pass  

 Hotels.com

 Get great deals on Expedia.com!

We’ve been there as a couple, with our parents and accompanying friends with children.  So I feel comfortable recommending Bolzano, Italy as both a romantic getaway and family-friendly destination for relatives of all ages. For more information, check out the Bolzano tourism office.

Photo Credits: All Photos in this post are the property of Trek Hound

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links.

11 Things to Do in Beautiful Bolzano, Italy has been submitted to Delicious Baby’s July 9, 2010 edition of Photo Friday.

I personally love, love, love museums of science. The hands-on approach, designed primarily to entice children, is a big draw for me as well!  I always learn something. I’m always in awe of something. I’m always stumped by something. There is no way a visitor can be bored.

The Arizona Science Center in Phoenix is one such venue.  It is a marvelous way to spend a day. Admission for one day is very affordable.  For a knock-out deal for multiple visits, though, consider a membership.  For a family of four, annual membership is $80.  Two visits and your membership is paid for.  One of the basic benefits of membership is really the biggest benefit, in my opinion. Any membership gets you admission not only to the Arizona Science Center, but, with the included ASTC Passport Program, to a total of 250 science and technology centers (give or take) worldwide!  Five of those are in Arizona. To me, that is an amazing perk.  I could make a vacation around that.

Photo credit: Simax