New Hampshire Highland Games at Loon Mt.
There are several Highland Games in Northern New England. The games at Loon Mountain are a personal favorite. These are known as the most diverse games in the country! First, Loon Mountain and surrounding area is a beautiful area. Getting there is big fun. Coming from Maine or the Mt. Washington Valley, the ride must include a trip across the Kancamagus Highway, an adventure in itself.
The event itself includes a gathering of over 60 clans and societies, a Scottish Fiddle championship and other instrument competitions, sheepdog trials, and food, to name just a few attractions. The main drawing factor for many people, though is the heavy athletics. Athletes come from all over the world to participate in the NH Highland Games.
If you’ve never been to a Highland Games, you really need to go to this one.
Photo credit: bgeissle
Common Ground Fair
I am a sucker for a fair of any kind. This fair, however, knocks my socks off. The Common Ground Fair is sponsored by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) and is always held the third weekend after Labor Day. MOFGA is the voice of organic farming in Maine, and the Common Ground Fair is the annual celebration of Green living. Held at MOFGA grounds in Unity, Maine, attendees will enjoy the ride there, for one, but also an amazing assortment of vendors. All food is organic and Maine grown. One can learn about any form of alternative energy, find information on causes of many descriptions, see demonstrations of working animals (the sheep herding dogs are a personal fave), learn a LOT about gardening from master gardeners, and basically enjoy a day at a fair of a different color. There is no midway at the Common Ground, no rides, no barkers. There ARE, however, all the other elements of a country fair and then some — amazing post and beam structures, food (I can’t say enough good about the food), artisans and craftsmen, animals, demonstrations, a farmers market, and a good time for all.
To get to the fair, drive, ride your bike and save $2 off admission, camp overnight, ride the train from Unity to the fairgrounds. It’s more than a fair, it’s an experience.
Photo credit: Allison McKellar
Mt. Washington Auto Road
Hiking Mt. Washington is a popular thing to do for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the Mt. Washington Valley. Getting to that summit is an attainable goal and the view from the summit is an apt reward. If, however, you happen not to want to execute that climb to get those views, there is an alternative.
The Mt. Washington Auto Road near the Pinkham Notch Visitor’s Center on Rt. 16 is a thrilling way to go. You, your family and your vehicle can make this climb yourselves at your own rate and attain the summit and its rewards, including a ‘This car climbed Mt. Washington’ bumper sticker!
The weather on Mt. Washington is the most unpredictable in the world. No two trips to the summit are the same. The option to drive yourself isn’t available when the snow flies, but if you’re in the area in temperate weather, consider the drive. It’s amazing, memorable, and the story will be worthy of the retelling.
Photo credit: zappowbang
Boston Museum of Science
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
Mountains and Forests to Replenish Your Spirit
Kleine Scheidegg
- Muir Woods Monument
These two natural havens will replenish your spirit and relax your mind. Kleine Scheidegg is a spot where nature reigns, where you’ll find yourself wanting to walk, hike and just breath in the views of the Swiss Alps. My visit to Kleine Scheidegg was a stop over on my way to Jungfraujoch. Visitors can stay in this tiny mountain pass at a lodge very near to the train station. This is a destination of simplicity with only a single lodge and a train station with a small restaurant. Kleine Scheidegg is a place of natural beauty for those who enjoy the outdoors.
Muir Woods with it’s giant old growth Coast Redwood trees is one of the most serene places you’ll find within fast driving distance to an urban area. Here you can walk a short distance and be enfolded in the silence of giant Redwood trees. If you enjoy hiking or walking Muir Woods offers several hikes that take you through six miles of trails where you can enjoy the beauty of some of the last old growth Redwood trees on earth. Whether you can take the time for a Swiss adventure into the Alps or just a day trip to Muir Woods Monument outside of San Francisco you’ll find the natural beauty and silence replenish your spirit.
Kleine Scheidegg By: Pazit Polak
Yarmouth Clam Festival
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
Photo from the Road: Frozen Scene from Saint Froid Lake
Winter sunsets always seem so ethereal to me, and this one is no exception. The snow-frosted birch trees on the edge of a frozen body of water are highlighted here by a colorful sky at the end of the day. Read more
Overseas Adult Volunteer Vacations
As I’ve begun to research volunteer vacations and volunteer projects around the world I’ve learned of some excellent programs. Read more
11 Things to Do in Beautiful Bolzano, Italy
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. Read more
Photo from the Road: Souk Shopping in Kuwait
One of my favorite things to do when traveling is to spend time in any open air markets or traditional bazaars the country has to offer. Read more
