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

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

Muir Woods By: Anoop Joy

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

 Pueblo Ingles  comes recommended by a writing colleague who previously attended. It’s a volunteer program for English speaking professionals and or academics to speak conversational English with Spanish speaking professionals in Spain. This program has eight locations in Spain and has extended to a new location in Umbria, Italy. The Italian location and one location in Spain are recommended for return volunteers who have previous experience with the program. The costs for this program are minimal, with participants paying for airfare and one night of accomodations before the program begins.

All accomodations and meals are provided during the program. Participants can volunteer for one or two week stays and you may apply online.  There are daily one on one sessions, group activities and phone conversations as part of the program.  The program has now added sessions for individual professions including Doctors, Teachers and Actors. For information on teen programs see my post on The Lesson Machine.

GVI is partnered with the Jane Goodall Institute as well as many other wonderful partner sponsors. Volunteers have an opportunity to travel to desinations such as Costa Rica, Guatemala,  the Seychelles and Greece. GVI also offers student internships from two weeks to one year. Another option available through GVI is a Family Volunteering Trip.

Granada, Spain

Another wonderful option is Amigo’s. The Amigo’s non profit organization has been serving Latin American countries for 43 years, and prides itself on providing leaderships and community service opportunities for young adults aged 16-25, here you can learn more about the Amigo’s Organization. Volunteers can assist with projects in Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, Mexico or many other locations.

There are so many other quality volunteer programs and projects both within the US and abroad. I will follow up with another post in this series on volunteering abroad.

Recommended Reading: Things to Do in Bolzano, Italy

Photo Credit Ronan Crowley Flickr Creative Commons

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.

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.

The old souk in Kuwait is just such a place. I lived there for a year, and it was always one of my favorite places to go. When I wasn’t looking for carpets or gold, I loved shopping for grocery items and specialty nuts. This image of three barrels filled with nuts and other dry goods exemplifies the type of bulk shopping deals I was able to find there.

Do you have a favorite image from the Middle East? What’s your favorite country in the region?

Photo Credit: Trek Hound

Maine has a lot of outdoors for vacationers to enjoy.  Parks abound.  There is one National Park (Acadia), a piece of the White Mountain National Forest, and 31 or so parks managed by the Maine Bureau of Parks that charge fees. The Appalachian trail passes through or near several of these.

Day passes are completely reasonable to visit one of these parks.  Fees for adults range from $4 for residents to $6 for non-residents, depending on the park.  For children 11 and under, admission is $1.  Senior Maine residents go free; non-residents no more than $4.  If you’ll be in Maine for an extended period, like a summer, or live in Maine, consider an annual pass. $70 vehicle pass gets access to all 31 of the fee-charging parks for a year.

Maine’s natural entertainment is it’s biggest tourist asset. If you go to Maine, don’t limit your visit to the beaches. Look into one or more of Maine’s state parks.

Photo Credit: Chris Dag

Living on the island of Oahu afforded me the  time to discover the hidden treasures of the island. I enjoyed three years of exploring the island and made time to discover some favorite places.

One of my favorite places on Oahu is on the north shore in the town of Haleiwa. Coffee Gallery is where I spent many sundays enjoying organic breakfasts and smoothies. This local cafe has an outdoor screened patio with art on the ceiling. It also has a laid back, fun atmophere where visitors can enjoy Hawaiian coffee, organic foods, and freshly baked cookies, brownies and other baked goods.

Along with Coffee Gallery in Haleiwa I also love spending time in a beautiful shop called Global Creations & Interiors, just down the road. I discovered Global Creations & Interiors in 1996 and have enjoyed shopping there ever since. Every visit I make to the island of Oahu brings a visit to Global Creations & Interiors. It’s a shop filled with Hawaiian art, jewelery, fabrics and all things Hawaiian.  The staff is friendly and you’ll enjoy the time you spend there.

Visiting the North Shore Beaches is a necessity. This area hosts the annual professional surf competions. In Haliewa you can visit Sunset Beach, but there are so many wonderful beach stops along the North Shore so be sure to make several stops and really feel the  sun, surf and waves of the North Shore.

Photo Credit: Baxterclaus

In the summertime, there is more than one reason to put L.L. Bean on your list of  “Stuff To Do While Visiting Maine.”  In the summertime, the park outside the flagship store in Freeport, Maine, becomes a hot spot for live entertainment.

Summer in the Park starts in May with a Community Market which includes traditional Farmer’s Market fare, as well as handcrafted items and baked goods. Throughout the summer on Saturdays  — June 26 through September 4 — there is a lot of musical stuff going on, a Food Festival, a Kidsfest, and a little something for the canine members of the family. There will also be three days of Shakespeare in August.

Before planning your summer visit to Freeport and L.L. Bean, check the Summer in the Park schedule to see if you can include some entertainment.  Be aware, though, that the locals set up chairs and claim their spots the evening BEFORE and the morning of the performance!  A wise concert-goer will do the same

Photo credit: PhillipC

Sunset Retreat

As a writer I dream of quiet, uninterrupted places where I can write for hours without be disturbed by a slobbering dog or a cat meowing for food. If you’re a writer with children I imagine you muliply that desire x 20. So what’s a writer to do to get away and just simply write?

Retreat…………

To one of many places where writers are given a quiet place to create while the world slips away for a weekend or a week as we explore our artistic nature and do the work we were put on this planet to accomplish. Where can you as a writer retreat in a beautiful space? Read on for my growing list of options for writers who need to retreat.

Writing Retreat or Workshop on a Budget

Writers Digest Create Your Own Mini Writing Retreat

A Room of Her Own

The Writer’s Retreat

Hay House Writers Cruise

Want to be inspired or meet with other like minded professionals? Try one of many workshops around the country and the world.

Florida Workshop in Gainesville

Laguna Writers Retreats and Workshops

Orcas Island Washington Writer’s Festival

University of Northern Florida Writers Conference

Travel Writing Workshop Hudson, NY

Clarity Works Inspire Your Writing Asheville NC

Photo Credit: Lisa Overman