Located in University Circle in Cleveland, the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum houses a collection of the Western Reserve Historical Society. It contains  historically significant automobiles (over 200 vehicles from Model T to contemporary Jaguar), bicycles, aircraft, spacecraft, motorcycles and even a boat, Tinkerbelle.  It’s fascinating.

If history is your thing, and even if it isn’t, a ticket to the Crawford includes admission to the History Museum and Library, too. Active members of the military enjoy a 50% discount on admission.  This is an interesting historical museum and is worthy of inclusion on your visit to Northeast Ohio. I visited this museum several times during my tenure at college in University Circle, and I was never bored.

Photo Credit: Craig Hatfield

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

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

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

The city of Boston has no shortage of sights to see. While you’re planning which to include on your visit, consider the New England Aquarium. In addition to a stellar sea life display, including a four-story coral reef tank, the Aquarium offers an IMAX theatre, whale watches, a penguin presentation, classes and special programs.  There are several ways to save on admission; those are listed on the Aquarium’s site.

The most endearing story related to the NEA is that of Andre the Seal.  In 1973, Andre spent the first of 9 winters at the NEA.  His summers were spent in Rockland, Maine, until his death in 1985.

There is a very full day of entertainment and education to be had at the NEA.  It will be a very memorable part of your visit to Boston.

Photo credit: Allie Caulfield
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This is a gem of a museum.  It is the oldest art museum in Maine and is home to over 17,000 objects d’art.  Found on the corner of High and Free Streets, and visible from Congress St., the PMA is conveniently located for access on a walking tour of Portland.

In addition to rotating special exhibitions and originals by several Maine artists (Winslow Homer and Andrew and N.C. Wyeth, to name three), the museum offers art from the American Neo Classical, French Impressionism, American Impressionism, Post Impressionism, Surrealism, Modernism, and Cubism schools, and Glass and Ceramics as well.

The museum offers lectures, movies, a gift shop, Sunday morning Jazz breakfasts, classes and workshops.

My favorite thing about PMA, however, is that is accessible financially to everyone.  While admission during the week and on weekends is $10 for adults; $8 for seniors and id’d students, and $6 for those 6-17, Friday night… EVERY Friday night… from 5-9 p.m. is FREE! Absolutely.  And includes the current special exhibit.

Photo credit: Cliff1066