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I live in Central Florida, about 30 miles from Lake Placid. When my fiancee and I were driving through New York headed toward Niagara Falls, we passed through the northern Lake Placid. We both...
I live in Central Florida, about 30 miles from Lake Placid. When my fiancee and I were driving through New York headed toward Niagara Falls, we passed through the northern Lake Placid. We both fell in love with the town and preferred it to our local version.
Located in the Adirondack mountains, the leaves were past their prime by the time we arrived but the city was still full of charm.
The quaint alpine village offers something to do in every season. There are over 3,000 rivers, lakes and streams in the area so you can canoe, kayak, swim, boat and fish the waters. You can also hike or bike in the spring, summer and fall. In the winter, there are plenty of places to ski, sled, luge, bobsled and enjoy cross country skiing.
If you're not physically active, there are dozens of shops to browse including bookstores, gift shops, antiques shops, souvenir, gift and clothing stores. There are places like Imagination Station and Just Bead It to keep your kids entertained, as well.
We spent several hours browsing the shops in the village. My fiancee bought some souvenir pins, which he collected throughout our trip, for his hat and I got some scrumptious muffins.
Lake Placid, New York, was one of the favorite places we found on our road trip through New England.
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Living in Florida, neither my fiancee nor I realized there are parts of the North that close come October. Had we been one week later arriving at Acadia National Park, we would not have been able...
Living in Florida, neither my fiancee nor I realized there are parts of the North that close come October. Had we been one week later arriving at Acadia National Park, we would not have been able to camp there. As it was, the park rangers looked at us like we were nuts when we said we wanted to get a site.
I was dismayed to learn there are no hook-ups at the campground facilities in Acadia. This meant primitive camping and no electric heater. It turned out okay as we'd recently bought a heavy comforter and the gift shop had sweatshirts marked way down since they were getting ready to close for the season. There was a fire ring and picnic table at our site so we put the table right next to the campfire and snuggled up each night we stayed there.
There are two campgrounds in the park and each is within a 10-minute walk to the ocean, although it was too cold for us to make the walk.
We spent most of one day driving the 20-mile Park Loop Road. We made lots of stops to wander into the woods and up mountains. There were also various spots where we could see the Atlantic Ocean. At one point, my fiancee ventured down a steep embankment to get to a beach with water-worn black rocks. Although I couldn't make it down the embankment, he came back and described the scene with awe. To him, it was one of the most magnificent things he saw on our month-long journey.
We would have loved to take a horse-drawn carriage tour but this activity had already been closed for the season.
Although we enjoyed our stay at Acadia National Park, there were a lot of things we missed out on because we didn't go until late in the year. This is not a destination I would recommend going to in the fall.
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Until recently, the father of one of my good friends was the Activities Director for the Palms of Sebring, a retirement community. He began hosting an apple festival each September in an effort to...
Until recently, the father of one of my good friends was the Activities Director for the Palms of Sebring, a retirement community. He began hosting an apple festival each September in an effort to raise money for the activities department. When he first began hosting the festival about nine years ago, he ordered almost everything Oriental Trading Company sold with an apple theme. Apparently apples are a fond collectible of teachers and they would buy everything he would sell.
Through the years, this annual Apple Festival at the Palms has grown to include baked goods (don't miss the scrumptious apple dumplings) and homemade items like apple-themed wreaths.
While this isn't a huge event, it is fun and supports a good cause.
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While you won't see many leaves changing color in Central Florida, September and October are the months when the snowbirds come flocking back.
If you're visiting Avon Park in early October, you...
While you won't see many leaves changing color in Central Florida, September and October are the months when the snowbirds come flocking back.
If you're visiting Avon Park in early October, you might be lucky enough to be here the weekend of the Fall Bazaar. Held yearly, this craft fair has moved from the downtown mall to Donaldson Park, which sits on the shore of tiny Lake Verona. The bazaar consists of people selling the crafts they have made. There are also some food vendors in the mix.
Sponsored by the local chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, the Avon Park Fall Bazaar is where they make most of their money for the year. The proceeds are then spread generously across the Highlands County community through the funding of various service projects. In past years, for instance, they have bought blankets for the Sun Room Senior Center and helped stock the shelves of the Church Service Center.
If you attend, you might find some great Christmas gifts and you'll be supporting a worthwhile cause.
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Although we were a little late by the time we arrived in Niagara Falls to see the full brilliance of the autumn leaves changing colors, we enjoyed every minute we spent there.
Both American and...
Although we were a little late by the time we arrived in Niagara Falls to see the full brilliance of the autumn leaves changing colors, we enjoyed every minute we spent there.
Both American and Canada own a part of Niagara Falls. The Canadian side of the falls are called Horseshoe Falls. The remaining two waterfalls are called simply the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. The American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls comprise Niagara Falls State Park.
We began our tour of Niagara Falls at the Observation Tower at Prospect Point. For someone who doesn't like heights, it was a little daunting for me to be so high off the ground, but you do get a spectacular view of the falls and the surrounding countryside. Although I wasn't brave enough to do it, my fiancee went out on the Crow’s Nest for an even better view. When we were done looking around, we took the elevator down to the dock where we boarded the Maid of the Mist boat ride.
Although it was getting chilly by the time we arrived at Niagara Falls, we decided to go ahead and take this unique tour. Living in Florida, we'd both been on many boat rides but never anything like this. It's an exciting voyage that takes you right into the base of the American Falls. In fact, they gave us raincoats to wear so we wouldn't get dripping wet. Some people decided to defy Mother Nature and didn't put on their raincoats. It was like sitting in the front row at Sea World. They got sopping wet! It's a great adventure and a must-do if you're visiting the Falls.
At night, the Falls are lit with a rainbow of colors that is an unbelievably gorgeous site. Because we stayed on the Canadian side of the Falls, we could see this array from one end of the Falls to the other. Although I can't review the Canadian hotel we stayed in, I would say if you're staying in Niagara Falls, be sure to stay on the Canadian side.
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All Seasons Travel is owned by Chuck Maida. I have to say I've known Chuck's family since before I can remember. In fact, his mother remembers me from before I can remember her. His cousin is...
All Seasons Travel is owned by Chuck Maida. I have to say I've known Chuck's family since before I can remember. In fact, his mother remembers me from before I can remember her. His cousin is married to my stepbrother. I went to Chuck's wedding. I know that Chuck grew up taking cruises with his LARGE extended family. Groups of 50+ family members went on a cruise several times a year. He knows both sides of the cruise industry, which is what makes him the perfect expert to turn to when you want to book a cruise.
Although you're not likely to see the change of seasons when you go on a cruise, they are a great vacation to take come fall. A Caribbean cruise is a great way to escape the chill autumn winds and enjoy one last breath of summer, while turning your neighbors green with envy.
As an authorized Disney vacation planner, Chuck can also get you a really good package deal on a vacation to Disney World, Disneyland or Universal Studios.
Whether you're cruising with Disney, Royal Caribbean or NCL, whether you're going to the Caribbean, Alaska or the Mediterranean, Chuck, Janice, Keith or any of the other great folks at All Seasons Travel will find you the best deal offered on a cruise.
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During our time in New Hampshire, we stayed at the Merrill Farm Resort. This award-winning inn was very cozy and comfortable. The grounds were planted with red, yellow and rust (fall colors)...
During our time in New Hampshire, we stayed at the Merrill Farm Resort. This award-winning inn was very cozy and comfortable. The grounds were planted with red, yellow and rust (fall colors) flowers. There were pumpkins and bales of hay decorating the property as well. It was a very welcoming sight.
This resort has various kinds of rooms. We chose to stay in one of the adorable cabins. It was somewhat rustic looking and very country with its pine paneled interior and wood stove. There was a corner kitchenette as well. The bed wasn't the thickest or fluffiest (no featherbed) we slept in during our trip, but we certainly slept well.
I thought one of the best things about the Merrill Farm Resort was that there were laundry facilities we could use. By the time we stayed here, I was really in need of a washing machine, too.
Located on the Saco River, it was a wonderful site to see the reflection of the bright autumn leaves in the water. I would definitely recommend this as someplace to go on a fall trip.
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We stayed at the Knotty Pine Motel while we were in Bennington. We chose it for several reasons.
First, it was the cheapest room we could find that had rooms available. After being on the road...
We stayed at the Knotty Pine Motel while we were in Bennington. We chose it for several reasons.
First, it was the cheapest room we could find that had rooms available. After being on the road for a couple of weeks, we were watching our money and decided to spend more on sightseeing and tours and less on a room.
Secondly, we thought the name sounded cute and homey. Although our room didn't fit my definition of "cute," it was homey, clean and met our basic needs. On an ordinary night, the bed might have kept me awake (it was a little hard for my liking) but we did so much sightseeing during the days that I was worn out at night.
While there was nothing luxurious about the room we stayed in, it did have a coffee maker. I know when my mom and stepfather traveled, they always appreciated this touch.
The Knotty Pine Motel is family owned and the folks were very hospitable and accommodating. We needed extra pillows and blankets and they got some for us quickly and without complaining.
I think if we returned to Bennington and could possibly afford it, I would stay someplace a bit nicer; however, I can't really complain about the Knotty Pine Motel.
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As soon as I saw this beautiful mansion, I knew I wanted to tour it. Built in 1865 as a summer cottage for the Parks, it is said to be one of the best preserved and well built Victorian homes in...
As soon as I saw this beautiful mansion, I knew I wanted to tour it. Built in 1865 as a summer cottage for the Parks, it is said to be one of the best preserved and well built Victorian homes in New England. While I'm not sure about that (I don't think it competes with the Biltmore mansion, for instance), I loved spending time here.
Inside there are dozens of rooms decorated as they originally was. Most of the furnishings are original to the home, which is very unusual. I enjoy getting a glimpse of such an opulent lifestyle which so many Victorians enjoyed.
I thought one of the best things about this home was the sweet playhouse outside. As we looked at it, I remembered all that the Biltmore children had growing up and imagined this little girl was just as privileged. There is also a carriage barn outfitted with carriages that I found fun to look at.
I enjoyed everything about this look into a different world.
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If you like history and folk art, you'll love the Bennington Museum. Here you'll find antique American furniture, glassware, portraits, pottery, toys, dolls, books, maps and military artifacts. ...
If you like history and folk art, you'll love the Bennington Museum. Here you'll find antique American furniture, glassware, portraits, pottery, toys, dolls, books, maps and military artifacts. Although I particularly love antique toys and dolls, my absolute favorite part of this museum was the collection of paintings by Grandma Moses.
This museum has the largest public collection of her work in the United States. Considering that Grandma Moses didn't begin painting until she was in her 70s, she produced an incredible amount of work. The school little Anna Mary Robertson attended was moved to the museum grounds in the early 1970s. Today, it houses a hands-on discovery center where visitors can learn about Grandma Moses' work and life.
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