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April 1, 2011

Are We There Yet? A nod to the road trip . . .

Posted by louise C. under Out of the Suitcase | Tags: a good night's sleep, Canandaigua, Cornell University, Finger Lakes region, Finger Lakes wineries, Geneva, Horseheads, New York, Phelps, Red Carpet Inn & Suites, Sailing, Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen State Park |
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Glenora Outlet in New York's Finger Lake Region - Flickr photo by eflon

How many times have you heard that question: Are we there yet? In all likelihood you were guilty of asking this very same question; no matter your mode of travel.

At the top of Bopple Hill overlooking Canandaigua Lake - Flickr photo by viist-fingerlakes

So where are we off to this time? And how long will it take us to get there? We’re off to the Finger Lakes region of New York; specifically Canandaigua, which is not quite half way between Albany and Buffalo with Buffalo being closest. The “chosen spot,” is what the Iroquois called it in its former spelling of Kanandarque. It’s no wonder, since on November 11, 1794, the Treaty of Canandaigua was signed “in hopes of establishing peace and friendship between the U.S. and the Six Nations of the Iroquois.”

Now is a perfect time to visit, what was recently voted the most beautiful wine region in the world: in early spring as flowers showcase their delicate hues, foliage becomes greener and trees are beginning to bud. What better time than to take a side trip, a weekend retreat or mini-vacation! For a complete list of happenings in and around the Finger Lakes region, visit http://www.visitfingerlakes.com/events.php

Check this out . . .

11 ‘namesake’ lakes including Canandaigua, Seneca and Keuka lakes
New York Wine & Culinary Center
More than 100 waterfalls
Sentry Bridge at Watkins Glen State Park - Flickr photo by bobistraveling

Spring grapes - Flickr photo by visit-fingerlakes
Museums, shopping and a foodie’s paradise
Smith Opera House
Cornell University
4 hours from New York City

. . . . and, when all is said and done, you’ve seen the sights, had a great meal and fine glass of wine, then a good night’s sleep is just around the corner.

March 1, 2011

ROAD TRIP – - – to New London, Connecticut

Posted by louise C. under Out of the Suitcase | Tags: a good night's sleep, Dutch Tavern, Eugene O'Neill, Fort Trumbull, I AM Festival, New London Connecticut, New London Historic Waterfront District, Passport Inn, Red Carpet Inn & Suites, Road Trip, Scottish Inns, Tale of a Whale Museum |
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You'll have a whale of a good time in New London doing a little whale watching - Flickr photo by sneakerdog

Could it be an echo of the past? Boys and girls of all ages cringed when learning of an impending road trip with Mom and Dad. It certainly wasn’t the destination: It was simply getting there that caused all the commotion.

We’re here to take the pain out of that road trip – so pull up a seat and join us as an armchair tourist because we’re heading to the seaport city of New London, Connecticut, a city steeped in seafaring tradition and located at the mouth of the Thames River along the upper eastern seaboard of the U.S.

New London was originally called Nameaug by the Pequot Indians; later named after London England on March 10, 1658. It was said to have the best deep water harbor on Long Island Sound, and consequently became the base of American Naval Operations during the American Revolution. Today, it is home to the United States Coast Guard Academy.

Here are some of the reasons you should take a road trip to New London:

The U.S. Coast Guard Eagle - photo as seen on Wikimedia Commons

Tour the Coast Guard’s Cutter, “Chinook” or its tall ship, the Eagle (She is one of only two active commissioned sailing vessels in American military service).
Visit the historic United Church of Christ on State Street.
It was (at one time during the 19^th Century) the 2^nd busiest whaling city in the world – you’ll want to trek down Whale Oil Row between 105-119 Huntington St. You won’t want to miss visiting the Tale of the Whale Museum while there.
Wet your whistle at Dutch Tavern on Green Street – “a favorite of Nobel and Pulitzer-prize playwright, Eugene O’Neill, which is also part of the fun, delicious, historic, scenic, and cultural district of New London.” Be sure to order a cheese-burger!
New London is the half-way point between New York City and Boston.
Attend the I AM Festival – learn more about festival dates and entertainers who will be there? Check this site: http://www.myspace.com/iamfestival

An imposing site - Fort Trumbull is protected by canons - Flickr photo by divemasterking2000

Tour Fort Trumbull.
Make your way to the New London Historic Waterfront District.

Road trips can be fun for the whole family. There are numerous site-seeing opportunities; many of them at no cost. Pack a picnic lunch, and after a day of exploring new sites, consider overnight lodging as part of your excursion.

Click here to get information about a good night’s sleep in New London and the Connecticut area.

January 21, 2011

Snowbirds . . .

Posted by louise C. under Out of the Suitcase | Tags: Biloxi and Gulfport Mississippi, Canadian Snowbirds, Daytona Beach, Downtowner Inns, Lake City Florida, Master Hosts Inns, Palm Desert California, Passport Inn, Red Carpet Inn, Savannah Georgia, Scottish Inns, Snowbird Mountain |
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Canadian Snowbirds - Canada's 9-plane military aerobatics and airshow flight demonstration team - Flickr photo by Armchair Aviator

. . . “Spread your tiny wings and fly away

And take the snow back with you

Where it came from that day . . .”

. . . “So, little snowbird, take me when you go

To that land of gentle breezes where the peaceful water flows . . .”

The term snowbird might have already been in use prior to Anne Murray’s popular song “Snowbird” but, its use in the song by this Canadian singer would serve to explain the term further as people from the northern climes travelled southward during the cold winter months. This seasonal migration dates back as far as the Colonial times “when Bostonians would often go (by sea) to Charleston or Savannah for winter.”

A popular snowbird destination is near Biloxi and Gulfport, Mississippi - Flickr photo by NatalieMaynor

So, where do the snowbirds come from, and where do they go? They come from the Northeast, the Midwest and Canada, for the most part. They go to Florida, California, Texas, the Carolinas, and anywhere along the sun belt regions of the southern and southwest areas of the U.S. as well as Mexico, plus the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand are all popular destinations.

Snowbirds are typically retirees and people whose income allows them to maintain two homes, with one being located in warmer climates during the winter time. Many of these migratory people are also RVers, and travel in their recreational vehicle, which also serves as their home-away-from-home, but many more rely on hotels and motels along the way. The migration of snowbirds is also considered a tourism boost for many cities that provide that mid-way point, and final destination.

Snowbirds flock to Daytona Beach, where one can drive on the beach - Flickr photo by chenines

Majestic mountains are seen in the background of Palm Desert - Flickr photo by Accretion Disc

Affordability, convenience, multiple attractions and accessibility to shopping and medical facilities are key factors when snowbirds settle upon their final destinations. Cities like Daytona Beach and Lake City, Florida, Gulfport and Biloxi, Mississippi; Palm Desert and San Diego, California, and Yuma, Arizona are but a few popular areas that snowbirds flock to.

Although the economy over the past few years has been a factor with fewer snowbirds heading southward, predications for 2011 are optimistic for a rebound, with Pensacola, Florida being named as a primary destination.

January 10, 2011

I Resolve To . . .

Posted by Misty M. under Out of the Suitcase | Tags: Downtowner Inns, Horseback riding, Janus, Master Hosts Inns, New York City, Paris, Passport Inn, Red Carpet Inn, Scottish Inns, Virginia, West Virginia, White water rafting |
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We can thank Janus, a mythical king of early Rome (153 B.C.) for what some consider the beginning of the tradition of new year’s resolutions. Fact is, the Romans named the first calendar month after Janus, the god of beginnings and the guardian of doors and entrances. Thus, Janus was always depicted with two faces, where the one on the front of the head was always looking forward, and the one on the back of the head was looking backward at the same time.

New Year’s resolutions can be traced back 4,000 years to ancient Babylonians, when they might have resolved to return borrowed farm equipment.

Along with resolutions there are other traditions associated with the new year, such as food. Greens, like cabbage or collards depict money where black eyed peas are said to bring good luck, and hog jowls or ham signify luck or prosperity. Italians might eat lasagna, while Austrians may serve green peppermint ice cream in the shape of a cloverleaf. Almost every culture has some type of food they traditionally serve on New Year’s day.

Non edible traditions vary as well. For instance, in Wales, at the first toll of midnight the back door is opened and closed to release the old year and lock out bad luck; whereas at the twelfth stroke of the clock, the front door is opened to welcome in the new year and shepherd in good luck. In Japan, homes are decorated in tribute to lucky gods.

Toasting in the new year in Paris - Flickr photo by viZZZual

There is also the new-year toast, which can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans who shared wine from a common pitcher where the host drank first to ensure the wine was not poisoned. Champagne has since become the toast of choice in the modern world.

Music has played its part in new year celebrations as well, and the song Auld Lang Syne became the song of the day after it was published in 1796, although there were several variations of Auld Lang Syne all the way back to the early 1700’s.

Perhaps the most famous New Year's Eve celebration is in Times Square in New York - Flickr photo by Paul Mannix

New Years is also the oldest holiday celebration and the only holiday celebrating the passage of time, as well as associated with making new year resolutions.

I resolve to go white water rafting in West Virginia with my teen-aged son, as well as go horseback riding in the Virginia mountains and catch some major site-seeing in new York City. One of my colleagues has stated she resolves to take a cruise to the Caribbean, Cayman Islands and Cozumel, while another wants to visit at least one small seemingly unknown tourist venue and one major tourist attraction in 2011.

Flckr photo by katerha

Resolutions are not necessarily all about diets, or losing weight, quit smoking, etc, but can include fun things like seeing the beauty of nature, travelling throughout America and experiencing what the World has to offer in a variety of ways.

What do you resolve to do in 2011?

December 21, 2010

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree . . . .

Posted by louise C. under Out of the Suitcase | Tags: Alexandria Virginia, Christmas trees, Downtowner Inns, Durango Colorado, Kennebunkport Maine, Leavenwoth Washington, Mackinac Island Michigan, Master Hosts Inns, Mountain View Arkansas, New Orleans Louisiana, North Pole Alaska, Passport Inn, Red Carpet Inn, San Antonio, Scottish Inns, Texas, Woostock Vermont |
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Whie House Christmas tree by Jay Tamboli

So when did the origin of the Christmas tree begin? It is said that back in the 7^th Century, a Devonshire monk named St. Boniface was sent to Germany to teach the word of God. St. Boniface used the triangular shape of a Fir tree as a representation of the Holy Trinity of God, thus the Fir tree became God’s tree and eventually was hung upside down from the ceiling. This gesture and the Fir tree thereby represented Christianity.

Cowboy Christmas tree by elvissa

It wasn’t until the 16^th century though that the decorated Christmas tree surfaced, when Martin Luther placed candles upon the tips of a tree and lit them to demonstrate to his children how the stars might twinkle on a darkened night. Candles however were a fire hazard and were often placed in wooden hoops for safety, especially in the 1840’s in Germany where “fine beaded decorations and tinsel angels” found their way onto Christmas trees. By the 1870’s glass ornaments from Britain became popular, and then the electric light bulb was invented.

New York City Bloomberg Tower Christmas tree by Rob Boudon

In 1882, when the custom of using electric lights began, an associate of Thomas Edison, hand wired red, white and blue bulbs, winding them around an Evergreen tree located in the parlor of his home in New York City, but the popularity of lit Christmas trees didn’t happen until President Grover Cleveland, in 1895, commissioned for more than 100 multi-colored light bulbs to be placed on an enormous Evergreen tree for the White House.

“Soon members of high society were hosting Christmas tree lighting parties.”

Decorating for Christmas brings to mind the many wonderful Christmas displays in small and big town America. To find out the Top Ten “Christmas towns in America” you might want to visit http://www.americasbestonline.net/index.php/pages/bestchristmastowns.html, although, here’s a brief summary of America’s best . . .

Christmas store front - Old Towne Alexandria - by cliff1066

Crowned the ultimate holiday town USA, by the A&E Network and coming in at #1 is Leavenworth, Washington, which ‘transforms itself into a virtual snow globe,” but #2, Durango, Colorado, might just be the favorite of big and little kids everywhere with their real live Polar Express where everyone climbs aboard in PJ’s to visit the North Pole some 30 miles away in the snowy Rocky Mountains.

“Romantic, Magical and Historic” is how #3 is described. The quaint village of Woodstock, Vermont, comes to life during December with its 19^th Century Christmas celebration, medieval banquet, and Christmas festivities of all types. Not far from Woodstock is #4, Kennebunkport, Maine, where the annual Christmas tree lighting kicks off a host of holiday activities including the arrival of Santa Claus in a Lobster Boat.

Perhaps one of the most unusual heralding in of Christmas events takes place in #5, Mountain View, Arkansas, with caroling in the caves. Located in Blanchard Spring Caverns is a huge amphitheatre, where the “sound is incredible!” You can also enjoy home-made corn shuck angels and ornaments made from spools, both popular Christmas decorations in small town Mountain View.

Aurora Borialis seen in North Pole - Flickr photo by beverlypack

There really is a North Pole Virginia! It’s located in Alaska, and that is where #6 displays Christmas year-round. If Alaska’s too far and too cold, then you might want to visit #7, Alexandria, Virginia, where you can participate in the Scottish Walk Weekend, now in its 38^th year.

Just a short freezing 20 minute ride aboard a ferry will get you to Mackinac Island, Michigan, where BRRRR, you can only get around by horse and buggy, the same as they did 100 years ago, and even today, Santa will visit each and every child (part of the 500 population on Mackinac Island) to hear their Christmas wish.

Anyone for Christmas, New Orleans style? Voted #9, New Orleans boasts of their twinkling lights, streetcars decorated with Christmas garlands, wrought iron balconies dressed in holly, meandering historical characters and all the great music and food New Orleans is known for. But, not to be outdone, a little southwest of the border is #10, San Antonio, Texas, wrapping up the Top Ten . . . where River Walk sparkles that much more. Imagine 40 decorated Christmas trees, eating tamales instead of turkey and participating in “La Gran Posada” a moving reenactment of the first Christmas Eve.

Flickr photo by guy schmidt

Whatever you do this Christmas, take time to visit your decorated town hall, city square, downtown area, and any place meant to bring a little holiday cheer. In ending, may we wish you happy holidays!

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