Enjoying Summer at Short Sands Beach, York Beach, Maine</h1> <article> <h1>Enjoying Summer at Short Sands Beach, York Beach, Maine</h1> New England has so many great beaches, but my favorite is Short Sands Beach in York Beach, Maine. Framed by rocky coast, magnificent old oceanfront homes, arcades, and a lively, small downtown, Short Sands Beach best captures the essence of summer in New England for us with its classic Maine sights, sounds and that wonderful and refreshing salt air smell. Although Short Sands Beach can get busy in the summer, there’s always a relaxing, intimate feeling as the beach is only about of fourth of a mile long and more visitors opt for nearby Long Sands Beach. The Short Sands Beach area also features a nice paved walkway, lifeguards, a gazebo where concerts are held, grass fields and a playground. The water is chilly, but many visitors get used to the brisk feel after repeated visits! The only cost to you for visiting this beautiful beach is just filling the parking meter — a dollar an hour — or local private lots that offer parking for as low as $5! Here are some photos of Short Sands Beach that I hope inspire you to visit this summer: Related articles and resources: Salt water taffy and more at The Goldenrod, York [...] </article> <article> <h1>Slater Mill, Pawtucket R.I., is Not Your Run-of-the-Mill Travel Attraction</h1> Whoever says that Pittsburgh, Penn., is the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution is blowing a lot of smoke. Surprisingly, Pawtucket, R.I., holds the distinction of shifting the paradigm from an agricultural to a manufacturing world when, in 1793, the Slater Mill debuted the first water-powered cotton textile mill in the nation by brilliantly harnessing the power of the Blackstone River. Many historians regard the Old Slater Mill as the first successful factory in the United States, thus validating its stance as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Slater Mill founders Sam Slater and Moses Brown paid in cash to employees of all ages, thus bringing prosperity to families that had previously suffered through an increasingly down economy in the area. Eventually the Slater Mill, and the viral effect it had on the local economy, went south — literally and figuratively — as the textile industry became more prominent below the Mason Dixon Line. Rhode Island is obviously a very different state today as high tech, academia and tourism help create the economy. Speaking of tourism, the Slater Mill still remains today! Now a tourist destination and a National Historic Landmark, this fascinating complex offers tours, exhibits, artifacts, a [...] </article> <article> <h1>Cheap Travel Fun at Capron Park Zoo, Attleboro, Mass.</h1> While visiting the affordable Capron Park Zoo in Attleboro, Mass., I could have sworn that one of the birds said “Cheap, cheap!” Whether it was just bird talk or just a PR-crazy vertebrate animal, nothing said about this pleasant, little zoo near the Rhode Island border could have been more accurate. The Capron Park Zoo keeps admission prices way down — good news for the common folk that are tired of the “lions and tigers and bears” prices that seemingly require a second mortgage at many other zoos. Non-Attleboro residents can gain admission at $7.00 per adult, $5.50 for each child three-12, $4.75 for a senior citizen, $2.75 for a U.S. military member and FREE for kids under three. The Capron Zoo is clearly more than just an affordable zoo destination, however. The staff clearly shows pride of ownership with beautiful park grounds and a surprisingly impressive animal collection, given the relatively small size of the zoo. Animals include the Snow Leopard, Flying Fox, Binturong, Ocelot, Llama, Red Kangaroos, Red Crested Cardinal, Snowy Crowned Robin Chat, Red Crowned Crane, Dart Frogs, Emu, Woodpartridge, Fennec Fox, Sloth Bear, Hornbills, Serval, African Lions, Pygmy Loris, Weld’s Marmoset and Golden Lion Tamarin. But wait, there’s more… [...] </article> <article> <h1>Richardson’s, Middleton, Mass., Goes Beyond “Ice Cream Stand”</h1> Richardson’s Ice Cream stand in Middleton, Mass., has “scooped” much of its competition by keeping it’s prices low on ice cream, while also offering two miniature golf courses, a driving range and batting cages. Additionally, you can can tour the farm, see how milk is bottled (we recommend buying a bottle of fresh milk!) and commune with the many cows, as well as ducks, sheep, chickens and a rooster around the beautiful farm land. It’s especially pleasant being here at the sun going down gives way to the stars — so relaxing, friendly and, ultimately, the stuff that summers are made of on a hot New England night. The Richardson family’s farming business dates back to 1696, with its dairy industry evolving through the years. The ice cream stand became a local household name in the 1960s. That ice cream stand, today, is often packed with multiple lines, waiting eagerly for some delicious ice cream that has a base of 16 percent butterfat. Rarely have we tasted ice cream this fresh and creamy with our favorites being the vanilla ( with pure bourbon vanilla extract imported From Madagascar), peppermint stick, strawberry, cherry vanilla, Toll House Cookie, ginger and pumpkin. A “kiddie” [...] </article> <article> <h1>Enjoy the Swirling Waters of The Basin in Franconia Notch State Park, N.H.</h1> I could stay at the Basin in Franconia Notch State Park, N.H., all day — it was that way as a kid and still is to this very day. This free, beloved White Mountains of New Hampshire family travel destination features a huge granite pothole, 20 feet in diameter, eroded into a large block of granite by the Pemigewasset River. It’s nice to see the swirling waters in the Basin, the bridges and various textures of the water along the way and the walking paths eventually rising to the top of the waterfall with scenic rural White Mountains views. Although quite popular in the summer, the Basin always feels like your own discovery and the fresh mountain air, refreshing sounds of the water, scenic forest and birds happily chirping add up to a natural package that’s hard to leave. It becomes quite clear at The Basin that life’s simplest pleasures have often been created through the genius of Mother Nature! The Basin Exit 34A off Interstate 93 Franconia Notch State Park Franconia, NH 603-745–8391 Related cheap travel New Hampshire articles:: Visiting Echo Lake State Beach in Franconia Notch State Park A timeless White Mountains family road trip. Make hotel reservations in Franconia [...] </article> <article> <h1>Free Housatonic River Association Connecticut Paddle Guide Available</h1> Learn the best ways to paddle the Housatonic and the Farmington Rivers through the free, full color Housatonic River Association Connecticut Paddle Guide Blessed with two major recreational rivers, the Housatonic and the Farmington, and over 9,000 surface acres of lakes and spring-fed ponds, the Litchfield Hills of Northwest Connecticut are overflowing with spring fun on the water. Melting snow that makes rivers run high means prime time for whitewater challenge and sunny spring days are just right for a peaceful paddle on a sun-dappled river. The Housatonic Valley Association has just published a free Connecticut Paddling Guide of nine navigable sections of the Housatonic River with 29 access sites starting from Ashley Falls, Mass. and going to Stratford, Connecticut. The Guide provides detailed maps and easy to read directions. Descriptions of each section of the river include distance, the type of water flow, landmarks, and tributaries entering the section and warnings where necessary. Other sections of the guide have information on the river’s history, its health, and plant and wildlife species found along the river. The guide also includes tips on boating safety and guarding against spreading invasive aquatic species. Notes on specific wildlife, recreational areas, historic sites, other [...] </article> <article> <h1>There’s No “Topping” Red Cherry Frozen Yogurt in Walpole, Mass.</h1> Many “cultured” individuals could be seen in downtown Walpole, Mass., yesterday as Red Cherry self-serve frozen yogurt opened shop in grand style. From serious businessmen to spirited middle school students , hundreds stopped by on opening day to check out this nationally trending niche business genre. You could hear comments like “This is awesome!,” ” I can’t believe this!” and “We’ll have to come back for more soon.” If you love frozen yogurt, this is definitely the place for you. The large frozen yogurt cups allow for creative license to make your own unique concoction from the approximately 20 flavors, seven syrups and 50 toppings. We tried tiramisu, cookies and cream and birthday cake flavors (in three separate cups, that is!) – all fabulous with a rich, creamy taste nice texture. What I also like about Red Cherry is that the owners built this independently-owned, local mom and pop business with a franchise-quality appearance. Perfection comes to mind when thinking about the impressive color scheme, layout, cleanliness, and customer service. Even though the look is of a national franchise, there’s an innate local, community feel that keeps Red Cherry from being just another sterile, generic frozen yogurt place. Local residents already [...] </article> <article> <h1>Visiting Rockport, Mass., Just For The “Halibut”</h1> Photo credit: Tim Grafft/MOTT Halibut Point State Park in the North Shore town of Rockport, Mass., stands as one of New England’s most unique and beautiful coastal parks. Made of 44o million year old granite sheets, this former quarry features dramatic descents from the rocky headline to the tidal pools below. The views can be spectacular, especially on a clear day with views spanning from Crane’s Beach in Ipswich, Mass., to Mt. Agamenticus in York, Maine, and New Hampshire’s coastal Isle of Shoals. It’s a great cheap travel destination for communing with nature, not to mention having a picnic with a view! From Labor Day to Memorial Day, the park is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.. A nominal parking fee is charged. We recommend checking out the Visitor’s Center on the premises to find out more about Halibut State Park and opportunities to take a staff and/or volunteer-conducted tour. Halibut State Park, is located on Gott Ave. (three miles north of Rockport Center on Route 127). Tel. 978 546-2997 Related articles and resources: Exploring Rockport and the North Shore Book a hotel room at discount rates in Rockport, Mass. Walking Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine </article> <article> <h1>New England Travel Blooms at Bridge of Flowers, Shelburne Falls, Mass.</h1> One of my all-time favorite cheap travel New England destinations is the one-of-a-kind Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, Mass. A former trolley bridge, this amazing free attraction features 400 ft. of more than 500 varieties of flowers, shrubs and vines! The Bridge of Flowers continues to grow from donations and the work of local volunteers, with colorful displays from April to October. Additionally, you’ll find many things to do on either side of the bridge — the Norman Rockwell look of the small downtown Shelburne Falls features locally-owned shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants, while tiny Buckland offers McCusker’s natural food coop, and Mo’s Fudge Factors with great fudge and Bart’s homemade ice cream. Related articles and resources: Enjoying the great outdoors in New England Visiting Shelburne Falls Book a room at the lowest available rates in Northampton MA </article> <article> <h1>Circle the Acadia National Park Loop Road for Your Maine Trip Planning</h1> Acadia National Park from Maine Office of Tourism on Vimeo. Just $20 for private vehicle admission will give you access to million dollar views at the 27-mile Acadia National Park, Maine, Loop Road. What a great minimal investment for your Maine travel plans! I first visited the Acadia National Park Loop Road in the early 1970s and, to this very day, am still in absolute awe of the spectacular, beyond scenic views of ocean, rocky shores, mountains and hills. One of those aforementioned elements is enough to provide a memorable time, but when they all come together — well, the experience is one that will stay in your mind for a long time. Although you could do just fine by just driving the Loop Road, the best option is to get out of your automobile to fully experience this one-of-a-kind coastal travel destination. For starters, the refreshing salt air and the sounds of waves crashing creates a wonderful sensory soundtrack of what’s to come. At the very least, be sure to visit… Sand Beach where the sand and sea are nicely nestled within the hills and rocky shore. The water is always chilly here, but the scenery absolutely heartwarming! Thunder [...] </article> </main></body></html>