Visit Newport Rhode Island and experience New England as it was meant to be.  A bustling waterfront village, impressive colonial estates, and amazing hospitality are just a few of the things that make Newport “a shining gem in the coastal crown” that is New England.

Newport offers a little something for everyone, from exhilarating nautical excursions to leisurely strolls through famous mansions and vineyards.  For those who enjoy early American history, Newport is not to be missed.  Beautiful New England scenery provides a dramatic backdrop for the amazing architecture of the gilded age.  Stroll through homes that were built by Vanderbilts and Astors, check out some of the historic forts and museums, or spend a day relaxing at the spa.  You’re sure to be taken with the rich history of the area.

To really experience the charm of the area, check out one of the charming Newport bed and breakfasts.  Many are within walking distance of the downtown and beachfront areas, and provide a feeling of stepping back in time without sacrificing modern comforts.

Check out Newport, Rhode Island -you’re sure to be pleased!

Images Courtesy Sarunas B

Welcome back!

I remember reading Edward Abbey’s Desert Solitaire in high school and imagining the Great Southwest to be a vast land of rock and caves where the ancient Anasazi Indians made their lives as cliff dwellers going in and out of our world through their time machines known as kivas. 

Ten years ago I, personally, made the move from out east to Colorado and have since thoroughly enjoyed exploring Colorado’s southwest corner and Utah’s canyonland areas where Mr. Abby spent some time learning and writing about that rugged and ancient terrain.

Just outside of Dolores, Colorado you will find The Anasazi Heritage Center where guests can see, touch and learn about the Four Corners “prehistory” era.  There are roughly 3 million records and artifacts that make up the Center’s attractions.

The Anasazi Heritage Center also represents the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.  Here you will find a pre-Puebloan culture that dates back to at least 10,000 years.  Evidence of their villages still remains for visitors to see.  The Canyons of the Ancients is a vast land protected by the BLM and is open for exploration but one must be very careful and respect these ancestral ruins.  Leave no trace as they say and “they” (Bureau of Land Management) mean it.

Mesa Verde country consists of just about every type of terrain so that all kinds of recreation can exist.  Everything that can be done outdoors, even skiing, can be done in Mesa Verde country.  To me, the best way to experience and explore this country is on foot and since we are talking about the desert that means lots of sun and heat in the summer.  Use common sense and hike during the morning or dusk hours and not during the middle of the day when the sun is at its’ highest.  One can find camping in designated areas to really get the feel of day turning into night.

So, if you ever find yourself traveling from Denver going west and if you have a couple of days to spare consider the Mesa Verde Country in southwest Colorado.  Experience a beautiful and ancient land which is home of the modern day Pueblo People, descendants of the Ancient Anasazi Indians.       

Mesa Verde Overlook by Mulsanne

Mesa Verde Kiva by norrisbaby

Mesa Verde by neuroticcamel

Jekyll Island, just off the coast of Georgia near Brunswick, is another of those great beach resorts that the southerners have managed to keep to themselves. I can’t blame them one bit.

The entire 5,700 acre barrier island is an historic area and nature preserve. Combine these attractions with the Atlantic seashore, a mild climate, tennis and golf and you have an ideal vacation destination for the whole family.

The Villas By The Sea, on the northern end of Jekyll, offers a wide choice of modern accommodations, all the desirable resort amenities and some of the best Jekyll Island Golf Packages. Choose between 10 great coastal Georgia golf courses, including the 3 located right on the island.

There are plenty of opportunities to relish the long, varied lore of the island – an interesting mix of colonial settlement, slavery, wealth, privilege and politics – in the National Historic Landmark District, which includes the famous Jekyll Island Club, a haunt of the rich and famous.

Children will enjoy the sense of freedom afforded by the bike paths that lace the island, the magnolia and live oak lined nature trails and the boardwalks that transport them over the protective dunes to natural beach areas. The highlight of any trip is a night time Turtle Walk to view the nesting sea turtles who come ashore every summer to lay their eggs.

If you’re looking for a active, yet relaxing family beach vacation, be sure to check out Jekyll Island – a destination everyone will enjoy.

The historic village of Chester, NJ is located just 20 minutes from Morristown and features a plethora of shops and eateries conveniently located along the main street of the village. This is an excellent vacation for those of you who like to browse shops and visit small galleries, along with soaking up some revolutionary war erahistory.

Originally known as “Black River,” Chester was established in the early 1700’s along a network of dirt indian trails barely wide enough for a lone horseman that criss-crossed the densely wooded areas of New England. It was by these trails that a group of adventurous settlers from Southold and Easthampton, Long Island, first came to the green hills of Morris County. Two of those trails converged in the area that the Minisink Indians called “Almatunk,” “black earth bottom” for Black River – hence the original name of Black River.

In the 1970’s the Borough of Chester underwent major renovations and many unique and tourist-friendly shops were added to bring new life to an old village. Lodging is available in Chester or approximately 20 minutes away in Morristown, NJ. Check out The Madison Hotel for a Morristown Lodging option.