PIAZZETTA: The one of a kind Il Mulino New York  Restaurant was ranked as an exceptional dining establishment while the Acqualina Spa by ESPA earned top marks as well. We had our first taste of the Piazzetta, a modern marketplace and beachfront Italian restaurant concept which transports guests to a town square set in South Florida Riviera amidst the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Tuscany-inspired marketplace and beachfront restaurant offers light dining options, bottled wines, olive oils, sauces, caviar, brick oven pizzas, crostinis, paninis, salads, meats, teas and a coffee corner boasting twenty one specialty coffees in a relaxed and inviting setting. Guests and residents get  to enjoy the luxurious surroundings of Acqualina’s indoor and outdoor spaces while savoring in an assortment of signature dishes and offerings. Daily specials include roasted marinated chicken and grilled wild tiger shrimp. The menu is curated by Acqualina’s executive chef Christopher Blum and Chef Michael Mazza of Il Mulino New York.

At Piazzetta, guests can enjoy dine-in or take-away the finest fresh, prepared and gourmet foods, as well as purchase a variety of merchandise, including Il Mulino’s famous pasta sauces. This Italian market also offers a wine corner featuring a wide variety of wines from around world with an emphasis on private vintages.  Piazzetta at Acqualina is open to the public Monday  to Sunday from 11a.m.  to 11 p.m.  .

THE RESORT: The Acqualina boasts 4.5 beachfront acres with 400 feet of stunning Atlantic coastline, 188 residences, 97 impeccable guestrooms and suites, the 20,000 square-foot ESPA oceanfront spa, oceanfront restaurants, four swimming pools and an innovative marine biology-based children’s AcquaMarine program. Next door construction is underway on a brand new complex called The Mansions of Acqualina.

The Acqualina is owned by ‘the other Trumps.”  Brothers Jules and Eddie, the sons of a South African tailor known as “Willie,” have no financial, philosophical or even familial ties to Donald Trump. Over the years they have quietly built an empire on luxury real estate development, one which includes Williams Island (named after their dad), an 82-acre posh preserve for the rich in Aventura and Luxuria in Boca Raton, seaside condos that include flat-screen televisions in the bathrooms.  .

For more information on Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach, log on to www.acqualina.com. For reservations, please call 305-918-6777 or 888-804-4338.

IL MULINO: Il Mulino New York (www.ilmulino.com) by far ranks as my number one dining experience anywhere each year. Renowned for its bustling and energetic atmosphere, market fresh daily specials, extensive selection of fine Italian wines and an impeccably polished wait staff,  this is one of  more than a dozen (and counting) Il Mulino locations. It has already become  a much sought-after establishment, frequented by both locals and visitors in the know.    

The 110-seat indoor restaurant spreads onto a 24-seat veranda overlooking the ocean.  Service here is absolutely spectacular. Experienced Maitre ‘D  Tino Ponticorvo is there to greet you while regional director of operations Jason Rodriguez  is often on site and your contact to book private functions.

The menu draws upon the rustic and hearty Abruzzi region in Italy. From the moment you walk into the establishment, your party is showered with attention as Tino and several severs bring you complimentary antipasto tastings of soppresatta, bruschetta, reggiano parmesan, fried zucchini. mussels and garlic/cheese bread sticks.  There is such a wide variety of selections to choose from, it is no wonder they have regulars who come here several times a week. We arrived at 7 p.m. and the place was a bit quiet. Within a half hour there was not an empty seat in the house. Our party began by enjoying the appetizers and ordering some salads and their signature tortellini soup.  For the main course, we needed a lot of time to decide.  Would it be the veal, some fresh fish, langoustines, pasta, chicken, steak or lamb chops? One person opted for the dover sole, giving a huge thumbs up. Two of us shared the generous portion of lamb chops, accompanied by the best rosemary potatoes I can remember in a long time. Two others feasted on the langoustines, with risotto.

The wine list includes over 200 selections of Italian varieties and guests are offered a complimentary glass of signature house grappa prepared by Tino himself. This year’s newest creation was coconut and I must say I found it quite tasty. Also on the dessert menu, the flourerless chocolate cake, the cheesecake and the tiramisu are to die for. Ask for the sampler, which includes a tasting of all of their desserts on one tray.   Il Mulino New York is right by the main lobby of the Acqualina. There is valet parking. The address is  17780 Collins Avenue. Be sure to make a reservation by calling 305-466-9191. You can view the menu on their website.

SUNNY ISLES: The beautiful community of Sunny Isles Beach, known as Florida’s Riviera, is  located on a barrier island in the northeast corner of Miami-Dade County, bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Intracoastal Waterway on the west.  Located midway between downtown Miami and Fort Lauderdale, with easy access to business centers, Sunny Isles also includes entertainment, sports and recreational facilities, and tourist attractions.

Almost one million vacationers visit Sunny Isles Beach annually to enjoy the two and a half mile-long fine sand beach and outdoor amenities such as water sports, boating, fishing, and tennis as well as the abundant shopping, dining and entertainment options nearby. The landmark fishing pier is a local favorite while the beautiful Samson Oceanfront Park provides a children’s play area and space to relax; meet friends and enjoy the sunrise. The city is experiencing a major redevelopment renaissance on the east side of Collins Avenue, the main thoroughfare. Zoning laws ensure that view corridors and beach access pathways will always offer residents a life with a view. To the west of Collins Avenue, the City is building parks, improving the infrastructure and laying the groundwork for future redevelopment.

JEWELRY EXCHANGE: I experienced something new during this trip to Florida – the International Jewelry Exchange on Biscayne Boulevard in Aventura. This well secured venue features an endless array of kiosks with some of the nicest jewelry you have ever seen. The novelty here is that you can shop around for the best quality and price. Our family’s search stopped at Station 19 and Jewelry by Marsha (www.jewelrybymarsha.com). Marty Yoskowitz has been in business here for 37 years and by far offers the best deals.  You can email him at info@jewelrybymarsha.com.

Located in Palm Beach County, “Boca,” is known for its affluent social community and high income demographic.  Before embarking upon our amazing dinner at Legal Sea Foods, we explored the different shopping options.

The Town Center (http://www.simon.com/mall/town-center-at-boca-raton) on Glades Road is considered to  one of South Florida’s top luxury shopping destinations. It features an outstanding mix of upscale and elite specialty shops and a  lineup of six department stores – Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Sears. Among the 220 stores at Town Center, you will find The Apple Store, Tiffany & Co, Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch, Lilly Pulitzer and many more. Parking options are more than ample, including three parking decks and valet stations. Conveniently located off I-95 and Glades Road, you’ll find just what you need and more.

Mizner Park (www.miznerpark.com) is an upscale lifestyle center in downtown Boca. Besides upscale shops, Mizner is also composed of rental apartments and offices. The Centre for the Arts at Mizner Park is a cultural center on the north end of the development, which is embodied by an amphitheater and the Boca Raton Museum of Art. The art museum, Victor’s Antiques & Fine Arts, Addison Gallery and the luxurious iPic movie theater are the center’s anchor stores, along with highly rated restaurants Max’s Grille, Villagio, and Truluck’s. Cooper Carry designed the architecture of Mizner as a Mediterranean revival town center. Previously, the site of Mizner Park was a conventional enclosed shopping center called Boca Mall, which opened in 1974 and was redeveloped 18 years later.

The Sample Road Festival Flea Market (www.festival.com) is actually located nearby in Pompano Beach. It is actually the country’s largest indoor flea market, featuring over 500 unique stores under one roof! Aisle by aisle you’ll find everything you ever wanted and specialty items you only dreamed of finding. You can enjoy casual dining in the international food court and a retail shopping experience like no other.  The complex is a quarter-mile long.

DINING OUT:  Legal Sea Foods (www.legalseafoods.com) is located in the  Town Center on Glades Road. At one time there were also Legal locations at the Sawgrass Mills mega-mall and in West Palm Beach. The Boca franchise is strong, popular and extremely well run.

The chain was born in 1950 when George Berkowitz opened a fish market in the Inman Square neighborhood of Cambridge, Massachusetts. He opened it adjacent to his father Harry’s grocery store Legal Cash Market where customers were given “Legal Stamps” (forerunners of S&H green stamps) with their purchases. It’s here that the “Legal” name became synonymous with quality and freshness.

In 1968, the Berkowitz family opened its first seafood restaurant, right next to the fish market. The fish was simply prepared, either broiled or fried, and served on paper plates at communal picnic tables. Despite the low-key trappings, the food was second to none and word quickly spread. This early success led to further expansion and now, six decades later with restaurants along the Eastern Seaboard, the family philosophy endures: Legal Sea Foods is a fish company in the restaurant business.

George’s son, Roger, has been at the helm since 1992 and has expanded the business into new markets while maintaining the company’s focus on its proud tradition and core values.   Besides, of course, Massachusetts, there are Legal  locales in Washington Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia.

The Boca restaurant has a really pretty look, complete with a large fish tank.  Make sure to ask for manager Laura Nardi, a veteran of the Legal family who makes it her business to visit every table and even assist in the service. Their selection of fresh seafood  is quite plentiful: swordfish, tuna, salmon, rainbow trout, mahi mahi, snapper, grouper, shrimp and sea scallops. Those members of our family who love lobster truly appreciate the serving method here. They take the lobster meat completely  out of the shell, saving you all of the messy cracking and separation. The choice of sides include mashed potatoes, cole slaw, rice pilaf, jasmine rice, French fries, onion strings, spinach.  Legal’s New England  clam chowder is a wise starter. The same goes for the wedge and classic Caesar salads. There are some great desserts here as well, including the three bon bons – bite size scoops of ice cream dipped in chocolate,

Opening hours here are 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.,  Monday to Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and Noon to 9 p.m. Sundays. You can call 561-447-2112 for reservations.

We recently spent four days in Albany. With a great place to stay, excellent restaurants to choose from and, of course, the endless shopping experience, it proved to be the perfect getaway.

Albany has attracted visitors for 400 years with historic sites, fabulous attractions, family-friendly amenities, and entertaining events. World-class museums, unique galleries, stunning architecture, those enticing restaurants, and welcoming accommodations can indeed keep you busy for days.  Enjoy everything from boating to skiing and biking to snow-shoeing. Albany lies at the foot of the Adirondacks and Catskill Mountains and is at the tip of the historic Hudson Valley Region. Within a short ride are neighboring Cooperstown and Saratoga Springs.

Be sure to check out the Million Dollar Staircase, the awe inspiring “Egg” at the Empire State Plaza and many diverse examples of historic house sites and public spaces such as the Pruyn House and the first Shaker Meeting House. You can visit the magnificent Gothic structure, now the Administrative Center of the State University of New York, the Delaware and Hudson, and the Albany Evening Journal Buildings, located at the base of State Street.

There is an abundance of professional theatre, music, dance, sports, and a backyard full of recreational splendors. As the crossroads of the northeast, Albany is easily accessible by car, train, and plane and is located less than three hours from New York and  Boston. I have also heard very good things about the Albany Aqua Ducks & Trolleys (www.albanyaquaducks.com), an amphibious tour and trolley tour company featuring historic tours of Albany. The Ducks offer unique, educational and fun-filled tours. You can see the historic sites and then Splash into the Hudson River for a mariner’s view of the city’s skyline and others who call the Hudson “home” including the USS Slater and Dutch Apple Cruises. The Trolleys operate a seasonal Trolley loop tour and are available year round for charters and events. The Ducks and Trolleys are available for parades, festivals, family reunions, bar/bat mitzvahs, corporate events or any special occasion that needs to be “Just Ducky!” Info: Bob Wolfgang at 518-858-9690

The Crossgates Mall is home to 250 stores, restaurants and kiosks, including big box tenants Macys, Sears, Dick’s Sporting Goods and JC Penny (now called JCP).

The vast majority of entrances are ADA accessible with ample parking distributed throughout the site.  You can rent a wheelchair at the information desk near the Macys entrance.

The Dave and  Buster’s restaurant and games and arcade chain will open its first Albany location at the Mall soon. We spent nearly seven straight hours there on a first day and went back for another three the following afternoon.

ACCOMMODATIONS: When in Albany we enjoy staying at the Cresthill Suites (www.cresthillsuites.com), an extended stay hotel located at 1415 Washington Avenue. It turned out to be most convenient for us. There were large Hannaford’s and Price Chopper grocery stores nearby, as well as plenty of restaurants, the Crossgates Mall, the Colonie Center and two movie theatre complexes. Cresthill is in fact part of a small chain, with other locales in Syracuse, NY and Wichita, Kansas.

I would strongly recommend this place for families. Our spacious two bedroom suite had all of the comforts of home, including a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and appliances and free wireless internet. We had a comfortable living room, with a couch, chair, table and chairs, three flat screen TVs and plenty of cupboard space.  Whether you’re staying for a night or a month in any one of these suites, the hotel offers an array of services to accommodate your travel needs. In the morning, you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, and in the evening, a light fare reception and social hour is available every Monday through Thursday.  There is daily housekeeping, same-day valet service, a grocery shopping service, free guest laundry, a fully equipped fitness center and a seasonal courtyard with a pool, patio and grills. General Manager Lisa Druckreier notes that the 10 year old property has a regular clientele who stay there for long periods of time,  be it people working on big projects in town and in construction, those relocating, fire victims and of course vacationers who want to enjoy all of the comforts of home.  The hotel has a number of handicapped accessible rooms and handicapped parking spots at the front door. There is elevator access to each floor and level crossings in the hallways.

The hotel is currently replacing sofas, chairs, ottomans and carpets in all rooms.

I found the staff at the front desk exceptionally helpful. While the room was very comfy, I also enjoyed spending time in the large lobby area and sinking into the big sofa in front of a TV.  A self service coffee, tea and hot chocolate is available 24 hours a day. For more information call 1.888.723.1655 or email info@cresthillsuites.com. You can also register online.

WHERE TO DINE:  We had a marvelous meal at Simpson’s Grille, where five chefs have shared 83 years of experience to create menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner to tantalize even the most discriminating taste buds.  This is the type of place where sole Françoise and grilled Atlantic salmon meet New York sirloin and filet mignon. The restaurant is located at The Desmond Hotel & Conference Center, a magnificent facility at 660 Albany Shaker Road.  The Desmond is also home to the AAA four diamond-rated Scrimshaw Restaurant and The Tavern, an English style pub. There is free parking.

I started off with a warm bowl of New England clam chowder. For the main course, we selected three different items:  the seafood penne alfredo, a combination of Alaskan crabmeat, jumbo gulf shrimp and Georges Bank sea scallops tossed in a garlic cream sauce; pesto herb sea scallops, coated with basil pesto and fresh herbs, broiled and finished with tomato vinaigrette; and a char grilled ribeye, 14 ounces, well marbled and full of flavor.  All main courses come with a signature house or Caesar salad, choice of potato or rice pilaf and the chef’s fresh vegetable of the day.

The menu also includes chicken, different fish entrees, prime rib of beef, filet mignon and veal piccata.

The hotel entrance is perfectly wheelchair accessible and so is the entire restaurant, located right by the front desk. This is a pretty venue, featuring booths and tables, and popular with tourists and locales.

After dinner I took the opportunity to explore the property. One section of rooms are located in an area that was once outdoors and makes for a pretty interesting view.

Not only can you log on to the restaurant’s website (http://www.desmondhotelsalbany.com/wine-and-dine/simpsons-restaurant.html) to download the menu, but you can also book your table here, which is very convenient. Simpson’s Grille is open Monday to Fridays from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.to 10 p.m.  On weekends they are open from 6:30 a.m.  straight through 10 p.m.

Take the time to walk around the facility before or after dinner.  It includes 323 guest rooms   and suites, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, free parking and airport shuttle service, a newly renovated fitness center, indoor pool with Jacuzzi, 24 hour business center and two beautifully landscaped all-season atria. The conference center offers 22 unique meeting spaces and over 24,000-square-feet of flexible function space and an amphitheatre.

The Tavern is cozy, warm, inviting and considered “a place to relax and unwind.” Here folks tend to   sink into one of the leather sofas by the fireplace or root for their favorite team while watching the big screen televisions.  Cocktails, cordials and an endless line of beer taps accompany a lite fare menu of appetizers, salads, sandwiches and burgers.

Scrimshaw at The Desmond is the only AAA Four Diamond Award winning restaurant for three consecutive years in the Capital Region. It recently introduced a newly renovated fine dining room and exquisite new menu. New Chef de Cuisine Stephen Fratianni and Director of Restaurants Frank Rivera have teamed up to combine classic favorites with unique new menu offerings, including market fresh seafood options which change monthly and select table-side preparation to create a truly memorable and one of a kind fine dining experience.

The P.F Chang’s  at Colonie  Center  in Albany is top notch. We strongly recommend it to anyone passing through.

Each dish on the P.F. Chang’s  (www.pfchangs.com) menu is prepared to order using the freshest and highest quality ingredients. The environment at each location combines  influences of Chinese and American cultures. A panoramic, hand-painted mural depicting 12th century China, is visible from the main dining room and commands attention as the restaurant’s centerpiece, while several terra-cotta warriors stand guard. The majestic 11 foot  tall horses grace the entrance to many of the restaurants. This horse symbolizes the original Forbidden City in China, which was built for China’s first emperor Qin Shi Huangdi.

The Albany location has been  in operation for five years.  This was our second time there and we remembered the excellent and quick service. The menu is tantalizing and features a much appreciated calorie count next to each item. So what can Montrealers look forward to? Well, first of all the prices are very reasonable and it is highly recommended you share a few dishes. On this night my two dinner partners and I started off with some won ton and egg drop soups. The former includes pork wontons, mushrooms, fresh spinach, water chestnuts, chicken and shrimp in a savory chicken broth; the latter is the P.F. Chang’s version of the traditional soup, with egg, julienne carrots and green onion.

You really must start off with the P.F. Chang’s signature chicken lettuce wraps: wok seared minced chicken, mushrooms, green onions and water chestnuts served over crispy rice sticks with cool, crisp lettuce cups.

Select your sharing dishes wisely. My recommendation is the Mongolian beef (tender flank steak wok-cooked then quickly tossed with scallions and garlic), crispy honey shrimp (lightly battered and tossed in a sweet and tangy honey sauce with green onions), double pan-fried noodles (crisp egg noodles stir-fried with mushrooms, bok choy, carrots, celery and onions and comes with a choice of beef, pork, chicken, shrimp or vegetable) and a bowl of steamed rice.

You can check the full menu out online, including a full selection of gluten free items, lunch specials and kids choices. There is also a delicious array of signature desserts.

The sidewalk leading to the restaurant, the entrance and the entire restaurant is handicapped accessible.

AT THE MOVIES: The Albany area has some wonderful movie theatre complexes, each operated by the Regal Entertainment Group (www.regmovies.com). We have a particular fondness towards the Regal Colonie Center Stadium 13. This four year old movie complex encompasses around 64,000 square feet, with more than 2,800 seats in a total of 13 auditoriums. It is right next to two of my favorite restaurants, PF Chang`s China Bistro and the Cheesecake Factory and a huge Barnes &  Noble, great to know when you are planning an outing. The seats at this theatre are very comfortable as they swivel. We actually stopped by the evening before our show to pick up tickets in advance. You can also purchase them online at fandango.com.

Once in the theatre we were entertained by a feature called First Look, which included previews of upcoming film and DVD releases and a series of very amusing commercials. You can also log on to www.fandango.com and purchase your tickets online.

Hearing impaired devices are available upon request and the complex is very wheelchair friendly, with elevators at every level, ramps in each theatre and handicapped seating.

This is a great area to select as a base for it is in such a dynamic location. First and foremost, the amazing Eaton Centre (www.torontoeatoncentre.com) is just a few blocks away. Besides its endless array of stores and kiosks, there is an Indigo bookstore, a number of restaurants and the busy urban eatery food court, which can serve your dinner needs at good prices on a daily basis. Dundas Square, across the street, is Toronto’s answer to Times Square and always full of action.

OVER THE RAINBOW: The Theatre District is nearby. Thanks to Mirvish Productions (www.mirvish.com), Toronto is Canada’s answer to Broadway. The Andrew Lloyd Weber version of The Wizard of Oz (www.wizardofozthemusical.com) has been bringing in the crowds at the Ed Mirvish Theatre since December 2012, with lead performer Daniele Wade showing everyone who watched her win the role on a CBC TV reality show in the fall that she is the real thing. Its run is expected to stretch past the spring of 2013 and then tour the US. The Tony Award winning musical The Book of Mormon comes to the Prince of Wales Theatre April 30 to June 9 while Anything Goes hits the same venue July 16 to August 18.

Wade, who endured a grueling eight weeks and 16 episodes for the CBC show, actually hails from a Windsor, Ontario suburb called LaSalle. She recently completed her second year at the University of Windsor, where she studies acting. She has over 10 years of vocal training and recently played Elle Woods in Legally Blonde – The Musical, Cinderella in Into The Woods and was part of the cast in Carner & Gregor’s Barely Legal Showtune Extravaganza in New York City.

“When I first auditioned for the TV show I didn’t even think I would make it to the top 100,” Wade admits. “Here I am now. I have met Andrew Lloyd Webber in person. I have the lead role in a big Toronto Mirvish production. This is what I want to do for the rest of my life and I am off to a really exciting start.”

The Wizard of Oz features an all-Canadian cast. Playing opposite Wade in another of the most iconic roles is Gemini-winner, film and theatre veteran, Cedric Smith as the Wizard. The ensemble includes: Larry Mannell as Uncle Henry, Charlotte Moore as Aunt Em, Jordan Bell, Eric Coles, Sam DiGiuseppe, Chelsey Duplak, John Edwards, Kelly Grainger, Sarah Higgins, Julianne Hobby, Jason Huska, Zak Kearns, Ayrin Mackie, Anthony MacPherson, Stewart Adam McKensy, Julia McLellan, Kristen Pottle, Alana Randall, Adam Sergison, Sarah Slywchuk, Andrew Taylor, Jesse Weafer, Cleopatra Williams, Ryan Wilson and Alyson Workman.

Lloyd Webber’s new production of The Wizard of Oz is an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic, totally reconceived for the stage by the award-winning creative team that recently delighted Toronto audiences of all ages with the revival of The Sound of Music.

Developed from the ever popular MGM screenplay, this new production contains all the songs from the Oscar-winning movie score, all the favourite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way, including new songs by Tim Rice and Lloyd Webber.

Even though I have seen the movie at least a dozen times, not to mention amateur productions of the show, I still found myself very much intrigued by the entire storyline. Two little dogs share the role of Toto and Wade says they are very well trained. “I love dogs and have one of my own,” she says. “Our Totos listen pretty well, but when they don’t I have to work it into the show. It gives me a chance to work on my improv.”

Both the set and the costume are magnificent. The scene in which Dorothy is swept into Oz following a twister is particularly impressive.

The actors portraying Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Lion totally nail their roles along the journey through the magical Land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their hearts’ desires.

ACCOMMODATIONS: The Grand Hotel and Suites (www.grandhoteltoronto.com), is located at 225 Jarvis Street, near Dundas. This beautiful locale is only 13 years old and still looks spanking new. It features 177 extraordinary guest suites. For families, the 550 square foot junior two bedroom suite feature a spacious living room/work area separated from the two bedroom areas by sets of double French glass doors with vertical blinds. The bedrooms areas contain king and queen size beds, LCD TVs and dual-line telephones with dataport. A separate living area contains a double sofabed, TV, DVD Player, CD Player and a work desk with a dual-line telephone. There is a fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave, fridge, coffeemaker and cutlery.

You can slip into a plush bathrobe, use the iron and ironing board and enjoy the convenience of the laptop size in-room safe.

There is complimentary wireless internet access in each room. Indeed this place has all of the comforts of home and more, which is why many guests capitalize on the options of extended stay packages for 21 consecutive days or more. The kitchenette is a definite bonus and something kosher guests in particular will find useful as they can prepare some of their own meals. A very large Metro supermarket is just a block and and a half away. The suite has ample cupboard space to pack away the groceries.

All guests get to enjoy a splendid breakfast buffet, free of charge, with an extensive array of items to choose from. There is also a fitness centre, the two-storey neo-classical pool indoor pool (surrounded by exquisite hand painted murals) and two whirlpools on the rooftop garden, which provides a panoramic view of Toronto. The latter is a real plus and an area guests take advantage of year-round, even with below zero temperatures. When darkness falls, movies and television shows are piped on to a large white screen.

There is 24 hour room service, twice-daily maid service, valet and underground parking , a friendly concierge, a restaurant, 10,000 square feet of meeting space and a fully equipped business centre. Shuttle services are available to anywhere in the financial core. Make sure to bring your Aeroplan card in order to earn 500 miles per night.

Having the two distinct bedrooms and the middle area was a bonus I would recommend for a family spending multiple days together in a hotel room, providing just the necessary privacy.

The hotel attracts a lot of Montrealers and for that reason you will feel right at home watching the CTV Montreal station, as well as Radio Canada. Hotel general manager Heidi Wengle confirms that this was done as a result of feedback from guests.

Furthermore, Wengle told us that there are ongoing renovations to guest rooms. This includes new linens and mattresses. Over the last couple of years all of the televisions have been replaced with LCD flat screens while hardwood flooring has also been installed. The common hallways on each floor are having the carpets replaced and new paint colours. Eventually the light fixtures and artwork will be changed as well. In the meeting room foyer the carpets were replaced and new chairs are on order for this section. There are plans to modify the main lobby and the Citrus restaurant in the near future.

DINNER: We dined at the P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Restaurant, located at the newly redeveloped and trendy Shops at Don Mills. This has the distinction of being the first P.F. Chang’s in Canada, with the second set for Montreal’s Blue Bonnets plaza in April.

P.F. Chang’s has more than 200 restaurants in the United States and over 18 internationally. The menu offers cuisine inspired from five regions of China (Mongolian, Sichuan, Beijing, Shanghai and Hunan) along with unique desserts and signature drinks while also delivering impeccable service. The restaurant caters to different dietary and cultural needs, offering also a vast selection of gluten free and vegetarian dishes.

When we visited the Toronto location, it was packed to capacity. Manager Connor Wolff spent eight years working for P.F. Chang’s in California. Married to a Canadian, he jumped at the opportunity to come to Toronto. Since July he has been accompanied by a crew of Quebec operating partner Louie Mercuri and three managers who have rented a house together to learn the P.F. Chang’s system inside out. They will all be in Montreal for the spring opening.

Each dish on the P.F. Chang’s (www.pfchangs.com) menu is prepared to order using the freshest and highest quality ingredients. The environment at each location combines influences of Chinese and American cultures. A panoramic, hand-painted mural depicting 12th century China, is visible from the main dining room and commands attention as the restaurant’s centerpiece, while several terra-cotta warriors stand guard. The majestic 11 foot tall horses grace the entrance to many of the restaurants. This horse symbolizes the original Forbidden City in China, which was built for China’s first emperor Qin Shi Huangdi.

The menu is tantalizing and features a much appreciated calorie count next to each item. The menu is tantalizing and features a much appreciated calorie count next to each item. Our charming waitress Hanna introduced us to six sauces on the table. All of the servers do their own mixtures before your very eyes. In the case of Hanna, she introduced us to “the game changer” and we quite enjoyed it.

So what can Montrealers look forward to? Well, first of all the prices are very reasonable and it is highly recommended you share a few dishes. My two dinner partners and I started off with some won ton and egg drop soups. The former includes pork wontons, mushrooms, fresh spinach, water chestnuts, chicken and shrimp in a savory chicken broth; the latter is the P.F. Chang’s version of the traditional soup, with egg, julienne carrots and green onion.

You really must start off with the P.F. Chang’s signature chicken lettuce wraps: wok seared minced chicken, mushrooms, green onions and water chestnuts served over crispy rice sticks with cool, crisp lettuce cups.

Select your sharing dishes wisely. My recommendation is the Mongolian beef (tender flank steak wok-cooked then quickly tossed with scallions and garlic), crispy honey shrimp (lightly battered and tossed in a sweet and tangy honey sauce with green onions), double pan-fried noodles (crisp egg noodles stir-fried with mushrooms, bok choy, carrots, celery and onions and comes with a choice of beef, pork, chicken, shrimp or vegetable) and a bowl of steamed rice.

You can check the full menu out online, including a full selection of gluten free items, lunch specials and kids choices. There is also a delicious array of signature desserts.
CANADA’s WONDERLAND: Next summer make it a point to visit Canada’s Wonderland (www.canadas-wonderland.com), this country’s premier theme park with over 200 attractions, 68 thrilling rides, North America’s greatest variety of roller coasters, and Splash Works, a 20-acre water park featuring over two million gallons of heated water fun.

ONTARIO SCIENCE CENTRE: I made my first visit to the iconic and massive Ontario Science Centre (www.ontariosciencecentre.ca), home to interactive experiences with science and technology. This place not only develops and sources the world’s best exhibitions – supplemented with relevant programming to provide engaging experiences – but it aims to make a fundamental difference in the lives of visitors by providing them the skills and attributes to create a better future for the planet.

The Science Centre aims to enrich people’s lives and their understanding by engaging them in science that is important on local, national and global scales. They do this by offering top science experiences, memorable exhibitions, engaging programs and breathtaking films so that visitors can do far more than observe. They can interact and participate.

Built into the slope of the Don Valley, the Science Centre contains an array of inspiring spaces. The Weston Family Innovation Centre puts discovery, literally, in the hands of visitors – and in spring 2012 evolved with all-new, fascinating exhibits. KidSpark is the extremely popular hall designed for children under eight to learn, explore and create.

In Space, find the wonders of the galaxy, the quests of astronauts and a state-of-the-art planetarium. A Question of Truth challenges beliefs and Mindworks delves into the mysteries of the human brain. Living Earth delivers natural wonder, including a simulated tornado and a full rainforest environment. The Science Arcade is a fan favorite with a complete hands-on science experience that includes the famous electricity demo. A rich variety of programming is presented throughout the year. And of course, they have what is still Ontario’s only IMAX® Dome theatre – reason in itself to visit. We watched Born to Be Wild, a wonderful documentary narrated by actor Morgan Freeman. This film documents orphaned orangutans and elephants and the extraordinary people who rescue and raise them – saving endangered species one life at a time. Stunningly captured in IMAX, Born to be Wild is a heartwarming adventure transporting moviegoers into the lush rainforests of Borneo with world-renowned primatologist Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas, and across the rugged Kenyan savannah with celebrated elephant authority Dame Daphne M. Sheldrick, as they and their teams rescue, rehabilitate and return these incredible animals back to the wild.

The Science Centre remains ever-innovative and is now developing a new permanent exhibition, called The Human Edge, to be unveiled in 2013. At the moment, the place is undergoing a revitalization of one of its major spaces. By the end of the year The Human Edge and about the remarkable body will be in place. The Weston Family Innovation Centre has already undergone a major upgrade. This is considered a must see. KidSpark and the Space Hall are very popular too. My favorite spot was the Rain Forest, an enclosed area which could definitely pass for the real thing for a movie shoot.

Within just a quarter of a square mile, the Back Bay has world-class architecture, fun activities and attractions, quiet, residential streets, plenty of outdoor waterfront recreational space. So, when my family took a short trip to Boston recently to see one of film and stage’s most extraordinary performers, Idina Menzel, headline her own concert at the Wang Theatre, the Back Bay was our base.

WHERE TO STAY: A mere five minutes from the theatre sits the magnificent Back Bay Hotel, part of the prestigious Doyle Collection (www.doylecollection.com) located in the former headquarters of the Boston Police Department, it is now an even more arresting proposition after a stunning renovation program that has created a modern-day landmark in this magnificent city. The stylish interior of The Back Bay Hotel offers vibrancy and warmth unique to this luxury Boston hotel and their team complements that warmth with a highly engaging and personal form of service that makes your stay a genuinely luxurious experience.

The hotel is equally well located for exploring the tourist riches of Boston or doing business in this strategically important business capital. Just by the Charles River, this is the perfect base from which to explore or exploit this compact and beautiful city.

The Doyle Collection boasts a selection of ten “collectively individual” hotels set in the most fashionable quarters of six major cities across Ireland, the U.K. and the U.S. Each hotel has its own unique and contrasting character. Their portfolio of luxury hotels can be found in prime city centre locations in Dublin, Cork, London, Bristol, Boston and Washington DC.

Guest rooms at the Back Bay feature lush fabrics in tranquil shades, down-filled pillows and comforters, and bathrooms with marble and oak. The hotel has a restaurant, the stylish Stanhope Grille and Cuffs, an Irish Bar.

The hotel has valet parking, evening turndown service in deluxe rooms, 24-hour room service, five dedicated meeting rooms, in-room safes, full audio, visual and complimentary wired and wireless internet service, a complimentary 24-hour fitness gym with state-of-the-art equipment, a 24-hour business center , 37″ LCD TV’s , all natural bath amenities, ADA accessibility and all non-smoking rooms.

There are 225 rooms and suites here in all: superior, deluxe, luxury and the Presidential Suite. We had a unique connecting room setup: one with a king bed and the other with two doubles. A mini fridge and a microwave, which we requested. There was one large door leading to a small hallway with two more doors on each side. You then have the option of leaving them open or ajar or completely closing them. We loved the setup.

The staff here, from the doorman to those at the front desk, are extremely polite and helpful. Five exquisitely designed meeting rooms accommodate five to one hundred people in a range of set-up styles with state-of-the-art equipment. A round-the-clock business center means you can write it, copy it and send it with minimum fuss and maximum efficiency. Across the street is the Back Bay Conference Center, which can accommodate more than 200 people.

DINING OUT: When in Boston, my first choice for dining is always Legal Seafoods (www.legalseafoods.com). We dined at the Boston Copley Place restaurant, located at the upper level of Copley Place (100 Huntington Avenue), with direct indoor access to both the Westin and Marriott hotels as well as to the Prudential Center. Keep in mind that there is also a Legal Seafoods in the Prudential Center and people often show up to the wrong locale. This can be a problem if you have reservations.

Panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Boston’s historic South End. Here the views and the seafood are second to none. Operating hours here are Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sundays, noon to 10 p.m.

Our party of three enjoyed a fabulous meal. We started off with a Caesar salad and two bowls of clam chowder, one of which was a clear broth with a lower calorie count. The main menu has so much to choose from. Specials on the night we visited included a swordfish, a salmon and haddock – all good choices if you are keeping a kosher-style dining choice. I went for the double stuffed baked shrimp with rice pilaf on the side while the other two members of my party chose quarter and a pound steamed lobsters, nicely cut up and brought to the table with butter, mashed potatoes and coleslaw. Next time I might opt for the surf and turf, filet mignon, marinated grilled chicken, crab cakes or crispy fried fillets.

WHAT ELSE TO DO: Well, we definitely have to go back to Boston. This was our first visit in about10 years. While we had a chance to do some shopping at Copley Place, the Prudential Center and Macy’s, we want to return to walk famous Newbury Street and see the various museums, the aquarium and ride the “T” subway to places like Harvard University. Yes, a story to be continued.

Dover is about 15 minutes from Portsmouth and 25 from beautiful Rye Beach. You are also only a 30 minute drive from the Maine beaches.

As Michael Bolduc, head of the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce notes, the city has a well earned reputation for thriving businesses, an expanding arts and cultural scene, a wide selection of dining establishments, a notable history, a strong sense of community and beautiful scenery. The city’s waterfront district is currently undergoing an intense beautification and revitalization effort that will only add to the quality of life. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the city’s parks, trails, and outdoor activities. For example, the self-guided historic walking tours lead to the renowned Woodman Institute Museum and other historically relevant locations that underscore the significance of New Hampshire’s first permanent settlement.

This New Hampshire Main Street community offers exceptional shopping and dining opportunities—and with no sales tax in this state, shopping dollars go so much farther. Dover’s tree-lined downtown is brimming with quaint shops, boutiques, and restaurants of all types. Dover’s cultural scene is strengthened by fine art and craft galleries, arts collective at One Washington Center, a variety of music venues (including the Rotary Arts Pavilion in Henry Law Park) and the Garrison Players theater group. Dover is also home to the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire and the Woodman Institute Museum.

The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce presents a number of community events throughout the year, including the award- winning Cochecho Arts Festival. This free, outdoor, summer-long family concert series features an array of acclaimed entertainers and comprises the Tuesday Liberty Mutual Children’s Series, the Thursday Luncheon Concert Series, and the Friday Evening Concert Series. Apple Harvest Day, held on the first Saturday in October, draws more than 35,000 people to downtown Dover to enjoy more than 120 hand crafters, children’s activities and games, food, and more.
Dover is easily accessible from all directions. Take the I- 95 to Route 16 and use Exits 6 through 9 (8E is recommended for access to downtown). For more information visit www.dovernh.org.

WHERE TO STAY: I have always enjoyed my stays at The Homewood Suites. In Dover this was no different. Located in the heart of the business district, at 21 Members Way, this hotel is just minutes from downtown Dover and many fine restaurants and shops. It is the perfect place for short and extended stay accommodations. We were there for five days and it proved to be a great base for our activities. Their sister properties, the Comfort Inn and Suites and the Hampton Inn, also have solid reputations. General Manager Scott Goldberg has a decade of experience in the industry and he is only 29.

This Homewood Suites Dover only opened in 2008 and still looks spanking new. It offers all of this on a complimentary basis: a daily Suite Star hot breakfast buffet; dinner and beverages Monday through Thursday evenings at a Welcome Home Reception; parking; high-speed internet access; shuttle service providing transportation to the surrounding area, including downtown Portsmouth; a business center, with print, photocopy, and fax capabilities; Neutrogena bath products; a fitness center, indoor heated pool, whirlpool and outdoor patio. There is also a 24-hour Suite Shop convenience store.

With its spacious suites, fully equipped kitchens, and separate living and sleeping areas, this hotel is perfect for families who need some space and naturally a good choice for the corporate field and travellers looking to remain productive while on the road.

We really appreciated the fully equipped kitchen in our one bedroom suite, complete with full-size refrigerator, microwave oven, two-burner stove top, and coffee maker. There were two televisions with a video player, two telephones with data ports, an iron, ironing board and hair dryer. Pets are allowed here (maximum 50 pounds) for a fee of $50 a night. The third floor of the hotel is reserved for this. Just up the street are a number of restaurants, grocery stores, a Target, Walmart, TJ Maxx and more.

WHERE TO DINE: The Orchard Street Chop Shop (www.orchardstreetchopshop.com) gets my vote for the top dining option in Dover. The magnificent dining room is one of the most elegant on the seacoast. It seats 78 people at the main level, 100 upstairs and 32 on the seasonal patio. The restaurant features floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, oversized booths, Brazilian Cherry wood floors, bronze chandeliers, and wines scattered around the open-grill dining room. This room can be separated for private dining rooms or the entire room can be booked for any special occasion.

Open Monday through Saturdays at 5 p.m. for dinner, The Orchard Street Chop Shop is housed in the original Dover Firehouse. Built in 1865 for the horse-drawn fire trucks, it is one of the oldest historic landmarks in the city. It was used as the firehouse up until the 1970’s when it was converted to the Firehouse I restaurant. It has been a dining establishment ever since.

On Easter Sunday 2003, a fire gutted the kitchen and did extensive smoke damage to both the first and second floor. The Firehouse I closed its doors for good. In January 2004, Chris Kozlowski, better known as “Koz” and owner of the famous Crescent City Bistro and Rum Bar, had the opportunity to purchase the building and began rebuilding the interior. After four short months and close to $1 million later, Koz opened up the new Orchard Street Chop Shop, a prime steakhouse. The Chop Shop is touted among the top steakhouses in northern New England, specializing in dry-aged USDA Prime steaks and an extensive all-American wine list with many older vintages.

“We get people from all over New Hampshire, Maine and northern New England,” says Koz. “The furthest reservation we have ever gotten was from Iraq. They were coming back from being stationed there and decided to call for a reservation because she wanted a big steak. That was pretty neat.”

Koz got his start as a prep cook at a small camp in Wolfeboro, NH in 1989. A few years later he then went to work in the kitchen for Hart’s Turkey Farm in Meredith, NH, a local favorite. Working there for a few summers while attending college, Koz moved up the ranks and became a kitchen supervisor by the early 1990’s. While attending college at Colby-Sawyer College, Koz studied business management with a concentration in hospitality. He soon became class president both his junior and senior years. During the summer of 1994, Koz moved down to St. Croix, U.S.V.I. and completed his internship for the Chart House restaurant corporation as one of the managers there.

During his senior year at college, Koz was accepted at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY where he started in 1996. At the CIA, Koz developed a liking for home brewing and founded the CIA Home brewers Club. Soon after, Koz got heavily involved in extracurricular activities and was elected president of the Ale & Lager Educational Society, one of the most popular clubs at the CIA. Finally, he joined the Student Council during the final year there and was voted President, the most celebrated position a student could have at the school. Koz graduated in early 1998 with the Student Council’s “Distinguished Service” award.

After graduating, Koz was offered a position brewing beer at Federal Jack’s in Kennebunkport, ME, Shipyard Brewing Company’s pilot brewery. After working there for a few months, Koz moved up the ranks and became head brewer before leaving there in the winter of 1998. He then went back to work as sous chef for the William Tell Restaurant in Campton, NH under the highly acclaimed Swiss-chef, Franz Dubach. This is where Koz completed his CIA externship as well. Chef Dubach is one of Koz’s greatest culinary influences to this day.

During the summer of 1999, Koz packed his bags and moved out to Calistoga, CA to learn how to make wine at Vigil Vineyards, a small boutique zinfandel producer in northern Napa Valley. This is where Koz picked up many contacts in the wine world and rounded out his education on the beverage side of the hospitality industry.

In the winter of ’99, Koz moved back to New Hampshire and took over at the helm of the kitchen at the Governor’s Inn in Rochester. He became the youngest executive chef in the State and brought the restaurant up to a four-star establishment. After garnering many accolades at the Inn, it was time for Koz to move on and open up his own place. In September 2001, Crescent City Bistro and Rum Bar opened its doors to a very enthusiastic following. After being open for only nine short months, the restaurant had to expand to more than double its size to accommodate the following he had built.
After a few successful years, the opportunity arose to buy the Firehouse I restaurant in January 2004 after being gutted by a fire the previous year. After a number of months completely refurnishing the inside with a brand new state-of-the-art kitchen, cigar lounge, glassed-in wine room, and two new dining rooms, the Orchard Street Chop Shop opened its doors in April, 2004.
Koz has been credited with starting the new culinary renaissance in Dover and restaurateurs from all over the country are now following in his footsteps.

The Chop Shop Orchard offers the finest selections of meats and seafood, skillfully prepared with a stunning assortment of traditional steakhouse sides and sumptuous desserts – all house made. We started off our dinner with some salads (wild field green and Tuscan caprese). Two members of our party chose the eight ounce petit filet mignon while I opted for the 14 ounce Delmonico steak. Each main item comes with your choice of two sides. The smashed potatoes won us over.

WHAT TO DO: The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (www.childrens-museum.org),The Woodman Institute Museum ( www.woodmaninstitutemuseum.org), the Jenny Thompson Swimming Pool (http://www.ci.dover.nh.us/rec_jtpool.htm) represent popular stops for visitors. There are also walking tours and jaunts on trails and at parks to consider. Check out dovernh.org/things-to-do for more details.

SHOPPING: Fox Run Mall is a one level enclosed regional shopping center located in Newington, 15 minutes from Dover. It is the only regional shopping center within a 40-mile radius and features national tenants including Macys, JC Penny, LOFT, Abercrombie & Fitch, PacSun, Express, Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, Gap, Men’s Wearhouse, American Eagle Outfitters, Pandora and Hollister Co. New Hampshire does not have a sales tax which draws shoppers from neighboring states of Maine and Massachusetts.

Portland is Maine’s business, financial and retail capital and the largest city in the state. Seascapes and cityscapes blend harmoniously in Portland, perched on a peninsula, jutting out into island-studded Casco Bay. The metropolitan hub of Maine’s south coast region, Portland is a progressive, lively city incorporating the character of yesteryear into a modern urban environment. Historic architecture blends gracefully with the new as you stroll along her working waterfront or the cobblestone streets of the restored Old Port section of the city.
With a metro population of 230,000, the Greater Portland area is home to almost one quarter of Maine’s total population. The city itself has 64,000 residents. Their economy is strong and bumper-to-bumper traffic and gridlock are unheard of. Portland is an easygoing city, with friendly, hardworking people. Ranked nationally as one of the ten safest, culturally most fascinating US Cities and one of the top cities for doing business, it is no wonder 3.6 million tourists a year visit, including 41,000 cruise ship passengers.

In the Old Port, great brick buildings, once warehouses for local merchants, now hold a myriad of original shops, galleries and restaurants. Its history intricately bound to the sea, Portland remains proud of its working waterfront and the celebrated beauty of its rock-bound coast. The waterfront provides access to the sea for commercial shipping and a host of pleasure activities.
Portland boasts a thriving arts scene and an exclusive Downtown Arts District. As one of the premier cultural centers in northern New England, Portland’s visual and performing arts rival those of regions much larger in size. Stroll through the world-class Portland Museum of Art, or wander the cobblestone streets in search of local galleries. Shop for gourmet foods in the bustling Public Market and in the evening dive into a nightlife that features award-winning local brews and a flourishing live-music scene. From classical to cutting-edge, performing and visual arts are vibrantly alive in Portland and infuse the region with a surprising sophistication.

WHERE TO STAY: The Embassy Suites Portland, Maine hotel (www.portland.embassysuites.com) is centrally located and right next to the Portland Jetport. It is just four miles from the famed Old Port. Moreover, the hotel is just a few miles from Maine’s beaches and scenic walking, hiking, and biking destinations. What I like best is the easy five minute drive to the beautiful Maine Mall and known chain restaurants such as Ruby Tuesday’s, IHOP, Pizza Uno Chicago Grill, Friendly’s and even a Tim Horton.

All accommodations feature two flat screen televisions, a refrigerator, microwave oven and coffee maker, complimentary wireless high-speed internet access, two telephones and a comfortable work area with desk. There are 119 suites in the hotel. Only five are of the two bedroom variety so book those early. KTB Hospitality owns this hotel and five others in the state.

You can start your day here with a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, including omelettes and pancakes. Grab a bagel and coffee on your way to a business event or to Portland’s attractions. In the evening, the atrium lobby is the site for the complimentary Manager’s Reception. Here you can sip a cocktail or refreshing beverage and enjoy a variety of snacks. You also have the option of savouring fresh local seafood and American cuisine at Café Stroudwater, their casual restaurant.

Looking to stay in shape? Work out in the state of the art fitness center or swim laps in the indoor pool, which as of this writing is about to get a facelift. The BusinessLink Business Center enables you to remain productive and manage work-related tasks. This is a popular spot to host a business conference or special event for up to 100 guests in one of their flexible meeting spaces. There is complimentary outdoor parking, always a bonus.

The hotel is located at 1050 Westbrook Street. For more information call 207-775-2200 or 1-800-Embassy.

DINING: Greater Portland offers a robust selection of restaurants, specialty foods and brewpubs, totalling over 200 dining choices. The amount of money spent in restaurants per capita ranks third in the country, behind San Francisco and New York. Local foods are featured at century-old outdoor farmers’ markets, a new year-round public market, and at a variety of smaller specialty stores that offer a blend of prepared, imported and local foods. The microbrew industry is well represented in Greater Portland with nearly 20 breweries, some recognized nationally.
We were directed towards David’s Restaurant (www.davidsrestaurant.com), located at 22Monument Square in the Arts District. Owner David Turin is an award winning chef and artist in residence.
David’s has a pretty extensive menu, from an array of soups, salads and appetizers to meat, seafood and pasta dishes. There are also daily specials. One member of our party chose the open faced lobster “ravioli” which included Maine lobster, day boat scallops, Gulf shrimp, herbed ricotta and sherried lobster cream. Given the fact that the other two individuals at the table were having a very difficult time making any selections, we were offered a tasting menu. This was indeed a treat. It started off with some greens (arugula, spiced pecans, blue cheese, shaved red onion and black currant vinaigrette). I actually substituted that portion for a delicious blend of David’s clam chowder, containing thyme, brown sugar and bacon. A sampling of lobster was next, butter poached, with chanterelle risotto cake, citrus truffle and micro salad. This was followed by tuna (pepper crusted sushi rare, sesame peanut soba noodles, Szechuan citrus sauce and asparagus), sorbet (honeydew with cucumber vodaka), ravioli (forest mushrooms, leeks, shallots, oven dried tomatoes, goat cheese, arugula and Madeira truffle sauce), duck (crispy skin, garlic, ginger and soy with sesame spinach and mushroom risotto) and finally some ice cream (sea salt and caramel, chocolate sauce and crumbled chocolate cookies).

BEACHES: As far as beaches go, our original plan was to commute to Old Orchard Beach. But then our hotel recommended Scarborough and Crescent Beaches. Both are popular family swimming beaches with fine sand, picnic tables, snack bars and washrooms. There is parking, albeit of a nominal fee, but it is fine spot to relax and take in the sun.

We were lured to Cape Elizabeth by a beautiful resort called The Inn by the Sea (www.innbythesea.com). Voted a World’s Best Hotel by Travel + Leisure Magazine, 2011, this very pet friendly venue is located on a mile of sandy beach and just 15 minutes from Portland. There are 61 guest rooms, suites and cottages making the property the perfect luxury Maine beach hotel for couples or family travel. Rauni Kew, the head of public relations and green programs, gave me a tour of the property. Rauni gave me a peek at some of the extraordinary and spacious rooms, including one of 10 new ocean view, luxury one and two bedroom suites. Meanwhile, she also showed me a stylish loft one bedroom suite. They both had nice outdoor balconies, full kitchens, lavish bathrooms, gas fireplaces, flat screen TVs and ipod docking stations.

The Sea Glass restaurant offers panoramic views of Crescent Beach from its intimate dining room or al fresco deck. Chef Mitchell Kaldrovich features the best of Maine’s oceans and farms in his seasonally appropriate menus. Here you can enjoy signature cocktails or selections from an award-winning wine list. Both the hotel and the restaurant are involved with an underutilized seafood program orchestrated by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, (GMRI)- which includes local fishermen, regional talented chefs and GMRI’s research to interest restaurant diners to enjoy lesser known, but delectable seafood fresh from the Gulf of Maine.

“By eating underappreciated fish, that are both delicious and abundant, we help the sustainability of Maine’s fishing industry, the fishermen, and the health of the Gulf of Maine,” explains Rauni.

Chef Kaldrovich marries the freshest regional ingredients with his Argentine roots to create a unique and memorable culinary experience. Sea Glass serves breakfast, lunch and dinner year-round and an all-day light fare menu in the lounge. Hours vary by season and reservations are recommended by calling 207.799.3134 or booking online. It is open to the public. We enjoyed a delicious lunch by the lovely salt water heated pool, sharing some pita and hummus, a grilled chicken Caesar salad and a Maine lobster roll.

This venue has been nationally recognized for its green and pet-friendly hotel practices. It is a particularly popular spot for weekend getaways, wedding celebrations at the beach or group meetings.

Spa at Inn by the Sea offers a full complement of beach inspired body treatments, massages and aesthetics. Here you can unwind and be soothed by luxurious facials, massages and treatments. There are six elegantly appointed treatment rooms and private spaces for men and women, featuring relaxing steam and experience showers. The Spa offers a full array of natural and maritime-inspired massages, facials and body treatments. A room-for-two can be reserved for treatments with that special someone and men’s and women’s sanctuaries allow for quiet repose before and after spa services. The spa was designed and built with eco-friendly materials and offers treatment products that specifically complement our reputation for environmental responsibility while offering natural chemical-free ingredients to promote wellness. One member of our party enjoyed an extraordinary relaxing massage while raving about the therapist. The Spa is open to the public, but try to make a reservation as far in advance as possible.

The hotel is just around the corner from the Portland headlight, commissioned by George Washington. This is one of the oldest and most famous lighthouses in the country and its small museum represents a fun stop. The lighthouse has been painted by numerous artists. There is also a wonderful nature walk around the 125 acre Great Pond behind the Inn.

The boardwalk that leads to the beach is 150 yards long. Pool attendants walk umbrellas and chairs to and from the beach and set them up for guests. They will also help carry beach toys and other items.

RECREATION: Inn by the Sea and the surrounding area is rich in scenic and recreational opportunities. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy a hundred outdoor activities like fishing, boating, sports of many kinds, and exploring nature. Culture vultures will find music, theatre, museums and more just a few minutes away in Portland.

Crescent Beach State Park opened in 1966. Sandy oceanfront beaches, saltwater coves, wooded areas, and rock ledges provide seashore recreation for beachgoers, fishing and water sports enthusiasts, and nature observers. Crescent Beach State Park is a classic saltwater beach park with beach grass-studded sand dunes, ocean breezes, herring gulls, picnic areas and views of fishing boats and an offshore island.
The park’s signature feature and namesake is a mile-long, crescent-shaped beach ideal for strolling and sunbathing, where relatively warm waters and light surf make swimming and boating a pleasure. A few feet from the crowded summer sands are trails for walking and nature watching. In the off-season when the park is closed to vehicles, walkers are welcome to enjoy the tranquility of the beaches and trails. In the winter, visitors can hike or cross-country ski on paths under a canopy of snow-covered evergreen boughs.

York is considered the Gateway to the Maine Beaches. We were there a few years ago to visit their wonderful zoo –York’s Wild Kingdom. This time we decided to spend the day at the Stage Neck Inn (www.stageneck.com), a complete boutique resort in the New England tradition. The Inn is situated at the mouth of the York River, with breathtaking ocean and harbor views at every turn. Resort facilities include a fitness room with sauna, indoor atrium pool with Jacuzzi, sandy beach, oceanside fresh-water pool with snack bar, seasonal clay tennis courts, spa treatments at The Spa at Stage Neck and 18-hole golf privileges at two of the area’s finest courses: the Ledges and the Links at Outlook. Other renowned courses are nearby.

Stage Neck Inn is on the ocean’s edge, adjacent to York Harbor Beach. This is a beautiful sandy beach with a gradual incline, making it ideal for wading. The tides vary throughout the day. You’ll enjoy the sound of the waves on the sand, as well as on the rocky peninsula upon which the Inn is situated. The crannies and nooks of the cliffs are an excellent spot for beach combing for shells and for other treasures. Beyond the beach is a scenic cliffwalk which takes you past the “summer cottages” of York Harbor. About a mile from the Inn is Long Sands Beach which offers a long expanse of sandy beach with views of the Nubble Lighthouse. York is also home to Short Sands beach, which offers a beach-resort atmosphere with an arcade, band stand, playground as well as restaurants and shops.

The Stage Neck Pool and Tennis Club features a gorgeous, oceanside fresh water swimming pool. It is open in the summer months only. The area includes lounge chairs and tables with umbrellas for those who don’t want to get too much sun. The pool offers harbor views, ocean views, and views of the Inn and stately seaside “cottages.” They also have a nice lunch menu, with a unique ordering formula. All you need to do is take a red flag and stick it in the ground near your poolside spot. A server then comes over and takes your order. This is one place my family and I hope to explore more of at a future date.

PERKINS COVE: Perkins Cove (http://www.ogunquitmaine.com/Perkins-Cove.html) is a small but popular artist colony and tourist area in Ogunquit, with shops, restaurants, lodging facilities and breathtaking views of the ocean. It is also known for its historical trail known as the Marginal Way. Once recognized as a fishing village, Perkins Cove is now an outdoor mall of shops and boutiques. It has been a favorite place for artists, painters and tourists for generations and represents a great place to spend a day and or evening strolling the shops, the Marginal Way and having fresh seafood at area restaurants. It’s even better to spend a few days or a week exploring the entire area, including Ogunquit and nearby towns like Wells and other nearby coastal towns. Somehow I never even stepped foot in the area during my last visit.

I must confess that during my previous trip to Ogunquit I never even knew Perkins Cove existed. It was Israeli-born neighbor Chaim who sang the area’s praises, insisting that we visit the next time we traveled to Maine.

We had an amazing dinner at MC Perkins Cove (www.mcperkinscove.com), which I must recommend as “the spot” to dine there. It offers spectacular ocean views with contemporary American food created by James Beard Award winning chefs Mark Gaier and Clark Frasier of Arrows Restaurant. The upscale casual setting offers a raw bar, lounge, two bars, two beautiful dining rooms, and a private dining room all overlooking the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. MC offers lunch and dinner as well as a bar menu throughout the evening, a full bar and extensive wine list.

Hats off to their manager, Norman Dufour. On the night we visited the lineup to get in was out the door. Despite the hectic pace, Norman handled the anxious diners with style and made sure everyone got seated and served. Members of our party started off with the Caesar Jai Lai Palace Salad and an amazing clam and haddock chowder, with potatoes, yams, saffron and tomato cream. For the main course there was so much to choose from: shrimp, lobster, fish (rainbow trout, plank roasted Atlantic salmon, swordfish brochette), chicken, steak and hamburgers. Well two of us had the steamed whole Maine lobster, served completely out of the shell in garlic butter with delicious jasmine rice on the side. The other order was an MC lobster “mac and cheese” elbow macaroni with cheddar, lobster and herb bread crumbs. We had just enough room to share an amazing homemade dessert, warm Maine blueberry and peach crisp with vanilla ice cream. Be sure to make reservations in advance at 207-646-6263. Arrive early, park and explore the area.

My family and I often make a point of stopping in Manchester, either on the way to or back home from a destination either elsewhere in New Hampshire or somewhere in Maine or Massachusetts. We usually head right to the Mall of New Hampshire

SHOPPING: The Mall of New Hampshire, which has 125 specialty stores, four full-service restaurants and a 550-seat Food Court. Macy’s, JC Penney, Sears, and Best Buy serve as the anchors and a Ruby Tuesday Restaurant pleases our taste buds. There is now a new attraction in the suburb of Merrimack as Premier Factory Outlets has set up shop there. There are 100 amazing outlets here and let me tell you, this is enough of an attraction to add at least another full day for your stay.

HISTORY: Manchester first gained national fame in the 1800s as the home of the massive textile mill of the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company. Nearly five million yards of cloth were shipped weekly from the mill, which employed thousands of workers and covered more than eight million square feet. The mill thrived until the 1920s, when competition from southern mills and obsolete technology took their toll. In 1935, Amoskeag went bankrupt. Despite losing its major employer, Manchester rebuilt itself as a commercial and industrial center by diversifying industries.

Today Manchester is home to a melting pot of high tech companies, banks, business services enterprises, retailers, manufacturers and health care professionals. Commerce is just one part of Manchester’s appeal. The city is also the focal point of the state’s cultural community and home to many of the region’s eight colleges and universities. Cultural institutions such as the Currier Gallery of Art and Palace Theatre join with the new Verizon Wireless Arena and outdoor concert venues to attract world-class performers and exhibits to the city. Performances, exhibits, classes, workshops and lectures are offered to the general public at many of the area’s institutions of higher education. Other city attractions include the Manchester Historic Association, Franco-American Centre and the SEE Science Center.

The region is made up of Manchester, the state’s largest city, and nine surrounding communities, each with a unique personality. The delight of living in the Manchester region is that you don’t have to sacrifice country living to work in the city, or vice-versa. From city apartments and historic row houses, to farms and country homesteads, the Manchester area has something to offer everyone.

ACCOMODATIONS: On our previous trips to Manchester we always stayed at a place called the Highlander Inn. Well, when I called recently to book a room the line kept ringing. When I could not find the website I knew something was wrong, so I googled the hotel name and sure enough it had closed – not due to bad business. The nearby airport needed the land.

While the Highlander may have closed, a brand new La Quinta Inn and Suites recently opened at 21 Front Street in the former Clarion Hotel. Ironically, sales manager Steve Morabito previously held the same post at the Highlander. Located in the historic Millyard district, this hotel and conference center (that part known as the Falls Center) overlooks the beautiful Amoskeag Falls. There is a convenience store in the lobby, free high-speed wireless Internet access throughout the hotel, a fitness center, business center, seasonal outdoor pool, meeting facilities, an airport shuttle and pets are welcome. Guest rooms are furnished with La Quinta’s signature pillow top mattresses, microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker, iron, ironing board, hair dryer, as well a 32 inch flat panel HDTV with over 35 HD channels from which to choose. Breakfast here is free, including waffles, hot and cold cereals, bread and muffins, fresh fruit, coffee, juice, pastries, bagels and milk.

This four floor facility has 109 rooms, including three suites. It is located off of Exit #6 of the I-293. You can call 603-669-5400 or go to www.lq.com. Rooms can start as low as $79 a night. Following a multi-million dollar year and a half renovation, Alta Properties in partnership with Roedel Companies (roedelcompanies.com) officially opened the hotel in April 2012, complete with a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring the mayor, the head of the Chamber of Commerce and La Quinta executives.

Morabito shared with me the fact that this is actually the only hotel in Manchester with an outdoor pool and a beautiful one it is, complete with comfortable lounge chairs and tables with umbrellas. We happened to be there on a very hot day and ended up extending our stay just to enjoy the pool. As of this writing work was underway to add a conference centre and restaurant to the facility.

As for guests with special needs, the hotel is fully compliant. A ramp to the pool can be accessed via the fitness room. There are five ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible rooms, two with roll-in showers. All rooms/areas have smoke detectors for the hearing impaired.
David Roedel, a partner of Roedel Cos., explained that the improvements for The Falls Center and La Quinta Inn and Suites met the organization’s original objective of improving the building’s overall functionality. The site also offers the Greater Manchester community and those visiting the Queen City a completely revitalized option.
“Designed as a sister property for our award winning Hilton Garden Inn Manchester, The Falls is virtually a brand new hotel with contemporary architecture and interior design,” said Roedel. “It provides exceptional price value and excellent service that our guests will really enjoy.”

AIRPORT : Centrally located in the heart of the region’s primary business and financial district, Manchester Airport is less than an hour’s drive from the region’s most popular ski areas, scenic seacoast beaches and peaceful lakefront resorts. Easy access, ample, inexpensive parking, competitive airfares and a growing schedule of non-stop and direct jet service to leading U.S. cities make Manchester Airport a grand first impression of our city and state.

Manchester Airport is served by Air Canada, American Eagle, Continental Airlines, Continental Express, Continental Connection, Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection-COMAIR, MetroJet, Northwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, U.S. Airways and U.S. Airways Express.

ACCESSIBILITY: The State of New Hampshire and businesses and organizations throughout the state have made an effort to make New Hampshire accessible to all. If you are using the www.visitnh.gov website to locate lodging properties or attractions that are accessible for people with disabilities, go to the Advanced Search option from any of the search pages. You can then select « Accessible » as an option to narrow your search.
The New Hampshire Governor’s Commission on Disability is an excellent resource for information on the many services, laws, and regulations that affect citizens or visitors with disabilities. They also keep a list of recreation resources in New Hampshire that people with disabilities may be able to enjoy alone or with their families and friends. For winter sports, the Commission on Disability also maintains a list of New Hampshire ski resorts offering adaptive ski programs.

Mike Cohen’s e-mail address is info@mikecohen.ca. Log on to his travel files at www.sandboxworld.com/travel.

The geographic location, historic past and cultural strength of Portsmouth regularly lands it on various “best places to live” lists. Prevention Magazine named Portsmouth one of the top 100 walking cities in the America for 2008. The region as whole is noted for its many restaurants, attractions and shopping opportunities, which include downtown Portsmouth, outlet malls in nearby Kittery, Maine, as well as the large Fox Run Mall in Newington.

Funky shops, elegant inns, varied restaurants and fun clubs make Portsmouth’s historic brick and cobblestone downtown one of Northern New England’s most popular tourist destinations. Anywhere you land in downtown Portsmouth, you’re never more than a 10-minute walk from your diversion of choice. From early summer right through the dead of winter, people stroll the narrow, colorful streets, watch the tugboats guide huge freighters out of the harbor, take in free outdoor by-the-sea performances at scenic Prescott Park, or just people watch in Market Square over a cup of high-octane coffee. Twice a year – Market Square Day in June and First Night Portsmouth on New Year’s Eve – the quaint downtown becomes a giant pedestrian mall dotted with street performers, vendors, musicians, and parades, and always, lots and lots of food.

There’s a lot to do in Portsmouth besides eating and shopping. Music fans can hear live bands in downtown clubs. Local theaters and the non-profit Prescott Park Arts Festival produce plays throughout the year. The historic Music Hall attracts nationally prominent performers. Local cinemas feature hard-to-find independent flicks.
The beaches of Rye, North Hampton and Hampton in New Hampshire and York/Ogunquit in Maine are a short drive out of Portsmouth. Boat cruises, deep-sea fishing trips and whale watches run daily from Portsmouth and Rye harbors during the warm weather.

Portsmouth is steeped in history. The Strawberry Banke Museum and historic mansion tours replicate life in Portsmouth throughout its 300-plus-year history. There are many different tours in Portsmouth including: the Black Heritage Trail; Ghostly Lighthouse Walk; Historic Portsmouth Legends and Ghost Walk; and the Portsmouth Harbour Trail featuring 10 National Historic Landmark buildings.

Portsmouth is intricately tied to its maritime history and working seaport. Summer visitors are missing out if they do not take a cruise out to the Isles of Shoals, nine miles off the coast, or experience a kayak tour. The white sandy beaches from New Castle to Hampton are a traditional summer destination for many Canadians and those from around New England and farther.
Visit portsmouthchamber.org and click on the downloadable Seacoast Guide for pictures, lists of hotels, restaurants, shops, historic homes, calendar of events, attractions, activities and a map of the downtown that might help you get the lay of the land.

WHERE TO STAY: Take my advice and stay in nearby Dover, a mere 20 minute drive from Portsmouth via Highway 16. We loved the accommodations at the Homewood Suites (www.dovernh.homewoodsuites.com). The Lafrance Hospitality Group operates this property, as well as the nearby Hampton and Comfort Inns. The Homewood Suites is just off Highway 16, near plenty of shopping and restaurants and really has all of the comforts of “home.” With 88 suites, there is plenty of space for a few family members. We loved the full kitchen, terrific drawer space, the morning breakfast and weekday manager’s reception. You can cool off in the indoor pool (leading to an outdoor patio) and relax in the jacuzzi. Parking is free. Just so you know, most hotels in Portsmouth tend to be costly and during peak season rooms are not easy to find.

WATER COUNTRY: A trip to Portsmouth during the summer months is certainly not complete without visiting Water Country (www.watercountry.com). This is New England’s largest water park, featuring signature thrill rides for a full day of fun for the entire family. Situated at 2300 Lafayette Road, daily admission is $37 for those 48 inches or taller and $24.99 for those under that height and seniors. Children two years old and under enter free.

Water Country is one of the few amusement parks in the US to allow and encourages its guests to bring picnic lunches into the park. A number of large picnic areas are available for free at various points throughout the park so guests can eat without having to leave. Owned by Palace Entertainment, Water Country tests the limits on Double Geronimo or Thunder Falls and allows one to take a break in the relaxing Adventure River. The slide we liked the best is called the Screamer. It is lightning fast, but too quick for one to be scared by the steep drop.

There are over 26 acres of fun here. We went on a busy Sunday, opting for the preferred parking option ($15). This represented a very short walk to the front entrance. We rented a locker, which had plenty of room for the three of us to store all of our gear. The wait in line for different slides was not exceptionally long. Staff here are on the ball and take all safety precautions necessary.

The newest attraction this year is Dr. Von Dark’s “Tunnel of Terror,” the first water ride of its kind in New England. Two people at a time descend in a two-person tube into a twisting 40-foot plunge through a totally enclosed, totally dark tunnel. Along the way, a wicked tornado funnel leaves your head spinning and your fears in your throat! It’s a 300 foot trip into the dark side of thrills, their website reads.

The park does pay close attention to guests with special needs. I saw many people in wheelchairs the day of our visit. Pathways leading to every part of the venue are very much wheelchair accessible.

Says Marketing Manager Danielle Barry: “We’ve had guests with physical limitations who were unable to enjoy certain attractions in the park with our standard ride tubes, so for these guests we allow them to use a ‘double tube’ to comfortably accommodate their needs where safely permissible to do so such as the Wavepool, Adventure River and the Whirlpool. We have some pools with a sloped entrance that will allow a guest in a wheelchair to enter the water axel deep – at that point they are submerged enough that they can easily transition from their chair to a tube.”
You can rent cabanas here, available for up to eight people. Guests with special needs may contact Guest Relations at (603) 427-1112 for information regarding admission, locker accessibility, and wheelchair usage.

SEACOAST REPERTORY: We were fortunate to be in town recently when the musical Chicago was playing at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre (www.seacoastrep.org), located 125 Bow Street and better known as the Rep.
The Rep is a not-for-profit arts and educational institution and has been in business since 1988. Until the 1970s the facility actually served as the warehouse for the Portsmouth Brewing Company. This is the Seacoast’s only professional, year-round live theater. It is dedicated to enlightening and entertaining the broadest possible audience through professional Main Stage productions and programs that expose all ages to the experience of live theatre. The Rep’s Main Stage season selections blend musical and drama, the familiar and the classic-to-be, the thought provoking and the just plain fun. In addition to this, The Rep supports engagement at all age levels through hands-on programming and performances designed to entertain the very young.

Locally and regionally, I am told, people plan their summers around their productions and travel to the Seacoast to experience live theatre. In the winter its year-round subscribers engage in a dialogue around compelling and high quality work including packed pre-show symposiums and post-show discussions. The local community has ownership of the theatre as a vital component of its social fabric and the transient community supports the theatre for the dynamic, provocative and yet entertaining element to their summers and weekends.

The presentation of Chicago was first class, featuring an excellent cast, great sound and terrific use of a small stage space. I loved the cozy layout of this oval theatre. There is truly not a bad seat in the house. Artistic Director Craig Faulkner opened the show with some words of welcome. He even sold snacks at intermission, interacting with the audience. There are clearly many regulars here, but this is also a popular spot for tourists.
Over the past two and a half decades, more than 300 Main Stage and youth productions have been presented. Chicago had been preceded this season by Ain’t Misbehavin’, Things We Do For Love and the Full Monty.

THE OAR HOUSE: With more than 40 restaurants in downtown alone, Portsmouth is one of the eating capitals of New England.
The perfect spot for a pre-show dinner turned out to be the Portsmouth Oar House (www.portsmouthoarhouse.com), located at 55 Ceres Street in the historic Merchant’s Row building at the edge of Portsmouth’s old harbor. This spot serves fine food in a setting filled with mementos of the city’s long and proud maritime heritage and features live music inside on Thursdays through Saturdays. The waterfront deck is open in summer and there is on-site valet parking. This turned out to be a real bonus for us. We were able to leave our car here for the evening and walk a few minutes down the street to the Rep.

We were thrilled to see one of our favorite New England dishes, the Lazy Man’s Lobster Pie, on the menu. The seven ounce Maine lobster, completely cut up, featured sherry butter and seasoned crumbs. Owner Raymond Guerin takes pride in the many appetizing choices available. The Lobster Bisque turned out to be a delicious appetizer as did the Caesar and Caprese salads. As for the homemade desserts, do not leave without trying the key lime pie. You can also sample shrimp, grilled pizza, a variety of seafood options (pan seared salmon, broiled Atlantic Haddock, scallops) as well as meat and poultry dishes.

The Oar House is located in Portsmouth’s Old Harbour area, which in the late 1700s and early 1800s was a thriving seaport. In December, 1802, 120 buildings burned in Portsmouth’s most disastrous fire, including the wooden mercantile structures that occupied the restaurant site. The citizens of Portsmouth rebuilt almost immediately, in the early months of 1803, using brick to eliminate future fire hazards. The buildings on Ceres Street, including the one now occupied by the Oar House, were constructed at this time. Owner Raymond Guerin has many historical photos on the wall of historical ships in Portsmouth’s history.

It’s almost impossible not to have fun at Old Orchard Beach. The low surf makes this a favorite spot for swimming, sunbathing, and making new friends. When the kids get hungry they can explore the boardwalk for pizza, french fries, hot dogs, cheeseburgers and even poutine, or you can choose from the many family style restaurants around town. Try your luck on the video games, jump on a ride, treat yourself to an ice cream or a cold soda. Thrills, chills and frills-take your pick or do it all.

Catering to tourists and families is a way of life in Old Orchard Beach. The beach, the arcades and amusement rides, nightly entertainment, auto races and harness racing are favorite activities in the Old Orchard Beach area. Old Orchard’s Pier is the center of the recreational activities. Extending nearly 500 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, it features shops, fast food, and games of skill. During the summer many special events are planned to entertain and mesmerize everyone in the family festivals, fairs, free concerts, street dances, and fireworks most Thursday nights. Besides the Pier, the beachfront businesses offer gift and souvenir shops, restaurants, nightclubs, and arcades.

Old Orchard Beach is easy to reach by the major highways in Maine. Exits 36 and 42 off the Maine Turnpike (I-95) take you quickly into our popular seaside resort, as does the access from U.S. Route 1.
South along Route 9 lies the quiet seaside area of Ocean Park, a historic cottage community noted for its religious, educational, and cultural programs. The Ocean Park Association sponsors numerous lectures, concerts and other events. At the southern end of Saco Bay lies Camp Ellis. Here the mouth of the Saco River meets the sea, and memorable sailboat, whale watching expeditions, or deep-sea fishing trips await. You will also find several interesting shops, a couple of restaurants, and a long breakwater to walk.

The cities of Biddeford, Saco and Scarborough are immediate neighbors, offering a variety of services and shopping. The Southern Maine Medical Center in Biddeford provides quality medical care for the region. In nearby Prout’s Neck is the Winslow Homer studio where the artist worked at the turn of the century. New England’s largest salt marsh is off Route 9 in neighbouring Scarborough with guided walks and canoe tours.

WHAT TO DO: While Old Orchard’s seven-mile long stretch of wide sandy beach is understandably the major attraction, there is a full range of other things available to see and do in and around the area. Palace Playland (www.palaceplayland.com) is New England’s only beachfront amusement park. It features a giant arcade, beautiful carousel, a kiddieland, a new ferris wheel and the galaxi coaster. It is open Memorial Day to Labor Day and features fireworks every Thursday night by the Pier. What’s great about this place is that you do not have to pay for admission, just for the rides. This can be done by buying tickets or a wrist band for unlimited access. There is no particular entrance or exit, so you can take a break anytime you want and explore the Old Orchard beach strip of shops and restaurants or take a walk on the Pier.
The park is owned by businessman Joel Golder. His son Paul serves as executive vice-president and his brother Fred handles business affairs.
Paul’s wife Silvia works with him at the park. So do his mom Harriet, sister Stacey and Fred’s wife Caron. His Aunt Carole operates two food stands as a tenant in the park. Her son, Adam, works with her, with his wife Thea.

Every effort is made to accommodate special needs patrons. The park itself is easy to navigate in a wheelchair. Individuals with a physical handicap will be given special access to rides when possible.

In 2012 the park added two brand new rides, Riptide and an upgraded kiddie Frog Hopper. Another new addition for the kids is called Dizzy Dragon. It was previously operated at an indoor entertainment center. The new ferris wheel offers a spectacula light show. I was happy to reconnect with Paul, who is very hands on where this park is concerned. We met during my last trip in 2009 and have since corresponded via Facebook. Let me tell you that Palace Playland is a real “upper” on a nice evening and fun for all ages. My favourite experience of the night was Cascade Falls, in which you are pulled up to two steep hills and then dropped down through a stream of water. Be prepared to get soaked. On a warm night, it is an amazing way to get cooled off. There is plenty of parking on adjacent streets for about $5. Take some time to walk the touristy streets where you can buy souvenirs ,beach girl and sample a lot of fun food.
Palace Playland is the perfect place to spend the evening with family and friends. In the summer you are sure to hear a lot of French being spoken as Quebecers travel to this particular part of Maine in drov es.

HISTORY: The earliest records of the Old Orchard Beach area date back to 1653. The first settler, Thomas Rogers, established “Garden by the Sea “in 1657. A few years later ten militiamen repelled 150 attacking Indians near the beach, but a relief party of townspeople coming to support the malitiamen were killed in an ambush, and Roger’s home was burned. The “old” apple orchard, from which the town took its name, a landmark to sailors for many years, was on high land above the long sand beach. In 1820 Maine, formally part of Massachusetts, became a State by act of Congress. In that same year the first Publick House (inn) was opened serving coach travelers and other transients year round. In 1837, E.C. Staples was coaxed into taking summer boarders at his farm for $1.50 per week. Convinced of Old Orchard Beach’s potential as a summer resort, Staples built the first Old Orchard Boarding House near the top of today’s Old Orchard Street. 1842 brought the first steam railroad from Boston to Portland with a station just 2 miles west of town. The first restaurant to sell seafood treats and “shore dinners” opened in 1851 near Staples Street. The Grand Trunk Railroad opened in 1853 connecting Montreal to Old Orchard Beach, enabling Canadian visitors to flock to this closest beach to Montreal and avoid the long carriage trip.The Civil War began in 1861 followed by years of growth and building of homes, streets, stores, livery stables, and beachfront hotels. 1873 brought the Boston & Maine Railroad passing right through Old Orchard Beach and stopping on the site of today’s Chamber of Commerce. In that same year a group of Methodists formed the Old Orchard Campground Association. The Ocean Park Association built “The Temple” in 1881, and nationally known speakers were heard every Sunday all summer.
In 1892 electric trolley cars replaced horse cars to Biddeford and Saco. 1898 proved to be an unfortuitous year to complete the first Pier. Built of steel and measuring 1,770 feet long and 20 feet above the tides, their Pier was severely damaged in November of that same year. 1900 brought the first town hall and 1902 the first amusement area complete with roller skating, merry-go-round, rides, games, and refreshment stands. The Portland to Old Orchard Beach Electric Railway opened in 1903 where 14 miles of track were traveled in under one hour for $20.00. The great fire of 1907 destroyed the entire beachfront as firemen from Portland, Biddeford, and Saco rushed to the beach but struggled to contain the blaze, hampered by low water pressure. Rebuilding began at once, and one project “the standpipe” assured adequate water for all. March 1909 brought another damaging storm destroying “White City” at the end of the Pier and reducing the Pier to 700 feet. An international auto race was held on the beach in 1910 with Dave Lewis winning the 100 mile race. The 1920′s and 30′s were the Big Band era. All the famous dance bands, Guy Lombardo, Rudy Valle, Duke Ellington, and more visited the Pier Casino each summer, and thousands danced over the waves under the revolving crystal ball.

Sparked by Lindbergh’s daring flight, many Trans-Atlantic flights took advantage of Old Orchard Beach’s long stretch of wide hard packed sand to attempt their own crossings. The storm of February 1978 almost demolished the Pier, and a new pier was immediately planned. Today’s Pier opened in June 1980.

WHERE TO STAY: One of North Conway New Hampshire’s newest hotels, the Hampton Inn and Suites (www.hamptoninnnorthconway.com), boasts a four-storey, attached, indoor water park as well as an on-site fitness center! The hotel only opened in 2006, yet it still looks spanking new. When you check in, there is a large plate of soft chocolate chip cookies to welcome you.

There are 97 rooms and suites here. Our family decided to get connecting rooms, which translated into a very nice suite-like atmosphere. One room had a king size bed and a large walk-in shower; the other two queen beds. We requested a small fridge for the room. A few doors down was a large on-site laundry room. People tend to come here for extended stays to enjoy all of the attractions in the area, so having such an option can be a real bonus.
The hotel has complimentary wireless high-speed internet access, a hot breakfast buffet served until 10 a.m. each day, “on the run” breakfast bags for folks on the go, an on-site fitness center, a business center with computers and a printer, an on-site suite shop convenience store and even a babysitting service.

Hampton’s new Cloud Nine bedding boasts pillow top mattresses and all white duvets. I really appreciated the small portable cushioned laptop tables, which makes typing while sitting in bed or in a chair a great deal more comfortable. There is no extra charge here to bring your pet. Ditto for cribs or rollaways.

The hotel plans different activities, such as movie nights and BINGO games.

Rates here include unlimited use of the indoor water park, home to Fernando the Frog, a six-foot amphibian with a mini water slide connected to a heated pool. The water park features dozens of interactive water activities and slides, twisting flumes, a raining umbrella, and more! I must have gone down the open yellow slide more than a dozen times, lying flat on my back and plunging at a rapid speed. It was a blast. Afterwards I decompressed in the nice warm jacuzzi. There is nothing quite like having access to such a facility and being able to go back and forth to your room in the same building. If you are in the area and staying elsewhere, you can pay a fee to gain entry to the water park.

Water parks have been known to be popular activities for children with autism.

“For the water park, I would suggest this only for a child who would not be over stimulated by the environment,” says Tania Piperni, an Autism Spectrum Disorder consultant at the English Montreal School Board. “If planning to go to an indoor water park, I would suggest parents try going to a local water park first, in order to see what reactions are elicited and it would help them prepare for a future visit.
There are 10 handicapped accessible rooms. Three are specifically for the hearing impaired; five others are accessible for hearing impaired, with bath tubs that have grab bars. One other, also equipped for the hearing impaired, has a roll in shower. The hotel is owned and managed by Olympia Hotels (www.theolympiacompanies.com), headquartered in Portland Maine.

The Hampton Inn and Suites is located at 1788 White Mountain Hwy. For more information call toll Free: (888) H20-PARK or (603) 356-7736.

MINI GOLF: Whenever our family goes on summer vacation, we always seek out a good spot for miniature golf. The much respected Pirates Cove Adventure Golf (www.piratescove.net) chain is present here in North Conway at 2001 White Mountain Highway with not one, but two 18 hole courses. Some people do both of them back to back. Our plan was to do so over two evenings. We started off on what was considered the more challenging course, featuring a neat mountain cave, cascading waterfalls and some tricky holes. It was a great deal of fun. The course itself was nicely arranged and the pirate theme was present throughout. If you are headed to North Conway with a group and wish to arrange a mini-golf tournament, call ahead to Josh Power at 603-356-8807. Oh yes, regrettably it rained the second evening we were there so we will just have to head back to this impressive course on our next trip. This was the first time I played mini golf in two years and I was excited to sink two holes-in-one. There are nine holes on the front course that are accessible and can be played twice., notes manager Josh Power.

DINING: Close to the Hampton Inn and Suites is Merlino’s Steakhouse (www.merlinosteakhouse.com), independently owned and operated by the Luciano family since 1967. Merlino’s features only Certified Angus Beef, which assures customers the finest quality beef available. They also serve some of the finest Italian food, using time tested family recipes, chops and ribs, fish and poultry, Merlinos has a great children’s menu, featuring ziti with jumbo meatball, kids smoothies, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, chicken fingers and pizza. You can even get a kids smoothie. There is a generous assortment of appetizers, soups and salads. I strongly recommend the Prime Rib, which comes in six, 12 and 18 ounce portions. The garlic mashed potatoes on the size are delicious. If Caesar salad is to your liking, a large bowl will be brought to the table for everyone to share. They even serve lobster, in the shell or a lazy man style (all cut up). The lobster macaroni and cheese is a new creation. I had the 14 ounce Delmonico steak and it was tender and juicy. Our server Dan, recognizing that we were from Quebec, brushed up on some of the French he learned in high school and gave us a nice “Bonjour” upon taking our orders and even a “Merci.” The two floor facility was busy on the evening we came, including a spirited engagement party just across the room from us.

On our way back from New York City, Lake Placid was added to our itinerary and I can now strongly recommend others do the same. This is a four season destination. We got a taste of the winter experience and now we are tempted to go back in the heat of the summer. I cannot say enough about the personnel at the Lake Placid Convention and Visitor’s Bureau/Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (www.lakeplacid.com), who really helped point me in the right direction.

In Lake Placid, winter brings the sparkle of snowflakes, the twinkle of lights reflecting on Mirror Lake and the soothing glow of crackling fireplaces in Lake Placid. The area boasts a world-class array of trails for skiing and riding Of course things were a bit different this year. Not much snow had fallen up until early January, when we departed. Therefore the lake was not frozen and automatic snowmaking machines had to work overtime.

For those readers already looking for good March Break options, pencil in Lake Placid. By then you should be able to slide down the toboggan chute on frozen Mirror Lake, go ice skating, take an invigorating dog sled ride, and revel in the beauty of the Adirondack wilderness by snowmobiling, cross-country skiing or ice climbing. There is also the option of exploring the endless Adirondack snowshoeing trails to see the forest from a whole new perspective.

Whether you’re an expert, or it’s your first time trying a new winter sport, Lake Placid is the perfect place to enjoy a winter getaway.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We stayed at the 92 room Northwoods Inn (www.northwoodsinn.com), situated right on Main Street, a short walk to the Olympic Arena and Oval, a public beach, numerous restaurants, a movie theatre and quaint shops of Lake Placid. The hotel offers a sidewalk café, two restaurants and “The Cabin,” a warm and cozy fireplace bar overlooking Main Street. Their rooftop bar presents a majestic view of the entire town plus the High Peaks and Whiteface Mountain. The breakfasts and gourmet burgers here have been voted “The best in Lake Placid.”

This is an all suite hotel and includes extended stay spots with kitchenettes and affordable rates. The lakeside rooms offer great views of Mirror Lake and the Adirondack mountains while others include balconies where guests can sit outside and enjoy the fresh mountain air. All of the rooms feature air conditioning, cable TV and separate sitting areas. There is complimentary onsite parking for overnight hotel guests only. Parking is limited, and in high demand periods, overflow spots are available, for a nominal fee, in the Lake Placid Municipal Parking Lot, one block from the hotel.

The Inn features the Tempur-Pedic “Weightless Sleep” mattresses, coddling you as no other mattress can. The revolutionary pressure-relieving material conforms to every point on your body, with relaxing molecular memory that gives you the best night of sleep you’ll ever have.
The Northwoods Inn is a hotel with lots of character and an interesting history. Since the 1800s, Lake Placid has been a destination to tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. By 1900 the village was recognized as a resort destination with seven major hotels and several smaller inns and cottages. A hotelier named Frank Swift had the dream to build a modern, fireproof hotel, where he could host high profile guests with all of the luxuries and comforts of a city hotel. In 1926 he achieved this goal with the construction of the Hotel Marcy. It was named for Mount Marcy, the grandest mountain in New York. In addition to the new building, the Hotel Marcy included several former summer homes to be rented as cottages and the old Northwoods Inn, which was used for housing staff, storage and kitchen facilities. In total, the hotel included 160 guest rooms, 125 bathrooms, a dining room and meeting space.

The Marcy was unlike anything else in Lake Placid and it immediately became popular with both local residents and visitors. It was a choice location for weddings, parties and community events. The hotel also attracted many tourists, including celebrities George Burns and Gracie Allen, Kate Smith, and others from that bygone era.

The Northwoods Inn was purchased by the Smith family five years ago. Gary Smith has handed the day-to-day operations to his son Garrett, who has innkeeper spends a lot of time mixing with guests and getting their feedback. He is working hard at building the property Free WiFi was recently added to all guestrooms and public areas. The renovation of guest rooms is next. For more information you can call 518-523-1818 for special packages, group rates or to make a reservation.

The hotel is well suited for guests in wheelchairs. The parking lot leads to the back entrance of the hotel, where there is a ramp bringing you to either the lobby or the elevator to your room. Door entrances are large and the suites themselves have a nice passageway when you first enter. The elevator will also take you to the street level, where both sides of the street offer some lovely shops and restaurants to explore.

MEALS: From traditional American cuisine in a family-friendly atmosphere to a delicious buffet dinner, such as we were treated to on New Year’s Eve at the Northwoods Inn, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your craving. We discovered Milano North (www.milanonorth.com). Modeled on its Albany cousin, this 110 seat, Northern Italian bistro features a dynamic open kitchen design, wood-fired oven pizzas, freshly-prepared homemade pastas and entrees using only the finest of ingredients. Located one block from the Northwoods Inn, Milano North offers a warm and contemporary Adirondack ambience. We absolutely loved our meals: a piping hot and delicious tomato soup, delicious salads and beautifully prepared entrees of grilled scallops, the best veal parmesan I can remember having (with some linguini on the side) and a grilled shrimp dish with fettuccini.

The restaurant offers a nice second floor view of the charming downtown. You can also catch your favorite game at the bar in its relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Head Chef Ryan Preston oversees a very impressive menu and general manager David McKenty greets everyone with a smile and some Lake Placid trivia.

Milano North is fully handicapped accessible from the upper tier of the municipal parking lot. There are a number of handicapped parking spaces located just outside the front entrance to the restaurant and everything inside is all on one level.

WHAT TO DO: Visit Lake Placid and invent your own perfect day. Sheltered among the Adirondack Park’s six million acres, the alpine village offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, unique attractions, shopping, dining and a variety of fun. There are mountains to climb, rivers to fish, serene lakes to kayak and vast evergreen forests to explore. Bring your bike and cruise through the region’s dramatic landscape, from quiet country roads to scenic mountain passes. Or pack your clubs and play a round on some of the beautiful Lake Placid golf courses—the region boasts 13 including five signature championship layouts. You can also attend one of the many enriching events at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts or catch a movie at the old-fashioned theater on Main Street.

OLYMPIC PASSPORT: Lake Placid was the proud host of the 1932 and 1980 winter Olympic Games. In all of the four seasons, this celebrated history can be experienced with a full range of activities from ORDA – the Olympic Regional Development Authority (http://www.orda.org/corporate). Make sure to purchase the Olympic Sites Passport, which gives you access to every one of the Olympic venues—from Whiteface to the Olympic Sports Complex and everything in between. Sold for $29 at the ORDA Store and all of their ticket offices, the passport saves you time, money, and gets you into the venues at a good value.

ORDA was originally created by the State of New York to manage the facilities used during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games at Lake Placid. ORDA operates the Whiteface Mountain ski area located in the Town of Wilmington, just 15 minutes outside the Village of Lake Placid; the Olympic Center; the Olympic Jumping Complex and Olympic Sports Complex; and Gore Mountain ski area located in North Creek, New York — 80 miles south of Lake Placid.

Whiteface’s Adaptive Snowsports Program is for adults and children with disabilities who want to learn how to ski and snowboard. First-timers needn’t worry; lessons range from “Never-Ever” to the advanced skier/snowboarder. Lift ticket, lesson and rental adaptive equipment are included. The duration of the lesson is usually two hours, depending on the student. Payment is required at the time of reservation.

ACTIVITIES: Fun in the Adirondacks takes on a whole new meaning when shared with the family. With Lake Placid’s storybook setting, it’s no surprise that this quaint alpine village offers unrivaled thrills, unforgettable adventures and historical exploration for all who visit. From museums and theater performances to classic family amusements such as bowling and miniature golf, the Adirondacks have an array of activities and attractions for moms, dads and kids of any age.

For sports fans, be sure to check out the Olympic facilities including the Lake Placid Olympic Museum and the various sports venues such as the hockey arena, home to the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.” If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, take a ride on the bobsled run or ski or ride down the highest vertical drop in the East at Whiteface Mountain. For some history and culture, visit the nearby Wild Center Museum or plan on catching one of the family friendly shows at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts.

SKIING: As America’s very first winter resort, Lake Placid has skiing and riding covered. Whiteface, the only ski area in the East to have hosted the Olympic Games, boasts the highest vertical drop east of the Rockies with terrain for any skill level. The mountain’s 86 trails are serviced by high speed lifts and the Cloudsplitter Gondola—and with terrain parks, slides, glades and miles of groomed runs, you’re sure to find something that suits you. Whiteface is open generally from the very end of November until the middle of April

TOBOGGAN CHUTE: The Lake Placid Toboggan Chute (www.northelba.org/html/toboggan_chute_.html), located on Parkside Drive, adjacent to the Post Office, has been in operation since the 1960′s. The North Elba Park District currently operates the slide. A 30 foot high converted ski jump trestle sends toboggans down ice covered chutes onto frozen Mirror Lake. Depending on weather conditions, toboggans can travel over 1,000 feet once they reach the frozen lake surface. To insure the safety of riders, only one sled is sent down at a time. Families have always said that their visit to the Toboggan Chute was a highlight of their winter vacation.

Since the actual outrun of the slide is the frozen lake surface, the official opening day for operation varies from year to year. They have been open as early as December 26 and one year it wasn’t until February before they were in operation. A good 10 to 12 inches of good solid ice is necessary to insure the safety of the guests.

Admission prices allow guests to slide as much as they can during the scheduled time. Toboggans are rented and can hold two to four people. During Christmas and President’s week lines are often long and the wait can be 15 to 20 minutes between rides. Info 518-523-2591

OLYMPIC JUMPING: See firsthand the ramp that ski jumpers launch from before flying over the length of a football field. Take the chairlift alongside the jumping hills to the glass enclosed elevator to the observation deck of the 120K jump. At the top you will find a panoramic view of the Adirondack High Peaks as you stroll through the ski jumpers preparation room. Then get a bird’s eye view of what the jumpers see as they start to accelerate towards the end of the ramp. Nearby, aerialists will spring off steep kickers on the freestyle hill in a flurry of twists & turns.
Please log on to http://www.whiteface.com/activities/index.php.

You can also ride the 26-storey elevator to the top of the tower and view the world from a ski jumper’s perspective while you take in the panoramic view of the beautiful Adirondack High Peaks and other Olympic Venues.

TUBING: The newest attraction at the Olympic Jumping Complex goes downhill fast. Ride a tube down their newly constructed chute for over 700 feet of fun under the lights. With every tubing ticket purchased, funds go to support USA Ski Jumping. This is opened December 26 through March 20 (or as weather permits). The rate is $9 per hour. Log on to http://www.whiteface.com/activities/tube.php

OLYMPIC SPORTS COMPLEX: Home to the combined bobsled, luge and skeleton track – the only one east of the Rockies – as well as 50 km of groomed cross country ski trails and a biathlon shooting range, the Olympic Sports Complex is a study in extremes. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be a comet, this is the place to start. Bobsled rides, with a professional driver and brakeman, begin at the half-mile point on the track (the same one used by Olympic racers) and wind through Shady, Labyrinth and The Heart–turns known by racers the world over.
You’ll feel the rumble of the sled’s blades passing over the track’s iced surface, slide through one turn, bank high on the next one and pick up speed on the straightaway. You’ll go faster than you’re allowed to drive a car through town. Then you’ll get to the bottom and want to do it again. That is the way the one daring member of our family described the experience. For your bravery, they give you a bobsled lapel pin, a four by six commemorative team photo, t-shirt, a Lake Placid Bobsled Experience sticker and membership in the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton

SKELETON: At the Olympic Sports Complex, you’ll have the chance to try the sport of Skeleton. This is your childhood sled on overdrive. Thirty miles per hour never seemed as fast as when you are lying on your stomach rocketing down an icy chute. Your experience includes: sliding from Start five, a four by six photo of you and your sled, a team t-shirt, a one year membership to the United States Bobsled and Skeleton Federation.

OLYMPIC CENTRE AND MUSEUM: The site of the historic 1932 and 1980 Olympic Games, including the legendary “Miracle on Ice” hockey game in 1980, the Centre houses three ice surfaces, the Convention Center at Lake Placid and the Lake Placid Olympic Museum. This unique venue is active year round. The Olympic Center hosts numerous international and national events, youth and adult hockey tournaments, and Figure Skating Championships throughout the year. Log on to http://www.whiteface.com/activities/museum.php.
ARTS: It’s no surprise that the Adirondacks have such a thriving arts community—the region’s vast forests, peaceful waterways and scenic mountains have long served as a muse for the creative. The region’s striking landscape offers an inspirational backdrop more beautiful and more vivid than one can imagine—and it changes with each new season. Today, artists and musicians of all genres are inspired by the natural setting and sheltered solitude of the mountains. Lake Placid boasts several venues for the arts and hosts a variety of performances — from classical music, to family-friendly shows, to rock concerts and community plays and musicals.

The Adirondacks are home to professional and community theaters, studios and renowned music schools. Likewise, museums and historical societies dot the region, preserving Lake Placid history and displaying artifacts of the Adirondacks’ storied past.

The Lake Placid Center for the Arts offers programs in the areas of music, theater, dance, art and film in addition to galleries, exhibitions and workshops. Similarly, the Lake Placid Institute works to enhance and celebrate cultural life throughout the Adirondacks. Working with other regional art organizations, the Institute develops and presents programs including chamber music seminars, roundtable discussions, and poetry and photo contests, among others.

SHOP: Saunter down Lake Placid’s Main Street and prepare yourself for a singular shopping experience. At first glance, it may seem like Main Street, USA– from the local bakery to the old fashioned movie theatre to the public library. But if you look closer there is a discernible cosmopolitan flair as Lake Placid’s Main Street fuses the special character of the region with the goods, sundries and cuisines of the rest of the world.As you wander in and out of this retail menagerie you may notice that many of the shops’ owners can be found behind the counters. Strike up a conversation—and be sure to take a piece of the Adirondacks and your perfect day in Lake Placid home with you. Whether you’re looking for a fun souvenir, rustic Adirondack furniture, handmade keepsakes, high-tech gear or designer clothes, shopping in Lake Placid offers the full spectrum of unique gifts, necessities and must-have mementos. There are a number of excellent outlet stores , Gap and Van Heusen to name a couple.

By logging on to www.nycgo.com you can begin planning your activities. Unquestionably, New York remains to be one of the most exciting cities in the world. I recommend you start things off at the official NYC information center (http://www.nycgo.com/venues/official-nyc-information-center) where you can be pointed in the right direction.

If it is shopping you like, the boutiques of Madison Avenue, the iconic department stores on Fifth Avenue and the fashion-forward shops in SoHo and the Village, are the favorites. Sporting 100 upscale retailers, Madison Avenue is a slice of heaven, New York’s most luxurious shopping experience. From 57th St to 72nd, this haute strip where the wealthy shop, boasts 15 blocks of designer boutiques and specialty retailers. The Century 21 Department store at 22 Cortlandt Street has bargains galore. But here is a tip. If you are driving in you will pass through the New Jersey town of Paramus, where a Century 21 is right on the main drag.

BROADWAY: Unquestionably “the draw” in New York City remains its extraordinary Broadway productions. Be prepared to pay big dollars, even for a seat that is the second to last spot in the house at the top. Here is a tip though. Go online via Ticketmaster or Telecharge, check out the precise availability and call the toll free number so that you can get a more accurate route of what is available. While they offer to mail the tickets at least 48 hours before the show, we recommend that you either print them out online or ask to pick them up at will call. In some cases you can even buy cancellation insurance.Log on to www.nycgo.com/broadway and http://www.nycgo.com/off-broadway for ticket information.

WHERE TO STAY: We stayed at The Benjamin (www.thebenjamin.com), a boutique luxury hotel centrally located in midtown Manhattan at the corner of Lexington Avenue and 50th Street, with quick, direct access to Fifth Avenue restaurants and shops, Grand Central Station, MoMA, Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Bloomingdales, among a myriad of other premiere city attractions. Customers of Travelocity, one of the largest travel companies in the world, have ranked it as the top hotel in New York City. The Benjamin provides an experience of true luxury and supreme comfort in an intimate, boutique‐style setting Known for its comprehensive sleep program, The Benjamin features the industry’s first and only Sleep Concierge, a 12‐choice pillow menu and custom Benjamin Bed. The Benjamin brand is operated by Denihan, a nationally recognized, independent owner and operator of boutique hotels with more than 100 years in the hospitality and service. It is named after company founder Benjamin Denihan, better known as “Bud.”

For many, the experience of walking into The Benjamin’s suites and guestrooms is like coming home to your private apartment in Midtown. Each of the 209 suites and guest rooms is elegantly appointed with a signature Benjamin bed, luxurious Anichini bedding, an executive work station, 42” HD Flat Screen TV, a galley kitchen, mini bar, and sleep menu. The one-bedroom deluxe and VIP suites afford terraces with grand, inspiring views of Manhattan and often a closer peek at the craftsmanship of the famed Emery Roth’s architectural design. The one-bedroom suites include double-paned soundproof windows, the custom-designed Benjamin Bed (king) including 500-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, a down duvet, luxury Anichini bedding and sleep menu with a 12-Choice Pillow Menu. There is also a separate living room, complete with a sleeper sofa, kitchen area with full-sized refrigerator, iPod alarm clock/radio, 42” HD flat-screen TV, and an executive work desk including a multi-outlet station and high-speed Internet access.

What I really liked about this place was the fact we could walk to Times Square in about a half hour while stopping to enjoy such sites as Rockefeller Center on the way. Here is a tip. If you want to eat early before going to a show, the Oxford Café (www.oxfordcafetogo.com), is two blocks from the hotel at 591 Lexington Avenue. The menu is endless, the food great and service exceptional.
Check out the Benjamin Guest Lounge, located on the second floor. It is an intimate 24-hour spot, providing a quiet living room-inspired space to meet with friends or clients. Two steamer trunks in the rear of the Guest Lounge were reinterpreted into individual workstations with computers and printers, allowing you to check email or simply print a boarding pass at anytime that is convenient.
The Benjamin was eco-friendly before being green became the new standard. In fact it is one of only five hotels in the United States that has earned the ECOTEL® Five-Globe certification.
The Benjamin has easy wheelchair access and elevators right off of the lobby.

DINING OUT: New York City is indeed the place to dine, with an endless array of choices to please your palate. Needless to say, there are no shortage of kosher restaurants here either.

This was my fourth trip to New York City over the 16 years and each time I have made it a point to dine at the Jewish-owned Ben Benson’s Steak House (www.benbensons.com). Opened in 1982, it is one of the top 100 independent restaurants in America. Manhattanites and visitors rub elbows with celebrities, politicians, sports stars and business executives, over huge juicy steaks, three-to-seven pound lobsters and fantastic Benson crispy hashed browns. Conveniently located in the theatre district, at 123 W 52nd St., Ben Benson’s is considered to one of New York’s top steak houses. Its eclectic collection of authentic Americana fills the two roomy floors with casual elegance and charm. This handsome, clubby restaurant is home to many regulars (many with brass name plaques mounted on the wainscoted walls such as Schwartz and Grossman). Benson is a hands on owner. He created the menu himself, offering only USDA Prime steaks and chops and premium-quality poultry and seafood. He tastes and approves every food, including the bread. I enjoyed the filet mignon. But there were other tempting choices such as broiled veal chop, scallopine of veal: milanese, francese or piccata, veal parmigiana, triple lamb chops, Maryland crab cakes, broiled filet of sole, shrimp, fried chicken, chicken parmigiana, grilled chicken breast with herbed wild mushrooms and chopped steak. Children will love the appetizers and a piece of tilapia represents a perfect choice for them as the main entrée.

Ben Benson’s serves huge portions, including a gigantic baked potato. In terms of salads, there are a variety of choices: baby spring mixed greens, hearts of lettuce, endive and arugula, Rancher’s salad, tomato and onion, hearts of romaine, a special tomato salad and cucumber, sweet onion and tomato. The Ben Benson chopped salad went over best with our party. As for side orders, try the lightly battered fried zucchini and onion rings or the creamed spinach and the Brooklyn Blackout cake or key lime pie for dessert. The restaurant is also noted for its exclusively seasoned steak sauce.

This is a year round mountain vacation resort, located 30 miles east of the Burlington International Airport and five miles south of Jeffersonville on Route 108. The resort is easily reached from Montreal (91 miles), Boston (225 miles) and New York City (342 miles). We actually came via Toronto, spending a couple of nights first in Burlington –a great place to shop.

Smugglers’ Notch offers a complete Mountain Village with convenient restaurants, lounges, entertainment, sport shop, 10 tennis courts, a driving range, multiple and magnificent pools, Rum Runners’ Hideaway reservoir, playgrounds, woodland miniature and disc golf courses, a full service conference and banquet center, a U.S. Post Office, a real estate office, a country store, TREASURES child care center, a welcome and reservation center, and two teen centers.

Summer programs go from June through September. All accommodations are mountainside condominiums ranging from studios to five bedroom townhouses with fully-equipped living spaces and kitchens. Lodgings and facilities are all located in the walkabout Village. A free on-demand shuttle service also runs daily throughout the Village. We stayed in a beautiful two bedroom slopeside condominium. Homes are prepared for your arrival with bath towels, linens, blankets and pillows. Your condominium will also have hotel size bars of bath soap, toilet paper, paper towels, dish towels, dish soap, sponges and trash bags. The kitchen in your village home includes pots, pans, plates, glasses, silverware, cooking utensils, a toaster and an auto-drip coffee maker. All homes have a stove , refrigerator, a stacking washer and dryer or access to a washer and dryer in the building. We had four flatscreen televisions, a DVD/VCR player and a sound system. Private rooms do not have a kitchen.

Smugglers’Notch currently has 660 units, with a new phase of 35 on the way. “We are growing by about five percent per year,” says managing director Bill Stritzler, who became a homeowner in 1977, was hired in 1986 and bought the resort in 1996.

There are presently more than 7,000 owners, ranging from time-shares of two weeks a year to those who are permanent owners and share in the profits when their units are rented during the year. This is a year-round vacation paradise, with visitors coming from across Eastern Canada, the United States, Europe and Puerto Rico. It is a favorite spot for family and organization reunions.

Here is a look at the summer deals in place:

-New is the Adventure Connection Vacation Package, which maximizes vacation fun for active families with the best adventures Smugglers’ has to offer. Guests on this comprehensive package can create special memories by enjoying thrilling activities like the Zip Line Canopy Tour, llama treks, Segway tours, kayak rental, and more. The Adventure Connection also includes children’s programs for ages three to 17 that include nature discovery, games, arts and crafts, and pool and waterslide fun; in addition, children ages eight to 15 may elect to concentrate on performance, arts and crafts, nature and hiking or adventure and games. This package, with a minimum four night stay, starts at $,2132 for a family of four in a one bedroom condominium.

-The Adventure Connection joins Smugglers’ popular FamilyFest and SimplySmuggs Vacation Packages. Offering fun for kids and freedom for parents, the FamilyFest Vacation Package also includes Smugglers’ award-winning daylong children’s programs. Rates for a family of four in a one bedroom mountainside condominium start at $1,348 for a four day/for night stay on FamilyFest.

-The SimplySmuggs Vacation Package offers flexibility to families who want to make a-la-carte selections from the Resort’s varied menu of award-winning children’s programs for ages three to 17. When registering for those programs prior to arrival, families will enjoy a discounted rate of 25 percent on the children’s programs they select. Vacation package rates for a family of four in a one bedroom mountainside condominium start at $1,060 for a four day/four night stay on the SimplySmuggs Vacation Package.

The SimplySmuggs and FamilyFest Vacation Packages also offer discounts for families interested in children’s specialty camps focusing on outdoor adventure, tennis, skateboarding, and videography, which are included in the Adventure Connection Vacation Package. All three packages include fully-equipped mountainside condominium lodging; unlimited use of eight heated pools and four waterslides; daily guided walks and hikes; two teen centers; mini golf; disc golf; and use of the skate park. Family programs and entertainment included in the package are bingo, dance parties, a family magic show, and more. Nightly entertainment for adults is also included. Each package features unlimited use of the FunZone Family Entertainment Center, an indoor play center for all ages featuring climbing and bouncy inflatables such as a giant slide and obstacle course, plus a kids’ climbing wall, miniature golf, and arcade games.

WATER PLAYGROUNDS: Smugglers’ has four water playgrounds with eight pools and four waterslides. At the Mountainside Pool there is the Giant Rapid River Ride, the Turtle Slide, Little Smugglers’ Lagoon, bathhouse, snack bar, and sun decks. Over at the Courtside Pool, you can enjoy the Flume Waterslide, wading pool, Olympic-sized pool, two 14-person jacuzzi tubs and a bathhouse and snack center. Rum Runners’ Hideaway features 10-acres of natural water, Fidget Ladder, Aqua Jump, fishing, canoe and paddleboat rentals, a picnic pavilion and changing room, with spectacular mountain views. Then there is Notchville Park, a family playground amidst towering maples with the Giant Swing, Raven’s Roost Climbing Tower, three terraced pools with nearly 5,000 square feet of water area, Peregrine’s Picnic Pavilion, sand volleyball court, croquet, tumbling brook, frog pond, and bathhouse. Notchville also features the Twister, a 140 foot body flume waterslide.

The Village and Sterling Ponds provide great trout fishing, and the Lamoille River and Lake Champlain (the “Sixth Great Lake”) are nearby.

SUMMER FUN UNIVERSITY: Each family member is entitled to join in the daily Summer Fun University programs included in the FamilyFest and Adventure Connection Vacation Packages: Discovery Dynamos (for 3-4 year olds), Trail Blazers (5-6), Adventure Rangers (7-10), the Notch Squad (11-15), Mountain Explorers (16-17), and Adult Adventures. Dozens of family activities spanning the ages are also included.

ZIP LINE: Following a mountain brook from high above Smugglers’ Notch Resort Village, the ArborTrek Zip Line Canopy Tour at Smugglers’ descends through mature stands of hemlock, white birch, and sugar maple. The two and a half to three-hour tour includes riding down more than 4,000 feet of zip lines, crossing sky bridges, and rappeling from trees, offering a memorable and thrilling experience for ages eight and older. The tour is included in the Adventure Connections Vacation Package. It just opened last December. “Our partner in this venture, Mike Smith, was driving through the area looking for a spot to introduce zip lining,” explains Lisa Howe, vice-president of new marketing opportunities.“When he pulled into our lot, he said ‘this is it.”

Other unique fee-based programs include fishing and paddling adventures, golf instruction, health and wellness offerings, arts and crafts classes, and more. Special Facilities

TREASURES Child Care Center is a 5,400 foot modern center for youngsters six weeks to three years old with special parent and kid-friendly features such as three age-appropriate playrooms, a fenced adjacent playground, and dedicated parking.

Four playground sites scattered around the resort are fitted with play structures for kids between the ages of six months and 12 years of age. They include the TREASURES Playground at the day care center, the Secret Playground near the Courtside Pool and the Big Kid’s Park nestled among the condominium clusters. Three additional playgrounds are located in condominium neighborhoods for use by those guests.

There are two teen centers: Teen Alley for ages 13-15 and Outer Limits for ages 16 and older.

An on-site outdoor golf driving range with Professional PGA and LPGA instruction for all ages includes equipment. There are 15 stations for golf clinics, private sessions, family fun events, and many organized programs for youth and adults. Several great golf courses are nearby.

Smugglers’ Summer family vacations start at $1,060 for a family of four staying for four nights in a mountainside one-bedroom condominium. Pricing is determined by the length of the stay, the rate period, and the size of the condominium. In addition to lodging, packages include unlimited use of Smugglers’ pools, waterslides, and hot tubs; use of the FunZone Family Recreation Center; daily guided hiking and walking treks; and special entertainment for families and adults. Additional programs are available that are fee-based.

Vacation deposits are refunded on cancellations received seven or more days prior to the guest’s scheduled arrival. Later cancellations will have the deposit credited to a future stay within the next two years. This place guarantees family fun.

AUTUMN FUN: In the fall the Smugglers mountains – Morse, Sterling, and Madonna – in the Green Mountain chain rise to a 3,610 foot elevation from the Village. Historic Smugglers’ Notch pass is an interesting drive; the Long Trail, a hiking path through the entire length of Vermont, crosses Madonna for easy access.

Open daily through mid September, warm weather permitting, is the Mountainside Water Playground with an outdoor lap pool, Little Smugglers’ Lagoon, 330′ Giant Rapid River Ride and Turtle Mini-Waterslide. There is also a bath house with showers and changing rooms. The courtside pool is an indoor heated facility with hot tubs and bath house, available from mid-September on. The Village Pond and Sterling Pond provide great trout fishing, and the Lamoille River & Lake Champlain (the “Sixth Great Lake”) are nearby. Special Facilities

Disc Golf offers 18 holes on a beautiful woodland course. Disc rentals are available. This is a game for all ages that combines a walk through the woods with the fun of throwing a disc.Tennis is available daily and features eight outdoor clay courts and two outdoor hard courts. Equipment is available.

Six playground sites scattered around the resort are fitted with play structures for kids between the ages of six months and 12 years. They include the Pirate Ship Playground, the Fairy Castle Playground, and the Firefly Garden in the main Village; and the Star Playground and the Big Kid’s Park nestled among the condominium clusters. There is also a playground at TREASURES child care center. Vacation Value with Smugglers’ fall packages

An AutumnFest package offers Smugglers’ exceptional lodging and programming at the lowest rates of the year! The package includes lodging and use of the pool and hot tubs. Guests also have the opportunity to enjoy Smugglers’ woodland miniature golf, shuffleboard, basketball and volleyball. The cost for AutumnFest for a family of four staying two nights in a two bedroom condominium is $410; other lodging sizes and stays are available. With stays of three nights or more, an additional night is free.

WINTER: Ski and snowboard season is from late November until mid-April. Three interconnected mountains comprise northern Vermont’s biggest vertical drop at 2,610 feet. Skiers and snowboarders are welcome on all trails. Morse Mountain, the beginners’ haven, rises directly out of the Resort Village. Sterling Mountain’s terrain appeals especially to intermediates, while Madonna Mountain is the expert skiers’ mountain. Snowfall

Smugglers’ Notch averages 316 feet of snow per season(based on a five year average). Snowmaking covers 62 percent of total terrain. The $2.5 million in improvements over the last several years include a 20 million gallon reservoir and additional pumps and guns. More than 100 snow guns are water and energy efficient. Grooming capabilities are enhanced by a winch cat groomer, power tiller, and Zaugg groomer to maintain and contour terrain park features. Lifts

On Morse, The Village Lift is 5,200 feet long and Mogul Mouse’s Magic Lift, a special low-to-the-ground beginner’s chairlift, is 4,600 feet long. The Morse Highlands Lift is 1,400 feet long. The Sterling Lift is 5700 feet, the T-Bar on Sterling is 1,300 feet. Madonna I is 6,600 feet, and Madonna II is 4,700feet long. Sir Henry’s Learning & Fun Park on Morse also has a handle tow. Total: six chairs and two surface lifts. On Morse, two conveyor lifts service learning areas. There is an additional conveyor lift at TREASURES Child Care Center to serve the Little Rascals on Snow, a ski instruction program for toddlers.

Smugglers’ famous base-to-summit Madonna 1 Lift offers 360-degree views of Canada, New Hampshire’s White Mountains to the east, and Lake Champlain to the west. Lift Hours Three of Smugglers’ lifts–one each on Morse, Sterling, and Madonna–open at 8 a.m. on weekends. On weekdays, all lifts open at 9 a.m. except the Village Lift and the Sterling Summit Lift, which open at 8:30 am. All lifts close at 4 p.m.
Smugglers’ has 78 trails on 300 acres of marked and patrolled acreage. There are an additional 700 acres of unmarked and patrolled terrain, for a total of 1,000 acres, the largest in Vermont. The longest run is 3 miles from the Madonna summit to the Village. Popular trails include the Garden Path on Morse, and Chilcoot, FIS, Rumrunner, Treasure and Black Snake on Madonna and Sterling. The Black Hole on Madonna Mountain is the only triple black diamond trail in the East. The trail system can be broken down as follows: 19 percent easier, 50 percent intermediate, 25 percent expert, and 6 percent extreme.

Smugglers’ Snow Sport University offers group and private instruction for all ages and ability levels. All-day ski and snowboard camps include Discovery Dynamos (ages 3-5; snowboard camp begins at age 4), Adventure Rangers (ages 6-10), and the Notch Squad (ages 11-14). Mountain Explorers is for teens ages 15-17 and includes two hours of on-slope instruction or a full-day camp during holiday weeks. For beginner boarders, Night School for Boarding is offered evenings twice weekly. The Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Adventure Center provides snowshoe and cross country skiing instruction and outings. Sir Henry’s Learning and Fun Park is worth a gander. Five acres on Morse Mountain make up this park, which is the site of Night School for Boarding for rank beginners on selected evenings, and a tube-sliding area. The Jib and Jump Park on the Log Jam Trail on Morse Highlands offers more space for beginner features such as rolls, a table, a box, and a sculpted trail. Perfect for those new to parks and the fun offered in them!

Birch Run Park has 1,000 feet of park on the lengthened Birch Run trail on Sterling Mountain. This trail is peppered with modified table tops, rolls, and spines for entry and intermediate level skiers and riders – the learning place for those aspiring to big air at Prohibition Park.
The Zone is located on the Practice Slope on Sterling with the biggest hits and rails for expert and championship riders.The Zone is the site for Altitude Adjustment events in which intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders can show their stuff with freestyle stunts. Music, prizes and product giveaways add to the fun. Family Fun Guarantee!
Smugglers’ Notch guarantees Family Fun at Snow Sport University! Smugglers’ guarantees that each member of the family will learn to ski or snowboard or will improve technique, regardless of ability level – or the entire lesson portion of that person’s vacation package will be refunded.

DINING: Three Mountain Lodge (www.threemountainlodge.com) is located on scenic and historic Smugglers’ Notch Road (Route 108) in Jeffersonville, Vermont, just a five minute drive from the resort. Originally built in 1966 by the University of Vermont for their Outing Club, the lodge has a 30 year tradition of hosting good times. It later housed the UVM & Johnson State College ski teams, as well as a state-run alternative school. In the late seventies, Smugglers’ Notch Resort purchased the property, gave it the name Three Mountain Lodge, and returned it to use as a ski dorm. In 1983, Steve and Colleen Blood came to Jeffersonville and began their operation, at first continuing the ski lodging tradition business in winter and a restaurant the rest of the year. In 1984 they purchased the property. With the restaurant’s continued growth, it became hard to accommodate ski groups. To the disappointment of many loyal guests and friends, lodging had to be phased out. This is a popular spot to dine. They are open six days a week and closed on Mondays. Steve or Colleen usually greet you at the door and bring a large whiteboard to your table containing all of the specials. There are plenty of meat and seafood selections. The prime rib is one of their specialities, charcoal broiled in 10 and 16 ounce servings. It comes with two sides. I opted for the mashed potatoes and baked macaroni. Scallops can be prepared broiled or grilled.The steaks, broiled trout, shrimp scampi, slow cooked ribs and rack of lamb also looked great. Make sure not to leave without trying their homemade ice cream . We sampled the blueberry and vanilla flavors. You can call 802-644-5736 or email threemt@together.net.

My family and I recently spent some time in the area. It was in fact our first visit there in a decade. Though Stowe enjoys an international reputation as a winter destination, it is just as exciting in summer. Sparkling streams attract anglers, splashers, and paddlers. Horseback riders gallop through wildflower strewn meadows. Bikers and hikers take to the recreation path and to more challenging mountain trails as well. Stowe’s golf and tennis offer challenges for newcomer and old pro alike or enjoy a glider ride soaring above Stowe’s spectacular terrain.

Stowe was charted on June 8, 1763 when Governor Benning Wentworth of New Hampshire designated 64 men as “Proprietors.’” However, no settlement occurred until 1793, two years after Vermont, as the fourteenth state joined the original thirteen of the U.S.A. The town has 4,700 residents, over 70 unique shops, more than 45 restaurants and cafés and some 50 different lodging options.

Autumn in Stowe deserves special mention. Vermont is world-famous for its spectacular fall foliage, and Stowe is Vermont ‘s most beautiful and dramatic fall foliage viewing venue. You’ll be surprised at how much there is to do in Stowe. You can visit Vermont’s number one tourist attraction: Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream plant, a mecca for lovers of premium ice cream. Take a tour of the facility and watch those delicious flavors being made. Samples and gifts are available. Not far up the road are a number of specialty food shops: Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Visitor’s Center and Cafe, Lake Champlain Chocolates, Cabot Creamery Annex, plus maple syrup and other goodies for which this part of Vermont is famous. At the Cold Hollow Cider Mill you can watch them making cider from local apple orchards, and sample unique mustards and jams for which they are famous. There are antique shops and craft outlets too.

Of course, downhill skiing and snowboarding are the most popular winter activities, but there are also plenty of other fun things to do! For example: snowshoeing, cross country skiing (there are four touring centers in Stowe), skating, indoor tennis and sleigh rides. Stowe has over 60 retail stores for shopping year round and every one is locally owned! There are many more activities and special events of all sizes!
Stowe is a wonderfully eclectic village that is home to a thriving arts community and exciting cultural happenings. Gifted performers and artists are attracted and inspired by this natural splendor. They, in turn, enrich Stowe with cultural and artistic sophistication more typical of large cities.
There are museums and art galleries right in the village, and an incredible array of artists, artisans and crafts people plying their talents and selling their wares. From painting, photography and sculpture, to jewellery, glass and fashion – something unique and intriguing is always on exhibit somewhere in the village. So, while Stowe is a great place to eat, drink and play outdoors, it’s also a great place to shop and feast on arts and culture.

It is never too early to plan ahead for the summer of 2012. If your trip is targeted for late July try and sample The Taste of Stowe Arts Festival (http://craftproducers.com). This is an unusual event, combining a market for handmade crafts, original art, music, and an array of gourmet edible treats. A colossal 100 foot wide tent houses the artists and artisans and other smaller tents host the culinary components.
The Arts and Craft Tent is a veritable cathedral of creativity. Come on out and see the extraordinary items the artists have presented: birdbaths and marble patio tables; end tables, pitchers, mugs, plates galore; hand painted clothing; furniture; sparkling jewellery; leather purses and bags; photography; original paintings; leather work; wall sculptures; exotic dark chocolates; wall art with clever cartoons poking fun at us all; handmade dog treats; and more. You get to stroll into 150 boutiques and meet the actual artists; that’s right you meet the maker of the works presented!

Stowe’s diversions and activities are as varied and exciting as its lodging and dining. The resort is justifiably world-famous for Mt. Mansfield’s downhill skiing. Stowe is also North America’s finest cross country skiing destination, with hundreds of kilometres of interconnected groomed and backcountry trails. And as if that were not enough, Stowe — home of Tubbs Snowshoes — is the birthplace of modern snow-shoeing. There’s even dog sledding and snow-mobiling!

Laughing Moon Chocolates on Main Street in Stowe Village offers Chocolate Dipping Demonstrations & Tours – Handcrafted candy as an art form! Stop by and learn how they make delicious hand-dipped chocolates with the big picture in mind! Demonstrations are held every day at 2 p.m. Laughing Moon Chocolates is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Boyden Valley Winery Tours is part of a fourth-generation farm in the pastoral Lamoille River Valley. Also on site: corn maze, ice cream stand, Milk House Market (featuring local food products), petting zoo, playground, music pavilion. Winery tours are at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily.

ACTIVITIES TO RECOMMEND: From June to Labour Day (and weekends after that through mid-October), you just have to try the Alpine slide. What you will experience is an exhilarating 2,300 foot ride down Spruce Peak. This is fun and exciting for people of all ages. Hours of operation are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is free for kids aged five and under; $21 for one adult ride and $42 for three; $19 for one junior/senior ride and $38 for three. I could not believe how fast I was going!

You can also take the easy way up the mountain in the famous Stowe gondola. Spectacular views await you near the peak of Vermont’s highest mountain. From the gondola, access hiking trails or stop for a bite in the lift summit snack bar. This runs daily from mid June until mid-October.

The Summer Inflatable Obstacle Course, located on the same site as the alpine slide, is also a blast. Put yourself to the test and try your luck. This is no easy task, I must tell you. This runs from mid-June to Labour Day and then continues on weekends until mid-October from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Adults can get three runs for $21; juniors and seniors pay $18 for the same three. Children aged five and under go free with a paid adult.

WHERE TO STAY: The historic Green Mountain Inn (www.greenmountaininn.com) has been offering travellers respite for over 175 years. Located at 18 Main Street, it features 107 accommodations, ranging from traditional guest rooms to luxury suites and townhouses.

The Inn is owned by the Gameroff Family Trust. Marvin Gameroff was a Canadian businessman who took a liking to Stowe in the 1970s and purposely worked for its preservation through investments that would be both profitable for him and supportive of the village community. One of these, in 1982, was purchasing the Green Mountain Inn, a then–somewhat tattered facility with about 90 acres of land, on Main Street. Built as a home in 1833, it had been an inn for a century when Gameroff bought it. He also bought what’s now known as the Whiskers Building Farmhouse and owned a home in Stowe with about 150 acres of land. He passed away in 2004. His two sons, David and Simon, have carried on the tradition with innkeeper Patti Clark overseeing the day to day operations.

Last year a major renovation project completely refurbished nearly a quarter of the historic hotel’s Main Inn room inventory. Twelve of the hotel’s second floor rooms within the property’s central Inn building underwent a substantial revitalization. There was a complete remodeling of bathrooms, air conditioning system improvements, floor plan readjustments to maximize space, the installation of new high grade noise-dampening windows and the addition of new large screen plasma TVs.

Says Clark, “Our goal has always been to offer comfortable, inviting accommodations which provide our guests real value for their travel dollars. Over the years we have continually re-invested in our facilities to update, renew and enhance our offerings. Every upgrade project – such as this one – has been undertaken with a commitment to preserving the hotel’s unique character and charm so that the Inn remains a destination of choice for our loyal customers.”

The Inn is also home to the wonderful Whip Bar and Grill (http://www.greenmountaininn.com/whipbarandgrill.html). This spot provides travellers respite, refreshment, and fine dining in a casual atmosphere. It features an extensive menu full of flavorful food prepared with Vermont products and the freshest ingredients from local farmers. There are fresh homemade breads and incredible desserts. It is open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. The bar offers a great selection of Vermont and New England microbrews on tap and a newly revised wine list sure to tempt occasional wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

I would strongly remember the grilled swordfish, which cuts like butter. It comes with vegetables, but you can switch this for the mashed potatoes.
We shared some garlic shrimp as an appetizer. It came with two sliced baguettes. You can order a half Caesar salad here to save more room for the entrée. There is a kids menu, but the younger ones might want to try the delicious flatbread pizza from the main selections. This is the place for fish – salmon, tilapia, wild striped bass and oven roasted Boston cod. There are also steaks, chicken, burgers and sandwiches.

DINNER AT GRACIES: Many veteran Stowe vacationers also strongly recommended Gracie’s Restaurant (www.gracies.com) at 18 Edson Hill Road. Owners Paul and Susan Archdeacon are wonderful hosts. Paul, known simply as “Archie,” came here in 1972 from Boston to ski and never left. This is where he met Sue. In 1991the couple opened the restaurant, naming it after their new shelter rescue dog Gracie, a Yellow Lab Air dale mix from the South Burlington Humane Society. The name stuck and the restaurant took off. Right from the start Gracie’s was committed to producing as much of their menu as possible themselves. All the breads, rolls and desserts are made on the premises. This led to the introduction of Gracie’s “Doggie Bag.” A penny candy bag painted on the inside with white chocolate, frozen and filled with chocolate mint mousse. When ordered the paper bag is peeled off and the chocolate sack is served over double boil hot fudge. The “Doggie Bag” is garnished with fresh baked sugar cookies cut to look like milk bones. I have not tasted such an exceptional dessert in a long time.

The doggie theme carries throughout the menu with all the burgers, made with Boyden Farms all natural ground beef, named after particular breeds. There is some type of canine logic to the names with the Chihuahua served with a side of quacamole. The barbeque ribs are slow roasted for 12 hours, Memphis style, and slide right off the bone. I combined my order with chicken, garnished in fabulous bbq sauce, along with wild rice and cole slaw. The bar steak, a six ounce filet mignon, is another house favorite. All steaks here are handcarved in the kitchen by Gracies’ chefs. Reservations are recommended. Call 802-253-8741.

Mike Cohen’s email address is info@mikecohen.ca. Follow his travels at www.sandboxworld.com/travel and follow him as well on Twitter @mikecohencsl.

My most recent visit to Burlington was an interesting one. We had actually started off our trip in Toronto. The way the schedule worked out, our next stop was to be a five night booking at the Smugglers’ Notch Resort. Given the fact this was nearly an eight hour drive from Toronto, it did not make a lot of sense to arrive the in the late evening. Burlington was on our radar screen, particularly for its excellent shopping, so we elected to head directly there. It is only 45 minutes from Smugglers’ Notch and Stowe, known as four season destinations.

WHERE TO STAY: This was actually our second trip in as many years to Burlington, as we stopped there on the way back from Cape Cod a year ago.
One of the incentives to return, in fact, was the Doubletree Hotel Burlington (www.burlington.doubletree.com). Located just off I-89 on Williston Road and near the airport, this is a large and attractive property. All standard guestrooms include the Sweet Dreams bed, coffeemaker, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, refrigerator, easy chair, in-room remote printing, Lodgenet with web access and Game Cube, speakerphone and complimentary wireless high speed internet access. In the suites there is a main bedroom with a king size bed and flat screen TV, separated by a door to spacious living room area featuring a pullout couch, a working desk with two chairs and another flat screen televisions. The bathroom is conveniently accessed from the living room area, which is especially convenient for families with small children who needn’t wake up parents as they charge to use the facilities early in the morning.

The hotel has a nice pool, connected to an outdoor patio and an amazing workout gym open 24 hours a day. Its treadmills have small television monitors attached, with headphones, making one’s workout so much more pleasant. There is an onsite restaurant called Trader Duke’s.

We were greeted with hot chocolate chip cookies upon checking in. General Manager Rick Milliken has been in the local hotel industry for 33 years and converted the hotel from a Clarion to a Doubletree in 2005, at which time 33 suites were constructed. There are 161 in all. Richfield Hospitality, the company which manages this hotel and a plethora of others across the USA, thinks so highly of Milliken that they regularly assign him to visit other locations to share his expertise.

The hotel also has a beautiful banquet and conference centre.

“Those that come for a weekend, a few days or during the holiday periods and those who stay over to catch a flight,” says Milliken. “ You can leave your car here for two weeks and we only charge $25.”

It actually turned out to be a great idea to come here first before Smugglers’ Notch as we spent our final day in Burlington doing a little extra shopping before heading up the mountain.

The hotel has five handicapped accessible rooms, two with roll-in showers.
All of the necessary equipment for the hearing impaired is in place. Both the main and banquet entrances are fully wheelchair accessible, with wide sized elevators to transport those booked on the second floor.

This hotel is constantly being upgraded. When we were there, new carpets were being installed in all of the hallways. They will soon introduce a grab and go breakfast option. “Often people check out and then drive to the closest Starbucks to get a coffee and Danish,” said Milliken. “We will now have that option right in front of them when they checkout.”

DINING OUT: We were thrilled to find an Outback Steakhouse (www.outback.com ) only minutes from our hotel at 150 Dorset Street. This has always been one of my favorite chains. Montreal’s West Island had a franchise for about a two year period which we happily frequented. Why it shut down I still do not understand.

Well, if you want to experience this spot, best known for grilled steaks, chicken and seafood, then Burlington represents the closest opportunity for Montrealers. Torontonians can experience it in Niagara Falls.

The Outback also offers a wide variety of crisp salads and freshly made soups and sides. New creations and grilled classics are made from scratch daily using only the highest quality ingredients. Franchise owner Derek Gorman and manager John Legere appreciate the steady flow of Montreal diners.

Our server was a gentleman named Errol Rule and his Australian accent turned out to be the real thing. Errol is from Down Under who actually met a girl named Fiona from Burlington there who just happened to work at the Outback in Burlington. The couple met through a mutual friend on April 24, 2009 at the Gearin Hotel, a local pub, in Katoomba New South Wales (NSW), Australia. In January 2010 Errol decided to come to Montreal to work at Hurley’s Irish Pub downtown while waiting for his US paper work to come through. That process took 11 months. « We finally got married on December 31, 2010, the day before my birthday » says Errol, who started at the Outback the following May of 2011. « The odds of me warning at the Outback Steakhouse in Burlington were very slim to none, but it is warning out well and it is turning out to be an excellent job. »

We had a superb meal. I would recommend the clam chowder, the lobster tails and of course the steaks – either the rib eye or Victoria’s filet. The new menu actually has a calorie count in brackets for every single item, which is great for folks who are watching what they eat. This Outback is opened seven days a week. Call 802-862-0003 for reservations.

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

SHOPPING: The Church Street Marketplace pedestrian mall is an amazing place to shop. With over 100 retail shops, restaurants and street vendors, this popular destination for shopping, dining and people watching. A recipient of the prestigious Great American Main Street Award, the Marketplace is recognized as one of the most successful pedestrian malls in the country.

Burlington Town Center is considered Burlington’s premier indoor shopping center, featuring an exciting retail mix including J.Crew, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Ann Taylor Loft, Abercrombie & Fitch, Aabercrombie, Aéropostale, Gap/Gap Kids/Baby Gap, Crabtree & Evelyn and Macy’s Department Store.

Then there is University Mall, Vermont’s largest enclosed shopping center, with over 70 shops and services. Here you can choose from a major selection of major department stores like JC Penney, Sears and the Bon-Ton. Within walking distance you’ll find HomeGoods, Hannaford Food & Drug and the Sears Automotive Center. Plus, there is plenty of free parking!

The Burlington region offers outdoor activities from lake-based kayaking, fishing and sailing to mountain-based hiking, cycling and skiing – and everything in between. Spend your time in Vermont enjoying the area’s fantastic dining, shopping, concerts and special events. Unwind in one of the area’s many excellent hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and resorts. And, of course, enjoy the spectacular natural beauty of Vermont’s Lake Champlain and Green Mountains.

Northern Lights, Vermont’s premier cruise boat, offers daily scenic, lunch and brunch cruises. Weekly dinner cruises including entertainment. This floating venue is an ideal setting for weddings, anniversaries, corporate functions and special events or to simply enjoy the spectacular beauty of Lake Champlain. Departing from the King Street Ferry Dock from May through October.

The Flynn Theatre is a 1,453-seat art-deco treasure and 150 seat “black box” facility hosting over 100 world-class live performances annually – broadway, dance, music (jazz, classical, pop, folk, world), cutting-edge, family and student matinees.

A : Plattsburgh is a small Amercian city located on the western shore of Lake Champlain in the northeastern part of the state of New York. It is only 60 miles from Montreal.

Plattsburgh was founded by Zephaniah Platt in 1785 after he was granted the land for it by George Clinton. The city government was established in the former Village of Plattsburgh in 1902. With its significant location on a major water thoroughfare and close to the US-Canadian border, Plattsburgh has been the site of a number of historic events including the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Valcour and the War of 1812′s Battle of Plattsburgh. In more recent times, the city has been distinguished primarily by its United States Air Force base and the State University of New York (SUNY) at Plattsburgh, although it is also a node for tourists headed to the Adirondack Mountains. The city beaches and camp grounds are packed all summer long. It is also a spectacular place for boating, wind surfing, or fishing. There are some fun dining spots as well.

Plattsburgh has great shopping, including the large Champlain Centre North with anchor store JC Penny. There are a lot of Montreal Jews who have country homes here. Many Jewish students attend SUNY. I know many Torontonians visiting Montreal who wakeup with a desire for a change of pace from trips to Niagara Falls and Buffalo and check out this type of New York experience. The Olympic village of Lake Placid is less than an hour’s drive offering you world-class recreation and relaxation year round.

On June 19, 2007 the Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG) opened its doors for passenger service. The tiny facility remains very much a work in progress. But it is easy to get to and offers free parking for however long you are away. It is already touting itself as “Montreal’s U.S. Airport.” Delta and Allegiant Airlines presently fly out of there. Allegiant, a Las Vegas based carrier, is presently offering well priced direct flights to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.

ACCOMODATIONS: Given the backups at customs these days due to the strong Canadian dollar, I would strongly recommend you head to Plattsburgh the day before your flight. We did just that, staying at the Comfort Inn and Suites (plattsburghcomfortinn.com) at 411 Route 3. It worked out exceptionally well. There was no need to wake up especially early. Waiting for us was a generous hot and cold breakfast absolutely free. If you sleep in, a new Perkin’s Restaurant is attached and it serves breakfast 24 hours a day. There is also a Boulangerie Café, a lobby coffee shop featuring Starbucks™ Coffee and fresh baked pastries. And Legends Sports Bar is the place to catch the latest game on the tube.

You might want to find time to check out the hotel’s health club and fitness center, entertainment room, indoor heated pool complete with a waterslide. It was so nice, we wanted to stay longer. Of their 114 rooms, 28 are suites. They come complete with fridges, microwaves and a kitchenette sink. A gigantic Wal-Mart Super Store is literally in the parking lot while the Champlain Mall and Price Chopper supermarket are a short walk away.

Owner Jim Murray and his partner Terry Meron opened the locale in 1988. Murray was a teacher by profession. Meron owned an Italian restaurant. He wanted to get into the hotel business and asked Murray to come aboard. Before you could say “reservation” they had a Comfort Inn franchise, which they have expanded substantially over the years. It has a games room, party room and banquet facilities. They secured the Perkin’s franchise in 2006 to give customers another reason not to have to leave the facility. Canadian clients come to Plattsburgh for the great merchandising deals. One guest bought four winter tires for his car. “They cost him $240,” said Murray, “compared to $700 in Canada.”

Rooms range in price from $69 to $99 per night. And if you forgot to bring along any necessities, the front desk has a magic drawer complete with toothbrushes, toothpaste, shaving cream and razors.

For more information you can log on to their website at www.plattsburghcomfortinn.com, e-mail info@plattsburghcomfortinn.com or call (518) 562-2730.

The Fallsview Indoor Waterpark (www.fallsviewwaterpark.com) is over 125,000 square feet of water park fun across from the Falls. Located on the Falls Avenue Entertainment Complex, this is North America’s largest indoor waterpark and hotel complex. It offers 16 waterslides (some up to six stories high), a 1,000 gallon tipping bucket, a full size wave pool, oversized adult only whirlpools, the Planet Hollywood Beach Club, a beach house, a tiny tots play area, a year-round outdoor pool and sundeck, the Canadian Plunge Bowl and the Fallsview indoor beach. The waterpark features direct connections to the Sheraton, the Crowne Plaza Hotel and the Skyline Inn. Admission is $34 per person. There is also a $10 fee ($5 refundable) for a small locker.

Niagara Falls, Ontario is home to the Winter Festival of Lights from early November until the end of January each year. There are lots of events, concerts, activities. The newest other activity is skating at the TD Rink at the Brink -an ice rink right beside the Falls( http://www.wfol.com/TDRINKatTheBrink/index.html). Also taking place in January is the Niagara Ice Wine Festival ( www.niagaraicewinefestival.com), which takes place in Twenty Valley, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and St. Catharines. February brings The Days of Wine & Chocolate (http://www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com/dowac.html) , which pairs 25 VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) wines alongside decadent chocolate pairings. This takes place each weekend in from 11 a.m.to 5 p.m.

I know that we will have to go back again in the near future during a warm weather period. With attractions like Marineland, the Maid of the Mist Boat Tour, Casino Niagara, Niagara Parks Conservatory, Skylon Tower, the Butterfly Conservatory, the Imax Theatre and the Clifton Hills “fun” district, it is no wonder why the area attracts more than 20 million visitors annually. Incidentally, when we were there the attractions were all going full tilt. Between visits to the wax museum, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, the 4D rides, the Fudge Factory and the Hershey Store and Canada’s only Ruby Tuesday restaurant we managed to spend a lot of money in a short period of time.

Tourism Niagara (www.tourismniagara.com) is responsible for promoting all 12 municipalities that make up the region of Niagara and they do a fabulous job. Check out their website, which will lead you in the right direction. There are over 60 wineries you can tour. The performing arts in Niagara includes several facilities that offer wonderful performances, including the Niagara Symphony, Shaw Festival, and the Centre for the Arts of Brock University.

Attraction destinations include the Welland Canal Centre at Lock 3 and Welland Mural Route, the Niagara Wine Route, the Niagara River Parkway, Niagara’s Freedom Trail and the Bruce Trail. Of course, it is the spectacle of the Falls itself which proves most breathtaking. To some, Niagara is the aroma of ripening grapes and the taste of succulent fresh fruit. For families, it is theme parks, 20 historical museums and two reconstructed forts. Sportsmen can take advantage of over 40 golf courses, 30 private campgrounds and fishing on Lakes Ontario and Erie. To newlyweds, Niagara is the honeymoon capital of the world! Gamblers get their fix at Casino Niagara and the Fort Erie Racetrack.

Marineland (www.marinelandcanada.com) is indeed the area’s biggest tourist attraction. At Friendship Cove you’ll enjoy the largest whale habitat in the world. It is surrounded by walkways for above water and dramatic underwater viewing of these amazing marine mammals. Best of all, guests can have the chance, and unique thrill, of being able to feed and touch these friendly ocean giants. Arctic is home to the belugas. Sky Screamer – the world’s highest triple tower ride, will take you over 137.2 metres (450 ft.) skyward giving you a thrilling ride not to mention a spectacular view of the Falls and surrounding Niagara landscape. Marineland has several Jewish school groups and camps that book day outings each year, primarily originating from Toronto and New York. Marineland is open from mid-May to Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend.

Don’t miss the historical ride aboard the world famous Maid of the Mist (www.niagaraparks.com), which is accessible via both the American and Canadian sides. Since 1846, millions of visitors have enjoyed the Maid of the Mist boat tours. The powerful diesel-engined boats take visitors to the base of the American Falls and then on to the basin of the magnificent Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Water rushes all around as you “soak” in the excitement and feel the thunder of the Falls. It’s a half hour thrill of a lifetime! Reusable, souvenir rain coats are provided with admission. Trips run approximately every 15 minutes from the Canadian and U.S. sides of the river. And feel the thunder and explore the Journey Behind The Falls. You emerge far below the rim of the gorge. Before you, the mighty river explodes after free-falling more than thirteen stories. The sound is deafening, the sight, awe-inspiring. And this is only the beginning.

The Clifton Hills district is a strip of the major attractions and dining facilities of Niagara Falls for the entire family. A number fall under the auspices of the Clifton Hill Group (www.falls.com) and include the amazing Guiness World Records Museum, the Haunted House, Cinema 180 Adventure Dome, the Fun House and Mystery Maze. And don’t miss out on the MGM Experience which features the MGM Great Movie Journey, the Dino Island and 7th Portal 4D moving theatre rides, the Ride Over the Falls experience and the Pink Panther Balloon Ride.

For more information, call Tourism Niagara toll free at 1-800-263 2988. Stop at the Niagara Gateway Information Centre located at the Casablanca exit off the QEW in Grimsby where Tourism Niagara operates a year-round information centre. Travel counselors can assist you with finding same-day accommodations at discounted prices, booking sightseeing tours, purchasing passports for wine events and even getting last minute theatre tickets. As well, visitors can save even more by purchasing discount tickets at Gateway for Niagara’s most popular attractions. The Centre is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. and 8 am to 8 pm during July and August.

Standard Guest rooms have private balconies, flat screen televisions with on command movies and free wireless high speed internet. The hotel has two room executive suites, two room jacuzzi suites or two room hospitality suites, each of which has pull out sleeper sofas and large private balconies facing the majestic Niagara River. They also are equipped with microwave ovens and mini refrigerators. Right next door is the River Oaks Golf Course. On site you can enjoy a delicious meal in Currents “A Bistro on the Niagara” or unwind over a cocktail in the hotel’s comfortable lounge. On Fridays, there is live entertainment. If you are a member of the Holiday Inn Priority Club, then you have access to an exclusive lounge featuring free refreshments. The hotel recently installed new carpeting new vinyl wall coverings and received new bedding.

In the summer you can look forward to a number of fireworks displays at the annual Canal Festival. The hotel is conveniently located just a few minutes off of Highway 190, yet secluded from the hustle and bustle of the busy Falls tourism trade. “Sedate” is the best way to describe it. Parking is free in the large outdoor lot and you are only a short drive from a large Tops grocery store and two pharmacies. There are two beaches nearby – Beaver State Park and Sandy Beach. For more information you can call 716-773-1111.

SHOPPING OPTIONS: There are two fabulous shopping options to consider. The Fashion Outlets (www.fashionoutletsniagara.com) , with 150 stores, can keep you busy for hours, with bargains galore. There is also a Target store nearby. In Buffalo, the Walden Galleria (www.waldengalleria.com) is a fabulously large shopping centre, with major anchors such as Macy’s, JC Penney, Lord and Taylor and Sears. It is a 25 minute drive from Grand Island. We spent six hours there. Our only disappointment was the two hour wait to get into the Cheesecake Factory Restaurant.

ATTRACTIONS: Niagara USA (www.niagara-usa.com) offers visitors “A Great American Getaway” filled with exciting events, one-of-a-kind attractions, fascinating history and adventure that the entire family will enjoy. This place exerts its powerful pull on young and old alike. But anyone who has ever seen the look in a child’s eyes as they experience the Falls region – with its unforgettable natural beauty; year-round activities and enriching diversions for families – will have their own sense of childlike wonder re-kindled, and not soon forget the experience they shared.

Centered by the awesome majesty of the Falls, Niagara USA is a destination unto itself, capturing the hearts of families and drawing them back throughout their lives. And the attractions in the surrounding area are fun, active and exciting for parents and kids alike. The main attraction, Niagara Falls State Park, is the perfect spot for experiencing this magical landmark. There are a number of viewing platforms here, as well as some unusual opportunities to get even closer. For those who don’t mind becoming one with the water, the Park’s Cave of the Winds is a thrilling guided walking tour along wooden platforms at the base of Bridal Veil Falls. Participants will inevitably get wet as they walk through the spray. Another wet adventure is the famous Maid of the Mist (www.maidofthemist.com), a boat cruise which takes guests right up to the roaring water at the base of Horseshoe and American Falls (don’t forget to don your free plastic poncho). The Maid of the Mist can be accessed from both sides of the Falls. It is one of North America’s oldest tourist attractions, and its history is resplendent with stories of daredevil rescues and visits from royalty.

Nearby is the Lockport Cave and Underground Boat Ride. Blasted out of solid rock over 140 years ago, the cave system initially served as a tunnel to provide river water for mills and electrical power. Today visitors can walk through the mysterious tunnels as guides talk about the history of the area and point out fossils and other geologic formations in the rock walls. The tour finishes with an eerie half-mile underground boat ride. Every Halloween, the attraction becomes a “Haunted Cave,” drawing thousands of visitors through the month of October. Families with older kids who want a little more adventure have several options. A helicopter tour over the Falls with Rainbow Air provides a unique perspective for viewing the natural wonder of Niagara. Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours takes guests on a thrillingly fast upriver Jet Boat ride into the whitewater rapids in the magnificent stonewalled Niagara Gorge canyon. For those seeking a slower-paced journey, two-hour water tours of the historic Erie Canal and its dual locking system are available at Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises. The nearby Erie Canal Museum and cruise exemplify the living history that is widespread throughout the Niagara region.

History-themed attractions will educate younger minds and capture the attention of their mature companions. Old Fort Niagara is a wonderful chance for families to travel back in time, together. Preserved as they stood in the 1700’s, the Fort’s structures (the oldest buildings in the Great Lakes) include several barracks, powder rooms, a bakehouse, an officers club and more. Visitors enjoy touring this large fortress and chatting with the park’s “historical re-enactors” who, dressed in period costume, explain, in character, the various aspects of 1700’s life at the Fort. The Niagara Aerospace Museum lets kids learn about aviation through fun, interactive exhibits. Flight-simulators, aircraft, rocket engines, aircraft models and even personal memorabilia of local servicemen and women illustrate the history of American aviation. Here, you can earn about the extraordinary accomplishments of world-renowned aviation pioneers such as Glenn Hammond Curtiss, Lawrence D. Bell, “Rosie the Riveter”, Chuck Yeager and many others. The “Niagara Frontier Vintage Aircraft Group”, a group of highly skilled and dedicated volunteers, can be seen at the Museum working to bring a classic World War I airplane – the Curtiss J-N4D Jenny — back to life. The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum is the only museum in the world housed in an authentic, original carousel factory building. Located in North Towanda, the building is listed on both the New York State and National Registers of Historic Sites and features a series of seven interconnected structures. Open since 1983, the museum hosts some 20,000 visitors each year. Perched above the Niagara river, the Niagara Power Project exhibits the history of energy, electricity and the community’s past through fun, kid-friendly exhibits. The Niagara Wax Museum features life-like wax figures of many of the Niagara frontier’s early explorers. Other displays include Indian villages and historical street scenes. The museum also has a collection of maps and other artifacts related to the Niagara Frontier. Admission is free.

Niagara Falls USA’s Daredevil Museum is noted for holding the barrel used by Steve Trotter and Lori Martins, who went over Horseshoe Falls in 1985 amongst many other artifacts from death-defying feats. The Aquarium of Niagara has more than forty exhibits showcasing 1,500 aquatic animals from around the globe, including a colony of the rare and endangered Peruvian Penguin. Niagara USA’s great outdoors, with its diverse seasonal changes, is also host to its share of family-friendly attractions. Becker Farms in Royalton features a petting zoo, hay and pony rides and live entertainment, along with several summer and fall weekend festivals. A magnificent celebration of the arts happens every summer at Artpark, which is nestled atop the Niagara River Gorge. Artpark offers a full spectrum of entertainment from Broadway musicals, swinging big band and celebrity performances, to free concerts and cultural festivals. The opportunities for enjoying picnics, relaxing, and fishing are endless. Clearly, whatever age or interest, there’s something waiting for everyone (and their families) in Niagara USA.

But for the kids, there is no better place to go than Martin’s Fantasy Island (www.martinsfantasyisland.com), located at Exit N-19 (Whitehaven Road) in Grand Island. It is recognized as Western New York’s most affordable and fun theme park, with more than 100 rides and attractions. That includes a neat water park, complete with slides, a lazy river and a wave pool. There’s theatre, a petting zoo and games. This is, in fact, a place for kids of all ages. Kiddy and thrill rides include the spectacular Chaous, Up, Up and Away Ballooon, Sea Ray, Patriot, Giant Gondola Wheel, Super Sizzler, Wildcat Coaster and The Silver Comet, the latter of which happens to be the newest classic wooden roller coaster in Western New York. We loved getting soaked on the log flume. It is open from mid-May until Labour Day Weekend.

During the baseball season, keep in mind that Buffalo’s beautiful downtown Dunn Tire Stadium is only 15 minutes from Grand Island off Highway 190. This is the home of the Triple A Buffalo Bisons (www.bisons.com), the minor league affiliate of the Cleveland Indians.

A 30-minute drive from downtown Toronto, and an hour’s drive from the U.S. border, Oakville boasts an $88 million tourism industry, with over 1.4 million visitors annually. On our recent trip to the Niagara Falls area, we decided to stop over in Oakville for a day. We checked into the beautiful Staybridge Suites Extended Stay Hotel Oakville Burlington (www.staybridge.com/oakvilleon), located at the QEW and Bronte Road at 2511 Wyecroft. This three year old property still looks spanking new. It is managed by the Westmont Hospitality Group (WHG), which I hold in high regard, having stayed at their locales in Ottawa, Toronto and Windsor.

The Staybridge Suites Oakville Burlington offers one and two bedroom suites, with all the conveniences of home to suit your extended stay or short term needs. The hotel offers apartment like suites featuring fully-equipped kitchens, cable TV, free wired and wireless internet and direct dial phone number with personalized voicemail. There is a 24-hour business center with free internet, print/fax/copy capabilities, free laundry facilities, a fitness center, an indoor pool, a home theatre room with a 50 inch plasma TV, gas BBQ grills, a putting green, the Bridgemart “Suite” Shop, a free deluxe breakfast buffet, evening sundowner receptions (Monday through Thursdays) and signing privileges next door at the Marquis Bistro Restaurant and Grill, which is also under the WHG umbrella. You can help yourself to free soft drinks and juices in the lobby 24/7. This hotel is pet friendly so that of course includes service animals. It is fully wheelchair accessible, has one room with accessibility standards and handicapped parking at the front entrance.

Our one night there went too quickly and we will definitely be back. For reservations call 1 877 660 8550, 905-847 2600 or email staybridgeoakville@whg.com. The hotel lobby is fully wheelchair accessible.

DINING: When in Oakville I would recommend you make it a point to dine at the Marquis Bistro (www.marquisbistro.com), a 60 second walk from the Staybridge Suites lobby. It is opened for breakfast, lunch and supper. We chose to have dinner there and were very pleased with the quality of selections. The menus are all online. We shared the lemon calamari and the pan seared scallops to start and give high marks for the spaghetti bolognese, the chicken parmesan and the delicious chocolate bundt cake for dessert. There are also a number soups and salads to choose from, other pasta dishes, steaks, rack of lamb and seafood. For reservations call 905-465-4480.This is a very pretty restaurant, with booths and tables. There is a large flat screen television and an attractive wine cabinet when you walk in.

WHAT TO DO: Residents and visitors enjoy theatre, dance, music and comedy performances at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. They can visit the museum at Erchless Estate, located in the home of the Chisolms, Oakville’s founding family. Other points of interest include galleries, historical societies and local architecture, especially in heritage neighbourhoods.

Among the many special attractions and activities for the whole family, Oakville’s annual WaterfrontFestival and Jazz Festival draw crowds from around the GTA. The community also provides plenty of recreational opportunities. Golfers can play at one of seven golf courses, including PGA-recognized Glen Abbey Golf Course, which has hosted the Canadian Open for many years.

Enjoy over 2,400 acres of park space, many with groomed hiking trails, or join a recreation centre which provides programs for all ages. For boaters, Oakville features two picturesque harbours with docks and slips for sail and powerboats. The Oakville Public Library’s Events Calendar is the ultimate resource for everything happening in the Town of Oakville, including the acclaimed Jazz Festival.

The Town of Oakville hosts the Community Spirit Awards, the ever-popular Santa Claus Parade, and is often the host venue for the Black History Month Kickoff Celebration at the beginning of February. The Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate also celebrates Oakville’s Black History with a travelling exhibit as well as a permanent bilingual exhibit called, The Underground Railroad – Next Stop, Freedom!

Every November, in honour of Remembrance Day, Town Hall hosts the Shadows of War exhibit, which is generously provided by the Oakville Museum of Erchless Estate. The Oakville and Bronte legions also organize their own public Remembrance Day ceremonies in early November.

A vibrant community filled with culture and natural heritage, Oakville is renowned for its beautiful shopping districts which include the historic, yet sophisticated Downtown – one of the foremost shopping and dining destinations in Ontario – with architecturally preserved storefronts, the quaint waterfront Village of Bronte and the eclectic multicultural Kerr Village. Each shopping district offers an assortment of cafe’s, restaurants, spas, galleries, and nearby parks and trails to unwind and enjoy the change in seasons.

Photos courtesy of the Town of Oakville.

The Radisson is managed by the Westmont Hospitality Group, which also oversees Les Suites in Ottawa, the Hilton in Windsor and the Staybridge Suites in Oakville ( places I have stayed at).

Nestled in a corporate hub, surrounded by malls and major attractions, the hotel is precisely located at the 401 and Victoria Park. All rooms have Sleep Number Beds, where the firmness of the mattress can be adjusted for your best sleeping comfort. Complimentary high-speed internet is available in each room as well. You can unwind in the bar lounge, take a splash in the indoor swimming pool or tone yourself in the fitness center. Other convenient amenities include a complimentary shuttle service to local businesses within the vicinity. There is a full service restaurant, Le Café, and room service to take care of your taste buds.
While I usually seek out a suite for my family when travelling, the Radisson Toronto East is excellent for seeking out the adjoining rooms option. We had two rooms, one with two double beds and another with a king. Upon request, we got a fridge and microwave. With a large grocery store only two blocks away we were able to stock up on our own foods to make breakfast and lunch. The rooms have comfortable desks, perfect for working on a laptop, chairs, ample cupboard and drawer space and two telephones. At the front desk, staff are very attentive to all of your needs.

There are handicapped parking spots in the lot and the entrance is fully wheelchair accessible, leading to three good sized elevators. Handicapped accessible rooms are available.

The exact address is 55 Hallcrown Place. You can make reservations by calling 1- 1-800-395-7046 or email rhi_toea@radisson.com

SHOPPING: There is plenty of shopping in the area. Near the hotel you will find the Fairview Shopping Centre and the Yorkdale Mall. In terms of dinner and entertainment, Toronto is home to one of the phenomenal Dave and Busters (www.daveandbusters.com) franchises at 120 Interchange Way in Vaughan. This is a gigantic facility where you can “eat, drink and play.” The menu is extensive and the choice of terrific games pretty endless. You won’t want to leave this place. If you have kids under 19, keep in mind Ontario liquor laws will force you to depart by 10 p.m.

ATTRACTIONS: Toronto has a lot of fun options year-round. Just log on to www.seetorontonow.com for many options. Of course this place is now kind of famous for its huge musical theatre offerings. We saw the second to last showing of Rock of Ages at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. Just go to www.mirvish.com to see what is playing when you are in town. If you are looking ahead to next summer, Canada’s Wonderland and the Toronto Zoo are musts. So is Ontario Place.

If you plan to visit the CN Tower (www.cntower.ca), the world’s tallest building during the busier summer season, the following are a few suggestions from marketing director Irene Knight to shorten or eliminate any potential wait times at the CN Tower and also some cost saving tips: the busiest season to visit is from May to October so come outside of these months and you can usually avoid any potential waits; from May to October, the busiest time of the day is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m; CityPass provides express elevation to see the world famous Look Out and Glass Floor observation levels at the CN Tower; Total Tower is a “do it all” CN Tower ticket providing express elevation to the Look Out and Glass Floor observation levels at the CN Tower as well as admission to all the attractions available here; online ticket purchases allow you to go directly to the ticketholder line and avoid the box office. At a height of 553.33m (1,815 ft., 5 inches), it is the world’s tallest building, a Wonder of the Modern World, an important telecommunications hub, the centre of tourism in Toronto and a first class dining and event centre. Each year, approximately two million people visit . Each year, approximately two million people visit.

The Ontario Science Centre (www.ontariosciencecentre.ca) is barrier-free, offering extra-wide parking, free wheelchairs and strollers, wheelchair seating in the Shoppers Drug Mart® OMNIMAX® Theatre and Imperial Oil Auditorium, barrier-free elevators, a washroom for special needs persons and safe areas of refuge in case of emergency. Their Access Guide for Visually Impaired Persons lists exhibits that can be experienced through touch, taste, hearing and smell. Organizations serving disabled people are admitted for free to the Ontario Science Centre, as part of a registered program of therapy. Escorts of disabled visitors are admitted free to the Ontario Science Centre.

Ontario Place (www.ontarioplace.com) is an internationally acclaimed cultural, leisure and entertainment parkland, extending throughout three man-made islands along the Lake Ontario waterfront. It opened in May 1971 and features a five pod pavilion complex- The Forum, pedal boats, a marina, restaurants and the world’s first permanent IMAX®theatre, the Cinesphere. Built as a showcase for the province of Ontario, this is a great spot to cool off in the summer thanks to Soak City. Toronto’s biggest outdoor waterpark, it features the Pink Twister, Purple Pipeline and Hydrorefuge water slides, as well as the Rush River Ride which allows up to four people to go down Rush River’s eight-storey tower in a giant yellow raft. Soak City is also home to Canada’s tallest tipping bucket. There are some 30 other fabulous attractions to explore here, including a variety of rides and live shows on stage.

Canada’s Wonderland (www.canadas-wonderland.com) is Canada’s premier theme park and features over 200 attractions, more than 60 thrilling rides, North America’s greatest variety of roller coasters, and Splash Works, a 20-acre water park featuring over two million gallons of heated water fun. Check out The Plunge, Supersoaker, The Lazy River and Pumphouse. The park, located in suburban Vaughn just off Highway 400, opens in early May and closes on Canadian Thanksgiving Day Weekend.

Mike Cohen’s e-mail address is info@mikecohen.ca. Log on to www.sandboxworld/travel for his online travel advice.

When I was young my family went to Burlington each summer for an extended stay. Looking to break up the drive home from Cape Cod last summer, I decided to extend our family vacation with a few days in Burlington.

Your Vermont vacation is sure to include a stop on Burlington’s award-winning Church Street Marketplace (www.churchstmarketplace.com) pedestrian mall! With over 100 retail shops, restaurants and street vendors, this a popular destination for shopping, dining and people watching. A recipient of the prestigious Great American Main Street Award, the Marketplace is recognized as one of the most successful pedestrian malls in the country.

Burlington Town Center (www.burlingtontowncenter.com) is considered Burlington’s premier indoor shopping center, featuring an exciting retail mix including J.Crew, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Ann Taylor Loft, Abercrombie & Fitch, Aabercrombie, Aéropostale, Gap/Gap Kids/Baby Gap, Crabtree & Evelyn and Macy’s Department Store.

Then there is University Mall (www.umallvt.com), Vermont’s largest enclosed shopping center, with over 70 shops and services. Here you can choose from a major selection of major department stores like JC Penney, Sears and the Bon-Ton. Within walking distance you’ll find HomeGoods, Hannaford Food & Drug, the Sears Automotive Center and one of the fresh looking IHOP restaurants I have ever dined at. Plus, there is plenty of free parking!

The Burlington region offers outdoor activities from lake-based kayaking, fishing and sailing to mountain-based hiking, cycling and skiing – and everything in between. Spend your time in Vermont enjoying the area’s fantastic dining, shopping, concerts and special events. Unwind in one of the area’s many excellent hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and resorts. And, of course, enjoy the spectacular natural beauty of Vermont’s Lake Champlain and Green Mountains.

Northern Lights, Vermont’s premier cruise boat, offers daily scenic, lunch and brunch cruises. Weekly dinner cruises including entertainment. This floating venue is an ideal setting for weddings, anniversaries, corporate functions and special events or to simply enjoy the spectacular beauty of Lake Champlain. Departing from the King Street Ferry Dock from May through October.

The Flynn Theatre is a 1,453-seat art-deco treasure and 150 seat “black box” facility hosting over 100 world-class live performances annually – broadway, dance, music (jazz, classical, pop, folk, world), cutting-edge, family and student matinees.

ACCOMODATIONS: We stayed somewhere new for me. The Doubletree Hotel Burlington (www.doubletreevt.com) is just off I-89 on Williston Road and near the airport. I was struck immediately by what a large and attractive property this was. All standard guestrooms include the Sweet Dreams bed, coffeemaker, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, refrigerator, easy chair, in-room remote printing, Lodgenet with web access and Game Cube, speakerphone and complimentary wireless high speed internet access. In the suites there is the main bedroom with a king size bed, a pullout couch, a working desk with two chairs and two flat screen televisions. There is a pool, connected to an outdoor patio and an onsite restaurant (Trader Duke’s).

We were greeted with hot chocolate chip cookies upon checking in.

General Manager Rick Milliken has been in the local hotel industry for 32 years and converted the hotel from a Clarion to a Doubletree in 2005, at which time 33 suites were constructed. There are 161 guest rooms in all.. You can leave your car here for two weeks when using the nearby airport for a charge of only $25.

DINING OUT : The Sadie Katz Delicatessen (www.sadiekatzdeli.com) is located at 189 Bank Street, just off Church. It is the closest thing the city has to a kosher restaurant. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our lunch there. Owner Glenn Walter opened the place two and a half years ago and the Jewish-style diner has a loyal following. You can enjoy Meredith Mann’s Matzoh Ball Soup, a chopped chicken liver plate, latkes, knishes. While the fresh deli sandwiches are their speciality, they also have a nice breakfast menu.

One of the more established fish restaurants in town is Shanty on the Shore (www.shantyontheshore.com), located at 181 Battery Street overlooking Lake Champlain. Open from 11a.m. daily, the restaurant is owned by the husband and wife team of Al and Kim Gobeille. There is free parking, which is a bonus, and menu which features excellent clam chowder, tasty appetizers, plenty of seafood, chicken , steaks, sandwiches and some tantalizing desserts. General Manager Christian Chardain and his staff merit some applause for the way they will break open a lobster for you and serve it minus any shells. A lot of restaurants won’t go to that trouble. Ask if Big Al’s Platter is available on the night you dine. It consists of flounder, shrimp, clams and either fries, baked potato or rice.

For those looking for some standard fish options, there is broiled haddock, classic Boston scrod, grilled Atlantic salmon and grilled swordfish. For dessert, save some room for the fabulous Shanty pie – silky chocolate mousse with chocolate crust and whipped cream on top. For reservations call 802-864-0238.

Log on to www.1-800-vermont.com for more details.

Nothing can quite compare to this locale. Situated directly on the beach, we secured a spacious family room with a balcony overlooking the ocean and only seconds from the heated outdoor and indoor pool, the latter of which also has a whirlpool. You can practice your swing on the private tennis court or enjoy a quiet afternoon game of shuffleboard. There is also a spa on the premises. Wireless internet is available throughout the complex and in each room. The resort has 150 guest rooms and 14 cottages totaling 164 total guest units.

The convenience of being able to go back and forth to your room cannot be understated. Upon entering the private beach you are provided with towels, beach chairs and umbrellas. Because this is the South Side of the Cape the water is exceptionally warm. The hotel is humming with different family activities. You can also choose from a variety of water sports offered by Gold Coast Parasail (www.goldcoastparasail.com). We opted in favor of the jet ski ($115 plus $15 per passenger) and banana boat ($25 per person for 20 minutes) options. Just a mile down the road from the Red Jacket are sister properties the Blue Water and Riviera Beach Resorts. The former is where we went for the banana boat ride, which I strongly recommend. You need to actually swim over to the boat, which found kind of cool.

Gold Coast Parasail is operated by Kurt Kossman and his wife Sarah. Kurt, 39, is also a race car driver. One of the most amazing aspects of his successful career is the fact that he lost his left leg to cancer in 1988. Kurt was diagnosed with an osteosarcoma and had to have an above the knee amputation. Even with the amputation Kurt was given only a 30 percent chance of survival. He underwent 13 months of chemotherapy and through strength and perseverance he survived. While in the hospital Kurt designed a unique prosthetic so that he could shift the race car flawlessly and continue his racing career. He parasails, jet skis and in the winter skis down the steepest hills of snow. His message to others in his predicament? “You have to learn to adapt. It definitely changes the way you do things. ”
Staff here aim to please. Ken Smith, director of operations for the Red Jacket group, has been with the company for 25 years while Red Jacket Beach general manager Thomas Moore has been on board for a decade. As more explained, every effort is made to organize different activities for the kids such as hermit crab races. There are evening buffets, with live music.

You can call 1-800-CAPECOD or email info@redjacketresorts.com.

The area: Three villages make up the 17 square mile town of Yarmouth: West Yarmouth, Yarmouthport, and South Yarmouth. Each village has a distinctive character formed by over 350 years of history. A community shaped by its seaside heritage, Yarmouth has retained much of historic charm while integrating the present into its surroundings. To gain a true perspective of this town you must stray from the major roadways of Route 6 and 28 that traverse from Hyannis to the West and Dennis to the East. Yarmouth is the second oldest town on Cape Cod, and it is filled with historic charm.

Yarmouth’s rich history has grown a Cape Cod seaside community that offers a potpourri of activities for area vacationers. For the outdoor minded, Yarmouth boasts 15 of Cape Cod’s finest fresh and saltwater beaches to laze away the days, four golf courses challenging all levels, 14 tennis courts for the more active, and many hiking, and conservation trails. Yarmouth truly has something for everyone. On the Northside in Yarmouth Port, tree lined historic Route 6A hosts an array of country inns and quaint bed and breakfasts, complemented by antique and craft shops. The Southside along Route 28 offers the hustle and bustle of a summertime resort town, from factory outlet shopping to sea lion shows to the most adventurous mini-golf.

West Yarmouth offers the visitor a variety of family attractions, various lodging establishments, beaches and fine restaurants. West Yarmouth houses the historic Baxter Grist Mill, a 27-hole public golf course, miniature golf, trampolines, a small children’s petting zoo, fishing piers, and close proximity to island ferries. In the summer months, ride Yarmouth’s Easy Shuttle along Route 28 to public beaches, downtown Hyannis, local shops and dining establishments. West Yarmouth offers any family or individual traveler a number of exciting things to see and do. The South Yarmouth/Bass River village blends the past and present. You will find ocean front resorts, cottages for rent, bed and breakfasts, a driving range, two 18-hole golf courses, boat tours, a windmill dating back to the 1800’s historic homes, and churches. The large Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis is an easy 15 minute drive from the hotel. That could be a little longer during the very busy traffic season.

Dining Out: When seeking out a dining spot in Yarmouth, someone pointed me to the website of the Skipper Restaurant and Chowder House (www.skipperrestaurant.com). As an old fan of the TV show Gilligan’s Island I was immediately intrigued by the Skipper’s take of the show’s theme song. The Skipper was established in 1936, and it is one of Cape Cod’s oldest waterfront restaurants with the pristine views of Nantucket sound. The Skipper Crew have made this restaurant the huge success that it is, by hard work and taking care of customers.

Owner Alan Delaney and his chefs work hard to present the finest and freshest fish you can find, Angus cuts of beef and not to mention their award winning clam chowder. All entrees are cooked to order and they have a great kids menu. Located at 152 South Shore Drive, the Skipper is open from mid-April until October 31 and only minutes from the Red Jacket. Delaney bought the restaurant in 1998 and has expanded the building’s size in recent years and just added an ice cream bar. The night we went folks were lined up outside the door for tables. It is no wonder why. The chowder was superb. Ditto for the crispy calamari and my family’s selections of the skipper scampi, the seafood trio (shrimp, scallops and lobster sautéed in a saffron tomato cream sauce with rice or pasta) and a pound a half lobster which our waitress Miriam cut up nicely for us.

Since there are no kosher restaurants in the area, the Skipper’s swordfish, haddock, salmon and the yellow fin tuna are all good options. You can also choose from among the different salads or opt for a dish of angel hair pasta.

Open for lunch and dinner, you can call 508-394-7406 for reservations. The Skipper is wheelchair accessible, with a ramp at the entrance. Make sure to book a table on the first floor.

There is a marvelous restaurant chain in Massachusetts called the 99. I had never heard of it before. We went to the South Yarmouth location, got a beeper and waited 30 minutes. It has an extensive menu.

Lodging options range from a spectacular oceanfront resort like the Chatham Bars Inn, to lovely bed and breakfast inns tucked in throughout this picturesque seaside village.

Chatham is located on the elbow of Cape Cod surrounded on three sides by water.Located halfway between Falmouth and Provincetown, it extends out to sea as the most easterly point in Massachusetts. Once a quiet farming and fishing community,Chatham has become a vibrant tourist destination. Rich in its maritime heritage, as well as a spirited New England town with a variety of small businesses,Chatham is a special place for year-round residents and visitors alike.

Chatham Bars Inn (www.chathambarsinn.com) is a gorgeous property catering to a very affluent clientele. I had the opportunity tour the facility and then spend the day at their private beach and enjoy lunch at their Beach House Grill.

The Chatham Bars Inn has been an idyllic Cape Cod family vacation retreat noted for its excellent service, fine cuisine and beautiful surroundings since 1914. The Inn is nestled near the heart of Chatham on 25 beautifully landscaped acres overlooking Pleasant Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

This world-famous turn-of-the-century landmark has a remarkable ambiance. The expansive lounge, front veranda and main dining room have been returned to their original grandeur, affording panoramic ocean views and gentle sea breezes. If you’re looking for boat charters on Cape Cod, you’ll love the top-notch fleet operated by Chatham Bars Inn. A variety of luxury boats offer unforgettable Cape Cod experiences. Memorable and unique boating excursions offered by Chatham Bars Inn include Cape Cod sunset cruises on Pleasant Bay, big game sport fishing, sailing tours, family activities, and private charters to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. You’ll also love their Cape Cod sailing packages, including the popular Cape Cod Sunset Cruises Package.

In addition to popular Cape activities such as golf, tennis, fishing, water sports, and bird watching, guests also enjoy summer beachfront theme dinners, spa treatments, and an array of children’s programs and family activities: everything you need for a summer vacation in Cape Cod. Most important, the grand tradition of relaxing in casual, unhurried comfort continues year-round at this historic Cape Cod vacation resort.

In 2007, Chatham Bars Inn completed a $14 million upgrade to the resort, including guestrooms, landscaping, dining and public facilities. They also added the Japanese gardens and a year-round relaxation pool at The Spa at Chatham Bars Inn.

In 2006 Capital Properties, the New York-based residential and commercial real estate development and management firm, purchased the property for $166 million. The transaction marked the first venture into hospitality real estate for Capital Properties. “This year-round landmark resort holds a lot of personal significance for me,” said Richard Cohen, founder and president of Capital Properties. “I grew up in Brookline, Massachusetts and continue to maintain offices in Boston, so my ties to the East Coast remain strong, as does my commitment to maintaining the charm and integrity of this historic gem.”

A noted Historic Hotel of America and a member property of Leading Hotels of the World, Chatham Bars Inn is New England’s celebrated oceanfront resort and a classic Cape Cod landmark. Consistently maintained and updated since its initial construction in 1914, the historic Main Inn sits gracefully atop a seaside bluff, offering spectacular views of Pleasant Bay and the Atlantic. Two hundred and seventeen distinctively appointed guestrooms occupy this main building, including 68 sumptuous suites, each designed to preserve an elegant turn-of-the-century ambience. There are 34 quaint Cape-style cottages offering guests an exceptional level of privacy and housing luxurious guestrooms and master suites.

Renowned as an ultimate, year-round getaway, the Inn offers a variety of meeting and banquet facilities ideal for lavish destination weddings or other special events, as well as extensive conference space equipped with state-of-the-art audio visual technology. Celebrated local caterers and professional event planners wrap up every necessary detail.

A Visitor Information Center is located in the town-owned David T. Bassett House, 2377 Main Street, at the intersection of Routes 28 and 137 in South Chatham. The Information Booth is located at 533 Main Street, next to Town Hall. It is under the supervision of the Chatham Chamber of Commerce and maintained by the Town of Chatham.

The sport of kings is sport for everyone. For the boys and girls there are flounder, and the experts match their skill against the striped bass, bluefish, and tuna. The waters of Cape Cod off Chatham offer some of the best striped bass fishing in the world. No permit is required for salt water fishing. There is excellent fishing in many of the fresh water ponds near Chatham. You may purchase a fresh water fishing license from the Goose Hummock Shop in Orleans at 508-255-0455. Non-resident shell fishing may be done in any area that is not marked “Closed to Shell Fishing,” but only by special fee permit available from the Permit Department on George Ryder Road. Harbor and gray seals are the most common species in Chatham, and can often be seen resting or hauled-out on rock piles, ledges, sand bars, and jetties exposed during low tide around the Chatham shoals from the North Beach break-through to South Beach and Monomoy. They’re also found resting on isolated beaches, in marshes, and on floating docks at all tide stages.

The best time to see seals is within two hours of low tide on a sunny midday afternoon. Because seals cannot move well on land, during high tide they position themselves over submerged jetties. When the tide goes out they are left exposed, sitting on the jetty basking in the sun. If left undisturbed, they will stay on the rocks until the tide comes in again. If conditions are right, approximately 1,500 to 2,000 seals can be seen in the afternoons at Monomoy Island. There are several local companies offering exciting seal tours along the beautiful Chatham Harbor waterways between North Beach, Chatham Light, and the Break

Every Friday evening at 8pm from July 2 to September 3 all roads on the Cape lead to the band concert at Whit Tileston Band Stand—Kate Gould Park on Main Street in Chatham. As many as six thousand people attend these concerts, and it will be one of the highlights of your Chatham summer. There will be dance numbers for grownups, folk dances for the children, and community singing for everyone. Members of the colourfully uniformed 40 piece band live in Chatham and the surrounding towns. Each Monday evening during the winter the band meets for rehearsal. Funds for the maintenance of the the band are voted at town meeting. The band members are not paid and the concerts are their contribution to the summer life of Chatham. Don’t miss these concerts. They’re great fun!

The western border of Eastham is lined with six miles of beautiful beaches overlooking Cape Cod Bay. Just as magical as the National Seashore, Cape Cod Bay offers calmer and warmer waters, amazing flats at low tide and breathtaking sunsets. We enjoyed Coast Guard Beach, only a few blocks from our hotel. It is $15 to park your car and take a shuttle. Limited handicapped parking is available directly on the beach, where they also have beach wheelchairs. There is a free beach pass for those who are permanently disabled or legally blind.

The most notable and largest Eastham bay beach is First Encounter, the location where the native Indians first encountered the pilgrims in 1620. It’s great for kids, with its extraordinary low tides. Buy them a net and watch as they scoop up crabs of all shapes and sizes in water up to your ankles.

Where to Stay: When we last visited this area six years ago we discovered the Four Points by Sheraton Eastham Cape Cod (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=786), a modern full-service hotel which just kind of appears before your very eyes as you travel on busy Route 6, which consists mainly of small motels. For summer trips, an early winter booking is highly recommended. Hyannis is only 45 minutes away. The hotel has beautiful indoor and outdoor swimming pools and is close to the beaches. Some rooms have balconies overlooking the indoor pool, which is beautifully heated and a fabulous place to go after returning from the beach. There is also a jacuzzi. This hotel has one of the most magnificent suites I have seen in a long time. The Nauset Suite has two separate bedrooms – one with a king bed and another with two twins. There is ample cupboard space. Each has a flat screen television The very large living room also has a flat screen, a couch, four comfortable cheers, two end tables, a large working desk, a dining room table for four, another clothing closet and a small kitchen with a full-sized fridge, a microwave, dishes and silverware. In the bathroom you will find a large shower with glass doors. Oh yes, let me tell you about the balcony. It is gigantic, with two lounge chairs, two picnic tables and 10 plastic chairs – ideal for entertaining friends or family. This is traditionally used for businessmen, as the hotel hosts a lot of conferences. But for a family seeking good space for everyone, this is a luxury.

The free wireless high speed internet is indeed “high speed” and faster than what most other hotels offer.

There is also great service from the front desk, starting with the printout of descriptions and directions to the local beaches.

This hotel also has a fitness facility, a game room, refrigerators and coffee makers in each standard room, an on-site restaurant (Bellamy’s) and five meeting rooms in case you want to hold a company conference here. The front desk will get you anything you need, be it a dining reservation, tickets to a show or a car rental. Check out the Cape Cod Rail Trail Bicycle Trail, only 100 feet away.

The hotel has two rooms with a roll in showers and five handicapped accessible rooms in all, located on the first floor. They have the wider doorways, raised commodes, hearing impaired smoke detectors and lowered thermostats etc. The hotel also has the TTY equipment and closed captions on all televisions. General Manager Jacqui Frost says all staff are required to watch a video on disabilities to have a better understanding of guests with disabilities and how best to accommodate them.

There are 100 miles of splendid public beaches in Barnstable County. On a quiet north side is Sandy Neck, an eight mile long barrier beach with dunes, beach grasses and marshlands alongside Cape Cod Bay; to the south are the warm waters of Nantucket Sound and popular Craigville Beach; Kalmus Beach, where windsurfing is available; Orrin Keyes or Sea Street Beach and sheltered Veterans Beach, which I personally would not recommend. A major summer highlight is the Barnstable County Fair (wwwbarnstablecountyfair.org), which takes place annually during the end of July. This is an extraordinary experience, featuring a variety of shows, exhibits, concerts, food, animals and carnival rides. The petting zoo and livestock displays are an experience, especially for the younger ones. They’ll also enjoy the 40 minute circus show. The large fairgrounds where this event takes place are in East Falmouth, a mere 11 miles from Hyannis. However, given the fact you must take one-lane Routes 28 and 151 to get there, the drive there will be very long unless you depart early.

Cape Cod (www.capecodchamber.org) is located in the midst of a major migration pattern for saltwater fish, which provides for a plenitude of fishing from early spring until late fall. The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce really does a marvelous job promoting this area. Get a copy of their official guide before you start planning your trip. They also produce an excellent restaurant book (www.capecoddiningguide.com) and offer gift certificates for travel, dining and shopping.

In addition to the beaches, fishing, golf and kite flying, the Hyannis area has playgrounds, miniature golf courses, bike paths, tennis and racquetball clubs, windsurfing beaches and a bowling facility. There are amusement centers located on Main Street and Route 132. Be sure to allow some time to sample some of the area’s fine retail shops and art galleries and the very large Cape Cod Mall. In addition to the historic Hyannis Main Street Waterfront District, investigate the 100 plus stores in the climate controlled Cape Cod Mall on Route 132. There is also Cape Town Plaza, Southwind Plaza, and Festival at Hyannis along the same route as well as the wonderfully imaginative Christmas Tree Promenade. The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum is a multimedia exhibit designed to open a window on the days JFK spent on Cape Cod. The exhibit features over 80 photographs spanning the years 1934 to 1963 and is arranged in thematic groupings to reflect John F. Kennedy, his family, his friends and the Cape Cod he so dearly loved. In addition to photography, a video narrated by Walter Cronkite depicts the president’s experiences on the Cape. Several themed areas include charged oral histories of JFK’s friends.

Before you go, log on to www.kidsonthecape.com and check out the best guide for parents and grandparents available in the region. You can order a hard copy by mail, which I strongly recommend, allowing you to plan your trip accordingly. Copies are free once you arrive. Inside you will find a wide array of activities and attractions, such as the Cape Cod Children’s Museum (www.capecodchildrensmuseum.pair.org).
.

The cozy 162 seat theatre, which captures the essence of live theatrical experience, hosted an enthusiastic crowd the evening my family was in attendance. The cast are all volunteers, hoping for future stage careers. Take Nic Chad for instance. The 19 year old was the “Season’s of Love: soloist. At my hotel, the Four Points Sheraton in Eastham, there was Nic working behind the front desk. He spoke about what a thrill it is to be part of this theatre group. “We rehearsed for two months straight and we the show six days a week,” he said. “It is great experience. We all want careers in this business. I will be pursuing mine by going to school in Los Angeles.”

I would strongly recommend you make a visit to the Playhouse part of your itinerary. It is fully air conditioned, something which was not the case six years ago when I last visited.

The Playhouse is not presently wheelchair accessible. You need to climb stairs to get to your seats. Plans are now in place to mount a rigorous capital campaign to restore the front of the theatre, as well as to provide ADA compliant handicap accessibility by installing an elevator

Dining Out: The top restaurant on our list from the last trip was the Orleans Waterfront Inn (www.orleansinn.com). Right on Route 6A, in a beautiful setting overlooking the water and next to Windmill Park. Just like last time we made this our dinner prior to going to the theatre. Our waitress Kara, an aspiring performer herself, was wonderful in getting us our dinner in enough time for us to get to the show on time.

This is a family-owned establishment. Ed Maas, his wife Laurie and their eight children have all played a role in making this historic property a must stop since purchasing it 14 years ago. The restaurant offers the finest menus, from a varied selection of fresh local seafood, produce and grill specialities. There is a kids menu, offering everything from chicken fingers and burgers to pasta and pizza. Homemade desserts, specifically the chocolate layer cake, are to die for. If you order lobster, this place will crack it up for you. Also, try the clam chowder.

Ed’s two twin daughters and his eldest son now manage the restaurant. Three of his children were adopted and each of them has special needs. Two work at the restaurant, which is fully wheelchair accessible with a ramp at the front.

The Inn itself was built in 1875 and eventually served as a boarding house, a summer vacation hotel and restaurant. While it presently boasts 11 beautiful guest rooms, the place is mainly used for weddings and corporate functions in the elegant downstairs Cove Room. It leads to the waterfront deck and has a seating capacity of 150. Ed Maas told me that there have been many Jewish simchas held at the Inn. Ed’s brother Fred is the chief of police in Sunny Isles, Florida, the home of a large Jewish community.

Dinner on the evening we went was delicious: clam chowder, an appetizer of seafood cakes, a 12 ounce teriyaki ginger crusted sirloin steak, lobster and scallops. The triple layer chocolate cake was perfect to share for three. Ed was busy attending to two of his grandchildren. He has four in all and a fifth on the way.

There are no kosher restaurants in Orleans, but the Inn offers a number of salads and items such as grilled Atlantic salmon, fish and chips and pastas.

Also worth checking out is Hearth and Kettle, a small Cape Cod chain of restaurants which service breakfast items from morning until close. They have an extensive menu with other options as well. We ate at the Orleans location on West Road, located in a large strip mall with a Shaw’s grocery store.

A huge Stop & Shop grocery store is across the street from the Orleans Inn. It is conveniently opened till midnight and has everything and more you wish to stock your fridge with. A CVS Pharmacy is just as few more blocks up the road.

Mini-Golf: The Lower Cape’s largest and best 18 hole mini-golf course is located right at the Orleans Rotary (next to Wendy’s). Cape Escape Adventure Golf (www.capeescapeadventures.com) is operated by the McCarty family and has the backdrop of a beautiful nautical setting, featuring waterfalls, fishing vessels and live koi fish you are encouraged to feed. Michael McCarty has been working at the course for 19 years, since he was 12. It is open from April until October ( 9 a.m. until the last group enters the course at 10:30 p.m.). We really enjoyed the ambience. The course itself was fun. Good music played in the background and everyone was friendly. Each hole is named after a different town in Cape Cod, with Plymouth, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket added in for good measure.
While individuals in wheelchairs cannot navigate this course, McCarty says clients with crutches have managed to complete the course. There have also been many visually impaired individuals as customers.

The McCarty clan actually operates this entire block. Across the street is Mike’s Bike Rental, Mandy’s Cape Creamery and the Cape Tradewinds gift and beach shop. Make sure to give this spot a visit the next time you are in this part of the Cape.

Located 120 miles from Boston along the National Seashore on the outermost tip of Cape Cod and surrounded on three sides by the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Cod Bay, Provincetown is a year-round destination with a fascinating history and extraordinary qualities. From incredible beaches and boundless natural beauty to an eclectic arts and culture scene and world-class dining and shopping, Provincetown offers something for each of the diverse visitors it hosts throughout the year.

The entire Atlantic Ocean coastline of Cape Cod was preserved as the Cape Cod National Seashore Park (CCNSP) by then President John F. Kennedy in 1961. Provincetown – better known as Ptown – is bounded by the sea on three sides at the tip of Cape Cod and two thirds of the town’s natural resources are managed by the CCNS. From Long Point to the town line, the Cape Cod National Seashore provides miles of federally protected and preserved seashore, ponds, and woods. The CCNS is run by the National Park Service with the dual goal of protecting precious, ecologically fragile land, while allowing the public to enjoy incredible resources. Opportunities abound for swimming, picnicking, beach walking, dune hiking, biking, bird watching and viewing Ptown’s famous sunsets – one of the few places on the East Coast where it’s possible to see the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean. Dune tours of the National Seashore are offered by Art’s Dune Tours and are a fantastic way to experience the dune landscape. A tour highlight is viewing the legendary dune shacks that were widely used by playwright Eugene O’Neil and poet Harry Kemp. For the hardy and adventuresome, hiking the dunes on foot is possible by entering at the Snail Road entrance. (www.nps.gov/caco/index.htm)

CCNSP is also home to the Old Harbor Life Saving Station, one of three of the original 13 life saving stations on Cape Cod. These oceanfront buildings were equipped to launch a rescue into the surf to pull survivors from sailing ships that had landed on the sand bars 1,000 feet off shore. It is open to visitors and is the only Life Saving Station where life saving history is preserved. A ‘breeches buoy’ rescue is re-enacted by Park Rangers every Thursday evening at 6 p.m. during the summer season. (www.nps.gov/maritime/park/oldhbrls.htm)

During the 19th century the only human dwellers in the Provincetown Dunes were transient campers from Provincetown who fished and hunted there seasonally, the lighthouse keepers and their families, and the hardy men who manned the Life Saving Stations and patrolled the beaches for shipwrecked sailors. The Life Saving service eventually evolved into the Coast Guard, but the CCNSP has moved an authentic 19th century Life Saving Station from Chatham to Race Point Beach to provide a permanent exhibit of the seminal government service which has saved many thousands of lives.

Besides these mariners, there were artists, writers, and playwrights who found creative space in dune shacks in the early 20th century and lived, mostly in isolation from each other, during the warmer months. Today a local non-profit, Peaked Hill Trust, manages the shacks for CCNSP and offers week-long stays at affordable rates in a lottery system.

Art’s Dune Tours (www.artsdunetours.com/index.html) is the only tour company offering four wheel drive access to the dunes. Art Costa began giving “dune buggy” tours in 1946. Today, the tours are given using modern SUVs and arrangements can be made for lobster bakes, and sunset and champagne tours. Tours depart daily from the center of town. For the hardy and adventuresome, hiking the dunes on foot is possible by entering at the Snail Road entrance. The hike in takes approximately 40 minutes, but is rewarded with incredible vistas and the quiet of the giant dunes.

Provincetown is surrounded on three sides by water and is home to some of the best beaches in the country, most of which are accessible by bike trails. At Herring Cove Beach, which is one mile from town, there is beautiful sand, gentle surf for swimming, opportunities for spotting whales in the distance, ample facilities, and great sunsets. Bonfires are allowed with a permit. Race Point Beach, which is two miles from town, is great for families for its Atlantic Ocean surf, facilities, and lifeguard station. Long Point is a local beach favorite. It’s literally at the end of Cape Cod, has a lighthouse, and offers splendid beaches for sunning, swimming, and picnicking. It can be accessed by walking across the West End Breakwater near the Provincetown Inn or by a shuttle boat that runs regularly during the season both from MacMillian Pier and Flyer’s Boatyard in the West End.

The recently renovated National Seashore Bike Trails, particularly the Province Lands Trail, provide unparalleled biking adventures – the bonus is the spectacular views of dunes, forest, ponds and the ocean along the way. Bike trails lead to Herring Cove and Race Point Beaches for swimming and sunning. Biking in and around town is free and easy. Commercial Street, Ptown’s main street, is “one way” for cars, but “two way” for bikes. Rentals shops are located on Commercial Street.

Provincetown is the closest port to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS), a federally protected marine habitat that is home to an amazing variety of marine life, including whales, dolphins, sea turtles, deep sea fish, and sea birds. Its proximity to SBNMS makes Provincetown one the best places in the world to whale watch. Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch, a family run whale watch company since 1975, worked with the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies (PCCS), an internationally-known marine organization, to develop incredible science-based excursions to SBNMS. Today Dolphin Fleet has its own public education and research program run by Dr. Carole Carlson, a leader in the large marine mammal conservation internationally. Trips are appropriate and enjoyable for people of all ages. (www.whalewatch.com)

Shiver your timbers with the jewels and treasures recovered by world-renowned explorer Barry Clifford. Clifford discovered the pirate ship, the Whydah, which sunk off the coast of Provincetown in 1717. The Whydah is the only verified pirate shipwreck ever discovered. Recommended for “ages 6-98” visitors will learn how the discovery took place, how artifacts were rescued off the ocean floor, and how pirates lived and died. All of the excitement unfolds at the end of Macmillan Pier in the Expedition Whydah Sea Lab and Learning Center. (www.whydah.com)

The Pilgrim Monument, which commemorates the Pilgrim’s First Landing in the New World, is the largest granite structure in the United States, and the adjacent museum houses a collection of Provincetown art, artifacts, history, and culture. After a history lesson on Provincetown, climb to the top of the granite structure for beautiful views of Provincetown and beyond. The monument opens for special, free events during the off-season: Lightings before Thanksgiving (always the Wednesday before Thanksgiving) and during President’s Day/Valentine’s Day weekend, and on April 1st, April Fools Day and PMPM’s Opening Day. (www.pilgrim-monument.org)

No visit to Provincetown is complete without seeing the town’s historic and beautiful library. A replica of the famous schooner, The Rose Dorothea, is exhibited in the library, which offers gorgeous views of the harbor. It also contains a great children’s section, is open on Sundays, and offers free internet access. (www.ptownlib.com)

Dining Out: Bubala’s By The Bay (www.bubalas.com),at 183 Commercial Street, not only has a delightful menu for all three meals of the day. It also offers free parking, a true luxury on what is the best place for people watching in town. Before or after dining, take a walk and check out all of the interesting shops. You can also log on to (www.provincetownpocketbook.com) and order this neat little publication.

Bubala’s began in 1993 upstairs at the Cafe Edwige. Noreen Bahring ran the floor and Rose Kennedy was the executive chef. Bubala’s moved to its current location at the beginning of the West End of Provincetown in 1994. John Yingling is the owner, Liz Roberts runs the bar and floor, Tom Conklin is the general manager, and Gui Yingling is the kitchen manager. They even have a chef named Mike Cohen, who I was unsuccessful in meeting the night we went.

The clam chowder is outstanding. I would also recommend the Cajun calamari as an appetizer while the grilled lamb rack cuts like butter and is very tasty. The pan seared scallops and cod in parchment are also worth considering. A children’s menu for those 12 and under includes penne pasta, pasta alfredo, pasta with tomato sauce and chicken fingers.

There is a nice selection of homemade desserts to choose from, notably the chocolate truffle torte.

The miles of beautiful sandy beaches are perfect for swimming, surfing, flying a kite or just relaxing. If you’re willing to walk a short distance, you can enjoy complete solitude on your own private beach.

The calmer waters of Cape Cod Bay and their harbor are a haven for boating, windsurfing, kayaking, swimming, and fishing. Don’t miss taking a refreshing dip in one of the many cool, clear, fresh water kettle ponds! If biking or hiking is what you’re looking for, there are many miles of trails both in the National Seashore and at the 1000 acre Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. So you’d rather go shopping? The quaint Central Village area offers a wide array of fine art galleries, and shops all within a short walk.

This unique town offers a variety of lodging choices including motels, bed and breakfasts, cottages and houses to rent and country inns. The comfort of Wellfleet motel and lodge accommodations will make your beach vacation complete. Dining can be anything from fried clams on the beach to white tablecloth restaurants. After dinner you can catch a movie, a theatre performance or live music ranging from classical to rock, or you can head down to the harbor for one of Wellfleet’s spectacular sunsets.

Do you prefer to travel in the quieter months? Wellfleet is usually blessed with great weather through October; most businesses are still open, crowds have dissipated, the beaches are nearly deserted. We celebrate the end of each season with a send up of our world famous shellfish at the Wellfleet Oyster Festival on the weekend following Columbus Day. Come join the fun!

The Wellfleet Drive-in, Mini-Golf, Flea Market and Cinemas (www.wellfleetcinemas.com) , located right on Route 6, are a popular spot. You can call 508-349-7176 for more details. There is also the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater (WHAT) , Julie Harris Stage & WHAT For Kids (www.what.org) at 2357 Route 6 & 1 which we did not have a chance to experience this trip in.

Dining Out: We did venture to Wellfleet for dinner. Van Rensselaer’s (www.vanrensselaers.com) has been family owned and operated for over 35 years. In 1968, Howard and Anne Hall opened Southfleet Restaurant , serving a variety of Cape Cod fare. Many a customer today recalls those summer nights when a Wellfleet entertainer by the name of Arnie would fill the place with song. But 1980 marked the beginning of Van Rensselaer’s, a name chosen from Peter Hall’s Dutch ancestry. A trace of the family line leads to Steven Van Rensselaer, a name highly associated with New York’s Rensselaer County and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Today, Peter and Diane Hall proudly continue to serve the freshest locally caught seafood and superbly prepared meats. As Peter told me, his wife was originally a dental hygienist before they were married and assumed running the restaurant from April until October. It is fully wheelchair accessible, with an accessible washroom as well.

Van Rensselaer’s hosts two to three special wine dinners each year – generally, one in the spring and two in the fall. These five-course dinners are a wonderful opportunity to try some innovative, new wines paired with some delicious and creative courses from their chef and kitchen staff.

Located on State Highway 6 in South Wellfleet, opposite the entrance road to the Marconi area of the Cape Cod National Seashore, the restaurant actually draws diners from as far away as New Hampshire who drive in for the evening. My family enjoyed a wonderful dinner. The virgin pina colada was a quenching beginning while the salad bar and homemade New England clam chowder were excellent. We were urged to try the house speciality appetizer, lobster cakes, a creation of Peter’s brother-in-law. They were spectacular. For the main course I would recommend the barbeque beef short ribs, braised in red wine, green and wax bean sauté, corn bread and zesty barbeque sauce or the one and one quarter outer cape roasted lobster.

There are no kosher restaurants in Wellfleet, but Van Rensselaer’s has some excellent fish choices: the baked chatham scrod, with lightly seasoned crumbsm, fresh vegetables and mashed potatoes is light. Ditto for the sword fish, salmon and the tuna. For the kids there is a cute and low priced menu offering grilled cheese, hot dogs, mozzarella sticks, fried chicken tenders or penne pasta with marinara sauce.

If you are looking for a casual meal with plenty of choices, check out PJ’s. It is also on Route 6. Here you line up at the counter, select a meal and wait for your number to be called.

It took a dedicated effort to bid Spring Break adieu. Despite concerns from local businesses that thrived on the annual phenomena, a public and private sector initiative was created to rid the destination of Spring Break for good. The hospitality industry expanded, modernized and improved. Millions were spent on new hotel developments and upgrades. New facilities such as the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and the 600,000-square-foot Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center were built. Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport – which now stands as the fastest growing large airport in the U.S. over the past decade – was greatly expanded and Port Everglades emerged as the country’s top luxury cruise port.

Today, Spring Break has been transformed into beach chic. Greater Fort Lauderdale’s Blue Wave beaches – so certified for their outstanding beauty and cleanliness – have been complemented by upscale hotels and a wide variety of top attractions and activities. Casual, yet sophisticated, Greater Fort Lauderdale is South Florida’s renaissance story. Trendy boutiques and luxury retailers line Las Olas Boulevard, Greater Fort Lauderdale’s unofficial “Main Street,” and the upscale Galleria mall is the result of a recent $100 million renovation. More than 60 golf courses make the destination a golfer’s paradise. Attractions such as Butterfly World – the largest butterfly aviary in North America – and the natural wonder of the Everglades bring visitors in touch with nature and native culture. A three-tiered coral reef system and more than 75 wreck sites draw novice and expert scuba divers, while kayaking, parasailing, kiteboarding and snorkeling entertain those looking to stay above water.

Need proof of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s transformation? Just head to the Intracoastal Waterway, where some 42,000 registered yachts make Greater Fort Lauderdale the yachting capital of the world. Or see an acclaimed exhibit at the Museum of Art, Fort Lauderdale. Or dine at one of the destination’s trendy nightspots or chic restaurants.

Two of my favorite Greater Fort Lauderdale destinations relate to shopping. Sawgrass Mills at 12801 W. Sunrise Blvd. is simply Florida’s largest retail and entertainment center , featuring 350 name-brand stores, outlets, restaurants cinemas and entertainment venues and home to Wannado City, America’s first indoor role-playing theme park for kids!

The Swap Shop , at 3291 W. Sunrise Bvd is the largest indoor-outdoor flea market in South Florida, featuring an air-conditioned entertainment and food court area and a 14 screen drive-in theatre.

The new Greater Fort Lauderdale is a vibrant, year-round destination offering more than 33,000 hotel rooms at a variety of hotels, resorts, and Superior Small Lodgings, plus several new upscale resorts opening soon. More than ten million annual visitors enjoy Greater Fort Lauderdale’s 23 miles of Blue Wave Beaches, 300+ miles of inland waterways that run from the Intracoastal to the Everglades, 4,000 restaurants, top shopping, and a thriving arts and culture scene. For more information, contact the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 22-SUNNY or visit ( www.sunny.org ).

DINING OUT: I must admit that a particular fish restaurant proved to me the real draw. Many people I know had been raving about the 15th Street Fisheries ( www.15streetfisheries.com ) , a Fort Lauderdale legacy since 1979. It is located at Lauderdale Marina (1900 SE 15th Street), providing a spectacular view of the Intracoastal Waterway. In addition to their world-famous award-winning cuisine, the location is by far one of the best in South Florida. You just can’t get closer to the water or to the nautical history of the area. Dine here above the docks where a daily parade of boats keeps the vistas fresh. We sat in a room called “The Porch.” Manager Guillermo Puthon, who just a few years ago worked on the cruiselines, pointed to some large fish swimming below. The large tarpons are fed by customers throughout each day. This is quite a sight, especially at night. Lights have conveniently been installed at the bottom of the water. There are some other pretty fish to view upon your entry. And just in case you wondered, there is no fishing permitted here.

Against miles of open water and sky, the nautical show unfolds. Gulls tip their wings to yachts sailing the calm waters of the Intracoastal. Giant silver tarpon leap along the dock. Boaters in the know tie up at the pier, a favorite table in sight. Winter, spring, summer and fall, the 15th Street Fisheries – just a water taxi ride away -always feels like home.

Emphasizing seafood, the restaurant offers a casual dining environment on the lower floor, featuring sandwiches, oysters and peal and eat shrimp. Upstairs dining is more formal, with an abundance of seafood appetizers and entrees, along with steaks, ribs, prime rib, and chicken as well as exotic foods from around the world and local specialties.

Homemade breads, a specialty, come with a cheese-and-chive spread and they are served by a “bread girl.” Grilled mahimahi and alligator are among the more than 50 entrées. Our servers Rich and Veronica were superb, welcoming us with a unique menu displayed on a large billboard. Rich provided detailed explanations of each dish. We began with salads and some clam chowder and then decided to share an order of stone crabs as an appetizer. For the main course, three of us split a pair of two pound Maine lobsters which were beautifully pre-cut making then dining experience that much easier. The key lime pie for dessert was outstanding.

The 15th Street Fisheries is located on SE 15th Street (of course) in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. From I-95, take I-595 east to US-1 (Federal Highway). Travel north on US-1 for 1.5 miles to SE 15th Street. Turn right and go all the way to the end of the street. You’ll find us inside Lauderdale Marina Reservations are required for dining upstairs. Call 954-763-2777 Valet parking costs $2 at dinner, but it’s free at lunch.

For more information on Greater Fort Lauderdale go to ( http://www.sunny.org )

Almost one million vacationers visit Sunny Isles Beach annually to enjoy the two and a half mile-long fine sand beach and outdoor amenities such as water sports, boating, fishing, and tennis as well as the abundant shopping, dining and entertainment options nearby. Sunny Isles Beach has a significant Jewish population and enjoys close ties with its Israeli sister city of Netanya. Mayor Norman Edelcup and a number of town commissioners are Jewish. There are no shortage of synagogues in the area. The Young Israel of Sunny Isles is located at 17395 N Bay Rd while the Temple Bnai Zion is at 200 178th St. The Chabad Lubavitch of Sunny Isles Beach (www.chabadsib.org) is at 17555 Atlantic Blvd. Jewish Snowbirds also line the many condos which line Collins Avenue.

THE TRUMP: My family and I recently returned to the spectacular Trump International Beach Resort in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida.

The Trump International Beach Resort is a lavish oceanfront oasis, complete with its own private and pristine beach and delightful grotto-style pool complex. This facility offers 390 over-sized guest rooms and suites, each with a private balcony and spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean or Intracoastal Waterway. Luxurious amenities at Trump International include a full-service spa and fitness center, two restaurants, three lounges, tennis, a business centre and 22,000 sq. ft. of meeting and banquet. The property opened in 2003 and has been consistently hailed as one of the best Miami Luxury hotels. It is managed by the newly-formed International Resorts Management Group.

This masterpiece was created by Donald Trump and Dezer Properties, and rises as a striking landmark to luxury amidst the white sands of South Florida. You can shop on site and at nearby boutiques that rival those of the world’s fashion centers or spend a relaxing day at the spa. There is no shortage of indulgences here.

FOR KIDS: When it comes to vacationing, kids are seeking to have the most fun. An interactive adventure designed just for the little one ages 5 to 12, “Planet Kids” is a high-energy program tailored to provide children with the opportunity to experience the many cultural and educational environments South Florida has to offer. Children are sure to enjoy the many activities that include off-property excursions, beach and pool games and arts and crafts projects. Recreation Director Tom Card and his staff play a very active role poolside. One of the highlights of each day is when Card tosses in a giant ball that the kids try to toss about.

While the kids are busy on their adventures, parents can indulge themselves and slip into a sultry oasis amidst the resort’s private stretch of pristine beachfront and its magnificent grotto-style oceanfront pool complex. Adults are invited to enjoy a taste of the tropics at Gili’s Pool Bar featuring a sensational Piña Colada menu promoting an extensive list of twelve one-of-a-kind Piña Colada concoctions or check out the trendy Lime Lounge featuring nightly entertainment and a selection of tapas and specialty cocktails.

Guests can also unwind at the resort’s cutting-edge full-service spa, Aquanox. The spa’s extensive menu includes an array of the following treatments: customized spa packages, massages, facials, body treatments, enhancements and waxing. Accommodating the most discriminating palates, especially those little picky eaters, the Trump International Beach Resort offers a variety of dining options where the whole family can spend time together over delicious cuisine. The resort offers Neomi’s Grill, a Mobil Award-winning restaurant featuring American and tropical-inspired fare in an elegant yet casual oceanfront setting and the Lime Lounge, serving a light, casual lunch and appetizers. While soaking up the sun, families can enjoy a poolside meal at Gili’s Pool Bar featuring a delightful menu of lighter fare with the added luxury of spectacular ocean views.

THE CABANA EXPERIENCE: For the true experience of luxury, try to reserve the new pool and beach cabana food and beverage experience. I cannot understate how strongly I recommend it. We have been fortunate to experience this on more than one occasion.

The over-sized air conditioned cabanas redefine the hotel experience and include a refrigerator stocked with soft drinks and water, a television, wet bar area and microwave, a table and chairs, couch and chaise lounges. Beach cabanas are equipped with private bathrooms and showers. Overlooking either the pool or beach, your cabana attendant will serve you three separate culinary offerings throughout the day, based on two adults. Additional items may be ordered and charged to the guest room directly. Start off with the Rise & Shine experience at 10 a.m. with some smoothies, fresh fruit and berry blend accented with Brazilian acai berry, French press coffee, citrus scented tea scones with agave honey, Vermont butter and sour cream pound cake with yogurt topping. The Siesta at 2 p.m. features a choice of fresh muddled Mexican margaritas or Miami mojitos, beef empanadas, cilantro chili salsa and mini Cuban sandwiches. In between , if you have room in the tummy, you can sample some dessert. The club sandwiches are extraordinary. At 4 p.m., our server stopped by the cabana with the Sunset snack: Floridian mango champagne cocktail, bittersweet chocolate dipped fruits and champagne biscuits. All cabanas can be rented on a daily or half day basis – they are simply the ideal place to conduct business, plan a family outing or simply unwind. Prices range from $200 for a half day to $325 for a full day.

For more information on Sunny Isles Trump International go to www.trumpmiami.com or call 305-692-5600.

View Larger Map

In both daytime and at nightfall, the South Beach section of Miami Beach is a major entertainment destination with hundreds of nightclubs, restaurants, boutiques and hotels. The area is popular with both American and international tourists (mainly from Europe, Latin America, Canada, Israel, the Caribbean and within the United States), with some having permanent or second homes. The large number of European and Brazilian tourists also explains their influence on South Beach’s lax and overall tolerance of topless sunbathing, despite it being a public beach.

The reflection of South Beach’s residents is evident in the various European languages, as well as Semitic languages and many other languages spoken. As of 2000, all of Miami Beach residents, including those of South Beach, spoke Spanish as a first language, which accounted for 54.89 percent of residents, while English made was spoken by 32.75 percent of the population. Reflecting the European and Brazilian community, Portuguese (mainly Brazilian Portuguese) was spoken by 3.38 percent of residents, while French (including Canadian French) was at 1.66 percent German at 1.1 percent Italian 0.99 percent and Russian was 0.85 percent of the population. Due to the large Jewish and Israeli community, Yiddish made up 0.81 percent of speakers, and Hebrew was the mother tongue of 0.74 percent of the population.[5]

Another unique aesthetic attribute of South Beach is the several colourful and unique lifeguard stands, still used today by South Beach’s lifeguards. After Hurricane Andrew, Architect William Lane donated his design services to the city and added new stops on design tours in the form of lifeguard towers. His towers instantly became symbols of the revived City of Miami Beach.

On a nice night, there is nothing better to do than find a good parking lot and spend some time walking the streets of South Beach.

Lincoln Road is an open-air pedestrian mall, considered South Beach’s premiere shopping area. It is home to many restaurants and several night clubs, such as Score and Funktion, as well as many retail outlets. While Lincoln Road was one time rather downtrodden, with its unique boutique shops and restaurants, since the 1960s it has had “an esoteric chic that maintains its trendy appeal.” It is located in between 16th Street and 17th Street and spans the beach in an east-west direction.

Ocean Drive is the easternmost street in South Beach, and stems from south of First to 15th Street, running in a north-south direction. Ocean Drive is responsible for the South Beach aesthetic that most out-of-town visitors expect. It is a popular Spring Break and tourist area, including the famous, yet predominantly local, Pearl and Nikki Beach night spots.

Washington Avenue is one of the best-known streets in South Beach. Running parallel with Ocean and Collins. Washington is notorious for having some of the world’s largest and most popular nightclubs, such as Crobar and Mansion. During “season” (October 15 to May 15) the street is jammed with traffic until early in the morning (as late as 6 am) every night of the week. In the 1990s explosion of South Beach as a nightclub venue, its nightclub moguls included Ingrid Casares, whose investors included the singer Madonna Ciccone.

JEWISH MUSEUM OF FLORIDA: If you’re vacationing in South Florida anytime soon and it begins to rain, here is a great indoor activity. The Jewish Museum of Florida chronicles the little-known nearly 250-year history of Jewish life in Florida as an example of the immigrant acculturation process of all people in Florida – and in America.

The Jewish Museum of Florida opened in April 1995 when a group of visionary Floridians rescued an abandoned art deco historic synagogue on Miami’sSouth Beach from demolition. They restored and transformed the building as a place to house the growing collections and as a bright and sunny showcase for an award-winning historical exhibit, MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida. This core exhibit project was begun in the mid-1980s in a statewide grassroots effort to collect and preserve photos, artifacts, documents and oral histories of thousands of Jewish families throughout the state of Florida. The Museum received accreditation in 2002 by the American Association of Museums, an honor granted to only 3% of the nation’s museums.

Florida hosts the nation’s third largest Jewish community – 850,000 people, but is perceived to have a “new” Florida Jewish history starting after World War II. In reality, Jews have been allowed to live in the state only since 1763 when Florida was taken from the Spanish, who permitted only Catholics, and turned over to the British in the Treaty of Paris following the French and Indian War. The first Jews settled in Pensacola that year. The man who brought Florida into statehood and served as its first U.S. senator (and the first Jew to serve in the U.S. Congress) was a Jew, David Levy Yulee.

The Jewish Museum of Florida has been heralded as a cultural jewel of Miami Beach and in 1980 earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. The building, with a unique copper dome, was completed in 1936. It was designed by noted Art Deco architect Henry Hohauser as an Orthodox synagogue for Miami Beach’s first Jewish congregation. Rabbi Moses Mescheloff, who served the congregation from 1937 to 1955, designed the marble Torah-reading bimah and 80 colorful stained glass windows, which are still intact. The Museum is located at 301 Washington Avenue. For more information call 305-672-5044 or log on to www.jewishmuseum.com. It is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Mondays and civil and Jewish holidays .

CHINA GRILL: Prominent American restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow’s commitment to the idea that serious food and dazzling spectacle are not mutually exclusive has led him produce some of the most original, critically acclaimed and wildly popular dining hotspots across the globe. Today, Chodorow’s China Grill Management and its affiliates operate 26 restaurants in the US, UK and Mexico. His global restaurant group consists of an impressive array of first-class dining spots. CGM and its affiliates own, operate, create concepts, and /or consult in creating some of the most acclaimed and innovative restaurants in Miami, New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, London, San Francisco, Chicago and Mexico City. His organization’s phenomenal reputation is a result of his culinary ingenuity and unyielding commitment to excellence. It is this combination of uncompromising vision and gourmet expertise that has enabled China Grill Management and its affiliates to provide the public with restaurants of the highest quality. CGM’s flagship restaurant, Manhattan’s venerable China Grill, opened in 1987. Without sacrificing China Grill New York’s distinctive atmosphere or the quality of its cuisine, a sister property in Miami was opened to rave reviews in 1995.

Instantly anointed the place to “see and be seen,” China Grill has become celebrity central for the international set in South Beach. Oprah Winfrey is crazy about the low fat cuisine and dines there whenever she’s staying at her Fisher Island home. Madonna, a really big fan, got a thrill dining there the same night as Miami Heat coach Pat Riley. Will Smith and Jada Pinkett enjoyed a honeymoon dinner following their New Year’s nuptials. Michael Caine dines there when in town. George Clooney had to be escorted in through the back door due to the many paparazzi trying to get a photo of him. Jack Nicholson likes to enjoy a cigar after a meal befitting a Hollywood legend. Supermodels Cindy Crawford, Nikki Taylor, Naomi Campbell, Daisy Fuentes and Vendela, superstars from Sly to Cher to Prince, Brooke Shields, Eddie Murphy, Jeff Goldblum, Lenny Kravitz, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, Julio Iglesias, Enrique Iglesias, Anna Kournikova, director Oliver Stone and actor/director Sean Penn, sport ‘s stars Ken Griffey Jr., Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, Livan Hernandez, Wayne Gretzky, and Emerson Fittipaldi have all wielded chop sticks here. Senator Bob Kerrey, Magic Johnson, Donald Trump, Placido Domingo and George Stephanopolous fill out the list of the legendary and the distinguished.

My family and I made our first visit to the China Grill South Beach location and I must tell you it was an experience to remember. This was an entire evening out. Our server, Stepha Diamond, has been with the place for three years. She is a walking encyclopedia of the menu. More importantly, she gives excellent suggestions and what to order and share.

Virtually every dish at China Grill is prepared on the grill or in a wok, using sauces strictly for flavor. Portions are generous, and artfully presented on bold, oversized plates, and above all, meant for sharing. We started off with some fabulous crab cake, some salads (crackling calamari and confucius chicken) lamb spareribs and regular calamari) and perhaps the best sushi rolls I have tasted in a long time – the kaleidoscope (salmon, tuna, cream cheese and spicy mango) and crunchy tuna.

Spectacular entrees, large enough for two to three people, include Shanghai lobster with ginger, curry and crispy spinach, Korean kalbi rib eye with truffled artichoke-potato hash, wild mushroom profusion pasta with sake Madeira cream sauce, duck two ways, sweet soy marinated skirt steak, tempura sashimi with hot mustard-champagne sauce, lobster pancakes with wild mushrooms and red chili and coconut milk. A selection of nine popular side dishes include wasabi mashed potatoes, crispy spinach, and five vegetable fried rice among others. Do not worry about over ordering. The staff will package any of the leftovers up so you can continue to enjoy the China Grill experience. Save some room for dessert. We receommend the cheesecake pot stickers (with the five spice chocolate raspberry, mango and ping sauce), the Great Wall (vanilla, chocolate and caramel ice cream, toasted meringue, fresh berry and whipped cream) and the hazel nut chocolate torte (blackberry and orange cream and anglaise sauce).

In an area known already for it’s architecture and design, China Grill stands out. Spectacular from the outside, breathtaking on the inside, the restaurant captures the pulse and energy of Miami. The landmark glass, onyx and limestone building encompasses three separate dining and drinking areas. A 250-seat main dining room pulsates at the center. Interiors designed by noted architect Jeffrey Beers include passages from Marco Polo’s travel diaries emblazoned in marble mosaics that run the length of the restaurant’s imported Egyptian limestone floors. One of the most striking features of the restaurant is Beers’ signature — almost ethereal custom light fixtures that hang from the restaurant’s soaring ceilings like clouds.

One of Florida’s most highly acclaimed restaurants, China Grill has twice received from the Miami Herald their highest rating, EXCEPTIONAL. The restaurant has been featured as one of the region’s “hot new restaurants” in the March 1996 issue of Esquire and hit the cover of New York Magazine’s February 12, 1996 edition, accompanied by a story that tracked the migration of chic from New York to Miami Beach. The April 6, 1997 issue of The New York Times’ travel section, China Grill was praised for its invigorating, light and inventive food. The October 1997 issue of Travel & Leisure deemed the restaurant’s Shanghai lobster a to-die-for dish. Voted one of Miami’s most popular ( top 40s) restaurants by the ZAGAT Survey.

Special Needs: The China Grill offers valet parking. This establishment is handicapped accessible. If any member of your party is in a wheelchair, ask to be seated at the main level. There are special handicapped accessible washrooms for males and females. For those with vision problems keep in mind that the restaurant is very dark, with candles at each table. The servers will be happy to provide you with a small flashlight to help you better navigate the menu.

China Grill is located at 404 Washington Avenue in Miami Beach, with easy access directly off the MacArthur Causeway from 1-95. Dinner Sunday through Thursday from 6:00 p.m. – midnight, Friday/Saturday from 6:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. Major credit cards accepted. For reservations, call (305) 534-2211. You can see their entire menu at www.chinagrillmgt.com.

View Larger Map

I first heard about Kennenbunkport, Maine, like most others I know, as the place where former US President George Bush Sr. had a summer home known as the Bush Compound First built by Bush’s grandfather, George Herbert Walker, it has been a family home ever since, and has been owned by Bush since shortly after he became vice president in the 1980s. During his presidency, Bush often invited world leaders, from Margaret Thatcher, Mikhail Gorbachev and Yitzhak Rabin, to Kennebunkport. In 2007, his son George W. Bush invited Russia’s Vladimir Putin and France’s Nicolas Sarkozy to meet there.

This is an astoundingly picturesque town in York County, Maine, with a population of less than 4,000. The town center is located along the Kennebunk River, approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) from the mouth of the river on the ocean. Historically a shipbuilding and fishing village, for well over a century the town has been a popular seaside tourist destination. Kennebunkport has a small district of souvenir shops, art galleries, seafood restaurants, and bed and breakfasts. Its reputation as an upscale community comes from the numerous large seaside estates along Ocean Avenue and other coastal thoroughfares. In the summer months, many wealthy people from across the Northeast vacation in Kennebunkport and nearby Goose Rocks Beach. It is regarded as one of the most expensive vacation areas in the Northeast. During the fall, Kennebunkport is a frequent stop for tour buses showing visitors the famous New England fall colors.

Kennebunkport’s Dock Square is the commercial centre of town and is certainly worth an afternoon shopping adventure. You will find unique boutiques offering one-of-a-kind wares, t-shirt shops and some great places to pick up a gift for family and friends. Be sure to visit the many local galleries as Kennebunkport has long been known as one of the region’s greatest artists’ enclaves.

A night of entertainment is easily found in a number of playhouses, where you can enjoy some of the funniest, dramatic or vocally inspiring shows you can imagine. The Maine coast has been a summer haven for Hollywood actors to come and “hit the boards” since the forties, and they still come today to stretch their acting muscles and enjoy the beauty and relaxation of our coast.

Maine has more than 5,000 miles of coast and some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire state can be found here in the Kennebunks. Whether you’re a family looking to set up for that perfectly relaxing day at the beach or a surfer hoping to catch the ultimate wave, the beaches in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport offer some of the best fun in the sun. You need to buy a parking pass and hope there is actually a spot when you get there. Seek out Mother’s Beach, where we enioyed some wonderful days and park your chairs at the very back of the sand because by mid-afternoon the surf comes up pretty high. The ocean water is cold, but my family and I had no trouble wading in and jumping the waves. It was relaxing and a lot of fun.

One activity we had planned, but not succeed in experiencing due to the weather was a 90 minute trip on Kylie’s Chance. The boat tour gives you a chance to see how Maine Lobsters are caught. You also get a nice view of former President Bush’s estate and seals in their natural habitat on Bumpkin Island. Try to call 207 967 5507 ahead of time.

WHERE TO STAY: For the past few years I have been on the email list of The Kennenbunkport Inn, receiving their always interesting newsletter. So, when I decided to make my very first trip to Maine, naturally I contacted them immediately. This is a charming intimate hotel, with 49 guest rooms in the Victorian Mansion, Riverhouse or Wharfside buildings right in Dock Square, the heart of all of the shopping, dining and attractions. From the elegant style of the Federal and Mansion rooms to the charming ambiance of the Riverhouse to the Maine beach cottage style of the Wharfside, there is a room perfect for every taste and need.

We had a Wharfside family suite., which is large enough to fit at least six people. I cannot remember when I last felt this comfortable away from home. It features standard rental style furnishings, three bedrooms, a large living room with sleeper sofas, kitchen facilities and a private bath. The Wharfside is a short walk across the street from the main building, which contains the One Dock Restaurant, the piano bar, patio dining, an outdoor pool, spa services and a guest library. There is a delicious complimentary deluxe continental breakfast served each morning and private off-street parking.

Perfectly located in Dock Square, the heart of this seaside resort village, you are steps away from the bustling collection of shops, galleries, historic sites, restaurants and the Port Walk Shops that don the Kennebunk Rivers edge.

The Inn is owned by the husband and wife team of Debbie Lennon and Tom Nill. Debbie’s parents have a home nearby. The couple got married here in 2000 and had their rehearsal dinner at the Inn. They immediately fell in love with the property and a few months later they approached the then owners and began negotiations to purchase. Debbie and Tom are hands on owners who have hired a lovely and caring staff. The Inn itself was originally built as an elegant family home in the late 1890′s by Captain Burleigh S. Thompson, a wealthy tea and coffee merchant. Captain Thompson lived here with his wife and daughter until 1926, when he sold the mansion to Lloyd and Murray Hackenburg. It was in that year that the mansion first became The Kennebunkport Inn.

DINING: As we prepared for our trip, the names of two restaurants in Kennenbunkport kept coming up: Bartley’s Dockside Dining, located right by the bridge at 4 Western Avenue and Mabel’s Lobster Claw at 124 Ocean Road.

For over a quarter century, three generations of the Bartley family has been serving great food. During those years, they’ve made countless friends that have entered through the restaurant doors simply to enjoy the flavors of a good meal and left a devoted fan for life.

There are so many photos of President Bush on the wall you’re sure he’s just around the corner chomping on a lobster roll! There is a new photo, personally autographed to the Bartley family, from Bush of his latest skydiving experience in the area.

Vacationing celebrities enjoy the anonymity of dining in a place they call their own and being called a regular This was the favorite watering hole for the White House Staff and the intimate bar offers full liquor choices. Bartley’s has free parking for their guests while dining in air conditioned comfort. Since we were staying at the Kennenbunkport Inn, we had a barely five minute walk.

Bartley’s air conditioned restaurant, situated on the river that flows through town, boast of having the freshest lobster. Indeed they do! Lobsters swim in a salt water tank located inside the restaurant, making your choice for dinner as fresh as you’ll ever have! Brian Bartley jokes that you’ll need a chain saw to cut into the gigantic size of their lobster, and at 3 1/2 pounds…he’s right! The baked stuffed lobster here is superb. This house specialty involves the chef first splitting and cracking open the lobster. After breading is added to the inside it is cooked for 20 minutes in the oven and served so easy to enjoy. The lazy man’s lobster is another favourite. Here all the work has done before you, with the lobster meat taken out of the shell and served on a casserole dish with butter. It is so beautifully prepared, even the kids will enjoy it.

Other choices include the caramelized salmon, haddock ala Dockside and steaks. Most vegetables are an afterthought , but not at Bartley’s. Gail Bartley hand picks the freshest vegetables form the farmer’s markets daily during the summer and fall seasons. For an appetizer try the fresh native crab-meat cocktail or the fried whole clams with tartar sauce.

If you look up Blueberry Pie in the dictionary, Dorothy Bartley’s smiling face would be right next to it! Mrs. B’s Blueberry Pie was a staple on Air Force One. I would strongly recommend you save room for this specialty.

Mabel’s is legendary in Kennenbunkport. In the summer season, with its terrace, about 70 people can be seated at a time. The place is always packed, so be sure to make reservations (207-967-2562) in advance. Owners Robert and Stephanie Fischer bought the place 12 years ago and take a real hands on approach. Their kids work here as well and they take only one day off a week. The night we were there, we were told President Bush dropped by for ice cream a few days earlier. Then Robert brought over a special guest to the table, award winning Jewish composer Marvin Hamlisch. He had just finished his meal and was quite a gentleman.

The menu here is pretty comprehensive, with everything from lobster and a variety of fish selections to chicken, beef and pasta. There is a special children’s menu of chicken, fish, burgers, spaghetti and even hot dogs. The lazy lobster is a favourite. I sampled the sword fish and it was absolutely out of this world. Their homemade clam chowder is superb as are the fried scallops. For dessert, try one of their pies (made fresh daily) or the chocolate cake topped with hot fudge sauce.

View Larger Map

The mouth of the tidal Ogunquit River separates three miles of white sandy beach from the craggy granite ledge which dives into the Atlantic. Millions of visitors have walked the Marginal Way, a scenic cliff-walk that meanders along the ocean for over a mile.

Ogunquit has everything for every type of traveler. Theatre lovers flock to the many playhouses for the summer stock performances. Shoppers rave about the assortment of galleries, boutiques and gift shops and discriminating diners have an abundant selection of fine restaurants to satisfy nearly every taste – including lobster! Sailing, sea kayaking and whale watching are popular activities as well as hiking nearby Mount Agamenticus or the Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm.

PERFORMING ARTS: Located just South of Ogunquit Village at 42 Main Street, surrounded by pastoral fields and scenic woods, the historic Ogunquit Playhouse (ogunquitplayhouse.org) continues to create some of the most vibrant and exciting summer theatre in the country. One of the few remaining summer stock theatres of the legendary straw hat circuit, the Playhouse continues its 76-year tradition of bringing the biggest and best shows of Broadway to the beach. Each summer the Playhouse produces a five show subscription series along with its unique and growing Children’s Theatre Program.

The 2009 roster featured A Chorus Line, Shout! The Mod Musical, Guys and Dolls, Singin’ in the Rain and the Elvis Presley filled All Shook Up.

We had the good fortune of seeing Guys and Dolls, starring Tony award winner Christian Hoff and Richard Kind of TV’s Spin City fame. It was a fabulous show, with great sets and a real professional look. There is free parking, book your tickets in advance and arrive at least 15 minutes before showtime,

Performances are Tuesdays through Sundays, from Memorial to Columbus Day weekends. Main Stage ticket prices range from $39 to $58 per show. You may purchase tickets on-line or through the box office at 207-646-5511.

The humble beginnings of this theatre go back to July 1, 1933 as a crowd filed into a renovated garage in the town’s square is there for the opening night of a new venue. Few, if any, realized they were also witnessing the birth of a playhouse that would soon earn and later sustain its title as “America’s Foremost Summer Theatre.” Broadway showman Walter Hartwig had a dream: good theatre could thrive outside of New York. With his wife Maude he knew Ogunquit through participation in the Hoyt’s Lane Art Center. The town’s reputation and popularity as a summer resort convinced him to bring his Manhattan Theatre Colony to Ogunquit, and he persuaded such legends as Maude Adams, Ethel Barrymore, and Laurette Taylor to star with a resident company.

The theatre’s enormous success brought the need for larger quarters. Hartwig bought the old Ware Farm on Route 1, just south of town, and built the new Ogunquit Playhouse, unique for its spacious comfort, convenience, superb acoustics, and up-to-date equipment. The playhouse opened on July 17, 1937, and with top stars in the best plays it indeed thrived. After Hartwig’s death in 1941, his widow Maude took up the producing reigns, and was joined in 1950 by John Lane, a young actor and general manager. He acquired the theatre and land from the retiring Maude in 1951. Joined by a new business partner, Henry Weller, they embarked on a long-range plan of modernizing and improving the building and grounds, and, without missing a beat, enhanced the tradition of excellence and excitement in entertainment. Through his dedicated direction, professional integrity, and impeccable taste, generations of theatre goers have enjoyed the brightest stars and finest professional actors performing in Broadway’s best dramas, comedies, and musicals.

After four and a half decades as owner and producer, John Lane had earned his desired retirement. To perpetuate the playhouse, in 1994 he spearheaded the formation of the Ogunquit Playhouse Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to “preserve and maintain the Ogunquit Playhouse as a community-based performing-arts center.” John Lane pledged to transfer ownership to the foundation if it raised $500,000 within three years to ensure the longevity and maintenance of the theater and grounds.

The cash and pledges went over the top well before the deadline, and ownership was transferred in September 1997. John Lane’s extraordinary stewardship of the Ogunquit Playhouse ended after 46 years, but his legacy will endure for generations. Though John Lane passed away in the autumn of 2000, his Playhouse, continues to be a dynamic testimony to his commitment to live theatre, one that will continue to be enjoyed and appreciated by generations to come.

In September 1999 the Ogunquit Playhouse Foundation selected Roy M. Rogosin as producing artistic director in order to build a bridge between the legendary history of the Playhouse and the exciting and challenging future ahead. Part of this future involved the incremental restoration of the playhouse. For the 68th-anniversary year-2000 season the lobby underwent a beautiful refurbishing, thanks to the Ogunquit Playhouse Theatre Guild.

In addition, through the generosity of the Guild, a new gazebo adorns the south lawn, where wine and beer are served to patrons. The north-field parking lot was secured and made safe through the generosity of the Guild under the leadership of Ann Reynolds.

In 2002, the Playhouse restored the Colony Theatre as a center for Youth Theatre classes and performances as the Children’s Theatre Program continued to grow and prosper. Once again the dedicated Guild stepped up to assist with both funding for the Colony restoration and many hours of volunteer work to support the Children’s Theatre camp programs.

In 2004 the Playhouse embraced both new technology and old friends. With Broadway-quality productions worthy of the Great White Way itself, along with appearances by national stars such as Sally Struthers and Lucie Arnez, the Playhouse continued it’ role as “America’s Foremost Summer Theatre.” Complimenting the performances on the stage, the Playhouse installed a new sound system donated by the Playhouse Theatre Guild, along with the generous support of DC Audio of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Improvements to customer service were made as the Playhouse installed a new phone system and launched online ticket sales. Thanks in part to a grant funded by Kennebunk Savings Bank, the Playhouse now proudly proclaims, “Our box office never closes at www.ogunquitplayhouse.org!”

DINNER: If you are looking to catch a quick dinner before the show, then make a stop at the Old Village Inn (www.theoldvillageinn.net) at 250 Maine Street. Owned and operated by Dean Goodman, this mid -19th century inn echoes that earlier era’s gracious yet informal atmosphere which makes dining in unique charm and tasteful decor to match any mood. The varied menu offers a blend of creative and traditional American and Continental selections, all prepared to order. A carefully chosen wine list presents a wide range of selections to satisfy even the most discriminating palates. You can choose one of their many delicious entrees or go to the pub menu for something quick and convenient. We arrived less than two hours before showtime and our waitress assured us we would be served in plenty of time and could certainly choose from among their more popular dishes. That is what our party did, from the lazy man’s lobster, to some grilled shrimp served with pasta and an outstanding and crispy roasted half duck. For dessert we save room for the chocolate lava cake, made with warm melted pudding and some vanilla ice cream.

THE ZOO: York’s Wild Kingdom – Zoo and theme park (www.yorkzoo.com) is located in York Beach and features hundreds of exotic animals from around the world. We spent an enjoyable day there and would highly recommend it. Especially fun was the butterfly exhibit and the elephant show where we met Lydia, the 59 year old 9,000 pound elephant who can actually paint and play the harmonica. The family of lemurs were so entertaining to observe, we did not want to leave their presence. A look at the lions, tigers, bears, monkees and zebras was a thrill. And who does not enjoy walking through a sea of beautiful deers who just want you to pet and feed them. There is also a small amusement park, featuring different rides. This includes a carpet slide, bumper cars and my favorite – the go karts. Save time to visit the arcade.

SUPERB MINI-GOLF: In the town of Wells, just on the border with Ogunquit right on Route 1, you will find the Wonder Mountain Family Fun Centre and Mini-Golf. This spot is a blast! On the night we went, customers were lined up knee deep to try their luck on one of the two 18 hole courses. This is an extremely well run facililty. When they ran out of putters I figured we were in for a long evening, but things moved along a nice pace and even the wait at each hole was not too long. The people in line with us, many from Montreal, were so friendly that it was actually fun to chat between putts. Owner Andy Joakim built the first course in 1987. And the second five years later. “Large , adventure style mini golfs have been around for 30 years,” he told me. ”I happened to see one in another part of the country and built one in Wells over 20 years ago. It is a massive, risky proposition, but thankfully the project has done well.”

View Larger Map

A few days upon my family’s return from Maine and New Hampshire, we felt that there was one activity which passed us by. Yes, we did experience a fabulous indoor water park at the Red Jacket Mountainview Resort in North Conway (see www.sandboxworld.com/travel). However, inconsistent weather in Maine forced us to forego the two outdoor water parks in that area.

Upon our return, friends told us that we actually have one of the nicest water parks in Canada only 40 minutes from West End Montreal called Super Aqua Club (www.superaquaclub.com) in the community of Pointe-Calumet. It is just past St. Eustache and easily accessible via Highway 640. There were many tourists the day we went as English was being spoken in many lines.

This facility has been around for more than 20 years, yet for some reason it took me until now to discover it. There are over 40 slides, a giant wave pool, lazy river, large sandy beach and large children’s areas. Parking is free and unlike most of attractions of this kind which try to get every penny out of you, they encourage you to bring your own canteens of food as long as no alcohol is included.

Picnic tables are scattered throughout this vast complex and even on the day we went, where there were easily thousands of visitors of all ages, we had no trouble finding a table to keep our towels and snack box. You can rent lockers for a nominal fee and, if you wish, there are concession stands. General Manager Réjean Julien Proulx supervises an excellent staff. He arrives at work at 6 a.m. each day and usually does not leave until 8:30 p.m. “I have been working here for 25 years,” he says. “I started when I was a student.”

I personally liked the wild river, toboggan and sonora rides. The drop-offs were a real surprise as you literally end up “dropping” into the lake. The tornado is perhaps the most daring experience, as four people drop into what can only be described as a giant toilet bowl and move back and forth with great speed. Water temperature here is very nice, so you are not particularly cold while waiting in line.

Super Aqua Club is open until August 30. You can call 450-473-1013 for more information.

View Larger Map

Frankenmuth is considered “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” and it delights over three million visitors annually with loads of unique attractions, shopping, restaurants, hotels and camping, festivals, and family fun! Regardless of the time of year, the festivities are always in full bloom. Whether you come for a chicken dinner, to buy a special ornament, attend one of Frankenmuth’s many festivals or to simply see what’s new, Frankenmuth welcomes you with its flower-lined streets and Bavarian hospitality. The community of Frankenmuth is conveniently located just minutes east off I-75 between Flint and Saginaw, Michigan.

The draw in Frankenmuth turned out to be Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel and Waterpark ( www.zehnders.com ), which offers 152 deluxe accommodations including 63 new suites and over 30,000 square feet of aquatic fun with their Splash landing play area, Dumping Bucket, Giggling Gorge and Perilous Plunge four storey tube slides. Here you can also relax in a whimsical whirl hot tub and float along a Crooked Brook Creek lazy river. A towering 26-foot tree is a prominent feature in the new hotel lobby with a large gas fireplace built into the trunk. Zehnder’s Splash Village includes elves and fairies as part of the waterpark and hotel’s overall theme. There is also an 18-hole championship golf course. The waterpark is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m Friday through Sunday and in the summer months.The waterpark is fully staffed with certified lifeguards. Water toys and non-approved flotation devices are prohibited. Towels, inner tubes and life jackets are provided at no additional charge. Standard rooms and family suites come with four passes, and family loft suites come with six passes. Additional passes can be purchased at $15 per person per day. The purchase is limited to the maximum occupancy of your room. I strongly recommend a stay of a few nights here. You can call toll free at 1-800-863-7999.

Rooms range in price from $129 – $374, depending on the dates of stay and type of room you would like. Standard rooms sleep four guests and include two double beds. Family suites sleep four to six guests and include two queen beds, two televisions, microwave, fridge, and fireplace. Loft suites sleep four to eight guests and include the same layout as a family suite, plus : a loft with an additional queen bed, and television upstair. Parlor suites sleep up to four guests and include a king bed, double sized pull-out soft, wet bar, microwave, mini-fridge, two flat screen televisions and a jacuzzi tub.

DINING: Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth is the heart of Midwestern hospitality. In its ten dining rooms, which can seat more than 1,500 guests, Zehnder’s offers a full-service menu that features all-you-can-eat family-style chicken dinners, seafood, steaks, fresh baked goods and European desserts. Each year, Zehnder’s serves nearly a million guests with the superb hospitality that has made it a world-wide attraction. Dinners range from $15.25 to $21.50, with children’s portions and special event menus available. Our luncheon menu is available Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm. Zehnder’s is open seven days a week. (For full hours of operation, see left). We are only closed on Christmas Eve, and for our annual employee Christmas party in early January.

A tradition of good taste began 150 years ago when The Exchange Hotel opened its doors in 1856. The Zehnder family purchased the hotel in 1927 and the tradition of good food and hospitality continues today at Zehnder’s of Frankemut Hospitality abounds with traditional family style chicken dinners and tantalizing breads and pastries in the world-famous Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth restaurant.

GOLF: The power of nature shaped into one of Michigan’s most beautiful golf courses, The Fortress defends itself with its terrain, challenging bunkers and signature island hole. Situated just 435 yards from the front porch of Zehnder’s in downtown Frankenmuth, The Fortress encompasses 6,813 yards of formidible play on an 18-hole, par 72 course. About 25,000 rounds of golf are played on the course every season.

WHAT TO DO: Frankenmuth’s two world-famous landmark restaurants, along with Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, anchor the city’s picturesque Bavarian village area. Take a promenade along the main street, just a short drive or walk from the hotel and there are a variety of shops to explore not to mention a few yummy fudge stores. Choose your favorites at wine and beer sampling. Frankenmuth River Place also has 36 unique shops and attractions that include a paddlewheel riverboat and a free nightly laser show.

Frankenmuth is a family affair. Bring them all: kids, Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Suzy, Uncle Ned and anybody else who wishes to tag along. The reason is entertainment, shopping,and dining enough to build memories for the whole family, wrapped in the beat of oom-pah-pah music and the traditions of its Bavarian heritage.Kids will head for River Place for AMaze- N Mirrors, losing themselves in the maze of glass and mirrors. Still more fun can be had at the haunted Midnight Manor while the teen’s head for their games and arcades. Mom, Grandma and Sister Sue head for the gifts and jewelry, boutiques, and antique shops, with a side trip to Prime Outlets of Birch Run with over 150 stores. The men in the family may prefer golf, the leather shop, and Michigan’s Own Military & Space Museum. It’s a family gathering again at the weaving shop, the 18th century flour mill, and the covered bridge over the Cass River. Kids lead the way to the glockenspiel to watch the marking of time in the tower.

As evening shadows drape the town in twilight, gatherin the Festivalà Platz of FrankenmuthRiver Place to watch the free Lights Fantastic laser show. For more activities, schedule your visit during one of Frankenmuth’s numerous festivals. With the family along, you may want to consider lodging with a pool. Riverboat tours are fun for the whole family. Proud of their Bavarian Heritage, but remembering they are Americans first, Frankenmuth citizens refer to the present in the upper part of their shield and to the past in the lower part. The American eagle stands proudly with its wings outspread over the vertical stripes denoting the 13 original states.The word “Franken” represents the Province of Franken in the Kingdom of Bavaria from where the original Frankenmuth settlers came. “Muth” means “courage” in German, thus FRANKENMUTH means “courage of the Franks.”

Frankenmuth plays host to the annual Zehnder’s Snowfest in January, the World Expo of Beer in May, the Bavarian Festival in June, the Volksläufe (People’s Race) in July, the Summer Music Fest in August, the Autofest, Oldies Fest and Oktoberfest all in September, and the Holiday Celebration & Candlewalk in November.

For more information on Frankenmuth   go to ( http://www.frankenmuth.org )

In addition to its stunning seaside mansions, Newport offers beautifully restored colonial landmarks and many fine small museums. Fort Adams, the Newport Art Museum, the Newport Artillery Company, the Museum of Yachting, Redwood Library, the Tennis Hall of Fame, Touro Synagogue, Trinity Church, and more offer visitors an unrivaled opportunity to explore many aspects of America’s history. Music festivals, such as the Jazz and Folk Festivals and the Newport Music Festival, draw thousands to Newport every summer.

Kids will love the Norman Bird Sanctuary for a day of peaceful hiking and nature walks, or for viewing the marine life bring them to the Newport Aquarium. Families with young travelers will especially enjoy the exhibits at the many museums of art, history, science, naval heritage, yachting, and tennis. And the young ones will be in awe as you take them for a very educational and fun-filled tour of one of the mansions. The Breakers, for instance, is a national historic landmark built for Cornelius Vanderbilt II in 1895.The 70-room Italian renaissance-style home includes a 45-foot high central great hall. Yourself at least one hour for each tour. Packages are available which will enable you to see several of these properties for one price. Also check out the Touro Synagogue ( www.tourosynagogue.org ) at 85 Touro Street. It just happens to be the oldest synagogue in America, having just celebrated its 350th anniversary. A symbol for the nation, today, it continues as a living house of worship, and the destination for tens of thousands of visitors every year from all over the world who come away deeply affected by its ageless beauty and inspired with an appreciation of religious freedom

In terms of accommodations, this town gets extremely crowded during peak season so once you have selected the time of year you wish to visit book immediately. We recommend the Hampton Inn and Suites ( www.newporthamptoninn.com ) in Middletown, a suburb of Newport only two miles from downtown and the home of CBS TV Survivor star Richard Hatch. This year old 95 room property features 20 studio suites, four one-bedroom suites and 71 traditional rooms. The hotel features free high speed Internet access in the lobby area, business center, suite shop, guest laundry facilities, an indoor heated pool and spa, tennis courts and two meeting rooms. You can call 1-800-HAMPTON or (401) 848-6555 for more details. It is owned by a group which also operates the 35 year old Howard Johnson Inn right next door. Middletown is literally five minutes by car from Newport and I would strongly recommend you select a hotel along the West Main Road strip. Places like the Hampton Inn and Suites offer everything you need and more and at a price which is affordable. The free continental and hot breakfast is not only a bargain, but a tantalizing offer at that. If you are traveling with your extended family, the double suites allow for a lot of room including a door separating the main bedroom from another which has a pullout sofa. This place has an extraordinarily friendly staff.

As for family dining, The Mooring ( www.mooringrestaurant.com ) is Newport’s premiere waterfront restaurant in the heart of the downtown historic district. It is located on Sayer’s Wharf, directly off America’s Cup Avenue. Keep your car in the parking lot as you stroll by the different shops afterwards. Try to book seating in the Harborview Room, which presents a spectacular waterfront dining experience to enjoy the finest New England seafood and lobster. The portions here are very generous. In the spring, summer and fall, your party will enjoy ocean breezes, classic yachts and magnificent sunsets. In the winter, the warmth and New England charm of our fireside dining offers a luxurious atmosphere. The restaurant’s chefs continue to delight guests with creatively prepared meats, glacial salads, and the freshest of local fish, seafood and lobster. There is also an extensive wine list, which received the prestigious Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine five years in a row – 1996 to 2003. Start off with a look at the raw bar or choose from chowders, salads or delicious appetizers such as lump crab cakes, some tantalizing fried calamari, smoked salmon or popcorn shrimp. The main menu offers a choice of grilled seafood, grilled meats or « Mooring » classics like Seafood scampi, stuffed shrimp or lobsters. Portions are large. For the kids, there is always chicken fingers. Save room for dessert, from key lime pie to triple chocolate truffle pie, you’ll walk out of this place beyond satisfied.

For more information on Rhode Island go to ( http://www.visitrhodeisland.com )

Wannado City has already begun working with schools, educational groups and other organizations to develop age-appropriate curriculum that meets state educational standards. Wannado City is open Monday to Friday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and weekends (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.). Admission is $27.95 for kids, $15.95 for grownups over 14 while children under three are admitted free. Wannado City has been launched by Wannado Entertainment, an entertainment company whose vision is to empower kids through the creation of reality-based, interactive properties that entertain and educate.

For more information on Wannado City go to (http://www.wannadocity.com)

Finding a place to stay is the first and perhaps most important decision you must make. The neighboring community of Kissimmee (www.FloridaKiss.com) provides guests with a wide variety of lodging options: national chain hotels and motels, condos, villas, suites, private vacation homes, campgrounds, and time-share units. Nearly 45,000 area-lodging options are priced to satisfy any travel budget, from budget-conscious families to luxury suites. The Radisson Resort Orlando-Celebration ( www.radisson.com/orlando-celebration), for instance, is such a terrific choice for families that you might be tempted to stick around this picturesque venue and skip some time at Disney. The hotel has 718 well appointed guest rooms, double and king bed options, high speed internet access, 20 acres of lavishly landscaped grounds, a giant free-form pool with waterslide and waterfall, a heated pool, two outdoor spas, a children’s pool and playground, a fitness center with sauna, a sand-based volleyball court, two lighted tennis courts, a full service restaurant, on-site Pizza Hut pizza, a 50’s style diner and deli, a snack bar, sports lounge, gift shop, game room, and laundry facilities. Located only 1.5 miles from Disney, the hotel provides free transportation to the Disney theme parks, Sea World and Universal Studios. Kids eat free while those aged 18 and under can stay in their parents room at no cost.

For families traveling together, this place is just perfect. A family consisting of two grandparents, two parents and their kids can be accommodated perfectly. When making reservations, ask for this neat configuration: one king, one “sea” room for the kids and another with two double beds. The kids will go wild in the “sea” room, which feature bunk bed, thematic tables, chairs and games.

The stylish and recently remodeled guest rooms and suites at the hotel are richly appointed with custom crafted Italian furniture and luxurious marble and granite bathrooms. Just recently, notes director of sales and marketing Steve Crist , the hotel introduced an entertainment director who is providing activities for families and children.

Once you are settled in at the hotel, get ready for the time of your life at Disney. My most important piece of advice is to be organized. One day is never sufficient to see a single park, but it’s likely you will be forced to follow such a schedule. So get there early, grab a guide map and take at least five minutes to plot your strategy. Immediately find out where you can get a Fastpass, a superb feature which cuts your waiting time on the most popular attractions in each park. Look for the “FP” symbol and head to the attraction where you will find the Fastpass kiosk. A sign up above will tell you what time you can return, minus the lineup once you insert each admission ticket from your party into the automatic machine and receive Fastpass tickets. You usually have to let an hour pass before you can try for a Fastpass elsewhere.

Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom represents true Disney, so make this your first destination. Seven happy lands transport guests to worlds of fantasy, adventure and wonder at Magic Kingdom . Nestled on the shores of the picturesque Seven Seas Lagoon, from the moment guests step through the Magic Kingdom turnstiles they enter a storybook realm filled with Disney characters at every turn, classic attractions including Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion, and dazzling entertainment such as “Cinderellabration,” “SpectroMagic,” “Share a Dream Come True” and “Wishes.” Arranged in a circular layout with the golden spires of Cinderella Castle towering over the center, the seven lands of the Magic Kingdom are Main Street, U.S.A., a re-creation of a bustling thoroughfare in early 20th century America, complete with horse-drawn trolley and vintage barbershop. Major attractions include the Walt Disney World Railroad, a vintage steam engine that provides a scenic trip around the park with stops in Frontierland and Mickey’s Toontown Fair. Adventureland is an exotic land of jungles and wild animals. Major attractions include Pirates of the Caribbean , a rollicking buccaneer boat ride; Jungle Cruise, a tongue-in-cheek trek down the world’s most famous rivers; and The Enchanted Tiki Room — Under New Management, which puts a humorous spin on Disney’s first attraction to feature the three-dimensional storytelling of Audio-Animatronics. Frontierland brings you tall tales of the Wild West as cowboys and miners roam. Major attractions include Splash Mountain , a zip-a-dee-doo-dah log ride in search of Br’er Rabbit’s “laughing place”; Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a roller coaster ride through towering mesas and an unstable mine; and Country Bear Jamboree, a raucous revue of singing bears.

At Liberty Square you can step back to the age of colonial America in this land honoring the country’s early heritage. Major attractions include the Haunted Mansion, a gothic manor containing a host of family-friendly frights from 999 happy haunts; and the Hall of Presidents, a stirring Audio-Animatronics® salute to the United States’ chief executives and the struggles that built America. Fantasyland features fairy tales springing from storybook pages in a whimsical land of castles, princesses and flying elephants. Major attractions include the amazing Mickey’s PhilharMagic, a 3-D “sym-funny” of Disney music and characters presented in cutting-edge computer animation; The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, which sends guests on a gentle journey through the Hundred Acre Wood; and Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel, a beautifully preserved merry-go-round of mighty steeds. Mickey’s Toontown Fair features Mickey, Minnie and the gang live in this quaint country neighborhood. Major attractions include The Barnstormer, a kid-friendly roller coaster that zooms through Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm; and Mickey’s Country House, a walk-through tour of the famous mouse’s house where guests have an opportunity to meet Mickey privately. Then there is Tomorrowland, where you will leap forward into the future in this neon-lit land of rocket ships and aliens. Major attractions include Stitch’s Great Escape! a close encounter with the naughty alien of “Lilo & Stitch,” Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, a whirling interactive battle against Evil Emperor Zurg; and Space Mountain, a high-speed roller coaster ride through the cosmos.

There are a lot of new things to explore here. At “Cinderellabration,” Disney’s most beloved princesses gather for Cinderella’s glittering coronation ceremony in this lavish daily stage show adapted from a popular production at Tokyo Disneyland. Stitch’s Great Escape is set before the events of Walt Disney Pictures’ animated comedy “Lilo & Stitch.” This fun new Tomorrowland attraction showcases the pandemonium caused by the mischievous “Experiment 626″ — a.k.a. Stitch — at the Galactic Federation Prisoner Teleport Center . “Mickey’s PhilharMagic” involves moments and music from classic Disney animated films through widescreen 3-D . In “Wishes” the voice of Jiminy Cricket narrates a story-in-the-sky fireworks spectacular about making wishes come true — the biggest, boldest pyrotechnics display ever presented at Magic Kingdom . And in Share a Dream Come True” Mickey Mouse leads a fanciful daily parade of larger-than-life snow globes, Disney characters and live performers from Frontierland to Main Street, U.S.A., in a celebration of Disney animation.

Epcot

Epcot was always one of my favorite stops. This is where can you travel to four continents, soar over the richly diverse landscape of the Golden State, take a rocket ride to Mars, explore land and sea adventures, experience future technologies today and journey into your imagination. Recognized as Disney’s celebration of human achievement and discovery, Epcot features Future World and World Showcase. The former is a high-energy, high-tech land where guests interact with exhibits, visit a home of the future, thrill to the pulse-racing liftoff of Mission: SPACE, and experience Soarin,’ an exhilarating aerial adventure that immerses guests in a multi-sensory experience, complete with sights, sounds, scents and the caress of warm breezes. The latter includes a world of multi-cultural enchantment, featuring marketplaces bustling with international flavour and a dazzling display of countries that transports guests through the magical worlds of 11 nations with just a few steps.

There’s something new around every corner at Epcot, including “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” a thunderous fireworks spectacular like no other. Family fun continues at “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience,” “Ellen’s Energy Adventure,” “Turtle Talk With Crush” and Innoventions. Epcot is the site for one-of-a-kind world entertainment and special events, including the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, one of the world’s largest outdoor festivals of its kind; Epcot International Food and Wine Festival; and Epcot Summer Series, featuring world-renowned live entertainment.

From toddlers to teens, “Epcot kids” will discover hands-on activities, high-tech adventure and thrills at every turn. In World Showcase, young guests can create their own Epcot souvenirs at the park’s Kidcot Funstops. Craftsmen teach the budding artisans how to create a one-of-a-kind mask or a musical instrument using their own magical touch. Want to meet your favorite Disney character? At World Showcase, you might spot Mickey and his friends at The American Adventure, Belle and the Beast at France , Snow White in Germany (home to a miniature train and village), or Jasmine and Aladdin in Morocco . You may even see the whole gang coming your way in a double-decker bus ready for a sing-along.

The Disney Princesses — Belle, Jasmine, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Mary Poppins, Pocahontas, Cinderella, Ariel, Alice and Mulan — are special guests at Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Norway . The World Showcase eatery, inspired by the famous 14th century Castle Akershus in the city of Oslo , Norway , is the perfect setting for a “royal” breakfast, lunch or dinner. Make reservations through 407/WDW-DINE. In Future World, kids can make friends with Crush, an animated sea turtle that chats with them at The Living Seas, or explore their imaginations with Figment at the Imagination! pavilion. Soarin’ gives Epcot guests a bird’s-eye view of California with a breathtaking glide over the majestic natural wonders and varied terrain of the Golden State . Epcot’s newest attraction is an exciting, wind-in-your-hair adventure above towering redwoods, picturesque snow-capped mountains, expansive sun-kissed deserts and the crashing waves of the Pacific coast. Soarin’ is located at The Land presented by Nestlé USA .

Mission : SPACE is considered Disney’s most thrilling attraction ever, now taking cadets into deep space. Located in Future World, Mission : SPACE uses the same technology created by NASA to train their astronauts. The result is a heart-pounding liftoff and spectacular trip through space sure to bring guests back for more. Thanks to Disney’s FASTPASS, featured at Soarin’, Mission : SPACE, Maelstrom, Living with the Land and “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience,” kids and their parents can reduce wait time and enjoy more time in the park — and there’s no additional charge.

Spaceship Earth is Future World’s landmark adventure. Dramatic scenes in the attraction and its post show depict life in the 21st century’s Global Neighbourhood. With narration by actor Jeremy Irons and an impressive musical score, guests experience a time-travel journey from the beginning of time to the electronic age. Soarin’ takes guests on an exhilarating aerial journey over California , with a bird’s-eye view and an extraordinary sensation of free flight. Using stunning cinematic artistry and Imagineering-developed motion-based technology, the experience is intensified with sweeping winds and the fragrance of orange blossoms and pine trees. Mission : SPACE presented by HP offers guests a one-of-a-kind simulated space adventure — from heart-pounding liftoff to the weightlessness of outer space. Test Track, presented by General Motors, invites guests to buckle up and brace themselves for the longest and fastest ride ever in Vacation Kingdom history. Universe of Energy features “Ellen’s Energy Adventure” with Ellen DeGeneres, Jamie Lee Curtis and Bill Nye the Science Guy. DeGeneres plays a woman who dreams she’s on the popular game show “Jeopardy!” As part of the show, guests venture into a re-creation of the primeval world complete with moving, roaring, life-size dinosaurs. Imagination! presented by Kodak includes Journey Into Imagination with Figment, featuring the playful purple dragon demonstrating the power of imagination; ImageWorks-The Kodak “What If?” Labs; and the 3-D sensation “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience.”

The Land, presented by Nestle USA, features Soarin’(our fast pass told us to come back in five hours and we returned to no lineup and an experience I won’t soon forget); the motion picture “Circle of Life,” an environmental fable starring several characters from “The Lion King”; and the Living with the Land boat ride through greenhouses of the future. The Living Seas includes the world’s largest saltwater aquarium, featuring a two-story viewing area of a coral reef filled with colourful marine life, and “Turtle Talk With Crush,” a real-time animated character that talks, plays and jokes with guests. Innoventions, a dazzling showcase where guests can be among the first to experience the technologies of today that will shape their lives tomorrow. Wonders of Life, now operating seasonally, features Body Wars, a flight-simulator thrill ride through the human body, and a variety of shows and activities celebrating human life.

Across World Showcase Lagoon, 11 nations display authentic wares, ethnic cuisine, shows, entertainment and architecture representing their cultures. World Showcase ambassadors come from across the globe to represent their homelands. As part of the show, holidays and festivals are commemorated by the ambassadors in ways they would be celebrated “back home,” allowing Epcot guests to join in these international celebrations. Even the landscaping changes from country to country around the 1.3-mile promenade. Clockwise around the promenade you have Mexico, with an authentic marketplace, lively Mariachi bands and a boat ride through Mexican history; Norway, where guests embark on a voyage through time beginning in a 10th century Viking village; China, with unique live entertainment and a Circle-Vision 360 film, “Reflections of China,” that showcases past and present China and takes guests to seven cities around the country; Germany transports guests with authentic surroundings inspired by towns along the Rhine and in Bavaria; Italy, romance and beauty featured in a reproduction Doge’s Palace of Venice; The American Adventure showcases important moments in U.S. history; Japan, featuring spectacular gardens and outdoor entertainment; Morocco, where 19 Moroccan artisans spent months re-creating the intricate, colorful tile masterpieces of this North African country; France, the setting for fresh bakeries, beautiful shops and gardens, artists and an enchanting film tour through its cities and countryside; United Kingdom, with lovely flower gardens, cobbled streets and corner pub; and Canada, with entertainment by a bagpipe band and a Circle-Vision 360 film through some of Canada’s most picturesque regions.

Animal Kingdom

This was my first time visiting Animal Kingdom. Conquer a forbidden mountain guarded by a mysterious yeti. Travel back in time — way back — to a world of ferocious dinosaurs. Surround yourself with the music and magic of a Broadway-caliber performance in the “Festival of the Lion King” show. Hop aboard a real safari and explore the wilds of Africa . Ride raging rapids through a threatened rainforest, or marvel at tigers, fruit bats and other creatures amid the ruins of an ancient Asian village.

Expedition Everest, featuring screaming coaster-like thrills up, down and through a towering mountain full of amazing effects, is the latest adventure awaiting guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Laid out in a classic hub-and-spoke Disney style, this newest and fourth major theme park at Disney first welcomes guests into The Oasis, a lush gateway to adventure populated by deer, anteaters, tree kangaroos and other animals. The park’s fun-filled lands radiate from the centrally located Discovery Island, where The Tree of Life park icon towers 145 feet above guests and houses the hilarious 3-D film and special effects attraction, “It’s Tough to be a Bug!” From there, guests can explore Asia, featuring the new Expedition Everest, a white-knuckle adventure into the unknown world of a mystical yeti; Kali River Rapids, a white-water raft adventure; Maharajah Jungle Trek with tigers, gibbons, Komodo dragons and other creatures; and “Flights of Wonder,” an exotic bird show. Africa is home to Kilimanjaro Safaris, Harambe village, Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, and Rafiki’s Planet Watch and the Wildlife Express steam train. DinoLand U.S.A. , with Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama! “mini-land” featuring Primeval Whirl and TriceraTop Spin, the DINOSAUR thrill ride, The Bone yard excavation play area and Cretaceous Trail. Camp Minnie-Mickey , with the “Festival of the Lion King” stage show, Pocahontas in the “Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends” stage show, and Disney character meet-and-greet pavilions featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and other favorites.

A mountain range is peaking in Asia at Expedition Everest. Explorers encounter surprises aboard a runaway train adventure that combines coaster-like thrills with an encounter of the hairy kind. The story of yeti as protector of the sacred mountain is told throughout the mythical village rich with Himalayan culture and tradition. Kali River Rapids is a white-water rafting expedition in the land of Asia . Guests are launched on 12-person rafts into the turbulent Chakranadi River for a wet journey of twists, turns and fiery adventure. A surprise awaits around every turn, including an abrupt drop into racing, splashing waters.

Asia ‘s other main attraction, Maharajah Jungle Trek, is a breathtaking journey through the lush home of myriad animal and bird species. In this rainforest environment, Nepal , India , Thailand and Indonesia all are represented through architecture, animal carvings and ruins scattered throughout the village. The exotic animals are visible from the top of a parapet, through a stand of bamboo and from a bridge that stands amid the ruins near an old herb garden.

“Flights of Wonder,” a humorous show highlighting the beauty and diversity of birds at Caravan Stage outdoor amphitheatre, is also a part of Asia . The setting for “Flights of Wonder” is a crumbling Asian town where macaws, ibis, pelicans and other birds emerge from their alcoves to soar overhead. Which birds show off on any given day is part of the surprise, but all birds are being taught to show off their natural talent, not “do tricks.” Trainers demonstrate how birds respond to special audio or visual clues, how they hunt and eat. “Flights of Wonder” is one of many shows and demonstrations in Disney’s Animal Kingdom designed to entertain while inspiring guests to a greater awareness of animals and what threatens them around the world. Bugs are another matter. They may not shake the earth, but they know how to shake up an audience in “It’s Tough to be a Bug!” at The Tree of Life Theatre. With advanced 3-D and Audio-Animatronics technology combined with surprising special effects, this insect adventure leaves guests laughing and screaming for more. The magical music of the Disney classic “The Lion King” combines with dance, acrobatics and elaborate staging and costuming to inspire one of the theme park’s most talked-about shows, “Festival of the Lion King” at Camp Minnie-Mickey.

At the heart of DinoLand U.S.A., guests discover DINOSAUR, where they board time-traveling vehicles to zoom back 65 million years on a twisting, lurching journey to save the last dinosaur from extinction before the crash of a fiery asteroid. A busy paleontological “dig,” The Boneyard, provides plenty of fun activity for children as they climb, crawl and slide throughout the well-preserved skeletons of triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex. Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama! captures the essence of a campy roadside fair. Guests can take a spin on Primeval Whirl, a fun-filled family coaster, or TriceraTop Spin, a playful open-air, toy-top attraction. Old-fashioned amusement games round out the fun. From the thrilling era of the dinosaurs more than 65 million years ago, Disney guests can travel on to an African savannah of today, where rare and wonderful creatures such as black rhinos, hippos, African elephants and lions roam openly. On Kilimanjaro Safaris, passengers experience a true African safari in vehicles that bounce over rutted roads, ford through pools of hippos and pass herds of zebra, giraffe, gazelle, elephants and other animals. We attempted to Fast Pass this attraction, but chose to wait in line for 50 minutes rather than return in four hours.

At the end of the 20-minute safari, visitors can follow Pangani Forest Exploration Trail into an Eden-like world of streams and splashing waterfalls. Pangani Forest is home to a troop of endangered lowland gorillas. Hippos — viewed from under water — meerkats and tropical birds live along the shady walking trail. For an up-close look at more of the real animals inhabiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests can board the Wildlife Express steam train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. An interactive backstage look at how the park’s animals are kept happy and healthy, Rafiki’s Planet Watch features: Animal Cam, with a peek into animal care areas; hands-on displays for the opportunity to participate in conservation and species-survival efforts; and The Affection Section, where guests can meet and pet small domestic animals such as goats and sheep. A wondrous audio experience transports guests into a threatened rainforest.

Animals have played an important part in Disney stories from the earliest Mickey Mouse films to the “True-Life Adventures” television series in the 1950s to “The Lion King” in feature motion pictures.

And a few more tips: reserve some time in your schedule to spend a night at Downtown Disney, featuring blocks of shops full of delights from music to memorabilia. There’s plenty of food and activities. Finally, consider the park hopper option when purchasing your ticket. It allows you to see more than one park on a single day. With Disney’s superb in-house and free transportation system this is a task made much easier.

For more information on Walt Disney go to http://disneyworld.disney.go.com

PERFORMING ARTS:
Chicago’s theatre industry pushes the envelope with cutting-edge performances in historic and state-of-the-art stages. The Chicago Theatre Goodman, LaSalle Bank, Cadillac Palace, Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University and the Ford Center have made visiting downtown a must for theatre lovers. Distinctive theaters can also be found throughout Chicago neighborhoods. Theater’s like the Steppenwolf and The Second City, all weave themselves into Chicago neighborhoods solidifying Chicago’s reputation as a world-class theater destination. Until I visited Chicago for the first time, I always thought one had to travel to New York City to see true Broadway productions. Was I wrong! There’s no place like the Windy City”… Wicked, the Broadway musical phenomenon telling the untold story of the Witches of Oz, continues casting a spell on Chicago in an unprecedented open-ended run at the Ford Center (24 W. Randolph St., Chicago). The dedicated Chicago company opened in June 2005 and remains the most ‘Popular’ show in all of Oz; Even more remarkable, though, is the show’s status as a landmark destination for visitors and tourists – nearly 50 percent of Wicked’s audience in Chicago travels from outside the metropolitan area to see the hit musical. Planning a complete Windy City Wicked getaway is easier than a click of the heels with these tips and resources. Tickets range in price from $25 to $90 and should be purchased several weeks in advance. The Broadway In Chicago ticket line is (312) 902-1400 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Current and up-to-date ticket information is available at www.wickedthemusical.com/chicago/tickets

DINING OUT:
How lucky could I get than to find Chicago’s most popular restaurant right next door to my hotel. When I booked our room at the Homewood Suites I had no idea that Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab was seconds away at 60 East Grand. The franchise was originally established by businessman Joe Weiss in Miami Beach over 90 years ago. In 2000, Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab™ opened its doors in Chicago. This Chicago Joe’s builds upon the grand tradition that began in Miami Beach, and adds a uniquely urban twist to the experience. The stone crab claws with mustard sauce are a signature dish of course, and Joe’s bone-in signature filet mignon is exceptional. Joe’s also features an extensive selection of seafood, flown in fresh daily. The stone crab bisque is not to be missed. Ditto for the parmesan crusted Alaskan halibut. Add one of Joe’s famous side dishes, like hashed brown potatoes or roasted sweet corn and finish with a slice of the justifiably famous key lime pie, cherry pie with jubilee sauce or Boston cream pie. Mix it with an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, a bustling bar scene and impeccably dressed, tuxedo-clad waiter staff such as our phenomenal server Oz, and you’ve got the makings of a new legend. A children’s menu by the way, has a number of choices, all for $6.95. Go to www.icon.com/joes to learn more about this “must” dining experience.

MUSEUMS:
Chicago is world-renowned for its diverse collection of museums, which explore a variety of subjects including Chicago history, art, African-American culture, astronomy, natural history and much more. Those visiting Chicago should plan on spending time at Chicago’s Museum Campus. The scenic park conveniently joins the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum, the Shedd Aquarium/Oceanarium, and the Field Museum of Natural History with easy access to all three locations. The John G. Shedd Aquarium (www.sheddaquarium.org), a non-profit institution dedicated to public education and conservation, is known as “The World’s Aquarium.” Beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, the facility houses nearly 22,000 aquatic animals representing some 1,500 species of fishes, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds and mammals from waters around the world. The galleries in the original aquarium contain a wide variety of freshwater and saltwater exhibits while the 90,000-gallon Caribbean Reef is home to more than 250 tropical Caribbean reef animals including sharks, eel, a sea turtle and a host of colorful fish. Meanwhile, the marine mammal pavilion features beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Alaska sea otters and harbor seals in a dramatic re-creation of a Pacific Northwest coastal environment. Wild Reef is the Shedd Aquarium’s newest exhibit. Guests have the opportunity to explore a Philippine coral reef – the most diverse underwater ecosystem in the world. They are able to come face-to-face with more than 25 sharks and enjoy the beauty of corals in the largest public display of live corals in the Midwest. Adults and children alike get a glimpse of island life through this multi-sensory, interactive exhibit. The exhibit’s 26 interconnected habitats – totaling more than 750,000 gallons of water – are housed in a new $45 million underground wing. The aquarium is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends, selected holidays and weekdays.

Other Chicago museums include the Chicago History Museum (the city’s oldest cultural institution), McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum (Chicago’s newest museum), the Museum of Science and Industry, the DuSable Museum of African-American History, the Art Institute of Chicago (one of the world’s leading art museums), the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Museum of Contemporary Photography.

ATTRACTIONS:
In addition to world-renowned museums, Chicago is home to a variety of spectacular attractions. The Chicago Cultural Center is described as a “neo-classical masterpiece” that features two art-glass domes and glittering mosaic walls. The many galleries in the Cultural Center exhibit contemporary art from around town and works from around the world. Navy Pier is the city’s lakefront playground and the state’s most popular attraction, offering visitors a unique blend of family-oriented attractions. This famed attraction boasts the 150-foot high Ferris wheel, a musical carousel, the Chicago Children’s Museum, Wave Swinger ride in Pier Park, a 3-D Time Escape ride, a variety of restaurants and the famed Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Chicago’s newest global icon is Millennium Park which opened in 2004. The 24.5 acre park has instantly become a world-class attraction and a Chicago landmark. It contains an outdoor performing arts pavilion, indoor year-round theatre, restaurant, ice-skating rink, contemporary garden, public art, fountains, promenade area for special events, landscaped walkways and green spaces. Other Chicago attractions not to miss include Buckingham Fountain at Grant Park, the Hancock Observatory and the Sears Tower Skydeck.

Chicago also has some amazing beaches right in the city. I would strongly recommend North Beach right on Lakeshore Boulevard. Park across the street at the Lincoln Zoo. You can then take an elevated sky-walk towards the sand and warm water of Lake Michigan. Full concession stands and washroom facilities are available.

AMUSEMENT PARK:
Six Flags Great America http://www.sixflags.com/greatAmerica is located in Gurnee, Illinois, half way between Chicago and Milwaukee. The 31 year old park, which is open May through October, boasts eight themed sections, a 13-acre water park called Hurricane Harbor, three specially themed children’s areas, and various other forms of entertainment. There are 13 roller-coasters, including everything from traditional woodies to a bone-rattling hyper-coaster. Altogether there are over 75 rides and attractions. If you purchase a special flash pass, you will have the benefit of not waiting very long in line for some of the more popular rides.

This year the park introduced the action-packed original stunt show, “Operation SpyGirl,” from the creator of the popular TV show, “24.” It takes place in the 3,500-seat Southwest Amphitheatre. Visitors get to witness “Operation SpyGirl’s” heroine save the world in 24 minutes at the conclusion of a dramatic storyline featuring a series of twists, turns, and action sequences. Spy Girl battles against both a ticking clock and the evil arch- villain Max Condor in her attempt to save the world. And a new Wiggle’s World area has very young children wiggling along to rides and shows based on the popular TV program. Younger kids will also enjoy Looney Tunes National Park with rides, shows, and a huge interactive play center designed for them.

In the 1,450-seat Grand Music Hall you can see “Show Stopping,” an all-new show celebrating popular music genres like country, rock, pop, and R&B. Featuring four lead vocalists and 10 backup vocalists and dancers, this 40 minute music spectacular will rock your socks off with the latest American music hits and never-before-heard musical compilations.

The Bugs Bunny talk show includes all of the rabbit’s Looney Tunes pals n the 1,300-seat Theatre Royale, located in the Mardi Gras section of the park. The young and young at heart will be blown away at the Pictorium. Special 3D glasses and a 96 by 72-foot movie screen, the largest of its kind in the world, help bring Marvin the Martian in the 3rd Dimension to life! Featuring favorite Looney Tunes characters Marvin the Martian and Daffy Duck, this show runs several times daily. Be sure to stick around after the show to meet Marvin the Martian. Guests get a little education with their entertainment at the all new “Serpent Safari Animal Show.” This show takes place in the Southwest Territory section of the park at the Serpent Safari Stage where you can meet one-of-a-kind reptiles and other animals in an interactive environment. When you pass through the Mardi Gras section of the park, be sure and check out Manny B and the Rhythm Nights. For six years running, this live band has been rocking on an outdoor stage for guests who stop by to sing and dance along with the music.

One performance no guest will want to miss is the daily “Celebrate the Joy Parade.” This all new, main street-style parade, winds through the County Fair section of the park. Featuring over 20 performers and several dance stops, some lucky park guests will also have the chance to participate as honourary grand marshals. No day at Six Flags Great America would be complete without taking in the award-winning Bugs Bunny’s Starlight Spectacular parade featuring an amazing pyrotechnics show. The show kicks off in Hometown Square with “Jumpin’ Jammin Jubilee,” a fifteen-minute pre-show with live performers who lead the floats along the parade route. Guests can view several live performances along the parade route, which ends in the Mardi Gras section of the park.

The theme park operates daily until September 3 and then reverts to weekends until October 28 with the conclusion of Halloween Fright Fest.

SHOPPING:
A visit to Chicago wouldn’t be complete without a shopping spree. Shopping in Chicago began on State Street (that great street!) with the opening of the original Marshall Field’s Department store in 1852. Today, the former Field’s flagship store is known as Macy’s on State Street and shoppers will find an outstanding selection of men’s and women’s apparel, an extensive housewares department, several fine restaurants, a food court and a visitor center. State Street is also home to another famous Chicago department store, Carson Pirie Scott, where customers are drawn into the entrance of the store by the ornate ironwork designed by Chicago architect Louis Sullivan in 1899. A shopping spree must include a visit to the famed “Magnificent Mile,” which runs along Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to the Chicago River. Amidst department store giants such as Marshall Field’s, Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s, are hundreds of specialty shops and boutiques offering goods from around the world. Oak Street, just west of Michigan Avenue, is a boutique shopper’s dream. An abundance of shopping can also be found at Westfield North Bridge, Water Tower Place, the 900 North Michigan Avenue Shops, Chicago Place Shopping Center, Navy Pier and “The Shops at the Mart” located at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart.

ARCHITECTURE:
Visitors from around the world come to Chicago, the birthplace of the modern building, to admire its architectural marvels. From historic landmark buildings to contemporary technological masterpieces, Chicago is built of the unique and innovative designs that have shaped American architecture. The city is a living museum of architecture thanks to the work of such greats as Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Helmut Jahn and hundreds of others. Chicago is home to the world’s first skyscraper designed by William Le Baron Jenney in 1885. Although the Home Insurance Building no longer stands, today Chicago is also home to three of the world’s 10 tallest buildings including the Sears Tower, which opened in 1974. Other city landmark buildings include the Chicago Cultural Center – completed in 1897 in the Beaux Arts style, Adler and Sullivan’s 1889 Auditorium Building, and the Art Deco era Chicago Board of Trade Building, designed by Holabird and Root in 1929.

WHERE TO STAY:
When you are going to Chicago for an extended stay of 10 nights like we did you want to stay somewhere comfortable, affordable and conveniently located. Enter the Homewood Suites www.homewoodsuiteschicago.com, right in the heart of downtown at 40 East Grand Avenue. Staying at the Homewood Suites Downtown Chicago will be the easiest decision you’ll ever make. The guest suite accommodations are just seconds away from the Chicago Loop area and other business districts.

Guests of this Homewood Suites hotel can overlook Chicago’s well known architecture while enjoying the daily complimentary Suite Start hot breakfast or the Welcome Home reception featuring a complimentary light meal and beverages Monday through Thursday evenings. The breakfast is really something special. What is most appreciated by guests is the fact the hotel encourages you to take food back to your room by providing styrofoam containers.

The spacious two room suites at the Homewood Suites by Hilton are designed with comfortable accommodations for both business and leisure travelers staying for a few days or a few weeks. Guests are well taken care of with the fully equipped kitchens complete with refrigerators, microwave ovens, stove top burners and cooking utensils. A dishwasher is also provided; however, the Suite-keepers insist on doing the dishes. A large Jewel and Osco grocery store is a mere block and a half away, making it easy to stock the fridge regularly.

All guest rooms come with high-speed Internet access and a two-line phone with voicemail.Guests can pamper themselves in the indoor pool, located in the 19th floor with panoramic views of the beautiful Windy City or workout in the cardiovascular fitness center.

Recent renovations included new carpet installation and hardwood floors in all guest rooms, the addition of 32 inch flat screen Hi-Def LCD TVs in the living quarters in addition to classic art displays featuring historical sights and attractions of the Windy City. The final phase focused on the “Home Improvement” of their suite accommodations to include new furniture in both the living and sleeping areas. The “Distinctly Homewood” bedding package includes Serta Sweet Dream mattresses, upgraded linens with duvet cover, down comforter and an assortment of pillows to add to your comforts of home.

If you are coming with your car, the hotel offers valet parking with unlimited in and out privileges. Ask for valet manager Rod, one of the friendliest guys you will ever meet who makes a habit of remembering every client’s name. You need not to worry about your valuables as they offer a safety deposit box for your safekeeping. You will love the room service that the hotel offers while the laundry/valet service and coin laundry services keeps your clothes clean.

For more information call 312-644-2222.

For more information on Chicago go to http://www.choosechicago.com

We left our car in the MidTown garage from the time we arrived. The people at the front desk were quite insistent that we take the «T. » That stands for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. This brings me to the New England Aquarium (www.neaq.org). Located on the city’s waterfront at Central Wharf, it was a mere 15 minute subway ride at $1 a person. Compare that with a 40 minute crawl by car and $30 for parking. The Aquarium displays more than 24,000 specimens representing more than 550 species of fish and aquatic animals, ranging from piranhas to penguins. The mission of the Aquarium is to increase understanding of aquatic life and environments, to enable people to act to conserve the world of water, and to provide leadership for the preservation and sustainable use of aquatic resources. Exhibits showcase the diversity, importance and beauty of aquatic life and habitats, and highlight critical aquatic conservation issues. A 200,000 gallon tank is the centerpiece of the Aquarium, and it is one of the region’s most popular underwater exhibits. This reef accommodates not only sharks, sea turtles, barracuda and moray, but also hundreds of smaller exotic tropical fishes, and it is one of the most detailed and scientifically accurate recreations of its kind.

For the past two years, the Aquarium has also been the home of a large IMAX Theater. The Aquarium Medical Center is a live working animal hospital, where veterinarians and staff care for Aquarium animals and sick and stranded animals that were rescued from local beaches. It is the first exhibit of its kind to put real staff and medical treatments on public exhibit for all visitors to see. The kids will be fascinated. I was highly impressed with the magnificent Matthew and Marcia Simons IMAX Theatre. The $19 million complex has been open for about two years and it presents large format technology with 3D capabilities on a flat screen.

My only regret is this: we did not get to see so many of the other excellent sites in Boston. Oh well, that has provided us with an appetite to return.?

For more information on Boston go to http://www.boston.com/travel

Growth in the commercial sector has brought a wealth of new activities for the area, including nighttime entertainment, live music, casual and fine dining, and new retail options. The city is home to many historic landmarks as well as 22 parks, 33 public tennis courts, two public golf courses, and other first-class recreation amenities. Among them: the largest tropical botanical garden in the continental United States, a spring-fed grotto swimming pool made of native coral rock with underwater caves, tree-lined bike paths and walking trails, and more. Also located in the heart of Coral Gables is the University of Miami, one of only 29 private research universities in the nation, educating nearly 15,000 students a year from every state and more than 100 countries.

Coral Gables is indeed the place to shop. The Village of Merrick Park (www.villageofmerrickpark.com) is where fashion and style come to life, featuring Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom and 115 other world-class retail shops and restaurants. The kids will enjoy this open air shopping experience. The famed Miracle Mile and its surrounding downtown streets with their European-style outdoor cafes, provides visitors with an enjoyable tropical shopping experience. In terms of the arts, the Actors’ Playhouse (www.actorsplayhouse.org) at the Miracle Theatre offers first class productions, many suitable for children. In the past we have seen a Broadway calibre production of Beauty and the Beast.

Fairchild Tropical Garden is an 83-acre natural preserve on the edge of Coral Gables that offers something for everyone. There are guided walking tours, tram tours, and special seasonal events. Matheson Hammock Park is known worldwide for its beautiful flora and fauna. Coral Gables is an art lover’s paradise. The city is home to dozens of art galleries. Visitors can also ride the new vintage-style, hybrid electric trolleys – a free and convenient way to move around the shopping and entertainment destinations in downtown Coral Gables.

For more information on Coral Gables go to http://www.coralgables.com

DINING: Lisle Park District’s River Bend Golf Club at 5900 S. Route 53 is rated one of the top three nine-hole courses in the state of Illinois. This beautifully manicured course features nine holes of bent grass tees, greens and fairways. The links-style layout features scenic wetland areas with water coming into play on eight out of nine holes. The par 36 design plays up to 3,500 yards and has three sets of tees to accommodate all ability levels. After a long golf outing or a day at the pool you can relax afterwards watch sports on the flat screen TV, enjoy a beverage and meal at The View Restaurant & Bar in the clubhouse. Our group of seven dined there. Not only did we marvel at the wonderful service, but the menu had something for everybody notably the kids who had plenty of choices ranging in price from $2 to $5.49. The $4.99 tossed house salad is big enough to feed four people. Their burgers, soups, sandwiches, pasta and house specialities such as tilapia and New York strip come highly recommended. For details log on to www.riverbendgolfclub.org or call 630-968-1920.

WHERE TO STAY: Our friends stayed at the Fairfield Inn and Suites in Naperville (1820 Abriter Court) and spoke very highly about the accomodations. Always fresh, clean and bright, the newly renovated 83 guest rooms and 22 executive suites include a well-lit work desk, remote-controlled TV with cable and pay-per-view movies, individual climate control, separate vanity area with hairdryer and free local phone calls. Coffee makers are in all the suites. Expanded complimentary continental breakfast buffet, indoor pool, spa, fitness room, boardroom, same-day dry cleaning as well as an in-house guest laundry room add to your convenient location for business or pleasure. Try this link: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/fact-sheet/travel/chifn-fairfield-inn-and-suites-chicago-naperville.

SHOPPING: The Lisle area offers limitless shopping opportunities that include neighborhood shopping as well as indoor and outdoor malls. There are many shopping options available in Lisle for bakery, hair and nails, flowers, banking, insurance, eye care, printing and copying, dry cleaning, upholstery, jewelry and fitness. College Square is a unique neighborhood shopping center located in Lisle, offering shopping, food, and family and business services. Meanwhile, downtown Naperville offers the best of both worlds: unique family-owned shops like The Artist Works, Anderson’s Bookshop, Deborah Jean, and the City Meat Market, as well as fine anchor stores like Ann Taylor, Eddie Bauer, Barnes & Noble, Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn and The Gap.

Formed in 1974, Mississauga is home to Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport and the greatest concentration of major highways in the country, all of which position it to serve local, national and international markets and travelers. Local public transit is linked to Toronto and other neighbouring cities, offering a comprehensive network of bus, subway and commuter train routes.

Recognized for being the safest city in Canada, Mississauga is a known major focal point for commercial activity, rich in arts, cultural facilities, parks, entertainment, nightlife and world class sport and recreational facilities for all interests that attract residents and visitors alike. Full of tremendous shopping opportunities and home to Square One, Ontario’s largest mall, Mississauga is the place to shop till you drop.

Home to more than 18,000 businesses and a major employment centre within the GTA, Mississauga houses 50 of Canada’s Fortune 500 offices providing residents with an opportunity to work close to home. And Mississauga is green, with over 481 parks and woodlands with serene tranquil settings or passive and active recreational facilities with our lakefront parks becoming a boaters haven.

WHERE TO STAY: The Monte Carlo Inns chain (www.montecarloinns.com) is growing. Whether your needs are strictly business, mainly pleasure or a combination of both, the Monte Carlo Inn offers unsurpassed quality, comfort and value. With conveniently situated locations throughout the Toronto Area, the Monte Carlo Inns is the hospitality center of choice We chose the Monte Carlo Inn – Airport Suites, a strategically located hospitality centre close to all major roads and highways. Just minutes away from Pearson International Airport, Lionhead Golf Course, Indoor and outdoor malls, Heartland shopping centre, Hershey Centre, Living Arts Centre, Square One ,Brampton Sports Centre, nightly entertainment and a host of other attractions. Whether your needs are business or mainly pleasure the Monte Carlo Inn has everything you need to unwind and enjoy your stay.

The hotel features 104 brand new luxuriously appointed rooms: standard one king/two queen, executive suites, renaissance suites, whirlpool theme suites The new mediterranean ristorante bar & grill, features a breakfast lounge/atrium and patio. There is also a fitness center, complimentary wired & wireless highspeed internet and a recently expanded lobby with lounge area. A complimentary continental breakfast is provided.

The Monte Carlo Airport Suites are located at 5 Derry Rd in Mississauga. For more information call (905) 564-8500, email reservation@montecarloinns.com or log on to www.montecarloinns.com.

WHAT TO DO: Back in 1973, Square One Shopping Centre took shape in the middle of farmers’ fields. Today it has grown to be the hub of Mississauga’s city centre.
It’s a city within a city, with over 360 stores and services, four major department stores ( The Bay, Sears, Wal-mart and Zellers), over 40 places to eat, and several community-based organizations. Square One is conveniently located at highways 403 and 10, 20 minutes from downtown Toronto and 10 minutes from the Pearson Airport. I must say that it represents a strong incentive to stop over at the Monte Carlo Inns for the night and explore. Log on to www.shopsquareone.com.

It was former N.D.G resident and one-time Just For Laughs Festival publicist Dejha Carrington who pointed me in the Mid-Beach direction. “This is the old school part of Miami Beach where much of the colonial and deco architecture, mom and pop shops and small boutiques reside,” she said.

The major attraction for my party was Mid-Beach’s newest restaurant. Rare Steakhouse is located at 468 West 41st Street, also known as Arthur Godfrey Road. It is just at the tip of the Art Deco District and considered a significant Miami business drags as well as the hub of Jewish community activity. This is a certified kosher establishment, but you would not necessarily know that from the items on the menu or the way in which they are served. Take the faux crab cakes for instance. Montrealers won’t have too much trouble translating the “faux” into “fake” yet when you eat them they tatse like the real thing. There was an immediate Montreal connection as we got seated. Our waitress, Karen Limor is a former Kirkland resident who was also part of the Dollard des Ormeaux synchronized swim program.

At Rare (www.raresteakhousemiami.com), steak selections are cut fresh and cooked-to-order on a wood burning grill, and served with four house-made steak sauces – béarnaise, house spicy barbeque, chimichurri and creamy horseradish. Fish selections include macadamia nut, crusted chilean sea bass, sweet potato mashed in a balsamic reduction, citrus salmon served with baby bok choy , peppercorn crusted seared tuna, asparagus in a wasabi aioli. Lighter fare draws guests to a choice of seven salads, while best sellers are often battered, bunned and slow-cooked – beer battered chicken siders and short ribs Eight side dishes are available a la carte. The lamb chops cut like butter while the dessert menu changes regularly. There is a terrific kids menu for those 12 and under at a beyond reasonable $8 per item.

Mid-Beach, I am told, was made particularly famous when the late Jackie Gleason filmed his popular television show here decades ago. Miami Beach has 7.1 miles of beach along its coast, with hotels edging the sidewalk. North beach is the largest stretch of beach with a very active boardwalk that spans the length of the beach. This is a great spot for families, although parents should be aware that some women may be topless. The surf is shallow, the sand is fine and lifeguards are on duty. There are concession stands at the south end of the beach, and you can rent chairs, jet skis and shaded chairs. You will find North Beach at the corner of 73rtd Street and Ocean Terrace.

Take some time if you can to check out the Art Deco District. Famous for its architecture, beaches and nightlife, this is the only place in the United States that that has been designated a National Historic District. More than 800 buildings that were built in the 1930s and 40s are what give the Art Deco District its distinct style. Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Washington Avenue constitute the Art Deco section of South Beach, which has also been named the ‘American Riviera.’ You can take a typical walking tour by the Art Deco district to learn more about the history and architecture of the area.

For more information on North Miami Beach go to http://www.citynmb.com/

Vancouver is the largest city in the province of British Columbia. It’s surrounded by water on three sides and is nestled alongside the Coast Mountain Range. Vancouver is home to spectacular natural scenery and a bustling metropolitan core, and boasts one of the mildest climates in Canada. The Greater Vancouver region is home to more than two million people in 21 municipalities, making it the third largest metropolitan area in Canada.

WHERE TO STAY: There are more than 24,000 rooms in Greater Vancouver and more than 13,000 in the downtown core. While the average rate is just over $120, rooms can go for as little as $60 or more than $1,000 a night. The best hotel deals are offered October through April. We were very fortunate to find the Rosedale on Robson (www.rosedaleonrobson.com).

Comfort, location, relaxation, entertainment, water and mountain views…the Rosedale on Robson (www.rosedaleonrobson.com) has it all! As historic Yaletown’s only all suite hotel, the Rosedale offers one and two bedroom suites for the price of a conventional hotel room. You can choose from an array of suites with two double beds or a queen. See a 21st floor suite, complete with a gorgeous patio, if available. The suites offer the comforts of home with fully equipped galley kitchens. For the businessperson, you can access high speed internet WiFi as well as ample workspace. If you need time to relax head to the indoor swimming pool or the second floor garden terrace. For the fitness minded, there is a second floor exercise area and equipment is at your disposal.

The hotel won the 2007 Globe and Mail Business for the Arts Award in the category of Best Arts/Entrepreneur Partnership in recognition of their outstanding leadership within the arts community. Nominated by Pacific Theatre in Vancouver, the hotel has supported their theatre programs as well as their International Writer’s Workshop.

Last year the hotel teamed up with Vancouver’s Norman Rothstein Theatre and served as the official hotel sponsor for the play Hana’s Suitcase and the 2008 Chutzpah! Festival, which celebrates the performing arts through the presentation of an outstanding array of local, national and international artists showcasing music, dance, theatre and comedy. Through its continued involvement with the Norman Rothstein Theatre, the hotel maintains its support of the Vancouver arts community with a focus on socially meaningful projects.

The hotel continues to play a large supporting role for the Tony Proudfoot Fund and the ALS Society of BC. Proudfoot is the former Montreal Alouette football player who was diagnosed last year with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He also played for the BC Lions during his career. Proudfoot created his Fund to raise awareness about ALS and help research into its mysterious ability to affect some athletes who have suffered head injuries.

The hotel is situated on the corner of Hamilton and Robson Streets in Vancouver’s turn-of-the-century Yaletown, a former warehouse district that has been converted into a hip and fresh destination. The Rosedale is perfect for the leisure traveller, being just steps away from the finest restaurants, shopping, galleries, live entertainment and sports Vancouver has to offer. The location is also convenient for those travelling on business, as it is just a few short blocks from the heart of the city’s financial district. This hotel is comprised of 219 spacious suites, each with voice mail, data ports, pay-per-view movies and Nintendo.

The hotel offers complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate and freshly baked goods every morning in “Goody’s” from 6:30-9:30 a.m. Rosie’s on Robson Restaurant and Pub is very popular among locals stopping by for dinner before enjoying a night out at the theatre, concert, or hockey game.

Unique to the Rosedale on Robson is their event desk, which offers popular sports, theatre and concert packages. Other features include secure underground parking with in/out privileges, valet parking, and safety deposit boxes. Just steps away from the symphony, opera and live theatre, nearby venues include the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver Playhouse, Centre For Performing Arts, and the Orpheum and Vogue Theatres. Sports enthusiasts can walk to GM Place, home of the Vancouver Canucks, and BC Place, home of the BC Lions. Close by are Granville Island, Chinatown, Kitsilano, English Bay, Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain, Edgewater Casino, Vancouver Art Gallery, Telus World of Science, golf courses, and beautiful beaches.
For more information, visit their website at www.rosedaleonrobson.com or call Reservations at 604-689-8033 or toll-free at 1-800-661-8870.

WHAT TO DO: When I told people I was going to Vancouver those who have been there before insisted we make time to visit the TELUS World of Science and Science World (www.scienceworld.bc.ca), located at 1455 Quebec Street across the street from the Main Street/Science World Skytrain station. It features hundreds of interactive exhibits in five galleries. One involves a simulated wheelchair race where you get to test your upper body strength. Racing a wheelchair, we discover, requires you to use many muscles. Here we also learn about wheelchair posture. Racing wheelchairs, it turns out, can reach speeds of 32 km per hour on a flat course.

Science World’s exhibits are designed to engage and entertain a broad spectrum of people, from toddlers to senior citizens. Younger children may find a gallery like Kidspace most interesting, whereas adults might have more fun in a gallery like BodyWorks. Is my face symmetrical? What will I look like in 30 years? Where did I come from? These are just a few of the questions that the BodyWorks gallery has explored this year, allowing visitors to get a peek into what our bodies look like with powerful, interactive stations where they can stretch a rope out to see how long intestines are, capture their face on camera and watch themselves age and use their powers of observation to try to read facial expressions correctly.

Special exhibits come and go here all of the time. During our visit it was Disney: The Music Behind the Magic. It included rare artifacts, interpretive films, a game show testing your musical knowledge of Disney and the chance to create sound effects and remix Disney hits. The “Our World” Gallery investigated the resources we use every day. Science Theatre features a wide range of cultural and science shows. In the Sara Stern Gallery, you get to investigate the magic of the natural world. Check out the incredible bee hive. The Kidspace Gallery is geared towards youngsters aged two to six. For a mere $5 extra, you an enjoy an OmniImax film in one of the world’s largest dome screens and a sensational wrap-around digital sound system. We saw the film The Alps, which captures the incredible true story of a mountaineer on a personal journey to make peace with the mountain that killed his father.

At the Vancouver Aquarium (www.vanaqua.org) you come to face-to-fin with over 70,000 animals, including beluga whales, Steller sea lions, dolphins, seals and more! Enjoy the dolphin and whale shows, sea otter feeds, and shark dives. Free-roaming animals abound in their opular Amazon Gallery. Be sure to stop by their newest gallery that’s full of interactive exhibits and a children’s play learning area. For a unique hands-on adventure, ask about the Animal Encounters program. You can call their easy to remember phone number – 604.659.FISH

I always like to check out amusement parks. Located on the site of Vancouver’s Pacific National Exhibition (www.pne.ca) on East Hastings Street, the 15 acre Playland Amusement Park is a popular attraction. Open from late April through the end of September it has hosted millions of thrillseekers of all ages since it opened in 1910. The Park was named “Happy Land” in 1926 and remained on the original site until 1958, when it was moved to its present spot and re-opened under the name Playland. Previously owned by a number of parent companies, Playland became a division of the PNE family in July, 1993. Playland’s marquee attraction, the beloved 1958 Wooden Roller Coaster remains the most popular ride on the site and one of the most highly regarded wooden coasters in the world. Designed by the legendary ride construction team, Carl Phare and Walker LeRoy, the Playland Wooden Coaster rides over half a million thrillseekers annually. Now I must confess that I normally avoid rollercoasters. Nonetheless, I convinced my family to wait in line for a half hour. That first drop was incredibly frightening, but a major rush at the same time. I am glad I did it. Ditto for the flume, in which we all got soaked to the skin. Other popular rides include the wild mouse, hell’s gate, wave swinger, crazy beach party, the corkscew, rock climbing, the hellevator, the pirate ship and music express. The “Kids Playce” has a variety of tamer rides, including the merry-go-round, KC’s Raceway, dune buggies, the super slide, Pirate adventure, elephants,helicopters and honeybee express. There are the traditional carnival games, an arcade and plenty of food options. This place is a lot fun and I would highly recommend you spend the day there.

Cultus Lake Waterpark (www.cultus.com) is the leader in the waterpark industry on the West Coast. Whether you are on vacation or just taking a much needed break, watersliding is a great recreational activity. This is a family oriented park, providing guests with rides for all ages. For thrill seekers there are some extreme waterslides. Open Victoria Day to Labour Day, I spent the day there with my family. It was a one hour and 20 minute drive from downtown Vancouver to Chilliwack, but well worth the trip. Youthful general manager Paul Larsen has been there for 10 years and seen the park grow.

The first phase of their expansion opened in 2008 with the highlight being the Colossal Canyon, a family raft ride that is like no other. Our family went on this twice. It is quite a thriller. The same goes for the Valley of Fear, which includes one incredible drop that has you experiencing panic and a thrill at the same time. The 72 foot free fall and speed slide has you moving at a rapid pace. There are three other slides which are much tamer. For little ones, a much more sedate area exists. I found the adventure river, in which you travel in a circle on a small tube very relaxing. The two large hot tubs indeed warm you up. Cultus Lake is full of greenspace. You can find shade under trees or rent an umbrella. It is a great way to spend a warm summer day.

A brand new amenity building located on the west side of the park holds washroom facilities complete with change rooms and showers. Also located in this facility are family rooms, which are wheelchair friendly. At the end of the building is a new food service outlet, Pier 84 fish n’ chips. Recent expansion also included new walkways, planters, and shade structures, which aid in the resort feeling you get when you visit the park.

For families like mine which love the beach, Vancouver has plenty to offer in that area. Whether you’re looking for a stretch of sand to spread out and relax with a good book, an outdoor court to spike a volleyball, or a catwalk to strut your stuff, Vancouver’s got it. Our favorite spot was Third Beach in Stanley Park, where the tide often does not come up until mid afternoon. The water is fairly warm here. Just a bit up the road is Second Beach, which also has a large public swimming pool. Kitsilano Beach Park, located practically downtown, features one of the largest swimming pools I have ever seen

Snow seldom falls in the city, yet Vancouverites enjoy some of the best downhill and cross-country ski facilities in North America. The twinkling lights of the local ski mountains – Grouse Mountain, Cypress and Mount Seymour – attract the city’s residents and tourists alike, urging them to strap on snowboards, skis or snow shoes throughout winter months. And just two hours north, lay the twin internationally renowned ski mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb. This top ranked destination ski resort draws skiers from all over the world for downhill and helicopter skiing

If you are planning a summer visit to Vancouver, then you must include Theatre Under the Stars (www.tuts.ca) at the Malkin Bowl. The program’s best of Broadway musicals have been delighting audiences in Stanley Park since 1940. Every July and August they present two wonderful productions on alternating nights. The summer of 2008 featured Jesus Christ Superstar and Annie Get Your Gun on the stage. My family and I saw the former, purchasing our tickets online at www.ticketstonight.ca. This was a convenient choice since we were able to print them off the computer and avoid any lineups the night of the show. We got there a bit early and grabbed a light bite to eat in their small concession stand. Reserved tickets are $36 for adults and $34 for children versus $31 and $29 for general admission. We really enjoyed the experience of watching theatre “under the stars.” Here is a tip. Bring insect repellant so the flies don’t get to you. Jesus Christ Superstar, of course, is the first masterpiece from the legendary writing team of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. It exploded onto the scene in 1971 changing the world of musical theatre forever. Set in two acts it tells the story of the final seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth, dramatizing Jesus’ entry in Jerusalem, the unrest caused by his preaching and popularity, his betrayal by Judas, the trial before Pontius Pilate, and his ultimate crucifixion. Stay tuned to their website to see what productions are planned for 2009.

If you are a baseball fans, then the months of June, July and August represent an opportunity for you to see some good old fashioned minor league ball. The Vancouver Canadians (www.canadiansbaseball.com) play out of the prettiest little ballpark in North America – 57 year old Nat Bailey Stadium. There are 5,100 seats here, everyone of them dandy. The Canadians are the short season rookie “A” ball affiliate of the major league Oakland Athletics.

DINING OUT: There are some superb restaurants in Vancouver. Here are two in particular I strongly recommend.

Bridges (www.bridgesrestaurant.com) was always one of my favorite spots when I used to frequent Vancouver for business a number of years ago. This restaurant has been a landmark on Vancouver’s waterfront for over 27 years.

Located next to the public market on historic Granville Island, Bridges serves the freshest seafood Vancouver has to offer. Set near the Arts Club Theatre and Maritime Market, Bridges offers magnificent views of Vancouver’s waterfront, mountains and city center. Bridges Dining Room, Bar, Bistro and outdoor dining are the quintessential summer experience in Vancouver. Served by public moorage, Aquabus and False Creek Ferries, Bridges is easily reached by the water and has hundreds of free parking stalls for automobile access. It is open daily, from 11 a.m. On the evening my party dined there we were seated on the patio.

Bridges operates a second floor dining room with 150 seats inside and a 40 seat terrace. On the main floor is a 120 seat bistro and a 100 seat bar with its own terrace. During the summer months they operate Vancouver’s largest patio, with a license for 300 seats on the waterfront. What do we recommend? Well for one thing you will probably need to go back more than once. Our party shared some appetizers: hot garlic prawns, the tuna duo and the sweet red pepper and spinach dish. We enjoyed their salad and then sampled the crab and halibut cake burger, the fresh halibut fish and chips, their signature smoked wild salmon pizza and their grilled wild BC sockeye salmon. For dessert we left room for the tiramisu, chocolate mousse cake and a ice cream sundae for the delighted child at the table.

The Mill Marine Bistro (www.millbistro.ca) is another “can’t miss” spot. Only 34 years of age, owner Daniel Frankel is already a veteran in the Vancouver hospitality business. As president, CEO and founder of the Daniel Hospitality Group, he and his management company oversee a growing number of operations, including the Mill, theStanley Park Pavilion, Stanley’s Parks Bar and Grill, the Prospect Point Lookout Complex in Stanley Park, the Mill Dock, Delilah’s Restaurant and Martini Bar, the Coal Harbour Café & Catering Operations and Danny’s Dogs & Shakes.

Frankel considers the Mill one of his flagship spots. And why not? He designed and built this place from scratch in 2003. It truly epitomizes the west coast casual dining scene, smack on the waterfront in Coal Harbour, overlooking the north shore mountains. I loved the Lotsa Lox pizza. It features wild BC smoked salmon, pesto goat cream cheese, green onions and capers. Other items worth sampling include the original Mill nachos, edamane (Japanese soy beans in the pod with rock salt), their variety of big salads, the BC Salmon Burger and some superb pastas, notably the chicken linguini and the penne primavera.

The Mill provides unobstructed views of the North Shore Mountains, the Burrard Inlet and Stanley Park. Its menu is inspired by fresh British Columbia produce and seasonal ingredients “We buy organic when we can,” Frankel says. The Bistro & Bar seats 60, and the patio can accommodate 200. It also offers Vancouver’s first and only boat-thru foodservice through its dock, The Mill Dock (Harbour Green).

GETTING AROUND: Vancouver’s road system and traffic are easier to handle than those of many other cities, but there are no freeways within the city, so traffic tends to move more slowly than cities with high-speed road systems. Unless you plan to travel outside of the downtown core, where most people get around by public transit, on foot or by taxi, you will not need a car. For travel outside the downtown area, options include public transit, car rentals, tour buses, taxis, or even limousines if you want to go in style!

Public transit can get you to many points of interest across the region relatively quickly and inexpensively by conventional buses, mini-bus “Community Shuttles,” rapid “B-Line” services, a rail system called “SkyTrain” and even passenger ferries that offer a scenic trip across the inner harbour from downtown Vancouver to the North Shore. A commuter rail service, the West Coast Express, connects downtown Vancouver and Mission in the Fraser Valley each weekday morning and afternoon.

All of these transit services, plus the region’s major roads, are part of the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority, known as TransLink. TransLink’s fare system allows transit passengers to purchase a ticket for the number of zones they wish to cross and then easily transfer from one transit mode to another within those zones for up to 90 minutes on the same ticket. Books of transit tickets, called FareSavers, are available at retail outlets at a discount and can be validated for use any time. DayPasses provide unlimited travel for one day.

Log on to www.tourismvancouver.com for complete details about this great city.

As for accommodations, the gorgeous Inter-Continental Hotel (260 Saint Antoine Ouest) is ideally situated. Part of the impressive World Trade Centre facility, the Inter-Continental has 357 air-conditioned guest rooms and suites, all equipped with an array of modern amenities for a relaxing stay. Club Inter-Continental offers luxurious upgraded facilities and guests have access to the exclusive Club Lounge where they can enjoy breakfast, snacks and drinks on a complimentary basis. Inter-Continental Montréal hotel offers a choice of fine international cuisine in a variety of settings. The award-winning Les Continents provides an exceptional dining experience with impeccable service. The Victorian-style Chez Plume bistro features an upbeat atmosphere, while the piano bar, Le Cristallin, is the perfect place to relax with a light snack or favourite drink. Guests can also enjoy 24-hour Room Service. Meetings, conference and catering facilities feature 18 elegant and versatile function rooms, which can host business and social gatherings of every description. Facilities and include a Fitness Centre with state-of-the-art exercise equipment, a 15-metre rooftop lap pool and professional massage therapists. Log on to www.interconti.com. The hotel even has an in-house babysitting service. This stunning landmark is linked to the exquisite Ruelle des Fortifications and was built over three magnificent stone vaults thought to date back to the middle of the 18th century. Now elegantly restored, this backdrop can provide an interesting history lesson for the kids. The hotel is linked to the World Trade Centre and the newly expanded Palais des Congrés. And the charming staff speak English , French , Italian , Portuguese and Spanish. Once you park your car in the indoor garage, it is best advised to manage the rest of your trip or take the subway, known as the Metro – either the Square Victoria or Place D’Arme stop

Old Montreal offers a wealth of superb dining choices. We strongly recommend Soto (www.soto.ca), located at 500 McGill Street and only a block away from the Inter-Continental. This place has sushi to die for, not to mention decadent duck (known as kamo yaki), filet of Atlantic salmon (sake wasabi yaki), seared red tuna (maguno yaki) and striped sea bass (suzuki yaki). The appetizers are splendid. From ebi tempura to kampachi miso (a grilled fish with all the trimmings), it is no wonder why this is a favorite spot for the many movie stars who shoot films here. Robert DeNiro is a regular anytime he comes to town. Leonardo DiCaprio stopped by often during his Montreal stay. And young hockey fans will be excited to know that members of the Montreal Canadiens come here often as well. For the kids, the staff at Soto will prepare an appetizer sampling of chickenc teriyaki with rice. Most youngsters love the tempura, dipping it in soya sauce. The dessert tray is probably unlike any you have ever seen, with some unusually delicious items that will make your mouth water at first sight. The presentation is so beautiful you will want to take a picture. Soto has one other franchise and 12 Express sushi counters.

Montreal is no stranger to movies stars, it is proper manners when you actually do see a big star to give them their space. That is certainly what guests at the downtown Omni Mont-Royal Hotel in Montreal (1050 Sherbrooke Street West) do. The likes of Angeline Jolie, Barbra Streisand, Morgan Freeman, Gene Hackman, Robert DeNiro, Samuel L. Jackson, Bette Midler and Pierce Brosnan just to name a few are among those whom I have actually seen while at this first class venue. This Canadian rated Five-Star and AAA Four-Diamond hotel is centered amongst fashionable boutiques, museums and fine dining. With 299 oversized guest rooms and suites featuring stunning views of Montreal’s downtown skyline or the breathtaking Mont-Royal park, it is no surprise that many Hollywood stars who come here to film motion pictures stay at the Omni. Rooms have CD players, three telephones and complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access There is a fully-equipped 6,600 square feet health club with cardiovascular equipment, cyber weight training, free weight, an aerobic studio and a personal trainer. The outdoor heated swimming pool is open year-round. In summer, guests can sit under umbrellas on the patio that surrounds the pool. In cool weather, you can actually swim to the main pool from inside via a narrow waterway. The spacious lobby features large crystal chandeliers, flowing gold draperies, and Oriental rugs covering the marble floor. Oversized floral arrangements and sculptures divide the sofas, loveseats, and wingback chairs of the comfortable sitting areas. There are two restaurants: Petit Opus and Zen. The former offers full à la carte breakfast service, with lighter Mediterranean-influenced fare offered for lunch and dinner. Make sure to sample the buffet breakfast. Excellent concierge service and valet parking are other signatures of this establishment, as well as a shopping gallery located within the hotel. Across the street is the McGill University Campus while the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the underground city, a unique network of boutiques, restaurants, theaters, bans and shopping centers, are short walks from the front door.

And where do the stars go for relaxation? Amerispa (www.amerispa.ca) is located at the lower lobby level According to a CROP survey, more than three of four women prefer a day in a health and beauty center compared to any other gift. That is a good enough reason for dad to take the kids shopping or for a swim while mom gets pampered. Amerispa has 21 treatment rooms and an array of services to choose from, having built its reputation on the quality of its treatments and services as well as its team of highly skilled personnel. Living in a stressful world! Let time stand still…and let these massage therapists, algae therapists, estheticians and hairdressers completely release your stress by introducing you to an outstanding spa experience. Amerispa offers a vast selection of health and beauty services in various categories of cares. According to your liking, you can relax during an hour break or indulge yourself in a complete day of pampering Renowned for centuries, the massage brings incredible benefits for the body and mind. It sooths your muscles and vanishes the stress and tensions from your daily life. From the basic massage to the ultimate four hands massage, Amerispa invites you to discover a new source of energy. You can log on to their website or call 1-866 Amerispa for more details.

Where do the stars dine? Try Rosalie (www.rosalierestaurant.com) at 1232 Rue de la Montagne. A very trendy French bistro without any pretension, the relaxed atmosphere at Rosalie attracts a sophisticated crowd of local area gourmands and businesspeople who like to enjoy their meal with a touch of Montreal class. Rosalie is the latest addition to a string of critically acclaimed restaurants that includes the highly successful trio of Globe, Buona Notte and Time. David McMillan, who has been hailed as a culinary genius in publications across North America, is the head chef. Boasting an uncomplicated decor that blends together a sense of modern design with a Zen-like simplicity, Rosalie is the place to go for a good time and an even better meal. Presenting an extensive menu of gourmet items like foie gras and their famous fish of the day, as well as a selection of white and red meat dishes, the food at this downtown eatery definitely speaks for itself. More than just a restaurant however, Rosalie also boasts a large bar off of the main dining hall and a second-floor bar/lounge that can be rented. Try the arctic char, the hanger steak and squash ravioli. There is always a tasty soup of the day. For dessert, you’ll need to give 15 minutes notice for their signature warm chocolate tort with vanilla ice cream.

For more information on Montreal go to http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/