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Take a regional road trip
Sometimes the best adventures are off the beaten path. Certainly you can look in any travel guide for the top sightseeing spots, but we have dug a little deeper to find the hidden gems that maybe aren't so obvious. Check out our handful of Regional Road trips throughout the different parts of the US. Maybe you'll discover something new right in your own back yard!
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Northeastern US
From the rugged coastline and hilly terrain to the beautiful foliage and colonial architecture, the Northeast states offer unparalleled beauty and wide variety. With an easy drive from one state to the next, a northeastern road trip will cover lots of ground.
Connecticut
Rocky Hill, CT is home to Dinosaur State Park, one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America. Beneath their geodesic dome, you will find an exceptional display of early Jurassic fossil tracks. More than two miles of nature trails surround the Exhibit Center and the Dinosaur State Park Arboretum contains more than 250 species and plant families indigenous to the Age of Dinosaurs.
Education programs for kids!
Sights to see and photograph: Dinosaur State Park Arboretum; Mark Twain House; The new England Carousel Museum; Mystic Seaport; Mystic Aquarium
Links:
• www.dinosaurstatepark.org
• www.marktwainhouse.org
• www.thecarouselmuseum.org
• www.mysticseaport.org
Delaware
Have you ever wondered where artists get their inspiration? The “Chateau Country” of Delaware is one such place, boasting the riveting landscapes made famous by Andrew Wyeth’s paintings. Located in the Brandywine Valley where country estates dot the countryside, visitors can tour former du Pont family-owned estates showcasing exquisite gardens and priceless antiques. Sights to see and photograph include the Hagley Museum, Winterthur—an American country estate, Nemours Mansion & Gardens, and the Longwood Gardens.
Traveling to Delaware this summer? Make Rehoboth Beach a destination this August and see the 30th Annual Sandcastle Contest featuring sand art in three categories: Sandcastles, Freeform, and Animals. (Dates TBA)
Links:
• www.visitdelaware.com/plan.htm
• www.visitdelaware.com
Maine
The village of Wiscasset, ME, just an hour north of Portland on Route 1, has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973. Located at the mouth of the Sheepscot River, this historic village is an architecture-lovers dream vacation.
Sights to see and photograph: Castle Tucker, the Nickels-Sortwell House
Link:
• http://www.planetware.com/wiscasset/nickels-sortwell-house-us-me-wnsh.htm
Maryland
Central Maryland attractions vary from historic Annapolis to lively Baltimore. The Central Region features waterfront villages and mill towns, pastoral hills and the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, and is home to some of the most important events in US history.
Take a road trip along the historic trail blazed by adventurers and settlers; follow the British Invasion through historic St. Mary's City featuring re-created 17th-century buildings, a tall ship, and costumed interpreters. Bring the kids to the Maryland Zoo and National Aquarium in Baltimore. Or maybe you have a hankering for something a little unusual? How about a visit to the National Museum of Dentistry? (And don’t forget to floss if you go after lunch!)
Link:
• www.visitmaryland.org
• www.aqua.org
• www.mdisfun.org
Massachusetts
In the mood for a scenic drive? Take the Southern Berkshire Loop through the towns of Tyringham & Monterey, Great Barrington & Ashley Falls, South Egremont, and Stockbridge.
Sights to see and photograph: Tyringham Cobble — two miles of trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail, offering spectacular views of Tyringham Valley; sculptor Henry Hudson Kitson Gingerbread House studio; Chesterwood, Monument Mountain, Berkshire Botanical Garden, the Norman Rockwell Museum, and the Tanglewood Music Festival.
Links:
•http://www.massvacation.com/
New Hampshire
Are you an antique car enthusiast? New Hampshire is host to more than a dozen car shows from April through October, drawing collectors and enthusiasts from far and wide. So if you are looking to see and photograph some truly stunning hotrods, muscle cars, and vintage roadsters, make the Granite State your next vacation!
Sights to see and photograph: the Flume Gorge; the Indian Head Profile (White Mountains); Ruggles Mine; scenic dinner cruises on Lake Sunapee.
Links:
• www.nhliving.com/seacoast
• www.nhliving.com/carshows/index.shtml
• www.nhliving.com/merrimackvalley/index.shtml
• www.nhliving.com/franconianotch/flume.shtml
• www.nhliving.com/whitemountains/index.shtml
• www.nhliving.com/attractions/rugglesmine/index.shtml
• www.nhliving.com/attractions/sunapeecruises/index.shtml
New Jersey
Are you one of those folks who likes to visit the spots showcased in movies or on television? Well, whether you’re a bona fide Sopranos fan or simply curious, New Jersey has several “On Location” tours dedicated to Jersey’s other “Boss.”
Follow Tony through the Lincoln Tunnel (load the Alabama 3 CD featuring “Woke Up” into the CD player for full effect). Travel past sites such as Pizzaland, Satriale’s Pork Store, and finish the day eating onion rings at Holsten’s, where it all ended.
Other notable set locations: Princeton (A Beautiful Mind, I.Q, One True Thing, House), Palisades Amusement Park (Big), and, of course, Atlantic City,
Links:
• http://search.cityguide.aol.com/northjersey/entertainment/sopranos-tour/e-804068
New York
The Adirondack Mountains are an all-round destination haven offering something for everyone. Hiking enthusiasts can traverse the nation's largest hiking trail system, outdoor lovers can canoe, kayak, swim, and fish region’s 3,000 ponds and lakes and 1,500 miles of rivers.
From Lake George to Ticonderoga to Old Forge to Lake Placid (host city of the 1932 & 1980 winter Olympics) there is something for everyone in the Adirondacks.
Links:
• www.adirondack-park.net
• www.visitadirondacks.com
• www.adirondackchamber.org
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Dutch Country in the south-central region is a step back in time. The people are not costumed interpreters; they are the real deal, true Pennsylvania Dutch—members of the Old Order Amish*, the Old Order Mennonites, and dozens of other sects.
*In respect to their faith, please do not take photographs of the Amish.
Folks of all ages will enjoy the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania located just east of Strasburg. The museum features more than 100 historic locomotives and railroad cars chronicling America on the move. Throttle a simulated run in a real freight locomotive cab, climb aboard a caboose, inspect the underbelly of a 62-ton locomotive, view restoration activities via closed-circuit television. Kids can participate is interactive educational programs.
Links:
• www.visitpa.com/visitpa/roadtripsLanding.pa
• www.rrmuseumpa.org
• www.visitpa.com
Rhode Island
Block Island, with its 250-feet bluffs, lighthouses, stunning vistas, and fresh water ponds, is a perfect romantic getaway or family vacation. Whether you want to snorkel, scuba dive, kayak, or kiteboard, ride a horse or sail into the sunset, Block Island is the vacation destination for you.
Sights to see and photograph: North Lighthouse; Southeast Lighthouse; Spring Street Gallery.
Links:
• www.blockislandchamber.com
• www.diamondbluekiteboarding.net
• www.blockisland.com/kayakbi
Vermont
Crazy about cooking? Go to Putney, VT and join James Beard Award-winning cookbook author Deborah Krasner at her 18th century renovated barn for five days of “cooking, exploring great foodstuffs, touring and living the good life.” And while you’re there, be sure to take time to cruise the main streets and back roads of pastoral Vermont.
Sights to see and photograph: Putney Mountain Hawk Watch; artist tours; Basketville; Putney Food Coop; Santa’s Land
Links:
• www.culinaryvermont.com
• www.putney.net
• www.putneyvt.org/hawks/index.php
• www.basketville.com
• www.sover.net/~ptnycoop
• www.santasland.com
Please note: Web site links are listed as a convenience to our visitors. Dare Foods and its representatives take no responsibility and give no guarantees, warranties or representations, implied or otherwise, for the content or accuracy of these third-party sites.
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