New England & Canada

Our Traveling Diary: Boston Tea Party Museum Adventure

Traveling Diaries Entry - Day 1:

Our journey started with a flight from Atlanta, GA to Boston, MA. We arrived around 11 in the morning. With reservations already made, we eagerly awaited our time slot to witness the Boston Tea Party Museum. After picking up our rental car, we ventured to find a place for lunch.

Opting to explore the downtown area, we made our way to Boston Commons. While waiting for our tea party adventure, we immersed ourselves in the park's surroundings. Our daughters, aged 5 and 8, were thrilled to discover the playground, frog pond pool, and carousel nestled within the park.

Little did we know that Boston Commons is not only a picturesque spot but also a significant part of The Freedom Trail—an unexpected historical gem in the heart of Boston. Along the trail, we found the Granary Burying Ground cemetery, where notable patriots John Hancock, Paul Revere, James Otis, and Samuel Adams are resting.

Our Boston Tea Party reservation took us back in time as we stepped into a courtroom filled with the spirit of rebellion. Led by the fiery "Samuel Adams," we were entrusted with the secret identities of the men behind the historic event. The moment of truth arrived when the patriots, including us in disguise, voted to dump the 92,000 pounds of tea into the harbor.

After the dramatic trial, we boarded the ship and took on the role of patriots, gleefully tossing tea overboard. The immersive experience allowed us to embrace the rebellious spirit of the past. Exploring the rest of the ship, we delved into a pivotal moment in history.

The tour culminated in the museum, where we marveled at genuine relics from that fateful night. A treasure trove of artifacts awaited, transporting us back to the heart of the revolutionary act. Despite the temptation, cameras were off-limits, preserving the magic of the historical journey.

Our Traveling Diary: Dinosaur State Park & Cliff walk

Traveling Diaries Entry - Day 2:

Behold the ancient wonder of preserved dinosaur footprints! These prehistoric imprints serve as a breathtaking time capsule, transporting visitors back millions of years to when mighty dinosaurs roamed the Earth. The sheer size and detail of these prints leave onlookers in awe, offering a rare glimpse into the past. Marvel at the clarity with which each toe, pad, and claw mark has been immortalized in stone, capturing a moment frozen in time. Standing in the presence of these preserved dinosaur footprints is a surreal experience, bridging the gap between modern humanity and our ancient reptilian predecessors.

Our prehistoric tour kicked off at Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. Back in the 1960s, 2,000 fossilized dinosaur tracks were unearthed by dedicated scientists. Visitors now have the chance to marvel at many of these tracks, carefully preserved for everyone to see. The rest of the tracks have been safeguarded by being buried once more to shield them from harsh freezing conditions. Future plans for the park include enclosing and showcasing the remaining tracks for all to enjoy.

At Dinosaur State Park, the nature trails span across their 80-acre property, offering glimpses of various wildlife. During our visit, our daughters were fascinated by the numerous snakes, slugs, and chipmunks that crossed our path.

The Great Elephant Migration nestled in front of the Breakers Mansion along the Cliff Walk (Newport, RI)

Oh no, a hefty parking ticket! Watch Hill may have caught us off guard with that one, but at least the ice cream was a sweet consolation prize. Apparently the parking on the street is NOT fair game! You must have a parking permit. There is a paid lot down the road, but we had no idea we did not have permission to park where everyone else was along the road. However, getting to visit one of the oldest carousels in the US is quite the unique experience! Our journey from the dinosaur park to the Cliff Walk in Newport was eventful. Thankfully, the stunning views along the Cliff Walk made up for the parking mishap in Watch Hill. Traveling sure does come with its unexpected detours, but those are often the moments that make the best stories for your traveling diaries.

Cliff Walk in Newport was truly a breathtaking experience. The 3.5 mile path offers stunning ocean views on one side and grand mansions on the other. One of the most prominent mansions along the way is the Breakers Mansion, formerly owned by the Vanderbilt family. While we didn't tour the mansion this time, a visit on a future trip is a definite must!

Our Traveling Diary: Plimoth Patuxet Museum, Plimoth Grist Mill, Mayflower 2, & plymouth rock

Traveling Diaries Entry - Day 3:

Today in Plymouth, Massachusetts, we immersed ourselves in history at the Plimoth Patuxet Museum. The museum recreates the original Plymouth Colony settlement and a Patuxet homesite, complete with historical interpreters guiding visitors through the daily life of that era.

We then proceeded to the Plimoth Grist Mill, a fully operational mill that processes corn, wheat, rye, and barley. Visitors can witness the milling processes in action and even participate in corn-related activities.

We embarked on a brief stroll from the mill, reaching two iconic landmarks: Plymouth Rock and Mayflower 2. Plymouth Rock, albeit smaller than anticipated, is meticulously protected to safeguard its historical significance. Mayflower 2, a faithful replica of the original ship, allows visitors to explore various decks and delve deeper into the Pilgrims' monumental journey to the New World.

View from Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine

Our Traveling Diary: maine

Traveling Diaries Entry - Day 4:

Our next adventure led us on a leisurely drive up the stunning coast of Maine, making our way towards the breathtaking Acadia National Park. Along the way, we paused to explore two unique spots: the charming Marginal Way and the unexpectedly intriguing Desert of Maine.

We quickly lost ourselves in the stunning views along Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine. This picturesque coastal walk offers a unique perspective of the rugged shoreline and the vast Atlantic Ocean. As we strolled along the paved path, the salty breeze caressed our faces, and the sound of waves crashing against the rocks created a soothing soundtrack. Whether you visit during the vibrant colors of sunrise or the golden hues of sunset, the view from Marginal Way could never fail to captivate the soul.

While slightly off the beaten path, the Desert of Maine proved to be a delightful surprise for our family. Spanning 20 acres, this unique location boasts natural sand dunes resulting from historical farming blunders. Our daughters were particularly enamored with the diverse activities available on the premises. From gleefully sliding down the slides perched atop the tallest dunes to engaging in fossil digs and gem mining, the options seemed endless. The gem mining segment was a clear highlight for the girls, enabling them to unearth precious stones and curate a personal collection of three favorites to take home.

Our final destination in Maine was the beautiful Acadia National Park. This beauty is known as the Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast for a reason! It is absolutely breathtaking. The rugged coastline, crystal clear waters, and majestic mountains create a picture-perfect setting for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking on the rocky trails, enjoying the beautiful Sand Beach, and the views from the top of Cadillac Mountain are experiences that will stay with us forever. Acadia National Park is a true gem that should be on everyone's travel bucket list.

Our Traveling Diary: nova scotia

Traveling Diaries Entry - Days 5-6:

Nova Scotia, known as "Canada's Ocean Playground," proved to be the highlight of our trip. We embarked on an adventurous journey by driving onto the CAT ferry from Bar Harbor, Maine to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. The 3.5-hour ferry ride was not for the faint of heart, with its rocky movements, attributed to its impressive speed crossing the ocean swiftly. Despite the challenges, the ferry saved us significant time compared to driving. Upon reaching Yarmouth, we continued our journey with a one-hour drive to our cozy haven for the next few nights.

While in Nova Scotia, we signed up for a whale-watching tour. I had braced myself for the cold, but nothing could prepare me for how bone-chilling it actually was! With temperatures lower and the ocean splashing up, it was a wet and frigid adventure. After 2 hours of scanning the waters, we finally spotted a magnificent humpback whale. We trailed the majestic creature, marveling at its beauty in its natural habitat, before embarking on the 2-hour journey back to shore. Despite the biting cold, the experience was truly unforgettable! We bid farewell to Nova Scotia as we reembarked on the ferry back to Bar Harbor. Our road trip adventure continued as we drove towards our next destination, cherishing the memories we have made in this quaint province along the way.

One of several waterfalls at Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves

Our Traveling Diary: new Hampshire

Traveling Diaries Entry - Days 7-8:

As we drove out of Maine, we embarked on the scenic Kancamagus Highway towards our next destination. Hoping to glimpse wild moose during our journey, we were met with the disappointment of not spotting any. Nevertheless, we decided to pause our drive and enjoy the stunning views along the river.

We continued our adventure at a charming ski town in New Hampshire, where we rested up for the night. The following day led us to Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, nestled in Kinsman Notch. A 1-mile boardwalk guided us through the enchanting gorge and to 11 magnificent glacial boulder caves. Some caves proved too snug for comfort, requiring hands-and-knees exploration. While I opted out of a few squeezes, the rest of the gang fearlessly navigated each cave's twists and turns. However, one cave caught my eye - a mysterious waterfall concealed within its depths!

Found in the Rainforest Section of the Biodome

Our Traveling Diary: Montreal & Vermont

Traveling Diaries Entry - Day 9:

Our family's trip to Montreal, Quebec was buzzing with excitement as we explored the fascinating world of insects at the Insectarium. Our oldest daughter, with her insect obsession, was in heaven surrounded by the diverse collection of bugs. From butterflies to beetles, she couldn't get enough.

After our creepy-crawly adventure, we headed to the Biodome to immerse ourselves in different ecosystems and observe various animal species in their natural habitats. Both of our daughters were thrilled to see penguins waddling around, monkeys swinging from trees, and beavers playfully swimming in the water.

Montreal proved to be a destination full of surprises and discoveries, catering to every member of our quirky little family.

We spent the morning exploring Montreal, then headed to Vermont. In Vermont, we made a quick stop at the World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet before touring the Ben and Jerry’s Factory that evening. Our tour of the Ben and Jerry’s factory was a delightful experience. The three areas we visited provided unique insights into the making of this iconic ice cream brand. The theater section gave us a glimpse into the origins of Ben and Jerry’s, setting the stage for what was to come. Moving on to the mezzanine, we observed the intricate packaging process, a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how the products are prepared for distribution. Lastly, the flavor lab treated us to a special tasting of the day - Churray for Churros. The secret flavor was a delightful surprise, satisfying our taste buds with its delicious blend of flavors. Overall, the tour was a memorable and flavorful journey through the world of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.

Our Traveling Diary: going home

Traveling Diaries Entry - Day 10

After exploring a total of 6 states and 2 Canadian provinces, our journey concluded as we boarded our flight from historic Boston back to Atlanta. Among the myriad of destinations we experienced, the enchanting beauty of Maine, the serene charm of Nova Scotia, and the picturesque allure of New Hampshire left an indelible mark on my heart, beckoning me to return and delve deeper into their wonders.