Travel Tip #17 - Ask the Locals for Tips

     When we went to Vermont, we originally just planned on visiting Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory while we were in Waterbury. It was only after discussing our plans with a relative who lived in the area that we found out about the Cold Hollow Cider Mill and the other delicious outlets in the area. Although our lunch of donuts, ice cream, cider, cheese and chocolate wasn't very healthy, it's one that the kids will always remember. Since then, we have made it a habit to ask locals for suggestions.

     For example, when we went to Philadelphia, we wanted to eat at a restaurant that served Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches. We found the names of a couple of popular places on the internet, and penciled them into our itinerary. When we got to Philadelphia, we asked a couple of the locals which place had the best sandwiches. We were surprised that they all said the same thing - that both places catered to tourists and were overcrowded and overpriced. They then told us that all the locals go to Jim's Steaks for the best Cheesesteaks in Philadelphia. Naturally, that's where we went. It was delicious.

     I could give other examples, but the point is, the locals will often know about things that you would have never found on your own. If your itinerary is too rigid, you may miss out on some neat opportunities. Therefore, try to allow some flexibility in your schedule and ask around for ideas from the people who live there. You will probably be pleasantly surprised.
     Good luck in your travels!

Spotlight: New England - "Enticement Lane" (Waterbury, Vermont)

Spotlight: "Enticement Lane" is the nickname locals have given the stretch of Highway 100 between Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory and Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Ben & Jerry's was founded in 1978 by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield. On the first anniversary of the opening of their ice cream parlor, they held their first annual Free Cone Day. In 1983, their ice cream was used to build "the world's largest ice cream sundae," which weighed in at 27,102 pounds. In 1985, they established the Ben & Jerry's Foundation to fund community oriented projects. In 1988, they won the U.S. Small Business Persons of the Year award after employing marketing innovations such as a "Cowmobile" (used to distribute free scoops of ice cream by Ben & Jerry themselves).
     The Cold Hollow Cider Mill was established in 1974 by Eric and Francine Chittenden. What started as a hobby, turned into a full blown business when they recognized the demand for cider and cider products made the traditional way. They raised their family on the property until they sold the Mill in the year 2000.

Location: The Ben & Jerry's Factory is located on Waterbury Stowe Rd. (HWY 100) in Waterbury, Vermont.
 - Further north along Highway 100, you will find several locally famous food and beverage outlets including the Cabot Creamery Annex store, Lake Champlain Chocolates, and the Cold Hollow Cider Mill.

Time: The Ben & Jerry's Factory is open from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, with extended hours during the summer. The tour takes 1/2 hour. The Cold Hollow Cider Mill is open from 8 am - 6 pm daily. The Cabot Annex store is open from 9 am - 6 pm. You should allocate 1-3 hours depending on how many of the outlets you visit.

Cost: Tours for Ben & Jerry's are: adults - $4, seniors - $3, children under 12 - free
- There are no entrance fees at any of these facilities.

Description: Ben & Jerry's Factory takes its guests on a tour of the factory, which includes a movie detailing the history of the company, teaches visitors about the ice cream making process, and gives a "free" sample at the end. In addition to the tour, guests can find many unique items in the gift shop, as well as purchase a delicious cone, or even a pint (or two) of their favorite flavor. Outside, guests can visit the Flavor Graveyard to pay homage to discontinued flavors.

     At the Cabot Creamery visitors can browse the premises, sampling some of their award-winning cheeses.

     The Lake Champlain Chocolates store has a wide variety of delicious chocolates available for sale.
     The Cold Hollow Cider Mill produces many delicious products in addition to their fabulous apple cider. Other products include: cider donuts, cider syrup, various jams, apple sauces, apple butter, honey, spices, fresh fudge, mapled nuts, maple granola, apple pie, maple hot chocolate, crisp topping, pumpkin roll, various cheeses, pancake mixes, cold hollow dog treats, etc. Visitors can watch the mill produce their famous cider the old-fashioned way, and try free samples. At the Honey Bee Corner, visitors can observe honey bees busy at work collecting pollen from the orchard and turning it into honey comb.

Rating: 4 stars for both Ben & Jerry's Factory and the Cold Hollow Cider Mill.

Things You Should Know: - Summer hours are from 9 am - 9 pm.
- The Cider Mill is in operation 3-4 days a week; daily during the fall.
- The Applecore Luncheonette at the Cider Mill is open daily from 11:30 - 3:00 offering a variety of delicious products.
- Small groups and families may take self-guided tours of the facilities of the Cider Mill during business hours.
- The Cabot Visitors Center is located at its primary location (2878 Main St., Cabot, VT). It offers tours to its visitors. The Waturbury location is a store, not a factory.
- The Lake Champlain Chocolate Factory is located at 750 Pine St., Burlington, VT. They offer free 30 min. tours to their guests on the hour from 10 am - 2 pm. The Waterbury location is a store, not a factory.
- Ben & Jerry's and the Cider Mill are both closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Nearby: Waterbury Center State Park, Lake Champlain, Joseph Smith birthplace (Sharon, VT), Quebec, Canada

Travel Tip #16 - Start Working on your Bucket List

     If you've seen the movie The Bucket List, you know that a bucket list is a list of things you'd like to accomplish before you "kick the bucket." In the movie, two older gentlemen (Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman) are diagnosed with terminal illnesses. Rather than sit around waiting to die, they go on a trip around the world checking items off their bucket lists.
     You don't have to be retired to start working on your bucket list. In fact, if you wait too long, you probably won't get very far. Once you are retired, you might be too old or lack the health for certain activities. Some people spend their whole lives working - even when they are supposedly on vacation. Rather than "be that guy," get out and live. Do something that you've always wanted to do.
     I've been a baseball fan ever since I started playing Little League. Growing up in California, I followed both the Angels and the Dodgers. I attended dozens of games at the stadiums, and watched or listened to hundreds more on TV or the radio. Ever since I saw the Green Monster in Fenway Park, I've felt a strong desire to attend a game there. Unfortunately, on my only previous visit to Boston, we pulled into town after the game had already started. So instead of going to the game as planned, the adults decided to go out and eat lobster, and put me and my sister in charge of watching our younger siblings and cousins in the hotel room.
     This time, I made sure we went to a game. While planning our trip, I checked the Red Sox's schedule to find out when they would be in town before setting the dates for our trip. Fortunately, we discovered that the Dodgers would be in town on one of our possible dates. Unfortunately, since it was a game between two of the most storied clubs in the Majors, the game was already sold out. Fortunately, I found some tickets on Stub Hub. Unfortunately, they were about twice the regular price. Since it was on my Bucket List, and I didn't know when or if I'd ever be back in Boston, I decided that it was worth it. Still, we were on a budget, so only my dad and I went - since we were the ones who were the most interested in going. I can't remember what the others did instead, but I will always remember sitting inside the crown jewel of MLB ballparks with my dad, enjoying the game.

     A few other items I crossed off my Bucket List on that trip were: going to the top of the Empire State Building, watching a play on Broadway, riding the Cyclone on Coney Island, walking the Freedom Trail, and taking the Maid of the Mist under Niagara Falls. It was a fabulous trip - one I'll remember for the rest of my life.
     So next time you plan a trip, make sure it includes at least one thing from your bucket list.

Spotlight: New England - Lexington & Concord

Spotlight: In the early morning hours of April 19, 1775, British troops, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith, made a "secret" march from Boston to Concord to destroy rebel munitions that were rumored to be stored there. Since the British were being constantly watched, the patriots were able to send word ahead on horseback. Couriers such as Paul Revere galloped from town to town informing the citizenry that the redcoats were coming. The minutemen rose to the call and assembled on the Lexington Green to challenge the British advance. By the dawn's early light, the redcoats and the minutemen faced off. Both sides had orders not to fire, but as the British officers ordered the militia to lay down their arms, someone fired a shot which led to the first shots of the conflict. Both sides claimed that the other fired first, but regardless of who fired the shot, the resulting volley left several patriots dead, and the others retreating.
     The British marched on to Concord, only to find that most of the hidden munitions had already been moved. Meanwhile, word of the skirmish in Lexington spread like wildfire across the countryside, and hundreds of minutemen flocked to Concord. As the redcoats searched the town, and burned the few weapons they could find, the local meetinghouse caught fire. The smoke prompted the minutemen, who were gathering in the hills to the north of town, to advance. The outnumbered redcoats defending North Bridge formed ranks on the far bank, and once again, despite orders on both sides to hold their fire, someone fired what came to be known as "The Shot Heard Round the World." Up until this point, war could have still been averted; but now, with the additional casualties, both sides wanted revenge. As the ranks of militiamen continued to swell, the British decided to return to Boston. The organized retreat soon turned into a rout as militiamen continually fired on the British column from behind stone walls and trees, inflicting many more casualties than they received in return. The whole column, which was running low on ammunition, might have been destroyed before making it back to Boston if they hadn't been rescued by Percy's Brigade near Lexington.
     Although the Battles of Lexington and Concord were rather small in comparison to other famous battles, they provided the spark that lit the fuse in what became known as the Revolutionary War. After a year of armed conflict, colonial leaders gathered in Philadelphia, where they formally declared independence from Great Britain, paving the way for the formation of a new nation governed by the will of the people.

Location: The Minute Man National Historical Park Visitor Center is located at 250 N. Great Road in Lincoln, MA.
- The North Bridge Visitor Center is located at 174 Liberty Street in Concord, MA.
- The Lexington Green is located at 1625 Massachusetts Ave. in Lexington, MA.

Time: The Minute Man NHP Visitor Centers are open from 9am - 5 pm daily from April 1 - October 31. Additionally, the North Bridge Visitor Center is open from 11 am - 3 pm on Tuesdays-Saturdays in March. It will probably take half a day or more to see the various sites.

Cost: Most locations are currently free.

Description:  Minute Man National Historical Park contains historical landmarks within the cities of Lexington, Concord, and Lincoln. The main Visitor Center shows a movie called "The Road to Revolution" that gives an excellent overview of the events that led up to the Revolutionary War. There is also a beautiful 40-foot mural depicting one of the skirmishes between the regulars and minutemen.

     At Concord's North Bridge, visitors can enjoy the tranquil environment as they study the famous Minute Man statue, a monument commemorating those who fought here, and the restored bridge. Nearby is the North Bridge Visitor Center where you can watch a short film on the battle and view the exhibits. Don't miss the 20-minute ranger presentation.

     The Battle Road Trail is a five mile trail that connects several of the historical sites from Meriam's Corner in Concord to the park's eastern boundary in Lexington. The theme of the trail is the Battles of Lexington and Concord, launching the American Revolution, and much of the trail follows the original Battle Road where most of the fighting took place. The trail can be explored on foot or by bicycle.
     Hartwell Tavern is an authentic period home that shows what life was like in the colonies at the time of the American Revolution. Ephraim and Elizabeth Hartwell raised their children on this prosperous farm, while also running a popular tavern. Ranger programs are offered here daily from late June through October.

     The Wayside: Home of Authors has been the home to three famous 19th century authors (Nathaniel Hawthorne, Louisa May Alcott, and Harriet Lothrop) who helped established the American ideal through their writings during the early days of our country.
     The Lexington Green is a public park with several monuments recognizing the events that took place there. Here is another Minute Man statue along the roadside. Nearby is the Buckman Tavern, which was used as the HQ for the Sons of Liberty.

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - The Boston Marathon is held annually on Patriot's Day, the third Monday of April. It started in 1897, following the success of the inaugural Olympic games, and is the world's longest running annual marathon. The event attracts 500,000 visitors, so be prepared for heavy crowds if you are in the Boston area that week.
- Most locations in the park are only open seasonally. Since hours vary from location to location, check operating hours before you visit at http://www.nps.gov/mima/planyourvisit/hours.htm.
- For a list of upcoming special events and reinactments, visit  http://www.nps.gov/mima/planyourvisit/events.htm
- For a list of ranger led programs (locations and times), visit http://www.nps.gov/mima/planyourvisit/ranger-programs-and-tours.htm

Nearby: The Old Manse, The National Heritage Museum, The Freedom Trail, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Salem Witch Museum

Travel Tip #15 - Pack light - especially when traveling by air

     On the surface, this may seem a contradiction to my last travel tip - to use a generic packing list so as not to forget anything. However, they can actually be complimentary tips. The purpose of the generic packing list is to make sure you don't forget something essential for that particular trip, not to pack for every eventuality. The key word is essential. What is essential for one trip (ie. a sleeping bag and pillow on a camping trip), will not be essential for another one. The key is to go through the list and decide what you really need, and what you can do without. After all, there are several benefits to packing light:
1. The fewer things you take with you, the fewer things you have to keep track of. This minimizes the possibility of loss due to theft or neglect. This is especially important if there is a gap of time between checkout from your hotel and the time you need to be at the airport, or vice-versa.
2. Traveling light allows you greater freedom of movement. If you have lots of bags, it limits your options of moving from one place to another. Instead of contacting and waiting for a shuttle, shelling out a lot of money for a taxi, or renting a car, you can use public transportation to get from one location to another. For short distances, you may even be able to walk.
3. Traveling light cuts down on extra fees. Most airlines charge $25 per bag that you check. They also charge extra if your bags are too heavy. Taxis often charge extra for bags. Even buses and trains charge fees for extra bags. And don't forget the tips you need to pay the hotel porters for helping you carry your bags.
4. Traveling light saves time. If you only have a carry-on bag, you can avoid lines at the airport (such as luggage check-in and the baggage claim). You also don't have to spend time tracking down baggage carts or making multiple trips lugging all your bags to and from the car to your room.
5. Traveling light allows you to handle travel disruptions with minimal worry. Have you ever had your flight delayed, forcing you to race from one gate to another at the next airport to make your connecting flight? Even if you make it, sometimes your luggage doesn't, causing massive headaches trying to track it down. Or have you ever been on a flight that is overbooked? If you only have your carry-on bags to worry about, you can easily change to another flight (either earlier or later). If you are willing and able to do this, you are often rewarded with a free ticket for a future flight.
6. Traveling light reduces stress. We've all seen families traveling with way too many bags (maybe it was your own family). Invariably, they are stressed out due to one or more of the reasons listed above. Experienced travelers have learned to pack the essentials, and only the essentials, so that they can easily cope with the unexpected variables that crop up on even the best planned vacation.
     For ideas on how to reduce your load when traveling, go to http://www.onebag.com/ The website has various tips on what to pack, what to pack it in, how to pack it, and additional reasons on why it is necessary. So try packing light for your next big trip. You'll be glad you did.

Spotlight: New England - Plimouth Plantation (Plymouth)

Spotlight: Plimouth Plantation is a living history museum in Plymouth, Massachusetts that is designed to simulate life at the time the Pilgrims built the first European colony in the New England area. The Pilgrims came to the New World seeking religious freedom rather than economic exploitation. They fostered a positive relationship with the local Wampanoag tribe, learning from the Native Americans about the local plants and animals in order to survive in this harsh climate. The First Thanksgiving, held after the Pilgrims' first harvest in 1621, was attended by 90 Native Americans, and remains a national symbol of cooperation and harmony between people of different races, religions, and cultures. Plimouth Plantation also operates the Mayflower II - a scale replica of the original boat that brought the Pilgrims to the Americas. The boat was built in England using traditional tools and methods. The completed replica sailed across the Atlantic on April 20, 1957.

Location: Plimouth Plantation is located in the southeastern section of the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts. The address is 137 Warren Avenue. Plymouth Rock, the National Monument to the Forefathers and the Mayflower II are located in Pilgrim Memorial State Park.

Time: You should plan on spending 4-6 hours in Plymouth at the various sites. Plimouth Plantation sites are open from 9 am - 5 pm daily from mid-March through November.

Cost: - Plimouth Plantation - $25.95 (adults), $23.95 (seniors), $15 (children 5-12)
- Mayflower II - $12 (adults), $11 (seniors), $8 (children 5-12)
- Plimouth Grist Mill - $6.50 (adults), $5.50 (seniors), $4.50 (children 5-12)
- The Heritage Pass (which includes admission to all three sites) - $36 (adults), $32.25 (seniors), $22 (children 5-12), $29.95 (students)

Description: Plimouth Plantation, established in 1947, simulates the daily life of both the Pilgrims and the Native Americans during the seventeenth century. Historical interpreters inside the replica village perform their daily chores as if they were really people living in 1627 - the backdrop setting for the village. Seasonal activities, celebrations and key historical events are recreated each year as if it were in fact 1627. If you ask them questions using modern terminology, they act confused since the characters they represent wouldn't understand the question. They do however explain what they are doing so that visitors can understand.

     Next to the village, visitors can tour a recreated Wampanoag Homesite. Here modern Native Americans, wearing traditional dress, demonstrate and explain to visitors how the Wampanoag's ancestors lived and interacted with the Pilgrims. The Homesite differs from the village in the sense that they don't pretend that they are actually living in the 17th century. Instead they will openly answer any of your questions about life for the Native American people both then and now.

     The grounds also include the Nye Barn, which keeps examples of historical breeds of animals used by the settlers and native people. There is also a crafts center where objects used in the village are created; a cinema for educational videos; a Colonial Education site for youth and adult groups; and the Hornblower Visitor Center with indoor exhibits and educational programs.

     The Plimouth Grist Mill is the newest addition to the Plantation. It is a reproduction of the 1636 grist mill that used water power to grind corn. The mill operates twice a week to grind corn, but is open to the public daily. Next to the Grist Mill is a beautiful pond with snapping turtles and swans.
     Off the grounds, visitors can visit Plymouth Rock - the traditional site where the Pilgrims are supposed to have descended from the Mayflower upon first landing in the New World. Although no contemporary accounts mention the rock, it was identified in 1741 by Thomas Fraunce, who grew up in the village among many of the original settlers, including his father. The authenticity of the rock has been questioned by many historians; nevertheless it became a symbol of the Pilgrims and of the English settlement of the Americas. Over the years, pieces have been chipped off the original rock until only about a third of it remains. It is preserved by the Department of Conservation and Recreation as part of Pilgrim Memorial State Park.

     Pilgrim Memorial State Park also oversees the care of the National Monument to the Forefathers. The 81-foot statue was commissioned by the Pilgrim Society, and was dedicated on Aug. 1, 1889. The principal figure is Faith, who is surrounded by figures representing Morality, Law, Education, and Liberty.
     Near Plymouth Rock, visitors can also visit the Mayflower II. Historical interpreters interact with visitors explaining the various purposes of each part of the boat. Visitors are allowed to explore the boat in depth and even try on some of the props.

Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - Plimouth Plantation is open seasonally, from mid-March until the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
- Although the Living History Museum is officially closed during December, the Visitors' Center offers a selection of seasonal activities during the month. Use this link to peruse the December calendar.
- Combination tickets may be purchased for Plimouth Plantation and one other site, and may be used on consecutive days so as not to cut your stay short at either site.
- You can purchase tickets online to avoid long lines at the ticket counter - particularly on holiday weekends. To purchase tickets, visit the official website.
- The Grist Mill generally operates on Friday and Saturday from 1 pm - 3 pm. However, the schedule occasionally is altered due to special orders or repairs. To find out if it will be operational on the day you wish to visit, call 508-746-1622 ext. 8242.
- For group tours (of 15 or more), call (508) 503-2653.
- A Parent's Guide is available with tips on how to help your children ask the right type of questions to the historical interpreters at the living history museum. This will facilitate children getting the information they desire, while allowing the staff to stay in character. You may also want to review the safety guidelines page.
- The introductory film tells both sides of the story of Plimouth Plantation - from the viewpoint of both the Pilgrims and the Native Americans.
- The historical interpreters in the village each play the role of a specific person who lived at Plimouth Plantation during the year 1627. We were able to track down the person who was playing the role of one of our relatives, and ask her several questions about her family and family life. It made the experience more personal.

Nearby: Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, Harvard University, Cape Cod

Travel Tip #14 - Generic packing list

     It used to be that every time we went on a trip, we would inevitably forget something. One year it was a flashlights for our camping trip. Another year it was dress shoes. Other things we've forgotten were flip-flops, sun block, glasses, contact lenses cleaning solution, etc. We would make packing lists, but inevitably we'd leave something off of it. Then I got smart and made a generic packing list to cover all the different types of destinations we generally travel to, and saved it on my computer. Now, when packing for a trip, I pull out my I-pad and review the list, deciding which items I need, and which I don't. Occasionally I modify the list to include new items or discard obsolete ones. In any case, I have everything ready the night before so that all I have to do is pack it in the car on the day of our trip. Now my wife doesn't spend half the night worrying about what we might have forgotten. Here is my list. Feel free to adapt it to meet your needs:
Clothes: underwear, shirts, pants, shorts, socks, dress clothes, pjs, sweats, jacket, hat, belt, shoes (dress, tennis, flip-flops, sandals, hiking boots, water socks), swim suit, glasses
Toiletries: deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, facial cleanser, cotton balls, aspirin, medications, chapstick, sunscreen, comb, razor, gel, cologne
Miscellaneous: towels, water bottles, camel pack, camera, phone, tickets & documents, passport, wallet, extra cash, games, book, computer, chargers, DVDs, music, journal, pen, map, flashlight, first aid kit, day pack, pillow, gifts
Camping: tent, mallet, sleeping bags, air mattresses, air pump, batteries, blanket, camp chairs, mini broom, cook stove, propane, lighter, wood, hatchet, dutch oven equipment, pots & pans, cooking utensils, eating utensils, plates & cups, water purifier, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, flashlight, trowel, TP, marshmallow prongs, compass or GPS, hand mirror, back pack, hiking pole, mole skin
Food, Beverages & paper goods

Spotlight: Boston - Freedom Trail

Spotlight: From New York City, we moved up the East Coast into New England - more specifically the city of Boston. Boston is not only the biggest city in the New England area, it is one of the richest cities in terms of history, culture, and tradition. Much of that history dates back to colonial times, when Boston earned its nickname as the Cradle of Liberty for its role in sparking the flame of Independence in the hearts of American colonists, resulting in the Revolutionary War. Boston played such an important role in bringing about the birth of the United States, you can hardly turn around without spotting another historical building or statue commemorating one critical event or another. To help visitors to the city easily locate these national treasures, the city of Boston has created The Freedom Trail - a 2.5 mile trail that passes 17 historical sites from the Boston Commons to the USS Constitution.

Location: The Freedom Trail traditionally starts at the Boston Common. Or you can work backwards from the USS Constitution.

Time: You could spend all day exploring sites along the Trail; The Walk Into History Tour is 90 min.

Cost: Most stops along the Trail are free or suggest donations. The following charge a fee:
The Old South Meeting House & Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum - $31/adult; $16/child (4-12)
The Old State House - $10/adult; children under 18 (free)
The Paul Revere House - $3.50/adult; $3.00/seniors & college students; $1.00/children (5-17)
The Walk Into History Tour - $12/adult; $10/seniors or students; $6.50/child (6-12)

Description: The Freedom Trail is overseen by the City of Boston's Freedom Trail Commission. The Trail goes by 17 official sites:
     The Boston Common is the U.S.'s oldest public park. Originally used for grazing of local livestock, it later became a central site for public gatherings, including hangings of pirates and witches. Over 1000 redcoats camped here during the British occupation of Boston, and 3 brigades left from the Common to make their fateful march to Lexington and Concord. The Common continues to be a public gathering place for rallies, celebrations, and speeches.
     The Massachusetts State House, completed in 1798, is easily identified by its golden dome. It is used by senators, state representatives and the governor to conduct state business.
     The Park Street Church, founded in 1809, is associated with the abolitionist movement in the 1800's. "My Country 'Tis of Thee" was sung on the steps of this church for the first time on July 4, 1831.
     The Granary Burying Ground contains 2,300 markers, including several famous patriots: John Hancock, Paul Revere, James Otis, Samuel Adams, Robert Treat Paine, victims of the Boston Massacre and Benjamin Franklin's parents. The Infant's Tomb contains hundreds of babies that died during colonial times.

     King's Chapel, completed in 1754, was built on the site of the first non-Puritan church in Boston to serve a growing Anglican population.
     King's Chapel Burying Ground hosts the tombs of some of Boston's most famous residents including: John Winthrop, Massachusetts' first governor, and Mary Chilton, the first woman to step off the Mayflower.
     The Benjamin Franklin Statue marks the original site of the Boston Latin School (founded in 1635), the oldest public school in America. Ironically, Franklin is the school's most famous dropout.
     The Old Corner Bookstore, built in 1718, is Boston's oldest commercial building. It was the center of America's book publishing industry in the 1800's, publishing the works of many noted authors including: Nathaniel Hawthorne, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Louisa May Alcott. The land once belonged to the famous religious leader/heretic Anne Hutchinson.
     The Old South Meeting House was the biggest building in colonial Boston, and hosted several famous events leading up to the American Revolution. The most famous may be Samuel Adams' address regarding the tea tax, during which he signaled the Sons of Liberty to begin the Boston Tea Party.

     The Old State House, which housed the colony's government offices, was the site of James Otis's fiery speech that ignited Boston's fervor for independence. It was also the site of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence to the citizens of Boston. Today it hosts a variety of tours, performances, and interactive exhibits in its Revolutionary Museum.
     The Site of the Boston Massacre is marked by a ring of stones. The Bostonian Society does reenactments  of the event every year on the anniversary (March 5).
     Faneuil Hall, sometimes referred to as the "home of free speech," hosted America's first Town Meeting. It was used by the Sons of Liberty as an open forum meeting hall, and continues to serve this purpose. During the War of 1812, the question "What is on top of Faneuil Hall?" was used by Americans to help ferret out British spies. The answer can be found below.

     The Paul Revere House, built around 1680, is the oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston. The Paul Revere Memorial Association bought and restored the home, including a small museum. They give tours for a small fee to help cover operating expenses.

     The Old North Church, opened in 1723, is the oldest standing church structure in Boston. Its 191 foot steeple is the tallest in Boston. Two lamps hung in its tower were used to signal Paul Revere that the British would travel by sea rather than by land.
     The Copp's Hill Burying Ground was Boston's largest colonial cemetery. Notables buried here include: Cotton and Increase Mather, Robert Newman, Edmund Hartt, Prince Hall and Captain Daniel Malcolm.
     The Bunker Hill Monument marks the spot of the first major battle of the Revolutionary War. Although technically a British victory, it proved to the colonists that they could fight effectively against the infamous redcoats. The Bunker Hill Museum houses dioramas, murals and artifacts from the battle. There is also a memorial to Dr. Joseph Warren, the first patriot leader to die for the cause of liberty.

     The USS Constitution, nicknamed Old Ironsides during the War of 1812, was launched in Boston in 1797, and is the oldest commissioned warship afloat. The ship retains its commission with a crew of naval officers. It has a perfect 33-0 record in combat.

Rating: 4.5 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: -We took the Walk Into History Tour, which was very informative and took us to 11 of the 17 sites. There are other tours available that focus on different places or aspects of the Trail.
- Although the tour is supposed to be 90 minutes, you may end up with a talkative docent who extends the tour to two or more hours. Although I found it fascinating, our kids were bored.
- Keep your eyes open for the statue of Paul Revere on his midnight ride. It isn't an official stop on the Trail. Also, if you have kids, there is a splash pad along the Trail.
- The National Park Service operates a visitor's center on the first floor of Faneuil Hall. They offer tours and hand out free maps of the Trail for those who want to explore it on their own.
- Boy Scouts who hike the Trail may be eligible for the Historic Trails Award.
- The historic churches still host active congregations, and should be treated at houses of worship.
- For a delicious treat, you may want to try Mike's Pastries (near the Paul Revere home).
- The golden grasshopper weather vane atop Faneuil Hall is the most famous weather vane in the state. Behind the Hall is the bustling Quincy Marketplace. There are lots of great souvenir shops here and several options for lunch or dinner.
- The USS Constitution is open for tours Tuesday - Sunday. Summer hours are: Tues.-Fri. (2:00-6:00), Sat.-Sun. (10:00-6:00). The museum is open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. No fee is required, but a donation is requested ($20 per family) for the museum. A valid photo ID is required for each adult wishing to board the boat.
- The cheapest place for parking in the Boston area is at the Nautica Parking Garage near the USS Constitution ($18/day).

Nearby: Fenway Park, Lexington & Concord, Plimouth Plantation, Salem

Travel Tip #13 - Be prepared (clothing)

     One of the potential problems you run into when traveling is wearing the right clothing. Since you often do a couple of different activities in a day, what may be the best outfit for one activity might not be the best for another. If you are close to your hotel room, that might not be a big problem; but if your hotel is on the other side of town, or you are traveling to a new location, and all your clothes are packed away in your suitcase, it could be problematic.
     If your activities are outside, you have the additional complication of the weather. Depending where you are, it may be hot during the day, but cold during the morning or evening hours. Or it may be cold all day even though it's summer. If you aren't familiar with the area, it pays to check the projected temperatures before leaving for the day.
     For example, when we were in Oregon a number of years ago, it was a nice summer day, so I wore shorts and a T-shirt. Unfortunately, our destination was Crater Lake. As we drove up the mountain, the temperature kept dropping. Eventually, the road was lined by ten foot snowbanks. When we got out of the car, I started shivering. I found a sweatshirt to put on, but there wasn't anywhere to change into long pants.
     One solution is to dress in layers. It is easier to remove an unwanted clothing than to go digging through your suitcases for items you want to add. You can keep the extra layers in a day pack or in a special location in the car that is easily accessible. Even in the summer, you should have jackets handy in case the weather suddenly changes. It is much less stressful to have access to something and not use it, than to not have access to it, and wish you did.
     Another idea is to lay out everything you will need (or may need) the night before. This gives you an opportunity to calmly think through your schedule so that you don't forget something important (ie. sunscreen, hats, diapers, medication, specialized shoes, etc.) as you rush around getting ready the next morning. A little advanced preparation can save you a great headache later on (particularly if you forget the aspirin).
     So take a page out of the Boy Scout handbook and be prepared!