Victoria Mansion: A Historic Gem in Portland, Maine

There’s nothing more fun than discovering a hidden gem in one of your favorite cities.  While attending the Women in Travel Summit last spring, I went on The Real Portland Tour and our guide told us we HAD to get inside of the Victoria Mansion because there was nothing like it in Portland.  I hadn’t been able to take that building off my mind so while my girls were in camp this summer, I decided it was finally time to go in and take a peek.  I was lucky to have a private tour with Torie, who was able to bring life to the history of the house. Let me show you around…

Also known as the Morse-Libby House, Victoria Mansion was built between 1858-1860 for Ruggles Sylvester Morse and his wife Olivia.  Can you believe it was their summer home! The outside of the home is stunning and will make you stop in your tracks to look at it.

When you walk in, you’ll be amazed at this stunning staircase

(more…)

Portland Museum of Art: A Morning at the Museum on My Kid-Free Day in Maine

While my girls are in camp, I like to spend some quiet time exploring different cities.  After a hectic day in Boston, I decided to slow it down and head to Portland, Maine for the day to enjoy some relaxing ‘Me Time’.  My first stop was the gorgeous Portland Museum of Art.  I’d been here years ago on a quick trip so I was anxious to be able to spend as much time as I wanted. 

It’s hard to walk by the museum without giving it a second glance.  The courtyard outside has some beautiful sculptures so I had to stop and take a look.  The first thing I noticed was the sculpture that looked very familiar since I just saw one very similar at the CMCA in Rockland, Maine. 

(more…)

Boston Museum of Fine Art: Mummies, Monet, and More

When you think of a fine arts museum you may imagine boring halls filled with old portraits, security shushing people, and bored children trailing behind their parents.  This is not the case at the Boston Fine Arts Museum. Not only do they have hundreds of famous paintings, they also have mummies, statues, jewelry, and weapons that will capture anyone’s attention.  The Boston Museum of Fine Art, with more than 450,000 works of art, is difficult to see in one day, but with a little planning, you can see it all.  The museum is separated into different wings such as Art of Ancient World, Art of Asia, Oceania and Africa, And Contemporary Art. Let me take you around to see our favorite areas of the museum:

Your experience of the MFA begins before you even walk inside.  The museum has some really unique pieces of art right outside.  These doll heads are my daughters’ favorites! 

I personally love Indian Hunter (Paul Manship, 2002) as the hunter and Pronghorn Antelope (and Paul Manship, 2002) as his prey.

(more…)

Boston Museum of Science: A Top Pick for Family Activities in Boston

If you’re looking for something the whole family can do while you’re in Boston, look no further than the Museum of Science.  Like many big museums, it’s always best to plan your day out before going, so don’t miss anything.  There are so many fun things to do there that I suggest you check out the website and, as a family, decide what you want to do together.  While my girls were at camp, I got to go alone and I had just as much fun as I do when they come with me, so it is also a great activity when you’re traveling to Boston solo.

Here are 10 things my family likes to do when visiting the Boston Museum of Science:

(more…)

Boston Duck Tour: Quacking Your Way Through Boston

Photo credit: Boston Duck Tour

It’s always a good idea to take a tour of the city to get the lay of the land, but as soon as you arrive at your Boston Duck Tour you’ll quickly see this will be unlike any city tour you’ve ever taken! Your “DUCK” is actually a WWII style amphibious landing vehicle, which can drive on land and then drive in water! Let me tell you all about my ride…

I got aboard my “DUCK” and met my conDUCKtour, Scott the Milkman, and Joe, our driver, and off we went.  Boston is filled with history and Scott knew it all.  I took in all the facts while admiring the historic architecture of the different neighborhoods.  Through it all, Scott was full of jokes and puns that kept everyone laughing, including the kids that were on my tour.  It’s a fun way for kids to have fun and even learn a little something without knowing it.

We passed many historic/famous places in Boston such as:

(more…)

July Product Roundup: A Few of My New Favorite Travel Items

Summer is in full swing and we’ve been having so much fun using a bunch of new products. Some of them were okay, but not something my family would actually use. I’ve promised to only show you things we’re using, so here are a few of our favorites from July. Enjoy!

(more…)

Higgins Beach Inn, Scarborough, Maine

When I think of vacationing in Maine, I picture us with wind-blown hair searching for shells on a beach after an afternoon of playing in the waves.  The coast of Maine has many great accommodations and the Higgins Beach Inn is one of my new finds.  Located in Scarborough, the inn is just 20 minutes from one of my favorite Maine towns…Portland.  I had never visited Scarborough before, and I couldn’t wait to explore this gorgeous coastal town.

This three-storied colonial dates back to 1897, but is filled with modern amenities for travelers.  The hotel has done a fabulous job maintaining the inn’s historic charm while giving travelers everything they need for a comfortable stay.  It is the quintessential Maine hotel that’s a short walk from the unspoiled sands of Higgins Beach. 

Read all about our amazing stay that kicked off our summer!

10 Tips for Taking Kids on Overnight Flights

BE COMFY: Buttons can be your worst enemy on an overnight flight.  My girls love to dress in yoga pants, a cozy t-shirt, and a big sweatshirt.  They also wear fluffy socks and a pair of sneakers they can take off during the flight.  Layers are perfect when flying because the temperature of planes can be unpredictable.

(more…)

Seacoast Tours of Freeport: A Perfect Morning Full of Lobsters and Seals

At the start of summer, we got to spend a perfect morning aboard the Pamela B, with Peter and Laura from Seacoast Tours of Freeport.  We were hoping to go out on the afternoon lobster boat tour, but since the weather wasn’t cooperating the tour had to be canceled.  Luckily, Captain Pete invited us to join him and his deckhand, Laura, on their boat as they went out to check their lobster traps.  We couldn’t say yes quick enough!

(more…)

Nonesuch Oyster Farm

Ask me what my favorite treat during summer months is and I’ll tell you, hands down, raw oysters with an ice-cold beer.  One thing I never thought about was where oysters come from.  On our recent trip to Scarborough, Maine, we had the pleasure of hopping aboard a work boat at Nonesuch Oyster Farm to get a private tour. We started our tour in front of the Harbor Master’s house at Pine Point.  It is a gorgeous working pier and we watched lobstermen loading traps onto their boats as we all admitted we didn’t know what to expect.  We were pleased to meet Sadie who would be sharing her boat and her experience with us.  I love when my girls get the opportunity to see strong females that are passionate about their jobs. 

We hopped aboard a 17’ Carolina Skiff work boat and settled in to the wooden benches, allowing us a close view of the water.

You’ll love watching the gorgeous scenery as you boat through stunning marsh in the river.  Like fine wine, oysters will taste different depending on their environment.

(more…)