House of Seven Gables

House of Seven Gables

Salem, Massachusetts

If you are in Salem, MA, and want to get away from all the talk about witches, The House of the Seven Gables may be the destination for you.  This historic home, built in 1668, is best known today as the setting of world-renowned American author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel. Take a guided 45-minute group tour through this seaside home. You’ll have an expert guide that is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the subject.  Never read the book? Don’t worry…most visitors haven’t.  It’s a wonderful way to get a glimpse of what Salem was like at that time period.

House of Seven Gables

What do you see during your visit?

Let me show you a peek at some of the rooms you’ll view:

Make sure you go outside an look at the view of the harbor.

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Hawthorne Hotel

Hawthorne Hotel

(Salem, Massachusetts)

As I was packing for my night away, my daughter came in to tell me she just watched a YouTube video and the Hawthorne Hotel was one of the most haunted hotels in America.  I told her, “As long as the ghost isn’t saying ‘Mom. Mom. Mom’ a hundred times a day they were more than welcome to stay with me!” Spoiler alert…I didn’t see any ghosts, but I did experience a relaxing, comfortable stay in this gorgeous historic hotel in Salem, Massachusetts.

When I pulled up to the Hawthorne, I was impressed by how grand it was.  The brick building has an impressive presence as it looms over the corner of the block. The navy blue awnings, golden eagle, and colorful mums welcome you in.

Click here to read all about my stay…

A Visit to Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA

PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM

If you are looking for a lovely activity for the whole family to do while you’re in Salem, Massachusetts, the Peabody Essex Museum is a wonderful option.  It was a gloomy, rainy day outside when I visited and it was the perfect place to spend the morning. Take a peek at some of the pieces that I most enjoyed:

Protector Goddess, mid-1800’s. Artist in Kerala, India

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10 Reasons Kids Should Travel

 

 

The other day a friend of mine told me she’s not sure she will ever travel with her kids again.  I agree that it’s a scary time right now and we’re not getting much use of our passports, but the thought of NEVER traveling with my kids again breaks my heart. I strongly believe there will be a time again soon when we can get lost on winding streets, chat with locals at the pub, and dine under the stars after a day of exploring a new town. Still nervous about traveling with kids? Take a peek at an article I wrote  a few years back about 10 Reasons Kids Should Travel.  Enjoy!

 

KIDS THAT TRAVEL SEE THE WORLD WITH A NEW PERSPECTIVE

My kids are growing up in a town that does not have much diversity.  When we travel they are able to see there are so many amazing cultures.   The more exposure to travel they get, the more they will seek it out.  The world will not seem scary or unknown, but rather something that makes them curious and question where they want to go next.

KIDS WILL LEARN ABOUT THEMSELVES

Do they enjoy vacations surrounded by lots of people or do they prefer solitude? Are they adventurous or do they like to do calm activities?  What do they like to do for fun? Do they want to hike, swim, snorkel, fly, swim with dolphins, or go parasailing? Do they like to follow an itinerary or  be spontaneous? A good vacation is one where they come home changed for the better.

Flying hawks in Ireland

KIDS THAT TRAVEL WILL LEARN TO EXPLORE

 I always research the heck out of the place we’re traveling but I always leave room to just explore and wander around.  (Ok…and I get lost A LOT!) Our favorite times when traveling were wandering in the maze of streets and coming upon a cute café or shop.  Traveling makes kids appreciate how great it can be to get lost.

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Should You Travel During Off-Season?

When it’s time to start planning a vacation the first question I ask myself is, ‘When do we want to go?’ The time I most love to travel is late spring.  We’ve done a mid-May vacation for the past few years and I just love everything about it.  Summer may be a more convenient time to travel but I think pulling the kids out of school for 5 days is worth the trouble.  Here are a few reasons I love to travel during off-season and but also a few reasons you may not want to.

Pros of traveling during off season:

Save money on hotels

Who doesn’t love to save money when traveling?  And let’s admit it…we all love to stay in nice places.  Traveling during off-season lets you save money while staying at a place you may not be able to afford during high season.  There’s also a better chance of getting upgrades since most hotels won’t be at full capacity. 

Save money on airfare

Airfare can cost an arm and a leg so I’ll jump at any chance for a deal.  It’s amazing how different the prices can be to fly to the exact location.  High season usually means high prices.

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7 Ways to Entertain Kids at Museums

 

mytravelingkids.com

I love going to museums and have always wanted my kids to be just as excited about them as me. Their first museum was visited in a stroller, and when they were finally able to walk it was time to explore the Museum of Natural History in NYC.  Some of my friends think it’s pointless to bring their kids because they don’t get anything out of it.  Seriously?  How can you possibly stand next to the statue of David and not get anything out of it? However, how do you entertain kids at museums?

Now don’t get me wrong, my kids and I don’t stand at a painting and discuss the contrasting and muted tones or the use of negative space.  It usually sounded more like, “Hahaha…look Mom…BOOBS!”

My girls have been to museums in NYC, Boston, Portugal, London, and Greece and have never once told me they were bored.  When they were young, they treated a museum as a place to use their imagination and they come up with some pretty cool ideas.  Now that they’re teens they still love going to museums. I asked the girls to share in their own words some tips on how they’d entertain themselves at museums when they were younger. Take it away ladies…

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Weekend in Woodstock, Vermont

 

 

Weekend in Woodstock, Vermont

Day 1

Spend your morning getting to know downtown Woodstock.  There are tons of adorable boutiques to poke in to.  Here are a few of my favorite shops:

37 Central

Fossil Glass

Yankee Books

  1. H Gillingham & Sons

Unicorn

Red Wagon Toy Co.

Stop in to Mon Vert Café, order a latte and walk around enjoying the view.

One of my favorite stores is outside of downtown, but right next to the inn. Make sure you visit Farmhouse Pottery.

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Sugarbush Farm

Sugarbush Farm

Woodstock, Vermont

When visiting Vermont, a visit to a quintessential New England farm is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.  Sugarbush Farm is a 3-generation farm owned by the Luce Family.  This 500-acre farm has gorgeous scenic views, farm animals, and some of the best cheese you’ll find in Vermont!  Take a peek at my morning here…

Maple Sugar Woods

My first stop was walking the nature trail of the maple sugar woods.

You follow the path the draft horses use in the spring to collect the sap.  It’s interesting to see how trees are tapped and collected.

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Billings Farm & Museum

Billings Farm & Museum

Woodstock, Vermont

Vermont is rich in farming heritage and Billings Farm & Museum is the perfect place to learn all about it. Take a peek at my afternoon…

Museum

My first stop was the museum. There were so many recreations of life in rural Vermont. Some of my favorite were:

Machine thatching

Butter making

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15 Tips for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep in a Hotel

15 Tips for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep in a Hotel

You spend so much time planning the perfect getaway, but it’s not so perfect when you’re wide awake at 3 am.  Talk about frustrating! Those nights can be endless and makes me want to throw something. So, what can you do to ensure you get a good night’s sleep in a hotel? Here are 15 tips:

Before you get to the hotel:

CHOOSE YOUR ROOM WISELY

Not all rooms are created equally so don’t be afraid to make some requests.  You may want to avoid rooms that are on the first floor, or near elevators, ice machines, or housekeeping closets.

PACK A PILLOW

If you know me you know I’ve been on the search for the perfect pillow for year.  (Still haven’t found it…. gggrrrrrr) If you’re picky about your pillow choice, you may want to bring your own.  Thick, hard pillows or thin deflated ones may be your neck’s worse nightmare. 

GET SHADY

Nothing is worse than planning on sleeping in, when suddenly a ray of sunshine pierces your eyes at 6 am! Most rooms have light block shades, but an eye mask takes up almost no room in your bag, so you may want to bring on.  It is better to be safe than sorry.

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