Cranberry Madness In Massachusetts

Did you know 27% of the world’s cranberries come from Massachusetts? It’s not exactly the best-known statistic around, but it’s a fact residents of the state are proud of nonetheless. The cranberry industry is Massachusetts’ number one agricultural crop, according to the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association. What’s more, leaders of the growers association maintain that Massachusetts is where the cranberry industry was born. Which means if you plan to visit the area during harvest season you are in for a real treat. In the early autumn months the New England state best known for its ties to American history … Continue reading →

Island Hopping: Nantucket

I grew up on an island and I would be a rich woman today if I could have collected a dime from every person who uttered these words to me over the last three decades: “Hawaii is a great place to visit, but I sure couldn’t afford to live here.” I have a feeling that residents of Nantucket get a lot of the same. The only difference is that most of them are already rich. It’s true; statistics show that most of the island’s residents are second-homeowners who spend the peak summer season in their multi-million dollar oceanfront pads. If … Continue reading →

Boston Wants Your Business

In these tough economic times some lodgings are pulling out all the stops to fill guest rooms. Some are a bit cleverer than others, but for the most part the offerings are designed to give you more bang for your buck. Hotels in the Boston area have ramped up their promotions in just the last two weeks; perhaps hoping you will spend some of your tax rebates or part of your economic stimulus package on a vacation for the whole clan. If you are looking to getaway to Beantown and want to save some cash on your hotel room check … Continue reading →

Travel Tidbits: Visiting a Rock in a Box and a Smoke-free Italy

Bad news for all of you history buffs planning to travel to the spot where it’s believed the Pilgrims first stepped foot on American soil in 1620. Plymouth, Massachusetts tourist guides recently issued this warning to future visitors: If you are hoping to snap a picture of your family standing near legendary Plymouth Rock next spring you’ll be sorely disappointed. All you’ll see is a reinforced plywood box. State park officials say the famous symbol of America’s founding is going to be covered from March to May as workers begin a $680,000 overhaul of a granite and steel portico built … Continue reading →

Thanksgiving in Massachusetts

Traditionally, when a child takes off for college you expect him or her to return home during breaks to spend the holidays with family and friends. That’s not the case with my former colleague. I ran into Dan and his wife this afternoon at the grocery store and learned that they will be flying east in a couple of days to meet up with their daughter at her school. (Hence, the missing turkey in their shopping cart.) Dan, his wife, and two sons are heading to Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley for Thanksgiving. The scenic section of New England is located about … Continue reading →

The Nicest Jail You’ll Ever Spend the Night In

How many visitors to Boston can say they paid to sleep in a jail cell? Okay, former jail cell. Beantown’s newly opened Liberty Hotel was once home to some of the city’s most notorious prisoners. Now, for $320 a night (minimum) you can catch some zzz’s near iron-railing balconies where guards used to stand watch over inmates more than 100 years ago. What a difference a few decades can make. The 156-year-old stone structure is now home to a luxury hotel—the product of a 5-year, $150 million renovation. And you can forget about looking for remnants of dingy décor, the … Continue reading →

Travel Tidbits: Visiting “Sox” and a Hotel That’ll Knock Your Socks Off

VISTING “SOX” If you‘ve never been to Boston you don’t know what you’re missing. From the world-class shopping to the numerous kid friendly attractions, the historic city is a favorite vacation destination for millions. But, never one to rest on its laurels, Beantown is giving visitors one more reason to travel to Massachusetts. She is a tribute to the Boston Red Sox and a nod to the team’s four-game World Series sweep of the Colorado Rockies. No clue? Okay, she stands 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs a gaunt 154 pounds. She also has long, lanky legs that she … Continue reading →

Island Paradise New England Style

Because I grew up in Hawaii I spend a considerable amount of time writing about my island home. However, I realize that many residents who call the East Coast of the United States home also share bragging rights to another island paradise—one that few travelers ever step foot on. Cuttyhunk, Massachusetts (located about an hour from New Bedford, Massachusetts) sits on the part of the Elizabeth Islands chain, which stretches out from Woods Hole on Cape Cod. It may not be covered with palm trees and boast tropical trade winds, but the views from the beach are as stunning as … Continue reading →

A Candle Lover’s Dream Destination

A few days ago I listed some of the best places in the country to view the fall foliage. Naturally, Massachusetts was one of them. This time of year the popular northeastern state becomes a magnet for leaf peepers, pro-football fans, and… candle lovers. Even if you don’t live anywhere near Massachusetts, I’m sure you are familiar with the Yankee Candle Company. They have locations in malls throughout the nation along with a website that ships products anywhere in the world. This time of year the company’s flagship store in Deerfield, Massachusetts is bustling with holiday shoppers. And it’s no … Continue reading →

Shopping In Boston

My best friend just returned from a shopping trip (I mean business trip) to Boston. And being the wonderful, kind-hearted friend she is (hugs), she didn’t come back empty-handed. Instead, she returned with a bag full of goodies for my young daughter who happens to be a HUGE Curious George fan. If you have a child obsessed with George, you may want to consider a trip to Boston. I’m only half-kidding. The city that’s crammed with historical monuments and must-see museums is also home to some incredible shopping opportunities. (I’m not talking about cookie-cutter mall stores—-Beantown is filled with one-of-a-kind … Continue reading →