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New Hampshire the Beautiful
Alternate Route to the Kancamagus Showcases White Mountains’ Majesty
By Christine E. McDermott |
We were checking out of our hotel after a lovely weekend in the White Mountains, when the receptionist noticed our address.
“You live in Warwick?” he asked. “I just moved up here from there. How are you going home?”
The Kancamagus, we told him, same way we came up. It may not be the most efficient route back to Rhode Island, but it’s a beautiful one.
He pulled out a map and started drawing. “Try this,” he said. “These are the quickest directions. Trust me, I’ve tried them all.”
My husband and I looked at each other, shrugged and agreed, “Why not?”
We’d been thinking it would be good to get home early, but luckily that wasn’t for any particular reason. Not long after we started on the receptionist’s route, we discovered that the scenery along the way rivaled and — in some cases, I’d dare say bested — the Kancamagus. There was no way this would be a rushed trip.
It was early summer when we made our little journey and the trees were lush green. I can only imagine what a magnificent ride it will be early next month when autumn peaks.
We began our drive in Jackson, where we’d spent two nights at the Eagle Mountain House
( ), heading a couple miles down Route 16 (and resisting all urges to continue south to the outlets in North Conway).
Entering the town of Glen (home to childhood favorite Story Land), we turned left onto U.S. Route 302, where we would spend close to 30 glorious miles in the White Mountain National Forest. This National Scenic Byway cuts through the valley next to the Saco River and offers views of both the Presidential Range and the White Mountains.
For awhile, we just gazed out the window at the waterfalls, plunging landscape and rocky streams (at least I did; I wasn’t driving). But after we passed through Harts Location, a town of 42 where the town clerk hosts selectmen’s meetings at her home, and entered Crawford Notch State Park, we realized we were going to have to make some stops.
We parked at the Willey House, the Visitor Center for the Notch, and wished we’d brought our hiking boots when we learned a steep 1.2-mile trek would have taken us to Arethusa Falls, among the tallest of New Hampshire’s 100 waterfalls with a drop of 200 feet.
We didn’t leave completely disappointed, however; two of the area’s beautiful falls — Silver & Flume Cascade — can be seen from the car. And as we neared the northern end of the state park, we found a parking lot where you can get out and snap some photos.
It’s at this point where a right turn onto Mount Clinton Road leads to the Mount Washington Cog Railway, an old-fashioned steam train that makes a leisurely, albeit occasionally harrowing, journey to the highest summit in the northeast.
Back on Route 302, continuing northwest, we entered Bretton Woods and passed the grand Mount Washington Hotel (), a classic vacation resort built in 1902.
About five miles down the road, we made a left to head south on Route 3 in Franconia. Nostalgia hit me as we passed a sign for the Seven Dwarfs Motel ( ), homebase of the annual summer vacations my parents took my sisters and me on decades ago.
Ten miles on Route 3 took us to Interstate 93 – which in New Hampshire bears no resemblance to the highway Massachusetts residents spend all too much time on. This portion of 93 is a National Scenic Byway until it exits the White Mountain National Forest in Plymouth.
By this time, we’d made our peace with arriving back in the Ocean State in the dark and decided to let our whims take us where they may. First, it was a detour via Exit 34B to the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, which ascends the 4,180-foot Cannon in just eight minutes.
Soaring through the air on the way up, you can only feel as though you’re on top of the world. Wanting to spend as much time as we could on the summit, we wandered around some of the walking paths and grabbed lunch from the cafeteria.
Returning south on I-93 through Franconia Notch, we discovered we were coming up on the famous Flume and reconsidered the “no hiking” decision we’d made earlier. For this, a gorge that would take us to a series of cascades and pools between 90-foot granite walls, I put my faith in my sandals. After all, a wooden boardwalk makes for easy trekking over much of the 2-mile path.
As we explored historic covered bridges, watched water flow over glistening glacial boulders, and felt the mist of cascading falls spray our faces, we were glad we’d awakened our intrepid sides.
On the road again, it wasn’t long before we reached Lincoln — a hubbub of hotels, restaurants, and attractions like Clark’s Trading Post and the Loon Mountain Ski Resort — and the point where the Kancamagus intersects with I-93.
We were back on our original route. As I craned my neck to look left down the Kancamagus, I thought about the receptionist at Eagle Mountain and the time he’d tried to save us with his shortcut.
Sometimes the best favors are unintentional.
For an Internet TripTik of this route and suggestions for where to stay and eat, please visit Horizons Online and click “Great Drives.”
Click here for an Internet TripTik and ideas for where to stay and eat. 
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Newport to Bristol: Stunning Coastal Views in Our Own Backyard
By Bryna René |
There are few places more beautiful than Rhode Island in the summertime, and whether you’re a native or a visitor from afar it’s well worth spending a day exploring the stunning coast of Aquidneck Island.
While this route is short in terms of mileage, you’ll find no lack of opportunities for fun. Whether you’re basking in the sun on the Atlantic shore, delving into the rich history of Newport’s Gilded Age, or sipping a glass of reserve Chardonnay at a local vineyard, you may discover a side of Rhode Island you’ve never experienced.
The best place to start any excursion on Aquidneck Island is at the Newport Transportation and Visitor Center on America’s Cup Boulevard. From there, you can start your drive immediately, or take a detour on foot to explore the shops on historic Upper Thames Street, Bowen’s Wharf, Bannister’s Wharf, and the Brick Marketplace.
When you’re ready to set out, head down America’s Cup Boulevard toward South Thames Street (once again, you may find yourself diverted by the many boutiques, cafés, and specialty stores; the Armory Antiques and Fine Art Center in particular is worth a stop).
From South Thames, follow the signs toward Ocean Drive and Fort Adams. You will have to take a few turns to stay on the route, but all are clearly marked. Fort Adams State Park is worth a look, especially if you’re a history buff: This sprawling stone fort was in use from 1824 until 1950 and is open for tours.
Once on Ocean Avenue, you’ll want to take it slow to appreciate the grandeur of the sprawling mansions lining the road. Many of these are private properties, but others operate as luxury hotels and event venues. The restaurant at Castle Hill is a great place for an upscale lunch, and the views from the patio are unparalleled.
Further along Ocean Avenue, you’ll find several places to pull off the road and take in the coastline, so be sure to keep your camera handy. Brenton Point State Park encompasses a stretch of rocky beach perfect for exploring with the children at low tide, when the tide pools are revealed.
When you come to the end of Ocean Avenue, follow the signs toward Bellevue Avenue, where you’ll discover the showpieces of Newport’s Gilded Age: the famed Newport Mansions. Built as summer homes for many of the nation’s most prominent families, these properties embody the height of Victorian luxury. While many of the mansions are still privately owned, a number are open for tours.
If you’d like to see the mansions from a different perspective, take a detour down Narragansett Avenue to the Cliff Walk. This 3.5-mile walking path hugs the sheer cliffs along Newport’s coast, passing more than 60 properties as it winds its way around the point and back toward Ocean Avenue and Brenton Point. Those with children should be aware that in some areas of the Cliff Walk there is no barricade on the seaward side.
Continuing down Bellevue Avenue, you’ll come to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, which was the site of the first U.S. National Tennis Championship in 1881; the museum and gift shop are must-sees for sports aficionados. (The Campbell’s Tournament takes place here on July 7-13; for information go to www.tennisfame.com.)
Turn right onto Memorial Boulevard, and continue down the hill to Easton’s Beach, where you’ll find a three-quarter-mile stretch of white sand, gentle surf, and lots of children’s activities. Learn about local marine life at Save The Bay’s Exploration Center. Treat yourself to that perennial New England favorite, soft frozen lemonade, at Del’s On the Beach. Or, just relax and enjoy a picnic in the sun.
The Cliff Walk can be accessed from Memorial Boulevard just above the beach; this route adds another two-thirds of a mile in each direction to the Walk, but the views of Easton’s Beach and Easton’s Pond beyond it are well worth seeing.
Leaving Easton’s Beach, bear left to stay on Route 138A (Aquidneck Avenue). There are lots of restaurants on this stretch of road, many of them serving good old New England seaside fare like clam cakes and chowder, steamed lobster and littlenecks, and corn on the cob.
When you come to the intersection of Aquidneck Avenue and East Main Road, take a right onto Route 138 N, headed toward Portsmouth. Less than a mile up the road, you’ll find Newport Vineyards, one of Rhode Island’s best-known wineries. Public tours begin daily at 1 and 3 p.m. If you’re short on time, pick up a few bottles in the gift shop, which is open daily.
Turn right on Sandy Point Road, and you’ll discover a completely different aspect of the Aquidneck Island coast. Sandy Point Beach is a tranquil stretch of pebbles and sand where you’ll often see people enjoying the day on horseback. There are no facilities here, but if you’re after a moment – or an hour – of quiet seaside meditation, this is the place to do it.
Backtrack to Route 138, and keep an eye peeled for the Green Grocer, a natural foods store where you’ll find cold drinks and plenty of healthy snacks. Then, follow the signs toward the Mount Hope Bridge, which will carry you off Aquidneck Island to another of Rhode Island’s historic port towns: Bristol.
As you come off the bridge, you’ll see signs directing you to Blithewold Mansion, considered one of the finest garden estates in New England. Stroll through a dozen different gardens, including the seaside Rock and Water Gardens; early July is the perfect time to enjoy the Rose Garden. The lovely manor house is open for self-guided tours Wednesdays through Saturdays and most Monday holidays.
From there, Hope Street (Route 114) will lead you straight into Bristol’s quaint business district, where you’ll find several antiques dealers, specialty shops, and a number of fine restaurants. A left on State Street will lead you down to Thames Street and the wharves. A great way to conclude your Great Drive is to take in the sunset at Independence Park.
For an Internet TripTik of this route and suggestions for where to stay and eat, visit Horizons Online at AAA.com and click “Great Drives.”
Click here for an Internet TripTik and ideas for where to stay and eat.
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Life in the Slow Lane: From Maine to Prince Edward Island
By Adam McCulloch |
The drive from Maine to Prince Edward Island can be done in a few days or a lifetime. Talk to shopkeepers along the way and you’ll find many a visitor who never left. Yes – this coast is that beautiful.
For hundreds of years, the sea shaped the maritime hamlets that dot this Atlantic coastline in splendid isolation. Route 1 now links them together but each village has maintained the unique character that harks back to a time when boats were the fastest way between two ports.
The first photo opportunity begins in Ogunquit at the manually operated Perkin’s Cove footbridge, reputed to be the most photographed object in Maine. Ogunquit Playhouse is the oldest summer theater in America and often hosts straight-off-Broadway-shows like “The Producers” and “My Fair Lady.” Take a detour to Kennebunkport for a close encounter of the presidential kind. This is the Bush family stomping ground, and former President George H.W. Bush can frequently be seen boating among the classic Maine windjammers (just look for the black-clad security detail).
Maine is known for rugged coastal beauty but the state’s largest city, Portland (pop. 50,000), is not to be missed. It’s often voted one of the most livable cities in America and, rather unexpectedly, is full of ornate Victorian brick architecture. In 1866, the city was rebuilt after being destroyed by a disastrous fire.
Further north along Route 1, the coastline resembles old lace (at least on a map), thanks to a host of inlets and islands, each one a worthwhile sidetrip. Walk to the Squirrel Point Light House on the Georgetown Peninsula, search for puffins on the Pemaquid Peninsula or spend an afternoon kayaking the protected bay. The region is a picture of serenity and, were it not for landmarks like Fort William Henry in the town of Bristol, it would be hard to believe this area was once hotly contested between France and Britain.
Route 1 may be famous for its lobster shacks, but a far more surreal experience awaits near Waldoboro – Morse’s Sauerkraut on Route 220 for a sausage and sauerkraut. In business since 1918, the fact that such an esoteric venture survived is a testament to the personality and hardy character of the villages. Two vantage points in the area offer commanding views. The Penobscot Narrow Observatory in Prospect is the world’s tallest bridge observatory (accessed through the Fort Knox Historic site), while in Bar Harbor, take the granite steps from Route 3 where the sign reads Asticou Terraces and you’ll discover a delightful manicured Thuya Garden overlooking North East Harbor.
When the miles start being measured in kilometers, you know you’re in Canada. Mother Nature marks the Maine/New Brunswick boundary with her own sign post, but don’t look for it on land. Old Sow, the second-largest whirlpool on Earth (with a long history of consuming ships, sailors and all) can be seen from the cul-de-sac at the north end of Water Street in Eastport, Maine. Every day, twice a day, the Bay of Fundy moves 100 billion tons of sea water past this point, creating a strange array of aqueous wonders that has made the region famous: tidal bores, 50-foot tides, whirlpools and eddies.
To fully appreciate the massive change in seascape, detour onto Route 127 and spend the night in St. Andrews, making sure to stroll along the pier at both low and high tides. Whale watching is the main attraction here, but the pristine clapboard houses, botanic gardens and aquarium make this town a wonderful place to spend the weekend. Even if you don’t have the time for a full tour of Minister’s Island (the summer home of eccentric railroad magnate Cornelius Van Horne), a drive across the seabed at low tide is an odd experience indeed.
Once in Saint John, a maritime boomtown full of historic houses, veer toward the coast on the Fundy Scenic Drive (Route 111) toward Moncton and Hopewell Rocks. The road meanders through glistening tussocks waiting for the sea to return: Walk on the sea floor, then at high tide kayak around the same islands.
Beyond the bustling hub of Moncton, the Confederation Bridge links New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. The $41.50 toll one must pay to leave Prince Edward Island is not cheap but, hey, this engineering wonder is eight miles long. Looking back from Route 1A, it appears to stitch the two land masses together.
Prince Edward Island is best experienced as a series of loops from either Charlottetown or Summerside, using either town as a base. Summerside was once a wealthy fox-farming center, and many of the classic revival mansions have been turned into B&Bs. Spinnaker’s Landing is the entertainment and dining epicenter, with most restaurants featuring deliciously sweet local mussels. The towns of Mont Carmel and Abram-Village embody a 7,000-strong Acadian community that makes its presence felt with hearty French food, colorful painted houses and even more vibrant music. Wind down the windows to smell the sea breezes and listen for raucous kitchen parties – a combination between a dinner party and impromptu jam session.
At Miminegash, wild lupins (a beautiful weed whose blooms are the colors of confetti) compete for attention with crimson ponds of Irish moss. This variety of seaweed is harvested traditionally using horse and rake and transformed into a local delicacy, seaweed pie (the Seaweed Pie Café, not surprisingly, is the place to sample it).
The perfect driving music in these parts is Stompin’ Tom Connors, a legendary folk singer famous for keeping vigorous time with his foot (he’s been known to stomp his way through an entire sheet of plywood during performances). Skinner’s Pond Schoolhouse is now a museum in his honor.
Of course, the most famous resident of Prince Edward Island never actually existed at all. “Anne of Green Gables,” the fictional creation of author Lucy Maud Montgomery (who spent much of her time here) has inspired many a literary pilgrimage in the 100 years since she was first brought to life (for more details on centenary celebrations, visit anne2008.com).
Anne fans should stop by New London to visit the home L. M. Montgomery was born in and Cavendish to see the house from which she drew inspiration. Shop in Charlottetown for all manner of Anne paraphernalia. The true devotees, however, buy the signature straw hats with red braids sewn into the rim and wear them to the “Anne of Green Gables” musical, which first opened in 1969, making it the longest-running musical in the world.
Spend some time driving the Atlantic Coast from Maine to Prince Edward Island and you’ll understand the secret to L. M. Montgomery’s success: She simply put into words the beauty of the region. Yes – the coast is that beautiful.
For an Internet TripTik of this route, and suggestions for where to stay and eat, visit Horizons Online at AAA.com and click “Great Drives.” .
Click here for an Internet TripTik on where to stay and eat.
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Winding Down on the Lighthouse Route
By Christine E. McDermott |
In one whirlwind week, we had driven from Rhode Island to New Brunswick, crossed the Bay of Fundy to Nova Scotia and wound our way to Halifax.
After packing in as many historical sites, cultural attractions, and on-the-water adventures as we could, it was time to slow down our vacation for the last few days that remained.
And that was why we’d saved the Lighthouse Route – a roughly 240-mile stretch of coastline from Halifax to Yarmouth – for last.
We spread the six-hour drive over three days, allowing ourselves the time to pull off the road whenever we felt like it – to soak in the region’s natural beauty with no pressure to hurry to the next destination.
We headed west out of Halifax on Route 333, which hugs the Atlantic Ocean, to St. Margaret’s Bay. Our first destination was Peggy’s Cove, famous for a historic lighthouse that doubles as a post office.
With weathered wooden boats and lobster pots strewn about a small inlet and the lighthouse standing tall on wave-flattened boulders, Peggy’s Cove looks like a movie set built to evoke a quaint fishing village. Though it has been designated a preservation area, Peggy’s Cove is still an active place of industry.
Beyond seafood, the other popular occupation is artistry. Painters, photographers and the like find inspiration in the rugged beauty, and their work can be found in local gift shops.
After spending time at the lighthouse, we hit the road for a short drive northwest to the memorial for the 229 people lost in 1998 when SwissAir Flight 111 crashed into the Atlantic just miles from the shore of Peggy’s Cove.
The simple stone memorial offers a quiet place for contemplation and a stunning view of coast lined with craggy rocks and green grass. It’s the type of scenery you’d expect in Scotland or Ireland.
Back on the Lighthouse Route, it was another 50 miles to Oak Island Resort & Spa on the Western Shore. This may have been our final destination of the day, but the sightseeing was far from over.
Each room has a balcony, many with oceanfront views. Dining on crab cakes and Mediterranean pasta in the restaurant, we could gaze at the small islands that, according to the menu, were once popular for treasure hunts (all fruitless).
The next morning, it was a 15-minute ride to Mahone Bay, whose landmark attractions are the three churches perched on the harborside. While they were indeed worth the visit, we were taken in by the cute shops scattered about the town.
We first popped into Simple Things, where the friendly shopkeeper showed us pictures of the local beekeepers who make the lotions we purchased. Strolling the town, a turquoise house caught our eyes, and it turned out to be Amos Pewter, which offers demonstrations and sells jewelry, frames, spoons, and other trinkets.
Just 7 miles away, we stopped in Lunenburg, whose Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We took the time to join Lunenburg Town Tours for a one-hour walk to some of the most historic places. We learned how the town’s fishing heritage impacted its architecture, with shipbuilding techniques applied to houses and many residents matching the color of their homes to the color of their boats.
Religion also played a key part in Lunenburg’s history, with five churches still standing that date back to 1753, the year of the town’s founding. St. John’s, the second-oldest Anglican church in Canada, was built like an upside-down boat, with stars painted above the altar to depict the night sky.
After a leisurely lobster-roll lunch at the Old Fish Factory, we returned to the Lighthouse Route and drove about 45 miles to White Point Beach Resort, our stop for the night. Our room had a nice view of the rocky shoreline, and we had a choice of swimming in the ocean or indoors in the greenhouse-enclosed saltwater pool.
With live music in the bar upstairs, children playing ping-pong downstairs, and rabbits scurrying the grounds outdoors, White Point had that old-time family beach resort feel.
It was the final morning of our drive through Nova Scotia, and the skies opened. Sadly, we thought, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the final leg of the Lighthouse Route, and we had another 100 miles to go before we reached Yarmouth. But, as we continued on our journey, we learned there is something mystical about driving along the coast in the rain.
We made it to downtown Yarmouth in time for lunch at a small café, and split the sleepy afternoon between the Yarmouth County Museum & Archives and the pub at the Rodd Grand Yarmouth.
Oftentimes, we return from vacation feeling exhausted and over-extended – and in need of another vacation. As we boarded The Cat ferry after our time on the Lighthouse Route, we felt relaxed and refreshed – and ready to face real life again.
Click here for an Internet TripTik on where to stay and eat.
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Born in the USA: American Icons of Pennsylvania
By Megan R. Weeden |
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At the Crayola Factory, children not only get to play artist, but they can see how their favorite waxy treasures are made. |
Many of the ideas that formed our country have roots in Pennsylvania, so it’s no surprise to find products here that denote Americana at its best.
This month’s Great Drive highlights a few of these iconic manufacturers, so hit the road and head to Easton — a charming industrial town nestled in the Lehigh Valley.
Easton served as a focal point of the Revolutionary War. The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in the Colonies occurred here, on the steps of the Northampton County Courthouse when it was in Centre Square.
The downtown features coffee houses, art galleries, antiques shops, restaurants, stores, and historic architecture.
Crayola has called Easton home since the early 1900s. The colorful company’s world headquarters and major manufacturing facilities remain here, along with the Crayola Factory, where you can actually see how Crayola crayons and markers are made. The Factory is not a real manufacturing plant, but a discovery center providing live demonstrations and more than a dozen hands-on art activities for guests to create mementos of their visit.
At the Crayola Factory, you’ll be immersed in color and creativity — it’s a place where there’s no limit to imagination. You can color, draw, paint, and create in the latest Crayola products and you don’t even have to clean up.
The Crayola Meltdown lets visitors paint with different colors of melted crayon wax. The Light Zone lets you color on miniature slides and project the images on the wall for everyone to see. Don’t miss the Animation Station, where children can create their own 3-D film clips using available objects and a camera.
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Visitors to the Martin Guitar Museum learn that playing music may be a craft, but making the imstruments to play that music is a craft unto itself. |
The Easton Press and Bindery exhibit explores traditional and non-traditional printmaking. Children make their own stationary or assemble a book.
Just about 7 miles away via back roads, in Nazareth, the Martin Guitar Company has been continuously producing fine acoustic instruments for more than 150 years.
Your guided factory tour starts at the Visitor’s Center, which houses the entrance to the Martin Guitar Museum, 1833 Shop, and a gallery wall of famous Martin owners. Guests are invited to visit the Pickin’ Parlor to play some of Martin’s high-end and Limited Edition models.
The Martin Guitar Museum melds music history, culture, and craftsmanship. Attractive displays showcase more than 170 exquisitely crafted guitars that parallel the 174-year history.
To complete the experience, visit the Guitarmaker’s Connection, a retail store offering a unique collection of tools, guitar parts, and kits. It’s also the original Martin factory and old Martin Homestead.
Leaving Nazareth, get set for a 90-minute ride heading west on Route 78 until you smell chocolate in the air. That’s right! The next stop is the sweetest town on Earth: Hershey.
Set in the rich Lebanon Valley, the town was founded in 1903 by Milton S. Hershey, who planned and built an attractive industrial community.
The Hershey Company has been making chocolate for more than 100 years and is the largest North American manufacturer of chocolate and sugar confectionary products.
The sweet taste of chocolate, food, and adventure awaits at Hershey’s Chocolate World. The Great American Chocolate Tour begins in the tropical rain forest, where cocoa beans grow. As the beans are harvested, follow their journey across the ocean to America, where they are delivered to Hershey. Engage your senses as the cocoa beans continue through a simulated factory. Here, you will see, feel, and hear the processes that deliciously transform the beans into milk chocolate.
After tasting a free sample, head over to Hershey’s Factory Works, where visitors can package their own chocolates from an operating production line. Hershey’s Really Big 3-D Show is a musical with many special effects.
Explore the many stories of Mr. Hershey, the model town he created, and the chocolate empire he founded with a visit to Hershey Museum. Through a variety of exhibits, working machinery and artifacts, the museum reveals the fascinating history of the town built on chocolate.
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Motorcycle enthusiasts will find “passion forged in steel” at Harley-Davidson Vehicle Operations. |
Once you’ve satisfied your sweet tooth, ride on over to Harley-Davidson Vehicle Operations in York, about 36 miles away.
Over the years, thousands of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts have made the journey here to witness what the facility touts as “passion forged in steel.”
Established as an assembly facility in 1973, this is the largest Harley-Davidson manufacturing facility, employing roughly half the company’s production workforce. The York facility covers more than 230 acres and has over 1.5 million square feet under one roof.
More than 3,200 employees work around the clock assembling the Touring and Softail models, as well as its limited production, factory-custom motorcycles.
They perform a variety of manufacturing operations – from machining, polishing, and chrome plating, to forming, welding, and painting. York employees also produce a range of current and replacement parts for various models.
Your journey begins with an introductory movie and continues on the factory floor, where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the people, processes, and products. You’ll be guided through various manufacturing and assembly areas; watch as parts are formed, welded, machined, and polished; and see freshly painted and chrome plated parts. Then, it’s on to the end of the line, where every motorcycle is roll-tested before crating and shipping.
At the Vaughn L. Beals Tour Center, explore exhibits that detail the plant’s history, guide you through the manufacturing and assembly processes, and highlight its Custom Vehicle Operations. You’ll also have the chance to sit on current production motorcycles and visit the gift shop for tour-related souvenirs. The Kids’ Rally, a specially designed area for visitors under age 12, is sure to keep even the youngest members of the family entertained.
Click here for an Internet TripTik of this Great Drive.
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AAA Approved Lodging and Restaurants Along the Way |
Lodging:
The Lafayette Inn
525 W Monroe St
Easton, PA 18042
(610) 253-4500
3-Diamond Bed and Breakfast
Elaborately carved headboards are among the elegant period antiques furnishing this 1895 grand mansion's three floors of guest rooms. Some rooms offer balconies or patios facing the quaint garden.
Quality Inn – Easton Inn
185 S 3Rd St
Easton, PA 18042
(610) 253-9131
3-Diamond
Comfortably furnished guest units. 86 units, 4 stories. Interior corridors. On-site parking. Includes continental breakfast. Indoor pool.
Classic Victorian Estate Inn
35 N New St
Nazareth, PA 18064
(610) 759-8276
3-Diamond
This warm and inviting home, which dates from 1908, is decorated with a blend of Victorian and Colonial antique furnishings.
Residence Inn by Marriott
2180 Motel Dr
Bethlehem, PA 18018
(610) 317-2662
3-Diamond
Perfect for the extended-stay guest, the one- and two-bedroom suites include a living room and full kitchen.
Hilton Garden Inn Hershey
550 E Main St
Hummelstown, PA 17036
(717) 566-9292
3-Diamond
The Hershey Lodge
W Chocolate Ave & University Dr
Hershey, PA 17033
(717) 533-3311
3-Diamond
Days Inn Hershey
350 W Chocolate Ave
Hershey, PA 17033
(717) 534-2162
3-Diamond
The Yorktowne Hotel
48 E Market St
York, PA 17401
(717) 848-1111
3-Diamond
This city-center hotel was built in 1925.
Restaurants:
Pearly Bakers Ale House
11 Center Square
Easton, PA 18042
(610) 253-9949
3-Diamond
The restaurant is housed in an 1863 building built as a YMCA. By 1935, it was converted, and the present dining room has been renovated to reflect a 1930s style. Guests can expect elegant yet affordable dining in a room with a beautiful chandelier and historic memorabilia decorating the walls. The lounge area features a 50-foot marble bar and a skylight with open-tram windows. The seasonally changing menu focuses on steak and seafood.
Reservations suggested. Smoking available. Dressy casual. Full bar. Parking street.
Hours: 11:30 am-2 am. Closed major holidays.
Newburg Inn
4357 Newburg Rd
Nazareth, PA 18064
(610) 759-8528
2-Diamond
Specialties are prime rib and fresh seafood at the charming inn, which was established in the mid-18th century as an Indian trading post and stagecoach stop. Raisin racks and old photographs decorate the cozy dining room. For dessert, it's hard to top the wonderful chocolate peanut butter pie.
Reservations suggested. Smoking available. Casual dress. Full bar. Parking on-site.
Hours: 11:30 am-9:30 pm, Sat from 4 pm, Sun noon-7:30 pm. Closed: 1/1, 5/25, 12/25.
Glasbern
2141 Packhouse Rd
Fogelsville, PA 18051
(610) 285-4723
3-Diamond
The seasonally changing menu offers American preparations of beef, seafood, chicken and game. The charming dining room is set in the great hall of the country inn, which is a converted, 19th-century barn. Service is attentive and efficient.
Reservations required. Dressy casual. Full bar. Parking on-site.
Hours: 5:30 pm-8:30 pm, Sat from 5 pm.
The Olde 22 Inn
6280 Olde 22
Bernville, PA 19506
(610) 488-1458
2-Diamond
Traditional favorites, such as mac and cheese, baked cod, meatloaf and apple pie, are available at this local eatery. Families would be comfortable in the dining room, while the bar is a good place to catch the game.
Casual dress. Full bar. Parking on-site.
Hours: 11 am-9 pm, Sun-8 pm, Thurs 4 pm-9 pm. Closed: 11/26, 12/25; also Mon-Wed.
Trainers Midway Family Restaurant
Diner Dr
Bethel, PA 19507
(717) 933-4402
1-Diamond
With an easy-off, easy-on interstate location "midway" between Allentown and Harrisburg, the casual, family-focused restaurant has been a tradition for decades. The menu lists soups made on the premises, sandwiches, juicy steaks, chops and seafood platters. Daily specials and breakfast are served 24 hours a day. Be sure to save room for one of the delicious fresh pies, cakes, sundaes, banana splits or milk shakes.
Smoking available. Casual dress. Parking on-site.
Hours: 5 am-11 pm. Closed: 1/1, 12/24; also 12/31.
The Circular Dining Room
Hotel Rd
Hershey, PA 17033
(717) 534-8800
4-Diamond
This dining room has an elegant Mediterranean character with breathtaking views of the gardens and reflecting pools. The kitchen expertly prepares sophisticated American and Continental specialties, enhanced by the sinfully delicious chocolate dessert befitting the name of the hotel. The friendly staff will see to your every need, with a true eagerness to serve. On Friday a "Chef's Table" is held; the chef prepares a five-course dinner, paired with wine.
Reservations required. Semi-formal attire. Full bar. Parking on-site and valet.
Hours: 7 am-10:30, noon-2 & 5:30-9 pm.
The Fountain Cafe
Hotel Rd
Hershey, PA 17033
(717) 534-8800
3-Diamond
This stylish Mediterranean cafe provides a casual, comfortable atmosphere. You can dine inside or out on the terrace, shaded by umbrellas and sweeping views of the countryside. The menu offers a good variety, though the influence is Mediterranean, light, fresh and distinctive. The staff will please you with their friendly, attentive service.
Reservations suggested. Casual dress. Full bar. Parking on-site.
Hours: 11:30 am-10 pm.
The Left Bank Restaurant and Bar
120 N George St
York, PA 17401
(717) 843-8010
3-Diamond
The chic bistro exudes a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Mediterranean preparations of seafood, steak and lamb are stylishly presented and appropriately seasoned. Aromatic bread is baked on the premises. Creative desserts appeal to both the eye and palate.
Reservations suggested. Smoking available. Dressy casual. Full bar. Parking street.
Hours: 11 am-9 pm, Sat from 5 pm. Closed major holidays; also Sun & Mon.
Off Center Grill
48 E Market St
York, PA 17401
(717) 848-1111
2-Diamond
This restaurant has large windows overlooking one of the busiest streets in historic downtown York. Enjoy large portions for lunch and dinner but make sure you save room for mandarin orange napoleon with passionfruit sorbet, one of their specialty desserts.
Reservations accepted. Smoking available. Casual dress. Full bar. Parking valet.
Hours: 6:30 am-10 pm.
The Commonwealth Room
48 E Market St
York, PA 17401
(717) 848-1111
4-Diamond
In a historic hotel, The Commonwealth Room takes risks with its intriguing menu, and the payoff is great in outstanding contemporary Continental preparations of snapper turtle, rabbit, quail and Australian barramundi. Seasonal ingredients go into dishes that blend influences from the Pacific Rim, France and varied American regions. For an interesting sampling, try the chef's tasting menu with or without wine pairings. Don't think twice about indulging in one of the sinful desserts, which are made daily on the premises.
Reservations required. Dressy casual. Full bar. Parking valet and street.
Hours: 5:30 pm-9:30 pm. Closed major holidays; also Sun.
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Rockefellers, Vanderbilts & Roosevelts:
The Hudson River Valley's Rick Heritage
By Megan R. Weeden |
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Kykuit was the six-story, hilltop paradise of four generations of Rockefellers, beginning with the Standard Oil founder. |
Winding through New York’s Hudson River Valley, it’s easy to see why the region once captured the imagination of artists, and later, America’s upper crust. Extending just north of New York City to Albany, the Valley encompasses more than 4 million acres of untamed beauty, lush landscapes, and the magnificence of the mighty Hudson River.
The 19th century saw political and technological change in America. Romanticism dominated the arts, and the Valley became the center of romantic painting and architecture. The Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and Roosevelts — just to name a few — built magnificent palaces up and down the Hudson, using the best architects, landscape artists, and decorators. These estates have been meticulously restored and many are open for tours. It would take a week to see all these places at a leisurely pace, but a weekend getaway can easily include a few sites.
Set the tone of your trip by picking up the Merritt Parkway at exit 38 off Route 95 as you head south in Connecticut. Built in the 1930s to deal with America’s new fascination with the car, this scenic byway is one of the only roads to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is enshrined in the hearts of many as an icon of the automobile age and a model of highway planning.
The Merritt hasn’t changed much since it was built, and it is like a drive through a park rather than a trip on a modern highway. Wind your way past green, well-maintained areas and under bridges created with function and aesthetics in mind, proving how beautiful a road can be.
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Washington Irving’s riverside
cottage, Sunnyside, features many of the original furnishings from the mid-19th century. |
Follow the Merritt through Connecticut and make your way to Tarrytown, N.Y. — your first stop in the lower Hudson River Valley. Overlooking the Hudson River in Tarrytown is Lyndhurst — one of America’s finest Gothic Revival mansions. The architectural brilliance of this residence is complemented by a park-like landscape and a comprehensive collection of original decorative arts. Noteworthy former occupants include New York City Mayor William Paulding, merchant George Merritt, and railroad tycoon Jay Gould.
The grounds at Lyndhurst survive as an outstanding example of 19th-century landscape design. Elements include sweeping lawns accented with shrubs and specimen trees, the curving entrance drive revealing “surprise” views, the angular repetition of the Gothic roofline in the evergreens, and the nation’s first steel-framed conservatory.
Walk a mile to Sunnyside — Washington Irving’s romantic riverside cottage — via the Croton Aqueduct Trail. Get an intimate glimpse into the life of one of America’s most renowned writers, who lived here in the mid-19th century. Mr. Irving purchased the two-room Dutch stone house in 1835 and extensively remodeled it in a blend of styles, adding Tudor-style chimneys, Dutch stepped gables, Gothic windows, a piazza, and later, a Spanish tower.
The house and grounds have been restored, and the rooms look much like they did in the 1850s, with much of the original furnishings. Outside, the wisteria vine planted by the author continues to bloom each spring, while the trails he laid out are still a perfect place for a stroll.
About 4 miles from Sunnyside, in Sleepy Hollow, is Philipsburg Manor. This 1750s farming, milling, and trading center was owned by the Philipses, a family of Anglo-Dutch merchants. They rented land to tenant farmers of diverse European backgrounds and relied on 23 enslaved Africans to operate the complex.
Participate in hands-on activities of the 18th century, and take in a theatrical vignette exploring the riveting, yet little-known, story of enslavement in the colonial north. Tour the 300-year-old manor house. Its dairy, kitchens, bedchambers, warehouse rooms, and parlor attest to its significance as a place of work, business, trade, leisure, and repose. Period artifacts and touchable reproductions give you an understanding of the people who lived and worked here.
A shuttle bus from the Manor will bring you to Kykuit, the hilltop paradise of four generations of Rockefellers, beginning with Standard Oil founder John D. Rockefeller. Now an historic site of the National Trust, this extraordinary landmark has been continuously maintained for almost 100 years.
A tour will take you through the main rooms of the six-story stone house. Then, you will move on to the expansive, terraced gardens containing Governor Neson A. Rockefeller’s exceptional collection of 20th-century sculpture. The private underground art galleries with Governor Rockefeller’s collection of Picasso tapestries, and the cavernous Coach Barn, with its collections of classic automobiles and horse-drawn carriages, are also part of the experience.
Back on the road, follow the Hudson along Route 9 North to Hyde Park. It’s a beautiful ride with tree-lined riverbanks. If you have the time, take it.
On the way, stop in Croton-on-Hudson at Van Cortlandt Manor. This restored 18th-century Dutch-English manor house, on 20 acres of what was originally an 86,000-acre estate, shows the lifestyle of a patriotic family just after the American Revolution.
Franklin D. Roosevelt was born in Hyde Park and lived much of his life here. His mansion, known as Springwood, was built in the Georgian Colonial style in the early 1800s. Tours begin at the Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Education Center and include admission to the FDR Presidential Library and Museum.
Val-Kill, a Dutch Colonial cottage built for Eleanor Roosevelt, is also in Hyde Park. Built in 1926, this fieldstone home was to become her sanctuary and refuge from the busy main house. The property includes Mrs. Roosevelt’s rose garden, a cutting garden, and the furnished cottage.
Have a bite to eat at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park before heading to the Vanderbilt Mansion. Completed in 1898, it is a glorious example of the Gilded Age. Stroll the magnificent formal gardens and take one of the trails that offer a spectacular view of the Hudson.
For a TripTik of this route and information on other homes and stops along the way, plus tips on where to stay and eat, visit Horizons Online at AAA.com and click on “Great Drives.”
Click here for an Internet TripTik of this Great Drive.
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AAA Approved Lodging and Restaurants Along the Way |
Lodging:
Tarrytown House
49 E Sunnyside Ln
Tarrytown, NY 10591
(914) 591-8200
3-Diamond
Resting upon 26 acres overlooking the Hudson Valley, the Tarrytown House Estate offers two nineteenth century mansions, King Mansion and Biddle House, as well as a carriage house and cottage. The property also boasts a contemporary atrium-style building housing conference facilities and guest rooms, perfecting the blend of business, leisure and luxury.
Castle on the Hudson
400 Benedict Ave
Tarrytown, NY 10591
(914) 631-1980
4-Diamond
Views of the river and, on clear days, the Manhattan skyline, are a feature of this luxurious Gothic-style stone castle set on lush grounds.
Westchester Marriott Hotel
670 White Plains Rd
Tarrytown, NY 10591
(914) 631-2200
3-Diamond
Stylish guest rooms offer comfort and conveniences, some include a balcony. The atrium courtyard encircles a nice game area.
Alexander Hamilton House
Bed and Breakfast
49 Van Wyck St
Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520
(914) 271-6737
3-Diamond
Victorian hats and shadowboxes accent the eclectic decor at this quiet inn offering fireplaces, a gazebo and a fish pond. Some Victorian clothing and jewelry is available for purchase, and complimentary, homemade cookies are usually presented in the afternoon.
Hotel Sierra Fishkill Poughkeepsie
100 Westage Business Center Dr
Fishkill, NY 12524
(845) 897-5757
3-Diamond
Hilton Garden Inn
25 Westage Dr
Fishkill, NY 12524
(845) 896-7100
3-Diamond
Hampton Inn Fishkill
544 Rt 9
Fishkill, NY 12524
(845) 896-4000
3-Diamond
Best Western Inn & Conference Center
2170 South Rd (Rt 9)
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(845) 462-4600
3-Diamond
A picturesque pond is featured on the hotel's grounds.
Quality Inn-Hyde Park
4142 Albany Post Rd (Us Rt 9)
Hyde Park, NY 12538
(845) 229-0088
2-Diamond
Restaurants:
Ichi Riki Restaurant
1 E Main St
Elmsford, NY 10523
(914) 592-2220
Japanese
2-Diamond
Japanese music and art, tatami rooms and servers in kimonos lend to the authentic feel of the comfortable restaurant. The menu lists varied sushi and sashimi, as well as seasoned preparations of seafood, beef, pork and chicken.
Reservations suggested. Casual dress. Full bar. Parking on-site.
Hours 11:45 am-2:30 & 5:30-10 pm, Fri-11 pm, Sat noon-2:30 & 5-11 pm, Sun 5 pm-9:30 pm. Closed major holidays; also Mon.
Horsefeathers
94 N Broadway (Sr 9)
Tarrytown, NY 10591
(914) 631-6606
American
2-Diamond
Decor is reflective of the 1700s in this quaint, casual restaurant. A literary theme, with books and murals of authors, ties it all together. The menu centers on wholesome, home-style fare, such as burgers, steak and pasta. Weekend brunch is popular.
Reservations suggested, weekends. Casual dress. Full bar. Parking on-site.
Hours: 11:30 am-10 pm, Thurs-Sat to 11 pm, Sun-9 pm. Closed: 4/12, 11/26, 12/25.
Equus
400 Benedict Ave
Tarrytown, NY 10591
(914) 631-3646
French
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