Elizabeth Park

         Elizabeth Park can be coined the most peaceful and serene places you could find in Hartford, Connecticut.  Located at the corner of Prospect Avenue and Asylum Avenue, the park sits amongst the Elizabeth Park Pond, the Rose Garden and the Tree Trail which contains more than 40 varieties on a mile long walk.  The park is known for its listing in the National Register of Historic Places and the home of the Centennial Rose.  As commemoration for the Park's 100th year, John Mattia of Orange Connecticut, was in charge of hybridizing the frequently blooming, pale pink rose.  It has a raspberry color edge with a pink center.  This beautiful, highly esteemed hybrid proves to be the face of the Elizabeth Park Rose Garden.

         The owner, Charles M. Pond, willed away the estate to the City of Hartford with the requirement that it be a horticultural park that be named after his wife Elizabeth.   The first project started on the property after his passing was the rose garden which commenced with only 100 bushes to over 2 acres with 15,000 bushes that are currently there now.  The park now reaches over 102 acres and has multiple gardens, greenhouses, lawns, and recreation areas.  The garden remains one of only 22 public All America Test Gardens in the country.   This allows for testing of new roses before they are released to the public.  
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The vast expansion of roses include more modern types that can be found in the main garden whereas traditional and historic varieties can be found in the Heritage Rose Garden.  Elizabeth park is currently homes about 800 different types of roses on its premises.  They all reside in 5 different garden areas as well as herbs, tulips and ornamental grasses.  Each garden highlights certain colors and textures and provides unique views.  Aside from the gardens Elizabeth Park has multiple greenhouses that

are used to grow the annuals that are then planted into the gardens and distributed throughout the city.   Permanent collections in the greenhouse include the most unique floral displays including those of poinsettias, palm trees, birds of paradise, cacti and much more.

Another interesting feature is the park's Summer Concert Series featuring music from all different genres like salsa, rock, rhythm and blues. Concerts are head on the Rose Garden Lawn and occur every Wednesday night from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

The abundant selection of roses supply an overpowering fragrance to accompany the peaceful quietness of the gardens.  The park provides ornate, colorful and lively views that ensure relaxing and serene views with the perfect backdrop for photography enthusiasts.

Resources:
http://www.elizabethpark.org/index.html
http://elizabethparkct.org/

Ben & Jerry's

       Vermont is home to beautiful expansive views and an abundance of activities for families, hikers and adventurers. One of Vermon's prized delicacies though is the Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory. Originating in Burlington, Vermont, it's first home was an old gas station building in May of 1978.  The owners Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield used an old-fashioned ice cream freezer and began to churn out the infamous flavors of Ben & Jerry.  They loaded the rich and creamy base flavors with their favorite fruits, nuts, candies and cookies.  They became so popular that the company expanded from the old gas station to be sold at local restaurants and grocery stores throughout Vermont and since has expanded even farther.

        Over the years many things have changed and they have overcome many milestones along the way.  To celebrate their one-year anniversary they had their first-ever Free Cone Day in 1979.  Free Cone Day continues to be an annual tradition in scoop shops around the world.  In 1980 for the first time they began to package ice cream in pints for easier distribution.   In 1981 the first franchised Ben & Jerry's scoop shop opened in Shelburne, Vermont. In 1983 their ice cream was used to build the "world's largest ice cream sundae" in St. Albans, Vermont which weighed 27,102 pounds.  In 1985, the Ben & Jerry's Foundation was established to fund community-oriented projects.  In 1987, the first flavor ever to be named after a rock legend was created from the idea of two men in Portland, Maine.  The flavor was named Cherry Garcia after the Grateful Dead guitarist, Jerry Garcia.  In 1988, Ben and Jerry were named "Small Business Persons of the Year" by President Reagan in a White House garden ceremony.  In 1993, Wavy Gravy influenced new flavors inspired by the 1960's Woodstock festival.  In 1996, Ben & Jerry's introduced new non fat, non cholesterol and non lactose sorbets made with pure spring water and natural fruit flavorings.  Over the next few years they established many more flavors with famous inspirations as well as increasing their involvement in fair trade and partnered with many influential groups and campaigns to ignite change.  Their involvement in not only the local community but the national community represents their dynamic interests and ideals.  Not only are they providing the world with sensational ice cream flavors but they are encouraging youth to vote, campaigning the fight against global warming, protesting oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and much more.
      One particularly exciting part of the Ben & Jerry's franchise is the opportunity to tour the factory. The guided tours teach the production process as well as the incorporation of their mission statement into all aspects of the factory happenings.  You get a glimpse of the manufacturing process as well as a movie sharing the history of Ben & Jerry's as well as tasting the sample flavor of the day. 

 

Resources:

http://www.benjerry.com/

Sycamore Drive-in

In the theme of nostalgic destinations in New England, the Sycamore Drive-in Restaurant must be mentioned.  Located in Bethel, Connecticut, this restaurant has a nostalgic appearance, vibe and menu.  It was voted by Connecticut Magazine to have the best rootbeer float and best burger in Connecticut.  Since beginning operation in 1948, the Sycamore has been a popular Bethel landmark although across the rest of Connecticut and New England it remains fairly unknown.   It continues to make original recipes from the original owners and strives to maintain the 50's style atmosphere providing "curb service" and "summer cruise nights."

Open 7 days a week, the Sycamore serves a traditional diner style breakfast menu as well as wraps, salad plates, and many specialties.  They are most famous for their french style steakburgers. The steakburgers are made with 100% U.S. Choice ground round steak and is ground daily on site.  Each style burger has a double counterpart such as the bacon burger and the double bacon burger.   The extensive menu also includes club sandwiches, spring and summer salad specials, homemade soups and homemade chili.   

Avery's Soda

The only relief on a hot summer day besides a glass of lemonade is a nice, bubbly glass of soda.  Originally a delicacy only the rich could afford, soda has now become mainstreamed and affordable for all.  Across New England there are numerous soda factories.  One not so well known in New England is known as Avery's Soda in New Britain, Connecticut.  It is known as one of the oldest soda bottling companies in New England as it's owner began making soda in the summer of 1904. 

Sherman F. Avery started the company in a red barn where soda is still being made today on Corbin Avenue.   Initially he delivered soda by a horse pulled wagon to homes and stores just around New Britain.  After purchasing his first delivery truck in 1914, distribution became more widespread across New England.  The Avery family continues to run Sherman's business and holds true to the old-fashioned service customers are used to with home deliveries. 

The sodas are still handcrafted like they were over a century ago, using the same techniques and recipes from the beginning generations.  They are made with real cane sugar, natural well water and quality ingredients.  All flavors are made in small batches and packed in old-fashioned glass bottles to preserve the flavors. They have created 35 original flavors including soda, seltzer and a new line of "Gross Soda."  The basic flavors include cola, cream, grape, lemon lime, black cherry, sasparilla and many more.  They also distribute bottles of seltzer water in old vintage seltzer siphons that can be dranken alone or accompanied with one of their many syrup flavors.  The seltzer water contains no sugar, no salt and no calories. 

Avery's employed a "make your own soda" program in which their new line of gross soda was concocted.   The names do not sound appetizing in the slightest but they provide delicious fruit flavors.  Some sodas in this line include Swamp Juice, Dog Drool Soda, Bug Barf Soda, Kitty Piddle Soda and more.



Custom Label Soda Bottles



Avery's beverages are customizable and unique.  Private labeling is available for stores, restaurants, or special events like weddings, fundraisers and corporate events.   All soda flavors are available for these individualized bottles but custom flavor formulation is available as well. 

Visit Avery's to purchase their delicious soda, collectible merchandise or take a tour and have the opportunity to make your own soda! You will leave with 3 bottles of soda, an official Avery's apron and a strong sense of nostalgia.

Resources:
http://www.averysoda.com/about.html

Lime Rock Park

Are you and your family looking for a thrill on your vacation in New England? Or for New England residents a fun filled "staycation" nearby? The adrenaline filled thrills are bracing the tracks at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Connecticut. This historic yet modern race park was the first road racing track to be engineered using highway-safety principles and designed scientifically to ensure the safety and pleasure of all it's attendees.  It is 1.5 miles of up and down hill track which may appear to be simple but it's creator coins it "immensely challenging to drive quickly."  Even after a brand new repaved tracked in 2008, owner Skip Barber has strived to uphold the original layout in which he includes the width, camber, radius and elevation.

The track includes a half mile autocross course and skid pad open on public lapping days as well as for private rentals.  Public lapping days known as Open Autocross Days are an ideal way for amateur racers to get out in their car and experience the track.  Open Autocross Days cost $225 per person and they encourage groups and car clubs to experience these days as well.  Upcoming Open Autocross Days are scheduled for March 22nd, April 9th and June 18th.  Participating in an open or private autocross day automatically increases your chases to compete for quickest autocross driver of the year.  The Lime Rock Park staff will record the times of the quickest drivers and record them in a year-long scoreboard and at the end of the season, the 20 quickest drivers of the year will come back to compete in a free, invitational shootout. The Autocross Invitational Shootout is open to all racers in any kind of car except for go-carts and motorcycles.

This unique vacation experience only lasts from mid-March until early November but within this short time period it is packed full of opportunities.  Driving school, test-and-tune days, electric vehicle competitions, charity events and private testing are only some of the exciting adventures they offer.
The owners also like to open up the venue for weddings, bar mitzvahs and graduation parties.

This video shows the track, from a dashboard view.

Resources:
http://www.bostonglobe.com/2012/06/02/newenglandtravel/AUVwVIvBd7DTAmh0hZ6oAI/story.html
http://www.limerock.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=58&Itemid=65

Cupcakes Across New England

Cupcakes are America's favorite, nostalgic sweet treat without a doubt.  The cupcake craze has exploded not only on television but bakeries specific to cupcakes have been popping up all over the country.  Whether you buy a single cupcake and enjoy it for yourself or buy a box for your family, the cupcake will be a treat we always go back to.
What makes cupcakes so lovable is their diversity and experimental qualities.  Lately, cupcake makers have been straying from the classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate and creating "specialty cupcakes," a new term coined for these less than traditional flavors.  Providing a larger variety for consumers is what keeps these specialty cupcakes shop flooded with business and the continued demand for the beloved cupcake.

A new franchise assembling across New England is Cupcake Charlie's.  They have three locations currently in Newport, Rhode Island, Mashpee, Massachusetts and Plymouth, Masschusetts and a new location opening soon in Foxboro, Massachusetts.  The Newport shop was filmed for the TLC show "Cupcake Wars," expanding their notoriety even more.

Another sweeping craze they're strongly supporting is the idea of a tower of cupcakes rather than a traditional wedding cake.
For special occasions people are choosing special arrangements, making a unique statement and straying from the norm.  This unique option is also very affordable, with each cupcake starting at $2.50 and a display tower starting at $50. Delivery and set-up starts at $150; prices at different locations may vary. Cupcake Charlie's also does custom orders of the gourmet cupcakes, offering edible chocolate molds, edible handmade fondant, special colored frosting, and edible sugar molds all custom made to order. They also have a large variety of merchandise including t-shirts, iPhone covers, bags, coffee mugs and sweatpants.

Cupcake Charlie's also specializes in other gourmet treats like "whoop cakes;" which consists of cake, frosting, and filling in whoop cake form. Their cake cups include cake, frosting and filling in a little single serving cup.  The bakery's push pops are layered cake, frosting and filling in a push up pop.   Their cake pops are cake and frosting formed into bite sized balls and covered in chocolate.  And lastly their frosting shots are a shot of buttercream frosting in a cup.

If you're looking for the traditional cupcake though, they have a wide variety of flavors suited to satisfy all.  Just some of their decadent flavorts include Rockin' Red Velvet, Oreo Delight, Lemon Drop, Orange Dreamsicle, Grammy's Carrot Cup, Chocolate Mint Madness, Peanut Butter Pleasure, Chocolate Overload, and Chocolate Raspberry Surprise.  Almost all of the flavors include a delicious cream or ganache filling to accompany the moist cake and fluffy cream frosting.

Consider visiting one of Cupcake Charlie's three New England locations because "Life is short... Eat a Cupcake."



Resources:
http://cupcakecharlies.com/newport/index.html
http://gonewengland.about.com/od/newportdining1/ss/Cupcake-Charlies-Newport.htm

Grand Central

New York City is potentially the most busy and bustling destination in America.  It remains a hot commodity as it is home to hundreds of attractions, restaurants, and more.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2011 there is 8,244,910 proud New York City residents that find beauty, comfort and happiness in the quirky qualities of the Big Apple.  From Broadway to Times Square to Grand Central, the beauty of New York City is quite evident and the hidden unknown's within remain secretive to the average dweller wandering it's streets.  The secrets that even the most seasoned NYC resident are spread out all across the city.  Beneath City Hall contains a hidden subway station that has been inactive for over 65 years.  The architecture with it's high-arched ceilings, intriquite tiles and skylights, dazzle the abandoned station with sunlight.  Even more unknown is another underground subway station considered a "gallery" of street art.  The only ones that know of it's whearabouts are the artists and the attendee's of the "Underground Project's" opening night; a one night show.

One of New York's City's most popular destinations contains multiple hidden gems unknown to most.  Grand Central Terminal, home to 68 shops, 35 dining options, subways, buses and taxi stands is a prime location for transportation and shopping.  One of it's secrets is Franklin Delano Roosevelt's underground passageway that lead to the Waldorf Hotel.  One thing the average person may not know of is the Metro-North Lost & Found Room.  There is an 80% recovery rate for lost items and a 100% recovery rate for laptop computers.  The room contains all of the lost items with tags of the time and location at which it was found.  Travelers with lost items can check the Metro-North website to see if their item had been turned in without having to travel there and risk no recovery.

Grand Central's most interesting secret is called the "Whispering Gallery."  It's an archway situated right outside of the Oyster Bar & Restaurant and it holds a compelling and mysterious acoustic property.  If one person stands at one side of the arch and another person stands at the arch diagonally across, they would be able to hear eachothers whispers as it travels over the arch.

The terminal also houses formerly secret tennis courts which have reopened and are open to the public.  The Vanderbilt Tennis Club includes a full-size tennis court, practice alleys, a fitness facility, lockers and a reception center. Prices to play at the club range from $90 to $250 for the day and private lessons run for $160-$195 per hour.  The courts reside on the 4th floor, a tough find for any New Yorker without prior knowledge of the whereabouts.

Resources:

http://www.nycgo.com/slideshows/new-york-secrets

http://www.grandcentralterminal.com/

http://gothamist.com/2008/03/07/some_grand_cent.php
http://gothamist.com/2011/09/28/a_photo_tour_of_grand_centrals_new.php#photo-1

Dr. Seuss Memorial

      Thinking back to one's childhood stems memories of cartoons, tinker toys and trips to the playground.  But the epitomization of most children's youth is the work of Dr. Seuss.  His whimsical drawings and far-fetched ideas draw the attention of any impressionable and imaginative mind.  His books entertain with creative characters and unique rhymes and are popular amongst all age groups.  Born Theodore Suess Geisel in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1904, Dr. Seuss had many other expidentures before committing to writing children's books. He worked in advertising, magazines, served in the army and won Oscars for his war documentaries.  The climax of his writing career initiated it all in 1937 with the publication of his first children's picture book, called And to Think I Saw it All on Mulberry Street.  Following this publication he proved in the rest of his books that it is possible to engage children with using a limited vocabulary while also teaching a lesson. Amongst his 46 books are the classics known to many as Green Eggs & Ham, The Cat in the Hat, Oh, The Places You'll Go, and many more.

         After his death in September of 1991, his books were translated into more than 15 languages and over 200 million copies were sold world wide spreading his childish cheer and exuberance into people's lives.  His books provided the source for eleven children's television specials, a musical on Broadway and a motion picture.  His other successes include two Academy awards, two Emmy awards, a Peabody award and the Pulitzer Prize.  The works of Dr. Seuss will continue to live on in written text as well as visual motion pictures. 

        All of his successes are depicted in the bronze statues at the Dr. Seuss National Memorial.  The sculpture garden is located at the Springfield Museums.  This location is ideal for the sculptures because most of Geisel's inspiration was from living in Springfield.  At the corner of the "Quadrangle" in Springfield sits a sculpture of Dr. Seuss and the Cat in the Hat, as well as Horton the elephant stepping out of an open book, with Thing One, Thing Two, Sam-I-Am, Sally and her brother and also Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose.  Also at the Quadrangle is the storyteller, Gertrude McFuzz, the Grinch and his dog, Max, the Lorax, Yertle the Turtle.  Experience the lifesize reality of Dr. Seuss's most popular works and walk through an imaginative world of wonders.










Resources:
http://www.catinthehat.org/memorial.htm
http://childrensbooks.about.com/cs/authorsillustrato/a/drseuss.htm

Puppetry Museum

Typical family vacations often include visitation of famous landmarks or theme parks.  Although vacations take place away from home and in unique and different locations, they often don't include activities that stray from the norm.  For thorough enjoyment and entertainment families should choose original activities and interesting places to visit.  Museums are always a popular choice for kids but this one in particular puts a unique spin on the traditional museum.  The Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry in Storrs, Connecticut is not only a museum of puppetry but is a functioning school as well.


It's story originates with Frank W. Ballard starting the fine arts puppetry program at UCONN in 1965.
Since it's commencement, the program has expanded and become world renowned. The beauty of it is not in the student's capability to make puppets, but in the academic aspects of the art, such as the history of puppetry as well as puppet techniques.  They learn the essentials of writing scripts, designing and building puppets as well as performing with them.  UCONN's puppetry program releases it's graduates into different realms like theater and doesn't restrict them to just puppetry.  Alumni from the program have gone onto working on Broadway, Hollywood films and other prestigious outlets.

The museum offers a unique vacation possibility for children and adults alike.  The original collection only included the works of Ballard and UCONN students but now on display are marionettes, shadow figures, rod and finger puppets, and even historically significant puppets from all over the world, some that are centuries old. 

When puppets come to mind, the connotation is often negative.  They are often described as creepily realistic and this stigma is the result of their depiction in scary movies, such as Dead Silence.  In this film the ghost of a murdered ventriloquist haunts its victims through a puppet. When considering visiting this museum, one should be aware that the puppets on display are of the same nature as the ones seen in that movie.  Although innovative and creative, some may consider them as being more creepy than they are beautiful.  But the history and eclectic characteristics are worth learning about and viewing.  Each puppet embodies the hard work, commitment, and planning involved in creating such a detailed piece of art work. 

One of the most prominent displays is that of shadow puppetry.  In 2007 existed a shadow puppet display with puppets from all around Asia and European countries.  Shadow puppets are defined as being used to "cast shadows onto a projection surface of some type, so that the audience sees the shadow of the figure rather than the figure itself." It can be insinuated that this technique is employed for the purpose of mystery and suspense rather than for the purpose of aesthetics.  There are two types of this kind of puppetry; direct shadows display figures placed directly on the shadow screen and projected shadows are those constructed on plates and projected onto the shadow surface with an overhead projector.  

Don't let the creepy wooden puppets deter you from visiting this fascinatingly unique museum full of character and imaginative exploration. Tours of the museum can be provided and there are other opportunities such as workshops and lectures year round.




Resources:
http://www.damnedct.com/ballard-institute-museum-of-puppetry-storrs/
http://www.ctmuseumquest.com/?page_id=1095