Fall Fun: Events and Activities

Now that the dog days of summer are behind us, it is a perfect time to get outside and enjoy the bounty of the fall season. From harvest festivals, house tours and old-fashioned fairs, there are a multitude of happenings throughout the country. Spice up your fall with these ideas for seasonal fall fun. For more fall events, read Part 1 and Part 3 of this series.

Waterford Fair
Waterford, Virginia, Oct. 1-3, 2010
The Waterford Homes Tour & Crafts Exhibit (or Waterford Fair) in Loudoun County has been going strong for 67 years. The event encompasses the entire village of Waterford, which was founded in 1733 and has National Historic Landmark status. Proceeds from the event go to the Waterford Foundation, which uses the funds to preserve the village and its history. The crafts exhibit is juried and craft makers hold demonstrations. Each day, tours of a different series of historic homes are offered. Also visit the Second Street School, a one-room school house built for African American children just two years after the Civil War ended.

Sixth Annual Ava Gardner Festival
Smithfield, North Carolina, Oct. 8-9, 2010
The 2010 Ava Gardner Festival marks the 10th anniversary of the Ava Gardner Museum. The celebration includes heritage tours, showings of Ava Gardner films and special exhibits. The event will kick-off during the Ava Gardner Festival Gala on Friday evening.

Scarecrow Festival
Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum, West Palm Beach, Florida
Oct. 9, 2010
The Scarecrow Festival includes performances by Florida Cracker Storyteller Butch Harrison and the Hitchiti Dancers, hay rides between the event site and the museum, pumpkin decorating, face painting, live music, refreshments and many other family activities. The scarecrow decorating competition has prizes for those voted best by attendees of the festival.

Old Stone Fort History Fair
Schoharie, New York, Oct. 9, 2010
Twelve acres of the Old Stone Fort Museum complex are filled with craftsmen, re-enactors, historians and enthusiasts from every time period. Women stir pots over open fires or spin wool, while a band plays last century’s Top 40. Children play with hoops, walk on stilts and compete in races with potatoes, eggs and feedbags. Along a rail fence, early gas-powered machines shell corn, do the laundry and crush apples to make fresh cider. Out in the fields, soldiers from ancient times to World War II create a virtual timeline of military history. Demonstrations show how the technology changes from the Native American atlatl (a deadly looking spear), a Scottish sword or “Brown Bess” musket to early cannons or the M1 rifle, but the stories are often the same.

26th Annual Harvest Weekend
Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, Vermont, Oct. 9 -10, 2010
The 26th Annual Harvest Weekend at Billings Farm & Museum features a husking bee and barn dance each day plus a variety of 19th century harvest activities and programs for the entire family. Lend a hand pressing cider, preserving apples and making butter and ice cream. Harvesting the heirloom vegetable garden will be nearing completion and children can help dig potatoes and other root crops to see the crops being “put up” for the winter. Other activities include shelling vegetables, fence building, apples-on-a-string and 19th century games.

Vendemmia Wine Festival
Wilmington, Delaware, Oct. 10, 2010
The Vendemmia Festival is Wilmington’s biggest fall party. On Sun., Oct. 10th, more than 2,500 wine aficionados will gather in Tubman Garrett Park on the Wilmington Riverfront to celebrate the Harvest of the Grapes. From 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., sample the finest wines from every region in Italy and enjoy delicacies prepared by the area’s best restaurants and bakeries. The festivities include live musical entertainment, homemade wine and gravy contests and a chance to win a trip for two to Italy. Rain date October 17th.

Civil War Days Re-Enactment and Living History Event
Franklin, Tennessee, Oct. 16-17, 2010
Commemorate the 141st anniversary of one the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, the Battle of Franklin. Civil War Days is a two-day event at Harlinsdale Park. The event features Civil War soldier encampments, living history of camp life, Civil War weapons demonstrations, cavalry, artillery and infantry displays, lecture, book signings, chaplain service and battle re-enactments on Saturday and Sunday. Attendees are encouraged to wear period clothing!

USA Science and Engineering Festival Expo
Washington, D.C., Oct.23-24, 2010
On Saturday, October 23 and Sunday, October 24, stop by the United States Botanic Garden booth at the inaugural USA Science & Engineering Festival on the National Mall. The USBG, joined by the Department of Botany at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, will feature “From Algae to Apps,” a botany “field station” where you can try the latest technology as well as tried-and-true methods for studying the evolution of plants and their relationships with other living organisms.

Fall Harvest Family Days at Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon: George Washington’s Estate and Gardens
Mount Vernon, Virginia,
Oct. 23-24, 2010
The four-acre George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site celebrates the harvest season with free horse-drawn wagon rides, a straw bale maze, an opportunity to meet "General Washington," and the chance to learn how to dance 18th-century-style! Enjoy outdoor cooking demonstrations and concessions. Cruises are half-price, courtesy of Spirit Cruises and Potomac Riverboat Company.

Preservation Society of Charleston’s Fall Tour of Homes and Gardens
Charleston, South Carolina, thru Oct. 24, 2010
Experience Charleston’s distinctive architecture, history and culture during the Preservation Society of Charleston’s 34th Annual Fall Tour of Homes and Gardens. Visit intimate gardens and architecturally significant private homes, churches and public buildings. Tours highlight American architecture from the early Georgian Period into the 20th century. Enjoy unique neighborhoods that represent Charleston’s flourishing culture from the Colonial era to the present. Most of the properties on tour are privately owned and are open to the public exclusively for the Preservation Society of Charleston.

Photos top to bottom: Musician at the Waterford Fair courtesy of Loudoun County Convention & Visitors Association. Ava Gardner courtesy of Ava Gardner Museum. Musket drill with a new recruit courtesy of Schoharie County Historical Society. Husking Bee at Billings Farm & Museum’s Annual Harvest Weekend photo courtesy of Billings Farm & Museum. Vendemmia Festival, photo courtesy of Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau. VisitFranklin.com. U S Botanic Garden. Hayride at Fall Harvest Family Days, photo courtesy of Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association.

Gozaic of the Week: Leesburg - Loudoun County

In the northern Virginia Piedmont area, Loudoun County is brimming with centuries-old small towns, rolling hillsides, stacked stone fences, Civil War battlefields, renowned vineyards and the last cable-operated ferry on the East Coast. The county seat for more than 250 years, Leesburg is only 33 miles from Washington, D.C., but the slower pace and quaint downtown make it seem light-years away.

Rich History
Loudoun County is brimming with important American history sites. This area was part of the Northern Neck of Virginia Proprietary, granted by King Charles II of England in 1649. Leesburg was named for Thomas Lee, member of the House of Burgesses, and one of its local homes served as a temporary refuge for the U.S. government and its important papers during the War of 1812. Loudoun was also the site of the Battle of Balls Bluff, a pivotal Civil War engagement.

In and around Leesburg, you’ll find Dodona Manor, the restored former home of Gen. George C. Marshall, architect of allied victory in World War II and Nobel Peace laureate. Oatlands Plantation, a c. 1798 wheat farm, offers tours of the beautiful house and gardens. Home of Gov. Westmoreland Davis, Morven Park’s 1,000 acres feature a recently restored Greek Revival mansion, as well as the Winmill Carriage Museum, filled with antique horse-drawn vehicles from the mid 1800s to the early 1900s.

While you are here, take a ride on the General Jubal A. Early on White’s Ferry, the last working ferry on the Potomac River.

Charming Towns
Each of the county’s towns and villages has a unique story to tell. Waterford, settled by Quakers in 1733, is one of only a few National Landmark villages in the country. Middleburg, capital of Virginia’s horse country, is known for its historic architecture and tree-lined streets. Hamilton, originally called Harmony, shows off lovely Victorian homes. Purcellville celebrates its railroad heritage, and at Aldie Mill, a restored double-wheel mill demonstrates the original way to grind grain. There are many more villages to enjoy, as well.

The fall harvest and Halloween bring many traditional celebrations to these towns. There’s Leesburg’s 19th Annual Hauntings Tour, the Waterford Homes Tour and Crafts Exhibit, Aldie’s Harvest Festival, Norton Wine and Bluegrass Festival in Middleburg and the Sixth Annual Air and Scare at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center.

It seems impossible that you’ll ever run out of things to do, but just in case – Loudoun lies at the center of one of the newest National Heritage Areas, The Journey Through Hallowed Ground – an 180-mile historic Route 15 corridor from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Gozaic (go-ZAY-ik). Noun. 1) The name of a website, Gozaic.com. 2) The fusion of “go,” for travel and the mosaic of heritage and culture. 3) The mosaic of images to illustrate the dimensions of a featured heritage or cultural destination.

Have you visited Leesburg and Loudoun County? Write a review or share photos on Gozaic.

Five Things to Do in: Jonesborough, Tennessee

It all began one balmy October weekend 37 years ago. Atop hay bales and wagons, people passionate about stories raised their voices and shared tales of Appalachian life with an eager audience of less than 60. Spurred by a high school journalism teacher’s dream of creating a storytelling festival, those first attendees never could have imagined how many others would flock to Tennessee in the name of well-told stories. Their initial gathering gave way to what is now a tradition drawing 10,000 visitors to Jonesborough, Tennessee every year: the National Storytelling Festival (October 1-3, 2010).

This Northeast Tennessee town is known as the “Storytelling Capital of the World,” and if the town’s buildings could talk, they’d have plenty of their own stories to share. Jonesborough was the first town in Tennessee, and many buildings date back to the 1780s. Visit the Jonesborough History Museum or take one of the guided walking or carriage tours to get a feel for the town’s past. Other notable buildings include the 1788 Christopher Taylor House, where Andrew Jackson resided when he came to Tennessee, and the 1797 Chester Inn, the oldest surviving inn in Tennessee, which housed presidents traveling through the Appalachian Mountains on the Great Stage Road. Just a short distance away is the birthplace of Davy Crockett and the site where Daniel Boone negotiated the purchase of a large tract of land from the Cherokee Indians that became a portion of Kentucky and Tennessee.

If you’re looking for a place with a passion for good stories, Jonesborough is your destination. Here are five top events and activities in town:

National Storytelling Festival, October 1-3, 2010. Called “the leading event of its kind in America” by USA Today, the festival celebrates the art of storytelling with a potpourri of voices and tales. Come hear stories unfold beneath big festival tents and nighttime stars. Be sure to attend the Ghost Stories and Midnight Cabaret performances and experience festival traditions like Swappin’ Ground and Exchange Place. The festival begins Friday morning and continues through Sunday afternoon.

Christmas in Olde Jonesborough – November 27 and December 4, 11 and 18 from 3 to 7 p.m. Begin with the lighting of the tree the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and come back for the historic homes tour, caroling, visits with Santa, music, storytelling, and holiday shopping during December. Each Saturday night offers a variety of additional events ranging from Dickens at Dusk, featuring rides in a horse drawn sleigh, an annual Christmas Parade, and the Spirit of Christmas Stroll through downtown as destinations open their doors for holiday exhibitions.

Music on the Square – Friday nights, May through September. Music on the Square features Americana, Bluegrass, Celtic, Irish, Old-Time, Blues and Jazz performances. Local and regional bands, storytellers, poets and performance artists provide the weekly line-up of live entertainment.

Jonesborough Days – July 4th weekend, 2011. Whether you enjoy a parade, music, food, crafts, history, entertainment or fireworks, Jonesborough Days has it all. Explore historic areas such as the Native American Village, Civil War Encampment or Crafter’s Village.

Jonesborough Repertory Theatre – year-round. The arts are alive in historic Jonesborough. Nothing makes that more evident than the Jonesborough Repertory Theatre. Nestled next to the Historic Eureka Inn in the historic district, the theatre performs a year-round schedule of shows that entertain an audience of all ages. Upcoming shows include The Last Five Years, A Christmas Carol and Romeo and Juliet.

Have you visited Jonesborough, Tennessee? Write a review or share photos on Gozaic.

Jonesborough is a Gozaic partner.

Photos top to bottom: International Storytelling Center courtesy of Town of Jonesborough, National Storytelling Festival courtesy of Tom Raymond, Fresh Air Photographics. Historic Jonesborough Music on the Square. Moonlight and Magnolias, Jonesborough Repertory Theatre performance in 2010.

Last Minute Deal! Cruise Through Canada’s Maritime Provinces and Coastal Maine

Last-Minute Opportunity to Book Now and Save $3,000 Off Regular Rates

Still basking in its post-Olympic splendor, our northern neighbor’s maple leaves will be ablaze in color this October. Combine a cruise of Canada’s tiny island jewels and scenic eastern coast with a look at Maine’s rugged shoreline when nature dazzles—in the fall.

We have four great reasons to pack your bags and sail away with National Trust Tours and Gozaic on our October 4-14, 2010, cruise while the air is crisp and the crowds have dispersed.

Scholarly Pursuits
Be regaled by stories of imperiled mariners lured to this rocky coast and the unearthing of their sunken treasures during discussions with lecturer Donald Grady Shomette. A renowned maritime archaeologist, Donald’s surveys have been sponsored by the National Geographic Society and the National Park Service. Donald has worked with the U.S. Navy to carry out one of the largest federal historic shipwreck inventories to date.

Culture Vultures & Nature Buffs Unite
This itinerary accommodates a variety of interests. See Anne of Green Gables House in Prince Edward Island where literature comes to life and imagine the inventor at work at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Cape Breton Island. Marvel at the sight of puffins taking to the sky in Witless Bay and admire the romantic Rockefeller carriage roads in Acadia National Park.

Floating Home Away from Home
The antidote to the mammoth cruise ships trolling the Atlantic, spend an intimate nine nights aboard Clelia II. Yacht-like in its appearance, you will be one of just 100 guests residing in all-suite accommodations. Amenities available aboard the larger cruise ships are also available here, including a gym, spa and salon and outdoor Jacuzzi.

Your Money’s no Good Here…
… because all of your meals and drinks are included in the cost of the tour! The food is divine and—if you’re not careful—will cost you a new, larger size wardrobe upon your return home.

I have very fond memories of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, childhood home of my grandmother and her four rambunctious siblings who told wonderful stories of growing up along the red sand beaches on this still-pristine island. Consider staying in Maine for a long weekend in Northeast Harbor, Maine—a stone’s throw from Bar Harbor—and glimpse the fabulous Shingle Style homes tucked behind their privet hedges. And you might even see Martha Stewart, a part-time resident! Stay at the Asticou Inn, whose sprawling grounds and harbor views ensure your relaxation.

Remember, Book Now and Save $3,000 Off Regular Rates!

Meg Annacone is the assistant director of National Trust Tours.

Photos top to bottom: Bar Harbor, Greg A. Hartford, AcadiaMag.com. Puffins. Clelia II. Acadia National Park, Otter Cliff, Greg A. Hartford, AcadiaMag.com.

Gozaic’s Hidden America: The Mix of Music and Culture

Tracing our nation’s past, music has always been a great influencer. From stirring up political debates and breaking cultural barriers to creating a deeper sense of community, music has an ongoing presence in America. With Gozaic.com, travelers can discover hidden places of interest and learn more about better-known sites, including ones connected to our musical history. Gozaic, an online community for those who seek authentic culture- and heritage-based experiences, has gathered a few noteworthy, music-themed destinations to inspire travelers to plan their next adventures.

Louis Armstrong House Museum in Corona, New York, brings to life the jazz musician’s humble New York City home, outfitted with the same furnishings from the time the Armstrongs resided there. In 1943, Louis and his wife, Lucille, chose to settle in this house in the Queens neighborhood of New York rather than moving to a more luxurious abode fit for an international jazz icon. The glossy, turquoise, state-of-the-art kitchen is just one stand-out feature of the house. Hundreds of tape recordings, featuring Louis practicing trumpet in the den, eating in the dining room with Lucille and joking with friends, amplify the authentic feel of a visit to the house.

The Museum at Bethel Woods in Bethel, New York, pays tribute to the legendary Woodstock summer music festival of 1969. Located where the historic, four-day concert took place, the museum features an interactive multimedia exhibit and a high-tech theater that screens some of Woodstock’s best performances and features never-before-seen festival footage. Visitors can catch live concerts at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, situated on the same grounds as the museum.

Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, is the site of all things Elvis. Tour the Graceland mansion and see a special collection of Elvis’ gold records and awards, career mementos, stage costumes, jewelry and photographs. The King of Rock and Roll and members of his family are laid to rest in Graceland’s Meditation Garden. Other highlights from the superstar’s sanctuary include Elvis’ Car Museum, a peek inside two of his luxurious custom jets and an exhibit focusing on his military service.

Historic Tabor Opera House in Leadville, Colorado, was built in just 100 days and provided lively, sophisticated entertainment to pioneers who missed the arts scene back East. Horace Tabor, a self-made man who served as the first mayor of Leadville and lieutenant governor of Colorado, had the building outfitted with Andrews patent opera chairs, elegant Victorian décor and plush carpeting. Big names such as Buffalo Bill, Houdini and the Metropolitan Opera Co. made their way to the Tabor Opera House. The building was restored during the 20th century and now features a museum, tours and performances.

The Music Hall in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, dates back to 1878, when members of the prominent Pierce family decided to rebuild the city’s only entertainment venue after it burned to the ground the year before. The hall drew operas, drama, dance and traditional vaudeville fare from as far as Europe before serving as a movie theater starting in the mid-1960s. Today, it is a non-profit community arts center welcoming 100,000 visitors each year to its acclaimed music, film, theater and dance productions.

For another look at Hidden America, read Gozaic's post on great literary places and join Gozaic's Journeys Into Hidden America Circle.

Photos top to bottom: Louis Armstrong at home with neighborhood kids, late 1960s courtesy of Louis Armstrong House Museum. Bethel Woods courtesy of Bethel Woods. Trophy Building courtesy of (c) Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. Andrews opera chairs courtesy of Sharon Furman Bland. The Music Hall interior courtesy of The Music Hall D Gair.

More Than 1,000 Museums to Offer Free Admission on Smithsonian’s Museum Day

People come to Washington, D.C., for a lot of reasons. For some, it’s the thrill of standing a few feet from the White House lawn or on the top steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Others come to admire architecture, dine at fabulous restaurants or browse boutiques in Georgetown. But for many, Washington, D.C., and the name Smithsonian go hand-in-hand -- and Smithsonian means free access to world-class museums.

This Saturday, you don’t need to be on The Mall in D.C. to take advantage of fantastic museums with no admission fee. Thanks to Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day, 1,200 museums and cultural institutions throughout the country will allow visitors free entry on September 25. All you have to do is print out a Museum Day admission pass online. Wondering which museums in your area are participating? Use the museum search tool to find out.

Museum Day is a great opportunity to check out some of Gozaic’s cultural destinations. Below is a sampling of Gozaic partner sites participating in Museum Day you may want to explore:

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham, Alabama, tells the story of the American Civil Rights Movement through multimedia.

Vulcan Park and Museum in Birmingham, Alabama, is the world’s largest cast iron statue and one of America’s most memorable pieces of civic art.

Historic Arkansas Museum in Little Rock, Arkansas, invites visitors to explore Arkansas’ frontier history through interactive exhibits and walking tours.

Molly Brown House Museum in Denver, Colorado, is a restored Victorian mansion where famed Titanic survivor Maggie (Molly) Brown once resided.

Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, Connecticut, was an Impressionist artists’ colony that now features modern galleries and historic buildings.

Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover, Delaware, is home to American paintings, Delaware Valley silver and furniture from the 18th century to present.

Dumbarton House in Washington, D.C., is a Georgetown home that provides insight on our nation’s past, having stood in the capital for more than two centuries.

Tudor Place in Washington, D.C., was initially the home of George Washington’s granddaughter, and today the public can view the gracious estate and learn more about the slaves and free servants who worked there.

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace in Savannah, Georgia, is the carefully restored townhouse where the founder of Girl Scouts and her dynamic family lived.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House in Chicago, Illinois, was one of the architect’s great masterpieces built in the Prairie Style a century ago.

Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park, Illinois, was Wright’s private residence and architectural laboratory for the first 20 years of his career.

Kentucky Gateway Museum Center in Maysville, Kentucky, brings the region’s history to life through three fascinating exhibits.

National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick, Maryland, investigates medicine’s fundamental role in the Civil War through a variety of displays and artifacts.

Nevada Northern Railway Museum in Ely, Nevada, pays tribute to America’s best-preserved short line and complete operating rail facility through interactive exhibits.

Fourth Ward School Museum in Virginia City, Nevada, is an architectural gem and a reminder of education’s influence in 19th century Western mining communities.

American Independence Museum in Exeter, New Hampshire, was established to promote America’s founding principles and features rare Revolution-era artifacts.

Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, New Hampshire, houses an internationally recognized collection of art with pieces by Matisse, Picasso, Monet, Warhol and more.

The Fells in Newbury, New Hampshire, overlooks Lake Sunapee on a 1,000-acre hillside, exemplifying an early 20th century New England summer estate.

Stickley Museum in Morris Plains, New Jersey, was once home to Gustav Stickley, a designer and manufacturer of Crafstman furniture and a leader in the Arts and Crafts movement.

The Museum at Bethel Woods in Bethel, New York, stands at the site of the 1969 Woodstock music festival and pays homage to its history through multimedia exhibits.

Olana State Historic Site in Hudson, New York, was the Persian-style home of American landscape painter Frederic Edwin Church and offers magnificent views of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains.

Blandwood Mansion in Greensboro, North Carolina, dates back to 1795 and tells the history of the family who resided in the home during the antebellum period.

Oberlin Heritage Center in Oberlin, Ohio, explores Oberlin’s roots as a Christian perfectionist colony, home of the nation’s first co-educational college and a haven for abolitionists.

Drayton Hall in Charleston, South Carolina, is a National Trust Historic Site and the oldest surviving example of Georgian Palladian architecture in the U.S.

Hildene in Manchester, Vermont, was Abraham Lincoln’s son Robert’s residence beginning in 1905, and stayed in the Lincoln family until 1975.

Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock, Vermont, allows visitors to interact with Vermont’s rural past through exhibits and activities at the still-operating dairy farm.

Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest in Forest, Virginia, was Jefferson’s private retreat during his later years and a fine example of Renaissance Palladian and 18th-century French architecture.

Stonewall Jackson House in Lexington, Virginia, was the residence of the famous Confederate leader before his Civil War days.

Photos top to bottom: Vulcan overlooks Birmingham courtesy of © 2004 Vulcan Park and Museum. Painted Panels in Dining Room courtesy of Florence Griswold Museum. Dumbarton House rear view courtesy of Dumbarton House/NSCDA. Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio courtesy of Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. 40 and Train courtesy of Nevada Northern Railway Museum. Currier Winter Garden entrance courtesy of Jose Martinez. Bethel Woods courtesy of Bethel Woods. Olana south façade courtesy of Stan Ries. Stair Hall courtesy of Drayton Hall.

Heritage Q&A With Eileen Ogintz of Taking the Kids

For some people family travel is full of fun and adventure. For others it is frustrating. For Eileen Ogintz, it is a career! Eileen’s nationally syndicated column, Taking the Kids, helps families navigate the world of traveling with children of all ages. Along the way, she provides insight of great places to visit and offers tips on getting the most out of family vacations.

Today, we spend a few moments with Eileen Ogintz:

Where is your hometown? Baldwin, New York

Where do you live now? Westport, Connecticut

If someone came to your hometown, what would you be most excited to show them? We loved the Nunley’s Carousel which has now been restored and is an attraction in another Long Island town at the Museum of Aviation.

Is there one heritage or cultural destination you think everyone should visit? I think Colonial Williamsburg and that entire Historic Triangle (Williamsburg, Jamestowne and Yorktown) is great because it really makes American Revolutionary War history come alive for kids and adults alike.

Where did you last visit for vacation? I was in Colorado, the Mediterranean and Hawaii this summer.

What was your favorite cultural or heritage activity during your trip? I loved visiting Mesa Verde National Park and imagining how families lived in the cliff dwellings so many thousands of years ago. In Hawaii, I loved getting in touch with the ancient Hawaiian culture seeing ancient fish ponds on Kauai. Though I didn’t visit Pearl Harbor, I’ve been twice before and think that is important for every generation. And in Rome, the Colosseum.

What was one of your favorite childhood memories from a vacation experience? I remember going to Washington, D.C.! And, also exploring Fort Ticonderoga in New York.

Eileen Ogintz is founder of Taking the Kids, a major and growing presence online, appearing in online news outlets such as msnbc.com, CNN.com, Smartertravel.com and Frommers.com. Taking the Kids also appears in newspapers around the country including the New York Daily News, Newsday, Miami Herald, Cleveland Plain Dealer, and Dallas Morning News, among others. Ogintz is considered a leading national expert on family travel and is often quoted in major publications such as USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, New York Times and parenting and women’s magazines on family travel. She has appeared on such television programs as “48 Hours,” “The Today Show,” “Good Morning America” and “Oprah,” as well as dozens of local radio and television news programs. Ogintz is also often asked to speak to corporate groups about family travel.

Photos top to bottom: Eileen Ogintz. Visitors in the stockade courtesy of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Cliff Palace, Mesa Verde National Park courtesy of Aramark Mesa Verde Company.

Journeys for a Railroad Tourist

Gozaic is pleased to announce the launch of the Journeys for a Railroad Tourist Circle starring author, columnist and cooking aficionado James (Jim) Porterfield as the circle leader.

Jim leads an exciting life that involves riding trains, cooking and writing books about his experiences with both. He is a popular speaker and has appeared on local and national radio and television to talk about railroad history, rail dining and rail travel.

Jim’s first circle post sets the tone for this new Gozaic community, highlighting some of the wonderful destinations and activities that rail travel enthusiasts, or anyone for that matter, will enjoy including walking or biking along a former railroad right-of-way; taking an excursion on a dinner train or private rail car; spending a night at a B&B overlooking a working railroad or enjoying fine dining in railroad stations or retired railroad equipment.

He also suggests various articles, films and events, providing numerous ways for people to learn about and enjoy rail travel and culture.

In order to join Jim’s circle and become part of the community of rail travel enthusiasts, first register on Gozaic. Then visit the circle and click the “Join this Circle” link on the upper right corner of the page. Then you can participate in any number of ways – by posting a question or sharing an experience in the discussions area; uploading a photo; sharing an upcoming event of interest with the community or commenting on Jim’s blog posts and continuing the conversation.
We are very excited to have Jim on board, and hope you enjoy the latest addition to Gozaic Circles.

Photo: Sam Botts, Tioga Central Railroad

Photo Journal: Girlfriend Getaway to Newport, Rhode Island

Mission: End-of-summer girlfriends’ getaway

Criteria: Driving distance from Washington, D.C.; diversity of cultural activities and people; fun nightlife; bike friendly

Destination Selected: Newport, Rhode Island, Aug. 25-29

My high school friend and I set off from Washington, D.C., on a Tuesday night for Newport, Rhode Island, stopping for a night in New York City to break up the drive. We set off at 8 a.m. sharp, so that my car wouldn’t get towed from the streets of Manhattan, and were happy to make it to Newport in less than 3.5 hours.

Wednesday: Arrival and Settling In
While Newport is full of quaint small inns and B&Bs, we opted for the Hyatt Regency on Goat Island, just one-half mile from town. Since we arrived early, our room wasn’t quite ready, so we hopped back in the car and headed over to visit The Breakers, the 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo inspired by the 16th-century palaces of Genoa and Turin. In 1893, Cornelius Vanderbilt II commissioned an architect, who directed an international team of craftsmen and artisans, to build this iconic mansion. The audio tour was great. The opulent rooms were unlike anything I have ever seen. The view on the ocean side was incredible, whetting our appetites for the 3.5 mile Cliff Walk planned for the next day, part of which was in view from The Breakers.

After returning to the hotel and settling into our room, we set out to explore the town and quickly decided that we made the right decision about choosing Newport. We explored the numerous wharfs along Thames Street, lined with restaurants, bars, friendly locals and happy vacationers.

We stumbled upon The Black Pearl on Bannister’s Wharf, known for its clam chowder, which we immediately ordered and were not disappointed! We also met friendly local resident and boat builder, Dave, who became our local tour guide – suggesting places to eat and fun things to do.

After enjoying a few drinks at the Midway Bar of the Clarke Cooke House, we headed back home, excited about the next day’s adventure.

Thursday: Adventure Ahead
After grabbing a snack at the Hyatt, we met our new friend Dave at one of the piers on Goat Island, and he took us out on the water to watch a boat race and experience a little bit of the Newport boating culture.

The Cliff Walk was the highlight of the day. The Chanler Inn, a member of Historic Hotels of America, was perched at the beginning of the Cliff Walk, and it was a place I would definitely return to for a romantic holiday!

Its pristinely green flawless front lawn overlooked First Beach. We sat for a few minutes in the Adirondack chairs, admiring the views and the perfect weather, and peered inside to get a glimpse of this beautiful historic property.

The adventure continued along the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk, as we scrambled over rocks, scuttled through tunnels and passed by numerous mansions and wonderful views.

After about 2.5 hours, we came to the end of our route, landing on Rejects Beach, called that by the locals because it’s located next to the private and exclusive Bailey’s Beach. We didn’t feel like rejects though, after our long hike, and enjoyed spending an hour relaxing on the beach as the sun was going down.

After hitching a cab ride back to our bikes, we pedaled home, enjoying the views as we crossed the bridge to Goat Island.

After dining at a small pub, we wandered down South Thames Street, where there were even more nightlife options, and ended up at a small locals bar called Café Zelda, named after F. Scott Fitzgerald's wife and located in a building with lots of history.

Friday: Tennis and Beach Day
Breakfast offered another culinary highlight -- eggs Benedict with lobster at Benjamin’s, a great spot right in the middle of town. This was so outstanding, that we went back two days later and ate the exact same thing.

Then we set off to explore another part of town, where the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum was located. I was surprised to learn that the very first U.S. National Tennis Championships were held in 1881 at this site. The grounds have 13 grass courts that are open to the public, and the museum itself is enormous, featuring videos of past and current players, great history, and clothing and equipment from historic matches. Hard to believe that Jimmy Connors won the 1983 U.S. Open with the racket shown in this photo.

After spending a few hours at the Hall of Fame and watching some matches on the grass courts, we got back on our bikes and headed to Second Beach, in the neighboring town of Middletown. That ride involved some hill climbs that filled our exercise quota! We ended the day with dinner at 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar and Grill, located on Bowen’s Wharf, where we had delicious seafood and great wine, in a cozy spot at the bar upstairs . . . and then crossed the street to finish up the evening at the Cooke House Midway Bar, once again.

Saturday: Touring and Shopping
The morning was spent eating lobster eggs Benedict again at Benjamin’s and then shopping around town in many of the boutiques that lined South Thames Street.

In the afternoon, we visited another one of the famous mansions, Rough Point, the former home of Doris Duke. Arriving at the property, we were greeted by a friendly security officer and his canine pal, a rescue dog. Apparently Doris Duke was a huge animal lover and rescued lots of dogs in her day. The front lawn, overlooking the water, had a couple of faux camels, representing the live camels that Doris Duke kept on her estate.

The mansion tour was led by a docent, who had lots of stories passed along from some of Doris Duke’s former staff. The mansion, with its fairly recent history, was quite a contrast to the Breakers’ Guilded Age décor and helped to create a portrait of Doris Duke, an heiress, horticulturist, art collector and philanthropist. In 1968, Duke created the Newport Restoration Foundation, with the goal of preserving more than 80 colonial buildings in town, including Rough Point.

For our final dinner in Newport, we walked over to the Marina Café and Pub, located on Goat Island close to the Hyatt, and overlooking a marina. What a find! I had the Newport lobster roll, and my friend had fried oysters, both of which were great! We sat outside on the porch, watched the sunset and chatted with the locals.

Sunday: Final Day of Fun
On our final day, we decided to squeeze in two more activities, a quick tour of the Touro Synagogue and then a sail around Newport on a large schooner called the Madeleine.

The Touro Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in America and one of the oldest symbols of liberty. The synagogue was designated a National Historic Site in 1946 and named an affiliate site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2001. The museum offers great information about the synagogue’s history, and a guide provides an interesting 20-minute talk.

A visit to Newport wouldn’t be complete without a sailing adventure. We chose the Madeleine, after first trying to get on one of the America’s Cup yachts, which were all booked up for the day (I suggest booking one of these in advance). We sailed on this 72-foot schooner through Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay, checking out some of the few remaining sites in Newport that we didn’t get to see, such as Castle Hill. What a perfect way to end a perfect trip. I’m already thinking about going back next year!

Lisa Lanna is director of business and product development for Gozaic.

Five Things to Do in: Lexington, Kentucky, during the World Equestrian Games

The hype surrounding the FIFA World Cup held in South Africa was impossible to miss a few months ago. Now that the buzz over the soccer championship has died down, another international sporting competition is about to make headlines in the “Horse Capital of the World.”

Lexington, Kentucky, will host the World Equestrian Games (the Games) beginning Sept. 25, and this will be the first time the event is held outside Europe. It’s easy to see why this city was chosen for such an important role. During the 18th century, notable horsemen such as Henry Clay picked up on Lexington’s affinity for breeding strong, fast horses. The reason behind Lexington’s champion horses was the rich local grasslands, fed by natural springs and creeks infused with calcium deposits from the region’s underlying limestone. Because of this, horses bred in Lexington tended to mature faster, have stronger bones and achieve more success on the track and in the show ring.

There are more than 450 horse farms within close proximity to Lexington, and the city boasts three of the best equine hospitals in the world. More money changes hands over the sale of horses in Lexington than any place in the world.

What do Lexington and the World Equestrian Games have to offer heritage travelers? Gozaic has the scoop on five activities not to be missed, as this international event kicks off in Lexington.

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The largest sporting event in the United States since the 2002 Olympics, the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games provides the world championships for eight equestrian sports. The games will take place from Sept. 25 to Oct. 10, at the 1,200-acre Kentucky Horse Park. Attendees can also enjoy “The Kentucky Experience,” an interactive exhibit showcasing the sites, sounds and tastes of Kentucky, from Corvettes to wine. At The Alltech Experience, visitors can taste Alltech’s Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale and Dippin’ Dots (owned by Alltech) and can even pet sharks and penguins.

Spotlight Lexington. This free festival, from Sept. 24 to Oct. 10, will showcase everything Lexington. Entertainers include internationally known Lexingtonian Tee Dee Young; Lexington native Laura Bell Bundy; and Lula Washington, choreographer of Avatar. At the Kentucky Market, 40 vendors will feature Kentucky products on Saturdays and Sundays during the festival.

Horse Mania. The streets of Lexington are filled with 89 life-size horses! These figures, along with 50 foals of Horse Play – the public art project for kids, will appear all over the city through Oct. 15. Lady Godiva’s Horse, one of the local favorites, looks just like a Godiva chocolate bar being unwrapped. All horses will go to auction Dec. 11, with the proceeds benefiting LexArts and other nonprofit charities throughout the region.

Alltech Fortnight Festival. This festival has been held in 13 Kentucky cities since its inception in 2008, and the 2010 event will host more than 100 entertainment acts throughout the state. “La Boheme,” Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra with Maestro Gustavo Dudamel, Chubby Checker, Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys, the Beach Boys and The Temptations are just a few of the entertainers playing for the festival. The event begins Sept. 23 and runs through Oct. 10.

International Equestrian Festival. Taking place at the Lexington Convention Center, the International Equestrian Festival (IEF) will offer equine seminars, live horse demonstrations, a trade show and more.

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Photos top to bottom:
-Limestone fences line the roads of the Bluegrass, some built close to 200 years ago by Irish stonemasons by Jeff Rogers, Courtesy Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau.
-Splendid fall colors create beautiful scenes in the Bluegrass countryside by Gene Burch, courtesy Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau.
-2006 World Equestrian Games. Eventing Cross-Country test by Bob Langrish.
-Spend an sightseeing around the historic areas of downtown Lexington by Jeff Rogers, courtesy Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau.
-Lady Godiva is one of the 89 horses in Horse Mania by Lauren Campbell.
-A foal and its mother at one of Lexington's legendary Thoroughbred horse farms by James Archambeault, Courtesy Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau.