things to do, sights to see, places to eat

Stonington Vineyards, Stonington: This small coastal winery established in 1979 benefits from the sea climate, which is apparent when you taste the wines. The winery is open year round.
Haight Vineyards, Litchfield (203-567-4045): In 1978, this vineyard became the first established farm winery in the state. Guided tours are available year round at this picturesque winery.
Hopkins Vineyard, New Preston (203-868-7954): Located overlooking beautiful Lake Waramaug in the western part of the state, this winery offers award-winning wines with tastings in their 19th century barn. Be sure to stop be Hopkins Inn for one of the best meals you will have ever tasted. I highly recommend the Clams Casino -- they are out of this world.
Mystic Seaport, Mystic (203-572-5315): Home to the Historic Tall Ships and the rebuilt seaport village, Mystic also boasts an Outdoor Art Festival, antique shops, and the Mystic Seaport Museum.
Mystic Marinelife Aquarium, Mystic (203-572-5955): Containing 2,500 marine animals displayed in 50 exhibits, this is a nonprofit marine science center dedicated to education, research and conservation. Unfortunately, the day we chose to go to the aquarium, so did hundreds of other people -- the line was so long we didn't wait to get in -- but a long line is usually a good sign!
Sub-Fest, New London Sub Base: If you are in this area over Fourth of July weekend, don't miss this fantastic event. A food festival featuring area restaurants' specialties, started off our day on the right foot. The food was outstanding! There are rides galore, with many special events happening all day long. The highlight of the day was the most spectacular fireworks display we have ever seen. The entire day was incredible and although it got "pricey" by day's end, it was worth every penny and we would do again tomorrow! This event is the only time all year that civilians are allowed on the Submarine Base.

Return to Camping Page

Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island: One place everyone should visit at least once. Sights include Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliffs. The views on the island are spectacular, but perhaps the best part for kids of all ages are the numerous rock cliffs that one can explore in search of tidal pools or just for fun.
Town of Bar Harbor: Busy tourist town with loads of little shops to satisfy anyone's tastes. Lots of restaurants and a great view of the harbor from the public park which overlooks the marina.
Bar Harbor Brewing Company & Sodaworks, Bar Harbor (207-288-4592): Great little 'mom and pop' business -- a microbrewery that offers free tours and also produces the best root beer syrup I've ever tasted -- and I didn't like root beer!
Lobster Boat Tours: Lobsters boat which charters scenic island tours for up to 6 passengers. Sights viewed include Bass Harbor Lighthouse, an osprey's nest, seals, and, of course, the booty from the captain's lobster traps. The highlight is fresh caught and cooked lobster served to your party on the boat as you continue your scenic tour. My kids were ready to repeat this tour the very next day!
Oceanarium & Lobster Hatchery (207-288-5005 or 207-288-2334): The Oceanarium is a hands-on/please touch experience that will delight young and old alike. Lobster hatchery educates its visitors on the efforts being made for the continuation of the lobster industry.
Island Chowder House, Bar Harbor (207-288-4905): Offers award-winning New England Clam Chowder -- some of the best I've ever tasted!
Testa's, Bar Harbor (207-288-3327): The food's delicious, well worth the wait if you don't have a reservation.

Return to Camping Page

Cowtown Flea Market, Cowtown: Some nice things, a great place for bargains.
Cowtown Rodeo, Cowtown: Saturday evenings from Memorial Day through Labor Day will find a crowd of rodeo enthusiasts at the oldest continuously operating rodeo in the country. If you've never been to a rodeo, it's a lot of fun.
Town of Mullica Hill: Quiet town with one main street which houses many antique and specialty shops. One backyard contains a unique walk-through version of "The Wizard of Oz"; this is free to the public.

Return to Camping Page

Black Angus Antiques, Adamstown
Renninger's Antique Market, Adamstown
Shupp's Grove Antiques, Adamstown: Located on the 'antique mile', the above places are three of the best flea/antique markets around. A trip to this area isn't complete without visiting at least one of these markets.
Lancaster County: Amish farms are scattered throughout this picturesque area. Take an afternoon (or longer) and explore the back roads which are not only scenic but may result in a hidden treasure trove of hand-crafted items.
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, Mount Hope (717-665-7021).: Held each year at the Mount Hope Winery and Estate, this event is not to be missed. Entering the estate, you find yourself back in Elizabethan England, with all the pageantry. There are craft demonstrations, short plays, a 'human' chess match, and interactive events for the whole family to enjoy. The highlight of the day, however, is the armored jousting tournament held one hour prior to the faire's end each day. This event is not to be missed under any circumstances. One visit to the faire won't be enough as there are too many things to see and do; so plan on a return trip!
Hersheypark & Hershey Chocolate World, Hershey: If near this area, you don't want to miss a tour through Hershey Chocolate World. It's interesting for both kids and adults -- my kids have been on the tour many times and they never tire of it -- although maybe the free candy at the end of the tour has something to do with it...hmm..... The bus ride through the town of Hershey at Christmastime is truly a holiday delight. You not only learn the story behind Milton Hershey, founder of Hershey's Chocolates, but are also entertained by some 'interesting' characters who get on and off the bus at different stops. If you're into amusement parks, a visit to Hersheypark is in order.

Return to Camping Page

Crowley Cheese, Healdville: A must-see for anyone visiting this area. Founded in 1882 by Winfield Crowley, this 'factory' sites in a tiny, rural community of a few dozen people. You can watch cheese being made entirely by hand in the oldest cheese factory in America -- a National Historic Place. Cheese is made most Mondays through Thursdays but call ahead just to make sure. It's a day-long process that is a worthwhile experience for all ages and to top it off, the cheese is excellent!
Hubbardton Battlefield, Hubbardton: For those interested in the Revolutionary War, there is a nice museum at the battlefield.
Town of Rutland: Old town with all the modern conveniences. Spectacular views dot the surrounding countryside.
Spider Web Farm, Williamstown (802-433-5568): Terrific off-the-beaten-path attraction that will interest the whole family. Actual spider webs are preserved on wood -- no two alike!
Vermont Marble Exhibit (802-459-2300)
Wilson Castle(802-773-3284)
Sirloin Saloon, Rutland: Wonderful salad bar and has the best steaks I've ever tasted (try the Teriyaki Steak) and I normally don't order steak when I eat out.
Casey's Caboose, Killington: Dine in a restored caboose, complete with tables in the engineer's lookout and model trains running along tracks.
Seward's Dairy, Rutland: This little family-style restaurant has good food and the best ice cream around -- ice cream that is made fresh in their dairy which is right next door! With flavors like Maple Walnut and Strawberry Shortcake, isn't your mouth watering already?

Return to Camping Page

Town of Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg: Wonderful refurbished colonial town. If you're in the area, don't miss spending at least day walking around.
Settlement of Jamestown: Site of America's first permanent English settlement. A year-round exhibit shows early Jamestown with full-scale reconstructions of the three ships and the fort which the first settlers built -- great learning experience for the kids.
Busch Gardens, Williamsburg: Enjoy lots of old-world fun, food, and more from the featured European countries within this park.
The Williamsburg Pottery & Pottery Factory Outlets, Williamsburg: Over 100 acres of shopping featuring great bargains on factory overruns, selected seconds and closeouts; everyone is sure to find something in the gigantic and diverse inventory.

Return to Camping Page

WEST VIRGINIA

Return to Camping Page