NYC at Christmastime

New York City transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. The tree at Rockefeller Center and window displays at Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue are just a few of the special sites during winter in the city.

“There’s nothing like New York around this time. It’s magical,” said Sarah Giustino, a college student who’s family owns an apartment in Manhattan. She spends as much time in the city as she can in December because there is so much to do during the holidays.

The holiday spirit in NYC is unlike any other city. Simply walking through Grand Central station, you will feel as if you just got off the train to the North Pole. The station’s ceiling is covered in wonderland images and the beautiful Holiday Laser Light Show that officially kicked off the holiday season on November 30th. The light show is presented every half hour, between 11:00 AM and 9:00 PM all the way through December 31st.

Take the subway to see the Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo where there are lighted paths through the zoo and over 140 illuminated animal and holiday sculptures, live reindeer, music, storytelling, ice-carving, the Holiday Express Train and the Polar Bear Express Experience, create a winter wonderland. Adult tickets are only $10.

If you are visiting NYC with a date, spend an hour skating at Rockefeller Center while admiring the tree. You could also take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through Central park, one of my favorite things to do when I am in the city. The ride takes about 40 minutes, just enough time before you get too cold and a perfect amount of time to see the snow-covered Central Park. The driver will give you the warmest, softest blanket you have ever touched and it a ride to remember.

The world famous department store holiday decorated windows are one of Manhattan’s most sought out activities during the holidays. This year Macy’s had a very intriquette display of Letters to Santa, where children could see the process their letters go through in order to arrive at the North Pole before Christmas. NYC in the holidays would not be complete without a visit to these windows decorated for the holidays.

"New York has something to offer everyone," said Giustino. "No matter what you are interested in doing, New York will have it."

TOP 10 Things to do in NYC at Christmastime

1. "Radio City Christmas Spectacular" (go to Tickets to get ½ off a lot of shows!)

2. Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride through Central Park

3. New York City "Holiday Lights"Tour

4. Ice-Skating at Rockefeller Center

5. Window Shopping on 5th Avenue

6. Visiting Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, one of the most beautiful churches in the world

7. New York City "Hop-On Hop-Off" Double-Decker Bus Tour, great for visitors who have never experienced NYC.

8. Empire State Building Observatory where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of NYC’s winter wonderland

9. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

10. Strolling through the MET

Winter on the Cape

Cape Cod is mostly well known for all it has to offer in the warm summer months with the beautiful beaches, sand dunes, sailing, golf and many more attractions. Most visitors don’t know how special the Cape is during the fall and winter months. It is truly a gem during the holiday season especially and would be a perfect getaway for a weekend for friends or a romantic weekend for two.

College student Lisa Whales visits Cape Cod in the winter often because she has family who lives there year round. “I love the first snow, people out in boats until the ocean freezes, ice skating, and rolling in the snow and jumping in a hot tub.” Whales said she especially loves snowstorms on the Cape because she can walk on the beach during the storm and she says “there’s nothing like it”. “I love having a nice fire on a stormy night,” she said. “And Christmas on the Cape is just beautiful.”

During the winter there are plenty of things to do, according to Whales. “People on the cape are pretty big drinkers, so there is always barhopping,” she said. Although the Cape has a typically laid back atmosphere, there are lots of great restaurants and bands in the area that play at a lot of different bars and restaurants. “I love visiting the Cape Cod Lighthouses all decorated with Christmas lights and sledding onto the frozen water too!” she said.

The holiday season on the Cape is the time of tradition and celebration with the native Cape Codders. Many towns and villages have tree lighting, Christmas strolls, caroling, holiday concerts and performances. Historical Cape Cod homes and inns are decorated for the holidays and are open to visitors. Towns like Falmouth and Chatham have Christmas-by-the-sea traditional celebrations last from Thanksgiving Day through New Year’s Day. As a visitor, you can participate in holiday strolls, the tree lighting, and tour the historical inns. In the Nobska Lighthouse in Falmouth, decorate your own gingerbread house and go caroling.

During the holidays, Dunbar Tea Shop in Sandwich features a Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol reading. The shop is a historical tea room in the heart of the oldest town in Cape Cod, Sandwich. Check out the afternoon tea menu for a warm treat after spending the day exploring the Cape. Sandwich is also home to the Heritage Museum and Gardens, which are decorated with holiday lights during the holidays.

Stroll along the Hyannis Harbor and watch the Harbor lighting ceremony, which includes a boat parade with Santa arriving in a lobster boat. There will be free chowder, piping hot chocolate and the festive hayride through the town center. Also in Hyannis is The Cape Codder Resort and Spa’s enchanted village lights and figures in the courtyard.

There are also many charming and affordable hotels on the Cape, according to Whales. “Hotels in Hyannis all have a great reputation, and the Ocean’s Edge in Brewster is great. The Trowbridge Tavern is a quaint hotel that is also has great nightlife with live bands all weekend,” said Whales.

“The Cape is unlike any other home in the East, every season has its own unique beauty,” she said.

Fall The CT Wine Trail to Kent

Kent is a small town in Connecticut that not many Connecticut residents know a lot about. It is home of two wineries along the Connecticut Wine Trail and is full of things to do in the wintertime. A weekend in Kent is an ideal romantic getaway, so bring a date on this trip.

The CT Wine Trail is made up of 14 vineyards. The trail will take you through some of CT’s most scenic and historic towns such as Brookfield, scenic New Preston, and the historic village of Litchfield.

Wineries are popular around the area of Kent such as White Silo Winery, a small winery in the rural town of Sherman right around the corner from Kent. The Wines include Raspberry, Blackberry, Rhubarb and Sour Cherry wines, both Dry and Semisweet and are produced and bottled at the winery from unsprayed fruit grown at the farm. You can have a glass of wine on their terrace, overlooking the mountains and ponds or cozy up inside by the fire on a cold winter day. Their specialty is Blackberry sangria coupled with homemade Connecticut farm cheese or chocolate truffles. Take a tour of the 1850’s barn, the art gallery, or just sit at the wine bar and enjoy the wine tasting.

Hopkins Vineyard is another winery, family owned Connecticut Century Farm and one of Connecticut’s first winery-established wine-bar. It is located in the hayloft of a 19th Century barn with a casual atmosphere of cafe tables overlooking the beautiful Lake Waramaug.

When visiting Kent in the winter, you can also take a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh with a big cozy blanket to keep warm while you sit back and listed the sound of sleigh bells jingling as you slide across Connecticut’s winter wonderland. After you take a ride through a field and into the woods, you will be lead back to the Long Meadow Farm house where you will be served a delicious, steaming cup of hot mulled cider awaits you. Your sleigh ride will last about 40 minutes costing $95 for two persons, $125 up to four, and $160 for up to 10 people.

Kent is also the home of Kent Falls, the largest waterfalls in CT. If the weather permits, take a drive to the falls where you can pack a picnic, take a hike to the top of the falls, or just take in the gorgeous scenery and serenity of the falls. Just down the road from the falls is the center of Kent where there is a handful of stores and restaurants that are a perfect fit for this rustic town in the hills of Connecticut where you can have a hot chocolate at the Kent Coffee and Chocolate Company or a slice of delicious homemade pizza at Kent Pizza Garden and Restaurant.

Whatever your Taste, Northampton is the Place

With music, art, theatre, shopping and great restaurants, Northampton, Massachusetts is an artsy town right around the corner.

For thousands of years, Northampton was originally inhabited by Native Americans and was called Norwottuck, or Nonotuck, meaning: "the midst of the river." It is now a popular destination for tourists who are attracted to the city’s arts and culture. The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America, by John Villani named Northampton the number one small town for arts in the country. Northampton is a special place with small-town quaintness and big-city liveliness. It is full of activities, eclectic shops, busy europeanesque sidewalk cafes, and youthful nightlife.
Northampton is also the perfect gem for either a romantic dinner or a night out on the town. Grab a beer with friends at the Northampton Brewery, a slice of Joe’s famous pizzas, or bring a date to see a show at Calvin Theatre or a concert at the Iron Horse Music Hall.

Being home of many Iron Horse Entertainment Group live music venues, Northampton is well-known for its music scene. The venues include the Iron Horse Music Hall 20 Center Street, which has a scheduled filled with live rock and blues acts. The Pearl Street Nightclub host mostly rock performers. Also located in Northampton is The Elevens, which has live acts encompassing "independent, local, regional, national and underground performers" playing blues, jazz, rock of various categories.

Visit during Northampton's Art's Night Out and check out the city's 23 open galleries and studios the 2nd Friday of Every Month. Walk around the streets and drink refreshments while gazing work of local artists. Artists create jewelry, American craft, handmade wearables, Chinese antique furniture, photography, landscape expressions and more.

Northampton has a lot of outdoor beauty to take advantage of when visiting. Look Park is a one hundred & fifty acre park in Northampton located on the Berkshire Trail. This is another venue for concerts and several special events. The Old State Mental Hospital grounds, where “Cider House Rules” was filmed, once overgrown is now being developed. Residents and visitors walk around the beautiful area that takes you through the farm fields and woods of Northampton. Take a bike ride on the Norwottock Rail Trail is an 8.5 mile path linking Northampton, Hadley, and Amherst along the former Boston & Main Railroad. It is pathway created for wheelchairs, joggers, skaters, bicyclists, and cross-country skier of all ages.

Gillette Castle State Park

With this sudden Indian summer weather that has hit Connecticut, now is a perfect time to take a ride to Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, CT. The Castle overlooks the Connecticut River and is surrounded by 200 acres of scenic grounds along the River. Ever since its restoration reopening in 2002, the park gets 100,000 visitors each year. The park has a museum, hiking trails, and a picnic area, and the castle itself puts on several theatrical celebrations.

I have visited the castle several times and I always go during the fall because that is the most beautiful time to view the scenery and hike around the park. It is also free to walk around the outskirts of the castle from October to April and the castle's scenery allows for great photo opportunities.

The castle was originally the home of William Gillette, an American actor who also designed the castle and a Hartford native who descended from the city’s founder. He first found the location to build Gillette Castle during a boat trip on the Connecticut River in 1912.

From there, Gillette spent $1 to build the famous castle that was completed in 1919. Inside the castle are a number of hidden mirrors, a lock-protected bar and intricate, hand-carved door latches on each of the castle's 47 doors. As part of William Gillette’s original design, the castle grounds used to have a railroad track with a working steam engine that visitors could ride on. Lake Compounce in Bristol later purchased some of the track to transport guests around the lake. The rest of it was converted into walking trails for tourists to hike at the park.

The town of East Haddam also has alot to offer including several quaint restaurants and shopping on main street. After a few hours at the castle, hiking and sight seeing, you could have lunch or dinner at one of East Haddam's restaurants like the River Tavern or the Blue Oar.

Gillette Castle is located at 67 River Road in East Haddam, Connecticut-an easy drive, right off of Route 9

Mount Washington

I have been fortunate enough to experience climbing the highest mountain in the Northeast, as well as one of the most beautiful areas in the Northeast. Mount Washington is one of the most breathtaking spots in New England. It is a perfect fall getaway for a day of hiking of a day of shopping and lunch at the summit. Located in Sargent's Purchase, NH, it is the Northeast's highest peak surrounded by the extensive 750,000-acre White Mountain National Forest also part of the Apalachian Trail, a 2,000-mile footpath that extencds from Main to Georgia trail that runs On a clear day visitors can stand at the 6,288-foot summit and see beyond New Hampshire as far as 130 miles to Vermont, New York, Quebec, Massachusetts, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean.

If visitors do not choose to hike the mountain, they can drive their own cars to the summit or ride in one of the many vans that provide guided tours for visitors. The Mt. Washington Cog Railway, the first rack-and-pinion mountain-climbing cog railway with a three-mile route, which is one of the steepest railway tracks in the world. When I visited Mt. Washington, I hiked up the mountain and road the train back to the bottom, which was relaxing with a beautiful site to see.

It is important to remeber when visiting the Mount Washington is the summer that the summit will be much colder and windier than at the base and snow can fall any month of the year. There are about fifteen hiking trails up Mt. Washington. When planning your hiking trip is it important to be aware of Mt. Washington's spontaneous weather, which is considered to be the "worst in the world". Mt. Washington holds the highest wind velocity ever measured on earth, which was 231 miles per hour in April. Wind on Mt. Washington can exceed hurricane force, but the average is 35 mph with an average temperature of 27.1 F. The weather on Mt. Washington is so sever because it is located in the midst of a major storm track routes that affect the entire Northeast.

One of the most interesting features to Mt. Washington is the several distinct ecological zones. When I hiked the mountain, I remember vividly passing through several very distinictly different ecological areas. First I hiked through a forest of northeat redwoods, then a forest of spruce and fir, and as I got higer in elevation trees become small and stunted. Soon they looked like short and narled, which meant I had reached the sub-alpine zone. Eventually I hit the tree line, the elevation above which trees do not grow (about 4,400 feet) and still nearly 2,000 feet below the summit of Mt. Washington. Once the hiker reaches the area above tree line, they have reached the alpine zone. This experience, to me, was unforgettable.

Mount Washington was made in 1642 by Darby Field and was feared to climb. In 1852 the first summit house was built, and shortly after the Carriage Road and Cog Railway were completed on opposite sides of the mountain, which made New England's highest peak accessible to visitors of all ages. With an increasing amount of structures buily at the summit, Mount Washington was deemed the 'City Among the Clouds'. In 1932, four men pioneered the Mount Washington Observatory, which has since kept a daily record of the summit's ever-changing weather. On April 12, 1934, the scientists recorded a wind gust of 231 MPH, the highest wind speed ever observed on the surface of the earth.

Built in 1979, the Sherman Adams Summit Building serves as the central visitors' center atop Mount Washington. In the best weather, visitors can see up to 130 miles from the rooftop promenade or inside the Summit Building where through large windows, visitors can see the magnificent views to the north and east. If you don't want to hike to the top, the view is beautiful while riding the cog railroad as well.

The large indoor facility at the summit of Mt. Washginton has telephones, restrooms, gift shops, pack rooms, a post office, food courts, exhibits, and a museum run by the Mount Washington Observatory. Weary hikers seeking a fun ride down can also purchase Cog Railway tickets near the main entrance. Also, next to the Summit Building is the Mount Washington Observatory, whose trademark weather tower can be used as a variety of meteorological and scientific gauges and instruments.

A trip to Mount Washington is an unforgettable experience. You can hike to the summit or take the train: you can hike in the summer or fall, on a clear or foggy day. Not matter what, New England's highest peak will seem a different place with every visit.

Nothing Like Newport

In my opinion, Newport, RI is one of the most beautiful cities in this country. It has so much to offer as it is located on the rocky New England shore line of the beautiful Narragansett Bay where boaters, tourists and vacation home owners visit the hot spots like Ocean Drive, the Newport Cliff Walk, Second Beach, The International Tennis Hall of Fame and Thames Street’s fabulous shopping.

Although it is enjoyable during any season, Newport in the fall is my favorite. I just returned from a weekend trip I annually take with my friends to celebrate my birthday. We return to Newport each year with a similar agenda, but always try something new.

We always attend the annual Newport Seafood Festival that takes place on Bowen’s Warf, an area loaded with restaurants, outdoor bars, shops and tons of docked boats that set the scene of Newport. Our favorites among the festival full of fresh fried seafood are lobster fritters, calamari and Newport’s Black Pearl restaurant’s famous clam chowder. All of this food is only about $5 per order, and each order serves about two people. To drink, we enjoy freshly squeezed lemonade that consists of about three lemons, a tiny bit of sugar and ice cold water and ice. I have never tasted such delicious lemonade as in Newport, and its only $3.

Another attraction in Newport is its own Newport Vineyards and Winery, which has tours and tastings daily for only $7. You will get a full tour of the vineyard and learn about how they make the wine, and then move into the wine tasting room where you taste about 10 different types of Newport wine, plus you get to take home the glasses!

The fall offers a lot of fun activities, but most tourists visit in the summertime because Newport is known for its beaches. Newport’s largest beaches include Easton's beach or First Beach which has a view of the well-known Cliff Walk that is considered one of the most popular attractions in the city. The Newport Cliff Walk is a 3.5 mile (5.6 km) public walkway that borders shoreline and has been deemed a National Recreation Trail. Second Beach is located in Middletown, just down the road from Newport and is the second largest beach in the area.

After a day of shopping and siteseeing, you may want to take a relaxing drive down the breathtaking Ocean Drive, a road unlike any other, that hugs the edge of the Newport’s rocky blue shore. The scene will make any driver want to pull over and capture the picturesque beauty with a camera. Ocean Drive connects to Belleview Avenue where you can see the famous Victorian mansions such as The Breakers, which border the town along the edge of wave-crashing cliffs that outline the beautiful Salve Regina University. Tours for these mansions are at least $25, but simply driving along and stopping in each driveway to see the view may be enough. While in downtown Newport, you can also visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame where The Campbell's Hall of Fame Tennis Championships is held every year from July 6-12.

After a full day of festivities, Newport has great nightlife. Walk down the street and find a fun bar or pub to have a drink with a friend or dance to a live band every Thursday through Saturday night at Pellum or Blues Café. O'Brien's Pub is a cool outdoor bar right by the water that is a great place to stop for a drink while shopping on Thames Street. Cover charge is only $5 and often girls get in free at the Newport bars. Even college students (when traveling in groups of more than 2) can afford to crash in hotels in the area after a fun night. Hotels in the Middletown/Newport area such as The Comfort Inn that have affordable rates for college students who are interested in visiting Newport. They start at $90 per night and some hotels like the Marriot right down town, but it depends how much you are willing to spend. When traveling with a group of 4-5 people, it is easy to split the cost of one room.

The Big E!

Another year flies by and October is here and so are the fall fairs! The biggest of them all, The Big E has come and gone, but it sure was great while it lasted. The Big E attracts all types of people because of the array of attractions and exhibits that it offers. Most fairgoers return for the same things each year no matter what age they are: to be entertained, excited, to learn, eat good food, and feel like a kid again.
It returns to West Springfield, MA each year for over two weeks of fall activities, food, fun and entertainment. The Big E always has a great bunch of musicians who come and perform. This year’s lineup of headlining acts included Boys II Men Foghat, Seether or Bret Michaels, Sugarland and Little Big Town along with a performance by Jamey Johnson.
One popular attraction inside the Big E is the grand North American Midway including a 115-foot spinning Giant Wheel and Polar Express and a Fireball and Niagara Falls Flume as well many other rides for thrill seekers. For the history buffs, there was a walking tour of New England created with life-size state capitals inside the Avenue of States. Similarly, there was Storrowton Village, 19th century New England’s historical building replicas.
My favorite section was by far The Craft Common with handmade creations made by local artists. “I loved the crafts!” said 22-year-old CCSU student and Connecticut resident Caitlin King, who experienced her first time at the Big E just a week ago. “I found something for everyone I know, and decided to buy a bunch of Christmas presents super early.”
Each day there were also Mardi Gras Parades, cooking contests, as well as national and regional sheep shows. Delicious treats like cream puffs, éclairs, chocolate chip cookies and fried dough, and fresh squeezed lemonade were available along every inch of the fair. “I love the food there. There is nothing like fair food,” said 23-year-old college graduate Emily Cowen who is originally from Connecticut. “I feel like I leave the fair five pounds heavier each year.”
Another favorite attraction of mine was The Eastern States Exposition Horse Show competing in many divisions such as Hunt Seat in the historic Coliseum (popular for horse lovers and equestrians who visit the Big E.) The Coliseum used to the place where the Springfield Indians professional hockey team played in the 1950s and '60s. It is now the building is where The Big E holds all of its demonstrations and competitions such as horse shows, and even oxen pulling to sheep herding.

Along with horseshows there are other animal attractions such as the famous Clydesdale horses that are absolutely enourmous, strong animals. There were barns full of sheep, goats and cows as well and even some were being presented by their owners in competitions to win prizes for the best looking, healthiest animal.

The Big E is faithful each year to its loyal fairgoers by returning to the same place with its traditional country, yet circus-like atmosphere, but it always offers something new to the public. It will always have its original, most popular activities and exhibits, but it maintains its New England country fair charm that keeps people coming back each year.

Lyman Orchards

Lyman Orchards located in Middlefied, Connecticut is a great way to get out in the fall weather with family and friends. Lyman's consists of several apple, pear and peach orchards spread across the rolling hills of Middlefield. The orchard store called Apple Barrel is located at the bottom entrance from 9am to 6pm daily. It is full of freshly baked pies with orchard fruits, homemade apply cider, gourmet sandwhiches and tons more of unqiue seasonal foods for fall. As you walk into the store, the aroma of freshly baked apple pie is so enticing that you will have to buy yourself one. Take a drive from Apple Barrel up the hills to pick your favorite apples. Applepicking is cheap and delicious. The trees are bursting with freshly ripened fruit in September and October. Lyman Orchards offers a list and seasonal fruit schedule on their website so that you can pick your favorite fruit. Lyman Orchard's even has a corn maze and a sunflower maze to get lost through with some friends.
Opened in 1972, Lyman Orchards had a goal of growing farm-grown native fruit. Their idea grew to be a popular destination in Connecticut for travelers and are now Connecticut's "largest indoor year 'round farm market."

Embrace the Outdoors in Vermont

Last weekend I ventured to Ludlow, Vermont, a quaint town that surrounds the well-known ski mountain Okemo. Although Ludlow is known for its winter sports and snow covered mountains, it also has a lot to offer for the warmer fall months. I stayed the weekend with family at a hotel called The Pointe which is an extension of The Castle Hill Resort and Spa, a larger hotel down the street that is an old fashioned castle restructured into a hotel and spa catered to outdoorsy people who visit the area. There are also plenty of affordable hotels and motels around the town of Ludlow as well as surrounding towns such as Rutland, Proctorsville and Cavendish.

There are numerous ways to spend your time in Vermont, but I will give you a few ideas that are my favorite in the fall season. I did a lot of hiking while I was in Ludlow mostly on the trails around Okemo, but also down by the Black River, a long rushing river that flows through Ludlow and the other surrounding towns that I mentioned. If you like horses like me, there are tons of areas that offer trail riding through the mountains in Vermont. Specifically, in Proctorsville at Cavendish Horse Rides Inc. where you can ride for $30 an hour through the scenic mountians. If you are into more of an adrenaline rush, there is Alpine Sliding available at several mountains in the area including Killington and Pico. Alpine Sliding is only $15 per session for sliding down a mountain as fast as you control your slide.

If you aren't into experiencing the outdoors when visiting Vermont, there is always shopping at the nearby Manchester outlets, or shops in downtown Ludlow. Still, it would be a waste to visit such a beautiful place in the best season of the year and not advantage of Vermont with its outdoor activities.