Tag Archives: same-sex couple

Cranberry Madness In Massachusetts

Did you know 27% of the world’s cranberries come from Massachusetts? It’s not exactly the best-known statistic around, but it’s a fact residents of the state are proud of nonetheless. The cranberry industry is Massachusetts’ number one agricultural crop, according to the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association. What’s more, leaders of the growers association maintain that Massachusetts is where the cranberry industry was born. Which means if you plan to visit the area during harvest season you are in for a real treat. In the early autumn months the New England state best known for its ties to American history … Continue reading →

Ted Kennedy Dead at 77

Wow, how do you even start a blog about someone like Ted Kennedy, who passed away yesterday at the age of 77 from brain cancer? He’ served nine terms as a senator for the state of Massachusetts. If you have no idea how long that is, Ted Kennedy got that position a year before I was born and I turned 46 this year. Known as the Lion of the Senate, he is in third place for longest serving senator (only behind Strom Thurmond and Robert Byrd). Since it would be virtually impossible to document Ted Kennedy’s life in a blog … Continue reading →

Family Travel: Something for Mom in Massachusetts

In my previous blog I encouraged moms to earmark sometime on their annual family vacations to indulge in one of their favorite activities—-be it shopping, horseback riding, getting pampered at a spa, etc. Easier said than done, I know. But, thanks to some creative marketing folks at hotels around the country, travel packages designed specifically for overworked moms are ripe for the picking right now. If you plan to be in Massachusetts sometime in the next few weeks consider taking advantage of these great deals: BOSTON The Boston Marriott is offering a “Baseball and Shopping” package for moms who want … Continue reading →

Affordable Travel Options in New York and Massachusetts

Would you believe me if I told you that you could stay at a hotel in Manhattan for less than $100? No, it doesn’t require sharing space with rats or a dozen other strangers. In fact, you’d be lucky to fit more than yourself and a couple of duffel bags in the room. The Jane, New York’s newest budget hotel, has 200 rooms to offer cash-strapped visitors to the Big Apple, but spacious they’re not. The word tight might not even do them justice. Most of the rooms are as compact as old-time railroad compartments and the shared bathroom is … Continue reading →

Island Hopping: Nantucket

I grew up on an island and I would be a rich woman today if I could have collected a dime from every person who uttered these words to me over the last three decades: “Hawaii is a great place to visit, but I sure couldn’t afford to live here.” I have a feeling that residents of Nantucket get a lot of the same. The only difference is that most of them are already rich. It’s true; statistics show that most of the island’s residents are second-homeowners who spend the peak summer season in their multi-million dollar oceanfront pads. If … Continue reading →

Travel Deals Commemorating Black History Month

Besides Valentine’s Day, Chinese New Year, and Groundhog’s Day, the month of February is also a time to celebrate the accomplishments on African Americans. February is Black History Month and the occasion is not being lost on B&Bs around the world. Dozens of quaint lodgings are offering deep discounts to commemorate the annual celebration that has existed since 1926. Take a look: MASSACHUSETTS The Lathrop House located in Springfield, Massachusetts’ historic Forest Park district is a refurbished 1899 Victorian home, which features a stunning rose garden, and a handful of rooms decorated in florals. The well-known B&B is situated about … Continue reading →

Travel Tidbits: Visiting a Rock in a Box and a Smoke-free Italy

Bad news for all of you history buffs planning to travel to the spot where it’s believed the Pilgrims first stepped foot on American soil in 1620. Plymouth, Massachusetts tourist guides recently issued this warning to future visitors: If you are hoping to snap a picture of your family standing near legendary Plymouth Rock next spring you’ll be sorely disappointed. All you’ll see is a reinforced plywood box. State park officials say the famous symbol of America’s founding is going to be covered from March to May as workers begin a $680,000 overhaul of a granite and steel portico built … Continue reading →

Thanksgiving in Massachusetts

Traditionally, when a child takes off for college you expect him or her to return home during breaks to spend the holidays with family and friends. That’s not the case with my former colleague. I ran into Dan and his wife this afternoon at the grocery store and learned that they will be flying east in a couple of days to meet up with their daughter at her school. (Hence, the missing turkey in their shopping cart.) Dan, his wife, and two sons are heading to Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley for Thanksgiving. The scenic section of New England is located about … Continue reading →

The Nicest Jail You’ll Ever Spend the Night In

How many visitors to Boston can say they paid to sleep in a jail cell? Okay, former jail cell. Beantown’s newly opened Liberty Hotel was once home to some of the city’s most notorious prisoners. Now, for $320 a night (minimum) you can catch some zzz’s near iron-railing balconies where guards used to stand watch over inmates more than 100 years ago. What a difference a few decades can make. The 156-year-old stone structure is now home to a luxury hotel—the product of a 5-year, $150 million renovation. And you can forget about looking for remnants of dingy décor, the … Continue reading →

Island Paradise New England Style

Because I grew up in Hawaii I spend a considerable amount of time writing about my island home. However, I realize that many residents who call the East Coast of the United States home also share bragging rights to another island paradise—one that few travelers ever step foot on. Cuttyhunk, Massachusetts (located about an hour from New Bedford, Massachusetts) sits on the part of the Elizabeth Islands chain, which stretches out from Woods Hole on Cape Cod. It may not be covered with palm trees and boast tropical trade winds, but the views from the beach are as stunning as … Continue reading →