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Submarine Force Museum and HS Nautilus, Groton Connecticut
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Submarine Force Museum and HS Nautilus, Groton Connecticut

When I mention I live in Connecticut, many people will exclaim “Oh you must know a lot of maritime and submarine history having the sub base nearby.”  I’ve driven by Groton for the past 38 years and yet, until recently, I had not visited the area, known as the “Submarine Capital of the World.” On a spring break trip to nearby Mystic, Connecticut we stopped for the morning in Groton to finally explore the Submarine Force Museum, and tour the HS Nautilus.  While the actual Naval Submarine Base in New London is closed to the public, keep driving past the base until you hit the waterfront: On the left is the library, museum, and gift shop; straight ahead is the HS Nautilus; and to the right is the parking lot and various memorials.

Having a Back Up Plan
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Having a Back Up Plan

If you are one of my regular followers, you know how important I think having an alternate plan is; I hate surprises and always try to anticipate problems ahead of traveling with my family. As much as I try and plan when I pack a suitcase and pack the car for a trip, undoubtedly something unexpected will come up.

While there will always be some things out of my control, and some things I just won’t anticipate, knowing how I will deal with the unexpected when it inevitably comes up takes some of the pressure off of me. Here are my top tips:

6 Ways, Besides Photographs,                   to Preserve Your Travel Memories
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6 Ways, Besides Photographs, to Preserve Your Travel Memories

I love photos; I am convinced I am Shutterfly’s #1 customer. Not only do I print photos, but I also create lots of gifts and mementos of our travels through Shutterfly.  Look for an upcoming post on using Shutterfly to create unique memories of your travels. I also scrapbook, both as a hobby and as a way to preserve our family memories for my children. I literally have dozens of scrapbooks filled with thousands of photos. But today, I want to focus on things you can collect while you’re traveling so you have tangible reminders of your travels.. Many of these items can be displayed in a variety of unique ways so that they do not turn into clutter. Here are my top 6 favorite keepsakes:

Peabody Essex Museum Salem, Massachusetts
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Peabody Essex Museum Salem, Massachusetts

On a recent trip to Salem, Massachusetts (read my full review here) I was given a press pass to check out many of the local sites from Destination Salem. Check out salem.org for well researched resources for everything to see, eat, do, and where to stay in Salem. At the very top of my list of places to explore was the Peabody Essex Museum.  My parents, who live in Massachusetts, visit at least once a year and always share how much they enjoy the Peabody. It is bright, airy, and has lots of open spaces.

10 Spots to See on the Tour of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
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10 Spots to See on the Tour of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

One of the premier performing arts centers in the world, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was the vision of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It was originally going to be named the National Cultural Center, but after John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1965, the center was named in Kennedy’s honor as a living memorial to the former president. Over 30 countries donated various gifts (mostly art work) which are on display throughout the Kennedy Center and over a dozen reception rooms.  The Kennedy Center has three instinct performing centers: The Concert Hall, the Opera House, and the Eisenhower Theater. The Kennedy Center is also home to the National Symphony Orchestra and the National Washington Opera.

Nine Northeast Resorts to Enjoy this Winter
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Nine Northeast Resorts to Enjoy this Winter

You may think I am rushing fall by writing about things to do in the winter in the Northeast, but now is the time to plan! The Northeast is known for its beautiful winters and activities such as skiing (in all its forms!), snowboarding, snowtubing, ice skating, and more. But if you and your family DON’T ski or snowboard, there are still plenty of places to explore and enjoy. 

Resorts are a great option for families as they offer a home base with lodging (great for naptime and avoiding schlepping everyone back and forth in the car), all-inclusive activities (and sometimes meals), and beautiful grounds to spread out and explore. Here are some of our favorite resorts in the Northeast to enjoy: