Search Results for: art museum

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    10 Annual Family Traditions

    ByJennRecord

    Most people who know me know I am a BIG planner; even quarantined during a pandemic, I keep a calendar and a running list of future plans and activities. Many 2020 activities had to be cancelled or rescheduled, but I am sure we are collectively hoping 2021 will bring more opportunities for adventures. Chances are, lots of people will be eager to get out and start exploring again.

    This week, we’re sharing a few of our favorite traditions in the hopes that they return for 2021. Several of these activities require reservations and tickets often sell out quickly, even in a few minutes, so mark your calendars and set an alarm to remind yourself! I’ve also included two NEW-to-us ideas for 2021:

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    Holiday Gift Guide 2020: “The Gift of Time”

    ByJennRecord

    “The gift of time” is one of my favorite phrases; I truly believe that the one of the greatest gifts we can give someone is to spend time with them. This past year, we may have spent more time at home than on the road “adventuring”, but even at home, the gift of time was well spent reconnecting in ways that didn’t involve screens! This year, for our annual gift guide (check out our previous Holiday Gifts Guides from 2019, 2018, 2017), we are using the theme of the gift of time for the focus of our gift giving family and friends.

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    10 Ways to Have Fun in the Berkshires in Massachusetts

    ByJennRecord

    The Berkshires, compromised of over 30 towns and villages, is located in the most western part of Massachusetts. It includes towns ranging from Sheffield and Great Barrington in the southern part of the state, bordering Connecticut, to the towns of Wiliamstown and North Adams in the northern part of the state, bordering Vermont. The region is popular year round for outdoor activities, performing arts venues, galleries, museums, and historic homes and landmarks. The Berkshires have been home well known figures such as authors Edith Wharton, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, and activist W.E.B. DuBois. Dubbed the “Inland Newport” during the Gilded Age of the 20th century, the area became well known for its over 75 estates, in addition to its thriving farming industry. Today, there are many spots to learn about the important history of the area and many preserved outdoor spaces to enjoy nature all year long.

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    10 Things to Do in Historic Yorktown, Virginia

    ByJennRecord

    Yorktown, Virginia, a tiny town located on the banks of the York River, is synonymous with the American Revolution, as it is the sight of the last major battle of the Revolution in the fall of 1781, when British General Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington. The town is also known for its port, the largest between Charleston and Philadelphia, and tobacco trading. Today, the town honors its role in American history with several historical sites, museums, and activities to help visitors better understand the American Revolution.

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    Our Summer 2020 Recap

    ByJennRecord

    Summer 2020 wasn’t exactly what we were expecting, and it definitely wasn’t what we had been planning for a LONG time. June marked a milestone birthday for me and we had planned on celebrating with a big trip to places that have been on our bucket list for many year. Luckily, we rescheduled this trip for next summer- so cross your fingers and stay tuned!

    Each summer, we make individual “Bucket Lists” of things we want to do. Some common goals that the four of us shared are part of the highlights below. We’re grateful we were able to accomplish so much and fully recognize how fortunate we are. Here are the highlights:

    Once the pandemic hit, we knew we’d have to shift our perspective and our travel plans. Our major goals for any trip include: staying safe and healthy; doing our best to keep others safe and healthy; respecting local and state guidelines and regulations; learning new things; having fun.

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    Naumkeag in the Berkshires

    ByJennRecord

    The summer home of attorney Joseph Choate, his wife Caroline, and their five children in the late 1800s, Naumkeag is the perfect representation of a country estate of the Gilded Age. The estate is named after the Algonquin word (meaning “good fishing spot”) used for Salem, Massachusetts where the Choat family originally lived.

    The original gardens included two terraces, a topiary garden, and an arborvitae alley. A farm, greenhouse, orchards, and vegetable gardens provided much of the food for the family. The family also enjoyed hiking, swimming, and horseback riding on many of the 48 acres of the estate, which is located in Stockbridge in western Massachusetts. The Choate’s daughter, Mabel, inherited the property and spent significant time creating many additional gardens. She deeded it to the Trustees of the Conservation upon her death in 1958 and the 44 room estate was turned into a museum opened to the public in 1960.