Get away for the day

Delightful destinations that don't take a lot of driving By Debbie Gardner PRIME Editor With the cost of gasoline beginning to weigh heavily on everyone's mind, PRIME decided to use this issue to highlight some area day-trip destinations that won't take much more than a tank of gas to reach. At the suggestion of my sales manager, Terry O'Donnell, I'm using my own experiences with destinations in the MA.- CT.- RI. area as examples of some fun forays. For more suggestions, check out the latest issue of Yankee magazine, featuring their annual"Travel Guide" to New England. The guide will be available at newsstands and bookstores until the end of August. Tanglewood and the Berkshires Though it's just up the road a piece (about an hour's ride from Springfield) I'd never made the time to visit any of the Berkshire's famed arts venues Jacob's Pillow, Shakespeare and Co., the Berkshire Summer Theater, Tanglewood until last summer. Last June, our combined immediate families got together to give my husband and I an overnight in the Berkshires in celebration of our 24th year of marriage. It was a special treat a chance for two mid-life parents to get away for 24 hours. To my delight, the gift included tickets to a concert at Tanglewood. Ever since I got my first taste of symphonic music (somewhere around the eighth grade, when my junior high music teacher played a recording of the "Grand Canyon Suite" for us), I've wanted to go to a concert at Tanglewood. I can't even say what it is about that venue that's always held a special appeal to me. It's not like I haven't been to outdoor symphony performances before. Maybe it's the mystique. Our concert was on July 3 a performance by the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra (the BSO was still in Boston; they don't travel to the Berkshires until after the city's big July 4th celebration!) in the acoustically perfect Seiji Ozawa Hall. Though I loved our balcony seats, I will admit that I was envying the concert-goers enjoying picnics and the cool night air on the lawn just outside the hall that is, until the rains came (funny, I never thought about rain in my Tanglewood fantasies!). But lawn or hall, where one was seated really didn't seem to matter when the music started. I closed my eyes and let the aural beauty that is music by Mozart wash over me as the orchestra performed his "Symphony No. 35 in D." I could have listened to Mozart all evening, but this was a three-composer program and the next piece, "Death and Transfiguration" by Richard Strauss, was something totally different a composition that was described as a tonal poem. Not as lyrical as Mozart, but the piece was interesting, and a true counterpoint to what had come before. The third piece, a symphony by the Russian composer Shostakovich, written under the reign of Stalin, was both beautiful and stirring in the way only Russian music can be. Did the concert satisfy my yen to visit Tanglewood? No. Did it whet my appetite for more music in the woods? Yes. (This summer I'm hoping to make a return visit with my seven-year-old son, Evan, to sit on the lawn and hear the Boston Symphony's annual Night of Film concert on August 25. For more information on this summer's concerts at Tanglewood visit www.bso.org and click on the tanglewood button. Note: the annual James Taylor concert is already sold out). Savoring La Cuccina Italiana Prior to our visit to Tanglewood, and with less time than we would have liked to spend in such a wonderful eatery, we had the pleasure of enjoying an authentic Italian meal at Trattoria "Il Vesuvio," located at 242 Pittsfield Road, Routes 7 and 20 in Lenox. The charming restaurant, set back off the thoroughfare, was busy but not overcrowded, and we waited just a few minutes for a table. Concerned about time, especially after reading the notice at the foot of the menu asking patrons to be patient as meals are prepared to order, we informed our waiter, a pleasant, knowledgeable and very efficient young man, that we had tickets for Tanglewood; would our meals arrive in time to make the opening strains? He assured us that we would have time to eat, and maybe, even enjoy dessert. I ordered the Pollo Picatta (chicken picatta), and was presented with a plate brimming with perfectly sauteed boneless chicken breasts accented with a light lemon caper sauce. My only regret was that we were spending the night in a local hotel, so I couldn't take the second half of my ample portion with me to enjoy another day. My husband ordered his favorite, Pollo Ala Parmiggiana (Veal Parmagean) and was delighted with the ample portion, rich sauce and al dente pasta that accompanied his entree. We didn't have room for dessert, (the coffee, however, was great!) but did make a note that we'd definitely be sure to visit Trattoria "Il Vesuvio" on our next trip to the Berkshires. For more information on this restaurant visit www.trattoria-vesuvio.com. Our winery road trip I had written about the Furnace Brook Winery at Hilltop Orchards in Richmond, MA., a couple of seasons ago when PRIME did a feature on local wineries and, blessed with a free morning during our Berkshire outing, we took a trip out in that direction to see if we could find it. After a few wrong turns, including one that took us to the New York State border, we found Hilltop Orchard. Sadly, it wasn't open at the time we visited; I later learned that the winery is only open to the public from 1-5 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Too bad, I was looking forward to sampling a glass of the winery's Chardonnay aged on limousin oak barrels that orchard owner and vintner John Vittori had told me about. Furnace Brook Winery at Hilltop Orchards is located at 508 Cannan Road (Rte 295) in Richmond, MA., a mere 10 minutes from Tanglewood (if you don't get lost!). For more information about the winery, and the Orchard Farm Store, which features organic produce, fresh-baked goods, cheese, and from Labor Day to Oct., pick-your-own and orchard-picked apples visit www.hilltoporchards.com or call 1-800-833-6274. For a bigger Berkshire sampling For a complete listing of all the venues and other interesting "things to do" in the Berkshires visit www.lenox.org and click on things to do in the left-hand menu. You'll find listings for all the local arts venues, including the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, the Williamstown Theater Festival and the Norman Rockwell Museum. Each listing has a website link to lead you to more complete information and events schedules. (Note: Big Y Card Holders can get $1 off adult admissions at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge) Boston Beckons If you're more inclined to head east than Northwest, you'll find plenty to do in Boston all summer long. Here are a few of my favorite haunts in Beantown: Getting to know stuff For a great day trip guaranteed to have something for everyone, you can't beat a trip to the Museum of Science, One Science Park Drive. I've been privileged to review several major exhibits at the MOS, including both the Lord of the Rings and the Star Wars events, but don't wait for a big "thing" to make a trip to this multi-faceted museum. With over 20 exhibit spaces spread out over three floors and two wings, IMax films in the Omni Theater, planetarium shows, a 3-D cinema and ongoing live presentations throughout the museum, the hardest part of a visit to the MOS is trying to fit everything into a one-day visit. For example, my seven-year-old son had to be dragged from the "A Bird's World" exhibit during our last visit. He became fascinated with activating the different calls of the birds on display and didn't want to leave until he had heard every one (there are hundreds!) And there are always new temporary exhibits to explore. This summer, the MOS is featuring an interactive traveling exhibit titled "Discovering Chimpanzees" featuring the work of researcher Dr. Jane Goodall (through Aug. 28). For more information on current exhibits, films, live presentations, ticket prices, dining at the Museum, the Museum Store, parking (there is a charge) and all other questions about the Museum of Science, visit www.mos.org or call 1-617-723-2500. Dinner on the harbor Sure, you can see Boston by walking the Freedom Trail (warning: the stairs in Paul Revere's house are really skinny!) or by taking the Old Town Trolley, but for a different take on city sights, try a view from the harbor. One of the most elegant ways to take in the sights is by taking a Boston Harbor Dinner Cruise aboard the Odyssey, berthed at Rowe's Wharf, directly behind the Boston Harbor Hotel. The Odyssey cruises along Historic Boston Harbor from Castle Island to George's Island, then east to the Boston Light on Little Brewster Island, and back north to Charleston Naval Yard before returning to the Wharf. With 2007 sailing that include lunch, brunch, dinner, Friday night wine tastings, Sunday night sunsets and moonlight cruises, this elegant dinner ship is a great way to get a taste of the cruise life without committing to a a full week, or even a full day, aboard ship. I've sailed on the Odyssey another anniversary gift in the not-too-distant past and can say it was a wonderful evening of elegant food (expect a beautifully-presented, four-course meal), dancing, star-gazing from the deck and watching the ship ply the harbor waters in the company of the bridge crew (guests are invited to stop by and observe the crew navigating the harbor during most of the tour.). For more information on Boston harbor Dinner Cruises, a division of Premier Yachts, visit www.odysseycruises.com and click on the photo labeled Boston. More Boston Attractions If you're looking for other things to do in our state capitol, here are a few more suggestions: The New England Aquarium and IMAX Theater:The aquarium features a 200,000-gallon tank that is home to sharks, sea turtles and hundreds of tropical fish. Simons IMAX is Boston's first 3D IMAX venue. Settle in and be amazed by its enormous 65' by 85' screen and state- of-the-art digital surround sound. Learn more at www.neaq.org. Faneuil Hall Marketplace: This unique, Historic urban marketplace in comprised of three restored 19th-century buildings. You will love wandering it's cobblestone streets surrounded by the seemingly endless collection of ethnic foods, unique gifts and street performers. Learn more at www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com, Boston's Freedom Trail: The Freedom trail is a 2.5-mile-long walking trail through downtown Boston, the North End and Charleston. The trail brings you to 16 Historic sites including the Old State House and King's Chapel. Old Town Trolley: See the best of Boston on Old Town Trolley's 100-minute, fully narrated tour. Visit Beacon Hill, the Boston Common, the historic North End and much more! Learn more at www.historictours.com/boston South of the "Border" The Wadsworth Athenaeum, the Yale Center for the British Arts, the Goodspeed Opera House, Roseland Cottage, The New England Air Museum, the Fairfield County Arts Community, Mohegan Sun and Foxwood Casinos . PRIME has highlighted plenty of Connecticut destinations worthy of a day trip over the years. One of my favorite areas to visit in Connecticut is Mystic, home to both Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration and historic Mystic Seaport. The Aquarium Though not as large as the New England Aquarium in Boston, Mystic Aquarium does offer visitors the only East Coast opportunity to view Beluga whales and, for an additional cost, Beluga whale encounters. There are also plenty of interactive activities for the young and young at heart such as a ray-touch pool, a chance to handle starfish and this summer a limited-time opportunity to feed and observe myriad birds from the Australian Outback in a specially-built Aviary (extra charge). But my favorite part of Mystic Aquarium is the Challenge of the Deep building, which houses exhibits from Dr. Robert Ballard's many deep-sea explorations, including the discovery of President John F. Kennedy's WWII war boat, the PT 109, and the famed, doomed ocean liner, the Titanic. Back in 2004, I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Ballard and touring his exhibits with him. I was enlightened, fascinated, and out of breath from trying to keep up with him! (Hint if a tall, quiet, unassuming 60-something guy in a baseball cap passes by you in a bit of a hurry while you're visiting, you might have just seen Dr. Ballard.) The Aquarium can be crowded in the summer and some exhibits are outdoors, so wear your sunscreen! For more information on Mystic Aquarium including hours and ticket prices visit www.mysticaquarium.org (Note: Big Y Card holders can save $2 on an adult admission, $1 on a child's admission, by showing their card.) The Seaport This living history museum is actually on my family's summer must-see list this year. At seven years old and fascinated with all things sail-worthy thanks to the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, my husband and I have decided it's time to introduce my son to the age of Tall Ships. I'll admit that it's been some time since I've visited the Seaport, and I can see by the web site that there have been many additions since my last visit. We're looking forward to exploring the interactive children's exhibits, visiting the Morgan, touring the boatyard and more. For more information on current programs visit www.mysticseaport.org or call 1-888-973-2767. (Note: Big Y Card holders get $1.50 off an adult admission and $1 off youth and Senior admissions by showing their Card). Good steaks or seafood or pizza There are plenty of dining options in the Mystic area, but one of my favorites is The Steak Loft, located in Olde Mistick Village, Mystic,(I-95 exit 90 tel: 860-536-2661 www.steakloftct.com). This rustic restaurant boasts an ample salad bar (one of the few restaurants left that continues this 1980s trend) with great bread, and a wide selection of both beef and fresh seafood. Check the specials last time I visited they offered a pesto-encrusted salmon that was to die for! If you're in an all-seafood kind-of mood, check out The Steak Loft's sister restaurant, Go Fish (Olde Mistick Village, Mystic, I-95 exit 90 Across from Mystic Aquarium tel: 860-536-2662 www.gofishct.com ). They offer a more complete seafood menu, including sushi. Mystic, of course, is also the home of the famed Mystic Pizza (56 W. Main St, Mystic - (860) 536-3700 www.mysticpizza.com ), made famous in the 1988 movie starring a young Julia Roberts. Ocean Beach Park Just up the road from Mystic, in New London, is Ocean Beach Park, one of my family's favorite beaches. Billed as New England's premiere sugar sand beach, this park has a bit of everything a boardwalk, snack bar, changing facilities (with lockers you can rent), clean rest rooms, a kiddie ride area with restored vintage rides (they're affordable), a playscape, free spray park, picnic area, nature trail plus an Olympic-size pool with waterslide and an old-fashioned (not adventure-style) 18-hole mini golf course (both the pool and golf have a $5/person charge). There are also special events during the summer, such as a concert series, beach blanket family movies on select evenings and more. Cost is $12/car on weekdays, $16 on weekends. For more information visit www.ocean-beach-park.com Rhode Island Newport (the mansions are breathtaking), Misquamicut (just one of over 100 beaches in RI), Block Island, Providence (what a city renaissance!) yes there's plenty to do in this tiny state. Among my favorites: The Roger Williams Park Zoo Located inside Roger Williams Park at 1000 Elmwood Avenue in Providence this zoo one of the nicest I've visited covers forty acres and features over 950 animals from 160 different species. The path through the zoo is a bit over one mile long, and takes you past natural habitat-style exhibits of elephants, giraffe, cheetah, moon bears, gibbons, bison, snow leopards, tree kangaroos, wallabies and much more. A highlight of this zoo is its the Marco Polo Trail, the first exhibit of its kind to truly embrace the 'biopark' concept -the idea of combining cultural, historical and zoological experiences. The Marco Polo Trail is a multifaceted exhibit tracing a three-year journey of explorer Marco Polo through Asia. To give visitors a sense of the culture and history of the era, the Zoo recreated scenes from Marco Polo's journey including a Venetian plaza, Bedouin tent and the hull of a 16th century trading vessel. The exhibit features snow leopards, moon bears and camels - all animals Marco Polo encountered on his journey Most of the exhibits are outside, but Australasia, Tropical America and the African Pavilion have indoor exhibits. There are several places to grab a snack or a light bite in the zoo Alice's Restaurant and the Hungry Bear Cafe as well as mobile carts throughout the zoo. There are also two gift shops in the zoo - the Nature's Inspiration Gift Shop, located in the African Pavilion and the A to Zebra Gift Shop, located in the historic Menagerie Building For more information on the zoo, including hours, ticket prices and special events, visit www.rwpzoo.org or call 401-785-3510. But the zoo isn't the only attraction in Roger Williams Park. Make a day of it by taking in one of these other attractions: The Carousel Village, which features a Victorian carousel, bumper boats, handicapped-accessible playground and pony rides. Dalrymple Boathouse, which offers paddleboat and riverboat rides. The Museum of Natural History, which houses interactive exhibits and the Cormak Planetarium. The Charles H. Smith Greenhouses, which offer seasonal flower shows and permanent horticultural exhibits. The Watch Hill Area Quaint shops, beautiful sunsets, a lively summer arts program and a town beach. If you're looking for a town with old-fashioned charm, this is it! Some of my favorite places in Watch Hill are: The Olympia Tea Room. It was years ago, but I still remember lunching in here, nestled in a high-back booth, drinking in the nostalgia. The Fordor's web site says of this Watch Hill institution: "a step back in time, this small restaurant, which opened in 1916, has varnished wood booths and a soda fountain behind a long marble counter. It also has a view of the water, fun art, and a great reputation." Be sure to save room for their " 'world-famous Avondale swan' dessert -- a fantasy of ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and puff pastry." The Tea Room is located at 74 Bay Street, Westerly, tel: 401/348-8211 The Web Site, www.olympiatearoom.com, is currently under construction, but does show a nice photo of the restaurant's storefront. The Flying Horse Carousel Yes, I'll admit it, I have a fascination with carousels, always have since I was a child. I've ridden on them in every amusement park I've visited all across the country. But I've never ridden on this gem in Watch Hill a lovingly restored antique that's designed to delight only children under the age of 12. Purportedly abandoned in Watch Hill by a traveling carousel of gypsies in 1887 and considered the oldest still-operating carousel in America, the Flying Horse features hand-carved horses that are suspended from chains. They swing freely over a dirt floor as the carousel rotates, the faster it goes, the farther out they "fly" (hence the name). The Flying Horse Carousel is located Bay Street, Watch Hill, Westerly. For more information on events in Westerly, Rhode Island, go to: www.VisitWatchHill.com. For more ideas on places to visit in Rhode Island, check out www.VisitRhodeIsland.com