Want to visit Massachusetts on a budget? Thanks to fantastic academic and cultural institutions and wonderful natural resources, travelers can experience the very best of Massachusetts without busting their budgets. Making the right decisions about where to eat, what to do and…
Sitka, Alaska – The relationship between the Russians and the Tlingit was complex (which is probably true of all indigenous populations and colonizers). In 1802, the Tlingit drove the Russians away from their original settlement at Old Sitka. But a…
What’s in a name? Juneau, Alaska – Apparently, the original Tlingit name for Mendenhall Glacier was Sitaantaagu, or “the glacier behind the town.” My source (Encyclopedia Britannica) says the Tlingit also called it Aak’wataaksit, which means “the glacier behind the…
Ketchikan, Alaska – After its founding in 1900, Ketchikan became the first port of call for ships traveling to Alaska from the south, thus earning its nickname, The First City. Nowadays, it’s no different, as cruise ships stop here first…
Ketchikan, Alaska – Apparently, Ketchikan contains the largest collection of Native American totem poles in the world (more than 80, if anyone is counting). I was not counting, but we have seen totems and more totems. I suspect the twins…
The legend of the Fog Woman is a story that the native Tlingit used to explain the bounty of salmon during certain months and the disappearance of salmon in other months. Ketchikan, Alaska – The salmon are running! They are…
Topsfield, Mass – The grandparents came to visit! We celebrated this somewhat rare occurrence by meeting our cousins at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. We had been to this Mass Audubon property years ago (nine years ago!) for maple sugar…
Hampton Beach, New Hampshire – We may not be quite as consistent beach-goers as we were last year, with our weekly pandemic field trips. BUT this summer has been great for hitting a wide variety of New England beaches. In…
Saco, Maine – We just got back from Ferry Beach, our beloved family camp that we go to every year. Except last year, of course (Covid, in case you forgot). You can read about past Ferry Beach experiences here and…
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – We only spent a few days in Pittsburgh, but I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised by this unheralded city. There are vibrant, bustling neighborhoods, a hip and happening university district, excellent restaurants, and an authentic…