Restaurant in the Hood: The Milk Bottle, in Raynham, MA

Article and Photo by Eric H.

The Milk Bottle Restaurant in Raynham, MA, is not your typical homogenized, pasteurized restaurant. With a gargantuan milk bottle structure jetting above the trees and no sign out front, the truly unusual-looking Milk Bottle Restaurant stands out as a curiosity to uninitiated drivers passing by and as a wonderful hometown restaurant to the locals.

Open for breakfast and lunch, the Milk Bottle is best known for their delicious omelets, but this diner/restaurant also features a nice variety of other familiar selections like pancakes (excellent chocolate chip), waffles, sandwiches (they make a great tuna melt) and even ice cream ( I guess it's no surprise, given the dairy theme). Once inside the Milk Bottle, you'd never known you were inside a milk bottle. The ceilings are normal height and the booths and counter space look like any other local breakfast and lunch place. Perhaps the Milk Bottle's greatest accomplishments reside in the well-prepared food served in big portions at low prices and the beyond friendly service. The staff seems to get along quite nicely with each other and the customers -- most of whom they seem to know each other. It's this type of welcoming, sincere dining atmosphere that every hometown restaurant should offer!

So, it's really not the "bottle talking," that massive exterior structure, when choosing to dine at this southeastern Massachusetts roadside landmark. As always, it comes down to food, value and service. The Milk Bottle doesn't have to rely on a hokey structure to stay in business, but, then again, it's always kind of a fun thing to witness that huge milk bottle out front!

On a closing note, yes, they do serve milk here!

The Milk Bottle Restaurant
785 Broadway
Raynham, MA 02767
(508) 822-6833

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The New Bedford Whaling Museum: A Whale of a Good Time

Article and Photo by Eric H.

Our latest VisitingNewEngland.com feature travel story is on the New Bedford Whaling Museum in New Bedford, MA. Far more than a museum with just boats and whale skeletons, this modern, spacious museum educates and entertains in an interactive, non-stuffy way. The staff is tremendously knowledgeable, personable and focuses on thoughtful answers, not generic sound bites left to leave you clueless. Located in the heart of the charming New Bedford Whaling District, the New Bedford Whaling Museum truly captures the historic flavor of New Bedford's presence as the most well-known whaling industry city, back in the mid-1800s -- and one of the richest cities in the country, at that point. The complete article on the Whaling Museum can be read here. Additionally, photos of the charming Whaling District -- a terrific New England urban coastal travel destination -- can be viewed here.

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Putnam CT: Where Antique Shopping Never Grows Old

Article and photo by Eric H.

The latest travel review at VisitingNewEngland.com is on Putnam, a small town located in northeastern Connecticut, and known as one of New England's best places to shop for antiques. The antiques scene is indeed amazing with more than a collective 50,000 sq. feet of merchandise amongst the several shops! Equally appealing in Putnam is its small-town feel, perfect for a day trip of relaxation, combined with shopping. Once a dying mill town, Putnam has really come back to life with its nice downtown array of antique stores, mom and pop stores, several restaurants, boutiques, galleries and some wonderful historical preservation in its buildings.

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Koh Tao: Thailand's Paradise For Divers

Koh Tao is a small island located in the southern coast of Thailand. A place that offers tourists a taste of paradise coupled with colorful coral reefs in clear warm waters, shining bright palm-fringed beaches and relaxing resorts, Koh Tao is considered as a “paradise” for divers. Koh Tao is well-known and famous for its scuba diving and snorkeling, and it also offers some hiking for visitors as well.

Among the exotic beaches that Koh Tao offers to divers are the following:

• Sairee Beach - a white, sandy beach that stretches 1.7 kilometers over the majority of the west coast, only broken by few huge boulders in the area. As it is considered as the most popular place in Koh Tao, it offers tourists good accommodation, diving centers, beach bars, restaurants, and many more.

• Chalok Baan Kao - a beach located in the southern coast, it is smaller compared to Sairee, yet it still offers visitors a wide variety of accommodation, restaurants and also nightlife. It is beautifully shaped by the Taa Toh Lagoon located in the east and Saan Jao Beach in the west.

• Hin Wong Bay - a bay located in the north-east coast, it is rich with intact coral reefs. In here, visitors will find 4 small hillside resorts and also the Hin Wong Divers, a diving school.

• Mae Haad Beach - a beach that's home to some nice sun bathing spots and resorts. It has very shallow waters, ideal for kids. It is a good place for snorkeling where you can see lots of tropical fishes. This is where government office, post offices, money exchange, health centers and dive centers are located.

Dive sites in Koh Tao include the Red Rock (Shark Island), Mango Bay, White Rock, Nang Yuan Pinnacle, Green Rock, Chumphon Pinnacle and Sail Rock.

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Bay Of Fires: Australia's Tourist Spot Of Tranquil Beauty

Bay of Fires is recognized as one of Australia's favorite and best tourist destination spots. Set between Eddystone Point and Binalong Bay, Bay Of Fires is famous for its magnificent blue waters, exquisite red rocks, fishing lagoons and white beaches. As a majestic wilderness coastline located at the edge of Tasmania's Mt. William National Park, Bay of Fires serves as a home to wildlife, ecology and beautiful and captivating landscapes that will make a tourist's stay a memorable one!

The eye-catching beach environment of Bay of Fires can be explored by tourists, guided by young, knowledgeable Tasmanian guides. You can go for river kayaking in the Anson River, where you will experience its elegant ecology as it winds its way to the mouth of Ansons Bay, home for eagle rays and water bays. It's a calm and protected river where you'll see the woodland and water birds set in their natural environment.

Bird watching is another activity that can be enjoyed in the place. Bay of Fires is an ideal spot for twitchers as it has a good access to several bird habitats, such as wetlands, woodlands, coastal heath and shorelines. Over a number of 50 species of birds can be spotted, including the Yellow Wattlebird and the Tasmanian Thornbill.

Bay of Fires is a good place for nature walks. Tourists can wander down the white granite sands of Abbotsbury Peninsula, where dolphins and whales can be seen. At Bailey's Rock, you can take a short trip to watch terns and gannets dive into the waters. The Eddystone Point Lighthouse is where tourists can search for hidden shell coves. You can also experience fun beach activities like fishing, body surfing and snorkeling.

Bay of Fires is truly a place where tourists can experience the tranquility and solitude of nature.

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Louvre Museum: An Imperial Fortress turned National Museum

Looking for a destination where rulers of the country's nation previously resides, then it is to Louvre Museum that you should be heading.

Louvre Museum, Museum de Louvre as it is called in French, is located in Paris, is particularly a central landmark found on the Right Bank of the Seine in the 1st arrondissement (meaning neighborhood). The Glass pyramid found outside the museum is a memorable landmark and is most often chosen as a good photographed view. Not to mention the spot being featured on the movie “Da Vinci Code”. Just right below the pyramid is where large collection of works are being displayed including that of Leonardo's Mona Lisa.

The museum is resided in the Louvre Palace, a palace built under Phillip II. The vastness of the museum was a result of all the expansions ordered by the preceding residents namely Louis XIV during the 16th century, Henry IV, Louis XIII and Napoleon Bonaparte. Over the years, the palace havehave become a home to an extensive art collection that France had been collecting from various significant painters, sculptors and many more.

Aiming to see every piece of work found in the museum would take weeks which is why the Louvre divided all the works into eight collections. Visitors picks a few collections of which they can engulf with all throughout the entire Louvre tour. Apart from the selected collection chosen, every visitor gets an obligatory stop at the Portrait of Lisa Gherardini, also known as the Mona Lisa.

The Louvre museum is a great destination during a Paris vacation. The former palace is a historic building, with varied architecture, and one of the most expansive collections of art in the world. As for art fanatics, they cannot stand missing a chance in including Louvre Museum on their list of destination.

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Roman Colosseum: Every Tourist's Top Stop

The Roman Colosseum, is a tremendous amphitheater in the shape of an ellipse, situated in the heart of Rome, Italy. It is marked as one of the most important landmark in terms of historical environment and structure.

It was once a venue of the cruelty of the Roman Empire where executions, battles, dramas and gladiator duels are being hosted there. The Colosseum is capable of holding 80,000 spectators all interested and intrigued by the events held here during the Roman Empire.

Completed in 80 AD under Titus' rule. Although it was constructed of various Rome-based materials, over the time it still suffered from the pangs of nature and people. Devastated by earthquakes that caused partial damages and by stone-robbers. By this, the original number of spectators seats have lowered to 50,000.

From once an amphitheater due to earthquakes, the Colosseum was converted into a military base later on as the world's largest rock quarry. In the 18th century, Pope Benedict XIV ended the use of the Colosseum as a quarry and renovated it into a sacred site, by consecration and installation of the Station of the Cross, declaring it sanctified by the blood of the many Christians martyred there.

Now, inside the Colosseum there is a museum dedicated to Eros, the Greek God of lust, love and intercourse, located in the upper floor of the outer wall of the building.

Its substantial history and as survivor of time's cruelty, made it a major tourist attraction.
Each year, thousands of tourists comes and pays to see the arena. Luckily for visitors under-18 and over-65, of whom their entrances are free.

The Roman Colosseum will forever remind its visitors of an inhumane past and a significant spot to be preserved in the coming years, centuries and even millennium.

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The Isles Of Scilly And It's Sub-Tropical Scenery

If white sand beaches, sparkling turquoise sea, exotic sub-tropical plants and a quality of life away from the busy world is your ideal summer vacation then the Isles of Scilly are the best destination of choice.

Just 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, in the southwest of Great Britain, lies five inhabited islands: St. Mary, St Agnes, Bryher, Tresco, St. Martin's and along with other hundreds of islets and rocks - formed the wonderful Scillonian archipelago. Each of this isles holds a unique and rather special character, making any tourists visit a memorable and an exciting one.

• St. Mary as the largest island forms the economic center of the whole archipelago. Visiting this isle, you'll find museums which showcases its local history, the main shopping center is located here particularly in the Hugh Town. There is a busy harbour and modern small airport where making this isle the port of entry for ferry and air services in the whole archipelago.

• Tresco is famed for the sub-tropical Abbey Botanical Gardens. Here you can see rare and beautiful array southern-hemisphere plants from over 80 countries across the globe. This is a perfect spot for nature-lovers and flower enthusiasts.

• St. Martin's offers a perfect place for family with secluded clean beaches, crystal clear waters and along with stunning views. There is a daily boat ride in the area for fishing trips, island hopping or a trip to the Eastern isles to view the seal and bird colonies or to the uninhabited islands such as St Helen's, Nor Nour and Ganilly, and even to the Bishop Rock lighthouse.

• St. Agnes is the most south-westerly island. A remote jewel set in the the Atlantic Ocean. A perfect spot for romantic walks along with wild flowers and lichens on the trail or on the stunning coastline. One may plunge into the waters, or watch the marine life in the rock pools. Also, searched for beads from a 17th century shipwreck called the Beady Pool.

• Bryher is the smallest community, a peaceful little island with waters perfect for diving and snorkeling. It has one of the best vantage point in the whole archipelago from the top of the Watch Hill, where islanders in the past used it to kept watch for ships in distress. Although, Bryher has a small area, a visitor will find a range of high quality hotel accommodations with shops, sub-post office, café and licensed restaurant, and a public bar to dine and wine.
  

All these and the mild climate due to the Gulf Stream that passes close by, has made the Isles of Scilly, a package of nature and adventure. For travelers, relaxation in the midst of a tranquil environment is a guarantee and there's no other place that can provide you this kind of pleasure, other than the The Isle of Scilly - Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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Latest Review: Lakeview Farms Restaurant in Bellingham, MA

The latest restaurant review at VisitingNewEngland.com is for Lakeview Farms in Bellingham, MA. A family-style restaurant that also features a seasonal outdoor ice cream stand, Lakeview Farms has undergone extension renovations and looks terrific in its gleaming, knotty-pine look. Lakeview Farms has also hired former Daniel Webster Inn chef John Hollis to create some wonderful house specialties -- all under $10.00 at this writing. Turkey pot pie and fresh-roasted turkey dinners are two signature specialties, as well as a meatloaf dinner with pommorodoro sauce and provolone cheese. To read more about Lakeview Farms, please click on the link above.

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Croatia: Experience Its Richness In Culture And Adventure!

This summer if you aim for an island adventure in Europe, try Croatia. With over a thousand islands spread around the Adriatic Sea, you'll enjoy island hopping as you marvel at the natural beauty and the richness in culture that Croatia has to offer to all its visitors.

Located between South-Central Europe and Middle Europe, Croatia is the closest Mediterranean destination to central Europe, so if one wishes to escape from the hassle and bustle of the urban life, it only takes a 2-hour ride by plane from London or 45 minutes from Munich to this paradise. One may also travel by car or take its national ferry line, Jadrolinija. Once you get there, you'll be amazed of how Croatia is so blessed with nature's bounty. Thus, a perfect lace to relax and keep in touch with nature. Over third of Croatia is forested. Its densely wooden mountains and rocky coastlines in the Adriatic Sea are significant and amongst the best preserved in the world. In fact, certain places in Croatia like the Plitvice Lake and Dubrovnik's Old City are listed as one of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Over 5,800 km of Croatia's coast is surrounded with wonderful beaches and resorts; crystal clear waters that lap the fine white sandy shores draws millions of tourists each year. Renowned beaches in Croatia for example is the Brela Beaches which entered into Forbes "top 20 beaches of the world" list. Aside from the beaches of Croatia, it is famous for its numerous national parks as well. Lonjsko polje as one of Croatia's beautiful parks is rich in flora and fauna where rare birds species like the white tailed and short toed eagle nestled.

If you want to go offshore and explore Croatia's historical sites then Dubrovnik is a must-see . Dubrovnik hosts many arts, musical and theatre events each year: the Dubrovnik Summer Festival for example is a superb event which lasts for an entire month. It gathered various artists – local and foreign - to entertain the public with their unique concerts and plays.

There's a wide-ranged of activities here in Croatia perfect for all ages. Whatever your purpose are for visiting this country: it might be for a summer vacation, a weekend getaway with your family, or a honeymoon for newlyweds, your visit will indeed be a memorable one. This is why Croatia was nominated as one of the nine countries in Europe for “European Tourist Destination Of Excellence”.

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Amsterdam: The Venice Of The North

If your are opting for a European vacation, be sure not to miss the majestic city of Amsterdam, Netherlands in the province of North Holland. You'll be amazed of how the classic way of living is harmoniously blending with today's modern sophistication. Interesting isn't it? But before you ever think of flying there, it's interesting to know first the basic facts about the city.

Amsterdam is the capital and the biggest city of Netherlands. The city basically got its name from its origin: “Amstel dam”, meaning a “dam in the river Amstel” where the Dam Square is today. In a bird's eye-view, the city is shaped like a horseshoe surrounded by four famous canals namely: Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht. Dug in the 17th century for the purpose of residential development, defense and water management, the canals of Amsterdam led the city to being termed as the “Venice of the North”.

Aside from the historical canals, other major attractions in Amsterdam include: the Rijksmuseum – it holds the country's largest collection of arts and artifacts, including 40 Rembrandts and four Vermeers, dating back from the 15 century; the Van Gogh Museum, showcasing 200 paintings and 500 drawings of the world-famous artist, Vincent van Gogh; Ann Frank House, the 17th century canalside house of the Jewish young girl Anne Frank. Her story and life during World War II was known through her kept diary. As it was published, tens of millions of copies of the diary have been printed and distributed worldwide in a total of 55 languages; and the most famous and most visited of all is Amsterdam's Red Light District. Here, prostitution has been legalized. Most visitors who happen to visit this place find the experience incredibly fascinating. Another fact, besides prostitution, the use of cannabis here in Amsterdam is allowed or at least decriminalized. In fact, there are many cannabis coffee shops around the area.

Despite criticisms and discretionary views with the issue of morality in Amsterdam, more and more visitors still flock here; even more curious of this liberal haven. Besides, locals themselves remain indifferent about this issue. Above all, it continuous to draw 4.2 million tourists each year.

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The Sun And Fun In Costa Del Sol

In the southern part of Spain, lies along the Mediterranean coastline, the towns, resorts, beaches, golf courses and villas of Costa Del Sol. Following it's literal meaning - “Coast of the Sun”, Costa Del Sol is favored by many for vacations and holidays mainly because it has a very temperate climate. With an average 300 days of sunshine each year, there's no doubt why, Costa Del Sol which was once a typical Spanish town in the past centuries, is now one of Europe's world-renown tourists destination.

Without further ado, here are a list of things the “Sunshine Coast” has to offer for all its visitors:

Stretch across the coast of the Mediterranean from the area of Gibraltar in the west to Nerja in the east, the seaside resorts of Costa Del Sol plays the host to many tourists seeking for a seaside fun. The most well-known resorts lie west of Malaga beginning with Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola and Mijas Costa. Further along the coast lies Marbella, the playground for the rich and famous, with its famous marina packed with large and extravagant yachts and motorboats. Other known resorts are Pueblo Banus, Estepona, Sotogrande and finally Gibraltar. Each of these resorts are known for its high-class accommodation; sandy, wide and clean beaches with turquoise water - allowing any tourists to lie, soak up the sun or just enjoy swimming. There are also water sports and activities like windsurfing, paragliding and water-skiing in the area.

If you are one of the many who love playing golf then, Costa Del Sol is like the haven for all lovers of the sport. There are around 70 golf courses on the “Costa Del Golf” one of which is the Santana Golf course in La Cala with a series of 18 holes. Away from the coast, there are numerous excursions; touring the cities of Ronda, Seville, Cordoba and Grenada. There are also a number of theme parks and the zoo in Fuengirola is a great place to tour the kids.

At night, Costa Del Sol has an active nightlife With literally hundreds of bars and clubs, you can't just stay in one bar, because you can't help but bar hop.

Another interesting fact about Costa Del Sol is that, it is the birthplace of the famous artist Pablo Picasso who was born in Malaga in 1881. If you happen to visit this area, you can visit Picasso's house, the Casa Natal de Picasso, situated in the Plaza del Merced.

All in all, Costa Del Sol offers anything for the young and old to enjoy. If you are captured by its beauty, you might as well get your own property and continually enjoy the sun and fun in this region.

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Edinburgh: Empress Of The North

The capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh, is the country's second largest city and the 7th largest city in the United Kingdom. Resting in the south-east of Scotland, Edinburgh has a rugged setting with a collection of many Medieval and Georgian style architecture. It is one of the most picturesque cities in Europe. No wonder it constantly brings about a million of travelers every year.

People visit Edinburgh, basically, to see the ancient stone tenements dating back from the medieval times and to see and celebrate Edinburgh Festival. The city holds a collection of official and independent festivals in August and early September each year. There are about ten major festivals in Edinburgh including Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Fringe, Edinburgh International Film Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival, Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, Edinburgh International Television Festival, Edinburgh Interactive Entertainment Festival, Edinburgh People's Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh International Internet Festival, and iFest.

Not just celebrations, Edinburgh also has a number of famous landmarks and notable infrastructures: the iconic Forth Railway Bridge that connects Edinburgh to eastern Scotland; the Edinburgh Castle which stands on the basalt plug of Castle Rock, dominating the skyline of the city; the Crown Square, the citadel iat the top of the castle; Edinburgh Zoo and some of the many museums including the Museum of Scotland and the Royal Museum are the major sights in this historically elegant city.

Edinburgh is proud to be the home of many well-known authors, philosophers and visionary namely David Hume, one of the pioneers of the philosophy of Empiricism; Adam Smith, the father of Economics and of course, one of today's most sought after authors, J K Rowling of the Harry Potter series. I bet you Harry Potter fans out there, know now why the setting of the fiction novel is likely Scottish!

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Traditional New England Dining at the Salem Cross Inn

Article and photos by Eric H.

If you're looking for a traditional New England restaurant with wonderful Yankee-style food and Colonial ambiance, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better place than the Salem Cross Inn in West Brookfield, MA.

This charming central Massachusetts landmark, with its original building dating back to 1816, features some delicious, classic New England fare, including Yankee pot roast, chicken pot pie, apple raspberry roasted duck, Indian pudding, butternut squash, pumpkins muffins, homemade breads, New England clam chowder and homemade pecan and apple pies. With the post-and-beam ceilings, dimly-lit Colonial atmosphere featuring a roaring fireplace and polite and personable waitresses dressed in Colonial apparel, the Salem Cross Inn looks like the kind of place George Washington would have frequented for a hearty meal and beer.

To add to the trip-back-in-time ambiance, the Salem Cross Inn features a brick beehive oven, restored from 1639, that turns out some wonderful baked goods. The nation's only-known roasting jack, from 1700, employs an intricate system of weights, cogs, and pulleys for turning a spit -- a good thing for those who love beef, game and fowl from the hearth. Seasonal events create a community meeting place, not only for the West Brookfield residents, but also New Englanders who know the Salem Cross Inn as a revered regional dining gem. The Fireplace Feast is one such event offering a 1700s style feast, with prime rib prepared on the roasting jack over the open hearth of a spectacular field stone fireplace. The Feast also features pie making, mulling and chowder demonstrations and a sleigh or hay ride across the beautiful countryside!

Out of all the great restaurants in New England, the Salem Cross Inn is at the top of our favorites, each and every time. It's a special destination that will make you feel good all over, courtesy of that wonderful, traditional New England ambiance and some of the best food, of any genre, that you'll ever taste. After happily leaving the Salem Cross Inn after a more-than-satisfying meal and overall "New England" experience, we can hardly wait to return again to one of our most beloved dining spots in New England.

We highly recommend you exploring the Salem Cross Inn Web Site for seasonal hours, events, menus and detailed historical information.

The Salem Cross Inn | Route 9 | 260 West Main Street, West Brookfield, MA 01585 | Tel: 508-867-2345

More Salem Cross Inn photos:

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The Pleasure Being In Prague

Are you about to have a vacation in Prague? You may have booked yourself for a place to stay there but to give you an overview of what sight to expect, this article may serve for that purpose. Read on and have fun!

Prague is the Capital and the largest city of the Czech Republic. It played an important role in the history of Europe. Since the medieval times, it holds the reputation of one of the most beautiful cities in the world gaining these following titles: "The Golden City", "City of Hundred Spires", "Crown of the World", and the "Stone Dream". With the fall of the Iron Curtain, Prague has become one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations. In fact, it ranks the sixth most-visited European destination after London, Paris, Rome, Madrid and Berlin. Added to that, Prague is known for hosting events like the Film Music, Writers Festivals and as well as Fashion Shows.

Since Prague was one of the few European cities who considerably suffered less damage from the World War II, most of its historic architecture remained true to its form. In fact, the historical center of the city is a monument reserve which was added to the list of natural and cultural heritage of UNESCO in 1992. In 2000, the European Community granted Prague the title - "European Capital of Culture". Tourist flock to visit Prague's historical sights and creative architectural structures from Art Nouveau to Baroque, Renaissance, Cubist, Gothic, Neo-Classical to ultra-modern.

When you get to this awesome city, you shouldn't miss to visit the Old Town where the medieval Astronomical Clock is found; get to visit the picturesque Charles Bridge, as well and the vaulted Gothic Old New Synagogue of 1270. Of course, the Prague Castle which is recognized by Guinness World of Records as the largest ancient castle in the world. There are, also a number of museums in the area: the Mucha Museum as an example, showcases the Art Nouveau works of Alfons Mucha. if oyu want to get a good view of the Prsgue skyline, you may climb up the Petřínská rozhlednan, observation tower on Petřín hill, similar to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. There are many towering cathedrals and churches, as well in the vicinity of Prague, the biggest of which is the St. Vincent Vitus's Cathedral. It is the seat of the Archbichop of Prague, located within the Prague Castle which also contains the tombs of many Bohemian kings.

One can tour around Prague through walking tours, bus tours or boat tours offered by a number of travel companies there. Some even have themes such as the Kafka and legends. If you choose a boat tour, it'll take you a two hour tour on the Vitava River passing through the Prague Castle and the Lesser Town. At night, you can enjoy onboard dining and cruising then, followed by an hour trip to Prague's most beautiful squares. With all these things to experience in Prague, you'll surely find the pleasure you are looking for in this magnificent city.

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Corsica: The Isle Of Beauty

Summertime is almost upon us and what's best to spend it is an island escapade accompanied with all nature's bounty: lush greenery, warm ocean breeze, white sand beaches and blue ocean waters. And where on earth can we find such place? There are a bunch of summer spots and island getaways you can hop into but if you are into a Mediterranean vacation, then Corsica island is what you are looking for.

Corsica is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea following Sicily, Sardinia and Cyprus respectively. It is located west of Italy, southeast of France, and north of Sardinia island. Also known as the "Isle of Beauty", Corsica, is proud for it's natural wealth: dramatic mountains, sandy beaches and turquoise waters; and as Napoleon Bonaparte's birthplace. In fact, his ancestral home, Casa Bonaparte, is located there still.

What makes Corsica island a best place to spend your summer? Read on!

• It possesses the Mediterranean climate; having a hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters, the island is rich in flora. The best seasons are considered to be spring and autumn. Thus, for a summer getaway you'll surely have what you wanted – to bask in the Italian sun.
  

• Corsica is the most mountainous Mediterranean island filled with rocks and limestone crags. The tallest peak being the Monte Cintu which towers to a magnificent 8880 feet in the air. Having such landscape, rock climbing during the summer is very possible. Other's prefer trekking and horse riding along the ancient footpaths and mule trails. If you are not into mountain climbing, there are also over 200 beaches along the 600 miles coastline of Corsica island and the best thing about that is, a number of them are secluded. Therefore your experience will be private and authentic. St Restitude beach, Palombaggia Beach, Golfe di Sogno Beach, and Santa-Giulia Beach are among the wonderful beaches in Corsica. The pristine water is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, sailing and even windsurfing. Other bodies of water in this area are it's rivers and falls which are a breathtaking sight to see.

There are a lot in store for you in this wondrous paradise: from it's wide variety of landscape; dramatic mountains, vast coastline with hidden coves and shore that have yet to be discovered, Mediterranean climate to Corsicans warm accommodation. What more can you asked for?

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Warming Up to Soup in the New England Winter

Article Preview and Photo by Eric H.

Suffering through the freezing New England winters frequently requires a tasty bowl of soup as an antidote. It is warming, nourishing and filling, but sometimes the store-bought brands throw in too much salt, MSG and mediocre source ingredients bordering on something that tastes like it came out of.. well... a can.

The New England Soup Factory, in Newton, MA, brings fresh-made soups to perhaps the highest level we've experienced, not to mention truly unique and wholesome concoctions you won't find anywhere else. We recently featured the New England Soup Factory in a VisitingNewEngland.com article. Like us, we think you'll find the New England Soup Factory a staple of your dining out preferences during the New England winter!

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A February School Vacation Travel Suggestion

Article and photo by Eric H.

If no have no plans to travel someplace warm during February School Vacation, then we heartily give a thumbs-up recommendation on visiting the Children's Museum in Easton, located in the North Easton, MA, neighborhood in this South of Boston suburb. This is one terrific museum that could meaningfully fill up a morning or afternoon at an incredibly low admission charge of $6.00 per person (and plenty of parking in the Museum's own lot, or around the corner on Main Street in North Easton Village).

Located in a former fire station, the Children's Museum is certainly the Little Engine That Could -- small in square footage but larger-than-life in regards to cultural, education and social opportunities for the kids. You can read the entire article here, featured this morning on VisitingNewEngland.com

As you can see, we have covered North Easton quite a bit this week, and deservedly so. It's a real New England hidden gem. Next week, however, we will travel to Raynham, MA, to feature a very unusual dining attraction!

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The Allure of Italy's Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast or Costiera Amalfitana in Italian is a lovely stretch of coastline on the southern side of Sorrentine Peninsula in Italy. It spans an area from the town of Positano in the west to the town of Vietri sul Mare in the east; covering ten more towns where each holds a unique heritage. Renowned for it's rugged terrain, scenic beauty, diverse culture and best Mediterranean foods, the Amalfi Coast, is listed as one of the World's Heritage Site by (UNESCO) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

History and nature combined is what makes up the Amalfi Coast. The main historical sight is the Duomo, also known as the Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea where the elite or the religious in Amalfi resides. Other churches in the area are the church of Santa Maria Assunta in Positano, the church of San Pancrazio in Conca dei Marini and more. There is a natural reserve of the “Ferriere" and a marine reserve of "Punta Campanella" which maintains the natural integrity of the surrounding.

Summer is a great time to visit the Amalfi Coast where you can have a great time relaxing – soaking up the sun or just enjoying the blue-green waters of the Mediterranean Sea. If you're in the mood for love, the scenic beauty of nature in the Amalfi coast is a romantic spot perfect for honeymoons. But if you're into the nightlife, L'Africana, which is just east of Positano is the best nightclub in the area.

Last not least, the Amalfi cuisine; have a taste of there special cuisine with a taste of lemons on each dishes. Try some of these well-known dishes including l'orata al forno, la zuppa di pesce, la carne alla pizzaiola, le cozze alla marinara, and l'insalata di mare. Amalfi Coast produces a sweet strong liqueur called limoncello - a must-know for all the visitors. Along terraces of this area are packed with beautiful aromatic lemon groves. This is why, each of their delicacies always has the sweetness of lemon in it, making visitors come back for more.

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Berlin: A Tour Of History and Modern Elegance

If you are steering your vacation destination towards Germany, Berlin is a place that you mustn't miss to visit. Being the German capital, Berlin is the administrative, financial and cultural hub of the country. Considered as the Spree-Athens, Berlin is the home to world-famous universities, research institutes, sporting events, orchestras, museums, and historic sites. Overall, it is the major center of culture, politics, media and science in Europe. No wonder why it is one of the most trendiest tourist destination not just in the European Union but worldwide.

The best thing about Berlin, is that it got the most modern set up along with the remnants of history. It's like classicism and modern elegance combined. The Berlin Wall, as one of the city's historical landmark, runs along the River Spree in the Muhlenstrasse. It used to be a barrier separating the East from the West Berlin; the socialists from the democrats. Today, a section of the Wall has been maintained and kept intact to act as a gallery.

There are a lot of places to tour in this magnificent city, it has wondrous spots like the Bradenburg Gate, The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and the historical Book-burning Square where the marks of the World War II can be seen. Added to these are the Berlin Museums which gives you every reason to visit the city of Berlin. There are a very wide array of museums and galleries in this city. In fact, it has over 50 state run museums. One of them is the Museuminsel (Museum Island), the best known area for art lovers.

Berlin Cathedrals and Churches are also one of the major attractions. The city has many historically interesting and architecturally remarkable churches. Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche, Marienkirche, Nikolaikirche, and Friedrichswerdersche Kirche. to name a few. Of course, Berliner Dom, a Protestant cathedral as the largest in Berlin.

How about the nightlife in Berlin? Berlin is the center of nightlife and DJ-culture in Europe. Parties takes place all year round, including jazz concerts in November and dance parties in July. So, no question for that, any tourist will only have to party until they drop.

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American Idle: Stuck in Time in West Brookfield, Massachusetts

Article and Photo (of the West Brookfield Town Common) by Eric H.

Today, we bring you to West Brookfield, MA, a traditional Massachusetts community that perhaps best represents the classic, rural flavor of small-town New England. As part of The Brookfields -- a region also including Brookfield, North Brookfield and East Brookfield -- this Central Massachusetts area remains one of the last relatively unspoiled parts of New England that is relatively close to the industrial seaboard. West Brookfield might be The Brookfield's shining jewel with a stunning town common, and its entire downtown district placed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can read more about West Brookfield at VisitingNewEngland.com

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Spain: Where Semana Santa Is At Its Best

Spain celebrates Semana Santa or Holy Week (a.k.a Easter Week) much more than most European countries and even among any Christian-dominating countries in the world. So, if you are planning to make this year's Easter Week a holy one, it would be best to spend it where the celebration is Catholically extravagant and religiously observe over the years – nowhere else but Spain.

Looking back where Semana Santa is initially celebrated: it dates back in the 16th century when the Church decided to present the story of the passion of Christ in a more elaborate way for the laypersons to understand. For that purpose, a series of processions through the streets depicting the scenes from the rise and fall of Jesus Christ were organized.

Today, the Holy Week processions are the largest religious festival in the Catholic world which takes place from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. Since, Spain holds the grandest celebration of Semana Santa, Andalusia, in particular, is the heart of the whole celebration; involving whole cities, towns and villages.

When you get to pay a visit in Spain to celebrate Semana Santa, you'll witness people are carrying statues of saints around on floats or wooden platforms, they are called costaleros. You'll also notice an atmosphere of mourning: it's as if the mystery of the passion of Christ is relived. Another eye-catching element in the spectacle are the marchers of the procession. They wear robes with hoods which meant to depict Nazareños or people from Nazareth.

The Holy Week ends on the Easter Sunday, the day of Jesus' resurrection. The day is then filled with light and color as church and cathedral bells are heard ringing throughout the country.

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Eiffel Tower: Tourists' Destination of Choice

Have you been scheming on a trip to Europe? If so, you should better include on your list of places to visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France or else you will surely miss half of your life if you will not. Of course, don't get yourself there just yet without learning about it.

Eiffel Tower, Tour Eiffel as it is called in French, was named after its designer, Gustave Eiffel and was built in 1889. Hailed as the tallest building in Paris, as well as the most recognized landmark in Europe. A global icon people around the world may say. Its popularity have made it always frequented by visitors every year. With 6,000,000 visitors yearly no wonder they have totaled 200,000,000 visitors ever since the day it was built. No wonder it is where most visitors prefer.

Overall, the tower has three levels. At the ground level, ticket booths sells tickets for the stairs. These tickets can be used in accessing both of the first and second level stairs as well as the lifts. The third level however is only accessible by lifts.

The First Level

Learning and discovery is the utmost thing you can do in this level. They have here the FerOscope where techniques of how the monument was built is being shown through a bubble, interactive videos or “video glasses”. So as an electronic telescope which shows all of Paris suburbs in full detail.

The Cineiffel, a room where Totem, a series of 8 television screens invites visitors to a discover the magic box of virtual images characterizing Gustave Eiffel and his tower.

Altitude 95 Restaurant is named after the height above sea level to which it stands on the first level of the tower. Elegant views of the Trocadero, the River Seine and Paris itself from one of the most fantastic view points of the restaurant is experienced.

The Second Level

It is in this level where you can take the the lift leading to the third floor or summit. Window scenes in animation tells the construction of the Eiffel Tower, operation of the old hydraulic elevator and current elevator. The number of visitors who entered the Tower is being indicated in an electronic panel.

Le Jules Verne Restaurant gives way to spectacular views from up the restaurant not to mention the delectable French cuisine that they serve.

Top Level

A ride from the elevator ascending to this level surely offers a view of the magnificent architecture of the tower and of Paris. The office of Gustave Eiffel is seen here. A table of which shows the directions and distances to main towns all over the world and a diorama presenting historical events marking the floor is also here.

With a lot of destinations you can find in Paris, make Eiffel Tower your first stop. Historical, elegant and memorable, the captivating views from the Eiffel Tower will surely take your breath away and give you a high spirit in jump-starting your way to the next stop on your list.

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Separated at Birth: Northeast Harbor, Maine and North Easton Village, MA

Northeast Harbor, Maine, is scenically located where the ocean meets the mountains in magical Acadia National Park, Mt. Desert Island, Maine. North Easton, MA, is a southwest Boston suburb with stunning examples of H.H. Richardson architecture, nice tree-lined streets, a quaint historically preserved downtown and many trails, ponds and streams.

What do the two communities have to do with each other? Absolutely nothing, but they do share a hauntingly similar looking downtown district. So as to not stretch the truth, Northeast Harbor's downtown is a bit longer in size with more shops, but the general architecture strikes an uncanny resemblance:

Northeast Harbor, Maine...

and North Easton Village, MA!

Incredible isn't it? We'd actually like to start a "Separated at Birth" section on the blog. If you know of communities that strike a resemblance with each other, please feel free to post on this blog!

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Sick of the New England Snow? Take a Warm Weather Vacation!

We love New England. It is a place we live and love with its great mix of mountains, ocean, history, excellent quality of life and all the fun attractions. But winter 2008/2009 in New England has become unbearable -- one nasty storm after another. Before you break your back shoveling snow once more, consider a warmer destination vacation getaway. Have Junior down the street do the shoveling (and please pay him!) while you're walking a nice warm beach in beautiful places like Aruba, Cancun, Bermuda, and Cleveland (just kidding on the last one). After this winter, you deserve it!

Don't get us wrong: Winter is a nice place to be in New England. The snow-covered villages, the skiing, the winter community events -- this is the place to be if you like a quaint, cozy winter vacation. But to live here year-round and endure a tougher winter than usual has its limits. With a higher than average snowfall this winter, we feel stronger than ever that a warmer climate would provide a nice respite. Here are a few vacation getaways that should do the trick:

Aruba

Grand Bahama Islands

Bermuda

Cancun, Mexico

Grand Caymen Islands

Key Largo, FLA

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Miami Beach, FLA

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Orlando, FLA

San Juan, Puerto Rico

If you have a favorite warm weather place, we'd love to hear about that destination. Although we New Englanders are loyal to our native land, we also feel the need once in a while to come out of the frozen tundra.

Additionally, as always, please let us know your favorite places in New England. That is our business, but on this post we'd thought it'd be nice to warm up to the thought of a summer vacation in the winter!

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Thoughts on the Main Street Cafe in North Easton, MA

Article and photo by Eric H.

We recently reviewed -- and reflected upon -- our experiences at the Main Street Cafe in North Easton, MA. In the article, we not only focus on the delicious breakfasts and lunches at the Main Street Cafe, but how this restaurant brought back childhood memories of a revered bakery in Northeast Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park). We think you'll enjoy the connections we draw -- and photos to validate the possible nexus between the two businesses.

Strictly from a food point-of-view, If you're looking for an excellent traditional, old-fashioned breakfast and lunch dining experience, we heartily recommend the Main Street Cafe!

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