Attractions and adventures put the 'new' in New Brunswick

Ah, New Brunswick.This province in Atlantic Canada combines friendliness and relaxation with adventure and excitement. Here's what's new:

 * St. Andrews by-the-Sea will welcome a new state-of-the-art aquarium in June.  The $8.1 million Bay of Fundy Discovery Centre will boast a 40,000-gallon habitat devoted to species from the Bay of Fundy including sturgeon, salmon and stone crabs.  (With the highest tides in the world, the bay is home to 12 species of whales including 50 percent of the world’s endangered right whales.)

*  Stonehammer, North America’s first Geopark, is in its first full year of operation is.  Lying on the bay, the 965-square-mile area has rock formations dating back a billion years along with sea caves and walking trails.

* A new 20,000-square-foot conference centre is opening in Canada’s first free wireless city, Fredericton.

* One of the last remaining coastal wilderness areas in North America is now more accessible via the Fundy Trail.  Some nine miles of coastal road and a large network of trails offer spectacular views and  opportunities for whale watching.  Last June a new segment opened and another section is under construction, due to open in two years.

*  Visitors can now dine or overnight at the Fundy Parkway Trail’s Hearst Lodge built as a fishing lodge for newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst.

And here are some of New Brunswick's adventure activities:

* Among the barrier islands of Kouchibouguac National Park, visitors can paddle to North America’s largest tern colony (7,000 nests) and check out over 300 grey seals frolicking.

*  Adrenaline junkies can take the 500-foot zipline ride over the Saint John River or try deepelling (that’s rappelling head first) down a 135-foot rock wall in the Grand Falls Gorge – or go off with kilted bikers on a heavy-duty cycling trip.

* Some of the world’s best salmon fishing is on the Miramichi and Restigouche rivers and late spring is peak time for fly fishing.

For more information, visit www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca.

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Trivial question

Kanchanaburi, Thailand, is known for what famous structure? Answer somewhere below.)

Philadelphia hotel package should delight art lovers

The Philadelphia Museum of Art’s first-time Art & About in Philadelphia Hotel Package, which gives buyers access to all  Philadelphia Museum of Art  properties, is now available through 2011. The two-night package comes with two combination tickets —a $62 value— to five Philadelphia Museum of Art-administered buildings: The Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Ruth and Raymond G. Perelman Building, the Rodin Museum, Cedar Grove and Mount Pleasant. Over two consecutive days, visitors can return to their favorite art hotspots as often as they want. Available at more than a dozen hotels with rates starting at  $159 per night, the package also includes free hotel parking. The package can be booked at visitphilly.com.

Worth quoting
 “When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.” -- Anonymous (but very true)


N.H. resort proves that mud can be a treat
In many parts of New England, mud season is coming up. To prove that a little mud won't stop you from having a great time, Wentworth By the Sea Hotel & Spa in New Castle, N.H., has a  Mud Season Spa Package, with rates starting at $249 when you use promotion code P91. The package includes a two-night
stay, an organic mud wrap, a seawater pearl facial with mud mask and a molten chocolate cake upon arrival. Visit www.wentworth.com  or call 603-422-7322.

Fascinating fact

Older baby  boomers  -- those born from 1946 through 1954 --  make up 15 percent of leisure travelers and take an average of 4.4 leisure trips each year.

$50 cash and more with this Oregon offering

The Portland Perks program is a special hotel package available only through the Travel Portland website (www.travelportland.com). Among other things, it offers $50 cash back on qualifying hotel stays. Upon check-in at a Perks hotel, guests get a  Portland Perks coupon book with more than 40 discounts on entertainment, shopping and dining. To get the $50 cash deal, visitors must book their stay at one of the participating hotels through the Travel Portland website and travel before , April 30. A minimum two-night stay is required.

Trivial answer

Kanchanaburi, Thailand, is home to the Bridge on the River Kwai of World War II fame. Nowadays the bridge is surrounded by cafes and souvenir stalls and has both the original curved spans and straight spans, which replaced those damaged in the 1943 bombing..

Philadelphia region gets set for a busy, bracing autumn

Photo by Peddler's Village

Summer travel is well underway, so let's think about the fall. The Philadelphia area, for example, will welcome autumn with special exhibitions, Halloween haunts and annual events for all ages. Princess Diana, Jim Henson, Henri Matisse and George Washington Carver lead the lineup, which also includes Body Worlds 2 at The Franklin Institute Science Museum, tattoos aplenty at the Independence Seaport Museum, "Terror Behind the Walls" at the Eastern State Penitentiary, and a variety of festivals.

As part of the new With Love, Philadelphia XOXO campaign, visitors who book one of the nearly 100 featured packages on www.gophila.com/withlove will receive a Philadelphia Privileges coupon book, a five-pack of With Love postcards, a With Love pin and Philly Fill-Ins word games, along with brochures, coupons and maps.Visitors can book packages online or by calling the hotels directly. Here are some of the events coming up in the Philadelphia region:

History and Science

Diana: A Celebration, a 10,000-square-foot National Constitution Center exhibition, showcases the life and work of the princess of Wales. Diana’s childhood, her engagement to Prince Charles, her lavish royal wedding, her children and her works as a global humanitarian are all part of the exhibit. Oct. 2-Dec. 31. 525 Arch St., 215-409-6700, www.constitutioncenter.org.

Visitors to The Franklin Institute can uncover the intricacies of human anatomy during Gunther von Hagens’ Body Worlds 2 & The Three Pound Gem. More than 200 specimens, including 20 whole bodies, healthy and unhealthy organs and body sections, provide an unprecedented view inside the human body. And The Three Pound Gem delves into the mysterious world of the brain. October 2009-spring 2010, with exact dates to be announced. 222 N. 20th Street, 215-448-1200, www.fi.edu

Born into slavery, George Washington Carver devoted his life to science, education and humanitarian efforts. Videos, hands-on activities and more than 150 artifacts at The Academy of Natural Sciences guide visitors through Carver's life and work. Nov. 12-Feb. 28. 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 215-299-1000, www.ansp.org

The Arts, from Matisse To Kermit

Including about 35 paintings and sculptures, Matisse and Modern Art on the French Riviera at the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Perelman Building celebrates the French Riviera’s mythic allure for modern artists. Through Oct. 25. Fairmount & Pennsylvania Avenues, 215- 763-8100, www.philamuseum.org

The Independence Seaport Museum presents Skin & Bones – Tattoos in the Life of the American Sailor, a new and original exhibition using historical and contemporary images, objects and tattoos to illustrate sailors’ stories and recount the meaning of their tattoos and the belief in their power to protect sailors at sea. Through Jan. 3. Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street, 215- 413-8655, www.phillyseaport.org

Jim Henson’s Fantastic World at the James A. Michener Art Museum documents Henson's visual thinking through works of art, photographs, documents, puppets and film and video clips. Sept. 12-Nov. 29. 138 Pine St., Doylestown, 215-340-9800, www.michenermuseum.org

During the 10th annual Philadelphia Open Studio Tours, known as POST to locals, visitors can look into the workshops of local artists across all mediums in neighborhoods throughout the city. Oct. 3-4, 10-11. 215-546-7775, www.philaopenstudios.com

It’s all about me at the First Person Festival of Memoir and Documentary Art, called the only event in the nation dedicated to artistic creation based on real-life experiences. The multidisciplinary festival features performance art, experiential tours, visual art exhibitions, concerts and film screenings at The Painted Bride Art Center. Nov. 4-8. 230 Vine St., 267-402-2055, www.firstpersonarts.org

Halloween All Month

A free family favorite, the 31st annual Scarecrow Festival at Peddler’s Village features scarecrow displays, pumpkin-painting workshops and pie-eating contests. Sept. 12-13. Routes 202 & 263, Lahaska, 215-794-4000, www.peddlersvillage.com

Thrill-seekers celebrate the Halloween season at Eastern State Penitentiary with Terror Behind the Walls, a haunted house inside an abandoned prison that once held notorious criminals like Al Capone. Sept.18-Nov. 1. 22nd Street & Fairmount Avenue, 215-236-3300, www.easternstate.org

Miniature ghosts and goblins can wear costumes, trick-or-treat throughout the park, watch Elmo’s Halloween show and take a hayride during The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place. Weekends, Sept. 26-Oct. 31. 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, 866-GO-4-ELMO, www.sesameplace.com

The area’s crafters display their best scarecrows for Morris Arboretum’s Scarecrow Walk (Oct. 3-18). After picking their favorites, visitors can catch the Great American Lighthouses-themed Garden Railway display (through Oct. 13). 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, 215-247-5777, www.morrisarboretum.org

Laurel Hill Cemetery can be unsettling even when programming doesn’t include happenings like Dead Men Do Tell Tales, the South Jersey Ghost Research presentation of paranormal investigations at Laurel Hill (Oct. 10); Halloween flashlight tours (Oct. 23-24, 30); or Fall Family Day, celebrating costumes and all-things Halloween (Oct. 25). 3822 Ridge Avenue, 215-228-8200, www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org

The revitalized Franklin Square, one of Philadelphia’s original public parks, gets fun in a creepy way in October with Spooky Mini Golf every Saturday and Sunday night, scary storytelling and pumpkin decorating (Oct. 10, 17) and a trick-or-treat trail (Oct. 24, 31). 6th & Race Streets, 215-629-4026, www.historicphiladelphia.org

The Philadelphia Zoo calls all kids to Boo at the Zoo, a masquerade party and trick-or-treating extravaganza. There are also storytelling, face painting, games and music. Oct. 24-25. 3400 W. Girard Avenue, 215- 243-1100, www.philadelphiazoo.org

Annual Festivals

Longwood Gardens’ Autumn’s Colors festival, monster pumpkins, unusual gourds, a garden railway and live entertainment fill the floral sanctuary. Sept. 7-Nov. 22. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org

The 27th annual Philadelphia Shell Show and Festival at The Academy of Natural Sciences features treasures of the seas on display and for sale. There will be free shells, naturalist presentations and crafts for youngsters. Oct. 10-11. 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 215-299-1000, www.ansp.org

The free and fruity 38th annual Apple Festival at Peddler’s Village honors the healthy treat with old-fashioned country apple butter, apple cider, apple dumplings, apple fritters and caramel-dipped apples. Nov. 7-8. Routes 202 & 263, Lahaska, 215-794-4000, www.peddlersvillage.com

For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit www.gophila.com or www.uwishunu.com or call 800-537-7676.

Trivial question

Name the U.S. state capitals that have "City" in their names. (Answer somewhere below.)

The healing power of Hawaii

It was an emotional reason that brought Rebecca Lane of Port Orchard, Wash., to Hawaii. "My son, who had cystic fibrosis for thirty years, passed away recently and and it turned my world upside down," she e-mailed me. "I desperately needed to do something to turn it right side up again ... I wanted to take some of his ashes someplace special. I knew it was Hawaii and I didn't want something "touristy." I found this place on line called Wellness With Aloha [on the Big Island] and something just clicked when I talked to them." She spent several days with energy and massage healers and writes, "If there ever was such a thing as Hawaiian Healing, I think this is it. After I got back, people said how I looked like I had found peace. I think I found something authentic on a different level in Hawaii and it helped heal my heart."

Fascinating fact

The Tigris river, which runs through Baghdad,  is about 1,150 miles long. The name "Tigris" comes from Old Persian and translates as "the fast one."

By the sea, in Charleston

The Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina is offerings a Sullivan’s Island Beach Experience package starting at $129 per room, per night, including accommodations, transportation to and from Sullivan's Island, a boxed lunch and beverages for everyone registered in the room, and a cooler, too.

For more information, click here.

Trivial answer

The cities are Salt Lake City, Carson City, Oklahoma City and Jefferson City. Although there is a Kansas City in both Kansas and Missouri, neither is a capital.

Where to go luxury shopping for less in Philadelphia

For many, shopping is one of the pleasures of travel. In the Philadelphia area, a host of deals at designer boutiques, along with tax-free shopping on clothing and shoes, let visitors can save while they see the city and surrounding countryside. Here are a few suggestions:

* Northeast Philadelphia’s vast outlet mall, Franklin Mills, has been called a bargain-hunter’s destination. Its higher-end retail stores include Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th, Kenneth Cole, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Polo Ralph Lauren, BCBG, Brooks Brothers and Banana Republic. 1455 Franklin Mills Circle, 215-632-1500, www.simon.com/mall.

* Matthew Izzo is a favorite boutique for chic housewares (Alessi, Jonathan Adler), furniture (Blu Dot) and men’s and women’s clothing (Ben Sherman, Nicole Farhi). The $10 rack showcases a rotating selection of cheaper finds. 151 N. 3rd Street, 215-829-0606, www.matthewizzo.com.

* King of Prussia Mall is the largest shopping mall on the East Coast,  Visitors can get a Travel Rewards program coupon by clicking here  and exchanging the printed-out coupon at the customer service desk for a Travel Rewards Guide, which will net  discounts at stores like DKNY, L’Occitane and Smith and Hawken. The Shop ‘Til You Drop King of Prussia Mall Package offers from nearby hotels such as the Radisson Valley Forge and Crowne Plaza Valley Forge include a $50 gift card with a one- to two-night stay. Route 202 & Mall Boulevard, King of Prussia, 610-265-5727, www.kingofprussiamall.com.

* Old City boutique Sugarcube offers a stimulus package with its Sugarbucks, earned on every purchase and good toward future purchases. 124 N. 3rd Street, 215-238-0825, www.sugarcube.us. 

* For those seeking a sleek but affordable gown, South Philly dress shop Mia’s of Philadelphia has a bargain room with top brands like Nanette Lepore. 1748 E. Passyunk Avenue, 215- 465-2913.

* Reward has men’s and women’s clothes by international designers like Illionaire, Surface to Air Paris and F-Troupe, plus vintage threads. But the greater reward in this Old City store is said to be for shoppers who browse the store’s back section for discounts. 55 N. 2nd Street, 267-773-8675, www.rewardproject.com.

*Local designers like Christina Rizzo and Aelishiva hang alongside 1980s vintage and last season’s designer jeans at Vamp, Manayunk’s consignment fashion store. Those who shop on their birthday receive 20% off on any three items. 4231 Main Street, 215-487-2340, www.vampboutique.net.

* The best bet for finding Prada, Marc Jacobs and Vivienne Tam designs at a discount is Fashion Forward, a high-end designer resale clothier in Chestnut Hill. 7906 Germantown Avenue, 215- 247-3868, www.fashion4resale.com.

*An award-winning consignment shop, Revivals Boutique makes  Escada, Chanel and Missoni available  at a fraction of the retail cost. 258 Haverford Avenue, Narberth, 610-660-8119, www.revivalsboutique.com.

* The mint condition,  quality furniture and home accessories at Bryn Mawr’s Great Estate Consignment Shop make it an excellent source for home decorators with limited means who stilll want top style. 701 County Line Road, Bryn Mawr, 484-380-2174, www.greatestateconsignmentshop.com.

 

Wild horses couldn't drag you away from Assateague

Neither car nor camper can deter the horses of Assateague Island from their daily dining. (Story and photo by Richard P. Carpenter)

They're not very wild and they're not really ponies. Nonetheless, the legendary Wild Ponies of Assateague Island are well worth seeing, as is the rest of this 37-mile-long barrier island.

Depending upon where you are standing, Assateague, located in both Maryland an Virginia, is a national seashore, a state park and a wildlife refuge. Again, depending where you are, the attractions are off-roading, camping, birding and wildlife watching. During a recent visit, I was treated to the relatively rare sight of a hummingbird in its nest.

The big attraction, though are those equines, who have inhabited the island for some 300 years. There are some 130 of them on the Maryland side, but they don't make appointments for you to view them, so on a given day, you may see a few or a lot. I saw about 10 during my visit, and while it's true they have not been domesticated and ridden, most seem tame and will hardly gallop away at the sight of you. In facts, signs put up by the national park service, which owns and manages the animals, tell you not to feed them. And while some may look like ponies, many experts will tell you they are actually small horses. On Chincoteague Island on the Virginia side, meanwhile, horses are owned by the Volunteer Fire Department, and every July there is a roundup, during which the horses may splash through the sea, and an auction. The Maryland and Virginia horses are separated by fences at the border between the states. 

How did the horses get to Assateague in the first place? There are all kinds of mythical or magical explanations, and some believe they were survivors of a Spanish ship that sank in a storm.  But research turns up a more mundane explanation: At least some were put there by colonial planters to dodge livestock taxes and fencing rules.

For more information on this unusual island and its sights, click here and here and here.

Philly loves you so much that it will give you a gift

As part of the new With Love, Philadelphia XOXO campaign, visitors who book one of the nearly 100 packages on www.gophila.com/withlove will get a gift at check-in. The giveaway includes a Philadelphia Privileges coupon book, a five-pack of With Love postcards and a With Love pin, along with other brochures, coupons and maps. Starting rates range from $77 -$415 per night, and packages have perks that are based on a variety of interests. Examples: Star Trek: the Exhibition. Franklin Institute Science Museum, Spa and Romance, and Family Fun.

After checking the Web site, visitors can book their selected packages online or by calling their chosen hotel directly.

What's in a pronunciation?

Britain pronounces the Thames River as "Tems," but in Newport, R.I., the river of the same name is pronounced "Thaymes."

What's in a location?

Most of the 3.8-mile Las Vegas Strip is not in Las Vegas but in Paradise and Winchester, Nev.

Park Plaza celebrates summer in Boston

The Boston Park Plaza Hotel has four new summer packages. The Copley Place Shopping Package features a one-night stay, two $50 American Express Copley Place Gift Cards, and two Copley Place gift bags. Rates start at $259, and persons booking should use rate code CPSHOP. The Take Me Out to the Ball Game Father's Day Package includes a night's stay and two right field box tickets for the Sox vs. Braves game on June 20 or 21. The package is available Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21, with rates starting at $369.The rate code is FENWAY1. The Dinner & the Movies Package includes a two-night stay, breakfast buffet for two, an n-room dinner for two, and two tickets for Boston Movie Mile Walking Tour. Rates start at $499 and the code is DANDM. And then there's Fireworks on the Fourth, which features an overnight stay, two amenities that include supplies to view the city's famed fireworks from the Esplanade. The rate is $239 and the code is 4th2009.

Visit www.bostonparkplaza.com or call 617-426-2000.

Trivial question

Which country has the world's longest coastline? (It is not necessarily the world's largest country.) Answer Friday.

Golf for free at New Hampshire resort

The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel in Dixville Notch, N.H., has a Golf Free Package available Sunday-Thursday through June 30 and from Sept. 1 to the end of golf season for $119 per person, per night. The package includes lodging, breakfast, and unlimited rounds of golf on the resort's Donald Ross-designed golf course. The package is available now through June 30th and from September 1st through the end of golf season.

For details, click here. For resort information, visit www.thebalsams.com.