FINE DINE

 

 

Nothing makes me feel more run of the mill than eating at a chain restaurant, with too many pedestrian choices on the menu , dinner plates the size of sleds and the noise level of a  high school cafeteria.  OK for a night out with the family, but I want to go somewhere where I don't need two hands to lift my beverage and/or end up with a staggering bill at the end of the meal. Solution? Smart  lunches.

 

 Cafes, bistros, upscale restaurants,  indoors or out, waterside or city scapes are a perfect way to score an A for ambiance, feel pampered for an hour or so, and walk away having spent less than $20 per person. The servers are usually under less pressure than in a busy food chain, the kitchen has fewer orders so the food quality is top notch  and the other diners are low key.  Opt for water or a glass of wine instead of soda or a mixed drink, choose one or two appetizers instead of a a full meal or just go for dessert and coffee. The object is to enjoy gourmet food in a lovely atmosphere and still make it affordable. Also great for watching your weight!



MEMBERS ONLY

     

              Membership really does carry special privileges.  Any that I've purchased or been given as a gift  have brought me a great deal of pleasure in some of the most beautiful spots in southern New England. Blithewold, pictured above, in Bristol, RI, combines the best of outdoors and indoors. Check out the images online for the full picture of a stunning mansion, manicured lawn that rolls down  to the bay, flower gardens that vary from month to month, hundreds of exotic trees and a  Monet-worthy pond complete with irises and water lilies in season.  Where tourists pay by the day, a member can go anytime and also take advantage of planned events on the property, such as mah jongg lessons in the formal dining room or  perhaps have the opportunity to volunteer as a docent (look it up!).

   



            
   Blithewold is only practical if you live reasonably close, but these membership opportunities are everywhere. Find a place you love and sign up. A basic membership has always worked for me. It's cost-effective yet allows me to enjoy the properties to the fullest. As a sidebar, Blithewold is also featured in the Aug. 2012 edition of SOCO Magazine.

          Another favorite was for the Trustees of Reservations in Massachusetts which gave me access to almost a hundred properties I didn't know existed from wooded trails and beaches to, yes, more mansions. Besides the cachet associated with this type of membership, you're contributing toward the preservation of special places.  Do a little research, pick something you like and sign up or give it as a gift and really wow someone close.  

. M



A BLAST FROM THE PAST



              There are places and images that are so memorable  you can call them up years later and still be thrilled  by them. I'm a huge fan of museums, going back to the glass flower and fern display at the MIT museum in Cambridge  that I saw at age 7  and  was still wowed by when I revisited a few years ago. No matter where I'm traveling, I always make time to take a historical stroll. A few of the highlights have been the Nazca mummies in Ica, Peru still wrapped in 2,000 year old blankets, the Tiffany glass and little shrunken head at the Lightner museum in St. Augustine, Fl., the Hope Diamond in Washington and the  marble Bernini statues in Rome. Obviously, my tastes are eclectic, running from highbrow art to really bizzare oddities (kids love these!).

       

            Since this is not a travel feature, I'll get to the point. Having visited over a hundred museums worldwide,  it takes something pretty spectacular to impress me, so here it is. The Mashantucket Pequot located right next to the Foxwoods casino is a jaw dropper for both adults and kids. The modest ticket price buys you hours in the largest, no expense spared, Native American museum in the world. Trust me, it rivals UBC's First Nation museum in Vancouver, which is fantastic! Ride the glass tower for a panoramic view of the reservation, watch a feature movie on Pequot history, and tour the Indian village with it's lifelike wax figures (see photo). Try the restaurant with it's amazing views  or bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds (yes, the spend less factor).  This is a perfect day trip that can only be made better by going during the fall foliage, which I just did (Oct. 18) I was treated to a storytelling session by one of the tribal elders after describing this blog and my continuing enthusiasm and attendence at the museum.

 



          Most museums are worth the time to visit, and libraries carry free  passes for patrons. Bank of America offers a similar service.  Take advantage of these opportunities and, while the weather permits, plan on eating your picnic lunch (try a gourmet PBJ with designer bread, almond butter and raspberry jam) out of doors.

          While I have only been highlighting a few places in my blogs, be creative and find your own hot spots with some help from Google and magazines I've mentioned previously. Yankee magazine is another great source for ideas and events in New England.  Also, most cities and towns list upcoming events or places with historical significance on-line or on local cable channels. Let's keep enjoying the best for less!

.

CAMP IN STYLE - GO MILD

    , 

     Consider spending  two nights at a campground that has it all, instead of a week elsewhere or make it just a one-time event. Normandy Farms Family Campground, pictured above and located in Foxboro MA near Gillette Stadium and Bass Pro Shops,  is the ultimate camping experience in this area for the whole family, from tenting to RV hook-ups. Check it out on-line for a full description and a list of all the amenities. Don't forget to start with a list of everything you need to bring. This goes for any camping trip, because it's more cost-effective to go with what's you need rather than buying a lot of products at the camp stores.

GO WILD

.

  How about a great adventure? One of my best trips was camping on one of the islands in Boston Harbor. Accessable only by boat or ferry, these drumlins are part of the National Recreation Area and  are in pristine condition.  You really need a master list here, because there are no stores around but the effort is well worth it. For all the information you need - Google it.

                                    GO EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN                                          

     If you can, go scout out the campground in person ahead of time. Remember -  location, location, location!  Here's some great suggestions to jazz up your campsite. Places like Walmart sell inexpensive hammocks, generous size campchairs and items like folding tables and headlamps for nite walking. Hit the Dollar Tree or Christmas Tree Shop for fancy paper goods. You don't need to spend top bucks to get the luxury items. Send away for an oilcloth (3 yards) to cover the picnic table. I had good luck with Oilcloth by the Yard. The cover stays put in the wind, looks great, cleans up really well and lasts for years. One last thing - fun food. Get the giant marshmallows, fill 8 oz water bottles with pink lemonade (the kids love them) and consider making chocolate-covered strawberries. Remember, even camping can be a living large experience with some planning and imagination.