Tag Archives: USA

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Visit the Mark Twain House this Fall

Mark Twain House in Hartford, Connecticut

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Located in Hartford, Connecticut, the Mark Twain House was home to Samuel Langhorne Clemens, otherwise known as Mark Twain, and his family, from 1874 to 1891. Today, the house is a museum, as well as a National Historic Landmark, because this is where the famous author wrote some of his most iconic pieces.

The Construction of the House
Mark Twain and his family first moved to Hartford in 1871, and then hired an architect to design their house a couple of years later. Mark Twain’s wife, known as Livy, had quite a bit of input into the design of the house, even drawing sketches to depict how different elements should look like. While the couple did have to deal with several delays and construction issues, the house was finally complete, and the family enjoyed what Mark Twain referred to as the happiest days of their life in this house.

The Museum
The Mark Twain House and Museum is home to over 16,000 objects that relate to Mark Twain and his life. The main collection consists of pieces that originally belonged to the family, or to the family of Mark Twain’s wife, and includes everything from the couple’s famous angel bed to the last pair of glasses that Mark Twain wore to clothes that belonged to the couple. There is also a separate Archival Collection, which includes a number of photogaphs and documents that were either created, received or collected by Mark Twain, his family and his friends. Some of the highlights of this collection include a love letter that Mark Twain wrote to his wife, and photographs of his daughters. The museum is also home to a few Special Collections that mostly feature library materials that have significant value, such as special editions of Mark Twain’s work.

New Exhibitions
The Mark Twain House and Museum is constantly striving to improve upon their collection, and they have recently introduced two new exhibits to the museum. The first is called Twain’s Temper: Top Ten Tantrums and Righteous Rages, with the books, letters, illustrations and political cartoons exploring the many different factors that used to make Mark Twain particularly angry. The second new exhibit is titled Renewing the Royal Chamber, and features the couple’s Mahogany Suite, which has recently been immaculately restored. The restoration effort was a huge one, with an incredible amount of attention paid to just about every detail within the bedroom, ensuring that it is as historically accurate as possible.

Guided Tours
The Mark Twain House and Museum offers a number of different guided tours for visitors, with one of the most popular being the standard House Tour, which will provide you with a fascinating insight into Mark Twain and his family. For those who enjoy theatrics, the Living History Tour is a must-do, as these are led by historical characters in period dress, and include plenty of fun photo opportunities. The Graveyard Shift Ghost Tours are also interesting, as these explore the ghostly tales that surround the Mark Twain House.

The Mark Twain House and Museum is open daily during the fall months, making it easy to plan a visit. For those who are fans of Mark Twain, who is famous for being one of the world’s greatest writers, a visit to the museum is an absolute must, as you will learn so much more about this enigmatic man.

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Sunflowers at the Buttonwood Farm, Connecticut

Sunflowers in a blooming field

A family-owned farm that has been running since 1975, Buttonwood Farm is not only known for their fresh ice cream, but also for their sunflowers. Each year, the farm plants around 14 acres of sunflowers, which creates over 300,000 blooms, and these are sold in order to raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation of Connecticut, which is a non-profit organization that grants wishes to children who are suffering from life-threatening conditions.

The History Behind the Sunflowers at Buttonwood Farm
Buttonwood Farm planted their first acre of sunflowers in 2003, and soon realized how attention-grabbing they were after visitors travelled from far and wide in order to see and photograph them. The next year, the farm expanded their sunflower fields to 10 acres, and soon increased this again to 14, introducing in the charity aspect rather than feeding the expired blooms to cattle.

Sunflowers for Wishes
Currently, Buttonwood Farm has raised over a million dollars for the Make a Wish Foundation over the past 13 seasons, all through their sunflowers. These flowers are available during the summer months, while supplies last, with bouquets of five sunflowers being sold in exchange for a donation to the Make a Wish organization. In order to maximize the amount of money raised, the farm does not allow visitors to pick their own and instead have a stand from which you can purchase your flowers.

Sunflower Photography Guidelines
With acre upon acre of bright yellow sunflowers, it comes as no surprise that the majority of visitors to the farm come complete with cameras, as the sight is a splendid one to see and photograph. However, in order to ensure that the fields and flowers are kept free from damage, the farm has put together some photography guidelines that visitors must follow, which can be found on their website. This includes always staying on designated paths, not using any props or lighting equipment, and not climbing on the historic stone walls, or on any farm machinery. For professional photographers who are taking pictures for monetary gain, a permit does need to be obtained and a small fee paid, but all of this money once again goes straight to the Make a Wish Foundation.

Visiting the Farm
Buttonwood Farm is open every day from 10am until dark, but the sunflower season tends to be around the end of July. While it may be too late in the year to view the sunflowers this year, this is an annual event, so you have plenty of time to plan your visit for next year. The flowers tend to have a two-week blooming period, but, as always, this depends on the whim of the weather, so do check out the farm’s Instagram page for the latest when it comes to their sunflower status.

For those visiting Connecticut during the summer months, Buttonwood Farm is a great place to spend the day. While you are there checking out the sunflowers, make sure to stop by at their ice cream shop for a taste of some of their famous farm fresh ice cream.

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Art and War at the Yale University Art Gallery

Yale University Art Gallery

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Located in New Haven, Connecticut, the Yale University Art Gallery was originally founded in 1832, and is home to an encyclopaedic collection of art, spread out across multiple buildings. While the collections here do encompass just about every period and culture, there are several war-related works of art here that definitely should not be missed.

The Trumbull Gallery
Built in 1832, the Trumbull Gallery was one of the museum’s very first, and can be found on the second floor. This exhibit consists of a number of valuable paintings by John Trumbull, the majority of which depict historical events, including a number of war scenes. Some of the artist’s most famous pieces that you will see here include the Battle of Bunker Hill, the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis, and the Declaration of Independence, many of which you are likely to recognize as soon as you see them, as they are quite iconic.

Before the Event/After the Fact: Contemporary Perspectives on War
Before the Event/After the Fact: Contemporary Perspectives on War is a temporary exhibition that will be running until the 31st of December, so you still have a few months to catch it. This exhibition explores the way in which war is represented when it comes to contemporary photography, displaying pieces that feature everything from combat zones to training sites to forensic reconstruction. It also examines the visual differences between staged images and real events, with some of the pieces playing on the relationship between the ambiguity of both of these elements. From video installations to digital animations to interactive pieces, the artwork on display in this exhibition really takes an imaginative look at the connection between art and war, while making use of plenty of modern day technology.

Artists in Exile: Expressions of Loss and Hope
Artists in Exile: Expressions of Loss and Hope is another temporary exhibition at the museum that begins on the 1st of September, and will be running until the end of December. This exhibition is based around the theme of exile, but examines this in quite an innovative way, by featuring artists who have been forced to leave their home country, either due to war or genocide. In addition to exploring how exile affected these artists, both mentally and physically, the exhibition also takes a look at the way in which the exile resulted in said artists being even more innovative when it comes to their work. There are several well-known European artists featured in the exhibition, including Gustave Courbet, Paul Gaugin and Marcel Duchamp, as well as a number of international artists, such as Elizabeth Catlett, Mu Xin and Ana Mendieta, with particular emphasis placed on female artists.

The oldest college art museum in the country, the Yale University Art Gallery is home to over 200,000 objects, ranging from ancient times to the modern day. For those who are looking to explore the relationship between art and war, this is a great museum to visit, as there are so many pieces here that relate to this topic.

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The Earshot Jazz Festival

Jazz musician leaning against wall with saxophone

Based in Seattle, Earshot Jazz is a non-profit music and arts organization that was formed in 1984. With an initial aim of supporting the musical genre of jazz, not only in Seattle but also surrounding areas, Earshot Jazz has definitely been succeeding, thanks to their action-packed schedule of jazz-related festivals and special events.

The 29th Annual Earshot Jazz Festival
Held this year from October to November, the highly-anticipated Earshot Jazz Festival will be in its 29th year this year. Featuring over 50 concerts and special events, held at locations all over the city, music lovers will definitely want to catch a few of these performances. The schedule for the 2017 Earshot Jazz Festival, as well as all of the other information you will need, will be released in August, so be sure to keep an eye on the company’s website, as well as their social media pages. Last year, the festival was a huge success, especially since one of the big names to perform was Freddy Cole, whose performance honored the legacy of his late brother, Nat King Cole. There was also a tribute to Charlie Parker, as well as some truly enthralling collaborators, all of which made the festival one of the best that Seattle has seen, with this year’s version expected to be even better.

Earshot Community Events
Throughout the year, Earshot Jazz host a wide range of jazz musical events, often with several different artists performing in one night. Each of these events is hosted in a different location, making it easy for jazz lovers all over the city to catch a few performances each week. The Sunday Blues Jam session is always a popular one, and this is an open blues jam hosted by The Groovetramps every Sunday, taking place at the 192 Brewing Company’s Lake Trail Taproom. Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley is another venue that frequently hosts Earshot Jazz events, with Greg Adams and East Bay Soul one of the next artists to perform. Another highlight is Paul Richardson, who has been performing every Sunday and Monday night at El Gaucho Seattle since 2009. Richardson is a self-taught musician who has played all over the world, focussing on jazz that has a slight hint of pop.

The Magazine
Earshot Jazz produces a monthly magazine that is distributed to the community around Seattle. The magazine is a great way to learn more about jazz, as well as its role within the local community. From discussions on the genre itself, to interviews with renowned artists, to listings of upcoming jazz events, this is a magazine that is always well-received by the city’s music-loving community. If you do not live in Seattle but would like to check the magazine out, previews can be found on Earshot Jazz’s website, or you can also subscribe and have it delivered to your door each month.

Earshot Jazz is dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the diversity that can be found within the genre of jazz. With over 2500 concerts presented to date, as well as over a million jazz magazines distributed to the community, Earshot Jazz are having great success in promoting the genre to the general public.

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Seattle for Foodies

View of Seattle, USA

Seattle’s culinary scene is really thriving, making this a great city for avid foodies to visit. From food tours to food trucks, here are some of the highlights that Seattle has to offer for foodies.

Food Tours
A guided food tour is a great way to get an initial idea of Seattle’s culinary flavor, and will take you to some of the best foodie hot spots around town. Savor Seattle is a great company to look into, as they host a range of tasty food tours. Whether you want to be taken around Pike Place Market, which is the oldest continuously operating market in the country, or indulge in a chocolate tour that features this sweet treat in all of its many forms, taking a food tour is the perfect introduction to Seattle’s food scene.

Food Trucks
Food trucks have been rising in popularity all over the country, and Seattle is no exception. Food trucks are a great opportunity for up-and-coming chefs to build a customer base and showcase their skills, so several of the food trucks that you will find in Seattle really have a high standard when it comes to the food that they create. Where Ya At Matt is a truck that has been around since 2010, and is known for their Cajun and Creole dishes, while Marination Mobile is a Hawaiian-Korean infusion truck, and launched a successful group of restaurants too. For some of the best Mexican food in Seattle, head to El Camion, while those who would like a taste of authentic Taiwanese steamed buns should visit It’s Bao Time.

Pike Place Market in Seattle, USA

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Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is iconic, as it is one of the last few remaining authentic farmers markets in the country. There is so much food to be tried here, and it is always worth getting small portions at each place so that you have room for the next. Handmade Cheese is the spot to go if you are seeking out the best mac and cheese in the city, while City Fish Co is so experienced in fresh seafood. Piroshky Piroshky is another gem in the market and is a small Russian bakery that specializes in freshly baked piroshkis, which are small savory pies, although be prepared to wait around 20 minutes to be served here, as they are incredibly popular. Seatown Seabar is another great spot to try out some local seafood, and they also serve up The Seattle Co. cider, which is a semi-sweet hard apple cider that is well worth trying. Finally, head to Lowell’s, as this is where you will find one of the best views of the Puget Sound in the city, along with more tasty seafood eats.

Whether you are a fan of seafood, fusion food, or indulgent desserts, Seattle is a city that is bound to please. A food tour is always a great way to get started, as this will provide you with a foodie-oriented overview of the city, after which you can then decide which places you want to explore in more depth.

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Seattle’s Relationship with Coffee

A sign of a coffee mug with Seattle's Public Market in the background

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While Seattle may be famous for being the birthplace of Starbucks, its relationship with coffee actually goes so much deeper than this. From the early 60’s to the modern day, this is the story of how Seattle became known as one of the best coffee cities in the world.

The Early Days of Coffee in Seattle
Americans were drinking coffee from as early as the 1930’s, but price was a huge factor when it came to coffee at this time, and everyone pretty much drank the same black brew. However, the early 1960’s brought with it the rise of counterculture, with young adults looking for something different than what their parents were drinking. Coupled with the cold and wet weather that Seattle is known for, the city became the perfect spot for the bohemian coffee culture to really thrive. Coffee houses soon began to pop up all around the city, and then, in the 1970’s, higher quality beans began to be sourced, leading to the creation of the first Starbucks in 1976.

The first Starbucks store in Seattle, USA

Songquan Deng / Shutterstock.com

Independent Roasters and Coffee Shops
The birth of the very first Starbucks really helped to pave the way for coffee culture in Seattle to really take off, and, in the 1990’s, the city experienced quite the explosion of independent roasters and coffee shops. Even though Starbucks had already acquired quite a large share of the market, these independent coffee shops were focusing on speciality coffee, rather than trying to compete with what Starbucks was offering, and this really helped them to succeed. With the perfect combination of expertise, interest, drive and coffee beans, it is no surprise that Seattle quickly became known as the city for coffee connoisseurs. For those who are wanting to learn even more about Seattle’s coffee culture, head over to the Elliott Bay Book Company, which is an independent book shop that stocks a wide range of books relating to coffee.

The Best Coffee in Seattle
With more coffee shops than any other city in the country, deciding where to go in Seattle for a freshly brewed cup can be quite difficult. Caffe Vita is a coffee house that was recently voted as one of the top ten places in the country for good coffee, while the Victrola Coffee Roasters is a spot that is passionate about educating the public on coffee, and does this by hosting weekly cupping classes, as well as by publishing tutorials on their website. Espresso Vivace is a coffee shop that has quite the history behind it, as it has been running since 1988, and is an iconic part of the city’s coffee culture, while Bakery Nouveau pairs its coffee with some of the best pastries in town, and has two locations to choose from.

People drinking outside Caffe Umbiria in Seattle, USA

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Seattle boasts ten times more coffee stores per 100,000 residents than the United States has overall, meaning that you will never have to travel far within the city to find yourself an amazing cup of coffee. Whether you are seeking a strong espresso or a creamy latte, you can be sure that you will never be disappointed with the coffee that you drink in Seattle.

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Plan a One Day Itinerary with the “T”

The T, Boston's transportation system

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Known locally as the “T”, the public transportation system in Boston is excellent, and is a great way to see so much of the city. From the spectacular floral displays of the Boston Public Garden to history and heritage of the Downtown area, this one-day itinerary can be carried out completely with the use of the T.

Boston Common and Boston Public Garden
Boston Common and the Boston Public Garden is a great place to start off your morning, and, if you are able to get started early enough, you will not have to deal with sharing the space with other tourists. While both of these green spaces are situated right next to each other, they are quite different. Boston Common is down-to-earth and is great for a quiet stroll, while the Boston Public Garden is immaculately manicured and has such a thoughtful curation of plants. Once you are done, head to the Government Center subway station and take the westbound Green Line to Kenmore, which takes about 15 minutes.

Fenway Park
From Kenmore Station, it is just a short walk to Fenway Park, the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. Even if you are not able to catch a game during your visit, the Fenway Park Tour is still worth taking, especially if you are a fan of the Red Sox. Once you have explored Fenway Park, take a short stroll around the area before heading back to Kenmore Station.

Marker of Freedom Trail in Boston

Freedom Trail
From Kenmore Station, take the Green Line eastbound to Park Street Station, a journey that should take around 10 minutes. From Park Street Station, it is just a short walk to the Freedom Trail, which is well worth doing for first-time visitors to Boston. This is a walking route that stretches out around the city for two and a half miles, and while this may not seem that long, it takes you past 16 of Boston’s most significant historical sites, from Faneuil Hall to Copp’s Hill Burial Ground. The Freedom Trail ends at the Bunker Hill Monument, and, from here, it is just a five minute walk to the Bunker Hill subway station.

Beacon Hill
From Bunker Hill Station, take the Downtown via Navy Yard number 93 bus, disembarking at Devonshire Street. This is where you will find the Granary Burying Ground, which is one of the most famous historical cemeteries in the country, and the third oldest in Boston. Beacon Hill itself is considered to be one of Boston’s trendiest neighbourhoods, and is absolutely packed with different things to see, from its traditional Brownstone architecture to streets that are lined with sparkling antique stores. Once you have taken a walk around the area, head to one of Beacon Hill’s restaurants for a bite to eat and something to drink, before taking the T back to your accommodation.

Acorn Street on Beacon Hill, Boston

Boston’s public transportation system is easy to use, even for tourists who are not used to taking the subway. When it comes to purchasing tickets, there are many different types available, so decide how many days you plan on using the T for before making your purchase, as buying a pass may save you some money.

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Summer in Boston is for Foodies

Family enjoying cupcakes while lying on grass

While Boston is a city that foodies would enjoy all year round, the summer is especially exciting. From a seafood festival to cheese-making classes, here are a few of the events that avid foodies may want to get involved in this summer in Boston.

2017 Boston Seafood Festival
Held this year on Sunday 13th August, the 2017 Boston Seafood Festival is set to be even better than the last. This is a full day event that is dedicated to educating the public on the dynamic fishing industry within New England, and there are several fun activities to take part in. In addition to a lush beer garden and gourmet food vendors and trucks, there will also be everything from celebrity chef demonstrations, an all-day lobster bake, an oyster shucking competition and so much more.

Cheesemaking: First Steps
For any foodies who have been interested in the idea of making their own cheese, then Cheesemaking: First Steps, which is hosted by Boston Cheese Cellar, is something you simply have to sign up for. This class takes a close look at the way in which milk can be transformed into cheese, and will have you making two types of your very own cheese, which you can then enjoy at the end with a glass of wine, along with fantastic conversation with other like-minded people.

Taste of the Caribbean Boston Food Festival
An annual event that is aimed at the whole family, the Taste of the Caribbean Boston Food Festival is being held this year on the 5th of August. In addition to the live entertainment and art exhibitions that will be livening up the atmosphere here, there will also be authentic Caribbean cuisine, available as samples as well as to purchase.

Secret Food Tours Boston
While festivals and special events are great, they tend to focus on a niche within the food industry, but there is so much more to the food scene in Boston. To take this all in in just three hours, have a look at Secret Food Tours Boston. This tour features small groups of people and will take you to some of Boston’s best food spots. From the freshest of seafood to historic Italian cuisine, this tour enables you to taste your way through over 400 years of local food history.

Eating New England: Beer and Wine Pairing Series
The Eating New England: Beer and Wine Pairing Series is being held on various dates in July, August and September. This tasting event brings together local produce from all across New England, with beer and wine, as well as mead, cider, cheese, chocolate, meat and so much more. The evening is hosted by a professional foodie, and you will no doubt end up learning so much by the time the night is done.

Boston is a fantastic city for foodies to visit no matter the time of the year, but there are many special food-oriented events that are held during the summer months. From food festivals to tasting sessions, Boston is definitely worth a visit this summer.

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Things to Do in Boston’s Fenway-Kenmore Neighborhood

Although at one point in time it used to be a swamp, Boston’s Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood is now vibrant, bustling and full of energy. For those paying it a visit this summer, here are just a few of the things that you can look forward to doing.

Baseball game happening at Fenway Park, Boston

Christopher Penler / Shutterstock.com

Visit Fenway Park
The oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball, a visit to Fenway Park is an absolute must if you are in the neighborhood. Fenway Park is often the main reason why tourists visit the Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood, as it is home to the Boston Red Sox, and is the perfect place from which to catch a game. If you are visiting when there is not a game on, you can still take part in the Fenway Park Tour, which will take you around all of the park’s many highlights in just an hour.

Interior of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

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Explore the Museum of Fine Arts
For any art lovers visiting Boston, the Museum of Fine Arts is a must-visit, as the art collection here is truly encyclopedic. From the ancient world to the modern day, the art that you will see here covers just about every period in history. While you may not have time to tour the whole museum, the four-storey Americas wing simply has to be seen, especially the gallery that is entirely dedicated to John Singer Sargent, and includes his famous painting The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit. The northern wing of the museum is equally impressive, with pieces by masters such as Van Gogh, Degas and Renoir, as well as the largest Monet collection outside of Paris.

Interior of Symphony Hall, Boston

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Visit Symphony Hall
Home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra since it was first built in 1900, Symphony Hall is a majestic building that is well worth touring. The free daily tour here lasts for an hour, and not only takes you around Symphony Hall’s public spaces, but also gives you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the workings of the orchestra. For those who are hoping to catch a performance, these are held from September to April, so you will have to wait until the end of the summer, as the Boston Symphony Orchestra spends their summer months in Tanglewood in Western Massachusetts.

Oysters with lime and sauce

Enjoy Some Good Food
Boston is home to some incredible restaurants, and the Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood is no exception. One of the top joints in the area is the Island Creek Oyster Bar, which serves up the finest oysters that you will find in Boston, along with plenty of other seafood, including their speciality dish, lobster roe noodles that are topped with succulent bites of grilled lobster and braised short ribs. Alternatively, head to El Pelon for budget-style Mexican dishes that will no doubt leave you feeling satisfied.

The Fenway-Kenmore neigborhood is a great area of Boston at which to spend some time, so do be sure to schedule it into your itinerary. Whether you hop around museums for the day or take a tour of Fenway Park and then enjoy some good food, there really is so much to see and do here.

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Feel the Lava at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Lava from Kilauea Volcano flowing into sea

Located on Big Island, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was established on the 1st of August 1916, and is home to both the Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, both of which are active. For those who have been hoping to have the opportunity to see Hawaii’s volcanoes up-close while visiting the island, spending a day at this national park is definitely a must-do.

The Kilauea Volcano
While the Mauna Loa volcano may be the largest volcano on the planet, it is the Kilauea volcano that is the most famous in Hawaii, because even though it is the youngest of the five volcanoes on Big Island, it is also the most active, and has been erupting continuously since 1983. A visit to the Kilauea Visitor Center will teach you more about this, with a 25 minute film to introduce you to the park, as well as updates on the latest eruptions. You can also schedule guided tours and ranger talks from here, which are useful if you would like to learn more about the volcano and the park itself.

The Jagger Museum
For those who would like to learn more about volcanoes and how they work, a visit to the Jagger Museum, which is situated within the park, is a must. This museum is devoted to volcanology, and has a number of exhibits that are dedicated to the volcanoes on the island, showing you how they developed and how they have managed to influence and change the landscape around them. The museum also has an overlook just outside it, and, from here, you will be able to enjoy an extremely advantageous viewpoint over the Halema’uma’u Crater, which is another one that has been frequently active.

Inside the Thurston Lava Tube

Thurston Lava Tube
There are not many places in the world where you can actually walk through lava, but the Thurston Lava Tube is one of these. This tube was created hundreds of years ago, when lava flowed through the area, but was only discovered in 1913 by a local newspaper publisher. The tube measures 600 feet long, with its height ranging from 10 to 30 feet, and appears in quite a surreal way out of a lush green forest.

Leave No Trace
One of the principals that is encouraged at all national parks is to leave no trace, meaning that you should leave the area in the same way that you found it. This is especially important at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, as this area has already been quite affected by tourists, such as with the lava stalactites that used to hang in the Thurston Lava Tube, but which were then taken away by tourists as souvenirs. While it may be tempting to remove a small amount of lava, or anything else you may find, to take home with you, this is not only detrimental to the environment, but is also illegal under federal law.

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is definitely a must-visit for those who are visiting Big Island for the first time, as it will provide you with a unique glimpse into the island’s one-of-a-kind ecology. From the incredible Kilauea Volcano to the surreal Thurston Lava Tube, there is so much to see and do around the park, so be sure to leave yourself with a full day in which you can thoroughly explore it.