New Hampshire U.S. Route 1
U.S. Route 1 uses the bridge access from Kittery, Maine to move on through Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Are we there yet? For those traveling with youngsters the Children’s Museum of Portsmouth is the place to break from boredom. The facility allows kids to explore, create, and experience the wonders of science. Kids can pretend to be paleontologists and dig for a Triceratops fossil or walk in kamiks, the shoes of an Inuit. There’s a two-story yellow submarine and interactive boat set up to fish for lobster. (280 Marcy Street, Portsmouth, 03801. 1(603) 436-3853 or www.childrens-museum.org)
Massachusetts U.S. Route 1
Following the old stagecoach route, U.S. Route 1 continues on to Newburyport, Massachusetts. No evidence of wagon ruts, but the route remains rural as it heads to “Bean Town.” Boston is an intriguing destination and though pricey, worth a visit. The list of options for visitors spans all interests. Select a few to serve as a starting point for memory making & as always your KOA Kampground host will add to the list.
Glide with the swans. The picture perfect Swan Boats that cruise with the ducks in the 24-acre Public Garden lagoon make visiting downtown Boston a delight. Ideal for all ages, the excursions are often vacation signature moments. Although the rides are short, they are a bargain.
Follow the red freedom line. Boston is made for walking and sometimes talking. History is imbedded in every block of the city and residents have plenty of off-the-guidebook interpretations to share. A popular walk is the Freedom Trail that identifies 16 locations where meaningful events occurred during the Colonial Revolutionary era. The 3-mile (4.82 kms) red line route starts at Boston Common in the heart of Boston, and ends at the USS Constitution in the Charleston Navy Yard. Discovery: National Park Service Rangers also provide guided tours. Either way it is worth the walk. (3 School Street, 1 (617) 242-5642 or www.thefreedomtrail.org)
Ride the waves. For centuries Boston has embraced its seaport. For that reason, taking a harbor cruise provides a unique perspective of the city’s history and modern day successes. Options for enjoying the area include not just harbor sightseeing but also whale watches, and dinner cruises. (1 Long Wharf, 02110. 1(617) 227-4321 or www.bostonharborcruises.com)
Drain your brain. The Museum of Science in Boston is a buffet for the mind. More than 600 hands-on exhibits tempt all ages. The ever-changing roster of traveling exhibits and a friendly crew of science interpreters guarantee a different experience with every visit. The museum atmosphere encourages visitors to think like scientists by encouraging looking, listening, and touching. The facility has the Thomson Theater of Electricity, home of the world’s largest Van de Graaff generator complete with indoor lightning demonstrations. Also onsite one of the nation’s largest free computer centers and a scale model solar system extending into the Greater Boston area. Discovery: For mega entertainment try the five-story domed screen Mugar Omni Theater. (Science Park, 02114. 1(617) 723-2500 or www.mos.org)
Reach for the stars. Within the Museum of Science complex, the Charles Hayden Planetarium and the rooftop Gilliland Observatory provide an observation window to the universe. Sit under a star-field at The Hayden Planetarium and become immersed in the visual power and mystery of the galaxies. The planetarium also features laser shows set to the music of the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Metallica and Nirvana. Discovery: Avid sky watchers can take advantage of the Museum’s rooftop Gilliland Observatory, open for Friday night stargazing and safe solar viewing on Saturdays, weather permitting. (Science Park, 02114. 1(617) 723-2500 or www.mos.org)
Be a kid again. At the Children’s Museum of Boston, they never say, “Do not touch!” The museum makes fun just happen by providing plenty of ways for adults to enjoy discovering with young companions. Interactive and tactile the exhibits encourage questions and discoveries. This place is a “Wow!” for young kids and quite enjoyable for adult companions. (Museum Wharf, 300 Congress St., 02210. 1 (617) 426-6500 or www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org)
Tea party anyone? Every 10 year-old associates Boston with “The Tea Party” so it is not surprising that there is a replica of the Boston Tea Party Ship available for boarding. Learn about life and strife in pre-revolutionary America through displays, films and demonstrations. Walk the decks and pretend it is 1773 and the colonists are angry, or throw a bale of tea overboard. This is living history with passion. (Congress Street Bridge, 02210. 1(617) 338-1773 www.bostonteapartyship.com)
Name that penguin! All penguins are not the same. That is a simple fact visitors will conclude after observing the playful antics of the penguin colony at The New England Aquarium. The world-class facility showcases all aspects of the world of water. From starfish and jellyfish to sharks and sea mammals, the displays are lively and enchanting. The aquarium succeeds in providing dry land sea immersion and educational entertainment for all visitors. Discovery: Weekend programs are available for those that wish to spend a few hours exploring habitats and learning about environmental issues with aquarium educators. Field trips take place at aquatic locations such as Walden Pond or Lily Pond in Cohasset, with activities based on age and interest. (Central Wharf Boston, 02110. 1(617) 973-5200 or www.neaq.org)
A charming example of a New England seacoast village, the town of Plymouth has a lively downtown with a welcoming spirit.
Remember the rock? Everyone knows the story about the Pilgrims landing on a rock. But which rock? The boulder that became famous in 1620 may still be seen today on the waterfront in Plymouth. A landscaped waterfront park is the resting place for the Pilgrim’s rock, the tangible relic that has become a symbolic stepping-stone from the Old Country to the New Country. (Water St., Plymouth. 1(508) 866-2580 or https://www.mass.gov/locations/pilgrim-memorial-state-park)
Talk with a Pilgrim. Spend a time in the 17th Century at Plimoth Plantation, a living history museum where visitors are encouraged to converse with the Pilgrims as they meander through a 1627 Pilgrim Village and a re-created Wampanoag Indian home site. Also onsite The Nye Barn is the location of the Plantation’s Rare-breed Animal Program. This is living history at its best and the ideal way to share America’s heritage with kids. Get the real story about Thanksgiving. It was not all about turkey. (137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth, 02360. 1(508) 746-1622 or 1(508) 746-1622 or www.plimoth.org)
Board the Mayflower II. This is the place to pretend to be a Pilgrim. Also part of 17th Century Plimoth Plantation living history museum experience is the Mayflower II. The ship deck provides the ideal stage for interpreters portraying actual passengers and crew. The ship is a reproduction of the 17th-century merchant ship Mayflower, the one that brought the Pilgrims to Plymouth in 1620. In addition to the 17th-century reenactors, there are exhibits relating to journey. (Mayflower II State Pier, 02360. 1(508) 746-1622 or www.plimoth.org)
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