Concord, Massachusetts was first settled by British pilgrims in 1635. The colonists eked out a living on land purchased from a local Native American tribe. Things took a dramatic turn in 1775 when British troops marched towards Concord planning to take control of the armory. But Paul Revere sounded the alarm on his famous ride […]
Autumn Travel
8 Places You Must See in the Berkshires
The Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts are considered one of the premier leaf peeping destinations in the United States. Every October, the trees put on a dazzling display of fall foliage to the delight of camera-wielding tourists like myself. But what else is there to do in the Berkshires besides look at the leaves? Plenty! […]
A Perfect Fall Day in Bennington, Vermont
For a small shire town, Bennington, Vermont is packed with interesting things to do. This is thanks in part to its storied past. Founded in 1749, Bennington was the first town in what would eventually become the State of Vermont. (Hence the town slogan, “Vermont Begins Here!”) At the time, however, America was a set […]
A One Week Baltic Road Trip Itinerary
This Baltic road trip itinerary will take you down roads less traveled, through parts of Estonia and Latvia that are little seen by casual tourists. I’ve omitted Lithuania from this Baltic itinerary in the interest of time. I’d rather stay longer in fewer places, really getting to know them. Plus, Lithuania has enough quality attractions […]
Three Must-See Manors in Estonia
A Baltic German aristocracy reigned over Estonia and Latvia from the Middle Ages until the end of the first world war. They arrived as traders and crusaders, fighting to convert the native pagans to the Christian cause. Entry into the Hanseatic League increased the wealth of these German traders and they soon dominated every aspect […]