The White House in Washington, D.C.
Skiing on Shawnee Mountain
After you are done in Newport, take a 45-minute drive to Providence and visit The Roger Williams Park and Zoo. The 430acre park features a gorgeous carousel and a train ride, and the worldrenowned zoo is open all year round, showcasing over 100 species of Hashem’s marvelous animal creations. Next, visit the Providence Children’s Museum, where your younger children will have a ball as they discover both educational and interactive exhibits. Before heading out to Rhode Island, keep in mind that access to kosher food is limited, so it’s best to stay safe and bring your own. Either you can freeze your own meals, or you can buy some ready-made items to keep things simple. While there are several hotels in Rhode Island, lodging can be brought to the next level at The Ocean House, a Rhode Island-based resort that has been ranked one of the top 10 in the U.S and named a 2013 Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award Winner.
A Sight to Behold: Niagara Falls Have some really good car games and want to put them to good use? Well, the journey to Niagara Falls will give you plenty of time! True, the nearly seven-hour drive is not recommended for those prone to carsickness. But for those who can handle the drive, the humbling view of the magnificent falls that will greet you will make the 100 renditions of “99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall” all worth it in the end. If you are traveling to Niagara before October 24, you’re in luck! The Maid of The Mist boat ride, one of the most famous tourist attractions in North America, will still be open. The Maid brings you close to the base of the Falls, so you can feel the mist of the waters. Not to worry – as you ride upon the 600-passenger boat, the souvenir raincoat that you receive will keep you dry so you can take in the breathtaking sight without getting drenched. Cave of the Winds is another amazing attraction, that takes you through a rock-encased cave complete with stalactites and stalagmites, and onto a small bridge adjacent to the bottom of the Falls, for an up-close and personal view of this most amazing wonder. As you stand beside the roaring, glittering waters, be mindful of Hashem’s glorious creations and His very evident role in our daily lives. Kosher food is hard to come by in Niagara, so to avoid the headache of driving miles to a restaurant on an empty stomach, pack your own food. And make sure to do your homework before your trip. There are several hotels in the area, and it’s worth your
The Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence
time to find the best quality for the best price. Remember to stay within the constraints of your budget! Oh, and please don’t forget: if you plan on going into Canada to get an even better view of the Falls, be sure to bring your passport and those of your family members!
Brrrrr: Shawnee Mountain, PA Calling all Eskimos! If you love snow, ice, and the feeling of a nearly frost-bitten nose, then this trip’s for you! Shawnee Mountain in the Poconos, Pennsylvania offers skiing, snow-tubing and heaps of fun in mounds of snow. So bundle up in your puffiest coat, get on the ski lift and ride down the slopes. Beginners, start on easier trails. Ski experts – advance to Black Diamond! Warm up at night in your rented villa just a couple of miles from Shawnee Mountain by sitting next to the heated fireplace. Bask in the warmth while you can, because before you know it, morning will beckon and you’ll be bracing the chilled air and enjoying another day of snow-filled fun!
The Staycation If you don’t feel like traveling at all, and the thought of packing and planning makes you dizzy, then the “Staycation” is your best bet. Yes, you can have a vacation from the rigorous routine of dayto-day life all from the comfort of your own home. Find out about aquariums, museums and amusement parks in your own city. Let your kids sleep late. Go out for lunch. Tour your hometown through new eyes. And the best part is, you get to sleep in your own bed and you don’t have to pack a thing! With the right mindset, and, most importantly, a positive attitude, you can enjoy and fun-filled, invigorating vacation without the hassles and costs of traveling.
Take it All In Whether your travels lead you to a place close to home or very far away, remember that you will be back to routine faster than you can say “Vacation!” So do yourself a favor, and stop to smell the roses. Vacation is meant for rest and relaxation, so utilize the time spent away from the bustle of everyday life for just that. If you need to sleep in a little late or just sit down and speak to your spouse or play with your kids, now is the time! Vacation days have a way of going by all too fast, so make sure to take in every moment before it’s too late! HESVAN 5774 OCTOBER 2013
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