It’s almost impossible not to have fun at Old Orchard Beach. The low surf makes this a favorite spot for swimming, sunbathing, and making new friends. When the kids get hungry they can explore the boardwalk for pizza, french fries, hot dogs, cheeseburgers and even poutine, or you can choose from the many family style restaurants around town. Try your luck on the video games, jump on a ride, treat yourself to an ice cream or a cold soda. Thrills, chills and frills-take your pick or do it all.

Catering to tourists and families is a way of life in Old Orchard Beach. The beach, the arcades and amusement rides, nightly entertainment, auto races and harness racing are favorite activities in the Old Orchard Beach area. Old Orchard’s Pier is the center of the recreational activities. Extending nearly 500 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, it features shops, fast food, and games of skill. During the summer many special events are planned to entertain and mesmerize everyone in the family festivals, fairs, free concerts, street dances, and fireworks most Thursday nights. Besides the Pier, the beachfront businesses offer gift and souvenir shops, restaurants, nightclubs, and arcades.

Old Orchard Beach is easy to reach by the major highways in Maine. Exits 36 and 42 off the Maine Turnpike (I-95) take you quickly into our popular seaside resort, as does the access from U.S.. Route 1.
South along Route 9 lies the quiet seaside area of Ocean Park, a historic cottage community noted for its religious, educational, and cultural programs. The Ocean Park Association sponsors numerous lectures, concerts and other events. At the southern end of Saco Bay lies Camp Ellis. Here the mouth of the Saco River meets the sea, and memorable sailboat, whale watching expeditions, or deep-sea fishing trips await. You will also find several interesting shops, a couple of restaurants, and a long breakwater to walk.

The cities of Biddeford, Saco and Scarborough are immediate neighbors, offering a variety of services and shopping. The Southern Maine Medical Center in Biddeford provides quality medical care for the region. In nearby Prout’s Neck is the Winslow Homer studio where the artist worked at the turn of the century. New England’s largest salt marsh is off Route 9 in neighboring Scarborough with guided walks and canoe tours.

WHAT TO DO: While Old Orchard’s seven-mile long stretch of wide sandy beach is understandably the major attraction, there is a full range of other things available to see and do in and around the area.  Palace Playland is New England’s only beachfront amusement park.  It features a giant arcade, beautiful carousel, a kiddieland, a gondola ferris wheel and the galaxi coaster. It is open Memorial Day to Labor Day and features fireworks every Thursday night by the Pier. I particularly enjoyed the view from the ferris wheel while the bumper cars were a lot of fun as well. What’s great about this place is that you do not have to pay for admission , just for the rides. This can be done by buying tickets or a wrist band for unlimited access. There is no particular entrance or exit, so you can take a break anytime you want and explore the Old Orchard beach strip of shops and restaurants or take a walk on the Pier.Funtown/Splashtown U.S.A. in Saco is a family amusement and waterpark and home to Excalibur, Maine’s only wooden roller coaster ranked one of the top ten in the world. This spot was also voted one of the cleanest parks in America and offers many rides, slides, pools, gift shops, games, arcades and eating facilities. It is open on weekends in May and daily from June . There is free parking, The Aquaboggan Waterpark is also located in Saco.  Celebrating 30 years as Maine’s largest water park, it offers a day of fun and excitement for all ages. From high speed water slides and relaxing on a tube in the wave pool to a round of mini golf, Aquaboggan has something for everyone!

HISTORY: The earliest records of the Old Orchard Beach area date back to 1653. The first settler, Thomas Rogers, established “Garden by the Sea “in 1657. A few years later ten militiamen repelled 150 attacking Indians near the beach, but a relief party of townspeople coming to support the malitiamen were killed in an ambush, and Roger’s home was burned. The “old” apple orchard, from which the town took its name, a landmark to sailors for many years, was on high land above the long sand beach. In 1820 Maine, formally part of Massachusetts, became a State by act of Congress. In that same year the first Publick House (inn) was opened serving coach travelers and other transients year round. In 1837, E.C. Staples was coaxed into taking summer boarders at his farm for $1.50 per week. Convinced of Old Orchard Beach’s potential as a summer resort, Staples built the first Old Orchard Boarding House near the top of today’s Old Orchard Street. 1842 brought the first steam railroad from Boston to Portland with a station just 2 miles west of town. The first restaurant to sell seafood treats and “shore dinners” opened in 1851 near Staples Street. The Grand Trunk Railroad opened in 1853 connecting Montreal to Old Orchard Beach, enabling Canadian visitors to flock to this closest beach to Montreal and avoid the long carriage trip.The Civil War began in 1861 followed by years of growth and building of homes, streets, stores, livery stables, and beachfront hotels. 1873 brought the Boston & Maine Railroad passing right through Old Orchard Beach and stopping on the site of today’s Chamber of Commerce. In that same year a group of Methodists formed the Old Orchard Campground Association. The Ocean Park Association built “The Temple” in 1881, and nationally known speakers were heard every Sunday all summer.

In 1892 electric trolley cars replaced horse cars to Biddeford and Saco. 1898 proved to be an unfortuitous year to complete the first Pier. Built of steel and measuring 1,770 feet long and 20 feet above the tides, their Pier was severely damaged in November of that same year. 1900 brought the first town hall and 1902 the first amusement area complete with roller skating, merry-go-round, rides, games, and refreshment stands. The Portland to Old Orchard Beach Electric Railway opened in 1903 where 14 miles of track were traveled in under one hour for $20.00. The great fire of 1907 destroyed the entire beachfront as firemen from Portland, Biddeford, and Saco rushed to the beach but struggled to contain the blaze, hampered by low water pressure. Rebuilding began at once, and one project “the standpipe” assured adequate water for all. March 1909 brought another damaging storm destroying “White City” at the end of the Pier and reducing the Pier to 700 feet. An international auto race was held on the beach in 1910 with Dave Lewis winning the 100 mile race. The 1920’s and 30’s were the Big Band era. All the famous dance bands, Guy Lombardo, Rudy Valle, Duke Ellington, and more visited the Pier Casino each summer, and thousands danced over the waves under the revolving crystal ball.

Sparked by Lindbergh’s daring flight, many Trans-Atlantic flights took advantage of Old Orchard Beach’s long stretch of wide hard packed sand to attempt their own crossings. The storm of February 1978 almost demolished the Pier, and a new pier was immediately planned. Today’s Pier opened in June 1980.

View Larger Map

A few days upon my family’s return from Maine and New Hampshire, we felt that there was one activity which passed us by. Yes, we did experience a fabulous indoor water park at the Red Jacket Mountainview Resort in North Conway (see www.sandboxworld.com/travel). However, inconsistent weather in Maine forced us to forego the two outdoor water parks in that area.

Upon our return, friends told us that we actually have one of the nicest water parks in Canada only 40 minutes from West End Montreal called Super Aqua Club (www.superaquaclub.com) in the community of Pointe-Calumet. It is just past St. Eustache and easily accessible via Highway 640. There were many tourists the day we went as English was being spoken in many lines.

This facility has been around for more than 20 years, yet for some reason it took me until now to discover it. There are over 40 slides, a giant wave pool, lazy river, large sandy beach and large children’s areas. Parking is free and unlike most of attractions of this kind which try to get every penny out of you, they encourage you to bring your own canteens of food as long as no alcohol is included.

Picnic tables are scattered throughout this vast complex and even on the day we went, where there were easily thousands of visitors of all ages, we had no trouble finding a table to keep our towels and snack box. You can rent lockers for a nominal fee and, if you wish, there are concession stands. General Manager Réjean Julien Proulx supervises an excellent staff. He arrives at work at 6 a.m. each day and usually does not leave until 8:30 p.m. “I have been working here for 25 years,” he says. “I started when I was a student.”

I personally liked the wild river, toboggan and sonora rides. The drop-offs were a real surprise as you literally end up “dropping” into the lake. The tornado is perhaps the most daring experience, as four people drop into what can only be described as a giant toilet bowl and move back and forth with great speed. Water temperature here is very nice, so you are not particularly cold while waiting in line.

Super Aqua Club is open until August 30. You can call 450-473-1013 for more information.

View Larger Map

I first heard about Kennenbunkport, Maine, like most others I know, as the place where former US President George Bush Sr. had a summer home known as the Bush Compound First built by Bush’s grandfather, George Herbert Walker, it has been a family home ever since, and has been owned by Bush since shortly after he became vice president in the 1980s. During his presidency, Bush often invited world leaders, from Margaret Thatcher, Mikhail Gorbachev and Yitzhak Rabin, to Kennebunkport. In 2007, his son George W. Bush invited Russia’s Vladimir Putin and France’s Nicolas Sarkozy to meet there.

This is an astoundingly picturesque town in York County, Maine, with a population of less than 4,000. The town center is located along the Kennebunk River, approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) from the mouth of the river on the ocean. Historically a shipbuilding and fishing village, for well over a century the town has been a popular seaside tourist destination. Kennebunkport has a small district of souvenir shops, art galleries, seafood restaurants, and bed and breakfasts. Its reputation as an upscale community comes from the numerous large seaside estates along Ocean Avenue and other coastal thoroughfares. In the summer months, many wealthy people from across the Northeast vacation in Kennebunkport and nearby Goose Rocks Beach. It is regarded as one of the most expensive vacation areas in the Northeast. During the fall, Kennebunkport is a frequent stop for tour buses showing visitors the famous New England fall colors.

Kennebunkport’s Dock Square is the commercial centre of town and is certainly worth an afternoon shopping adventure. You will find unique boutiques offering one-of-a-kind wares, t-shirt shops and some great places to pick up a gift for family and friends. Be sure to visit the many local galleries as Kennebunkport has long been known as one of the region’s greatest artists’ enclaves.

A night of entertainment is easily found in a number of playhouses, where you can enjoy some of the funniest, dramatic or vocally inspiring shows you can imagine. The Maine coast has been a summer haven for Hollywood actors to come and “hit the boards” since the forties, and they still come today to stretch their acting muscles and enjoy the beauty and relaxation of our coast.

Maine has more than 5,000 miles of coast and some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire state can be found here in the Kennebunks. Whether you’re a family looking to set up for that perfectly relaxing day at the beach or a surfer hoping to catch the ultimate wave, the beaches in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport offer some of the best fun in the sun. You need to buy a parking pass and hope there is actually a spot when you get there. Seek out Mother’s Beach, where we enioyed some wonderful days and park your chairs at the very back of the sand because by mid-afternoon the surf comes up pretty high. The ocean water is cold, but my family and I had no trouble wading in and jumping the waves. It was relaxing and a lot of fun.

One activity we had planned, but not succeed in experiencing due to the weather was a 90 minute trip on Kylie’s Chance. The boat tour gives you a chance to see how Maine Lobsters are caught. You also get a nice view of former President Bush’s estate and seals in their natural habitat on Bumpkin Island. Try to call 207 967 5507 ahead of time.

WHERE TO STAY: For the past few years I have been on the email list of The Kennenbunkport Inn, receiving their always interesting newsletter. So, when I decided to make my very first trip to Maine, naturally I contacted them immediately. This is a charming intimate hotel, with 49 guest rooms in the Victorian Mansion, Riverhouse or Wharfside buildings right in Dock Square, the heart of all of the shopping, dining and attractions. From the elegant style of the Federal and Mansion rooms to the charming ambiance of the Riverhouse to the Maine beach cottage style of the Wharfside, there is a room perfect for every taste and need.

We had a Wharfside family suite., which is large enough to fit at least six people. I cannot remember when I last felt this comfortable away from home. It features standard rental style furnishings, three bedrooms, a large living room with sleeper sofas, kitchen facilities and a private bath. The Wharfside is a short walk across the street from the main building, which contains the One Dock Restaurant, the piano bar, patio dining, an outdoor pool, spa services and a guest library. There is a delicious complimentary deluxe continental breakfast served each morning and private off-street parking.

Perfectly located in Dock Square, the heart of this seaside resort village, you are steps away from the bustling collection of shops, galleries, historic sites, restaurants and the Port Walk Shops that don the Kennebunk Rivers edge.

The Inn is owned by the husband and wife team of Debbie Lennon and Tom Nill. Debbie’s parents have a home nearby. The couple got married here in 2000 and had their rehearsal dinner at the Inn. They immediately fell in love with the property and a few months later they approached the then owners and began negotiations to purchase. Debbie and Tom are hands on owners who have hired a lovely and caring staff. The Inn itself was originally built as an elegant family home in the late 1890’s by Captain Burleigh S. Thompson, a wealthy tea and coffee merchant. Captain Thompson lived here with his wife and daughter until 1926, when he sold the mansion to Lloyd and Murray Hackenburg. It was in that year that the mansion first became The Kennebunkport Inn.

DINING: As we prepared for our trip, the names of two restaurants in Kennenbunkport kept coming up: Bartley’s Dockside Dining, located right by the bridge at 4 Western Avenue and Mabel’s Lobster Claw at 124 Ocean Road.

For over a quarter century, three generations of the Bartley family has been serving great food. During those years, they’ve made countless friends that have entered through the restaurant doors simply to enjoy the flavors of a good meal and left a devoted fan for life.

There are so many photos of President Bush on the wall you’re sure he’s just around the corner chomping on a lobster roll! There is a new photo, personally autographed to the Bartley family, from Bush of his latest skydiving experience in the area.

Vacationing celebrities enjoy the anonymity of dining in a place they call their own and being called a regular This was the favorite watering hole for the White House Staff and the intimate bar offers full liquor choices. Bartley’s has free parking for their guests while dining in air conditioned comfort. Since we were staying at the Kennenbunkport Inn, we had a barely five minute walk.

Bartley’s air conditioned restaurant, situated on the river that flows through town, boast of having the freshest lobster. Indeed they do! Lobsters swim in a salt water tank located inside the restaurant, making your choice for dinner as fresh as you’ll ever have! Brian Bartley jokes that you’ll need a chain saw to cut into the gigantic size of their lobster, and at 3 1/2 pounds…he’s right! The baked stuffed lobster here is superb. This house specialty involves the chef first splitting and cracking open the lobster. After breading is added to the inside it is cooked for 20 minutes in the oven and served so easy to enjoy. The lazy man’s lobster is another favourite. Here all the work has done before you, with the lobster meat taken out of the shell and served on a casserole dish with butter. It is so beautifully prepared, even the kids will enjoy it.

Other choices include the caramelized salmon, haddock ala Dockside and steaks. Most vegetables are an afterthought , but not at Bartley’s. Gail Bartley hand picks the freshest vegetables form the farmer’s markets daily during the summer and fall seasons. For an appetizer try the fresh native crab-meat cocktail or the fried whole clams with tartar sauce.

If you look up Blueberry Pie in the dictionary, Dorothy Bartley’s smiling face would be right next to it! Mrs. B’s Blueberry Pie was a staple on Air Force One. I would strongly recommend you save room for this specialty.

Mabel’s is legendary in Kennenbunkport. In the summer season, with its terrace, about 70 people can be seated at a time. The place is always packed, so be sure to make reservations (207-967-2562) in advance. Owners Robert and Stephanie Fischer bought the place 12 years ago and take a real hands on approach. Their kids work here as well and they take only one day off a week. The night we were there, we were told President Bush dropped by for ice cream a few days earlier. Then Robert brought over a special guest to the table, award winning Jewish composer Marvin Hamlisch. He had just finished his meal and was quite a gentleman.

The menu here is pretty comprehensive, with everything from lobster and a variety of fish selections to chicken, beef and pasta. There is a special children’s menu of chicken, fish, burgers, spaghetti and even hot dogs. The lazy lobster is a favourite. I sampled the sword fish and it was absolutely out of this world. Their homemade clam chowder is superb as are the fried scallops. For dessert, try one of their pies (made fresh daily) or the chocolate cake topped with hot fudge sauce.

View Larger Map

The mouth of the tidal Ogunquit River separates three miles of white sandy beach from the craggy granite ledge which dives into the Atlantic. Millions of visitors have walked the Marginal Way, a scenic cliff-walk that meanders along the ocean for over a mile.

Ogunquit has everything for every type of traveler. Theatre lovers flock to the many playhouses for the summer stock performances. Shoppers rave about the assortment of galleries, boutiques and gift shops and discriminating diners have an abundant selection of fine restaurants to satisfy nearly every taste – including lobster! Sailing, sea kayaking and whale watching are popular activities as well as hiking nearby Mount Agamenticus or the Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm.

PERFORMING ARTS: Located just South of Ogunquit Village at 42 Main Street, surrounded by pastoral fields and scenic woods, the historic Ogunquit Playhouse (ogunquitplayhouse.org) continues to create some of the most vibrant and exciting summer theatre in the country. One of the few remaining summer stock theatres of the legendary straw hat circuit, the Playhouse continues its 76-year tradition of bringing the biggest and best shows of Broadway to the beach. Each summer the Playhouse produces a five show subscription series along with its unique and growing Children’s Theatre Program.

The 2009 roster featured A Chorus Line, Shout! The Mod Musical, Guys and Dolls, Singin’ in the Rain and the Elvis Presley filled All Shook Up.

We had the good fortune of seeing Guys and Dolls, starring Tony award winner Christian Hoff and Richard Kind of TV’s Spin City fame. It was a fabulous show, with great sets and a real professional look. There is free parking, book your tickets in advance and arrive at least 15 minutes before showtime,

Performances are Tuesdays through Sundays, from Memorial to Columbus Day weekends. Main Stage ticket prices range from $39 to $58 per show. You may purchase tickets on-line or through the box office at 207-646-5511.

The humble beginnings of this theatre go back to July 1, 1933 as a crowd filed into a renovated garage in the town’s square is there for the opening night of a new venue. Few, if any, realized they were also witnessing the birth of a playhouse that would soon earn and later sustain its title as “America’s Foremost Summer Theatre.” Broadway showman Walter Hartwig had a dream: good theatre could thrive outside of New York. With his wife Maude he knew Ogunquit through participation in the Hoyt’s Lane Art Center. The town’s reputation and popularity as a summer resort convinced him to bring his Manhattan Theatre Colony to Ogunquit, and he persuaded such legends as Maude Adams, Ethel Barrymore, and Laurette Taylor to star with a resident company.

The theatre’s enormous success brought the need for larger quarters. Hartwig bought the old Ware Farm on Route 1, just south of town, and built the new Ogunquit Playhouse, unique for its spacious comfort, convenience, superb acoustics, and up-to-date equipment. The playhouse opened on July 17, 1937, and with top stars in the best plays it indeed thrived. After Hartwig’s death in 1941, his widow Maude took up the producing reigns, and was joined in 1950 by John Lane, a young actor and general manager. He acquired the theatre and land from the retiring Maude in 1951. Joined by a new business partner, Henry Weller, they embarked on a long-range plan of modernizing and improving the building and grounds, and, without missing a beat, enhanced the tradition of excellence and excitement in entertainment. Through his dedicated direction, professional integrity, and impeccable taste, generations of theatre goers have enjoyed the brightest stars and finest professional actors performing in Broadway’s best dramas, comedies, and musicals.

After four and a half decades as owner and producer, John Lane had earned his desired retirement. To perpetuate the playhouse, in 1994 he spearheaded the formation of the Ogunquit Playhouse Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to “preserve and maintain the Ogunquit Playhouse as a community-based performing-arts center.” John Lane pledged to transfer ownership to the foundation if it raised $500,000 within three years to ensure the longevity and maintenance of the theater and grounds.

The cash and pledges went over the top well before the deadline, and ownership was transferred in September 1997. John Lane’s extraordinary stewardship of the Ogunquit Playhouse ended after 46 years, but his legacy will endure for generations. Though John Lane passed away in the autumn of 2000, his Playhouse, continues to be a dynamic testimony to his commitment to live theatre, one that will continue to be enjoyed and appreciated by generations to come.

In September 1999 the Ogunquit Playhouse Foundation selected Roy M. Rogosin as producing artistic director in order to build a bridge between the legendary history of the Playhouse and the exciting and challenging future ahead. Part of this future involved the incremental restoration of the playhouse. For the 68th-anniversary year-2000 season the lobby underwent a beautiful refurbishing, thanks to the Ogunquit Playhouse Theatre Guild.

In addition, through the generosity of the Guild, a new gazebo adorns the south lawn, where wine and beer are served to patrons. The north-field parking lot was secured and made safe through the generosity of the Guild under the leadership of Ann Reynolds.

In 2002, the Playhouse restored the Colony Theatre as a center for Youth Theatre classes and performances as the Children’s Theatre Program continued to grow and prosper. Once again the dedicated Guild stepped up to assist with both funding for the Colony restoration and many hours of volunteer work to support the Children’s Theatre camp programs.

In 2004 the Playhouse embraced both new technology and old friends. With Broadway-quality productions worthy of the Great White Way itself, along with appearances by national stars such as Sally Struthers and Lucie Arnez, the Playhouse continued it’ role as “America’s Foremost Summer Theatre.” Complimenting the performances on the stage, the Playhouse installed a new sound system donated by the Playhouse Theatre Guild, along with the generous support of DC Audio of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Improvements to customer service were made as the Playhouse installed a new phone system and launched online ticket sales. Thanks in part to a grant funded by Kennebunk Savings Bank, the Playhouse now proudly proclaims, “Our box office never closes at www.ogunquitplayhouse.org!”

DINNER: If you are looking to catch a quick dinner before the show, then make a stop at the Old Village Inn (www.theoldvillageinn.net) at 250 Maine Street. Owned and operated by Dean Goodman, this mid -19th century inn echoes that earlier era’s gracious yet informal atmosphere which makes dining in unique charm and tasteful decor to match any mood. The varied menu offers a blend of creative and traditional American and Continental selections, all prepared to order. A carefully chosen wine list presents a wide range of selections to satisfy even the most discriminating palates. You can choose one of their many delicious entrees or go to the pub menu for something quick and convenient. We arrived less than two hours before showtime and our waitress assured us we would be served in plenty of time and could certainly choose from among their more popular dishes. That is what our party did, from the lazy man’s lobster, to some grilled shrimp served with pasta and an outstanding and crispy roasted half duck. For dessert we save room for the chocolate lava cake, made with warm melted pudding and some vanilla ice cream.

THE ZOO: York’s Wild Kingdom – Zoo and theme park (www.yorkzoo.com) is located in York Beach and features hundreds of exotic animals from around the world. We spent an enjoyable day there and would highly recommend it. Especially fun was the butterfly exhibit and the elephant show where we met Lydia, the 59 year old 9,000 pound elephant who can actually paint and play the harmonica. The family of lemurs were so entertaining to observe, we did not want to leave their presence. A look at the lions, tigers, bears, monkees and zebras was a thrill. And who does not enjoy walking through a sea of beautiful deers who just want you to pet and feed them. There is also a small amusement park, featuring different rides. This includes a carpet slide, bumper cars and my favorite – the go karts. Save time to visit the arcade.

SUPERB MINI-GOLF: In the town of Wells, just on the border with Ogunquit right on Route 1, you will find the Wonder Mountain Family Fun Centre and Mini-Golf. This spot is a blast! On the night we went, customers were lined up knee deep to try their luck on one of the two 18 hole courses. This is an extremely well run facililty. When they ran out of putters I figured we were in for a long evening, but things moved along a nice pace and even the wait at each hole was not too long. The people in line with us, many from Montreal, were so friendly that it was actually fun to chat between putts. Owner Andy Joakim built the first course in 1987. And the second five years later. “Large , adventure style mini golfs have been around for 30 years,” he told me. ”I happened to see one in another part of the country and built one in Wells over 20 years ago. It is a massive, risky proposition, but thankfully the project has done well.”

View Larger Map

Portland (www.portlandmaine.com) is Maine’s business, financial and retail capital and the largest city in the state. Seascapes and cityscapes blend harmoniously in Portland, perched on a peninsula, jutting out into island-studded Casco Bay. The metropolitan hub of Maine’s south coast region, Portland is a progressive, lively city incorporating the character of yesteryear into a modern urban environment. Historic architecture blends gracefully with the new as you stroll along her working waterfront or the cobblestone streets of the restored Old Port section of the city.

With a metro population of 230,000, the Greater Portland area is home to almost one quarter of Maine’s total population. The city itself has 64,000 residents. Their economy is strong and bumper-to-bumper traffic and gridlock are unheard of. Portland is an easygoing city, with friendly, hardworking people. Ranked nationally as one of the ten safest, culturally most fascinating US Cities and one of the top cities for doing business, it is no wonder 3.6 million tourists a year visit, including 41,000 cruise ship passengers.

In the Old Port, great brick buildings, once warehouses for local merchants, now hold a myriad of original shops, galleries and restaurants. Its history intricately bound to the sea, Portland remains proud of its working waterfront and the celebrated beauty of its rock-bound coast. The waterfront provides access to the sea for commercial shipping and a host of pleasure activities.

Portland boasts a thriving arts scene and an exclusive Downtown Arts District. As one of the premier cultural centers in northern New England, Portland’s visual and performing arts rival those of regions much larger in size. Stroll through the world-class Portland Museum of Art, or wander the cobblestone streets in search of local galleries. Shop for gourmet foods in the bustling Public Market and in the evening dive into a nightlife that features award-winning local brews and a flourishing live-music scene. From classical to cutting-edge, performing and visual arts are vibrantly alive in Portland and infuse the region with a surprising sophistication.

WHERE TO STAY: We highly recommend you make advanced accommodation reservations, especially, if you plan to visit between mid-June and mid-October. The Embassy Suites Portland, Maine hotel (www.portland.embassysuites.com) recently completed phase two of a multi-million dollar renovation, with the construction of all new guest suites, a revitalized lobby/atrium and restaurant.

Centrally located and right next to the Portland Jetport, the Embassy Suites is just four miles from the famed Old Port, where a number of restaurants, shops, bars, and nightclubs provide endless entertainment – and a short drive from factory outlet shopping in Freeport, Maine. Moreover, the hotel is just a few miles from Maine’s beaches and scenic walking, hiking, and biking destinations. More importantly, it is an easy five minute drive to the beautiful Maine Mall, Border’s Bookstore and known chain restaurants such as Ruby Tuesday’s, IHOP, Friendly’s and even a Tim Horton.

All accommodations feature two flat screen televisions, a refrigerator, microwave oven and coffee maker, complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access, two telephones and a comfortable work area with desk

While relaxing at the hotel, take advantage of the indoor swimming pool and whirlpool, a state-of-the-art hotel fitness center, a hotel business center , meeting rooms , onsite dining at Café Stroudwater , complimentary parking, a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast , a nightly hotel manager’s reception and a complimentary shuttle to and from the Portland International Jetport. The hotel is located at 1050 Westbrook Street. For more information call 207-775-2200 or 1-800-Embassy.

The hotel has a generous number of handicapped parking spots right near the entrance and easy wheelchair access from the sidewalks to the front door. During the renovation period, special needs were taken into consideration. Even the front desk was redesigned to include a cut out to make it easier for customers in wheelchairs. Five accessible suites were added, bringing the total to seven. They are closer to the elevators, have smaller counters, lower peep holes and larger bathrooms, some with roll-in showers. There are TTY Text Telephones, a device that lets people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired use the telephone to communicate, by allowing them to type messages back and forth to one another instead of talking and listening. A TTY is required at both ends of the conversation in order to communicate.

DINING: Greater Portland offers a robust selection of restaurants, specialty foods and brewpubs, totalling over 200 dining choices. The amount of money spent in restaurants per capita ranks third in the country, behind San Francisco and New York. Local foods are featured at century-old outdoor farmers’ markets, a new year-round public market, and at a variety of smaller specialty stores that offer a blend of prepared, imported and local foods. The microbrew industry is well represented in Greater Portland with nearly 20 breweries, some recognized nationally.

For several years, the Portland Lobster Company has offered the very freshest Maine seafood, live entertainment and the best view in all of Portland. The restaurant was recommended to me and this place was a real surprise, the most unque “lobster” eating experience in my life for sure. When we arrived manager Ethan Morgan explained the procedure. He handed us small menus and pointed towards the specials of the day on a board. Inside you get in line cafeteria style and place your order. Once that is done you are given a larger beeper shaped like a lobster and asked to find a picnic table on the outdoor tented dock overlooking the Portland Harbor in the heart of the Old Port. It was not a long wait. The menu here includes “Maine’s Best Lobster Roll,” lobster dinners, steamers, fried claims and chowder, salads and wraps, appetizers and local desserts.

The lobsters were terrific and nicely cut up, served with fries. They also make a nice Caesar salad and crispy fried Maine shrimp.. The fried scallops are also highly recommended. Located on the waterfront on bustling Commercial Street, there is usually live music as well. Of course, this is mainly a warm weather destination, opened from May until late November.

This is completely wheelchair accessible as the main entrance is at street level and leads you directly to the covered dock. Wheelchairs fit nicely at the picnic tables.

BEACHES: As far as beaches go, our original plan was to commute to Old Orchard Beach. But then our hotel recommended Crescent Beach, a mere eight miles south of Portland on Route 77 in the suburb of Cape Elizabeth. This is a popular family swimming beach with fine sand, picnic tables, a snack bar and washrooms. There is plenty of parking, albeit of a nominal fee, but it is fine spot to relax and take in the sun. For those in wheelchairs, it is a bit of a challenge to get on to the sand. You can manoeuvre the wheelchair easily on the grass and then to a walkway, but it stops short of getting you directly to the beach. There are handicapped parking spots in the front of the lot.

FREEPORT: North of Portland on I-95 is the bustling factory outlet town of Freeport, home of the famous L.L. Bean store. It is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. On a rainy day we took the easy 20 minute drive and walked for blocks. There were great deals on virtually every line of clothing you could think of.

View Larger Map

When my family and I traveled to Maine, I knew we had to pass through the bargain hunting capital of the state of New Hampshire – North Conway- en route to Portland. So why not stop over there for a few nights? It had been six years since my list visit. Then somebody told me about the Best Western Red Jacket Mountain View Resort and its new Kahuna Laguna indoor water park. Well, our decision was made. Located on 40 acres overlooking the Moat Mountain Range and Saco River Valley, Best Western Red Jacket Mountain View (www.redjacketresorts.com) is nestled in the heart of the Mount Washington Valley. We chose the cozy Alcove suite, which includes two double beds and a small bedroom with a sliding door on the side. There is also a nice balcony. This place caters to pets and its smoking free.

This was my second time staying at a hotel with its own indoor water park, the last being Zhenders in Frankenmuth, Michigan two years earlier. It is a great feeling to check in, leave your luggage in the room, get your bathing suits on and simply head through the lobby for some splash-tacular fun. Once inside, you can zoom through one of four high-speed tubes before splashing into the landing pool below, body surf in the swirling wave pool, square off against your friends in an exciting game of water basketball or volleyball. Watch out for the 150-gallon tipping bucket! The whole family will enjoy the activity pool, water cannons and play tower while the little ones will have a great time in the shallow pool, an area designed with them in mind.

The water park made its debut in February 2008, built on space previously occupied by a parking lot. An arcade and family fun center was constructed between the water park and the main lobby to serve as a kind of sound barrier, not to mention offering hours of potential enjoyment. There is also a beautiful outdoor pool. You can call 1-800-RJACKET to find out more about their ski and splash packages.

Several of New England’s best ski areas are within a short drive, and Cranmore Mountain is right at the property’s doorstep. In addition, the Valley offers over 100 kilometers of groomed cross-country and snowmobile trails. In summer season, tee times may be reserved at several local golf courses, and the Red Jacket can arrange for horseback riding, canoeing, and kayaking. The property is located at 2251 White Mountain Highway (Rt 16).

THE TOWN: With a backdrop of over 700,000 acres of protected White Mountain National Forest and boasting the tallest peak in the East (Mt. Washington 6,288 feet.), visitors to the North Conway area have many activities to choose from which span all four seasons including some of the finest skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, golfing, fishing, canoeing, camping, family attractions, scenic tours, shopping and leaf peeping in the entire country! These activities are complemented by a wide array of lodging choices. While in the area visitors can shop at the outlet malls, and other local hand-craft, antique and gift shops, see a play at one of the area playhouses, ride one of the area’s scenic train rides, visit one of the many area family attractions and enjoy the local cuisine in one of the nearly 100 area restaurants and cafes. And remember, it is all tax free!

For shopping, the Settlers Green Outlet Village on Route 16 and the White Mountain Outlet Stores on White Mountain Highway attract most of the traffic. Log on to www.northconwaynh.com.Santa’s Village and Storyland are nearby and big favorites with the kids, who also have outdoor waterslides, mini-golf, go-karts, museums and trains to select from.
DINING: Just down the road from the Red Jacket and right next to the popular L.L. Bean is Merlino’s Steakhouse (www.merlinosteakhouse.com), independently owned and operated by the Luciano family since 1967.  Merlino’s features only Certified Angus Beef, which assures customers the finest quality beef available.  They also serve some of the finest Italian food using time tested family recipes, chops and ribs, fish and poultry, Merlinos has a great children’s menu, featuring ziti with jumbo meatball, kids smoothies, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, chicken fingers and pizza. You can even get a kids smoothie. There is a generous assortment of appetizers , soups and salads. I strongly recommend the Prime Rib, which comes in six, 12 and 18 ounce portions. The garlic mashed potatoes on the size arte delicious. As our waitress Deb pointed out, this is indeed the house specialty. It sells out most nights. If Caesar salad is to your liking, a large bowl will be brought to the table for everyone to share. Save some room for their key lime pie.

View Larger Map

Recognized as New Hampshire’s commercial and industrial leader, as well as its largest city and the home of nearly 10 percent of its population, Manchester is only 58 miles from Boston.

This was our second stop in Manchester. Six years ago we stayed here on the way back home from Cape Cod and Rhode Island. This time it was upon our return from Southern Maine.

The city first gained national fame in the 1800s as the home of the massive textile mill of the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company. Nearly five million yards of cloth were shipped weekly from the mill, which employed thousands of workers and covered more than eight million square feet. The mill thrived until the 1920s, when competition from southern mills and obsolete technology took their toll. In 1935, Amoskeag went bankrupt. Despite losing its major employer, Manchester rebuilt itself as a commercial and industrial center by diversifying industries. Today it is home to a melting pot of high tech companies, banks, business services enterprises, retailers, manufacturers and health care professionals. Commerce is just one part of Manchester’s appeal. The city is also the focal point of the state’s cultural community and home to many of the region’s eight colleges and universities. Cultural institutions such as the Currier Gallery of Art and Palace Theatre join with the new Verizon Wireless Arena and outdoor concert venues to attract world-class performers and exhibits to the city. Performances, exhibits, classes, workshops and lectures are offered to the general public at many of the area’s institutions of higher education. Other city attractions include the Manchester Historic Association, Franco-American Centre and the SEE Science Center.

The region is made up of Manchester, the state’s largest city, and nine surrounding communities, each with a unique personality. The delight of living in the Manchester region is that you don’t have to sacrifice country living to work in the city, or vice-versa. From city apartments and historic row houses, to farms and country homesteads, the Manchester area has something to offer everyone.

ACCOMODATIONS: On my previous stop in Manchester I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Highlander Inn. So it was automatic that I would book a stay there again.

The Highlander features 33 beautifully landscaped acres. This full-service facility includes the elegant 66-room Highlander Inn with Basil’s Restaurant and Lounge, the 22-room New England country-style Bed & Breakfast, and the Conference Center, which accommodates up to 200 guests for corporate and social events. Highlighted by a two-story fieldstone fireplace, the main reception area of the Highlander Inn reflects the elegant, relaxed atmosphere that The Highlander has been fostering since its beginnings as a boarding house in the 1800s. The Jacuzzi and full parlor suites are perfectly suited for a family. Decorated in traditional English Country, the hotel and guest rooms elegantly combine a relaxing country atmosphere with all the modern amenities of a corporate. The rooms are soundproof..and what I like about them most is the fact when you book a suite, there are two doors to the washroom. Therefore if a child is sleeping on the hideabed they will not have to travel through your room and wake you in the morning.

If you are here during the summer months keep in mind that the Inn has no pool. They did at one time, but officials there felt it was being under utilized. We arrived on a scorching hot summer day, did some research and discovered that the Livingston Park Public Pool was only about 15 minutes away via Highway 93. What a beautiful facility! It has a nice water slide, changing rooms and concessions. The lifeguards take a break every hour and clear the pool.Call first at 503-624-6565 since some hours are reserved for residents only.

You can call the Highlander toll-free 1-800-548-9248.

DINING : Basils Restaurant is on-site, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through Friday and breakfast and dinner Saturday and Sunday. Widely acclaimed for its specialties prepared by award-winning chefs, Basil’s offers traditional elegance combined with the warmth of home. There’s also a full room service menu. We took advantage of the free continental breakfast, the highlight being making your own waffles from scratch.

AIRPORT : Centrally located in the heart of the region’s primary business and financial district, Manchester Airport is less than an hour’s drive from the region’s most popular ski areas, scenic seacoast beaches and peaceful lakefront resorts. Easy access, ample, inexpensive parking, competitive airfares and a growing schedule of non-stop and direct jet service to leading U.S. cities make Manchester Airport a grand first impression of our city and state. Manchester Airport is served by Air Canada, American Eagle, Continental Airlines, Continental Express, Continental Connection, Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection-COMAIR, MetroJet, Northwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, U.S. Airways and U.S. Airways Express.

SHOPPING : The Mall of New Hampshire makes shopping easy and convenient and it is one simple exit way from the Highlander. Favorite department stores such as Macy’s, JC Penney, Sears, and Best Buy serve as anchors. The mall also offers 125 specialty stores, four full-service restaurants, and a 550-seat Food Court.

View Larger Map

The Trump International Beach Resort is a lavish oceanfront oasis, complete with its own private and pristine beach and delightful grotto-style pool complex. A new member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the place offers 390 oversized guest rooms and suites, each with a private balcony and spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean or Intracoastal Waterway. Luxurious amenities at Trump International include a full-service spa and fitness center, two restaurants, three lounges, tennis, a business centre and 22,000 sq. ft. of meeting and banquet. The property opened in 2003 and has been consistently hailed as one of the best Miami Luxury hotels. It is managed by the newly-formed International Resorts Management Group.

Sunny Isles Trump International

This masterpiece was created by Donald Trump and Dezer Properties, and rises as a striking landmark to luxury amidst the white sands of South Florida. You can shop on site and at nearby boutiques that rival those of the world’s fashion centers or spend a relaxing day at the spa. There is no shortage of indulgences her

FOR KIDS: When it comes to vacationing, kids are seeking to have the most fun. An interactive adventure designed just for the little one ages 5 to 12, “Planet Kids” is a high-energy program tailored to provide children with the opportunity to experience the many cultural and educational environments South Florida has to offer. Children are sure to enjoy the many activities that include off-property excursions, beach and pool games and arts and crafts projects. Recreation Director Tom Card and his staff play a very active role poolside. One of the highlights of each day is when Card tosses in a giant ball that the kids try to toss about.

While the kids are busy on their adventures, parents can indulge themselves and slip into a sultry oasis amidst the resort’s private stretch of pristine beachfront and its magnificent grotto-style oceanfront pool complex. Adults are invited to enjoy a taste of the tropics at Gili’s Pool Bar featuring a sensational Piña Colada menu promoting an extensive list of twelve one-of-a-kind Piña Colada concoctions or check out the trendy Lime Lounge featuring nightly entertainment and a selection of tapas and specialty cocktails.

Guests can also unwind at the resort’s cutting-edge full-service spa, Aquanox. Ranked as one of the “Top Resort Spas” in 2008 by Conde Nast Traveler, Aquanox, provides a serene sanctuary and takes you on a journey to total relaxation and rejuvenation. The spa’s extensive menu includes an array of the following treatments: customized spa packages, massages, facials, body treatments, enhancements and waxing. Accommodating the most discriminating palates, especially those little picky eaters, the Trump International Beach Resort offers a variety of dining options where the whole family can spend time together over delicious cuisine. The resort offers Neomi’s Grill, a Mobil Award-winning restaurant featuring American and tropical-inspired fare in an elegant yet casual oceanfront setting and the Lime Lounge, serving a light, casual lunch and appetizers. While soaking up the sun, families can enjoy a poolside meal at Gili’s Pool Bar featuring a delightful menu of lighter fare with the added luxury of spectacular ocean views.

THE CABANA EXPERIENCE: For the true experience of luxury, try to reserve the new pool and beach cabana food and beverage experience. I cannot understate how strongly I recommend it. We were generously given an opportunity to try it and let’s just say we did not want to leave as the sun began to set.

The oversized air conditioned cabanas redefine the hotel experience and include a refrigerator stocked with soda and water, a television, wet bar area and microwave, a table and chairs, couch and chaise lounges. Beach cabanas are equipped with private bathrooms and showers. Overlooking either the pool or beach, your cabana attendant will serve you three separate culinary offerings throughout the day, based on two adults. Additional items may be ordered and charged to the guest room directly. Start off with the Rise & Shine experience at 10 a.m. with some smoothies, fresh fruit and berry blend accented with Brazilian acai berry, French press coffee, citrus scented tea scones with agave honey, Vermont butter and sour cream pound cake with yogurt topping. The Siesta at 2 p.m. features a choice of fresh muddled Mexican margaritas or Miami mojitos, beef empanadas, cilantro chili salsa and mini Cuban sandwiches. In between , if you have room in the tummy, you can sample some dessert. The club sandwiches are extraordinary. At 4 p.m., Food and Beverages Manager Julio Rodriguez stopped by the cabana with the Sunset snack: Floridian mango champagne cocktail, bittersweet chocolate dipped fruits and champagne biscuits. All cabanas can be rented on a daily or half day basis – they are simply the ideal place to conduct business, plan a family outing or simply unwind.Prices range from $200 for a half day to $325 for a full day.

For more information on Sunny Isles Trump International go to ( www.trumpmiami.com ) or call 305-692-5600.

View Larger Map

Frankenmuth is considered “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” and it delights over three million visitors annually with loads of unique attractions, shopping, restaurants, hotels and camping, festivals, and family fun! Regardless of the time of year, the festivities are always in full bloom. Whether you come for a chicken dinner, to buy a special ornament, attend one of Frankenmuth’s many festivals or to simply see what’s new, Frankenmuth welcomes you with its flower-lined streets and Bavarian hospitality. The community of Frankenmuth is conveniently located just minutes east off I-75 between Flint and Saginaw, Michigan.

The draw in Frankenmuth turned out to be Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel and Waterpark ( www.zehnders.com ), which offers 152 deluxe accommodations including 63 new suites and over 30,000 square feet of aquatic fun with their Splash landing play area, Dumping Bucket, Giggling Gorge and Perilous Plunge four storey tube slides. Here you can also relax in a whimsical whirl hot tub and float along a Crooked Brook Creek lazy river. A towering 26-foot tree is a prominent feature in the new hotel lobby with a large gas fireplace built into the trunk. Zehnder’s Splash Village includes elves and fairies as part of the waterpark and hotel’s overall theme. There is also an 18-hole championship golf course. The waterpark is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m Friday through Sunday and in the summer months.The waterpark is fully staffed with certified lifeguards. Water toys and non-approved flotation devices are prohibited. Towels, inner tubes and life jackets are provided at no additional charge. Standard rooms and family suites come with four passes, and family loft suites come with six passes. Additional passes can be purchased at $15 per person per day. The purchase is limited to the maximum occupancy of your room. I strongly recommend a stay of a few nights here. You can call toll free at 1-800-863-7999.

Rooms range in price from $129 – $374, depending on the dates of stay and type of room you would like. Standard rooms sleep four guests and include two double beds. Family suites sleep four to six guests and include two queen beds, two televisions, microwave, fridge, and fireplace. Loft suites sleep four to eight guests and include the same layout as a family suite, plus : a loft with an additional queen bed, and television upstair. Parlor suites sleep up to four guests and include a king bed, double sized pull-out soft, wet bar, microwave, mini-fridge, two flat screen televisions and a jacuzzi tub.

DINING: Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth is the heart of Midwestern hospitality. In its ten dining rooms, which can seat more than 1,500 guests, Zehnder’s offers a full-service menu that features all-you-can-eat family-style chicken dinners, seafood, steaks, fresh baked goods and European desserts. Each year, Zehnder’s serves nearly a million guests with the superb hospitality that has made it a world-wide attraction. Dinners range from $15.25 to $21.50, with children’s portions and special event menus available. Our luncheon menu is available Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm. Zehnder’s is open seven days a week. (For full hours of operation, see left). We are only closed on Christmas Eve, and for our annual employee Christmas party in early January.

A tradition of good taste began 150 years ago when The Exchange Hotel opened its doors in 1856. The Zehnder family purchased the hotel in 1927 and the tradition of good food and hospitality continues today at Zehnder’s of Frankemut Hospitality abounds with traditional family style chicken dinners and tantalizing breads and pastries in the world-famous Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth restaurant.

GOLF: The power of nature shaped into one of Michigan’s most beautiful golf courses, The Fortress defends itself with its terrain, challenging bunkers and signature island hole. Situated just 435 yards from the front porch of Zehnder’s in downtown Frankenmuth, The Fortress encompasses 6,813 yards of formidible play on an 18-hole, par 72 course. About 25,000 rounds of golf are played on the course every season.

WHAT TO DO: Frankenmuth’s two world-famous landmark restaurants, along with Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, anchor the city’s picturesque Bavarian village area. Take a promenade along the main street, just a short drive or walk from the hotel and there are a variety of shops to explore not to mention a few yummy fudge stores. Choose your favorites at wine and beer sampling. Frankenmuth River Place also has 36 unique shops and attractions that include a paddlewheel riverboat and a free nightly laser show.

Frankenmuth is a family affair. Bring them all: kids, Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Suzy, Uncle Ned and anybody else who wishes to tag along. The reason is entertainment, shopping,and dining enough to build memories for the whole family, wrapped in the beat of oom-pah-pah music and the traditions of its Bavarian heritage.Kids will head for River Place for AMaze- N Mirrors, losing themselves in the maze of glass and mirrors. Still more fun can be had at the haunted Midnight Manor while the teen’s head for their games and arcades. Mom, Grandma and Sister Sue head for the gifts and jewelry, boutiques, and antique shops, with a side trip to Prime Outlets of Birch Run with over 150 stores. The men in the family may prefer golf, the leather shop, and Michigan’s Own Military & Space Museum. It’s a family gathering again at the weaving shop, the 18th century flour mill, and the covered bridge over the Cass River. Kids lead the way to the glockenspiel to watch the marking of time in the tower.

As evening shadows drape the town in twilight, gatherin the Festivalà Platz of FrankenmuthRiver Place to watch the free Lights Fantastic laser show. For more activities, schedule your visit during one of Frankenmuth’s numerous festivals. With the family along, you may want to consider lodging with a pool. Riverboat tours are fun for the whole family. Proud of their Bavarian Heritage, but remembering they are Americans first, Frankenmuth citizens refer to the present in the upper part of their shield and to the past in the lower part. The American eagle stands proudly with its wings outspread over the vertical stripes denoting the 13 original states.The word “Franken” represents the Province of Franken in the Kingdom of Bavaria from where the original Frankenmuth settlers came. “Muth” means “courage” in German, thus FRANKENMUTH means “courage of the Franks.”

Frankenmuth plays host to the annual Zehnder’s Snowfest in January, the World Expo of Beer in May, the Bavarian Festival in June, the Volksläufe (People’s Race) in July, the Summer Music Fest in August, the Autofest, Oldies Fest and Oktoberfest all in September, and the Holiday Celebration & Candlewalk in November.

Fot more information on Frankenmuth   go to ( http://www.frankenmuth.org )

The Four Points by Sheraton Eastham Cape Cod ( www.fourpoints.com/eastham ) , a modern full-service hotel, is the perfect property to stay. It almost looks out of place on busy Route 6, which consists mainly of small motels. For summer trips, an early winter booking is highly recommended. Hyannis is only 45 minutes away. The hotel has beautiful indoor and outdoor swimming pools and is close to the beaches. Kids particularly adore the indoor pool, which is well heated and situated in very pretty surroundings. If you book early enough, you can get a poolside room. There is also a jacuzzi. When Sales Manager Cynthia Ladd met me at the front desk, she made my life so much easier by providing me with small cue cards containing door to door directions to the best beaches and nearby towns. This hotel also has a fitness facility, a game room, refrigerators and coffee makers in each room, an on-site restaurant (Bellamy’s) and five meeting rooms in case you want to hold a company conference here. This is apparently a very popular option in the off-season. The front desk will get you anything you need, be it a dinning reservation, tickets to a show or a car rental. Check out the Cape Cod Rail Trail Bicycle Trail, only 100 feet away. The hotel underwent a substantial renovation program a few years back and it shows. Rooms are beautiful. They all have fridges, including a small freezer spot to place your icepack. So go to the nearby convenience store and buy everything you will need to pack a great picnic lunch. This will amount to a substantial saving. This Sheraton is part of the Linchris Corporation www.linchris.com. Log on to learn about some of their other top-notch properties, a number of which are also in Cape Cod.

Orleans is home to one of the Cape’s best dining spots, the Orleans Inn and the region’s finest quality theater and studio called Academy of Performing Arts ( www.apal.org ). The Academy Playhouse delivers the best drama, musicals, comedies and original works you can find on the Cape. It is a year-round source of great entertainment for all ages. Established in 1975, this non-profit organization is dedicated to producing high quality performances and nurturing the artistic development of our community. Last summer my family and I attended a performance of A Chorus Line. I must tell you that I am still humming the songs to this day. The cozy 162 seat theatre, which captures the essence of live theatrical experience, was filled to capacity and the young cast was just outstanding. Most shows are perfect for young children. As for the Orleans Inn ( www.orleansinn.com ), which is just up the road on Route 6A,, this is a family-owned establishment. Ed Maas, his wife Laurie and their eight children have all played a role in making this historic property a must stop since purchasing it eight years ago. The restaurant offers the finest menus, from a varied selection of fresh local seafood, produce and grill specialties. There is a kids menu, offering everything from chicken fingers and burgers to pasta and pizza. Homemade desserts, specifically the chocolate layer cake, are to die for. If you order lobster, this place will take every piece out of the shell for you – a unique offering. Also, try the clam chowder. The Inn itself was built in 1875 and eventually served as a boarding house, a summer vacation hotel and restaurant. While it presently boasts 11 beautifully renovated guest rooms, the place is mainly used for weddings and corporate functions in the elegant downstairs Cove Room. It leads to the waterfront deck and has a seating capacity of 150. Ed Maas told me that there have been many Jewish simchas held at the Inn.

Finally, a trip to Cape Cod is not complete without exploring Provincetown—literally the last town on the Cape until you run out of land. Bubala’s By The Bay, at 183 Commercial Street, not only has a delightful menu for all three meals of the day. It also offers free parking, a true luxury on what is the best place for people watching in town. Before or after dining, take a walk and check out all of the interesting shops. You can also log on to www.provincetownpocketbook.com and order this neat little publication.

For more information on Eastham go to ( http://www.eastham-ma.gov )