Labor Day Weekend New England Travel Suggestions


Article and photo of York's Wild Kingdom Zoo and Fun Park, York Beach, Maine, by Eric H.

Bookmark and Share
Labor Day Weekend sure did arrive in a hurry this summer, didn't it? With the 2009 summer traveling by at seemingly the speed of light, we now reside at a transitional time of the season where school starts for many, the leaves are about to change, and the chance for snow is potentially closer to us in days than this past Memorial Day Weekend.

It is still summer, however, and the days still feel that way with its bright sunshine and temperatures in the 70s. Summer activities in New England remain open in full glory over the Labor Day Weekend and, here, we have five travel recommendations we think you'll like:

A. York's Wild Kingdom Zoo and Fun Park, York Beach, Maine - The surprisingly large zoo part of York's Wild Kingdom Zoo and Fun Park ranks amongst the best in New England, and the rides provide a more than acceptable mix of traditional amusements. The Zoo's lions, tigers and bears share residence with unusual animals like the two toed sloth, Patagonian Cavy, Capybaras, African Crested Porcupine and Patas Monkey -- as well as a "top-flight" aviary with a great variety of birds. Amusements feature all the "bells and whistles," like the merry-go-round, 90 ft. slide, Ferris wheel, bumper cars and boats, a haunted house, miniature golf, batting cages, boat rides, and arcade games. What a fun way to spend an entire morning, afternoon or full day, depending upon your ambitions and energy level! York's Wild Kingdom Zoo and Fun Park, Route 1, York Beach, Maine. Tel.: 207-363-4911

B Hopkinton State Fair, Concotook, N.H. - A Labor Day Weekend tradition in New Hampshire, the Hopkinton State Fair takes place from Sept. 3-7 and will be filled with agricultural, motocross, demolition derby, musical and magical events as well as a midway with plenty of rides. Now in its 94th year, the fair continues to be of local legendary status in the Granite State.

C. Craigville Beach, Centerville, Mass. - Cape Cod features many of New England's finest beaches, but for some reason we regard Craigville Beach as one of the best. Perhaps it's the relatively quiet, family-friendly atmosphere with not too many show-offs, or maybe the great stretch of soft sand that seems quintessentially Cape Cod. It could be the warm waters, or the easy access to the bustling travel destination of Hyannis where there's so much to do. Then, again, it could be the location -- somewhat isolated, making Craigville Beach seem like your own discovery (although the crowds might suggest otherwise). Additionally, lifeguards patrol the area and restrooms and showers are available, thus making Craigville Beach safe and convenient, too. All in all, Craigville Beach is the kind of beach you'd want to visit in Cape Cod -- and that's saying a lot given all the public beach competition in this famed vacation region. Craigville Beach, Craigville Beach Rd., Centerville, MA. Tel. 508-790-6345.

D. Old Orchard Beach, Maine - After all these years, Old Orchard Beach continues to bring in the summer crowds with its unusually long stretch of Maine beach, boardwalk, and the Pier area extending 500 feet over the Atlantic Ocean (featuring shops, fast food and fun and games). Around town, you will find all the miniature golf, games, amusements, and rides, fried dough, pizza, cotton candy, hot dogs, ice cream and souvenirs you could ever want. This is a trip back in time that remains timeless.

E. Canobie Lake Park - What was once a run-of-the-mill but fun amusement park is now a major "destination" with more than 85 rides, games, live entertainment and attractions. One of the more popular attractions is Castaway Island, a large water play complex with water cannons, nine water slides, waterfalls, and myriad other ways of getting wet on a hot summer's day (weather permitting). This Labor Day Weekend, fireworks will take place on Saturday night at 9:30 p.m.! Canobie Lake Park · Canobie Lake Prk, 85 N. Policy Street,Salem, NH. Tel. (603) 893-3506

Do you have a favorite New England Labor Day Weekend travel activity? Please feel free to post here -- we'd love to hear from you!


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Good Eeeevening!: A Perspective on New Hampshire Meteorologist Al Kaprielian

Article by Eric H., at VisitingNewEngland.com Somewhere in the 1980s, my esteemed Arlington High School journalism teacher Len Tammaro tipped me off about a New Hampshire television weatherman that he called "Crazy Al Kaprielian." That night, I couldn't believe what I saw: this nerdy-looking guy with a high-pitched voice flailing his arms all over the weather map, contorting his face in every direction, and squealing, "Good Eeeevening!" and "HIGH PRESSURE!" (his future trademark phrases)." All that boundless energy and the myriad antics left the viewer laughing, yet enervated at the same time. In this world of slick, Ken and Barbie television meteorologists, Al Kaprielian has been the antidote to the standard, unctuous television personality. Twenty-five years later, Al is still going strong on MyTV New England with his unique style --perhaps validation that he really loves his job. No doubt, Al has always been an unconventional, unique-looking a...
Read more

Visiting My Grandmother Had That Antiques in Wrentham, Mass.

Image
My Grandmother Had That...Antiques  in Wrentham, Mass., is one of those "hidden gem" antique stores that is jam-packed with antiques, collectibles and other items from the past. Located in a charming, two-story old red barn at 446 South St. (Route 1A), My Grandmother Had That...Antiques certainly lives up to its name. You'll find furniture, lamps, desks, chairs, plant holders, fine China sets and just about everything your grandma had, and also didn't have -- like a web address, Facebook fan page or any hint on the Internet that this place exists! Unless you're a Wrentham native, one familiar with the antiques industry, have driven by the red barn on South St., or somebody that just reads maps of Wrentham all day, My Grandmother Had That...Antiques is as hard to find as the rarest antique. You won't even find the name, "My Grandmother Had That," on the building, just a sign that states "Antiques." The My Grandmother Had That name is on ...
Read more

Where To Live In Connecticut That Has A Small Town Feel?

Image
Noank, Conn. Editor's note: We recently received an email from one of our readers looking to possibly move to Connecticut. Here is her inquiry, followed by our response... Hi, my name is Courtney and I found your website completely truthful and helpful. I talked to my cousin who lives in the northern part of the east coast and she described exactly what you did! I am currently in Orange County, California, and don't like the "ingenuinity" (we're assuming the word is"disingenuous") and mindset of the people. I have found that Connecticut is a place with great weather and has a lot if cities with a small town feel. I was wondering if there was any way that you could help me specify my search in CT? I would like a city with a small town feel where your neighbors are sweet, but it still has a high quality of life. Essex and Stonington caught my eye, but I've never been so I can't say! Thank you for your time. Thank-you for your inquiry. We d...
Read more