Newport – State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

Distinctive Features of the Community-   The City of Newport in the small state of Rhode Island has a large reputation as an excellent place to go for people seeking to explore New England's maritime tradition, take in some beautiful scenery, and experience a taste of the Gilded Age. Located in the middle of Narragansett Bay, this small city of about 25,000 people was settled in 1639 by colonists seeking greater religious freedom. The city continued to play an oversized role in American history thereafter. Newport developed into a trading port early in the 1700s. At one point, there were 150 wharfs and hundreds of shops located on the cobblestone lanes of Bowen’s Wharf and other streets. These colonial era buildings and many tasteful replacements now serve as inns, shops, and restaurants throughout the downtown. The strategic location of Newport was not lost on the British or later the United States. Both countries maintained a significant naval presence in the city and this military tradition continues today in the strategic activities underway at the Naval War College and the Naval Underwater Warfare Center. Today, an estimated three million visitors pass through Newport each year. 

Popular Activities in Newport-   Some of the most popular and interesting things to do in Newport today include the following:

• Visit the Mansions- Newport evolved into a summertime resort and leisure capital for wealthy people beginning in the late 1800s. New York society began to congregate in Newport for the "season”. By 1895, dozens of modern palaces that rivaled the homesteads of Europe’s nobility had been constructed in the area between Bellevue Avenue and the eastern shore. In subsequent decades, more mansions were built on the 10-mile-long Ocean Drive that hugs the perimeter of the island. The activities of these elite residents also contributed to the growing reputation of the community as the place to be for yachting, tennis, and society events. The reduced functionality and increased cost of maintaining the large mansions made it impractical to continue using them as private residences. Fortunately, the Preservation Society of Newport County acquired some of the most interesting properties beginning in 1945 and set out to restore them and open them up for public viewing. As a result of contributions from private benefactors and admissions fees from visitors, ten properties were opened to the public for mansion tours, and they now attract more than a million visitors per year. Three of the most popular mansions are the Marble House which was constructed in 1892 by the Vanderbilt family with inspiration from the Palace of Versailles in France, the Breakers’ 70 room mansion inspired by 16th century palaces in Italy featuring a spectacular lawn and water views, and Rosecliff known for its " Great Gatsby" fountain.

• Enjoy the Cliff Walk - Another popular activity in Newport is to hike along the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk. This National Recreation Trail runs from Memorial Boulevard near Easton Beach along the bay to the southeastern tip of the island near Bailey’s Beach. In addition to ocean views, the walkway brings you alongside rocky promontories and crashing waves. The walkway was originally constructed in segments from 1880 to 1929 by some mansion owners and community minded citizens. Thanks to certain public access rights set forth in the Rhode Island Constitution, the designers located the path at the top of the cliff adjacent to the backyards of the Bellevue Avenue mansions. The walk also passes through the grounds of beautiful Salve Regina University. There is little shade and no refreshments available on the walk so at a minimum hikers should bring water and a hat. Fortunately, the stiff ocean breezes and mild climate of Newport keep the walkway about ten degrees cooler than inland locations. Completing the entire walk will usually take between two and three hours depending on how much you look around, rest, or take pictures. 

• Charter a Yacht or Take a Boat Out - Newport's reputation as a maritime center has encouraged thousands of people to birth their sailboats and powerboats in the bays and marinas of Newport or to visit it by water. It helps that the America’s Cup yacht competition was held in Newport for more than 50 years beginning in the 1930s. Today, America's Cup 12-meter yachts still race, train, and take tourists on voyages around local waters. In addition, cruise ships and tall ships with full masts from foreign nations frequently disembark their crews and passengers in port while attracting onlookers.

• Visit or Play at the International Tennis Hall of Fame- The International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum is a wonderful place to visit for casual sports fans and for serious tennis players seeking an interactive experience. The outdoor grass courts, an indoor “court tennis” building, and the social club commonly referred to as the Newport Casino have been in use for almost 150 years. It served as the venue for numerous professional tournaments and national championships. Certified professionals provide private lessons and tennis clinics for juniors and adults on site, and both local club members and visitors can rent a grass court to play with their friends. The museum section of the Hall is Fame is full of thousands of artifacts from tennis history on display including films of historic matches, profiles of Hall of Fame inductees, and equipment innovations.

• Shopping and Dining - The downtown harbor area has evolved in recent decades into a popular place for dining and shopping. The restaurant scene features numerous seafood establishments but also a surprisingly wide variety of ethnic and fine dining options. The colonial character and friendly confines of some places such as the Black Pearl, Clark Cooke House, and the White Horse Tavern make them popular with locals and tourists. Shopping choices are diverse too and include art galleries, designer clothes, and gifts with a maritime theme. 

• Festivals - The city has a longstanding reputation for holding interesting festivals and cultural events. The summertime Newport Jazz Festival and Newport Folk Festival began attracting top name artists in the late 1950s and have been held there most years since then at Fort Adams State Park. During the fall, the city has everything from boat races to classic car events, a comedy festival, and food festivals.

When to Go and Where to Stay- Newport is not very crowded during the late fall and winter but the city’s proximity to the water makes it foggy and cool at those times. In contrast, the weather is excellent from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but the city is full of visitors making it difficult to find hotel rooms, parking, and restaurant reservations during those months. Major hotels there such as the Newport Marriott Hotel and Spa and the Newport Harbor Island Resort often fill up with conventions and tour groups, but there are boutique properties like the Ocean Cliff Hotel, Castle Hill Inn, the Vanderbilt Auberge Resort, and several smaller inns which can be booked if you plan ahead.

Fairport – New York State

Distinctive Features of the Community - In 1817, ground was broken for the construction of a 365-mile-long canal between Albany and Buffalo. Completed in 1825, the Erie Canal allowed the shipment of grain, lumber, and people to the Great Lakes and beyond. The canal supported the growth and economic development of the United States for generations. Since the 1970s, the Erie Canal and the communities along its banks have been reborn as a place for recreation and outdoor activities. Designated as a Heritage Corridor in 2000, the Canalway includes thirty-four national historic landmarks and twenty-four state parks. One of the best places to enjoy the canal and experience its amenities is Fairport, New York, a village located eight miles to the east of Rochester with a population of 5,500. 

Popular Activities in Fairport - Whether you like walking, boating, biking, eating, sightseeing or entertainment, a day trip to Fairport and a visit to the Erie Canal Heritage Trail is an excellent destination for people of all ages. These are some of the most popular activities in Fairport:

• Walk around Fairport Harbor – The Erie Canal Trail follows the banks of the canal. Ninety percent of the trail is off road, and the rest is along the side of public streets. It consists of asphalt walkways and stone dust paths eight to fifteen feet wide and is suitable for walking, jogging, and biking. The logical starting place for a hike at Fairport is on the north bank of the canal just east of the North Main Street lift bridge where there is a parking lot and a retail building called The Box Factory. At this location, you will find benches, a map of the area, and information about the trail. The town is also building a public bathroom nearby. Walkers heading in either direction from the harbor can enjoy several miles of the scenic waterway.

• Sightseeing Canal Tours - Another favorite outdoor activity on the Erie Canal is sightseeing. There are boat companies that provide tours of the canal and pass through one or more of the locks that raise and lower boats. Cruises usually range from one hour to four hours in duration and specialty dinner cruises, wine tours and other themed events are offered. Fairport is the home port of the popular Colonial Belle ferry, a two-story Coast Guard certified vessel that carries 149 passengers and has operated from its berth at Packett’s Landing for 33 years. It offers narrated cruises from mid-May to October with comfortable seating, restrooms, and refreshments.

• Boating – Visitors to the Erie Canal take to the water on their own in a variety of vessels. Boat rentals available at Fairport include sleek craft equipped with sleeping quarters, a galley, and deck space which are suitable for small groups. In addition, people can launch their own boats at one of the more eighty public boat ramps along the canal and stay overnight or stop at one of the many marinas and public docks along the way. Finally, the smooth water of the canal makes it a popular destination for launching kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats from one of 140 public access points on the waterway. The Erie Canal Boat Company located just west of the Fairport lift bridge rents kayaks and bicycles. 

• Dining and Festivals- The canal harbor section of Fairport is full of restaurants including craft breweries, bistros, coffee shops, ice cream, and international cuisine. So, whether you are looking for fine dining, pizza or family fare, there are diverse dining options available. The area also has interesting shops offering eclectic goods, gifts, and traditional wares along with the equipment and supplies needed for cruising the river. Another interesting feature of the quaint village are the festivals held there throughout the year. These include a Canal Days art festival in June, a music festival with six stages of concerts in August, and an Oktoberfest in October. 

When to Go and Where to Stay - The scenery of the canal and the village of Fairport are best enjoyed from mid-May to mid-October, which matches the boating season. Temperatures rarely exceed 65 degrees in May and October but can reach the eighties during the summer. There are hotels located in and around Rochester from both the Marriott and Hilton hotel brands, but few hotels look out directly on the canal. People wanting that experience should check for local bed and breakfasts or Airbnb rentals. 

Ogunquit Beach – State of Maine

Distinctive Features of the Community- Ogunquit Beach is one of Maine’s most popular destinations. Although the population of this village in York County is less than 2,000, it attracts an estimated 70,000 visitors daily during the summer months. Ogunquit Beach is frequently rated as one of the top beach destinations in the United States. The wide beach at Ogunquit is located on a peninsula that begins in the adjacent town of Wells to the north and then runs for three miles in a southerly direction parallel to Ogunquit. The beach is separated from the mainland by a tidal estuary known as the Ogunquit River. It can be reached by crossing a short car bridge close to the center of town or a separate footbridge. In addition to well-preserved grassy dunes, the beach is flat and has clean white sand. At low tide, the beach is several hundred yards wide, and people can walk out for a long distance. Six hours later, however, the tide rushes in and the surf covers most of the beach up to the dunes. During these times, the mud flats of the Ogunquit River become submerged as well. Most beach goers quickly become familiar with these patterns and move their beach chairs and water activities periodically throughout the day. 

Popular Activities in Ogunquit- These are some of the most popular activities in Ogunquit:

• Enjoying the Beach – The most crowded area known as Main Beach contains lodging, restaurants, snack bars, restrooms, and a large parking lot designated for all day visitors. At the top of the dunes in that area, the community has thoughtfully installed a shaded canopy and provided dozens of rocking chairs and long benches. It has become a popular spot for people to relax, read, and watch surfing. There are lifeguard stations and distance markers set out along the beach all the way down to Wells. For recreation, this is an outstanding beach for walkers and runners to travel for miles on a flat but forgiving surface and for beach goers to play games. You can expect large crowds on weekends at the beach as there are 2,600 hotel rooms in the town of Ogunquit alone. Like most of the Atlantic coast, the surfing action is modest at the beach. However, the low water temperature causes many beach goers to walk rather than swim near the shore. The maximum temperature of the water at this location rarely exceeds 70° and the average temperature during the summer months is in the 65° to 68° range. 

• Walking on the Marginal Way - The Marginal Way is another place which brings people to Ogunquit. Ever since a local benefactor donated a stretch of land along the top of the cliff to the town in 1923, there has been a path available to the public that runs for 1.25 miles from downtown to the nearby fishing village of Perkins Cove. Known as the Marginal Way, the path now consists of a paved six-foot-wide walkway lined with thirty-nine benches and staircases which lead down to the water. It provides excellent views from the cliff of the rocks and crashing surf down below and the prestigious houses up above. 

• Enjoying the View and Food at Perkins Cove – Perkins Cove is one of those places that brings to life people’s vision of traditional New England life. Visitors flock to photograph the fishing and lobster vessels moored in the cove or traveling out to sea after passing under the small drawbridge located there. Crowded onto this small peninsula adjacent to the cove are several dozen restaurants, galleries, and retail stores. In total, there are more than fifty restaurants in the town center area including several famous lobster shacks. There is an entrepreneurial and eclectic spirit in Ogunquit that is reflected in everything from the clothing stores to the food choices. All these areas are tied together and easily visited by hearty walkers or by using the trolley system that provides transportation from the beach throughout the town to Perkins Cove

When to Go and Where to Stay- Ogunquit has more going on and attracts the most visitors from May to September. You are much more likely to enjoy outdoor activities and find temperatures in the 60s and 70s during those months. There are a wide range of lodging options available in the community ranging from small boutique rooms in Victorian buildings to several resorts. Anchorage by the Sea is located adjacent to the Marginal Way close to town and has great views of the beach and the water. In addition to 241 hotel rooms, suites and cottages, its amenities include outdoor and indoor pools and a quality restaurant and lounge. For a luxury experience, the Cliff House located several miles from the beach to the south is a highly regarded resort, spa, and conference location.

Gettysburg – State of Pennsylvania

Distinctive Features of the Community - Civil War sites have always been a popular destination for history buffs. No place in the United States captures the legacy of that conflict as Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, a small town of 8,000 residents with a respected private college. Families with adolescent children, retirees, and young couples can all enjoy a two-day visit to this destination. It is difficult for people today to conceive of the scope and impact of the battle which took place here. After General Robert E. Lee decided to invade the North, an estimated 160,000 troops from the Union and Confederate armies converged on the town in the summer heat on July 1, 1863. Three days later, after more than 50,000 soldiers were killed and wounded on both sides in fierce fighting, the Confederate army was forced to retreat to Virginia. Coupled with General Grant's capture of Vicksburg the same week, the North regained the initiative and won the war twenty months later. After the battle, President Lincoln visited the site in November 1863 and stirred the nation with his Gettysburg Address.

Popular Activities in Gettysburg-   There are numerous places to visit in Gettysburg to experience the battle and enjoy other activities including:

• Experience the Battlefield - The expansive national park consists of six thousand acres of rolling hills, farmland and more than 1300 monuments located all around the site. The major attractions there are:

  • Museum and Visitor’s Center- The Museum and Visitor’s Center is a great place to get oriented and is worth exploring for 2 hours or more. There is an excellent 20-minute film entitled “A New Birth of Freedom” which explains the background of the encounter and its place in the Civil War. The museum also contains exhibits showing the weapons, people, and stories of the battle. There is a huge cyclorama painting with sound and light effects displaying Pickett's Charge and the desperate efforts of Union soldiers to repulse that final attack. Guided bus tours and small group tours, a cafeteria, bathroom facilities and a bookstore are also available there. 

  • Round Top and Devil's Den - This popular spot on the battlefield is located south of town. The hills known as Round Top and Little Round Top secured the southern flank of the Union's position. From that position, Union troops from several states dodged sharpshooters firing up from the rocks of Devil's Den below and fought off numerous attacks.

  • Seminary Ridge and Cemetery Ridge - Seminary Ridge is a ridge to the west of the Emmitsburg Road where the Confederates established a 5-mile-long line of cannons and troops. Throughout the 3-day battle, these soldiers ranged out across the grassland to attack Union troop positions to the east. The Confederate’s decision to bombard the center of the Union's positions opposite them on Cemetery Ridge and then launch Pickett's Charge with an estimated 12,000 infantry and cavalry almost succeeded. However, today it is regarded as a military blunder that ended the determination of the South to continue the battle. 

  • Culps Hill - This position at the northern end of the Union line on a small hill southeast of the town was another critical area. The defense of this position over the entire 3-day battle is regarded by military experts as critical to the result as well.

  • Monuments - There are monuments both large and small throughout the National Park commemorating regiments from various states of the North and South, as well as statues of the leading generals who commanded troops there. Some monuments such as the huge Pennsylvania Monument list hundreds of names of people from small towns across the United States who died on site. Many of the dead were initially buried in mass graves, but in later years a cemetery was built for Union troops and Confederate families were allowed to disinter identifiable family members for reburial. 

• Recreational Activities- Like any large tourist attraction, Gettysburg also offers plenty of alternative activities for families and visitors to enjoy. Hiking and biking around the battlefield are popular. Other attractions range from an interactive museum known as the Gettysburg Heritage Center to a zoo known as the Land of Little Horses and the Eisenhower National Historic Site. The town center is quite pleasant with some historic buildings that were visited by Lincoln and others which serve as restaurants.

• Ghost Tours- Several popular activities in the town feature "The Ghosts of Gettysburg." Considering the numerous deaths which took place here, legends abound about unusual sightings and noises out on the battlefield or wandering ghosts in the historic buildings in town which served as hospitals during the battle. 

When to Go and Where to Stay - Gettysburg has a temperate climate that makes it an inspiring place to visit in the spring and fall. Winters can be chilly, and summers can be oppressively hot as it was during 1863. So, exploring the battlefield by car is more enjoyable in the heat of the summer or mid-winter. There are many moderately priced national hotel chains with properties in Gettysburg. The Hilton Garden has the broadest range of facilities for large gatherings and the Wyndham Hotel is also popular. The local Quality Inn is located close to the middle of the battlefield and offers a budget stay that families will enjoy. In the center of town, there are several small inns and attractive bed and breakfast alternatives.

Ocean City – State of Maryland

Distinctive Features of the Community - For generations, families have flocked to beach destinations featuring wooden boardwalks along the northeast coast of the United States. Many baby boomers grew up spending their summers visiting or working in places like Wildwood, New Jersey, or Virginia Beach, Virginia. Ocean City is a small city on Maryland's Eastern Shore with a year-round population of about 7,000 people. However, it attracts more than seven million visitors throughout the year, especially families and retirees.

Popular Activities in Ocean City - A distinguishing feature of Ocean City as a beach community is the breadth of the activities available there. Here are just a few:

• Walk The Boardwalk-   The boardwalk has been critical to the community’s reputation as a family destination for more than one hundred years. Like many boardwalks, the one at Ocean City runs parallel to the ocean only a few blocks from the Route 1 coastal highway. Constructed from wood planks, the boardwalk is approximately forty feet wide at most places and runs from the inlet at the southern end of Ocean City all the way to 32nd Street. This three-mile stretch is bordered by dozens of hotels, attractions, amusements, stores, bars, and restaurants. Most establishments open on weekends during the spring and all week long during the season. 

• Swim and Play on the Beach - The clean beach at Ocean City is wide and long with golden sand and plenty of room for people to sunbath, swim, play volleyball, parasail, fly kites or enjoy the day. The water temperature remains at or above 70 degrees for four to five months each season. The waves are gentle enough for children and the elderly to swim while still providing a place that surfers and wave boarders can enjoy. A cavalry of over two hundred lifeguards patrols the beach in continuation of a tradition that dates back over a century. The small but interesting Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum located at the beginning of the boardwalk chronicles the activities of prior members who watched out for mariners in distress and served as the forerunners for today's boardwalk beach patrol. 

• Enjoy Attractions and Amusements - There are two large amusement parks on the boardwalk. Trimper's Amusements, located along the inlet, boasts a huge roller coaster and a famous carousel which has been operating on site for over a hundred years. The Jolly Roger amusement park located on the old pier also features over a dozen large rides and children's rides. Between the two attractions, kids and adults who enjoy roller coasters, Ferris wheels, bumper cars, and various other thrills will have plenty of rides to enjoy. Other establishments along the boardwalk present entertainment ranging from a haunted house to a virtual reality ride and carnival contests.

• Eat, Drink and Be Merry - Food is never far from reach at any point along the boardwalk. In addition to a variety of restaurants offering burgers, crab cakes and local brews, there are many places which focus on one specialty. Everyone has their own opinion as to which places are truly worthy, but some of the best-known establishments are Thrashers for French fries, Dumser’s Dairyland for ice cream and milk shakes, Dolle's Candyland for candy, and Fisher's for popcorn. Other venues attract party goers from around the region. Seacrets is a casual waterfront spot located on Isle of Wight Bay at 49th Street with Caribbean inspired food and tropical drinks. Patrons can sit at tables in the water or hang out on the deck during the day and party on several dance floors with DJs at night. Fager's Island is another venue at 60th Street known for several restaurants, an adjoining nightclub with live bands on stage, and sunset views from a gazebo pier. 

• Attend Shows and Events - The community hosts diverse types of events to enhance the Ocean City experience. There is a convention center and a 1200 seat performing arts center at 41st Street, which are used for trade shows and live performances. In addition to occasional fireworks displays, musical drone shows are offered near the old pier on Thursday nights and family movies are shown on the beach on Fridays and Mondays. Events such as road races, bike races, a skate bash, and Corvette Weekends and other car shows attract people of all ages to the boardwalk. 

When to Go and Where to Stay - Ocean City has warm weather with temperatures above 70 degrees from mid-May to Mid-October with only five or six rainy days each month. So, while the crowds are larger during the three summer months, pleasant weather can still be found in late spring and early fall to enjoy the beach and the attractions of the boardwalk on weekends. When it comes to where to stay, there are more than ten thousand hotel rooms and other accommodations to stay in along U.S. Route 1 or on the city’s side streets. Some people also stay in the neighboring town of Berlin located only a few miles west on the inland side of the causeways. Just plan your stay because the nicer properties book up early for holiday weekends and special events. 

Norwich - State of Connecticut

Distinctive Features of the Community- Many Connecticut cities and small towns have roots in the colonial history of the United States. The city of Norwich, located at the confluence of two rivers that become the Thames River, has an unusually fascinating economic and political history. Norwich experienced both conflict and collaboration with the Native American tribes of the region, periods of great prosperity as a center of commerce, transportation, and wealth during the 1700s and 1800s; downturns in the region’s economy; and opportunities for progress and revitalization in the 21st century. Norwich has distinctive outdoor experiences, historical sites, recreation options, and worldclass entertainment activities for a small city of 40,000 residents,

Popular Activities in Norwich -   For a well-rounded visit to Norwich, the following sites and activities are worth considering:

• Visit the Yantic Falls and Uncas Leap Heritage Park- For generations, residents have visited the dramatic natural falls that cause the lazy waters of the Yantic River to cascade downward more than forty feet through a rocky gorge and past an industrial mill to the head of the Thames River in Chelsea Harbor. During the spring melt and periods of heavy rainfall, the resulting waterfall is powerful and beautiful. Recognizing the distinctive character of the area and its potential for attracting visitors and residents, the city cleaned up the area and added a walking trail connecting the downtown harbor to the falls. All these prior efforts came together nicely in 2024, when the city received an American Rescue Plan grant to tear down some parts of the mill and construct the Uncas Leap Heritage Park at the site. The resulting park contains two large viewing platforms jutting out below the falls, a 100-seat stone amphitheater for holding events such as concerts or talks, additional parking, and new walkways around the site. The natural beauty of the falls is just part of its mystique. In 1643, a legendary battle involving hundreds of warriors from the local Mohegan Tribe and its leader Uncas and members of the Narragansett Tribe took place about a mile away. While the entire background of this battle is unclear, a contingent of Narragansett warriors were chased towards the Yantic River and cornered by the gorge. Uncas and his men were familiar with the area. Some Mohegans were able to “leap” over the gorge, but many Narragansetts were not and either fell to their death on the rocks or were captured and killed. 

• Relax at Mohegan Park- Almost 120 years ago, Norwich leaders created a municipal park for recreation and the relaxation of residents. It was named Mohegan Park in tribute to the tribe and its famous leader Uncas. By 1934, eighteen residents had donated more than three hundred acres for this purpose including a 13-acre body of water known as Spaulding Pond. Today, the park has more than 385 acres of land and features numerous activities set in and around large deciduous forest land. Special attractions found in Mohegan Park include an extensive trail system, a deep pond with swimming areas and facilities, a stocked trout park, a formal rose garden, picnic areas and pavilions, two playgrounds, and other nearby recreation fields and venues. 

• Enjoy Boating at the Norwich Marina-   The downtown section of Norwich looks out on a large harbor at the head of the Thames River. The Marina at American Wharf features attractive brick buildings and its services include dock space for up to 160 vessels including large yachts along with seasonal and transient boat services. Boaters using the marina have access to many amenities such as full utility services, a swimming pool and lockers rooms, picnic areas and laundry rooms, and a full-service seasonal restaurant with imminent plans to add fueling services, an event tent for local functions, and a year-round restaurant. Many city festivals are held in and around the waterfront in the summer.

• Admire a Memorial to the United States’ First President in the Old Burial Grounds - Samuel Huntington, the city’s most prominent resident, is interred in the Old Burial Grounds which were created near the Norwichtown Green during the 1700s and 1800s and hold several thousand graves. An active Patriot and supporter of the American Revolution, Huntington was a delegate to the Continental Congress and signed both the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. Huntington’s prominence led to his appointment in 1779 as President of the Continental Congress. More important, he also became the First President of the United States in Congress Assembled under the Articles of Confederation in 1781, eight years before George Washington was elected as President of the United States under the Constitution. He later served as both Connecticut’s Governor and the State’s Chief Justice before dying in 1796. A local movement to recognize Samuel Huntington and other Forgotten Founders who had served as Presidents of the Continental Congress brought new attention to these Patriots and raised funds in 2008 to restore Huntington’s grave site and build an appropriate memorial wall to him there.

• Follow the Trail of Benedict Arnold-    The footprints of another prominent person can also be found in Norwich. Benedict Arnold, who started as a Revolutionary War hero before becoming one of America’s most infamous traitors, was raised in Norwich and left tracks in the city. Arnold’s father was for a time a successful ship Captain and merchant based in Norwich. Tragedies including the early death of his mother and the alcoholism of his father led to hard times for Benedict who was forced to sell the family’s assets and move away in 1762. Arnold experienced military success and suffered serious injuries as one of George Washington’s trusted commanders during the early days of the American Revolution, while leading troops at the battles of Lake Champlain and Saratoga. After Washington appointed him as the military governor of Philadelphia, he met and married Peggy Shippen, a young woman from a prominent family, but was also dogged by allegations of mismanagement and reprimanded. Collaboration with the British and treason to Washington followed. He later moved to London with his wife and daughter where he died in ignominy. For years thereafter, Norwich residents rejected any association with the Arnold family and removed the graves and headstones of his father and brother from the Old Burial Grounds. Today, small plaques mark the sites of the Arnold family homestead and the grave of Arnold’s mother. 

• Entertain Yourself at Two World Class Casinos- The federally recognized Indian reservations of the Mohegan Tribe and the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Tribe lie close to Norwich’s borders. Both tribes established two of the world’s largest casinos during the 1990s with over 300,000 square feet of gaming space. In addition to a wide variety of gaming and sports betting activities, the two casinos have expanded their operations to feature extensive hotel and hospitality options, dozens of specialty restaurants and clubs, entertainment and sports events including shows by A-List musicians and comedians, and shopping experiences. Foxwoods Resort activities include dozens of specialty restaurants and cafes, a Tanger Outlet Mall with eighty-five stores and luxury goods, two theater venues with a capacity of 1370 and 4,000 guests, and the championship Lake of Isles Golf Course. It is also building the Great Wolf Lodge featuring a water park with multiple pools, water slides, and a four-story water fort. Mohegan Sun’s activities include a 12,000-seat arena featuring top draw entertainers, boxing and wrestling matches, and WNBA basketball, 100,000 square feet of meeting, ballroom, and exhibition space, and 130,000 square feet of retail space.

• See a Minor League Game at Dodd Stadium – Norwich has also been fortunate to build a minor league baseball stadium that has served as the home field for the New York Yankees’ and San Francisco Giants’ Double A teams and the Detroit Tigers’ single A franchise. The city now hosts the Norwich Sea Unicorns, a team that plays in a summer collegiate league. Built in 1995 and located in the city’s business park, Dodd Stadium features seating for 6,500 fans, eighteen skyboxes and a stadium club, concessions outlets, and other fan amenities. The stadium also hosts festivals, concerts, games by local high schools, and special events. 

• Visit the Norwich Free Academy and Slater Museum- Norwich has a unique high school which was established in 1855 by local citizens seeking to create a free academy for local boys and girls. Privately run by a volunteer Board of Trustees and funded by tuition payments from sending towns and the school’s private endowment. NFA’s campus features an array of Gothic style buildings and modern library and science facilities. With a current enrollment of 2,300 students, NFA also attracts many teachers with advanced degrees and highly professional staff members. Another unusual feature of the high school is the Slater Memorial Museum which houses the art and worldwide collections of the Slater family along with recreations of Greek and Roman Sculptures. 

• Marvel at the Riverfront Ponemah Mills Complex- New England once had hundreds of textiles, gun, and other manufacturing mills that produced all kinds of goods for a growing United States in the late 19th and early 20th century. The grandest of them all was Norwich’s Ponemah Mill Complex. This two thousand feet long, six story high mill originally consisted of four connected buildings and was constructed beginning in 1865 along the Shetucket River. At its peak, the Ponemah Mill employed 1,600 workers who often lived in company houses and bought their wares and food in company stores. Today, an ambitious developer has resurrected the mill into a specular housing complex with 459 deluxe apartments completed or under construction so far. The apartments feature lofts, high ceilings, and amenities like a library, fitness center, barbecue grills, and riverfront walkways. 

When to Go and Where to Stay- Norwich’s outdoor attractions can be comfortably viewed from April to October. While sometimes tens of thousands of people flock to the two casinos on a busy weekend, traffic flows smoothly along the two intersecting Interstates servicing the city and the casinos. When it comes to where to stay, many people stay at one of the 2,200 hotel rooms and suites in two hotel towers at Foxwoods or one of the 1,600 hotel rooms and suites in two facilities at Mohegan Sun. There are privately owned hotels near to both properties as well. The respected Norwich Inn and Spa is close to both casinos and the interesting locations in the city. 

Cooperstown – State of New York

Distinctive Features of the Community- Cooperstown is a small village in the center of New York State with less than 2,000 permanent residents. For a tourist town, it is unusually calm with spotless houses, family restaurants, downtown sports shops, and friendly residents. A trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame there has long been considered a pilgrimage for serious sports fans. Some years as many as 500,000 people visit the community. Located about four hours from New York, Boston, and Philadelphia and not near any major airport, Cooperstown usually requires a two-day trip. Once people get there, however, they usually “discover an unspoiled repository of America’s heritage, a place rich in history, art, architecture and natural beauty.” 

Popular Activities in Cooperstown-   Some of the most popular and interesting things to do in Cooperstown include the following:

• Visit the Baseball Hall of Fame- Major League Baseball established the country’s primary baseball museum in Cooperstown in the 1930s because Abner Doubleday founded baseball in that town back in 1839. Today, the Hall of Fame is run by a non-profit organization for the stated purposes of preserving the history of the sport and celebrating legendary players, coaches, and other baseball leaders. There are several features that make it an interesting place to visit for half of a day.

• Plaque Gallery- In the Plaque Gallery a plague displays a bust of each inductee to the Hall of Fame and describes their major accomplishments and contributions to the sport. Candidates who have played for at least ten years and been retired for five years are nominated by a screening committee and then remain eligible for 15 years thereafter. To be elected, a candidate needs to receive a vote on the ballots submitted by 75% of the members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. In addition, there is a Veterans Committee which looks back at players and contributors whose periods of eligibility have expired. The plaques awarded during the 1970s remain among the most popular since many legendary players such as Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, Sandy Koufax, and Frank Robinson, were admitted during that time. There is also a special area dedicated to the current year’s inductees.

• Babe Ruth Wing- The Hall features a wing about the life of Babe Ruth that includes fascinating newspaper articles, pictures and newsreels about his accomplishments and activities. Although mass media was not as prevalent in that time, Ruth equaled modern sports legends such as Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods in terms of his fame and influence on the public. 

• Videos and Memorabilia - Several sections of the museum have video displays and memorabilia that depicted great moments in baseball history or unusual plays that took place over the years. Just as interesting was the memorabilia from the early days of baseball, including a cabinet with one hundred baseballs in it painted gold which was used by a manager to commemorate each game the team won during a special season. Finally, there is a clubhouse-style locker for each of the thirty major league teams with a team uniform, information about the team’s names and accomplishments, and a few artifacts from some of their legendary players. 

• Experience Dreams Park – Cooperstown took further advantage of its association with baseball by building a private baseball complex called Dreams Park. It has twenty-two baseball fields and draws close to 20,000 young players annually for a week of games and training. The players and their coaches live, eat, and are entertained in barracks and pavilions at the complex. Coupled with the Hall of Fame nearby and the beauty of Cooperstown, this is an inspirational place for young players to seek their baseball destiny.

• Recreate on Ostego Lake and Glimmerglass State Park- The 11-mile-long Otsego Lake is adjacent to the principal areas of Cooperstown. This bright blue lake is surrounded mostly by state parks and forested land owned by a land trust, making it clean and attractive. You can take a one-hour ride on the Glimmerglass Queen ferry which travels around parts of the Lake. The State Park has a public beach area for swimming and there are canoe and kayak rentals available there as well. 

• Visit the Farmer’s Museum – Cooperstown is also located in a farming area and found a way to recreate the rural life of farmers by opening a museum to country and village life that features a working farmstead and historic village area, a stone barn, and daily demonstrations of farming activities. 

When to Go and Where to Stay- In terms of the weather, conditions are ideal for a visit to Cooperstown in late spring and early fall. Temperatures are moderate and crowds are light during the week. Both temperatures and crowds escalate in the summertime, and winter brings snow and cold temperatures to the windy and hilly area around the Lake and the village. One week to avoid unless you want to join the crowd and stay in a distant hotel is induction week when the baseball world and national media descend on the small community. Lodging options are quite good in Cooperstown and in nearby towns like Oneonta. For a luxurious stay in a historic hotel, the Otsego Resort Hotel is highly regarded. There are several other inns and motels close to the Lake. Other major hotel chains are well represented in also providing branded properties for visitors.