I knew that Dr. Seuss grew up in Springfield because years ago I’d been to a small exhibit there about his childhood. When I read that a whole museum is now dedicated to him, I had to see it. Part of a larger complex that includes art, history and natural history museums, the Dr. Seuss exhibition is the most unusual … Read More
Shelburne Falls and Smith College, Massachusetts
As I sped down the highway on my way to Northampton, I saw a small sign indicating an attraction— “Bridge of Flowers.” At the next exit I got off and followed the signs to Shelburne Falls. It was a twelve-mile detour, but when you have no set plans that’s not an issue. When I’d done a google search the night … Read More
New Hampshire Coastline
New Hampshire has a very short shoreline on the Atlantic, a mere eighteen miles. Yesterday I explored most of it, going from pristine to honky-tonk. Most of the day was spent in Portsmouth, a town I’m astonished I’ve never been to before. It is utterly charming. Yes, it is a tourist town, but with good reason. It’s got a lovely … Read More
Canterbury, New Hampshire
The torrential rains have disappeared, and the weather has rebounded to perfect blue skies and warm temps. I’ve left Vermont and am spending time in southern New Hampshire. First stop was the Shaker Village at Canterbury. Unlike the Shaker Village in Enfield, this one was open, and in a lot better shape. Over the years I’ve been to five different … Read More
Hanover, New Hampshire
Over the years I’ve visited countless college campuses in the United States and abroad. For one memorable assignment, a client had me interviewing graduate students at some of the best European Universities—The Sorbonne, Oxford, Cambridge and more. But I’d never seen Dartmouth. Only about twenty minutes from where I was staying, I was hoping to walk around before the predicted … Read More
Southern Vermont
Yesterday I traveled north from Massachusetts into Vermont. First stop was Bennington, a town I’ve been through numerous times. I stopped off to see the wildflower and sculpture garden at the Bennington Museum and visit the farmers’ market. What I didn’t spend time at was with Grandma Moses or any other exhibit inside the museum. Hurricane Henri is heading in … Read More
West Stockbridge, MA
Yesterday was the first day of a one-week road trip. I’m heading up to Southern Vermont and New Hampshire. I decided to take it slowly, less driving, more sightseeing. But as usual plans and reality didn’t quite mesh. What should have been about a 2-1/2-hour drive took a whole lot longer, thanks to two massive traffic jams involving serious accidents. … Read More
Untermyer Garden Conservancy, Yonkers, NY
I’d only been to the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy – which is about 15 miles north of New York, in Yonkers – once before. That was years ago for an outdoor concert. While lovely, the garden hadn’t been well maintained and so I forgot about it, with so many other beautiful options to choose from. Recently I saw photos and read … Read More
Columbia River Gorge — Oregon
(Excerpt from my travel journal in 2001 when I was on a 9-month road trip) On the drive to the gorge the sky was a patchwork of clouds and hints of blue but not a single ray of sun. Paralleling I-84 and the Columbia River, but a whole lot more interesting, is the old scenic road. The road includes a … Read More
American Museum Of Natural History
American Museum of Natural History, New York City
The newly reopened Hall of Gems and Minerals is a stunner. If you have any interest in geology, this is the place for you. If like me, you just like seeing beautiful things, get yourself to the museum—the displays are breathtaking.
I think of diversity in the living world but the range of minerals on display is extraordinary. There are colors I’ve never seen in any plant, crystal patterns that look like 3-D architectural blueprints, light absorbing, reflecting and translucent surfaces and that only touches on the numerous distinctive qualities exhibited.
Plus, there are cut gems and a display of outrageous jewelry.