What To Do in Dover

Air Mobility Command Museum. The Air Mobility Command Museum is dedicated to military airlift and air refueling aircraft and the men and women who flew and maintained them. The museum houses over 30 aircraft varying in roles and sizes. Cargo haulers, fighters, helicopters, a presidential aircraft, and even a bomber – the museum has a little bit of everything!

Dover Downs Casino.  From fine dining to horse racing – the Dover Downs Casino has it all. Enjoy the casino and live entertainment.

Dover International Speedway. Dover International Speedway is a race track in Dover, Delaware, United States. Since opening in 1969, it has held at least two NASCAR races. In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosted USAC and the Verizon IndyCar Series.

John Dickinson Plantation. The home of John Dickinson, one of the founding fathers of the United States, signer of the U.S. Constitution, and “Penman of the Revolution.” Visit  this historic plantation and take a trip into the fascinating world of 18th Century America! The John Dickinson House, generally known as Poplar Hall, is located on the John Dickinson Plantation in Dover, a property owned by the State of Delaware and open to the public as a museum.

 

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The Old State House. Built in 1791, the Old State House served as Delaware’s capitol during the United States’ critical early years as a nation. With additions and modifications, the building continued to serve as the state capitol until 1933.

Fordham Brewing Company.  Fordham & Dominion Brewing merged in 2007 and brew award winning ales and lagers.The craft  brewery specializes in seasonal ales & lagers & offers tastings & site tours.

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Historic New Castle Delaware

Historic New Castle has always been a key part of Delaware’s past – and in many ways, the past never left. The cobblestone streets and stately townhomes of this riverside city  combine to create a  Colonial charm that invites visitors to stroll and shop, and of course eat -before exploring the First State National Historic Park. Cozy and intimate, New Castle still can deliver a whole weekend’s worth of things to do.

First State National Historic Park. Embracing a variety of historic locations in the northern and central regions of Delaware, the park touches on tales that are essential to the American story – including debates over Colonial allegiances and slavery, and the crucial role that the new land’s rivers and natural resources played in our economic growth.

Fort Christina National Historic Landmark (where Swedish and Finnish settlers established the first American Swedish colony, New Sweden) and Old Swedes Church national Historic Landmark (the oldest church in America still used for worship) lays in the hills of this park.

Amstel House. Among New Castle’s few surviving early colonial buildings is the elegant brick, early Georgian mansion, the Amstel House. Built in the 1730’s by the town’s wealthiest landowner, Dr. John Finney, the house is graced with original woodwork, fine architectural details and open hearth. It’s early fanlight and central hallway were among the first uses of these features in the town. (Walk-in guided tours are available April 1st – Dec 31st)

Penn’s Place. Penn’s Place is in the heart of historic New Castle, and the most quaint coffee shop you may ever step foot in. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and they have live entertainment and local artisan gifts for sale.

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The Old Library Museum. Visit the Old Library Museum home to the New Castle Historical Society’s changing exhibits. The building was built in 1892 and has retained the original interior woodwork.

Dutch House. At the Dutch house, step back in time to the seafaring days of the late 17th century when New Castle was a young port. Enjoy the  gleam of the early pewter set at a hutch table, discover the kas (an unusual cupboard), spoon rack, 1714 bible, among the captivating Dutch Colonial artifacts which reflect the traditional lifestyle in early America.

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Hidden Gems in St. Meriden CT

No matter how big or little the town, we are able to find some hidden gems among the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Take St. Meriden for example; tons of places that you don’t want to miss!

Hubbard Park. This 1,800 acre park was donated by Mr. Hubbard and bears his name.  Some 51 parcels of land, including 150 acres formerly known as the Hubbard Park State Park deeded by the State of Connecticut to the City, comprise the park.  The tract was laid out originally by Mr. Hubbard in consultation with the Olmsted Brothers, sons of Frederick Law Olmsted, America’s foremost landscape architect.  A great deal of effort has been taken to preserve and accentuate the historic nature of his park.  The skate house, as it is known today, was formerly a refreshment and lunch facility.

Castle Craig. Castle Craig, located on East Peak in the Hanging Hills, is constructed of trap rock and is 32 feet in height and has a base 58 feet in circumference . A metal interior stairway is used to ascend the observation deck on top.

 

Village Barn. After hours of hiking and sightseeing, visit Village Barn, a small family-owned restaurant that you’d miss if you blinked while passing – they serve some of the best pizza and italian food for miles and they have an old school feel with a jukebox and pool tables. (If you are visiting for a few days, you will be back more than once so just plan on it!)

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Giuffrida Park. At nearly 600 acres, this public park is known for its hiking trails & reservoir. With the natural beauty and wildlife surrounding you be prepared to be in awe (and bring your camera!)

 

Gallery53. Gallery 53 was founded in 1907, this is one of the oldest visual arts organizations in the state of Connecticut. Through educational programs, exhibits, workshops, and lectures this non-profit organization is dedicated to cultural enrichment of the community; They have some of the best art shows around with live entertainment, food and wine.

 

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Adventures in Paso Robles California

Located in the coastal mountain range of central California, Paso Robles, or “Pass of the Oaks,” is close to mountains, beaches and deserts. The area has an ideal climate for wine-making; grape growing in the region began in 1797. There are now more than 170 wineries, 26,000 vineyard acres and 40 varietals of wine. Visit the thermal springs, which are said to have healing powers, or one of the more modern spring resorts in the area.

Wine Tours & Tastings.

With over 170 wineries it’s hard to pick just one however for your time sake (and mine) I won’t try to compare them, however taking the Wine Wrangler’s Wine Tours & Tastings is highly recommended. Meet other wine enthusiasts and spend the day visiting between 4-6 wineries. They specialize is showing you the family-owned smaller wineries that are historic and off the beaten path. They will point out landmarks and other wineries along the way, share stories, local history, the local culture and of course – wine making.

Franklin Hot Springs.
Hot Springs have a ton of benefits besides just relaxation. The Franklin Hot Springs may impart a wide range of benefits for visitors who suffer from arteriosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, burns, arthritis, poor circulation and other disorders.

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Margarita Adventures.
Soar along 5 ziplines, including the 1,800 ft Pinot Express, experience rugged beauty and diverse habitats of the Margarita Ranch and even savor the beauty (and taste) of the ranch’s vineyards.

 

Hearst Castle.

Hearst Castle’s history begins in 1865 – when George Hearst purchased 40,000 acres of ranchland. In 19191 William Hearst inherited what had grown to be more than 250,000 acres and dreamed of ways to transform it into a retreat he called La Cuesta Encantada. . with over 165 rooms, 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pool and walkways, and his art collection – this is a legendary place to visit.

 

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What We Love About Chico California

When you visit a new place there are some things you just fall in love with – the people, the view, the food. Well Chico has a little bit of everything and we love it! Here’s why:

 

Chico has the Best Views.
The city of Paradise lays just across the Butte Creek Canyon. Honestly no words can describe it in all it’s glory, so we will just share a glimpse.

 

No Winter.

A ‘cold’ day in Chico is around 55-65 degrees. We are talking shorts all year round, and swimming pools, and no frigid winds, ice or snow. It’s like being in the caribbean 365 days a year.

Scenic Bike Trails.
Butte Creek Canyon has some of the most epic bike trails EVER. With over 5,200 bike trails in the area even as an avid biker you will never get bored.

Artoberfest
Forget Oktoberfest – check out Artoberfest for the whole month of October in Chico. Over 150 exhibits, multiple art fairs and even live concerts. It’s an art lovers dream!

Nuts.

Chico sits on some of the most fertile soil in the entire world – so it’s rich in fabulous crops. Almonds are what Chico is known for, but they also grow tons of walnuts, peaches, plums and kiwis!

The Bidwell Mansion
The Bidwell’s and their gigantic mansion (along with their 26,000 acres) is part of historic Chico. They entertained and bumped elbows with the best like Susan B. Anthony , President Hayes and more.

Downtown Chico.

Downtown Chico has everything you need – from shops, to restaurants bars and nightclubs, hotels, and all kinds of special events this is a place you don’t want to miss. They even have Chuck Patterson Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep with a huge inventory if you are looking!

Golf.

The Bidwell Park Golf Club is known in Northern Cali for its pro shop, hitting cages, and ranges. Whether you’re beginning or pro, you’ll have plenty of putting options here, and the on-site bistro is on par with the course.

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