This month, we tell you about a Stockbridge, MA. museum dedicated to one of America's favorite artists. We also give you advice for taking family hikes and tips on how to save on European travel this summer.
An American Idol
As the author of several books about New England, I’m frequently asked to recommend places to visit while traveling in the northeast—often by visitors from abroad. I almost always make this one recommendation (among others): the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. As far as I’m concerned, no place better captures the spirit of 20th-century America.
The museum, which is in a serene country setting in the Berkshires, holds the world’s largest and most significant collection of Rockwell’s work including paintings, drawings, photographs, letters and materials. It also rotates exhibits of The Saturday Evening Post covers he did, which chronicle life in the United States in the most delightful way.
In addition to the museum’s permanent collections, there are always wonderful temporary exhibits here including one right now through May 31st, called “Norman Rockwell: Behind the Camera." Rockwell used photographs to create his illustrations and seeing them shows that behind all of these freckle-faced children, floppy-eared dogs, ladies in curlers and young men in uniform, there were, in fact, actual people.
The museum also has offers many workshops (art, photography, and animation) for kids, adults and families.
--Susan Farewell
The above photo for Norman Rockwell's SodaJerk, 1953 is by Gene Pelham. Photo montage by Ron Schick. Licensed by Norman Rockwell Licensing, Niles, IL. The original Norman Rockwell painting, Soda Jerk, 1953, was oil on canvas. It was a cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, August 22, 1953.Copyright 1953 SEPS. Licensed by Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN. Collection of Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus, Ohio. Bequest of Willard Loos.
The Family That Hikes Together...
One of the best things you can do as a family is hike wherever you go. It’s not only a great way to get fresh air, exercise and see the scenery, but it’s a wonderful way to teach your children some important things about life in general.
Before heading out for a family hike, the first thing you have to do is think about being prepared. Sitting down with your child and going over a list of clothing you might need (sturdy hiking shoes, rain ponchos, warm layers) as well as hiking essentials (first-aid kit, a flashlight, matches, etc.) and of course enough water and snacks, teaches him or her about preparedness.
You also need to look at trail maps. Even though you might be able to bag a peak, your very willing six-year-old may not be able to go the distance. Choosing a trail that works for you and all your family members requires analyzing the maps, looking closely at elevations and distances. Your child learns by seeing you make these wise, thoughtful choices as well as taking everyone’s abilities into consideration.
Once you head out on the trail, there inevitably are lessons along the way. For example, a hill might require more effort than your child is used to. This provides an opportunity to talk to him or her about challenges and how good you feel once you work through them (within reason, of course).
Acknowledging the satisfaction of achievement can also be part of the hiking experience. Your child learns that by going after a goal, he or she can achieve it.
--Susan Farewell
Rail Deals
If you’re holding off making European plans for this summer vacation, now might be a good time to really zoom in and make some decisions. There are lots of deals to be found.
Here’s just one example of train discounts being offered by ACP Rail International for BritRail Passes, which are good for travel throughout the UK.
If you buy a BritRail pass between March 15th and April 30th, 2010, you’ll get an extra travel day  on your trip (provided you take it within six months from the date of purchase).
Extra nice for families is that the promotion can be combined with some of the other discount passes they have including a BritRail Family Pass, whereby one child per adult travels free. There are also senior passes, youth passes and others. Add ‘em up and you’re looking at significant savings.
Not only are the trains more efficient than cars, but they are much kinder to the earth. And frankly, a lot of fun.
--Susan Farewell
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