Kim's New England Travel Blog

Boston Baked Beans are one of New England's most-loved traditional dishes. Here are more than a dozen recipes for you to try, just in time for end-of-summer barbecues. I'll also fill you in on why Boston is called "Beantown."

Looking for a last-minute Labor Day weekend travel idea? Head to the 13th annual Southern Vermont Garlic & Herb Festival.

See also: New England Fall Recipes - Get ready to go back into the kitchen!

New additions this week to Kim's New England Deal Sheet:

• The Historic Inns of Rockland, Maine, offer seniors 55+ an activity-packed, value-priced three-night midweek package in September;
• The Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island, offers visitors 62 and older half-price admission in September; and
• Elderhostel hosts a five-night history and art immersion program for seniors on Cape Cod this fall.

_{Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse photo © 2006 Kim Knox Beckius.}

The Mount--the former home and estate of popular, prolific and acclaimed 19th-century author Edith Wharton--almost didn't open for the 2008 season, but the non-profit group formed in 1980 to preserve the property negotiated an extension with creditors. This National Historic Landmark faces imminent foreclosure, however, if it cannot raise $3 million by the end of October.

I had an opportunity to visit The Mount last month and to speak with Acting Director Susan Wissler, who told me she is "guardedly optimistic" that The Mount will survive. If you're a fan of history, architecture, literature or gardens, enjoy my photos of this picturesque property and learn about 7 things you can do to help save The Mount. First on the list: Visit before it's too late!

_{Photo of The Mount © 2008 Kim Knox Beckius.}

Did you know that Six Flags New England, the region's largest theme park, operates through October? As an added incentive to visit the park between September 27 and November 2, Six Flags New England hosts its annual Halloween Fright Fest. Here's your guide to all of the thrills that await at Six Flags, plus tips on how to save money on admission to the park.

_{Darren McCollester / Getty Images}

New additions this week to Kim's New England Deal Sheet:

• Bank of America customers enjoy free admission the first weekend of each month at 10 New England museums;
• The historic Griswold Inn in Connecticut offers a special weeknight rate of just $125 for one night, $175 for two double occupancy; and
• Maine's eco-conscious Samoset Resort has a special Go Green package that includes everything from organic wine to a conservation donation in your name.

_{Griswold Inn photo © 2007 Kim Knox Beckius.}

When you visit New England in the fall, you'll be surrounded by gorgeous autumn colors. You'll also be surrounded by... fellow leaf peepers! You can "lose yourself" for a little bit, though, even amid the throngs of fall foliage groupies--at a corn maze! There are dozens of corn mazes in New England, and some of them are already open.

Before you go, cook yourself a hearty morning meal with one of these Breakfast Recipes from New England Inns.

More Family Fun: Get Ready for Fall!

• Free Fall Leaf Coloring Pages
• Get a Free Fall Leaf in the Mail
• Leaf Identification Guide
• Autumn Screensavers

_{Mega Maze photo © 2001 Kim Knox Beckius}

The Pilot Pen Tennis tournament gets underway Sunday, August 17, at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale University in New Haven. Although the timing of the Summer Olympics has somewhat diluted the Pilot Pen field, the tournament will still draw many of the top names in tennis to Connecticut, and you can still get tickets to see Amelie Mauresmo, Agnieszka Radwanska, Fernando Verdasco and other world-ranked tennis players compete. Pilot Pen is the final tournament in the six-week US Open Series leading into the US Open.

Also This Month...

• Boston Restaurant Week runs August 10-15 and August 17-22.
• Zucchinis fly at the Vermont State Zucchini Festival in Ludlow August 16-17.
• Celebrate Maine's state fruit at the Blueberry Festival in Machias August 15-17.
• Filene's Basement Wedding Dress Sale is August 22 in Boston.

_{Photo of 2005 Pilot Pen champion Lindsay Davenport © 2005 Kim Knox Beckius}

New additions this week to Kim's New England Deal Sheet:

• Leaf peep and moose peep with the Moose Mania package at New Hampshire's Bartlett Inn;
• Savor a five-course wine dinner and endless desserts during a one-night wine lovers' escape priced at just $219 for two at Vermont's Eddington House Inn; and
• Enjoy a two-night New Hampshire fall foliage getaway including breakfasts, a lunch, a dinner and a scenic train ride for as little as $359 per couple at Dana Place Inn.

Considering a small inn for your New England stay? Read my tips on How to Choose a New England B&B.

_{New Hampshire moose photo © 2003 Kim Knox Beckius.}

Many people planning New England trips go online to get free driving directions. But which online driving directions tools are the best and most accurate? During my travels, I've had the opportunity to field test many free driving directions services. Here's my review of six sites where you can get free driving directions online.

Poll: Which Online Driving Directions Site Do You Use?

In New England, of course, the fastest way isn't always the best way to travel from place to place. New England's country roads beckon to drivers throughout the year, but there's no more magnificent time for a drive than autumn. Here are some driving tours for exploring New England's winding highways, covered bridges and secluded spots. You'll find suggested driving tours for all six New England states, plus neighboring New York.

New England's Most Spectacular Drives

• Motoring Through Moose Alley
• One Drive, Five Covered Bridges
• Portland to Rangeley Lake
• New Hampshire's National Scenic Byway with the Tongue-Twister Name

_{Fall photo © 2001 Kim Knox Beckius.}

It's almost back-to-school time. Tie on your most comfortable sneakers, flex those shopping bag-carrying biceps and head for New England, where outlet shopping is more than a mere added vacation attraction--it's a reason to visit all by itself!

Before you go, read my tips on how to be a smart outlet shopper, so you'll know when a deal is a deal.

Extra Savings Next Weekend! Massachusetts Sales Tax Holiday is August 16-17.

_{Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets photo © 2007 Kim Knox Beckius.}