Page 5 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – March/April 2017

TRAVEL AGENCY
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Canada and New England’s Eastern Seaboard
Coastal Cruising Along the Scenic Northern Route
by Judie Karhan
Portland Head Lighthouse, Maine
Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City
In the warm summer months, and in autumn, when gentle breezes rustle leaves of brilliant orange, red and copper-toned hues, the North Atlantic Coast signals travelers like a beacon, warning them to behold the glory of the season, as winter is fast approaching.
This is the perfect time of year to explore the region’s colonial towns, historic cities and scenic coastlines. Trace the steps of America’s forefathers in cities such as Boston, Newport and Portland. Stroll along the charming streets of French Quebec City, and take in the beauty of quaint villages from Saint John, New Brunswick to Bar Harbor, Maine. This is a journey worth taking at a leisurely pace, and a cruise aboard one of Celebrity Cruises’ stylish and luxurious ships is the ideal way to experience it.
DISCOVERING NEW ENGLAND’S CHARMS
A trip to New England would certainly not
be complete without exploring historic Boston, Massachusetts, hailed as the Cradle of American Independence. Boston is a vibrant city, designed for walking. Visit Salem’s South Harbor Garage & New England Pirate Museum, Pickering Wharf, Salem Witch House, and Witch Trial Memorial, or hop aboard the Old Town Trolley for a scenic tour of Boston and its Revolutionary War Heritage. To travel back to Revolutionary Boston, follow the famed Freedom Trail to 16 sites and structures of historic importance in downtown Boston and Charlestown, including the Paul Revere House, Old State House and Granary Burying Ground.
A thriving seaport in Colonial days, Newport, Rhode Island became a summer playground for America’s wealthiest families in the 19th century. Today, several fabulous mansions are open for public viewing, including the famous Rosecliff Mansion. Architect Stanford White modeled the mansion, completed in 1902, after Versailles’ Grand Trianon garden retreat. At Rough Point Estate, built in 1889, visitors can view one of Newport’s most remarkable private collections of art.
Many of America’s wealthiest citizens have resided in Bar Harbor, Maine – Rockefeller, Vanderbilt and Carnegie, to name a few – enjoying the port town’s rocky coastline, mammoth granite cliffs and majestic mountains. This area is home to Acadia National Park, where a network of hiking trails lead to some of the region’s most magnificent views of the Atlantic.
The diverse coastal area of Portland, Maine is a huge draw for visitors seeking outdoor adventure.
The city also claims a lively art scene that rivals much larger cities, and boasts of its world- renowned Portland Museum of Art, numerous
art galleries and professional theatre. A favorite pastime here is wandering along the cobblestone walkways and back alleys of the Old Port, browsing through galleries and eclectic shops.
NORTHWARD TO CANADA
Quebec City, Quebec’s French provinciality is reflected in its language, cuisine and architecture. Walk the cobblestone alleyways past stone houses, churches and cafes, and admire abandoned military fortifications that at one time helped to hold invading forces at bay. Take in spectacular views
of the St. Lawrence River, Island of Orleans, and
the Laurentian Mountains. One of the city’s most admired sights is the hotel Chateau Frontenac, which sits atop a cape overlooking the river. Visitors to Quebec City especially enjoy walking along
the narrow streets of Old Town, where buildings that are two centuries old now house restaurants, apartments and shops.
Nestled in the harbor of the same name, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island exudes both a nautical charm and a Victorian sensibility, with a historic waterfront set against homes that retain much of their original personality. Explore Point Prim Lighthouse, the first and oldest lighthouse on Prince Edward Island and one of only a few round brick lighthouses in Canada. The Wood Island Lighthouse, once the personal residence of the
lighthouse keeper, has since been transformed into a nautical museum.
Located on the shores of the world’s second largest natural harbor, Halifax, Nova Scotia exemplifies the pastoral beauty of Canada’s maritime region. Its beautifully restored waterfront buildings recall the city’s centuries-old maritime heritage. Browse through museums and galleries, and walk along an extensive network of trails extending from the waterfront to lovely parks
and gardens. Along the way, be sure to watch for whales and other sea animals, including harbor seals.
Sydney, Nova Scotia lies on the coast of
Cape Breton Island. As with many Nova Scotian communities on the ocean, the heart of Sydney
is its waterfront, so watching ships in the harbor
is a favorite pastime for many. As you walk along the harbor shores, be sure to get your photo taken beside the world’s largest fiddle, built in recognition of Cape Breton’s musical talent. Nature walks and seafaring museums highlight the visit to Sydney and its environs.
Founded by Loyalists escaping the Revolutionary War in 1785, Saint John, New Brunswick has emerged as a thriving port city with a unique maritime culture. Its restored historic waterfront and surrounding natural beauty have made it a wonderful travel destination. Visitors must be sure to see the Reversing Falls Rapids, when twice daily the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy rise faster than the river can empty, creating the appearance of reversing rapids.
MARCH/APRIL 2017 – DISCOVERIES EDITION
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