The 10th month on the calendar is designed for travel. Plan next year's escape to Boston, when the summer crowds evaporate, the company's fourth quarter earning are determined and the holiday mad dashing is leashed. I'm somewhat of an expert on this time of year in New England since half of my dozen or so visits there occurred in October. Here are my must-stops.
The Kennedy Library: With the Democrats back in office, it's time to revisit the era of our 35th president. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum http://www.jfklibrary.org/, a stunning I.M. Pei design, is located on the 10-acre waterfront park on Columbia Point. Take in the views of the harbor and skyline. The exhibits change, and if you're lucky, the dresses Jackie wore as first lady will be on display. Call ahead for exhibit information; hopefully the admission will keep at $10. There's a free shuttle to the T's Red Line JFK Library/UMass stop, which runs takes you to other key Boston areas and Cambridge. There's also free parking at the library. Did you know that 95 percent of Ernest Hemingway's writings is housed in the Kennedy library?
The Head of the Charles: My first venture into Cambridge a few years ago coincided with the October week of the world's la
rgest regatta. Had no idea why there was such a hubbub, and I found the crowd around Harvard Square an inconvenience. Now that I know a Radcliffe Crew member that competes in the annual event, I'm a big-time fan. I got to see the competition from the Harvard Boathouse on the Charles River. That vantage point is by invitation-only. There are great spots along the river to cheer, gawk and marvel over the rowing sights in the best of fair-like atmosphere. Spectators from around the globe buzz about. It's fun to listen in on the accents and languages. Sponsors' vendors are among the most civilized I've seen. The smells from the wide range of food concessions, however, tempt you from every direction. Still trying to decide if I like fried dough. Speaking of dough, this event is free. http://www.hocr.org/home/default.asp
The Head of the Charles: My first venture into Cambridge a few years ago coincided with the October week of the world's la
rgest regatta. Had no idea why there was such a hubbub, and I found the crowd around Harvard Square an inconvenience. Now that I know a Radcliffe Crew member that competes in the annual event, I'm a big-time fan. I got to see the competition from the Harvard Boathouse on the Charles River. That vantage point is by invitation-only. There are great spots along the river to cheer, gawk and marvel over the rowing sights in the best of fair-like atmosphere. Spectators from around the globe buzz about. It's fun to listen in on the accents and languages. Sponsors' vendors are among the most civilized I've seen. The smells from the wide range of food concessions, however, tempt you from every direction. Still trying to decide if I like fried dough. Speaking of dough, this event is free. http://www.hocr.org/home/default.asp Wompatuck State Park: There arguably is no more beautiful colors of nature than New England's fall foliage
. If you want to take it in in one vibrant fell swoop, visit Wompatuck, 11 miles from Boston in Hingham on the southern shore. Wompatuck is quiet in October, allowing nature seekers to take in authentic sounds of the woods' inhabitants. If you drive through, cruise at a slow speed so you don't miss the brilliance of maples in reds, ye
llows and oranges. If you're hiking or biking, along the way, stop and perch on one of the giant stones for one of the many panoramas. Ponds strewn throughout are covered with lily pads waiting to brace the occasional leaping frog. For sportsmen, horseback riding and boating (nonmotorized) are available. The cost of serenity is free.(PHOTOS: Jean Nash Johnson)
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