1:         Bread

"NO SPAIN…NO GAIN"

In this economy, sometimes travel can take a back seat to the budget. SIGH. Well, in an effort to provide some great family fun for FREE, the U.S. National Park Service has made some special deal.

Our Geography Awareness Editor, Debbie Glade/smartpoodle, has written an article on many things you may not have known about our National Parks!

Here's great news from the U.S. National Park Service!

We had such fun playing at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts this week! They have a small collection of art from all periods, and currently have a Georgia O'Keefe exhibit. BUT! the best part was the ARTworks interactive gallery! This is "A special place for young visitors! "Paint" with virtual paint on a giant computer screen. Change the colors in a work of art with a computer. Enjoy books, blocks, drawing and more!" The KIA is located in downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Did you know that it’s possible to see almost the entire city of Paris for free?

When many travelers think of Germany, they think of Berlin and Munich or the Rhine wine country, but there are other wonderful cities and states to visit, and Stuttgart and the state of Baden-Württemberg should be on the list. It is on the border of the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) region and is a business center for the auto industry and the U.S. military. There is plenty to see in the Stuttgart area and it’s an easy city to travel in and out of to see other parts of Baden-Württemberg. Here are some notes from my recent trip to the area.

Three Northern Vermont Gems