Exotic Flowers in Boston

Did you know that Niagara Falls is actually one of the Seven Wonders of the World?  If you’ve ever visited, you’d know why right away judging from the spectacular flow of crystal blue water and hypnotic rush of current.  

It’s Amazing, it really is.

Recently, we took a mini family vacation to Ontario, Canada and were able to witness one of Mother Nature’s most impressive creations.  We took a boat ride underneath the falls and could literally breath in the pure intoxication of it all, noticing the deep hues of color and the majestic architecture that forms this complicated system of water.  It’s no wonder why people travel all over the world to visit Niagara and why it is the one of the most replicated images in both paintings and photographs.

So it got me thinking…

If the attraction has been modeled so popularly within picture media, why cant the flower industry do the same? Floral arrangements can also be inspired by this theme and be used in a wide array of projects including bouquets, bridal and funeral work.  Designers would be able to focus upon utilizing product that are capable of being made into archways as well as blooms that either carry some shade of the blue and white spectrum.  Entire weddings could be morphed into a scene reflective of Niagara Falls just by implementing the right blossoms and stems into the floral framework.  

 Long cascade - Photo Courtesy — American Institute of Floral Designers

Oh God, say it isn’t true?  There’s another school vacation coming up?!  Weren’t the kiddies just out for the holiday break, clamoring around the house, bouncing off the walls, frantic to be entertained every second of the day and now they’ll be let out again!  

If you’re anything like me, I’m a mom who loves her children but when it comes to these adorable little weeklong breaks from the classroom, I panic just a bit.  Every other month it seams as though I’m pulling out the activity section of the paper or scrolling down local events on Google searching desperately for something that the three of us can do.  If you’re a family who goes away skiing or flies off to a warm beach, you wont know what I’m talking about but for those of us stuck in the trenches we’re most likely calling “S.O.S.”

Luckily, I’ve recently compiled a list of places and projects that might keep my six-year-old and eleven-year-old boys busy for the duration of their vacation.  New England is tough during this time of year making most activities housebound due to the weather.  Keeping this in mind, with a little research we can make the most of our time.  Don’t worry about horrendous credit card bill statements or empty pocket change in our wallets- where there’s a will there’s a way!  Check out these local family favorites and enjoy February break in a relaxing, anxious free environment.  After all, it is called a vacation so enjoy it!

Places

1. Visit your local library and sign up for their February break programs.  They’re really cool and FREE!
2. Visit the Museum of Science and Aquarium.  

(Don’t forget to grab passes before from your local library!)

3. Trampoline Parks are a great way to burn off energy and luckily, establishments such as Sky Zone and Launch are awesome indoor facilities that provide hours of bouncing entertainment.
4. Go to an art museum-Boston has hundreds!  My favorite places include the Peabody-Essex, De Cordova, Isabella Stewart and Museum of Fine Arts.
5. The Ecotarium in Worcester is having guests inventors show kids their wacky inventions.  Most related activities are free with the price of admission.

Things to Do at Home

1. Get out every art supply you own and let everyone paint, draw or sculpt.
2. Let the kids choose their favorite recipe from a cookbook and have a day whipping up recipes and sweet treats to pass the time.
3. Sledding and Snow Hiking can be a lot of fun if you’re located near the woods.  It’s great exercise and New England is so beautiful during the wintertime.
4. Turn the house into a giant tent by tacking up old sheets and blankets to the furniture.  The children will adore camping while snug and warm in their homes.
5. A Board Game Tournament is wicked fun and will create memories for years to come.  Top games for this include Parcheesi, Sorry, Guess Who and Clue.  

Valentine’s Day is all about hearts, chocolates and flowers but on the years when the holiday falls on either a Friday, Saturday or Sunday (this year the 14th is on a Sunday), Boston couples will be happy to know there are additional options available to say you “I Love You”… to make a huge impression.

Booking a romantic getaway is just the thing to spark the love in a relationship and lucky for us, there are plenty of great places that are in close proximity to the city. Without having the nuisance of traveling by plane, those wanting to escape for a couple of days can find the perfect hotel or inn that best suits you and your honey’s tastes.  Whether your interests lie in the country where you can enjoy romantic walks in the woods or a more urban approach of sipping martinis inside of a fancy nightclub, Boston has an extensive variety of places to choose from!  Many hotels will also offer package deals, which may include couple’s massages, champagne brunch or complimentary roses.  So if you’re interested in adding a bit more spice to the festivities this Valentine’s Day, visit these sensational locations to celebrate the day of love in style!

Lake Salem Inn, Derby, Vermont

Not only do the rooms have a magnificent view of Lake Champlain but visitors will also get treated for a romantic dinner for two, spa treatments and complimentary flowers. Oh, and make sure you try the Champlain chocolates-they’re delicious!

Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa, Stowe, Vt.

I’ve stayed here before and boy did we have a great time appreciating the gorgeous mountain landscape as well as their indoor pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, spa, salon, restaurants and game room!  The hotel is affordable as well as an easy trip back to the city.

The Eastland Park Hotel, Portland, Maine

This is a great deal. You get breakfast in bed, truffles and a free set of pajamas for you and your sweetheart!

XV Beacon Hotel, Boston, MA

This hotel is featuring two special deals this year, which both offer an incredibly menu of romantic enticing.  Breakfast in bed, late check out times, champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, rose petal bed turndowns and a warm fireplace right in the room are all a part of the inspiring possibilities for couples.   

It’s finally March but if you’re living in New England, there is still a ton of snow blanketing the ground and things are still looking a bit depressing.  Everyone knows spring will eventually arrive relieving us of this ice dam, blizzard infested winter season but we want to know when!  For some Bostonians, the warm weather hasn’t arrived soon enough and hopping a flight to a steamier climate is starting to look like a better and better idea.  Sure, we’ll survive the temperature gage that hasn’t read higher than the teens in weeks but why can’t we reward ourselves with some pre-season sunshine in the meantime?  I know you’re thinking its too expensive with all the repairs you’ll have to make to your home after all of the snowstorms and booking a last minute trip will only bring headaches of inflated air flight tickets and hotel rates.  I’m in that same leaking boat as many of us are but what about taking a gander at a few hidden gems that might not break our wallets or trample us with extensive credit card debt?  Believe it or not, there are options available to any budget so here are a few to help find your tropical winter getaway!

Saint Lucia is becoming more and more popular for east coast travelers during the months of January and February and there is a good reason why… The island is very small and comparably to many other destinations, relatively easy to get to with a direct flight of 4 hours and 36 minutes.  The vacation locale also maintains several resorts including Ladera Resort, Sugar Beach, The Landings and Coconut Bay.  Many of the luxurious hotels offer all-inclusive deals such as the Sandals Grande St. Lucian, which promotes daily deals and special offers.  I have personally visited this beautiful destination and can only applaud the warm and friendly island atmosphere and delicious foods that both the dining resorts and restaurants provide.  One other tip if you’re thinking about booking a trip to Saint Lucia, make sure you sign up for the banana field and tropical rainforest tour.  The cost is minimal and you wont believe the natural beauty that this island has been blessed with.   There is no beating their banana daiquiris! 

                       photo credit: destinationsguide.copaair.com

Punta Cana is another option if you desire a quick travel experience for low expenditure.  Located on the most eastern tip of the Dominican Republican, this area is most famous for their beaches, which have been said to resemble silky granules of gold.  Unlike many other warmer resort destinations, Punta Cana is famous for attracting sun seekers who are uninterested in other activities such as site seeing.  Although it manifests spectacular ocean shores and skyline views, this tropical paradise holds other few attractions to tour.  These resorts are designed to satisfy every desire of replenishing both the physical and mental demands that Boston winter weather may have compromised.  We’re talking massages, sun bathing, dining and sleep-the key ingredients to curing the snowbound blues.   Tortuga Bay, Sanctuary Cap Cana and Casa de Campo all put on a terrific spread with all-inclusive deals encompassing all of these amenities and fluctuate little during the course of the year.  Have fun and don’t forget your sun block! 

Suzie Canale,

Westwood MA