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New Zealand: Waitakere – New Zealand’s Silver Fern
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The silver fern has been a symbol of New Zealand since the 1880s. To Maori, the shape of the fronds stood for strength, resistance, and power. To other New Zealanders, it’s exemplifies their homeland as it grows throughout the country from the North Island down to the coast of the South Island. It is the most abundant of all ferns in New Zealand. You can find it on all kinds of souvenirs. We bought sports socks with ferns on them as a momento of New Zealanders who enjoy lots of physical activity. 
Italy, Florence: Ponte Vecchio, Florence
The Ponte Vecchio (old bridge) is a medieval stone bridge and the only one to cross the Arno River until 1218. This one is “newer”, having been rebuilt after a flood in 1345. It’s famous because it has shops built along it, as was once was the practice. Originally it was butchers, now it’s jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers.
Great Britain, London: Harry Potter Train Platform
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When in London, kids make a pilgrimage to the Kings Cross tube station where Harry Potter left for Hogwarts on special platform numbered 9 3/4. When we first visited this spot, a decade ago, there was the simple sign on the wall. It was a real treasure hunt to find it in the station.
Nowadays, it’s very easy. Just look for the giant lineup of kids and their parents willing to pay to take photos in front of it – AND- the very busy shop next door selling everything Harry Potter possible. You don’t need to pay to get into the Tube to get to this part of the station.
US: Annapolis, MD – Sail Away on a Wine Tasting Cruise on Chesapeake Bay
Located in the heart of the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis is “America’s Sailing Capital.”
August Wine in the Wind – Along the Douro is a true sailing experience. Unwind on a two hour sail around the Chesapeake Bay while sampling wonderful wines from Portugal. You will be able to help raise the sails, steer the boat, or simply sit back and relax with your wine and food.
The beautiful, wooden, 74-foot schooner departs at 4:00pm and returns at 6:00 pm. A representative from the winery will be on board to introduce you to four special wines while you are under sail. The cruise will include 3-oz samples of each of the four wines featured. Along with each wine is a delicious, perfectly paired bite (referred to as magnificent morsels) for you to enjoy with each wine. 
Wines being featured:
Mapreco Vinho Verde
Mapreco Vinho Verde Rose
Barao De Vilar Reserva, Douro
Noval Black Porto
You get to take-home your boat friendly, wine glass by Go Vino with the Woodwind’s logo on it as a souvenir of the day.
Location: Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, 80 Compromise Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Date: Sun, Aug 12 2018
Time: 4pm -6pm
Tel: 410-263-7837
schoonerwoodwind.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitannapolis.org
US: Portsmouth, NH – FREE Weekly Open House at Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse
Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses hosts open houses at Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse in New Castle every Sunday from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October (Columbus Day weekend).
No reservations are necessary as tours are on a first come, first served basis. Children must be 42 inches tall to climb to the top, and adults are not permitted to carry children up the stairs. 
Visitors get to climb to the lantern room to enjoy the magnificent view and to see the fourth-order Fresnel lens up close. Volunteers will tell visitors about the history of the light station, and there will be souvenirs for sale.
There are 44 stairs to the watch room and a 7-rung ladder to the lantern room. Flat shoes (not sandals or flip-flops) are required to climb the ladder into the lantern room.
Location: Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse Coast Guard Station,
25 Wentworth Rd, New Castle, NH 03854
Date: Every Sun, starting June 3 ’til Oct 14th 2018
Time: 1 – 5pm
Tel: 603-534-0537
portsmouthharborlighthouse.org
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: portsmouthnh.com
US: Perryville, MD – Try Your Luck in Perryville
If you like to dip your toes into casino waters, head to the Hollywood Casino Perryville, the first gaming facility to open in the state of Maryland. Smaller in size, not too noisy and a friendly atmosphere makes for a pleasurable experience.
With over 850 slots, there is a good mix of classic favorites and some of the newest technology. including the Ellen (Degeneres) video slot machine. There are also 20 tables highlighting classic casino games. They also offer off-track betting.
If you’re like us and prefer to do a little shopping instead of trying your luck, step inside the Rodeo Drive Gift Shop for a good selection of Maryland souvenirs, collectibles from Hollywood’s classic movies , unique gifts and souvenir Hollywood Casino items.
casual dining venue, features a variety of entrees each with its own special flair. Celebrity Bar and Grill offers FREE live entertainment every Saturday night and weekly trivia contests and karaoke nights.
Guests must be 21 Years or older to enter the Casino, restaurants and shops.
Location: Hollywood Casino, 1201 Chesapeake Overlook Pkwy, Perryville, MD 21903
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Tel: 410-378-8500
hollywoodcasinoperryville.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: seececil.org
US: Portland, ME – Take in the Beauty of Autumn With a Ride Aboard the Pumpkin Train
Autumn is a beautiful time of year on the coast of Maine. Enjoy the season with a visit to the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum and a ride aboard the Pumpkin Train.
Children can explore the museum , which offers a children’s play area with train tables, coloring activities, dress-up like a conductor, and child-size train station and train to climb in and the featured activity where you can paint a miniature pumpkin to bring home as a souvenir to commemorate the day.
All visitors are treated to complimentary hot cider and cookies as they travel along Portland’s waterfront. The train ride lasts approximately 40 minutes and travels 1.5 miles (3 miles round trip). Train crew and/or museum docents are aboard with historical and site information and providing a narrative throughout the ride. Both open air cars and enclosed cars are available.
Celebrate the beauty of autumn with a ride aboard the Pumpkin Train. It’s fun for the whole family and even family-friendly pets on a leash are welcome to this leisurely way to enjoy the scenic Eastern Promenade of Casco Bay. Trains operates rain or shine.
Location: Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum,
58 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101
Dates: Oct 22nd & 23rd, Oct 29th & 30th
Time: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm, Trains on the hour 10am-3pm
Tel: 207-828-0814
mainenarrowgauge.org/pumpkin-train
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitportland.com
Canada: Cape Breton, Nova Scotia – Smooth Rum
Fortress Louisbourg, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, is producing smooth rum – a drink that would have been downed by rich and poor in the 18th century. Don’t forget to bring it home as a souvenir. Every time you feel the smooth liquor go down, you’ll remember your trip – and how lucky we are to live in this century. To buy it, just ask for Fortress Rum, what else?
