The Penguin Encounter program at Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut, is so intimate... you'll get to touch a penguin's webbed feet and listen to her heart beat. And you may go home wearing a souvenir... if you catch my drift. So, leave your black tie attire at home, but don't miss the rare chance to interact with and appreciate these endangered aquatic birds.

More of New England's Best Animal Adventures

Also in Mystic...

• Connecticut's Most Famous Pizzeria
• Mystic Seaport: The Museum of America and the Sea

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_{Penguin Encounter photo © 2012 Kim Knox Beckius.}

I'm not embarrassed to admit it: I woke up wearing lobster pajammies today! How will you be celebrating National Lobster Day? New England offers so many temptations, whether you want to munch on lobster corn dogs or order lobster for breakfast!

Stop & Shop here in Connecticut has lobster on sale for $5.99 per pound, so I'll be cooking lobster at home. Just have to decide whether to boil lobsters, grill lobsters, make lobster sliders, cook lobster egg rolls, or maybe... in honor of Father's Day... we'll steam them in beer!

_{Lobster photo © 2010 Kim Knox Beckius.}

New additions this week to Kim's New England Deal Sheet:

• Get $100 in free resort money in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Maine's Bethel Inn when you book a two-night Stay & Dine package this summer;
• Steal a stay at Woodstock, Vermont's Kedron Valley Inn, where June rates are 30% off starting at $104 per couple; and
• Take Dad on a free train ride aboard New Hampshire's Conway Scenic Railroad this Father's Day.

All Current New England Travel Deals

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_{Bethel Inn Resort photo © 2006 Kim Knox Beckius.}

Father's Day is just six days away. Are you doing something special for your MVP--Most Valuable Pop? He really doesn't need another tool, does he? New England is the perfect place to take Dad out to a ball game, so wrap up tickets and really make his day. Here's a guide to baseball in New England that will help you to plan a special outing for your father or any special baseball fan in your life.

More for Sports Fans:

• How to Get Red Sox Tickets
• Visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown
• Get in the Game at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield

_{Cape Cod Baseball League photo © 2004 Kim Knox Beckius.}