When you think of New England, you probably instinctively see white-painted, steepled churches; recall such patriotic events as Paul Revere's historic ride; taste the succulent flavor of lobster drowned in butter; and envision winding country roads splashed with the wondrous colors of fall. But--New England also offers its share of oddities. I'd never want to spoil your pristine visions of the region that gave birth to our eclectic nation, but if you're looking for a slightly different side to New England, here is your A to Z guide to some of the region's weird, strange, wacky and odd attractions
- America's Stonehenge - And you thought you had to go to the "old" England to see a prehistoric archaeological enigma! No! Just head about 40 miles north of Boston to North Salem, New Hampshire, where you can explore 30 acres of cavelike dwellings, astronomically aligned rock formations, a sacrificial stone and other mysterious structures left behind by an unknown people. Call 603-893-8300 for more information.
Barnum Museum - Phineas T. Barnum, the crown prince of oddities and founder of "The Greatest Show on Earth," was born in Connecticut. The Barnum Museum in Bridgeport, Connecticut, pays homage to the creativity of this genuine American entrepreneur and his cast of characters, including General Tom Thumb: the "smallest man alive." General information, including admission prices, hours and directions, is available at the museum's Web site, or call 203-331-1104.
CRRA Garbage Museum - Here it is--a trashy place where you'll want to take the kids! Home to the Trash-o-saurus, the CRRA Garbage Museum in Stratford, Connecticut, teaches youngsters the importance of reusing and recycling. The museum is open Wednesday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. from September through June and Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in July and August. For information call 203-381-9571.
Desert of Maine - New England's not exactly known for its deserts, but thanks to a glacier that left behind a large deposit of sand some 11,000 years ago, Freeport, Maine, is now home to a genuine desert which visitors, tired of New England's babbling brooks and verdant hills, can tour. The desert is open from early May to mid-October. Call 207-865-6962 for more information.
Equinox - The Equinox is a historic hotel in Manchester Village, Vermont, that has hosted many famous guests since it opened in 1769. According to stories, one guest who hasn't checked out and who continues to haunt the hotel is Mary Todd Lincoln, a frequent guest of the hotel following the assassination of President Lincoln. To book your stay with the spooks, call The Equinox toll free at 800-362-4747.
Fabulous Fixtures - Are you into plumbing fixtures? Well, golly, then you're in luck! Watertown, Massachusetts, is now home to the Plumbing Museum (formerly the American Sanitary Plumbing Museum in Worcester). You'll find everything here... including, uh, the kitchen sink! The museum is open to the plumbing-appreciating public Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. by appointment only. Call 617-926-2111 for information.
Gillette Castle - Actor and Connecticut native William Gillette, known for his portrayals of Sherlock Holmes on stage, spent more than $1 million, quite a fortune at the turn 20th of the century, constructing his castle in East Haddam, Connecticut. Now a Connecticut State Park, the castle and all of its intricate hidden mirrors and creative decor is open for visitors to explore. Admission to the grounds is free, and there is a charge to tour the castle. For more information, call 860-526-2336.
Holy Land USA - Perched on the hill overlooking Waterbury, Connecticut, this now-defunct but still often visited miniature Jerusalem with its Hollywood-style sign and towering steel cross was a legitimate tourist attraction in the 1960s and 1970s. Closed since 1984, it is still a Waterbury landmark and a lure for the curious and the pious.
Isinglass Mountain near Grafton, New Hampshire, is home to Ruggles Mine, where you can spend all day hammering away and searching for your own semi-precious gems! The oldest mica, feldspar and beryl mine in the U.S. is open daily from mid-June to mid-October and on weekends earlier in the season. Admission is $23 for adults and $13 for children ages 4 to 11. Call 603-523-4275 for directions and information.
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