Hi-
We took a trip this fall to our old home in CT...went first to NY we read Jean Fritz's book on Benedict Arnold (I recommend her books highly, great for kids and adults)...started at the Battle of Saratoga (national park junior ranger program), then headed north to Fort TIconderoga on the northern end of Lake George...first drove up Mt Defiance which gives you a great view of the fort. We also enjoyed Old Sturbridge Village in MA as a great comparison to Williamsburg in VA at the same time period.

In CT if you have hunters there is a new Cabelas store in East Hartford, not history but an experience.

Mystic/Groton are has Old Mystic Village and aquarium (not cheap) we have been here, they are good but instead visited the Submarine base where there is a free submarine museum and tour of the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear powered submarine. Big hit with the boys and girls. (boys ages 12 NS 10, girls ages 8).

Becky

Definitely check out Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, MA! www.osv.org

You have to see Rhode Island! I'm a student writing a research paper on the importance of family, and I found out about your family trip from an aol article. It sounds like you all will have a lot of fun! Anyway, the beaches in Rhode Island are great, and there are several seafood resturants to visit. I hope the rest of your trip goes well!!!

Boston.

The Freedom Trail (I didn't have time but a coworker did it) and the tour of the USS Constitution. I know your boys will love the USS Constitution. The tours are given by active duty sailors (as the ship is on a naval base). I learned all kinds of stuff in 1 hour. Boys between 8 and 11 served on these naval vessels. I believe they were called "powder monkeys!"

regards

We're making our way there. Right now we're just outside of Philly. We'll be in Boston in a couple of weeks and I had the USS Constitution on my list. Thanks for the tip. I'm sure our little "powder monkeys" will love it!