New England's Top 15

Yes, Ladies & Gents it's true - Frank and I took a 15-day vacation at the beginning of the summer, and we covered 18 states. Needless to say, we had significant couple-bonding time in the car. You never truly know someone unless you drive across the country with them, or at least the eastern seaboard. We've chronicled our trip in different sections so you don't get bored (and that way, I can put in more pictures!). But for now, we want to tempt you with a little taste of the trip. So, we've written a "Top 15" list.

TOP 15 (in no particular order)

1. Vermont is a "must visit" state. If you've never been, definitely make a trip of it. It is 85% trees, and you will likely find only natural Vermont-made products (including great coffee) in its gas stations and restaurants. Its slogan (in the words of a woman we met): "We were green before being green was cool." 

2. Yankees are really nice, despite what Southerners may think.

3. Fenway. Visit it. Even if you're not a Red Sox fan. You'll feel like one since all of New England is anyway.

4. A philly steak and cheese is really just called a "cheesesteak." People in Philadelphia know where they're from; there's no need to be redundant.

5. Despite Harvard's logo of "Veritas," its central statue of John Harvard is one big falsehood. A) Its' inscription: Harvard University, est. 1636 is untrue. The commonwealth of Massachusetts founded the institution in 1636; t didn't become Harvard until John Harvard donated his life belongings to it in 1638. B) The statue is not even the image of John Harvard. All pictures of him were destroyed in a fire before it was built, so they modeled the statue after the president of Harvard at the time it was erected. C) The logo, "Veritas," is written on the book in John's hand, but it's upside down. Hmmm...

6. Lobster, while delicious, is in actuality, pretty disgusting - it is a bottom dweller and feeds off waste in the ocean. And, it's eaten just like a big crawfish. So, all the disgusting parts of eating a crawfish...multiply that by 10 and you have lobster. Mmm!

7. Chris Bosch (NBA player for Toronto) is a really nice guy. We met him in a pastry shop in Boston.

8. Spend a significant amount of time in Maine. Unfortunately, we were only able to see coastal Maine and a couple of lighthouses, which was beautiful, but we wanted to hike along the coast of Northern Maine. We highly recommend that.

9. If you ever want a romantic getaway, Stowe, VT, is the place to go. It's home of the Von Trapp family lodge (Do, a deer, a female deer...), for they fled to VT from Austria. And, Waterbury, the home of Ben & Jerry's, is only 10 minutes away.

10. If you're ever driving up I-85 through South Carolina, stop at some of the local peach stands along the way. Trust me, it'll be worth your while.

11. The Tappan Zee bridge is the prettiest view in New York.

12. Frank and Adam Ruyle Telle, when together, could be mistaken for a gay couple. They just can't hide their love away. (By the way, Adam, you rock. Keep on making a difference in D.C. - you're needed up there!)

13. Shelton, CT, is a hidden gem. It is the founder of the Wiffle ball and home to a kicking Christmas tree farm. Martha Stewart and Rockefeller Center shop there.

14. When driving, always stop at welcome centers and rest areas. They make the trip more interesting.

15. Dunkin' Donuts. America does NOT run on Dunkin', but New England certainly does.