Travel & Leisure-All Things New England: Your source for family attractions, events and recreation-Museums, landmarks and places to stay.

Eden Dogsledding: Eden Mills, VT

At Eden Dogsledding, it’s all about the dogs. This might sound self-evident for a place which offers dogsled tours all winter;Dog-Sledding-On-Wheels spring, summer, and fall; and mushing lessons year-round. However, there is a different feel to this world where canines are king—a difference which many people find is the most memorable part of their visit. Eden Dogsledding was founded over ten years ago by dog sled sprint racer Jim Blair, with the vision of providing an exceptional home for his Alaskan Huskies, and an exceptional introduction to the world of dogsledding for visitors. In both areas, Jim has been a pioneer—devising new strategies so that dogs and people can learn from each other. In most musher’s kennels, the dogs are chained to their houses, unable to interact with other dogs or people except when they’re hitched to a sled. With dozens of dogs, each with their own canine instincts for interacting with tooth and claw, this seemed like the only option. But Jim wasn’t happy having his racing teammates on the end of a chain. It just didn’t feel right. So Jim began creating an environment where dogs could be free to be dogs—a hierarchical pack like that of their wolf ancestors, with the run of several large fenced paddocks and a heated barn. The pack raised dogs were friendlier, more confident, and more willing to work with inexperienced humans. Jim calls these huskies the “Un-Chained Gang.”

Peace Pups: Lake Elmore, Vermont

Peace Pups Dogsledding in Lake Elmore, VT

My name is Ken Haggett and I am owner of Peace Pups Dogsledding. We are located in Elmore, Vermont and are just kicking off our sixth season in business. When I started Peace Pups Dogsledding back in 2005 my goal was to create a socially responsible business that would create a positive change in the world. What does that look like for a dogsled tour company? I’m still working on that! I donate 10% of our profits to organizations. My biggest yearly donations have been to Democracy Now but I also make smaller donations to several non-profits like the Cancer Survivors Fund and Vermont Special Olympics among others. I do workshops and school presentations to promote dogsledding and compassionate animal care. I pay a livable wage to my employees and try my best to make working at Peace Pups an enjoyable and rewarding experience for my employees both human and canine. Much like I do, my employees enjoy being outside, working with dogs and meeting new people from a wide range of backgrounds. I think the same holds true for the dogs. They enjoy being outside working with us and all of the attention they receive from our guests. And of course they get to run-their favorite thing to do!

Cheney Hall: Manchester, CT

Cheney Hall, built by the same immigrant labor who worked the historic Cheney Mills 150 years ago, was always meant to be a cultural arts center. The Cheney Brothers wanted a place where their employees could gather to hear great orators, poets, dramatists and musicians of the time. And so they did . . .Susan B. Anthony, Henry Ward Beecher, Presidents Grover Cleveland and William H. Taft graced the hall. In more recent days, the noted names have been Janis Ian, Ritchie Havens, John McEwen, Jonathan Edwards, Nils Lofgren and Kenny Rankin.

For over six decades the Hall served as a library, armory (during the Spanish American War), banquet hall, hospital, school, church and tea room. With social and political changes, the silk industry (for which the Cheney’s were famous along with velvet and yarn) and use of Cheney Hall declined. It ironically became a fabric showroom in 1925 and finally closed its doors in 1976.

Massachusetts National Parks Service RV Itinerary

winter island park RV travelers certainly love America's national parks and properties run by the National Park Service, and Massachusetts has excellent examples to explore. Follow along as we map a trail through the history, scenic beauty and RV camping opportunities of Massachusetts' national parks.

Did you know that within two hours' drive of Boston are almost a dozen National Park Service sites? Here are three itineraries; follow one or take an extended vacation and do them all. Either way, your RV camping trip in Massachusetts will be extraordinary.