This is a space where our readers share recommendations and interesting finds from their local communities.
Traveling? Check out Sanctuary's READER RAMBLE.
SEND YOUR SHOUT-OUTS!
Please note that you may continue to send recommendations for past Reader Rambles.
Traveling? Check out Sanctuary's READER RAMBLE.
SEND YOUR SHOUT-OUTS!
Please note that you may continue to send recommendations for past Reader Rambles.
October 2026
Best Scenic Drive in Autumn
EMAIL US or use the form located here!
Send your first name and last initial, location of establishment, and link, so readers can learn more. |
Maine:
Acadia All-American Road, NH (Acadia National Park to Trenton) "A 40-mile, breathtaking drive!" ~ Alan New Hampshire: White Mountain National Forest, NH "There's nothing like driving through the White Mountains!" ~ Alice |
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August 2026
Best Adventure Park
Best Adventure Park
Best Adventure Park in Your Area
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New York:
Boundless Adventures, Purchase, NY "Something for EVERYONE! Love the Junior Explorers for kids." ~ Becca Virginia: Canopy Adventure Park, Midlothian, VA "Cool ziplines!" ~ S. N. Water Country USA, Williamsburg, VA "Best Floating River." ~ Cathy |
June 2026
Best Bike Trail
Best Bike Trail
Best Bike Trail
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New York:
Dutchess Rail Trail, Poughkeepsie, NY "Great trail strattling the Hudson River and the beautiful Walkway Over the Hudson historic landmark." ~ Robin M. Pennsylvania Schuylkill River Rail Trail, Southern, PA "Gorgeous views! Spans several counties." ~ Madeline |
April 2026
Best Family-Friendly Farm
Best Family-Friendly Farm
Best Family-Friendly Farm
(Offering Activities for Kids of All Ages) |
February 2026
Must-See Women's History Museum or Monument
Must-See Women's History Museum or Monument
(We're thinking ahead to Women's History Month) |
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Women's History Center, Newton, MA "The Center amplifies the history of contributions of Massachusetts women of all backgrounds and aims to inspire others." ~ Lisa B. New Hampshire
Hannah Duston Memorial Historic Park (1874), Boscawen, NH "This is the first publicly funded statue in New Hampshire. Great picnic spot, too!" ~ Evelyn M. Washington, D.C.
National Museum of Women Artists (NMWA), Washington, DC "The first museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts." ~ Sanctuary Team |
December 2025
Best Holiday Festival/Event
Best Holiday Festival/Event
(Something for everyone!) |
New York
Kevin McCurdy's Holiday Spirit Festival, Wappingers Falls, NY "Bring the grandkids. They'll love it!" ~ Ella Pennsylvania
Gingerbread Competition/Peddler's Village, Lahaska, Bucks County, PA "Really great display. Includes kids' competition. Great for families." ~ Eleanor |
October 2025
Best Community Art Gallery
Best Community Art Gallery
(A place locals go for more than art!) |
Pennsylvania
Square Pear Fine Art Gallery, Kennett Square, PA "More than fine art exhibitions! Artisans, card shop & classes, too!" ~ Katherine P. Vermont
Southern Vermont Arts Center, Manchester, VT "Great school programs and adult classes!" ~ Amanda |
August 2025
Best Farmers Market
Best Farmers Market
(This can be a traditional market with fruits/veggies or one with more options, such as hot foods/crafts, etc.) |
Kentucky
Douglass Loop Farmers Market, Louisville, KY "Nonprofit outreach mission of a local church." [Douglass Boulevard Christian Church] ~Hannah L. New Jersey Berlin Farmers Market, Berlin, NJ "This is a family owned and operated market since 1940. Indoor and outdoor markets. It's huge and includes artisans." ~ Beth New York Northport Farmers Market, Northport, NY "Now hosting live music on Saturdays!" ~ Mary A. |
June 2025
Best Summer Festival
Best Summer Festival
(This can be a family, culture, history, or food/beverage festival in your area.) |
Maine
Rockport Donut Festival, Rockport, ME "My grandkids love this!" ~ Mary R. New York Dutchess County Fair, Rhinebeck, NY "So much more than rides! Come for the music, cooking demonstrations, and more!" ~ Amy D. Pennsylvania Clarion Summer Fest, Clarion, PA "This is the best of small-town living!" ~ Alison Tennessee IBMA World of Bluegrass Festival, Chattanooga, TN "For lovers of Bluegrass music!" ~ Bev F. |
April 2025
Best Garden Center
Best Spot to Buy Plants/Flowers and Get Advice
(This can be a garden shop/center, market garden, nursery, etc.) |
Florida
Blue Star Nursery, Hawthorne, FL "Known for quality Florida-native plants." ~ Cheryl T. New York Adams Fairacre Farms, Poughkeepsie, NY "Family-owned with several locations now. I love the Poughkeepsie store for garden and landscape needs." ~ Donna P. Peconic River Herb Farm, Claverton, NY "This is a boutique-style, specialty plant nursery providing garden-worthy plants since 1986." ~ Anne C. Pennsylvania Linvilla Orchards, Media, PA "Love to bring my kids here!" ~ Jamie South Carolina Jarrett's Jungle, West Columbia, SC "I found this place when I was on vacation. Fabulous flowers and arrangements." ~ Dawn S. |
February 2025
Best Soup
Best Spot to Order Soup
(This can be a restaurant, deli, food truck, etc., in your local area.) Share your favorite. |
California
The Farmer's Union, San Jose, CA "Gluten free creamy tomato is awesome!" ~ Olivia M. Maine Harvest Moon Deli, Orono, ME "Love their apple and squash soup. But all their homemade soups are great!" ~ Anna P. New Hampshire The Bridge Cafe, Manchester, NH "Love their soup specials. Gluten free options available." ~ Heidi R. New York Santa Fe, Woodstock, NY "Best black bean soup!" ~ Arlene S. |
