Get weekend trip inspiration with free Swansea Library program

Get weekend trip inspiration at free Swansea Library event Sept. 21

If you want to find a peaceful spot for a picnic or to take a hike, a cozy inn for a special weekend or a kayaking adventure, come to a special presentation of Hidden Gems of New England sponsored by the Friends of the Swansea Library on Sept. 21. Hidden Gems is based on a New England travelogue that will inspire you to find great destinations in New Hampshire, Vermont, and the Berkshires.

Co-authored by journalist Alison O’Leary and New York Times bestselling author Michael Tougias (The Finest Hours), the book Inns & Adventures combines their love of outdoor exploration with writing.
O’Leary will offer highlights of the book through a multimedia program for Swansea Public Library at the First Christian Congregational Church, 1113 GAR Highway, at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, September 21.

“The library audiences love traveling with us, from swimming in rivers to hiking above the treeline,” O’Leary says of her stunning images of New England’s natural beauty. “Depending on the audience, I have lots of suggestions for families with kids, for scenic drives and for some real outdoor adventures.”

The book’s central themes are hiking, history, and hospitality in Vermont, New Hampshire, and the Berkshires. Most chapters include an activity like hiking or fishing, combined with local lore and a night at a small local inn or bed and breakfast.

“We’re always amazed at the variety of swimming holes, beautiful bike rides and friendly innkeepers we find along the way,” O’Leary says of traveling in New England. “We’re so blessed to have such natural beauty close enough to visit on a weekend trip, and I love sharing these suggestions with people to get them excited about exploring off the beaten path.”

A book signing will follow. For more information see www.alisonoleary.com.