Things to Do Archives - Starr Tours & Charters
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Honoring Our Veterans Through Donations

Doc Hastings once said, “We owe our World War II veterans, and all of our veterans, a debt we can never fully repay.” This November 11th is Veterans Day, a day when we remember and honor those that have fought for our freedom. This Veterans Day, keep in mind the privileges we hold as Americans, and help to empower those that have served our country.

Here are some ways we can help our veterans, no price tag attached.

 

Donate Candy:

Have a lot of leftover Halloween candy? Or, can you just not stand the taste of Twizzlers? Either way, your Halloween candy rejects can go to a good place, and brighten up the day of a soldier. Soldier’s Angels is a charity that, “provides aid and comfort to the men and women of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and their families.” Their mission is to make no soldier go unloved, and you can help them do just that. As part of their Treats for Troops Program, you can donate candy through the mail, or visit or start a registered collection site. They have a goal this year of 17,000 pounds of candy, so drop on by and give some soldiers some sweets. In the event you don’t have any candy, they also accept donations year round, or join their Adopt-A-Soldier Program, and change the lives of some heroes.

 

Send a Thank You Letter:

Nothing can make people smile more than a nice handwritten letter to make you feel more at home. Through Operation Gratitude, you can send letters and thank yous to soldiers that will be sent in the care packages the company delivers. They encourage to include your child on this journey with you, make it happy and colorful, and get ready to make a veteran’s day. Maybe you’ll even make a new friend in the process.

 

 

Donate Your Old Cell Phone:

Sometimes just hearing the voice of a loved one, even if they’re a million miles away, is all you need to feel a little bit closer to home. Sadly, many veterans do not have this opportunity. In 2004, Minutes That Matter was started by two young kids who wanted to change the lives of soldiers. They started this charity and have provided 300 million minutes on the phone for soldiers to talk to their family and friends. To help out Minutes That Matter, donate any old flip phone, smartphone or tablet, even if its cracked. Your donation will help connect families.

 

 

How Starr Honors Veterans:

Starr values veterans, and would like to formally salute anyone who has risked their lives for our country. We honor their sacrifices and they will never be forgotten. Starr’s bus tour division gives a 5% discount to all active or retired military, disabled veterans, and military reservists. When making a reservation for a bus trip, please provide Military ID and Starr’s Travel Advisor will be happy to offer the discount.

 

Be sure to check out last year’s post for more charities to check out to support our veterans!

How To Spend Your “On Own” Time In Olde Mistick Village

How To Spend Your “On Own” Time In Olde Mistick Village

Olde Mistick Village is a top-rated hot spot in Mystic, Connecticut! A trip to this quaint New England village is like a journey into Colonial New England where fastidious attention to detail gives visitors an authentic historical experience into the 18th-century. Known for its tranquil and serene atmosphere, you can get lost in the charming shop windows and divine restaurants. There are no two places the same! So when you take your trip to Olde Mistick Village and you have some free time to explore, how on earth do you choose what to do?

Here are some inside tips to some of the best and most popular things to do in the area:

  1. Browse the shops! Enjoy a leisurely stroll down the brick pathways, popping in and out of the adorable shops along your way. From specialty food stores highlighting products like honey, chocolate, and olive oil,  to international stores with items from Tibet, Ireland, and Scandinavia, you’re sure to find unique items to bring home with you! There’s even a general store! With men’s and women’s clothing, jewelry, home décor, and much more, these shops really have everything and more!

 

  1. Feeling hungry? Grab some lunch or a snack at one of Olde Mistick Village’s one-of-a-kind restaurants. Enjoy a classic wood-fired pizza at Mango’s Wood-Fired Pizza Co. Watch as they prepare your pizza in the open kitchen with traditional artisan methods. This option is sure to be a hit! For a fun and modern setting, you might want to opt for some seafood at Go Fish. When you’re back on the move and you have a bit of a sweet tooth, stop by Bleu Squid, known for their award-winning cupcakes, or Mango’s Homemade Ice Cream!

 

  1. Sit back and relax! After you’ve browsed the shops and found your treasures, grab lunch and sit outside. Picturesque settings of trees and flowers and a duck pond are the perfect backdrop to people watching and leisurely conversation.

 

At Starr, we love giving our customers the opportunity to go off on their own and explore the destinations a little more. This is exactly why we’ve added some “on own” time to your agenda! How you spend this time is all up to you, but there is no question that every minute is sure to be enjoyable in Olde Mistick Village. Between the shops, the dining, and the scenery, there is something for everyone!

You can visit Olde Mistick Village on the following tours:
Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard
Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, & Nantucket
Gloucester Whale Watch
Newport Lobsterfest
Newport Flower Show

Olde Mistick Village Photo Courtesy of Mystic County Connecticut