In April, join the world's largest literary celebration, National Poetry Month, in honoring the wonder of words. Here are five ideas to consider:
1. Orchard House, Concorde, Mass.
Visit the home of Louisa May Alcott, the novelist and poet who stole hearts with the compelling story she crafted, using the relationships within her own family as inspiration. You'll take a guided tour and get a glimpse into how the family lived in their home, known as Orchard House. Many of the family's treasures remain in the well-preserved structure, including family china and photographs. You'll find out why the Alcotts kept daily diaries and visit Louisa's bedroom where the shelf desk, upon which she wrote "Little Women," remains.
Contact: louisamayalcott.org.
2. Seuss at Sea on Carnival Cruise Lines.
Relish the clever, rhyming words of a legend aboard a Carnival Cruise where the imagination of Dr. Seuss comes to life for kids of all ages. Savor a "Green Eggs and Ham" breakfast, take part in a Seuss-a-Palooza parade, and enjoy interactive story time. It's all happening as part of the Seuss-at-Sea program, designed to bring the timeless tales to life and create memories for every generation. Kids will also rave about the Waterworks, Camp Ocean and an Imax Theatre.
Contact: carnival.com.
3. Cody, Wyo.
Cowboy poetry got its start on the Western frontier more than 150 years ago. During a long day in the saddle, riders would compose rhymes with the hope of sharing around the campfire at night. The living tradition is still going strong in this corner of Wyoming, where your family can find its own inspiration. Now through mid-August, visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West to see Laura Wilson's exhibit That Day: Pictures in the American West, a captivating collection of images made over three decades. Dan Miller's Cowboy Music Revue puts poetry in musical motion during an evening of family-friendly fun, dining and entertainment.
Contact: yellowstonecountry.org; centerofthewest.org.
4. The Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown, N.Y.
Discover the wild world of a beloved wordsmith within 50 Years, 50 Works, 50 Reasons, Maurice Sendak: The Memorial Exhibition. Expect original illustrations from "Where the Wild Things Are," "Little Bear," "In the Night Kitchen," and other books as well as set design and costume sketches; animation reels, posters and workshop opportunities. Sendak's work is paired with comments and quotes from friends, celebrities and fans who were inspired by his creative soul. Now through May 14.
Contact: fenimoreartmuseum.org; thisiscooperstown.com
5. Your words, your way
Exercise poetic license to celebrate the beauty of your family's favorite words. Pair a reading of Eric Carle's "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" with an outing to Scottsdale's Butterfly Wonderland. Jane Yolen's Caldecott Award-winning "Owl Moon" will surely inspire a magical evening of moonlit discovery. Might the 16 poems within Eloise Greenfield's "Honey, I Love" encourage a family road trip into the countryside? Consider creating your own poetry to honor your recent, current or upcoming adventure.
Contact: butterflywonderland.com; janeyolen.com
