10 for the Road

You can plan now to attend these weekend events, occurring within a few weeks and within a day's drive of Philadelphia.

1. Rock and Minerals Weekend. Morristown, N.J. Nov. 28-29. Examine rare fossils and fluorescent minerals, listen to speakers, and meet mineral, gem and fossil dealers. Events for children, including a sandbox scavenger hunt and a mineral magic show. 973-971-3700; www.morrismuseum.org.

2. Fairgrounds Festival of Lights.

Nov. 27-Jan. 2. Drive or ride a carriage through this wonderland of lights, then visit the "North Pole" to meet Santa, his reindeer, and a shop stocked with gift ideas. 716-649-3900; www.the-fairgrounds.com.

3. ZooLights. Washington. Nov. 27-Dec. 30. The National Zoo shines with thousands of environmentally friendly lights and animated, larger-than-life exhibits. 202-633-4800; www.fonz.org.

4. Winter Waterfowl & Seabird Caravan. Narragansett, R.I. Nov. 28. Dress warmly and bring binoculars, as naturalists lead a tour of birding hotspots. 401-949-5454; www.asri.org.

5. Holly Days. Sandwich, Mass.

Nov. 27-Dec. 18. Festivities include a handbell concert, strolling carolers, Polar Express train rides and a holiday exhibit at the Sandwich Glass Museum. 508-833-9755; www.sandwichchamber.com.

6. Festival of Trees. Timonium, Md.

Nov. 27-29. More than 500 ornately decorated trees, wreaths, and gingerbread houses; live entertainment; holiday craft vendors; and a carousel. 443-923-7300; www.festivaloftrees.kennedykrieger.org.

7. Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets, Modern Science. Cincinnati, Ohio. Through Jan. 3. An exhibition that reveals how archaeologists use modern science and technology to uncover and understand the ancient civilization of Egypt. 513-287-7000; www.cincymuseum.org.

8. Holiday Sea of Trees. Mystic, Conn.

Nov. 27-Jan. 4. The Mystic Aquarium is transformed into a winter wonderland. Trees are decorated with different themes, and bright lights create special effects in the glass surroundings. 860-572-5955; www.mysticaquarium.org.

9. 6th Annual Country Craft Show.

St. Johnsbury, Vt. Nov. 28. Crafters will sell Christmas ornaments, lamp shades, floral arrangements, jewelry, wood products, and more. 802-274-3543; www.northcountrynewsnh.com/web_pages_00000e.htm.

10. Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia.

Nov. 26-28. Williamsburg, Va. Learn how food was prepared and preserved on land and sea by English colonists and Powhatan Indians. 757-253-4838; www.historyisfun.org.

- Erica Lamberg