Tobago: Premier Eco-Tourism Destination

Tobago has over 200 bird species on just 116 square miles of land. The island has several great vantage points for bird watching including the Grafton Caledonia Wildlife Sanctuary, the Main Ridge Forest Reserve and Little Tobago Island, a small offshore island located just off the village of Speyside. Tobago is home to over 6000 species of plants and animals, including one of the highest densities of bird species in the world, on just 116 square miles of land.

Aside from its fantastic birds, Tobago is surrounded by rich and colorful reefs with 300 species of South Atlantic coral and more than 600 species of fish. The island is also internationally recognized for its drift dives. Tobago is also home to the Nylon Pool, a warm shallow area in the middle of the Buccoo Reef.

Tobago's rich culture is as diverse as the many countries that fought to control the island. The heritage of the enslaved Africans has also heavily influenced the island's culture. Many of the folktales, superstitions, art, music and traditional dances reflect the island's European and African roots. These are celebrated annually during the Tobago Heritage Festival, which runs from early July to August. Fishing, the mainstay of many of the island's inhabitants, is celebrated with parties, sports and other events on St Peter's Day.

Fought over by the Spanish, British, Dutch, Courlanders, French and even the Americans, Tobago boasts a rich and varied history. The various forts and historical sites that dot the island are testament to the island's former colonial masters and diverse history.

Tobago has many beautiful beaches; some are very secluded others are equipped with life guards, concessionaires and modern facilities. Some beaches boast white sands, shallow bays and calm blue waters, others have shallow reefs for snorkeling and some are more exposed to ocean swells.

The village of Buccoo, Tobago, can be described as the goat and crab racing capital of the world. During the Easter holidays this little village draws crowds of curious onlookers as specially trained goats sprint towards the finish line followed by jockeys clutching long ropes. In the crab race, jockeys have no easier task as they attempt to prod the stubborn crustaceans towards the finish line. But there is no glory for the winning crabs, just a place in a pot of spicy curry sauce.

A premiere eco-tourism destination. Tobago has won several prestigious eco awards including the World Travel Awards "Best Eco Destination in the World" and the Caribbean Travel Awards Committee "#1 Eco-Destination in the Caribbean".

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Grand Turk: Turks & Caicos Best

Grand Turk is the capital island of the Turks and Caicos, its historical heartbeat, and home to a state of the art luxury cruise ship center. It is here that Christopher Columbus first made landfall on his initial voyage to the New World in 1492. Almost 500 years later, US astronaut John Glenn "discovered" Grand Turk himself, after he became the first American man to orbit the earth.

Cockburn Town is the center piece of the island with a wonderful selection of historical buildings and a rustic charm that is unforgettable. It has the second largest population of around 3,720 people. Grand Turk is one of the main historical points of Turks and Caicos. You will find many Colonial style buildings and ruins, along with The Turks and Caicos National Museum.

One of Grand Turk's main attractions is diving. With its many dive operators it can cater to novice snorkelers to experienced divers. There is an outstanding protected coral reef, which drops to 8,000 feet and is close enough to shore for beach dives. There are several accommodations as well as casual restaurants which feature local entertainment. During whale watching season visitors can watch the humpback whales pass from Grand Turk's shores as well as from the surface of the water.

The Grand Turk Cruise Center consists of a 3000-foot pier, the welcome facility and the recreational area. The pier has been built to accommodate two super post-Panamax class vessels simultaneously, including Queen Mary 2 and other large post- Panamex class vessels.

On an area of approximately 14 acres, a recreational center includes a swimming pool, 1,000 feet of beachfront (no water sports offered), cabanas (available for rent through the shore excursion office on board or at the facility), shops and the world's largest Margaritaville, providing food, beverages and Jimmy Buffett memorabilia.

The Welcome Center has been designed based on Grand Turk/Bermudian architecture, influenced by the Bermudian influx into the salt industry thriving in the 17th and 18th centuries and including chimneys considered a "must" by the newcomers from the colder Bermudian for the cold winter months.

Cockburn Town is the administrative capital and the historic and cultural center of the islands. It is strongly reputed to be the landfall island of Columbus during his discovery of the New World in 1492. The town itself is well suited for a walking tours. Duke and Font Streets are lined with historic 18th and 19th century landmarks that reflect the Bermudan style architecture of the salt era. Two of these buildings are now popular inns, another is the governor's residence,as well as other government offices, the public library, churches, private residences and fraternities.

At the Turks and Caicos National Museum you will find a central exhibit that tells the story of the Molasses Reef Wreck, the oldest European shipwreck discovered in the Western Hemisphere (dated around 1505). It also discloses the rich cultural and natural diversity of the islands. Other historic sites include the Lighthouse, Fire Hill and the Hawks Nest Anchorage.

The most popular excursion just off Grand Turk is Gibbs Cay where visitors can enjoy an uninhabited island, a picnic on the beach and a chance to feed the beautiful stingrays who swim right up to shore.

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Lime Cay: A Hidden But Precious Gem

One of the most admired and hidden gems of Kingston is the uninhabited island Lime Cay which has clear waters and white sand beaches. Located just off the coast of the famous pirate town Port Royal, you can reach there by a short boat ride from Morgan’s Harbor at Port Royal. It is popular place with Jamaican yachtsmen and many locals who visit to relax and feel the ambiance of nature's bounty.

There is no formal transportation to get there unless you have your own boat or get a fisherman to take you there like many of the locals do. Port Royal is now a fishing village so you will find quite a few fishermen on shore returning from their early morning fishing trip. You can bargain price them. There are organized trips though the Morgan’s Harbour Hotel in Port Royal.

This cay was used in the famous the scene in the Jamaican movie Harder They Come where Rhygin the robber was killed by the police. It is a great place for snorkeling and you may even find some old 18 & 19-century trinkets or even treasure. Port Royal was hit by an earthquake the destroyed most of the city and caused it to submerge. As many of you know the city was a base for many of the worlds most famous pirates and they kept treasure there.

The beaches surrounding Lime Cay are inviting. During mid week it is best as there is hardly anyone around. There is plenty of shade and even picnic benches. Bring the suntan lotion and pretend you are on you own little island. There are a few other cays nearby that may also be worth visiting if want to experience the feeling of being on an island alone.

While in Port Royal don't forget to take a tour of what was once the "the wickedest city in the world". It is a shadow of its former self however there are some landmarks that still stand as a reminder like the famous Giddy House landmark.

Its rich unique history and its fantastic sceneries made Lime Cay a gem in the face of the globe.

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Curacao: One in a million destination

Experience what makes Curaçao unique and exquisite! Beaches and spectacular diving, stunning architecture, activities and adventures for every interest, plus a multi-cultural diversity, intriguing music, art and cuisine are just few of Curacao's bests.

Located in the tropics, just 12° north of the Equator, Curaçao has a warm, sunny climate year round. The average temperature is about 27° C (in the mid 80s F). Cooling trade winds blow constantly from the east, picking up in the spring months. The rainy season, which is between October and February, is usually marked by short, occasional showers, mostly at night, and continued sunny weather during the day.

Curaçao is a perfect place for diving, but as you will find, our island has so much more to offer. Divers and snorkelers never seem to be able to stop talking about the beauty of Curacao's underwater world. There are dozens of undiscovered adventures to be enjoyed. Ranging from practicing water sports to visiting 17th century architecture sites, from enjoying tennis to enjoying world-class cuisine, from playing golf in our sunny climate to visiting high-standard casinos. So if you are looking for more than just a dive vacation, Curaçao has something out-of-the-ordinary for everybody.

This island offers a great variety of sports activities, for all ages and tastes. From scuba diving, mountain biking and windsurfing for the daring ones, to more relaxed but still very exciting activities such as jeep safaris, sea kayaking and horseback riding.

Curaçao has over 35 beaches with a remarkable variety. Whether you are a sun-loving vacationer or a resident enjoying a day off, you can choose between intimate rocky coves surrounded by massive cliffs or long sandy beaches, either secluded by nature or bustling with activities. The one thing they all share is crystal clear turquoise water and picture-perfect weather.

Curaçao has a modern international airport, and the island is served by a number of airlines. Connections can be made to any part of the world. The Curaçao International Airport boasts the longest runway in the Caribbean at 3,410 meters in length and 60 meters in width. The runway is capable of handling almost any type of aircraft including jumbo jets.

So what are staring at? Relax and chill to Curacao's extraordinary landmarks and fun-filled sceneries!

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Saint Lucia: Paradise in the Equator's North!

St Lucia lies at latitude 13 54’ north of the Equator and 60 50’ west. One of the Windward Islands, it is located in the middle of the Eastern Caribbean chain of islands and is approximately 21 miles south of Martinique and 90 miles northwest of Barbados. Castries (population 50,000) is the island’s capital and is situated North-west of the island.

Language

The main language in Saint Lucia is English although many St. Lucian's also speak French and Spanish. Kwéyòl, St Lucia's second language, is widely spoken by the St. Lucian people including all walks of life such as doctors, bankers, government ministers and the man on the street. Kwéyòl is not just a patois or broken French, but a language in its own right, with its own rules of grammar and syntax. The language is being preserved by its everyday use in day-to-day affairs and by special radio programmers, this manifests nationalism in terms of their use of their own language, and news read entirely in Kwéyòl.

Physical Characteristics

The island is 238 sq. miles (616 sq. km), 27 miles long, 14 miles wide with a combination of high mountains, forests, low lying lands and beaches. A central mountain range runs the length of the island, with peaks ranging between 1000 and 3145 feet. Forests dominate the mountains, while jasmine, scarlet chenille and wild orchids provide splashes of colour to the lush green slopes. The two towering volcanic cones on the southwest coast, Gros Piton (797m) and Petit Piton (750m) are one of the Caribbean’s most famous landmarks. The volcanic origin of the island provides visitors with an opportunity to visit a “drive-in volcano” and take a dip in the reputedly therapeutic Sulphur springs.

Climate

The climate on island is tropical with temperatures ranging from 70 – 90 Fahrenheit. The rainy season is from June to November and the drier period between December and May. Average rainfall is between 160-360cm depending on altitude.

Population

Currently estimated at 150,000 with a workforce of about 65,000. Annual population growth rate is approximately 2%. English is the official language of St Lucia however, a French-based patois is widely spoken.

See St. Lucia and enjoy its diverse culture and wide arena of breath-taking tourist destination!

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Little Cayman: Ultimate in Comfort & Splendor!

Little Cayman is the smallest and least developed of the three Cayman Islands, located 87 miles northeast of Grand Cayman, five miles west of Cayman Brac, 480 miles from Miami and 90 miles south of Havana.

First discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1503 and rarely visited (except for the occasional pirate) until recent times, Little Cayman is now a favorite destination of modern-day explorers, photographers, naturalists and, of course, divers. The moment you arrive, you'll understand why.

The island itself - just 10 miles long and 1 mile wide - is blessed with 22 miles of spectacular coastline and, just offshore, incredible coral reefs teeming with over 150 kinds of coral and more than 500 species of fish.

The island offers one of the most pristine underwater sites in the world, is part of a unique ocean reef. Rated as the best diving in the Caribbean by National Geographic photographer David Doubilet and underwater cinematographer Stan Waterman, the island's natural beauty has been protected for future generations with its designation as a Marine Park.

Little Cayman's secluded south area offers the following:

• Dive the World Famous Bloody Bay Wall with our own Conch Club Divers

• Snorkel in the shallow of our reef protected sounds

• Relax in a lounge chair on our pristine beach dotted with coconut trees

• Float in one of our two fresh-water pools

• Read a book in a shaded hammock

Little Cayman also has the newest and most prestigious accommodation available. The Club is an elegant collection of eight luxury condominiums. Each unit offers three-bedroom and three bathroom opulence unequaled on the island, and sets a new standard in luxury living. The attention to detail is evident throughout the units, from air conditioning to the ceramic tile flooring, each unit has been decorated with luxury in mind. Kitchens include a built-in dishwasher, microwave, range and oven. Beautiful cabinetry is stocked with top-quality dishes, cutlery and cooking supplies - - everything you need to make your stay exquisite.

On site you'll find a freshwater pool and Jacuzzi tub. As a guest of The Club you are also welcome to enjoy the many amenities of The Club at Little Cayman, such as concierge services, conference and banquet facilities. There's also a gift shop, boutique, restaurant, bar, spa and fitness center, as well as a fully-equipped dive shop and photo/center.

Make your visit to Little Cayman extra special, indulge yourself in the ultimate in comfort and splendor.

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Antigua and Barbuda: A Tourist Haven

Antigua & Barbuda is one of the Caribbean's must-see destination. The island had warm, steady winds, a complex coastline of safe harbors, and a protective, nearly unbroken wall of coral reef. It would make a perfect place to hide a fleet. And so in 1784 the legendary Admiral Horatio Nelson sailed to Antigua and established Great Britain's most important Caribbean base. Little did he know that over 200 years later the same unique characteristics that attracted the Royal Navy would transform Antigua and Barbuda in one of the Caribbean's premier tourist destinations.

The expansive, winding coastline that made Antigua difficult for outsiders to navigate is where today's trekkers encounter a tremendous wealth of secluded, powdery soft beaches. The coral reefs, once the bane of marauding enemy ships, now attract snorkelers and scuba divers from all over the world. And the fascinating little island of Barbuda, once a scavenger's paradise because so many ships wrecked on its reefs, is now home to one of the region's most significant bird sanctuaries.

Location:

Antigua (pronounced An-tee'ga) and Barbuda are located in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, roughly 17 degrees north of the equator. To the south are the islands of Montserrat and Guadaloupe, and to the north and west are Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Barts, and St. Martin.

Size:

Antigua, the largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands, is about 14 miles long and 11 miles wide, encompassing 108 square miles. Its highest point is Boggy Peak (1319 ft.), located in the southwestern corner of the island. Barbuda, a flat coral island with an area of only 68 square miles, lies approximately 30 miles due north. The nation also includes the tiny (0.6 square mile) uninhabited island of Redonda, now a nature preserve. The current population for the nation is approximately 68,000 and its capital is St. John's on Antigua.

Climate:

Temperatures generally range from the mid-seventies in the winter to the mid-eighties in the summer. Annual rainfall averages only 45 inches, making it the sunniest of the Eastern Caribbean Islands, and the northeast trade winds are nearly constant, flagging only in September. Low humidity year-round.

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Barbados: An Island of Diverse Culture, Haven for Adventurers

The island is well developed, and there are internationally known hotels offering world-class accommodation. Time-shares are available, and many of the smaller local hotels and private villas which dot the island have space available if booked in advance. The southern and western coasts of Barbados are popular, with the calm light blue Atlantic Ocean and their fine white and pinkish sandy beaches. Along the island's east coast the Atlantic Ocean side are tumbling waves which are perfect for light surfing, but a little bit risky due to under-tow currents.

Barbados situated just east of the Caribbean Sea, is an independent Continental Island-nation in the western Atlantic Ocean. Located at roughly 13° North of the equator and 59° West of the prime meridian, it is considered a part of the Lesser Antilles. Its closest island neighbors are Saint Vincent & the Grenadines and Saint Lucia to the west.

The geological composition of Barbados is thought to be of non-volcanic origin and is predominantly composed of limestone-coral formed by subduction of the South American plate colliding with the Caribbean plate. The island's climate is tropical, with constant trade winds off the Atlantic Ocean serving to keep temperatures mild. Some less developed areas of the country contain tropical woodland and mangroves. Other parts of the interior which contribute to the agriculture industry are dotted with large sugarcane estates and wide, gently sloping pastures, with panoramic views down to the coast also.

Shopping districts are popular in Barbados, with ample duty-free shopping. There is also a festive night-life in mainly tourist areas such as the Saint Lawrence Gap. Other attractions include wildlife reserves, jewelery stores, scuba diving, helicopter rides, golf, festivals, sightseeing, cave exploration, exotic drinks and fine clothes shopping.

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Beef Island: One of Virgin Island's Finest!

Beef Island is an island in the British Virgin Islands that is located to the east of Tortola, and the two islands are connected by the Queen Elizabeth Bridge. Beef Island is the site of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (IATA code EIS), the main commercial airport that serves Tortola and the rest of the British Virgin Islands.

Trellis Bay is a short walk east of the airport. Trellis Bay is a small town (market, restaurant, coffee shop, local crafts) and beach. Long Bay is west of the airport.

At the farthest southeast end of Trellis Bay, in the vicinity of the Beef Island Guest House & de Loose Mongoose, there's a good snorkeling spot with patches of coral and a lot of sea grass.

There' s little or no boat traffic here, making it much safer for snorkelers. Sea tortoises and rays can be seen, amongst other critters that inhabit the sea grass areas.

You could see everything from Aragorn's own metal sculptures to other artists' works such as handmade baskets & pottery, hand-printed t-shirts, and even lovely small art prints if you can't afford the larger originals at Beef Island. And a lot more of one's interest.

You can also take lessons in windsurfing at Trellis Bay. Trellis Bay is fun for people-watching, windsurfer watching, and just absorbing a bit of the local color. Artists have their studios strung along the bay, with various fun little cafes that feature local foods in between and a cybercafe for Internet junkies. Making it a fun stay at Beef Island. This place is one of Virgin Islands' finest at is marking its name in the globe as one of the most visited places in the face of the Caribbean.

So what now? Pack your things now and experience “Beef”...

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Anguilla: The Island of Incomparable Adventures

Anguilla is a tiny island with a big reputation. With a population of some 12,000, Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory, 16 miles long, and 3 miles at her widest point. Boasting 33 white sand beaches with crystal clear waters, a contemporary international style, extraordinary vistas, world-class accommodations and mouth-watering cuisine, Anguilla is the culmination of your search for the idyllic tropical escape.This island is a retreat for couples, families and singles, offering accommodations for the most discerning traveler.

And a plethora of choices await you, like visiting art galleries, touring historic sites and museums, horseback riding, dancing to island beats, excursions to our undersea world, sailing and snorkeling, or quiet days basking in the sun and enjoying the simple pleasure of sunset strolls.

International air service into Puerto Rico, St. Marten and Antigua makes getting to Anguilla easy. Entry requirements differ by country of origin but a valid passport is preferred. Their language is English, their currency the Eastern Caribbean dollar. And, along with their first rate tourism product, this place is an exceptional location for business and commerce.

Anguilla is inviting, intriguing and truly incomparable. They value their visitors as much as their visitors value the time they spend on Anguilla island. As a community, they proudly share their traditions, be it festivals or our national sport, boat racing, but best of all, they share the warmth and friendliness of their people.

Location

Anguilla is located in the Caribbean Sea, the northern most island in the Leeward Island chain. Nearest neigbour to the south is St. Martin/Sint Maarten. Average year round temperature is 80 degrees. Maps of Anguilla in the world, the Caribbean and local maps including villages. Anguilla is located in the western hemisphere in the tropic of Cancer.

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The Wide Appeal of Guido's Italian-American Restaurant in Walpole, MA

Article and photo by Eric H.

Everyone likes Guido's Italian-American Restaurant in Walpole, MA, and many even love it.

Ask virtually anyone in the Norfolk County area who has been to Guido's and they'll tell you nothing but good things. During these tough economic times, who wouldn't love mounds of delicious Italian food (except those on a diet) and fresh, homemade pizzas at low prices? Add a local, hometown personal touch with friendly, attentive service and a personable host named Mike and you have a homey, family-oriented place to dine away from home. To sweeten the experience, Guido's also features a dessert display case with Boston North-End quality sweets made from scratch, including cannolis, apple strudel, eclairs, cream puffs, lemon merangue pie, and chocolate chip cookies. Guido's also offers a good children's menu and, for adults, a good variety of beers and wines.

Guido's has a rather plain design -- kind of like a Friendly's with chandeliers (and no counter), but it's this type of atmosphere that lends further dining appeal. The minute you step into this modest dining room, you know you won't get any "attitude" like "I'm better than you" waitresses," "hand-rubbed" this and "encrusted and infused" that, and prices that require a second mortgage. Going to Guido's is ultimately like going to a big family outing where everyone seems to know each other.

When Guido's comes up in dining conversation, the response is always good. That a good cross-section of people enjoy eating at Guido's is true testimony to its wide appeal as an affordable dining spot with some excellent Italian-American food.

Recommended dishes:
Pasta fasule
Chicken soup
Clam chowder
Caesar Salad
Baked eggplant and veal parmigiana
Gnocchi with meatballs
Chicken and broccoli alfredo
Lasagne with meat sauce
baked stuffed haddock
Thin crust pizza
Sicilian-style pizza

Guido's Italian-American Restaurant
683 Main St.
The Market Place at 1A
Walpole, MA
Tel. (508) 660-1533
Second location: 218 Dedham Street in Norfolk, MA. Tel. (508) 384-5122

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Visiting Quaint Wayland Square in Providence, RI

Article and Photo by Eric H.

Rodney Dangerfield -- God Bless your soul -- take notice: Wayland Square, a pleasant section in Providence, RI, gets no respect.

While the busy, funky, eclectic and sometimes cloying, precious College Hill caters to Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design college students, Wayland Square resides, almost silently, a few blocks down. And while Providence Place, Federal Hill and Waterplace Park bring in the tourists and local crowds, Wayland Square quite modestly avoids the limelight of Providence's lively renaissance. This avoidance happens with good reason: it's hard to have a Renaissance when your traditional-oriented neighborhood has maintained itself well through the years.

Largely a wealthy residential area on the "East Side," Wayland Square looks more like a quaint village than part of a bustling city. Tree-lined and quiet, Wayland Square has a few restaurants (including the excellent Rufful's for breakfast and lunch, and the Red Stripe for upscale but casual New American dining), book stores, a toy shop, antiques shops, boutiques, and art and interior design stores. Combined with elegant apartments and grand 18th and 19th century Colonial homes, Wayland Square is a true hidden travel gem. If you're in the Providence area, make sure to give Wayland Square the respect it deserves by visiting this classic old New England neighborhood with some very modern, yet understated leanings.

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The Inn at Woodstock Hill Offers the Quintessential New England Travel Getaway

Article by Eric H.

All this talk about bail-outs and recessions just makes one want to bail out to a peaceful travel destination to get away from all this ugly, elitist-driven financial madness. We couldn't think of a better place to temporarily escape than the Inn at Woodstock Hill in Woodstock, Conn.

The tell-tale sign that The Inn at Woodstock Hill is an ideal getaway is that it's located in the northeast area of Connecticut called the "Quiet Corner." The Inn at Woodstock Hill delivers on this appealing moniker, majestically residing in its 1816 Federal/Georgian presence on a hill surrounded by higher rolling hills, some of the prettiest large old Colonial homes you'll ever see, and a peaceful aura that simply forces relaxation. Woodstock is indeed a worthy extension of the Inn at Woodstock Hill (or, vice versa). Void of any unctuous strip malls, hostile commuting traffic, or other "Anytown USA" trappings (why do we call this civilization?), Woodstock's idea of rapid development is watching the apples grow in the fall, accumulating pure white snow piling up in the winter, multiplying plant life in the spring, and more chances to walk the "real New England" in the summer.

The Inn at Woodstock Hill is a visual delight. Just looking at the grand interior archways, quaint sitting rooms and elegant wide, red-carpeted staircase further validates the need to be in a place like The Inn at Woodstock Hill -- more reminiscent of a gentler previous era than the socially, economically and politically volatile times we live in.

The real clincher that you've landed in an instantly-beloved destination centers around the 22 individually-unique guest rooms. Some features you might find -- depending upon the room you get -- are high ceilings, fireplaces, big windows overlooking beautiful country scenery, and antique furnishings. The combination of old-world features sure feels great, more fulfilling than society's love affair with cell phones, palm pilots, and other socially distracting gadgets. Here, at the Inn at Woodstock Hill, you learn how to connect with the real world where simplicity, conversation, and scenic splendor rule the day.

The Inn at Woodstock Hill also features wonderful dining -- a Sunday brunch, lunch (Tues.-Fri. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and dinners (Mon. - Sat., 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Sun. 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.) with a creative flair. Some amazing dishes include slowly-roasted Long Island duck a L'Orange, Filet Mignon "Madagascar" with roasted peppers, garlic cloves and bodelaise and Thai stir-friend shrimp and sea scallops. The restaurant also has some fresh mized greens, salad, a terrific seafood chowder, and an extensive wine list. With dim lighting, fireplaces, and attention service within historical rooms, this dining experience just adds to the romantic yet casual, friendly experience at the Inn at Woodstock Hill.

The lavation of stresses is quite easy to accomplish for even the most intense workaholic, here at the Inn at Woodstock Hill. After all, there's really no better "relaxation remedy" than to slow down, breathe in fresh air, and enjoy the countryside. The Inn at Woodstock Hill will bail you out from our modern-day ways of life, each and everytime. It's a bail-out travel plan, in the best sense!

The Inn at Woodstock Hill, 94 Plaine Hill Road
Woodstock, CT 06281-2912
Phone: (860) 928-0528

Make reservation at the Inn at Woodstock Hill

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Gee, Wally, Medfield is Sure a Neat Town!

Article and Photo by Eric H.

Medfield, MA, about a half hour southwest of Boston, has a classic Leave it to Beaver look with sunny, tree-lined streets, a downtown right out of the 1950s, and friendly neighbors (and some of the best public schools in the state). While Medfield features some very large old and newer homes, the overall feel is more working class. People we've met from Medfield don't try to impress us that they live in Medfield, just that they really enjoy the town. You won't see a lot of people here walking around in top hats and monocles!

The downtown sets the tone for Medfield -- informal, pleasant and old-fashioned. Lord's Department Store brings back the days of Woolworths's and even features an luncheonette called Coffee Sensations. Park Street Books, Friendly's Ice Cream, Casabella Pizza. Noon Hill Grill (excellent for lunch and dinner restaurant in a restored train station), Master's Touch store for home remodeling, and some hair salons, an old school barber shop and banks are just a few of the services that keep the town center quite busy. Off the main drag on North St., there's Zebra's (an upscale restaurant serving New American cuisine) Honey's Cafe and Bakery for baked goods and breakfast and lunch, Medfield Seafoods for wonderful take-out seafood, and Thai World for some of the freshest Thai food in the Boston area. Add a church with a tall white steeple, a gazebo and town green, ancient town hall building and inviting brick public library and you have a small town with a true New England look.

The side streets off Main Street feature some beautiful old Colonial and Victorian homes, as well as a swimming pond and playground on Green St. Farms grace the outskirts of town, as well as ponds, brooks and streams. You'd never know you were so close to Boston. Maybe that's what makes Medfield such an appealing place -- sort of an oasis in the middle of a rapidly growing suburban area. Wally and Beaver could have been very happy living here!

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If You're Looking for a Great Diner, You'll Love Dave's Diner in Middleboro, MA

Article and Photo by Eric H.

We recently reviewed Dave's Diner in Middleboro, MA, at the VisitingNewEngland.com Local Yokel Dining Guide. With its chrome, neon, counter and stools and full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, we feel this would be a great place for families, diner aficionados and virtually everyone else who likes a good home-cooked meal within a classic diner setting in southeastern Massachusetts. Read the Dave's Diner review here

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Is Malden The Best Place to Raise a Family?

Article by Eric H.
Recently, BusinessWeek Magazine named Malden as the best place to raise a family in Massachusetts with communities having populations of more than 50,000 people.

This well-intended but controversial article just goes to show that there is a difference between collecting data and actually living in the city -- or seeing first-hand through the years what Malden is really like.

Malden, with a population of around 56,000, is actually not a bad place, but certainly not the community many of us would want to raise a family. This is not to denigrate Malden for its has many virtues like some nice neighborhoods, affordability, proximity to Boston and a good variety of restaurants. The article praised the school system, but the story is different if you look at the stats on GreatSchools.net. There is disparity between the stats and parent/student rankings for Malden on this Web Site, but in our opinion, both need to be taken into account to potentiate finding the best school system for your child. Wouldn't it be better to have both: good stats and parent/students rankings? Better yet, if you have children then make an appointment with a public school rep in Malden to get a first-hand account of what they have to offer.

If, however, you want a better-regarded school system, lower crime, a downtown that is more established and interesting, amenities, affordability, and fewer sketchy neighborhoods, then why not choose Arlington (more pricey, but with some relatively affordable areas), North Attleborough, or Franklin? These towns have smaller populations, but still offer many services (Franklin even has Dean College!) in close-knit, small town settings.

Many of us don't care whether a city or town has a population of 50,000 or more. We would be happy to drop that population 10,000, 20,000 or even more, if it meant that community had similar-type services to Malden. Why relegate your search to a certain number of people in town? Once you're in a town, you're not going to be able to tell the difference between, say, 42,000 and 50,000 people! What you could feel impacted by, however, is that there were 268 violent crimes and 1,418 property in Malden, according to state data from 2006. You could do better in the towns mentioned above in regards to safety. In fact, check out Malden as compared to Arlington in different categories of crime in the Massachusetts Major City Chiefs Violent Crime Review (as well as several other highly populated state communities participating in this study). Again, stats don't mean everything but we feel it would be responsible journalism to point out stats that extend upon the BusinessWeek article.

While we applaud BusinessWeekly Magazine for putting a decent city in the spotlight, we just feel that the morale of this story is that no one town should be singled out as "the best," based largely on stats. While this approach might inform readers on a worthy community, it could also raise false expectations. Personally, I don't like the under performing downtown in Malden and really don't get a warm, fuzzy and safe feeling in certain areas of the city. If you're looking for a place to live, go check out Malden and then places like the aforementioned Arlington, North Attleborough, Franklin, or perhaps Weymouth, Norwood, Plymouth and Melrose. I know for us, we would choose any of those communities over Malden -- not because we're snobs but for the very reason that the term "best" means something different for each person.

Life is not a database. While stats do serve a valuable purpose, we prefer to visit communities and talk with people who know a bit about these towns and cities before forming a judgement. Go to a coffee shop, talk with the police, chat with residents at a town event and create your own research team that centers on asking questions and employing the art of conversation with people who live in a given community. We believe that is the best way to choose a place to live!

Let me know your thoughts, readers!

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How to Visit More Than New England 40 New England Travel Attractions in One Day

Article by Eric H., Photo of Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Courtesy of MOTT

If you're planning on visiting New England, we recommend you check out the 40-plus travel and vacation attractions listed in the VisitingNewEngland.com "Best New England Family Vacation Attractions" article. Far from a faceless, generic, "we'll -pay-you-to-write-something-good-about-us" online informerical, we've combined personal reviews with word-of-mouth feedback from our neighbors and friends from all over New England. The article will be significantly updated from this point on, but, for now, you'll just have to do with what we feel are some of New England's best attractions for the family during the winter, spring, summer and fall!

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New England Town of the Day: Plymouth, MA

Article and photos by Eric H.

In a rare portrayal of arrogance and pettiness, I stayed away from Plymouth, MA, for many years. The rationale was quite elitist and, actually, quite pathetic:

It's too close to home. Therefore, it can't be any good!

I heard that there's crime there. Why, other towns around here don't have crime!

Who wants to travel an hour to see a silly rock (Plymouth Rock) that's one-third the size of its original presence --thanks to chucklehead tourists chipping the rock for their own take-home souvenirs? We have many rocks in our backyard and in the heads of some of our state politicians!

No one goes there anymore, it's too crowded! (coining a classic Yogi Berra line)

Surely, there are better things to do like watching a Munsters Marathon on TV Land!

Yes, the above statements are more designed to humor you, but, in reality, I was never too crazy about Plymouth. For a while, the downtown seemed run down, crime did rise during this time, and it just seemed like there were better coastal travel destinations -- like Newburyport, MA, Portsmouth, NH, York , Maine and Block Island, RI. Returning to Plymouth yesterday for a day trip, however, opened my eyes to a place I can hardly wait to return. The downtown is absolutely thriving with a colorful array of traditional stores, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, cafes and, of course, historical attractions around the corner.

Turning that collective corner off Main Street will bring you to Plymouth Harbor, where you will find the 11-acre Pilgrim Memorial State Park featuring scenic harbor views and landmark travel attractions like the aforementioned Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II -- an impressive replica of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America. Also at the downtown waterfront are nice-looking "water view" restaurants like Isaac's (very, very good seafood!) and the East Coast Grille.

Looking around the waterfront area, my heart warmed up when finding the John Alden Gift Shop. This old-fashioned, long-time operating store brought back such nice memories of going to this shop a few times as a child in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The old-school gift shop exterior look is intact, which made me feel very young again! And, wow, it is ever amazing that John Alden had the foresight as a Pilgrim to open a gift shop -- what a brilliant Pilgrim (please note I am just kidding).

Although Plymouth has a population of 58,000 (and growing), it really feels like a smaller town with its quaint downtown, spread out waterfront and outlying rural areas -- inlcuding the Long Pond area that might be my ticket to finally learning how to fish!

So, my interest in Plymouth has gone from about zero to 60 in about one second. It might sound strange, but the rushed elementary school field trips to Plymouth and the dull textbook history lessons (William Bradford was a Pilgrim...he rode on a ship) might have dulled my ambitions to visit Plymouth as a younger person. Now, I am fully re-energized to explore more of Plymouth, including the following:

Plimoth Plantation, an indoor and outdoor museum portraying Plymouth as it was in the 17th Century (this means lots of information on Pilgrims)

The Pilgrim Hall Museum that showcases a collection of Pilgrim possessions

The Jenny Grist Mill, a 1636 living history museum offering a tour of this famous grist mill

The nearby Edaville Railroad in Carver, MA, a personal favorite childhood attraction that has come back to life (after being closed) as an amusement park featuring train rides

Sometime, we'll come back to stay at the newly renovated John Carver Inn (it looks so grand and has a perfect downtown location). eat at the East Coast Grille for a nice seafood dinner, and reconnect with this famous New England tourist destination that slipped away from us for many years. It's time to return to "America's Hometown!"

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For New Englanders Who Have A Sweet Tooth...

Article and photo (Country Kitchen, Walpole, MA) by Eric H.

The impending holiday seasons bring about an enhanced craving for anything sweet, especially cookies, pies and cakes. As for the rest of the season, well, people will always find a reason to eat something sugar-related.

While we know that the best route to health is through eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, we also know the reality that there's a place in our hearts (although not always doing that part of our body well) for a special treat. Balance is the key and as long as you don't have a medical situation, an occasional sugary treat can be quite enjoyable. Here in New England, we have reviewed several of the best places to buy a special treat in our In Search of a Sweet New England at VisitingNewengland.com. Here, you'll find delightful bakeries, chocolate factories and other sweet-smelling places where they offer chocolates, ice cream, donuts, candies and other sugary concoctions. At the bottom of the article, you'll find a virtual online bakery from David's Cookies (not-based in New England, but very special indeed!) where you can purchase a special treat!.

Enjoy this "sweet" article!

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New England Town of the Day: Norwood, MA

Article and Photo by Eric H.

There's an affectionate old, local joke that once you live in Norwood, MA, you never leave. The reasoning behind this "townie" tradition makes perfect sense, given Norwood has always offered a sense of place with its close-knit neighborhoods, good schools, proximity to Boston and Providence, and lots of town activities going on in this southwest suburban Boston town of about 29,000 people.

One of the big draws in Norwood, MA, is its thriving downtown -- perhaps the best mid-sized town center in suburban Boston. Becoming something of a "restaurant row," with an amazing diversity of dining spots, Norwood also features many local Mom and Pop stores that collectively allow you to do all of your shopping downtown. Although the type of businesses are becoming more modern with boutiques and galleries, there's still a sense of yesteryear with Brenner's Childrens Shop for clothing, old school dining spots like the Lewis Restaurant and Grille, Norwood Town Square Diner and Mug n' Muffin, the Norwood Sport Center for candlepin bowling, and the Learning Well for school supplies. There's also the Fiddlehead Theater -- a renovated movie theater -- that features award-winning theater productions!

The aesthetics of the downtown are really nice, too, with a beautiful town common with a gazebo, stunningly beautiful old, large town buildings and churches, nice sidewalks for strolling and shops generally sprucing up their exteriors to augment Norwood's community pride. Right now, the downtown is all lit up with white Christmas lights and the largest town common tree transforming into a Christmas tree. During the summer, concerts on the town common represent and validate Norwood's myriad community events and activities.

The rest of Norwood is also tremendous, although South Norwood could use a face lift -- but even this section is full of community spirit and relative safety despite a sketchy look. Otherwise, you'll find pleasant, tree-lined streets with homes that meet every budget that can afford the Boston area. The yards are generally not big, but these pleasant neighborhoods still offer a "Leave It To Beaver" look that will make you feel right at home.

Back to the restaurant scene, we recommend the Mint Cafe for Thai, Japanese, and Korean cuisine, The Old Colonial Cafe for steak, seafood and chicken, Napper Tandy's for pub food and drinks, and Abbodanza II for authentic Italian cuisine and its take-out pizza section.

You won't read about Norwood in your basic travel guide, as it is a suburb rather than a vacation destination. That doesn't mean Norwood isn't worth visiting, however, as some of life's best experiences come in suburban packages for "locals" like us. Yes, Norwood isn't exactly Newport, RI, but in terms of residential suburbs, this is one of Boston's best. It's why many people never leave this proud town!

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The Local Yokel New England Dining Guide

Article and photo (1761 Old Mill restaurant, Westminster, MA) by Eric H.

Our readers at VisitingNewEngland.com had more of a hunger for an enhanced dining reviews pages, so we recently upgraded with a more navigation-friendly restaurant section called the Local Yokel New England Dining Guide. We think you'll like the new look with a featured restaurant (currently Don's Diner, of Plainville, MA) near the top of the page, all the personal restaurant review links intact and a nice variety of restaurant and food-related ads on the right -- including one of our favorite restaurants, Vello's, of Westwood, MA.

We hope you find this updated page appetizing, and try one of the restaurants mentioned -- places that make New England so special in regards to its dining.

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New England Town of the Day: Marion, MA

Article and Photo by Eric H.

Marion, MA, doesn't receive a lot of press, but it certainly manages to pull us into its quintessentially coastal New England presence.

This sleepy, little town of approximately 5,000 people in southeastern Massachusetts combines the neatly manicured look of Tabor Academy (a private school serving grades 9-12) with refreshing seacoast living. Many residents own older Colonial homes with white picket fences and American flags proudly on display, while enjoying local swimming and other recreational activities at scenic Sippican Harbor. Marion, by the way, shares the Buzzards Bay coastline that extends to nearby Cape Cod.

Marion is refreshingly laid-back. There's not much going on in town, although the Marion Country Store still thrives, and there's a network of beautiful tree-lined streets leading from the downtown.

Visiting Marion is like taking a trip back in time. It's not considered a vacation destination, but rather a residential community that we encourage you to visit as, perhaps, part of a day trip. Thankfully, the town planners have kept this hidden gem pretty much intact for us to enjoy as a true slice of coastal New England.

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Best Pizza in the Boston Area

Article and photo by Eric H.

Pizza might not sound very "New England," but that doesn't mean us lifelong locals can't enjoy a slice or five.

We recently updated our "Best Pizza in the Greater Boston Area" section on VisitingNewEngland.com, including personal reviews as well as reader feedback. We have included our favorite Italian and Greek-style pizzas -- some local landmarks like Santarpio's in East Boston and Pizzeria Regina in the North End of Boston and some hidden gems like Leo's Pizzeria in Walpole and Poopsie's in Pembroke (with a name like that, the pizza better be good).

Feel free to submit your favorite Boston area pizza places and we'll consider it for publication!

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New England Town of the Day: Meredith, NH

Article and Photo by Eric H.

The true testimony to a vacation destination is whether it would also make a great town to live. How many vacation destinations fit that bill, given so many travel spots have been ruined by phony, slick makeovers and overdevelopment that deplete the authenticity of a community?

Meredith, located on beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee at the foothills of the White Mountains, is a real community with its unspoiled scenic lake views, a nice old-fashioned downtown with several local shops and restaurants, a pleasant mix of well-kept new and old homes, places to walk by the lake, and an overall peaceful sense of place. Besides the established downtown section is the historic Mills Falls Marketplace, an early linen mill which was properly restored (translated: not tacky or pretentious!) to feature 19 unique specialty shops, galleries and restaurants -- and the charming The Inn at Mills Falls hotel. There's also the Annalee Outlet Store, at 50 Reservoir Rd., that should please those who love this line of dolls!

Meredith combines that classic New England small-town feel with lots of things to do, including swimming at Waukewan Town Beach, boating via access at Waukewan St., walking at the Waukewan Highland (three miles leading to a pond), and area winter skiing (Gunstock Mountain with 49 trails and eight lifts in nearby Gilford, NH), ice skating, snowshoeing, ice fishing, ice sailing, snowmobiling, sledding, and cross country skiing. Merdith's location is also ideal, close enough to all the attractions in the White Mountains. In addition, the nearby towns of Bristol, Center Harbor, Holderness, Moultonborough, Sandwich and Wolfeboro, are filled with small-town New England charm and countless lake views -- certainly worth a day trip diversion from Meredith. If you like a honky-tonk summer destination, Weirs Beach is close by and features amusement arcades and a public beach.

Charming inns (including) and several restaurants add more personality to this already wonderful community. Our favorite restaurant here is Hart's Turkey Farm, in business since 1954 -- an old-school, landmark dining spot for delicious turkey dinners.

Meredith just feels right, whether it's for a day trip, extended vacation or for those interested in moving to a beautiful New England small town. This special community certainly comes to mind when recommending to travelers a quintessential New England place to stay. There's plenty to do here, although I could just sit by the tranquil lake dock all day, do nothing, and be happy!

Visit the Meredith Chamber of Commerce Web Site for more information on Meredith.

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Additional Perspectives on Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA

Article and photos by Eric H.

Patriot Place, at Gillette Stadium (home of the New England Patriots) in Foxborough, MA, continues it rapid development, en route to becoming a major destination for shopping, entertainment and commercial uses.

Traveling here once a week to eagerly monitor its progress, I am constantly amazed at how quickly Patriot Place is growing as it seems like it went from an empty parcel of land to an established shopping plaza in virtually no time. Stores and restaurants seem to be opening every week! The "look" is marvelous with attractive walkways and buildings, juxtaposed against the stunning state-of-the-art Gillette Stadium. Patiriot Place already has a strong presence with stores like Reebok, Victoria's Secret, Bass Pro Shops, Aeropostale and restaurants like Red Robin, CBS Scene, Skipjack, Davio's and Blue Fin Lounge. Baskin Robbins recently opened a more colorful version of its storied ice cream chain here!

Recently, The Hall at Patriot Place opened with its interactive exhibits and New England Patriots memorabilia. I can hardly wait to visit this wonderful concept for its entertaining and educational presentations.

By next spring, Patriot Place should be well on its way to being completed that includes a 150-room hotel, a medical center, and 70 shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Stay tuned, and I'll be updating you frequently on The Weekly New England Travel and Vacation Gazette on what's happening at Patriot Place from a personal perspective.

Visit the Patriot Place Web Site for more information.

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New England Town of the Day: Somesville, Maine

Article and Photos (from Port In a Storm Book Store in Somesville) by Eric H.

Not to be confused with the more urbane Somerville, MA, Somesville, Maine, isn't even officially a town: it's part of the municipality of Mt. Desert Island! Regardless of its designation, Somesville sure looks like a real New England coastal town with its quaint look enhanced by amazing views of Somes Sound, mountains, inlets and other rural scenery that remain unspoiled. There's not much to do in Somesville except take in the views and visit the wonderful Port In A Storm Book Store -- one of the best examples of a successful, friendly independent book store that we've found in New England. Of course, it helps to have those great water views (including a waterfall) within a stone's throw of the book store. Port In A Storm is up to date on many of the latest books, but offers an especially impressive selection of books about Maine.

Acadia National Park is the real draw within Mt. Desert Island with its stunning views of the ocean and mountains, but make sure to include Somesville as part of your travel plans here. Its unassuming qualities might just rank up there with the best memories during your Acadia National Park vacation.

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Warming Up to a New England Winter Vacation

Article and Photo (of Downtown Walpole, MA) by Eric H.

Now that fall foliage has pretty much ended in New England, the carousel of New England seasons will soon give way to winter with its blanket of white snow gracing our character-filled cities, towns and villages, as well as downhill skiing, cross country skiing, and cold weather events and attractions to warm your heart. We have just started a New England Winter Vacation Guide at VisitingNewEngland.com that offers many ideas for those in search of a New England vacation. Much of it centers on skiing and ski lodging at this point, but there's also a good amount of information on two New England winter vacation destinations that go well beyond their reputations for fine skiing: the Mt. Washington, NH, area and Stowe, VT. You'll also find some great Maine events, as well as links to Christmas shopping in New England and why it's good to visit New England in the winter. Enjoy, and drop us a line to let us know your favorite New England winter travel destinations!

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New England Town of the Day: Foxboro, MA

Article and photo by Eric H.

The hundreds of thousands of people who visit Foxboro (also spelled Foxborough), MA, yearly for a New England Patriots football game or shopping and entertainment at the adjoining, soon-to-be-completed Patriot Place might not even know that there's a real, live town here. Foxboro, a town of about 16,000 about 25 miles southwest of Boston, is true "small town America," blessed with a quaint downtown, a large circular village green with gazebo, historic homes and churches, an old-time Aubuchon Hardware store, the "townie" Commons Cafe, the Orpheum Theater for local plays, and many nice little stores. On the outskirts, you'll find Normandy Farms Campground, and quiet neighborhoods with well-kept ranches, Colonials and Victorians. The tree-lined streets, leading off the town center, several well-regarded public schools, brand new police and fire stations, and an ambitious plan to renovate old state buildings into commercial and residential space further validate Foxboro as a town with a look of the past and an eye for the future. In your New England travel, we recommend checking Foxboro out beyond the football stadium, if you happen to be in the area!

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New England's Hearty Appetite for the Phantom Gourmet

Article and photo (Salem Cross Inn, West Brookfield, MA) by Eric H.

For those of you with a hearty appetite and who are constantly searching for the best New England restaurants, we recommend visiting the Phantom Gourmet, watching its show on Channel 38 Boston (Saturdays 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m.) and listening on WTKK 96.9 FM Boston radio on Saturday from 4-7 p.m. (it's amazing how they can be in two places at the same time!). With hungry businessmen and food critics Andelman brothers Dave and Dan running the show with a mysterious, unknown restaurant reviewer named the "Phantom Gourmet," this well-known dining review business is best known for its lively, brutally frank and humorous television descriptions of local restaurants in the best Boston accents or "I'll try my best not to have a Boston accent" voices. The Andelman brothers, sons of local legendary sports talk show host Eddie Andelman, really love their junk food, but still manage to have the "Phantom Gourmet" review all types of restaurants. In addition, with food and beer fests gracing Boston, selling a Phantom Gourmet "Boston's Best Restaurants" book, and promoting their dining review business, the Phantom Gourmet has really become household names in the Boston area.

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New England Town of the Day: Oxford, MA

Article and photo by Eric H.

The Main Street of Oxford, MA, features just about everything that is good about a traditional New England small town: a wide tree-shaded street with great sidewalks, grand old Colonial and Victorian homes with cozy front porches, tall white steeple churches, a classic old library, a park and town common, and a diner. The diner, Carl's, offering some of the hugest breakfasts we've ever seen, really showcases the close-knit feel of Oxford as everyone seems to know each other (the owners of this place are a riot, just short of making the comedy circuit). The rest of the town isn't quite up to the downtown's standard, but it's, nevertheless, quite an attractive town just minutes from Worcester in central Massachusetts. If you're in the Worcester area during your travel, we recommend stopping by this town that quite well represents the spirit of a small, quintessential New England town.

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New England-Based Businesses Offering Unique and Familiar Christmas Gifts

Article by Eric H.
It's not even Halloween yet, but let's admit it: the Christmas/holiday shopping season showed signs of evolving after Labor Day in some stores. And reality is that we are less than two months away from the holiday season -- we all know how quickly two months can pass.

I have researched some New England businesses that offer high quality merchandise for the whole family. You can view some of these businesses and their Christmas and holiday gift ideas at VisitingNewEngland.com. Businesses include the Vermont Teddy Bear Company of Shelburne, VT; Stonewall Kitchen of York, Maine; and Cambridge Soundworks. We have also included Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, and Boston Celtics holiday gift suggestions, including apparel and accessories, automotive gifts, baby gifts, books, 2009 calendars, DVDs, office products, and toys and games. Additionally, we have found New England travel discount passes to Boston attractions, tours and museums, as well as a ski pass that will save you money -- great during these tough economic times.

There's even the famous PajamaGram gift line. Did you know that they are owned by the Vermont Teddy Bear Company?

In advance, Merry Christmas and enjoy shopping!

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New England Town of the Day: Sandwich, MA

Article and photo by Eric H.

Sandwich, MA, pleasantly combines two of the best elements of New England: the quaint white steeple church, tree-lined, Colonial home downtown look and the seaside charm of New England. Proving that you don't have to drive too far through Cape Cod to get the true essence of this legendary vacation destination, Sandwich, the oldest town on Cape Cod incorporated in 1639, is just minutes from the Sagamore Bridge -- connecting mainland Massachusetts with Cape Cod. Sandwich offers a great deal of scenery and attractions for its residents and vacationers: ocean beaches, a pretty harbor, a bike and walking trail along the Cape Cod Canal, and quintessential inns and restaurants including the renowned Daniel Webster Inn and Restaurant, golf, boating opportunities and gift shops. Developed without being overdeveloped, Sandwich is one of our favorite Cape Cod destinations as it is the "real deal" -- not the hokey, cheesy Cape Cod that is becoming more dominant these days. Sandwich, on the other hand, is just Cape Cod being Cape Cod!

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New England Town of the Day: Barrington, RI

Article and photo by Eric H.

Barrington, RI, doesn't get the press that nearby Newport and Bristol receive, but that doesn't mean it's any less of a idyllic New England coastal town. Primarily an upscale residential community, Barrington features plenty of splendid water views with the Warren River on the east and the Narragansett Bay on the west and south. Barrington is also located on the East Bay Bike Path, spanning 14 miles from Providence to Bristol with many water views. Although the downtown isn't as clearly defined as Newport or Bristol, it, nevertheless, has a pleasant look with historic, tree-shaded town buildings, boutiques, a book store and a few restaurants. Barrington's location is terrific, close to Providence and Newport making it an ideal, scenic place to live, or travel as part of a day trip. The water views are the real draw here, bringing you into a true coastal New England town, thus proving that you don't have to religiously follow the travel guides to find the best of New England.

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In Search of the Best Maine Blueberry Pie

Article by Eric H., Photo Courtesy of HiddenBoston.com

I love blueberries. They are packed with antioxidants, taste great and, better yet, transform into something more magical in the form of a pie. Here in New England, we are not exactly bereft of great-tasting blueberry pie. The blueberries often come straight from the source, Maine, creating the foundation for locals to practice the art and science of making the perfect Maine blueberry pie.

Out of all the great tasting wild blueberry pies in New England, I find the best to be at the Maine Diner in Wells, Maine. Served with some delicious vanilla ice cream, this version of a sweet New England dish mixes the perfect crust with wild Maine blueberries and just the right amount of sugar.

The Maine Diner is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and features other Maine/New England specialties like lobster pie, clam chowder, seafood chowder, Maine crab meat roll, chicken pot pie, and a delicious roast turkey dinner.

Always call ahead to make sure the Maine Diner has its delicious blueberry pie on the menu the day you decide to travel to this deservedly famous Maine roadside dining landmark.

Maine Diner, 2265 Post Rd., Route 1, Wells, ME. Tel. 207.646.4441

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New England Town of the Day: Essex, CT

Article and photo by Eric H.

Perhaps best epitomizing the quaintness of a small Connecticut Colonial seaport town, Essex is a true visual delight with its idyllic location on the Connecticut River. Tucked away in south central Connecticut, Essex boasts a picturesque marina, beautiful town park with gazebo, quintessential historic New England lodging at the landmark Griswold Inn, and 14 miles of sidewalks leading you past historic homes and interesting little shops and restaurants.

Author Norman Crampton mentioned Essex as one of America's best small towns in his 1995 book, ''The 100 Best Small Towns in America.'' One look at Essex and you'll know exactly what he's talking about!

Additional resources:
VisitingNewEngland.com Article on Essex
Essex Tourism Web Site
Hotels Near Essex

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Bath, Maine, Getting Ready for the Holiday Season

Intro by Eric H., Bath holiday event info, courtesy of VisitMaine.com

We've written before in The Weekly New England Travel and Vacation Blog about Bath, Maine, as a wonderful, coastal mid-Maine travel and vacation destination. A truly authentic small Maine city with a vibrant, historical downtown, travelers often think of Bath as a summer travel spot, given its proximity to beaches and all the great benefits that come with it -- seafood restaurants, lodging with a water view, and refreshing ocean breezes. The reality is, however, that places like Bath thrive year-round as a residential community -- and, surprise, a place to visit even during the colder months.

A good case in point is the holiday season. We recently received information from VisitMaine.com on a special holiday event to be held in Bath:

Bath's Old Fashioned Christmas Turns Green

The city of Bath's Old Fashioned Christmas celebration is living up to its name and getting greener in 2008.

The month-long event in Bath's downtown kicks off November 29 with the Jingle Bell Walk from Library Park to city hall. The walk is open to the public and replaces the traditional rolling parade of decorated floats pulled by pick-up trucks. At city hall children can help Santa Claus with the lighting of the city tree, and carolers will sing songs of the season.

Area businesses will display elaborately decorated balsam trees during the Festival of Trees at the Maine Maritime Museum, December 2. This year's decorating theme is "Christmas treats." There will also be maritime crafts, storytelling and music.

On Friday's from November 20 through December 19, the Bath Trolley Company will offer evening caroling trolley rides through the city. Enjoy the scenery of dressed up storefronts while singing along with carolers.

The popular Candy Cane Train, a favorite for children, will run between Bath and Wiscasset on December 13 and 14. The 90 minute round-trip ride with Santa Claus and his elves, storytelling, hot chocolate and cookies is a memorable treat.

Bath's downtown businesses will offer special sales and services like gift wrapping and store registries during the month of December. Fun events like cooking and candy making demonstrations and wine tastings will also take place. Wreaths and Christmas trees will be for sale in the city.

The festivities will conclude on December 31 with singing, refreshments and the
ringing of the 1802 Paul Revere bell at city hall. For more information about Old Fashioned Christmas in Bath go to www.visitbath.com or call 207-442-7291.

To learn more about events and activities happening in Maine this winter, log on to www.visitmaine.com.

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