BEST PARK Colt State Park, Bristol Take your choice of shore or meadow–with nature trails at the south end, access to the East Bay bike path, boat ramps, a rocky shoreline, and a hut staffed with rangers who lead eco-tours in the summer. Route 114. 401-253-7482; riparks.com/colt.htm BEST AQUARIUM Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol A […]
BEST COLLECTION Simple Pleasures, Providence This former forge laced with rosebushes and ivy feels like a secret garden. The owner, a RISD grad, scouts the globe to present an international bazaar, from batik scarves to lush soaps to folk art. 6 Richmond Square. 401-331-4120; simplepleasuresprovidence.com BEST PHOTO OP Nautical Art Gallery, Newport Onne van der […]
BEST PLACE TO GET CRAFTY Craftland, Providence Imagine Etsy in real time: a shop featuring jewelry, housewares, clothing, and gifts from independent artists around the country at tax-free prices. The space also houses a crafting school and a gallery focusing on contemporary crafts and fine art. 235 Westminster St. 401-272-4285; craftlandshop.com BEST OUTDOOR FLICKS Ballard […]
Yankee Magazine chooses Rhode Island’s best lodging for 2012. BEST BREAKFAST Bristol House, Bristol Guests rave about breakfast at this three-room Cape Cod-style inn owned by a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. Awaken to a table of homemade jams, granolas, and breads, from scones to Nana’s sticky buns. A three-course breakfast might include […]
BEST PLACE TO GET SCHOOLED International Yacht Restoration School, Newport Watch students restore and build classic wooden boats at this harbor campus, which includes a stone wharf and floating docks where you can check out visiting vessels. Or BYOB: build your own dory, canoe, or kayak during a weeklong class. 449 Thames St. 401-848-5777; iyrs.org […]
Yankee Magazine chooses the best restaurants in Rhode Island for 2012. Did your favorites make the list? BEST RESTAURANTS IN RHODE ISLAND BEST VEGETARIAN OPTION Julian’s, Providence Vegetarians crave Julian’s for its deviation from the default gardenburger (try the black-bean burger instead). Hipsters pay homage to its aesthetic touches–a television in the bathroom, PEZ dispenser […]
Yankee Magazine chooses Connecticut’s best outdoor activities for 2012. BEST HISTORIC RESTING PLACECedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford Download a map or cell-phone audio to take a self-guided tour. Group tours pass sculptured memorials that mark the final resting places of well-known souls such as Wallace Stevens, J. P. Morgan, and Katharine Hepburn. 453 Fairfield Ave. 860-956-3311; […]
Yankee Magazine chooses Connecticut’s best local secrets for 2012. BEST MICRODISTILLERY Onyx Spirits Company, Manchester Moonshine’s rising, but no problem, it’s legal. Vodka and limoncello flow fine, too. Set up in Hilliard Mills, where Civil War blankets were once produced; today bottles filled here warm thirsty palates. 640 Hilliard St. 860-550-1939; onyxspirits.com BEST QUIET PLACE […]
Yankee Magazine chooses Connecticut’s best bargains for 2012. BEST BROAD BEACH Silver Sands State Park, Milford Tread across the salt-marsh boardwalk to the wide-open strand. At low tide, carefully cross the sandbar to Charles Island. Lucky visitors may even find Captain Kidd’s rumored treasure. Silver Sands Park Way. 203-735-4311; www.ct.gov/dep/silversands BEST HISTORY AT HALF PRICE […]
Yankee Magazine chooses Connecticut’s best attractions for 2012. BEST ART & HISTORY MUSEUM Bush-Holley Historic Site, Cos Cob Roam the harbor-view hill where American Impressionist artists found inspiration. View their works on the walls of their boarding house; step further back in rooms that reflect the house’s 18th-century origins. 39 Strickland Road. 203-869-6899; hstg.org/visit_bh.php BEST […]
Yankee Magazine chooses Connecticut’s best restaurants for 2012. BEST BOWL OF NOODLES Morning Glory Café, Old Lyme Taste the family’s Laotian roots with grandma-made spring rolls, or create your own pho rice noodle bowls. A petite patio overlooks the Lieutenant River. Serving breakfast and lunch. Pho bowls: from $7.50. 11 Halls Road. 860-434-0480, 860-434-0496; morningglorycafeoldlyme.com […]
Yankee Magazine chooses Connecticut’s lodging for 2012. BEST THEATER CONVENIENCE Boardman House Inn, East Haddam The antique furnishings in this high-ceilinged home, near the Goodspeed Opera House, blend owners Andre and Mia Hymander’s Swedish heritage with Victorian design. Rates: from $225, including full breakfast. 8 Norwich Road. 860-873-9233; boardmanhouse.com BEST TASTE OF ZEN Hotel Zero […]
