BEST ALTERNATIVE TO THE FREEDOM TRAIL Harborwalk, Boston A nearly 40-mile network of waterside paths from East Boston to Dorchester: Start with the Charlestown branch and head down through the North End to Fort Point Channel, stopping at historical sights (U.S.S. Constitution), bay-view restaurants (Sensing and Sam’s), and museums (the ICA and the Children’s Museum). […]
BEST UPSCALE BAR Drink, Boston Drink’s commitment to excellence at every level–from the quality of the ice, to the historic authenticity of the bitters, punches, and fizzes, to the minimalist design that hides the booze and puts the barkeep front and center–makes this venue a natural winner. 348 Congress St. 617-695-1806 BEST HISTORY LESSON Nichols […]
BEST BAKERY Sofra, Cambridge It doesn’t sell French breads or chocolate layer cakes, but this Mediterranean-inspired pastry shop from Oleana’s Ana Sortun and Maura Kilpatrick has elevated the Boston sweets scene with orange blossom-scented morning buns and the best falafel wraps in town. 1 Belmont St. 617-661-6131; sofrabakery.com BEST CHINESE East by Northeast, Cambridge Phillip […]
BEST HOTEL Liberty Hotel, Boston It took a sense of humor and style to turn a famous jail into a posh hotel, and that spirit informs everything at the Liberty, from the restaurants Clink, Alibi, and Scampo (Italian for “escape”) to the stunning atrium and the many thoughtful touches, such as Prosecco on arrival. Rates: […]
BEST SWIMMIN’ HOLE Smalls Falls, Township E Twelve miles south of Rangeley and about four miles north of Madrid, the Sandy River squeezes through a gorge, dropping more than 50 feet in a series of four waterfalls interspersed with ledges. Soak in the pool at the bottom or hike up the trail edging the falls […]
THE LIGHT STUFF Wood Island Light, Biddeford Cruise to Wood Island, tour the 1809 beacon guarding the mouth of the Saco River, perhaps even climb the tower. A mere $10-per-person donation to the Friends of Wood Island Light covers everything and benefits future restoration efforts. 207-286-3229; woodislandlighthouse.org WALK-ON WATER L.L. Bean Walk-on Adventures, Freeport C’mon, […]
BEST PLACE TO ACCESSORIZE Dannah, Kennebunkport Dannah dazzles, with jewelry, handbags, hair ornaments, hats, and scarves, as well as lotions, potions, and other fanciful finds filling the small shop. 123 Ocean Ave. 207-967-8640; dannahkennebunkport.com BEST TIME TRAVEL Willowbrook Museum Village, Newfield Explore 25 National Register of Historic Places buildings assembled in a 19th-century country-village setting. […]
BEST CANYON HIKE Gulf Hagas, Bowdoin College Grant East Township When a raging river drops precipitously through narrow canyon walls, the result is a series of frothy waterfalls and swimming holes so frigid–or refreshing–that only a native Mainer could dip his or her head. Smack-dab in the Hundred-Mile Wilderness region, the eight-mile Gulf Hagas hike […]
BEST CHOICE FOR ARCHITECTURE BUFFS Angel of the Berwicks, North Berwick Inside and out, the 25-room Hurd Manor is a gem, showcasing hand-painted 11-foot ceilings, detailed friezes, elaborate woodwork, and plentiful antiques. Rates: from $99, including full breakfast. 2 Elm St. 207-676-2133; angeloftheberwicks.com BEST CLASSIC SEASIDE RESORT The Colony, Kennebunkport The genteel, oceanside Colony blends […]
BEST MAINE MEXICALI Loco Coco’s Tacos, Kittery Transplanted Californians think they’ve been transported home when they sink their teeth into the burritos, enchiladas, and tacos served at this Cal-Mex restaurant, where some of the recipes have been passed down for generations. Choose from self-serve, dining room, or lounge seating. Entrées: from $6.95. 36 Walker St. […]
BEST DIY CLAMBAKE Harwich Shellfish Permit, Harwich Port With 15 different areas, each on its own tide schedule, Harwich is tops for a do-it-yourself feast. The town offers a $15 one-day shellfish permit, plus good deals on season-long family permits. Digging is easy–the town annually reseeds its beds with 2 million baby clams. Harwich Harbor […]
EASTWARD BOUND Amherst Chinese Food, Amherst Long before the current farm-to-table rush, “AmChin” began serving delectable dishes (minus the MSG) with organic veggies from its own nearby farm. Entrées: from $9.95. Lunch specials (including soup or salad and a pot of tea): from $5.50. 62 Main St. 413-253-7835 B&B VALUE Upland Meadows Farm, Cummington Judi […]
