BEST RAFTING Deerfield River, Franklin County Outfitters haul their yellow rafts to the banks of the Deerfield River in the spring and summer months to tumble down two stretches: the exhilarating Class IV rapids in the Dryway and the family-friendly Class II and III rapids farther south, in the deep pools of Zoar Gap. Zoar […]
BEST B&B SUNSETS Centennial House, Northfield Spacious common areas in this 1811 mansion lead to a glassed sunporch overlooking a two-acre “back meadow.” Step out to the gazebo for sunset views over the valley. Five guestrooms combine comfort and Federal-era grace. Rates: from $117, including full breakfast. 94 Main St. 413-498-5921; thecentennialhouse.com BEST VICTORIAN STAY […]
BEST MOVIE HOUSE Beacon Cinema, Pittsfield The city’s Kinnell-Kresge building is classic 1918, but inside, a new six-screen, all-digital theater features the Met Opera “Live in HD” as well as art films, sports broadcasts, and first-run movies in surround sound. Hot hits may appear on all screens at once–in 3D. A vintage escalator accesses the […]
BEST MEAL WITH A VIEW Bascom Lodge, Mt. Greylock Reservation The 1930s lodge atop the state’s tallest mountain is a hot new sunset-dining destination. Chef John Dudek’s three-course menu, which changes nightly, might include herbed white-bean soup, grilled beef, or gorgonzola walnut gnocchi. Wine is served, and you can spend the night in either a […]
BEST BEACH SNACK Tripoli Pizza Cannolis, Seabrook Although Tripoli is known mostly for its pizza–and justifiably so–the kitchen’s cannolis get rave reviews, too. These creamy tubular confections are just the thing to reward yourself with after a vigorous day of swimming. Three flavors: traditional ricotta, chocolate pudding, and vanilla pudding ($1 each). 418 Route 286. […]
THE LONG VIEW Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, Lincoln It takes only 10 minutes and 13 bucks to climb aboard the 80-passenger car and reach the 4,080-foot summit, where–if the weather holds–you can see four states and into southeastern Canada. 603-823-8800; cannonmt.com READ ALL ABOUT IT Used Book Superstore, Salem & Nashua Summer readers, rejoice! Paperbacks […]
BEST CLIMB FOR FAMILIES Mount Monadnock, Jaffrey Perhaps it’s the proximity to Boston (only a 90-minute drive) or its long history (hundreds of hikers from as far back as the early 1800s have inscribed their names on the rocks), or most likely it’s the panoramic views from the peak that helped Monadnock become the most […]
BEST HANDS-ON HISTORICAL ATTRACTION Uss Albacore, Portsmouth You can periscope up and down all you want at this museum, where the main attraction is a sub designed and built at the nearby Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The tour includes recorded voices of the crew members describing what you’re looking at. 600 Market St. 603-436-3680; ussalbacore.org BEST […]
BEST ISLAND LIVING Oceanic Hotel, Star Island For the first time in a long time, the 19th-century hotel on this grand rock in the Isles of Shoals (off the coast of Rye) is open to the public, complete with family-style meals, candlelight walks to the 200-year-old chapel, and plenty of ghost stories. Rates: from $148 […]
BEST CUPCAKE Shabby Chic, Windham The confections here are works of art and taste equally divine. Dive into the moist decadence of, for example, “Vanilla Cranberry Swirl,” “Salted Caramel,” or “Cinnamon Pear,” topped with clouds of flavored butter cream ($3.25 each). 4 Cobbetts Pond Road. 603-898-2442; shabbychicwindham.com BEST ORGANIC FINE DINING The Rustic Leaf Bistro, […]
In 2006, Laurie Lufkin won a blue ribbon at the Topsfield Fair with this recipe. The next year, she submitted 15 recipes and won 12 blue ribbons, all of which set her forth on her prize-winning path. Recipe:
Watch a step-by-step demonstration on how to sew welt cording onto a pillow.
