Yankee Magazine‘s 2012 picks for the best bargains in Massachusetts. BEST SECURITY TOUR Cape Cod Canal Visitors Center, Sandwich Free exhibits explain how, why, and when the canal was built, but the emphasis is on real-time cameras, radar, and sonar for safe navigation. There are lots of buttons to push, a patrol boat to tour, […]
Yankee Magazine‘s 2012 picks for the best attractions in Massachusetts. BEST ALL-FAMILY ATTRACTION Heritage Museums & Gardens, Sandwich The gardens and trails crisscross 100 acres; the gentle maritime climate encourages dramatic displays of rhododendrons, daylilies, hostas, and hydrangeas. The museums offer something for everyone in the family–from the gorgeously restored Looff carousel to antique automobiles […]
Yankee Magazine chooses the best lodging in Massachusetts for 2012. BEST GRISTMILL B&B Old Mill On The Falls Inn, Hatfield Just as the name suggests, the big yellow building on Hatfield’s Mill River was converted to a B&B in 2006, resulting in nine bright, spacious rooms with all the modern amenities. But owner Ted Jarrett […]
Yankee Magazine chooses the best restaurants in Massachusetts for 2012. Did your favorites make the list? BEST RESTAURANTS IN MASSACHUSETTS | CANDLELIGHT DINING Old Inn On The Green, New Marlborough There’s no electricity in the dining rooms of this 200-year-old former stagecoach inn, but candlelight makes the setting all the more romantic for chef/owner Peter […]
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 […]
