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. […]
Travel
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 […]
Maine
Maine Best Lodging 2011
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. […]
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Best Local Secrets 2011
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 […]
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Best Bargains 2011
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 […]
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Best Adventures 2011
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 […]
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Best Lodging 2011
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 […]
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Best Attractions 2011
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 […]
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Best Restaurants 2011
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 […]
New Hampshire
New Hampshire Best Local Secrets 2011
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. […]
New Hampshire
New Hampshire Best Bargains 2011
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 […]