BEST BALINESE IMPORTS Agabhumi: The Best of Bali, Westport Filled with beautiful, diverse jewelry, handbags, scarves, and sandals, all fashioned far away, but a good fit here. The prices will keep you coming back for seconds. 165 Post Road East. 203-557-0188; agabhumi.com BEST GARDEN & PICNIC PARK Wickham Park, Manchester Gardens inspired by England, Italy, […]
BEST COTTAGE RENTAL Kagels Cottages, Narragansett Early-20th-century waterfront cottages nest by a salt pond. Steeped in 63 acres of farmland and views of the Ram Island bird sanctuary, it’s clear why this has been a family business since the 1920s, hosting five generations of families: There’s no reason to leave. Rates: from $1,100 per week. […]
BEST POND-TO-PLATE Matunuck Oyster Bar, East Matunuck Dine a stone’s skip from where the oysters are cultivated by the bar’s owner. Try the “Buck a Shuck” ($1 oysters and littlenecks) from 4 to 6 p.m. weekdays. No reservations, but it’s worth the wait. Entrées: from $13.95. 629 Succotash Road. 401-783-4202; rhodyoysters.com BEST EXOTIC MENU Los […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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. […]
Garden blogger, Shelley Wigglesworth offers a broad range of botanical advice to our readers. Whether you need tips on curing common houseplant ailments or are looking for a plant that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance, she’s here to help. Do you have a gardening question for Shelley? If so, post it here and she’ll […]
The varieties of flowering trees and bushes found in cities, public gardens, and cemeteries are chosen to provide color from early April through October. Landscape designers often pick species that show bright color before our native trees have woken up. While you’re waiting for the maples to flower, enjoy this landscaped diversity. Early species include […]
Of course, today’s supermarkets have already narrowed your fresh fruit and vegetable choices for you—and you don’t have to worry about such nuisances as weevils or borers in the produce on most grocery shelves. Just about anything you buy will be uniform and good quality. but there are ways to choose the tastiest of what’s […]
Tips to make Gardening More Effective, Enjoyable and Environmentally Friendly Garden blogger, Shelley Wigglesworth, shares her top 5 tips for gardening. 1. Invest in good tools gradually (one or two a year) and take care of them. Gradually accumulate quality garden tools and take proper care of them. My top five tool picks to acquire […]
