Whether you’re looking for waves to ride, long stretches of sand, or lots of family activities, one of our picks for the 25 best beach towns in New England is sure to be the ideal getaway for you.
newport
Known as Bear Foot Farm, it was built in the year before the Civil War began. During Prohibition, it took part in smuggling booze into the United States out of Canada. Yes, for those of us who aren’t Canadians, it’s a long drive up to North Troy, Vermont, where the rolling countryside is mostly open […]
BEST PLACE TO LET ‘ER RIP Okemo Mountain Timber Ripper, Ludlow On the Ripper, billed as “Vermont’s first roller coaster,” riders rocket down 3,100 feet of curves and straightaways on the face of Okemo Mountain. Control your own two-person cart as it hurtles along steel rails at speeds of up to 25 mph. 77 Okemo […]
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Best Outdoor Activities 2012
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 […]
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Best Local Secrets 2012
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 […]
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Best Bargains 2012
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 […]
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Best Lodging 2012
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 […]
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Best Attractions 2012
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 […]
Rhode Island
Best Restaurants in Rhode Island
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 […]
New England nature lovers are never bored. In addition to the endless options for exploring nature solo, there are also numerous learning centers in each of our six states with an emphasis on kid-friendly education and entertainment. Here is a list of five family-friendly nature sites that celebrate and preserve the relationship between nature and […]
Looking for someone who can repair a cherished possession? Use this guide to fixers around New England. QUILTS Betsey Telford-Goodwin stocks fabrics dating back to 1780, so there’s a decent chance of matching materials when restoring heirlooms and antiques. Everyday quilts in need of TLC are welcomed here, too. Rocky Mountain Quilts, York, ME. 207-363-6800; […]
New England
Best New England Romantic Inns
With so many candidates for the best New England romantic inns, we offer a short list of cozy spots that are sure to thaw hands and hearts.