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The Top Ten Foodie Destinations In New England

Posted: 02 May 2012 03:57 AM PDT

Whether for a quick weekend trip or for a longer holiday, New England is a great destination for foodies eager to explore the culinary treats found there. It is where you come for real maple syrup, Maine lobsters so sweet you don't need to eat them with butter, clam chowder, and a multitude of other tasty delights.

Here is a short list of the top ten foodie destinations in New England, all within a few hours drive of each other. Some suggestions are foodie towns, some suggestions are actual food producers foodies have a special fondness for.

Beautiful Portland, Maine is a thriving foodie destination with at least three chefs who have been anointed as the best young chefs working in America. Try getting a table at the following restaurants: Duckfat, Hugo's, Fore Street, and 555 if you can get in. This bustling seafront city has a thriving waterfront with lobster pounds and fish markets, many of which will ship fresh lobsters, clams, and chowder on ice to your home. Visit the Allagash Brewery for a beer tour and walk around the Old Port to find a seat with a view of the bay for an outdoor fresh seafood lunch. There are also some nice little chocolate shops in this section of the city to sample.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire is New Hampshire's answer to Portland, Maine. Also along the seafront, also quaint, also filled with galleries and fabulous restaurants. Try getting a seat at: The Black Trumpet, Jumpin' Jay's Fish Cafe, Popovers, Pesce Blue, or Dunaway. Take a walk around town during the day, stopping at either Anabelle's Ice Cream or Izzy's Frozen Yogurt, both extremely popular with foodies. Chocolate? Visit the Lindt Factory Outlet! Actually Lindt & Sprungli candy are headquartered nearby in Stratham. Another chocolate stop to make is at Byrne & Carlson on State Street. Also nearby is the famous Stonewall Kitchen, a foodie heaven with a huge online presence and stores throughout New England. They are located in York, a few miles away.

Boston has so many wonderful food related places to visit. A favorite is to take the tour at the Taza Chocolate Factory. Not only is the chocolate organic and fair trade, but it is absolutely delicious. Take a stroll through Boston's Little Italy called the North End and stop for a coffee and canolli at Modern Pastry. Stop for fresh oysters at the Union Oyster House. And for the best baked beans in Boston, don't miss a meal at historic Durgin Park. Just next door is Faneuil Hall with its indoor gourmet food hall for snacking and sampling a great deal of what Boston has on offer.

Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory is located near Stowe, Vermont in Waterbury. You can take a guided tour of the factory and visit the Flavoroom to try ice cream samples. There's a fun gift shop and the factory is nestled in the mountains so plan on bringing a picnic to enjoy the scenery.

And finally, King Arthur Flour is a mecca for those who love to bake and love artisanal bread. Visit their factory store to shop for all your baking needs. Enjoy their little restaurant where you can dine on their freshly baked pizzas and breads. And if you have time, check the web site for classes you can take there. Wouldn't it be fun to learn how to bake the perfect French baguette at home?

Alex is a travel writer and blogger. He loves touring the world’s best cities, expanding his belly on all the great foods. He also contributes regularly to a Kefalonia information guide.

Cape Cod: 5-Day Itinerary

Posted: 01 May 2012 10:41 AM PDT

Today we are featuring Trekity.com, a travel inspiration website. Their travel site features custom travel destinations just for you based on who you are, and when and where you want to go.

Cape Cod (or, "The Cape") is one of America's classic summer getaways. This coastal area located at the easternmost point of Massachusetts boasts an impressive collection of beaches, outdoor activities and kids’ attractions, which makes it an ideal family vacation spot.

When to Go

Summer is undoubtedly the high season for Cape Cod. From June to early September this small coastal getaway nearly doubles its population as snowbirds return North and tourists flock to the area. For those looking for peace and quiet (not to mention lower costs), late spring and early fall are ideal times to visit.

Getting There

By Car: From the south, drive Route I-95 to Route 195 to Route 25 and over the Bourne Bridge. From Boston, head directly south on I-93 to Route 3, which crosses the Sagamore Bridge. The drive is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from Boston. Both bridges get insanely crowded on Friday afternoons and Sundays (when weekenders arrive and leave the Cape). Saturday mornings can be bad, too. If possible, drive up on Thursday and leave the following Monday to avoid traffic. Alternatively, many people fly or take a ferry to Cape Cod and rent a vehicle once they’ve arrived.

By Air: If you want to skip the drive, Cape Air provides flights from Boston’s Logan Airport to Hyannis Port and Provincetown (30 minutes). Flights from New York (LaGuardia Airport) take roughly 75 minutes. Flying helps avoid Cape Cod’s notorious traffic. However, you’ll probably still want a rental car to get around the area.

By Ferry: Boston Harbor Cruises run two or three daily ferries from Boston (long Wharf) to Provincetown during peak season. Tickets cost $49/$77 (one-way/round-trip), with an extra $5 charge for bicycles.

Day #1 Hit the Beach

Cape Cod has beaches everywhere, and many visitors prefer to visit the beach closest to where they’re staying in order to avoid driving. If a family-friendly beach is important, consider a vacation rental near the following watering holes:

By far the most family friendly beach in Cape Cod is Corporation Beach in Dennis. The crescent shaped beach formed by Cape Cod Bay offers shallow water and small waves (watched over by lifeguards), and makes a perfect play spot for young children and adults alike. There’s even a rock break wall where the kids can observe various marine life. Restrooms, a small playground and a concession stand are available near the parking area at the end of Corporation Road off of route 6A. Parking is $15 per day. Another family friendly beach is Paine’s Creek Beach in Brewster. While it’s not as large as other beaches, you can inner tube down Paine’s Creek, which slowly flows past Quivett Creek Marsh. Inner tubes can be purchased at a local CVS or Walgreen’s and inflated at a gas station. Be sure to arrive just before high tide to get pulled up the river with the high-tide and back out to the ocean with the low-tide. If you don’t want to rely on the tides, you can try an inflatable boat with paddles. There’s a parking area at the end of Paine’s Creed Road off of route 6A. Parking can be limited so plan accordingly.

For a beach alternative, head to Grew's Pond in Good Will Park, Falmouth. This freshwater pond offers safe swimming for kids (with lifeguards) and comfortable shaded areas for parents.

Day #2. Bike Path & Cartwheels

The Cape Cod Canal Bike Path (printable or google map) is actually the canal access road and the perfect place to bike with the family as public vehicles aren’t allowed. The 7.5 mile trail is a flat and easy path that links the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges. Parking, restrooms and trail access are available directly under the Bourne Bridge. Picnic benches are available throughout the route and offer spectacular views of the water and passing boats. These picnic spots are great places for the kids (and you) to take a break. Another path is the Shining Sea Bikeway, a 3.3 paved path that follows the coast from Falmouth to Woods Hole. You can see a listing of popular bike paths here. Boat trips through the canal are available as well (see the official schedule). After your biking adventure, spend the afternoon at Cartwheels 2 in Bourne. Bumper boats, go carts, whiffle ball, bounce house, and mini golf will keep the kids busy for hours.

Day #3. Museums & Exploration

Start your day walking and/or swimming at Nobska Beach. A short fifteen minute walk from Woods Hole, Nobska offers relative peace and quiet, plus excellent views of both the Nobska Lighthouse and ferries crossing the Vineyard Sound. The beach is located on Church Street off Woods Hole Road. For lunch, head over to Jimmy’s Sandwich Shop on 22 Luscombe Avenue in Woods Hole. From ”Jimmy Burgers” to gourmet pizza there’s something here for the entire family. And be sure to wash it down with organic smoothies. After lunch, take a two-hour discovery cruise with OceanQuest and let your kids play scientist. During this trip they'll learn to determine temperature, density, salinity and dissolved CO2. OceanQuest is located at 100 Water Street in Woods Hole. During the summer, cruises depart Monday to Friday at 10:30am, 12:30pm, and 2:30pm. Tickets $25.

Day #4. Sandwich

Sandwich ain't just a delicious name. Cape Cod's oldest town is home to three truly excellent family activities:

The Heritage Museums is loaded with gardens, baseball exhibits and antique cars. Located at 67 Grove Street in Sandwich, they’re open 10am to 5pm, 7-days a week. Admission $7-15.
The Dexter Grist Mill was built in 1654 and resorted in 1961. Show your kids a little glimpse into history. Located on Water Street in Sandwich, they’re open 10am to 5pm, 7-days a week.
The Green Briar Nature Center offers a number of hiking trails, nature gardens and picnic areas. Located at 6 Discovery Hill in East Sandwich, they’re open 10am to 4pm, Monday through Saturday. The jam museum at Green Briar is well worth visiting.

Day #5. Cape Cod National Seashore

Arguably Cade Cod's main attraction – family or otherwise – is the National Seashore. Over 40 miles of beaches, marshlands and ponds, the Seashore is a favorite. While lifeguards can be found patrolling along the most popular stretches, currents are strong, so swim with caution. The Seashore is huge… and we don’t recommend trying to see it all. An excellent day trip would be to hike one of many trails connecting Eastham to Provincetown. The most popular is the Pilgrim Spring Trail in Truro, which makes an excellent afternoon walk. The trail loops for under a mile (there and back) and winds over a kettle swamp. You’ll be able to see and hear the ocean in the distance. The coastal terrain doesn’t offer sun protection, so be sure to wear sun screen and a hat. From Route 6 take the Pilgrim Heights area exit in North Truro.

This five-day itinerary provides fun for the kids (and parents!) without taking a huge bite out of your budget.

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Wednesday, May 2, 2012