From adventure parks to water playgrounds, the New England high country offers endless options for family fun. Things are heating up at Santa’s Village, with the much-anticipated opening of Polar Paradise this summer. This interactive water play area will include spray zones and multiple small … [Read more...]
Loon, Stratton projects enhance an already robust resort fat-tire scene
Mountain bikes have seen ebbs and flows in their popularity since they rolled into the heart of the American recreational mainstream in the 1980s. The same can be said for New England ski resorts, which were quick to initially adopt fat-tire bikes as they branched out into four-season … [Read more...]
O’Connor: Lovin’ the sounds of lake life
Sleep sometimes eludes my daughter Maddi, so my wife bought her a sound machine. I’ll never forget the first time I heard it. It was late at night, in winter. I went to kiss Maddi good night. As I walked into her room, the gentle sounds of water lapping against a shore stopped me in my tracks. I … [Read more...]
More top New England waterfront lodging escapes
MAINE The Cliff House ◼ Ogunquit/Cape Neddick destinationhotels.com/cliff-house Surround yourself with the Atlantic Ocean at the dramatic Cliff House, where every stylish room features an ocean or coastal view, and even the restaurants and spa pay their respects to the sea. Guests can enjoy … [Read more...]
Three amazing days at Okemo Mountain Resort
Being a fan of good times, and things that roll, I have a distinct affinity for Okemo Mountain Resort in lovely Ludlow, Vermont, during the summer months. If there are a few thrills thrown in, then that’s all the better. Consider just one weekend from last August. My wife, Lauri, and I loaded up … [Read more...]
New England serves up waterfont accommodations for all budgets
Perhaps the single biggest difference between winter and summer vacations in New England is where you stay. In winter, my family and I gravitate to the mountains, and ski destinations. And, truth be told, I’m a big fan of mountains in the summer, with all the options today for hiking and mountain … [Read more...]
A mountain biker’s guide to brewpubs
Mixing a good brew and mountain biking is as natural as serving a fresh slice of apple pie with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. And we New Englanders have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to quality brewpubs, no matter where your two wheels take you. The toughest decision is choosing which … [Read more...]
Sugarbush’s John Egan’s go-to mentality for tackling late-season snow
Springtime in New England. Is there any season that is more alluring, and more perplexing, for skiers? Depending on Mother Nature’s whims, and often where in the Northeast you find yourself, you might get boilerplate, you might get granular, you might get fresh powder, you might get mashed … [Read more...]
Ski expo guru Bernie Weichsel dedicates life to slopes
The United States Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame understandably evokes images of the sport’s legendary competitors. You’re likely to think of accomplished racers, like the great Olympians such as Phil and Steve Mahre, Bill Johnson, Billy Kidd, Diann Roffe, Tamara McKinney and Donna Weinbrecht. With … [Read more...]
Long Trail House at Stratton well-stocked base for exploring
Ski lodging is a distinctly personal choice. Some folks prefer ski in/ski out slopeside condos stocked to the gills with modern appliances. They are the epitome of convenience, whether you’re skiing or entertaining. Others prefer a quaint bed and breakfast, steeped in history and chock full of … [Read more...]
Stratton Mountain Resort delivers across the board
There is a strong, inescapable sense of nostalgia as you exit Interstate 91 in Brattleboro, Vermont, and make the final 30-plus mile jaunt to Stratton Mountain. If your GPS is like mine, you’ll duck onto Cedar Street in Brattleboro, where the Harris Hill ski jump appears almost out of nowhere. … [Read more...]
World Cup-seeking John Brown is Irish and proud of it
Though it’s tempting to fall back on old clichés and suggest that slopestyle competitor John Brown is relying on the luck of the Irish in his quest for World Cup podiums, that would simply be wrong. Luck has nothing to do with Brown’s success. The 24-year-old Brown has worked his tail off, … [Read more...]
