Fun Travels Across the United States
MASSACHUSETTS
NEWS (Cities & Towns Follow After the News
Summer in Provincetown: How to “Safecation” in America’s Favorite LGBTQ+ Destination
Provincetown Is Full of Great Things to See & Do
Why Provincetown is the Perfect Place to be in 2020
907 MAIN HISTORIC BOUTIQUE HOTEL TO DEBUT IN CENTRAL SQUARE
The Groton Inn, America’s oldest inn, which was destroyed by fire in 2011, has been elegantly reimagined and has opened
A Martha's Vineyard vacation for the ages
Cape Cruising: Sea Crest Beach Hotel has guests’ wheels happily spinning with Shining Sea Bike Package
Chesterwood -- a must see bucolic Berkshire estate with a breathtaking vista of Monument Mountain and a fantastic garden - now a National Trust Historic Site
The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute Is For All Ages
A Visit to the Norman Rockwell Museum is Awesome
Visit The Mount, Edith Wharton's elegant estate and gardens
BERKSHIRES
Berkshires of Western MA, located less than three hours by car from NYC and Boston.
Latest News
Unique/new ways to leaf peep:
-- The newly opened Scenic Railway offers hour-long narrated tours as you ride through the fall foliage - hoosacvalleytrainride.com/
-- Berkshire East has opened North America's longest mountain coaster with 5450 feet of steel track. The coaster operates year round.
-- Ramblewild is the Berkshires newest aerial park. It offers unique self-guided tree-to-tree aerial courses ranging from lower, beginning trails to much higher, more expert courses
-- Foliage Fishing - berkshires.org/blog/foliage-fishing-in-the-berkshires-berkshire-angler/ - Owner of Anglers is host of TV's 'Guiding Ice' (ice fishing)
Lodging news:
-- The new 95-room Hilton Garden Inn-Pittsfield - offers several meeting spaces, indoor pool, onsite restaurant, and bar. Last year they offered a Fall Foliage package, view this site to see an updated list of packages hilton-garden-inn-lenox-pittsfield-PSFLPGI/index.html.
-- Hotel on North, a boutique 45-room hotel is open in Pittsfield's downtown historic district. Offering an urban chic lodging experience with onsite restaurant Eat on North. (new Chef, former White House Chef under Clinton, Chef Ron Reda uses the regional bounty in his seasonal menus)
Haunted Berkshires:
--The historic area abounds with stories of apparitions and other ghostly occurrences. So much so that 'Ghost Adventures', 'Ghost Hunters' and Celebrity Medium James Van Praagh have been to the area. Every year some of the historic properties offer activities around the theme of Haunted Berkshires. Please let me know if you would like additional information or a list of events.
Harvest festivals:
-- In the Berkshires, September ushers in a panoply of fairs and festivals that take on a whole different air from summer's outdoors events. Many of them mark the arrival of the harvest season, while some celebrate the history of their towns and the thriving nature of the communities and towns that make the Berkshires such a joyous place to visit.
www.berkshires.org is the quintessential planning tool for anyone making a trip to the area as its allows your audience to search for lodging, outdoor activities, culture, food, last minute deals, leaf color updates etc.
Berkshires of Western Massachusetts Offers World-Class Culture and Much More!
Jacob's Pillow International Dance Festival, Tanglewood, The Clark Institute, Mass MoCA) and outdoor recreation are amid the bucolic year-round natural beauty. During the Gilded-age, the area was known as a remote retreat for wealthy American tycoons and famous artists. Many of the notable inhabitants grew their own food for their city and country homes. Farm-to-table cuisine is part of the fabric of the area's food culture, way before it became a national buzzword. In fact, the first CSA in America is in the Berkshires.
The area boasts a rich history with museums dedicated to the area's artists (Edith Wharton, Herman Melville, Norman Rockwell, Daniel Chester French etc.) as well as other historical moments including the African American Freedom Trail and Hancock Shaker Village.
More information can be found at www.berkshiers.org.
Venues:
Behold New Lebanon - Witness & experience contemporary rural American life in the new museum without walls. Cooking, farming, animal workshops, nature walks & more. The first living museum of today's rural America. www.beholdnewlebanon.org/
Food:
Methuselah - New restaurant and bar, international cuisine and great service - www.facebook.com/NoPinotGrigio/
Old Inn on the Green - Award winning historic inn and voted best dining experience in the Berkshires, features a new 8-seat taproom that features an impressive collection of bourbons and single malt whiskys, some over 20 years old. And, a 32-page wine list for serious oenophiles like YoYo Ma, a regular at Old Inn in New Marlborough, MA. Also, nearby, the inn‚s The Southfield Store hired a new catering coordinator to accommodate requests for off-site BBQs and picnics, gala weddings, an on-site celebrations of up to 100 people. oldinn.com/.
BOSTON
Where to Stay
Boston Harbor Hotel
A member of Preferred Hotel Group, the Boston Harbor Hotel is Boston’s only Forbes Five-Star waterfront hotel and welcomes guests arriving by land or sea. Located on the historic harbor at Rowes Wharf, the Boston Harbor Hotel’s inviting ambiance and unparalleled service provide the ideal home away from home for travelers. Luxurious accommodations with sweeping views of Boston’s cityscape or waterfront, a contemporary spa and fitness center, world-class dining and a 34-slip marina make the Boston Harbor Hotel a destination Beyond compare. For additional information, please visit website www.bhh.com, call 617-439-7000 or follow us on Twitter @harborhotel or on Facebook.
Celebrate Boston in Full Bloom with Four Season's Hotel Boston
Make a fast break for Boston! Explore the city in grand style with Four Seasons Hotel.
Boston winters have a reputation for being unbearable, but that's only if one ventures outside. Four Seasons Hotel Boston advises visitors to check in and stay in by offering a package that lets you get away with your sweetie without ever leaving the hotel.
A weekend trip to a cozy B&B sounds just dreamy until faced with icy mountain roads for three hours. This winter, Four Seasons Hotel Boston encourages couples to head to the city where intimate rooms, 24-hour room service, two of Boston's best restaurants, spa services, sauna, steam room, and a whirlpool await. The real bonus? Aside from easy access from any Northeast location and a 10-minute trip from Logan airport, guests receive a complimentary reservation for two to the Bristol Lounge Viennese Dessert Buffet, two free movies with popcorn and soda and a "lazy morning in bed" late check-out. Room rates are for weekends only and start at $375 based on season and availability.
Information on the company and on Four Seasons Hotel Boston can be accessed through the Four Seasons web site at www.fourseasons.com.
To book your stay, please call Four Seasons Hotel Boston at +1 (617) 338-4400 or visit our Back Bay Hotel online at www.fourseasons.com/boston.
Holiday Inn Boston-Bunker Hill:
Located at 30 Washington Street in Somerville, the Holiday Inn Boston-Bunker Hill is a full-service hotel and state-of-the-art event facility located just 3 miles from downtown Boston. Owned and operated by Distinctive Hospitality Group (DHG), the property features 184 newly renovated and tastefully appointed guestrooms and is conveniently situated near public transportation, providing easy access to nearby Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the TD Garden, historic Boston landmarks, the academic hub of Cambridge, and many area colleges and universities. The hotel’s complimentary convenience services include free Wi-Fi, overnight parking and area shuttle service. Room service, a heated indoor pool, family-friendly sports deck, full-service on-site restaurant, and 24-hour fitness center are also available. For more information about the Holiday Inn Boston-Bunker Hill, please visit www.bunkerhillbostonhotel.com or call 617.628.1000.
Boston’s Newest Boutique Hotel: The Boxer
The Boxer, Boston’s newest full service boutique hotel, made its debut on May 20, 2013, in the West End neighborhood. Following a multi-million dollar renovation, the 80-room hotel has been completely transformed as a modern and eclectic boutique with echoes of Boston in its design.
The Boxer opens with a new restaurant, Finch, serving American fare with a modern New England twist and some ingeniously crafted cocktails. Inspired by the property’s iconic Flatiron architecture and prime downtown Boston location, Hersha Hospitality Trust (NYSE: HT) acquired the hotel in May 2012, previously named the Bulfinch Hotel. The Boxer joins the Independent Collection, a growing portfolio of boutique hotels inspired by authentic neighborhoods, local heritage and indigenous travel experiences. The Boxer name is symbolic of, and celebrates, the independent spirit of individuals who stand strong for their beliefs, bringing forth the very essence of Boston as a proud, loyal city with an unshakeable sense of itself and its significance in history.
The Boxer occupies Boston’s historic Flatiron Building, built in 1904 on the western edge of the Bulfinch Triangle. J. Brice Design of Boston reimagined the property with an industrial chic aesthetic, weaving in elements of the hotel’s decidedly New England roots. An 1860’s archived map of Boston spans the entire lobby ceiling while a vintage hotel key rack with antique style gold keys greets guests checking in at the front desk.
Guestrooms are custom-designed with the unique architecture of the historic Flatiron building in mind. Rooms are painted a deep slate blue and furnished with industrial inspired modern open frame wardrobes, softened by fisherman’s knit bed scarf in a classic plaid pattern over a tufted bed. Work spaces are punctuated with ergonomic desk chairs reminiscent of classic Scandinavian design and bathrooms feature custom designed vanities with Calcutta marble tops. The Boxer utilizes the charm of the building’s unique shape to provide a new and different experience with each room key.
Amenities include: iHomes with iPhone docking stations; minibars with an assortment of snacks and beverages; 32” flat screen TVs; and, Keurig coffee makers. The Boxer also provides complimentary Wi-Fi and newspapers, a 24-hour fitness center, a computer kiosk in the lobby and valet service for all guests. The hotel is pet-friendly.
In the restaurant, Finch, antique glass lights and farmhouse wood communal dining tables emanate eclectic downtown cool, juxtaposed with vintage inspired wing back chairs. Finch is open daily for breakfast, light bites and dinner, serving up American fare with a focus on New England classics. Finch also offers a handcrafted cocktail program that is rooted in the classics but uses modern twists and techniques. Many of the cocktails pay homage to The Boxer’s surroundings in the city of Boston. Liquid delights ($10 each) at Finch include: Finch’s Dirty Bird (martini with Ketel One, whiskey sour pickle brine, whisper of Vermouth, sour pickle); North End Saint (Avissi prosecco, St. Germain, Italian cookie on the side); and, West Ender (Hendrick's Gin, splash Byrrh Grand Quinquina Aperitif, seltzer and fresh lime).
Finch is open seven days a week from 6:30a.m. until 10:00p.m. The bar shakes up cocktails through 11:00p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Finch is also available for private events, functions and meetings, and can accommodate up to 70 guests.
The Boxer and Finch are located at 107 Merrimac Street in Boston’s West End neighborhood. For more information, please visit www.theboxerboston.com or call 617.624.0202.
Woodward at AMES
Ames Hotel, located in the beautiful and historic Ames building, inspires both modern style and old world sophistication. An experience rich with elegant interpretations, complemented by innovative new design by Rockwell Group and the Morgans' in house design team, Ames Hotel brings Boston and its visitors the dynamic experience for which Morgans is known. Ideally located near historic Faneuil Hall and Beacon Hill, the 114-room Boston hotel has a vibrant restaurant and bar offering an atmosphere that is at once refined and playful, a state-of-the art fitness center and suites accented by dramatic, Romanesque arched windows and original fireplaces. Ames is located at 1 Court Street and can be reached by calling 617-979-8100 or visiting www.ameshotel.com.
Boston Marriott Long Wharf
Boston Marriott Long Wharf has been fully renovated--with a reinvented lobby, and the adjoining new Waterline restaurant and bar, where guests can work alone or in groups, eat, drink and socialize throughout the day and evening. This landmark hotel also now offers a new Harbor View Ballroom, an expanded health club and concierge lounge, and completely renovated meeting space, guest rooms and suites.
The internationally renowned architecture and interior design firm, BBG-BBGM, reimagined the 412-room Boston Marriott Long Wharf, showcasing picturesque waterfront views at every turn. All of the hotel’s guestrooms have been newly appointed with ergonomic furnishings, luxurious bedding, iPod clock radios and HD LCD televisions with split screen technology and plug-in connectivity for digital devices. Twelve Executive King Suites and two Luxury Waterfront Suites with private balconies have been added, while the hotel’s largest suite, the Long Wharf Suite, has been completely redesigned. An expanded Concierge Lounge provides comfortable dining and lounge seating, complimentary high speed wireless internet access, a laptop station and color printer.
On the lobby level, Waterline restaurant offers an inviting bar, communal dining table, cozy booths, and a private dining room. Waterline’s menu features quintessential American cocktails and classic New England fare with a focus on local ingredients. The restaurant also provides service to the reinvented lobby, where guests can catch up on work and emails, thanks to WiFi and plentiful electrical outlets.
The newly-added Harbor View Ballroom features floor-to-ceiling windows, a seasonal outdoor patio and panoramic views, making it a breathtaking backdrop for weddings and social events. All of the hotel’s pre-existing meeting spaces have been fully renovated, from the 8,200-square-foot Grand Ballroom, to the 5,750-square-foot Palm Garden with its soaring 55-foot atrium, to the 2,530-square-foot Commonwealth Ballroom, divisible into five break-out rooms. Now with the Harbor View Ballroom, this waterfront hotel provides 21,000 square feet of flexible, modern meeting space.
A significantly expanded 24-hour fitness center contains the latest equipment, including stationary bikes, Precor treadmills and elliptical trainers, all with 9-inch televisions. The hotel’s indoor pool and whirlpool area open onto a sundeck overlooking the water.
Located at 296 State Street, within short walking distance of Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, and the Boston Aquarium, the Boston Marriott Long Wharf is also just minutes from Boston Common, the Boston Children’s Museum, and the TD Banknorth Garden. It offers easy access to Logan International Airport, Amtrak’s South Station, the MBTA’s subway and commuter rail and I-93. For more information, please call 617-227-0800, or visit www.marriottlongwharf.com.
The Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel --
features 471 guestrooms and 21 suites, a sleek, marine-inspired interior design, as well as full health club facilities and a sparkling lap pool. The hotel is within walking distance to many major attractions, including the New England Aquarium, Faneuil Hall, Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston Children’s Museum and more. It is conveniently located near downtown Boston and Logan International Airport.
At 606 Congress, at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel, Executive Chef Richard Garcia offers diners a menu of modern farm cuisine with regional influences, featuring high-quality ingredients. 606 Congress and Chef Garcia partner with local and national organizations including Slow Food Boston, Chefs Collaborative, the New England Aquarium, CleanFish and more, to offer special events, partnership dinners and ingredient-driven seasonal menu specials throughout the year.
For hotel information and reservations, please call 1-800-hotels1, or 617.338.4111 or visit www.RenaissanceBoston.com.
Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit web site www.marriott.com, and The Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel has earned the AAA Four Diamond Rating for 2011, North America’s premier hotel rating system. This distinction, awarded to less than four percent of the 32,000 properties evaluated by AAA annually, recognizes the property’s stylish accommodations, extensive amenities and a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail.
AAA awards the Four Diamond Rating level to hotels that consistently demonstrate high standards in the following areas:
· Cleanliness and Condition of Property
· Management and Staff
· Exterior, Grounds, and Public Areas
· Guestroom Décor, Ambiance and Amenities
· Bathrooms
· Guest Services
please call 1-800-hotels1, or 617.338.4111 or visit www.RenaissanceBoston.com.
Back Bay Hotel
Chocolate Lovers Tour Weekend Will have you Coming Back for Seconds
Located in the heart of Boston’s most stylish quarters, The Back Bay Hotel invites you to indulge in the guiltiest of pleasures… Chocolate! This one-of-a-kind overnight stay at The Back Bay Hotel offers guests the chance to live la dolce vita with a walking chocolate tour of your choice of two of Boston’s most unforgettable neighborhoods: Back Bay or Beacon Hill. A true connoisseur will whisk you off into a world of exotic imports, closely-guarded recipes, and intimate tastings from the very finest artisan chocolatiers and celebrated restaurants Boston has to offer.
· Overnight accommodation in a Superior bedroom
· Amenities including all-natural bath products, 400-count Frette linens, terrycloth bath robes, complimentary high-speed internet
· Complimentary box of chocolates for you and your loved one
· Boston Chocolate Tour tickets of the Back Bay (available Saturday only) or Beacon Hill (available Sunday only)
WHERE: The Back Bay Hotel
350 Stuart Street
Boston, MA 02116
**For reservations, please contact The Back Bay Hotel toll-free at 877.587.9774**
ABOUT THE BACK BAY HOTEL:
Located in the former headquarters of the Boston Police Department, it is now an even more arresting proposition after a stunning renovation program that has created a modern-day landmark in this magnificent city. The stylish interior of The Back Bay Hotel offers vibrancy and warmth unique to this luxury Boston hotel and our team complements that warmth with a highly engaging and personal form of service that makes your stay a genuinely luxurious experience. We're equally well located for exploring the tourist riches of Boston or doing business in this strategically important business capital. The Back Bay Hotel Boston, by the Charles River, is the perfect base from which to explore or exploit this compact and beautiful city. But whatever your purpose for visiting Boston, your stay will be infinitely more memorable if it includes a visit to The Back Bay Hotel. For more information, please call: 877.587.9774or visit: www.doylecollection.com/boston.
Where to Eat
Four Seasons Hotel Bristol Lounge
If you're planning a trip to Boston, make one of your stops The Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel. Here, savor the special autumn menu, ideal for upcoming cooler temperatures and colorful views of the Public Garden. This menu celebrates seasonal fruits and spices in dishes like Sweet potato bisque with smoked maple syrup and Bosc pear chutney; Baby arugula salad with candied cranberries, black walnuts, blue cheese and Ceylon cinnamon vinaigrette; and Slow-roasted Vermont chicken with butternut spoonbread, wild mushrooms, rainbow chard and herb broth.
After dinner, comforting desserts from Executive Pastry Chef Tim Fonseca tempt the sweet tooth and warm the tummy with Carmelized Apple Millefeuille with cranberry cider sorbet and Warm Pumpkin-Ginger Bread Pudding with maple walnut ice cream. If you've never been to The Bristol Lounge, you're in for a treat for it has a lovely lounge-like atmosphere and an impressive menu. Executive Chef Brooke Vosika creates upscale comfort food and traditional New England favorites inspired by local, seasonal and artisanal products. The restaurant regularly receives awards from local and national publications for service, atmosphere, food and cocktails including Improper Bostonian "Best Power Lunch," and Zagat Survey "#1 Décor." It's open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner seven days a week.
Reservations are recommended. Call 617-351-2037.
Currently, the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts manages 70 hotels in 31 countries with more than 20 properties under development. Open since 1985, Four Seasons Hotel Boston provides a preferred address for both business and leisure travelers, and the highly personalized, anticipatory service that Four Seasons guests expect and value around the world. The 273-room Four Seasons Boston has been honored with top rankings in international surveys including the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award, Mobil Five Star Award, Conde Nast Traveler 2006 Gold List, Travel + Leisure Top 500 Hotels in the World and the 2006 Zagat Survey No. 1 Hotel in Boston.
Information on the company and on Four Seasons Hotel Boston can be accessed through the Four Seasons Web site at www.fourseasons.com.
CAMBRIDGE
907 MAIN HISTORIC BOUTIQUE HOTEL TO DEBUT IN CENTRAL SQUARE
907 Main is a new boutique hotel located in the heart of Central Square. It features sophisticated and refined amenities including 67 guest rooms, a two bedroom penthouse, a new restaurant, The Dial, and a bar with an outdoor rooftop terrace, Blue Owl. It also is home to Toscanini’s Ice Cream and Praliné French Patisserie. The project is anticipated to debut in Spring 2020.
907 Main is a historic five story, mixed-use building that is within the Central Square District of the National Register of Historic Places. Originally constructed in 1870, the property is now currently owned by Sean Casey, LLC. Owners T.O. Johnson, Tim Johnson, and Central Square resident, Patrick W. Barrett III, share the vision of creating a destination that enhances Central Square's eclectic identity and will be an integral part of the ongoing revitalization in the area.
907 Main will honor the building’s 19th century architecture while seamlessly combining a sleek, contemporary style to create an atmosphere that is chic and vibrant. The lively space will be versatile and inviting to guests who are visiting for business, travel, and fun. Untraditional meeting spaces welcome up to 190 guests for work or play. Whether staying overnight in one of the comfortable, posh rooms or just enjoying a delicious meal at The Dial and an imaginative cocktail at Blue Owl, 907 Main will be a place for everyone to enjoy.
907 Main is being developed and managed by www.haycreekhotels.com, Hay Creek Hotels, a locally owned and operated hospitality provider that specializes in independent & historic hotel management for destinations that are grand in character. The brand identity and interiors have come to fruition with direction from Hay Creek Hotels, design by Gensler Boston (with Boyes-Watson as the architect of record) and inspiration from Margaret Fuller and the transcendentalist movement.
907 Main will provide a sophisticated and refined stay while inspiring guests and locals to “embrace their rebel within.” This experience will be created through the diversity of the neighborhood and hotel’s unique amenities such as The Dial restaurant and bar complete with an outdoor patio located at street level and Blue Owl bar and outdoor rooftop terrace with picturesque skyline views of the city.
Hay Creek Hotels and Gensler concepted each venue within 907 Main to reflect the freewheeling culture and art of the Central Square neighborhood. There are subtle yet creative hints of whimsy throughout the property to delight guests.
For more information, please visit www.907Main.com
CAPE COD
more soon
EDGARTOWN
Where to Stay
Harbor View Hotel
A beloved fixture on the Vineyard since 1891, the Harbor View Hotel offers luxury guest rooms and suites in the heart of historic Edgartown. From its broad veranda, the hotel boasts spectacular views of Edgartown Harbor, the Vineyard’s premier sailing and yachting location, where guests can set sail on a variety of boating adventures arranged through Harbor View Hotel’s own waterfront concierge. In 2012 Harbor View Hotel was named one of the “Top 50 U.S. Resorts” in Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Awards” issue, “Best Hotel on the Vineyard” by Martha’s Vineyard Magazine and was named “Best Resort/Hotel” by Cape Cod Magazine’s Gold Awards. The Harbor View is a member of Historic Hotels of America® and is managed by Scout Hotels. For more information call (800) 225-6005 or visit www.harbor-view.com.
A Martha's Vineyard vacation for the ages: Generations of family travelers have crossed the wide porch to <www.harbor-view.com/ Harbor View Hotel's open door for a taste of classic Vineyard hospitality. Since 1891, the Edgartown hotel has served as a second home for vacationers who return summer after summer, first as children, then with their own tots in tow. In recent years, that "home" has expanded to include five spacious Captain's Cottages accommodating 18 luxury suites of up to three bedrooms - perfect for extended families - with fully equipped kitchenettes, washer/dryers, entertainment technology, and pull-out sofas for extra guests. A summer-long calendar of family activities provides hours of memory-making fun, from lawn games and arts and crafts to light house walks and sandcastle building. From June through August, average starting rates range from $249 to $629.
FOXBOROUGH
What to See & Do
Bass Pro Shops Open
Bass Pro Shops has opened its store in Patriot Place ---- a first in Massachusetts. The 140,000-square-foot store is the signature tenant for the new Patriot Place development project located adjacent to Gillette Stadium at 1 Patriot Place in Foxborough.
About the store:
The entire store is a tribute to the vast diversity of the New England landscape and its people and, like other Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World stores, takes on the flavor and atmosphere of the region in which it is located. Using more than 3,500 area artifacts, antiques, pictures, mounts and memorabilia, the store becomes a living museum of New England’s hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor legacies.
Hand-painted murals from renowned artists depict scenes that are quintessentially New England--the beaches of Cape Cod, the rocky coasts of Maine, the cranberry bogs of Massachusetts, the forests and mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire and historic Lake Champlain. State and record wildlife mounts are displayed alongside local historical prints depicting early New England residents enjoying sporting adventures.
Massive log and rock work frame the Grand Entrance and a porte-cochere protects visitors from inclement weather. Old snow fencing from Wyoming has been reclaimed and used to side the exterior. Inside, rustic wood timber and chink walls and vaulted post and beam construction ceiling make up the front lobby. The lobby resembles an old boat building operation reminiscent of Gloucester’s historical wharfs and waterfronts. It even has a gantry crane for hoisting big boats. A fire crackles in the large stone fireplace (one of three in the store) complete with a handcrafted metal screen depicting New England fisherman casting their nets on the water. An authentic New England lobster boat rests on top of the Customer Service counter while a 43’, 3,000 pound Humpback whale hangs suspended from the ceiling.
A cave structure surrounds the aquarium, which will be stocked with more than 400 fish native to the area including largemouth bass, striped bass, northern pike, bowfin, giant carp, Atlantic salmon and crappie. Two elevators rise up from either side of the aquarium offering riders a bird’s-eye view of the 3-story waterfall. Other water features include a 5,500- gallon-turtle pond and a 3,800 gallon trout pool. A large moose stands in the trout stream. One can almost visualize his antlers dripping as if he has just dipped his head for a cool drink.
For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops store locations, products or special events, please visit www.basspro.com . To request a free Bass Pro Shops catalog call 1-800-BASS PRO.
GROTON
The Groton Inn, America’s oldest inn, which was destroyed by fire in 2011, has been elegantly reimagined and is open
Migis Hotel Group has welcomed a new boutique hotel to its portfolio of nine exclusive properties with the opening of The Groton Inn on May 3, 2018. Located on the charming Main Street of Groton, MA and just 35 miles from Boston, the gracious 60-room inn is poised to become one of the premiere lodging establishments in New England.
America’s oldest Inn, the original structure (circa 1678) was destroyed by fire in 2011 and has been meticulously and thoughtfully reimagined, drawing inspiration from classic New England architecture and the area’s rich colonial history. From the large welcoming front porch to the crackling wood fire in the lobby fireplace, the inn offers a new level of comfort and service to local residents, business and leisure travelers, and those visiting nearby Lawrence Academy and Groton School. The inn is also within easy proximity to nearby technology hubs, corporations, cultural institutions, and outdoor recreation.
The inn’s historically inspired décor features a distinctive color palette, brass fixtures, wide-planked hand-hewn hickory floors, and period details. Spacious guest rooms overlook pastoral vistas and are well appointed with comfortable work areas and luxurious amenities. Guests enjoy a full buffet breakfast, complimentary WIFI, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a beautifully landscaped courtyard with a fireplace. Two elegantly appointed private banquet rooms and an exclusive boardroom offering full audio/visual capabilities, along with expansive outdoor spaces, provide striking venues for social and corporate events.
Forge & Vine, a 156-seat freestanding restaurant set on 8.5 acres shared with The Groton Inn, will open the summer of 2018 and become a welcome addition to the dining scene in Groton and the surrounding area. The warm ambiance, with its elemental themes of wood, water, iron, and fire, is a nod to the blacksmith shops that once dotted the region and is welcoming for casual dinners or special occasion events. Large floor-to-ceiling windows will deliver lots of natural light and invite views of the pastoral landscape. At the heart of the restaurant will be an eight-foot wood burning grill and open kitchen. A menu offering modern New England fare will be seasonally inspired and dishes will highlight the best ingredients from regional purveyors. Forge & Vine will feature an intimate private dining room for parties of 16 to 20 and a deck for al fresco dining.
The Groton Inn is open year round. Room rates start at $169/night and include breakfast if booked directly. Please visit thegrotoninn.com or call 978.448.6600 for more information.
LENOX
What to See & Do
The Mount
Visit The Mount, Edith Wharton's elegant estate and gardens in the Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts. It was here that she fashioned a world of beauty and calm where she could write in peace and entertain distinguised friends. Wharton created some of her greatest works at The Mount, including enduring classics as The House of Mirth and Ethan Frome.
Tour the mansion that she designed and built in 1902 according to the principles she developed in her first book, The Decoration of Houses; wander through three acres of gorgeous formal gardens that recreate Wharton's original design; and if you're tired or hungry, enjoy light refreshments on The Mount's Terrace overlooking the gardens that are open mid-June to mid-September.
Before leaving, check out the bookstore for treasures, books, linens, jewelry and more.
For more information call 413-551-5107 or the bookstore at 413-551-5119 or the main office at 413-551-5111. The Mount is located at 2 Plunkett Street, Lenox, MA. 01240.
Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum
Take a ride back in history on two different trips depending on your schedule. A 20 mile, 90 minute round trip connecting Lenox, Lee and Stockbridge, or a shorter 7 mile, 45 minute round trip between Lenox and Lee. Experience travel in the 1920s era passenger coaches. Trips are narrated by a uniformed conductor and are hauled by vintage diesel-electric locomotives.
Also, see exhibits about trains & trolleys in the Berkshires, visit an exhibit about the mansions of the Gilded Age and learn about the role the railroad played during this era in Berkshire history.
Charter train rides are also available, as well as charters for bus tours of 20-400 people.
For a train schedule contact the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum, Inc., at 10l Willow Creek Road, Lenox, MA 01240; 413-637-2210, or check web site www.BerkshireScenicRailroad.org
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF TANGLEWOOD, THE BSO’S SUMMER HOME SINCE 1937
One of the most popular and acclaimed music festivals in the world, Tanglewood—the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s summer home since 1937—is located in the beautiful Berkshire Hills between Lenox and Stockbridge, MA. With an average annual attendance of more than 300,000 visitors each season, Tanglewood has a $60 million impact on the Berkshire economy each summer.
Tanglewood presents orchestra concerts by the Boston Symphony, Boston Pops, and visiting ensembles, featuring many of the greatest classical musicians of our time; recital and chamber music concerts in the intimate setting of Ozawa Hall; programs highlighting the young musicians of the Tanglewood Music Center; and performances by some of today’s leading popular artists. Introduced last year—$20 tickets for attendees under 40—will be available for BSO and Boston Pops performances in the Shed.
Tanglewood is family-friendly, with free lawn tickets available for children and young people age 17 and under, a 50% discount on Friday-evening lawn tickets for college and graduate students, and a variety of special programs for children, including Kids’ Corner, Watch and Play, and the annual Family Concert, this year to take place on August 23. Tanglewood is also the home of the Tanglewood Music Center, the BSO’s preeminent summer music academy for the advanced training of young professional musicians, and Days in the Arts, a multi-cultural arts-immersion program that gives 400 fifth-, sixth-, and seventh-graders from communities across Massachusetts the opportunity to explore the arts throughout each week-long session of the summer.
These are just two of the BSO’s many educational and outreach activities, for which more information is available at www.bso.org—the largest and most visited orchestral website in the country, receiving about 7 million visitors annually and generating over $80 million in revenue since its launch in 1996. The Boston Symphony Orchestra is online at www.bso.org. Music lovers can follow the BSO on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bostonsymphony or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/bostonsymphony.
Where to Stay
Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club Garners Multiple Travel Awards
Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club, features one of the largest full service spas in New England, recently received top honors from two of the industry's most prestigious organizations: The World Travel Awards, which has named Cranwell the "Best Resort in Massachusetts" and SpaFinder, whose millions of readers named Cranwell the "Best Spa for Golf."
These awards are in addition to a number of accolades Cranwell received in the past year, including the Best Resort in Massachusetts by Boston Magazine's New England Travel and Life. Cranwell Resort was also featured in the book "100 Best Spas in the World," and its golf course was included in "America's Top100 Golf Courses," by Zagat's reader survey.
SpaFinder Readers Choice Award
Spafinder.com and Luxury SpaFinder attract millions of spa consumers annually. To construct their Best of List, patrons of both the magazine and website cast ballots for what turned out to be more than 1,000 different spa properties worldwide. Voters were asked to vote only for spas they've personally visited within the past three years and, as one of the most popular spots for golf in New England.
Cranwell boasts a 6,200 yard, 18-hole golf course, and a 12-acre driving range, with breathtakingly beautiful views of the bucolic Berkshire hills. The course winds throughout the resort's 380 acre property, and the golf course itself was designed and built in 1926 by Wayne Styles and John Van Kleek. Styles and Van Kleek were responsible for over 60 golf courses between 1924 and 1932, most of which were in New England.
Additionally, Cranwell runs a prestigious Golf Digest school on its grounds, and top-tier instructors are available for private and group lessons. The golf course offers state-of-the-art amenities like GPS equipped carts, which provide golfers with yardage calculation and other resort communication.
About Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club
Cranwell's renowned spa is the only facility in New England that features the Carita Paris facial "The Renovateur", as well as its signature treatment, "The Grand Mosaic Dry Float," an ethereal two-hour body wrap, warm water immersion, and full body massage. The Spa also offers classes in Pilates, Yoga, Body Conditioning and Aerobics, as well as specialized yoga and other conditioning classes specifically for golfers. Additionally the resort provides an ideal setting for outdoor activities, including tennis, biking, hiking and Nordic walking, with the majestic Berkshires as your personal playground.
The award-winning, 107-room, 380-acre resort is located at 55 Lee Road in Lenox, Massachusetts, approximately two and one-half hours from New York and two hours from Boston.
For information about rate packages, of which Cranwell offers a variety, and reservations, call (800) 272-6935 or visit www.Cranwell.com
MARTHA'S VINEYARD
Where to Stay
Harbor View Hotel
A beloved fixture on the Vineyard since 1891, the Harbor View Hotel offers luxury guest rooms and suites in the heart of historic Edgartown. From its broad veranda, the hotel boasts spectacular views of Edgartown Harbor, the Vineyard’s premier sailing and yachting location. Its popular restaurants, Water Street and Henry’s Hotel Bar, offer a casual, yet sophisticated atmosphere for island-to-table dining, utilizing the Vineyard’s freshest ingredients. In 2014, Harbor View Hotel was one of the top ten “Best Hotels in the Northeast” in Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice awards, and in 2012, it was listed among the “Top 50 U.S. Resorts” in Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Awards” issue, “Best Hotel on the Vineyard” by Martha’s Vineyard Magazine, and “Best Resort/Hotel” by Cape Cod Magazine’s Gold Awards. The Harbor View is a member of Historic Hotels of America® and is managed by Scout Hotel & Resort Management. For more information call (800) 225-6005 or visit www.harbor-view.com.
Dogs, dads and time for two: a trio of opportunities make June the perfect month for a Martha’s Vineyard getaway at Harbor View Hotel
Long, sunny days have arrived but high season crowds and rates have not. For vacation-seekers who love the beach but not the summer hordes, there’s no better time than June for a Martha’s Vineyard getaway. The historic Harbor View Hotel, nestled in the heart of Edgartown, is offering three great packages that help visitors make the most of special June events on the island – from a Celebration of Pets to a Father’s Day Car-B-Q – as well as the month’s savor-worthy calm.
A Celebration of Pets (And for Fido, an invitation to “stay!”)
June 2 marks the eighth annual Celebration of Pets, sponsored by Harbor View Hotel and the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard. After gathering on the hotel’s expansive wrap-around porch for water and treats, Fido, Fluffy and their humans will take part in a parade to Edgartown Lighthouse. All pets are awarded a ribbon for participating. To guests who bring their four-legged family members, Harbor View Hotel says “stay!” with an <https://www.harborviewhotel.com/specials/island-dog-package>Island Dog Package that includes overnight accommodations, dog treats, an Orbee ball, Black Dog squeaky toy, bandana and travel snack bag, plus a 2018 Vineyard Seadogs Calendar. The package rate starts at $389 per night before taxes.
Getting there, by sea or by air
Martha’s Vineyard visitors have plenty of options to get to the island. By air, JetBlue and Delta Air Lines both offer nonstop flights from New York City; <Cape Air offers routes from Boston, New York City, Hyannis, Nantucket and New Bedford; and American Airlines offers nonstop flights from Washington D.C. By water, passengers have an array of ferry options: Falmouth - Edgartown Ferry, Steamship Authority (from Woods Hole), Island Queen (from Falmouth), Seastreak Ferry (from New York City), and Hy-Line Cruises (from Hyannis and Nantucket).
About Harbor View Hotel
A beloved fixture on the Vineyard since 1891, Harbor View Hotel offers luxury guest rooms and suites in the heart of historic Edgartown. From its broad veranda, the hotel boasts spectacular views of Edgartown Harbor, the Vineyard’s premier sailing and yachting location. Its popular restaurants, Lighthouse Grill and Henry’s, offer a casual, yet sophisticated atmosphere for island-to-table dining, utilizing the Vineyard’s freshest ingredients. In 2017, Harbor View Hotel was recognized as one of the “Top Hotels in New England” in Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice awards – making it the only property on Martha’s Vineyard to make the list. Harbor View Hotel is a member of Historic Hotels of America® and is managed by Scout Hotel & Resort Management. Learn more at www.harborviewhotel.com
A Martha's Vineyard vacation for the ages:
Generations of family travelers have crossed the wide porch to Harbor View Hotel's open door for a taste of classic Vineyard hospitality. Since 1891, the Edgartown hotel has served as a second home for vacationers who return summer after summer, first as children, then with their own tots in tow. In recent years, that "home" has expanded to include five spacious Captain's Cottages accommodating 18 luxury suites of up to three bedrooms - perfect for extended families - with fully equipped kitchenettes, washer/dryers, entertainment technology, and pull-out sofas for extra guests. A summer-long calendar of family activities provides hours of memory-making fun, from lawn games and arts and crafts to light house walks and sandcastle building. From June through August, average starting rates range from $249 to $629.
Martha’s Vineyard icon Kelley House marks 275th anniversary
with a stunning “boutique” renovation
Kelley House, one of Martha’s Vineyard’s most historic establishments and among the oldest hotels in the United States, is commemorating its 275th anniversary with a brand-new look. The renovation has transformed Kelley House into a stylish boutique hotel for the 21st century while retaining its timeless Vineyard vibe. Guest room linens are in crisp white and nautical blues. “Weathered” wood-plank floors are layered with woven sisal rugs. White planked ceilings evoke the classic clapboard siding of the hotel’s exterior and are updated with recessed accent lighting. And stunning photography of water scenes and sunset views adorns the walls.
Kelley House is located in the heart of quaint Edgartown, whose fortunes grew and declined with the whaling industry before finding new vitality as a summer colony in the late 19th century. Today, Kelley House’s legacy continues as a favorite Vineyard retreat. The inn’s original structure opened in 1742 as The Tavern – three decades before the Boston Tea Party sparked the American Revolution -- and continued to provide respite for sailors throughout the war and whaling eras. It was managed by John Harper, master of the sloop Humbird, until he passed the baton to his son-in-law, fellow master mariner Lemuel Kelley, in 1772. As Captain Valentine Pease (1764-1854), a mariner believed to be the model for Herman Melville’s Ahab, recounted, “When I can first remember and for years afterward there was a swamp near the shore… [with] but two ways through it to the shore; one, now the termination of Main street; the other leading from the old Tavern kept by Kelley and others to the wharf.”
In the years that followed, ownership passed to Kelley’s widow, Bathsheba Harper in 1798, then to their son William Kelley in 1801. It remained under William’s care until the mid-1800s, when Joseph V. Kelly assumed ownership and brought in William H. Milton as co-owner, and the partners embarked on an expansion of the inn.
The mid-19th century brought a series of changes in management and names, from Marcy House to Marcy Tavern to Vineyard House. It closed in 1878, in the wake of the whaling industry’s decline, then reopened as the Sea View House (not to be confused with the larger Sea View resort in nearby Oak Bluffs) by William Kelley in 1891. The following year, William married Elizabeth Johnston, who worked in the inn’s kitchen, and the couple renamed their inn Kelley House. Elizabeth continued to operate Kelley House for 28 years after her husband’s death, and her own obituary in the Vineyard Gazette in 1935 reported that she had “helped develop a new and wider reputation for the house as a place where only the favored might expect to be accommodated. For such has been the standing of the place and its owner that the same guests have returned year after year, their children and grandchildren with them.”
William and Elizabeth Kelley had no children of their own, and upon Elizabeth’s death, ownership of Kelley House transferred to Richard L. Colter (“Lee”), the son of her sister. Ownership passed to Lee’s son, Richard I. Colter, in 1964, and in 1972, Kelley House was acquired by Robert J. Carroll and former state senator Allan F. Jones, partners in the Harbor View Hotel. Apart from a brief renaming in 1946 as Great Harbour Inn – honoring Edgartown’s original name -- the inn has remained Kelley House to this day.
Located just steps away from Memorial Wharf, Kelley House is a central starting point from which to discover the Vineyard’s charm. Etiquette expert Emily Post, vaudeville and radio comedian Ed Wynn, and cast and crew members of the blockbuster “Jaws” are among the long list of notables who have chosen Kelley House as their island haven.
A cluster of five buildings comprise Kelley House. They include the inn’s 42-room primary retreat, The Garden House, as well as distinct newer enclaves: Chappy House, Court House, Wheel House and Mizzen Top Suites. Also built in 1742, Kelley House’s popular restaurant, The Newes From America Pub, is known for its authentic Colonial character, welcoming atmosphere, and exceptional New England fare and brews. Throughout Kelley House’s 275-year history, the inn’s ownership and moniker may have evolved, but its hospitality has remained remarkably constant, providing guests an authentic Vineyard experience to inspire lifelong memories.
About Kelley House
Located on Martha’s Vineyard, one of New England’s most picturesque destinations, Kelley House is nestled in the heart of Edgartown. Today, the popular Edgartown inn features 60 casually comfortable guest rooms, a pool, and a popular pub, The Newes from America. A member of Historic Hotels of America®, Kelley House offers guests a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere and beautiful New England architecture. Kelley House is a property of Scout Hotel & Resort Management.
For reservations or more information please check web site www.kelley-house.com
NANTUCKET
Where to Stay
Harborview Nantucket
A beloved fixture on the Vineyard since 1891, Harbor View Hotel offers luxury guest rooms and suites in the heart of historic Edgartown. From its broad veranda, the hotel boasts spectacular views of Edgartown Harbor, the Vineyard’s premier sailing and yachting location. Its popular restaurants, Lighthouse Grill and Henry’s Hotel Bar, offer a casual, yet sophisticated atmosphere for island-to-table dining, utilizing the Vineyard’s freshest ingredients. In 2016 Harbor View Hotel was ranked one of the “Best Hotels in New England” in Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice awards. Harbor View Hotel is a member of Historic Hotels of America® and is managed by Scout Hotel & Resort Management.
Reservations can be made by calling 800-225-6005. To learn more about Harbor View Hotel, visit www.harbor-view.com.
Veranda House Hotel
Located just steps from the center of town on the exclusive island of Nantucket, the Veranda House Hotel Collection is comprised of three properties. Each offers a distinct style and price point to appeal to guests’ varied needs and preferences while all feature the celebrated personalized service that is a hallmark of the Collection.
These include the luxury retro-chic 18-room Veranda House renovated in 2008 which features opulent bathrooms with waterfall showers, the high designed B&B 11-room Chapman House with a hip edge and totally renovated in 2012, and the Arbor Cottage, offering three Nantucket-style guest rooms including a two bedroom suite that can sleep up to four people. The Chapman House was recently honored as one of the top ten “Best Boutique Value Hotels” by the specialty lodging website, Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
All three properties offer a range of amenities that are distinct to each property including:
Ø Complimentary three-course served epicurean breakfast for Veranda House and Arbor House guests (served on the terrace, weather permitting)
Complimentary continental buffet breakfast at Chapman House
Lavish beds, linens and towels, including Frette linens and towels and waffle kimono robes available exclusively at Veranda House
Lather Bath Products
iPads and Apple TVs in the Chapman House.
Afternoon chocolate chip cookies
Concierge Services
Turn-Down Service at the Veranda House
For more information or for reservations, visit the new website at www.theverandahouse.com or call 1-877-228-0695.
What to See & Do
Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum Has Exciting "Madaket Milie" Exhibit
The Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum is open and showcases its collection of over 5,000 objects – including period surfboats, beach carts, vintage photographs, and more. Now, the museum has a special a historical retrospective exhibit on “Madaket Millie,” a colorful local character, who personally took over Coast Guard patrols of Madaket Harbor.
The Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum is located at 158 Polpis Road, just 3.5 miles from Nantucket Town. Hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. daily. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children 5 – 18, and free to children under 5, and also includes admission to Egan Maritime Institute exhibits at the historic Coffin School, located at 4 Winter Street in Nantucket Town.
For more information call (508) 228-1885, or visit online at www.nantucketshipwreck.org.
NEWTON
Where to Stay
About BOKX 109:
Awarded ‘Best of the New’ by Boston Globe Magazine in 2009, BOKX 109 American Prime , located in Hotel Indigo- is Newton’s newest gem. BOKX 109 is open seven days a week; Sunday- Thursday 5:00pm- 12:00am; Friday and Saturday 5:00pm – 1:00am. Open for cocktails daily at 4:00pm. Located at 399 Grove Street, Newton, MA 02462- conveniently located off of Route 128 at Exit 22 (Grove Street) and is directly adjacent to the Riverside MBTA Green Line station. For more information please call <tel:617-454-3399>617-454-3399 or visit www.bokx109.com.
Hotel Indigo Offers Respite With "Escape the In-Laws" Package
According to surveys, one-third (36%) of Americans would rather check into a hotel than stay with family and an astounding 97 percent would rather not stay with their in-laws. Findings show that while travelers are looking to spend the holidays with family, they simply don’t want to stay with them!
To book online guests, can visit www.newtonboutiquehotel.com or call 617-969-5300 or 877-834-3613.
Hotel Indigo participates in IHG’s guest loyalty program, Priority Club® Rewards. The industry’s first and largest guest loyalty program has 40 million members worldwide. Priority Club Rewards membership is free and guests can enroll by logging on at www.priorityclub.com, by calling 1-888-211-9874 or by inquiring at the front desk of any Hotel Indigo or any of IHG’s more than 4,100 hotels worldwide.
About Hotel Indigo:
Hotel Indigo is a boutique property located off of Route 128 at Exit 22 (Grove Street) in Newton, MA and is directly adjacent to the Riverside MBTA Green Line station. It serves as a convenient option for travelers needing access to the Massachusetts Turnpike, as well as the Route 128/I-95 belt that is part of America’s Technology Highway. Less than ten miles from Downtown Boston, the property is also easily accessible to Boston’s Logan Airport. BOKX 109 American Prime, an upscale modern American steakhouse is located at the hotel. For reservations and more information on Hotel Indigo in Newton, MA please visit www.newtonboutiquehotel.com or call 617-969-5300. Hotel Indigo Boston-Newton Riverside is operated by the Pyramid Hotel Group.
NORTH ADAMS
What to See & Do
MASS MoCA
History of the Museum
Marshall Street Complex
The 27 buildings that make up the MASS MoCA complex were built between 1872 and 1900 by Arnold Print Works, a textile printer. In 40 years, he became the largest finisher of cotton cloth in North America and the largest employer in North Adams. The Sprague Electric Company had operations in North Admas from the late 1920s, and bought the Marshall Street complex in 1942 to produce capacitors. At its peak, Sprague employed over 4,000 workers in a community of 18,000 and it was actually a small city within a city. When Sprague left North Adams in 1985, the local economy suffered dramatically. After, the political and business leadership of North Adams sought ways to creatively re-use the vast mill complex and, in 1986, a group of curators from the nearby Williams College Museum of Art came to the town looking for mill space to exhibit large works of contemporary art that would not fit in conventinal galleries. It was at this point that the mayor of North Adams introduced them to the vast Marshall Street Complex.
MASS MoCA is a complex of interconnected, 19th century mill buildings, with many different areas to explore. You'll first enter through a set of glass doors leading into the main gallery buildings. There are three floors of galleries. Elevators on the first floor, located at the far end of the galleries, will lead you upstairs.
The museum opened its doors to the public in 1999 and has since attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors to its amazing program of visual and performing arts. It has also become an important business development center and is home to numerous companies that enjoy the campus's innovative environment. The museum now employs hundreds of people and is not just a tourist destination, but an economic catalyst in a great America mill town re-tooling itself for a future built of ideas and creativity.
Building 5 is the football field-sized changing exhibition space, while all entrances/exits to the LeWitt galleries are on the second floor. Here, later works are displayed. Kidspace is a special gallery where children can see and create art. (Open for viewing 11 a.m.-4 p.m. every day during July & August. Closed Tuesdays in June).
The best way to enjoy MASS MoCA is to tour the buildings on your own, or, you can take one of the daily guided tours. Pick up an exhibition guide and card availabl in holders on the wall throughout the galleries and ask at the Ask Me Desk in the lobby. Look around, have a cup of coffee or snack in the cafe and have an enjoyable time.
Gallery Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Tuesdays (through June 25); 10 a.m.-6 p.m. every day (June 26-September 7). Open until 7:30 p.m. before most Saturday evening events. For more information check online or with the Box Office at 413-MoCA.111.
The museum is handicapped accessible. Wheelchairs are available in the lobby; infrared listening devices are available at no charge from the Box Office before all events.
Hungry? Try Lickety Split Cafe in the MASS MoCA lobby for ice cream, soups, snadwiches, salads and snacks. Open during museum hours and before most events. The MASS MoCA Bar is open one hour before most events and features Berkshire Brewing Co. beer and spirits from Berkshire Moountain Distillers, Inc. Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Plus, the new full service restaurant on campus, Gramercy Bistro, serves contemporary classic cuisine focusing on local ingredients.
Shopping? You can also shop at MASS MoCA. Try Hardware, inspired by the industrial history of the former factory campus. Here you'll find keepsakes, fine and fun jewelry, art and design books, and hand-picked gifts. Also, at MASS MoCA by Design at 50 spring Street in Williamstown, you can purchase tickets to events and shop for jewelry, books, gifts, cards and more. At Hudsons on the MASS MoCA campus, is a hand-icked selection of art, antiques, jewelry, Persian rugs and collectibles.
Gallery Hours are from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Tuesdays. For Saturday evening events, call the Box Office at 413.MoCA.111
Accessibility: Handicapped-accessible. Wheelchairs are available in the lobby. Infrared listening devices are available at no charge from the Box Office before all events.
Kidspace: A special gallery where children can see and create art. Open 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., closed Tuesdays. Art-making on weekends only.
Dining: Lickety Split Cafe is open with counter service and Merrell's ice cream during museum hours. Gramercy Bistro offers fine dining for lunch and dinner.
Location: 87 Marshall Street, North Adams, MA 01247. For detailed directions check website MASSMoCA.org.
Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art
1040 MASS MoCA Way | North Adams, Massachusetts 01247 | 413.MoCA.111
info@massmoca.org
In the galleries
Lee Boroson: Plastic Fantastic
On view now
Mark Dion: The Octagon Room
On view now
Do not go gentle into that good night--New exhibit plus more
An exhibition dedicated to the rapidly disappearing technologies of photochemical film and analog projectors is, itself, about to disappear.
Curated by Susan Cross and including six different artists, the show looks at film through multiple lenses. You have just 7 days left to witness the green flash in Tacita Dean's The Green Ray, hear an untold history of film in Matthew Buckingham's False Future, warm up near Lisa Oppenheim's Yule Log, and watch a projector mysteriously hanging from the ceiling in Rosa Barba's Stating the Real Sublime.
Follow MASS MoCA on Twitter. Become a fan of MASS MoCA on Facebook and on
Tumblr
Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art
1040 MASS MoCA Way | North Adams, Massachusetts 01247 | 413.MoCA.111
www.massmoca.org |mailto:info@massmoca.org
NORTH FALMOUTH
Where to Stay
Sea Crest Beach Hotel
Set on a private beach in Cape Cod’s legendary North Falmouth and surrounded by traditional New England cottages along Buzzards Bay, Sea Crest Beach Hotel recently emerged from a multimillion-dollar renovation as the quintessential beach hotel for a new generation of travelers. With 264 guest rooms and suites, some with fireplaces and private water-view balconies, and a three-bedroom cottage that sleeps up to eight, the hotel is equally ideal for families seeking a fun beachfront setting and couples drawn by the romance of the Cape. Sea Crest Beach Hotel’s Nauset Center, the largest meeting and events space on Cape Cod, provides planners with expansive function space combined with superb dining and warm, personalized service. Red’s, named for legendary Boston Celtics coach and president Red Auerbach, serves a delightful menu in a setting replete with memorabilia. Sea Crest Beach Hotel has been named “Best Hotel” by Cape Cod Magazine’s “Best of the Cape & Islands Reader’s Choice Awards” consecutively since 2011. Cape Cod Magazine also awarded Sea Crest Beach Hotel “Best Sunset Wedding” in its “Best of Cape Cod Awards” in 2012. Sea Crest Beach Hotel is managed by Scout Hotels. Visit Sea Crest Beach Hotel on Facebook at Facebook.com/SeaCrestBeachHotel. For more information call 508-356-2111 or visit www.seacrestbeachhotel.com.
For more information, visit www.seacrestbeachhotel.com or call (800) 225-3110.
What to See & Do
Cape Cruising: Sea Crest Beach Hotel has guests’ wheels happily spinning with Shining Sea Bike Package
Cape Cod’s beloved Sea Crest Beach Hotel invites its guests to cruise the Cape and soak-up spring with its new Shining Sea Bike Package. Just in time for May’s National Bike Month, guests can embrace the nearby Shining Sea Bike Trail that hugs the coast from Falmouth to Woods Hole and winds along the Vineyard Sound shoreline. Lined with colorful foliage and views of glistening Buzzard’s Bay, the trail provides ample stopping points to capture Instagram-worthy photos showcasing the beauty of the Cape.
Starting at $174 per night (based on a two night minimum), the Shining Sea Bike Package includes an overnight stay for two at Sea Crest Beach Hotel, one day’s bike rental for two, bottled waters and a map of the Shining Sea Bike Trail. For reservations or for more information on Sea Crest Beach Hotel, visit www.seacrestbeachhotel.com or call 800-225-3110.
About Sea Crest Beach Hotel
Set on a private beach in Cape Cod’s legendary North Falmouth and surrounded by traditional New England cottages along Buzzards Bay, Sea Crest Beach Hotel recently emerged from a multimillion-dollar renovation as the quintessential beach hotel for a new generation of travelers. With 264 guest rooms and suites, some with fireplaces and private water-view balconies, and a three-bedroom cottage that sleeps up to eight, the hotel is equally ideal for families seeking a fun beachfront setting and couples drawn by the romance of the Cape. Sea Crest Beach Hotel’s Nauset Center, the largest meeting and events space on Cape Cod, provides planners with expansive function space combined with superb dining and warm, personalized service. Red’s, named for legendary Boston Celtics coach and president Red Auerbach, serves a delightful menu in a setting replete with memorabilia. Sea Crest Beach Hotel is managed by Scout Hotels. For more information or reservations visit www.seacrestbeachhotel.com or call 800-225-3110. Connect online via www.facebook.com/SeaCrestBeachHotel and www.instagram.com/seacrestcapecod
NORWOOD
What to See & Do
South Area Solomon Schechter Day School Gallery Seeks to Preserve WW II-Era Artifacts
A German officer’s ceremonial sword, passports of an Auschwitz survivor, a copy of Hitler’s Mein Kampf, and a rare B-17 bombsight are the first four artifacts that have been donated to the Israel Arbeiter Gallery of Understanding at the South Area Solomon Schechter Day School in Norwood, Massachusetts (One Commerce Way; 781-769-5555-web site www.sassds.org)
This past year supporters of the Gallery launched a campaign to collect and preserve memorabilia from the pre-war through post-World War II era, mainly between 1933-1948 – from the rise of the Nazis to the founding of the modern State of Israel.“World War II era books, letters, photos and other artifacts are in danger of being lost, thrown out, or sold,” says Gallery Co-Chair Dr. Gila Kriegel. “We hope to create an exhibit that tells the story of that period to students and other visitors in a tangible, dramatic way. We want to ensure that artifacts are permanently preserved so they continue to bear witness to the Holocaust.” The second Gallery co-chair is Irv Kempner. Both are children of Holocaust survivors.
Each artifact has an interesting background of how it found its way to the Gallery, and an exhibit card tells each story. Dr. Kriegel says, “Many Holocaust survivors, World War II veterans, collectors, historians, their families and others may possess historically important, unique and interesting Holocaust-era artifacts. Here’s a way to preserve rare items and use them for educational purposes for generations to come.”
The focal point of the Gallery is a series of large panels tracing 86 year-old Izzy Arbeiter’s life from pre-war Poland through emigration and building a new life in America. Asked about the mission of the Gallery, he said, “To teach children not to hate.” He said, “We can't ignore people with crazy ideas. They must be stopped before they gain strength." Dedicated three years ago, the Gallery is a meeting place for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn about prejudice and ways to build bridges.
Also on display in the Gallery is artwork on interfaith understanding by Jewish and Catholic children and a display about Raoul Wallenberg, Swedish diplomat credited with saving some 10,000 people from the Nazis, who received (posthumously) the Gallery’s second annual ‘Righteous Among Nations’ Award. Among visitors to the Gallery have been Cardinal Sean O’Malley, Peter Yarrow, Alan Dershowitz, and Loren Galler Rabinowitz, Miss Massachusetts 2010 and granddaughter of Holocaust survivors.
To be accepted, donated items must meet parameters related to historical value, educational aspects, appropriateness for a K – 8 school, etc. Monetary value is notimportant. Donors could receive a tax deduction in accordance with IRS regulations, and a plaque describes the object’s importance and gives credit to the donors.
Anyone interested in donating papers, photographs or artifacts may contact Stan Hurwitz: 508-269-0570 / stanhurw@comcast.net, or sgoodwin@sassds.org or call 781-769-9400. The Gallery committee is also raising funds to make the exhibit more interactive, to develop an educational curriculum, and to produce a video featuring its namesake. Donations are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS regulations.
OXFORD
more soon
PLYMOUTH
Plymouth Retreat Offers French-Inspired Festivities
For mothers and daughters seeking a girls-only getaway, or best friends looking to reconnect and relax, Mirbeau’s Girlfriend’s Getaway Package is the perfect solution. The splurge-worthy package includes overnight accommodations in a plush guestroom with two queen beds, a 50-minute Mirbeau Signature Facial and Massage per person, makeup consultation and application with one of Spa Mirbeau’s Babor Cosmetics experts, a $25 retail credit for use in the spa boutique, plus unlimited use of the spa facilities including an outdoor Aqua Terrace Jacuzzi, fitness center and classes, and all gratuities and taxes on included items.
For the Mom who already has it all, Mirbeau Inn & Spa also offers gift cards, which are valid for accommodations, spa treatments, dining and the inn’s boutique. They can be purchased on-site or by visiting www.mirbeaugifts.com. For additional information and reservations please visit www.mirbeau.com or call 877-MIRBEAU (647-2328).
About Mirbeau Inn & Spa at The Pinehills
Located in the historic town of Plymouth, Mass. in the award-winning community The Pinehills, Mirbeau Inn & Spa at The Pinehills is an elegant 50-room retreat, reminiscent of a French country estate, surrounded with beautifully landscaped Monet gardens, a tranquil waterfall and Koi fish ponds. The inn features the 14,000-square-foot Spa Mirbeau complete with state-of-the art fitness center with group fitness programs, the Henri-Marie restaurant, The Bistro & Wine Bar, as well as meeting and banquet spaces. Mirbeau Inn & Spa at The Pinehills was recently named as “Where to Honeymoon in 2015” by Destination Weddings & Honeymoons. The legacy Mirbeau Inn & Spa, located in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes wine region, is the only Forbes Four-Star Award winner for hotel, spa and restaurant in New York State
PROVINCETOWN
Summer in Provincetown: How to “Safecation” in America’s Favorite LGBTQ+ Destination
Staying safe and healthy is of prime importance this summer, which is why Provincetown Tourism is putting the emphasis on “safecations.” Thanks to its beaches, dunes and outdoor dining, that’s easier than ever at the leading LGBTQ+ getaway destination in the United States.
This summer, a safecation is the newest buzzword in travel, because it allows people to visit their favorite places, or discover new ones, and pay it forward with the same level of safety for everyone else. Guests are asked to visit the Town of Provincetown website for the latest safety protocols and to abide by them.*
The Town is currently experiencing Phase 3 of the reopening of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which began on July 6, with plenty of options to satisfy anyone pining for a few classic summer days in Ptown. In a place as theatrical as Provincetown, it’s no surprise that mandatory mask-wearing has resulted in some creative interpretations of what a mask can be.
Here what’s opened in recent weeks:
Some museums and cultural and historical facilities have been allowed to reopen, including the Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM), which is restricting entry to 10 people at a time. Here in the oldest continuous arts colony in the US, there are 60-plus art galleries that offer a wide range of work. Most galleries are open this summer, although some of them are open by appointment-only. The Gallery Stroll is a virtual stroll this summer.
The Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum reopened on August 1. The Museum will limit capacity, and require advanced booking and face coverings. The Pilgrim Monument and grounds will remain closed due to construction of the Bradford Access Project, an inclined elevator designed to improve accessibility.
Whale watch tours have resumed, though visitors are urged to make reservations because of reduced capacity on the boats. The same holds true for deep sea fishing charters and sailing charters.
Dune tours have begun again, restricted to one party/household per vehicle.
Paddle board and kayak tours are up and running.
Fitness centers and & health clubs, as well as yoga and spin classes, have been given the green light to reopen. There are also outdoor fitness and spin classes.
Entertainment has shifted outdoors this summer. The Pilgrim House is featuring Miss Richfield 1981 in “Sunshine, Lollipops & Rainbows” from July 28 to September 12 and “A Tupperware Party with Dixie Longate” runs from August 25 to September 5. At the Crown & Anchor, there is outdoor entertainment around the poolside stage. Producer Mark Cortale has opened two shows for summer-long runs. Norton Award-winning drag comedy legend Varla Jean Merman premiered her new comedy show “Superspreader” on July 9 and it will run until September 12. Merman and Emmy Award-winning comedian and writer Judy Gold have also unveiled the P-Town debut of their new duo comedy, “The Judy & Varla Show,” at the Crown & Anchor’s outdoor poolside stage, through September 9. Both shows feature Gerald Goode at the piano. For tickets and information, please visit onlyatthecrown.com or call 508-487-1430. Provincetown Magazine offers an updated guide to entertainment.
Provincetown is a two-hour drive from Boston. Peter Pan Bus Lines provides bus service from Boston and Cape Air offers multiple flights daily between Boston’s Logan Airport (BOS) and Provincetown Municipal Airport (PVC), as well as daily flights from New York’s Westchester County Airport (HPN). The Boston to Provincetown 90-minute ferry service run by Boston Harbor Cruises are both operating. There are more details at ptowntourism.com/.
Starting August 1, 2020, all visitors and Massachusetts residents returning home must fill out a “Massachusetts Travel Form” and quarantine for 14 days unless they are coming from a COVID-19 lower risk state or they can produce a negative COVID-19 test result administered no more than 72 hours prior to arriving in Massachusetts, or they are included in one of the other, limited exemptions. Visit mass.gov for details.
The Provincetown Office of Tourism Provincetown lies 60 miles out to sea at the tip of Cape Cod. Visitors are drawn to this remote swath of land for its beautiful beaches, welcoming restaurants and the charming art galleries and shops. They come for the luxurious guesthouses and the boutique inns. A favorite LGBTQ+ destination, the town is known for celebrating individuality and freedom of expression. Provincetown has a rich creative history as the oldest continuous art colony in the country and the birthplace of modern American Theater. This year marks the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s arrival before continuing on to nearby Plymouth. Each season offers visitors something new, something different, and Provincetown beckons any time of year. Provincetown is a two-hour drive from Boston and five hours from New York. It can be reached by Peter Pan Bus Lines and Plymouth & Brockton Street Railway Co. bus service from Boston, via Cape Air flights from Boston’s Logan Airport and Westchester County Airport in New York, and by scheduled 90-minute ferry service from downtown Boston. Visit ptowntourism.com/
Why Provincetown is the Perfect Place to be in 2020
2020 in Provincetown will be just as spectacular as years past, with some extra special events! The list of engaging and meaningful reasons to visit this special destination seems endless. Grand celebrations like Pride and Carnival attract thousands of visitors who flock to the town for revelry, celebration, and freedom of expression. Smaller events for specific groups stretch throughout the year, providing community and a place to feel accepted for a wide diversity of people. Many visitors are groups of friends and families who have chosen Provincetown as their vacation destination for its dazzling coastal setting, numerous art galleries, homey lodging options, star-studded entertainment options, and welcoming attitude.
On top of all that already makes Provincetown one of the greatest destinations out there, 2020 marks the 400th anniversary of the pilgrim’s first landing in Provincetown. To celebrate this historically momentous occasion, the Provincetown calendar will have several special events on top of its traditional schedule. The events are centered around the arrival of Mayflower II to Provincetown, currently scheduled from September 10th to the 14th.
The Mayflower II, a full-scale recreation of the original ship sailed by the pilgrims to Provincetown, will join the other tall ships that come to Provincetown Harbor each summer and fall. During the visit, spectators will be able to witness daily reenactments of the historic signing of the Mayflower Compact as well as come aboard for a tour. On the 12th, the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum will host a formal gala commemorating the 400th anniversary of the landing of the pilgrims.
On the 13th, there will be a visit from the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, which includes descendants of the passengers aboard the Mayflower who played an integral role in the founding of this nation. The visit will include a memorial service, a ceremonial wreath-laying, a procession through the town, and a luncheon at the base of the Pilgrim Monument. As the Mayflower II sets sail on the morning of the 14th, there will be a Sunrise Toast and Bon Voyage.
Beyond the happenings surrounding the 400th anniversary, the calendar is already filled with events that promise to make 2020 another special year in Provincetown. Some of these that illustrate Provincetown’s diverse offerings include Single Women’s Weekend, Provincetown International Film Festival, Portuguese Festival, Bear Week, and Family Week. Check out the calendar to see what is currently slated for 2020 and keep an eye out for updates as the year continues to fill up. Whether you are coming for a big event or looking for a weekend away with friends and family, the rich character of this one-of-a-kind destination will show you why Provincetown has captured the hearts and minds of visitors for generations.
About Provincetown
Provincetown, Massachusetts is a true melting pot. Located on the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown boasts beautiful beaches, top-rated restaurants, art galleries, and charming shops. A top LGBTQ destination, this open-minded community celebrates individuality and freedom of expression. Provincetown has a rich creative history and is home to one of the oldest continuous art colonies in the country. The diverse population of artists, sailors, fisherman, authors, and more, makes Provincetown unique. From Carnival in August to Women’s Week in October and First Light at year’s end, Provincetown is thriving 365 days of the year.
For more information contact the Provincetown Office of Tourism
330 Commercial Street
Provincetown, MA 02657