MAINE LOBSTER

Any New Englander can testify a lobster is worth that big mess and fuss. Dipped in a little butter, the Maine lobster meat tastes fresher than anything in the markets. Don’t forget your bib, the ultimate cracking tool, and the smallest fork for optimal Maine lobster eating experience. Try the Maine Lobster Bisque or look around at other great recipes for meal ideas.

CAPE COD CRANBERRIES

It’s been 120 years and Cape Cod is still making the finest cranberries. That spring Sandhill crane blossom is now harvested nearly 40,000 acres per year. So there’s plenty of those vitamin-C rich berries to go around. For the next two months (October and November) cranberries will be in their prime harvesting season. They’ll last in your fridge up to four weeks or just grab extra and tuck them away in your freezer for splendid Cape Cod Cranberries anytime of year. Change up the Thanksgiving desserts this year with a Cranberry Pineapple Cheesecake Tart.

VERMONT MAPLE SYRUP

From the tree, to the bucket, then boil, then to the jar and sap is now Vermont’s renowned Maple Syrup. Today we’ve figured out how to make more products still using purely organic maple such as Maple Cream, Maple Fudge, Maple Granulated Sugar, Maple Sugar Cakes, and Hard Maple Sugar. With the abundance of maple trees, you can’t turn a corner without seeing Maple Syrup in Vermont. From Mom and Pops Maple Syrup to the supermarket specials. Check out our previous blog for some other things to do while your in Vermont!

BOSTON BAKED BEANS

What might possibly have been forgotten in further parts of New England are Boston Baked Beans. Before you go to bed, soak some dried navy beans so the next day you can slowly bake them with molasses and salt pork to experience a perfect flavor. The process may be timely but it is well worth the wait. Bake off some cornbread or biscuits, top with honey, and serve with some of those Boston Baked Beans and you have a fabulous meal. Or try bringing some to a party next time and see how fast it’ll disappear. Here’s a great and easy recipe for Boston Baked Beans.

NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER

The list could go on for New England Foods but the last one for this list had to be New England Clam Chowder. There’s a possibility your “chowdah” may taste different from Maine to Connecticut but one rule remains that New England Clam Chowder should always be eaten in New England. Herman Melville, a 19th century American novelist, noted in Moby Dick, “Chowder for breakfast, and chowder for dinner, and chowder for supper, till you begin to look for fish-bones coming through your clothes.” An almost 250-year old building, Ye Olde Union Oyster House, in Boston goes to prove how long the infamous “chowdah” has been around. Emeril Lagasee, a culinary enthusiast and a pure New Englander, has an outstanding Fall River Clam Chowder provided below.

FALL RIVER CLAM CHOWDER

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 pound bacon, chopped
• 2 cups chopped leeks (white part only, well washed)
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 6 Bay leaves
• 3/4 cup bleached all-purpose flour
• 8 cups clam juice
• 1 1/2 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 cup fresh sweet corn kernels (from 1 medium-size ear)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 4 pounds littleneck clams, shucked with liquor reserved
• Oyster crackers

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large stockpot, over medium heat, fry the bacon until crisp.
2. Stir in the leeks, celery, and carrots, season with salt and pepper, and add bay leaves. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables are soft and tender, about 10 minutes
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the clam juice, potatoes, and corn, season with salt and pepper, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer until the potatoes are fork tender, about 15 minutes.
5. Add the cream, parsley, and clams and their liquor and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaves.
6. Ladle into soup bowls and serve hot with oyster crackers and enjoy!

Yields: 10 serving

Columbus Day Weekend – Scituate, Rhode Island – (Oct. 11-13 from 10am-5pm)

More than three hundred exhibitors from the US and Canada will meet this year in the small and quaint town of Situate, Rhode island. The panoramic of the finest foliage and exquisite art is what attracts all. Featured this year are dozens of antique dealers, all sorts of art for sale and display, a raffle for 30 different items witch proceeds going to Scituate town, live music, good food, friendly people. You can’t beat that!

Here are some other ideas for activities to do while visiting Scituate.

• Foliage tours
• Walk the trail at Rockland Road
• Horseback ride at Journey’s End Farm
• Shop in the historic north Scituate Village
• Check out historic tours of the Congregational Church, Lapham Institute, and the North Scituate Community House

Don’t get lost so be sure to read the parking and directions page. If you have any additional questions check out their website or e-mail.

As the cold moves in, the green moves out. With that, New England brings the most striking scenes while the leaves transform through thousands of colors. Maine’s advantage of being furthest North, experiences this change firstly around late September to early October. So, this year undergo the Moosehead Loop to feel the ultimate Fall foliage picture in New England.

This 210-mile journey will pass by Moosehead Lake, Moxie Falls, Mount Kineo and through towns Skowhegan and Jackman. Below is the specific route and a general picture. Sections to take note in are Route 201 (Solon through West Forks) and Route 6 & 15 (Jackman through Rockwood.

• Start in Skowhegan taking U.S. Route 201 North through Bingham up toward Jackman
• You will then intersect with Route 15. Take this going south, then east through Greenville, following into Dover-Foxcroft
• Next you will pick up Route 7 going south toward Newport
• When you reach Newport, take Route 2 west into Palmyra. Proceed to take Route 151 west toward Athens
• After arriving in Athens, take Route 150 south and that will loop you back to Skowhegan.

Need a map? Google Maps can help.

Take a pit stop in Jackman for prime time season of moose watching. Take a break from driving and hike or ATV into the wilderness with your camera and wait for the unforgettable. Remember that even though they may be ten times our weight and at least seven feet tall, they are unaggressive and should be treated with our fullest respect. Want to spend some more time in Jackman? Check out their website for more ideas on making your Maine drive a better experience.

Buckle up and enjoy the New England Fall foliage on the Moosehead Loop in Maine. Don’t forget your cameras!

Here’s a bit of trivia. Where can you find the oldest summer place in America? In New Hampshire lakes region. Despite the fact of being “the oldest summer resort in America” the Wolfeboro Inn remains a hot spot for a New England vacation. During your quite historic stay, you will discover the heart and charm of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire at a number of shops, galleries, and local activities. Lucky for you, waiting for the right time of year to vacate won’t be a problem since Wolfeboro attains all year activities and attractions. There can be no doubt in your mind whether you can find the right room and accommodations.

With Lake Winnipausaukee at your front step, rent a boat for the whole family or maybe just a kayak for you and your loved one. Not too much of a water person? Bring your golf clubs along and rent some for an exciting day of golf with the Kingswood Golf Club. This is also the perfect time for you to spice up the wardrobe in a day of outlet shopping. With great deals and vast selections you can start in Wolfeboro then jump to the Tanger Outlets in Tilton, NH then hop over to North Conway, NH at the Settlers Green Outlets. With old and historic residents comes antiques and Wolfeboro is the place for antiquing. For you downhill skiiers, change up the pace this year at Wolfeboro XC for 30 km of groomed trails, cheaper tickets, and best of all, no lines.

There are forty-four rooms that carry their own very individual character ranging from antique to contemporary. With that said, the Wolfeboro Inn is renowned for a pleasurable wedding as their coordinator’s can help you every step of the way. Imagine saying vows in front a panoramic view of Lake Winnipausaukee. Kick off the celebration later at the Wolfe’s Tavern with a surf and turf menu, great beer, and a warming fireplace. No matter how big your party is, the Wolfeboro Inn is your next destination.

For reservations call 1-800-451-2389. But, be sure to check the special packages and availability.

There is no way a true New Englander can visit Vermont without exploring the place that makes cold and delicious joy in a cup or cone. That’s right… Ben & Jerry’s. Now you can witness first hand where all the magic happens on the Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour. Start with a “moovie” about the success of Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, watch the live action of the ice cream making process, and lastly try ice cream and check out cool stuff at the gift shop. Tours start and end every half hour and reservations are recommended for parties of 10 or more. This summer Ben & Jerry’s Factory hosted a free outdoor movie festival every saturday night. As the nights are getting colder, the last showing will be August 23rd with Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

Ben & Jerry’s Factory – 1281 Waterbury/Stowe Road (Route 100) – Waterbury, VT – (802) 882-1240

2. Vermont Teddy Bear Company

Hop on a 30 minute Vermont Teddy Bear Factory Tour and see firsthand how those fuzzy and cute little bears are made. Throughout the year, between their location in Newport and this Shelburne Factory they will make 430,000 bears. On the tour, you’ll understand how they do it and learn their tricks and tips. The Hungry Bear Cafe serves up breakfast, lunch, and snacks and in the summer days ice cream is there to cool you off. Check out the store at the factory or online and get some great ideas for birthday and christmas presents. You can customize any bear to whatever your recipient likes and stitch their name in the bear too! All bears are sent as a Bear-Gram which comes with gourmet caramels, a friendly colorful note written by you, and a fun box with air holes to ensure the bear gets nice fresh air.

Factory – 6655 Shelburne Rd – St. George, VT – (802) 985-3001

3. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

This recently renamed and rebuilt aquatic center muse their name and teach Ecology, Culture, History, and Oppurtunity at the Lake Champlain Basin. Witness the daily ECHO encounter as they do live animal feedings, demos, and entertainment. Stroll through the museum along with at least 60 species of fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Get the whole family together on a hands-on experience as you star in, edit, and take home a DVD of your own show on the Be A Watershed Weather Reporter. At the end of the day relax to panoramic view of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains on the upper deck. Or have an interesting dinner at the Think! Cafe and learn the connections thro

ugh how we eat and it’s effect on the environment. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center is open year around (except certain holidays) from 10am-5pm at a reasonable price.

1 College Street – Burlington, VT 05401 – 1-877-ECHOFUN

4. Cabot Creamery of Vermont

With more than 10 national awards for the best cheese you know you’ll have to keep Cabot in your fridge. Stop by one of their three locations to be your own taste tester in Waterbury/Stowe, Quechee, or the little village of Cabot) or all three if you want! The Cabot Quechee Store is their newest location with plenty of free sampling and products and is located in a town with many more attractions such as a vintage mini-railway and antique stores. So test for yourself the skillful work of Marcel Gravel, the Master Cabot Cheddar Maker. Visit their website for the daily recipe on how to use their state of the art cheddar cheese.

Cabot Quechee Store – 5573 Woodstock Road – Quechee, VT 05059 – (802)295-1180

Cabot Annex Store – 2657 Waterbury/Stowe Road – Waterbury Center, VT 05677 – (802)244-6334

4. Cold Hollow Cider Mill

The McIntosh apples that come from Cold Hollow Cider Mill are so delicious that it’s worth leaving the McIntoshs at the best supermarket behind. Come to the factory any time of year and watch as apple cider is made old fashioned style with a rack and cloth press. Best of all, take the tour at no cost but with one requirement to arrive on an empty stomach because you must try every sample. In the summer, see real bees and how they make that delicious honey… behind a glass wall, of course. Gourmet Magazine claims that their legendary cider doughnuts are one of the four best in the country. In addition to all these sweets, Cold Hollow Cider Mill sell jellies, mustards, applesauce, fudge and from the bakery made every day are apple pies, pumpkin rolls, maple cream cheese pockets, apple-cheddar squares and much more.

3600 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Center, VT -(802) 244-8771‎

420 Center Rd, Montpelier, VT – (802) 244-8771‎

5. Umiak Outdoor Outfitters

Umiak is Vermont’s ultimate paddle sports shop with full service retail including 85 top brands, boat demos, and rental canoes and kayaks. Provided by well known and respected paddlers are paddling and safety instruction course, river trips, lakeside rentals, kids programs and more. In the winter, rent some TUBBS snowshoes and journey on your own or follow with a group for adventure ending with a fire, food and drinks. Highlighted on the website are a few Snowshoe Tours one being The Ben & Jerry’s Snowshoe and Ice Cream Too! Catch a telemark ski clinics at the Stowe Mountain Resort and try a demo if you’re thinking of taking up the sport. Umiak carry telemark skis made by K2, Atomic and Karhu, Garmont, Scarpa, Black Diamond, G3 and Rottefella.

Coast of Lake Champlain Location – 60 Institute Rd - Burlington, VT – (802) 865-6777‎

Other Location – 849 S Main St - Stowe, VT – (802) 253-2317‎

7. Lake Champlain Chocolates

Check out how Lake Champlain Chocolates makes their secrets and sample as many as you like. Tours start every hour, on the hour, daily. Every Saturday, a few blocks away at the Church Street location, watch hand-whipped Copper Kettle Fudge made and try some of their 12 different kinds of fudge. What person doesn’t like chocolate? So search around the website for some great holiday gifts from White Chocolate Ghosts to Autumn Chocolate Truffles to Organic Chocolate Squares. Bulk sized gifts work great for the big chocolate lover families and look around at the different event favors you can do with Lake Champlain Chocolates.

Factory Store & Café – 750 Pine Street – Burlington, VT 05401 – (802)864-1807

Chocolatier & Café – 63 Church Street – Burlington, VT 05401 – (802)862-5185

Route 100 has developed the name “Enticement Alley” since the congregation of popular attractions. Together Ben & Jerry’s, Cabot Cheese, Green Mountain Coffee, Mesa Pottery, Zeimke’s Glass Blowing, Cold Hollw Cider Mill, the exciting town of Stowe, and much charm make this ten-mile sector of highway a hot spot.

In 1999, the 13-acre campus in North Adams, Massachusetts renovated into today’s largest contemporary art museum in the country. MASS MoCA has succeeded to adduce the most recent, empowering, and inspiring material. Beside their such competent art, at least 75 outstanding performances are enacted per year. Shows could be popular music, contemporary dance, alternative cabaret, outdoor silent films with live music, documentaries, world music dance parties or avant-garde theater. MASS MoCA, the Clark Art Institute, and the Williams College Museum of Art combined to provide a place for children to study and create art. Named Kidspace, kids also have the opportunity to experience world-class music, theater, and dance. Eight major sections of the campus bring something so diverse from the other and in November of 2008 MASS MoCA will present the ninth segment.

Over the summer you can watch over a dozen artists and drafts people collaborating on the art works for Sol LeWitt: A Wall Drawing Retrospective. LeWitt, considered the founder of Minimal and Conceptual Movements, died shortly after he created the plans for this new addition to MASS MoCA. In dedication to him, twenty four LeWitt trained professionals and their associates will contribute to the 30,000 square foot production. Their own works outside of the LeWitt project will be showcased in an offsite exhibition called Primary Secondary: Volume 1 and 2 until August 29, 2008. 

Tickets for MASS MoCA run at a great price and allow you to experience 110,000 square feet are purely popular and famed contemporary art. Check out some of the inns and bed & breakfasts in and around North Adams, Massachusetts and book your calendars.

Sol LeWitt: A Wall Drawing Retrospective- Opening Nov. 16, 2008

Who decided that playgrounds are just for kids? Today you will find out that Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut is your new playground. Bring your friends and enjoy live entertainment, authentic food, great shopping, relaxing spas, rousing parties, and best of all… gambling. Don’t worry about leaving your job behind for a few days because Mohegan Sun offers to fully organize and host your next business meeting.

This week the Mohegan Sun Arena features Boston and Styx and Nine Inch Nails. Having a different music group perform every night, you are guaranteed to find a concert you will enjoy. You can’t get more variety when Chris Rock, Motley Crue, and Pink Floyd are all performing in the same month. Tickets average to about $40 per person and can be purchased online or by phone. Grab a quick bite to eat at one of the Mohegan Sun cafes or throw on your finest attire for a more exquisite dinner at, for example, Pompeii and Caesar. Bring the entire family to the Sunburst Buffet or a few close friends for an exciting night at one of the many bars and night clubs. However you want to eat, Mohegan Sun caters to you. It won’t be hard to have a prime shopping day with Cache, Boccelli, Swarovski, Godiva Chocolatiers, and many other specialty stores. Wrap up your shopping day with a visit at either Casinos of the Sky or Casinos of the Earth. In addition, Casinos of the Wind will open in October of 2008. After all the excitement, rejuvenate yourself with a facial or grab your significant other for a Couples Massage at the Elemis Spa. At a 34-story hotel with either a king or two double queen beds in every room, it’ll be hard to say “no” to a Mohegan Sun vacation. Check out the special packages for great deals and make reservations or if you’re that interested start planning your wedding with Mohegan Sun of Uncasville, Connecticut. 

At least 50 years ago, Jazz pianist George Wein presented the first outdoor music festival dedicated to strictly jazz. As time grew on and the jazz culture evolved, the annual festival transformed into today’s Newport Jazz Festival. Having sponsored over 117 popular Jazz festivals since the 1980′s, the JVC International Jazz Festival Program is proud to yearly introduce prestige musicians in Newport, Rhode Island. 

Chris Botti and Ledisi will kick off the festival at 8:00 P.M. on Friday, August 8th, located at the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino. The following days filled of jazz will be hosted on the three stages of historic Fort Adams State Park on August 9th and 10th. The Main Stage showing more bigger acts, the Pavillion suiting most trios and quartets, and the Waterside Stage hosting piano soloists and small ensembles you are assured great Jazz music. As there are several other JVC Jazz Festival locations such as Miami, New York, Chicago and few others, Newport, Rhode Island is the only to entertain in perfect weather, a stunning view and a friendly environment.

Looking for a place to spend your jazz filled weekend? Check out previous blog entries or visit the Distinctive Inns of New England website to learn more about specials and packages at The Cliffside Inn located in the heart of Newport, Rhode Island. 

Below is a brief schedule of what is planned for this upcoming weekend. 

INTERNATIONAL TENNIS HALL OF FAME – FRIDAY, AUGUST 8 – SHOWING AT 8PM
Chris Botti
Ledisis

FORT ADAMS STATE PARK – SATURDAY, AUGUST 9 – SHOWING AT 11:30 AM & 7:00 PM
Aretha Franklin
Chris Botti
Wayne Shorter Quartet
Dave Holland, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Chris Potter, Eric Harland
Ledisi
Lettuce with Fred Wesley
Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band
Charlie Haden, Ethan Iverson, Bill Frisell
Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey
Christian Scott
Warren Vache Quintet
Aaron Goldberg Trio
Melody Gardot

FORT ADAMS STATE PARK – SUNDAY, AUGUST 9 – SHOWING AT 11:30 AM & 7:00 PM
Sonny Rollins
Herbie Hancock
Anthony Hamilton
Guillermo Klein Y Los Gauchos
Soulive with Fred Wesley
Lionel Loueke Trio
Chris Potter’s Underground
George Wein and the Newport All-Stars featuring Anat Cohen-Howard
Alden
Marco Benevento Trio with Chris Potter
Mark Rapp Band
Empirical
Esperanza Spalding
*All artists are subject to change

August is creeping up on us and before you know it the summer will have came and went. Take off a day off in your busy life and enjoy the warm weather while it’s still here. The Legendary Inns of Newport has the perfect vacation day planned for you at an outstanding value. Begin with a relaxing game of golf on what Golf Week Magazine claims the number one in the state of Rhode Island. Newport National’s Orchard Course endows ravishing views of the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay from 200 acres of 100% seaside bent grass. Prominent golf architect Arthur Hills and his associate Drew Rogers designed this phenomenal course over what once was farm land.

Once you’ve rested, turn to the very first, yet finest, tennis courts in America. The Legendary Inns of Newport coincided with Tennis Hall of Fame to bring you 13 courts of where the best tennis players since 1881 have been playing that now you can too.

Golf Details- Reserve before your scheduled arrival to get the best time. Reservations are held with a credit card. If you’re a Preferred Guest you can save 15% on green fees. Green fees are per player. Tee times subject to availability and weather conditions. Available through late Fall. 

Weekdays are $95 (Monday – Wednesday and Sunday after 1PM).

Weekends are $125 (Thursday – Saturday and Sunday until 1PM).

Tennis Details- Reserve before your scheduled arrival to get the best time. Reservations are held with a credit card. If you’re a Preferred Guest you can save 15% on court time. Court time subject to availability and weather conditions. Preferred club dress is tennis whites. Available through the end of September.

An hour and a half of singles play is $77.

For further information call 800-845-1811 or 401-847-1811

or e-mail reservations@legendaryinnsofnewport.com

Stay at the Captain’s House Inn for an experience as concilitating as Sol Spa. Back in 1839, Captain Hiram Harding built a home with a charming Greek ambiance for his wife of one year. What now is the Captain’s House Inn, provides 16 quarters and two acres of scenery and garden with outbuildings and swimming pools. 

“The Captain’s House Inn is the consummate romantic getaway. It makes you dream of coming back.”

— Jill Rigby, Travel Editor, Toronto Sun

With many special packages from a Babymoon to a three-night New Year’s Eve premium, The Captain’s House Inn endues the perfect elopement accommodations. Avoid stress and enjoy you and your partner’s quite memorable day while The Captain’s House Inn will do all the work to ensure a graceful ceremony. 

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