New England Road Trip - Anita Carmin

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  • 8/9/2019 New England Road Trip - Anita Carmin

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    V i r t u o s o i n s i g h t s 41V i r t u o s o i n s i g h t s

    Six states. Sixteen days. Sixteen hundred scenic miles. It was, in sixwords, The Ultimate New England Road Trip. A journey Ive wanted to take for decades.

    Growing up in the Northwest, Ive had a lifelong fascination with the Northeast

    everything from its Norman Rockwell images and poems of Dickinson and Frost to its PaulRevere-was-here historic sights. I wanted to see those covered bridges, steepled churches,

    stone fences, and storied ponds with my own two eyes. And, yes, I wanted to taste lobster

    fresh off the boat in Maine, real maple syrup-doused pancakes in Vermont, white clam

    apizza in Connecticut, and ricotta-filled cannoli in Bostons noisy North End.

    So, with that long list of musts, my boyfriend Robert and I plotted the perfect auto

    adventure, encompassing all six states and the must-stay places in each. We began (and

    concluded) our circle trip in Boston, picking up our Hertz Toyota Prius hybrid right at

    the airport. While we planned our itinerary to coincide with the renowned fall foliage,

    New England is truly a region for all seasons. (Think skiing in winter, sailing in summer,

    marathon running in spring.) This was our first trip, but it certainly wont be our last. P

    Anita Carmin embarks on the ultimate joyride

    and finds a warm welcome at the regions best seaside inns,

    mountain lodges, country manors, and haute city hotels.

    Road TRipNew eNglaNd

    toral postcards: classic roadside attractions in a region for all seasons.

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    MAINE

    Lobsters andLighthousesLarger than the other five New England states combined, Maine

    is particularly famous for its rocky coast, dotted with picturesque

    lighthouses and lobster boats bobbing offshore. For fresh-off-

    the-boat lobster, head to one of the colorful lobster shacks in

    Portlands historic Old Port. Just southeast of Portland, CapeElizabeth offers a peaceful retreat of wetlands, woodlands, and

    beaches. Its also home to Portland Head Lighthouse, Maines

    oldest and most-photographed beacon, and Great Pond, a nature

    lovers utopia accessed by a groomed one-and-a-half-mile trail.

    Where to stay:

    Inn by the Sea, a luxe eco-friendly resort committed to preserving

    the natural beauty of its coveted coastal setting. Following a

    multi-million-dollar renovation, the inn gleams with such green

    initiatives as biofuel heating, farm-to-table dining, and whimsical

    eco-educational childrens programs. Guestrooms feature lavish

    eco-sensitive bathrooms; the spa offers bamboo towels. Outside,a boardwalk leads to a mile of unspoiled beach, and butterflies

    flutter among the indigenous gardens. Virtuoso guests receive a

    room upgrade upon arrival, if available; full breakfast daily (try

    the blueberry pancakes!) in Sea Glass restaurant; and a $50 resort

    credit, once per stay. From $189 per room, per night.

    NEW HAMPSHIRE

    White Mountains andGolden Ponds The most glorious autumn color in all of New England? Those

    in the know will point you to New Hampshire, specifically the

    White Mountains, which reign as the regions highest range. For

    spectacular fiery displays of maple, beech, and birch, cruise the

    scenic Kancamagus Highway, a 34-mile ribbon that winds through

    the White Mountain National Forest, with numerous photo-op

    stops, well-marked hiking trails, and historic sights such as the

    circa-1830s Russell-Colbath Homestead along the way.

    Where to stay:

    The Manor on Golden Pond in the foothills of the White

    Mountains. Overlooking placid Squam Lake immortalized in the

    1981 film On Golden Pond the century-old English-style manor

    house boasts individually decorated suites, many with wood-

    burning fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs. In the Van Horn dining room,

    Executive Chef Peter Sheedys Nuevo American cuisine showcases

    a bounty of local ingredients. Tucked away in the estates historic

    Carriage House, the intimate Seasons Spa offers the best massages

    around. Virtuoso guests receive early check-in and a room upgrade

    upon arrival, if available; full country breakfast daily; and a $70

    spa credit, once per stay. From $300 per room, per night.

    The Maine course.

    Falling for the Albany Covered Bridge (built 1858),ust north of the Kancamagus Highway.

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    VERMONT

    Verdant Hills andStorybook VistasImagine driving through a childrens book, neatly illustrated with

    rolling green hills, red barns and silos, black and white Holsteins,

    and sky-piercing white steeples. Come winter, Vermont is the

    quintessential Christmas card. In autumn, its a leaf peepers

    paradise. In Stowe, youll quickly see whyThe Sound of Musics vonTrapp family chose this pretty alpine village reminiscent of their

    native Austria for their American home. Youll also recognize the

    towns steeple; its a popular postcard and calendar image.

    Where to stay:

    For a peak experience, head to Stowe Mountain Lodge where youll

    enjoy ski in/ski out convenience in winter, foliage tours in the fall,

    and guided hikes in the summer. Opened in 2008, the Lodge offers

    studio and suite accommodations, all with fireplaces and kitchen

    facilities. Private cabins are also available. The concierge will point

    out the areas best scenic drives, covered bridges, and antique shops.

    Virtuoso guests receive a room upgrade upon arrival, if available;full breakfast daily; choice of a $50 spa credit, once per stay, or

    hiking or snowshoeing tour for two; and Vermont cheese plate with

    signature Hourglass Ale or wine, once per stay. For up-to-the-minute

    pricing, contact your Virtuoso travel advisor.

    More New England Road Trip on page 44 P

    Quintessential Christmas card:Stowe in winter.

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    V i r t u o s o i n s i g h t s44

    CONNECTICUT

    Town and Country The Connecticut countryside has no shortage of idyllic towns

    complete with the requisite stone walls, rolling hills, running

    streams, and white-church-studded town greens. Among the

    fairest of them all: Washington, a scenic hamlet tucked into the

    Berkshire foothills. A mere two hours from New York City, but

    a world away in the peace-and-quiet department, Washington is

    where Manhattanistas head to de-stress, recharge, and indulge at

    the Mayflower Spa the most acclaimed spa in Connecticut, if

    not all of New England.

    Where to stay:

    Mayflower Inn and Spa, a country-house hotel set amongst 58

    acres of woods and expansive lawns. The individually decorated

    guestrooms are straight from the pages of Architectural Digest,

    and the dining room, with its lovely pastoral murals, offers a

    feast for the eyes and palate. But its the exquisite 20,000-square-

    foot Spa House that takes your breath away. Its centerpiece: the

    ethereal Garden Room, a soothing sanctuary of pale powder-blue

    walls, white slip-covered furniture, and floor-to-ceiling windows

    overlooking Blue Heron Pond. Virtuoso guests receive a room

    upgrade upon arrival, if available; Continental breakfast daily; and

    complimentary fruit basket. For up-to-the-minute pricing, contact

    your Virtuoso travel advisor.

    RHODE ISLAND

    National Treasures andMaritime PleasuresOur nations most diminutive state, Rhode Island makes a big

    impression with its lively historic towns and rich maritime legacy.

    Amazingly, one fifth of the countrys National Historic Landmarks

    can be found here. Youll get a glimpse of how the rich and famous

    once vacationed by touring their over-the-top summer cottages

    in Newport; many are located along the breathtaking Cliff Walk,

    a three-and-a-half-mile National Recreation Trail that follows the

    rocky shoreline.

    Where to stay:

    On Cliff Walk, of course! Youll feel like a Vanderbilt yourself at

    The Chanler at Cliff Walk, Newports first historical mansion-

    turned-hotel. The 20 rooms and villas are individually designed to

    reflect a different historical period or theme. The acclaimed Spiced

    Pear Restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine with a New

    England accent. A must for lunch: the famous and seriously good

    GQ Burger. Virtuoso guests receive a room upgrade upon arrival, if

    available; Continental breakfast daily; and a $50 food and beverage

    credit valid at Spiced Pear Restaurant, once per stay. From $279 per

    room, per night.

    More New England Road Trip on page 46 P

    nder sail near Newport.

    Good fences make good sceneryin the Constitution State.

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    V i r t u o s o i n s i g h t s46

    Ask your Virtuoso travel advisor to help plan

    and map your driving itinerary. In addition,

    Hertz can equip your vehicle with a GPSnavigation system.

    Keep daily driving distances to three hours or

    less, saving time for sightseeing, fine dining,

    and spa treatments.

    Opt for a green car. Our Hertz Toyota

    Prius was ideal. Not only was it a comfortable

    ride, with plenty of pep for the highway, it

    also was large enough to store all of our

    luggage out of sight.

    Keep your walking shoes handy in the

    back seat to take advantage of scenic trails

    en route. Invest in a Go Boston Card to save money

    on major attractions in Boston, Cape Cod,

    and Newport. (We used ours to visit such

    places as the Paul Revere House, John F. Kennedy

    Hyannis Museum, and Newport mansions.)

    Having grown up with the iconic Let Hertz put

    you in the drivers seat commercials, Robert and

    I were only too happy to rent a Hertz car for our

    trip. The company has been around since the days

    of Model Ts and offers a large number of pick-up

    and drop-off locations throughout New England.

    Depending on your needs, Hertz offers a

    Prestige Collection of super-performance vehicles;

    a Fun Collection for those wanting to drive, say,a zippy Corvette coupe; and an impressive Green

    Collection of fuel-efficient, environmentally

    friendly cars such as the Nissan Altima and

    Toyota Prius hybrids.

    Ideal for road trips, Hertzs NeverLost

    navigation system will guide you to any address

    in 10 languages, no less.

    For help in choosing the car and amenities best

    suited for your New England road trip, contact your

    Virtuoso travel advisor.

    RoAD TRiPtIps

    thE WheeLs

    MASSACHUSETTS

    Historic Cities andCelebrated SeascapesBoasting cities with fascinating histories and a National Seashore

    with charming colonial villages, Massachusetts is the perfect

    start or finish to a New England road trip. Fly in and/or out of

    Boston, New Englands largest city and unofficial capital. Whatever

    the season, youll find plenty to do, from walking the Freedom Trail

    (see Virtuoso Insights: Urban Renewal, page 26) to noshing in the

    North End. An easy drive from Boston, Cape Cod remains New

    Englands beloved summer playground and a delight to visit in the

    off-season as well.

    Where to stay on Cape CoD:

    The oceanfront Chatham Bars Inn, where discerning New Englanders

    have summered for nearly 100 years. While the 1929 Ford Model A

    Woody parked in the circular driveway may reflect a bygone era, the

    resort is thoroughlyau courant. The historically-designated Main Inn

    has been restored to its original grandeur, and newly-constructed

    cottages include spacious spa suites with fireplaces, oversized

    hydrotherapy tubs, saunas, steam showers, and massage tables.

    Virtuoso guests receive a room upgrade upon arrival, if available; spa

    amenity, champagne, and seasonal fruit in room upon arrival; and

    buffet breakfast daily. From $215 per room, per night.

    Where to stay In Boston:

    Mandarin Oriental, Boston in the hip Back Bay. Opened in late

    2008, this elegant hotel puts you in the heart of whats happening

    in Beantown. Chic-boutique Newbury Street, Boston Common, and

    the eclectic South End restaurant scene are all easily accessible as

    is a convenient Hertz drop-off location. After a long road trip, youll

    love luxuriating in the citys largest guestrooms, and people-watching

    in the stylish M Bar & Lounge. Two musts: a tasting-menu dinner

    in Asana, and a created-just-for-you treatment in the Asian-inspired

    spa. Virtuoso guests receive a room upgrade upon arrival, if available;

    Continental breakfast daily; and a $100 spa credit, once per stay. For

    up-to-the-minute pricing, contact your Virtuoso travel advisor.

    Colonial charm: an early stars &stripes flies on Beacon Hill.