New England Travel and Vacation Gazette and Other Wicked Good Content

Whaling District, New Bedford, Mass. (photo by Eric H.) Several years back, choosing New Bedford, Mass., as one of a dozen distinctive destinations in the United States would have sounded like a real "whale's tale." Over the past few years, however, New Bedford has seen a remarkable transformation into a historic city worth visiting. What's equally impressive is that this mid-sized southeastern coastal Massachusetts city has continued to be significantly revitalized even during a down economy. The National Trust for Historic Preservation recognized the turnaround and, thus, honored New Bedford on its 2011 list as one its "Dozen Distinctive Destinations" in the United States. The National Trust cited, most prominently, ambitious city preservation stating, "Thanks to the foresight and determination of the city’s preservationists, visitors can experience life as it was during New Bedford’s whaling heyday.  Its historic downtown, defi...

Article by Eric H. We've fallen in love with Clay Hill Farm in the southern coastal Maine community of Cape Neddick, and would consider it our top pick if we were dining out for Valentine's Day in this region. Tucked away on a rural back road just minutes from coastal Ogunquit and York Beach, Maine, Clay Hill Farm resonates with a romantic dining feel. First, the restored, rambling 1780 farmhouse resides on  11-plus acres with rolling lawns, a pond, waterfall brooks, myriad birdhouses, a gazebo and woodlands that lend a feeling that you've escaped from the stresses of modern day life. Second, the attentive, friendly service (host, wait staff and valet) makes you feel like you're at a first-class restaurant. Third, the romantic dining atmosphere is tailor-made for gazing into each other's eyes and holding hands -- the dimly-lit grand dining rooms, antique furnishings, classic refined farmhouse decor, and a professional-grade pianist create a relaxing indoor setti...

We recently received another excellent New England travel inquiry, which we will happily answer right here... Q: Hi!  We are planning a summer vacation.  Myself, my husband and our 14-year-old son want to visit the New England area.  I want to go on the scenic coast and eat Maine lobster, my son and my husband are BIG New England Patriots fans, and must see anything and everything to do with Bill, Tom, and Wes Welker.  We also are interested in the history of New England.  Can you please, please help me????? Last year my husband planned a three week, wonderful European vacation. I want this vacation to be just as breathtaking.  We will be driving from Northwest Indiana, on or around the last week of July, for 10 to 12 days.  Can you give me the most scenic driving directions?  I know I am asking a lot, but I need help!!!!!!!! Any little bit you can help me, would be soooo appreciated. Thank you so much for your time. A: You bet, gl...

Common St., Walpole Mass. (photo by Eric) For many New Englanders, the New England winter has been so extreme that frustration and jadedness overwhelms enjoying any priceless, scenic snow scenes. One look, however, at classic, Currier and Ives-like scenes like the ones that you see here and others just feel glad living in New England. The purity of the white snow blanketing the quintessential New England look of Common St. in Walpole, Mass., is something we might just be reflecting on this summer when the temperature hits 95 degrees, coupled with unbearable humidity.   One thing is true: there's no "in between." Either you like this frequency of snow or you don't!

Editor's note: We thought it would be a great idea to answer our readers' email inquiries here at the Weekly New England Travel and Vacation Gazette. We hope our perspectives will be helpful to that specific reader and others that are interested in similar New England vacations. Here is the first in a series of many inquiries: Q.: My wife and I are visiting the US for the first time in August this year. We have nine days to spend exploring New England and want to spend at least three days in Boston. What would you recommend in terms of exploring by car for the rest of the trip? We have been playing with the idea to travel south to New Haven and then back up to Boston via the coast or explore north up the Maine coast. Some advice would be highly appreciated. A: So many possibilities, so little time!  I do think, however, that nine days of vacation will give you a good sampler of the diversity of New England. Boston to New Haven is a two and a half hour drive, New Haven i...