Yacht Itineraries: The Best of New England

New England is the region north east of the USA consisting of six states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. English settlers came to New England in 1620 and after 130 years of war, the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.

New England is the area of the US that truly epitomises the American Dream and makes for a delightfully alternative destination to bring your guests during a summer yacht charter.

 

Newport, Rhode Island – A place famous for its mansions and surviving colonial buildings. Newport was founded in 1639 and has a population of about 25,000.

Recommended restaurants:

Restaurant Bouchard: Relaxed atmosphere and located near the harbour serving French cuisine in 1785 Georgian-style house. Reservations must be requested. Phone +1 401-846-0123 or visit www.restaurantbouchard.com

Clarke Cooke House: Located right on the water in an 18^th Century building serving French-inspired cuisine. Reservations must be requested. Phone +1 401-849-2900 or visit http://www.bannistersnewport.com/clarke_cooke_house.html

Recommended excursions:

Newport Mansions: Take a guided tour through 10^th and 19^th Century built mansions that have been preserved by The Preservation Society of Newport County and are open to the public. Set in spectacular natural beauty, these mansions were built for the social elite and were a centre for sport, fashion and parties. For details, phone: +1 401-847-1000 or check out www.newportmansions.org

Cliff Walk: A 3.5-mile walk along the Atlantic coastline passing the grand Newport Mansions, wonderful wildflower, birds and geology. This walk was named as one of the “50 Places of a Lifetime” by National Geographic Traveller magazine.

The Rhode Island School of Design’s Museum of Art: Located in the city of Providence, this museum houses paintings and sculptures by renowned European, American and Asian artists. It is famous for its collection of American Impressionist paintings and stages regular exhibitions. Closed in August. Phone: +1 401-454-6500 or visit www.risdmuseum.org

Newport Jazz & Folk Festival: Newport hosts a Jazz and Folk Festival during the summer months which takes place in Fort Adams State Park. For details go to www.newportjazzfest.net

 

Block Island – Located 13 miles south of Rhode Island and only 10 square miles, Block Island features 17 miles of sandy beaches, many lighthouses and beautiful walking trails.

Recommended restaurants:

Winfield’s: Can be found on the west side of the island and offers French, Italian, new American and Asian cuisine. Reservations required. Phone +1 401-466-5856 or visit http://mysite.verizon.net/restkino/

The Atlantic Inn: Set on a hill overlooking the whole island, the Inn was first opened in 1879. Creative and unusual combinations are complimented by the Inn’s award winning vintage wine list. Reservations required. Phone +1 401-466-5883 or email atlanticinn@biri.com

Recommended excursions:

Koru Eco Spa: If you fancy a day of pampering make your way to the ECO friendly spa that offers a large range of services and non-toxic products to rejuvenate you. Phone +1 401-466-2308 or email info@koruecospa.com

Mohegan Bluffs: One for the adventurers. Slowly make your way down the 142 steps around the bluff to spectacular views of the Atlantic. Don’t forget to bring some water!

Block Island Race Week: The prestigious event presented by Rolex and takes place in late June. For more details go to www.blockislandraceweek.com

 

Martha’s Vineyard – An island located south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, with a year round population of 15,000. The 87 square mile island is the place to be in the summer months.

Recommended restaurants:

L’étoile – Located in Edgartown, in an elegant and casual setting, with seasonally driven cuisine. Reservations required. Phone +1 508-627-5187 or visit www.letoile.net

Chesca’s Restaurant – Located in Edgartown, in a comfortable yet upscale setting, serving Italian and American cuisine. Reservations required. Phone +1 508-627-1234 or visit www.chescasmv.com

The Sweet Life – Voted best restaurant in 2007 by Boston Magazine and still a favourite among many. Located in Oak Bluffs. Reservations required. Phone +1 508-696-0200

Recommended excursions:

Katama Beach (South Beach): Near Edgartown, at the end of Katama Road on the south shore, is three miles of gorgeous barrier beach. Good surf on one side and salt-ponds on the other.

The Lazy Frog: A local shop in Oak Bluffs with a frog in the shape of the island as their signature logo. Sells leisure apparel and has won Cape Cop Life Readers Poll for Best Clothing and Gift Shop 4 years in a row. Phone +1 508-696-4679 or visit www.mvthelazyfrog.com

Classic Aviators Tours: Not for the faint hearted! Take a tour of the islands in a Bi-Plane for an exhilarating experience. Phone +1 508-693-4028, email don@biplanemv.com or visit http://www.biplanemv.com/index-2.html

 

Cape Cod, Massachusetts – The cape at the easternmost point of the state of Massachusetts. All 17 towns offer arts and culture, local shops, wooded bicycle paths and seasonal events and festivals.

Recommended restaurants:

Lyric: Located in Yarmouth, casual dining offering contemporary cuisine that transforms into a piano bar every Friday and Saturday night. Reservations required. Phone +1 774-330-0000.

Oyster Company Raw Bar & Grill: Fresh oysters from their own oyster farm. A cosy restaurant in Dennis Port with something for everyone from seafood to chicken to steak. Reservations recommended. Phone +1 508-398-4600 or visit http://www.theoystercompany.com/entrees/

Cape Sea Grille: Set in a 19^th Century sea captain’s home steps away from the water’s edge in Harwich. Run by the owners and offering fresh seasonal ingredients. Reservations required. Phone +1 508-432-4745 or visit http://www.capeseagrille.com/home/

Recommended excursions:

Cape Cod Country Club: An 18 hole golf course over landscapes and seascapes of water and woods used by golfers of all levels. Hosted three USGA Massachusetts Opens and Annual Cape Cod Senior Open golf tournament. Phone +1 508-563-9842 or visit http://www.capecodcountryclub.com/

Pairpoint Glass Works – The oldest glass works in the USA established in 1837. You can watch the glassmakers in action, witness the old glass-making techniques and purchase your own piece. Located in Sagamore. Phone +1 800-899-0953.

Provincetown Cape Cod – Art, history and festivals, there’s something for everyone in this town located on the tip of Cape Cod. For up to date information visit http://ptownchamber.com/calendar-of-events/

 

New Hampshire – After breaking away from Great Britain in January 1776, New Hampshire became the first post-colonial sovereign nation in the Americas. Its town of Portsmouth has repeatedly been called one of Americas Prettiest Towns with plenty to do and see, from strolling the seafront to going to the theatre.

Restaurant recommendations:

Cava: Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine in a quaint setting with an extensive wine list. Reservations required. Phone +1 603-319-1575.

Mombo: New American creative cuisine with international inspiration freshly prepared in their open kitchen and set in a historical building. Reservations required. Phone +1 603-433-2340 or visit www.momborestaurant.com

Recommended excursions:

The Music Hall: A lovingly restored and cared for theatre showing some great performances. For up to date show listings visit http://www.themusichall.org/ or phone +1 603-436-2400.

Prescott Park: Over ten acres of flower gardens, tree lined pathways, seating, docking, fountains and a rose garden make this park a lovely place to spend the day. The park organises a series of musical performances and plays throughout the summer months. Phone +1 603-431-2000 or visit http://www.cityofportsmouth.com/prescottpark/index.htm

 

Portland, Maine – The largest city in Maine and home to over one third of the population of the state. The English first came here in 1633. The city seal portrays a phoenix rising from the ashes, symbolising Resurgam or “Resurrection”, referring to Portland’s recoveries from four destructive fires.

Restaurant recommendations:

Fore Street: Located in Portland’s Old Port District, this endearing old building hosts a menu of season-fresh meals. Reservations required. Phone +1 207-775-2717 or visit http://www.forestreet.biz/

Caiola’s: Tucked away in Portland’s West End is an American Italian restaurant that prides itself on sourcing produce from local farmers and therefore providing a fresh and new menu every day. Reservation required. Phone +1 207-772-1110 or visit http://www.caiolas.com/about.html

Recommended excursions in Portland:

Old Port: Maine’s Old Port is located in the heart of Portland and was originally 3 by 5 blocks. New buildings have appeared surrounding it and you will find unique boutiques, cafés and arts while wandering the cobblestone streets.

Soakology Foot Sanctuary and Teahouse: Beat stress with a relaxing foot soak and massage and find warmth in one of the many teas offered. Phone +1 207-879-7625 or visit http://www.soakology.com/index.html

Victoria Mansion: Known also as the Morse Libby House built from 1858 to 1860. The mansion’s interiors were designed by Gustave Herter and have kept most of the furnishings he designed for the original owner, who was a wealthy hotelier. Phone +1 207-772-4841 for tour times or visit http://www.victoriamansion.org/

Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine: Located in the Arts District of downtown Portland. An interactive museum for kids of all ages loaded with fun and educational activities making it a great day out for families. Phone +1 207-772-4841 for opening times or visit http://www.kitetails.com/index.html

 

Camden – A small town on the coast of Maine with breath-taking natural beauty and visitors tripling the population over the summer. The Penobscot Indians called the area “Megunticook” meaning “great swells of the sea”, in reference to the Camden Hills. Camden if also known for its boat building, by 1886 there were six working boatyards launching 10 to 12 boats annually.

Recommended restaurants in Camden:

Natalie’s: Awarded best French Restaurant in New England, fabulous bay views and high-quality dining in a cosy atmosphere. Reservations required. Phone +1 207-236-7008 or email Oscar@camdenharbourinn.com

Harstone Restaurant: Has an awarding winning chef who enjoys exploring with New England and International cuisines with fresh seafood and local ingredients. The five course dinner menu changes with the seasons. Reservations required. Phone +1 207-236-4259 or visit http://www.hartstoneinn.com/

Recommended excursions:

Mount Battie: Located in the Camden Hills State Park where you can enjoy a one-hour return hike with fantastic views of the bay as a reward. During the war of 1812, a battery was built on Mount Battie with 12 and 18 pound guns. None of the gunners were qualified enough to shoot such artillery yet the appearance of the fort still kept the British away. 

Camden Opera House: A 500 seat 1980s restored Opera House with modern conveniences and technology in a beautiful, historic setting. For current show times and tickets go to http://camdenoperahouse.com/

 

Bar Harbor – One of New England’s prime summer retreats and home to Millionaire’s Row, a line of glamorous summer estates built for America’s richest and most powerful families such as the Rockefellers, the Fords and the Vanderbilts. Many of these homes are now Inns.

Recommended restaurants:

Mache Bistro: Rustic French food cooked with organic and natural produce sourced locally. Reservations required. Phone +1 207-288-0447 or visit http://machebistro.com/index.html

The Burning Tree: Specializing in seafood and home grown produce creating innovative and enticing dishes. Reservations required. Phone +1 207-288-9331.

La Bella Vita Restaurant: An Italian restaurant with emphasis on freshness and flavour overlooking the harbour. Reservations required. Phone +1 207-288-5033.

Recommended excursions:

Mount Desert Island: Location of the Acadia National Park and home to numerous recreational activities with beaches, hiking, biking and nature trails leading to swimming, sailing and kayaking. Phone +1 207-288-5005 for details.

Massage Bar Habor: Pamper yourself with the help of top rated therapists or let them come to you with their mobile massage offer. Located on Cottage Street, Bar Harbor. Phone +1 207-266-6045 or visit http://www.massagebarharbor.com/

Kebo Valley Golf Club: The 8^th oldest golf club in the United States was established in 1881 and offers 6,131 yards of Par 70 Classic Herbert Leeds designed golf course with spectacular views. Ranked as a 4-star course in Golf Digest. Phone +1 207-288-3000 or visit http://www.kebovalleyclub.com/

*Image credits: Flickr/JustinCross (derivative), Flickr/TimMcGuinness, Flickr/djs94124, Flickr/EricJohnson, Flickr/SBA73, Flickr/Xavier, Flickr/JohnRichardson, Flickr/ChristopherSeufert, Flickr/RoySaplin, Flickr/InAweofGod'sCreation, Flickr/Teemu008, Flickr/KimSeng,Flickr/Wendell, Flickr/KenLund
Flickr/HettyMellink, Flickr/EmilioDellepiane  (CC 2.0)

Flickr/HettyMellink, Flickr/EmilioDellepiane  (CC 2.0)