NEW ENGLAND

WHERE TO STAY:

New England is dotted with everything from luxury and big chain hotels to small country inns and Bed and Breakfast establishments with plenty of flair and up-to-the-minute creature comforts.

• THE WHITE BARN INN, Kennebunkport, Maine. This popular place is housed in a barn dating from the 1860's. An award winning, four course pris fixe menu delights diners with hearty appetites.

  37 Beach Avenue,
  Tel: (207) 967 7321
  
  

• OLD LYME INN, Old Lyme, Connecticut. Ask for a king size bed and you'll get a super comfortable one with a canopy. You'll love the view and the hearty breakfasts that are included in the room rate. Mystic Seaport and the Mohegan Sun Casino are not far away.

  85 Lyme St., Old Lyme,
  Tel: (860) 434 3600
  
  
  

• RITZ CARLTON, Boston Massachusetts. This is the place to splurge. A well located Boston tradition whose dining room has a view of the Boston Gardens is near popular shops and boutiques. Spacious rooms with outstanding service (A butler will draw your aromatic bath and your shoes will be shined overnight.) are just a few of the perks.

  10 Avery St.,
  Tel: (617) 574 7100
  
  
  

• PORTLAND HARBOR HOTEL, Portland, Maine. Comfortable rooms have city and bay views, big bath tubs, and ultra comfortable beds fitted with soft pillows and elegant linens. A cozy restaurant and a fitness center make it a perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing.

  46 Fore Street,
  Tel: (207) 775 9090
  
  
  

• ROUND BARN INN, Mad River Glen, Vermont. Luxury living in a 19th century farm house. Romantic rooms have dazzling mountain views, king size canopy beds, Jacuzzis and gas fireplaces. This is a great place to unwind any time of the year.

  1661 Eat Warren Road,
  Tel: (802) 496 2276
  
  
  

• THE IVY LODGE, Newport, Rhode Island. Ask for a room with a fireplace and a Jacuzzi in this once private home near the city's famous mansions. Your room will be furnished with authentic antiques. Complimentary breakfast and tea are included.

  12 Clay Street,
  Tel: (401) 849 6865
  
  
  

• WHITE MOUNTAIN HOTEL, North Conway, New Hampshire. Spacious, comfortable rooms with heavenly beds are just part of the picture here. A heated outdoor pool, a golf course, a fitness center, a tavern and a gourmet restaurant with awesome mountain views make it the perfect place to come home to after a day outdoors.

  2660 West Side Road, North Conway
  Tel: (800) 533 6301
  
  
  

HONEYMOON TRAVEL TIPS:

• RENT A CAR. You can spend time in a big city, then get out into the countryside to enjoy your favorite sports or trace the paths of history.

• DRESS IN LAYERS. You can be high in the mountains or down by the seashore in the same day. Temperatures can be cool at night, even in summer.

• DON'T FORGET SUNSCREEN. The sun can be strong, even in the Northeast.

• INVEST IN A GOOD MAP. You'll be glad you did.

• DRIVE THE BACK ROADS. Stop in tiny towns. You'll see the heart of New England and find unexpected pleasures.

• CHECK FOR FERRIES. They can cut driving time by hours and you'll have fun being on the water.

DON’T MISS:

Go sailing in Marblehead, MA; ski a Vermont slope; take a schooner ride along the coast of Maine; stretch out on a Connecticut Beach; or eat a lobster almost anywhere and you'll be experiencing some of New England's greatest pleasures.

Don't miss the following if you honeymoon in the vicinity.

• A VISIT TO BOSTON. Bunker Hill, the Boston Commons, Beacon Hill, Faneuil Hall, the Harbor and many other sites where so much U.S. history took place are all within Boston's borders. New England's unofficial capital doesn't disappoint. It's a large city with a small town feel and an old city with a young spirit. World famous museums, universities and historic spots are all within easy reach via public trans- portation.

• A RIDE ON THE SWAN BOATS, Boston. Any time between mid April and September you can cuddle up for a leisurely paddleboat ride along the lagoon in the Boston Gardens.

• A TYPICAL NEW ENGLAND DINNER. Whether it's a juicy lobster roll at a roadside stand or fancy Lobster Thermidor at a gourmet restaurant, be sure to try some of New England's famous seafood. Clams, oysters, lobsters, scrod and other fish are just a few of the local delicacies that delight.

• A CLIFF WALK, Newport, Rhode Island. This is one of the country's grandest strolls. It is a 3.5 mile historic district lined with mansions and chateaux that were built in America's Golden Age. There are 15 historic properties to visit, all with spectacular water views. You'll be amazed to see how America's richest families lived.

• MYSTIC SEAPORT, Mystic, Connecticut. This reconstructed 19th century community is one of New England's top attractions. Its Maritime Museum is considered to be one of the best in the world.

• A GONDOLA RIDE. Many ski lifts have gondola rides that also offer panoramic views in all seasons. Non skiers can get the feel of being at the top of the mountain!

• LIPPIZANER STALLIONS, North Hero, Vermont. These magnificent, world famous white horses whose breeding dates back thousands of years perform in the summer at Knight Point State Park.

ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS:

New England has its own cuisine and some recipes that date back to the Founding Fathers and the pilgrims. Most are based on what is plentiful--seafood, farm raised vegetables and much more. Eating a tasty boiled lobster is an art in itself, but don't miss a typical clam bake if you have the opportunity. A hole is dug on the beach where the fire is covered with seaweed and clams, lobster and other shell fish are steamed. Boston Baked Beans, Indian Pudding, Clam Chowder, raw clams and oysters, cranberry sauce, maple syrup and cornbread are just a few of many regional treats.

• UNION OYSTER HOUSE, Boston, Massachusetts. If you love history and raw oysters, this is the place for you! Indulge to your hearts' content at the raw bar or dine on cooked seafood or steak in the oldest restaurant in the USA. 42 Union St., Tel: (617)227 2750.

• FRANKLIN CAFE, Boston, Massachusetts. Reserve a booth where you can enjoy each other as you try tasty, familiar dishes. This is where local cognoscenti go to enjoy a meal in a relaxed atmosphere. 278 Shawmut Avenue, Tel: (617) 350 0010.

• LOCKE OBER, Boston, Massachusetts. A tried and true New England classic for fine dining. Soft lights and dark paneling create a romantic setting for haute New England cuisine. 3 Winter Place., Tel: (617) 542 1340.

• JEAN LOUIS RESTAURANT, Greenwich, Connecticut. You'll want to make a night of it and dress up to enjoy the prize winning cuisine. 61 Lewis St., Tel: (203) 622 8450.

• GEORGE WASHINGTON TAVERN, Washington, Connecticut. George Washington memorabilia and a cozy fireplace make this a popular place to relax, soak up history and enjoy reasonably priced comfort food such as meatloaf and chicken pot pie. 20 Bee Brook Road, Washington Depot, Tel: (860) 868 6633.

• MES AMIS, Stowe, Vermont. Soft candlelight adds to the romantic ambience of this friendly, reasonably priced bistro. 311 Mountain Road, Tel: (802) 253 8669.

• THE DUNAWAY, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Nestled on a riverbank, this renowned restaurant serves up a rustic, candlelit romantic ambience with superb cuisine. You'll want to make an evening of it. 66 Marcy St., Tel: (603) 373 6112.

• PAN E VINO, Providence, Rhode Island. Candlelight makes this place on Federal Hill, the city's famous Little Italy, even more romantic. Hearty Neapolitan dishes and good wines make you feel like lingering longer to share a gelato and coffee. 35 Atwells Avenue, Tel: (401) 223 2230.

DESTINATION WEDDINGS:

You can marry in one of America's finest churches, on a dramatic beach, at the edge of a thick forest, next to a working lighthouse, on an island, or in a sophisticated urban hotel. No matter where you go, you'll find New England's wedding locations to be super scenic.

• Coming Soon!