Here in the UK, I am looking out of my window at the rain falling and the Hart's Tongue ferns unrolling; it reminds me of a trip I made a couple of years ago to visit Western Massachusetts and the Pioneer Valley.  I was on route to revisit Historic Deerfield Village and The Deerfield Inn. 

This spectacular 350 year old village is a National Historic Landmark where 90% of the town’s historic buildings are still located on their original sites.  In 1675 the American Indian village was called Pocumtuck but by 1704 it had been renamed Deerfield by English settlers.  This was a frontier settlement and on 29^th February 1704 a mixed party of two to three hundred French and Indians attacked the town, killing 56 people and carrying off over 100 to Canada.  Some eventually returned.

Whilst visiting Historic Deerfield, I had a guided tour of The Deerfield Inn.   Anna and I had stayed here a few years ago and it was good to be re-acquainted with Jane and Carl and their wonderful 24 guest room, traditional country inn that was built in 1884.  It was here that I experienced “fiddleheads.”  These are the tips of unrolling fronds of the ostrich fern; they had been handpicked from beside the river and are an early spring delicacy with a very short season.  They had been boiled, sautéed in olive oil and garlic, salt and pepper with a squeeze of lemon juice – a delightful and unforgettable occasion.  We ate in the tavern but Champney’s is the award winning restaurant that only uses the finest local produce.  Lunch and snacks are available and Sunday morning Brunch is a special occasion.  This, arguably, is the heart of Historic Deerfield.

On 29^th August 2011, Tropical Storm Irene swept through the western half of New England leaving behind flooding, washed out roads, washed away bridges, washed away homes and chaos.  The Deerfield Inn was flooded and it is currently closed but a major restoration is underway and later on this year it will re open in all of its glory.

Links:  www.deerfieldinn.com

www.historic-deerfield.org

Click to see the entry of the Deerfield Inn on www.holidayinnewengland.com

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A Clam Chowder Cannonball

History

The word "chowder" comes from the same root as the word "cauldron," and refers to the pot in which the soup is made. The precursors of American clam chowder came from England and Northern France, but the American colonists were the first to use clams as a main ingredient, due to their easy availability on the Atlantic coast. Clam Chowder originated as a one-pot meal among the fishermen of New England. The first printed recipes for clam chowder in America date from the mid-18th century, and have continued to evolve since then.

Basic Ingredients

There is more than one type of clam chowder, and recipes for each type will vary according to the personal taste of the chef, but all clam chowders share some basic ingredients. The most important ingredient, of course, is clams. Small clams are favoured for their texture; larger clams tend to be somewhat tough when cooked and can be gritty. Chunks of potato are also often used in chowder, along with onion. Diced or chunked carrots and celery are not uncommon, and clam chowder is often sprinkled with a bit of chopped parsley before serving to add colour.

Boston Clam Chowder

The most popular type of chowder in America and the one most people picture when they think of chowder is Boston clam chowder, also called New England clam chowder. Boston chowder is the original form of chowder, with roots in the 18th century. Natives of Maine and Massachusetts invented this dish, and made it with a cream- or milk-based broth, giving it its characteristic white colour and thick texture. Traditional Boston clam chowder is made with clams, potatoes, hardtack or crackers, and salt pork or bacon. Today, the layers of hardtack or crackers are generally left out, especially outside of New England, and carrots or celery are often used for extra flavour and colour.

Manhattan Clam Chowder

The other main type of clam chowder, though not as popular as the Boston type, is Manhattan clam chowder. Manhattan chowder is immediately distinguishable from the Boston variety by its colour. Since it is made with a tomato base, Manhattan chowder is red, rather resembling cioppino or bouillabaise. This type of chowder may have been introduced by Portuguese immigrants in the 19th century. It never achieved the wide popularity of Boston clam chowder, remaining mainly a regional dish. There is a rivalry between the aficionados of the two types, and most restaurants that serve chowder will serve either Boston or Manhattan, but rarely both.

Rhode Island Clam Chowder

There is one other type of clam chowder, which is almost exclusively regional to southern Rhode Island. Rhode Island chowder, like Manhattan chowder, is tomato-based, but the broth is thin and almost clear. This type of chowder is loved by locals, but remains virtually unknown outside its native region.

Which one will you try …?                                                        (Source www.ehow.com)

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On 14^th April 1912 the unthinkable happened to the unsinkable Titanic, following a collision with an iceberg – she sank.  The link with Cape Cod, Titanic and The Lizard is Guglielmo Marconi, the inventor of the Wireless.

Marconi’s Poldu Wireless Station is located in Cornwall in the UK on a peninsular called The Lizard, near the town of Mullion.  Its construction was completed in January 1901.  Many experimental wireless transmissions took place here and the first transatlantic message in Morse Code was between Poldu and the Wireless Station in St.Johns in Newfoundland took place on 12^th December 1901. 

Marconi Beach Station, Eastham, MA.

On Cape Cod, Massachusetts, between Eastham and Wellfleet, Marconi built the first Transatlantic Wireless Telegraph Station in USA between 1901 – 1902.  It was from here on 19^th January 1903 that President Theodore Roosevelt sent the first US transatlantic telegram to King Edward VII in the UK, it was received at Poldu, on the Lizard.

Marconi built the Glace Bay wireless station in Nova Scotia but the Cape Race wireless station in Newfoundland used to pick up all messages from transatlantic liners.  It was Cape Race that received the Marconi distress signal “CQD” from the sinking Titanic.  “CQ” was the signal to stop transmission and pay attention.  The “D” was added to signal distress.  In 1906 the International Radio Convention created the “SOS” as the official distress signal.  Both signals were sent by the Marconi operator Jack Phillips on Titanic.

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This road sign is near Bethel in Maine and indicates some of the far flung locations that early settlers came from.

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Our daughter was moving from Buenos Aires to take up a teaching job in Madrid. She sent out a request on Facebook for apartments and received a recommendation about a houseboat that was available to rent currently moored in Madrid Harbour.  This sounded intriging but follow up requests were not forthcoming and she found alternative accommodation.  On our first visit to this lovely city in February, we went on a walking tour of old Madrid, saw fabulous architecture, some art gallieries, did some shopping and enjoyed a glass or two of sustainance with tapas.  We were delighted that many things were cheaper than in UK.  The Metro was clean and efficient with a train every 5 minutes.  I understand that Madrid has the largest network of underground trains in Europe.

Back to our quest.  Well, we found an anchor that was retrieved from the harbour and established on this very spot in 1982.

We ran out of time to visit the harbour but we did find that street maps were posted on all of the bus shelters, with - as you would expect - water marked in blue.

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Subsequent research revealed that "RATS" are the initials of the fisherman Richard Alan Taylor and his garage 7/10 mile up the road is where you can buy delicious fresh seafood.

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 Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail photo - holidayinnewengland.com library

Self-Guided walking tour around 24 historical sites in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

 Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail website

Link to Exeter History blog

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From mid September to mid November cranberries are being harvested.  They can be harvested dry, using a special machine that brushes the cranberries into a collecting sack.  More commonly the cranberry bogs are shallow flooded and a harvester travels up and down brushing off the berries that then float in a sea of crimson.  These are gathered up and sent off to the processing plant where they are turned into cranberry juice, sauces, jams, sweetened dried fruits or sold fresh.

Many of the US Cranberries are grown in the north east of America, with a large proportion in Massachusetts and some in Maine.  The Cranberry is a native marshland plant that grows on long running vines.  They are quite specific where they grow and their growing conditions.  They like the marshes created when the glaciers retreated leaving behind large lumps of ice that carved “kettle holes” in the rock.  These flooded to form ponds that Cape Cod is famous for or shallow marshes that are now cranberry bogs.  In Massachusetts most cranberry bogs are found south of Boston, between Plymouth, Fall River and Buzzards Bay including Cape Cod. 

Cranberry sauce is an essential part of Thanksgiving menus and they are they are recognised as being part of a healthy diet due to their antioxidant properties.

The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association are holding their 8^th Annual Cranberry Harvest Celebration this weekend 8^th & 9^th October in Wareham, Massachusetts. Open 10 am to 4 pm. Admission $5, $3 for Seniors, Children under 7 go free.   www.cranberryharvest.org

Our local recommended accommodation:-

Inn at Scituate Harbor

1750 Inn at Sandwich Center

Belfry Inn & Bistro

www.holidayinnewengland.com

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Kitchen Dreams 

 September 30, 2011 - The Sandwich Glass Museum has been privileged to present an exhibit by well- known artist Ricky Bernstein entitled Kitchen Dreams from July 28 through October 30, 2011.   This internationally acclaimed artist and sculptor has a unique style.  The visual appeal of Ricky Bernstein’s glass and aluminum works is so impressive,  they are like three-dimensional genre paintings! His sculptures are time capsules, offering us a glimpse of life in  a by-gone era.  He introduces us to a cast of characters from the 1950s.  It is Pop Art with a difference as he brings to life amusing yet poignant vignettes.  One could say that he is a visual storyteller!  He embodies warmth and humanity while remaining fun and delightful. The viewer will feel a sense of nostalgia and recognition,  whatever the state of his or her kitchen.  The detailed craftsmanship, color and vibrancy together with a certain  intimacy and social commentary in Ricky’s work makes Kitchen Dreams an outstanding  exhibition. His works grace many Museum collections, both national an international.  Guest commentaries such as:  Awesome and amazing;  thanks for the memories; a magical experience filled with fun, humor and vibrant colors; an exhibit filled with creativity and talent and finally bringing the 50’s to life  made me smile make this exhibit so appealing to all ages!

This exhibit is free with admission of $5.00  adults, $1.25 children 6-14.

 Call for further information 508.888.0251 or visit us at www.sandwichglassmuseum.org

http://www.holidayinnewengland.com

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Over the last 20 odd years my sister has  put me up in her wonderful Victorian home in Roxbury, during this time we have shared many memorable trips and it is thanks to her that I have seen parts of New England that would not have normally been part of my itinerary as I have travelled around inspecting  B&Bs and rental properties for our clients.

One such memorable trip was one of our first; on a beautiful autumn day, crisp cold air and brilliant blue skies which seem to me one only finds in New England (a biased opinion).  We drove out of Boston, through Cambridge, into Arlington, then Lexington, Concord and onto Route 2 West.  This route is steeped in history.  All of these towns offer their own contribution in the history of America and each one is worth a visit, however we had a goal and that was to reach The Fruitlands Museum.  We would do the others on a separate trip.

The Fruitlands Museum is a magic 230 acre property in Harvard, Massachusetts, with far reaching views, stone walls and lovely buildings.  Fruitlands was created in 1914 by Clara Endicott Sears as a museum to Bronson Alcott and Charles Lane’s Fruitlands experiment of communal living in 1843, so called as the inhabitants would live off the fruit of the land.  Clara Endicott Sears had a farm here till her death in 1960.  The farm was run as a charity and produce was both dried and canned.  During the 1st World War some 2 tons of food was sent to the troops in the trenches in France.  In 1930 the museum was incorporated.  Louisa May Alcott, visited here as a child and recounts some of her memories in her novel Little Women.

Just a few things to see when at Fruitlands any time of the year, but particularly now in the Fall when the colours are lovely, both at the farm and on the drive to it.

• The Shaker Office – a stunning clear lined building which houses the largest archive of Harvard Shaker documents in the world.
•  Around the main grounds are stunning sculptures of Native American Indians and the gallery houses a good collection of artefacts honouring the spiritual presence and cultural history of the first Americans.
• There are some 100 Hudson River School landscape paintings in the Art Gallery, and a huge collection of 19^th century vernacular portraits.  Well worth a visit.
• Walk the wooded trails that run through meadows, pine barrens and vernal pools which are surrounded by flora and fauna.  Some 55 different bird species can be looked out for on your wanderings through the “New and Old Meadows”.
•  Visit the Museum Shop which has handcrafts by local artists.
• The Museum also hosts weddings, functions and courses and has a restaurant and tea room.

Directions:   Approximately 45 miles from Boston.  Follow Massachusetts Avenue through Cambridge and take Route 2 West to Exit 38A, head south on Route 110 and take 1st right onto Old Shirley Road, Museum is 2 miles on the right.

Fruitlands website

http://www.holidayinnewengland.com

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“If you go down to the woods today beware of a big surprise”. 

Cow moose - photo Brewster Inn, Dexter, Maine

The Moose herd of New England is growing; with estimated numbers of 2,100 in Vermont, between 5,000 to 6,000 in New Hampshire and a staggering 29,000 in Maine.  An adult moose weighs in at around 1,000 pounds (450Kg), and stands 6 feet (1.8m) high at the shoulder, on rather spindly legs.  The name Moose is from the Native American Algonquin language meaning “eater of twigs.”  They also browse on leaves and bark but they delight in aquatic plants in the summer, and can be found in ponds and lakes, where they can get some respite from the heat of the day and moose flies.  They swim well and travel between islands and across lakes easily.  Moose may live up to 20 years but an average would be nearer 10 – 12 years.  The breeding season extends from mid-September to mid-October, and calves are born mid-May to mid-June. The best time to see moose is at dawn or dusk.

When to see Moose – May to October.

Where to see Moose in Vermont – the Northeast Kingdom along Route 114 near the Canadian border, Route 105 near Island Pond and on Route 100 near Granville.  Route 2 between St.Johnsbury and Lunenburg.

Where to see Moose in New Hampshire – In the Great North Woods, “Moose Alley” is along Route 3 between Pittsburg and the Canadian border;  Route 16 north of Milan to the Maine border; Route 26 east of Dixville Notch to the Maine Border; Route 112 the Kancamagus Highway from Lincoln east to Bear Notch Road; Route 110 north of Berlin to Route 110A.

Where to see Moose in Maine – In the Maine Highlands area around Moosehead Lake, the Western Lakes and Mountains area between Sebago Lake and the Rangeley Lakes, The Forks and Jackman in the Kennebec & Moose River Valley and Aroostook County.

Moose Tours, Gorham, NH

Organised Moose watching trips – The best way to see Moose is with an organised Moose tour.  Several years ago whilst staying at the Birches Resort near Rockwood, Maine on the shore of Moosehead Lake, I went on a “Moose Cruise.”  This was a 7.00am start and we sped up the lake on a pontoon boat into an area of heavily wooded coves and little islands.  We puttered around exploring for about ¾ of an hour and then we sighted a cow moose swimming between an island and the shore, she made it to dry land and wandered off into the wilderness.  It was a great trip rounded off with a very welcome cooked breakfast on our return. 

There are specialist moose tours in all 3 states, some are state registered guides.  They are a fund of local knowledge and know where to find moose and other local wildlife.

Driving in Moose areas - Every year at least 700 moose are killed on New England roads following collisions with vehicles, some drivers and passengers are killed or injured.  Accidents involving moose can occur anywhere in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.  Moose are hard to see at night and your headlights will often only reveal their legs, which are the same colour as the road surface.  Their height also means that the bulk of a moose will fall on your windshield and roof.

Here are some tips for avoiding collisions with Moose.  

• Most collisions happen at dawn or dusk, but they can happen at any time of the day. Stay alert!.
• Collisions occur statewide and on all types of roads, from highways to backroads.
• Try not to drive faster than 55MPH.  There is a strong correlation between speed and the severity of the accident.
• Wear your seatbelt.
• Scan the sides of the roads for movements.
• Use high beams whenever possible.
• Don’t count on moose stopping when they see you. They are very unpredictable. Stop the car iof necessary and wait.
• Be particularly attentive and drive slowly where moose crossing signs are posted.  But remember moose cross the road wherever they like!

(Extract from NH Fish & Game Department)

http://www.holidayinnewengland.com

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Acadia is the only National Park in the Northeast of America, located on the coast of Maine; about 5 hours drive from Boston and covers part of Mt.Desert Island, part of the Schoodic peninsular and Isle au Haut.  The serene island of Mt.Desert has been a favourite haunt of the rich and famous for over 100 years.  They left behind a legacy of large houses, a network of over 44 miles of broken-stone carriage roads, a 20 mile loop road with stunning views, a web of hiking trails and a road ascending the summit of Mt Cadillac – the highest point.  The fishing town names read like a pirates treasure map: - Southwest Harbor, Northeast Harbor, Bass Harbor, Seal Harbor, Otter Cove and Bar Harbor, reflect hidden coves and safe havens.

In the early 1900’s the Rockefellers and their friends flocked to Mt.Desert Island, by train and steamer to their “summer cottages” to enjoy horse drawn carriage rides around the island and sailing regattas in Frenchman Bay.  Today, schooner sailing has returned and the four masted “Margaret Todd” delights both onlookers and passengers on three trips each day including a stunning sunset cruise from Bar Harbor.  The historic Carriage Roads are beautifully maintained and provide a wonderful car free way for hikers, bikers and horse drawn carriages to explore, in winter they turn into excellent snow shoe and cross country skiing trails.

You will gradually feel the pace of life slowing down when you turn off Route 3 and visit the Hulls Cove Visitor Center.  Here you can find out about the free bus timetables into the Park and the Ranger lead hiking trips, the natural history of Acadia and much more.  A 7-day entry pass to the Park and the Loop Road costs about $20 per car.  The Loop Road connects Acadia’s inland lakes, mountains and seashore, there is a speed limit of between 25 and 35 miles per hour.  Occasional road side lay byes reveal views of islands dotting the bay with mountains in the distance or a serene lake with a tree studded granite hillside as a backdrop.  There are picnic areas, information and small hidden car parks at the beginning of some of the hiking trails.  Sandy beaches are a rarity and the golden grains on Sand Beach are very popular, more for sunbathing than swimming (the early June sea water temperature is around 48 degrees F).  The Great Head Trail follows along the beach and rises quickly to reveal the rugged and tree lined coastline stretching away to Otter Point and distant views of the Cranberry Islands.  The cliffs on Great Head are worth a visit and would be most spectacular in rough seas.  There are a number of cross over points where the Loop and Carriage roads intersect, the most notable being near Jordan Pond at The Gate House.  Riding horses and Carriages can be hired from the Wildwood Stables near Jordan Pond.

An unforgettable trip up Cadillac Mountain will reveal 360-degree panoramic views of the coast; island studded bays and most stunning sunsets.  (Sunrise is also brilliant but in the summer at around 4 am attracts only keen voyeurs).   A trip to Mt.Desert Island would not be complete without a visit to the Harbor towns; all of them are involved with fishing, lobsters and boating.  Bar Harbor is the largest and has a vibrant atmosphere, shops, and boat trips, canoe, kayak and bike hire, gardens, museums and galleries.  Northeast Harbor and Southwest Harbor reflect a gentler pace of life, although outside the Park, each has an idyllic setting around an enclosed bay, forming a natural marina.  There are over 100 restaurants on the island to suit all tastes and pockets.

Another easy to get to trail is the Wonderland Trail; located near the southern tip of the island, you will pass the magical Somesville reflecting bridge on your way.  About half a mile from the road the trail leads through stunted pine and beach woodland, over glacier polished granite and beside the occasional bog.  All you hear is the wind rustling the leaves, birdsong and an increasing sound of the surf.  The atmosphere is warm and pine scented, with the sun playing shadows through the trees.  A rocky cove and shingle bank on the right and ahead a blue sky and a blue sea with a broken fringe of multi-coloured granite boulders in reds, muddy browns and green that remind you of the power of the ocean.  It is a place to sit in solitude, mesmerised by the surroundings and lose yourself for a while.

  If you don’t want to drive from Boston you can fly from Boston to Hancock airport, Bar Harbor, you can rent cars from here.  Alternatively you could fly to Bangor.

http://www.holidayinnewengland.com

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Planning a New England Fall Tour  Part 2

All of this information is avalable on our website www.holidayinnewengland.com

More information 

Planning Tip >>> ESTA. Before you go.  If you are not a US citizen and you are travelling into USA, you may need to apply for an ESTA.  This is part of the Visa Waiver program and you have to do this well in advance of your departure date. You cannot enter USA without one. 

Planning Tip >>> Flying in to Boston.  If you are flying into Boston to start your holiday, it is best to do your City Break at the end of your trip.  You can then have a stress free half day exploring the city before returning your hire car and checking in at Logan Airport.  This way you can avoid a stressful long drive, unexpected road delays and possibly late return car hire fees.

Planning Tip >>> New England accommodation.  Always pre-book all of your accommodation.  New England is at its busiest in the Fall and accommodation gets sold out.  There will be more availability mid week but weekends will be difficult.  Sleeping in the car is not comfortable and it is not conducive to a relaxing and enjoyable holiday.

Planning Tip >>> Minimum stays.  Many accommodations have 2 night minimum stays.  Be aware that Columbus Day holiday weekend starts on Friday 7^th October 2011.  Many require a 3 night minimum stay over holiday weekends.

Planning Tip >>> Recommended & inspected accommodation.  We only feature accommodation that we have visited and that we are happy to recommend.  Visit the state pages to select your accommodation.  We have stayed in many of them and used them frequently when we were arranging New England holidays.

 Planning Tip >>> Boston Accommodation.  Follow the Boston accommodation link to select your accommodation in Boston, don’t forget there are some great properties in Cambridge and click hotels for airport accommodation.

Planning Tip >>> Car Hire.  Always pre-book your Car Hire.  New England is at its busiest in the Fall and they do run out of cars.  

Planning Tip >>> Plan your route.  Research your trip and plan it around the many interesting things to see and do.  Include a scenic drive or 2 but you will be surrounded and immersed in the Fall colours with stunning views of lakes, rivers, mountain valleys and covered bridges.  

Planning Tip >>> Don’t cram too much in.  There is a big temptation to go everywhere and see everything.  This is impossible in New England.  Road Speed limits are lower than UK.  With minimum stays, on a 14 day trip you may have up to 6 or 7 stopovers, try to plan your route with no more than 150 – 175 miles between inns.

Planning Tip >>> Outlet shopping.  It is a great opportunity to do some outlet shopping on your travels.  If you are coming from the UK then you will find that many items will be one third cheaper than UK prices.  A useful rule of thumb “what you pay in £ in UK will be similar to the cost in US$”.  There are outlet shopping centers in each state & tax free shopping in New Hampshire.

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There are many ways of enjoying the Fall in New England.  The most popular will be a self drive tour, staying in a number of different locations in inns or B&Bs, hotels or resorts, but first – it is all to do with leaves!

New England is full of trees.  Leaves begin to change colour due to falling overnight temperatures and day length.  At first you notice the odd branch of red in a sea of green.  Individual trees turn and gradually the valleys and hill tops become a stunning mosaic of reds, yellows, greens and bronze, with the changing colours creeping up the hillsides.

It is impossible to predict the exact timing of peak Fall colours but this will normally be within the last week of September and the first three weeks of October.  The dates shown on the map of New England below represent a range where you can normally expect the best show for that area.  The leaves turn in a north to south progression from mid September to the end of October.  Weather conditions do affect the timing and peak foliage can sometimes be a week early or a week late. 

Leaf Peeping map of New England

The following dates are typical.

15^th – 30^th September:  The Fall begins with the odd branch here and there changing colour.  Towards the end of September Fall is in full swing in northern Maine, northern New Hampshire and the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.

1^st – 7^th October: The leaves are turning in an ever expanding area of central Maine, the White Mountains in New Hampshire and down the spine of the Green Mountains in Vermont, joining the Berkshire Hills in western Massachusetts.

8^th – 15^th October: This is normally peak foliage for the northern half of New England, including the coast of Maine, the Berkshires and central Massachusetts.  Further south in Connecticut and Rhode Island the lowland trees are turning.  Columbus Day holiday weekend will be during this week.

16^th – 22^nd October: This is normally peak foliage for the southern half of inland New England.

23^rd – 31^st October:  Leaves are looking good along the south coast of New England and Cape Cod.  By now most of the northern New England leaves will have dropped but you can still marvel at the colours and quantity of leaves on the ground.

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I have received emails from around New England telling me that New England is open for business and the leaves are looking great. The tourism industry is keen to welcome visitors to come and enjoy, there may be inconvenience with washed out roads and bridges but the road crews are hard at work restoring access.

Some places escaped the worst effects of hurricane Irene and others are still coming to terms with damaged roads, homes, shops, businesses and bridges. 

The Covered Bridge at Quechee, Vermont was one of the damaged bridges, here it is before a visit from Irene.

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About us

Charles and Anna Chalcraft started Four Seasons in New England before the days of the internet, in 1994.  We planned to visit Anna’s family in Boston and could find no relevant information in the UK about where to stay.  Extensive research and mailshots to vacation rental agents progressed quickly to further trips around New England.  Between us we have seen over 2,500 houses and more than 600 inns and B&Bs and 30 resorts.  Not including countless hotels and motels.

As - Accommodation Only - tour operators, we “tailor made” holidays and matched our client’s requirements to the properties that we knew.  We suggested interesting itineraries, with a mix and match between different property types throughout the year.  We selected properties where we, as a family, would be happy to stay.  We have high standards and strong family values. 

The after effects of 9/11 in 2002 hit us hard; we have kept Four Seasons in New England going.  We bought an empty 7 bedroom Georgian school that we restored and then opened our doors for 4 years running it as a 4 Star, 3 bedroom B&B.  We sold it in July 2008 to concentrate on www.holidayinnewengland.com

 With many more internet savvy independent travellers researching and booking their holidays online, there is a need to provide a shortlist of quality, inspected accommodation with decent maps and a selection of local things to do.  Using our travel experience, contacts and knowledge of New England, we are perfectly placed to provide this impartial information.  We are no longer arranging holidays but we do refer clients who prefer have arrangements made for them, to specialist New England tour operators in UK.

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