Touch of New England

There is nowhere I’d rather live than New England! Fall foliage bursting with color, majestic mountains, rugged coastlines, and quaint family farms are just a few snapshots of our region.  However, it is more than that…it’s a feeling of old world charm. It’s sorta like living in a Hallmark Christmas movie…lol.  New England is a magical place filled with local small businesses that create premium, unique products. Touch of New England is a subscription box that will make you feel like you’re traveling here without leaving your home.

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

They say it best: “When you can’t go there yourself, let us send you a touch of the New England culture, delivered right to your door.” Since many people are not able to travel right now, it’s a wonderful way to “explore” the area without leaving your home. You’ll enjoy quality products from the region, while supporting the artisans and businesses who make New England unique.  I love that their standards are high. If they don’t love a product, they won’t include it in their box.

WHAT COMES IN EACH BOX?

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Wolfe Neck Center (Fall Visit)

Wolfe Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment

Wolfe Neck is a nonprofit farm with 626 oceanfront acres and 4 miles of Casco Bay shoreline that is open to the public every day. A few years back I was given a tour of the farm.  Take a peek at my post about it.

This fall, I decided to bring my bike to the farm and spend a relaxing morning riding along its gorgeous views of the coast, visiting the animals, and breathing in that coastal air!

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Snug Harbor Farm

In autumn, I love stopping in to different farms to enjoy the gifts of living in New England.  Apple picking, pumpkins, hay rides, corn mazes, farm stand… I can’t get enough! Lately I’ve been spending one day a week visiting a farm nearby.  It’s the perfect way to get outside for some fresh air, walk around in nature, and ok, ok…it doesn’t hurt that lots of farms have cider donuts.

This week I’ll be showcasing some of my favorite farms I’ve been to lately.  Enjoy!

Snug Harbor Farm

Kennebunkport, Maine

Snug Harbor Farm features five greenhouses, nurseries,

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Our Top 10 Favorite Fall Activities in New England

  There’s no place as cozy as autumn in New England.  For the next few months it’s all about crisp leaves, comfy sweaters, dark nail polish, lattes, and pulling out my UGGs.  (Yes…I’m aware of how ugly they are, but is there anything more comfortable?) It’s the perfect time to slow down, unwind from out fast-paced summer, and enjoy the simple things. 

Here are our top 10 activities for fall:

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2 Day Itinerary for a Solo Getaway to Stowe, Vermont

The start of the school year has gone off with a bang…theater rehearsals, soccer practice, homework, tests, and even a fractured foot for one of my kiddos.  October was looking to be even more crazy, so I was thrilled to  head to Vermont for a little relaxation. My tires practically burned as a sped off with my music blasting for my three-hour drive to one of my favorite states.  I love autumn in New England and was thrilled to see that the leaves were just starting their dazzling display of colors. 

Let me show you how to spend 2 perfect days in Stowe, Vermont…

Day 1: (Mine was a Sunday)

Your first stop is to Cold Hollow Cider Mill. There is an explosion on your senses as you walk through the door.  There are so many locally-made products that you won’t know where to look first.  I loved that they have a beehive there enclosed in glass (pic) and you can actually buy honey that is produced by these bees.  I can’t wait to taste some.

  Since it is a cider mill, you have to taste their warm cider donuts.  What?  It’s not like you have a choice…lol! Head on over to their Apple Core Luncheonette and Brew.  Try the “Vermont To the Core” (bacon, apple slices, cheddar and apple jelly) and a glass of their hard cider, Barn Dance. (You may want to pick up some cans or a growler to bring home!)

If you’re lucky enough to be there on a Sunday, drive to the Stowe Farmer’s Market that takes place from 10:30-3:00.  Everything is made local…soap, dips, cheese, wooden trays, pottery, wine, honey, jewelry…endless! There is even live music.

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Beauport, Sleeper-McCann House: A Hidden Gem in Gloucester

Another hidden gem in Gloucester is the gorgeous Beauport, Sleeper-McCann House.  This stunning piece of architecture was the summer home of interior designer, Henry Davis Sleeper.  It is a 14,200 square foot work of art that is perched on a lovely piece of property overlooking Gloucester Harbor.  He used the house to show off his interior decorating skills to potential clients, as well as a summer retreat that he loved to share with friends and family.

This beautiful home has twelve bedrooms, eight bathrooms and twelve fireplaces (some worked and some were there for effect).  Here are some of my favorite spots in the house:

    Amber glass is displayed in this back-lit area when you walk into the house.

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    Hammond Castle: Explore a Castle on the Coast of Gloucester

    When in Gloucester, Massachusetts, the number one place you MUST visit is Hammond Castle, an actual European castle perched high on a bluff on a stunning New England shoreline. You will feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you explore the grounds of this magical place. Built by John Hays Hammond, Jr, a scientist, inventor, and art connoisseur, it was completed in 1929 as a wedding gift to his wife. He was one of the most eccentric man I’ve ever heard about and you’ll learn all about him throughout your visit.  Let me show you around…

    IT ALL STARTS OUTSIDE

    Peek through the arches to see Gloucester Harbor and Eastern Point light.

    It is such a peaceful spot as you look out at the water.

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    Liberty Hotel, Boston…Don’t Bail Me Out

    Photo credit: Liberty Hotel

    Who would have guessed that prison could be so romantic?  The Liberty Hotel is housed in the exact building of the Charles Street Jail, a national historic landmark. Completed in 1851, this jail once house some of Boston’s most historic inmates, and now you can call it home for the night. It has a nice blend of  high-style luxury and hometown warmth. Trust me…you won’t be asking anyone to bail you out!

    Read all about our stay!

    An Art-Lover’s Trip to Rockland, Maine, Day 2

    I woke up early at the Berry Manor Inn, made myself a cup of coffee, and jumped back in bed to enjoy it by the fire.  (Hey…when my kiddos are not around, I take every chance at relaxation!)

    After a delicious breakfast at the inn, we headed to the Friends of Maine Coastal Islands Wildlife Refuge Gallery.  Their mission is to help conserve, protect, and enhance the rich diversity of coastal habitats, seabirds, and other wildlife in Maine. 

    They have a fantastic map of seabird nesting islands off the coast of Maine.  I often forget just how vast the coastline is.  In fact, Maine has more coastline than California!

    There were beautiful works of art.  I loved this wooden piece of clouds with the moon peeking out.

    Guru's Moon
    Guru’s Moon

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    An Art-Lover’s Weekend in Rockland, Maine: Day 1

    Photo credit: Cait Bourgault

    Last spring, I had the opportunity to join several other travel influencers to experience The Heart of Maine’s Art Scene, in Rockland, Maine.  We had such a great time traveling to this gorgeous coastal town. We were hosted by the nicest people who all took time out of their busy schedules to share their love for Rockland. Also traveling with us was Cait Bourgault, an amazing photographer, and she captured so many fun moments.  (Check out her website: www.caitbourgault.com)
    It’s not common for me to have an itinerary made for me, and it was so nice to sit back and not have to plan a thing.  Here is what we did on our trip.  Enjoy!

    We started our day at the Maine Lighthouse Museum. I love lighthouses and always stop to take pictures of them, so I was happy this was our first stop. I loved seeing the pennies on the floor showing where the Maine lighthouses were!

    Photo credit: Cait Bourgault

    The museum had so many fun pieces. This one rotates.

    After our drive from Portland, we needed to get some food into us, so we were treated to Clan McLaren for lunch.  This hip spot served delicious sandwiches and salads.  I had a chicken salad called the Lorelei, and it was so good I’ve tried to replicate it at home. 

    Photo credit: Cait Bourgault

    Our first stop on our art tour of Rockland, Maine was the striking new home of CMCA, designed by architect Toshiko Mori.  The building is a work of art itself, with its 11,500 square foot building with 5,500 square feet of exhibition space. 


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