Take a class at the King Arthur Flour Baking Education Center in Norwich.

BEST INDOOR WATERPARK
JAY PEAK WATERPARK, Jay
The Pump House is glass-walled, with a retractable glass roof, and always 86 degrees. The choice of watery ways to cool off include “La Chute”–a 65-foot-high slide with a twisty 45mph descent–and “Big River,” a deceptively lazy run until you hit the waves. 830 Jay Peak Road. 802-988-2611; jaypeakresort.com

BEST MOUNTAIN VISTAS
MOUNT ASCUTNEY, Windsor
A “parkway” snakes up from the entrance of Mount Ascutney State Park to within a mile of the 3,144-foot summit. Climb the fire tower for a spectacular 360-degree panorama from this mountain that stands alone by the Connecticut River. 1826 Back Mountain Road (Route 44A). 802-674-2060; vtstateparks.com

BEST DOWNHILL RIDE
TIMBER RIPPER MOUNTAIN COASTER, Ludlow
At Okemo Mountain Resort, drivers control the speed of sled-like cars as they whizz down 3,100 feet of track on a scenic trip through alpine forest, bringing them up close to Okemo’s Jackson Gore. 77 Okemo Ridge Road. 802-228-4041; okemo.com

BEST MUSIC HALL
CHANDLER CENTER FOR THE ARTS, Randolph
This restored 1907 music hall offers concerts and live shows in a 575-seat theater with great acoustics. Films are screened, and “intimate” performances are in the Upper Gallery. Labor Day Sunday is the annual New World Festival, celebrating Celtic and French Canadian heritage. 71-73 Main St. 802-728-6464; chandler-arts.org

BEST BAKERS’ HAVEN
KING ARTHUR FLOUR BAKER’S STORE & BAKERY/CAFE, Norwich
The home of America’s oldest family-owned flour company (since 1790) has morphed into a “campus” with a vast store stocked with baking ingredients, cookbooks, and kitchenware. The Baking Education Center offers classes (beginner to expert), and a cafe serves the flakiest of croissants, pastries, and pizzas. 135 Route 5 South. 800-827-6836, 802-649-3361; kingarthurflour.com

BEST ARCHITECTURAL REVIVAL
PARAMOUNT THEATRE, Rutland
Débuting in 1914, the Paramount was restored in 2000 after 35 years of ruin. Detailed craftsmanship, balanced acoustics, and direct-sight viewing make all 838 seats worthy of a ticket for varied live performances or a regular film series. 30 Center St. 802-775-0903; paramountvt.org

BEST MOUNTAIN SWIMMING POOL
SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH WATERPARK, Cambridge
The eight pools and four waterslides along the mountain slopes of Smugglers’ Notch Resort are a family favorite. Rum Runners’ Hideaway is a six-acre reservoir tucked higher up on Morse Mountain; it includes a 25-foot-diameter water trampoline, plus swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and picnicking options. 4323 Route 108 South. 802-644-8851; smuggs.com

BEST DOWNTOWN FARMERS’ MARKET
CAPITAL CITY FARMERS MARKET, Montpelier
It’s more like a street fair with a permanent Saturday residence May through October. The selections of plants, veggies, meats, wines, crafts, honey, cheeses, and live music spilling onto State Street blend wholesomely with a rotating lineup of yard sales. 60 State St. 802-223-2958; montpelierfarmersmarket.com

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BEST BEACON HILL B&B
JOHN JEFFRIES HOUSE, Boston
Most rooms in this 46-room B&B offer kitchenettes for frugal travelers, yet the reproduction antique decor suggests Victorian elegance instead of modern, utilitarian economy. Rates: from $150, including continental breakfast. 14 David G. Mugar Way. 617-367-1866; johnjeffrieshouse.com

BEST NAUTICAL LODGING
BOSTON YACHT HAVEN, Boston
Located at the marina next to the New England Aquarium, this luxury lodging offers harbor views, spacious suites decorated in nautical style, and a host of shared amenities, including a pool table and an exercise room. Suites include kitchen appliances. Rates: from $300. 87 Commercial Wharf. 617-367-5050; thebostonyachthaven.com

BEST URBAN CAMPING
PEDDOCKS ISLAND, Boston
Turkic nomads from the Central Asian steppes probably never pitched camp on the Boston Harbor Islands, but their signature structure–the yurt–is available on Peddocks Island, which has potable water (but no showers) and ruins of Fort Andrews. Yurts: $40. Tent sites: from $6 per person. 617-223-8666 (ranger hotline); bostonharborislands.org/permits-reservations

BEST THEATRE-DISTRICT HOTEL
REVERE HOTEL BOSTON COMMON, Boston
It took some inventive contemporary styling to reconfigure a conventional Radisson into a chic boutique hotel, but the Revere rose to the challenge. Rooms are surprisingly spacious; the smallest is the size of a South End studio. Bonus: the green-glowing Emerald Lounge, an icon in local cocktail culture. Rates: from $240. 200 Stuart St. 617-482-1800; reverehotel.com

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Built in 1826, the Round Stone Barn at Hancock Shaker Village is the perfect introduction to the Shaker genius for creative farming.

Looking for fun in the Bay State? You won’t have to look far! Read our picks for the best attractions in Massachusetts.

BEST FABRIC DESIGN
MARTHA FLOOD DESIGN STUDIO & FABRIC GALLERY, North Adams
Artist Martha Flood draws inspiration from the woods, fields, and rivers of the Berkshires for the rich colors and patterns of her “Woodlands” fabric collection. Even the humble dandelion shines in her masterly interpretation. 38 Eagle St. 413-776-4640; marthaflood.com

BEST HISTORIC MERRY-GO-ROUND
PARAGON CAROUSEL, Hull
Select one of 66 brightly painted horses or one of the two unusual horse-drawn Roman chariots for a whirl on one of the last carousels created by the renowned Philadelphia Toboggan Company. Installed in 1928, the carousel remains one of the joys of summer. Nantasket Beach. 781-925-0472; paragoncarousel.com

BEST CELEBRITY-OWNED STORE
MARSHFIELD HILLS GENERAL STORE, Marshfield
Even if owner Steve Carell isn’t hanging out in this small-town gathering spot, you can purchase an autographed hat, along with a muffin, a cup of coffee, a rubber-band paddle boat, local honey, penny candy, and an emergency clown nose. 165 Prospect St. 781-834-8443; marshfieldhillsgeneralstore.com

BEST THRILL RIDES
SIX FLAGS NEW ENGLAND, Agawam
Water-sports enthusiasts can swoop down the drop hatch, looping body slides on six Bonzai Pipelines, while roller-coaster fans can scream to the extreme as they freefall 20 stories on Goliath. Gentler thrills await wee ones on teacup rides, carousel, and bumper cars. 1623 Main St. 413-786-9300; sixflags.com

BEST ANCIENT MOSAICS
WORCESTER ART MUSEUM, Worcester
Walk into the Renaissance Court and you’ll be wowed by a 6th-century floor mosaic of hunters and prey created in the Roman city of Antioch. At nearly 500 square feet, it’s the largest such mosaic ever brought to America and a grand introduction to the many surprises in a collection that surveys 5,000 years of artistic endeavor. 55 Salisbury St. 508-799-4406; worcesterart.org

BEST ACOUSTIC MUSIC
GUTHRIE CENTER AT THE OLD TRINITY CHURCH, Great Barrington
The place where the events of “Alice’s Restaurant” transpired has been transformed into a center for serious spiritual and political thought–and the locale for the Troubadour Series of intimate roots-based music by singer/songwriters in the tradition of Woody and Arlo Guthrie. 2 Van Deusenville Road. 413-528-1955; guthriecenter.org

BEST CONCERT HALL
SHALIN LIU PERFORMANCE CENTER, Rockport
Audio and visual make a stunning pair in this 330-seat performance hall, with great acoustics and big windows overlooking the ocean. Home base for the Rockport Chamber Music Festival, the hall also hosts other classical, jazz, folk, and world-music performances. 37 Main St. 978-546-7391; rcmf.org/newperformance.html

BEST CAR & MOTORCYCLE COLLECTION
LYMAN & MERRIE WOOD MUSEUM OF SPRINGFIELD HISTORY, Springfield
The first successful gasoline-powered automobile in the U.S. debuted on the streets of Springfield in 1893. So it’s no surprise that vintage cars and more than two dozen Springfield-made Indian motorcycles steal the show at this engaging history museum. 21 Edwards St. 800-625-7738; springfieldmuseums.org

BEST MODERN BEACH CHAIR
CAPE COD BEACH CHAIR COMPANY, Harwich
If there’s such a thing as an heirloom-quality beach chair, this is it. A native Cape Codder has brought new style and comfort to the summer classic with hardwood frames, stainless-steel fittings, and durable fabrics. All have armrest beverage holders, and a pocket on the back of some models is perfect for stashing a towel and a frothy paperback novel. 1150 Queen Anne Road. 774-237-7313; capecodbeachchair.com

BEST DISTILLERY TOUR
RYAN & WOOD DISTILLERIES, Gloucester
This first legal distillery on the North Shore since Prohibition shows visitors how the beautiful copper 600-liter (159-gallon) alembic pot still transforms smelly mash into vodka, gin, rum, and rye whiskey. Free tours daily (except Sunday) at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. 15 Great Republic Drive. 978-281-2282; ryanandwood.com

BEST LOCAL-HISTORY MUSEUM
CONCORD MUSEUM, Concord
The small town of Concord looms large in history and letters, and its museum is the steward of many American touchstones, including the lantern that hung in Boston’s Old North Church to signal Paul Revere, the wooden desk on which Henry David Thoreau wrote Walden, and Ralph Waldo Emerson’s complete study. 200 Lexington Road. 978-369-9763; concordmuseum.org

BEST CAPE COD ART
PROVINCETOWN ART ASSOCIATION & MUSEUM, Provincetown
Founded in 1914, PAAM has weathered the storms of all the artistic “isms” of the modern era and continues to show the enduring and intriguing works in every style by painters and sculptors who found their inspiration on the Outer Cape. 460 Commercial St. 508-487-1750; paam.org

BEST KID-FRIENDLY FARM STAND
RUSSELL ORCHARDS, Ipswich
After they’ve helped pick strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or apples, you can treat the kids to a hot apple-cider doughnut at the bakery in the 18th-century barn; then let them feed the goats in the farm’s small petting zoo. 143 Argilla Road. 978-356-5366; russellorchards.com

BEST STONE BARN
HANCOCK SHAKER VILLAGE, Pittsfield
Built in 1826, the Round Stone Barn is the perfect introduction to the Shaker genius for creative farming. It’s the centerpiece of the restored village, one of the largest and most successful of the Shaker communities that once stretched from Kentucky to Maine. 1843 West Housatonic St. 413-443-0188; hancockshakervillage.org

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BEST “CABINET OF CURIOSITIES”
FAIRBANKS MUSEUM & PLANETARIUM, St. Johnsbury
Victorian cabinets in the Grand Hall display hundreds of stuffed animals, from mice to an 1898 moose, plus reptiles, fish, insects, and birds galore. Don’t miss the19th-century cultural exotica on the balcony, and check out the weather station, home of VPR’s Eye on the Sky. The local night sky is on view in the planetarium. 1302 Main St. 802-748-2372; fairbanksmuseum.org

BEST PRESIDENTIAL CHEESE
CALVIN COOLIDGE STATE HISTORIC SITE, Plymouth Notch
The visitors’ center exhibit uses Coolidge’s own words, objects from his life, and interactive media to relate the story of how this farm boy became our 30th president. His white-clapboard village is frozen in the 1920s, and the cheese factory his father built now produces exceptional granular curd cheddar. 3780 Route 100A. 802-672-3773; historicsites.vermont.gov/Coolidge; plymouthartisancheese.com

BEST SCIENCE CENTER
MONTSHIRE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, Norwich
This major science center demystifies natural phenomena, from fireflies to fog, and offers movies and images from the Hubble space telescope. Outside, explore the museum’s 110 acres, including Science Park, Woodland Garden, and several miles of nature trails. Outdoor exhibits include the Wind Wall, Musical Fence, Water Rill, and Mist Fountain. 1 Montshire Road. 802-649-2200; montshire.org

BEST HISTORIC REPLICATION
HILDENE, Manchester
American history shines in the splendid story of Robert Todd Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln’s first son, who built Hildene in 1905, 41 years after vacationing in Manchester as a boy. Tours span the estate buildings and grounds, the latter available for picnicking and walking. 1005 Hildene Road. 800-578-1788, 802-362-1788; hildene.org

BEST HANDS-ON FARM PROGRAMS
SHELBURNE FARMS, Shelburne
A National Historic Landmark located on a 1,400-acre working farm with inn and restaurant, Shelburne Farms has become a leader in the local-foods movement with farm-based education programs for both children and adults. The children’s farmyard attraction is one-of-a-kind. Farm meats, cheeses, and maple syrup are all available for purchase. 1611 Harbor Road. 802-985-8686; shelburnefarms.org

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Looking for fun in Beantown? You won’t have to look far! Read our picks for the best attractions in Greater Boston.

BEST JAZZ DINING
DARRYL’S CORNER BAR & KITCHEN, Boston
Proprietor Darryl Settles likes to mix soul, spice, and jazz. The restaurant’s bright (and light!) Southern cooking is often accompanied by live performances by the students, faculty, and alumni of the Berklee College of Music, just down the street. 604 Columbus Ave. 617-536-1100; darrylscornerbarboston.com

BEST KIDS’ BOOKS & TOYS
THE CURIOUS GEORGE STORE, Cambridge
You’ll find all the books, along with DVDs, stuffed monkeys, lunchboxes, puzzles, and an exclusive line of T-shirts, onesies, and bibs at the self-proclaimed “world’s only Curious George store.” In the spirit of sharing, the shop stocks other picture books and titles for middle-grade and young-adult readers. 1 JFK St. 617-547-4500; thecuriousgeorgestore.com

BEST MEMORIAL
JOHN F. KENNEDY PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM, Boston
Fifty years ago, the Kennedy presidency came to a tragic close. The library and museum will observe those events but will celebrate the high points of 1963 as well, including JFK’s famous speeches in Berlin and at American University, and his national address on civil rights. Columbia Point. 617-514-1600; jfklibrary.org

BEST ARTISTS’ SHOP
MADE IN FORT POINT, Boston
Artists were among the first to colonize the old mill buildings of Fort Point Channel. Find out what they’re up to at this shop, which carries the work of more than 75 artists and displays everything from prints and photos to clothing, jewelry, and all sorts of clever objects. 30 Channel Center St. 617-423-1100; fortpointarts.org

BEST NAUTICAL HISTORY
U.S. LIGHTSHIP MUSEUM, East Boston
At 148 feet 10 inches, LV-112 was the largest floating lighthouse ship ever built; the thousand-ton vessel, built in 1936, was anchored more than 40 miles southeast of Nantucket to warn mariners off the Nantucket Shoals. Still under restoration, she’s open for tours on the East Boston waterfront. (Call for the schedule.) The Boston-skyline view is a bonus. Boston Harbor Shipyard & Marina, 256 Marginal St. 617-797-0135; NantucketLightshipLV-112.org

BEST OCEAN TANK
NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM, Boston
The year-long reconstruction of the aquarium’s centerpiece four-story Giant Ocean Tank is on track to finish in early summer, and the scene is better lit and more dramatic than ever. Another 50 to 70 species (almost 200 all together) are expected to swim the swirling waters, and the live coral will be reconfigured for better views of the deep-water habitats. 1 Central Wharf. 617-973-5200; neaq.org

BEST BIKE-SHARING PROGRAM
HUBWAY, Boston
Boston is a great city for walking, and its small size is equally conducive to bicycling. The Hubway bike-sharing program makes it easy, with stations in convenient locations throughout Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, and other locations in the Greater Boston area. One- and three-day passes work well for visitors who want to cover a lot of ground. 855-448-2929; thehubway.com

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Walk Hampton Beach’s beautiful stretch of sandy coastline before heading downtown.

There’s a lot to see in do in the Granite State, but some activities really stand the test of time. Read our picks for the best classic attractions in New Hampshire.

BEST BEACH
HAMPTON BEACH, Hampton
Take a beautiful stretch of sandy coastline (nhstateparks.org) and add a splash of kitsch and you have yourself a memorable New Hampshire beach. Document your visit by stepping into a photo booth at Playland Arcade (211 Ocean Blvd., 603-926-3831), and then try your hand at some classic boardwalk games while you’re there, such as Skee-Ball and pinball. 115 Ocean Blvd. 603-926-8717; hamptonbeach.org

BEST LOCAL TREASURE
SAINT-GAUDENS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE, Cornish
Visitors may stroll through the home, studios, and gardens of Augustus Saint-Gaudens–one of the most notable American sculptors, responsible for iconic statues and monuments such as the Shaw Memorial and the Standing Lincoln. Extend your stay and bring a picnic to enjoy on the park’s grounds. 139 Saint Gaudens Road (off Route 12A). 603-675-2175 x100; nps.gov/saga/index.htm

BEST HIKE
MOUNT MONADNOCK, Jaffrey
It’s a National Natural Landmark and one of the most-climbed mountains in the world for a reason. Take your pick from any one of its beautiful trails, and from the summit look out nearly 100 miles toward Boston. Surrounded by thousands of acres of protected highlands, it’s a stunning vista. The bare upper slopes host a variety of rare alpine and subalpine vegetation alongside the trails. Monadnock State Park, 116 Poole Road. 603-532-8862; nhstateparks.org

BEST HISTORIC VILLAGE
STRAWBERY BANKE MUSEUM, Portsmouth
This cluster of 42 historic homes and buildings gives visitors a glimpse of New Hampshire’s coastal life stretching back more than three centuries. 14 Hancock St. 603-433-1100; strawberybanke.org

BEST COVERED BRIDGE
STARK BRIDGE, Stark
Built in 1862, the Stark Bridge (listed on the National Register of Historic Places) is picturesque yet useful. Spanning the Upper Ammonoosuc River, it connects North Road with Route 110, saving travelers a four-and-a-half-mile detour. Route 110. nh.gov/nhdhr/bridges/p71.html

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BEST CHARTER FISHING
SNAPPA CHARTERS, Wakefield
Captain Charlie Donilon shares four decades of fish tales and secret spots. A half-day excursion aboard the Snappa may net you a few dinners’ worth of bass, blues, and bragging rights. 2 Congdon Drive. 401-782-4040; snappacharters.com

BEST OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH WAY
NEWPORT EQUESTRIAN, Middletown
A two-hour tour lets riders see the “wilder” side of Aquidneck Island, including scenic Second and Third beaches and Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. 287 Third Beach Road. 401-837-4188; newportequestrian.com

BEST SAILING LESSONS
COMMUNITY BOATING CENTER, Providence
Members (it’s easy and affordable to become one) have access to lessons at all levels. The best part? Once you’ve got your sea legs, you get unlimited time on the water and use of CBC’s fleet. India Point Park, 109 India St. 401-454-7245; communityboating.com

BEST WALK IN THE PARK
WILCOX PARK, Westerly
This pretty oasis in downtown Westerly features a wide-open meadow, stately trees, a duck pond, and picturesque perennial garden. 71 High St. 401-596-2877; westerlylibrary.org/park

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BEST FRESH MARKET DINING
KITCHEN TABLE BISTRO, Richmond
Look for bold Vermont flavors such as braised short ribs with winter root vegetables, roast chicken with corn and baby carrots, or a great steak frites. Entrées: from $21. 1840 West Main St. 802-434-8686; kitchentablebistro.com

BEST BURGER
BURGER BARN, Jeffersonville
Inside their homemade green food trailer with a Holstein-patterned roof, Jud Gravel and Kierstin Colaceci transform local grass-fed beef into some of the world’s tastiest burgers, with toppings such as local chevre, caramelized onions, and even maple-crusted walnuts. Open May to October. Burgers: from $8. 4968 Route 15. 802-730-3441

BEST PORK BUNS
THE DOWNTOWN GROCERY, Ludlow
Chef Rogan Lechthaler buys locally and cooks globally at this casual fine-dining restaurant. He tosses pasta and lobster with North African harissa (hot-pepper sauce), and fills buns with braised local pork belly topped with Vietnamese fish sauce, scallion, cucumber, and hoisin sauce. Entrées: from $24. 41 South Depot St. 802-228-7566; thedowntowngrocery.com

BEST MOUNTAINSIDE DINING
TIMBERS RESTAURANT, Warren
With 45-foot vaulted ceilings and a window wall that looks out on Lincoln Peak, Timbers is a dramatic spot to enjoy New American fare prepared with care and imagination. Shepherd’s pie, for example, combines bison short ribs braised in porter with caramelized onions and mashed root vegetables. Entrées: from $20. Sugarbush Resort, Sugarbush Access Road. 802-583-6800; sugarbush.com

BEST VERMONT FRENCH
CAFE PROVENCE, Brandon
French food doesn’t have to be fussy. Chef Robert Barral makes his own chutney from cherry tomatoes to top baked haddock, and grinds beef from a local farm to craft a perfect burger. He also makes exquisite hearth-oven pizzas as well as a seafood stew on saffron rice. Entrées: from $16. 11 Center St. 802-247-9997; cafeprovencevt.com

BEST VERMONT ITALIAN
OSTERIA PANE E SALUTE, Woodstock
This tiny upstairs Slow Food restaurant gem is arguably Vermont’s most authentic Italian restaurant, serving a limited menu of home-cooked recipes that change with the harvest. The house charcuterie shines among the antipasti, and the polenta is always a winner for the pasta course. Entrées: from $22.50. 61 Central St. 802-457-4882; osteriapaneesalute.com

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BEST SKY TRAILS
Berkshire East Canopy Tours, Charlemont
Few ziplines have the range of the canopy tours offered here. Begin with a simple two-line course and work your way up to the “Valley Jumping Tour,” which starts with four lines of more than 1,000 feet and concludes with two more of nearly a half-mile that let you reach 50 mph.
66 South River Road.413-339-6618; berkshireeast.com

BEST RETRO ECOTOUR
Art’s Dune Tours, Provincetown
The windblown heaps of sand beside Route 6 as you approach town seem almost like a little piece of the Sahara come to New England. Art’s has been driving folks into these dunes since 1946, and no one offers such a colorful, historical, and ecologically sensitive experience of the fragile ecosystem.
4 Standish St. 508-487-1950; artsdunetours.com

BEST CETACEAN VIEWING
7 Seas Whale Watch, Gloucester
Cape Ann juts into the Atlantic between Stellwagen Bank and Jeffries Ledge–two of the chief feeding grounds for whales on the East Coast. That means that boats from Gloucester don’t have to travel as far to reach whales and dolphins and can spend more time among them. The boats of 7 Seas are spacious and clean, and there’s always a marine biologist on board.
63 Rogers St. 888-283-1776, 978-283-1776; 7seas-whalewatch.com

BEST ABS WORKOUT
Osprey Sea Kayak Adventures, Westport
The gentle waves near Westport make it easier to learn stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), a fast-growing hybrid sport that combines paddling with the core fitness and balance skills of surfing. Osprey offers classes at all levels, from introductory lessons to river and coastal group excursions. After a full day on the water, you’ll know why paddleboarders have the tightest abs of almost any athletes. Traditional sea kayaking, tours, and instruction also offered.
489 Old County Road. 508-636-0300; ospreyseakayak.com

BEST RIDE THROUGH HISTORY
Minuteman Bikeway, Cambridge to Bedford
On two wheels is just possibly the best way to explore the terrain of the April 1775 Battles of Lexington and Concord, which marked the opening salvo of the American Revolution. This 11-mile bikeway on a former rail line covers much of the route that British soldiers followed in their running retreat back to their Boston barracks. Because one end connects to the Alewife T station, many suburban commuters pedal to their mass-transit commute.
978-275-9777; minutemanbikeway.org

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BEST COFFEE CABINET
DELEKTA’S PHARMACY, Warren
Impassioned arguments may be waged over which clam shack serves the best chowder and clam cakes, but nary a soul will disagree that old-school Delekta’s is the king of “cabinets” (Rhode Island frappes). Hands-down favorite: coffee (the syrup is a closely guarded family recipe). 496 Main St. 401-245-6767

BEST DRIVE-IN THEATRE
RUSTIC TRI-VUE DRIVE-IN, North Smithfield
The state’s only drive-in, the Rustic has been entertaining carloads of families and friends with first-run films since the ’50s. It’s no-frills, but with three screens showing double features plus a snack bar that doles out doughboys and clam cakes, it’s a guaranteed good time. Route 146. 401-769-7601

BEST GRINDER
HUDSON STREET DELICATESSEN, Providence
Hudson’s take on Rhody’s sandwich staple could feed a handful of the hipsters who hang here. Ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, and all the fixings are topped with homemade Italian salsa and nestled into a local loaf from Crugnale’s. 68 Hudson St. 401-228-8555; hudsonstreetdeli.com

BEST RIDE
CRESCENT PARK CAROUSEL, East Providence
Release your inner kid with a turn on this 100-plus-year-old merry-go-round, with Charles Looff’s meticulously carved and appointed ponies, camels, chariots, and cherubs (no two alike). 700 Bullocks Point Ave. 401-435-7518

BEST MUDSLIDE
THE OAR, Block Island
Mudslides may have reached their pinnacle of popularity during the Reagan years, but this blended boozy concoction is still Block Island’s de facto signature drink. Those in the know get their Kahlua fix at the Oar’s outside bar, where the blender (not a frozen-drink machine) reigns supreme. 221 Jobs Hill Road. 401-466-8820

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BEST CITY ESCAPE
CHRISTOPHER DODGE HOUSE, Providence
This 14-room B&B, housed in an Italianate mansion, is slightly out of the downtown Providence fray, but still only a 10-minute walk to great shopping, dining, and theatre. The rooms are charming (most have a gas fireplace or stove), staffers are sweet, and breakfasts–from blueberry pancakes to vegetable quiche–are hearty. Rates: from $130, including full breakfast. 11 West Park St. 401-351-6111; providence-hotel.com

BEST OFF-THE-GRID ESCAPE
GEORGE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL CAMPING AREA, Glocester
This no-frills, never-crowded campground sprawls over 100 wooded acres (part of the 4,000-acre George Washington Management Area) and features a lake for swimming and kayaking, a walking trail, and plenty of peace and quiet. Rates: from $20. 2185 Putnam Pike. 401-568-6700; riparks.com

BEST GROWN-UP GETAWAY
HOTEL MANISSES, Block Island
It’s a stately Victorian with 17 guestrooms dressed in wicker. The vibe is decidedly mature: A decanter of brandy awaits, there’s an afternoon “wine and nibbles” hour, and a no-kids-under-12 policy. Rates: from $220, including full breakfast. 5 Spring St. 401-466-2421; blockislandresorts.com

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BEST BASEBALL NIGHT
NEW BRITAIN ROCK CATS, New Britain
With weekly fireworks, kids-eat-free days, and family packages, this baseball park is a home run–not to mention home to one of Double A’s best teams. On Sundays young fans get a post-game chance to run bases. Tickets: from $6. 230 John Karbonic Way. 860-224-8383; rockcats.com

BEST RECYCLING MUSEUM
CRRA TRASH MUSEUM, Hartford
Wonderful waste! Colorful displays offer excellent explanations of single-stream recycling. See today’s collection funneled through the plant. Admission: $4. 211 Murphy Road. 860-757-7765; crra.org/pages/Trash_Museum.htm

BEST FREE SHIPS & MUSIC
MYSTIC SEAPORT, Mystic
Sunday nights in July and August are free to visitors roaming the 19th-century streets. Listen to local musicians; then dine outdoors waterside at Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern. Sandwiches: from $12. 75 Greenmanville Ave. 888-973-2767, 860-572-0711; mysticseaport.org

BEST BARGAIN BURGERS
KLAMAY’S STEAMED CHEESEBURGERS, Meriden & Middletown
Pile on the lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles, no extra charge. Steamed burgers: from $3.95. 690 East Main St., Meriden; 203-237-8326. klamayssteamedcheeseburgers.com

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BEST WATER-VIEW INN
INN AT HARBOR HILL marina, Niantic
Sixteen cool, comfy rooms overlook a river marina. After breakfast, hosts Dave and Sue Labrie offer boat rides. Relax amid the gardens or share their insider-inspired itineraries. Rates: from $210, including breakfast buffet. 60 Grand St. 860-739-0331; innharborhill.com

BEST RELAXING PORCH
THE B & B AT BARTLETT FARM, North Guilford
The family’s bison are in view from the wrap-around porch, and fallow deer often gently greet early risers. Then there’s pleasant conversation over generously sized frittatas made with fresh eggs. Rooms: from $145, including full breakfast. 564 Great Hill Road. 203-457-1657; thebartlettfarm.com

BEST GREAT ROOM
CAPTAIN STANNARD HOUSE, Westbrook
A combined historic barn and sea captain’s house yields nine cheerful rooms and a wide-open great room. Rooms: from $180, including full breakfast. 138 South Main St. 860-399-4634; stannardhouse.com

BEST FAMILY CAMPGROUND
CHARLIE BROWN CAMPGROUND, Eastford
On the Natchaug River. 85 tent and RV sites, plus sports fields, playground, and recreation hall. Tent sites: from $37. Campsites: from $45.50. 98 Chaplin Road. 860-974-0142; charliebrowncampground.com

BEST TRADITIONAL INN
WEST LANE INN, Ridgefield
A mid-19th-century inn with classic decor and modern amenities in the 18 guestrooms. Rooms: from $185, including continental breakfast. 22 West Lane. 203-438-7323; westlaneinn.com

BEST SPOT TO UNWIND
GWYN CAREG INN, Pomfret Center
Gracious gardens, wide lawns, and nearby forest paths add to the restful ambience of the five suites in this 19th-century mansion. Rooms: from $125. 68 Wolf Den Road. 860-928-5018; gwyncareginn.com

BEST UPDATED LODGING
THE LITCHFIELD INN, Litchfield
Freshly revived and featuring a new restaurant, these 32 rooms shine with contemporary comfort. The onsite Bantam Bistro prepares lunch and dinner daily. Rooms: from $199, including continental breakfast. 432 Bantam Road. 860-567-4503; litchfieldinnct.com

The post Best Lodging in Connecticut | 2013 Editors’ Choice Awards appeared first on Yankee Magazine.

BEST COFFEE ROASTER
DAYBREAK COFFEE ROASTERS, Glastonbury
Grab a java on the go, settle at a cafe table to inhale fragrant brews, or combo a cup with the morning’s baked goods. Take home a sack of organic beans or ground specialties. 2377 Main St. 800-882-5282; daybreakcoffee.com

BEST TASTE OF MOROCCO
TISSA’S LE SOUK DU MAROC & JAMES SODA FOUNTAIN, Old Saybrook
Based in a historic onetime pharmacy, the cafe favors North African flavors folded into wraps, sandwiches, and salads–perfect pairings for classic egg creams and milk shakes. Sandwiches: from $6.99. Dinner entrées: from $12.99. 2 Pennywise Lane. 860-395-1781; diningattissas.com

BEST SUNSET BAR
DOG WATCH CAFE, Stonington
Lounge on the open-air dock, sipping as the sun sets amid the sails and spires. Nature’s light show done, dine on seasonal seafood and landlubbers’ fare. Come for lunch, too. Lunch entrées: from $10. Dinner entrées: from $15. Dodson Boatyard, 194 Water St. 860-415-4510; dogwatchcafe.com

BEST VINEYARD RESTAURANT
SHARPE HILL VINEYARD, Pomfret
Settle beside hillside vines to sample wines of every hue. Then pair your favorite with a meticulous, seasonal menu. All served on a flower-garden patio; Friday to Sunday seatings. Entrées: from $26. 108 Wade Road. 860-974-3549; sharpehill.com

BEST BEER-ON-TAP BAR
ELI CANNON’S TAP ROOM, Middletown
Check the posted dates for three dozen fresh brews on tap. There’s plenty in bottles, too, with perfect pub grub and decor. (Barber chair, please!) Sandwiches: from $9.50. 695 Main St. 860-347-3547; elicannons.com

BEST RELAXED GOURMET
THE PANTRY, Washington Depot
You’ll wish your kitchen closet were this well stocked and the food as delicious. Surrounded by kitchenware and gourmet groceries from the retail store, restaurant guests fork up exceptional, uncomplicated breakfasts and lunches. Baked goods are made fresh on the premises. Sandwiches: from $13.50. Entrées (served until 5:00 p.m.): from $17. 5 Titus Road. 860-868-0258

BEST ROOFTOP HAPPY HOUR
ROOFTOP 120, Glastonbury
Drinks are tropical, but hip: “White Guava Cosmo,” “Organic Blood Red Orange,” “Mango Peach Sangria.” Daily, there’s a buzz at the open-air bar. Oysters, wings, and in-house flatbreads accent all. Happy Hour prices: martinis $9, sangrias $8, wines $7. 120 Hebron Ave. 860-430-9989; rooftop120.com

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BEST PET-FRIENDLY LODGING
LAMB & LION INN, Barnstable
Innkeepers Alice Pitcher and Tom Dott have four small dogs of their own, and welcome guests who travel with canine companions if they’re not too large (25-pound maximum in the summer months). They advise on dog-friendly beaches and dining, offer canine cookies from a local specialty bakery, and even have a doggie massage specialist on call. Lots of amenities for people, too, including pool, hot tub, yoga studio, and full-service spa. Rates: from $239, including continental breakfast. 2504 Main St. 508-362-6823; lambandlion.com

BEST BOUTIQUE LODGING
CHAPMAN HOUSE AT THE VERANDA HOUSE, Nantucket
The Lark hotel group doesn’t shy away from bringing historic structures into the 21st century. The 11 guestrooms here sport a breezy contemporary decor inside a circa-1830 building in a leafy neighborhood just a three-minute walk from the Whaling Museum. Next door is The Veranda House, a circa-1717 National Historic Landmark. Rates: from $169, including continental breakfast buffet. 3 Step Lane. 508-228-0695; theverandahouse.com/chapman-house

BEST HARBORFRONT HOTEL
DOCKSIDE INN, Oak Bluffs
Pleasantly renovated in bright and airy Vineyard style, the Dockside’s 21 rooms are steps from the harbor and close to the gingerbread cottages of the camp-meeting grounds. Rates: from $129. 9 Circuit Ave. Extension. 508-693-2966; vineyardinns.com

BEST HIKER’S CAMPGROUND
SAVOY MOUNTAIN STATE FOREST CAMPGROUND, Florida
Vehicle and tent campers may choose between open orchard locations and private wooded spots at this state forest in the Berkshires. Trails range from an easy hike to Bog Pond, with its abundant wildlife and carnivorous plants, to a 3.5-mile round-trip hike to the 50-foot drop of Tannery Falls. Campsites: from $12. Cabins: $30. 260 Central Shaft Road. 413-663-8469; mass.gov/dcr/parks/western/svym.htm

BEST COLLEGE HOTEL
UMASS HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER, Amherst
Set atop the Campus Center building on the state university’s flagship site, these chic rooms are nothing like a dorm. Spacious digs combine high-tech amenities with a perfect Pioneer Valley location, striking views, and access to a state-of-the-art gym. Rooms: from $140, including continental breakfast. 1 Campus Center Way. 877-822-2110; umasshotel.com

BEST OUTER-CAPE OASIS
SAGE INN, Provincetown
P’town can be raucous, but the soothingly simple rooms of the Sage Inn sit so far off Commercial Street that they seem to be in another ZIP code. The ground-level lounge with restaurant and bar might be the most serene spot in town to spend an afternoon or a rainy day. Rates: from $140, including continental breakfast. 336 Commercial St. 508-487-6424; sageinnptown.com

BEST VILLAGE RETREAT
GARDEN GABLES INN, Lenox
Almost hidden by the trees and landscaping of its five-acre grounds, this gracious Berkshires inn offers 18 rooms, many in the 1780 main house, with several others in two adjoining cottages. Many rooms feature fireplaces; the two suites and several other rooms feature private porches or decks. The period sherry room epitomizes country-squire luxury. Rates: from $260, including full breakfast and afternoon sherry. 135 Main St. 413-637-0193; gardengablesinn.com

BEST SEASIDE GRAND HOTEL
EMERSON INN BY THE SEA, Rockport
The sea and shore views from this baby-grand hotel (just 36 rooms) are hard to beat, especially when you’re sitting on the porch in a rocker with a book in your lap. Floral country decor gives the rooms a cheery Victorian brightness. Rates: from $159, including full breakfast. 1 Cathedral Ave. 978-546-6321, 800-964-5550; emersoninnbythesea.com

BEST VICTORIAN BEACHSIDE INN
INN ON ONSET BAY, Onset
On the mainland side of the Cape Cod Canal, Onset has that briny feel without the traffic–or the premium prices. This charming 1896 turreted B&B looks down from a hill onto a sandy beach famous for kid-friendly fun. Rates: from $175, including continental breakfast. 181 Onset Ave. 508-295-1126; innononsetbay.net

BEST EUROPEAN-STYLE INN
VIENNA restaurant & HISTORIC INN, Southbridge
Known for its Viennese restaurant, this handsome Italianate structure, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, also features five spacious guest suites decorated in late-19th-century Austrian style. Some rooms can sleep up to five. Rates: from $165, including full breakfast. 14 South St. 508-764-0700; thevienna.com

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BEST GARDEN SETTING
MEZZE BISTRO & BAR, Williamstown
More than 70 local farms supply everything from grass-fed local beef to artisanal cheeses and salad fixings for chef Joji Sumi to create his inspired farm-to-table cooking. The restaurant sits high above the road in a woodsy retreat, with outdoor dining available in warm weather. Entrées: from $20. 777 Cold Spring Road (Route 7). 413-458-0123; mezzerestaurant.com

BEST OUTDOOR BEER BISTRO
NOR’EAST BEER GARDEN, Provincetown
Inside the gate, P’town’s summer bustle suddenly fades. New England artisanal craft brews are augmented by classy pub food such as fish tacos, a fried-chicken sandwich, and burgers with lots of lettuce and tomato. Entrées: from $14. 206 Commercial St. 508-487-2337; noreastbeergarden.com

BEST BAKERY/CAFE
DANISH PASTRY HOUSE, Medford
Lucky Tufts students, staff, and faculty! This cheery bakery/cafe near the campus serves lox-and-bagels breakfasts, panini or quiche lunches, and pastry snacks all day. You haven’t tasted authentic Danish pastry until you’ve had a kringle–the perfect combination of buttery pastry, marzipan, and almonds. Entrées: from $3.75. 330 Boston Ave. 781-396-8999; danishpastryhouse.com

BEST FARM-TO-TABLE RESTAURANT
SONOMA, Princeton
Sonoma shines in summer, when local field greens, tomatoes, corn, and other garden vegetables share the menu with local lobster and goat cheese. Chef/owner Bill Brady cooks global dishes–everything from a French duck cassoulet to Korean barbecued short ribs–but rarely strays from California for his wine list. Entrées: from $24. 206 Worcester Road. 978-464-5775; sonoma-princeton.com

BEST WATERFRONT DINING
ALMA NOVE, Hingham
Chef Paul Wahlberg (Donnie and Mark’s big brother) crafts such flavor-intensive modern Italian fare (braised-pork meatballs with creamy polenta, for example) that diners would keep returning even without the cool outdoor fire pit. Pasta dishes, including gnocchi with white truffle oil, can be ordered in half portions. Entrées: from $22. 22 Shipyard Drive. 781-749-3353; almanovehingham.com

BEST CLAM CHOWDER
MARTHA’S VINEYARD CHOWDER COMPANY, Oak Bluffs
This fish house and raw bar is named for its most famous product: a clam-filled version of gluten-free chowder made without flour or butter. Slurp it with Katama Bay oysters at the bar, or take a dining table for a plate of grilled scallops with corn-and-herb risotto. Chowder: $8 cup, $11 bowl. Entrées: from $21. 9 Oak Bluffs Ave. 508-696-3000; mvchowder.com

BEST CASUAL BISTRO FARE
FRANKLIN CAPE ANN, Gloucester
With its late dinner hours (until midnight on weekends), comfort-food menu, and extensive beer list, Franklin captures Gloucester’s malt fiends. Nibble small plates (smoky skillet-roasted mussels, fish quesadilla, tuna tartare) or tuck into coconut-crusted catfish with vegetable slaw and mango sauce. Entrées: from $15. 118 Main St. 978-283-7888; franklincafe.com

BEST GIANT LOBSTER ROLL
BLACK CAT TAVERN, Hyannis
This harborfront restaurant is known for its massive sandwich featuring the meat of a large lobster, nicely chopped and spilling out of a roll, with only a modicum of dressing to hold it together. Lobster roll: $25. Dinner entrées: from $18. 165 Ocean St. 508-778-1233; blackcattavern.com

BEST OYSTER BAR
CRU, Nantucket
As a salt breeze sweeps over the polished-stone bar, you slurp raw shellfish in style. Oysters hail from Barnstable Sea Farms and Island Creek in Duxbury. Seasonal seafood dishes (softshell crab, line-caught swordfish) round out the menu. Oysters: from $3. Entrées: from $28. 1 Straight Wharf. 508-228-9278; crunantucket.com

BEST PORCH DINING
FIREFLY NEW AMERICAN BISTRO, Lenox
Chef/owner Laura Shack cooks New American fare with gusto. Bargain menus for two with wine are offered weeknights; steaks and burgers uphold the thrill of the grill. Ask for a porch table and don’t forget to order the jumble berry pie with all-butter crust. Entrées: from $17. 71 Church St. 413-637-2700; fireflylenox.com

BEST FRENCH-JAPANESE BISTRO
AKA BISTRO, Lincoln
Raised in Macao by a mom from Marseilles, chef Chris Chung cooks fluent French bistro (cassoulet with duck confit, salt-cod fritters) and slices perfect sashimi (yellowfin tuna with ginger and pickled mung beans). The “Taste of AKA” menu offers four sashimi courses and two French courses. French entrées: from $19. Sashimi: from $13. 145 Lincoln Road. 781-259-9920; akabistrolincoln.com

BEST FRIED CHICKEN
MARCONI BEACH BBQ & SEAFOOD, South Wellfleet
You can get shellfish in lots of places, but it’s harder to find good Southern-style fried chicken on the Outer Cape. The takeout dinner of wing, breast, thigh, and leg, with coleslaw, potato, barbecued beans, and garlic toast, is just the ticket for a beach picnic. Fried-chicken dinner: $15.99. Other entrées: from $16.99. 545 Route 6. 508-349-6025; marconibeachrestaurant.net

BEST OVERSTUFFED SANDWICHES
THE BLACK SHEEP, Amherst
Why are the best deli sandwiches always in college towns? The Black Sheep is Amherst’s go-to shop for cookies and sweets, but the real prize goes to the massively filled sandwiches of mildly inventive combos, such as the TNT of roast turkey, portobellos, roasted peppers, and olive tapenade. Half sandwiches: from $3.95. Full sandwiches: from $7.50. 79 Main St. 413-253-3442; blacksheepdeli.com

BEST FRENCH PASTRIES
FRENCH MEMORIES, Duxbury
No one handles puff pastry, gooey white pastry cream, picture-perfect fruit, and rich chocolate quite like a French pastry chef. One taste of the “Paris-Brest” pate-a-choux or a square of caramel-chocolate mousse “Diva” cake will have you speaking in tongues–French, to be exact. Pieces: from $3. 459 Washington St. 781-934-9020; frenchmemories.com

BEST COLONIAL DINING
SALEM CROSS INN, West Brookfield
Restored to its 17th- and 18th-century origins, this crossroads tavern and restaurant, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, even prepares an outdoor colonial-spit roast beef (the “Drover’s Roast”) a couple of times each summer. Yankee classics such as baked haddock and broiled scallops are always on the menu. Entrées: from $16. 260 West Main St. 508-867-2345; salemcrossinn.com

BEST CHINESE MASTER CHEF
Ck’ SHANGHAI, Wellesley
Hong Kong-trained C. K. Sau may offer the usual long list of traditional dishes, but wise diners stick to the house specialties for bold cookery with subtle textures and spicing. The duck dishes and Shanghai-style plates, especially, would please even a discerning emperor. Entrées: from $11. 15 Washington St. 781-237-7500; ckshanghai.com

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BEST WATERFALL PARK
BABY FLUME & HUNTINGTON CASCADES, Dixville
Get two waterfalls almost in one with the Baby Flume, just east of The Balsams resort, and Huntington Cascades across the street. Pack a lunch and grab a picnic table as Flume Brook pours into the Baby Flume. Then walk off your meal with an easy trek to the Huntington Cascades, which stretch 100 feet high. Dixville Notch State Park, Route 26. 603-538-6707; nhstateparks.org

BEST BOAT RIDE
PISCATAQUA, Portsmouth
Set sail aboard a “gundalow”: a flat-bottomed cargo barge that once dominated the waterways of the Piscataqua region 400 years ago. Help haul lobster traps, trawl for plankton, or just sit back and enjoy the sights. Gundalow Company, 60 Marcy St. 603-433-9505; gundalow.org

BEST ROCK GARDEN
THE FELLS, Newbury
Located on the shores of Lake Sunapee, The Fells was the summer retreat of the Hay family, including John Milton Hay (born in 1838), who served as Abraham Lincoln’s assistant private secretary and later as Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary of state. Pathways meander among hundreds of alpine and rock-garden plants, nestled among lichen-covered rocks. 456 Route 103A. 603-763-4789; thefells.org

BEST WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE TRAIL
GREGG TRAIL, Greenfield
Hikers of all abilities can look for wild turkeys and patches of wild blueberries along this 1.6-mile path (round trip) ascending to The Knoll, with an observation deck overlooking a scenic panorama, including Mount Monadnock. One of two such wilderness trails at the Crotched Mountain facility. 1 Verney Drive. 603-547-3311; crotchedmountain.org

BEST DAYTRIP
ISLES OF SHOALS, Portsmouth
Tour the waters surrounding the nine small islands off the coast of Portsmouth (four belonging to New Hampshire, five to Maine) onboard the M/V Thomas Laighton. Choose the “Star Island Stopover” and explore one of the most famous of these islands, with views of White Island Light, a stop at the magnificent Oceanic House, and a visit to the reconstructed Gosport Village, a replica of the old fishing hamlet on this site. 315 Market St. 603-431-5500; islesofshoals.com

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BEST DISNEYLAND EXPERIENCE
STORYLAND, Glen
New England parents of young children know that a trip to Storyland is inevitable. Savvy parents, however, know that buying tickets after 3:00 p.m. in July and August, or 2:00 p.m. during other operating months, gets you in the next day as well. 850 Route 16. 603-383-4186; storylandnh.com

BEST PENNY CANDY
CHUTTERS, Littleton
With the world’s longest candy counter at 112 feet, Chutters lets little ones come away with a bagful of treats (atomic fireballs, root-beer barrels, candy buttons, and more) for just pennies. 43 Main St. 603-444-5787; chutters.com/candy

BEST FARM ADVENTURE
STONEWALL FARM, Keene
Roam 250-year-old pastures, fields, and woodlands, plus visit a discovery room for kids and dairy barn to see milking demonstrations–all for free, year-round, dawn to dusk. Stop by the horse barn to see the Belgians, or cool off in the creek and greet the ducks in the pond. Don’t miss the farm stand (inside the sugarhouse) to purchase eggs, cheese, and yogurt made from the milk of the organic dairy herd, plus beef, syrup, and more. There’s seasonal pick-your-own produce, too. 242 Chesterfield Road. 603-357-7278; stonewallfarm.org

BEST 2-IN-1 EXPERIENCE
REMICK COUNTRY DOCTOR MUSEUM & FARM, Tamworth
Medicine and agriculture unite at this working farm that also pays tribute to country doctors Edwin Remick and son Edwin Crafts Remick. Tour the grounds for free, or pay $3 to visit the museum. 58 Cleveland Hill Road. 603-323-7591; remickmuseum.org

BEST HILLY RETREAT
WAGON HILL FARM, Durham
Come for a picnic, stay for the afternoon, at this popular seacoast attraction, which sits high on a hill (with a wagon!), offering sweeping views of the 139-acre property and Great Bay. Open year-round, dawn to dusk. Free. Route 4. ci.durham.nh.us/boc_conservation/wagon-hill-farm

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BEST NIGHT PADDLE
Bioluminescent Night Paddle, Castine
Sure, there are daylight tours of East Penobscot Bay, but the rewards for joining “Kayak” Karen Francoeur on a two-hour, fully outfitted night paddle in Castine Harbor include seeing glow-in-the-dark phytoplankton in the water and identifying constellations lighting the sky. Castine Kayak Adventures, 17 Sea St. 207-866-3506; castinekayak.com

BEST MULTIPURPOSE TRAIL
Down East Sunrise Trail, Hancock to Pembroke
Walk, ride (horses or ATVs), or pedal along an 85-mile rail-conversion trail. This crushed-gravel route runs from Washington Junction, east of Ellsworth, to Ayers Junction, near Calais, passing through woods and edging waterways. 207-546-2730; sunrisetrail.org

BEST POCKET GARDEN
Charlotte Rhoades Park & Butterfly Garden, Southwest Harbor
Bring a picnic and enjoy dreamy coastal views while watching butterflies dance amid blooming perennials, annuals, and shrubs at this small seaside garden. A kiosk is stocked with butterfly observation sheets. Best time to visit: during the annual July butterfly release (July 25 this year). 191 Main St. 207-244-9264; rhoadesbutterflygarden.org

BEST PADDLE INTO HISTORY
AMBAJEJUS BOOM HOUSE, Millinocket
Paddle across Ambajejus Lake to the mouth of the West Branch of the Penobscot River to visit the only industrial structure remaining from the great log-drive era. Caretaker and former riverman Chuck Harris has restored this building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and filled it with artifacts. Off Baxter State Park Road. New England Outdoor Center (guided paddle tours): 800-634-7238; neoc.com. Big Moose Inn (pontoon-boat cruises): 207-723-8391; bigmoosecabins.com

BEST DOWN EAST HIKE
CUTLER COAST PUBLIC PRESERVE, Cutler
Keep it short or go the distance on this easy-to-moderate hike through forests and wetlands to the wild and spectacular Bold Coast cliffs. Sightings of whales and porpoises are possible. Options include the relatively easy 2.8-mile out-and-back hike to the coast and 5.5- and 9.2-mile loops. Off Route 191. parksandlands.com

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Pinching pennies never felt so good! Check out our picks for the best bargains in Maine for 2013. Your wallet will thank you.

BEST CITY DINER
PALACE DINER, Biddeford
Maine’s oldest diner is a gem, a 1926 Pollard towed here from Lowell, Massachusetts, by two horses in the same year Lindbergh flew over the Atlantic. Expect classic fare, $3 to $9, with a few surprises, including healthful options. If the counter’s full, get your food to go and dine at a shady patio table. 18 Franklin St. 207-284-0015; palacedinerme.com

BEST SOUP
KAMASOUPTRA, Portland
You have to love the name of this soup kitchen in the Public Market House. Every day Kamasouptra prepares nine creative seafood, vegetarian, and vegan soups, from Ecuadorian peanut to the house chili, serving each bowl with fresh bread. Soups: from $5.50. Public Market House, 28 Monument Square. 207-415-6692; kamasouptra.com

BEST FREE MUSIC SERIES
L. L. BEAN SUMMER IN THE PARK CONCERT SERIES, Freeport
Grab a blanket or lawn chairs and some picnic fare and settle in for family-friendly concerts by nationally renowned musicians, held every other Saturday evening in July and August at Bean’s Discovery Park. Free. 95 Main St. 877-755-2326; llbean.com/summer

BEST STROLL THROUGH THE ARTS
FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK, Rockland
The first Friday of the month from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. hosts a free arts party, with more than 20 downtown galleries featuring exhibits and openings, often combined with refreshments and live entertainment. The Farnsworth Museum anchors the merriment with free admission. 207-593-6093; artsinrockland.org

BEST UNHERALDED STATE PARK
Mount BLUE STATE PARK, Weld
This 8,000-acre expanse has it all. Swimming, camping, picnicking, mountain biking, fishing, boating, hiking, ATV-riding, ranger-led day activities, and evening amphitheater programs are spread over two sections, separated by Webb Lake, in the shadow of 3,187-foot Mount Blue. Admission $4 to $6; campsites $15 to $25; canoe rentals $3 per hour. 299 Center Hill Road. 207-585-2347; parksandlands.com

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Theater at Monmouth

BEST THEATER
THEATER AT MONMOUTH, Monmouth
The Cumston Hall home of the Shakespearean Theater of Maine is Romanesque architectural eye candy with Queen Anne flourishes. Inside, magnificent plaster ornamentation, carved wood trim, hand-stenciled and frescoed ceilings, and more than 100 stained-glass windows make it delightfully hard to concentrate on the excellent productions. 796 Main St. 207-933-9999; theateratmonmouth.org

BEST WINE TOUR
MAINE’S “NAP-AH” VALLEY WINE TOUR, Camden/Rockland area
Sip, sample, and … okay … snooze between visits to three Midcoast wineries–Sweetgrass, Savage Oakes, and Cellardoor–on an educational motor tour with All Aboard Trolley. 21 Limerock St., Rockland. 207-594-9300; meetthefleet.com/wine-tours

BEST SOUVENIR SHOPPING
ARCHIPELAGO, Rockland
What better souvenir or gift than something handcrafted and inspired by a Maine island? Archipelago makes that easy, offering products from accessories and jewelry to children’s toys and pottery to books and clothing. Even better: As part of the Island Institute, sales here help support Maine’s island and waterfront communities. 386 Main St. 207-596-0701; thearchipelago.net

BEST PUFFIN TOUR
BOLD COAST CHARTER COMPANY, CutlerCruise to the largest Atlantic puffin colony on the Maine coast aboard the Barbara Frost with Captain Andy Patterson–and perhaps even land on Machias Seal Island for an even closer look at these colorful clowns of the sea. Wharf Road. 207-259-4484; boldcoast.com

BEST FANTASYLAND
NERVOUS NELLIE’S, Deer Isle
Oh, the places you’ll go: Sculptor and author Peter Beerits has created a wonderful, whimsical landscape based on his Nervous Nellie stories. Explore King Arthur’s court, a Southern jukebox joint, a Western town with saloon, hotel, and jail, and other imaginative scenes, all created from castoff materials. Don’t miss the award-winning jams and jellies in Anne Beerits’ shop and cozy tearoom next door. 598 Sunshine Road.
207-348-6182; nervousnellies.com

BEST INTERACTIVE STORE
NATURALIST’S NOTEBOOK, Seal Harbor
Nature, art, and science merge in this engaging shop that accurately describes itself as an “exploratorium.” 16 Main St. 207-801-2777; thenaturalistsnotebook.com

BEST SEMIPRIVATE GARDEN
ABBY ALDRICH ROCKEFELLER GARDEN, Seal Harbor
There’s no fee, but book well in advance to spend a few hours immersed in this spectacular enclosed garden. Renowned landscape architect Beatrix Farrand designed it utilizing treasures the Rockefellers had collected in Asia. (Address provided to reservation holders.) 207-276-3330; rockgardenmaine.wordpress.com

BEST LAKE TOUR
FLAGSTAFF SCENIC BOAT TOURS, Eustis
Learn about the lost village of Flagstaff, savor Bigelow Mountain views, spy eagles, loons, and maybe moose, while cruising remote Flagstaff Lake with Master Maine Guide Jeff Hinman aboard his pontoon boat. Off Route 27. 207-246-2277; flagstaffboattours.com

BEST GUARANTEED WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS
Maine Wildlife Park, Gray
More than 30 species of Maine wildlife, including moose, mountain lion, and black bear, as well as bald and golden eagles, reside at this state-owned park. Trails weave through the property, and there are feeding stations, gardens, a visitor center, and a warden museum. 56 Game Farm Road. 207-657-4977; maine.gov/ifw/education/wildlifepark

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Treasures await at the Brimfield Antique and Flea Market show.

Hancock Shaker Village Opening Day: Baby Animals
April 13 – May 6, 2013
Hancock Shaker Village – Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Who can resist baby lambs, piglets, calves, goats, ducklings, and chicks making their debut at the village’s historic Round Stone Barn? Meet the baby animals and help out with chores and feedings from 10am – 4pm daily, or participate in other Shaker-themed craft activities.

Daffodil Festival Weekend on the Island of Nantucket
April 26-28, 2013
Nantucket Island, Massachusetts

A sight to behold — over three million daffodils fill the roadsides, gardens, doors and window boxes throughout Nantucket for the Annual Daffodil Festival, which includes an Antique Car Parade and Daffodil Tailgate Picnic. Other highlights include the Nantucket Garden Club’s Daffodil Show, The Annual Daffy Dog Parade and The Daffy Hat Pageant.

Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum
May 12, 2013
Arnold Arboretum – Boston, Massachusetts

The oldest public arboretum in North America sets aside one day each year to celebrate the fragrant, purple flower we all know is a sure sign of spring. Don your favorite purple and take in tours of the lilacs, dance performances, picnicking (allowed on this one day only), and other family activities.

Brimfield Antique and Flea Market Show
May 14-18, 2013
Brimfield, Massachusetts

The largest outdoor antiques show in the country, with over 4,500 dealers and 130,000+ visitors during the course of the week, kicks off the first of its three annual events each spring. Running about a mile along Route 20 on both sides of the road and extending several hundred yards back from each side of the road, dealers show off their wares for pickers and collectors – both casual and ferocious. We dare you to leave empty handed! If you miss the spring show make sure to mark your calendar for July or September instead.

Moose Mainea – Greenville Maine
May 18 – June 16, 2013
Moosehead Lake, Maine

Each spring the Moosehead Lake Region hosts a month-long celebration of the region’s local celebrity – the Maine moose! Events include the Moosterpiece Craft Fair, Moose Mainea Kid’s Fun Day, Famous Moose Tales, a Quest Fest, and the Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Moose Photo Contest. Grab your camera (spring is the best time for moose-spotting) and get in on the moose fun!

Billings Museum Farm Cheese & Dairy Celebration
May 25-26, 2013
Billings Museum & Farm – Woodstock, Vermont

What could be better for cheese lovers than a weekend of sampling delicious Vermont cheeses and meeting local cheese makers? Also on the agenda are dairy education programs, making cheese, ice cream, and butter.

Wildquack Duck River Festival
May 26, 2013
Jackson Village Park – Jackson, New Hampshire

Head to the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire to take in a sight unlike any other, as 3,500 yellow rubber ducks race their way downstream to the finish line. Prizes for winning ducks include cash, vacation stays, dining certificates, spa treatments, gift baskets, attractions tickets, and more. Come for the ducks and stay for the food and fun!

Taste of Block Island
May 31 – June 2, 2013
Block Island, Rhode Island

Over 60 Block Island businesses have joined together to celebrate the best of Block Island. Including gallery openings, wine & beer tastings, shopping discounts, hotel and restaurant specials, kayak tours, and more! What time could be better to visit?

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Here are our best Vermont local secrets from our Best of New England editors’ picks list for 2012.

BEST BURGER MENU
Rozzi’s Lakeshore Tavern & Restaurant — Colchester
A 32-burger menu makes this Mallets Bay sports bar a Burlington-area favorite; selections include Cajun mushroom, escargot, and “Green Mountain” (cheddar, bacon, and apples). Full Entrée menu; lots of microbrews, and the fearsome two-pound “Dozer Challenge.”
1072 West Lakeshore Drive. 802-863-2342; rozzislakeshoretavern.com

BEST HISTORIC HIDEAWAY
B&B at Catamount Outdoor Family Center — Williston
This 500-acre rural oasis just minutes from Burlington offers trails for hiking, running, mountain biking, and just plain meandering, plus cozy B&B accommodations in a stately 18th-century home built by Vermont’s first governor.
592 Governor Chittenden Road. 802-879-6001; catamountoutdoor.com

BEST VERMONT-MADE TOYS
Maple Landmark Woodcraft — Middlebury
All toys are made on site from locally sourced wood. Award winners include the “Rocker-Feller” rocking horse, Chinese checkers, and custom-made yo-yos. Look for seconds and overruns at the factory store.
1297 Exchange St. 800-421-4223, 802-388-0627; maplelandmark.com

BEST LARK ON THE LAKE
Champlain Houseboat Charters — Orwell
Cruise America’s “Sixth Great Lake” in style, on a 38-foot houseboat equipped with galley, shower, and toilet; charts and radio; and bunks for six. Or captain a diesel-powered 32-foot Grand Banks Trawler.
68 Chipman Point Road. 802-948-2288 (days), 802-948-2740 (evenings); champlainhouseboatcharters.com

BEST BAGELS, BURRITOS & BLUES
Bagitos Café — Montpelier
Eclectic Montpelier is home to a new and … well, eclectic … café where bagels and burritos are house specialties, champagne is sold by the glass, and patrons can kick back and listen to entertainment ranging from acoustic blues and jazz jams to marimba ragtime.
28 Main St. 802-229-9212; bagitos.com

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If we missed your favorite, leave us a comment and tell us about it!

Elizabeth Park in Hartford, CT
Located in the capital city, Elizabeth Park’s 102 acres are most celebrated for housing America’s oldest municipally-operated rose garden, which dates back to 1904. Spanning 2.5 acres, it currently contains about 15,000 bushes of 800 rose varieties, including ramblers, climbers and shrubs. The garden faced demolition in the 1970s due to rising maintenance costs; but was thankfully saved by a group of volunteers.
elizabethparkct.org

The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, ME
The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay (New England’s largest botanical garden) is worth bragging about. Opened in 2007, it boasts 248 acres that include 11,000 blooming tulips each spring. Woodland trails, impressive stonework, stunning ornamental gardens and a Visitor Center are all included. The garden is also one of the few botanical gardens in America on the water, and hosts several events throughout the season.
mainegardens.org

Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain, MA
While it’s tough to choose a top garden spot in Massachusetts, the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain stands out thanks to its title as the country’s oldest public collection of plants, dating back to 1872. Spanning 265 acres, the arboretum is a living museum dedicated to the study and appreciation of woody plants. There are 15,000 trees, shrubs and vines on site, including renowned collections of maples, crabapples, lilacs and rhododendrons, as well as the many other trees and shrubs. Don’t miss the view from the top of Peters Hill or a stop at the Visitor’s Center for maps and self-guided tour brochures.
arboretum.harvard.edu

Heading to the Cape this season? Check out the Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich, known for its stunning rhododendrons during the last two weeks of May and the first two weeks of June.

The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens in Newbury, NH
A visit to the early 20th century summer estate of former diplomat and statesman John Milton Hay includes seeing more than just the 22-room Colonial Revival home. Set overlooking Lake Sunapee, the tranquil 83.5 acres include the original “Old Garden,” 100-foot stone wall perennial border, rock garden, rose terrace, heather beds, Japanese water lily pool, and woodland trails.
thefells.org

Hildene in Manchester, VT
In Vermont head to Manchester, home of Hildene — the former home of Abraham Lincoln’s son, Robert. See the cutting and kitchen garden; enjoy the fine perennial gardens, with roses, peonies, and lilies; and stroll the walking trails.
hildene.org

The Botanical Center in Providence, RI
In Rhode Island, head to the new Botanical Center in Providence’s Roger Williams Park, the largest indoor gardens in New England. The Conservatory and greenhouses encompass approximately 12,000 square feet of gardens, complete with a waterfall and ever-changing displays of fragrant plants.
providenceri.com/botanicalcenter

Of course, the Newport Mansions each come equipped with a stunning garden — The Breakers has trees and terrific fabulous flower beds, The Elms has gardens in the Classical Revival style, and Rosecliff the French.

Want more? Check out the Best 5 Public Gardens in New England, chosen by Virginia Small. Small is a former senior editor at Fine Gardening magazine, and the author of Great Gardens of the Berkshires (Down East Books, 2008).

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Easy Appetizer Deviled Eggs
An appetizer classic, and the perfect way to fuel up for an Easter Egg Hunt.  In its simplest form, or dressed up in any number of flavor combinations, the deviled egg is so popular in America that special platters and carriers are sold to accommodate their unique shape.

Fan Tan Dinner Rolls
These buttery, light, tender “fan tan” dinner rolls are pull-apart perfection, and originated right here in New England. Easy to make and perfect alongside baked ham or a bowl of soup, these rolls will be the hit of your Easter table.

Braided Holiday Brunch Loaf
Here’s a holiday loaf that’s more than just bread. This unique “twist” on breakfast has all the necessities of a hearty meal—eggs, ham, and potato-folded into a delicious crust that can be prepared in four simple steps. It’s certain to fill up your guests, but that doesn’t mean they won’t come back for more!

Lemony Asparagus-Dill Soup
This soup provides a great compromise between winter and spring. Featuring vibrant spring produce and the comforting warmth of soup, this is the perfect recipe for the Easter season.

Nanna’s Baked Ham
A family favorite — Easter ham just the way you remember with brown sugar, cloves, and pineapple rings. The perfect centerpiece for Easter, and great for sandwiches all week long.

Maids of Honor Tarts
According to British cooking maven Delia Smith, the dainty Maids of Honor tarts are rumored to have originated at Richmond Palace in the 16th century. The tart fillings have changed over the years—ours are made with jam and a simple almond paste topping—but the appeal of these bite-size treats hasn’t changed at all.

Easter Basket Cupcakes
A cupcake that looks like an Easter basket thanks to tinted coconut, fruity licorice whips, and egg-shaped candy? We think both kids and adults alike will go hopping mad for these tasty, pretty treats.

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Below are some of the best St. Patrick’s Day parades and celebrations in New England for 2013. We thought we’d share picks beyond the famous South Boston parade, but if you simply can’t resist the region’s biggest Irish party you can get all of your info on the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade here!

St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 10 – Greater New Haven, CT
Greater New Haven has been rolling out the green carpet for St. Patrick with a parade dating back to 1842. The largest, single-day spectator event in the State of Connecticut (Hartford gets in on the action, too) features 3,000 marchers and musical units celebrating the diversity of many cultures.
http://www.stpatricksdayparade.org/parade2012/

Bath Blarney Days on March 11-17– Bath, ME
Bath busts out an entire week of Irish-themed festivities during Bath Blarney Days. Participants can watch Maine’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parade, take part in the 5K Shamrock Sprint, compete in the Irish Soda Bread Baking Contest, take in Irish films and music, and more! Is that even possible?
http://visitbath.com/events/bath-blarney-days/

St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 16 – Newport, RI
Newport’s day of Irish fun kicks off with a two-hour parade featuring pipe and marching bands, fife and drum corps, reenactment units, and numerous local, state, and regional organizations. Don your best green and don’t miss it!
http://www.newportirish.com/parade.html

St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 24 – Manchester, NH
Manchester turns green with Irish pride each year, first with the Shamrock Shuffle road race, and then with the main event – an action-packed parade featuring pipe and marching bands, plus numerous marching units. It’s the city’s largest community event of the year with, more than 70,000 attending and participating.
http://www.saintpatsnh.com/

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