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By TravelNE, on May 17th, 2012
 Rhode Island Monthly has released a new “Insider’s Guide to RI” app. The “app” is really a website that works great on your PC, but is also highly optimized for mobile devices such as an iPhone or an Android phone.
We tested it on an a PC, iPhone, and iPad. When installed on a mobile device, which consists of nothing more than book marking insidersguidetori.com to your home screen, the site is so highly optimized for mobile devices that it pretty much looks and behaves like any other iPhone app would.
What does it give you? At your fingertips you get access to 6 categories of information:
- Eat giving you restaurants by type of cuisine
- Shop giving you shopping by over 10 categories
- See & Do giving you a guide to attractions
- Events
- Trivia, or as the put it tRIvia (can you guess what it is about?)
- Deals for eating, shopping, things to do, and events
 The app is very intuitive and easy to use. We especially like that it uses your location to list the results that are closest to you first. What would make it even better, if there was a way to input a location other then where you are. That way you could use it to plan ahead before you go.
One thing that we particularly like about the application is that the information comes from the editors of RI Monthly. You can bank on the quality of the information over many of the user-generated data sites. While it does not provide star ratings that user-generated sites do, we have been finding so much spam in user ratings of late that we really are starting to question their usefulness.
The bottom line, this is a very handy app to have along if your travels are going to take you to the Ocean State any time soon. It’s great for spur of the moment planning – I feel like Italian, what’s close?…
One thing to note: Make sure that your location services are turned on for your device and for your browser application for the distance information to work. For us when we started locations services were off for Safari so we were getting “strange” distance information. Once turned back on everything worked like a champ.
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By TravelNE, on May 16th, 2012
By Don Kleiner, Master Maine Guide
Fishing on either fresh or salt water is an excellent way to get outside and enjoy Maine. Fishing provides beautiful scenery, time on the water with your family or friends and perhaps even a willing fish to share the fun. Fishing is a great way to create great outdoor memories. With over 6,000 lakes and ponds, miles of moving water and a 5,500 mile coastline Maine offers plenty of opportunity.
 Fishing can be as simple or complicated as your desire and experience level allow. From a simple family perch fishing expedition with bobbers and bait for the beginners (learn more about basic fishing techniques at takemefishing.org) to a carefully presented fly on a free flowing river there is plenty for every experience and interest level.
Maine:
- Has more wild brook trout waters than all the other states in the east combined
- Is the only state outside Alaska with Arctic Char
- Has one thousand wild brook trout ponds managed for wild self-sustaining populations
- Has astounding catch rates for good-sized small mouth bass, striped bass, bluefish and mackerel
Almost all fishing will require a license (that is how Maine funds fisheries management programs) information on licensing is available here and fishing licenses can be purchased online.
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has an application that uses Google Earth to provide a lot of information on lakes and ponds throughout the state. The Maine Fishing Guide is available for download.
Of course hiring a guide will make your first fishing experience into a guaranteed memory, the Maine Professional Guides Association provides an extensive list of guides around the state.
About the Author
Don Kleiner of Maine Outdoors is a Master Maine Guide who has been creating great outdoor memories for clients for 25 years. Don guides in the mid-coast region of Maine.
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By TravelNE, on May 14th, 2012
Most people are familiar with with the Boston Freedom Trail that starts at the Visitor information center on Boston Common and travels 2.5 miles past 16 indoor and outdoor historical sites. But this is not the only trail in town…
There is a second, less well known, historic walking trail in Boston – the Black Heritage Trail (PDF). This trail starts at the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial 54th Massachusetts Regiment Memorial in Boston Common and and traverses 1.6 miles through Boston’s West End ending at the African Meeting House.
To add to these two trails a third trail is being created, the Boston Trails To Freedom. Tours of this new trail will start at Faneuil Hall and end at the African American Meeting House. Tours will be held on Wednesday’s and Saturdays starting May 30, 2012 and last about an hour.
To learn more about the Boston Trails to Freedom see “Blazing the other freedom trail“, by Linda Matchan, Boston Globe, May 14, 2012.
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By TravelNE, on May 11th, 2012
 What to do with a sailboat that you cannot sell? Turn it into a floating bed and breakfast, of course! That’s exactly what Susan Brooks Stephenson and her husband, John, did with their 40 foot island cutter – creating “A Bed and Breakfast Afloat” on the Island of Martha’s Vineyard.
Perhaps some back story is in order… Seven years ago John, a very successful but burned out professional photographer, wanted to “chuck it all” and pursue his passion for sailing. He convinced Susan to give up her successful corporate job to join him in a sailing charter business – Sea Witch Sailing Charters which operates from Martha’s Vineyard during the summer and St. Thomas when the weather turns cold. This left them with the problem of what to do with his old sailboat the MS Resolute. When they could not sell it Susan came up with the idea of a floating bed and breakfast.
The boat, or should I say B&B, is berthed on the quiet eastern side of Oak Bluffs Harbor in a section that is away from the hustle of the roadside harbor front but still a very short walk to everything. It is also a very short walk from the Steamship Authority’s Oak Bluffs ferry dock.
 The MS Resolute is perfect for two people but can accommodate up to 4. It sports a galley (kitchen), salon (living room) with amenities such as a flat screen TV, a bathroom with a shower, a cockpit (outdoor area of the boat) for alfresco dining and relaxing, and a V-berth (bedroom) with a queen size bed.
A Bed and Breakfast Afloat, which is the island’s only floating B&B, makes for a very different, and for many, very enjoyable lodging experience. As Susan points out, it makes for a great way for someone thinking of getting into sailing to “test out” on-board living. For some she says it is a little too cramped, but for most it makes for a unique and enjoyable vacation experience – and the views of Oak Bluffs Harbor cannot be beat!
2012 will be the 4th season for the MS Resolute as a lodging venue. The season runs from mid-June through the end of September. Susan expects to be open June 15 or the week after for this season.
So if you are looking for a different and unique way to experience Martha’s Vineyard, check out the Bed and Breakfast Afloat.
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By TravelNE, on May 10th, 2012
 In case you missed it, Waterfire Providence has posted their 2012 schedule. One basin fire already happened on April 21, but the season gets into full spring with a full lighting on Saturday, May 26. Following is the 2012 schedule for Waterfire Providence.
- Monday, May 21, 2012 – Basin Fire
- Saturday, May 26, 2012 – Full Fire
- Friday, June 1, 2012 – Basin Fire
- Saturday, June 9, 2012 – Full Fire
- Saturday, June 23, 2012 – Full Fire
- Saturday, July 21, 2012 – Full Fire
- Saturday, August 18, 2012 – Full Fire
- Saturday, September 15, 2012 – Full Fire
- Saturday, September 29, 2012 – Full Fire
In a full fire over 80 braziers are lit. In a basin fire the circle of 20 braziers in the Waterplace Park basin and the 5 braziers leading up to Providence Place are lit.
Check back with their schedule as dates will probably get added.
Photo credits: The image of the Providence Waterfire was provided by WaterFire Providence.
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By TravelNE, on May 9th, 2012
 We have been meaning to do this wrap up for a while since we completed our tour of New England’s breweries and brew pubs. This post simply wraps it all up and gives you an good idea of where the great beer can be found.
In summary…
As of May, 2012
 Hands down Massachusetts has the most breweries and brew pubs with over 50. But on a per capita basis, Maine and Vermont are in a virtual dead heat for the most breweries and brew pubs per person.
From a social stand point our Massachusetts post and Maine post were far and away the most popular each garnering well over 100 Likes, Tweets and other social mentions. New Hampshire was a very distant third and the rest of the states barely blipped. This surprised us for Vermont where they appear to take their beer very seriously.
Please, if you hear of new breweries or brew pubs coming online let us know and we will update the posts so that they stay up to date.
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By TravelNE, on May 8th, 2012
With spring here and summer not too far away, the folks at the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) are reminding us that they have a couple of paddling safety and survival brochures to help us stay safe while we pursue our paddling fun… The two brochures are:
- “Wear It! Life Jackets Matter” (PDF)- stresses the importance of wearing a personal flotation device (PFD), and provides information on how to choose the right type and tips on finding the perfect fit. Nearly 70 percent of all drownings involving canoes, kayaks or rafts might have been avoided if the victim had been wearing a life jacket according to the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety. This is advice to live by when boating in general.
- “Cold Water Survival” (PDF) gives suggestions on how to prepare for paddling in water temperatures ranging from 32.5 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit and higher, how to assess and treat symptoms of hypothermia, and describes the significant risks associated with cold water immersion and how to set yourself up to manage these risks. Remember that just because the air is warm does not necessarily mean the water is…
The NFCT brochures were created in partnership with Kokatat, the American Canoe Association, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
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By TravelNE, on May 7th, 2012
By Tony Cappasso
 Saturn Start at the Northern Maine Museum of Science in Presque Isle. There, you’ll see a scale of model of the sun. Yes, that sun, the fiery ball at the center of our solar system.
Get back on Route 1 and drive one-quarter of a mile (that’s .64 kilometers for the metrically minded among you) to a place called Burrelle’s Information Center. In the garden there is Mercury. Well, technically, it’s a model of that planet.
The models of Saturn and seven more planets run from the Museum of Science in Presque Isle along US Route 1 to the Houlton Information Center. The distance from the model sun to the last of the model planets, Pluto (now, alas, no longer a planet), is 40 miles. That corresponds to the distance between the real sun and the actual Pluto, which is 40 astronomical units (AU).
What’s an astronomical unit? Why it’s the distance between the sun and the Earth, or 92,955,807.3 miles, to be specific. And what is that in kilometers? (Oh, let’s not always see the same hands). It is 149,598,000 of them.
The models of the planets were built to scale of the size of their real namesakes. Poor Pluto, mounted on a wall plaque in the information center at Houlton, is at one inch high the most diminutive. The sun is the largest at 49 feet, six inches in height.
All the solar system model planets are visible from a car, except for Pluto. All have small areas where the interested can pull over and view the models and even take pictures. Next time you are tooling along Route 1 in Maine between Presque Isle and Houlton, pull over and have a look. It’s educational, and it’s free.
About the Author
Tony Cappasso is the author of the e-book America’s Highway: A Journey of Discovery Along US Route 1 in which he recounts his journey from Fort Kent, Maine to Key West, Florida. You can learn more about Tony on his website Americas Highway US Route 1, and his Facebook page.
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By TravelNE, on May 4th, 2012
 Lake Winnipesaukee You know summer is just around the corner when the seasonal business start to open up. There is a sense of hope and excitement about the upcoming season… The Lakes Region Tourism Association, who do a great job of keeping us up to date, has shared with us the regional businesses that have just opened or are about to open for the upcoming season:
- Just opened:
- Opening in time for Mother’s Day:
- May 4, 2012: Highland Mountain Bike Park in Northfield: May 4 Bike park that focuses on mountain biking.
- May 11, 2012: Tarbin Gardens in Franklin – English-style gardens, always a great idea for Mother’s Day…
- May 12, 2012: Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough – Mansion museum in a spectacular mountaintop setting with wonderful views of Lake Winnipesaukee. The museum highlights 1914 era arts and crafts, architecture and style.
- May 12, 2012: Ruggles Mine in Grafton – The oldest mica, feldspar, beryl and uranium mine in the United States.
- May 13, 2012: M/S Mount Washington Cruises in Laconia – Scenic daytime and sunset dinner dance cruises on Lake Winnipesaukee. They have a Mothers Day Champagne Brunch cruise.
- Mid-May, 2012: American Police Motorcycle Museum in Meredith – Museum honors police officers, while highlighting vintage motorcycles.
- May 18, 2012: Gunstock Mountain Resort Adventure Park in Gilford – Segway Tours, Aerial Treetop Adventures, and ZipTours.
- May 19, 2012: Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train in North Woodstock – Dinner train with scenic views.
- May 20, 2012: Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury – Museum that preserves the 200-year legacy of the Canterbury Shakers.
- May 23, 2012: Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad in Weirs Beach – Nostalgic scenic excursion along the shores of lake Winnipesaukee.
- May 25, 2012: Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway in Franconia – An 80-passenger cable car brings visitors to the summit of Cannon Mountain for views as far away as New York and Canada.
- May 26, 2012: Attitash Mountain Resort in Bartlett – Summer fun at Attitash.
- May 26, 2012: Cranmore Mountain Adventure Park – An aerial adventure park, rides, and other activities.
- May 26, 2012: Monkey Trunks Extreme Aerial Adventure in both Weirs Beach and Chocorua, NH as well as Saco, ME – Zipline and high ropes adventure.
- May 26, 2012: Clark’s Trading Post in Lincoln – Home to Clark’s trained bears and the White Mountain Central Railroad.
- May 26, 2012: Mount Washington Cog Railway in Bretton Woods – Daily train rides to the summit of Mount Washington.
- May 26, 2012: New Hampshire Boat Museum in Wolfeboro – Vintage boats.
- You know it’s almost summer when the theme parks open up!
- May 28, 2012: Hampshire Pewter in Wolfeboro – Factory tours highlighting crafted items such as oil lamps, ornaments and vases.
- May 28, 2012: Pemi-Baker River Adventures in Plymouth – Kayak, canoe, raft or river tube
So grab the shorts and sun glasses and get ready. It’s getting on to late spring and summer is almost here!
Photo credits: The picture of Lake Winnipesaukee is from Wikipedia. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License.
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By TravelNE, on May 3rd, 2012
Travel + Leisure has published a list of America’s Greatest Main Streets (May, 2012). Four great New England destinations made the list:
Congrat’s to these great New England towns for being recognized!
They also recently published America’s Best Spring Drives (April, 2012). Making that list from New England…
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Vacation Planning Resources National Park Service (NPS) Websites:
State Park Websites:
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