Distinctive Inns of New England is very proud to have Rabbit Hill Inn named by Travel & Leisure Magazine in the World’s Best Award ’09.  The results of the readers’ survery were tabulated and Rabbit Hill Inn ranked #52 of the top 100 Hotels of the World.  Additionally, Rabbit Hill Inn was one of only three Inns in the United States that made it to the list.  This distinctive award was a result of being rated for environment, ambiance, hospitality, service, and accommodations. 

I am sure that Brian and Leslie are very proud of this award and we would like to extend our congratulations!  Just another Distinctive Inn of New England being recognized for its excellence!  Have you visited one of the Distinctive Inns of New England lately?

by Rebecca, Quantum Hospitality

Newport’s 55th Jazz Festival is scheduled for August 7th – 9th.  Wynn Baker of the Cliffside Inn noted that the Newport Jazz Festival is always held at the same time, the second weekend in August.  The opening night features Etta James and the Roots Band at the International Tennis Hall of Fame and is followed by more than two dozen acts performing over the next two days at Fort Adams. 

The Newport Jazz Festival has always attracted the biggest names and most popular acts, from Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughan, and Count Basie to Dave Brubeck, Herbie Hancock, and Diana Krall.  David Brubeck, has actually become a mainstay of the festival and will be accompanied by Chaka Khan, Esperanza Spalding, and many others.  It additionally draws a decent number of avant-garde jazz artists.  This year’s line-up will include groups such as Vandermark 5, Rudresh Mahanthappa’s Indo-Pak Coalition, Steve Bernstein’s Millennial Territory Orchestra, and more. 

Tickets can be ordered on-line or by phone at 800-514-3849.  The Newport Jazz Festival is a tradition not to be missed or perhaps it should become your new tradition!

by Rebecca, Quantum Hospitality

Wild Maine blueberries are in season and while enjoying a romantic getaway in New England, make sure to stop at one of the many wild blueberry stands set-up along the roadside.  Roadside vendors eagerly present their freshly picked wild blueberries and why not?  Wild blueberries taste great and have more antioxidant goodness than most other fruits.  Less than 1% of the wild blueberries which are harvested are sold fresh with the remaining 99% frozen and distributed for commercial and retail use.  Wild blueberries are in abundance in Maine but also can be found in other areas of New England. 

Since it is wild blueberry time of the year, we wanted to share a recipe from Rabbit Hill Inn for their Blueberry Ginger Salad Dressing.  However, if you are not ready to make it yourself, you can always visit Rabbit Hill Inn and they will be happy to prepare it for you!  Lastly, if you do not have fresh blueberries available, frozen blueberries can be substituted. 

Blueberry Ginger Salad Dressing

2 cups blueberries

2/3 cup white wine vinegar

¼ cup honey

1 ½ cups orange juice

2 tablespoons minced ginger

1 cup canola oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Combine orange juice, vinegar, honey, and ginger in sauce pan.  Bring to a boil and then lower the heat to a simmer.  Continue to simmer until it is reduced by half.  Place blueberries in a blender and add the reduced sauce.  Puree.  With the blender running, slowly add the canola oil by drizzling it into the blender until it is emulsified.  Chill before serving.

by Rebecca at Quantum Hospitality

The Farnsworth Museum is a short ride from the Camden Maine Stay and is a treasure for the Maine Coast.  It has over 10,000 pieces of art within their collection and there is always something new to view at the Farnsworth.  Located in the town of Rockland, the Farnsworth has a superb collection of paintings and sculptures by renowned American artists with connections to Maine.  Included in the prestigious group are Louise Nevelson, N.C. Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth, Jamie Wyeth, Rockwell Kent, Childe Hassam, and Mauride Prendergast. 

The Wyeth Center was opened in 1998 and is housed in a former Methodist church and houses the works of the Wyeth family.  The Farnsworth also owns two others buildings that are open to the public.  The Farnsworth Homestead offers a glimpse into the life of wealthy coastal Victorians and is located behind the museum.  However, the Olson House is located in Cushing and is well-known home made famous by Andrew Wyeth’s painting of Christina’s World. 

During the Summer months, the Farnsworth is open daily.  Be sure to check their hours of operation before your visit.  The exhibits change on a frequently and a calendar is also available for your use.  

by Rebecca, Quantum Hospitality 

The Gateways Inn is a perfect place to stay while antiquing in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts.  For many collectors and shop owners the antiques mecca of choice is western Massachusetts.  Whether you are searching for early American pieces or Fiesta Ware, the Berkshire’s galleries, specialty dealers and group marketplaces offer an astonishing range of antiques and collectables. 

While there are many dealers to visit, Sheffield is home to more than 45 area shops and offers a large concentration of dealers.  They have formed the Berkshire County Antiques and Arts Dealers Association and most shops in the area offer a free Antiques Map & Guide to assist you along the way.  If you travel a little further north, Great Barrington features an assortment of antique shops.  The Emporium Antique Center is one of my favorites and features jewelry, art glass, sterling and other fine art.  There are far too many locations to mention, but be sure to add South Egremont, Lenox, and Pittsfield to your destination locations.

While the largest concentration of dealers is in southern Berkshire County, you are sure to find antique shops around every corner.  Happy antiquing!

by Rebecca, Quantum Hospitality

Deerfield Inn will be hosting their first International Wine Dinner on Saturday, July 25th.  They plan a series of wine and beer dinners for the remainder of 2009, but this first wine dinner menu is sure to entice you to enjoy the complete series.  Richard Kelly will start the evening serving sparkling Cristalino from Spain while enjoying passed hors d’oeuvres.  Dinner follows which is sure to be a gastronomic adventure of the palate.  The menu for the evening will include wines from Spain, Italy, Washington State, Germany, Argentina, and New Zealand, indeed a lovely international mix.

Space will be limited for the first wine dinner and enthusiasts are encouraged to call the Deerfield Inn at 413-774-5587 to make advance reservations.  Cost per person for this six course International Wine Dinner will be $75.00. 

by Rebecca, Quantum Hospitality 

Equestrian guests of Windham Hill Inn and Chesterfield Inn gather in the Manchester area to enjoy the fourteenth annual Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show.  July and August are a beautiful time of the year to enjoy Vermont’s Green Mountains and for six weeks top equestrians will compete at the Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset,  The show grounds boast five all weather rings, including one of the largest Grand prix fields in New England. 

The schedule for this year includes the Manchester Classic Horse Show, July 15-19; the Valley Classic Horse Show, July 22-26; the Manchester & the Mountains Horse Show – July 29-August 2; and the Vermont Summer Celebration – August 5-9.  However, we suggest that you check their schedule for any last minute changes.

After a day at the horse show, make time to stop and enjoy the wonders of the Manchester area.  Manchester is known for its shopping and you will find over two dozen designer outlets including top names like Brooks Brothers, Jones of New York, Coach, and Ralph Lauren.  In addition to shopping, a variety of outdoor activities are available including golf, tennis, canoeing, hunting, and fishing. 

by Rebecca, Quantum Hospitality

While visiting the Inn at Thorn Hill, mountain biking in the North Conway region can be enjoyed at many different locations.  However, one of the favorite locations is at Attitash Mountain.  Attitash offers some of the best lift-serviced mountain biking in the area and has a total of over 20 miles of bike trails.  Enjoy the ride to the top of the mountain and then get ready for the excitement!  Bikers will enjoy the adrenaline rush of racing down the mountain and have access to more than six miles of mixed-trail and single-track downhill terrain for advanced mountain biking.  However, if you are new to this sport, Attitash also offers approximately 12 miles of easy-to-moderate trails along the Saco River. 

If you do not plan to bring your bike along with you on vacation, Attitash provides access to mountain bike rentals.  All rentals come complete with a helmet or just bring along your own.

After the exciting day of mountain biking, pamper yourself at the Inn with a visit to their spa for a relaxing massage and enjoy a delightful dinner in their Four Diamond dining room.  After all, you will have deserved it!

by Rebecca, Quantum Hospitality