After a busy day on Nantucket, an R&R day is order for the middle of your Cape Cod week vacation. In previous blogs, I’ve discussed beaches and the Cape Cod rail trail, both of which fit the bill in terms of kicking back. If neither of those ideas appeal to you, or, if you come across a rainy day during your stay, how about a leisurely drive along Old Kings Highway (a.k.a route 6A) which runs along the north coast of the Cape. This scenic route is dotted with antique, glass, and pottery shops and the old clapboard homes and inns truly depict the charm of old Cape Cod.

We all enjoy New England Fall foliage festivals, but how about a festival that is held for seven days in seven different locations?  That is exactly what you will find at the Northeast Kingdom Fall Foliage Festival from September 27th to October 3rd.  The festival brings a piece of “Old Vermont” to life for visitors with local crafts, band concerts, church suppers, historical tours, and the most beautiful fall colors you have ever seen!

The Northeast Kingdom Fall Foliage Festival starts on Sunday, September 27^th in St. Johnsbury, Vermont.  The day will be chock full of activities including an Arts & Crafts Fair, cookie walk, Farmer’s Market, and Historic walking tour.  Of course, do not miss the parade!   There is too much to mention, but I am sure that you are getting the idea.

The weeklong festival will visit the towns of Walden, Cabot, Plainfield, Peacham, Barnet, and ends on Sunday, October 3rd in Groton.  During the week there will be exhibits of farm animals, country music, scenic tours, hayrides, glass blowing, visits to wineries, a ghost walk, and of course, maple syrup!  A complete listing of events is available at the Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce and all locations are a short distance from the Rabbit Hill Inn.

by Rebecca, Quantum Hospitality

When we think of Fall in New England, several things come to mind.  First and foremost is the vibrant Fall foliage.  With the crisp blue skies, warm sunny days, and mild days nature has just the right ingredients to put on its spectacular show of colors.  However, it also perfect weather for apples, apple cider, hay rides, harvest festivals, cranberry harvesting, and of course, pumpkin carving!    So this year, plan to visit the Distinctive Inns of New England and enjoy New England at its peak!

While just about any road that you drive upon is bound to wow you with its colors, we have a few special ones we would like to share.  (more…)

Fall is the perfect time to visit The Captain’s House on Cape Cod and enjoy the harvesting of the cranberries!  There is nothing so beautiful as a bog filled with brilliant red cranberries ready to be gathered.  A stunning sea of red unfolds as the ripened cranberries rise to the surface of the bog just ready to become your favorite cranberry treat such as cranberry honey, cranberry jam, or even a Cape Codder!  What blueberries are to Maine, cranberries are to Cape Cod.    

Guest of the Captain’s House can experience the harvesting of cranberries by visiting Cape Farm and Cranberry Company.  Harvesting of cranberries is very unique and occurs between Labor Day and the end of October.   Most cranberry growers today use the wet-pick method to harvest and involves flooding the bogs and then using a water reel.  The water reel moves through the flooded blogs and beats the water which causes the ripened berries to fall off the vines.  After the berries are off the vines, they float to the surface.  Workers connect miles of yellow tubing to corral the berries into a conveyor belt and the cranberries are then removed from the bog.  About seventy-five percent of the berries harvested in Massachusetts are gathered with this method. 

Bog tours from Cape Farm and Cranberry Company in Harwich are done by reservation only by calling 508-432-0790.  The tour lasts about 1 ½ hours and the cost is $15.00.  Happy harvesting! 

by Rebecca, Quantum Hospitality

An enjoyable way to spend a special getaway weekend is by attending the cooking school in New Hampshire at The Manor on Golden Pond.  Whether you are a wizard in the kitchen or a gourmet wanna-be, The Manor on Golden Pond’s Fork in the Road Cooking Program is an ideal way to enjoy a culinary vacation with some rest and relaxation and is always in good taste.  

Participants can enhance their culinary skills and learn to cook with a professional team of chefs in a professional kitchen atmosphere.  Each class includes a two-day workshop (three hours each day) with demonstrations and hands-on cooking for all participants.   A selection of wine is also served with each dish prepared. 

This year, they have scheduled four cooking classes to be held over the winter season.  The schedule is: 

        November 13-15, 2009 – “Thai Flavours”  

        January 29-31, 2010 – “Modern New England Classics” 

        February 19-21, 2010 – “Classic Dishes for Two” 

        March 19-21, 2010 – “Cooking with New Hampshire Maple Syrup 

Classes are limited to six people and all inclusive packages start at $650.00.  There is an additional $75.00 fee for two people attending the class.  Classes do fill up early, so make sure to not miss out on this culinary experience!

Rebecca, Quantun Hospitality