Cape Ann Chamber’s Irish Sweepstakes

Less than 75 tickets are available for the annual Irish Sweepstakes Raffle, which will be drawn on Tuesday, March 16, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cameron’s Restaurant in Gloucester.  The festivities will include the Irish music of Mollie’s Misfits, traditional appetizers, great door prizes, and the chance to be one of eight winners who will share $15,000 in prizes.

The Chamber’s Sweepstakes Committee, chaired by Patrick Thorpe of BankGloucester, has printed 300 tickets, which are now for sale at $100 per ticket.  Purchase of a ticket will admit two people to the party and drawing.  There will be a $10,000 first prize, three $1,000 second prizes, and four $500 third prizes and new this year is a 50/50 raffle.  Contact the Chamber office at 978-283-1601 or susan@CapeAnnChamber.com to purchase a ticket.  Last year tickets sold out, so be sure to get your tickets early!

CONTACT:    Bob Hastings, 978-283-1601, h@CapeAnnChamber.com

Destination: Reading

Reading makes it tough to buy and even tougher to sell. By Jack Morris Read more

Ski and Ride Guide 2010

Ski and Ride Guide 2010

The 10 best places in New England to ski and snowboard this season. By Jack Morris. Photograph above by Greg Petrics.

Jay Peak: trails: 76; lifts: 8; lift tickets: $67
If there’s one thing skiers and riders don’t have to worry about at Jay Peak, it’s snow. With over 350 inches of the white stuff each year, some of the best glades, a liberal policy about skiing pretty much anywhere, and honest snow reporting (if it’s raining or it’s 20 below, they might just tell you to stay off the hill), Jay could be one of the finest places on the East Coast to make turns.

If you can snag a place in the tram line early in the morning (and if your legs can handle it), it’s tough to beat first tracks down the Face Chutes when there’s new snow. But when it’s all buffed out, a few laps on The Jet could bring a tear to your eye.

Where Jay has typically fallen short has been off-mountain amenities and a virtually non-existent village. But as part of a major long-term expansion plan that includes a hotel, ice rink, and Nordic center, Jay opens the doors this season to the long-awaited Tram Haus Lodge, a mix of 57 studios, one- and two-bedroom suites, a new restaurant, coffee shop, and a bar that looks out on the mountain. Yes, it’s a bit of a drive. And yes, it’s well worth it. 4850 Vermont Rte. 242, Jay, VT, 800-451-4449, jaypeakresort.com.

Loon: trails: 55; lifts: 12; lift tickets: $73
Standing at the top of the Loon Mountain Park, one of the resort’s five terrain parks and arguably the biggest and baddest of the bunch, it’s easy to see why this mountain has transformed itself from a family-friendly day trip destination to a jibber’s weekend paradise. With over 30 jumps and terrain features, as well as a 425-foot superpipe and quarter pipe that seems to reach as high as the gondola, this is where skiers and snowboarders from all over New England come for massive hang time.

But Loon is also famous for its groomers. Head straight to the summit with the stiff boards in tow and let it fly down Cant Dog or head over to the Lincoln Express quad  and carve into the sunny slopes of Boom Run or the bumps of Ripsaw. The new South Peak Resort is adding a touch of luxury to the area with on-mountain homesites starting at $400,000, but there are also plenty of options in the town of Lincoln with shuttle service to the hill. 60 Loon Mountain Rd., Lincoln, NH, 800-229-5666, loonmtn.com.

Smugglers’ Notch: trails: 78; lifts: 8; lift tickets: $62
Don’t let the family-friendly reputation fool you. Above the village center, slopeside condos, and low-angle groomers lie plenty of  steeps and secret stashes. With close to 300 inches of snowfall each year and lift ticket rates that leave enough cash in your wallet for a few apres-ski pops, Smuggs is easily the best bang for your buck. Head to the summit of Madonna early for a screamer down Liftline, then take your pick of any of the resort’s long cruisers while the kids get five-star treatment at the ski school.

The resort’s Snow Sport University ski and snowboard camp is helping to keep your kids entertained all day this season by outfitting them with Flaik GPS units that will track the miles, vertical, and trails skied each day. Smuggs also rewards its visitors with plenty of off-mountain options including airboarding (think sledding, but more intense), a Nordic center, outdoor skating rink, teen centers, The FunZone, and more. There’s also a mountain massage center, arts and crafts center,  and more options in nearby Jeffersonville. 4323 Vermont Rte. 108 South, Smugglers’ Notch, VT, 800-419-4616, smuggs.com.

Sunday River: trails: 132; lifts: 16; lift tickets: $79
Celebrating its 50th year this season, Sunday River has come a long way. And by long, we mean it’s going to take you some time to explore all eight peaks, so you better have a plan of attack. An early morning run or two down Spruce Peak is a good call, but if you don’t mind riding a few lifts, make your way over to Oz and Jordan Bowl before the crowds get there and you’ll be rewarded with either first tracks or some smooth corduroy, not to mention sweeping views of New Hampshire’s Presidential Range and Mt. Washington. If bumps are your thing, leave the kids to the terrain parks at the base of North Peak and Barker Mountain, then go show off on White Heat or stick to the more narrow and wind-protected runs of Top Gun and Right Stuff.

No matter where you make turns, you’re going to need a place to rest your head, and with plenty of on-mountain condos, making that last run of the day means skiing or riding right into your living room. But pampering is something Sunday River also does well. New upgrades at both Sunday River Grand Resort Hotels mean you can now sack out in front of a 42-inch flat-screen after a wild night at the Foggy Goggle. 15 South Ridge Rd., Newry, ME, 207-824-3000, sundayriver.com.

Stowe: trails: 116; lifts: 13; lift tickets: $89
As you wind your way up Stowe’s Mountain Road, there’s one turn that usually brings about the same reaction each time as the massive ridge of Mt. Mansfield comes into view: jaws tend to drop and stomachs tighten. Fly down the rollers of Lord and Hayride on any given morning and you’ll see why. Or head over to Nosedive and reach top speed on your new boards, then tackle the bumps of Goat on the next run.

For beginners and families, Spruce Peak’s tamer and sunnier slopes make carving turns memorable. With some of the best snow around (and conversely, some of the windiest conditions), classic runs that don’t always follow the fall line, and unbeatable backcountry terrain, Stowe makes it all worthwhile. The addition of the Stowe Mountain Lodge last season upped the ante ever more. The $400 million resort brought lush accommodations and a dedication to service more commonly found at Aspen and Deer Valley. Of course, there’s always the Rusty Nail down the road if your version of entertainment includes live music and shots of Jagermeister. 5781 Mountain Rd., Stowe, VT, 800-253-4754, stowe.com.

Killington: trails: 141; lifts: 22; lift tickets: $82
With six peaks, five base areas, five terrain parks, a 430-foot superpipe (with 18-foot walls), a seemingly endless network of lifts and trails, and a town that rivals Newburyport for its variety of bars, restaurants, and shops, Killington is unquestionably the “Beast of the East.” If you know how navigate the mountain, a good day at Killington will leave your legs sore and your belly ready for a full meal.

Head straight for the Skye Peak quad with a lap or two on Skyeburst, then tackle Bear Mountain’s steeps. Beginners have it made at Killington with their own learning area at Snowshed, as well as some great intermediate runs down Ramshead. While the area sees less snow on average than some of its northern neighbors, Killington makes up for it with unbeatable snowmaking. A trail that looked like an ice rink in the afternoon can turn into a buffed-out carving paradise by morning.

Take your pick from just about any type of lodging at Killington; there’s plenty to go around. The plush Killington Grand Resort Hotel and Spa is a top choice, while slopeside condos abound. Don’t forget to stop by  the Long Trail Brewery in Bridgewater for a few pints by the fire. 4763 Killington Road, Killington, VT, 800-621-6867, killington.com.

Bretton Woods: trails: 101; lifts: 10; lift tickets: $74
If you haven’t been to Bretton Woods lately, it might surprise you to learn that it’s now the largest resort in New Hampshire with four terrain parks, expert glades that you’d expect to find at Stowe or Jay Peak, and a wild zip line that hurls your carcass above the tree line straight down the mountain. Lapping runs off the Zephyr quad is a great way to warm up the thighs. Once you’re ready, and if the snow’s right, duck into the Rosebrook Canyon Glades or any of the double blacks on West Mountain. This is Bretton Woods? You betcha.

What hasn’t changed are the views of Mt. Washington, which make you feel as if you can reach out and touch the Cog Railway. On-mountain accommodations include an assortment of condos  but if you’re going to do it right, book a room at the upgraded Mount Washington Hotel, where crystal chandeliers and four-course dinners await, along with a nightcap at The Cave, easily one of the coolest taverns around. Route 302, Bretton Woods, NH, 800-314-1752, brettonwoods.com.

Sugarloaf: trails: 138; lifts: 15; lift tickets: $75
Some might say that the long drive into central Maine to reach Sugarloaf is the reason they don’t go there. Let’s hope more people feel this way because once you’re here, you have access to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in New England.
On powder days, Sugarloaf offers a couple of great options. Hop the Sugarloaf Superquad early, make your way to the summit, pick a line down the Snowfields, then do a couple laps in King Pine Bowl. With over 2,800 vertical feet of skiing and riding, it’s hard not to feel the burn.

If you’ve still got any juice left in your quads after lunch, go for greatness in one of the three terrain parks; a 400-foot-long superpipe, minipipe, and a skiercross course; or cool down under the Timberline triple.

Want to really spoil yourself? Book a three-level penthouse suite at the recently upgraded Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel, where a private sauna and hot tub await as well as easy access to the shops and restaurants in the village center. That’s a good thing, because after a burger from The Bag and a few Carrabassett Pale Ales at the Widowmaker, you’ll be glad your room is only steps away. 5092 Access Rd., Carrabassett Valley, ME, 800-843-5623, sugarloaf.com.

Sugarbush: trails: 111; lifts: 16; lift tickets: $82
With a combination of groomers, bumps, steeps, terrain parks, and high-speed lifts nestled in a classic Vermont ski town, Sugarbush makes it hard to drive home after a long weekend. When the snow’s good (which it tends to be in this neck of the woods), calling out sick on Monday morning from the lift line isn’t uncommon.

Start with a warm-up off the Valley House Double on Lincoln Peak, then make your way over to Heaven’s Gate and charge down Ripcord or Paradise, or just scrap the warm-up altogether and make a beeline to Castle Rock if there’s fresh powder. In the afternoon, hop on the Slide Brook Express for some cruisers on Mt. Ellen or some big air in the terrain parks. This season, the ‘Bush has added 75 acres of new glades. The resort also offers snowcat skiing when there’s a storm and the option to tour the backcountry with longtime local and ski movie star John Egan.

You can’t go wrong booking a room on the mountain at the luxurious Clay Brook, but there are also plenty of homes and condos in the valley and in nearby Waitsfield to suit anyone’s needs. 1840 Sugarbush Access Rd. Warren, VT, 800-531-8421, sugarbush.com.

Waterville Valley: trails: 52; lifts: 12; lift tickets: $67
For classic mountain towns in New Hampshire, it’s hard to beat Waterville Valley. The Town Square features a skating rink, a grocery store, and multiple restaurants and shops all surrounded by high peaks.

Because of its proximity to Boston, buses unload passengers by the hundreds in Waterville Valley, so be sure to get in line for the White Peak Express quad when the bell rings. If you are, you’ll be treated to some of the best cruising around, thanks to 100 percent snowmaking coverage. Roll over those edges and feel the wind scream through your helmet on runs like The Chute and Sel’s Choice. In the afternoon, after a sandwich and a cup of coffee at the Schwendi Hut, soak up the rays while lapping the Sunnyside triple on Ciao and True Grit.

Waterville has also gone out of its way in recent years to build up its terrain parks. Four different sections of the mountain are dedicated to jibbers with plenty of rails, boxes, and a 350-foot-long superpipe with 15-foot walls and its own Poma lift. Add to all of that a great racing program; an assortment of learn-to-ski and ride programs; multiple lodges, inns, and condos, and you’ve got a resort that’s worth moving to. 1 Ski Area Rd., Waterville Valley, NH, 800-468-2553, waterville.com.

Peabody: A Tale of Two Cities

Yes, there’s more to Peabody than just the mall. Read more

Haunted Places on the North Shore

These are the tales of lost souls said to have spooked North Shore travelers and residents for decades. Who are these restless spirits and what do they want? By Lauren Danahy. Photographs by Christopher Churchill. Read more

Haverhill

On a recent drizzly afternoon in downtown Haverhill, my 12-year-old persists in sticking his head far out the car window. He cranes his neck upward, ignoring the rain drops hitting him in the face, and stares intently skyward.

“Look at the rooftops, Mom—they look like stairs tipped on their sides.”

He won’t let it go until I see for myself, so craning my own neck, I, too, look up at the rooftops of Wingate Street, in the heart of Haverhill’s Arts District. The roofline of the old, mostly brick buildings looks like something out of Mary Poppins or Harry Potter. Crenellations like castle tops. Ornate and surprisingly delicate wrought-iron filigree. Elaborately patterned masonry, which upon close examination look precisely like tiny sets of brick stairs tipped up vertically like escape hatches to the sky.

The buildings are prime examples of Queen Anne architecture, a hodge-podge style that took hold in America in the mid- to late-1800s, during the height of the Industrial Revolution. Many of them became home to the shoe factories, leather shops, and the numerous shoe industry suppliers that would make Haverhill an industrial powerhouse and international shoe capital by the early 1900s. By 1913, one out of every 10 pairs of shoes in America was produced in Haverhill, which was referred to as the “Queen Slipper City of the World.”

Today, local businesses and buildings don’t hesitate to tout their shoe heritage. The Lasting Room is a popular sports bar on Washington Street, named after the room in shoe factories where a “last,” a foot-shaped block, was used for manufacturing and repairing shoes. A few doors down, the Tap Restaurant and Brew Pub dispenses microbrews with wooden handles that are actual lasts. The Washington Street Shoe District invites strollers with hanging plants, ivy-covered brick facades, and painted murals in between the alleys of the old buildings. Menus posted in the windows of chic bistros and flyers announcing this week’s live music schedule among the street’s numerous clubs further convey an artsy vibe. One recent visitor, in a fit of surprised exuberance, was overheard likening a walk down Washington Street to “strolling the streets of Paris.”

One might say that the aging Slipper Queen is in the midst of a gigantic facelift. Mayor Jim Fiorentini proudly points to the $100 million in new investments over the past four years. Shuttered factories are now chic lofts and condominiums near a vibrant restaurant and music scene, as well as two commuter rail stations.

The city has also received over $350,000 in federal and state funding for improvements, as well as new trees and plants in the restaurant and arts districts. Police foot patrols were added to enhance security, and a new boardwalk on the Merrimack River is being built.

“We’re struggling to regain our footing, but we’re finding it in the arts, our restaurants, and our wonderful architecture,” notes Margot Lindau, who relocated her store, Margot’s Gallery, into a space on Wingate Street after falling in love with the building and the neighborhood. “The buildings are gorgeous. Now they are finding new uses and new lives.”

Sole town

Stuart Weitzman is known among discerning shoe connoisseurs for his attention to detail and trademark use of unique materials. “Name another shoemaker who has worked with cork, vinyl, Lucite, wallpaper, and 24-karat gold!” gushes the copy on his website. He may want to add fiberglass to that list, as per one of Weitzman’s most recent creations. Called “A Weitzman Family Affair: Three Generations,” the fiberglass shoe was designed by Weitzman, his wife Jane, and his daughter Rachel, and is encrusted with Swarovski crystals. The shoe is not for everyone and not just because of its $5,000 price tag. Five-feet long and six-feet tall, the shoe is literally a work of art.

Along with 13 other creatively painted giant replicas of vintage ladies’ shoes, the Weitzman shoe is part of the city of Haverhill’s Shoe-labration, a community-wide arts celebration of the town’s illustrious shoe history. Conceived by a volunteer civic group called Team Haverhill, the oversized shoes were commissioned by local artists and have been installed in strategic locations throughout town. They will be auctioned off at a gala celebration on October 24, with the proceeds benefiting the Haverhill Chamber of Commerce Community Arts and Education Fund, as well as select local charities of their sponsors’ choosing.

Local artist Elizabeth Persing painted the Weitzman shoe, as well as a Loch Ness-type creature called the Merry MAC with the help of students from the Silver Hill Horace Mann Charter School. “The kids were really excited about it. Not just the ones painting, but all of the children. They waited in long lines and just went crazy.” Since working on the giant shoes, Persing has also volunteered to mentor children painting many of the decorative murals scattered throughout downtown. “Up until the Shoe-labration, I lived in Haverhill, but I didn’t do anything in it,” she says.

Haverhill’s Got It All, Minus The Commute

Bistro 45

Soft lighting. A charming beamed ceiling and the tiniest of open kitchens. Steak frites, brie, and Moet & Chandon on the menu. Are we in Paris yet? Mais non! This neighborhood eatery in the heart of the Arts District pleases more than just Francophiles; it’s a tapas and martini bar as well. 45 Wingate St., 978-469-9700, bistro-45.com.

The Tap Restaurant and Brew Pub

With its worn wooden floors and infinitely long wall-length bar, you’ll feel at home in this neighborhood favorite, which has been quenching locals’ thirsts for more than 100 years. They pile the nachos high and brew their own beer in-house. (Their Homerun American Pale Ale may become your new favorite.) Want more? Check out their regular live music and the ample back deck overlooking the Merrimack River. 100 Washington St., 978-374-1117, tapbrewpub.com.

George’s Restaurant

George’s Restaurant recently tripled in size, expanding from 40 to 140 seats. The dental molding on the ceiling and the brass in the mezzanine are as original as are the grilled lamb lollipops over warm onion compote and blueberry port wine drizzle. 77 Washington St., 978-374-5150, georgesonwashington.com.

Margot’s Gallery

When you buy one of Margot Lindau’s indigenous pieces of art or jewelry, she will supply you with one of her well-written, detailed information sheets. Buy a pair of Baltic amber earrings, for example, and you will learn that the Romans called the yellow fossil resin “Gold of the North” and that it is thought to instill confidence in the wearer. 52 Wingate St., 978-373-0200, margotsgallery.com.

Second Thoughts

Shop for artsy home furniture and accessories and feel good about yourself and the planet, for everything in this funky shop is recycled, reused, or repurposed. Shutters convert to an attractive plant stand, and a salvaged bed footboard becomes an unusual one-of-a-kind bench seat. 63 Wingate St., 978-374-2222, secondthoughtsonwingate.com.

Winnekenni Castle

Once a private summer residence, this  massive stone castle with four-foot-thick walls, nine bedrooms, a Grecian drawing room, and a Pompeian-style dining room serves as a recreational park and hosts regular events. 347 Kenoza Ave., 978-521-1686, winnekenni.com.

Paul Prue’s Picks for a Haverhill Live Music Club Crawl
Haverhill native, blues musician, and stained glass artist Paul Prue swears that the live music scene on Washington Street rivals that of New Orleans’ Bourbon Street, any day, but particularly on a Friday night. These spots feature national and local acts and all are within walking distance of each other, as well as commuter rail. The Chit-Chat Lounge has five different ballgames on the flatscreens, a Harley coming out of the wall, George Forman’s and Mohammed Ali’s signed boxing robe, DJs and live music, including, once upon a time, Jethro Tull and Joe Cocker. 103 Washington St., 978-374-9710, chitchatlounge.com. George’s Restaurant is a must-see on the third floor in Mal’s Lounge (see Where to Eat above). The Lasting Room is a pub and deli with great local live talent. 122 Washington Street, 978-373-9088, thelastingroom.com. For a good laugh, check out Pedro Diego’s with authentic Mexican food and live comedy on the side, 35 Washington St., 978-372-5247, pedrodiegos.com. No pub crawl in Haverhill would be complete without at stop at The Tap (see Where to Eat above) or at Peddler’s Daughter, one block over. This is a classic Irish pub in the best sense of the term. Pints and charm abound. 45 Wingate Street, 978-372-9555, thepeddlersdaughter.com.

For a Sweet Night Cap:
England’s Microcreamery is the perfect spot to end your evening, especially if you’re heading back to the train. Hand-churned on the premises. Cost: 59 cents per ounce. Infinite mix-ins. You can’t go wrong.
109 Washington St., 978-373-6400, microcreamery.com.

Haverhill Facts

Date of settlement: 1640

Date of incorporation: 1641

Zip code: 01830

Population: 59,902

Total Area: 35.6 square miles

Median Household Income:$49,833

Schools: 9 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 2 high schools, Northern Essex Community College, Zion Bible College

Notable Residents: Alexander Graham Bell, Tom

Bergeron, Andre Dubus III, Carlos Pena, Rob Zombie

Real Estate

Median: Price: $350,000; 267 South Main St.; 5 bedrooms; 3.5 baths; 2,890 square feet; .24 acres. Listing Agent: Elaine Sawyer and Jim Fitzgerald, Re/Max.

High End: Price: $2,175,000; 43 East Broadway; 5 bedrooms, 7 baths, 8,579 square feet; 4.85 acres. Listing Agent: Connie Doto, Century 21 McLennan & Company. —Alessandra Bianchi; photographs by Robert Boyd

Swampscott

Outdoor addicts answer the call of Swampscott’s oceanside attractions. Read more

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Rye, NH

May 15, 2009 by Northshore  
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Heading north for Rye’s four-course summer menu of sun, sand, surf, and seafood.

By Karen Sackowitz

Driving along ocean boulevard in Rye, New Hampshire can be a real test of concentration, especially as the narrow road winds its way over rocky cliffs, around jaw-dropping overlooks, and past gargantuan estates that seem straight out of The Great Gatsby. It is this classic Victorian charm and a keen sense of preservation that has held off the kind of development found in more inland towns. And for those who live in Rye, that’s just fine.

“Rye is slow to move,” says lifelong resident Priscilla Jenness. “When it comes to change, we like to take a good, long look at things.” Jenness should know. In addition to being Vice-Chairwoman for the town’s Board of Selectmen, she is also a ninth-generation resident, descending directly from the original Jenness family who lived here when the town was incorporated in 1726.

If the Jenness name sounds familiar that’s because you’ve probably seen it on signs signaling the way to Jenness Beach, a popular family destination on coastal Route 1A. Wallis Sands Beach, another New Hampshire State Park, is further up the coast and offers a small, pristine setting bordered on both sides by rock barriers.

For those who forego sunbathing for exploration, Odiorne State Park sits at the northernmost point of Rye. Boasting the largest undeveloped stretch of shore on New Hampshire’s coastline, Odiorne is home to sheltered tide pools, fresh and salt water marshes, a pebble beach, rocky shore, and a small sand dune area. Yearround access to the property’s pathways makes the park a big draw for hikers, bikers, and cross-country skiers. The park also houses the Seacoast Science Center, where interactive programs and exhibits help visitors feel a connection to their coastal environment. Offering everything from educational programs to a summer music series, the center is a vibrant institution not to be missed.

Rye Harbor is the gateway to more nautical discoveries. Whale watching, sport fishing, and lobstering tours are available, as well as a ferry service to the beautiful Isles of Shoals just a few miles offshore.

The bond between nature and community in Rye is no secret to Dave and Judy Sullivan, lifelong summer vacationers who became full-time residents in 1995. “We raised our three sons in Danvers,” says Judy, “But as they grew older we found ourselves spending more and more time at our beach house in Rye.” Golfers also flock to Rye in the summer. The Wentworth By the Sea Country Club’s pristine course is set against dramatic rocky coastline and is sometimes called “Pebble Beach East.” Rich in history, the course features four original holes which date back to the turn of the century.

Off the Grid: Rest and relaxation the old fashioned way—on Star Island.

Who knew that just by hopping on a ferry in Rye Harbor, you could travel to a place where life seems just as it was in the 19th century? That place is Star Island, part of the historic Isles of Shoals located off the Rye coast.

Since 1915, Star Island has been a summer gathering spot for weekly religious and educational conferences. Attendees explore topics from island geography and nature studies to world affairs and spirituality. Specially programmed family conferences offer a fun, familyfocused vacation for those looking to get away and reconnect. And for those who simply want to visit and explore on their own time, personal retreats can be booked throughout the season.

The Oceanic House hotel, built in 1874, offers comfortable accommodations, set menus, and family-style meals. Without amenities such as televisions and computers, it remains reminiscent of a simpler time. “It really reflects the gracious living of the 1880s,” says Brad Greely, an island visitor since childhood who now presides over the Star Island Corporation Board of Directors.

Maintaining that historical feel, while addressing the growing needs of visitors, is an ongoing balancing act for the corporation’s CEO, Vicky Hardy. “Change is a subtle process in an organization that’s been around for 100 years,” she says, “Any shift needs to be in line with the feelings of the guests.”

One such change will happen this year with the introduction of the island’s new Discreet Business Center which will offer guests Internet access and computer services for a small fee.

But by and large, Star Island is mainly for folks who love being unplugged , kick back, and relax. For almost a century, Star Island has remained true to its roots as a kindred spirit community.

To find out more about Star Island conferences and retreats, visit starisland.org.

Living the Rye Life: Chow down, gear up, and set sail.

Petey’s Summertime Seafood & Bar
The bright buoys, upstairs deck, and picnic tables set the mood for this fun seafood eatery. Keep an eye out back for fishermen bringing their fresh catch right to the kitchen door. Live lobsters are always a favorite, but you’ll hear just as many raves for their fish chowder, which fans of Petey’s declare to be nothing less than the best on the planet. Do you prefer rotors to wheels? Fear not, there’s also a helipad onsite just for you. 1323 Ocean Blvd., 603-433-1937, peteys.net.

Ray’s Seafood Restaurant
Don’t worry if you still have sand on your flip-flops, you’ll feel right at home whether you pull up a seat in Ray’s harbor-view lounge or on the ocean view deck. A seacoast favorite for over 40 years, Ray’s serves up chowders, rolls, salads, and stews, not to mention every fried option known to man. 1677 Ocean Blvd., 603-436- 2280, raysseafoodrestaurant.com.

Christine’s Crossing

Roam from room to room in this unique open marketplace-style shop to see an eclectic mix of upscale chic clothing, accessories, antiques, and local artwork.You’re sure to find something irresistible from an ever-changing selection. 1000 Washington Rd., 603-964-6063, christinescrossing.com.

Seacoast Science Center
At Odiorne State Park Surrounded by seven distinctly different habitats, the Seacoast Science Center offers exhibits, educational programs, and nature walks. An indoor touch tank lets kids see and feel tide pool animals, while deep ocean fish swim in a thousand-gallon Gulf of Maine tank. 570 Ocean Blvd., 603-436-1552, seacoastsciencecenter.org.

Rye Airfield

The area’s only indoor skateboard park features over 50,000 square feet of concrete pools, street areas, ramps, and ledges. Professional staffers are always on hand to teach safety-first techniques while skate teams drop in from time to time for shows. There is also an outdoor BMX track. 170 Lafayette Rd., 603-964- 2800, ryeairfield.com.

Whale Watching
Captain Brad Cook’s custom built “big blue boat,” the Atlantic Queen II, can carry up to 100 passengers with plenty of rail space for excellent viewing. Also check out Granite State Whale Watching with expeditions lead by graduate zoologists and biologists affiliated with the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation. Rye Harbor, 603.436.8043,
whales-rye.com.

Island Cruises
The Uncle Oscar is captained by Sue Reynolds, a lifelong seacoast resident. Guests can choose a two-hour tour of the islands or a special three-hour walkabout of Star Island. Lobster trips are also available, featuring onboard demos and narration as the catch of the day is brought in. Rye Harbor State Marina, 603- 964-6446, uncleoscar.com.

The Details

Date of Settlement: 1623
Date of Incorporation: 1726
Zip Code: 03870
Population: 5,174
Total Area: 35.5 square miles
Median Household Income: $63,152
Public Schools: Rye Elementary, Rye Jr. High,
Portsmouth High School
Notable Residents: Dan Brown, author of The
Da Vinci Code; Herb Philbrick, author and former
FBI informant; Farrah Fawcett (rumor)

Real Estate

Median
Price: : $449,900; 371 Wallis Rd.; 4 bedrooms; 1.5 bathrooms; 2,435 square feet; 1.27 acres. Listing Agent: Star Higgins, Bean Group.

High end
Price: $3,350,000; Ocean Boulevard.; 7 bedrooms; 6.5 baths; 5,789 square feet; 0.73 acres. Listing Agent: Amy Pender, Carey & Giampa Real Estate.

Tags: New Hampshire, Rye

Wenham, MA

March 11, 2009 by Northshore  
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Blink when you drive through the center of Wenham and you might just miss the whole thing. But if you take it slow, it’s easy to see why the locals work hard to maintain the tranquility and charm of this small North Shore town. Read more

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Portland, Maine

March 11, 2009 by Northshore  
Filed under Destinations, Travel

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The prohibition movement planted roots here in 1815 but since then, Portland, Maine has steadily established itself as the state’s (and some might argue, the region’s) social trend-setter. Here are a few of the newer and more notable spots to check off your hit list for a weekend getaway to Maine’s cultural capital. Read more

Tags: Maine, Portland

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