For the Superbowl Turkey Shore Distilleries LLC bring you The Old Ipswich Patriot! Perfect for cheering on the New England Patriots!

1/2 oz. grenadine drizzled down the inside of the glass to the bottom

1-1/2 oz. Old Ipswich White Cap Rum

Fill the glass almost to the top with gingerale

1/4 oz. of blue curacao floated over the top

Finish with 1/2 oz. of Peachtree schnapps

Garnish with a lime.

It has red white & blue layers. Stir cocktail prior to drinking to mix flavors

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Every year, hundreds of girls try out for the New England Patriots cheerleading squad. It’s a grueling process, but for those who make the cut, the hard work has only just begun. There are summer boot camps, twice-weekly practices at Gillette, endless trips to the gym, and long game days. Outside of cheering, the team members are just as busy. Between school, jobs, family, and friends, their lives can be hectic. North Shore natives and Pats cheerleaders Ashley Baldwin, Ali Sova, Siobhan O’Keefe, and Michelle Nigro know this all too well. Northshore followed these four second-year squad members for a day to see what their lives are like off the field. Their days are long, scheduled, and seemingly exhausting. But just like their cheering, these North Shore girls make it look easy.

Ashley Baldwin
Ashley Baldwin’s days revolve around three things: family, kids, and cheering. Though she lives in Charlestown, Baldwin was born and raised in Andover and stops by her family’s house every day to catch up. Her job brings her to the Andover area daily as well, working as a developmental specialist in early intervention at the Professional Center for Child Development. On any given day, she visits four or five homes to work with children on their motor and language skills. The University of New Hampshire grad and second-year Patriots cheerleader volunteered at the center during high school and college and jumped at the chance to return for a full-time gig this fall. “It was a very touching part of my life, and I really missed working there,” she says. After work, the 24-year-old heads to the Institute of Performance & Fitness in Andover for a training session with her uncle, Jamie Damon. For a Pats cheerleader, putting in time at the gym is important, and it’s something Baldwin enjoys doing. Her routines on the field occasionally turn acrobatic, so she practices with the Andover High gymnastics team or the coaches at her old club to keep her skills up to par. All this training is a big-time commitment, but Baldwin says it’s well worth it. “I remember going to Dunkin’ Donuts and waiting in line to get the cheerleaders’ autographs when I was young,” Baldwin says. “So it’s very humbling now to be the girl that signs autographs for the little girls.”

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Michelle Nigro
For Emerson College senior and Swampscott native Michelle Nigro, cheering for the Pats is just one item on her laundry list of activities. The broadcast journalism major fills her time with classes, internships at Boston news channels, a part-time job at a Swampscott insurance agency, sorority activities, and her work as creative director of the Emerson Sports Network. Nigro also participates in the occasional pageant “to boost my public speaking and interview skills,” the 21-year-old says. Throw in cheer practices and game days—where the squad has to be at Gillette five hours before the game—and it would be easy for all those commitments to meld into complete chaos. But Nigro has gotten multitasking down pat (excuse the pun). “The hardest aspect of being a Patriots cheerleader is time management. The key is to stay organized and know what my priorities are for class, school, and cheering,” she says. Spending her time wisely often means that Nigro misses out on some of her favorite activities, like going to the beach. In fact, Nigro says that she can count on two hands the number of times that she made it to the beach this past summer, a pastime many New Englanders treat as a regular weekend ritual during the season. But being efficient with her time is well worth it for the experience of being a Pats cheerleader. “It’s an amazing feeling to be on the field with 70,000 of New England’s best fans cheering for your favorite team,” Nigro says.

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Siobhan O’Keefe
A family-wide passion for the Patriots helped convince Siobhan O’Keefe that it was only a matter of time until she would become a Pats cheerleader. “Every Sunday, my family gets together for a dinner that’s always planned around the Patriots game,” she says. The life-long dancer and UMass Amherst senior tried out with fellow members of the UMass dance team and is now in her second year on the squad. O’Keefe says that commuting for practices and games while juggling a full course load can be overwhelming at times, so she relies on her day planner to keep her on track. Her weekday schedule is usually planned out from the minute she wakes up to the minute she goes to sleep. But the 21-year-old Salem native makes time to unwind by whipping up baked goods in her spare time. “I love creating new and innovative ideas for my cupcakes,” she says. Though she’s committed to a full-time job as an auditor with Deloitte and Touche next fall, she has every intention of trying out for next year’s squad and fulfilling the three-year max for Pats cheerleaders. And though her cheering commitments often keep her from Sunday dinners, she’s found herself participating in them in another way. “I don’t always make them, but I can be there in spirit when my family sees me on the screen.”

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Ali Sova
Ali Sova makes a lot of lists. From pursuing an online degree from Northeastern University to working part-time at a dental office to cheering for the Patriots, the Gloucester native has a lot to keep track of. Even though Sova is diligent with her time management, her decision to try out for the Pats cheer squad was spur of the moment. “I had just lost my uncle, and I was in the mindset that life is short and that you should go for whatever you want,” she says. Sova trained hard for six months and made it through the notoriously intense tryout process for a spot on the squad. Now, the second-year cheerleader makes the long drive to Gillette twice a week to practice with the 30 other squad members. She’s had to turn down a lot of late nights out with her friends, but the 21-year-old Sova doesn’t see it as a burden. “It’s teaching me the rewards of hard work,” she says. And it’s helping her appreciate what little spare time she does have. An amateur photographer, Sova heads outside during every seasonal snowfall and sunset to capture the views from the Gloucester waterfront. Growing up in her family’s historic home next to Pavilion Beach also gives her easy access to her other favorite haunts: the beach and the boulevard. When she’s not busy with the myriad other tasks on her plate, Sova can be found walking her two dogs along the boulevard or soaking up the summer sun.

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Nantucket Nocturne

Artwork of international artist and illustrator, B.J. Faulkner will be on display at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Beverly Farms, Massachusetts for the month of February. The exhibit curated by renowned art dealer Bonnie L. Crane will showcase a selection of the artist’s original pieces along with a variety of reproductions. An opening reception with the artist will be held in the gallery of the church on Thursday, February 9th from 6 – 8 p.m. Additionally, the art will remain on display and for sale in the church gallery for the month of February, the exhibit is open daily during normal church hours.

“I’m excited to have my work displayed at St. John’s Episcopal Church, the venue is the perfect setting to showcase my art to the local community,” said Faulkner. “The show was inspired by my friend Bonnie who approached me about exhibiting locally in order to capture the interest of Cape Ann collectors and admirers and is the first of its kind for me in this area,” Faulkner added.

Faulkner’s art evokes a sense of elegance through her charming and colorful interpretations of the world’s most loved and traveled cities and villages. With an extraordinary use of color and expressive lines she creates works that appear to dance on and off the canvas. Duffy and Matisse influenced Faulkner’s signature style and her use of color is reminiscent of the Fauves where color reigned supreme. She has a reputation for painting European townscapes and landmarks of New England with a romantic sensibility; her compositions are not a literal representation but rather capture how the viewer feels about a place or experience.

Until her move to Cape Ann, Faulkner ran her own gallery, the B.J. Faulkner Gallery in Lenox, Massachusetts in the Berkshires, for 12 years until it closed in 2007. During that time she established a significant base of collectors from the area and far beyond. The artist made the decision to relocate to Cape Ann in order to be closer to family and renew her artistic sensibilities. Like other artists she finds the seascape towns charming and the ocean air a source of inspiration.

In addition to establishing a presence for herself in this area, Faulkner maintains a studio in the Berkshires and travels throughout Europe to generate ideas for new compositions.

Also an illustrator Faulkner’s work has appeared on a range of products from note cards to children’s books for Prentice-Hall and in 2005 she was commissioned by United Airlines to create their European destination poster. Her work is listed in the Directory of Illustration as well as represented on her website at www.bjfaulkner.com.

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*2012 Best of the North Shore (BONS) Awards*

Nominations for Northshore magazine’s BONS Readers’ Choices begin MARCH 1^st!

Where do you go for mouthwatering burgers, tempting tapas, or decadent cupcakes? Do you know the North Shore’s best colorist, day spa, or entertainment venue? Of course you do! Beginning March 1^st through May 31^st, you’ll be able to nominate your picks for the “best of the best” across 200+ sub-categories. Save the date!

Sign up to be automatically notified when BONS voting begins!

Read all about last year’s winners!

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Financial support for a director’s chair is an expression of confidence in the incumbent, and a profound expression of support as the museum moves towards its 2016 expansion.  “We are thrilled to honor Dan Monroe for his transformational accomplishments as director of PEM,” said Rose-Marie van Otterloo. “We are proud to be associated with this incredibly dynamic museum. We love its lively creative nature and unique curatorial vision, and very much look forward to the next chapter in its history.”

The endowment of a museum director’s chair is relatively uncommon in the philanthropic landscape. In New England, only Malcolm Rogers of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Anne Hawley of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Jill Medvedow of the Institute of Contemporary Art, and Thomas E. Lentz of Harvard Art Museums join Mr. Monroe in receiving this honor. Among the top ten museums ranked by institutional endowment, only the Art Institute of Chicago and Harvard Art Museums have endowed directorships.

“I have always admired Eijk and Rose-Marie’s commitment to excellence, passion for art, and generosity. It is truly a privilege to carry their names as director of PEM, and we are all deeply grateful,” said Dan L. Monroe, The Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo Director of PEM. Eijk van Otterloo has been on PEM Board of Trustees since 1994, with Rose-Marie becoming a Trustee in 2002.

PEM Board co-Chairmen Sam Byrne and Sean Healey praised Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo for nearly twenty years of leadership and generosity. “The Van Otterloos’ dedication to PEM has inspired all of us. We are deeply grateful for their generosity of spirit and wonderful colleagueship,” said Healey. Board President Robert Shapiro said, “The Peabody Essex Museum is forever imprinted with the Van Otterloos’ commitment to excellence, and genuine, abiding love of art and culture.”

PEM’s recent blockbuster exhibition Golden: Dutch and Flemish Masterworks from the Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo Collection presented the Van Otterloo collection of paintings and furniture in its entirety for the very first time. It traveled to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and is currently on view at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston until February 12, 2012.

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When: Every Monday, Beginning January 23, 5pm – 1am

Where: Red Lulu, 94 Lafayette St. Salem, MA 01970

Other: For more information please call 978-594-4282 or visit www.redlulusalem.com

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The parking sticker is available exclusively to Trustees members. Membership in The Trustees starts at just $47 per year for individuals ($37 for students and seniors). Individual members may purchase one sticker. Family members ($67 annual contribution) and Contributing members ($125 annual contribution) may purchase up to two stickers. Supporting-level members ($165 annual contribution) and above may request up to two stickers at no additional cost with their membership.

“We encourage individuals and families who are not currently Trustees members to join and take advantage of the savings and the many other benefits a Trustees membership has to offer,” said David Beardsley, Director of Crane Beach. “  For as little as $97, you can become a Trustees member and pay no additional admission fees at Crane Beach – voted best beach in Massachusetts by Boston.com readers – for an entire year.

“The permit program was very popular with our visitors last summer,” adds Beardsley. “Since members can use their parking permits for admittance any time of the day, we were happy to see many people coming to the beach more often – stopping by for a few hours in the morning or for a little relaxation after work. We’re excited to continue to offer members significant savings and convenience again this year.”

Membership and admission fees help to support the critical work of The Trustees, including the ongoing management, maintenance and care of special places like Crane Beach and other remarkable natural and cultural resources on the North Shore and across the state. Crane Beach is among the world’s most important nesting sites for piping plovers, a threatened bird that was nearly hunted to extinction in the 19^th century for its eggs and feathers. Crane Beach has been nationally recognized for its successful shorebird protection program.  In addition to the piping plovers, Crane Beach also provides important habitat for rare plants, invertebrates, mammals, birds, shellfish, and finfish that live and nest among its tidal pools, coastal dunes and five miles of beautiful trails.

For visitors who choose not to become Trustees members, beach admission prices remain at $25 on weekends and $15 on weekdays. After 3:00 p.m., all beach admission prices decrease by 50%.  Members who choose not to purchase a parking sticker pay $10 at the beach gate on weekdays and $20 on weekends.

To receive the maximum savings on visits to the beach all year long, The Trustees are encouraging members to take advantage of the early-bird discount by purchasing a $50 sticker before March 16, so they can enjoy a full year at the Beach for no additional admissions fees. Please note: Parking stickers will not guarantee parking. As in the past, The Trustees recommend arriving early on weekends and holidays, carpooling and/or using public transportation. For more details and information, please visit www.thetrustees.org/cranebeach.

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DAUGHTRY has announced the first leg of its upcoming tour in support of the multi-platinum selling rock band’s third album, Break The Spell (19 Recordings/RCA Records).  Daughtry has scored four No. 1 hits, garnered four Grammy nominations, sold over seven million albums and played sold out concerts around the world in less than four years. Daughtry’s self-titled debut was the fastest selling rock debut in Soundscan history and its follow up Leave This Town marked the quintet’s second consecutive No. 1 album. Daughtry’s latest album Break The Spell, which was certified gold in 4 weeks, builds on the band’s reputation for melodic hooks and anthemic choruses while providing a powerful showcase for Chris Daughtry’s emotionally resonant voice. 

The upcoming first leg of the tour will give fans a chance to experience a number of new tracks from Break The Spell, like the chart-climbing hits “Crawling Back To You” and “Renegade.” Singer Chris Daughtry says: “We recorded a hard-hitting rock album that is primed to blow the doors off these great theaters. Fans who come out are going to get an incredible show every night.”

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WILL KEENO’S MONKEY BUSINESS GET HIM IN TROUBLE?

Keeno is a mischievous little monkey, and his best friend Ernest is a clever and responsible young elephant. One day Keeno spots a big, shiny banana tree, but it is far away—all the way on the other side of the river of their jungle home—and his parents have told him never to cross the river without an adult. Ernest reminds him of this, but Keeno decides to cross anyway. When he finds himself in great danger, he must rely on his friend Ernest to rescue him! In the end, Keeno learns two very valuable lessons about friendship and following family rules.

About the Author: Maggie van Galen grew up in Northern Michigan listening to her father’s stories, imagining the characters, being transported to the locations, and engaging in the plots. Maggie discovered that she too had the creativity to put her thoughts to paper, and always used writing as a sort of escapism. When she married the man of her dreams and had two beautiful boys, true happiness began to shine, and the stories started to flow. After years of telling stories to her boys and their friends, Maggie decided to share them with the world. She truly hopes that you enjoy them too! Maggie and her family live on the North Shore of Massachusetts.

“The Adventures of Keeno & Ernest ~ The Banana Tree” is published by Outskirts Press and is available for sale on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and OutskirstPress.com/bookstore.

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Cupcake Tasting Vendors and Dates:
February  8 : Cakeology, Flour, and J.P. Licks
February 17: Curly Cakes and Lulu’s Sweet Shoppe
February 22: Kickass Cupcakes

Having trouble deciding between red velvet or chocolate? Check out our facebook page to get updates on cupcake flavors from our generous vendors

The need for blood affects us all, and the demand for vital blood donations remains constant. Each and every day, blood donations are needed to sustain Mass General patients. The largest transfuser of blood in the region, Mass General transfuses approximately 70,000 blood components each year to patients at Mass General and its affiliates. Treatment of cancer, organ transplantation, and surgery all depend on the availability of a safe and adequate blood supply.

The MGH Blood Donor Center collection efforts support patients at MGH, Shriners Burn Institute, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, the Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, and the Massachusetts General Hospital for Children. MGH is a world-renowned hospital, increasing its activity in transplant surgery and cancer treatment—two fields, which use significant amounts of blood. MGH collects blood and blood products through the MGH Blood Donor Center and its traveling bloodmobiles.

Donors must be at least 16 years of age (with parental permission), weigh 110 pounds or more, and be in general good health in addition to other eligibility criteria.

For more information about donating blood, please contact Marketing Specialist Melissa MacPhee at 617/726-8177 or mmacphee@partners.org, or visit the MGH Blood Donor Center’s website at www.massgeneral.org/blooddonor.

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It’s time to take a new look at this seasoned design firm. OLSON LEWIS + Architects opened its doors over 32 years ago. Since its founding, this North Shore architectural, planning and interior design firm has gone through several phases of growth and change. For the past several years, it conducted business under the full name Olson Lewis Dioli & Doktor Architects & Planners. Recently, after reviewing its mission and identity, the firm embraced a contemporary interpretation of their original business name. They’re now rebranded as OLSON LEWIS + Architects.

 The firm has also updated its website and other communication materials, including its logo. This new name and logo honor the company’s traditional roots, but also add a stylized “plus” symbol for “more.”  The “more” reflects expanded services to a wider range of clients (homes, schools, commercial, biotech, hospitality and healthcare), innovative and responsive design aesthetics, growth in professional staff, and leadership in long-term industry trends such as sustainability and other movements that affect the future of architectural design and planning.

Honoring Tradition: Olson Lewis and a Classical Architectural Logo

Originally a sole practice in John Olson’s home, the firm quickly grew into a collaboration between the two Harvard alumni. “I had a major project that generated more work than I could handle alone. I asked Randy Lewis if he wanted to join me. The rest is history,” recalls Olson. The firm operated under the name Olson Lewis for almost two decades.

As they took on new partners, the business title eventually expanded to Olson Lewis Dioli & Doktor Architects (OLD&D), acknowledging the respective contributions of two newer principles: Arthur Dioli and Christopher Doktor. Like many businesses operating with extended formal titles, the firm often used its initials: OLD&D.

And yet, people continued to abbreviate the firm’s name. “To this day, our clients often refer to us as Olson Lewis. That was our name 30 years ago,” says founder John Olson. Adds his partner H. Randolph Lewis, “Although we changed the company’s name over time, many clients continued to shorten it. We’re listening to the wisdom of that habit.” Rather than struggling to remind clients of the firm’s extended business name, they responded by re-interpreting its original company name.

Until now, the firm also used a logo first developed over 30 years ago. It was a hand-drawn column capital. “Our original logo was inspired from one of our projects which was the Charrette New Haven Pediment,” reflects Lewis. “Like the name, it stuck.” Though the business name has expanded over the past several decades, the logo remained constant until this year.

Looking Ahead: Plus

Everyone asks whether Dioli and Doktor, the partners whose names aren’t spelled out anymore, are staying with the firm. “Absolutely,” confirms Doktor. “We helped guide this process, and we’re an integral part of the firm’s future.” Adds Dioli, “We’re the plus in the re-interpreted name. It symbolizes our presence at the heart of the firm, but gives us room to pursue new directions.”

Within the name OLSON LEWIS + Architects marks a forward-looking and streamlined approach to aesthetics and design. It also represents the firm’s full complement of professional partners and staff, as well as a comprehensive spectrum of design services. It expresses connection to future paths of professional growth and client service.

As the firm enters its fourth decade of practice, its leadership team now offers expertise in more disciplines: biotech, commercial, hospitality, education, healthcare, and residential design. It includes a fifth partner, Bill Mead, and remains one of the largest firms north of Boston, with a staff of 20 people. Its in-house services include architectural design, master planning and interior design. It maintains cutting-edge training in essential trends such as sustainable design, including LEED certification and design implementation.

Combining the Past and the Future

The new name and logo serve as cues about the firm’s re-defined identity and mission. In addition to the name OLSON LEWIS + Architects, they translated the firm’s original hand-drawn logo into a more colorful, stylized version of a column’s capital. The vivid logo balances classical vocabulary with a contemporary and iconic design approach. The new logo and name both preserve traditional components of the company’s identity, but adapted to a forward-looking palette and style.

Says partner Art Dioli, “In many ways, this name and logo are an extension of our firm’s culture. We’ve always used a balance of classical approaches and cutting-edge practices.” For example, projects often start by sketching on tracing paper, followed by design exploration with computer-based technology. The methodologies of the partners and their staff are complementary.

The firm has always designed responsively, with respect for tradition. Developing a revised identity proved to be just that kind of challenge. “Rebranding the company by using the familiar name and logo, in new ways, is a great example of a sustainable design,” says Chris Doktor, ”It preserves and adapts the most enduring part of our past, then applies new ideas to its use and meaning.”  Looking at the company’s existing frame of reference, the firm worked with consultants to create a contextual solution. 

Located in centuries-old Manchester-by-the-Sea and Ipswich, Massachusetts, OLSON LEWIS + Architects is a full service, multi-discipline architectural firm with a collaborative design process. For 32 years, their award-winning work has taken root in the landscape of New England and other regions of the United States, as well as international locales. Responding to each project’s location and setting, the firm is known for creating culturally and ecologically sensitive design solutions. Their in-house teams focus on specific disciplines: biotechnology, commercial, hospitality, healthcare, education, and residential.

To learn more about OLSON LEWIS + Architects, visit the new website:  www.olsonlewis.com.

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Although the names Julie Ganong and Alan Mons may not ring an immediate bell they are the faces behind Newburyport’s Chococoa Baking Company, a bakery that specializes in the world of whoopie pies. Anyone that has been to this tiny shop knows that these owners know their whoopie. With flavors ranging from classic chocolate and vanilla to espresso or raspberry cream it is a must-see spot when venturing through the North Shore. But, what many people do not know, is that this duo had to turn a negative into a positive in order to create their dream.

CNN Money recently reported that this brilliant decision to start a bakery came to life after both Mons and Ganong were laid off in 2008. Jobless and seeking work in an unforgiving economy wasn’t the easiest task, but Mons saw it as an opportunity to get back to his culinary roots. A former restaurant manager and line cook, Mons jumped at the idea to start a business which specialized in mini versions of whoopie pies- an idea that stemmed from Ganong who used to bake them with her grandmother. After leasing out a bakery in Newburyport it was clear that this business was going to need the full attention of both Ganong and Mons if they wanted it to be successful.

The hard work and time the couple put into the shop has paid off visually, but not literally. With their previous jobs the couple earned $160,000, however in 2011 they saw only 10% of that. In any instance this may seem frustrating, but Ganong and Mons have not let a number dampen their spirits. They can only predict positive things for 2012 and in time their dream will taste ever-so-sweet.

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The exclusive launch event will be held at Indra Salon, in downtown Andover at 8 Main Street, Andover MA. A live version of what appears in the magazine is planned for the evening. This is a dress to impress event, starts at 9pm with doors opening at 8:00pm. Attendees will be able to view live fashion shows featuring some of the area’s top models wearing designs from Heiress Boutique, Samuel Vartan Collections & Drea Designs Couture. There will also be musical & dance performances by Boston Music Award Winner, our cover girl, Shea Rose and Andy Tshitsenge, who was recently on tour with Usher. DJ Joe Bermudez from Kiss-108 & Hustle Simmons from Jam’n 94.5 will spin music for the evening and comedian Dave Russo will host the event.

Sexy with class! All the invited attendees will be greeted at the venue’s entrance by several of the Performer.com models, photographers and videographers for this red-carpet event! Attendance for this event is through ticketing via EventBrite.com. Due to the limited space of the venue, every person in attendance must obtain an individual RSVP.

Photographers and videographers are welcome but please inform us ahead of time who you are shooting for. You are free to post any publicly obtained images and/or videos of the event you would like in your publication, on your show, on your own site(s) or on any social networking site but we kindly ask that all members of the press to attach a link to the Performer.com web site and/or Facebook fanpage in return.

Website: www.Performer.com

FB: www.FB.com/PerformerDotCom

RSVP: www.PerformerDotComWinter2012.Eventbrite.com

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Middle School and up. All middle schoolers and up are invited to learn how to make frosting and decorate cupcakes for Valentine’s Day (and eat them of course)! Space is limited, so sign up in the Children’s Room as soon as possible. The cupcake decorating will be held Thursday, February 2 at 6:30 PM in the Topsfield Town Library Meeting Room.

Friends of the Topsfield Town Library Book Sale & Donations: Donations Accepted: February 4 – 7, Sale: February 8 – 11

Clean out your bookshelves and support your community library! Bring any books you’d like to donate to the front desk of the Topsfield Town Library, February 4 – 7. The Book Sale will be held February 8 – 11, stay tuned for more details.

Drop-In Club at the Topsfield Town Library: Monday Afternoons

4th thru 6th Grade. Drop-In Club has started again on Monday afternoons for 4th thru 6th graders in the Topsfield Town Library Meeting Room. Get the school week off to a great start by doing your homework while enjoying a complimentary snack and drink!

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This North Shore favorite is home to fine arts exhibits, including Crafts, Drawing, Mixed Media, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Plein Aire Painting, Sculpture and Senior and Student art. These works are created by a mix of experienced, well-established local artists, as well as inspired, budding talent.

Additionally, there are five afternoons and evenings of Performing Arts in harbor-side Crocker Park, a two-day Artisans’ Marketplace, a Street Festival with a variety of performers, a Children’s Festival, a Film Festival, a Theatre Festival, a Literary Arts Festival, a Kite Festival, Sand Sculpture Competition and a Model Boat Building Workshop. Most activities are free of charge.

Special activities for July 4 are the Festival’s Street Festival and the Horribles Parade in town, sponsored by the Gerry Veteran Fireman’s Association. A harbor illumination and fireworks, provided by Marblehead Fireworks Forever, will complement the Festival’s ultimate musical performance at Crocker Park and the culmination of the five-day extravaganza.

The Marblehead Festival of Arts is an all-volunteer organization comprised of more than forty committees and involving several hundred volunteers. All activities will be detailed on the Festival website, www.MarbleheadFestival.org

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From kindergarten through eighth grade, students spend a portion of their academic year in the school’s 7000-foot greenhouse, growing vegetables from seedling. During this time, they learn about climate, aquaculture, ecosystems, botany and their own place in the food system. How the students contribute to their school’s greenhouse depends on their grade level. Third-graders focus on cabbage plants using their in-school compost for fertilization. A school-wide recycling program includes a compost bucket in every GUS classroom. Simultaneously, the seventh-graders plant onion and beet seedlings, hoe beds for future seedlings and learn about the pros and cons of a global, industrial food system.

In addition to running workshops for students, The Food Project, an organization in Eastern Massachusetts that teaches youth and adults how to create a sustainable food system, utilizes the GUS greenhouse to shelter seedlings for replanting at one of The Food Project’s local farms. This results in over 40,000 pounds of vegetables for The Food Project to distribute to local food pantries and to sell through their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs and at farmers’ markets.

GUS students help plant the seeds, transplant the seedlings, and harvest the vegetables as they learn about helping others who may be less fortunate than themselves. Glen Urquhart School is teaching the students to pay attention to the food on their plates and how to produce food in an environmentally conscious way. As students tend their greenhouse year round, they are learning these lessons from seedling.

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Comics are big business—at least in Hollywood—with new silver screen adaptations of Batman, The Avengers, Superman, and Spider-Man coming soon. But the superhero obsession isn’t news to the employees of Salem’s Harrison’s Comics and Collectibles, who have been satisfying local superhumans with comics, gear, memorabilia, and more since 1996.

Not every comic book store can boast an employee who’s actually involved in creating the comics, but that’s the case with professional inker Jim Tournas, who adds ink over artists’ pencil drawings. “I don’t need to do it for a living,” he says of inking. “I do it because I like doing it.” But then again, Harrison’s Comics and Collectibles isn’t really your typical comic book store. In fact, owner Larry Harrison prefers to call his 5,200-square-foot Salem shop a “pop culture emporium” because it carries everything from Star Wars action figures to KISS bobble-head dolls to trading card games like Yu-Gi-Oh. In addition to the main
Salem location, there are two others—one in Medford and one in Nashua, NH. Not bad for a store that started with a few comics on a six-foot table.

Since Harrison’s sells a little bit of everything, customers like Lynn resident Thomas Champigny and Peter Urkowitz have a lot to choose from besides comics. And employees like Ryan Anderson get to know what their customers like; Anderson says he can usually figure out what someone would like to read just by talking with them. “There are a lot of customers that will kind of beeline straight for me” for recommendations, he says. A writer himself, Anderson likes to read and create “grandiose, larger-than-life stories,” he says. “The real world is really boring, and I kind of like creating things that are a little less boring.”

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Yeah, some of Harrison’s customers probably live in their moms’ basements, says Liz Manning, who, as the Salem location’s only female employee, calls herself the store’s “token chick.” But the former librarian says any group of people might have a basement-dwelling subset, and for the most part, comics’ nerdy image is fading fast. Plus, the growing number of female comic book fans is helping to buck the geek-boy stereotype. “I love seeing young women coming in and buying comics,” says Manning, whose interests include manga (Japanese comics), Stephen King’s The Dark Tower, and Star Trek. But even if you are a geek, Manning says there’s no reason to be embarrassed. “I fully admit to being a geek, and I wear my geek shirt proudly,” she says. “Nerd is the new black.”

Harrison’s manager Chris Berry has been reading comics since he was a kid. Growing up with an alcoholic stepfather, comics were an outlet. “It was my way of escaping stuff at home,” Berry says. “If I was depressed or having a hard time, I could always pick up a book…it would take me away somewhere.” Although online comics are growing in popularity, Berry prefers print. “I’m from the old school. I like the paper in my hand,” he says. Customer Christina Walsh agrees. “I hope the comic lives on,” she says, “even though there are so many screens to replace pages.”

Harrison’s employees, like Keith Portrait, are comic book fans as well as retailers. “My hobby is also my business,” says owner Larry Harrison, whose office is lined wall-to-wall with superhero and Godzilla figurines. “I tend to be drawn to more human characters,” Harrison says. “They can be who they are without their superpowers.” Customer Christina Walsh loves stories about the “hometown hero…the average sort of kid who goes on his adventure and shares his journey with everyone else,” she says. “I think people can be superheroes in their own way.”

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In the rural yet humming enclave of Georgetown, the fire department’s noon whistle sounds daily. You can sit on a stool at the local hangout, Jimmy K’s, for lunch and see your friends. You can haul your junk to Mello’s, and they’ll take it. You don’t have to go the mall to get your nails done—instead, go to LeBa’s Nails on Central Street—or shop for a discount wedding dress (for that, there’s Tulle Bridal Designer Outlet on West Main Street). Then there’s Crosby’s market, which provides “on the go” homemade soups and salads, plus wine and beer tastings.

This small New England village was incorporated in 1883, when those living in the West Parish broke away from Rowley and established their own town. Farming, shoemaking, and sawmills all helped Georgetown grow and prosper. It’s a town full of handsome 19th-century wood clapboard houses lining back roads with names like Elm, Maple, Winter, Brook, and Pingree Farm. Georgetown is easily accessible; Routes 97 and 133 cut through east/west and north/south on the way to Andover, Boxford, Haverhill, Rowley, or Newbury. It’s a short hop to I-495 or I-95 to Boston or New Hampshire. Push the walk button at the traffic light on Main and Central Streets, and people zooming by on their way to somewhere else happily stop for you.

“Georgetown is finally recognized as a diamond in the rough,” says Steve Horne, a 25-year resident. “The rural setting [that is] a half hour to most anywhere—Boston, Portsmouth, the beaches, the malls—and a couple of hours or less to the mountains has made it a gem for rural living.”

One of the great things about Georgetown is that townspeople pitch in to make the town tick. The “Bob committee” runs Camp Denison (the majority of members happens to be named Bob, hence its name) with a host of 25 enthusiastic volunteers. “Without the volunteers, Camp Denison would not exist,” says Bob Gorton, who has lived here for nearly 50 years. Camp Denison on Baldpate Pond, established in 1931 as an inner city camp, includes the Great Lodge where Amelia Earhart once scanned the skies from its rooftop and Aldo Leopold developed nature programs.

In Georgetown, retirees stick around to take their grandchildren to sports practice and volunteer to keep the town going. Adding to the hometown feel is the fact Georgetown has its own schools, as well as its own electric company, so you won’t lose power for very long during an outage.

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“[Georgetown] has grown from a fairly insular town to one that is very open, hip, and fun,” says Donna Capodelupo, news editor for the Georgetown Record. Funky old stores, like Meader’s General Store, which sells both antiques and penny candy, wouldn’t survive Main Street America in most towns, but this town appreciates antiques. Take Sedler’s Antiques as an example (see “On The Town”). The Historical Society, lead by Chris Komiskey, sits proudly in the Brocklebank-Nelson-Beecher House, first built in 1668 and later bought in 1858 by Rev. Charles Beecher, brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

Outdoor activities abound in Georgetown. It has two ponds, Rock and Pentucket, the latter of which has the town beach. The Black Swan Country Club has one of the best public golf courses on the North Shore. Residents enjoy strolling through the Georgetown Rowley State Forest, which connects to the Boxford State Forest and goes for miles. Georgetown Fish and Game has its own clubhouse on Pentucket Pond.

History is alive and well here, too. The original cannon “Old Nancy,” taken from a British ship off Cape Ann in the Revolutionary War (and allegedly stolen from Rowley in the early 19th century), is on display in the Town Hall basement. The Erie 4 Fire Company, established in 1854, is the oldest privately owned and operated volunteer fire company in the country; it stays solvent through inventive fundraisers.

Janet Pantano, administrative assistant to the Board of Selectmen, moved here decades ago for the “small town feel” of the place that has only 100 kids in the graduating high school class and where everyone can play on a team if they want. Church fairs, ham and bean suppers, parades—that’s why she’s here.

Georgetown has a lot to be proud of—and for residents to enjoy—in this laid-back-but-happening town.

The Details: Date of Settlement: 1639 Date of Incorporation: 1838 Zip Code: 01833 Population: 8,183 Total Area: 13.2 square miles Median Household Income: $76,260 Schools: Perley and Penn Brook Elementary Schools, Georgetown Middle-High School. Notable Residents: Brian St. Pierre (football player), Jenny Thompson (U.S. Olympic swimmer), Terry O’Reilly (hockey player), John Updike (author), Paul Harding (author), Charles Beecher (brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe).

The Black Swan Country Club

In the Club – The run-down Georgetown Country Club experiences a rebirth as the Black Swan Two years ago, the fairways at the old Georgetown Country Club were overgrown. The restaurant and function rooms were quiet, the parking lot empty. In June 2010, the venue reopened as the Black Swan Country Club, and all that changed.

The club’s new ownership renovated the 18-hole par-72 golf course and brought back the manicured grounds. Today, patrons can buy range balls in the pro shop and sharpen their short game on the practice green. Two PGA golfers offer careful instruction.

The off-season in January and February is one of the best times to dine at the award-winning Keon’s Grille, which is open to the public. The grille menu is offered daily for lunch and dinner, except Mondays. Friday and Saturday night a live band performs. The Sunday brunch with music by local singer Dan Sky is extremely popular. In summer, the outdoor patio near the 18th hole is a big draw, but in January, Keon’s owner Alan Boisvert offers specials to lure diners.

With revamped function spaces, weddings are booked through 2014, but in slower months, function rooms host comedy, music, and dance events for the public.  Things are looking up at the Black Swan and in Georgetown,  which now has something new and special to offer. 258 Andover St., 978-352-2900, blackswancountryclub.com

The essential stops for your Georgetown visit.

Sedler’s Village Antiques Owners Bob and Pat Sedler have added gleaming American-made wood furniture, some of which Bob designs himself, to their dazzling array of antiques, collectables, vintage clothes, lamps, jewelry, dolls, and more. Located in a rambling 1860 Victorian farmhouse, Sedler’s was one of the North Shore’s first antique co-ops. There is so much here, it’s hard to describe everything, so it’s best to go look for yourself. Pat says her husband insists on being open seven days a week, so you can drop by anytime. 51 W. Main St., 978-352-8282, sedlersvillage.com.

Rory O'Connor's Irish Pub

Instant Replays Most kids (and their feet) grow so fast that their soccer shoes and ski boots are still like new before they no longer fit. That’s what Todd Newton counts on as he resells used athletic equipment, including mountain bikes, snowboards, basketball shirts, and even pogo sticks, all in good condition (he’s picky) and at great prices. Post Office Building, 64 Central St., 978-768-7541.

Pentucket Pond The pond is stocked every spring with rainbow trout and sometimes browns and brookies, as well as largemouth bass. The Georgetown Fish and Game Club holds an annual ice fishing derby, but if you’re not into fishing, the skating is just fine. 11 Lake Ave., 978-352-9831, georgetownfishandgame.com.

Rory O’Connor’s Irish Pub Come for the traditional Irish pub food—Guinness beef stew, fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, chicken curry, and homemade bread pudding—plus a fire in the big stone hearth and live Irish music Tuesday and Sunday. You’ll think you’re back in Galway, which is just how new owner Mike Beatty wants it. 19 W. Main St., 978-769-5053, roryoconnorsishpub.com.

Georgetown-Rowley State Park Watch the woods fill up with snow as you cross-country ski or snowshoe through a winter wonderland. Bring your dog: This 1,112-acre forest provides plenty of trees and trails to keep him busy. Pingree Farm Road, 978-887-5931. mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/grow.htm.

Nunan Florist and Greenhouses This 86-year-old greenhouse grows thousands of its own plants in 20 greenhouses that owners Bill Guerrini and Steve Flynn—along with no fewer than five floral designers and expert horticulturalists—tend to with TLC. 269 Central St. (Route 97), 978-352-8179, nunans.com.

Pratt Hobby Shop Pratt’s has managed to stay afloat for 35 years, offering all things fast–Traxxas racing trucks (zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds!), sailboats, and remote- control airplanes. It also hosts remote-control races and offers model airplane flying lessons. 20 E. Main St., 800-870-4068, pratthobbyshop.com.

Twisdenwood Horse Farm Jill Bowden offers lessons for children and adults, beginner to advanced, using the farm’s  four roomy barns, three riding rings (one indoor), and open grass hacking track. Tally ho! 240 Andover St., 978-314-8258, twisdenwoodfarm.com

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Romantic Getaways

Winvian

Winvian Situated between Boston and New York City in Litchfield Hills, Connecticut, Winvian is a tranquil, romantic getaway, perfect for couples who enjoy exquisite cuisine, outdoor adventure, and, above all, relaxation. Winvian has received AAA Five Diamond Awards for its accommodations and exceptional fine-dining restaurant, which features French and Mediterranean dishes created from artisanal seasonal ingredients by Executive Chef Chris Eddy. Stay in one of the 19 luxe cottages, which bear whimsical and even outrageous themed décor (an authentic restored 17,000-pound 1968 Sikorsky Sea King Pelican HH3F helicopter is the centerpiece of its Helicopter Cottage, for instance). You can also treat yourself to some quality R&R at the nearly 5,000-square-foot spa. Looking for something remarkably romantic? Book the couples massage in the Forty Winks Suite, followed by fireside Champagne and treats. 155 Alain White Road, Morris, CT, 860-567-9600, winvian.com.

Wheatleigh Arguably the most sophisticated French chateau in America, Wheatleigh in Lenox, Massachusetts, sets the tone for an unforgettably romantic winter getaway in the heart of the Berkshires. Tucked away on 22 acres, the exquisite property offers 19 accommodations in the form of grand guest rooms and elegant suites. (Hosting an intimate wedding? Book the entire property for a totally private ceremony and celebration.) Complete with exceptional personal service and attention to detail around every corner, not to mention its own AAA Five Diamond Award-winning restaurant, Wheatleigh is perfect for couples who are looking for a true fairytale setting on a romantic weekend retreat. 11 Hawthorne Road, Lenox, MA, 413-637-0610, wheatleigh.com.

The White Barn Inn If you’re searching for a quintessentially romantic New England getaway, look no further than The White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport, Maine. From its thoughtful, luxurious details to its astounding cuisine, you can’t help but feel starry-eyed during your stay at the 150-year-old coastal Maine estate. Not only has the property’s celebrated restaurant received both a AAA Five Diamond Award and a Forbes Five-Star Restaurant award, but it is also the only restaurant with this status north of New York City. If dining in a restaurant of this stature accompanied by rustic décor, the soft flicker of candlelight, and classic snowy mountain views still isn’t romantic enough, maybe the butler-drawn bath and chilled Champagne will be just the thing to convince you. 37 Beach Avenue, Kennebunkport, ME, 207-967-2321, whitebarninn.com.

Indulge at the Essex Resort & Spa

Urban Esacpes

Forty 1° North If your idea of a New England winter getaway is more urban than rustic, Forty 1° North in Newport, Rhode Island, is the place for you. Sit back and unwind among modern elegance and sparkling winter views of Newport Harbor and historic Thames Street from any of the 28 guest rooms or suites. For truly royal treatment, take advantage of the sweeping views seen through the floor-to-ceiling windows while enjoying in-room spa services by the fire. Plus, all accommodations at Forty 1° North feature state-of-the-art technology and are LEED registered for an eco-friendly stay. And with an iPad in every room, you’ll never be without paperless directories, menus, and maps, or even your daily newspaper. 351 Thames Street, Newport, RI, 401-846-8018, 41north.com.

Portland Harbor Hotel Located in the heart of the Old Port in Portland, Maine, Portland Harbor Hotel is a one-stop destination for winter fun and all of the glamorous amenities of an upscale urban retreat. Situated on the waterfront, the Portland Harbor Hotel provides a dose of warmth from the cold winter temps as soon as your car is whisked away by the valet and you are ushered inside to the toasty lobby. Head upstairs to your room and you’ll find a custom-made Signature Portland Harbor Hotel bed waiting to wrap you in luxurious 250-thread-count linens. A Town Car is available to whisk guests away to downtown restaurants and attractions, but if you prefer to enjoy the brisk New England outdoors, the hotel is right near spots for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating. 468 Fore Street, Portland, ME, 207-775-9090, portlandharborhotel.com.

The Essex Resort & Spa Just minutes from the lively cultural scene of Burlington, Vermont, you’ll find a winter getaway that’s perfect for culinary aficionados. The Essex Resort & Spa, also known as Vermont’s Culinary Resort, offers an onsite cooking-class program for its residents. Stay in one of the property’s 120 guest rooms and suites and you’ll get the opportunity to work alongside its renowned chefs as you prepare delicious meals using local Vermont ingredients in the fun and intimate atmosphere of its classroom kitchens. Not only will you sharpen your knife skills and cooking techniques, but you’ll also get a three- or four-course meal paired with a glass of wine to celebrate your new area of expertise. 70 Essex Way, Burlington, VT, 802-878-1100, vtculinaryresort.com.

Mayflower Inn & Spa

Wellness Retreats

Canyon Ranch Now that the holidays are over, it’s time to get back into your regular healthy routine. What better way to stick to those New Year’s resolutions than by heading to Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts? An all-inclusive stay at the award-winning Canyon Ranch has everything you need for the ultimate dose of R&R, including gracious, relaxing rooms and the tools necessary for living a healthy lifestyle. Every day at lunch, a chef will teach you how to cook healthful, easy-to-make meals, and the 40-plus fitness classes offered every day amid the beautiful Berkshires backdrop will make exercising—indoors or out—enjoyable. For the perfect end to your day, choose from a variety of signature spa treatments that promise to reenergize and restore balance to your body and mind. 165 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA, 413-637-4100, canyonranch.com/lenox.

Mayflower Inn & Spa The Mayflower Inn & Spa’s 58 acres of Connecticut woodland and five-star accommodations make it the perfect antidote to a hectic, urban lifestyle. As a guest of the Mayflower Spa, you’ll be pampered and reenergized with a personalized program built by a spa advisor. The state-of-the-art Spa House includes soundproof treatment rooms to enhance tranquility; various fitness choices, from yoga to kickboxing; and even its own dining room, which serves health-conscious meals to complete the healthy living experience. With extremely comfortable feather-topped mattresses, enormous marble baths, and clean-air gas fireplaces, you’ll never want to return home from this country haven. 118 Woodbury Road, Washington, CT, 860-868-9466, mayflowerinn.com.

Topnotch Resort & Spa Often ranked among the top 10 spas in the United States, Topnotch Resort & Spa, nestled in the beautiful landscape of Stowe, Vermont, provides guests with an enchanting dose of leisure and indulgence. The Spa at Topnotch spreads over 35,000 square feet and includes more than 120 spa services that focus on body, skin, fitness, beauty, and peace of mind, allowing for utmost relaxation and rejuvenation. Rooms include divinely comfortable beds, complimentary WiFi, marble baths, and, of course, stunning views of the Vermont mountains. The resort even has its own spa boutique, which sells signature Topnotch Spa products, clothing, and gifts to help make the bliss last long after your stay. 4000 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT, 802-253-8585, topnotchresort.com.

Stowe Mountain Resort

Outdoor Adventures

The Wentworth Inn Situated among the snowy White Mountains of Jackson, New Hampshire, the Wentworth Inn puts a charming spin on wintertime fun. The 51-room inn includes both standard and superior rooms, as well as deluxe accommodations equipped with modern amenities to satisfy even the most discerning of guests. Cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, and snowshoeing in the nearby White Mountains are popular activities among guests of The Wentworth. To make your stay more intimate, the inn partners with local mountains to bring all the amenities and activities of larger ski resorts to its guests while still providing a personal and luxurious country setting all your own. 1 Carter Notch Road, Jackson, NH, 603-383-9700, thewentworth.com.

Stowe Mountain Resort Its 485 skiable acres are only part of what sets Stowe Mountain Resort apart from other luxury ski resorts in the Northeast. There are an outstanding number of winter activities on site, as well, like skiing, snowshoeing, ziplining, and snow mobiling, not to mention dogsledding, horseback riding, and sleigh rides around the resort. When you’ve had enough winter fun, you’ll be welcomed back inside the 312-room luxury Stowe Mountain Lodge to goose-down feather beds, marble baths, oversized windows, and outdoor balconies, the ideal location from which to watch shadows dance across Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peek at night. 5781 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT, 802-253-3000, stowe.com.

The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel From the pristine white snow to the breathtaking views, wintertime at The BALSAMS Grand Resort Hotel in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, is nothing short of perfect. Enjoy complimentary downhill or cross-country skiing at The BALSAMS Wilderness Ski Area, where you’ll find impeccably groomed trails, ski lessons, a separate children’s area, and even a base lodge, where guests can defrost by the fire after a fun-filled day on the slopes. Visitors can also snowshoe or snow mobile through the wooded area surrounding the estate, skate and play hockey or broom ball at the resort’s own ice rink, or simply relax during a romantic sleigh ride. 1000 Cold Spring Road, Dixville Notch, NH, 800-255-0600, thebalsams.com.

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For centuries, chocolate has captivated the senses—and sensibilities—of its legions of loyal subjects. It’s the perfect gift, a fail-safe fix for a stressful day, an edible expression of love, and a go-to treat in times of celebration. Plus, it possesses downright healing qualities. It’s also the perfect pick-me-up when summer’s warmth seems so far away, which is why we went in search of the North Shore’s most decadent and unique chocolate creations.

Stowaway Sweets Stoway Sweets is a house and candy business in one. The current owners, Alicia and Mike Cannife, have lived upstairs since they bought the business in 1980. They bought it from the Moore family, who founded Stowaway Sweets in 1929 in neighboring Swampscott before moving it to Marblehead.

Of all the places we visited, this shop gets our vote for the most romantic setting: Swing open a wooden gate and follow the walkway to the retail room. Step inside and you’ll feel as though you’ve entered an old-fashioned parlor, but instead of couches and chairs, there are rows of glass cases filled to the brim with chocolates. With the exception of a handful, these are all made on the premises.

Loyal customers in the early years included Queen Mary of England, Lady Astor, Calvin Coolidge, and Katharine Hepburn, who even had her own card on file that listed all her favorites. During the entire 11-year FDR administration, the White House received weekly shipments. There are letters from the 1930s posted on the wall from the White House housekeeper, Henrietta Nesbitt, singing the praises of their chocolates. 154 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead, 781-631-0303, stowawaysweets.com.

What to try: Pralines These are filled with a silky cream and tiny bits of toffee. It’s a great combination of flavors—especially that little toffee crunch. Melt Aways The thin chocolate shell collapses as you bite down, and inside is a buttery, not-too-sweet, thick and dreamy chocolate filling. Kings and Queens Each of these delicious creams has a single almond on top. We can just imagine these arriving at Buckingham Palace.

Winfrey’s Fudge & Chocolates Back in 1979, when the Winfreys’ twin baby boys came home from the hospital, life changed dramatically. Each baby weighed just four and a half pounds—less than a gift box of chocolates! The couple decided to stay home to care for their sons. To earn a living, they began making fudge in their home and selling it locally, gradually branching out from there. Since then, the family has grown, and so has the business. Now there are 23 varieties of fudge, 22 kinds of taffy, more than 100 kinds of chocolates, and five locations. Hamilton: 44 Railroad Avenue, 978-468-7448; Wenham: 143 Topsfield Road, 978-468-0549; Rowley: 42 Newburyport Turnpike, 978-948-7448; Newburyport: 21 Market Square, 978-465-8200; Stoneham, 41 Main Street, 781-279-7448; winfreys.com.

Assortment of Bark from Simply Sweet

What to try: Candied Orange Rind in Dark Chocolate Wonderful, velvety dark chocolate wrapping a moist candied orange rind. Chocolate-Covered Pretzel with Caramel This chocolate concoction is all about a big contrast of textures—crumbly, crunchy pretzels with smooth, creamy caramel. Chocolate with Dried Cranberry, Walnut, and Caramel This is like a turtle and bark joined together for a big taste sensation.

Simply Sweet Owner Wendy Smith learned the business when she worked at another chocolate store. When practice made perfect, she opened her own shop in the heart of Newburyport. She prides herself on making small batches to keep it all fresh. Smith, who has a following for her unusual chunky bark and chocolate-covered apples, combines good, tasty ingredients that make for those delicious lumps and bumps in her hefty, hand-split pieces. 12 Inn St., Newburyport, 978-462-3226, simplysweet.com.

What to try: Dark Chocolate, Coconut, and Cranberry The chocolate reigns, but the extras give this its perky personality. Cranberry and Pistachio with Milk Chocolate Pistachio and cranberry? Seems an unlikely marriage—until your first bite. Cheers to this happy couple! Oreo Bark Our favorite. A great buttery cookie surprise with yet more deep, rich chocolate.

Nichols Candies Walter and Margaret Nichols opened up shop back in 1932 and had a few downtown Gloucester locations before building here, right off of Route 128 just before the bridge, on a beautiful oceanfront spot with water views. It was an inspired move, one that would take advantage of newly mobile America taking Sunday drives on what was a state-of-the-art highway back in the 1950s. Today, Nichols remains a family-owned operation, and the big red house by the bay that is so familiar to locals continues to catch those heading to and from the beach. 1 Crafts Road, Rte. 128, Gloucester, 978-283-9850, nicholscandies.com.

What to try: First, a note: Although we were told their turtles are pretty popular, we wanted to try more unusual offerings. Here’s what we discovered: Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Sticks Great classic combo with a generous coat of chocolate over crunchy peanut butter candies. Molasses-And-Coconut Clusters Toasted coconut with molasses cream, wrapped in chocolate—an unexpected but heavenly combination. Snowflakes It’s the classic candied coconut dipped in top-quality chocolate, well balanced with interesting textures.

Ye Old Pepper Company Ye Olde Pepper Company is billed as the oldest candy company in the country. In fact, its roots go back to a woman who ended up in Salem, desperate and destitute, after she was shipwrecked offshore in 1806. With no money and a son to raise, neighbors heard she knew how to make candy and brought her a barrel of sugar. With that, she created the Salem Gibraltar, the first candy (according to their history) made and sold commercially and which sea captains and sailors were said to take with them on their travels. Early on, she sold her candy on the steps of the First Church, and then later bought a horse and buggy to sell the chocolates all over the North Shore. Sold in the late 1800s to the Birkinshaws, it is now in its fourth generation of this family’s ownership. It’s a small, quaint shop—right out of a storybook—across the street from the House of Seven Gables, and it’s filled to the brim with chocolates. 122 Derby Street, Salem, 978-745-2744, peppercandy.net.

What to try: White Chocolate Cherries These are so pretty you feel bad biting into them. But, once you do, you’ll feel a lot better. The cream, the chocolate, and the cherry are brought together with what is obviously a passion and deep understanding of what distinguishes this classic. Orange Mousse This is a new one for their collection and is the invention of manager Amanda. These have a big, fresh orange taste swimming in a flavorful cream, all wrapped in a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate shell. Pomegranate Jelly Who would have thought this combo would bring a smile to a chocolate lover’s face? Here we have a brilliant, perky fruit-flavored jelly (with a nice squish in the bite!) dipped in a generous coating of chocolate. Maple Cream This is the quintessential New England classic, with deep maple flavor infused in a buttery cream and finished in a thin chocolate shell.

Sweet Slopes by Harbor Sweets

Harbor Sweets As the story goes, it was back in 1973 when local Ben Strohecker’s declared his goal to create the “best piece of candy in the world,” regardless of cost. His home kitchen experimentation brought the world what we now know as Sweet Sloops. This chocolate, which resembles a sailboat, is made of almond butter crunch covered in white chocolate and dipped in dark chocolate and crushed pecans, and is a huge commercial success. Today, Phyllis LeBlanc, who started here 25 years ago as a chocolate dipper, is the president and CEO who presides over scores of other creations, all meeting high standards for quality ingredients and craftsmanship. We also love the big glass-walled work rooms here that let you watch these sinfully delicious confections being created. Palmer Cove, 85 Leavitt St., Salem, 978-745-7648, harborsweets.com.

What to try: Sweet Sloop If you live on or visit the North Shore and still have not had this pass your lips, shame on you. It’s a must have in your chocolate repertoire. Harbor Lights The image of the Salem lighthouse has been made into a chocolate mold to make this truly fabulous chocolate. There’s a white chocolate base and dark chocolate top, and it is filled with a cranberry-raspberry truffle. We think this is the most enjoyable way to get your daily dose of fruit. Marblehead Mint This raises the bar on mints as we know them, made by filling a pretty little sailboat mold with solid dark chocolate and peppermint crunch.

Ovedia Here we have a great chocolate shop tucked off Main Street in what was once a run-down old warehouse. Owner Barbara Vogel created this little island of chocolate Nirvana after a career in the corporate world. Fascinated with the artisan food movement and history, back when specialty stores served a town’s residents, she turned a passion into a reality. She learned the chocolate business while staying with her chocolate-making family in the Midwest. Back home, she designed and remodeled the warehouse space, opened in 2007, and has been creating her own recipes ever since. Cream and butter come from local dairies, and artisan food producers supply her with natural flavorings. Small batches and handmade delectables are her focus. She also serves coffee and baked goods, and she says she really wanted to create a place where people would love to hang out. Mission accomplished—and then some. 36 Main Street, Amesbury, 978-388-7700, ovedia.com.

What to try: Cracked Peppercorn Truffle Unusual, intriguing and memorable, it features a fabulous chocolate truffle base, with a skillful blend of sweet and bitter plus the subtle heat of the peppercorn. Salted Caramel Exquisite, buttery caramel wrapped in a crunchy coat of chocolate, a hint of salt, and voila—a chocolate to write home about.

Prides Crossing Confections Chris Flynn, owner and chocolate maker who was first trained to be a chef, but as he says, he quickly realized that the lifestyle was a bad match. He turned to candy making, learning the business by working for three different candy makers before taking the plunge and opening up his own shop. We know this place well for their spectacular chocolates. Asked how he does this without faltering, he says simply he buys the best ingredients he can find—from cream to nuts, the biggest and freshest. Also amply on hand are a high degree of skill and obvious dedication to perfection. 590 Hale St., Prides Crossing, 978-927-2185.

What to try: The turtles, the bark, and the butter crunch are all worth sabotaging your diet. For this testing, we opted for a few classics: Pistachio Buttercrunch We hadn’t had this combo before. Those plump pistachios made for a great contrast with the buttery crunch. Snowflakes What’s wonderful about this is the freshness of the coconut and the velvety chocolate shell—delicious combination. Turtles with Pecans Three things here: fabulous, buttery, balanced caramel (among the best we’ve tasted); giant pecans; and thick chocolate coating that is simply unsurpassed.

*Check out the images below to get the ultimate chocolate fix

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By Anna &  David Kasabian - Photographs by Keller + Keller – Styling by Catrine Kelty

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Exterior of the Carriage House

When this Newburyport homeowner attends a concert of the local chamber music ensemble, he strolls out his back door and follows a curving red brick path that winds through terraced gardens, past a Neoclassical pergola. The path leads to a door that opens into a tall clapboard building crowned with a cupola. Inside, the old world sensibility of the façade gives way to drama, light, and vaulting space.

Framed with original beams darkened with age, with floors negotiated via steel and bowed-ash stairs, whose bamboo treads appear to float in space, and featuring vast swaths of light reflected by taut white sails, the interior of this 1850 carriage house is nothing short of dazzling. When a string quartet gathered in one corner of the ground floor begins to play, the rapt audience finds that the acoustics are extraordinary. The atmosphere is magical.

“The lot occupied by this building was threatened with development,” says the owner of the carriage house, which serves as a concert hall tonight. “This would have been torn down. More than anything, we wanted to make sure that didn’t happen.”

He and his wife, owners of one of the imposing Federal manses for which Newburyport is famous, bought the property, thus saving it from demolition. In the process, they also saved the surrounding neighborhood, a lightly settled lane just off a busy city street.

Old carriage house are like old barns; they are stout workhorses in service to a technology long gone. Sometimes they become garages, their façades cut up with awkward entries for cars, while much of the tall space required by horses and carriages stands unused. Eventually, decay sets in, and another reminder of New England’s rural past becomes a liability that is razed and soon forgotten.

Thus, when this couple bought and restored an architecturally imposing mid-19th-century carriage house and made it available to the community, they performed public services on many levels. The irony: The carriage house they saved does not accompany their own grand house; it once served the house next door. It all represents the 100-year-old American trend of splitting up big estates, their outbuildings, and their land into many smaller lots. The process continues, as it has threatened to here in Newburyport.

“When they came to me, they didn’t just bring the question of what to do with this big, barn-like structure,” says Newburyport architect Andrew Sidford, whose innovative hand is evident throughout the Newbury-Plum Island-Newburyport area. “They also asked how I was going to bring together their house, its long garden, the carriage house behind the house next door, give them some parking, and make it all look wonderful.”

Interior Staircase View

“We knew lots of people who knew [Sidford], and we were involved in some of the same local causes,” says the lady of the house. “We had seen his work and liked it. But what Andy did at our church, Newburyport’s First Unitarian, was so wonderful that we hired him on the strength of that.”

When Sidford created interior parking, two eminently rentable apartments, an aerie with a poetic view, a spectacular private concert hall, and then gracefully connected the disparate parts, he did it with curves. His brick driveway and walkways lure you toward enticing views just past the next bend; walking or driving to and from the main house and carriage house is easy and natural, the instinctive thing to do. At the terminus of a curving drive that begins at the street is the homeowners’ two-bay garage, located in a lower section of the carriage house. Along the way, a turnaround by the back door provides closer access.

The carriage house’s main entrance, however, is via a formal driveway on a perpendicular street. Here, Sidford marries the new structural elements with a new glass curtain wall that recedes at a slight angle from the massive 1850 timbers. “This way, it looks as if the front door is always open,” the homeowner says. “And we pay homage to the historic original. “I always like to say that these buildings were built like Old Ironsides,” he says, laughing.

Each project is a collaboration and evolves,” says Sidford. The entry with the glass wall is an example of that; we designed that at the homeowners’ suggestion.”

The inside features such quirky elements as a light switch fashioned from a piano’s soundboard and steel staircases with a curving ash handrail above the mundane metal one. The same curve, executed in mahogany for New England winters, crowns the exterior handrail. “There are curves everywhere,” Sidford says. “The curves on the railings refer to the curves in the sidewalk outside… I think that most modern work can be very cold. The curves soften the design.” The homeowner adds, “And they introduce a sense of play.”

Indeed, play is everywhere. As the stairs climb up into the cupola, they pause at a landing made of frosted glass. “Totally clear glass would have been a little too dramatic,” Sidford says “Even people without a fear of heights would probably get vertigo.”

While downstairs promotes conviviality, the cupola is small and meditative, far above human activity. The view, however, is vast in all directions. The interior view shows strong architectural lines and light pouring in via windows that look as though they harken back to 1850. Triangular sails act as sculptures in their own right, suspended at various points and reflecting light onto the dark joists and rafters.

Although they finished this project almost 10 years ago, the homeowners are clearly still smitten with the results. “I can recognize Andy’s work as I drive around town,” the homeowner says. “So I knew this would be pretty special.” She looks at her husband and laughs. “Still, when we hired Andy and started talking about what to do, we had no idea it would end up being this great!”

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The perfect start: Mediterranean Mezza Platter

In Andover, Yella Grille’s Mediterranean cuisine is a spot-on representation of the real thing. 

What a wonderful surprise to find this cozy little European-style bistro tucked away on a tiny side street in Andover, steps from the town’s posh and lively shopping district. Co-owners Carlo and Danielle Berdahn have merged their energies, talents, and passion for authentic Mediterranean food and created a haven of casual comfort and fabulous flavors from the chef’s always-fresh handcrafted creations. In fact, when in town earlier this year, a producer from NBC’s Today show stopped for dinner at Yella and was so enamored of Carlo Berdahn’s cooking that he subsequently invited the chef to appear in a segment on the show.

In our visit, we started with the Mediterranean Mezza Platter, a plated version of the traditional Middle Eastern appetizer table filled with an array of exotic flavors, aromas, and textures. There are tiny meat pies—handmade, one by one, fresh every day—stuffed grape leaves, spring rolls, spinach pie, falafel, smoked eggplant babaganouj, and crispy house-made pita chips. All herbs and seasonings—seven in the falafel alone—are brought directly from Lebanon by Carlo and Danielle.

Next, the fattouch salad, another regional classic, arrives piled high with super-fresh romaine lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, parsley, mint, radishes, and sumac, all complemented by a dressing of olive oil, garlic, more sumac, and fragrant fresh mint.

The lamb chop entrée is divine, made with grilled Australian lamb for lighter, sweeter, smaller chops. They are seasoned with extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice and served with an über-umami demi-glace that is simmered for five hours. On the side, a tender and delicate mushroom risotto is redolent of chicken broth, mushroom stock, butter, white wine, and shallots.

Carlo prepares the remarkable beef short ribs by searing the beef and combining it with carrots, garlic, onion, red wine, herbs, orange juice, and tangerine, then slow braising it all together for six hours. This is served with Lebanese couscous (larger than the French variety), cooked in a rich beef and chicken stock with caraway, cumin, cinnamon, and caramelized shallots.

For dessert, the hearty chocolate bread pudding with toasted house-made brioche and both milk and white chocolate is topped with banana and a dollop of vanilla gelato. The ultra-thin sweet crepe, on the other hand, is stuffed with slices of caramelized banana and a dreamy hazelnut-chocolate cream. Both are fresh and fabulous.

We highly recommend Yella—Arabic for “Come on, let’s go”—for the great food, prompt and cheery service, and the distinct feeling that this is what it must feel like to be home in Lebanon.

The Menu. Chef: Carlo Berdahn. Appetizers: Mediterranean Mezza Platter ($14), Fattouch Salad ($8.50). Entrées: Lamb Chops ($29.75), Beef Short Ribs ($26). Dessert: Chocolate Bread Pudding with Banana Flombage ($8.50), Sweet Crepe with Bananas ($7.50). Location: 16 Post Office Avenue, Andover, 978-749-0011, yellagrille.com.

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By Anna &  David Kasabian – *Photographs by Anthony Tieuli

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Leslie Fincke at her Rockport shop, Francie's Boutique

Resale and consignment shops are popping up all over the North Shore.

Francie’s boutique looks like it’s been in Rockport forever. Tucked into a Swiss Chalet-style building, the narrow storefront is all shades of brown, from the brick flooring to the dark walls. Low ceilings with exposed beams give the space an Old World feel that is isn’t out of place among the eclectic collection of carefully selected new and used clothes available for sale.

“I know it’s all wrong from a retail perspective,” admits proprietor Leslie Fincke, whose prior retailing career included a stint for Marshalls Department Store. “It’s like a cave—but I just fell in love with the space.” Seems like customers have accepted it, too—on a crisp weekday afternoon, at least a dozen people popped in to browse the racks.

Despite the feeling that Francie’s Boutique has always been here, the store actually opened in Rockport a little over a year ago, just one of a burgeoning number of resale and consignment shops popping up across the area. In fact, this is Fincke’s second location in less than two years. She opened her first Francie’s Boutique in April 2010, just 13 months before debuting in Rockport.

While upscale used clothing stores have always been around, they are appearing with increasing regularity in empty storefronts throughout the North Shore. Most towns have at least one, and many have two or three, often near each other. Re-find, a Salem store specializing in new and resale eclectic separates, recently joined consignment mainstay Modern Millie’s and relative newcomer Mighty Aphrodite, all within a few blocks’ walk.

Re-find owner Shelley Matthews, whose retail background includes Lucky Brands, Coach, and Anne Fontaine, opened her store in March 2011 and says that clustering is a good thing. “The more options in a town, the more it will draw customers,” she says. “If there are three or four stores, people will make more of an effort to come—maybe spend the afternoon, stop for coffee somewhere, and meet some friends.”

Matthews seems to be hoping to almost single-handedly turn Salem, which has been her hometown for the past 12 years, into a resale Mecca. She has already signed a lease for a space around the corner from Re-find, where she plans to open a men’s consignment shop this spring, and if all goes well, three more stores, including one specializing in furniture, will follow over the next five years.

Fincke agrees that when it comes to used clothing stores, the more the merrier. “There isn’t a fierce competition for shoppers [in used clothing],” she says. “If they shop one, they’ll shop them all.” She is so happy to see new stores open that she is willing to share her experience and advice with people who are considering taking the leap themselves. Not only that, but she has teamed up with Madam Hadem, a consignment shop in Marblehead, to launch Consignment Crawl (consignmenttours.com) bus tours. The first one, held in November, visited six North Shore shops, and they expect to run several each season.

“We are like a family,” Fincke says. “How many industries would take their best customers to competing stores?” Each store sold five tickets at $40 per person, including lunch, transportation, and a Champagne toast. Stores also paid a fee to participate.

Re-find owner, Shelley Matthews

Marketing on a Shoestring The consignment crawl is just one of the relatively low-cost strategies consignment store owners are using to advertise their businesses. With slim profit margins and an uncertain economy, traditional advertising is nearly out of reach for shop owners like Bobbie Gordon, the owner of Loop Consignment, a children’s store in Swampscott that opened in April 2010, because it often doesn’t offer much bang for her buck. After winning a “Best Of” award from the Swampscott Reporter, she offered a 20 percent off coupon to accompany the news and wound up with no takers. She started telling her customers to look for the coupon because she wanted people to use it. “That wasn’t the point,” she says. “The point was to bring in new business.”

Fortunately, social media and the Internet offer a wealth of free advertising. On the very active Francie’s Boutique Facebook page, every Wednesday, Fincke posts a 20 percent off sale on a specific item, like boots or outerwear. And when she gets special or unusual pieces in, she’ll post a photo to Facebook—she’s even sold some items to friends on the West Coast this way.

The Internet can also be a way to keep the cash flow going during slow months. Gordon has one customer who will post big-ticket items, like strollers and high chairs, on Craig’s List on her behalf. If the item sells, the customer takes a 20 percent cut of the proceeds. And last winter, when the snow piled up continuously and kept shoppers inside, Fincke turned to eBay to make some sales—and occasionally shut the door to her shop for a little while to go for a walk and get some coffee.

While Fincke admits that it was a bit disconcerting to find herself with an empty store in a nearly deserted downtown, that ability to make her own decisions is one of the main reasons that she enjoys running her own business, despite having to scale down her lifestyle. “I certainly made more money when I didn’t work for myself,” she says, “but there is an intangible value that more than makes up for the adjustment.”

Community Connections One of those intangibles is a sense of community that Fincke finds developing around her shops, from the Rockport tourists who have returned for the past two summers, to her sister, her mom, and even customers who volunteer to work in both locations. Several of her regulars take shifts in exchange for merchandise credit and never find it a chore. “It means a lot to me that they think it’s fun to be in my store,” she says.

Loop’s Gordon also relies on customers—and community—to provide some of the staffing in her stores. She recalls one retired schoolteacher who came in one day a week for six months to help out. “That’s what has kept me going,” she says. “It’s much more than just buying clothes…especially when people first move here, it can be lonely, so I try to make it social.” To that end, she is always working to make connections among her customers. “I hope this can be a place to start building community,” she says.

However much Gordon wants to provide a gathering place, she is learning that her people-pleasing nature may not be the best characteristic for running a business.

“The hardest part, I’ve learned, is [that] people who are successful in business must care less about making friends,” she says. Her desire to please the consigners has led her to take things she knows she shouldn’t, and she has made a variety of concessions to them that make it harder for her to run her business.

“I find it really hard to say no,” Gordon says. “Sometimes, I take things I know are not going to sell because in some really idealistic way, I am giving hope to someone that they may make some money for their family.”

Re-find’s Matthews has no such problems with saying no—perhaps because her own money is on the line with every purchase. She buys everything that goes in the store, rather than consigning. She feels that it puts the customer in control. Sellers can get either 30 percent of the item’s planned ticket price in cash or 50 percent in trade or store credit. For example, she may ticket a Michael Kors sweater at $42, so the seller will get $12.60 in cash or $21 in trade. “If they don’t like that price, they can just not sell it to me,” she says.

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Tracking Takes Time Fincke and Gordon both run traditional consignment shops. In each case, the store takes 60 percent of the item’s sale price. While the initial cash outlay is much lower, Gordon says she now understands why people buy out instead of consigning.

“[Monitoring] inventory and keeping track of people’s stuff takes a lot of time,” Gordon laments, especially since, in an effort to make things easier for her approximately 400 consigners, she allows people to just drop off bags of clothes for her to go through later. It’s a practice she may soon have to abandon, as bags and boxes are piling up behind the counter, under display shelves, and in her minimal storage area. As for how much time she spends stocking the racks, Gordon doesn’t even want to venture a guess.

Fincke, on the other hand, is very much aware of how much of her time is spent on acquisition; with about 1,200 consignors who have accounts, she says she spends about 75 percent of her time on getting inventory into her store, from the initial appointments through inputting and tagging the merchandise, pressing it, and getting it on the rack.

Of course, it all starts with picking the right items. Fincke admits that there was a learning curve in deciding what to accept from sellers. Initially, some 40 percent of the items she took in wound up unsold. Now, that’s closer to 25 percent or 30 percent. For Gordon, the biggest challenge was price point. “At the beginning, I was way too expensive,” she admits. “Now, I think I’m at a good price point.”

Matthews finds pricing challenging as well, but for a different reason. In this economy, she works hard to keep her average price point around $25. For that reason, she tends to shy away when people bring in high-end designer goods that, even at resale prices, would skew well above that tag.

Pricing in a Down Economy “Right now, I’m very price conscious,” she says. “I spend hours and hours hunting down bargains.” She notes that as the economy improves, she may loosen the purse strings and take in more high-end designers on the resale side.

Loop’s Gordon agrees that the economy has a strong effect on her shoppers. “We all overindulged” during the good years, she says. “People still want to do things the way they used to—to change up their kid’s room or their living room—but they have less money.” At her store, she says you can walk away with a child’s complete wardrobe for a season for less than $100.

While Fincke agrees that economy is certainly a driving force in the boutique consignment trend, she also sees another idea at work—perhaps one that will permanently change the way people shop. “People have realized that not everything is disposable,” she says, adding that since recycling plastics has become the norm, people are more comfortable with recycling other things. Ultimately, she hopes, that will add up to a permanent change in the way people shop. “I don’t know how you can go back to paying $1,000 for a Prada bag when you’ve paid $300.”

Divine Consignment Top finds at Re-find (72 Washington St., Salem) include Citizens of Humanity and 7 for All Mankind denim for $36 to $44. The brands can retail new for up to $190. At Loop Consignment (503 Humphrey St., Swampscott), jogging strollers are a  top seller, priced from $40 to $200. Visitors to Francie’s Boutique (30 Main St., Topsfield; 14 Dock Square, Rockport) might find a new Rebecca Taylor dress ($380) marked down to $65. Boots from Frye, Louboutin, and Ugg are flying off the shelves at Chic Consignment Closet (46 Main St., Andover), which opened in mid-2009 and was named Boston Globe Magazine’s “Best of the New” in 2010. At Mint (174 Cabot St., Beverly), which opened in 2010, shoppers might find a pony-skin Fendi  purse for $185.

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Start on the Right Foot. Start with Babysteps.  Babysteps Early Childhood Movement Center offers affordable dance, gym and music classes for you and your little one. The unique drop-in schedule was designed to help make your life easier, allowing you to take any of the classes Tuesday-Saturday 9:30-11:30am. Babysteps has all the activities you are looking for, in one convenient place. Babysteps, 110 Sutton Street, North Andover, 978-685-5533

Look Your Best! Start the new year off right with Laschi Hairstylists & Day Spa. Follow through with your resolution of looking your best.  We now offer TIGI makeup, learn how to put your best face forward. Laschi is carrying a line of new hair extensions. Hair Treats.  No heat. No damage. Call for your consult today. Laschi Hairstylist & Day Spa, 150 Main Street, Reading, 781-944-6111

Ryan & Wood Distillery In 2006 Bob Ryan and Dave Wood opened the North Shore’s first distillery since Prohibition. In small batches they hand-craft Beauport Vodka, Knockabout Gin, Folly Cove Rum and Rye Whiskey in their 600 liter Still. Free tours at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. Ryan & Wood Distillery, 15 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, 978-281-2282

American Textile History Museum Every time you dress, drink a cup of coffee, drive a car, or spend a dollar, textiles are changing your world in ways you never imagined. The American Textile History Museum, affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, explores the bold ideas, creativity, and innovation that continue to shape our history. From spinning wheels to space exploration, this is far from your run-of-the-mill museum. American Textile History Museum, 491 Dutton Street, Lowell, 978-441-0400

Black Tie Service Since 1983 Black Tie Limousine, Inc. has provided its clients with the highest level of expertise and reliability. Our professional staff of uniformed chauffeurs has undergone extensive training to ensure you a safe, trouble free journey. Our fleet consists of executive town cars, limousines, vans, luxury limousine motor coaches, touring coaches and Cadillac Escalade SUVs. Black Tie Limousine, Inc., 25 Bond Street, Haverhill, 1-800-624-9990

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Animal mugs to brighten up any cup of coffee, $17 each, C’est La Vie.

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Kathy Bechtel, owner/culinary director, italiaoutdoors usa

What Italiaoutdoors offers: “Unique, active (biking, skiing, hiking, walking) adventures in Northeastern Italy. Our tours combine expert recreational programming with an unmatched food and wine program.”

Where she works: “My HQ in my home in Newburyport, on the road in Italy, and the Northeast regions of the Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, Fruili-Venezia Giulia, and Emelia Romagna.”

Her role: “I create and lead the culinary side of our programming, including selecting wines and the wineries we visit, leading cooking classes or selecting restaurants, and educating our clients on the regional cuisines.”

Favorite moment on tour with clients: “When they climb a hill they didn’t think they could, or ski a slope that perhaps made them a bit nervous at the top. With a bit of coaching, they can really rise to meet challenges they didn’t think they could handle a few days before.”

Best part of the job: “Italy is an incredibly diverse country. As we explore by bike, foot, or skis, each day we see different foods, wines, and traditions, all reflecting the unique culture, history, and geography of the regions we visit. It’s almost like visiting a different country every day.” italiaoutdoorsfoodandwine.com; chefbikeski.com.

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Newburyport’s 10 Center turns a favorite dessert into a drink for chocoholics.

Winter flurries bring with them our cravings for warm drinks like cocoa and coffee, but at 10 Center in Newburyport, chilly evenings remain that way with the frosty tiramisu martini.

The cocktail covers cravings for both caffeine and chocolate. Plus, it can stand in for your dessert. “Instead of a cappuccino and chocolate cake, you can just have a tiramisu martini,” says bartender Emily Wetenkamp, who created the crème drink.

The martini comprises equal parts brandy, which adds delicious density, and espresso, which creates a full, foamy top. It’s also shaken with Faretti Biscotti Famosi, an Italian liqueur reminiscent of an almond cookie, and Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur for a punch of creamy sweetness. The mixture is served in a glass that’s rimmed with crushed lady fingers, closely resembling the real thing. Wetenkamp drizzles chocolate sauce in the martini glass before pouring, and says those who don’t like espresso can be creative.

“If you want it sweeter, substitute an espresso liqueur or Kahlúa in [the espresso’s] place,” she says. “I like authentic espresso, especially because it gives it that crème. It’s great for show, and it also soaks into the lady fingers. It gives it better flavor.”

Wetenkamp says that tiramisu is her favorite dessert, which is what inspired the cocktail. While the beverage itself is like a dessert, Wetenkamp says it can be paired with cheesecake, tiramisu (the real kind), raspberries, and even pretzels. Or, pair it with anything chocolate for a double dose of decadence. tencenterstreet.com

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Photograph by Glenn Scott

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There’s something about pie that makes us smile. The American classic is a shell for all seasons’ ingredients: asparagus in spring, blueberries in summer, apples in fall, and potatoes in winter. A perennial favorite, chicken pot pie is the ultimate cold-weather comfort.

Tasked with finding the best chicken pot pie on the North Shore, it didn’t take long for me to narrow the field to two contenders: the venerable Harrows versus cheeky newcomer Ken’s Kickin’ Chicken. Both have a loyal following and claim to make their pies by hand using the freshest ingredients. Both offer only takeout.

I brought home two ready-to-bake pies and told the “judges” (my eight- and 10-year-old stepkids, Ben and Maggie) we’d be doing a blind taste test. Intrigued, they clustered around the oven as I extracted the pies. Before I cut into either, we noted the distinct difference in appearance: The crust of Pie A (Harrows) was pale and uneven, while Pie B’s (Ken’s) puffed up to a golden brown with perfectly turned edges.

On the plate, both pies oozed creamy gravy, bits of veggies, and big chunks of tender chicken. Harrows’s was filled with potatoes and carrots; Ken’s with carrots, peas, and stuffing. Both pies were quite tasty, with the biggest difference in the texture of the crust—Harrows’s  was more traditional and flaky; Ken’s had a thinner, crispier consistency with hints of butter.

“If I had to eat any chicken pot pie, it would be Pie B,” Maggie said. “Pie B is the best,” echoed Ben. My husband just nodded and went back for seconds.

So, no matter how you slice it (pun intended), Ken’s Kickin’ Chicken offers a delicious, family-friendly meal that tastes homemade. Ken’s Kickin’ Chicken, 130 North St., Salem, 978-825-0200, kenskickinchicken.net.

 Meat the Best Six local meat pies worth a try.

1. Harrows Chicken Pies, 126 Main St., Reading, 781-944-0410, or 352 Broadway, Saugus, 781-231-7410, chickenpie.com. 2. Guinness-stewed beef and lamb at the Old Spot, 121 Essex St., Salem, 978-745-5656.  3. Take and bake your own chicken, turkey, or beef pot pies from Henry’s, 588 Cabot St., Beverly, 978-922-388, henrysofbeverly.com. 4. Lobster pie at the Causeway Restaurant, 78 Essex Ave., Gloucester, 978-281-5256. 5. The Shepherd’s Pie with lamb and gravy at The Port Tavern, 84 State St., Newburyport, 978-465-1006, theporttavern.com. 6. Oven-ready chicken or turkey pies at Seven Acres Farm, 4 Concord St., North Reading, 978-664-2660.

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Photograph by Glenn Scott

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As the fast-paced world of fashion grows more complex, some people have a tough time keeping up. Trends may come and go, but, as stylist and personal shopper Aricia Symes-Elmer tells us, it’s not always about the trend—it’s about a combination of feeling good and looking great.

Since 2008, Symes-Elmer, owner of the personal shopping and styling company Shift Your Style in Andover, has helped clients of all ages, shapes, and sizes revamp their closets to build practical, stylish wardrobes. The aim, she says, is to leave her customers feeling confident by wearing what looks great on their bodies.

To determine what fits and feels the best, Symes-Elmer always starts a new project by getting to know the client, his or her closet, lifestyle, body type, and the clothes he or she likes. Then, it’s time to get shopping. If necessary, Symes-Elmer will shop for a client and find the best-fitting styles out there. Depending on a client’s budget, she can integrate different clothing items without breaking the bank or even setting foot in a store.

“I don’t care what size or shape you are, how tall or old you are; you can look fantastic,” she says. “When I see women who haven’t bothered for a while, and I put them in a blouse, a dress, or a pair of jeans that looks great and I see their faces light up…[I think] ‘Explain to me why you wouldn’t just wear these jeans every day.’”

Symes-Elmer also works with shoppers at Northshore Mall in Peabody. In an initial briefing, she and her clients work together to determine a budget and shopping list. They then take to the mall to tackle the racks while keeping smart spending in mind.

Although Symes-Elmer started her fashion career in shoes and spent years traveling to Asia and Europe for her work in operations and manufacturing, fashion is where she knew she’d end up. It’s in her current line of work that the sartorial wonder woman and mom of three boys has been helping people realize that, no matter what, they can look and feel great.

“There are so many people who struggle with getting dressed,” she says. “For me, it’s creative, fun, and easy. I wanted to share that ability with people, but to also teach them how to do it themselves.” timetoshiftyourstyle.com.

Packing Pointers: Symes-Elmer’s ten essentials for a mid-season getaway.

1. A scarf to use as a pillow on the plane, tie your hair, add pop to an outfit, and wear as a wrap. 2. An extra top in your carry-on in case of spills. 3. Simple dresses: with bling and heels for night, or flats for a stroll. 4. A patent leather oversized bag that looks great and cleans with a quick wipe. 5. Layers! They give you lots of options. 6. Pack neutrals and complementary colors with pieces that pop. 7. Accessories that go from day to night. 8. A pair of flats and heels. 9. A metallic belt. 10. Go with your favorites. It’s fun to think you’ll wear those  “special” items that have been dormant in your closet, but stick with what you know best.

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With world-class museums, shops, restaurants, hotels, and historical sites galore, Boston is a dream destination in our own backyard.

When planning a respite from reality, most of us tend to think that we have to go far away to get away. Fortunately for folks on the North Shore, when we want a quick break without the hassle of a long-haul journey, a short drive down I-93 (or a train ride, if you want to skip the stress of parking) places us square in the center of one of America’s most intriguing towns.

Stay Boston boasts an impressive array of hotels. The Taj and Four Seasons, both celeb favorites, are set at the edge of the Public Garden, steps from Newbury Street shopping. Taj Boston, 15 Arlington St., 617-536-5700, tajhotels.com/boston; Four Seasons Hotel Boston, 200 Boylston St., 617-338-4400, fourseasons.com/boston. The Mandarin Oriental on Boylston Street is home to the posh eatery Asana and an otherworldly spa. 776 Boylston St., 617-531-0888, mandarinoriental.com/boston. The boutique Beacon Hill Hotel is situated on tree-lined Charles Street and is home to a cozy bistro that’s a neighborhood favorite for brunch. 25 Charles St., 617-723-7575, beaconhillhotel.com.

Eat Boston’s South End is rife with excellent restaurants, and Coppa is no exception with its homemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and innovative sea- and land-inspired bites. 253 Shawmut Ave., 617-391-0902, coppaboston.com. Fans of food TV won’t want to miss Chopped alum Chris Coombs’s swank Deuxave, which marries the “nouvelle techniques of contemporary French cuisine with American ingredients.” 371 Commonwealth Ave., 617-517-5915, deuxave.com. Boston is synonymous with seafood, and Island Creek Oyster Bar is not only the city’s newest seafood spot, but arguably its best. Lobster rolls, chowder, raw bar items, and creative fare—like lobster roe noodles and bacon-wrapped monkfish—are major draws. 500 Commonwealth Ave., 617-532-5300, islandcreekoysterbar.com.

See Break from your outdoor pursuits with Metropolitan Tea  at The Langham, Boston. Served daily from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. at BOND restaurant/lounge, the menu includes scones and sandwiches, plus decadent sweets that make the $30 price tag seem modest. 250 Franklin St., 617-451-1900, boston.langhamhotels.com. The Boston Opera House’s 2012 schedule is packed with high-brow productions, like Green Day’s American Idiot (January 24-29) and Les Misérables (March 13-April 1). 539 Washington St., 617-259-3400, bostonoperahouse.com. For something hands-on, head to the Boston Center for Adult Education, which offers one-time classes and workshops in everything from cooking and baking to drawing and dance. Take one class and you’re sure to sign up for more. 122 Arlington St., 617-267-4430, bcae.org.

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Restaurants, Caterers, & Event Sites

Renowned for its classic style and award-winning service, the Taj Boston is a landmark hotel overlooking the Public Garden. Its jewel box ballrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and palatial salons with wood-burning fireplaces are ideal for picture-perfect wedding ceremonies. The Taj believes your wedding day should be nothing short of perfection, so whether you wish for the grandest affair or an intimate gathering, they will take care of every little detail. All Taj Boston weddings include the dedicated services of an event planner and a luxurious suite for the bride and groom on their wedding night. For more information, call (617) 536-5700 or go to www.tajhotels.com/tajboston.

“As the day you’ve always dreamt of slowly draws to an end, we’ll give you the perfect gift: a 6-night stay at a Taj palace or exotic location.” – Patrick Blangy, Director of Sales and Marketing

Ferncroft Country Club is a perfect place to host your wedding reception, ceremony or shower. Head Chef Stephane Baloy has crafted a unique dining experience that combines first-class quality, unparalleled taste and excellent presentation in a casually elegant atmosphere that will create wonderful memories of your perfect day. The staff goes to great lengths to create a positive experience with extraordinary cuisine and attentive service. No two weddings at Ferncroft are alike. With these facilities, staff and creativity, your reception will be truly unique. For more information, visit www.ferncroftcc.com or call (978) 739-4040 x227.

“Ferncroft CC offers an incredibly convenient location at the intersection of Rt 1 and I-95 that is just 19 miles from downtown, but feels far removed from an urban setting with 287 acres of golf course, trees, and lakes. For the first time in nearly a decade, the Club is accepting wedding reservations from non-members, which offers brides the opportunity to create a unique reception and establish their own identity for their perfect day.” – Toby Ahern, General Manager

For something elegant and sophisticated, bridal couples will be pleasantly pleased with Turner Hill, a magnificent European-inspired Elizabethan mansion. Located on the peak of Ipswich, Massachusetts, the elevated views of grandeur will greet your guests with charm. The property has various locations for  weddings, including the beautiful outdoor garden for ceremonies. Plus, they only host one event a day, so each wedding is given complete attention. Turner Hill boasts indoor and outdoor locations for large or intimate weddings, along with a beautifully appointed bridal chamber, a private room for the groom and his attendants, and even the perfect location for your rehearsal dinner. For more information, call (978) 356-7070 x 109 or go to www.turnerhill.com.

“Allow Turner Hill to create your ‘Happily Ever After.’ Our uniqueness is captured in our magnificent setting and our attention to every detail to create the perfect wedding.” – Carol Travers, Director of the Mansion Sales & Events

Do you want the elegance, warmth, and charm of a grand country estate? Then head to Cafe Escadrille, a landmark of fine dining and events for nearly 40 years, located just 15 miles north of Boston. The beautiful architecture, legendary food, white-glove service, and convenient location are just a few of the reasons this is a wedding favorite. They can accommodate weddings, engagement parties, bridal showers, and rehearsal dinners ranging from 10 to 350 people. Plus, there are many extras included in the wedding package, such as an in-house pastry chef that works with the bride to design the cake of her dreams, an inventory of gorgeous silk centerpieces, and free valet parking. Go to www.CafeEscadrille.com or call (781) 273-1916 for more information.

“Though Cafe Escadrille is just minutes off Route I-95, you and your guests will feel the warmth and elegance of a grand country estate as soon as you enter. Your guests will enjoy the renowned ambiance and cuisine of Cafe Escadrille while our expert wedding staff makes sure that this day is the wedding of your dreams!” – Stephane Colinet, General Manager

For a truly personalized wedding, The Boston Marriott Peabody offers a creative and knowledgeable sales and events team to lead you through the entire wedding process. The property boasts a variety of settings for each of the special events surrounding the wedding. The two ballrooms, the courtyard and poolside seasonal outdoor space are just a few options for the shower, rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, and farewell brunch. Not to be overlooked is the fact that the hotel offers luxurious accommodations for guests, and they also have a great on-site restaurant–Sophia’s. Finally, the banquet team consistently delivers impeccable service on the wedding day, so that every part of your event is executed flawlessly. For more information, call (978) 977-9700 or go to www.peabodymarriottweddings.com.

“Each bride has a different vision, and we are the market leaders in customizing the event that every bride has been dreaming of and will remember for a lifetime.” – Darlene Ippolito, Senior Sales Manager

The Salem Waterfront Hotel & Marina, Salem’s newest boutique hotel, has contemporary nautical décor. Choose from standard rooms, single suites, or two-room suites. The picturesque Pickering Wharf makes a perfect location for weddings. With updated modern rooms, a swimming pool, and central location, the hotel is ideally situated for visiting friends and family. Whether you are looking to book group accommodations, hold a breakfast, luncheon, or reception, or maybe just an intimate family dinner, the experienced and attentive staff will take care of all of the details and create an unforgettable experience. For more information ,call (978) 740-8788 or visit www.salemwaterfronthotel.com

“It’s our attention to detail, flawless execution, and perfect location that is unmatched. We offer everything a Boston wedding has to offer ,but not with Boston pricing.” – Bill Carroll, General Manager

Voted The Knot’s “Best of Weddings 2011,” Cruiseport Gloucester is a luxurious waterfront wedding destination north of Boston. With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Sheree DeLorenzo and her team are dedicated to fulfilling your wedding dreams. They can help you plan your entire event from selecting a wedding photographer, cake designer, entertainment, flowers, lighting, tuxedo rentals, transportation, and those special extras that make your day as unique as you are. Their onsite professional wedding planners are there the day of the event, so you can simply relax and enjoy. Your own personal wedding planner will guide you through all the day’s events ensuring a smooth and memorable wedding. For more information, please go to www.cruiseportgloucester.com or call (978)-282-9700.

“Cruiseport Gloucester is a truly unique property, with huge windows overlooking our fabulous deck and historic Gloucester harbor. I believe what really sets us apart from other venues, however, is our enthusiasm, our commitment to great service, and our creativity. We genuinely love hosting incredible weddings, and we will do whatever we can to make your event spectacular.” – Bridget Jaramillo, Senior Event Manager

Smolak Farms is situated on a 300-year-old family-owned and operated working farm. In addition to the serenity and surrounding beauty of the farm, this event space is special because the Smolak staff only hosts one ceremony per day, giving the wedding couple 100% of their attention. This feature also allows bridal couples complete flexibility in choosing their desired start time. Weddings at Smolak Farms often include a ceremony in the heirloom orchard, a cocktail hour in the antique barn, an elegant reception under a beautiful tent, spectacular pictures in front of the swan pond, traditional hayrides, and delicious homemade baked goods from their own farm stand.  Since their restrictions are few, they pride themselves on hosting unique, customized weddings that surpass everybody’s expectations. For more information, go to www.smolakfarms.com or call (978) 697-1723.

“Smolak Farms offers an alternative to ‘function facility’ weddings, providing couples the opportunity to showcase their individual style and personality in a relaxed country setting.” – Ashley Piazza, Director of Events

For a classic wedding, head to Hawthorne Hotel, which has been hosting weddings since its opening in 1925. The hotel echoes a lost age of grandeur and elegance, and each couple will feel special in this grand site. Personal service and attention to detail are hallmarks of the property and will be evident on your wedding day. Every celebration is catered to your own personal style and taste in the classic setting of the Hawthorne. Each of the 93 rooms is individually furnished and beautifully decorated with 18th century-style reproduction furnishings, reflecting unique New England charm and character. A wedding here is classic and memorable. For more information, go to www.hawthornehotel.com or call (978) 825-4358.

“I think our guests say it best: ‘Thank you so much for all of your help in giving us the perfect wedding. Everything was wonderful and we had a fabulous time. The hotel is great and puts on one heck of a party!’ And we do throw a great party!” – Kristie Poehler, Regional Director of Sales

For a one-stop-shop, full-service wedding, it’s hard to beat the Wyndham Boston Andover Hotel, nestled in the Merrimack Valley. They are able to host wedding receptions, ceremonies, and accommodations for all guests under the same roof. The wedding packages hold the same theory and include floral centerpieces, wedding cake, linens, chair covers/sashes, and limousine service. With close to 300 guest rooms and over 8,000 square-feet of newly renovated banquet space, there’s plenty of room for weddings of various sizes. The hotel takes pride in the fact that it’s consistently in the top 10 of the brand for overall guest satisfaction and service quality. For more information, go to (978) 975-3600 or call www.wyndhamandover.com.

“The outstanding staff is what makes the Wyndham Boston Andover Hotel so special. Every one of them is passionate about hospitality and providing the best possible experience to every guest, every day.”
- General Manager, Don Corbosiero

Imagine your wedding at a beautiful private estate. Located in picturesque Bradley Palmer Park, Willowdale Estate offers everything from formal wedding receptions to garden courtyard ceremonies. Planning services begin with a comprehensive ‘Wedding Planning Book’ that will guide you through the process. The planning department is dedicated to making sure that you have all your questions answered and that all elements have been considered. Best of all, they provide all-inclusive packages: venue, catering, and planning. Plus, all of the food is fresh and homemade; everything is prepared and cooked on site, so food is never transported or held in warmers. The day-of-wedding coordinators are talented and skilled individuals dedicated to seeing you get the experience that you want from your wedding day.
For more information, go to www.willowdaleestate.com or call (978) 887-8211.

“One happy couple said it best:  ‘The food, the staff, and the service was excellent.  Thank you for making our wedding day a dream come true!” – Briar Rose Forsythe, Owner & Executive Director

For nearly 40 years, Gourmet Caterers has been considered one of Boston’s premier caterers. In addition to their exclusive partnerships with some of Boston’s most historic venues, including John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, John Joseph Moakley Federal Courthouse and Boston Symphony Orchestra, Gourmet is also a preferred vendor at several venues throughout the Boston area. Whether your dream wedding is a large event or intimate affair, Gourmet’s team of innovative planners, chefs, stylists, and servers will be by your side to ensure that everything is perfectly and uniquely your own. From the food to the flowers, site location to linens, Gourmet promises wonderful memories to last a lifetime. Go to www.gourmetcaterers.com or call (617) 522-2820 for more information.

“It’s our goal to make sure that your event is specifically tailored to you…start to finish” – Kim Richard, Director of Sales

Joe Fish is a traditional New England seafood house with a fun, creative style. They have a separate dining room available that can seat up to 50 people; the room features a private bar, restrooms, and entrance. The menu can be tailored to meet each and every event. Whether it is a formal sit-down dinner, casual buffet, or intimate gathering, Joe Fish can make entertaining your family and friends a memorable experience. The Loft is a 200-year-old post-and-beam-constructed farmhouse serving the finest steaks and comfort foods. It is also a truly unique place for your rehearsal dinner or bridal shower. For more information on Joe Fish, go to Joefish.net or call (978) 685-3663; for The Loft go to loftsteakandchophouse.com or call (978) 686-0026.

“We customize each event to the specific needs of the customer, so if they want a traditional New England clam bake, we can do it, or if they want comfort food, we can create a menu around that. We cater the menu to each customer’s needs and budgets, so each event is personalized.” – Jim Dietz, Owner

For bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and wedding receptions, Ithaki restaurant offers excellent service and fresh, creative Greek cuisine. Dinner and catering events can accommodate between 15-100 people. Their newly renovated dining room and expanded bar is the perfect place for a celebration. The restaurant serves classic modern Mediterranean cuisine such as rack of lamb and amazing scallops as well as local favorites such as Cape Ann Haddock, creamy mushroom risotto, filet mignon, gorgeous tuna, and chocolate mousse. The central location—close to Route 95 and 128 and just one block from the Ipswich train station—makes it convenient for your guests. For more information, go to www.ithakicuisine.com or call (978) 356-0099.

“We offer unique weddings because of our excellent-rated cuisine and gracious ambiance.” – Petros Markopoulos, Owner

Timothy S. Hopkins Catering is chef-owned and operated, so they really care about the food and bring many years of culinary experience to the table. They ask couples and their families  about their culinary tastes and requirements to create menus just for them. Once they come up with a menu and a proposal that is mutually agreeable, they invite the couple into their kitchen for a complimentary tasting. They feel it is so important not only to taste the food, but to meet face-to-face to get to know each other and to discuss their vision of how they would like their reception to be. In addition to custom menu planning and complimentary tastings, they offer all of the services required of a full service boutique catering company. For more information, go to www.tshcatering.com or call (978) 768-9990.

What makes us unique is our ability to source the best local seafood, meat and produce on the North Shore. We have long standing relationships with local vendors and farms.  There is a bounty of delicious food in the region, and we have always taken advantage of that.” – Tim Hopkins, Owner and Executive Chef

Serenitee Catering is a full-scale catering company representing seven unique restaurants on the North Shore. They offer in-house wedding rehearsal dinners, receptions, showers, and off-site catered events. In-house events can be arranged at any of the seven locations: Latitude 43, Minglewood Tavern, Alchemy Bistro, Calas, 15 Walnut, Hale St. Tavern, and The Backstage Bistro. Serenitee Catering has a culinary edge in the catering business due to the fact that they represent seven different restaurants with seven unique food concepts and menus. They offer everything from sushi to classic New England fare to creative dishes utilizing local organic produce and farm-friendly meats. For more information, visit www.sereniteecatering.com or call (978) 281-0223.

“Serenitee Catering combines the passion, energy and expertise of our seven unique restaurants in planning your custom tailored event. Whether you are planning a sizeable gathering at one of our larger restaurants or an intimate dinner at one of our smaller locations, we dedicate ourselves to ensuring your special occasion is a warm and memorable event.” – Jenn Waitkus, Director of Sales

Marian Court College, located on the banks of the Atlantic Ocean in picturesque Swampscott, serves as the perfect venue for weddings. With breathtaking views from The Great Lawn coupled with elegant, distinguished food provided by Dario’s Catering, your event is guaranteed to be unforgettable. Dario’s is innovative, passionate, elegant, and dedicated to excellent food presented in a beautiful style. They’ve been catering to some of the most discriminating palates and personalities in Boston and the North Shore since 2001. Together, Marian Court College and Dario’s create authentic, memorable experiences for the special day. For more information, go to www.mariancourt.edu/events, www.darioscatering.com, or call (781) 309-5200.

“This is one of the most special days in a couple’s life. The view from The Great Lawn is magical.” – Michele Ahouse, VP of Development, Marketing & Events

“Our passion and focus is on the couple and their guests – from the view, to the food, to the service – it’s all about creating a day made up of memorable moments.” – Dario Puerto, chef/owner, Dario’s Catering

Joseph’s Trattoria is the perfect place for your rehearsal dinner or bridal shower.  They offer fresh, creative Italian cuisine and will work closely with the bridal couple to come up with a menu that suits their palate and style. Additionally, they can create the wedding cake of your dreams. Couples will pick their favorite cake flavor, filling, and icing; there are literally dozens of options from which to choose. If you’re having your wedding off-site, Joseph’s also has an extensive catering menu and will work hard to make sure everything is perfect. For more information, call (978) 374-8288 or visit www.josephstrattoria.com.

“We’re excited to announce that we will soon be expanding the restaurant to include a private event room, in which we can host parties that can seat up to 60 people. In this new space, we will be serving the exact same food as the restaurant—food that our customers have come to love and depend on visit after visit.”  – Gina Brannon, Co-owner

The Pavilion Oceanfront Event Center is an elegant event space for weddings, rehearsal dinners, and bridal showers accommodating from 35 to 250 guests. There are various settings for your event and each one features breathtaking ocean views, cuisine prepared by award-winning Seaglass Restaurant, and a professional staff of event and service managers. The event center is the only venue on Boston’s North Shore that offers direct oceanfront function spaces. Guests can feel the waves breaking gently beneath their feet. For more information, go to www.seaglassoceanside.com or call 978 465-2000 x 113.

Dresses, Tuxes, & Corsets

Bridesmaids Galleria provides stylish bridal attendants’ collections with eight of the top designers in the bridal industry. Whether you’re looking for classic, contemporary, sophisticated, or chic, all styles are available in a variety of quality fabrics including bella chiffons, iridescent taffetas, and European satins. Dresses are available in various lengths and alterations can be made on any dress. Accessories are available, including bridesmaids’ jewelry sets and fashionable dyed-to-match footwear. Bridesmaids Galleria is an established, trusted, and credible operation with over 30 years in business. They offer flexible hours and exceptional personal service. For more information, visit www.bridesmaidsgalleria.com or call (781) 598-5003.

“We offer the best dresses for your best friends.” – Gayle Polcari, Owner

The Ultimate has been making women feel beautiful for over 40 years by helping them find the dress of their dreams. They have thousands of dresses in the store for bridesmaids, flower girls, and mother-of-the-bride/groom. With the addition of tuxedos, they can help your whole wedding party, as well as your guests. Their dedicated and knowledgeable staff takes pride in making you look your best. Appointments are welcomed, but not necessary. For more information, call (978) 535-5440 or go to www.ultimatewomansapparel.com.

”Unlike most bridal shops, we have a huge selection of evening dresses that are perfect for the bride who doesn’t want a typical bridesmaid look. Also, we are open seven days and five nights.” – Heather Siegel, Owner

Since 1976, Over the Rainbow has been helping brides on the North Shore create the wedding of their dreams. This 35 year-old family business was started by Barbara Perdue and is now run by her daughter Jacqueline Perdue Martin. They are the ultimate “green” environmental establishment by offering gowns that have either been worn once or, in some cases, never worn. This saves brides a considerable amount of money, as gowns are offered at half their original price. Their commitment to service and quality at an affordable price make this store truly unique.  For more information, go to www.overtherainbows.com or call (978) 927-6070.

“Brides today are interested in their environment, and we like to think we were at the start of the recycling revolution. Buying a used gown is the ultimate recycle.” – Jacqueline Perdue Martin, Owner

Lorraine Roy Designer Collections is a special occasion dress salon specializing in dresses for mother-of-the-bride and groom. They have a variety of styles for mom: long or short, formal or casual. They offer personalized attention no matter what the budget. Our dedicated staff understands that a wedding is a very special day not only for the bride, but also for her mother and her future mother-in-law. Everyone plays an important role and should feel absolutely beautiful on that special day. They also carry dresses for guests of the wedding, as well as dresses for the rehearsal dinner, shower, or brunch the day after the wedding. For more information, go to www.lorraineroy.com or call (978) 774-0825.

“We understand that the mother of the bride is the second most important woman in the room. We want her to be spectacular!” – Jeanne Hennessey, Owner

A Beautiful Corset exclusively features the Vollers authentic steel-boned corset. As an undergarment to a wedding dress, every bride is insured the most elegant hourglass figure on her wedding day and her honeymoon night with a Vollers corset. The wedding corset style can be worn as outerwear or intimate wear and will reduce the waistline 2”- 6” instantly. A personal corset-fitting specialist is assigned to every bridal party and will help select the right wedding corset for the special wedding day or honeymoon night. Their website features the entire collection of Vollers under-bust and over-bust corsets. For more information, visit www.abeautifulcorset.com or call (978) 740-2922.

“We are the exclusive distributor for Vollers, and we carry all 50 styles. Vollers is the best corset in the world, and every single corset is made to order.” – Tamar Rosenblatt, Owner

J. Gibley Tuxedos is the newest tuxedo boutique in the Boston area and has decades of experience in finding the perfect tuxedo for your wedding. Founder Jeff Gibeley is a tuxedo expert and will work with you to find the tuxedo that complements your theme, color scheme, or location. They specialize in tuxedo and suit rentals as well as destination wedding rentals. They offer the latest styles and designers. Additionally, they sell tuxedos and suits for all sizes from infants (6 months to 3T), boys (size 4-18) and men (sizes 34-64). They have over 3,000 tuxedos in stock and offer same-day service. Special packages for wedding parties are available; with six or more rentals in a wedding party, the groom’s tux rental is free. For more information, go to www.jgibleytuxedos.com or
call (978) 531-8856.

“We do custom alterations on coats, pants, and shirts—free of charge. For guys that are hard to fit, we will special order items. We offer unmatched service and supreme quality at a competitive price.” – Jeff Gibeley, Owner

For tuxedo and limo service for the special day, it’s hard to beat Russo Tux & Limousine. They rent and sell tuxedos and suits and have over 50 styles to choose from. They offer convenient six-day rental from Wednesday to Monday. Their in-house tailor does custom alterations for hard-to-fit men and athletic fit.  All outfits are tried on in-store, so everyone looks perfect for the wedding day. Their fleet of limos consists of 6, 8, and 10 passenger stretches, Hummers, Escalades, limo buses, and more. The drivers are experienced chauffeurs. For more information, call (617) 839-8034 or go to www.russotux.com and www.russolimousine.com.

“Russo Tux & Limousine will make you look your best and arrive in style!” – Maria Russo, Owner

Bella Sera Bridal is a full-service bridal salon conveniently located above Giblees in Danvers. They offer designer gowns in all sizes. They believe that every bride deserves care and respect when selecting the gown she will wear as she walks toward her future. No matter her size or shape, the staff at Bella Sera Bridal will be by her side to make sure she feels her absolute best on the most magical day of her life. For appointments, please call (978) 774-4077 or go to www.bellaserabride.com.

“The Bella Sera staff loves what they do and it shows. We not only have a beautiful, relaxing space, we also make the buying experience fun and stress-free.  We’ll take care of you from the moment you walk through our front door until the moment you pick up your gorgeous gown. We look forward to hearing your stories and sharing in such an amazing experience.” – Heidi Nicholson, Owner

Giblees is the North Shore destination for fine men’s clothing, including many upscale European designers and custom suiting. Your groom and his groomsmen will look their best in the latest styles. Giblees has been providing the finest of men’s wear and personalized service in the New England area for more than 50 years. From casual to formal, Giblees offers one of the largest inventories and selections of men’s designer clothing in all of New England. The unique merchandise is chosen from around the world and not commonly found in a typical men’s store. The service is just as upscale as the clothing. All the sales associates have extensive fashion training and help customers choose items that best meet their style and budget requirements. For more information, go to www.giblees.com or call (978) 774-4080.

“Giblees offers the best service with a tailor shop located on the premises for the perfect custom fit.  Our selection can’t be beat: With specialty sizing from 3 months to 56XL, we have it all!” – Alan Gibeley, President

Beauty & Relaxation

To relax before the big day, escape to spa ni’joli. They offer exceptional customer service and every bride has their own bridal concierge that plans their entire event from start to finish. They have a separate bridal studio offering top-notch services and can customize the experience to every bride. Large groups are welcome. Many brides come in the week before and receive a relaxing massage with their groom. Then the whole bridal party comes back the day before the wedding to receive manicures and pedicures. On the big day, they do the final hair and makeup services, perfecting every last detail. With over 13 styling stations, 10 treatment rooms, and 12 pedicure and manicuring stations, they offer the very best in bridal beauty needs. For more information, go to www.nijoli.com or call (978) 682-9772.

“Our friendly staff, relaxing atmosphere, and attention to detail allows each bride to start her special day like the storybook wedding she’s always imagined.”  – Kristen McVey, Bridal Concierge

For brides, grooms, and mothers of the bridal couple, looking your best for the big day is of utmost importance. At All Care Laser Center, the technicians offer a number of different treatment options. No matter what the problem area is, they will work with their clients to address it. The Center does everything from removal of hair and pigmented lesions to addressing uneven sun damage, teeth bleaching, Botox, and Juvederm. For mothers of the bridal couple, there are a number of anti-aging treatments that can be performed. For more information, call (978) 208-0284 or go to www.allcarelasercenter.com.
“What sets us apart is the expertise of our technicians. I’ve been a laser technician since 1997, when the FDA gave approval for laser treatments. I’m one of the longest practicing technicians in the country. My staff also has extensive experience and together we are one of the most experienced laser centers in the U.S.” – Lisa Ricciardelli, Clinical Director

Great hair and makeup is essential, and wedding parties will find rouge cosmetics a chic beauty boutique and salon. They sell an array of the finest cosmetic products and provide professional makeup artistry as well as makeup lessons. Their mission is to teach women of all ages to utilize skincare and makeup to look and feel younger, more beautiful, and more confident. For weddings, they offer a peaceful, well-lit, chic environment where bridal parties can utilize 3-4 experienced makeup artists who have thousands of unique makeup products at their fingertips to customize and perfect each individual’s look to their desire. From super casual to high fashion and everything in between, rouge cosmetics will make your wedding makeup perfect. For more information, go to www.rouge.com or call (978) 740-1044.

“At rouge, we love helping brides look and feel more beautiful on their special day. We receive countless notes from our brides thanking us for helping them to reach their wedding day dreams!” – Ann Supple Massey, Owner

From brides and grooms to the parents of the happy couple, everyone wants to look their best on the big day. A visit to Dr. Anna Petropoulos of the New England Facial and Cosmetic Surgery Center will allow you to explore your options, focusing on non-surgical treatments, yet offering surgical ones if necessary as well. Being a national education faculty member who trains other physicians in these techniques, Dr. Petropoulos specializes in the latest non-invasive treatments at her Boston-area practice, including Botox, skin tightening and skin retexturizing as well as liquid face lifts. She strives to give her patients impressive yet natural results that reflect the vibrant, spirited, and joyful way they feel inside. For more information, go to www.classicface.com or call (978) 739-9500.

“A wedding is a very special and precious day for the whole family. My goal is to enhance the classic and natural beauty of the bride and her family so that they look their absolute best while glowing with joy and happiness as they begin their new life.” – Dr. Petropoulos

Everyone wants to look their best at a wedding. Look Your Best Northshore Medical Spa has board-certified physicians and nurses who are dedicated to exceptional standards of client care in performing state-of-the-art cosmetic medical services. These services are offered in a comfortable, relaxing environment. They have extensive experience, and their efficient approach to client care means you can begin to gain the look you want at your first appointment. The spa offers Botox, Juvéderm, Radiesse, laser facials, laser hair removal, and other treatments, so you’ll look your best on the big day. Wedding packages are available for the entire bridal party. For more information, go to www.lookyourbestnorthshore.com or call (978) 922-8344.

“We want you to be relaxed and refreshed, not overdone on your big day.” – James Bass, MD, Medical Director

Beautiful skin and a younger, more vibrant appearance is the mission at Skin Deep. They strive to help you achieve your cosmetic goals in a relaxed medical spa atmosphere, where your comfort and appearance are primary. At Skin Deep Laser Services, they are dedicated to offering high-quality aesthetic laser services using the newest technology available. They offer state-of-the-art, non-invasive laser treatments for men and women and provide the latest technologies in medical grade skin care, skin rejuvenation, injectables, and laser services. For more information, go to www.SkinDeep-MA.com or call (978) 587-2711.

“At Skin Deep, beautiful skin and a younger, more vibrant appearance are all goals of our patients and the sole focus of our mission.” – Ariell Duvli, Clinic Director

To look your best at your wedding, the New Self Medical Weight Loss Center has a program that uses a very low-calorie diet, which incorporates calibrated replacement meals and supplements. New Self Medical Weight Loss Center says that the average dieter can expect to lose around 3 to 5 pounds per week. What makes this center unique is that it’s a physician-supervised weight loss program. This type of program targets those looking for a fast and safe way to lose weight and maintain the weight loss.  The program not only results in significant weight loss, but also gives you the tools necessary to maintain the weight loss over time. For more information, go to www.healthynewself.com or call (978) 462-4929.

“At New Self, we understand the science of weight loss. Our patients feel constantly motivated by rapid weight loss, increased energy levels, and the constant support and coaching from our staff.”  – Guy Navarra, MD

Cakes

For your wedding cake, Eat Cake! will create a baked-to-order creation, customized for your special day. They meet with you and your fiancé individually to chat about your wedding plans, taste some delicious cake, and get to know your personal style. About a week before the consultation, they ask you to select your favorite cake flavor combinations, and then they set about making as many as three small cakes that will be sitting on pedestals for you to see when you walk through the door for your consultation. Picking the perfect cake is seamless with these wedding experts. For more information, visit them at www.eatcakeonline.com or call (978) 465-6057.

“We truly value the fact that our clients have handfuls of bakeries to choose from and they select us to produce their dream cake that, until their wedding day, only exists in their mind’s eye. We love that our relationship with our clients begins with the wedding and continues through anniversaries and baby showers and graduations.”  – Hilary Larson, Owner

At Cakes by Design, they individually create each cake to fit the bridal couple’s personality and the mood of the big day. Their cakes are creative and adventurous in design with bold colors, exquisite flavor, and of course, all their cakes are deliciously moist. With your personal input and ideas, they can do the thinking and fulfill your cake dreams. In addition to wedding cakes, they also can create cupcake towers, cookies, brownies, petit fours, and more. These beautifully handcrafted pastries will keep your guests talking for many years to come. For more information, visit
www.cakesbydesignedibleart.com or call (978) 975-8877.

“Cakes by Design are bright, bold, and delicious. You dream it, we bake it, you enjoy it on your wedding day.” – Lina Hunter, Owner
Cakes for Occasions specializes in custom-designed wedding cakes. They sit down with every couple one-on-one to discuss the style, inspiration, and feel of their wedding and work with them to create the cake that not only looks like it was custom-made just for their big day, but tastes delicious. This year’s trend has been clean, simple cakes with a more modern, minimalist feel to them. Rustic style frosted cakes have also been popular. Cakes for Occasions is a nut-free, boutique-style cake and pastry shop where creativity and passion is the recipe for their products. For more information, call (978) 774-4545 or go to www.cakes4occasions.com.

“We offer one-on-one cake tastings and consultations and spend extra time making sure that every detail of the cake is exactly as the couple envisions it. Our dedication goes beyond their wedding day. Each couple receives a freshly baked complementary anniversary cake to celebrate their one-year anniversary.” – Kelly Delaney, Owner

Flowers, Jewelry, & Accessories

Your wedding is the first of many milestones, and Hamilton Gardens wants to be there to provide couples the attention to detail they deserve. They will work closely with you to transform preliminary ideas into creations representing the bride’s personality and dreams. The wedding experts at Hamilton Gardens will visit the site of the wedding and take in the atmosphere so they can really extend the vision the bride and groom have for choosing that location. No matter how large or small, casual or elegant, the Hamilton Garden wedding team will work with you to establish a budget you are comfortable with for your celebration. Learn more through a private consultation with one of their wedding specialists. Flowers from Hamilton Gardens will make your wedding day spectacular. For more information, call (978) 468-0148 or go to www.hamiltongardensonline.com.

“There’s nothing we like better than the smile a bride gets when we hand her the bouquet of her dreams.” – Tamara Rogers, Event Specialist

No registry is too big or too small for La Provence. You’ll instantly be transported to a French market in the south of France. All registry sizes are welcome and all receive an individual online webpage for their guests’ shopping convenience. La Provence imports authentic quality products from France, which will brighten your new home with the brilliant and vibrant colors that can only be from Provence. Choose from acrylic-coated or cotton tablecloths, jacquard tablecloths, placemats, bread baskets, aprons, fabric by the yard, and other home accessories. Other French items include Carbonel Santons, La Rochere Glassware, Ceramic, Olive Wood, and the finest in French soaps and perfumes. For more information, go to www.laprov.com or call (978) 546-5868.

“La Provence is proud to offer a unique selection of gifts. We provide a personal touch to your shopping experience that you will not find at a big name department store.” – Dawn Noble, Owner

Tesoro Boston is a full-service “by appointment only” private jeweler catering to the individual needs of their clients, one client at a time. Let Tesoro Boston bring sparkle to your engagement, your wedding day, your first anniversary, and beyond. Your next jewelry purchase will be a truly unique experience. Choose from their extensive collection of diamond and gemstone jewelry or use their signature personal consulting services to guide you in creating a custom piece of jewelry or restyling a family heirloom. Meet with them in their comfortable, private showroom and experience personal service at its best. For more information, visit their website at www.tesoroboston.com or call for an appointment (978) 539-8720.

“The greatest trend in weddings is personal style. Let our consulting services guide you to discover jewelry that is as unique as your personality. Making you and your bridal party sparkle on your big day is what we do best!” – Nerissa Parisi, Owner

M.K. Winston Jewelers offers couples the unique opportunity to meet and share ideas directly with the designer and jeweler himself. They are one of the few jewelers who do not contract out their work to other people to manufacture; rather, they share ideas directly between their clients and the person who will craft your jewelry from start to finish. Doing this enables them to deliver exactly the finished product that you were dreaming of, rather than details you wanted being lost in translation. Since their jeweler is also the designer, the in-house jewelry is high quality, yet at prices you can feel good about because they have cut out the middleman. They offer a lifetime maintenance guarantee on all pieces at no additional cost, as well as interest-free financing. For more information, call (978) 462-2768 or visit
www.mkwinston.com.

“If we custom design something for you and you want it to be one-of-a-kind, we will honor your wishes and never make it again. M.K. Winston jewelers will honor your love with jewelry that you will cherish for a lifetime.” – Matt Khatib, Designer

The Event Company is a full-service party equipment rental business. They specialize in high-end outdoor events, but can accommodate any type of event. Being small keeps their quality high, but costs low. They offer various styles of tents, tables, chairs, and lighting. They customize each event, and through the use of lighting and fabric liners or swags, they can transform any space. Advances in LED lighting and additional paper lantern colors have increased options. A creative layout with a variety of table shapes and sizes helps add appeal to a space, and lounge areas with comfortable furniture are often added to complete the look. For more information, call (978) 283-4884 or go to www.rentent.com  

“We work with our customers to make their event unique and help take the stress out of planning.” – Taylor Hedges, President

Flowers By Petros offers a gorgeous selection of bridal bouquets, floral cake decorations, wedding ceremony flowers, and centerpieces to fit any budget. Whether your wedding is a spring, summer, fall, or winter event, simple or elaborate, they can provide bright, beautiful flowers to make the day unforgettable. Browse their online galleries to get some ideas, then schedule a floral consultation to see what works best for your wedding. As experienced florists, they’re full of ideas and can provide just the right flowers for every moment of your wedding celebration. Surround yourself with beauty on your special day. For more information, go to www.flowersbypetros.com or call (978) 356-0003.

“We create unique designs, customized for every style and every budget. We offer professional personalized service for stress-free events.” – Petros Markopoulos, Owner

Susan’s Interior Plantscaping is a full-service interior plantscaping company. They have been beautifying interior spaces and detoxifying the air through green plants for 25 years. Their designs are generated through digital imaging to give their customers a visual of exactly what they are getting. They present the client with the pictures of their space digitally altered with the plants and containers they will be using. With SIP, there are no surprises. What you see is what you get. SIP also provides plant rentals as part of their special occasion services. For more information, go to www.plantwerks.com or call (978) 462-4126.

“Since we provide digital imaging, we can go out and shoot a picture of the venue and we can design the space digitally. You can see what it will look like on the big day.” – Susan Harvey, Owner

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Photograph by Glenn Scott

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Rink Master, Larry Abbott

Whether temperatures outside are brisk or balmy, Larry Abbott can almost always be found on the ice. Abbott operates Hockeytown USA in Saugus all year long, a job he’s enjoyed for nearly four decades. The rink is a common gathering space among area youth and adult groups, whether for figure skating or ice hockey, but even Abbott himself will join in the action, competing weekly in hockey matches. Here, Abbott talks to Northshore about life on the ice.

How did you get into hockey? I started when I was eight or nine years old, and just because the kids in the neighborhood were doing it. We played on the ponds. I grew up in Melrose. We played hockey on the local teams, and then progressed to the high school level, and then I went to college and played at Boston University.

What do you love most about playing? It is something I have done all my life, and I have been in the ice business all my life. So I just enjoy the game. I enjoy the people. They are very classic people, hockey players. They seem to be very genuine. I like the team aspect of it. Everyone has to pull together. It’s good exercise, and we have a lot of fun and meet a lot of nice people along the way.

How do you create an adult ice hockey team? A team captain could come in and build his own team. We have some leagues that just take individuals. We place them according to their abilities, set their schedules up, give them shirts, and away we go.

How does younger players’ style compare to the older ones’? If you’re talking the 18- to 30-year-olds, they play a little different game than the guys in their 50s and 60s. The older guys grew up when there were no face masks, so they have a little more control over their sticks. The younger guys are products of an era where they had face masks, and the game became a little faster, a little more reckless, and a little more physical. The kids that have the face masks play with a little different style than the older guys that used to play without the masks and have a little more respect for what you do with your stick.

As a Bruins fan, how was it for you witnessing their Stanley Cup win last season? Oh, it was terrific. It was a great game to watch. They played with a lot of intensity and a lot of heart. After all these years of watching other teams do it, we finally got to watch the local team win. Hockeytownsaugus.com.

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The evening will include entry, complimentary food and a champagne toast at midnight for $20 per person starting at 10pm. Resolutions don’t come into effect until sunrise, so indulge at the cash bar filled with tasty libations sponsored by Don Julio Tequila and Grand Marnier.

For early diners, Red Lulu will kick off the night with a dinner starting at 7pm serving a red and black-themed four-course prix fixe menu for $25 per person. The menu will feature dishes such as the Pie do Puerco Tostada with Cascabal Chiles, epazote, apple, chestnut puree, Watercress Radish Serrano salsa; Mussels Diablo with garlic, shallot, Don Julio Reposado tequila, tomatoes and Morito chiles; and Blackened Butter-poached Beef Tenderloin with Chile rubbed fingerling potatoes, Swiss chard, spicy mojo beurre blanc.

WHERE: Red Lulu, 94 Lafayette St, Salem, MA 01970

WHEN: Saturday, December 31, 2011, Dinner: 7pm – 10pm, Party: 10pm – 2am

OTHER: Tickets for the 7pm dinner are $25 per person, with party tickets at $20 per person; all which can be purchased at http://redlulunye.eventbrite.com/ For more information please call (978)-594-4282 or visit www.redlulusalem.com

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WHAT: What could be better than celebrating the year’s end with a true Italian culinary experience? Celebratethis New Year’s Eve with family and friends at Tuscan Kitchen, the award-winning Italian restaurant, located just north of Boston in Salem, New Hampshire on Saturday, December 31st, 2011 from 3:00PM – 10:00PM.

Ring in the New Year amongst friends and family while experiencing the sights, sounds and tastes of a true, rustic-Italian getaway. The artisan craftsmanship of Executive Chef Jim Rogers that has made Tuscan Kitchen a must-see dining destination in New England, will be highlighted throughout the evening as guests indulge in Tuscan Kitchen’s signature dishes including fresh handmade pastas, just-baked breads, fine Italian cheeses and specially made desserts, as well as select New Year’s Eve specials. Diners can toast to the past and welcome the future with seasonally inspired cocktails and wine from Tuscan Kitchen’s extensive wine list with choices available by the glass or the bottle. All menu items are available a la carte, and will be served from 3PM to 10PM. Join us for an early toast to the New Year at 6:00pm (12:00am Italian Time) and celebrate Felice Anno Nuovo!

WHERE: Tuscan Kitchen│67 Main Street, Salem,NH 03079 │603-952-4875

WHEN: Saturday, December 31st, 2011 from 3:00PM to 10:00PM

RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted for parties of seven or more. Call ahead seating is available for parties smaller than seven. Simply call (603) 952-4875 before leaving your home or office and if on a wait, you will be added to wait list ensuring priority seating! Upon arrival, please check in with the host at the front door. *There may be an additional wait when you arrive.

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The Seaside Wedding Show will feature over fifty hand-selected vendors who will share their professional expertise and offer options for choosing an eco-conscious wedding. Attendees will be able to sample food from caterers using local farm produce, learn about ways to conserve resources from florists who use biodegradable materials and locally grown flowers, select design companies offering invitations printed on recycled paper, and view couture gowns locally manufactured. Guests will learn how to create their ideal wedding day from food to spa luxuries, and choose sustainable options at the same time. Better choices for the planet, better choices for future generations. Join The Trustees in their mission to preserve and protect the specilal cultural, natural and scenic landscapes and landmarks that make Massachusetts so unique, for everyone, forever.

WHERE: Castle Hill on The Crane Estate is located at 290 Argilla Road in Ipswich, MA. For directions and or more information, please visit www.craneestate.org or call 978-356-4351 ext. 4025.

WHEN: Sunday, April 22nd from 12 Noon to 3PM

HOW: Purchase tickets at www.craneestate.org to be eligible for the GRAND PRIZE drawing: two glorious nights at The Inn at Castle Hill on The Crane Estate (over $900 value) www.theinnatcastlehill.com. Tickets: $5 for Trustees members; $10 for non-members; and $15 at the door.

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Once a year, we open our doors at Willowdale Estate to showcase our talented wedding experts. Come join us for an afternoon of food, music and information that will help you get started on planning an unforgettable wedding day! Sunday, January 8, 2012 www.WillowdaleEstate.com

~ Experience an event at our historic property

~ Taste offering from our talented chefs

~ Meet with Willowdale Estate’s Preferred Vendors

~ Interested in booking a wedding here? Talk to our Sales Team

All brides who pre-register will receive our signature gift bag, and a chance to win great prizes! This is a free event for you and your guests so register now and avoid the lines! Please email us at info@WillowdaleEstate.com

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Like any bride-to-be, Drew Duford’s to-do list is as long as a wedding train. It’s eight months until the 28-year-old, who lives in Haverhill, ties the knot with fiancé Richard Dupre at The Crane Estate in Ipswich, and pressure is mounting.

Unlike many anxious brides, whose inner Bridezillas come out somewhere between choosing the invitations and walking down the aisle, Duford is calm, cool, and collected. She has already chosen a dress, the photographer is booked, and the groom is shopping for tuxedos. If she needs help with any of the 101 other things to check off her list, from the DJ to her bridal bouquet, she knows it’s just a phone call away.

Dresses in a row at the Bridal Center

Instead of racing around to 15 different wedding services, Duford has found the ultimate support network at The Bridal Center at One Main Street in Andover, a new and unique wedding “destination,” with nine highly experienced specialists who can smooth every step of a bride’s journey, from getting hitched to choosing her honeymoon outfits.

“It’s a fabulous idea,” Duford says of the Bridal Center concept, “and it’s making my life so much easier. Everyone is so pleasant and professional and welcoming, and to have all these services under the same roof is so convenient. It’s really a one-stop shop.”

Filling four floors of a beautifully restored building overlooking Elm Square, The Bridal Center offers designer wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses, mother-of-the-bride ensembles, shoes, jewelry, accessories, cocktail dresses, intimate apparel, tuxedos, and car services. There’s a first-class photographer, the top-rated entertainment and uplighting specialist in New England, an event planner and wedding decorator, and even a personal trainer to get couples in shape for their big day. An invitations boutique is next door, and there’s a florist across the road, but if you still can’t find what you need, the nine specialists at The Bridal Center have Rolodexes stuffed with personal contacts who can also assist in your wedding planning with military (and stress-free) precision.

Thought to be the only bridal center of its kind in America, this clever concept is the brainchild of 63-year-old Andover businessman Tom Belhumeur, who owned a chain of Athlete’s Corner stores in Massachusetts during a 30-year retail career and now owns several commercial properties in Andover. A casual conversation two years ago with long-time tenants Steve and Christine Kalman—the owners of Cristina’s, one of the most successful and respected bridal boutiques in New England—quickly turned into a major business proposition.

“Cristina’s was a tenant across the street for 20 years, and they were really busting at the seams,” recalls Belhumeur. “We got to chatting and thought, ‘If we’re going to create a new building with Cristina’s taking up much of the space, how about bringing in other people in the bridal business and doing the whole thing as a wedding destination?’”

With no experience in the bridal industry, Belhumeur started to research, bringing home glossy weddings magazines and watching TV shows like Say Yes to the Dress. “My wife thought I was really losing it,” he chuckles. “She’d always known me to be a cut-and-dry commercial guy, but this took a whole different turn because I was personally involved.”

Belhumeur identified a prime location at the corner of Main and Central streets in the heart of downtown Andover: a run-down two-story building once home to Kaps men’s clothing store. He purchased the building for $1.2 million in December 2009, won local planning approval, and set about restoring it. “We pretty much tore the building down and rebuilt it, adding a third story,” he says.

The additional floor increased the commercial space from 10,000 to almost 16,000 square feet, enough room to accommodate Cristina’s and eight other tenants. Belhumeur won’t say how much he invested in the building, but it’s plain to see that he spared no expense, having incorporated an elevator, marble floors, a mahogany staircase, chandeliers, and large windows to capture the town views and natural light.

For the color scheme—a crisp white and tan on the exterior, a cool blue-gray for the interior—Belhumeur chose colors that would appeal to women and men alike. His choice of wallpaper delivered a pleasant surprise. “When the interior designer turned over the sample, it was called ‘Wedding Rings,’ and I thought, ‘There’s an omen right there,’” he says.

“I wanted the building to look confident, successful, and upscale, and for people to identify with it in how they wanted their wedding to be,” Belhumeur says. “It’s very special to me. We started with nothing and created something wonderful.”

Christine Kalman, owner of Cristina's, helping a bride-to-be

By the time the building was completed in April 2011 and renamed The Bridal Center at One Main Street, Belhumeur had taken calls from scores of florists, caterers, boutiques, and wedding planners. “People would drive by, see the building, and want to be part of it,” he says. “I could have done a 100,000-square-foot building and filled every space.”

Belhumeur took a careful approach and handpicked all nine prospective tenants based on their industry track records. With Cristina’s confirmed as the “anchor” tenant, other top wedding specialists with more than 100 years of combined experience came on board.

Russo Tux and Limousine, a family business with stores in Chelsea, Stoneham, and Andover, was in the basement of the original Kaps building and took over a new space on the first floor with a separate entrance for flexible opening hours.

Michael Edwards, who launched AllStar Entertainment and Uplighting in 1990 and had been running it from his home office in Andover since 2004, booked a third-floor space after driving past the building. “What better address?” he says. “Ninety-five percent of our business is weddings, so it was a perfect match for us.”

Neighboring tenant and photographer Linda Jennings, owner of Photography by Linda, adds another 20 years’ experience to the center. She had a studio in North Main Street for eight years, knew Michael Edwards through their respective businesses, and signed when she found out he’d taken a spot. “The space was perfect for a photographer and made it easy for me to move in,” she says.

Keri Barrett, owner of First Date Boutique on the second floor, was already a tenant of Belhumeur’s on Chestnut Street and jumped at the chance to move into The Bridal Center: “It’s a genius idea,” she says. “Everyone in the building complements each other perfectly, and clients get personal service they won’t find anywhere else.”

With a 27-year history in Andover, the most experienced and biggest tenant is Cristina’s, which moved in last May after a major design process resulting in an elegant second-floor bridal salon. The main formal gowns are displayed in a boutique on the first floor with streetfront exposure. A lower level houses bridesmaids dresses, pressing, and alterations.

“Having us all under the same roof is a big asset not only for all of us, but also for our clients to have experienced, reputable, and trustworthy people for the most important day of their lives,” says Christine Kalman, Cristina’s owner.

Clara Tompkins owns The New England Bridal Affair, specializing in wedding expos and event planning, and is thrilled to have a space on the third floor. “We all needed to come together, and the timing was wonderful,” she says. “I wish I could have done it years ago.”

The final three tenants—Laura Hardiman, owner of The Ivory Corset; Sylvia Sasso, owner of Shaperella; and Yasiris Matias, owner of Festejos Decorations—moved in to their third-floor spaces in November, adding intimate apparel, personal training, decorations, and event planning to the mix. Apart from the new Bridal Center website, which brands and connects all nine businesses, each owner operates autonomously but benefits greatly from being under the same roof.

For brides with time restraints, the center is a convenient one-stop shop to which they can bring mothers, fiancés, and bridal parties for a relaxed day of planning and shopping. Clients can also make significant savings via incentives and special offers if they book with more than one specialist.

Menswear and accessories at Russo Tux Shop & Limousine

Aside from the obvious commercial benefits of client referrals, cross-promotions, and group marketing, each business owner can also enjoy the support and encouragement of people who are now friends as much as colleagues. “The enthusiasm and positive energy running through the building is just extraordinary,” says Belhumeur.

“…We’re all busy at the same time, and we help each other whenever we can,” says Clara Tompkins. “When a bride sits on my couch, my goal is not only to promote myself but also everyone else in the building when possible.”

There’s no formal tenants’ association, but the shopowners all meet twice a month to resolve any issues. Tom Belhumeur’s financial interest is solely that of building owner and landlord, although he helped establish the new website and attends occasional meetings. The center is now at full capacity with no room for expansion, but Belhumeur believes the website will be a source of new business and revenue streams through affiliate links, advertising, and promotions.

Success is hard to quantify after only eight months, but many owners are reporting increases in bookings since joining The Bridal Center. Linda Jennings says business is up 20 percent; AllStar Entertainment is up 30 percent. Cristina’s is now getting brides from New England and 17 other states.

Is another Bridal Center on the horizon? “Not in Massachusetts, but we are looking at venues in Connecticut,” says Belhumeur. “I would love to replicate this. It’s very much a possibility.”

Clearly it’s a marriage made in heaven—and not a Bridezilla in sight.

The Portfolio

Headquarters: Andover. Year Founded: 2011. Number of Businesses: 9. Services: A one-stop wedding “destination” offering gowns, tuxedos, jewelry, accessories, intimate apparel, photography, decorations, entertainment and lighting, personal training, and event planning. Building Owner: Tom Belhumeur. Contact: One Main Street, Andover, MA 01810, thebridalcenter.com.

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The Trustees of Reservations, the nation’s oldest statewide land conservation organization, suggests a Green Gift Membership as the perfect for someone who loves the outdoors and also enjoys visiting, preserving, and protecting the scenic and historic landscapes and landmarks that define the character of our communities like Ravenswood Park and the Cape Ann Discovery Center, Halibut Point, Crane Beach and many others. “We have seen more and more of our supporters looking for ways to give a meaningful gift that also gives back to their favorite cause,” says Laurie O’Reilly, Director of Marketing and Membership. “Since we began offering gift memberships five years ago, we’ve seen steady growth in the number given every year.”

Starting as low as $47 for individual members ($37 for students and seniors, $67 for families), a gift membership not only helps The Trustees advance its mission and can be earmarked for a special reservation of your choice, but also includes the following:

- Free/reduced, year-round admission to 106 Trustees stunning reservations located in 73 communities across Massachusetts, such as Crane Beach in Ipswich, World’s End in Hingham, the Old Manse in Concord, the Bryant Homestead in Cummington, Doyle Community Park and Center in Leominster, Bartholomew’s Cobble in Tyringham, and Cape Poge on Martha’s Vineyard;

- Discounts on stays at Trustees Bed & Breakfasts (The Inn at Castle Hill in Ipswich and the Guest House at Field Farm in Williamstown);

- Discounted fees for the hundreds of events, programs, lectures summer camps and workshops offered by The Trustees year-round for all ages;

- The Trustees Property Guide, a 224-page guidebook to the organization’s 100-plus reservations, available exclusively to members;

- A year’s subscription to our quarterly member magazine, Special Places, which will keep you up to date on new and information on topics such as conservation, the natural world, history and culture across Massachusetts; and

- Purchase a gift membership for $125 or above and your gift recipient will also receive our Outdoor Adventure Kit. Perfect for your favorite outdoor adventurer, this handy, portable pack includes a pair of binoculars, a multi-tool, a flashlight, whistle, and compass – everything needed for a fun day outdoors. To ensure holiday delivery, please order gift memberships by December 15 at: 978.921.1944 or online at www.thetrustees.org.

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On Rockport’s First Night you will be entertained with clowns, cowboys, magicians, musicians – classical, pop, jazz, Dixieland, folk, country, gospel swing and rock and roll – ventriloquists, dance, drama, puppets, and MUCH, MUCH MORE! And, there is a planned a spectacular midnight event that will be a truly memorable welcome to the beginning of a new millennium.

First Night buttons ($15 adults, $6 children 12 & under, 3 & under, free–no button needed) are now available.

Buttons can be purchased at the following locations:

In Rockport: John Tarr Store, Main St., Smith hardware & Lumber at the Lumber Desk, 3 Station Square, Toad Hall Bookstore, Main St.

In Gloucester: Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, Commercial St., House of Raven, Main St., Gloucester Music, Main St.

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From the Methuen Festival of Trees to North Shore Music Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol, the North Shore is abundant with holiday traditions. What’s your favorite? Please share your favorites below (include the town/location) by Friday, December 16th at 5 PM for a chance to win a gift card from one of the companies below. Winners will be selected at random.

Enter for a chance to win from…

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