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Travel Tips: New England

by Alice Gregory

New Englanders are proud of their region and of the abundance of attractions which highlight the history and culture unique to this area. But they dont just sit back and enjoy it. Museums and attractions are constantly working to enhance the visitor experience, continuing restoration work, adding exhibits or offering a tour with a new twist in a popular destination.

Another thing New Englanders are passionate about is food. Lobster is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of New England cuisine. But Maine potatoes have found their wayout of the fryer and into premium vodka, and the sea breezes along the south coast of Rhode Island and Connecticut help produce award-winning wines. In New England, there is always something new!

North Light, Block Island

CONNECTICUT FOOD AND SPIRITS

The Connecticut Wine Trail offers you the opportunity to tour some the states loveliest countryside visiting one of its 17 wineries. For a special dining experience Mystic Seaport, you can finish your day with Lobster Nights each Wednesday throughout the summer. When you crack into a perfectly steamed lobster and dip it melted butter, you know its summer in NewEngland.

A very different dining experience is offered at nearby Randalls Ordinary, which has been providing hospitality to hungry travelers for 300 years. This charming inn offers delicious, hearthside cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

RHODE ISLAND FOOD AND SPIRITS

Celebrity Chef Mario Batali named Federal Hill in Providence one of the ``10 best Little Italies`` in the country and its easy to see why, with 19th century charm, great restaurants and wonderful shops selling imported cheeses and homemade pastas. Many of Federal Hills restaurants can accommodate a group but its also the perfect place for an on-your-own lunchstop. Finish your lunch with dessert and coffee at Scialo Brothers Bakery, which has been producing exquisite Italian pastries since 1916.

Visitors to Newport can sample their way through the beautiful countryside along the wine trail that links the areas three wineries. Newport Winery is just a few minutes from the city, so it can be incorporated even if your time is limited. Greenvale Vineyards has its tasting room in a beautifully restored 1862 stable. Sakonnet Vineyard, the oldestof the three, is located in rural Little Compton and offers spectacular water views. The favorite local beer is Newport Storm, brewed by Coastal Extreme Brewing Company which invites visitors to its brewery in Portsmouth for a tour and sampling each Friday at 6 p.m.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Thanks to a ``Museums for America`` grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Strawbery Bankes new Discovery Center at the Wheelwright House will open on July 1. A playful,interactive, and intergenerational space, the Discovery Center invites the whole family to explore times past through a childs eyes. From Yankee Doodle to Howdy Doody, hearth fires to television, jackstones to jump rope, visitors will be able to try out the pastimes and playthings of children throughout the centuries.

The 2006 season also includes new interactive exhibits in the historic houses, and an extensive restoration of the Cotton Tenant House.

The Currier Museum of Art in Manchester will close for 18 months for a major expansion project. Museum Director Susan Strickler said the closure begins June 27 and is essential for the buildings $20 million, 30,000-square foot expansion and reconfiguration. The closing is expected to speed construction and minimize the effects on two new exhibition pavilions, a larger café and other features, Strickler said, making 50 percent more of its collection available upon reopening.

During the closure, the museum will put 30-40 pieces from its major collection on exhibit at the Portland Museum of Art and the Hood Museum at Dartmouth College.

The Currier Art Center will continue its studio programs during renovations. The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Zimmerman House will continue its tour program and the Currier will open retail and meeting space to house the museum shop and offer special programs late this summer.

Meanwhile, nothing provides a more perfect photo opportunity than a New England covered bridge. The newest one is Littletons Riverwalk Bridge, a 300-foot ridge spanning the Ammonoosuc River.

NEW HAMPSHIRE FOOD AND SPIRITS

Flag Hill Winery and Distillery has been producing high quality wines in Lee in the seacoast region since 1990. The winery offers tastings of a variety of wines. Groups can also find outhow the General John Stark Vodka is produced and sample Flag Hills newest products, a Sugar Maple Liqueur and Cranberry Liqueur.

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