New England News

What’s New from Discover New England 

Connecticut

Aer Lingus resumed its popular nonstop flight from Bradley International Airport (Hartford) to Dublin, Ireland in March 2023, bringing transatlantic service back to Connecticut’s largest airport. The service operates daily through October and offer connectivity to 28 key UK and European airports, including London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Vienna, Madrid, Barcelona, Rome and Prague and many more.

Mystic Boat Adventures (Noank)
Their catamarans create an interactive, historic, and breath-taking adventure. Adventurers drive their own personal power boat in a guided tour available from June through September.

Recent accolades:

Hotel Marcel, Hew Haven
Newly opened 165-room boutique hotel, including restaurant, gallery and meeting space, 100% sustainable and the first of its kind in the U.S. Certified historic rehabilitation and adaptive re-use of mid-century modern Brutalist structure originally designed by Marcel Breuer in 1967. Unlike most adaptations of Brutalist concrete buildings, the new version of this historic building will produce net-zero emissions, providing all of its own electricity, heat, and hot water.

Camp Getaway, Kent
A premier adventure resort located on a 300-acre, lake-side property in the Berkshire Mountains, dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences of comfort and relaxation, and exhilaration and adventure. All-inclusive weekday family camps and adult weekend camps include cabin accommodations, meals, beverages, nightly entertainment, and outdoor activities. Site of the Bravo TV reality show, Camp Getaway.

TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge, Mohegan Sun, Mystic Country
The TAO experience in New York City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Chicago is now available at Mohegan Sun.

Backyard Adventures UTV Tours, Canaan
Offering tours of privately owned trails throughout 1,000 acres in the Litchfield Hills. State-of-the-art UTVs that feature four-wheel drive, two side-by-side bucket seats, seat belts, power steering, and engines that are easy to operate. These UTVs operate just like an automobile and feature a gas and brake pedal with a steering wheel. Valid driver’s license required.

Maine

Lyman-Morse Camden (Camden)
Renowned boatbuilder, Lyman-Morse recently unveiled a 44,000 square-foot mixed-use marina redevelopment project on Camden’s inner harbor. This new modern working waterfront has been entirely rebuilt to offer beautiful new spaces for residents and visitors and is a year-round destination for those looking to dine, shop, sightsee, work, and more. In addition to yacht services, marina amenities include Salt Wharf restaurant, Barren’s Restaurant & Distillery featuring locally distilled spirits along with casual cuisine in both an outdoor courtyard and an indoor restaurant/tasting room, and the Crew Quarters at Lyman-Morse, boutique ocean-view accommodations.

Acadia GEM (Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park)
Acadia GEM vehicles are now available for rent in Acadia National Park. The 100% electric, low-speed vehicles are available in two, four or six-seat models, and the all-glass roofs and removeable doors offer unrestricted views of the beauty of Bar Harbor and Acadia without leaving a carbon footprint. They are also pet friendly.

Creative Portland Cultural App (Portland)
The newly launched cultural app provides access to the arts through a user-friendly mobile application. Free to download, the app promotes the cultural life of Portland and some artistic highlights throughout the state. The app will also give users access to Augmented Reality (AR) experiences through their phones.

Saddleback (Rangeley)
Saddleback Ski Resort recently unveiled lift-serviced mountain biking. The Bike Park also includes the South Branch Bike trails. The Saddleback Bike Shop offers a full fleet of rentals, bike accessories, service and repairs. Saddleback joins Mt. Abram for lift-serviced biking. Saddleback is also in the midst of building its new Mid Mountain Lodge, which is planned to be finished in 2023. The lodge is located in Bicknell’s thrush habitat and the resort is working with the Maine Audubon Society to protect the birds’ habitat.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (Boothbay)
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens has teamed up with acclaimed Danish artist Thomas Dambo to bring larger-than-life sculptures into the gardens—friendly trolls deemed “Guardians of the Seeds.” Made of recycled wood, the giant trolls offer clues that can be put together to unearth a secret. The magical and mysterious experience ties into the real importance of the sustainability of the forests.

Appalachian Mountain Club (North Maine Woods)
The International Dark Sky Association has designated the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Maine Woods property as an International Dark Sky Park. The property is within Maine’s famed 100-Mile Wilderness and includes part of the Appalachian Trail. The park is the first of its kind in New England.

Historic Driving Tours (Statewide)
There are 26 tours organized by region and range from 30 minutes to four hours. Travelers will experience some of Maine’s most beautiful and historic downtowns, many of which are nationally accredited Main Street communities and are vibrant places to find local food, shops and cultural happenings.

Maine Oyster Trail (Statewide)
Whether you want to shuck, taste, learn from the experts or just grab and go, there’s no better way to appreciate the fresh reward of Maine oysters than following along the Maine Oyster Trail. The interactive guide allows you to pick your desired oyster experience and explore the different coastal communities along the way.

New Hampshire

DNE MEMBER PARTNER – New Hampshire Lakes & White Mountains
Mill City Park (Franklin Falls, NH)
New England’s first white water park – 13 acres with an adjacent 21 conserved acres and three whitewater features on the Winnipesaukee River. The primary goal of all improvements is simple… to connect the community to the river. Last June, Phase 1 of the park opened featuring a “Standing Wave” in the river for paddlers.

Great American Bike Tours (Statewide)
Join Great American Bike Tours, a NH-based cycle touring operator on one of three new summer adventures through the Granite State. The Covered Bridge Bike Tour, a two-day ride, takes you to seven of New Hampshire’s beautiful, historic covered bridges while cycling through mountain vistas and past sparking lakes, rivers and streams. After an overnight stay in Lebanon NH, jump back on the bike for a day cycling the Northern Rail Trail! The Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail is a 3-day ride that will take you through the breathtaking scenery of NH’s White Mountains. You’ll enjoy cycling through charming towns, passing along rivers and streams. Pedal, Paddle & Hike is an incredible weekend of adventure taking you to many of New Hampshire’s most beautiful and iconic areas. You’ll explore Franconia Notch by bike and boot, kayak the Pemigewasset River, and cycle the Northern Rail Trail.

Special Sails with the Gundalow Company (Portsmouth)
Speaker Series – Every summer evening sail on Tuesday will have a guest speaker onboard to talk about cultural, historical, or environmental topics. Concert Cruise Series – Most events, Sunday and Thursday in summer will have live music onboard from local favorites. See the schedule online.

Haunted Winnipesaukee (Weirs Beach)
Discover the dark side of Lake Winnipesaukee aboard the Winnipesaukee Spirit. Hear haunting tales of cursed lands, mysterious fires, haunted hotels and unsolved disappearances during this 90-minute cruise. Schedule: Thursdays in July & August, Thursday-Saturday in September & October.

Tamworth Distilling and Mercantile (Tamworth)
Tamworth Distilling named to Food & Wine’s Drinks Innovators of the Year for 2023 – Owner Steven Grasse – founder of Hendrick’s Gin – is the brainpower behind Tamworth Distilling where they now make 55 different products – including Sylvan Mist. The consumable cocktail – a high-density aromatic gin and perfume is a world first.

Rhythm Craft Ciders (Lincoln)
Seven Birches Winery has expanded into the hard craft cider market with the development of an all-new brand, called Rhythm Craft Ciders. In addition to developing an all-new, natural cider line, Rhythm Ciders has opened a new tasting experience in downtown Lincoln, called the Rhythm Ciders Studio.

Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club (Portsmouth)
Jimmy’s – the new jazz club in downtown Portsmouth! Enjoy jazz, blues, New Hampshire inspired cuisine and more in a state-of-the-art building restored to its former glory. Peruse their calendar of events here.

MS Mount Washington (Weirs Beach)
Events planned all season in 2022 to celebrate the cruise’s 150th anniversary. Located in the foothills of the White Mountains, this historic ship and her sister vessels navigate more than 300 islands and 44,000 acres of crystal-clear water. The MS offers scenic tours and dinner cruises on Lake Winnipesaukee.

Huttopia White Mountains (Albany)
Huttopia now has Vista accommodations that can house five people. Their Vista tiny houses offer comfort and a connection to the outdoors in an unforgettable glamping experience. Another new addition is the installation of an intimate activity hub, located on the beach where guests can sign up for canoe and paddleboard rentals.

Massachusetts

DNE MEMBER PARTNER – NORTH OF BOSTON
Olde Ipswich Tours (Ipswich)
A boutique tour company with 25 years of experience, Olde Ipswich Tours offers small group cultural tours focusing on exceptional food and wine, elegant accommodations, off the beaten path adventures and the camaraderie of a friendly group of people. The company caters to those who want a unique, custom experience, offering both standard tours (with a maximum of 16 people) and fully customized tours for your family and friends.

DNE MEMBER PARTNER – MEET BOSTON
The Embrace (Boston)
Boston Common, America’s first public park, has a vibrant 400-year-old history and a tradition of civic gatherings. The King Boston memorial, The Embrace, will be anchored here in 2023, where in 1965 Dr. King called Boston to live by its highest ideals. The Embrace will provide a living space for conversation, education and reflection on the racial and economic justice ideals of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, and serve as a permanent monument to the Kings’ time in Boston. More info.

DNE MEMBER PARTNER – Mohawk Trail Region
Shelburne Springs (Shelburne Falls)
This boutique hotel and event space, a two-hour drive from Boston, is located on 38 acres in a 1914 mansion on the historic Mohawk Trail. The seven suites feature luxurious bedrooms, full kitchens, sleeper sofas, walk-in showers, heated floors, individual HVAC systems, and private decks. There is a full-service bar and kitchen, with local drinks, guest chefs, and theme dinner parties. Explore the woods, hike the trails, hang out in the geodesic dome, or get cozy by the fire pit.

DNE MEMBER PARTNER –  Greater Merrimack Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Chateau Merrimack Resort & Spa (Tyngsboro)
This resort has been reimagined for today’s modern traveler. Featuring an unparalleled level of refinement, timeless elegance, and contemporary style, Chateau Merrimack is an idyllic countryside escape where the wine flows as freely as the Merrimack River and where guests are treated to luxurious accommodations, premier amenities, a full-service spa, two world-class eateries, and an award-winning wine cellar featuring over 60,000 of the world’s fine varietals. Situated just 35 miles north of Boston, Chateau Merrimack is the ultimate retreat, equal parts indulgence and escape.

DNE MEMBER PARTNER – Discover Quincy
Historic Landmarks on the Presidents Trail (Quincy)
An Urban Walking Trail through Quincy’s rich history, this trail includes Hancock Adams Common, Church of the Presidents, Brackett’s Tavern Liberty Tree, Abigail Adams Cairn, Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams Birthplaces, Hancock Cemetery, Quincy Town Hall (Old Town Hall), John Hancock Birth Site and Adams Academy, Peace Field and Quincy Homestead.

Massachusetts Lighthouse Trail
The Massachusetts Lighthouse Trail invites visitors to take a scenic road trip through the Bay State. Massachusetts is home to the first lighthouse site in the U.S., and now home to over 45 lighthouses. From Cape Ann to Cape Cod, travelers can journey along the trail to explore coastal communities and the maritime history of the Commonwealth.

Massachusetts Sports Trail
The Massachusetts Sports Trail invites folks to journey through our long and storied sports history— from Greater Boston, where one can cheer on our championship sports teams, to Western Massachusetts, which celebrates the birthplace of two popular American sports — basketball and volleyball. You can also up your game by trying out our trails, rivers, tracks, fields, and greens for yourself.

Gloucester 400+TM (Gloucester)
This year-long celebration of city-wide educational programs, activities, and events commemorates Gloucester’s founding in 1623. Throughout the year 2023, programs, activities, and events will highlight Gloucester’s rich history, culture and heritage which will showcase Gloucester’s diverse community, its extraordinary contributions to art and culture, remarkable industrial achievements, and wealth of natural resources that surround the City of Gloucester.

Pelham House Resort (Dennis Port, Cape Cod)
Pelham House Resort has undergone an expansion for an oceanfront meeting and wedding venue and rooftop bar. The property also is now offering accommodations at Pelham Farm, only five minutes from the main property and located nearby the rustic café, Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters.

Life House in Berkshires (Lenox)
Opening in August 2022, the Life House serves as a writer’s mountain retreat with a cocktail bar and library lounge inspired by the seasonal landscape. The on-property Club House provides an upscale gathering place and plates that celebrate the seasonality of the land.

Amesbury Carriage Museum Walking Tours (Amesbury)
This self-guided Millyard Walking Tour focuses on Amesbury’s historic Upper and Lower Millyards and invites visitors to think of the yard as “a museum without walls.” It encourages students and adults to explore the built environment and learn about the city’s rich industrial history. Visitors can also enjoy a guided walking tour of the Upper Millyard the second Saturday each month.

African American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard (Martha’s Vineyard)
Two new sites are now offered as part of the African American Heritage Trail system, now with more than 30 sites, dedicated to the formerly unrecognized contributions made by people of African descent to the history of Martha’s Vineyard. Bronze plaques at each of the sites share the story and location’s significance.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island chosen by Visit the USA as one of “five destinations that should be on your radar for 2023.” “Rhode Island may be the smallest U.S. state, but it certainly punches well above its weight. The vast golden beaches and grand historic mansions coupled with an abundance of fresh seafood and boutique wineries make Rhode Island a top pick for 2023.”

White Horse Tavern (Newport)
The oldest tavern in America turns 350 in 2023. Chef Kevin DeMarco understands the importance of local provisioning and infusing flavor with fresh. Immerse yourself in history at an America’s landmark and experience centuries of culture and inspired cuisine.

Food Hall (Providence)
The $23.5 million project in the lower level of Union Station and will redevelop the historical space to deliver a diverse, inclusive and approachable hospitality experience that reflects the many cultural influences of Rhode Island. The food hall will be home to 13 separate restaurants and bars and is expected to open in May 2023.

Newport Aquarium (Newport)
The Newport Aquarium will move to the first floor of the Gateway Transportation and Visitors Center on America’s Cup Avenue. The new location will increase the square footage of the aquarium five-fold and, with 6,500 square feet to work with, they plan to enhance and enrich its educational programs while bringing a new family-friendly experience to downtown Newport. The new facility is on track to open in Summer 2023.

The Sailing Museum (Newport)
Located at the historic Newport Armory, the museum provides a home for American sailing and a place where people can immerse themselves in an interactive experience that celebrates the heritage of the sport and honors its legends. Interactive educational exhibits will provide applications of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) concepts that come alive through sailing.

Aloft Providence Downtown (Providence)
The Aloft is a new hotel opened by Marriott in December of 2021. This stylish accommodation offers 170 guest rooms and five suites located near the Providence River in the Innovation and Design District of the city center, close to Brown University and Johnson and the Wales University. The property also features the Blu Violet Rooftop Lounge, WXYZ Bar, the Re Fuel 24/7 pantry, an on-site fitness center and two meeting rooms.

The Gilded Age and Newport Mansions (Newport)
With the popularity of HBO’s The Gilded Age, the Preservation Society of Newport County has introduced new tours to give visitors an opportunity to explore the show’s settings in person.

Blackstone River Expeditions Kayak and Canoe Rentals (Central Falls)
Opening in June 2022, this new kayak and canoe rental company along the Blackstone River and its watershed offer a multitude of boating experiences for the novice or the expert. Explore the quiet, teeming marshes and shoot through the challenging narrows and unusual flows. There are at least 200 species of birds in the National Heritage Corridor, including 16 types of waterfowl.

Vermont

Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (Swanton to St. Johnsbury)
The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT) is a four-season, multi-purpose recreation path across northern Vermont following the former 93-mile Lamoille Valley Railroad (LVRR) rail line from St. Johnsbury to Swanton. It will officially be open on Memorial Day weekend of 2023 and will be the longest rail trail in New England.

Nauti Paddle (Burlington)
Vermont’s First Cycleboat! This social, active adventure is the perfect way for friends, families, tourists, and colleagues to take in the beauty of Burlington Bay. All tours are 90 min. and are BYOB and snacks.  The 12 pedal stations turn the “riverboat style” paddle wheel, while the others relax on the bow seating.  There is also a motor; just in case the pedaling turns into dancing by the end of the cruise!

Hill Farm by Sagra (Sunderland)
Hill Farm Inn is now Hill Farm by Sagra. Nestled in the Equinox Mountain Valley, Hill Farm has lived many lives: a 200-year-old Vermont dairy, an inn for New England travelers and now a Sagra location with the addition of a vegetable farm and dining experience that highlights the surrounding region. Take in the vistas, indulge in meals cooked in a wood-fired oven, and enjoy a sunset overlooking the farm.

The Brattleboro (Brattleboro)
Opened in Sept. 2022, the Brattleboro is an adults-only inn on 32-acres that boasts an infrared sauna, a hot tub and New England’s only smoreologist.

Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express
Service expansion to three new stations is scheduled to begin in July. Visitors from NYC and beyond will now be able to visit Middlebury, Vergennes, and Burlington via train.

Tälta Mountain Lodge (Stowe)
Bluebird Hotels has opened a new property in Stowe. Most of its 51 rooms include private desks and modular gear walls.

Parker Hill Farm and Boutique Campground (Springfield)
This newly opened campground offers visitors a unique glamping experience on their alpaca farm.

Café Mamajuana (Burlington)
Named a best new restaurant semifinalist by the James Beard Foundation, this restaurant fuses Dominican, Afro-Caribbean, Italian and Spanish cuisines for a truly unique dining experience.

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DNE Press Releases

January 11, 2023 – Kerrie Tripp Selected as Director of Product and Sales for Discover New England

April 26, 2022 – Michele Cota Named Executive Director of Discover New England

What’s New in New England 2022