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Writer's pictureJason Lykins

New England Natterings: A Whimsical Wander through the Wilds of the Northeast



The New England Odyssey Begins

The day had finally arrived—Friday, and with it, our 4:45 PM flight to Boston, via a brief stopover in Charlotte. We touched down in 

Boston late, our only goal to find our hotel on Boston Harbor and surrender to sleep. Dinner was simple yet triumphant: s'mores and a petite bottle of wine, a feast for champions.

Morning in Boston

The next morning, we lingered in checkout, clinging to every last minute of sleep. Once out, our first stop 

was Boston Common. Parking in an underground garage, we emerged into the park like characters in a 

fantasy, the green expanse appearing as if by magic. The elevator shack we left behind could have been the 

TARDIS itself, a gateway to adventure.

Beacon Hill Bites and Beyond

Hunger led us to 1928 Beacon Hill, where the name was as straightforward as the address. Lunch was a no-brainer: fish and chips, a tribute to the sea that surrounds this historic city. After our meal, we wandered to Acorn Street, a narrow, cobblestoned lane that feels like a time capsule. Each brick home, with its flower 

boxes and gas lamps, tells a story of Boston's past. Here, every step echoes with history, each window a portal to another era.

Cultural Interlude at the Boston Athenaeum

Our next stop was the Boston Athenaeum, but fate had other plans. A wedding was in preparation, limiting our exploration. Yet, even a glimpse of this venerable institution was breathtaking. The grandeur, the books, the very air whispered of knowledge and elegance.

Onward to Lamie's Inn

With coffee in hand, we set our sights on Lamie's Inn in New Hampshire, pronounced 'Lamays'. The road ahead promised more tales, more sights, and perhaps, more culinary delights.



Check-In Charms at Lamie's Inn

Checking in at Lamie's Inn might just have been the highlight of our day. The gentleman at the counter, a fixture of the place with a wit as sharp as his memory of every guest, greeted us with the age-old question, "Did you fly in?" Followed by the inevitable, "Are your arms tired?" It's the oldest joke in the book, but delivered with such panache, it felt like hearing it for the first time.

The inn itself, built in 1740, exudes history. Walking through its doors is like stepping into a time machine set to 'Colonial'. The rooms, adorned in period style, complete with four-poster beds and antique furniture, make you feel like you're a character in a historical drama. And the key? Not a card, but a real, tangible key. In an era of digital everything, there's something profoundly satisfying about that.

Dining at The Old Salt

Dinner at The Old Salt was nothing short of spectacular. The ambiance alone, with its aged walls whispering secrets of centuries past, set the stage for a meal that was as much an experience as it was sustenance. We savored every bite, the flavors as rich and layered as the history of the place.

A Stroll Before Sleep

Before turning in, we wandered the property, the night air crisp and the stars above seemingly closer in this part of the world. Each step felt like a page in a storybook, the inn's history seeping into our bones.

Tomorrow, Portland, Maine awaits. But for tonight, Lamie's Inn has woven its magic around us, a perfect end to a day filled with the charm of New England.



Brewery Beginnings and Twin Town Treasures

Our day began with what has become a New England ritual: visiting a brewery. Smuttynose, named after an island that sounds like it should be haunted by pirates, offered us a flight of samples. We basked in the fall sun, savoring the last of Hampton's charm.

The road to Portland took us through the twin cities of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, where time seems to have taken a leisurely stroll. We wandered, coffee in hand from Dock's Square Coffee House, through galleries and ended up at Ryan's Corner House Irish Pub for a pint. Each stop was a snapshot of coastal life, quaint and utterly captivating.

The Lighthouse Rush

Our journey continued to Battery Blair, home of the iconic Portland Head Light. We arrived with the clock ticking, thanks to a park ranger's loudspeaker countdown. With 12 minutes to spare, we snapped our photos, the lighthouse standing majestically against the fading light, a beacon of our adventure.

Historic Hospitality at the Portland Regency

The Portland Regency, once an armory built in 1895, now a hotel since 1987, welcomed us with its historic charm. Settling in, we were joined by an old friend, a fellow hockey warrior from days of yore. Over dinner, we relived our glory days on the ice, laughter echoing through the halls.

The Pumpkin Cheesecake Fiasco

The night took a peculiar turn with our dessert choice: pumpkin cheesecake. One bite in, we discovered it was garnished with bacon bits. A culinary experiment gone wrong, or right, depending on your perspective. I vowed to return this abomination to its creator, a mission for the morning.



A Day of Scenic Splendor and Culinary Quirk

Today promised adventure, and it delivered in spades. Our journey began with a detour to Ri Ra', an Irish restaurant so authentic, the servers could probably teach you Gaelic. Over lobster rolls with a view of the harbor, we plotted our day's escapade.

The Kancamagus: Nature's Catwalk

The Kancamagus Highway, or 'The Kanc' as it's affectionately dubbed, is nature's own runway during fall. We drove through a corridor of colors, stopping at:

  • Swift River: Where the water seemed to dance over the rocks.

  • Albany Covered Bridge: A relic of simpler times, photogenic as ever.

  • Lower Falls: A cascade that whispered tales of the mountains.

  • Russell-Colbath House: My personal highlight. This abandoned gem, though locked up, stood proud. The gardens, 

Surprisingly maintained, and the family cemetery, a silent testament to time. It felt like stepping into a 

historical novel.

Canvas and Burgers

As dusk approached, we grabbed dinner from Black Mountain Burger, our next abode a canvas safari tent. Yes, you read that right. With burgers in hand, I sparked life into the fire pit, our night's entertainment. Under the stars, with Smuttynose beers in hand, we recounted the day's escapades, the fire crackling like a soundtrack to our stories.



Morning Magic in the Mountains

I woke to what might be the most comfortable bed I've ever known, in a tent no less! After a refreshing visit to the bathhouse, I wandered the camp ground as dawn painted the sky. The view was straight out of a painting: mountains and a lake, all bathed in the soft morning light. Back at camp, I coaxed the fire back to life, and we brewed coffee the old-fashioned way, over the flames. Sipping that coffee, surrounded by nature, was like a scene from a wilderness dream.

From Bagels to Bookstores

Our journey continued with a stop at White Mountain Bagel Co., where breakfast was as delightful as the scenery. Manchester welcomed us with its quaint bookstore and a stroll by a man-made waterfall, the sound of water a soothing backdrop to our urban exploration.

Wayside Wonders

The Wayside Country Store lived up to its motto, "If they don't have it, you probably didn't need it." Walking in, we were greeted by an array of everything imaginable. From groceries to gadgets, it was a one-stop shop for the unexpected. We settled on burritos and a pizza, just in case, embracing the store's eclectic charm.

A Whimsical Stone Abode

Our final destination for the night was nothing short of magical. Nestled into the hillside, our stone abode looked like it belonged in a fairy tale, with panoramic views of the mountains through a tapestry of fall foliage. Inside, the rooms curved and flowed, reminiscent of Luke Skywalker's home on Tatooine. This place wasn't just accommodation; it was an experience, the coolest we've ever stayed in.



The Final Stretch: Stowe and Reflections

Our journey towards Stowe, Vermont, included a sweet detour at Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Maple donuts and gifts in hand, we felt like we were stepping into a scene from Gilmore Girls as we entered Stowe—quaint, charming, and utterly 'Star's Hollow'.

Settling into Stowe

Checking into the Green Mountain Inn early, we were immediately enveloped by its historic warmth. Stowe Public House and The Avocado Pit provided the perfect snacks to fuel our exploration of this picturesque town. We meandered through streets that whispered stories of simpler times, each corner revealing more of Stowe's small-town charm.

Evening Reflections by the Fire

Dinner done, we gathered around the inn's fire pit. Here, under the Vermont sky, we met two couples from Georgia. Sharing stories and s'mores, we realized how travel connects us, weaving threads of experiences across states and hearts.

Homeward Bound

The next day, as we flew out of Burlington with a layover in Charlotte, our minds were already replaying the highlights of our trip. Landing around 5:00 PM, we were back home, but our hearts lingered in the mountains, by the rivers, and in the quaint towns we'd come to love.



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