New England
Vermont inn ushering in spring
Windham Hill Inn, a Relais & Chateaux property in West Townshend, Vermont is marking spring with its first Gardener’s Luncheon and Market May 18, bringing together local Vermont vendors to showcase the area’s seasonal offerings. The inn’s gardener Claduia Dekany will also be on hand to give garden tours and tips. Spring-inspired paintings, prints and notecards will be available in the hotel’s Sun Lounge and gift shop.
Activities include seasonal lunch, cooking demos with the inn’s chef, with an eye on how to prepare early-spring veggies, and herbs and perennials available for purchase from local gardeners at Griffin Gardens. For information, visit www.windhamhill.com
Ocean Edge on Cape has relaunch deal
Ocean Edge Resort & Beach Club in Brewster on Cape Cod, has relaunched its mansion side of the property, part of a $40-million ongoing renovation of the resort that is now complete. The Mansion at Ocean Edge now has 31 two- and three-bedroom Presidential Bay Collection villas (formerly the Bay Pines Villas) on or close to the beach, and 90 Mansion guest rooms that were done last spring.
Vermont resort hosts kids' cooking camp
Children 10 to 16 years old can gather eggs from a chicken coop, collect fresh ingredients from veggie and herb gardens, and then whip up mouth-watering dishes during The Essex Resort & Spa’s Camp Cook program. The resort hosts nine summer camp sessions beginning June 17. Book the Five Night Holiday Package for $199 per night, based on double occupancy, and then pay $400 per child for the five-day Camp Cook program. While your kids immerse themselves in culinary adventures, you can go hot air ballooning, fly-fishing, or biking, visit the resort’s spa, or explore nearby Burlington and Stowe. 800-727-4295, www.vtculinaryresort.com
Website highlights family fun on Nantucket
By Kari Bodnarchuk, Globe Correspondent
Want to discover Nantucket’s best family beaches and bike routes, track down good kid-friendly restaurants or rainy-day activities, or find out how to rent baby equipment or hire a local babysitter? A new website, Nantucket-Bucket.com, offers up-to-date info on family-oriented events, activities, and resources island-wide. Look up activities and programs by topic or date. The site, started by Nantucket resident Logan Gomes, also has a blog with do-it-yourself craft projects and entries by guest bloggers from the Nantucket community. Register on the website and receive a weekly e-mail with information on activities, discounts, and special promotions. www.nantucket-bucket.com
Celebrate two decades of luxury in Vermont
By Kari Bodnarchuk, Globe Correspondent
Go on a wild mushroom hunt and then dine on fresh morels at Twin Farms resort in Barnard, Vt., during one of several special events this year that celebrate the property’s 20th anniversary. This all-inclusive five-star resort, once home to Nobel prize-winning author Sinclair Lewis, hosts a morel and wildcrafting weekend June 1-2, when wildcrafters Les Hook and Nova Kim show guests how to properly forage for mushrooms, and discuss mushroom lore and spring edibles. Then hike along wilderness trails on this 300-acre property, swim in Copper Pond, and fly fish in nearby rivers. Leave time for the Japanese-style soaking tub and the spa. Rates: $1,400-$3,100 per night, based on double occupancy. 800-894-6327, www.twinfarms.com
Sample Downeaster train for $5!
Readers of our In Transit column in the Globe Travel section know that we're partial to the Downeaster train. Now Amtrak would like to win over the skeptical. For National Train Day on May 11, Amtrak is celebrating at the Brunswick, Maine, station from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with train tours and cafe samples during the 1-4 p.m. time slot. They also promise activities for kids, educational exhibits, and ticket giveaways.
Even better, for three weekends in a row, Amtrak is offering $5 tickets on the northern half of the Downeaster line. They're good from Haverhill to Brunswick, Maine (or points in between) on May 4-5 and May 11-12, and between Exeter, N.H. and Brunswick, Maine April 27-28. That's definitely something to toot about.
Dine at 9 campaign tackles hunger
By Necee Regis, Globe Correspondent
Plan a getaway at 10 Distinctive Inns of New England on April 9 or May 9 and your room rate will be $9. In return for this special rate, guests make a $100 donation that goes directly to the food bank or hunger relief program in the inn’s community. Each inn has a designated number of rooms for the DINE at 9 campaign that are reserved on a space-available basis by calling the inn directly. The participating properties: Inn at Harbor Hill Marina, Niantic, Conn.; Camden Maine Stay, Camden, Maine; Captain’s House Inn, Chatham (below); Gateways Inn, Lenox; Deerfield Inn, Deerfield; Chesterfield Inn, West Chesterfield, N.H.; Manor on Golden Pond, Holderness, N.H.; Inn at Thorn Hill, Jackson, N.H.; Rabbit Hill Inn, Lower Waterford, Vt.; and Grafton Inn, Grafton, Vt. www.distinctiveinns.com/new-england-inns.html
How many seals in this photo?
Gray seals littered the beach on Cape Cod's Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge on Thursday, one of the most popular spots in New England for the mammals to enjoy the spring sun. The most recent count showed more than 15,000 seals off the coast of the region.
Can you guess how many seals are in the above photo? You can also check out more of Globe photographer David Ryan's photos from the refuge here.
Answer: 153
'Mini Maine' is a hit on the web
Using tilt-shift photography, German photographer Joerg Daiber has created the latest in intriguing destination clips to hit the web with his “Mini Maine,” which depicts various scenes in Portland that appear miniaturized.
"I kind of like to put things in the right perspective,” Daiber told the Portland Press-Herald. “Sometimes I think people take things too seriously.
"It turned into an obsession.”
The clip already has more than 25,00 views since being posted on YouTube on Tuesday.
Check out some more popular tilt-shift videos below.
Explore Massachusetts by bike
By Kari Bodnarchuk, Globe Correspondent
Take a long weekend and explore the Johnny Appleseed Trail in Central Massachusetts and the upper Connecticut River Valley on the Mass BikePike Tour, Aug. 1-4. Choose from a shorter (25- to 45-mile) or longer (45- to 70-mile) route and receive full support along the way. Go on an optional adventure to Swanzey, N.H., to celebrate the Cheshire Fair’s 75th anniversary, and hang out around the campfire each night to refuel with s’mores. Camp out (bring your tent or pay for a luxury camp setup) or arrange your own accommodations. Registration of $416.49 includes breakfasts, dinners, support, and more. Round-trip transportation from Boston to Fitchburg, the start and end point, runs $50. 617-710-1832, www.massbikepike.org
newportFILM presents free screening
Newport is not a bad place to be in April when the weather warms up, hopefully, and prices are cheaper. Free is the best price of all, and newportFILM has just that in a free Earth Day screening of the documentary “Elemental” April 22, hosted by The Aquidneck Land Trust as part of its Conservation Speaker Series, and in partnership with The Newport Tree Society’s Newport Arboretum Week. The film tells the story of three people on three different continents united by a deep connection with nature, driven to confront pressing ecological challenges. To check out the trailer, and reserve seats, visit www.newportfilm.com/films/elemental The film airs at 6 p.m. at the Jane Pickens Theater.
Another film, one that costs $20 a ticket but includes cocktails and light refreshments, is “Venus and Serena,” about the Willams tennis siblings, said to be a “warts and all” look at the powerhouse sisters. It is being shown in partnership with the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and airs April 25 at the Casino Theater on Freebody Street. The film’s director, Michelle Major, is scheduled to hold a post-screening Q&A session with the audience. For information and tickets, visit www.newportfilm.com
Countdown to summer on Nantucket
By Necee Regis, Globe correspondent
Take advantage of preseason rates and start dreaming about the beach. Nantucket’s retro-chic hotels, The Veranda House and Chapman House, are offering Countdown to Summer 3-2-1 packages (May 19-June 27). Includes two complimentary round-trip passes on the Steamship Authority’s Fast Ferry service from Hyannis (valued at $138) for a three-night stay, and one complimentary pass for a two-night stay. Rates start at $199 midweek and $249 on the weekends at The Veranda House, and $169 midweek and $209 weekends at Chapman House. Both offer a complimentary morning meal, free Wi-Fi, and afternoon chocolate chip cookies. 877-228-0695, www.theverandahouse.com
Portsmouth and The Seacoast Spring Restaurant Week offers dining deals in New Hampshire
While Boston is in the midst of its own restaurant week, this week and next, they’re gearing up in Portsmouth, N.H., for the Portsmouth & The Seacoast Spring Restaurant Week, taking place April 4-13 with more than 45 area restaurants participating on the seacoast of New Hampshire, including many featuring gluten-free and vegetarian menus.
Visitors can choose from one of two options: A three-course prix-fixe lunch for only $16.95, or a three-course dinner for $29.95. Some of the participating restaurants include Black Trumpet Bistro, The Common Man, Grill 28, and The Portsmouth Brewery.
Visit www.portsmouthchamber.org/restaurantweek.cfm for menus, as well as lodging specials should you choose to make a weekend out of it.
Culinary retreat weekends in Vermont
By Necee Regis, Globe Correspondent
Indulge your passion for food while getting away from it all. In the village of Brandon, Café Provence and the Lilac Inn have teamed up to offer Vermont Culinary Retreat Weekends for couples (March 22-24, April 5-7, 19-21) that celebrate farm-to-table cuisine with a focus on Vermont ingredients. Chef Robert Barral, former executive chef of the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston, leads a hands-on class where you’ll help prepare (and later eat) a four-course meal, and a Sunday brunch cooking demonstration. Includes a champagne reception, two nights’ lodging at the luxury inn, all meals, and a tour of goat cheese-making facilities at the nearby Blue Ledge Farm. Limited to six couples, $995, includes taxes and gratuities. 802-247-5463, http://lilacinn.com
Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival takes place this weekend
By Necee Regis, Globe Correspondent
The Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival hosts its 13th annual event (March 15-17) at the Chilmark Community Center with films from the festival circuit as well as shorts and features with local appeal. Watch movies on comfy couches in the “community living room” outfitted with state-of-the-art projection and sound. Stay for post-screening discussions with filmmakers and others. Events include live music hosted by the Hay Cafe and a daily feast prepared by chef Chris Fischer. Tickets $15, members $7. Couch seating add $5. Weekend pass $150. 508-645-9599, www.tmvff.org. The Harbor View Hotel & Resort in Edgartown is offering a Martha’s Vineyard Movie Escape package, including two-night stay (March15-16) and two all-access festival passes, $479, with reserved couch seating $679. 800-225-6005, www.harbor-view.com
Smiling shark beach sticker causes controversy in Truro
Harmless or careless?
There’s a furor brewing in Truro, where some Cape Cod residents aren’t pleased with the town’s depiction of a smiling shark on this year’s beach sticker, arguing that the image downplays the recent fears of sharks swimming along the shore during the summer months.
According to the Cape Cod Times, the sticker won unanimous approval from the town beach commission.
Kelly Clark, director of the town's recreation and beach department, told the Times that she was concerned about the repercussions of taking the Cape’s shark issues too lightly, but was essentially told to “lighten up.”
Truro boasts four beaches, all which require a parking sticker, which can be purchased $15 a season for residents.
More at the Cape Cod Times web site.
First Eat Drink RI Festival coming to Providence
The inaugural Eat Drink RI Festival is being held April 19-20, running throughout downtown
Providence, a city ranked number one in the food/drink/restaurant category in Travel + Leisure's "America's Favorite Cities 2012." The festival has more than 40 chefs, farmers, bartenders and food producers scheduled to take part, including Champe Speidel of Persimmon, a James Beard Foundation Best Chef Northeast semifinalist; Blackbird Farm, Jonathan Edwards Winery; Benjamin Sukle of The Dorrance, a James Beard Foundation Rising Star semifinalist; the United States Bartenders' Guild R.I.; Revival Brewing, Allen Farms; Dave's Coffee, and others.
Highlights include a "Truck Stop to Benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank" on April 19 in Kennedy Plaza; Education panels on April 20 that will discuss the abundance and quality of local food and drink, followed that night by a grand tasting , the festival's main event, at the Providence Biltmore; and a grand brunch April 21 at Gracie's, the city's only AAA Four Diamond restaurant.
For information, event pricing and a full schedule, visit www.eatdrinkri.com/festival
Valentine's Day getaways in New England
New England, despite the cold and snow, isn’t a bad place to warm up for Valentine’s Day, and here are a couple of deals out there.
Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard has a pair of offers for the romantic day. On Feb. 14, guests can get a free overnight stay when they reserve a spot for the resort’s Water Street’s Valentine’s Day Prix Fixe dinner, designed by Executive Chef Shaun Brian Sells. For $75 per person, you get entrees like the cast-iron seared sous vide filet, sautéed bay scallops and farrotto with roasted root vegetables and confit tomatoes, not to mention desserts like dark chocolate molten cake and profiteroles. The resort is also offering a weekend away, with rates starting at $299, which includes a Saturday night stay at the resort’s main building on Feb. 16, chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne upon arrival. Water Street’s Sunday brunch for two is included. More nights can be booked at $129. Check it out at www.harbor-view.com
Down in Newport, The Chanler at Cliff Walk, the only hotel smack dab on the city by the sea’s fabled cliff walk, has a two-night stay deal, with rates from $345 for weekday nights and $395 on weekends. The stay includes a full breakfast each morning, one dinner at the Spiced Pear restaurant on property (with killer ocean views), a bath butler service on the night of your choice (we did this one night last year and the romance level really ramps up when you come back to your room and find a hot bath drawn with rose petals strewn on the water and candles burning all around the tub for two), a bottle of Spiced Pear sparkling wine and two tickets to visit the Newport mansion of your choice. For more info, visit www.thechanler.com
Also in Newport, the historic Vanderbilt Grace, is running a Gracious Valentine package through Feb. 17, with rates from $575 for a deluxe room and $735 for a junior suite, where couples can take a special chocolate lover's master class, learning how to make hand-crafted goodies, lead by the hotel chef. Other parts of the package include a two-night stay, free glass of champagne upon arrival and free continental champagne breakfast, 15-percent off a couples massage and a three-course set menu for two at the hotel's Muse restaurant. Check it out at www.vanderbiltgrace.com
Providence is getting in on the act, too, a city named one of the top five most-surprising romantic destinations by Yahoo. Hotel Providence in the heart of the city has three packages: The Sweetheart’s Package for $229 a night, getting you a superior room, breakfast for two and valet parking; the Be Mine package for $279 a night that includes a deluxe room, champagne, breakfast for two, rose-petal turndown and valet parking; and the Hopeless Romantic package for $499, which nets you a king suite, breakfast for two, dinner for two (not including liquor however), rose-petal turndown, signature bath items and valet parking. All are available Feb. 14-16, check out www.hotelprovidence.com for information.
Other Providence trips could include the Christopher Dodge House Bed & Breakfast’s Romantic Getaway Package for $379, which includes two nights in best available room, flowers, gourmet chocolates and a $100 gift certificate to Mill’s Tavern, Hemenway’s or Cassarino’s. Check www.providence-hotel.com for info. You might not think an airport hotel as romantic, but the Raddison Hotel Providence Airport hotel has a package Feb. 14 starting at $199 a night, that includes a whirlpool bath suite, champagne and chocolates in the room, a $50 gift card to Libations Restaurant, room service breakfast and late checkout. Visit www.radisson.com/warwick-hotel-ri-02886/riproair for information. And the Omni Providence has a Romance Remembered package for $182 a night, that gets you a room, sparkling wine, concierge pre-call to assist with special romantic touches, turndown that includes robes, music and lighting, breakfast in bed for two and late checkout. That can be had from Feb. 1-Dec. 30, and for all the details, visit www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/Providence.aspx.
Get the kids involved at the John Brown House Museum on Feb. 16 is hosting an afternoon tea from 2-3 p.m., which invites kids and accompanying adult to join a tea party, tour of the 18th-century mansion and making a Victorian Valentine’s to bring home. That costs $15 per child and accompanying adult, and for info, visit www.rihs.org
Up in Maine, the White Barn Inn in Kennebunk, is running a deal all month with its Ultimate February is for Lovers package, with rates starting at $1,590 per night for two people (additional nights at $380), that gets you a night at the inn, chocolate dessert class with the hotel's pastry chef, a couples Swedish massage, private champagne tasting in the hotel's wine cellar followed by a candlelit dinner for two, and horse-drawn sleigh ride through Kennebunkport. For info, visit www.whitebarninn.com
Bring your eagle eye to Connecticut
By Kari Bodnarchuk, Globe Correspondent
The eagles have landed in western Connecticut’s Litchfield County. Each year, bald eagles journey from the frozen north to the Housatonic River in Southbury. They hang out around the Shepaug Dam, where the running waters prevent ice from forming and therefore keep the fish accessible. Visit the Shepaug Eagle Observation Area, where you can look through telescopes to get an up-close view, then chat with Connecticut Audubon volunteers. You may see up to a dozen eagles a day. Viewing runs on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through March 13. Entry is free, but reservations are required to avoid overcrowding. 800-368-8954, www.shepaugeagles.info
Pies on parade in Rockland, Maine
By Necee Regis, Globe Correspondent
Rockland, Maine, goes pie crazy on Jan. 27 with the 9th Annual Pies on Parade Pie Tour. From 1-5 p.m. sample more than 40 pies at businesses, restaurants, and inns throughout town. The 20 participating venues will serve both a savory and sweet pie, including galettes, tarts, quiches, pot pies, pizza pies, and even a grilled pie. Adults $25, children ages 10 and under $10. Ticket sales benefit the local food pantry. The Historic Inns of Rockland — Granite Inn, Captain Lindsey House, Lime Rock Inn, Berry Manor Inn — offer a Pie Tour package. A two-night stay includes two tickets to the Pie Tour, silent auction, wine and pie tasting, $50 credit for dinner Saturday night, two personally baked pies, breakfast, and more. Rates from $345. 877-762-4667, www.historicinnsofrockland.com
Free skiing for fifth graders in Vermont
"The update of being able to purchase it online was a no-brainer and we think we'll see the most successful year yet with the added ease of purchase," she said. "Being online also lowers our administration costs, allowing us to donate even more proceeds of the program to local dairy farmers."
This year will mark the third year that proceeds will go to Must Be The Milk, a campaign formerly known as Keep Local Farms, which supports New England dairy farmers. Last year the Fifth Grade Passport raised and donated $8,830 for Keep Local Farms. The total amount of donations from the past two seasons is $17,325. The goal is to break $10,000 this year, Neith said.
For more information on the Fifth Grade Passport program, visit www.skivermont.com/FGP. Fifth graders that participate receive a booklet of coupons for free tickets to Vermont's 18 alpine resorts and more than 30 cross-country centers. The cost of $10 covers the processing fees, and participants must be accompanied by paying adult. Adults can take up to two fifth graders.
New England turkey trots
By Maureen Quinlan, Boston.com Correspondent
Here is a roundup of some turkey trot road races happening in the New England area before, on, and after Thanksgiving.
Kingston 5K Turkey Trot
Nov. 17, 9 a.m., 65 Pottle St., Kingston
$25 registration, $35 on race day
$15 for athletes (18 and under) who wear their team jerseys
Kid’s Mad Dash following the race, $10
Wolfeboro Turkey Trot
Nov. 17, 10 a.m., Railroad Depot, Railroad Ave., Wolfeboro, N.H.
$12 for 12 and under, $14 for 13 and older, $20 after Nov. 13
2K kids fun run, 5K run or walk. The race proceeds benefit the Gift of Warmth Fund, which helps local families with heating costs and other needs during the winter months.
Southbridge Gobble Gobble
Nov. 18, 10 a.m., 1 North St., Southbridge
$25 for 5K and 10K, $5 for 1 mile
1 mile, 5K or 10K
Slattery’s Turkey Trot
Nov. 18, 1 p.m., 106 Lunenburg St., Fitchburg
5 miles, Kids races
$25 early registration, $30 race day registration
Marion 5K Turkey Trot
Nov. 18, 10:15 a.m., 235 Front St., Marion
$18 for early registration, $20 for race day registration.
America’s Hometown Thanksgiving 5k
Nov. 18, 10 a.m., 30 Town Wharf Road, Plymouth
$20 for early registration, $25 race day registration
All proceeds go to the country’s oldest charity, Plymouth Fragment Society, a nonprofit that helps the needy.
Essex Turkey Trot 8K
Nov. 18, 1 p.m., 121 Main St., Essex
$20 for runners’ registration, $15 for walkers
Cape Elizabeth Maine Turkey Trot 5K
Nov. 18, 9 a.m., 14 Scott Dyer Road, Cape Elizabeth, Maine
$18 for early registration, $20 for race day registration.
Middlebury Turkey Trot and Gobble Wobble
Nov. 18, 12 p.m., 94 Main St., Middlebury, Vermont
$30 for early registration, $35 after Nov. 16.
Run
for the Turkeys 5K
Nov. 18, 11 a.m., 4 Brush Hill Road, New Fairfield, Connecticut
$20 for early registration, $15 for the health walk, $5 for kids’ fun run.
Turkey Trot and Dip
Nov. 22, 8:30 a.m., 1 Harry Austin Drive, Mystic, Conn.
$15 for early registration, $20 for race day registration.
A 5K race followed by an optional dip in the Mystic River
Brighton, Boston Volvo Village
Nov. 22, 9 a.m., 75 North Beacon St., Brighton
All proceeds support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater New England Chapter
$20 for early registration, $25 for race day registration.
Dedham Turkey Trot
Nov. 22, 8:30 a.m., 656 East Street, Dedham
$20 for adults, $15 for students 18 and under, Kids Run (free – age 9 and under)
5K adult race, ½ mile kids’ race, proceeds to benefit the Dedham Food Pantry.
Concord Turkey Trot
Nov. 22, 9 a.m., 93 Laurel St., Concord
$25 for early registration, $35 for race day registration.
5K road race, all proceeds and canned goods benefit Open Table Food Bank
Medway Turkey Trot
Nov. 22, 7:30 a.m., 88 Summer St., Medway
$25 for early registration, $30 after Nov. 18, $15 for children under 18.
Southborough Gobble
Wobble
Nov. 22, 8:30 a.m., 49 Parkerville Road, Southborough
$25 for early registration.
5K race and a two-mile walk for the whole family. Kids can participate in a track fun run for free.
Seacoast Rotary Club Turkey Trot
Nov. 22, 8:30 a.m., 66 Marcy St., Portsmouth, New Hampshire
$27 for adults, $15 for kids 12 and under
5K race through Portsmouth
Thanks 4 Giving 5K walk or run and 10K run
Nov. 22, 8 a.m., 40 Old Ferry Road, Lowell
$20 for 5K early registration, $25 for 10K early registration, $25 for 5K, $30 for 10K after Nov. 18
Donations will be accepted for Alternative House, a shelter for abused women and children. All runners will receive pies.
We Gather Together 5K
Nov. 22, 8 a.m., 33 Water Street, Sandwich
Race day registration $10 and a bag of groceries for area food pantries
This race is a benefit for the food pantries of Upper Cape Cod.
Tiger Turkey Chase
Nov. 22, 8 a.m., 101 Lothrop Street, North Easton
$20 for early registration, $25 race day registration
A 5 mile run or 2.4 mile walk. Proceeds will benefit Oliver Ames High School cross country
Newport Fed Pie Run
Nov. 22, 8:30 a.m., 792 Valley Road, Middletown, Rhode Island
$25 for registration
A 5-mile run or 3-mile walk. Participants are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for donation to a local food bank.
Portland’s Thanksgiving Day 4-miler
Nov. 22, 9 a.m., One City Center, Portland, Maine
$20 for early registration, $25 for race day registration
Hingham Turkey Trot
Nov. 22, 7:30 a.m., 17 Union St., Hingham
$25 for adults, $15 for children under 18
A 5K race to benefit Hingham High School cross country and field and track programs.
Gobble Gobble Gobble 4-miler
Nov. 22, 9 a.m., 40 Holland Street, Davis Square, Somerville
$28 online only registration
Proceeds will benefit Project Soup, a free dinner program, and Somerville Track PAC, a scholarship fund for Somerville High School students.
Gilford Youth Center Turkey Trot
Nov. 22, 9 a.m., 19 Potter Hill Road, Gilford, N.H.
$24 per person, $65 for family of five
A 5K race to benefit the Gilford Youth Center.
Manchester Road Race
Nov. 22, 9:30 a.m., 1151 Main Street, Manchester, Connecticut
$25 for registration
This 5K race is in its 76th year. There will also be a costume contest with a $500 first prize.
Earn Your Turkey 5K Road Race
Nov. 22, 9 a.m., 100 Quannapowitt Parkway, Wakefield
$25 registration fee
Lake Sunapee Turkey Trot
Nov. 22, 9 a.m., Ben Mere Gazebo, Sunapee Harbor, New Hampshire
$20 for runners and walkers, $10 for 65 and over, Children under 12 free
A 5K race and 1K kid’s fun run
Great Barrington Turkey Trot Race
Nov. 22, 9:30 a.m., 84 Alford Road, Great Barrington
$5 for early 2-mile registration, $10 for early 10K registration, $7 and $12 race day registration
A 2-mile or 10K race
Pequot Runners Thanksgiving Day Race
Nov. 22, 8:15 a.m., 385 Center St., Southport, Connecticut
$30 for early adult registration, $25 for early ages 17 and under registration, $35 and $30 after Nov. 18
A 5-mile race or 2.6-mile walk along the Connecticut coast
North Reading 5K Turkey Trot
Nov. 22, 8 a.m., Ipswich River Park, Central St., North Reading
$15 for students, $25 for adults, $50 for a family of four
Stuffing the Pantry 5K race and 2 mile walk
Nov. 22, 8 a.m., 301 Chestnut St., East Longmeadow
$25 with food donation for early registration, $30 with food donation for race day registration
All proceeds and food donations will benefit Open Pantry Community Services, Inc., a non-profit that helps the hungry, homeless and disadvantaged in the Springfield area.
Wild Turkey Trot
Nov. 22, 8:30 a.m., Mill Pond Recreation Area, West Newbury
$25 for adult early registration, $15 for student early registration, $30 and $20 after Nov. 20.
The Winner’s Circle Running Club is hosting their 23rd annual 5K Thanksgiving race. All proceeds will go the American Red Cross to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy.
Wild Turkey 5 mile Run
Nov. 22, 8 a.m., 13 Hawthorne Blvd., Salem
$22 for early registration, $25 for race day registration
This race benefits the Salem Boys and Girls Club. It begins at the Salem Common and finishes at the Boys and Girls Club.
Willow Tree Family Turkey Trot 5K and Kids 1K
Nov. 22, 9:30 a.m., 1 Sabin St., Providence, Rhode Island
$29 for early online 5K registration, $13 for early online youth 1K registration, $35 and $15 for race day registration.
Falmouth Chase the Turkey
Nov. 22, 8:30 a.m., 7 Highfield Dr., Falmouth
$10 and a non-perishable food donation for registration
A 4.2-mile race through the Beebe Woods
Dreamcatcher Road Race
Nov. 22, 8 a.m., 1197 Washington St., Weymouth
$20 for early registration, $25 for race day registration
A 5-mile or 2-mile race run in honor of Julie Rodick, a woman who died at age 30 and was very active in her community. All proceeds benefit the Julie Rodick scholarship fund.
Feaster Five Thanksgiving Day Road Race
Nov. 22, 7:45 a.m., Brickstone Square, Andover
$30 for early adult registration, $35 after Nov. 17, $20 for early under 12 registration, $25 after Nov. 17, $5 for the kids fun run.
Participants have the option to run or walk a 5K or a 5-mile race. There is also a kids’ dash. All finishers are rewarded with an apple pie.
Block Island 5K Turkey Trot
Nov. 24, 1 p.m., Fred Benson Town Beach, Corn Neck Rd., Block Island, RI
$20 for early registration, $25 for race day registration
Run Your Turkey Off 5K
Nov. 24, 9:45 a.m., 70 Trowbridge Rd., Bourne
$25 for early registration, $30 for race day registration
Proceeds benefit Bourne High School running programs. A 5K race and ¼ mile kids’ race.
Andrea Holden Thanksgiving 5K Road Race
Nov. 24, 10 a.m., 25 Scarsdale Rd., Dennis
$18 for early registration, $25 for race day registration, $10 for ages 17 and under
This race is run in memory of Andrea Holden who died suddenly after her seventh birthday in 1990. All proceeds benefit the health and well-being of children in the mid-Cape Cod area.
York Turkey Trot
Nov. 24, 11 a.m., 124 York St., York, Maine
$15 for early registration, $20 for race day registration
The York Maine parks and recreation department and York Rotary Club sponsor this 5K road race through town. All participants are invited to bring a non-perishable food item for the York Food Pantry.
Trot Off Your Turkey
Nov. 24, 10 a.m., 10 Waldron Ave., Barrington, Rhode Island
$18 for early registration, $10 for children under 14, $25 and $15 after Nov. 19.
A 5K or 1.5-mile run or walk to benefit St. Luke’s School.
Tough Ten Miler Turkey Trot
Nov. 25, 9 a.m., 125 Concord Road, Marlborough
Entry fee is donation of 10 canned goods for the Marlborough Food Pantry
Learning to cook with one of Newport's best
"You can cook like this at home, you just have to keep it simple," says Bach-Sorensen, 50, leading a group of food writers through the steps of making the above dish, which I'm proud to say, came out pretty good.
You can do it, too: Asterisk hosts regular chef series events, where for a scant $35 you don chef whites and work one-on-one with Bach-Sorensen all day (the usual chef series features just one guest at a time), planning what to make, preparing food and then making meals for friends you invite, usually about eight to 12, he says. Then you cook their food and sit down to eat it with them, along with Bach-Sorensen, who will happily talk about cooking, his history in the trade, anything related to the fine art of cooking.
Growing up as a boy outside Copenhagen, he learned the business with his family, which owned restaurants there. Part of his job was going to markets with them and picking out the best food for that night's menu, including choosing what he thought were the best cuts of meat. He later cooked in France, taught the skill to others, and eventually came to Newport decades ago, falling in love with the city and sailing and never left.
Asterisk is in a renovated historic garage, with 12-foot glass doors in front that open to patio dining in summer. The open kitchen allows you to look inside at chefs scurrying about preparing food. Best view: The chef's table near the opening to the kitchen, where you can practically feel the heat from the work going on inside.
The restaurant seats about 100 and is packed in summer, but this time of year you've got a good shot at just coming in and finding a table, even on weekends. It has an open design, with a giant black beam above and exposed ductwork and a sizable black-mirrored bar area that serves all manner of unique beverages, including Mikkeller Porter from Denmark and Saison DuPont beer from Belgium. Bach-Sorensen said Asterisk was the first place in the United States to serve Stella Artois. And you can't leave until you try a signature espresso martini.
Future chef series events include an Italian night, a game night and a special meal for Christmas. The series runs for the rest of this month, and picks up again for March and April; they don't do it in high season, the kitchen would be too crowded. But even if you don't want to learn to cook and just partake of the fresh ingredients and locally sourced fish, this is a great place to do it. Cool stuff includes a grilled seafood pizza with shrimp, mussels, roasted pepper, olives, capers and anchovies for $22, char-crusted sirloin with grilled potatoes, market veggies and a mustard green onion-caper vinaigrette for $32 and that exquisite crispy salmon dish for $23.
For information on the restaurant and the chef series, visit www.asterisknewport.com The restaurant is also part of Newport Restaurant Week, which runs through Nov. 12, with more than 50 Newport restaurants serving up a three-course prix fixe lunch for $16 and dinner for $30 per person. For information, visit www.gonewportrestaurantweek.com
"We started the chef series for friends last year, but it really took off," Bach-Sorensen says. "It's a great way to learn what life is really like in the kitchen."
Plus you get to wear chef whites. To amateur foodies like me, that's worth the price of admission alone.
Hertz beacons for lighthouse tours
By Kari Bodnarchuck, Globe Correspondent
Take a tour of New England lighthouses without losing your bearings, thanks to Hertz?s new online trip-planning site and accompanying app. Go to NeverLost.com and plan your New England Lighthouse Tour by choosing from the list of 50 lighthouses, about a dozen of which are within easy reach of Boston. Then download the Hertz NeverLost app and let it guide you from one coastal spot to the next. The app is available through iTunes. ?877-826-8782, www.neverlost.com
Take off at a bike park in New Hampshire
Hit the trails and pop a wheelie at the Highland Mountain Bike Park in Northfield, N.H., where a ski lift takes you and your bike from the base lodge to the mountaintop. Trails for intermediate, advanced, and expert riders keep adventure levels high for a variety of skill levels. Ride over natural and manmade paths dotted with ramps and drops sure to send you skyward. A new 9,100-square-foot indoor training center includes a massive foam pit with a trick lip and drop, resi ramp and resi drop, and other features where you can practice before heading out to tackle the mountain ($14). Open Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 17, day pass $38, ages 10 and under $15.75 Ski Hill Drive, 603-286-7677, www.highlandmountain.com. - NECEE REGIS
- Anne Fitzgerald, Globe Travel Editor
- Paul Makishima, Globe Assistant Sunday Editor
- Eric Wilbur, Boston.com staff
- Kari Bodnarchuk writes about outdoor adventures, offbeat places, and New England.
- Patricia Borns, a frequent contributor to Globe Travel, writes and photographs travel, maritime, and historical narratives as well as blogs and books.
- Patricia Harris, a regular contributor to Globe Travel, is author or co-author of more than 20 books on travel, food, and popular culture.
- Paul E. Kandarian, a frequent contributor to Globe Travel, writes and photographs New England and Caribbean stories.
- Chris Klein is a regular contributor to Globe Travel. His latest book is "The Die-Hard Sports Fan's Guide to Boston."
- David Lyon, a regular contributor to Globe Travel, is author or co-author of more than 20 books on travel, food, and popular culture.
- Hilary Nangle is a regular contributor to Globe Travel. Her latest guidebook is Moon Maine (Avalon Travel, 2008)
- Joe Ray, a frequent contributor to Globe Travel, writes and photographs food and travel stories from Europe.
- Necee Regis is a regular contributor to Globe Travel.
