Coming Soon...reviews on golfing and resorts in one of America's
most beautiful regions...New England.
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| GoGolfandTravel.com's Chuck McBrayer & Ed Stone |
GoGolfandTravel.com spent 10-days discovering and experiencing this area only a few weeks after the invasion of hurricane Irene. Only a few roads were reduced to one lane, but all in all, everything is back in business. The hospitality is very warm and friendly.
Here are a few comments and links to give you an idea of what to expect whether you are planning to visit this fall and winter or next spring and summer.
Enjoy!
View VIDEO or see lots of photos from this tour by CLICKING HERE:
Vermont:
Everything we expected and more from "The Green Mountain State." Plans had been to stay at the famous Woodstock Inn and play their Donald Ross golf course. Yes, hurricane Irene did considerable damage, and the Inn reopened on September 30. The golf course is closed for repairs and renovations until spring of 2012. We did stay at the charming Braeside Inn just east of downtown.
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The Woodstock Inn is again open for business. Their Donald Ross golf course will open in the Spring of 2012.
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| One of the places not to be missed is the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. |
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ABOVE: Middle Bridge, now called Covered Bridge, the existing structure was built in 1969.
BELOW: Downtown Woodstock, VT.
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Downtown Woodstock has been voted by some organization as the best example of a New England town. The name of the organization is not to be found, but we agree with the recognition. One of the places not to be missed is the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park (802/457-3368, www.nps.gov/mabi). Home to pioneer conservationist George Perkins Marsh, the park includes a model forest developed by Frederick Billings and continued by granddaughter, Mary French Rockefeller and her husband, Laurance S. Rockefeller. The park focuses on conservation themes and the stewardship of working landscapes and agricultural countryside. The Carriage Barn Visitor Center is open from Memorial Day weekend through October. Tours of the forest, mansion, and gardens are offered daily. Maps are available at the visitor center and Woodstock Chamber of Commerce.
Middle Bridge...known as Covered Bridge, this structure was built in 1969. It is the newest all-peg-constructed covered bridge in the State and was pulled into place by a team of oxen. Tragically, it was burned by vandals in 1974, however, restored through the generosity of the community. It spans the Ottauquechee River and welcomes visitors on a walk around River Street and Mountain Avenue, past some of Woodstock’s most beautiful homes.
For a great meal, checkout Bentley’s Restaurant (802/457-3232, 3 Elm Street; website: www.bentleysrestaurant.com) This is a favorite of locals and travelers alike. Bentley’s has been a Woodstock landmark for over 30 years. Featuring extensive menus, fabulous chef ’s specials, live entertainment & dancing on the weekends. Open daily.
For breakfast and ice cream, be sure to eat at the Mountain Creamery. (802/457-1715, 33 Central Street, Woodstock) We're told everything in the kitchen is made from scratch and features many local products. Open daily from 7 am serving breakfast and lunch in the heart of the Village. Enjoy freshly made ice-cream and pastries, all made in small batches by Vermonters. Home of the mile high apple pie!
For more information on Woodstock & the State of Vermont:
Woodstock, VT Chamber of Commerce
www.woodstockvt.com
Vermont Dept. of Tourism and Marketing
One National Life Drive, 6th Floor
Montpelier, VT 05620-0501
PHONE: 1-800-VERMONT or 1-802-828-3237
EMAIL: info@VermontVacation.com
Website: www.vermontvacation.com
New Hampshire:
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| The stately Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire is a world-class property. |
Our drive through the White Mountains to reach the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods was most delightful. Arriving at the beautiful white structure with its red roof provided us everything you could ask in a first-class New England vacation mecca. We were accommodated in one of the resort's beautiful townhouses overlooking the 5th green of the Mount Pleasant golf course. Our first day included the opportunity to play on the famous 18-hole Mount Washington Course originally designed by legendary Scottish Architect Donald Ross and completed in 1915. After an extensive restoration by noted golf architect Brian Silva, the Mount Washington Course reopened on August 1, 2008 for play. The Par 72 course includes bunkers crafted in a classic flair and infinite varieties of recovery shots in the closely cropped areas around the putting greens. The par-five 11th hole and the par-three 5th hole feature stunning views of the Omni Mount Washington Resort and surrounding mountains.
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| The #14, par 3 of the Mount Washington course. The course was voted "Best Course You Can Play" in New Hampshire by Golfweek Magazine in 2009, 2010 and 2011. |
The Mount Washington Course was voted "Best Course You Can Play" in New Hampshire by Golfweek Magazine in 2009, 2010 and 2011 and has hosted four New Hampshire Opens as well as the New England Open Championship in September 2010.
The lobby and broad porches provide visitors extensive room for visiting and viewing the beautiful surrounding area.
For more information on the State of New Hampshire:
NH Department of Resources and Economic Development
Division of Travel and Tourism Development
P.O. Box 1856, 172 Pembroke Road
Concord, NH 03302-1856
Phone: (603) 271-2665
Fax: (603) 271-6870
Website: www.visitnh.gov
Maine:
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| One of the many covered bridges and beautiful vistas in New England. |
Again, our drive from the White Mountains in New Hampshire to Sugarloaf in Carrabassett, Maine was nothing but "wow's" all the way. Viewing the foliage and scenic vistas caused more stops along the way than one would plan...they are worth the time to soak in the beauty of the "Pine Tree State."
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| The world-class Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel with all the amenities you could want. |
Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel is a world-class, full service hotel, right in the heart of multiple activities whether you are there for golfing or skiing. The hotel offers superior rooms, suites and penthouses...all with views of western Maine's majestic mountains. The Hotel upgrades over the last three seasons include; new bathrooms in every guest room, a grand entrance worthy of a true resort hotel, new flat-panel televisions and the new exclusive and luxurious Boyne Beds in every room. Breakfast is included in most hotel packages.
Golfing on the outstanding Sugarloaf golf course is what makes golfing the sport it has become in the world. Having played some 500-plus golf courses in the world, this would easily place in the top five. Golfing doesn't get much better than Sugarloaf. The following are just a few of the rankings and recognitions this course has been so deservingly given.
Golf Digest
#1 Golf Course in Maine 1985-2009, 2011
#1 Upscale Course You Can Play in New England, 1996
#45 of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, 2007
#30 of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, 2005
#45 of America’s Top 100 Greatest Public Courses, 2003
Top 10 Courses in the USA for Memorability and Aesthetics, 1997
#23 of the Top 75 Upscale Courses You Can Play in the USA, 1996
Golf Styles Boston
Top 100 Must Play Courses of New England, 2005
NE Journal of Golf
#1 of the Top 100 Courses You Can Play in New England, 2004, 2003
Golf Digest For Women
Top 100 You Can Play in the USA, 1999
#16 of the Best Places to Play in America, 1998 |
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Golf Magazine
Top 100 Courses You Can Play, 2004, 2002, 2000
#1 Course You Can Play in New England, 1998
#20 of the Top 100 You Can Play in the USA, 1998
Golfweek
Golfweek’s 100 Best Resort Courses, 2007, 2009
Golfweek's Best Courses You Can Play - 2007-2011
#41 of America’s Best 100 Golf Resorts, 2005
#1 Public Course in Maine, 2003
#1 Public Course in Maine, 2002
#1 Golf Course in Maine, 1997
Best of Northeast Golf
Best Overall Courses, 2006
Boston Magazine
Top 10 Golf Holes in New England (11th Hole), 1996
American Golf Resort Guide
Top 150 Collectible Courses in the World, 2011 |
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| Samoset Oceanside Resort is one of those places you'll want to return to again and again. |
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Samoset Resort in Rockport/Camden, Maine is one of those places you can't help but fall in love with upon first arriving. Built in 1889, this is one of New England’s premier hotels located between Rockland and Camden, Maine. Situated on some 230-acres along waterfront on the edge of Penobscot Bay, the views are fantastic. During 2009 and 2010 the resort upgraded with a series of improvements elevating the resort experience for guests.
In early 2011, the La Bella Vita Ristorante and Enoteca Lounge, the Spa at Samoset, a new lobby complete with double-sided granite fireplace, an observation deck for guests and three stunning, luxury guest cottages were added for the guest experiences. First-class...all the way on each of these additions!
Conde Nast Traveler named Samoset Resort in 2010 as the third best in Northern resorts. Well deserved and should be climbing as to our observation. Other writers and publications have call Samoset "the Pebble Beach of the Atlantic." We agree.
Don't miss our story about how Samoset recovered from two fires, many owners and the golf course superintendent who created the "wow factor" of this beautiful seaside resort.
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| Marriott at Sable Oaks in South Portland, Maine is adjacent to the golf course. |
Sable Oaks in South Portland, Maine is one of those golf courses you will want to return to play time and time again. Making great use of the land and recognizing many environmentally sensitive areas, Sable Oaks has many forced carry shots through the course. It is scenic, challenging and makes great use of the natural terrain. The course is part of a large commercial office complex. The Sable Oaks Marriott and the Sable Oaks Holiday Inn Express are managed by Ocean Properties based in nearby Portsmouth, NH. Ocean Properties owns the 125-acre Sable Oaks Golf Course. The Marriott and Holiday Inn offer very attractive packages that include accommodations, breakfast and golf.
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| Sable Oaks has many forced carry shots. It is scenic, challenging and makes great use of the natural terrain. |
Maine is known world-wide for its fresh and delicious lobster. Our story will point you to some of the best and will not hurt your wallet.
For more information on the State of Maine:
Maine Office of Tourism
#59 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0059
Phone: 1-888-624-6345 or 1-877-624-6331 (tty)
Website: www.visitmaine.com
You may request a free full-color guidebook about Maine vacation opportunities.