Maine Emerging As A Rising Sports Destination In The U.S.

Known primarily for its rugged coastline and outdoor recreation, Maine is quickly gaining recognition as one of America's most exciting new sports destinations. This past spring, Maine's first professional soccer team, the Portland Hearts of Pine, created a buzz even before they took to the field. From the start, the club has framed itself as not only a sports franchise, but as a community-forward movement: “culture-led, community-built, and city-backed.” The team and their fan base signaled a new era for sports in Maine.

The buzz was amplified to a roar this summer when the Hearts of Pine played their inaugural international friendly against the Halifax Wanderers under the lights at Portland's Fitzpatrick Stadium. The game, which was added to their regular schedule, came about when Maine Governor Janet Mills, on behalf of the Hearts of Pine, asked Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston if the Halifax team would consider a cross-border match. The international friendly made sense geographically and symbolically – a chance to show that Maine is welcoming on the field and for a visit.

A video from the Maine Office of Tourism and the Hearts of Pine captures the excitement and community spirit surrounding Maine's first professional soccer match. The piece celebrates how sports unite fans and foster pride across borders—reflecting the energy and authenticity that define Maine's emerging sports culture.

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_9IGnKpawY

The Portland Hearts of Pine join a roster of established teams that bring year-round excitement to Maine, including the Portland Seadogs (Double-A baseball) the Maine Celtics (NBA G League) and the Maine Mariners (ECHK hockey). Together, these teams give fans the opportunity to see tomorrow's stars up close in an intimate, community-driven setting.

Maine's growing sports profile extends beyond the stadium. Fort Kent's Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races and the Camden Classics Cup sailing regatta are long-time events that highlight Maine's heritage; races and marathons like the Enduro Race Series, several gravel grind races, Beach to Beacon in Cape Elizabeth, the Dempsey Challenge in Lewiston/Auburn and the Mount Desert Island Marathon; and major endurance events like Ironman 70.3 Maine in Augusta and the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship at Sugarloaf have cemented the state's reputation as a premier destination for world-class competition surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.

As sports take center stage globally with next year's FIFA World Cup and the Olympics, Maine is proving that a rural state can make a big impact on the sports stage with new teams, major events, and a passionate fan base. From the stadium lights of Portland to the mountain trails of Carrabassett Valley, Maine's love of sports runs deep. Whether you come to cheer, compete, or simply take it all in, Maine offers the perfect backdrop for unforgettable athletic experiences in every season.

Maple Celebrations Return In Some States, With Precautions

Maple season is a time-honored tradition in the Northeast, when sap starts to flow in maple trees and is collected and boiled into syrup, with visitors coming to sugar houses to see the operations firsthand.

But the pandemic forced some states to cancel or postpone their annual sweet celebrations last year, and now some producers are welcoming back the public with safety precautions in place.

Maple weekends are happening Saturday and Sunday in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and Maine’s annual celebration is being held March 27-28 with precautions recommended by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. But those statewide events are off for a second year in a row in Vermont, the country’s top maple producer, and New York.

Maine Maple Sunday was postponed last spring, which was a disappointment for syrup producers, some of whom counted on it for 50% of their annual sales.

“It was a huge loss last year,” said Jo-Ann Merrifield, who said the event normally accounts for 75% of sales at Merrifield Farm in Gorham, Maine. That included valued added products like nuts and candy, in addition to syrup.

Her farm normally would have about 4,000 to 5,000 visitors over the weekend. This year, the event is scaled back. Gone are the free samples of maple ice cream, the pancake breakfast, blacksmith demonstration and animals, she said. But people can still purchase products as well as enjoy coffee and a pastry, she said.

Despite the loss of the maple open house weekends in Vermont, some producers say sales have been up with more people staying home and cooking for themselves.

“I just think people are staying home more and using more syrup,” said Jim Wells, of Olde Carriage Sugarwoods in Charlotte, Vermont, who said his sales increased at a local market, online and to people stopping by the house. “I almost ran out of syrup, which is unusual.”

Others reported a drop in sales after restaurants that they supply shut down.

Sales are down slightly for Turkey Street Maples, in Chocorua, New Hampshire, because restaurants weren’t using as much syrup, but grocery stores are still taking their syrup, which they also sell online and curbside, said Kate Stanley.

New Hampshire is having a maple month, with some producers allowing limited visitors, with social distancing, face masks, and other requirements.

Normally about 600 people visit Turkey Street Maples during their maple weekend. They usually have two or three other businesses come and sell their products but this year, their event next weekend will be smaller, she said.

The sugarhouse is too small to have other people inside and maintain a safe distance but French doors built into it allow people to see the process from outside, Stanley said.

“We’ve pared it back to just us and another local farm,” she said.

By LISA RATHKE

TripAdvisor's Top 10 Fall Foliage Destinations

There's no shortage of picturesque cities and towns across the U.S. for travelers in search of beautiful fall foliage.

However there are a few destinations that stand out from the rest.

TripAdvisor has revealed its top 10 fall foliage destinations based on the quantity and quality of reviews as they pertain to foliage in addition to the quantity and quality of reviews for nearby accommodations and attractions.

Looking for Leaves? Head to New England 

Stowe, Vermont is sandwiched in between Mt. Mansfield State Forest and CC Putnam State Forest 45 minutes east of Burlington and is the No. 1 stop for fall foliage according to TripAdvisor. 

A nature lover's paradise year-round, visitors to Stowe can experience the great outdoors without having to rough it.

The Stowe Mountain Lodge, Green Mountain Inn and Topnotch Resort are beloved by TripAdvisor users, offering an excellent combination of comfort and scenery.

Travelers will only need to make a two-and-a-half hour drive east to North Conway, New Hampshire, to experience TripAdvisor's second-ranked destination for fall foliage.

Located outside of the White Mountain National Forest not far from the New Hampshire-Maine border, North Conway is home to the scenic Kancamagus Highway, which should definitely be the first stop for visitors seeking gorgeous color-changing leaves.

"With Stowe, Vermont and North Conway, New Hampshire occupying the top two spots on the list, New England is a prime region for viewing the season's colors," TripAdvisor director of communications Brooke Ferencsik said in a statement. 

You May Have Heard of These Places 

Trailing Stowe and North Conway are a pair of more well-known fall destinations. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Aspen, Colorado, and Niagara Falls, New York, both cracked the top five this year. With the Rocky Mountains serving as a backdrop, there's no debating Aspen's spot at No. 3 on the list. Meanwhile, Niagara Falls is a stunning natural attraction, no matter the time of year.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas, rounded out the top five. Located in the Ozark Mountains just minutes away from the pristine Beaver Lake, this destination is not only home to some of the country's most beautiful foliage, but also a wildlife refuge, multiple art galleries and a historic railway, among other attractions. 

In addition to Aspen, No. 6-ranked Park City, Utah, and No. 9 Portland, Oregon, were recognized as the top foliage destinations out West. It's worth noting that Portland's nearly 3,800 TripAdvisor-listed restaurants and 780-plus attractions are far and away the most of any destination in the top 10 this year.

The Ideal Day Trip

Travelers visiting the Southeast this fall will have an opportunity to experience three of TripAdvisor's top 10 foliage destinations in the span of a day. No. 7 Asheville, North Carolina; No. 8 Greenville, South Carolina and No. 10 Gatlinburg, Tennessee are located all within 130 miles of each other, meaning it's certainly possible to hit all three stops over the course of a day.

Begin your drive heading east through Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg. Next, explore the Blue Ridge Parkway as you pass through Asheville. Finally, conclude your journey at any number of attractions in Greenville, a destination known for its charm and scenic landscapes this time of year. 

Citing a recent survey, Ferencsik said that more than eight in 10 American travelers (82 percent) are planning a trip this fall, a figure that spotlights the constant allure of Mother Nature. 

Source: www.travelpulse.com

Celebrate Fall With The Return Of Amtrak Autumn Express

Photo via Twitter/Amtrak

Traveling this fall just got a bit more enjoyable with the announcement of Amtrak's Autumn Express returning this October, offering travelers some prime leaf-changing vistas in New York, Vermont and Massachusetts.

According to a recent press release, on October 24 and 25, the Autumn Express will explore southern New England along a route not used by any passenger rail company in decades, including a trip through the historic five-mile-long Hoosac Tunnel.

For the first time in 30 years, a passenger train will make its way through the tunnel, which was completed in 1877 and considered one of the nation’s civil engineering landmarks. In addition to Hoosac Tunnel, passengers will venture through eastern New York, Southwestern Vermont and Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts.

The Autumn Express will depart from Albany-Rensselaer and Schenectady stations and make its way all to Deerfield, Massachusetts, before eventually returning on the same route back to New York.

Tickets for the fall adventure start at $129 for adults, and children (ages 2-12) are half price with each adult ticket. In addition to the unique train ride, passengers will also receive a boxed lunch and a souvenir tote.

Amtrak also recently brought back the Great Dome rail car. Through Nov. 3, customers can book a trip on the Adirondack service in the only remaining dome car along one of the most scenic train routes in the United States.

For more information on the Autumn Express, check out Amtrak’s official website.

By DONALD WOOD , www.travelpulse.com

www.travelpulse.com

Carnival Cruise Line Revamps Shore Excursion Offerings

Carnival Cruise Line has dramatically expanded its shore excursion offerings, adding exclusive new landside experiences and customized private tours, as well as new family-friendly enhancements, including fun complimentary beachside activities, value pricing and free tours in select ports for children under age five.

The new options build upon Carnival's leadership position in the shore excursion arena, with nearly 1,200 unique landside experiences offered by the line in more than 50 ports of call throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Bahamas, Canada, New England, and Central and South America.

"Shore excursions are an important part of the Carnival vacation experience and we've gone to great lengths to provide our guests with even more choices and offer families unique value-added services and pricing options that are exclusive to Carnival," said Erika Tache, Carnival's director of product development.

Exclusive 'Only-On-Carnival' Tour Options In Select Caribbean Ports
For those who want to create unforgettable vacation memories in their own tropical paradise, Carnival now offers exclusive tours that not only include amenities like access to luxurious private villas but also unique enrichment activities that allow guests to fully immerse themselves in local culture and cuisine. The new tours include:

• La Casa en la Playa (Cozumel) – Recently named Carnival's "Tour of the Year," this five-hour-long tour offers an exclusive luxury experience limited to 30 participants with access to a beach house with five-star service for the day, complete with a personal chef and wait staff. Participants can also learn how to cook authentic Mexican cuisine, make refreshing Margaritas and mojitos, or simply relax on a white-sand beach while enjoying pampering and attentive service.

• Eat, Drink & Dance (Ocho Rios) – This tour is definitely on "island time," designed to please guests' palates and awaken their senses through Jamaica's unique food, music and culture. After savoring spicy samples at a traditional jerk hut, guests enjoy a delicious meal at Miss T's Kitchen which was featured on Guy Fieri's Family Vacation on Food Network. The day continues with a visit to a beachside bar where mixologists create hand-crafted Jamaican rum cocktails and concludes with a spirited reggae dance lesson.

• Jamaican Home for the Day (Ocho Rios) – Just like the name implies, this day-long tour offers guests their own Jamaican home for a day where they can relax, kick off their shoes, and enjoy a fantastic home-cooked island lunch in their own private paradise. The tour also includes full use of the expansive property which features a beautiful secluded beach where guests can enjoy refreshing frozen daiquiris and other rum-infused cocktails.

• Photo Safari & Beach Expedition (Cozumel) -- Taking place over the course of two days, the tour begins with a one-hour photo seminar on board led by the ships' photographers who offer tips on camera equipment, lighting, photo composition and more. The tour continues the following day with a visit to gorgeous Mexican beaches and a national park where participants are offered an informative hands-on demonstration to "Capture the Moments that Matter."

• Eat, Drink & Walk (St. Thomas) – This self-described "walking culinary/culture tour" begins with a drive through the lush countryside to St. Peter Mountain Great House & Botanical Gardens, home to diverse plant and animal life and an observation level where guests can see the 15 islands that comprise the Virgin Islands chain. Participants can sample 24 different island rums as they learn how to make banana daiquiris and nosh on island-inspired food like saltfish, plantains, jonny cakes and West Indian pumpkin soup.

New Family-Friendly Services and Tours

Carnival is offering new "family friendly" shore excursion options in ports throughout the Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico, with tours offered at multiple price points to provide parents the ultimate in flexibility, value and convenience. Children age five and under receive complimentary beach excursions with their parents' paid tour. Sample excursions include:

• Family Beach Escape (Freeport) – Designed with all-ages appeal, this tour begins with an air-conditioned ride to a breathtaking beachside resort. Here, under the watchful eye of trained youth specialists, kids can enjoy such activities as sandcastle-making competitions, treasure hunts and face-painting while parents can relax under oversized umbrellas and sip a cool tropical drink. Lunch is included and water toys, paddle boats, kayaks and other watercraft are available for rent.

• Island Beach Escape for Families by Power Catamaran (Cozumel) – After an exhilarating power catamaran ride, families arrive at Passion Island, which boasts white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters along with full resort facilities with plentiful beach chairs and hammocks. Guests of all ages can enjoy volleyball, water trampolines and pedal boats, while kids get their own special beachside play area. A Mexican-style buffet with guacamole, grilled mahi-mahi and a kids' menu is included in the price.

• Family Treasure Hunt with Lunch at Blue Lagoon (Nassau) – Families are sure to have a blast during this fun-filled adventure where participants must discover hidden treasures, collect clues and answer trivia questions on their journey to win the Pirate's Bounty! After their plunder, families can soak up the sun on a stunning powdery beach as they enjoy a grilled lunch and icy beverages at Blue Lagoon Island, one of the top destinations in The Bahamas.

• All Inclusive Family Beach Resort Getaway (Montego Bay) – Hosted at the Mediterranean-inspired Seawinds Beach Club, one of Jamaica's premier oceanfront properties that is home to magnificent beaches and world-class amenities, this tour includes lively island entertainment, along with a complimentary buffet lunch and drinks. When it's time to cool off, families can take a dip in the ocean or one of the many on-property pools and enjoy fun water sports like sailing, snorkeling and kayaking.

Well-staffed beachside excursions provide families with extra assistance with services such as stroller storage as well as hosted fun activities like beachside games, and arts and crafts, along with play areas and water slides and toys, all available on a complimentary basis. Offered in all of Carnival's Caribbean ports, the new activities are designed to keep kids entertained while offering parents some much-needed "we" time.

Unique Valued-Added Options

For guests seeking a more authentic landside experience, there are exclusive private tours – operated via custom motor coaches, sailboats, yachts, and even helicopters – that take guests on off-the-beaten-path excursions tailored to the guests' specific preferences. These excursions showcase non-traditional sightseeing sites typically not available to other guests, all under the guidance of an experienced local who provides an "up close and personal" view of the destination.

And with Carnival's new on-board lounge tour dispatch system, tour operators come on board to meet shore excursion participants and tours depart from a shipboard venue versus the previous method of tour operators assembling large groups of guests on the pier, thus providing a more streamlined, organized and expedited departure. Carnival is the only cruise operator in the Caribbean to have local tour operators involved with this enhanced service option.

Programs and Offerings

All of these new offerings complement Carnival's industry-leading programs such as the Shore Excursion Best Price Guarantee. The only one of its kind in the cruise industry, the program provides a 110 percent refund in the form of a shipboard credit should consumers find a better price on a similar tour, providing much-needed peace of mind knowing that they're getting the best price.

Each of Carnival's 24 ships also offers a dedicated shore excursion desk with highly trained and experienced staff members who can recommend particular tours and answer any questions guests may have. Shore excursion personnel also personally experience the wide array of landside options in every port and obtain feedback from guests to strive for continuous improvement in the line's shore excursion choices.

Carnival has also revamped the shore excursion section of its web site to include a greater variety of photos and videos, enhanced navigation and on-line reservations for both desktop and mobile devices, as well as guest-written reviews of the various options ashore.

Upscale New England Hotel Joins Curio – A Collection By Hilton

Madison Beach Hotel, beachfront New England hotel joins Curio – A Collection by Hilton

A New England hotel rich in history, Madison Beach Hotel, today joined Curio – A Collection by Hilton, Hilton Worldwide’s growing global collection of distinctive hotels for passionate travelers seeking local discovery and authentic experiences. Set in a relaxing beachfront setting, Madison Beach Hotel is an upscale boutique resort with each of the hotel’s 32 rooms offering luxurious accommodations with sweeping ocean views and private balconies. Located in the heart of Madison Beach, the hotel is the area’s only resort on the beach and is ideally situated near a variety of dining, recreation and shopping areas.

Madison Beach Hotel’s rich history dates back to the early 1900s when it originally served as a rooming house for shipbuilders passing through the region. The hotel has also welcomed thousands of train passengers over the years, attracted by the natural beauty of Madison’s beaches. The hotel was one of the oldest continuously run businesses on the shoreline of Connecticut. In 2012, the hotel was completely rebuilt and re-opened to the public.

“The unique history of this premier property, combined with the personalized hospitality and comfortable elegance found at Madison Beach Hotel truly embodies the spirit of the Curio collection,” said Dianna Vaughan, global head, Curio – A Collection by Hilton. “We are excited to welcome this beautiful boutique hotel as our second property in New England, joining the Providence Biltmore.

The 4-story building boasts the region’s distinct New England-inspired design, complemented by amenities and services that today’s modern traveler has come to expect at an upscale hotel. This includes complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, a full service restaurant, fitness center, yoga room and Sounds of the Sea Spa. Additionally, the hotel’s guest rooms boast luxury linens, coffee makers, refrigerators and oversized soaking tubs – with some rooms also featuring fireplaces and separate rain showers to expand the individualized guest experience.

"We look forward to continuing our reputation for excellence in the New England area as we embark on an exciting new partnership with Curio – A Collection by Hilton," said Lou Carrier, president of Distinctive Hospitality Group, the hotel's operator. "Madison Beach Hotel is embedded in the fabric of this close-knit community, and we’re honored Hilton Worldwide hand-picked this unique hotel to join its prestigious collection."

This Coming Weekend Is Best For Viewing The Fall Tapestry Of Color In Maine

Fall Foliage Report Week 4

From Fort Kent in the north down through Bangor in the central part of the state, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is now reporting peak leaf color with low leaf drop of less than 30%.

 

“The colors of fall are reflecting off the water throughout Moosehead Lake in Greenville (Zone 5) as the foliage is approaching peak conditions this weekend,” according to Gale Ross, Fall Foliage spokesperson.  “Forest rangers are reporting that the maples throughout Maine are casting fiery red colors in central and western Maine as well, with low (30%) leaf drop,” Ross noted.

 

Maine’s official foliage website www.mainefoliage.com provides weekly reports by e-mail and an opportunity to share photos of favorite spots in Maine to watch the leaves turn color.

 

This upcoming weekend the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Bureau of Parks and Lands is offering ranger-led fall foliage hikes at Mount Blue State Park in Weld and Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal.  www.maine.gov/dacf/fallfoliagehikes.  

 

In addition to viewing the spectacular fall foliage, there is a lot to do in Maine this weekend.

Enjoy wagon rides, making homemade cedar shakes, fresh cider and more on October 4 and 5 as part of Living History Days in Bradley. www.leonardsmills.com.

 

Travel to Freeport this weekend for the 16^th Annual Fall in the Village Art & Music Festival at the LL Bean Discovery Park.  View the works of talented artists and artisans while enjoying great live music, refreshments and more. www.freeportusa.com.

 

Enjoy the foliage while visiting the galleries of downtown Bar Harbor.  On October 3 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Art Walk Bar Harbor will include traditional and contemporary art including sculpture, glass, pottery, jewelry, fiber art and fashion.  Several of the galleries will host meet the artists events. www.artwalkbarharbor.com.

 

Family Harvest Day at Boothbay Railway Village celebrates the bounty of autumn at this new old-fashioned, family-friendly festival with apple cider pressing, antique tractors, a pumpkin hayride and more. October 4 and 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  www.railwayvillage.org.

 

For more information about fall activities and events in Maine go to www.visitmaine.com.