CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT : The view from the aerial sky ride on Mount
Sunapee ; a suite at the Lodge Boutique Hotel by Sunapee Stays ; the Blodgetts suite ;
Lake Sunapee in the fall ; the lodge overlooks the lake below ; kayakers on Lake
Sunapee ; baked goods from Blue Loon Bakery in New
London ; panoramic views of the lake from every angle .
All aboard the MV Sunapee Lake Queen , a two-level boat with interior seating and access to the upstairs deck to capture a sunset photo ( sunapeecruises . com ). After boarding , guests can order a drink of choice while the captain begins to embark . A storm happens to roll in , which delays our start , but gives us plenty of time to settle in . Over the two-hour cruise , the captain occasionally points out scenic views , three functioning lighthouses , thirteen islands and even loons along the way . ( Fun fact : Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler owns a lake house here , which is visible from the boat . It ’ s just as bright and bold as you ’ d expect .) The salad and bread buffet comes before the main buffet , which includes classic mac and cheese , grilled veggies , scalloped potatoes and a prime rib cut of your choice . Save room for dessert , as you choose from strawberry , lemon or chocolate cake . As we cruise back into the harbor , the sun makes its way through the clouds , offering a scarlet sunset and two rainbows for its troubles . Now full , we head back to the lodge to wind down with some Netflix and an extremely comfortable bed .
SATURDAY MORNING : We have a bit of a slow start to the morning but make our way over to Grounds ( facebook . com / 374mainst ) in nearby New London for iced coffee ( no matter what time of year ), muffins and banana bread . As we wait for our order , I peruse the take-one , leave-one bookshelf and other trinkets above the fireplace mantle . Then , we head to Mount Sunapee for the most adventurous day ( mountsunapee . com ).
Over the last decade or so , mountain resorts have made the best of their off-seasons , converting slopes into hiking trails and offering outdoor exploration activities . After securing our Play All Day passes from the Adventure Center , we hit the aerial challenge course , which is only a short uphill stretch away . The last time I ’ d been on a ropes course was 2018 , so when I tell you it ’ s harder than it looks when you ’ re five years older , trust me . Many of the obstacles are not for the faint of heart due to the difficulty and elevation , even though you see kids scooting through just fine . After touching back down to the ground , we decide we need more air time and head up the hill on the aerial sky ride to the summit . ( Pack a jacket as it gets chilly at the top .) As you exit the lift , grab a drink at the Summit Lodge or trek over to the overlook for stunning views of the treetops and lakes . For the more romantic types , consider the location for a wedding ceremony with the views as a breathtaking backdrop . Heading back down , we stop by the Adventure Center once more for mining materials . They give you a big ol ’ bag of sand filled with mystery minerals as you head to the sifting station to uncover gemstones , fossils and shells . For those seeking more adventure , try your hand at mountain biking , hiking the peak or rock climbing . | | CONTINUED ON PAGE 158
Take in the scenic view while sampling a flight of cider at Contoocook Cider Company . TOP : A blacksmith at Muster Field Farm Museum in Sutton .
NUTS & BOLTS
Travel Time : Two-and-a-half hours from Providence .
Miles : 159 miles .
How to Get There : I-95 North to I-93 North to I-89 North .
Best Season to Go : Year-round , but especially fall for the seasonal festivities .
Bucket List for Next Time : Hiking up the many mountains and stopping by the Salt Hill Pub – The Shanty for a pint ( or two ) to be transported to Galway , Ireland .
Worth a Detour : Explore the historic homestead of Muster Field Farm Museum in North Sutton or stop by Contoocook Cider Company for a flight of locally crafted hard cider .
PHOTOGRAPHY , CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT : COURTESY OF MT . SUNAPEE ; COURTESY OF LODGE BOUTIQUE HOTEL BY SUNAPEE STAYS ; COURTESY OF MUSTER FIELD FARM MUSEUM ; COURTESY OF CONTOOCOOK CIDER COMPANY ; COURTESY OF LODGE BOUTIQUE HOTEL BY SUNAPEE STAYS ; GETTY IMAGES / DENNIS TANGNEY JR ; NEW HAMPSHIRE TOURISM ; COURTESY OF BLUE MOON BAKERY ; NEW HAMPSHIRE TOURISM .
RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l SEPTEMBER 2023 57