Bird's Eye View Magazine - Winter 2015

WINTER 2015

VIEW BIRD’S EYE

Caribbean Paradise – St. John

2

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

Block Island Sales & Vacation Rentals Phone: 401-466-8883 info@blockislandproperty.com

Mermaid Hill $2,585,000

Exceptional Contemporary $1,695,000 Waterfront Grove Point $2,795,000

Southeast $1,975,000

Crescent Beach Cottage $1,200,000

Boathouse $1,565,000

Centrally Located $1,100,000

Ocean & Sunset Views $2,500,000

Crescent Beach $1,175,000

Ballard Hall real estate Ocean Avenue, Block Island, RI 02807 Phone: 401-466-8883 Gail Hall, Principal Broker

Judith Cyronak & Blake Phelan, Associate Brokers | Michele Phelan, David Graham, Chelsea Phelan, Laurel Littlefield Licensees RHODE ISLAND

STATE-WIDE

www.blockislandproperty.com

info@blockislandproperty.com

MOCHA HAGoTDI*

VIEW

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-

mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” – Mark Twain Last month I was fortunate enough to take a mini family vacation that took us horseback riding in Ashville, North Carolina and, as I write to you today, I am actually standing in Beijing, China. In spite of my almost four decades as a pilot, I have to admit I am still awed by the thrill of flight as well as the wondrous possibilities and opportunities presented by air travel.

Since you are reading this on your Cape Air flight, I am somewhat preaching to the choir as you are already in a travel mode, albeit this may be a business trip for some of you. Be it work or play I speak for the entire Cape Air team when I say our goal is to do everything possible to make sure your entire travel experience is, dare I say it, fun.

From the moment you book your flight, whether by phone or online, your relationship with our customer service providers begins. As anyone who travels is

Captain Dan takes a moment for a Martha’s Vineyard sunset

Outside the Beijing National Stadium, Bird’s Nest, China.

aware, the complexities of our industry have certainly intensified in the past decade but our goal remains the same; to ensure outstanding customer service.

Here at Cape Air we enter the new year with a renewed and reinvigorated customer service pledge.

Enhancements include a totally revamped web site and a new passenger booking system. What is not changing is the availability of our reservations line where there is never a charge to talk to an agent, ready to go the extra mile to get you where you need to go, as seamlessly as possible.

We thank you for flying and urge you to follow Mr. Twain’s advice and enjoy a travel adventure in 2015.

Dan CEO and MA State Senator Dan Wolf Dan.Wolf@capeair.com

(Photo by Tim Johnson) *Make our customers happy and have a good time doing it.

4

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

CONTENTS W I NTE R 2015 10 U.S. Virgin Islands 28 British Virgin Islands 36 Caribbean 44 Nantucket 49 Martha’s Vineyard 54 Montana 58 Maine 64 New England/New York 74 Provincetown 76 Block Island, RI

La Chiva Beach, Vieques (Photo by Jen Teeter) PUBLISHER Dan Wolf EXECUTIVE EDITOR Michelle Haynes Michelle.Haynes@capeair.com CONTRIBUTORS Rebecca Alvin, Gayle Fee, Kelly Thompson, Susan Zaluski COPY EDITOR Jim Hanson DESIGN & PRODUCTION Sally Brophy brophygraphics@comcast.net Bird’s Eye View is published by Cape Air, 660 Barnstable Road Hyannis, MA, 02601

WINTER

2015

OUR TEAM Kim Corkran Kimberly.Corkran@capeair.com Rosemary Dooley 508.274.6755 Bobbi Fawcett doitnow141@gmail.com Nancy Woods birdseyeviewmagazine @gmail.com © Bird’s Eye View, 2015 Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Advertising rates are available upon request.

410.829.1101

WINTER 2015

VIEW BIRD’S EYE

WINTER 2015

VIEW BIRD’S EYE

Yellowstone in Winter Caribbean Paradise – St. John

Montana Cover: A photo op awaits in Yellowstone, but be sure to take it from the car. (Photo by Neal Herbert - courtesy of the National Park Service)

Caribbean Cover: Savanna Morrisette, Zoy K. Otto and Maia Ginther model bikinis by Ranifly on St John’s Cinnamon Bay Beach.

(Photo by Steve Simonsen) 5

MOCHA HAGoTDI*

VIEW No surprise, I cannot walk by a magazine. Total bliss is

a stack of my New Yorkers (I am always catching up) and a beach chair with toes in the sand under the Caribbean sunshine, which is exactly where I was when a Coastal Living feature leapt off the page – the “Best Caribbean Beach Bars”.

On the list, Bird’s Eye View favorite, Iggies Beach Bar and Grill, Bolongo Bay in St. Thomas, located about four feet from where I was sitting. Serendipity is a wonderful thing.

Check out my stay at this insanely popular resort where fun goes hand in hand with affordable. My budget-friendly picks

Voted one of the Best Beach Bars in the Caribbean.

extend further to Miller Manor, a Danish hillside mansion turned B&B, in the heart of Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.

Also in this issue, show biz and activism come together with Omar Sharif Jr and yes that Omar Sharif. The younger shares a journey that takes him from one of Egypt’s favored sons to public enemy, bringing him to his role today as spokesman for Gay & Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAAD). We could not resist a few behind the scenes tidbits on the romance of Omar senior (Nicky Arnstein) and Babs on the set of Funny Girl.

For Cape Air Montana and the rest of the world, check out our winter escape to Yellowstone’s Old Faithful. A cozy lodge and specially-equipped snow vehicles give you a front and center view of the free roaming grizzlies, elk, wolves,

Life imitating art – according to Omar Sharif Jr, his grandfather and Barbra Streisand fell in love off the set of the 1968 film, Funny Girl, stirring controversy on a few levels including the fact that he is Arab and she is Jewish.

and a variety of other park residents. Go and experience this American treasure.

2015 is upon us and the world waits.

Michelle Haynes Executive Editor, Bird’s Eye View Michelle.Haynes@capeair.com 6

A great New Year’s resolution – visit one of America’s treasures, Yellowstone’s Old Faithful, an astounding sight.

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

WINTER

2015

7

It’s all about the pictures! Our sincere appreciation to our talented Bird’s Eye View family of photographers.

Eliza Magro – St. John elizamagrophotography.com

Malcolm Greenaway Block Island, Rhode Island malcolmgreenaway.com Steve Simonsen – St. John, stevesimonsen.com

Chuck Anzalone – New England ChuckAnzalone.com

Dan McKeon – Provincetown kalel344@gmail.com Tim Johnson – Martha’s Vineyard tjtj@capecod.net

Cary Hazlegrove – Nantucket nantucketstock.com

Kelly Thompson – Vieques viequesinsider.com

Kari Curtis – Block Island, Rhode Island karicurtis@rocketmail.com 8

Sally Brophy – New England sallybrophy.com

Marion Griscom – Bar Harbor, Maine m.griscom@netzero.com

Jennifer Teeter – Vieques jenteeter46@icloud.com

Peter Simon – Martha’s Vineyard petersimon.com Barry Gutradt - flickr.com/ people/stealthvader

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Emerald Beach Resort St. Thomas, USVI 8070 Lindbergh Bay, St. Thomas, USVI 00802 Phone: (340) 777-8800 Fax: (340) 776-3426 E-Mail: reservations@emeraldbeach.com

Learn more about us on Facebook, Twitter, and our website

WINTER

2015

9

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

The Amazing Race Finds Treasure in St. Thomas

Millions watched the opening episode of the multi Emmy Award winning show The Amazing Race filmed in St. Thomas. The insanely popular reality series is an elimination contest (of course) taking teams to far flung locations around the globe.

“The impact of a CBS series like The Amazing Race filming in the Virgin Islands is far reaching, engaging millions of viewers in our unique culture,” said Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty.

“We thank all those who assisted the production and we look forward to more opportunities like this one to showcase the diverse experiences found across the entire U.S. Virgin Islands.”

10

Virgin Islander Lorna Freeman with The Amazing Race host Phil Keoghan at the Fort Christian check-in point. Photos by Heather Wines ©2014 CBS Broadcasting, Inc.

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

Virgin Gorda

St. Thomas

San Juan

MayagĂźez

Tortola

Culebra

Anguilla

Vieques St. Croix

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS Nevis

Seven hundred feet above St. Thomas a motorized tram takes you to Paradise Point for an unparalleled view of the island. A restaurant and cocktails for a sunset toast can also be found here. If you want a workout walk to the top.

Magen’s Bay Trail goes through multiple ecosystems including a mangrove forest, and finishes at a beautiful beach.

WINTER

2015

11

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Water Island M I N U T E S F R O M S T. T H O M A S

Water Island’s Main Street (also the only street.)

By Michelle Haynes Photos by Eliza Magro I have a new Caribbean love, Water Island. A tenminute ferry ride from Charlotte Amalie, the bustling business center of St. Thomas, Water Island is all you imagine for a get away from it all paradise – gorgeous beaches, a couple of excellent, casual seaside restaurants, and although no hotels, this small island has more than enough vacation rentals.

Joining St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John as the newest member of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Water Island is actually the oldest with a rich history dating back 500 years to the Taíno Indians. Later on, out of range of the Danish guns based at their military fort on nearby St. Thomas, Water Island was a popular romp and hide-the-booty spot for pirates, as well as a stopping point for merchant ships. The attraction – the number of fresh water ponds providing needed drinking water, thus the moniker, Water Island.

The 100 folks now living and working on Water Island are rolling out the welcome wagon for visitors beginning with the first person you are apt to meet as you depart the ferry, Ms. Kelly Boylan. Owner of Kelly’s Karts, Boylan is a veritable Water Island font of information, ready to rent you everything from a villa to a golf cart, Water Island’s major mode of transport.

Everyone you meet is so darned glad to meet you with 12

A one woman welcoming committee – Kelly of Kelly’s Karts meets you at the ferry with your ride, a map, and info on the do-not-miss attractions.

reminders about movie night, a game of horse shoes or beach volleyball, which, along with a visit to the abandoned army fort, pretty much sums up the”‘what to do” list.

For most folks the major lure for a tropical island is of course the beach, and Water Island has a winner in the white sands of Honeymoon Beach.

A $10 round trip ferry ride from Crown Bay Marina B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Located ten steps from your ferry arrival - Water Island Post Office, information booth and lending library. Wonder what to do on Water Island? All questions answered here.

Water Island’s Honeymoon Beach has two great places to eat that also happen to be the only places to eat. (Left) Christy escaped the New England winters for life on a boat moored off Water Island and a job at Dinghy’s Moon Bay. Pittsburgh’s Kasha and Detroit’s Colleen do the grill honors at Heidi’s Honeymoon Grill.

in St. Thomas gets you to this island escape. Call Kelly in advance for your golf cart rental for $40 per day or for anything else you may need to know about a Water Island vacation, ring her at 340-643-5124. As for the ferry schedule, that would be Kelly’s fiancé Steve – like I said – a small island.

WINTER

2015

13

ST. TH OM AS

Miller Manor So much of the past is preserved at Miller Manor that you half expect the former residents of the 160-yearold Danish home to be sipping tea in the front parlor.

If you want a big time Caribbean resort experience, look elsewhere, for this small and affordable (emphasis on affordable) hillside B&B offers a unique vacation alternative. Scrupulously clean, the rooms are simply furnished, as fancy does not apply here. Miller Manor’s greatest attraction is the spectacular view of Charlotte Amalie, offering an ever-changing panorama during breakfast or around the bar and open-air seating area.

Cruise ships, ferry boats, the bustle of St. Thomas shopping areas – you are above it all, yet you are minutes away if you choose to join in the action.

Family-owned and operated, minutes after checking in you are escorted to the outside bar for a welcome drink, and after you gasp at the view, the fun really gets going. Think Damon Runyon goes Caribbean and you have the cast of characters. Trust me – spending time with Miller Manor’s guests is worth the stay here.

Some of them stay there for weeks at a time, and do they have stories.

Miller Manor’s rates start as low as $90 a night but there are specials for longer stays. This is an ‘offthe-radar’ gem that is worthy of your attention at millermanor.com

Miller Manor owner Marge Klarl welcomes you to her 160-year-old Danish manor house.

Photos by Eliza Magro

Your Miller Manor view of Charlotte Amalie

14

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Weekly winter charters aboard the Schooner Mystic •

Anegada Virgin Gorda Jost Van Dyke • St. Thomas • Norman Island •

• •

St. John

St. Thomas and throughout

the Caribbean DECEMBER 2014 - APRIL 2015

stops at St. John, JostVan Dyke, Anagada, Norman Island (with a stop at Willy T’s), and the Baths atVirgin Gorda Puerto Rico

Newport to Nantucket

Map Detail

MAY-DECEMBER 2015

Antigua

stops at Cuttyhunk, Naushon Island, Block Island and Martha’sVineyard

Guadeloupe Dominica

Escape in comfort

The ambiance and comfort of a brand new yacht and the romance of a tall ship on the high seas.

Family Reunions | Corporate Retreats | Adventure Cruises mysticadventuresails.com | 781.428.3720 | charters@mysticadventuresails.com WINTER

2015

15

ST. TH OM AS

When You’re Here, You’re Family...Really*

By Michelle Haynes “This is our fifth time at Bolongo Bay, how about you?” Variations on this question came at me from the pool, beach side, restaurants and just about everywhere else. The reference – how many times have I stayed at Bolongo? – and although warmly welcomed by all, I had the distinction of being the only first-timer.

Recently voted the “Best All-Inclusive Resort in the Caribbean,” Bolongo guests return to the seaside resort over and over and over. That was enough to send this newbie on the hunt with the ‘why’ question. With

a long list of places to stay in St. Thomas, what is Bolongo’s secret?

A few obvious answers here – it is exactly 28 steps from your private veranda to the water; from diving to jet skis, there is no lack of things to do. Iggies, recently voted, “best beach bar in the Caribbean”, is nonstop action for TV sports or live music and, a personal favorite, a handy hammock for the “do nothing but read and nap” set.

There’s no reason to leave for food, for the Bolongo’s chefs are outstanding. Seafood lovers – do not miss the delectable mahi-mahi, simply served with a lemon butter sauce. Top all of this with the happy-to-see-you service and Bolongo is a total winner.

High season rates start at $250 per night with an all-inclusive plan at $552, and do check out the specials at Bolongobay.com *Since 1974 Bolongo Bay has been owned and operated by the Doumeng family. You are almost certain to find at least one family member around the resort checking on the fun index of their guests.

16

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS caribbean daze ~ paintings

INGRID MANZIONE

www.ingridmanzione.com

When you’re done jet skiing, sunbathing and scuba diving, finish your day on St. Thomas at Iggies for live music and decadent rum concoctions.

WINTER

2015

17

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

BIKINIS

Custom Made in St. John

PHOTO BY STEVE SIMONSEN

18

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

ST. J O H N With Ranifly bikinis gracing our cover, Bird’s Eye View is in lofty company joining the ranks of a number of well known magazines including Sports Illustrated‘s online swimsuit edition. Each and every bikini is designed and hand-sewn by St. John resident Rani Keough who has seen her twelve-year-old business grow beyond anything she could imagine.

“I started with a local following,” says Rani. “I hand pick the fabrics to make sure they are both comfortable and durable and I think that is the real reason women like them so much. You can mix and match the tops and bottoms to get exactly the right size. For a bathing suit to work it has to move with your body and stay comfortable.” raniflybikini.com

Rani Keough and her assistant Sarah Swan choose fabrics for Ranifly Bikinis. (Photos by Savannah Loftus)

WINTER

2015

19

ST. J O H N Lameshur Bay is located on the rugged south shore of St John.

Its remote location, beautiful sand beach, sugar mill ruins and access to several great hiking trails make it a great destination.

This beach offers some of the best snorkeling on St John.

Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced – you’ll find plenty to explore. (Photos by Steve Simonsen)

20

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

O: 340-776-6666 F: 340-693-8499

www.IslandiaRealEstate.com | www.SeaGlassProperties.com

This gorgeous villa offers stunning panoramic views from Bordeaux Mountain, Coral Bay harbor to British Virgin Islands and beyond. Conveniently located only minutes to Coral Bay restaurants, shops, Cruz Bay town, and north shore beaches.

Privateer Point | $9,500,000 | 14 Acres

St. John’s most dramatic home site is now offered for sale. For a spectacular private estate, one cannot find better than the 14 acres of Privateer Point. Surrounded by water on 3 sides with unlimited views of most of the British Virgins, it just does not get better than Privateer Point. Construction will be easy with a concrete driveway and electric already run for approximately 600 feet to one of the relatively flat building sites. Three pocket beaches add to the charm of this nature lover’s paradise.

WINTER

2015

21

ST. J O H N

Not for Sissies – 8 Tuff Miles

St. John, Saturday, February 28, 2015 Ladies and gentlemen, start those treadmills and kick up the training for a tropical escape topped by an eight-mile race or, for some of us, a vigorous walk. The challenging course is a true workout with more than a few steep hills ranging from sea level to 999 feet.

“This is a full circle event,” says race founder Peter Alter, “The Race directly benefits the people of St. John while at the same time brings in hundreds of visitors from St. Thomas and beyond.”

Twenty-one runners crossed the finish line in 1997 with that number swelling to 1,106 participants in last year’s event. Cape Air is proud to join the list of race sponsors this year and do not be surprised to see a few of us along the course starting at the National Park Visitor Center at Cruz Bay and ending at Coral Bay. Sign up forms for runners and walkers can be found at 8tuffmiles.com

“This is a healthy annual event that directly benefits the people of St. John while at the same brings in hundreds of visitors from St. Thomas and beyond.”

22

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Kayak, Hike & Snorkel

ADVENTURES! Mangrove Lagoon, St. Thomas

Historic Hassel Island

Honeymoon Beach, St. John

BOOK ONLINE - Save 10% Promo Code: Capeair

VIECOTOURS.COM

340.779.2155

Creating perfect getaways since 1996…

Island Getaways offers a wonderful selection of 2-­‐6 bedroom villas. Our villas have spectacular ocean views, private pools and are minutes from the remarkable St. John beaches. Each villa is fully furnished and reflects the open air Caribbean feeling of St. John. Contact us to begin planning your perfect getaway!

WINTER

2015

For more information :

888-­‐693-­‐7676 www.islandgetawaysinc.com Kathy@islandgetawaysinc.com

23

ST. C RO IX

The blue tangs are running!

“The blue tangs are running,” says Jolly Roger Captain Mike Klein. “We are seeing hundreds of them, running in schools off Buck Island, a fantastic sight for beginners or veteran snorkelers.” After 30 years in the Caribbean, Captain Klein has lost none of his enthusiasm for sharing what lies beneath. Now settled in St. Croix with his 42-foot catamaran, the Captain enjoys a brisk business with day trips as well as sunset sails. “We take folks to the underwater trail at Buck Island where they

Jolly Roger Captain Mike Klein

can enjoy the white sand beach as well as the sights below,” says Klein. “Our specialty is first-timers, for a lot of people this will be the first time they have even worked with snorkeling gear so we spend time with them and make sure they are totally comfortable in the water.” All trips leave from downtown Christiansted and snorkel gear and instructions are included in the price of $65 for half-day $75 for a full-day.

JollyRogerVI.com 24

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

WINTER

2015

25

St. Croix’s Valentine’s Day

Jump Up

The stilt-dancing Mocko Jumbies are an important part of Caribbean culture. Rising as high as 15 feet, they are said to bring good fortune to those around them. Colorful costumes add to the fun and their dancing prowess on stilts is pretty amazing.

St. Croix has a unique take on the annual homage to Cupid with a street celebration that is one of the most anticipated parties of the year for locals and visitors.

Come 6 pm downtown Christiansted is closed to traffic and the streets come alive with music, dancing and street vendors. The stores and restaurants stay open late and many offer special Valentine’s Day discounts.

You can see the Mocko Jumbies in action and enjoy an 26

all-you-can-eat Caribbean buffet every Monday night at The Palms at Pelican Cove. Be prepared with your cameras ready as the Mocko Jumbies are often looking for a dance partner. Joining the Jumbies on Monday is what has to be the best named band in the Caribbean, KiKi and The Flaming Gypsies, who present their singular fire dancing at the Buccaneer Hotel’s Mermaid Restaurant at 7 pm before proceeding on to the Palms. palmspelicancove.com thebuccaneer.com B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

ST. C RO IX

Buck Island (Photo by Steve Simonsen)

WINTER

2015

27

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Getting “Wrecked” Exploring Virgin Gorda’s Underwater Wonders

By Susan Zaluski

With mischievous monikers like Bronco Billy, the Invisibles, and Devil’s Kitchen, it’s pretty hard to resist the urge to visit the worldrenowned dive sites found under the waters of Virgin Gorda.

Divers and snorkelers are wowed by schools of tiny, nimble fish, graceful turtles and rays, alongside enormous goliath groupers that lurk at deeper depths. From snorkeling shallow coastal waters to advanced dives, Virgin Gorda’s nearby waters can provide underwater experiences to satisfy every skill level.

International dive organizations and magazines have repeatedly honored the local BVI dive industry for the ‘Best’ in shipwreck diving, snorkeling and beginners’ dive classes.

28 28

B I R D’S B I R D’S

E YE E YE

VIE W VIE W

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Caribbean Sea

WINTER WINTER

2015 2015

29 29

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS While wreck dives can provide challenges to experienced divers, they can also inspire and excite those just starting out. Wrecks create artificial reefs that provide a habitat for marine life while providing an opportunity to learn Caribbean maritime history.

The RMS Rhone is an English-built vessel that sunk in 1867 off Salt Island in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Many of the ship’s original artifacts are still here. The Rhone was the site for the 1977 film The Deep.

Virgin Gorda’s nearby waters are also home to “Wreck Alley”, dive sites that include the wrecks of cargo and tug boats, as well as the fuselage of an old Atlantic Air

30

On location in the British Virgin Islands with the stars of the 1977 film, The Deep – Jacqueline Bisset, Robert Shaw and Nick Nolte.

The wreck of the Rhone, used for the dive shots is still considered the best wreck dive in the Caribbean. (Photo

by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

BVI airplane. For more ambitious divers, the 246 foot refrigerator ship Chikuzen offers challenging swell conditions, but rewarding views. Located 12 miles from Virgin Gorda, the wreckage is in 75 feet of water surrounded by miles of sand.

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS Cape Air’s new nonstop service to Virgin Gorda from San Juan, Puerto Rico brings you minutes away from the famed Baths, a watery labyrinth of tunnels and ropes ending at a spectacular beach.

WINTER

2015

31

TORTOLA

Tortola’s Beef Island (photo courtesy of Cate Stephenson, Surfsong Resort)

32

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Conch Charters Ltd. Est. 1986

British Virgin Islands

“B Best VI’s on K Deals eels! ”

• Bareboat/Skippered • Monohulls 32' - 52' • Catamarans 38' - 47'

27thth Charter Season

Our Cat prices will make you purrr!!

WWW.CONCHCHARTERS.COM email: sailing@conchcharters.com - (284) 494-4868 Toll Free: USA 800-521-8939 • Canada 800-463-6625 Yacht Brokerage Division: charteryachtsales.com

“Best Yacht Management Program” WINTER

2015

33

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

34

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Explore Tranquility

Discover Time

Redefine Escape

Extraordinary villas in the tranquil seclusion of a beachfront resort. www.surfsong.net WINTER

2015

35

Anguilla, Affordably

By Susan Zaluski Anguilla has earned a posh reputation as an exclusive tropical locale, and indeed, paradise often comes with a price-tag. While it can be hard to resist splurging on Anguilla’s renowned luxury resorts, it’s nice to know that the island has some more budget-friendly offerings.

STAY

Serenity Cottages more than lives up to its name starting with rooms directly overlooking Anguilla’s spectacular Shoal Bay Beach. The suites offer all of the amenities including a fully equipped kitchen that the staff will prestock for you, cable TV, and your own private balcony.

Add to that outstanding personal service and this is a total winner, especially when you share the cost with friends and family. One and two bedroom suites are available with high season rates starting at $400 per night but they do have weekly specials. When shared with another couple this is in the affordable category for an on the beach winter escape.

You’ll feel instantly at home at the welcoming Lloyd’s Guest House perched atop Crocus Hill, where the price of your room ($145 for a double in high season) includes a cooked hot breakfast. Another bonus beyond the homey atmosphere – the closest beach is just a three minute stroll away.

Another top value choice is the Carimar Beach Club located on the spectacular Mead’s Bay. Voted the “Best Value of Anguilla”, the resort also won a nod from Caribbean Travel & Life for offering the best in budgetfriendly beachfront accommodations in the entire Caribbean (low season rates dip as low as $200 per night

for a one bedroom suite.) Nearby supermarkets make it easy to stock up and cook some meals in, dining al fresco on your own private balcony.

EAT

While you can save some money by eating meals in, it is hard to ignore Anguilla’s persistent top-billing as a Caribbean culinary destination. Just steps away from the Carimar Beach Club is the fun, funky Blanchards Beach Shack, for hand-cut fries, lobster rolls, salads, sandwiches and ice cream drinks. It’s also obvious that food preparation is a labor of love at Picante, one of Anguilla’s most popular and wallet-friendly restaurants.

EXPLORE

They say that some of the best things in life are free, and this rings true on Anguilla. There are 33 stunning stretches of sand on the island, and along with the turquoise water they border, these shores are free. At around $30 per day, it’s reasonably affordable to set out and explore the island on your own with a rental vehicle. (Check out Bird’s Eye View favorite wendellconnorcarrental.com.) A self-guided Heritage Trail was created for the island and distinctive roadside markers are in place to help guide the way.

PLAY

Finally, when the sun slips below the horizon, you may want to head out and play for a night. The stretch of restaurants and bars at Sandy Ground is one of the best places to hear live local music. The Pumphouse (which also happens to be one of the stops on the Heritage Trail) is a favorite spot where locals and visitors alike dance the night away to live music, swaying to Anguilla’s own unique beat.

PHOTO BY CHUCK ANZALONE

36

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

CARIBBEAN ~ ANGUILLA

WINTER

2015

37

ANGUILLA ~ NEVIS

Montpelier Plantation and Beach, a boutique hideaway, takes pride in being a member of Relais & Chateaux as well as having AAA Four Diamond awards. The Montpelier cuisine offers a blend of French and Caribbean cuisine with emphasis on fresh, innovative food. In the evening, life shifts to the stylish ambiance of Restaurant 750.

Drinks and canapés are served in relaxing comfort, before dining on the terrace with captivating views of Charlestown and nearby St. Kitts. For a memorable experience, enjoy an intimate candlelit dinner in Mill Privée. The 300 year-old sugar mill converted into the only restaurant of its kind in the world. For casual lunches and dinners, Indigo embodies easygoing island dining with wines, rum, cigars and unique, fusion cocktails.

38

P.O. Box 474, Nevis, West Indies T: +1 869 469 3462 F: +1 869 469 2932 E: info@montpeliernevis.com Montpelier live fully www.montpeliernevis.com

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

CARIBBEAN ~ NEVIS

Adventurous

NEVIS Home to one the most challenging hiking adventures in the Caribbean, along with several pretty extraordinary beaches, the island of Nevis offers visitors completely different ends of the vacation spectrum, especially if one half of a couple has one idea and the other, not so much.

One person’s ideal Caribbean escape may be toes in the sand, and three steps to the warm crystal green water while the other wants to bike, hike or perhaps experience a historical tour. How to make everyone happy? Go to Nevis for the best of both worlds.

Although there are a number of beaches (all free)

across the island’s 36 miles, spectacular Pinney’s Beach is a perennial favorite on a number of best beach lists, offering swoon time for beach lovers with powder white sand and pristine water, and plenty of nearby places for a fun nosh.

For those needing to get the heart rate pumping, a hike up the 3,232 foot Nevis Peak will do the trick, but do not even think about trying this one without a guide, it can be tricky and folks do get lost. Another good work out is a bike ride along the Island’s Heritage Trail where you can visit the haunts of the island’s most famous residents, Alexander Hamilton and Lord Horatio Nelson. All of this info can be had from the always helpful folks at the Nevis Tourism Authority.

Nevisisland.com. They are located in the Nevis capital city of Charlestown, near the rather humble, but interesting Nevis Hot Springs.

WINTER

2015

39

CARIBBEAN ~ VIEQUES

Putting the in

W

Wellness

Wooing on The Bachelor TV series as well as the backdrop location for the Victoria’s Secret catalogue, the elegant and oh so hip W Retreat and Spa in Vieques is in the buzz as the go-to Caribbean destination for fun and frolic. If you have been holding on to those Starwood points this is the place to cash in for your winter escape. Located on a gorgeous stretch of beach, the resort is a wonder from the eclectic, open lobby, to the luxurious rooms, and the oceanfront infinity pool.

Tara Stiles at the W Retreat and Spa.

A special yoga event at the W this season is an all-inclusive wellness retreat with Elaine Haffey. “I have seen tremendous growth in travelers looking to incorporate wellness into their vacation,” says Haffey.

“This is about nurturing, nourishing and stimulating mind, body and soul with healthy cuisine, and variety of fitness activities including yoga, hiking, biking and kayaking. Given the beauty of the setting we also make sure to include a lot of personal downtime.” The all inclusive wellness retreat happens on April 22-26, 2015 and is $2,600 per person double occupancy. The price includes all meals and snacks, accommodations, all activities and all ground transportation. Not included is airfare, gratuities and alcoholic beverages. retreat2wellness.com W rates in high season start at around $400 per night (think Starwood points) wvieques.com

Cape Air minutes from San Juan, Puerto Rico – W Retreat & Spa on the island of Vieques, named among the best “500 Hotels of the World” by Travel & Leisure magazine.

4 0

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

Sea toTable

Not only is the Vieques Insider informative it is something of a necessity on an island where signage is at a premium and phone directories are non-existent. Written by a true Vieques insider, the free guide can be found at a number of island locations, including the Cape Air ticket counter as well as online at viequesinsider.com.

An underwater restaurant scene

By Kelly Thompson

“It sounds like a crazy idea. I’m in.”

I tossed the idea for the Vieques underwater cover shot to the wind and just as soon as it was audible, it seemed to sizzle and pop in the hot summer air, gathering momentum and scope with each person it came in contact with, ricocheting back to me each time more evolved and complex. The idea – a table set for two, underwater, with a couple in full evening dress in a Great Gatsby fantasy world. The idea became my obsession for the next four weeks and I began collecting my team.

I had the location, models, table, dress, chandelier, suspenders and waterproof makeup from Lancôme. Now, all I needed was the photographer.

Bird’s Eye View editor Michelle Haynes connected me with St. John’s Steve Simonsen. Mark Spier, owner of Casa Angular, donated the villa for Steve and his wife

Janet to stay in for a few days. Janet manages the photography business and channels Steve’s creative genius.

Together they are simply unstoppable.

Our cover photo is one of 400 shot that day! Orlando, weighted, would dive as Sarah would pull herself down a secured rope then run a few steps across the ocean floor floating up to Orlando as he reached out for her. Exhausting work, but each time they embraced in the perfect relaxed pose, sometimes even kissing underwater. It was magical and I thank all who made it happen.

FIT RETREAT ENERGIZE BY TARASTILES

ExploRE moRE.

AN EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE CRAFTED TO INSPIRE A MORE FABULOUS YOU. ESCAPE TO A 3 OR 5 DAY RETREAT AND GET READY TO ENJOY: DAILY STRALA YOGA SESSIONS NATURE ADVENTURES HEALTHY EATING AWAY ® SPA REFUELING AMPLIFIED FUN

©2012 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, W and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.

@WVIEQUES

WINTER

2015

@TARASTILES

#WFITRETREATVQS

#STRALAVERYWHERE

41

CARIBBEAN ~ VIEQUES

NEW KID ON

EL BLOK

By Michelle Haynes Edgy and evocative, a brand new Vieques hotel is causing a buzz with a décor and layout for the Nine Inch Nails set.

The rock reference works as El Blok’s owner, Simon Baeyertz, promoted and toured with both the underground band NIN and with Marilyn Manson. Thus the edgy aspect and it shows.

“We are looking for the intrepid travelers, the adrenaline set who do not need a lot of hand holding but want to be part of a social environment,” says El Blok’s Director of Operations Laine Garran.

Concrete, filtered light, provocative art and an open air lobby/bar restaurant feels like one hip party, with a staff who could put 42

Disney to shame in the service department. Be it a 6:00 am latté or, in my case, when car keys went missing and I was about to do the upside down purse B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

CARIBBEAN ~ VIEQUES

Your #1 Vieques outdoor sports outfitter.

Only Eco-Tourism certified company and PADI 5 Star Dive Center in Vieques.

Retail - Rental - Trips - Internet

BioBay - Biking - Snorkel - Hiking Diving - Kayak - SUP - Charters El Blok owner Simon Baeyertz (above left) promoted and toured with Nine Inch Nails.

Chef José Enrique (above right) was recognized by Food & Wine as the “Best New Chef 2013”. Along with his restaurant in Puerto Rico he is now creating exquisite meals for El Blok’s kitchen.

(Photos by Kelly Thompson) (Left) Orlando Iglesias – El Blok’s Food and Beverage Manager.

routine, and El Blok’s Orlando dashed back to my room and found the keys.

As for the minimalist room décor, sans closet and TV, Garran describes it as “no fuss, no muss.” With a “no kids under 16” policy the adult vibe is everywhere. “El Blok is casual chic, geared to romance, and we are ready to ensure our guests enjoy the freedom to do and wear what is comfortable, be it a suit or a mermaid tail.”

Then there is the food. El Blok’s kitchen is run by Puerto Rico’s culinary superstar Chef Jose’ Enrique, recognized by Food & Wine as the “Best New Chef 2013”. His exquisite imagination shows from the breakfast buffet to his grilled fish dishes. The word is out about the Enrique magic so it is a wise move to make your dinner reservation right this minute.

In high season, as in right now, rooms are $340 and that includes breakfast featuring the best granola ever, along with generous slices of quiche, homemade jam and fresh fruit. Come April, the rate drops to $250.

The hotel is conveniently located in the seaside village of Esperanza.

Elblok.com WINTER

2015

787-741-1892

www.BlackBeardSports.com

Located next to the Post Office in Isabel II, W Retreat & Ceiba

Do your research before getting to the beach.

Information on the best spots and how to get there.

www.WheresTheBeachVieques.com

Vieques

Gifts

store

The little with a lot of stuff

Beach SupplieS havianaS local art & craftS viequeS SouvenierS clothing men’S and women’S SwimSuitS and much more!

On the malecOn in esperanza 787.741.4197 www.viequesgiftsandflOwers.cOm

43

NANTUCKET

A Winter Playground on Nantucket Picture yourself warm and cozy in your front seat overlooking Nantucket’s Cisco Beach, where right now, sea animals enjoying a winter day far out number any beach walkers.

While seal watching, enjoy one of Bartlett’s Farm’s deli sandwiches or ready-to-go dinners and just do absolutely nothing except share the moment with someone you love. Okay, so I get a little carried away, but the Grey Lady of the Sea more than lives up to her moniker at this time of year when a meander along the

How bumpy can this be? Cross country skiing on Nantucket’s iconic cobblestones

cobblestones in the wintry dawn or dusk is akin to an out-of-body experience. It is quite likely that the only people you see will be yourself, for the to-do list on Nantucket is admittedly a lot shorter in January and February. But for some folks, that is the point.

For what’s open, check out nantucketchamber.org.

Better yet, drop in. They are at the foot of Main Street and I bet they would love the company.

After the cranberries – winter fun on the windswept bog.

4444

BBI IRRDD’ S’ S EEYYEE VVI IEEWW

NANTUCKET

The Faregrounds Restaurant and Pudley’s Pub is open yearround and is a virtual nirvana for sports lovers. I lost count of the TVs after I hit 12 and, oh yes, the food is excellent. Do not miss the clam chowder. (Photo by Kim Corkran)

Nantucket memories: provided here.

NANTUCKET’S GRAND, HISTORIC DOWNTOWN HOTEL

Close to the beach.

1-4 bedroom suites and cottages.

Home of The Nantucket Club featuring a fitness and spa facility, two pools, hot tub, and children’s program.

Alfresco dining at Breeze Bar & Café.

Open year-round.

7 7 E ASTON ST R EET, NANT UCKET, MA 02 554 Overnight Reservations: 866-807-6011 or reservations@thenantuckethotel.com Dining Reservations: 508-228-4730 or fb@thenantuckethotel.com WINTER

2015

45 ACK_CapeAir_General_Ad_2014_v1.indd 1

11/25/14 8:39 AM

NANTUCKET

Without a wind we’ll lose him.

- Captain Ahab, Moby Dick by Herman Melville

The Nantucket Athenaeum, Nantucket Historical Association and Theatre Workshop of Nantucket present Moby Dick Rehearsed January 31 - February 1.

If you loved the book, or Gregory Peck in the movie, or just want to spend a literary weekend in an amazing setting, this is for you.

The program kicks off with best-selling author (Heart of the Sea) and Nantucket local Nathaniel Philbrick reading the first two chapters, and ends with actors from the Theatre Workshop of Nantucket reading the final 20 chapters. In between are members of the Nantucket community including teachers, students, writers, historians, radio personalities, and poets.

For the third year in a row, close to 100 people will take turns reading aloud all 135 chapters plus an epilogue from Herman Melville’s classic American novel Moby Dick; or, The Whale. “I think the event has become an annual winter mainstay that attracts Nantucket natives who feel that Melville’s classic American novel is part of their heritage,” says Amy Jenness, Head Adult Program Coordinator for the Athenaeum. “And a large part of that is because of the beauty and the power of Melville’s language. It’s old 46

Actor John Shea in Moby Dick Rehearsed, the theatrical staged reading held annually with Theatre Workshop at the Nantucket Whaling Museum.

fashioned writing and looks a bit heavy on the page, but when read out loud, its cadence and use of words gives it an energy and lightness that you didn’t expect.”

Insomniacs will love this event as the reading continues thru the night during the course of the weekend. Admission for the Moby Dick Marathon is free and open to everyone. nha.org B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

Gary Winn, Broker gary@maurypeople.com 508.330.3069

NANTUCKET ISLAND Monomoy $12,500,000

Town $18,975,000

Sconset $9,995,000

West of Town $9,875,000

Wauwinet $4,995,000

Monomoy $7,500,000

Madaket $2,895,000

Sconset $1,795,000

W I N TMaury E R 2People 015

Polpis $4,995,000

Town $2,750,000

Miacomet $2,875,000

Town $4,995,000

Sotheby’s International Realty | 37 Main Street, Nantucket, MA 02554 | maurypeople.com Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

47

NANTUCKET

Windmill Cape Air Bird's Eye2011_Layout 1 6/1/11 9:00 AM Page 1

NANTUCKET WINDMILL CARS

JEEPS

AUTO RENTAL at the Nantucket Memorial Airport

WE’LL GIVE YOU: A clean new vehicle • Low rates & free mileage • Prompt courteous service

WE’RE AT THE AIRPORT – WE’LL MEET THE BOAT!

508-228-1227 | 800-228-1227 wmill508@aol.com

www.nantucketautorental.com

THE STOCK ANSWER A simple way to buy stunning Nantucket images.

BROWSE. PURCHASE. DOWNLOAD.

WWW.NANTUCKETSTOCK.COM

48

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

N A N T U C K E T / M A R T H A ’ S V I N E YA R D

Ric Burns film Nantucket shows daily at Nantucket’s Whaling Museum. Do not leave without seeing the film, in fact, you should make this your first stop, otherwise you will want to go back and try to find all of the breathtaking shots seen in it.

Professional | Experienced | Local

Kerry Quinlan-Potter, Principal Broker Phone: 508.693.6500 | Mobile: 508.292.0314 www.Breakwatermv.com 52 Narragansett Avenue Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts 02557

WINTER

2015

49

M A R T H A ’ S V I N E YA R D

HOT HOT HOT!

29 Annual Big Chili Contest th

January 24th, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, Portuguese-American Club, Oak Bluffs “This is the perfect antidote to the January funk,” says festival sponsor Greg Orcutt, General Manager of WMVY radio. “The event brings folks together from across the country and showcases the beauty of Martha’s Vineyard in winter. Last year we had 2,800 chili lovers.” $35 gets you all the chili you can eat, music, dancing and perhaps a mate, according to Orcutt. “We have had folks meet here, fall in love, get married and then come back every year to celebrate.” mvyradio.com

Oak Bluffs sugar coated (photo by Tim Johnson) 5 50 0

B B II R RD D ’’ SS

EE Y Y EE

V V II EE W W

PHOTO BY PETER SIMON

W II N NT T EE R R W

20 01 15 5 2

51 51

M A R T H A ’ S V I N E YA R D

A Light at the End of the Winter The Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival March 19-22

We make your dream happen

508-627-5177 WWW.MVBUYERAGENTS.COM

DANA GAINES

52

By Rebecca M. Alvin On the small island of Martha’s Vineyard, there are somehow more film festivals per capita than there are even in nearby Boston, with one for every 5,000 people.

But the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival, started by Thomas Bena in 2001, is the one that seems most devoted to the idea of the movie theater experience as an intimate, community event.

Held decidedly off-season every March in the town of Chilmark, the festival screens about 20 films, and also presents a variety of supporting events. This year it will extend to include art gallery exhibitions, in addition to the usual blend of music, movies, and conversations.

“We often say, it’s ‘more than movies,’ and that’s something we really believe in,” says Managing Director Brian Ditchfield. “It’s the discussions that happen afterward, the music, the performances that happen, and also the visual artists.”

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

M A R T H A ’ S V I N E YA R D The festival came about when Bena and his friends found themselves frustrated in the deep of the New England winter. When you’ve gotten all you can out of the silence and slumber of the off-season and you are ready to do something more than circumstances allow, that’s when the festival kicks off, providing some much needed warmth in the form of cinema.

This year’s festival promises to continue as it always has, with a new crop of films and plans in the works for a special guest who has not yet been confirmed. Keeping everything in one general location gives it a different vibe than the larger festivals, according to Bena.

He describes the atmosphere as “rustic” with a casual place to relax called Hay Café and down-to-earth people engaging in conversation. “We’re like the person at the dinner party who’s dressed really casual, but has the best stories,” Bena explains.

One of the other neat things about this festival is its commitment to nurturing a new generation of film lovers with its programming, which continues into the summer, including the hugely popular Cinema Circus run by Alexandra London-Thompson.

The “circus” includes teaching film literacy skills by having kids make their own documentaries, learning animation, and watching films as “Kid Critics.” The festival is even collaborating with the public schools now, inviting fifth-grade students to document important local issues and interview their elders.

Ditchfield says the March dates are perfect for their purposes. “It’s actually a fantastic time. We are just coming out of our winter doldrums, the light has come back, and it’s when the Vineyard community starts to gather again,” he explains. Find the line-up at tmvff.org.

And the living is easy...

Carol McManus Broker/Owner

508.221.1139 www.cmcmanusrealtygroup.com WINTER

2015

53

M O N TA N A

YellowST

5 4

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

ONE

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

PHOTO BY JIM PEACO COURTESY OF YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

WINTER

2015

55

M O N TA N A

The Grizzly had Triplets!

PHOTOS BY KIM CORKRAN

By Michelle Haynes Yellowstone was on high alert recently when the word went forth, one of the park’s residents, a Grizzly Brown Bear, was out and about with her cubs, all three of them. Having read about the protective instinct of mother bears my first instinct was to lock the car doors and head for the exit, but I was definitely in the minority.

Animal viewing is the major attraction at one of America’s most popular national parks. I admit, in spite of my trepidation, it is a breath holding event when you see these magnificent animals roaming free and fenceless around the spectacular park landscape. A herd of bison, an elk casually scratching his gigantic antlers along a tree, and a jogging wolf were just a few of the animals spotted from our car window enroute to Yellowstone’s other natural attraction, Old Faithful. As the name implies, America’s most famous geyser erupts dozens of times a day, 365 days a year, but seeing it in winter is an entirely singular experience.

For Montana folks looking for a winter adventure, hop on Cape Air for a quick flight to Billings, rent a car and make the two56 56

plus hour drive to West Yellowstone. Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins is open seasonally now thru March 1st and is accessible only by snowcoaches and snowmobiles. Park guides are available to take you on your winter adventure to the frozen Lower Falls or the steamy hot springs, or you can rent snow shoes or cross country skis and explore on your own. The Lodge offers cozy rooms and dining in the chandeliered Obsidian Dining Room, which features wild Alaskan salmon. Advance reservations are a must for your snow transport and lodge reservations. yellowstonenationalparklodges.com

B I R D’S E Y E V I E W B I R D’S E Y E V I E W

M O N TA N A

PHOTO BY JIM PEACO

EXPERT The Northwest’s

PHOTO BY KIM CORKRAN

Plastic Surgery Group

Skin care products we offer are: Oxygenetix, Colorescience, Skin Ceuticals, Nerium, and LaRoche Posay

Botox, Juvéderm, Restylane, Radiesse, Sculptra, and Voluma Rejuvapen Microneedling Perfect Derma Peel

406.245.3238 2 510 17 t h S t r e e t W e s t ∙ B i l l i n g s , M T ∙ w w w . b i l l i n g s p l a s t i c s u r g e r y. c o m

WINTER 2015 WINTER 2015

Tricia Kelly RN BSN Tricia is a Registered Nurse with 17 years experience in the OR and Plastic Surgery. Tricia’s interest in skin care, more specifically the aging face, allows her to provide the most current and effective treatments to achieve healthy, youthful skin. Tricia is an Advanced Injector, and has received advanced training in dermal fillers, Botox injections, Chemical Peels, and Micro-needling, with 10 years experience at Billings Plastic Surgery.

Tricia’s goal for her patients is to provide them with personal care, advice and education with an individual focus allowing them to maintain their youthfulness through the years.

57 57

MAINE

The Road Less Traveled...

Maine’s Blue Hill Peninsula

PHOTO BY SALLY BROPHY

It all begins with your Cape Air arrival at the Bar Harbor Airport.

Chances are most of the other passengers will head to the more well-known Bar Harbor area, where there is no shortage of things to do. For those interested in tapping their inner Thoreau, who admittedly Don’t miss the pie at Ellsworth’s would have walked, rent Riverside Cafe or the homemade a car for the 22 mile ride ice cream at Fairwinds Florist. to the Blue Hill Peninsula.

“We are a quirky little town in rural Maine,” says Chamber Director Johanna Barrett. “Like many popular vacation towns, the number of winter visitors is a fraction who come to Blue Hill in the spring and summer, but many of the folks who do make their way here, come up year after year to take in the quiet beauty and relax in one of our cozy inns.”

Make Ellsworth’s Riverside Cafe the first stop on your Blue Hill road trip for homemade soups, to die for meatloaf, and warm from the oven pies, glorious pies.

The ambiance is Andy and Barney retro.

Park the car on Main Street in the village of Blue Hill for two must-stops that are found right beside each other. The boutique SaraSara’s, where the inventory is as unique as the shop’s name, is one of those rare stores that even the “I hate to shop” folks can find something to catch their fancy. The clothing runs the gamut from 58

traditional to trendy, and you will love what Sara calls her baubles and trinkets.

Right next door is Fairwinds Florist with an eclectic, make that eccentric, inventory.

Find offbeat gifts and an old-fashioned soda fountain that is THE spot for locals. I do not care how cold it is outside, you have to try their homemade ice cream. The caramel concoction is amazing.

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

WINTER

2015

59

MAINE

Blue Hill Inn

Swoon-worthy pecan sticky buns, oh so cozy fireplace rooms, and then there are the sheets!

By Michelle Haynes Oh those sheets!! There are dozens of reasons the Blue Hill Inn is a total winner but I have to say that first and foremost, the chance to luxuriate in the inn’s remarkable sheets should send you running to this winter getaway. Take it from a tosser and turner of the highest order – these sheets release a hypnotic effect resulting in the best sleep ever. Lo and behold, when I arrived at the coffee table in the morning there it was: “For more info on sheets – comphy.com.” Apparently so many guests went on about the sheets that owner Sarah Pebworth put up a sign, just one of many delightful extras at this luxurious country inn. Built in 1835, the furnishings contain a number of gorgeous antiques.

“I want to have a place that I would love to come to,” says Pebworth.

“We spent a lot of time researching what guests like to experience in an

Innkeeper Sarah Pebworth makes sure customers get plenty of delightful extras including locally made Black Dinah Chocolates on their pillows.

inn and we went to work to ensure that we are giving people the best vacation possible. This extends to our full breakfast which I like to describe as healthconscious as well as decadent.”

Breakfast may include blueberry pancakes, an egg dish and organic oatmeal, even going a step further on the bread with gluten-free options. Attention to detail extends to the chocolate on your pillow with a selection from renowned chocolatier Black Dinah Chocolates. Adjacent to the inn and open all winter are fully-furnished suites. Grab someone you love and whisk them away to the Blue Hill Inn, where winter rates start at $175 per night.

Bluehillinn.com 6 0

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

MAINE

WINTER

2015

61

Maine Winter Adventures The so called dead of winter is anything but quiet in the seaside town of Bar Harbor, Maine, home to one of America’s greatest treasures, Acadia National Park. In spite of the off season a number of inns, restaurants and museums are open and a shout out to the always helpful team at the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce should be your first step for a full list of what is open.

For those who like to be one with winter – strap on skis and snowshoes, or grab a sled or snowmobile – Acadia is a snow lover’s playground. 43 miles of Acadia’s carriage roads are dedicated to XC skiers, snowshoes and hikers. Tracks are sometimes laid down by park volunteers on sections of the carriage roads.

Acadia National Park. (Photo by Barry Gutradt) The U.S. National Toboggan Championships – costumes, bonfires, music, chili contest, and some people actually race a toboggan.

Fun is the order of the day for what is now a tradition in Camden, Maine attracting hundreds to the Penobscot Bay area. Details at camdensnowbowl.com (Photos by Carol Latta)

At the ready should a rescue be necessary.

62

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

MAINE

JILL HOY GALLERY Contemporary Plein Air Landscapes summer-fall

STONINGTON MAINE

&

winter-spring

SOMERVILLE MASSACHUSETTS

617.776.3102 www.jillhoy.com jahoy1@gmail.com

BLUE HILL: 4 Old Yacht Club Road. This arts and crafts style granite and stucco structure built in 1919 was the original Blue Hill Yacht Club and served as housing for the yacht captain and family. Land consists of 8.5+-acres with 890 feet of deep water frontage on Morgan Bay. Bold granite ledges prevail with a sandy beach area that appears at low tide. A property waiting for a buyer to restore the building to its former majestic beauty.

THIS IS A GEM ON THE COAST OF MAINE! $2,850,000.

www.saltmeadowproperties.com

Main Street, Castine, Maine 207-326-9116 – castine@saltmeadowproperties.com Main Street, Blue Hill, Maine 207-374-5010 – bluehill@saltmeadowproperties.com WINTER

2015

63

VERMONT

At Okemo Mountain the

“Flying Sofa” is a Comfy Ride

By Gayle Fee

Vermont’s Okemo Mountain Resort has taken ski comfort to new heights this winter with the introduction of the Sunburst Six – a brand new six-pack bubble chairlift with heated seats that transport skiers and riders more than 6,400 feet in roasty, toasty bubble-enclosed warmth.

“This literally turns skiing into a whole new experience,” said mountain spokesgal Bonnie MacPherson.

The Sunburst, which replaces the old Northstar Express Quad is the longest lift on the mountain with 113 chairs that transport six skiers per bubble. Lines are shorter, butts are toastier and the only time skiers and riders have to brave the elements is when they are shushing downhill. The Okemo people call it a “flying sofa.”

“It’s the first of its kind,” MacPherson said. “It’s orange-tinted with retractable transparent domes and really kind of cool.”

In addition to the new lift, the mountain has also purchased 100 new snow making machines, increasing the resort’s firepower to 1,125 snow-spewing tower guns. The new snow makers were part of an Efficiency Vermont program that encourages ski areas to turn in their old energy-sucking sled guns for newer more efficient models.

6 4

Continued on page 66

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

N E W E N G L A N D / N E W YO R K

This is the Best of America…

Mark Kurtz Photography

The small town, the village. The mountains, the lakes, the ice palace, peace.

The good life. This is the Adirondacks. This is Saranac Lake.

It gets a little bigger each year. But, it gets better, too.

The economic health of the community is improving.

The people who live here work to protect it.

And so, as a locally-owned and operated real estate agency, do we.

Guide Boat Realty LLC WINTER

2015

191 River Street • Saranac Lake NY guideboatrealty.com • 518.891.1144 65

VERMONT

The old guns are sold for scrap metal, with the proceeds going to Ski Vermont’s learn-to-ski programs.

A win-win!

And finally, younger skiers are going to love the new beginner-level terrain park. Families and Flying Tomato-wannabes can experience the thrill of skiing and riding berms, swales and bank turns in the new park on the Homeward Bound trail. “It’s a great introduction for beginners,” MacPherson said. “It’s really fun and easy with big sloping banks and overexaggerated terrain features.”

The new park is located directly underneath the South Ridge quad from Okemo’s base area, so everyone heading up the mountain can catch a glimpse of the action below.

6 6

The resort has also improved its signature Rockstar Terrain Park, moving it from the Nor’Easter trail to Upper and Lower Tomahawk and introducing many new features, courtesy of the new partnership with Snow Park Technologies, designers of terrain parks for the ESPN Winter X Games, the Dew Tour and more.

Okemo Mountain Resort is a quick 25-minute hop from the Cape Air terminal in the Rutland-Southern Vermont Regional Airport or a 50-minute cruise from your arrival at the Lebanon Municipal Airport in New Hampshire. So what are you waiting for? Grab your skis or board and head to the slopes!

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

N E W E N G L A N D / N E W YO R K

WINTER SPORTS CAPITAL OF THE WORLD Want to learn how to ski?

TRY PARALLEL FROM THE START. We guarantee you’ll get to the top of the mountain.

www.WhitefaceLakePlacid.com

Vermont’s Premier Four-Season Destination

Ski & Stay for only $575 • Includes a 2-night stay in a Certified two-bedroom property • Four Quadzilla Lift Tickets to The Quechee Ski Area • Nordic Trails, Snowshoeing, Ice Skating and Sleigh Rides Located only two hours from Boston,

Quechee Lakes is a first-class club community nestled in Vermont’s most enchanted winter wonderland.

Ski School & Rentals | Inspired Dining Venues | Fitness & Aquatics Center | Concierge Services | Upscale Shopping Districts All pricing subject to tax | Sleigh Rides on select days only | Promotion based on availability 3268 Quechee Main St. | P.O. Box 1301 | Quechee, Vermont 05059 | 802.295.9356 | www.quecheeclub.com WINTER

2015

67

L A K E P L AC I D, N E W YO R K

Ski like an Olympian at Whiteface

By Gayle Fee February marks the 25th anniversary of the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, NY, and skiers and riders can take a trip down (hill) on memory lane at Whiteface Lake Placid, the scene of the Winter Games’ alpine events.

“You can ski and ride the same trails where Phil Mahre won silver and Ingemar Stenmark from Sweden won two golds,” said Whiteface spokesman Jon Lundin. “That’s one of the things that makes Whiteface unique.”

Whiteface has hosted the Winter Games twice and has been the scene of countless World Cup events, allowing it bragging rights as the “undisputed winter sports capital of the world.”

For $32, visitors can purchase an Olympic Sites Passport that includes admission to the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, home of never-released footage of the 1980 Miracle on Ice hockey game. The pass also covers admission to the Olympic Speed Skating Oval – where you can skate on the same 400-meter Olympic track where Eric Heiden won gold -- and includes discounts to rides on the bobsled, skeleton, luge and other Olympic experiences.

6 8

PHOTOS BY ORDA / DAVE SCHMIDT

From January 29-31 the country’s best Olympic mogul skiers will descend on Whiteface for the Lake Placid FIS Freestyle Cup. Watch mogul masters like Patrick Deneen and Hannah Kearney fly through the air and bounce down the hill in one of the premiere nonOlympic-year snow events.

Return visitors to Whiteface will notice a few changes this year. The mountain has added 100 new, energyefficient snow guns that will make for great skiing and riding conditions – even when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate. The resort has also widened its popular Upper Valley and Lookout Mountain trails for better skier and rider flow.

With its 4,340-foot vertical drop – the steepest on the East Coast – and 87 trails and 11 lifts, Whiteface Lake Placid is a great spot for a winter getaway. Just 40 minutes from the Cape Air terminal at the Adirondack Regional Airport in Saranac Lake, the resort offers ski-and-stay packages that fit every budget.

So head for Whiteface, where Olympic glory awaits!

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

WINTER

2015

69

A L B A N Y, N E W YO R K

Head to Massena and Get Lucky!

By Gayle Fee Looking for a winter weekend getaway where it’s always warm, the water is a toasty 85 degrees, you’ll be well fed, luxuriously pampered and you might even get lucky? Then head for the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort in Massena, N.Y. The resort underwent a $74 million expansion last year that added 40,000 square feet of gaming space, a 550-seat Bingo Palace, a 150-room hotel, spa, gym and pool that turned the upstate New York casino into a destination resort.

For anyone wanting to roll the dice and try their luck, the casino boasts 36 table games and 1,800 slot machines. The Bingo Palace has dozens of Bingo-themed machines and a massive hall where serious players work a half-dozen cards or more simultaneously. On Saturday night, the Palace features “Cosmic Bingo,” a high-energy game night with a DJ, laser-light show, interactive challenges and theme nights where players come dressed in costumes ranging from superheroes to drag queens.

Massena is a 65-minute flight from the Cape Air terminal in Albany and the resort has plenty of fun for everyone – even if you don’t know a craps table from an end table.

Make a reservation at the resort hotel and settle into one of the sleek modern rooms decorated in chocolate and teal. Admire the Native American art by local artist John Thomas, whose work is also on display in the Smithsonian. Spend a relaxing afternoon by the pool and hot tub, surrounded on three sides by glass.

Is there anything better than watching the snow fall outside while wearing a bathing suit?

The Sweetgrass Spa on the hotel’s second floor is an 70

oasis of calm relaxation. The spa menu includes a long list of treatments including facials, peels, body scrubs and wraps, manicures, pedicures, a variety of massages and more. Couples may want to enjoy the Champagne and Caviar Couples Ritual – a decadent experience that includes the aforementioned champagne and caviar plus lobster tails, shrimp and oysters, a 90-minute “caviar dreams facial” followed by a 90-minute aromatherapy massage. The $1550 price tag includes $300 worth of caviar.

Speaking of food, there are plenty of dining options ranging from the Rapids Food Court, where you can grab a quick burger or pizza slice, to the upscale, sophisticated Maple Room Steak House. Head chef Anthony Warrior is serving up delectable cuts of meat, seafood and specials created to take advantage of local ingredients in the warm comfortable Maple Room.

Chef Warrior also presides over the menu at Sticks, a comfortable sports bar dedicated to the region’s strong lacrosse tradition, with a pub menu and dozens of flat screens to catch all the games. After dinner, there’s dancing into the wee hours at the Cascade Lounge.

Check the entertainment schedule on the resort’s website for special events and shows and head to the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort, where there’s more than one way to get lucky! mohawkcasino.com

Shawn, Dan and Ahmad are part of Cape Air’s Albany team – ready to help you on your journey to Massena or Hudson, New York.

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

NEWBURY, VT Charming antique cape was completely redone by the present owner. Stunning mountain views. 6.1+/acres includes an apple orchard. Fabulous getaway spot. Inspirational! $235,000

NEWBURY, VT Antique cape, beautifully restored with stunning views into New Hampshire. Kitchen has cherry and granite. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths.

Generator. $226,666

The journey home...

LYME, NH 12 room contemporary.

4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 17.8+/- acres and mountain views. 1st floor master, library with fireplace, heated workshop, screened porch, studio.

20 mins to Hanover. $685,000

NORWICH, VT Exceptionally well maintained and landscaped. 4700 sq ft of living space, 4 bedrooms, 4 baths. 12 rooms, guest suite, games room, master suite, wine cellar. Inground pool. $925,000

LYME, NH Architect designed 3 bedroom, 3 bath home on 5+/-ac with views, complete privacy, pond. Separate office/studio above garage. $745,000

LYME, NH Elegant Greek revival cape on 16.42+/- gorgeous acres. 12 rooms, 5 stall barn, run-in shed, 13' deep pristine pond. A beautiful sanctuary! $1,697,000

begins here.

On The Green Lyme, NH 03768 603-795-4816 •

HANOVER, NH The last freestanding home at The Commons at Silent Brook.

Hardwood floors, radiant heat, larger windows, a/c. A delightful community very close to downtown. $629,000

Allen Street Hanover, NH 03755 603-643-4200 •

www.marthadiebold.com

LYME, NH Renovated 1812 cape on 5+/- beautiful acres. 10 rooms, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms. 3800+/- sq ft of living space, close to the Dartmouth Skiway. $745,000

Winter Fun in Hudson, NY

By Susan Simon Photos by David Lee The sky is shades of blue that range from ice to navy with streaks of shocking pink zigzagging through.

You can smell the water, there are seagulls squawking overhead as you walk through an historic cemetery – you see tombstones engraved with names like Starbuck, Folger, and Coffin. Wait a minute – you look up at the sky and smack your forehead

Writer Susan Simon

to remind yourself that you are no longer on Nantucket but instead in the upstate New York town of Hudson, situated on a promontory above the eponymous river, just 30 minutes south of your Cape Air arrival in the capital city of Albany.

When you realize that Hudson was founded in 1785 by a group of Nantucket whalers and merchants, peace-loving Quakers who were looking for a port to ply their trade far away from British taxes, it all begins to make sense.

Nantucket is present in Hudson. There are houses with widow’s walks, street signs have whales on them, and for realtors, to call a house “Nantucket-style” adds to its caché.

Hudson has an overwhelming mix of options to offer visitors seeking unique historic places. The famed Hudson River painter Frederic Church’s incredibly 77 22

positioned and quirky estate Olana is seven minutes from downtown Hudson. For shopping, the little city’s main drag, mile-long Warren Street, is filled with a grand variety of shops – antiques, house wares, a botanical perfumery, books – new and vintage – lots of art galleries and Galerie Gris, and of course the food.

Hudson is the capital of the fertile Hudson Valley and restaurateurs turn themselves inside-out finding ways to use only locally-sourced ingredients in their food. For dining, consider Bonfiglio & Bread, Grazin’ Diner, Hudson Food Studio, Earth Foods, The Crimson Sparrow, Fish and Game. For tea and coffee shops, Verdigris, Tanzy’s or Swallow are a few of the favorites.

Music and entertainment are also happening along with unique multi-media events at the town’s newest renovated performance space, a former glue factory now owned by the rock band Smashing Pumpkins.

During the winter the sizzling hot little city (according to every newspaper and magazine, Hudson is the hippest place to be) becomes too cold even for the heartiest farmer, and so the farmers’ market moves to the rectory at Christ Church on Union and 4th Streets, open every Saturday from 10 am until 1 pm. Find winter vegetables and fruits, local cheese, meats – in every variety and cut – and sausages, eggs, plants and flowers, yarn and baked goods.

For places to stay, most of the accommodations are in historic homes that have been made into cozy and comfy bed and breakfast spots or small hotels. For all things Hudson check out cityofhudson.org RD D ’’ SS EE Y Y EE V V II EE W W BB II R

N E W E N G L A N D / N E W YO R K

MARIO RUSSO SAlOn lOcAtIOnS: BAck BAy 9 newBURy St fAn pIeR 60 nORtheRn Ave www.MARIORUSSO.cOM

617|424|6676

Your resort destination!

Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort is the place to stay and play. With new additions including a 150 room resort, Sweetgrass Spa and multi-purpose banquet & conference center, Mohawk Casino offers everything you could possibly want. Come stay with us today!

For reservations CaLL

518.358.2222

mohawkcasino.com WINTER

2015

facebook.com/mohawkcasino

twitter.com/mohawkcasino 73

PROVINCETOWN

Omar Sharif Jr. with Captain Mario Roman in Provincetown (Photo by Dan McKeon)

Omar Sharif Jr. Speaks Out There is no mistaking the bloodline of grandson Omar Sharif Jr, actor, model, activist, and now the national spokesperson for Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders – GLAAD. Two years ago Mr. Sharif enjoyed a flourishing acting career at home in Egypt until he committed a major crime by announcing he was gay, the first public personality to do so in the Arab world.

“Omar’s story is one of tremendous courage and one that also reflects the journey travelled by countless

Americans who’ve come to support equality after a friend, family member or colleague comes out as LGBT,” said GLAAD’s Dave Montez.

“As an outspoken advocate for equality, Omar brings not only extraordinary skill and expertise to GLAAD, but also an incredible passion for building a better tomorrow for LGBT people.”

“Overnight I went from Egypt’s favorite son to Public Enemy #1,” says Mr. Sharif. “I was called a deviant and with my citizenship revoked. I found a haven in both Canada and the United States.”

Son of an Arab father and Canadian mother, Mr. Sharif puts his master’s degree in Conflict Resolution to good use as an advocate for human rights.

“Torment, torture and bullying continues even here in the land of individual freedom. We all need to speak out and provide a voice for those silenced by fear or repression.”

74

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

PROVINCETOWN

Peter O’Toole and Omar Sharif on the set of Lawrence of Arabia, in 1962 (©Columbia Pictures/Corbis)

Dr. Zhivago, Nicky Arnstein and, if you know your Hollywood epics, Genghis Khan – Oscar winner Omar Sharif burned his way into our collective consciousness with his extraordinary ability to inhabit larger than life characters. As the smoldering black-eyed Sherif Ali, he held his own and then some, with the equally as intense blue-eyed Peter O’Toole in the classic Lawrence of Arabia.

Now in his eighties and a bridge playing superstar, Mr. Sharif lives in Paris and according to his grandson is totally supportive of his new role with GLAAD.

The Secret is Out! Romantic Winter Weekends!

Entertainment & Nightlife

Stay& Play Shop Arts & Culture Eat & Drink LGBT Calendar

iPtown

Travel & Transit Useful Information

Your Provincetown!

WINTER

2015

on Facebook: Provincetown and on Twitter: @Ptowntourism

75

BLOCK ISLAND, RI

Viewer Discretion Advised

Block Island - filming of The Affair.

(Courtesy of Showtime LLC)

By Michelle Haynes Block Island, Cape Air’s newest northeast island destination is front and center in one the steamiest TV series of the year. The Affair is a Showtime original focusing on a New York City teacher and writer who is, of course, married and has an affair with a younger and deeply troubled woman. The drama, and it is drama, was shot in NYC, Montauk, and what got our collective attention, an episode shot in Block Island for one of the couple’s assignations.

“The first time I knew about the Block Island scenes was when folks starting telling me they saw it on TV,” says Block Island Chamber Director Kathy Szabo. “We had heard some scuttlebutt a while back that a crew was shooting here but never knew what it was about.

It is great PR for Block Island and I look forward to watching it.”

Fans of the series who want to see the show locations or for those looking for their own romantic escape, you cannot pick a more private place than Block Island in winter. Check with the Chamber for a list of what is open and you have privacy, plus low off-season rates.

76

Ferry service to Block Island is year round and Cape Air returns in the Spring with direct service from T.F. Green Airport in Providence, Rhode Island. If you need to be there right this minute check out New England Airlines with year round service from Westerly, RI. For those not in the Showtime loop you can see the first episode (adults only please) of The Affair for free On Demand before they hook you in.

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

BLOCK ISLAND, RI

Let Us help you discover the enchantment of Island Living

Sales and Rentals

Block Island Realty Kate Atwater Butcher, Broker 596 Corn Neck Road Block Island RI 02807 401-466-5887 www.birealty.com 78

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

Malcolm Greenaway’s photography book captures all four seasons in this exquisite location, the perfect place for a romantic getaway.

WINTER

2015

79

Nothing says ‘I Love You’ like the gift of chocolate…

Splitting eclairs at The Purple Feather

By Rebecca M. Alvin For more than 2,000 years chocolates have been given and consumed, beginning with the Mayans and Aztecs of ancient Mexico. If ever there was a proven aphrodisiac, it certainly is chocolate. And while it is a ubiquitous sweet around the world, nothing beats the quality and unique taste of handmade chocolates from small chocolatiers. And luckily, they all do mail orders.

The Taste of Chocolate Downeast Black Dinah Chocolatiers

“Our chocolate is what Maine tastes like...with chocolate,” says Black Dinah Chocolatiers, from Isle au Haut, Maine. Valentine’s Day is a special time of year for everyone in the chocolate business, at Black Dinah they feature three unique collections in addition to their scrumptious assortments of truffles and caramels. “Great Big Love” is a heart-shaped box filled with 32 delicate truffles, “Kiss A Frog” features solid chocolate and peanut butter frogs lying in wait, and “A Lot Of Heart” offers six heart-shaped truffles snug in a red gift box. blackdinahchocolatiers.com

From homemade candy canes to home-dipped chocolates – Chatham Candy Manor, Cape Cod Upon entering the Chatham Candy Manor in the heart

8 0

of Chatham, Cape Cod, the sights and smells conjure a child’s delight as you marvel at the options. Sixty years ago this year, Naomi Turner opened the business, a place that has become a multigenerational tradition.

Now owned by her daughter, this is a timeless chocolate shop with hand-dipped chocolates and fresh fillings, made in small batches that sell out quickly. Chatham Candy Manor makes a variety of fudge, sinfully delicious truffles, and various confections. No one leaves Chatham without a stop in this Main Street shop. candymanor.com

Chocolate with a conscience – Chequessett Chocolate, Truro, Cape Cod

The world of chocolate is not only one of sweetness and frivolity. Cape Cod’s Chequessett Chocolate is the ultimate answer for the ethical, health-minded and quality obsessed chocoholic. Co-owners Josiah Mayo and Katherine Reed actually travel to the cocoa farms in Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic and trade directly with the farmers. This means these communities benefit from your indulgence. And since Chequessett takes care of the entire process themselves in-house (from importing the beans to sorting them by hand, roasting them, and processing them into chocolate), you not only wind up with incredibly fresh, B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

Twisting candy canes at Chatham Candy Manor

top-quality dark chocolate, but you also get maximum health benefits. This is one of only three bean-to-bar chocolatiers in Massachusetts. chequessettchocolate.com

Chocolate – Provincetown style, naughty and nice at The Purple Feather

This Provincetown café and dessert “treatery” is a favorite local hangout in the summer for their exquisite gelato offerings, and year-round for their sinfully delicious chocolates. A treat from The Purple Feather such as their artisanal dark chocolate truffles, the chocolate caramel brownies, or even

These chocolate makers don’t have nearly the trouble Lucy and Ethel had.

WINTER

2015

a piece of chocolate-covered bacon is sure to bring your special chocolate lover closer. The Purple Feather also offers chocolate and wine pairings in their café, which makes it a must for dessert in Provincetown this Valentine’s Day. They even offer a chocolate stout for those who prefer beer to wine, and plenty of special martinis, as well. For those who want something a little on the naughty side, you’ll find sexy adult chocolates with strikingly realistic male and female versions. thepurplefeather.com

A 30-year-old Nantucket tradition, Sweet Inspirations

At this island landmark, there is special attention paid to the Nantucket maritime theme with the trademark Coco the Whale truffle. For Valentine’s Day, Coco’s usual water spout is replaced with a heart, making this delicious treat more festive than usual, but just as delectable. Another special is the Artisan Assortment, featuring Coco, champagne truffles, Ganache hearts, and Sweet Inspirations’ world-famous Cranberry Creations chocolates all tucked into a plush heart box. The champagne truffles are handmade in small batches with fine Belgian chocolate and yummy cream. nantucketchocolatier.com 81

CAPE AIR EVERYWHERE

82

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

Everyone loves a bargain, especially

when it comes to airfares. Do not miss the latest and greatest when it come to Cape The best way to hear about special airfares andAir/Nantucket promotions isAirlines to join fare Capesales.

Air’sLog on to capeair.com and click on ...check out details at capeair.com WINTER

2015

83

W E ’V E G O T C O N N E C T I O N S How to book Cape Air flights connecting with our airline partners capeair.com 800.CAPE.AIR

• Any Cape Air flight

united.com 800.525.0280

• Any Cape Air flight connecting with United Airlines

jetblue.com 800.Jet.Blue

• Any Cape Air flight connecting with JetBlue

aa.com 800.433.7300

• Any Cape Air flight connecting with American Airlines or US Airways

800.221.1212

• Any Cape Air flight connecting with Delta (online bookings currently available through expedia.com)

J E T B LU E ~ C A P E A I R T R AV E L PA R T N E R S Seattle Burlington

Portland, OR

Worcester Hartford

Chicago/O’Hare San Francisco

Sacramento Oakland

Salt Lake City Denver

San Jose

Burbank

Los Angeles/LAX

Las Vegas Albuquerque

LONG BEACH San Diego

Phoenix

Dallas/Fort Worth

Austin

Houston/ Hobby

Detroit

Augusta Rockland Bar Harbor Portland, ME

Rochester Buffalo

Syracuse Albany BOSTON Newburgh Provincetown Westchester Providence Pittsburgh Newark Philadelphia NYC/JFK Baltimore NYC/LGA DC/Dulles DC/Reagan National Martha’s Vineyard Richmond Nantucket Raleigh/Durham Hyannis/Cape Cod Block Island Charlotte New Bedford Charleston

Pensacola Tallahassee Gainesville New Orleans

Anchorage

Tampa Sarasota Fort Myers

Bermuda

Savannah/Hilton Head Jacksonville

ORLANDO West Palm Beach

Key West

FORT LAUDERDALE

Bimini

Marsh Harbour Treasure Cay Freeport

Year-round service Seasonal service Operated by our partner airlines

North Eleuthera

Nassau

Turks and Caicos

Cancún

Lima

Rutland Lebanon

Saranac Lake Ogdensburg

SAN JUAN

Tortola Vieques Santiago Virgin Gorda Culebra Anguilla Puerto Plata Grand Cayman Samaná Montego Bay Port-au-Prince St. Thomas Santo Domingo Ponce Kingston St. Maarten Mayaguez La Romana Antigua Aguadilla St. Croix St. Kitts Punta Cana Dominica Nevis St. Lucia Barbados St. Vincent Aruba Curaçao Grenada Cartagena Liberia Port of Spain San José Medellín Bogotá

8 4

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

MEET OUR ADVERTISERS We welcome our advertisers, old and new, to our Winter issue and call upon all of you to please make a point of visiting them.

When possible, mail order their fine products, stay in their hotels and inns, and enjoy their restaurants and attractions.

All of these folks make it possible for us to keep the Bird’s Eye View in the seatbacks for your enjoyment.

CARIBBEAN

Carimar Beach Club...................... 38

MAINE

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

da’Vida Restaurant....................... 37

Downeast Maine

Antilles Helicopter Services........... 33

Serenity Cottages......................... 38

Vacation Rentals....................... 59

Blue Water Divers......................... 32

Wendell Connor’s Car Rentals....... 37

Fiore Artisan

BVI Villa Rental Caldwell Banker... 88 Cane Garden Bay Surfboards........ 32 Conch Charters Limited................ 33 Fischer’s Cove Hotel/Restaurant... 31 Fort Burt Hotel/Marina................. 33 Heritage Inn/Bananakeet Café...... 33 IslandMagic.com.......................... 34 Mahogany Car Rentals................. 30

NEVIS Montpelier Plantation................... 38 VIEQUES Black Beard Sports........................ 43 Vieques Flowers & Gifts................ 43 W Retreat & Spa........................... 41

Olive Oils & Vinegars............... 61 Jill Hoy Gallery.............................. 63 Lisa Hall Jewelry........................... 61 The Lookout Inn........................... 61 Red Sky Restaurant....................... 63 Salt Meadow Properties................ 63 Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound...... 61

Mango Bay Resort........................ 31

BOSTON

MARTHA’S VINEYARD

Sol Y Sombra................................ 34

Boston Harbor Hotel....................... 2

Breakwater Real Estate................. 49

Southern Trades Yacht Sales.......... 35

Salon Mario Russo........................ 73

C. McManus Realty Group........... 53

Speedy’s Ferry.............................. 30

Harbor View Hotel........................ 53 NANTUCKET

Harborside Realty......................... 49

Faregrounds & Pudley’s Pub......... 48 U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Martha’s Vineyard Buyer Agents... 52

J. Pepper Frazier Company............. 7

Bolongo Beach Resort..................... 9

Martha’s Vineyard Museum.......... 52

Maury People Sotheby’s Realty..... 47

The Buccaneer.............................. 25

Vineyard Harbor Motel................. 52

The Nantucket Hotel.................... 45

Calypso Realty.............................. 15

NantucketStock.com..................... 48

MONTANA

Cane Bay Dive Shop..................... 27

Nantucket Windmill Auto Rental... 48

Billings Plastic Surgery................... 57

Cottage by the Sea....................... 25

Nobby Clothes Shop..................... 48

Dohm’s Water Taxi....................... 17

Not for Navigation........................ 49

Emerald Beach Resort..................... 9

Periwinkle Inn............................... 45

Surfsong Resort............................ 35

Gallows Point Resort..................... 21

PROVINCETOWN 8 Dyer Hotel................................. 75 Provincetown Tourism Board........ 75

Ingrid Manzione........................... 17

NEW HAMPSHIRE

The Red Inn.................................. 75

Inter Island Boat Services, Inc........ 23

Martha Diebold Real Estate.......... 71

RHODE ISLAND

Island Getaways Villas.................. 23 Islandia Real Estate....................... 21 La Tapa......................................... 23 Miller Manor Guest House............ 17 Miss Lucy’s Bar & Restaurant........ 21 Mystic Adventure Sails.................. 15 Palms at Pelican Cove................... 25

NEW YORK Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters........................ 65 Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort........................... 73 Guide Boat Realty......................... 65

Ballard Hall Real Estate................... 3 Block Island Realty........................ 78 Offshore Properties LLC............... 79 Phillips Real Estate........................ 79 Spring House Hotel....................... 77 Sullivan Real Estate....................... 78

Olympic Regional Development

VERMONT

Authority.................................. 67

The Quechee Club........................ 67

ANGUILLA

Pan Dolce Café............................. 65

Sugar & Spice............................... 73

Bird of Paradise Villa..................... 37

Saranac Lake Hotel....................... 69

Virgin Island Eco Tours.................. 23

WINTER

2015

85

EarthView

By Jim Wolf, Director of Sustainability

Partnering with the Sun for Fixed Fuel Costs Here’s a hard fact in the life of Cape Air: we have do something in the present and it reduces expenses a great passenger plane we can’t live without, but it in the future. Investing in free fuel from the sun is burns a significant amount of fossil fuel. No matter the ultimate in avoiding costs. It makes a striking how efficiently our Cessna 402s can fly, we are still contrast to the unpredictability of volatile Avgas prices dependent on aviation gas (Avgas) to get you where and the effects of burning fossil fuel. Thanks to our you want to go – and the solar projects we are avoiding the societal ticket price we have to and environmental charge to get you there costs of electric is affected by the price generating plants we pay for the fuel. putting 314 metric Avgas costs are the most tons of carbon into the volatile of our expenses, atmosphere this year. and it’s not stretching We’re also avoiding the point to say that an the economic cost airline CFO’s greatest of paying for all the wish would be to have a lot more certainty electricity we would about future fuel prices have had to buy if we when forecasting and weren’t making our planning. own. When our local Here’s another hard utility announced 2 fact: the CO that enters earth’s atmosphere as a byrecently that electricity supply costs were rising by 60 percent, I saw a smile on our CFO’s face. I know what product of airlines flight operations contributes to he was thinking – that’s one fuel increase that won’t global warming. cost us a dime. Mike would be the first one to extoll Put those two facts together and you can understand the benefits of our successful partnership with the sun, why we are committed to using renewable energy renewable energy, fixed fuel costs, and doing the right wherever we can. (No, those are not solar panels thing for the planet. It all adds up to an airline CFOs you see on the wings outside your windows!) If you wish fulfillment! happen to be landing or taking off from our home A fuel-efficient Cessna 402 proclaims our commitment to sustainability.

Here’s one final fact: renewable energy is becoming base at Barnstable Airport, Hyannis, MA, you can see “mainstream” because it is good for the environment, evidence of our commitment – solar panels covering 12 EPA RENEWING 20 good for business, and in the case of Cape Air, good for the roofs of our buildings. Our first Solar PV system all of our employee owners. has been in operation for more than five years, and REDUCING ta A fuel-efficient Cessna 402 proclaims our commitment to sustainability. l M e ri t A w Now…what about those wing-mounted solar panels? this year our partnership with the sun will produce almost half a million kilowatt hours of electricity at 12 EPA RENEWING PARTNERING 20 headquarters.

Environmentalists and economists like to refer to CONSERVING ta something called “avoided costs.” That’s when youREDUCING Committed to Sustainability. l M e ri t A w

For us, For us, nothing but nothing green skies.but

green skies.

n

ar

v ir o n m e

d W ner in

En

Our investment in solar energy to power our corporate headquarters, along with other efficiencies in roofing, insulation and lighting controls, bring us ever closer to net-zero electricity usage.

v ir o n m e

n

ar

En

intosolar energy to power our corporate headquarters, along with Creative partnerships are part of whatOur makeinvestment our approach sustainability unique.

We work with airports, communities, other and our employeesin onroofing, a wide range of localand lighting controls, bring us ever closer to efficiencies insulation goals, from Farm to School agriculturenet-zero programs to electricusage. vehicle initiatives. electricity

d W ner in

Sure, airlines consume fuel. But we’re committed to reducing the burn—both in the skies and on the ground. Combined new technology and flight procedures significantly reduce the fuel consumed in our super-efficient fleet of Cessna 402s.

We support it at work and at home through recycling, waste reduction, sustainable Sure, airlines consume we’re product sourcing, and various green initiatives designed to excitefuel. and But inspire our committed to reducing the burn—both in the skies and on the ground. Combined new technology and flight procedures equally committed employees.

significantly reduce the fuel consumed in our super-efficient fleet of Cessna 402s.

86

SUSTAINING

PARTNERING

We fly to some beautiful places and want to help keep them that way. To “green” our planet and have a good time doing it. That’s our commitment.

Creative partnershipsBecause are partweofrecognize what make our approach to sustainability unique. that our own ability to thrive hinges on the health of our natural environment.

We work with airports, communities, and our employees on a wide range of local goals, from Farm to School agriculture programs to electric vehicle initiatives.

We’re investing in tomorrow,

CONSERVING

B I R D’S

E YE

VIE W

Your wings

PHOTO BY JIM PEACO

to Yellowstone and beyond

B V I V I l l a r e n ta l

Villa Ariana

Villa Maya

Jasmine Villa

Sade Villa Maya

Our collection of luxury vacation villas at the West End of Tortola are as unique as they are sensationally situated; each within walking distance of the stunning Caribbean beaches of Smuggler’s Cove or Long Bay. Our villas have been furnished to the highest standards and with your every vacation comfort in mind. Whether you are looking for a romantic hideaway or a spot for a family reunion, we have the ideal property for you.

Luxurious comfort right by the beach … what are you waiting for?

For more information on our Trunk Bay Villas, or any of the fabulous island homes that we represent on Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke, please contact:

1 855 MY BVI VILLA • (US) 1 855 692 8484 (BVI) 1 284 495 3000 • info@bvivillarental.com

www.bViVillarenTal.com

Tortola Virgin Gorda Jost Van Dyke

BVI Villa Rental, c/o Coldwell Banker BVI, Nanny Cay Marina, Tortola, British Virgin Islands